Chapter 40
Lizzie was so happy. She was dancing with Richie to Open Arms by journey. All the guests were coupled off and swaying together. His embrace held her snugly and she gazed up at him. He was dropping kisses on her lips every so often with a light happy smile and whispering his love in her ear.
David sat and watched the couple as he downed another drink. He shook his head.
I can't believe them... carrying on like that in front of everyone.... they don't even care anymore who they hurt.
He stole a glance at his parents who were saying their goodbyes to the rest of the guests and heading for the door. They were having a hard time staying around and watching Lizzie and being estranged just hurt so now that the festivities were coming to an end they had decided to leave.
Lizzie laid her head on Richie's shoulder and watched the people in the room as they swayed in content silence to the music. Her eyes landed on her brother who looked a bit sad and like he certainly didn't need another drink. She sighed and looked up to Richie " Hey baby .. I'll be back ok?" She stood on tiptoe and kissed the tip of his nose.
"Alright sweetheart" He kissed her cheek and tapped her rear as she took off across the dance floor in her brothers direction. He smiled a bit and headed to get himself another cocktail.
Dave was staring forlornly into his empty glass when he heard her "Hey... dance with me?"
He looked up and swore under his breath "Lizzie don't"
Lizzie sighed "Don't what Dave? Try and make it better? Come on ...Dance with me.."
"You think a dance is gonna make it better Liz?" He shook his head and looked at her with disappointment "You have broke your mothers heart... and dad... he's just..... he feels so cheated..... and... me.. you always confided in me and this... you ... " he paused trying to gather his thoughts "AND HIM??" He raised his voice "HE promised to look after you.. take care of you.... that did not entail sleeping with you!!!"
"Dave... please.. stop this!!!" She cried in frustration "It wasn't like that and you know it!! we didn't purposely go behind your back and try to hurt anyone we just fell in love why can't you understand that??" She was trying not to cry. She'd come over here hoping her little olive branch peace offering might tenativley be accepted by her brother. She hoped to use it as a stepping stone to healing but he was still so bitter.
Richie watched from across the room as brother and sister argued yet again. He'd told Liz a million times to just chill and let Dave come to her. He knew he would eventually but Lizzie was just so outgoing and wanted everyone to be happy she couldn't stand knowing she was the cause of anyone's hurt.
He wanted to go over and stop it but he knew if he interfered it would only make it worse. It seemed the only reason he and Lizzie ever exchanged heated words were when they discussed her family and their apparent excommunication of her.
Lizzie was trying to explain once again to David just exactly how and why things had happened as they did but once again he wouldn't listen. She was so frustrated. She hated arguing with him. She put her hand to her temple. It was throbbing again. She hated this tension. These constant headaches. The exhaustion. The mental anguish of being near her brother but not being able to be his sister.
She begged him again "David please why can't you..... just... under...." She stopped. The room was getting dim. She swayed and grabbed his shoulder to keep from falling.
He looked at her strangely and moved her hand from his shoulder. "Look Liz this isn't the place for this and this isn't the time so just..."
"It's never gonna be.. the right..." The pain in head was suddenly blinding and she cried out gasping then everything went black.
David stared in shock as Lizzie slumped into his arms and he quickly laid her gently on the floor looking up to call out for Rich but Richie was already there he'd seen her wavering from across the room and took off as fast as he could.
"Christ Rich.. what the hell?" he exclaimed as he laid her down "Did ya go and get her knocked up already or somethin?"
Richie knelt down at Lizzie's side "No .. I didn't.... I don't think.." He paused and counted in his head. He knew her body as well as she did. " No she shouldn't be pregnant. she just had her.."
"I don't want to know..." Dave held up his hand to stop
Richie from giving him the intimate details of his sisters womanhood.
Richie brushed Lizzie's hair back from her face and called to her "Lizzie girl??.. baby... come on....."
Richie's mother had come up behind him. Seeing the whole thing from afar and handed him smelling salts.
"Thanks Ma" He took and held it under her nose for a second and saw her eyelids flutter he handed it back to his mother.
Lizzie slowly came to and saw Richie's fuzzy visage floating in front of her eyes. "hey??" She said a little confused as her vision cleared and she saw everyone hovering over her with worry on the expressions.
"Hey sweety..... told you you needed more rest... you passed out babe..." Richie slowly sat her up as his mother helped her take a sip of water. She was shaky and her head felt light.
"I'm sorry....." she apologized.
"Don't be sorry sweetheart.... come on I think we need to get you back to the room... to much excitement for one day" he said. His concern showing in his eyes and on his furrowed brows. He helped her get to her feet. Holding her close as she leaned on him "Ok... everyone... excitements over .. she's ok... Call us in the morning for an update ok?" He called to the bystanders as he led her to the door. then in typical Richie fashion called "And NO she is NOT pregnant!!!... yet"
The crowd relaxed and laughed at his parting comment and dispersed. Dave sat back down. His heart returning back to normal speed. Even if he was thoroughly pissed with his sister, that had scared the shit out of him. He hoped Richie made her rest.
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