Somewhere in Between (18 page)

The sting from that, presses in on his heart. He hates the idea that Gemma liked him so much and had to watch him carry on over some other girl. He looks at his sister, her face is dry. "So you let them talk you into being mean?"

"Gah, this isn't sounding right," Christie laments. "I had started struggling again, right away this year. Penny was in one of the classes I was having a hard time in. She saw me talking to the teacher about tutoring. At first she thought I was going to tutor someone, and thought I was being stupid trying to help some loser out, but then she found out it was the opposite. So she told Cassie and then they started making fun of me for it again. Like, how can you not know how to read at sixteen? I can read, things just seem backwards."

"So let me get this straight, you stayed friends with people, even joining in on their insults and telling them your frustrations, even though they made fun of you?"

"Yes." The word is a whisper. A pathetic whisper. "I didn't want them making fun of me, and I found that the more I told them about you and your Trisha obsession, the less likely they were to pick on me. Then I mentioned Gemma and she became a target. It wasn't long before we were back on Josh and I just let them say and do whatever because it took their attention away from me. I allowed myself to be led."

"You wanted to be with Josh from the time you were twelve, and then all of a sudden, he's not good enough. And then making fun of Gemma? How would making fun of a senior's sister make you popular with the senior? What did Gemma ever do to you? She was new here,
you
chose to befriend her, and then what? She starts liking me, secretly since she never came out and said it to anyone apparently, and what? I just don't get your motivation. You were failing, or struggling,
tell
someone." He's exacerbated and struggling to keep his voice down. "So what if Penny and Cassie know about your struggle. Tell a teacher or your coach or someone that they are picking on you. Hell, tell Leighanna. They're scared of her!"

"I know, I know I should have. She's told me as much. I just didn't think.” Her eyes are watery again but he still won't offer comfort. Not yet. "I just didn't want them picking on me, okay? It was so much easier when they forgot about my problem, and focused on the fact that Gemma had started liking you even though you thought you had a shot with Trisha Scott. It was so much easier."

"Does it feel easier now?" he asks softly.

"No. It's harder now." Christie hugs her knees tight. "I perform community service. I stay after school every day for tutoring and sometimes work at lunch. I don't talk to anyone, and no one really wants to talk to me. People who liked me avoid me. I helped trash Maggie’s home and now whenever she sees me, she looks like she wants to cry. I haven't spoken to Gemma in months, but I know something is going on with her but I don't have the chance to know about it. And you, you moved on from liking Trisha just like you'd said that day, understanding so fast what you felt against what was real."

"I wish that whole thing had never happened," he comments quietly. His regret will never cease. There is so much that would have been avoided if not for his stupidity. No matter what anyone says.

"I know, and I'm so sorry for all those horrible things I said to you. You didn't deserve to have me beating at you or insulting you like I did."

"So why did you? Other than it got the focus off you? Why not be stronger than that? You've always been so strong."

"I was jealous, okay!" she yells and then slams her tiny hand over her mouth. They both sit and wait, listening to see if their parents had woken. When silence continues, Christie does as well. "I was friends with Gemma first. And she introduced me to Leighanna. But then Leighanna met Trent and her attention was divided between all these different people, including her senior friends. And even though you wouldn’t hang out with Penny or Cassie, you started coming around hanging out with Gemma, and she and I weren't even friends for very long before she was hanging out more with you than me. It was petty and childish, but I was upset that you got my friend so I decided to get back at you for it."

"That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. First off, I met Gemma before you did. In class. You met her at lunch after that class. Remember?” he says, sarcasm dripping through his words. “And besides, it’s not like we have to compete. You were with Josh,
my
friend. Never once did I think you had stolen him from me. Never once did I hold it against you or him for the amount of time I didn't get to spend with
my
best friend." Elliot rubs his hands over his face, a frustrated sigh leaving his lips. "It's not like you were being left behind. You had Josh, you had someone."

Christie just nods at this. She doesn't try to argue with his point. "I wanted it all. I wanted to be selfish and be the center of attention. My life was more interesting at the time, and even though I had a problem, Cassie and Penny paid attention to me."

"What you did, and the reason behind it, it is going to take a long time to move passed it. You hurt so many people. And for the most pathetic of reasons." He chances a glance at his phone, sees it's just after midnight. He didn't expect this to last this long. "You never wanted for anything from mom and dad. You've always been little Miss Popular. I get having a problem like dyslexia would be hard to contend with. But dealing with it by hurting people is not the answer. Spend so much energy trying to stay on the squad that you threw it away. "

"I know," Christie agrees emphatically. "I know and I've been getting help for it. Like I said, I have a tutor, and I stay after school every day to get help. I haven't spoken to Cassie or Penny since everything blew up, though a lot of that has to do with them being in so much trouble still. I do volunteer work with dad and with Trisha's mom every day to make up for what I've done. I am trying to make amends."

"Mom and dad say you're doing better."

Christie smiles at that. "I don't want to disappoint them or myself anymore."

"Keep doing what you're doing now then and you won’t." He moves to leave the room. He's tired, and still needs to call Gemma.

"And Elliot?"

He stops, looks at his sister with a raised eyebrow. "Yeah?"

"I think you and Gemma would make a really cute couple."

He kept that last part to himself. Well, in all honesty, he kept a lot of the parts where Christie spoke about his feelings and Gemma's feelings to himself. He didn't want to make Gemma uncomfortable. "At the end, we hugged. I still don't feel one-hundred percent certain in regards to my sister actions, but it's better than two months ago when I didn't even want to know her anymore."

"I'm glad she spoke to you. It may not be the best reason for why she was the way she was, but at least she seems to be trying." Gemma couldn't really wrap her head around Christie's actions either, so she understood why Elliot was still hesitant. At the same time though, she wanted good news to come around, so she was desperately hoping Christie was going to be the person she had first gotten to know.

"Yeah," Elliot nodded. "She'll be here tomorrow."

It was Gemma's turn to nod. "I know. It's okay."

He watched her bite her lip, her face going slightly pink, as though she was trying to keep her emotions under control. He couldn't take it anymore. Standing up, he moved to sit beside her on her bed, and pulled her against him, holding her tight. It was one of the greatest feelings ever. His lips brushed against her forehead, taking in the sweet scent of her shampoo. "Tomorrow is going to be okay."

"I know. You'll be there."

"I'll always be there for you. Always."

CHAPTER NINE

Thanksgiving was a tame affair compared to what Gemma and Elliot had expected. As promised, the Wade clan arrived just before noon, and Grace immediately got to work helping Caroline finish with dinner. As soon as Christie was noticed, everyone grew quiet. No one seemed to know what to say or how to say it. Gemma noticed her father seemed oblivious to what was going on, though she wondered if he was just choosing to stay on the outside. Her thoughts were confirmed when instead of sitting around, drowning in the tension, her father offered Dalton a beer.

"The wife's got me drinking her Corona's right now. Hope you like them." Dalton gave a shake of his head as the two men headed to Andrew's "man cave" in the basement, to let the kids "talk."

Leighanna sat on the sofa next to Gemma, her blue eyes following Christie like a hawk while everyone waited for something to happen. Finally, Leighanna spoke, "You look like you have something you want to say. You might as well say it so no one feels uncomfortable during dinner."

The words were harsh, but instantly made everything come to a head easier. Turning to look at Gemma with determination written on her face, Christie started to speak. "I don't know if you know everything I did or said, but I am
so
very sorry. For everything you know about, and everything you don't. I am so sorry for hurting you. You were my best friend, and I say were because I know I have done so much to not deserve even just being an acquaintance of yours. But I never meant to hurt you, even though my actions suggest otherwise. I never meant to be so cruel and I know I was and I know I don't deserve your forgiveness but I am asking for it anyway. I am hoping that one day you will be able to forgive me for what I've done. I am
so
sorry, Gemma."

Gemma was shocked by how fast the apology came, as the words just spewed forth like a fountain. She was also surprised by the shakiness of the voice behind it. She hadn't expected an apology, not just because she'd had so much else to deal with that she didn't think about Christie or all the things she'd done, but also because everything that Christie had done, to her at least, seemed minimal in comparison. While it was true she had talked about her behind her back, and had tried to start rumors about her, Christie had helped vandalize Maggie Blake's house with toilet paper, and had berated Elliot repeatedly. She felt more like an afterthought in Christie's time of terror. "It's okay. I-I forgive you, Christie."

Leighanna gasped at Gemma's words, and her face registered her shock. But she didn't challenge the words. Elliot however, did. "Are you sure, Gemma?"

She nodded, feeling certain. After speaking with Dr. Archuleta on Tuesday, Gemma was tired. And everything that was petty and ridiculous, she didn't want to deal with it. It was easier to let what Christie had done go, because dwelling on it, or giving it any of her attention would mean limiting her ability to heal. "Yeah. There's no reason for me to carry around any anger over this or toward Christie. What's done is done. It's over with. I just want to move on from it." She looked at Elliot, a small but sure smile on her lips. Her eyes however, were trying to convey to him a question on how he felt about the whole thing. After a few moments, he nodded at her, his eyes agreeing with her.

After that, Christie excused herself from the room quickly, to help her mom and Caroline finish up dinner. When Gemma started to question it, Elliot merely told her Christie had agreed she would help and not try to force herself on to her and Leigh. Gemma nodded, grateful to not have to keep up a façade or happiness and ease, while Leigh sat with a pensive look on her face.

"You sure about forgiving her?" Leigh asked sitting forward, her eyes staying forward.

"Yeah. I mean I can't forget it. And I won't. She hasn't earned that." Gemma scooted closer beside her sister, resting her head on the older girl's shoulder. "But I am too tired to carry anger like that. You may not agree with my decision, but I have to do this for me. Besides, all of this is so much bigger than petty high school games. I don’t want to put any energy into what she’s done because that gives it more power than it deserves. And I just want to not deal with one thing for a change."

"I won't say I can do what you've done, but I understand why you did it."

"Thank you, Sissy."

After a few minutes, Leighanna stood, and walked toward the kitchen with purpose. As Elliot and Gemma entered the kitchen, they watch Leighanna walk with Christie out the back door to sit on the porch, both girls covered in in heavy coats against the cold.

"Think Christie will still be alive after they're done talking?" Elliot tried to laugh though it sounded forced. Not only was he not sure about Gemma's choice to forgive so easily, though given her explanation, he did understand it, he did have a slight fear about what Gemma's sister was going to do. Leighanna was scary.

Gemma smiled and nodded. "Yeah. Leigh just needs to say a few things and she'll be good. Don't worry." Looking away from where her sister sat, Gemma motioned back toward the living room. "Let's go watch football or whatever is on TV until the food is ready."

Elliot was very much on board with this plan, since he worried his mom would rope him into helping and he was a disaster with food, so he followed Gemma out of the kitchen, not noticing the way their mom's watched them with wistful and sweet smiles on their faces.

"One day they'll figure it out," Grace commented, her eyes following her son with a soft smile on her face.

"I think they're getting close," Caroline agreed as she mashed potatoes in a pot. "Everything going better with Christie?"

"I don't feel terrified about her anymore, though I can’t pinpoint exactly how I’m feeling about her,” Grace commented. “I truly believe she has her priorities once again headed the right direction. Though I thought that twice before and she's proved me wrong. I am hoping I’m not wrong this time. Because when all is said and done, I don’t know what to do."

"She seems to be doing well. She's been such a good friend to the girls, I'd hate to see them all lose a friendship over this high school foolishness." Caroline looked at Grace sympathetically. "I am surprised at her actions though, since I never expected that from her. The girl who came over to my house that first day the girls were in school is not the type I'd expect to see in trouble."

"I never thought I’d be that parent that gets a phone call from the school because their child is misbehaving or causing trouble," Grace lamented bitterly. "The things she went along with in regards to those two girls… when Dalton and I received the phone call from the school, I thought they had done something to her! I never imagined it was
my own
child helping to spread the rumors and lies, helping instigate such cruelty, and directed at those she called friends and family. She was making her own After School Special right there! And then the vandalism. I suppose I should be grateful it wasn't more serious than toilet paper over someone’s house." It was little consolation, and seeing Leighanna lay into Christie only served to reiterate how far Christie had fallen. "That night, when she was brought home by the police, I was ready to send her off to one of those
Scared Straight
programs. The only reason I didn't is because Dalton made me realize Christie wasn't at that level yet. But she seemed to be well on her way if Penny and Cassie's progression is any indication. Though I want to believe my daughter would not be that stupid, it's hard to know."

"Yes, I heard the two girls were suspended. Leighanna told me they tried to steal some cheerleading equipment to "get back" at the school and squad for being kicked off the team." Caroline just shook her head. "Where I come from, those girls bottoms would be red for all the trouble they've caused."

Grace nodded. "Christie still has a long way to go, and many amends to make too many, many people, but I have to hope. She's still young, so not all is lost yet. I do know it will be some time before Elliot can move on from her actions, but that's his sister and above all else, he loves her." Grace sighed wistfully. "I feel like such a failure with her. Something so simple and she took it past the extreme to deal with it. I don't know how or why she thought this was the right plan but every day I feel like
I
need to make amends for what she's done."

Caroline didn't know what to say to that. She had no idea how she'd feel if Gemma or Leighanna had behaved as Christie had. At the moment, she had enough to worry about with Gemma. After finding out about the secret trip to Broomfield, Caroline and Andrew had a long talk-without Elliot or Leighanna present-about why she couldn't do things like that. Even if nothing had ever happened to her, she could not go places without telling people because of the danger it presented.

Gemma knew that. And there were many tears. They didn't ground her or really punish her. There was no real way to punish her. The only thing they could do to punish Gemma would be to have her stay away from Elliot, but not only would that not fit the wrong she'd done, Elliot was the only one Gemma trusted completely-other than Leigh. Neither parent wanted to take that away from her after what she'd gone through. So it was settled, Gemma was required to be driven everywhere she wanted to go. She would always have a chaperone so she could not sneak off again. At least for a little while. Though both parents had a big problem with her using so many cabs, spending all that money.

It was a punishment, but in a way, it was also a way to make sure she was okay. Gemma wasn’t the only one worried about the attackers coming back.

"I know Andrew did not like that Christie was with the two caught outside the Blake's house. It broke his heart a little to get that call about possible need for representation." This was spoken quietly though there was no one in the room. Still, none of the kids knew Christie had been caught with Penny and Cassie, and by the police, vandalizing the house, and the parents wanted to keep it that way. It would serve no good to tell everyone.

"Yes, he seems to have a lot on his mind lately."

Caroline just nodded. "We all have."

"But we're all doing our best."

"Yes, we are."

"Our children will make amazing adults one day. If we can just get them out of their teenage years."

"They really will."

Leighanna and Christie were outside for nearly a half hour before they entered the living room. Each had red-rimmed eyes, though Christie appeared to still be wiping tears from her cheeks. But neither looked angry or upset. Leighanna, for her part looked resolved. When her blue eyes locked on Gemma's brown, Leighanna merely nodded her head, gave her a long look that indicated she'd speak with her later, but that everything was squared away between the two girls. Gemma was relieved to see that and also curious. She couldn't wait for later.

Elliot eyed his sister, noticed she didn't have any visible wounds, and released a sigh of relief. He was glad to see she was in one piece, and that both girls seemed to be on good terms. He knew Christie wouldn't tell him what the conversation was about, since they still were on rocky ground, but he hoped Gemma would be able to find out how things went and what was said. He'd just have to wait for later.

None of the four paid much attention to the game, not even knowing which teams were playing or who was winning. It was still a tumultuous atmosphere at best, and everyone was just trying to act natural. It wasn't until Andrew and Dalton returned from the "man-cave" to sit in the living room and watch the game, that anyone felt any kind of real strain. The moment Dalton sat down next to Christie, tugging her under his arm to rest against him, Gemma tensed up. It was a subtle thing, and if you weren't paying attention to her, it wouldn't have been noticeable. But there were many who were watching her, and that made Gemma feel even more uncomfortable.

Logically, Gemma knew she was safe, that Dalton was no threat. She’d known him for months, he was Elliot’s father and someone she’d come to trust. And she didn't really even perceive him as a threat since there was no…vibe coming from him that would indicate she needed to feel fear. Add to that the presence of her father and her sister, she knew she was safe.

Logically, Gemma knew even with Dalton knowing what had happened to her, it didn't change anything because she knew he wouldn't speak out against her.
Logically,
she knew these things. But there wasn't much logical running through Gemma's head the moment she was in the presence of Elliot's father. A man who she looked up to. A man who knew. She didn't want to think about her attack, didn't want to think about the fact that this man knew. But she couldn't help it. And it broke her heart and made her nervous all at the same time.

As sly as he could, Elliot reached between his and Gemma's body and delicately took her hand under his hoping to comfort her. He looked at her quickly, watching her breathing slow to a more relaxed level. It took a moment, but there was a slight smile that took to her face at his action. He loved that he had that effect on her but he couldn't dwell on that for long. The last thing Elliot wanted was for Christie to get suspicious, or for his father to feel bad because Gemma was struggling. Neither were to blame for anything, and he didn't want anyone he cared about to feel bad because of a situation out of their hands.

Thankfully, Leighanna wasn't blind to what was occurring, and chose to deflect. "Hey, Dad, Trent was wondering when you wanted to pick the Avalanche games to attend.”