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Chapter 23: The reception was a somber affair. Not only from Audreys death, but
from the tension between Liz and her parents. Liz sat on a couch beside Lucky. They were
nibbling on food friends had brought. Sarah walked up to them, dragging Nik behind her. He looked
miserable. He had to learn to be less of a gentleman and tell her to get lost. "Liz, can we talk?" Sarah asked timidly. Liz looked hesitant but Lucky stood up and said,"Thats a good
idea. Nik come with me, I have somehting to tell you." He montioned for a grateful Nik to follow him. Liz forced a cheerful smile on her face as Sarah sat down,
"What would you like Sarah?" "Mom and dad told me about your pregnancy Liz," Sarah
said. "Oh, I see. Did they send you to make me feel more like
sh!t?" Liz asked bitterly. "No Liz, in fact they asked me to stay away from you." "Why are you talking to me then?" Liz asked, confused. "Liz, you're my sister. I know I'm not exactly your favorite
person, but I do love you," Sarah actually seemed to mean what she said. "You realize they'll be mad you're talking to the family
outcast," Liz reminded her. "That's where being the favorite comes in handy," Sarah
said, but once she realized how insensitive she sounded she immediately
apologized,"Sorry Liz." "No, it's true enough," Liz sighed,"When do you guys
go back to Europe?" "Tomorrow morning," Sarah said,"Mom and Dad would
ahve caught a flight after the funeral today, but they wanted to see what they would
inherit." "Such a loving family isn't it?" Liz said sarcastically. "They're not that bad Liz," Sarah admonished> "Don't defend them to me Sarah. I am now a cast out from this
family, they are that bad. I understand you live with them and have to get along, but
don't expect me to respectpeople who have refused to have anyhting to do with me." "Whatever Liz, let's not be mad at each other too," Sarah
replied, "Not to sound preachy, but how could you get yourself pregnant. Did you ever
listen to the sex ed talks at school?" "This wasn't planned Sarah, trust me. This was so much more
than cheap sex. I thought I was going to lose him forever Sarah. The fact we had no
protection didn't matter, I just wanted to be with him at least once. I know it was
stupid, but I don't regret it." Liz explained. "I agree it was stupid, but I understand," Sarah
said,"I've never felt feelings that strong for anyone, but I can imagine. Are you and
Lucky going to be okay though, financially and all?" "Sarah, to be perfectly honest, I don't know. The apartment is
cheap since Lucky is working odd jobs for Jason, but it is so small and we can''t afford
anyhting else. The baby will cost a lot, adn with school it's going to be hard. I'm
deoending on Lucky's aprents for baby-sitting during the day, I just hope they can do it.
I refuse to give up school. I'll have to take a second part-time job besides waitressing
though." "I wish I could stick around and help Liz," Sarah said
sympathetically. "Well, you can't and even if you could, it's not your problem,
it's ours. We'll be okay, i know we will." Liz said confidently. "You know," Sarah said thoughtfully,"this is the
first time we've talked civilly in a long time." "I know," Liz laughed, "miracles do happen." Sarah asked seriously,"Are you happy Liz, really happy?" "Actually i am, well mostly. Mom and Dad leaving hurts me, but
I'll survive. I'm with the love of my life, whom, I must confess, I wish would propose to
me. I don't want to bring it up, but I know I want to spend the rest of my life with him
and our child." Liz confessed. "well Liz," sarah said, standing up,"I hope it all
works out for you." "Thanks Sarah, adn thanks for not turning your back on me
too," Liz said. "It's nothing really, you're my sister after all. Besides, how
many more chances will I get to be an aunt?" Sarah told her,"Well, I'll go
mingle, I have a lot of people to talk too." "Keep in touch Sarah," Liz said. "You bet sis," Sarah replied, adn she walked away. Lucky and Nik appeared at her side as soon as Sarah was out of
ear-shot. "She upset you?" Lucky asked, worried. "No, we actually talked nicely. we came to an
understanding." "Civil conversation?" Nik asked, shocked,"With
Sarah?" "Oh be quiet. Just avoid her for the rest of the day. I don't
know waht she sees in you though?" Liz asked, teasingly. "Oh, you mean you aren't affected by my charm?" "You have charm?" Liz teased. Nik picked up her hand and kissed it,"But of course
mademoiselle." As she looked at Lucky's scowl, she couldn't resist adding, "We
really must continue this later Nikolas, when my jealous boyfriend isn't around." Nik snickered as Lucky said,"Funny Liz, real funny. And my own
brother, flirting with ym girlfriend in front of my eyes." "Oh you know i love ya," Liz said. "yeah sure I do," Lucky said,"maybe I should go find
Sarah." "Don't even think it buster," Liz threatened, grabbing his
tie as he prepared to walk away. Alexis tapped Liz on the shoulder, interrupting thier fake little
quarrel. "Elizabeth, you and Lucky will have to come to the dining room
now. It's time for the reading of the will." Lucky looked shocked, "Why me?" "Well, she mentioned you in her will." "we'll be right there," Liz assured Alexis, who nodded adn walked away. |