Written by: TVM (mrtvm@mrtvm.com)

Archive: www.asstr.org/~TheVertManArchive/Stories/Mickie/Index.html

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                                               ><> (: ~ :) <>< MICKIE'S 'point of view' ><> (: ~ :) <><

So now I know for a fact that things have changed and the girl that I fell so completely in love with is into another girl and most likely falling out of love with me. I would cry, but why? Besides I've done so much crying the last few days that my eyes were swollen and puffy and sore to the touch so that's really not an option. The confirmation of this whole thing came yesterday when I finally got a moment to talk to her and she admitted that something had changed. Yeh it's killing me slowly but what can I do? In a way the whole Arkansas trip her and Laney had planned was a good thing because she'd be away from Raegan and maybe she'd start thinking about me again.

I saw a car pull up to the corner, assuming it was Jessie's VW bug but not being able to see it because of the darkness that had fell over the last half hour. I was sitting on the porch and staring out at the empty street and just thinking about things for the last hour or so. Most peace I've had in days and the best thing about it, No Mom, no Dad, No Jessie, just me. That though was temporary as the crunching of gravel under feet meant someone was coming up the walk off to the side of the house.

"Hey" Marty said as she stopped at the corner and looked like something the cat dragged in.

"Get back in your car and leave, and since when you do have a car?" I asked.

"So what do you want me to do, answer the question or leave?" She asked with a half-smile.

"Leave" I said as I got up and opened the screen door to head inside.

"Seth is gone" She said and as I looked back I saw the Marty I had fallen in love with a year ago. Vulnerable, covering her mouth as she started to cry in sobs. But now she was heartbroken.

"He died?" I asked in shock as she walked slowly around the end of the porch and up the steps before answering.

"Yeh, his heart gave out" She said. "Doctor Reynolds did everything he could do."

"I'm sorry" I said softly.

"I know you hate me, hell you got a right to hate me but the only thing keeping me from killing myself is you" Marty said.

"You are not gonna kill yourself" I said as she stepped closer. "Who would be left to ruin my life?"

"Shut up" She said as she hugged me. Yeh I wanted to push her away but honestly, it felt like old times and not all bad either. I hugged her back and literally let her cry on my shoulder for a few minutes. Soooo...well maybe she's not totally out of my life. But let me say this, things with Marty were about to change drastically.

                                               ><> (: ~ :) <>< LANEY'S 'point of view' ><> (: ~ :) <><

"You're leaving for a week?" Jessie asked in shock. It took me till now, standing in front of Taylor's house with her wrapped in my arms, to tell her about my Grandpa Hal being sick. "Do you know how bad I'm gonna miss you?"

"Prolly as bad as I'm gonna miss you" I said as she grinned at me.

"Prolly? What the hell does that mean?" Jessie asked as I grinned. "You're a bigger hillbilly than I realized."

"Say what?" I asked as I attacked her tickle spots with my fingers. Her eyes going wide with shock as she squealed in laughter and fought to get lose. "Huh? Now what you gonna say?"

"OHMIGOD" Jessie panted as she finally broke loose and ran off down the sidewalk. Looking back and making sure I was chasing her, which I was. Until that is I spotted Sammi coming out of the Marvel's front door and stopping to watch us. I mentally noted Sammi's attire which seemed to be a uniform for the 7-11 or some other 24-hour mart. When did she get a job exactly? Jessie stopped and looked back and asked, "What happened?"

"We're being watched" I said as Sammi came down the steps of the Marvel's porch and crossed the road on her way to, what I thought, was to annoy me and Jessie. But instead she was met by Alex and Ryan as they just turned the corner coming back from the store. Alex seeing Jessie and me and waving us down.
Reluctantly, with Jessie pulling me along by the hand, we joined them.

"Ladies" Alex said with a nod of the head. Ryan taking the groceries as he stood silently behind what I assumed was his now boyfriend. "Out for a little late afternoon stroll?"

"Yeh Taylor's talking to Richard, trying to convince him to let me and her head home for a few days to see my Grandpa" I said and saw Sammi's expression change from one of non-interest to very interested. "He's in pretty bad shape."

"He's not gonna make it much longer is he?" Sammi asked softly.

"Purvis says he's in pretty bad shape" I replied as Jessie took my hand and laced our fingers together.

"Tell him I said hi and to get better" Sammi said. "Oh yeah, like the costume?"

"I've seen worse" Jessie giggled.

"Horrible isn't it?" Sammi asked as they shared a laugh. "Seven Eleven thinks you need to be in a goofy uniform to work there."

"I told her she didn't need to work" Alex said with a smile to Sammi.

"Look, I'm sponging and you guys are going through a rough time sooo..." Sammi commented as Alex gave her 'you've said to much' look. "It's not a big deal."

"You guys having trouble?" I asked.

"Grandma's check didn't come on time this month and we're behind on some of the bills" Alex commented. "It'll clear up."

"Look, my Grandpa has plenty of money, he'll help you..."

"No thanks" Alex said gently. "We'll be fine."

"Maybe you should consider it" Sammi said to Alex. "Don't give me that face, her gramps has plenty money and he's not gonna spend it on anything else. All you gotta do is ask."

"I agree with Sammi" Ryan chimed in as she smiled at him.

"I said no, I can take care of my family" Alex said. "I've got a line on a great job and Sammi's working now so it's gonna be fine."

"You sleeping with the manager yet Sams?" I asked as she looked back in shock and smiled when she realized I was picking on her, like old times.

"No I am not" Sammi said as she smacked my arm. "And you don't getta pick on me anymore, remember you dumped...I mean we're not dating."

"Phone call" Jessie said a few long moments later, breaking an uneasy tension that had developed in the air. "Hi Uncle Mike."

"Hey, we got meat in the bag we better git" Ryan said to Alex.

"You mind taking it on in for Grandma, I'm gonna walk Sammi to work" Alex said. Ryan kissing Alex before he left and headed off towards the Marvel's place not to far down the street.

"And you don't need to walk me to work, I'm a big girl" Sammi said.

"Samantha this is a big city, a very dangerous place, we just had a shooting down the street" Alex said. "I would feel better if you let me."

"Fine" Sammi said.

"You win Uncle Mike, I'm on my way" Jessie said as she hung the phone up. Glaring at the back of the phone as she said, "Bastard."

"You gotta go?" I asked as Jessie hugged me.

"Yeh Uncle Mike wants me home for dinner" Jessie said in frustration. "Not like Aunt Laila is making some special effort tonight, burned meatloaf anyone?"

"I like Laila's cooking" I said as she gave me a dirty look.

"I'm out Hillbilly" She said as she kissed me, "Love you anyway."

"Love you too" I said as I kissed her back and she walked back towards the house where her car was parked. A few moments later driving off down the street.

"You're happy with her, I'm glad" Sammi commented as I simply nodded.

"LANEY" Taylor screamed as she came thundering down her front steps and charged towards me. Almost knocking me down with a hug as she panted for breath. "We're going, Dad said yes."

"I seriously couldn't do this without you my girl" I said as I hugged her for a long moment. Both of us joining hands and lacing our fingers together as we giggled and shook each other in excitement.

"My girl?" Sammi asked, drawing both of our attention back to her. "What does Jessie think about this?"

"She knows Taylor's my best friend" I said.

"Yeh she does, so ha" Taylor said as she stuck her tongue out at Sammi.

"You sure you two are only best friends?" Sammi asked in reply to Taylor's 'tongue stick'.

"Yes" Taylor and I said at the exact same moment. Then both laughing at the other.

"Jessie and Mickie better watch you two" Sammi said with a smirk as Alex laughed. Taylor remaining quiet as Alex and Sammi said their goodbyes and walked towards the corner and Sammi's new job.

"She didn't mean anything by it" I said as I looked to Taylor and saw her fight back tears.

"I screwed up my whole life" Taylor said. "I've got feelings for Raegan."

"But you still love Mickie? Right?"

"I'm so incredibly confused right now" She said as I hugged her. A moment later touching my forehead to hers and making her look at me.

"I love you my girl" I said as she smiled. A strange warm feeling coming over me as I saw the life come back into her eyes. "You'll figure this out and I'll be here to help."

"I know, always have always will" She said as she hugged me again. "How about you call Purvis and find out when we leave?"

"We'll do" I said as I flipped open my phone. "What'd Dad say about Viera?"

"Bail, she's staying with my Aunt again" Taylor said. "I think a few days back home in Arkansas and away from her is exactly what I need."

"I think so too..."

                                               ><> (: ~ :) <>< LYNSEY'S 'point of view' ><> (: ~ :) <><

"LYNSEY" Maria screamed as she came into the living room. I was in the bedroom picking up the last of the laundry when she screamed.

"What?" I asked as I appeared at the door.

"What are you doing?" She asked with a smile on her face. Meeting me by the door.

"Laundry, you have fun with your Mom?" I asked with a teasing smile. She grinned and kissed me. "What was that for?"

"Nice way to come home" She said as she took the laundry from my arms and took it herself into the kitchen and then to the laundry room as I followed. "This the last of the laundry?"

"Yeh and I'm tired, it took like five hours" I said as she stuffed the last bit inside of the now empty washer. "But I did it and no I'm not complaining. Dinners in the microwave."

"You made Dinner too?" Maria asked with what I thought was an amused smile.

"Yeh and it was good too" I said as she started the last load of wash. Moving past me she headed back into the kitchen. Opening the microwave and seeing a plate full of food she smiled. "See I'm not completely useless."

"I love you Lynsey McCallister" Maria said as she kissed me. "Thank you for showing me you love me too."

"I didn't do all this to show you that, I thought last night and this morning showed that pretty clearly" I said as Maria kissed me again.

"It did" She said. "Oh yeah, any word from Taylor?"

"She's going back to Arkansas with Laney for a few days" I said. "Something about Laney's grandpa being sick."

"Her and Mickie back together?"

"Kinda sorta, she's confused about how she feels" I said as Maria kissed me. "I feel so bad for her but there's nothing I can do."

"Give her time" Maria said as I smiled. Wanting to kiss my girlfriend again but being stopped short by the ringing of the telephone.

"You go eat, I'll deal with your Mom" I said as Maria walked off into the kitchen and I picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"You ready to come home yet?" The Voice asked in a slurred tone, I knew instantly it was my Dad, Eugene McCallister. He's a serious drunk and usually calls me when he's in the mood to say something that he's knows will hurt me. The whole 'ten feet tall and bulletproof' thing is definately in full effect when my old man starts soaking the buds.

"No dad I'm not, I'm happy..."

"Well you're not staying anymore with that whoring fag you're living with now" Dad said as I turned my back to the kitchen and felt like crying. Hoping Maria wouldn't notice. "I think you'll be better off just coming home."

"Why so I can get you another beer?" I asked. "Or are you soaking back some Jack Daniels tonight?"

"You don't talk to me like that or I'll come and get you right now and whip your little ass till I get tired" He said in a menacing voice.

"Dad, ok, I'm sorry I gotta a big mouth..." I said moments before I felt the phone being literally jerked out of my hand.

"Look you worthless drunk, you ever call here again My dad is gonna pay you a visit and I hope you've heard of him" Maria said as she smiled at me with a knowing grin. "Most people call him Chief of Police? Yeh I am the daughter of the chief of police. So before you go threatening the girl I love again you better think twice and NOT DO IT."

"Damn" I said as Maria slammed the phone down and smiled at me. "Since when did your Dad become a member of the Cleveland PD?"

"About thirty seconds ago" Maria said as we both laughed. "Not gonna let him scare you."

"I think I love you" I said as she kissed me and gave me a horny grin. "MMMMMMM ok I do."

"Enough to gimme some desert?"

"Betty Crocker or Little Debbie?" I asked as she kissed my cheek.

"Neither, I do want something sugary sweet though" She said as I grinned.

"The sugar below my waist?" I asked as she grinned and wrapped in her arms and kissed me so perfectly it made me wanna scream. She got exaactly what she wanted that night, several times. Hell she nearly drained me dry of the 'sugar below my waist'. Damn, I love this girl more than life itself.

                                               ><> (: ~ :) <>< MICKIE'S 'point of view' ><> (: ~ :) <><

I sat in the chair across from the couch in the living room and watched Marty sleep peacefully for like two hours. Hoping that every car I heard go pass wasn't Mom and Dad. Because they wouldn't like Marty being here, but what can I do? She's been sleeping in her car and her brother just died, I know what she did all too well but I just don't have the heart to run her off at this moment. Maybe once she's had some rest I can. Fortunately she jerked away a moment after that thought had crossed my mind, opening her eyes she grinned at me.

"MMMMMM god you're so hot Mick" She said as I gave her a cold stare. "God lighten up."

"Oh god lighten up" I said in a mocking voice, "Fuck you Martina."

"If you're so mad at me then why did you let me crash on your couch?" Marty asked.

"Because I'm pathetic, I can't say no to you after what happened" I said, "I might as well just let you kill me. It's the only thing you haven't done to me yet."

"Jesus you hate me..."

"You are lucky I don't beat you" I said. "Now do something good for the first time in your life and get out of here before my parents get home and find you here."

"Yeh ok, if that's what you want" Marty said as she rose from the couch and slipped on her shoes and before I could even offer an objection or process a second thought she was gone.

                                               ><> (: ~ :) <>< TAYLOR'S 'point of view' ><> (: ~ :) <><

"Dad what's for dinner? I'm hungry" I said as I poked my head into the kitchen and saw Dad doing something he usually doesn't do, cook.

"Something burned no doubt" He said with a smirk. "You wanna call and invite Mickie over?"

"Dad, I explained, we're going through some stuff" I said as I leaned across the counter. "I'm not sure what to do right now."

"What better way to work through your problems than with a nice quiet and burned dinner with family?" Dad asked. To be honest for a moment I even considered what he was saying but that's when the door bell sounded and I looked down the hall and saw the one person I hadn't really been thinking about with the whole 'Arkansas' stuff occupying my mind, Raegan. "Get that?"

"Yeh I'mma take a walk ok?" I asked, "That's my friend at the door."

"Raegan right?" Dad asked as I nodded. "I'd like to meet this girl."

"Later? Please Dad?" I asked.

"Is there something about her you don't want me to know?" Dad asked as he took a bite of the mess he was frying in the pan. Making a sour face as I laughed. "Well, maybe we can order out."

"I'll be back in a little while" I said and happy to avoid Dad's whole 'something he didn't like' comment.

"Hey" Raegan said nervously as she met me on the other side of the door. "What happened today? You like completely disappeared."

"My best friend Laney?" I said as she nodded, "Her grandpa is sick and we've got to go back to my hometown in Arkansas for a few days and I got side tracked making plans today."

"So you just completely forget about me?" She asked pointedly. "You got my cell number, I waited for like an hour on you after school. I thought maybe you hooked back up with Mickie or something."

"There's a lot going on right now and I'm sorry for not calling you" I said as she shrugged and seemed mad to me. "I did talk to Mickie and I found out that Marty lied about them sleeping together."

"How do you know?"

"Mickie told me" I said. "I can't explain how I know, just she wouldn't lie to me I don't think."

"So you're back with her?" Raegan asked.

"No, I don't know what I am right now" I said.

"Yeh I guess you don't" She said softly as she leaned against the rail. "How long you gonna be gone?"

"A few days" I said.

"Can I call you?"

"Why?" I asked with a wicked grin. Seeing Raegan getting an almost evil grin on her face as she rushed me and swept me into her arms and pinned me in the corner and to my shock she kissed me. My hands immediately shot to her stomach and clutched into her shirt as we kissed for a long moment. "MMMMMMM."

"Jesus you're a good kisser" She said with a bright smile.

"Maybe I'll just let Laney go by herself and stay here and we can make out for a few days, huh?" I asked as Raegan grinned and kissed me again. I knew instantly in that moment that my feelings for Mickie had changed and somehow I was falling in love with another girl. Surprisingly that revelation didn't send me into another panic attack or even make me nervous. Quite the opposite as a matter of fact, it was calming in a way. Knowing that I wasn't losing my mind and that the girl I was kissing passioniately was, I think anyway, as crazy about me as I was about her.

"Holy shit, what the hell are you doing my girl?" I heard as Raegan and I jumped apart and saw a shocked Laney standing in the doorway. "So it is over with Mickie?"

"Probably, I think, just go back inside please Laney?" I asked.

"OK I can deal with you being over with Mickie, but it's just weird watching you kiss this girl you barely know like she's your lover" Laney said pointedly. "I mean shouldn't you be taking this slow my girl?"

"What business it is to you?" Raegan asked as she glared at Laney now. "And what do you mean by calling her your girl? You two got something going on?"

"Noooo" I said definteively. "Laney is my best friend and my girl is what she calls me. It doesn't mean anything other than she loves me. I've known her all my life."

"You sure about that?" Raegan asked as I gave her a seriously dirty look.

"Yes I'm sure about that" I snapped and then turned my back to her and took a deep breath. "She's my best friend Raegan that's all."

"Friends, best friends, but that's all" Laney said. "You don't have anything to be jealous of."

"OK" Raegan said as I turned to her and saw her half smile. "Maybe I should go and just call you tommorrow?"

"OK" I said as Raegan took a deep breath and I know wanted to kiss me, but instead she stalled for a long moment, shifting from foot to foot, before she touched my hand and walked off the porch in silence. I wanted to chase after her but I didn't know what to say and honestly I was surprised at her reaction to Laney's simple nickname for me. "That was awkward."

"I don't like her" Laney insisted a long moment later. I gave her a disbelieving look and saw that she was completely serious. "What?"

"You don't even know her"

"She's jealous, that's obvious" Laney replied.

"Shut up, you don't know that Elaine" I said with a finger point. "And if you know what's good for you...you'd shut up now and not offer anymore of your opinions when it's...obvious...you don't know what you're talking about."

"I agree I'm right" Laney said with a smirk.

"You're right about what?" I asked in my most annoyed voice.

"Pretty much everything" Laney said as Dad came to the door and watched as Laney stuck her tongue out and pushed me as she backed down the steps and wanted me to follow her, which I did, of course. Running down the steps and chasing her down the sidewalk, catching her just as we got in front of the house a few hundred feet down the street and beginning a wrestling match that featured both of us tumbling to the grass in a fit of giggles.

One minute I wanna kill her and the next...well I'm trying to kill her. You know what I mean.

for a complete archive, please visit: www.asstr.org/~TheVertManArchive/Stories/Mickie/Index.html