Happier

Sorry gang this ones kind of blah... But it's for the most part pretty real to me. Enjoy :P


I sat next to him as he talked to his "important" people. I gently took his hand in mine, smiling as he didn't instantly shoot me a glare and pull his hand back. No, this time he waited five minutes before gently removing his hand from mine and placing it back on the table. I sat there silently. Shocked that he did that, but not shocked. He does that every time.

Okay, so he's not a fan of PDA. I mean, he's in the spot light so much, who could blame him. But I am his girlfriend. Ok... I'm a girl... and I'm a friend. But we're more than that. I mean, we share things emotionally. I know everything about him. He knows everything about me. We sleep together. Just sleep. I've told him no more fuck buddies. That just hurts too much.


It's weird this limbo. This friends, but more. Dating, but less. Serious but not. No committment.


Now I'm not a jealous person, but when you add his looks, with his charisma... It's a magnet for women.


It doesn't help that all he does is talk about the women he could be with but isn't. Yah, that makes me feel beautiful.


"Hey, Alex... You okay?" He crowded his face near mine, pulling me out of my thoughts. I smiled a smile I know didn't reach my eyes and his forehead creased.


"Mmmhmm." I nodded knowing full well he didn't believe me.


"You're lying." He said nonchalantly.


"Can we discuss this at home?" I pleaded looking over at the people across the table from us.


"Sure. We can go back to my place." I sighed as he specified his house. I was there four nights out of seven. Whatever. No big deal right? "We're done here anyways."


We rose and he allowed me to walk ahead of him out of the room before over taking me with his long strides, causing me to have to almost run to keep up.


"Max, slow down!" I hissed as I practically ran out of the door. He mumbled a quick sorry before getting into his car, waiting for me to do the same. I stood there for a second, collecting my thoughts before moving to get into the car. Door locked? "Very funny, Max. Let me in." He giggled like a six year old before unlocking the door and letting me in. I did up my seat belt before staring at the roof of the car.


"God, give her grace." I heard from beside me, and I knew he was mocking me. Ass.

The ride was silent as he drove back to his condo downtown. I loved this place. We always stayed here because it was bigger than my place. Why not right? I'd rather stay in a king sized bed than try and squeeze onto a double. Especially when he hogs the blankets.


"Okay, Alex. What's the deal?" He sat at his table folding his hands infront of him.


"What are we doing, Max?"


"What do you mean?" I sighed, what did I mean? What a dangerous question.


"I mean... What are we doing? I can't keep this up, Max. I need to know what's going on. We're 25. " He sighed deeply.


"What do you want me to say, Alexandra?" I stared at him. Was he serious? What did I want him to say? How about... You're right Lex. I love you. I always have. You're the only girl I want.


"Never mind, Max. I think I need to go." I sighed, turning to leave the condo.


"Alex, come on. We're friends right?" He took a few long strides to get between me and the door.

"Yah, Max. Friends... I just need some time to get back to friends ok?" I smiled waterly, trying desperately not to cry in front of him. This was killing me. He nodded in understanding, I think. "I'll call you." I embraced him and kissed his rough cheek. "Bye, Max." I whispered into his ear before closing the door on my past.





You go on, and I'll be happier.

Comfortable

(Okay, so I'm writting more of the Anna and Max saga. I have a few stories planned for them. Maybe Sid and Jenny. Hope you enjoy it.)

He sat around the table flipping slowly through an old photo album. He stopped, smoothing out the page lovingly, he stared at the one picture staring out at him. It was her, in all her fun loving, crazy glory. She was making a face at the camera with his viking hat on, her hair in pig tails. He chuckled slightly before turning the page, knowing he would find pictures of the bonfire.

~flashback~

“Oogachuca Oogachuca!” She cried dancing around the fire with Jordan and Sid right behind her. Suddenly she stopped flinging her arms in the air. “Iiii-Iiii-aIiii'm hooked on a feeling!” She burst into a fit of giggles as Jordan, who was half cut, ran right into her. “Jesus, Jordan! I'm singing here!”

“Oopsh... Sooorry, Anna banana..” Jordan grinned hugging her tightly. She pulled out of the hug and turned towards her man, Max.

“Max, come dance.” She pouted, slowly walking towards him.

“To 'Hooked on a feeling'? No thanks.” He grinned at her, as her hips sashayed side to side.

“How about....” Her pout turned into a seductive smile as she continued forward. “'YOU MAKE ME FEEL like a natural woman'...” He chuckled and shook his head... Her smile grew as she was only steps away from him. “'My boyfriend's back and you're gonna be in trouble'...”

“Should someone be in trouble?” He asked as she closed the gap and straddled his lap.

“'Let's get physical.. physical'...” She whispered in his ear, grinning as she felt him tense. She instantly jumped up and pulled him with her, jumping and dancing around wildly. “OOOHHH!!! I wanna dance with somebody! I wanna feel the HEAT with somebody! Yah! I wanna dance with somebody! With somebody who loves me!” She laughed as he stopped her long enough to plant a passionate kiss on her lips.

~end~

His thoughts lingered as he remembered all the fun things they did together, how comfortable they were. But his heart tugged as he thought about the instance. Lexi. He sighed, he knew he messed up. But she wouldn't let him explain. Lexi... Lexi was just too much for him to turn down. Anna was beautiful, and kind, and crazy, and tonnes of fun. But Lexi... Lexi was wild, and passionate. And not at all like Anna. Besides, Lexi and him, it was just sex. Nothing more, and it was over. As soon as Anna had left, he ended it.

God he missed her. He missed everything about her. How she laughed, how she smiled. How even though he was completely into doing the wild and crazy, she could always one up him. How her mouth was worse than his. How she could light up the whole room with just one look, or how she could put you in your place. If you needed to be.

His cellphone rang suddenly and he slammed the book closed before answering. He already knew who it was.... Nichole.

“Hey Cole... What's up?” He answered, knowing it should probably be more intimate, but he just couldn't bring himself to it.

“Nothing... Just finished Bible Study. The girls and I are thinking of going camping this weekend, all of their boyfriends are coming, you should come too.” She squeaked through the phone.

“I don't know, Nichole, we leave for Montreal on Sunday night... I should probably get some ice time in that weekend.” It wasn't a lie... per sey... He should get ice time in... But really, he just didn't want to be around her all weekend. “You know, gotta get my shit together.”

“Max...” She sighed in an condescending tone. “You know how much I hate that.”

“Sorry, Cole..” He mumbled.

“That's ok. God forgives you, Maxime.” He could hear her smile over the phone. “Well, I've got to go... I'll call you later tonight ok?”

“Okay, bye Cole.”

“Bye, Max.” She blew a kiss into the phone and hung up. He sighed as he sunk his head into his hands.

“Was that Nic?” Jordan asked coming into the kitchen. Max was so wrapped up in his own shit he didn't even hear him come in. Max looked up at his friend and nodded. “Good choice, man. She's a good kid.” Max nodded absent minded as Jordan sat at the table and opened the photo album. “Is Nic coming to Montreal with us?”

“Nah, I think I need a couple days to just chill out. No girlfriend, no phone, just friends and hockey.” Jordan nodded slightly flipping pages slowly. He chuckled slightly falling on a picture of Anna playing street hockey with the boys.

“Can you believe that Anna beat all of us in that game?”

“Well she did have Flower... So that might have had something to do with it.” He laughed, pointing to the next picture of her celebrating her win. “She was so excited to win.”

“Max... You know you need to let her go.” Jordan coached, gently, causing Max to sigh deeply.

“I know man... It's just hard. I mean she knew me... Everything about me. She knew hockey too. I'd come home from a road trip and she'd have suggestions for the next game. Deke stick side on Brodeur, get into Rolosson's face. Take out Heatley early on. It's easy to miss that.” Jordan nodded as Max put his head in his hands. “Look, man, I'm taking Nichole out tonight. I've gotta get ready for the date, and I'll think about what you've said ok?”

“Okay, Max. Just don't hurt her ok. Nic's a good kid. And really, you two would be great together. She's good for you, Max. Really good.” Max nodded as he followed Jordan to the door letting him out. He turned slowly heading upstairs to get ready to see Nichole.


They sat across from each other at the table, right in the middle of the restaurant, that Nichole had requested. His shoulders hunched as everyone stared at them. Nichole, on the other hand, sat as tall as possible, smiling at the people are her right and left; as if to say, I caught him, don't you wish you did.

“Cole, think we could move tables... Maybe one in the back...” He asked gently as he signed another autograph. “I just want to have a quiet dinner with you.” He sighed as she pouted. “No, you're right, here's fine.”

The conversation that night was mainly led by Nichole, she went on about Bible Study, and what the church was doing, and really Max should go too. He just sat there nodding, not really listening. Constantly they were interrupted for pictures or autographs, Max would sigh gently before signing, but Nichole lapped up the attention. He knew he couldn't do this.

Finally she got up to use the washrooms and he sat there, trying to think of how to politely end the relationship. He looked up lost in his thoughts, and he saw her walking by the table. Anna...

“Anna?” He called out, causing her to stop, scared, in her tracks.

“Hey, Max...” She answered cautiously. He stood in front of her, noticing the little differences in her appearance. “You look good.” She smiled slightly, wistfully.

“You too. You cut your hair. It looks great.” He nodded as she shyly smoothed her hair with her hand. “I've missed you, Anna. I can't tell you how much.”

“Max...” She sighed. “I can't... Not now. Besides you have someone now.” She stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek gently. “It was nice to see you, Max. Bye...” Her smile saddened as she walked towards her table. She looked back to see him sink into his chair, defeated.

“Wow...” Vero sighed, as Anna took her own seat. “You survived your first run in.”

“Barely. I miss him, Vero, I really, really do.” She sighed as she watched his beautiful new girlfriend take her seat.

Crushed

She sat comfortably behind the glass, watching him powerfully glide across the ice, joking with the boys. She smiled softly, goofily, even let a giggle escape her lips as he sent Evengi tumbling head over heels at center ice. Not hard of course. She quickly covered her mouth as she heard herself.

“Wow...” Her best friend, since moving to Pittsburgh, Vero, laughed gently. “You've got it bad girl...”

“I can't have it bad, V. He's my best friend.... He's my Jordan. My Jay... My...” She sighed sadly. “I can't love him.”

“Can't and don't are two very different things, Katie. And it's possible. You and Jordan have been together for a very long time.” Katie shot her a very dirty look and she held up her hands in defense. “Friends, you two have been together AS FRIENDS, for a very long time. It's not surprising that there would be feelings there.” Katie sighed as her friend gave her shoulder a pat, standing to head down to the locker rooms, to claim her own significant other.

Katie lifted her gaze to the ice to find her eyes locked with his crystal blues. He blushed softly, having been caught and waved shyly. She smiled softly and waved back.

“You be having fun?” Her glance was torn from Jordan's to see Evengi standing at the hallway, where they could talk without glass blocking their conversation.

“Umm.. yah, Geno, I am having fun.” She smiled, finding herself endeared to his broken accent.

“You are belonging to Staalzy?” She laughed out right at the forwardness of his question.

“No... Jordan and I are just friends....” Her gaze moved magnetically to Jordan still standing at the other end of the ice, pretending to talk to Max and Sid, but really sending daggers at Evengi as the two stood uncomfortably conversing on the stands.

“I take you for eating?” She tore her eyes away from Jordan to look into Evengi's chocolate brown eyes.

“Oh, Geno, I'm sorry... I'm not really... I uh...” She shifted her gaze uncomfortably to her red Chucks and blushed in shame as he sighed sadly.

“Is okay. I am understanding.” He smiled sadly, bravely, before turning back towards the locker rooms.

“Geno, are we still friends?” She asked timidly, looking up at him through her eyelashes. His smile turned quickly to a bright, happy one.

“Yes. Friends.” She smiled leaning over and kissing his cheek.

“Thanks, Geno. That means the world to me.” She whispered before turning and heading out the the parking lot to wait for Jordan.

From the ice Jordan watched the whole interaction and decided he really didn't like the fact that Geno was hitting on his girl. Well... Not his girl per sey... But his. His best friend. She couldn't date Geno. She just couldn't. Watching her lean in and kiss his cheek almost sent him over there in a blind fury.

“Wow... Jordy.” Max called grabbing onto his arm. “What's the matter, big guy?”

“Kate's talking to Geno.” Sid responded nonchalantly.

“Shut up, man! She shouldn't be giving him the time of day.” Jordan steamed.

“Umm... Why not? Didn't she just dump that loser she was with?” Max innocently asked. Jordan's two friends watched as his eyes slowly went from Geno to Katie, walking out, to his skates. “Holy SHIT! You love her!”

“No I don't!” He adamantly spat. “I don't want a relationship. I'm 19 and in the NHL and could have any girl in the world. And I want to play. I want to be able to go out and pick up a chick whenever I want to.”

“And you don't think she loves you back.” Sid observed causing Jordan's gaze to snap up to his, glaring his stormed off the ice to clean up before heading out to his truck.

True to her word, Katie was there, leaning against the truck, looking... Well... To Jordan, pretty damned sexy. But that was just it. They were best friends. He couldn't screw that up by dating her. Plus, as sexy as she was, he knew it could never work. They weren't good that way together.

“Hey, dude.” She grinned scuffing the asphalt with her Chuck Taylors. “Good practice?” He shrugged before unlocking the door for her.

“Wasn't bad, I guess.” He climbed in behind the wheel and started the truck up. “What did Geno want?”

“Me, I guess... Whatever, it's not going to happen anyways. I'm head over heels for this guys who's going to rip my heart out and completely break me anyways.” She smiled sadly, staring out the windshield.

“Good.” Jordan stated firmly turning his own eyes back to the road. “Kate...”

“Yah, Jay?” She perked up, turning completely towards him, hopeful.

“Uhh... I'm glad you came out today.” He turned his head slightly to send her a small smile before turning back to the road.

The rest of the trip to her apartment was deadly silent except for the radio, playing what might as well have been her song. She softly sung along with the words.

Oh No it's bad
Got me feeling so weak when you're holding my hand
You smile I die
Cause I don't wanna feel what I'm feeling inside
It's to much, it's to late
I'm so into you

I'd be crushed
If you walked away
I'd be lost
I'd be drowning in gray
I'd be wounded beyond repair
If you weren't there
I'd be crushed

I swore
I would be in control of myself
What have you done with me
Your lips (your lips)
My skin (my skin)
I don't know where you end
And where I begin
I hate you
But I love you
So don't ever leave

I'd be crushed
If you walked awayI'd be lost
I'd be drowning in gray
I'd be wounded beyond repair
If you weren't there
I'd be crushed

You got me falling
And I never wanted to feel like I do
I'm so into you

Oh No
It's bad

CRUSHED!

If you walked awayI'd be lost
I'd be drowning in gray
I'd be wounded beyond repair
If you weren't there

CRUSHED!

I'd be lost
I'd be drowning in gray
I'd be wounded beyond repair
If you weren't there!

Yeeaaahhh
I'd be crushed
Oh No Oh No
(performed by Lesley Roy)

As he pulled up in front of her building he turned slightly towards her. “Don't let that creep hurt you, Kate Kat. You deserve so much more than to be hurt again.” Katie turned to him, her eyes full of tears and a sad smile on her face.

“Sometime you can't help who you love, Jay.” She whispered before climbing out of his truck and slowly walking into her building.

River Flows In You

Okay this one is not the usual story... haha you'll see... Enjoy :D

~~~~~~

He sat back and watched as her mother fluffed the white lace that surrounded her head, just one more time.

“Are you completely ready now, Princess?” He smiled as she slowly turned to look at him, the few pieces of wavy, golden blond hair, that had escaped from the entrapment of bobby pins and torture, lay softly around her face, beneath the lace, extenuating the green in her eyes and the red in her cheeks and lips.

“I think so, Daddy,” She whispered, as her mum wiped a tear from her eyes.

“Okay...” Her mum's voice broke as she smoothed the lace that she just fluffed, just one more time. “Brooke, here's Nana's handkerchief, something old.” She sniffled this time, lying the small piece of white satin and lace in her daughter's, her only child, hand.

“And, mum and I got you these earrings.” He murmured handing his Princess a blue velvet box.

“Daddy, sapphires? I love them!” She cried, hugging him gently as not to smudge her make up.

“New and blue.” Her mum smiled softly, holding up one last box. “Now, baby, I want this back, but it fits in well with the borrowed part of today.” She opened the box gently to see a beautiful diamond tennis bracelet.

“Oh, Mum, it's gorgeous! Thank you.” She gushed as she quickly put in the earrings and her mum fastened the bracelet around her wrist.

“Brooke,” A new face peeked in the door. “We're ready for you.” She nodded as all of her friends waved from behind her. She laughed and shooed them away as she turned to pick up her bouquet.

“See you in a few, Mum.” She kissed her mum's cheek and wiped a tear from her mum's cheek, her mum sighed and quietly left, trying desperately to keep her tears at bay. As the woman and all of her friends left he turned her gently to face him.

“Ok, are you truly ready, Princess?” He asked her, his own green eyes full of pride, and a touch of sadness. “You don't have to, if you're not ready.”

“Daddy,” She sighed, her smile growing. “Take me to Max. I'm ready, I want to marry him. I want to be Brooke Talbot.” She stood up on her tip toes and kissed his weathered cheek. “Besides you love Max.”

“Yah, but I'm scared of loosing you, Princess...”

“Not loosing me, Daddy, gaining Max.” She smiled as he took her arm in his and lead him into the hall.

They stood together in front of the large oak doors as the girls, her bridesmaids, walked down the hall before her. He squeezed her hand gently, causing her to glance up at him and smile. She took a deep breath as the large oak doors opened in front of them.

Beautiful, light and airy, piano music filled the church as they took their first steps down the aisle. Her dad spent most of the time looking down at his daughter, but Brooke? Her eyes were glued on Max as they stopped mere feet from him. The priest smiled down at the couple who didn't have any want with anyone else right now. The world was theirs and theirs alone.
“Who gives this bride to be wed?” His voice caused the couple's gaze to separate momentarily as she looked expectantly at her dad.

“Her mother and I,” he croaked before kissing her cheek gently and pulling Max in for a hug. “Be good to her, Max.” He whispered before letting the boy go. Placing Brooke's hand in his, he turned slightly and sat next to his own wife, wrapping an arm around her shoulder to consul her as she cried happy tears silently. Max and Brooke took three steps to find themselves in front of the priest, who nodded and Brooke handed her bouquet off to Emily, her maid of honour before turning back to face Max.

“Love is a miraculous thing, and we're joined here together today to witness a pledge of that love between Maxime and Brooke. Love is something not to be taken too lightly. It's a power that gets you through the bad, and helps you enjoy the good. Love is the entity you wait home for every night. Cheer loudly for when they do well at something. And it forgives after you've messed up.” The congregation laughed softly as Max blushed, causing Brooke's hand to raise from his up to his red cheek. “Today it is Maxime, and Brooke who take the next step in their relationship, and believe me it's been a rocky flight here. But it's that Love, that binding power that kept them together, that will keep them together even longer. The couple has been ambitious and wrote their own vows.” The priest announced motioning to Max to start.

“Brooke, I have finally discovered the meaning of real love. For as long as I live I will love, respect and honour you. I will be committed to self-growth and to the growth of our relationship. I promise to be honest and to communicate my needs and feelings, just as I promise to listen to your. I will be faithful to you in mind, body and spirit. I will be your friend and life partner no matter what life brings us. Today I pledge my commitment to you.” He smiled and took his own free hand to wipe the single tear to escape onto her cheek. The congregation sighed in awe as the priest motioned Brooke to proceed. She cleared her throat and unfolded a small piece of paper she was holding.

“Max, I love you. You're my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.” She pausing her voice catching with emotion. “I promise to love you in good time and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give you today, and all the days of our life.”

“The rings please.” Emily and Marc, the best man, stepped forward and handed the rings to the appropriate people. “Max, take Brooke's left hand,” he grinned stupidly and grabbed her right hand. Brooke laughed, and switched hands for him, causing the congregation to laugh with them. “And repeat after me. Brooke, with free and-”

“Brooke, with free and-” Max gazed into her eyes holding the ring over her left ring finger.

“Unconstrained soul, I give you all I am and all I am to become. Take this ring, and with it my promise of faith, patience, and love, for the rest of my life.” Max repeated the rest of the vow before sliding the ring on her finger. He then turned to Brooke. “Brooke, take Max's left hand and repeat after me. Max, with free and unconstrained soul,” Brooke took Max's left hand and held his ring over his ring finger.

“Max, with free and unconstrained soul,”

“I give you all I am and all I am to become. Take this ring, and with it my promise of faith, patience, and love, for the rest of my life.” She repeated after him before sliding the ring onto his finger, fighting with it slightly over his knuckle. “By the power vested in me by God and the State of Pennsylvania I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.” The crowd cheered and jeered as Max wiggled his eyebrows at Brooke before dipping her gently and pulling her into a passionate kiss. The cheering turned to laughter as she squealed at being dipped to low and he slowly pulled her up right. She sighed loudly and accepted her bouquet back from Emily before facing the crowd. “It is my pleasure to introduce to you for the first time, Mr and Mrs Maxime Talbot.” The crowd cheered wildly as the couple walked slowly down the aisle, getting about halfway before looking at each other, grinning wildly and running the rest of the way out of the church.

Once in the lobby, Max pinned Brooke against a wall, kissing her neck and jaw.

“We did it, Max,” She sighed, pushing him gently away from her. “We're married.”

“Yup,” he grinned kissing her lightly, first on the nose and then the mouth. “We officially got our happily ever after.”

Liar Liar

He watched her out of the corner of his eyes as he sat on the cushioned bench in the club, his arm wrapped around the shoulder of the gorgeous red head sitting next to him. She tossed her brunette curls and took a deep breath as she started up the steps to the benches.

“Hey guys,” She smiled catching his eyes for a millisecond before moving on to those of his friends. She bit the corner of her lip gently, a trick he knew she did when she was nervous.

“Hey, Jenny! What's up?” His best friend, Colby, she thought, spoke up, enveloping her in a hug. She caught the glare his girlfriend sent her as she awkwardly hugged him back.

“Umm, I just wanted to bring you guys some tickets.” She fanned out the five pairs of tickets in her hand. One for each person sitting on the bench. “My show's tomorrow, at the Velvet Lounge. Should be good... I think.”

“Your music's great, Jen.” Another guy piped up, making her smile softly. “We'll be there. Right, V?”

“Sure... Wouldn't miss it.” V scowled at her, they all knew. Everyone but her.... Jenny's eyes slowly crossed everyone's. They boys nodded their agreement to come to the show, the girls scowled. She came to the last couple. The beautiful red head nodded enthusiastically.

“Sounds like fun. Sid's always blaring your music through out the house. You're pretty good.” She smiled sincerely as she placed her hand on his chest. He smiled up at Jenny sheepishly as if to say 'What do you want me to do? She's my girlfriend!'

“Thanks. It's nice to meet the people who enjoy my music.” She smiled half-heartedly. “I've gotta get going. The guys and I need to scope the space again. You know....” She sighed and ducked out of the room and back down the steps. She got halfway to the door before she heard her name being yelled.

“Jenny! Jen!” She turned to see him running towards her. “Jennifer....” He breathed her name as he reached her and pulled her into a dark corner before capturing her sweet lips with his. She finally pulled away placing her hand on his chest, over his heart.

“Stop, Sidney. She's mere feet away. Just stop. I'll see you tomorrow.” She smiled sadly as she ran out of the club, tears streaming down her face.

She ran the whole way to the Velvet Lounge where her band was waiting.

“Jenny, baby?” Garrett, her drummer, questioned as she stopped in front of him wiping her tears. “What's wrong, sweetheart?”

“Did he hurt you?” Brad, guitar, demanded, looking menacingly down the street, waiting for him to come running after her.

“No, I'm fine. Just stupid...” She sighed looking up at her guys. “Come on, guys, we have to get ready.”


The next night she stood to the side of the stage pacing nervously. This definitely wasn't her first show, but this one held a lot of importance to her. It was the second time he'd ever been to a show. First since they got together. First since she fell in love with him. She sighed deeply as she heard the MC start talking.

“Now folks, here she is... The new queen of Alternative rock! Jenny Steele!” The crowd went wild as she headed up on stage. Once up there she scanned the crowd and found them, all of them, sitting front and center. She smiled nervously stepping up to the mic.

“Hi guys, it's nice to see everyone here. It's great to know that someone out there likes what we're doing.” Her smile grew as people laughed and cheered. “So I hope you enjoy it, here we go!”

The set was awesome, people were into it, we were into it. But something felt off. The beautiful red head enjoyed her time. And Jenny already knew he'd enjoy it, he always did. The guys grooved along with the music, but the girlfriends sat stoically. Well they weren't her problem. Finally it came time for the last song, she turned and sat at the piano in the middle of the stage, adjusting the microphone.

“Normally, I'd go out the same way I came in, hard and fast, but tonight is different. See I've got this song, I have to get off my chest. It's about someone.” She stopped briefly and looked him right in the eyes. “Someone who made me fall, and hard, before I knew they weren't available. Here it is... Brand new, and just for you... Liar, Liar

“You said I was your everything,
You said I was the one,
You played me like a radio,
You use to love that I had no shame.

Pour my pain into words,
Hold my hand to the flame.

Tell me you love me like a star
Tell me you want me where ever you are,
Tell me you breathe me until your last breath.
Liar, Liar, oh, Liar, Liar.

Bit by bit I feel the draft,
Just sit back and watch it burn,
Hold your eyes upto my veins,
Call out, call my name

Tell me you love me like a star,
Tell me you want me where ever you are,
Tell me you breathe me until your last breath.
Liar, Liar, Oh, Liar, Liar,

Liar, Liar, Oh, Liar, Liar

Tell me you love me like a star,
Tell me you want me where ever you are,
Tell me you breathe me until your last breath.
Liar, Liar, Oh

Tell me you love me like a star,
Tell me you want me where ever you are,
Tell me you breathe me until your last breath.
Liar, Liar, Oh Liar, Liar.”
(performed by Alexz Johnson)

She sighed as the last line spilled out of her mouth. She looked up, her eyes quickly falling on his. He knew it was for him, eyes never lie. She quickly stood, causing the bench to scrap on the stage, so wrapped in her own emotions she couldn't hear the crowd cheering wildly for her.

Holding her breath to hold in the tears, she ran of the stage. Leaving the guys to finish up.

Finally in the small room backstage, she let her emotions and tears fall out of her like rain. She could feel someone enter the room, not looking up she addressed her band mates.

“Just go away guys... I need time...” A tear dripped morosely off of her chin.

“I can't stand to see you cry, Jen.” She jumped slightly, being caught off guard by his presence.

“Go away, Sid. Your girlfriend will be worried.” She sighed turning away from him. Shutting him out, or trying to. He stepped forward and turned her slowly by the shoulders.

“I don't care.” He whispered bringing his plush lips dangerously close to her own. “I don't love her. I love you. You're the only one who gets me. It's like I can't breathe with out you.”

“Then break up with her.” She whispered, almost giving into him. He sighed deeply pulling back slightly. “That's what I thought.” Her voice broke with her heart as she stepped back from him. “Liar, Liar....” She sighed and stepped around him, out of the club and into the rain.

Skin

She sat in a room, the darkness seemed to emanate from her own pain and sadness. Pictures scattered the floor like rain that fell on the pavement beyond her window. Her head hit her knees as the phone rang again and again. Silently she sobbed as the answering machine picked up again.

“Anna, please, baby, answer the phone. I know you're there. Anna, I'm sorry, I can fix it. I can. But, baby you have to let me. Please, Anna. I love you.” The voice on the answering machine crackled as it sighed and she could hear the click as the phone disconnected.

Her head raised as she glanced at the light on the machine blinked obstinately. Teasing her. Taunting her. Reminding her of all the good times that they had, they used to out weighed the bad, didn't they?

~fashback~

“C'mon, Max! Hurry up, the ferry's going to leave with out us.” She called back to her love, the man who made her world spin on it's axis, as she ran towards the dock.

“Anna,” Max ran behind her laughing, “Anna, slow down! We have plenty of time.” She squealed as he finally caught up to her and trapped her against a brick wall. “Besides, I'm a superstar. They'll wait.” He whispered against her lips before tasting them in a passionate kiss.

“Max, we have to go...” She groaned against him, not fighting, but giving into his touch. Sighing she brought her hands up to his face, pulling him closer to him. “You're incorrigible.” They laughed together as they slowly parted.

“We have to catch our ferry,” He grinned and ran, pulling her, towards the dock.

~end~

She picked up the closest picture to her. The two of them, happy together on the ferry. An older couple took their picture before advising them to make sure they treasured their love. She scoffed as the phone rang for the millionth time that day.

“Anna, it's Marc.” The voice sighed sadly. “Anna, we know you're hurt and we hope you know that we're here for you.”

“Marc, tell her we love her,” a female voice crackled through the background, causing Anna to smile at her friends.

“I am, V, just relax.” Marc whispered back to her. “Anna, look, Max isn't here, and he's not coming here. At least not if you are. We'll keep him away, but girl, you shouldn't be alone like this. All holed up in your house. Anna, it's not healthy. V's coming to get you.” The phone clicked so the answering machine picked up the dial tone before shutting off. She sighed as the room fell back into silence. She knew that she only had minutes before her friend would be there to drag her out of obscurity and solitude and into questions, and what they believed to be comfort.

It's not that she didn't love her friends, but they were his friends too. And although everyone involved knew it was his fault, she felt guilty taking them away from him. They were, after all, his friends first. What right did she have to them?

Lost in her thoughts she jumped at the insistent ringing of the phone and the quick message that followed.

“Hey it's Anna and Max, we can't come to the phone-”

“Because we're having sex!”

“MAX! I'm trying to leave a-beep.”

“Anna,” he breathed into the machine. “Please pick up, baby. I just want to talk. Anna, please....” His voice burned through the air causing the tears in her eyes to fall down her pale cheeks. “Anna... I love you... I know I screwed up, but I just... I can't live without you, baby...” She could hear a scuffle on the line and a new voice flooded the room.

“Max, you've got to leave her alone, man. Give her time... space... and accept the fact that she doesn't want to see you right now.” The new voice coached him. “I'm sorry, Anna. I'm taking the phone from him now. He shouldn't call again.”

She sighed and rested her head against the wall behind her, memories rushing back to her.

~flashback~

Music pumped through the speakers as she sat up in the VIP room sipping her water, taking a break from dancing. She smiled as she caught a glimpse of Max, her Max, heading towards the room with drinks. Her smile began to fade as last minute his direction changed and he headed towards the dance floor. What was he doing?

“Marc?” She asked his best friend sitting next to her. “What's going on?” Her eyes never left Max as he swiftly danced his way to a beautiful woman with jet black hair. He glanced around quickly before handing the woman a drink and kissing her fiercely.

“Oh shit!” Marc exclaimed after following her gaze. “Anna, it's not what it looks like.” She tried to believe him as Max wrapped his free arm around the woman pulling her closer to him.

“No, Marc, I think it's exactly what it looks like.” She sighed defeated tearing her gaze from the pair and towards Marc who looked very guilty. “How long, Marc?”

“How long for what?” He asked sheepishly.

“He knows her, Marc. I know Max, and he knows her. How long has this been going on?” She looked back briefly to find the pair walking, with their arms wound around each other, towards the bathrooms. She shook her head and turned back to Marc.

“About two years, Anna. I'm sorry, he made me promise I wouldn't tell you.” He cried as she stood up broken.

“I don't blame you. You're not the one cheating.” She sighed heavily her heart lying broken on the table. “I'm done.” She looked towards the bathroom that the couple disappeared into and walked out of the club.

~end~

She picked up a blank piece of paper and wrote the words burning into her skull, before picking up the bag sitting next to her and walking out of the house into the dark and the rain.

Five minutes later, V opened the door to the house calling her name.

“Anna? Come on, let's get out of here. We'll make some tea and just sit around for a few hours, watching movies.” She walked over to the table and found a piece of paper, picking it up she read it.

I drift away to a place
Another kind of life
Take away the pain
I create my paradise

Everything I've held
Has hit the wall
What used to be yours
Isn't yours at all

Falling apart, and all that I'm asking
Is it a crime, am I overreacting

Oh, he's under my skin
Just give me something to get rid of him
I've got a reason now to bury this alive
Another little white lie

So what you had didn't fit
Among the pretty things
Never fear, never fear
I now know where you've been

Braids have been un-tied
As ribbons fall away
Leave the consequence
But my tears you'll taste

Falling apart and all that I question
Is this a dream or is this my lesson

Oh, he's under my skin
Just give me something to get rid of him
I've got a reason now to bury this alive
Another little white lie

I don't believe I'll be alright
I don't believe I'll be OK
I don't believe how you've thrown me away
I do believe you didn't try
I do blame you for every lie
When I look in your eyes, I don't see mine

Oh, he's under my skin
Just give me something to get rid of him
I've got a reason now to bury this live
Another little white lie

Oh my permission to sin
You might have started my reckoning
I've got a reason now to bury him alive
Another little white lie

(performed by Alexz Johnson)

V sighed deeply before flipping open her phone and calling her boyfriend. “Marc, she's gone. Call Max. It's over... It's so over...” She closed the phone and walked out of the house with the poem and a heavy heart for both of her friends.

intro

Hey guys, so this is going to be a whole bunch of short storys. All to music, so the key is to find the song on the playlist that is the title of the story and that's the inspiration, and feel of the song.

Some stories will tie into others, most won't. I don't think.

Happy reading.

Comments are always appreciated. If enough people like a short, I may turn it into a longer story :D