Duet: an Avi Kaplan fanfic

Shit storm at home

The week that Livvie and I spent with PTX went by fast. Every night after the show, Avi and  I would head back to the hotel while some small group went out. I’d always have the same dream, but I’d wake up muttering a different name each time. It was Alex and Andrew and Alysa and Adam and then Anthony again. Every morning I’d get sick, but I’d be okay.

When Saturday night arrives and Livvie and I get home, Mel is waiting. “How was it?” she asks, excitedly the second we walk through the door. Then adding, “I think I saw you two on this week’s PTXperience.”

“I thought they agreed to keep us out of it,” Livvie mutters.

“Why? Don’t want people to know that you two are dating two of the kings of a capella?”

Livvie hisses, literally hisses, and walks away.

“What’d I miss?”

“Two big things. Do you want mine, or hers first?” I ask, sitting down on our couch.

“Yours, I guess.”

I take a deep breath, “I’m pregnant. Mel, you’re going to be an aunt.”

She lets out a piercing squeal. “Oh my god, Arya! That’s so exciting!”

“Yeah,” I chuckle, “but when Avi and I told PTX about it, Scott made some really rude comments and basically, he and Livvie are no longer together. There was a screaming match and now everyone knows about Jackie. Oh, and same day, I find out that Mitch made out with Sean. So, yeah, interesting day.”

 

Life went on while everyone was away. I told the other teachers about the baby. Avi kept saying how much he wanted to be here with me. Livvie refused to mention Scott.

But everything exploded when they got home. The first night, Avi and I called his parents and my family to tell them about the baby. There was excitement and annoyance and let’s face it, some disappointment.

The worst thing that happened was whenever Livvie and Scott were in the same room together. She loks right through him. Doesn’t acknowledge when he talks to her or that he’s even there. The worst of it was one day when we were cleaning.

There’s a knock on the door and Livvie goes to get it. I figure if it’s anyone important, like someone selling girl scout cookies, she’ll come get me. I hear the door close and brush it off. But soon, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Scotty: Hey, can you let me in? Your sister just closed the door in my face :(

Me: Sure, one sec

I opened the door to see him there, his hair ruffled like he’s been nervously running his hands through it. We walk into the clean living room and I wait until he’s settled to ask, “What’s up? Did you need something?”

Scott takes a deep breath. “I really need to talk to your sister. I need to explain some things. Like, how, when I panic, I let the things that I heard growing up take over my brain. I know that I’ve said horrible things because of it and what I said to you and Livvie is no exception.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Well, where I grew up, a lot of people were super Christian. They stuck by the wait until you’re married thing, among other things. And some of that seeped into my brain and that’s the stuff that takes over when I’m freaking out. Like, when Mitch came out to me, I called him some offensive names and told him he’d go to hell. I don’t believe that, but it’s what I said. Same idea with a few weeks ago on the bus.”

“Okay, well, if Livvie ever decides to listen to you, then, once you explain that to her, things will probably get better. But, Livvie is super stubborn and if she doesn’t want to do something, she won’t. You gotta be patient,” I tell him. But the sadness in his eyes is still palpable and I hug him.

Of course this is when Livvie trapses into the room. “Umm, Arya, I need to ask you something,” she says. Her face clearly says that it’s go time. This is when she’s ready to throw down and be a bitch.

“Yes?”

“ I just spent an hour cleaning this room. Why is there shit on the couch?”

Scott winces and I shoot him a look ot say, let me fight her down, then you can explain. “I have no idea what you’re talking about, Liv.”

“How could you not? I mean, there’s just a massive piece of shit, right next to you,” Livvie spits. In my head I can’t help but hear a Willam Belli voice say “Read, bitch”. But now is not the time.

“Olivia Christine Jennings,” I begin, Scott and Livvie both inhale sharply. She knows she’s in for it now. “Quit your bullshit. I know that you’re pissed, I know he said some stuff he shouldn’t have. I know. But Scott is a fucking human being. Treat him like one. I am sick and tired of you and your self-righteous attitude and your juvenile games. You’re not in second grade anymore. Stop playing pretend whenever you get mad. Act like an adult. Because your stupidity is making life really difficult for all of us and you are killing Scott. Got it? Good.”

The room is silent for a few moments. The three of us just letting the words sink in. Then, Livvie explodes. “Who do you think you are to be telling me to grow up? You’re not Mom. And in case you forgot, that asshole called us whores. Both of us, Arya. He crossed a line and he doesn’t get to go on like things are okay.”

Scott finally got to his feet and fought back for himself, “Livvie, I’m sorry. Okay? I didn’t mean what I said and I never called you a whore. I'd never say that. I know I said shit that I really wish I could take back, but I can't. I fucked up and I know that. But for god's sake, I love you, Liv."

        "I don't believe you." The words are cold and I just about slap her.

        "I swear. I love you, Livvie. I hate that I said that stuff back on the bus and I hate that you're mad at me. I miss you and I just want to try again. If you don't want to be with me anymore after that, fine. But I need you to talk to me again. I need you to treat me like you'd treat anyone else. I need you back, Livvie. I'm sorry."

              "We'll see, Scott. Okay?" Livvie sighs. Things will be okay. Thank god.