Salty Licorice

Chapter 45

Avery's POV

Besides the overwhelming pressures of first semester finals weighing on me I also have this constant nervousness as I wait for word from the schools from the scouts, or at least one of them in particular I have my eyes on more than the rest. It's got an Architecture program I think I'd like to get into as well as their team is very good in their division and would make it a great start into possibly making it as a professional volleyball player. But if that falls through I'd really want that degree in Architecture, I like the idea of taking something and making something appear that wasn't there before. Engineering is also a high choice. But none of that can be achieved if I'm stuck going to the school my parents have set up for me, in their education major. I don't even like teaching, I hate it actually, let alone want to do it as a career. I have nothing against people who wish to teach, it takes a special person to want to do that.

I just don't know how I will tell my parents, if I get accepted. Will they get angry with me that I went behind their backs or be proud I managed to get a scholarship. I just can't predict their response, no matter how many times I play out that conversation in my head. I've had a few nightmares as well, all with my father and his rage beating me till I can't move or speak. I haven't been getting a lot of sleep because of it. Marisa even noticed, she's been buying me a red bull every morning even if I shouldn't be drinking it. It's been harder to keep my eyes open during the day.

Which has landed me here with my head on the desk in the lunch room trying to get a few minutes of shut eye before art. I hear Emily talking about Christmas and getting gifts for everyone, I already got Marisa a gift as well as I have an idea for Liz. I just have to go buy it. Marisa said she has Lizzie's gift, she just has to wrap it. I feel their conversation disappear in a murmur as I lose hold on reality and fade into dreamland happily.

---

I see Lizzie standing there holding my hand with a wide smile on her face. I have a matching smile on my own mouth. I squeeze her hand tighter to make sure she's really there. I turn to meet her face and cup her cheek gently running my thumb over her soft cheek feeling her lean into my touch. I lean down and kiss her waiting lips gently, her free hand drapes around my neck lazily as she kisses me back with a smile breaking our kiss.

I hear my name being called from behind me and turn to see my parents and brother standing there with disappointed faces. Still with Lizzie in my arms I pull her closer to me.

"You're choosing lust over family," My father barks in anger.

"How could you betray us, for a girl," My mother weeps.

"I thought we were your family, you think she will always love you?" My brother snides.

"Look at you, no one could love something as pathetic as you," My father growls at me.

I step back away from them still holding Lizzie to my chest, only when I look down at her she's crying.

"Lizzie," I softly say, tucking some hair behind her little elf-like ear. "What's wrong?"

"Don't leave me," She cries into my shirt as I hold her tighter.

"No one can take me from you," I say with a firm voice.

"Don't lie to the poor girl," My brother says, catching my attention.

The three of them are closer now only a foot away from us. "You're tainting that girl, she was pure before you destroyed her with your own disgusting sin, and for what because you desire her flesh for your own? You're one with Satan now, unsavable," My father spits in rage. "Destined for hell."

"We will save you from yourself," My mother sobs.

I watch as my brother and father walk up and grab Lizzie and pull us apart. I fight in the hold of my brother as my father drags Lizzie away from me. I scream and reach for her but he just takes her way from me. I hear Lizzie's cries as she disappears from my sight. I fight my brother but he just holds me in place as my father returns. When he's close enough he grabs my face with his firm grip keeping my eyes on his before he back hands me. I realize i'm back in my room 3 years ago, when they walked in on me and my friend, only this time my father was standing over me with death in his eyes and a belt in hand. That day was the first time he ever hit me, it was only a slap but this time was different. He swings and the buckle meets my forearm as I try to protect myself. I hear the countless words get repeated around me like little haunting whispers.

"Say it," He repeats over and over again.

"I've fallen prey to lustful acts towards a woman as a woman," I whimper in a childlike way as I stay in the corner of my room with him looming over me.

"Again!"

"I've fallen prey to lustful acts towards a woman as a woman," I say with more force.

"Again," He whispered harshly into my ear.

"I've fallen prey to lustful acts towards a woman as a woman," I snap, jumping into a sitting position.

Marisa and Emily are staring at me, catching their attention from my sudden movements. It was all a dream, just a screwed up dream. I take a breath, rubbing my side subconsciously as it aches slightly. Marisa gives me a confused look as I rub the back of my neck.

"What was that you just said?" Emily asks me confused.

"Nothing." I rub the sleep from my eyes.

"That something they make you repeat when they, well you know?" Marisa asks, gesturing to my side that is still giving a slight throb.

"Something like that," I sigh. "It was just a bad dream."

"Didn't sound like it at first," Emily snides, examining her nails.

"You were muttering Liz's name," Marisa whispers to me in explanation. "She's a bit testy on the subject."

"You just think you're winning," Emily rolls her eyes.

"Winning?" I ask, tilting my head confused.

"The bet?" She reminds us.

"Oh, I knew I was forgetting to do something," I mutter to myself. "We ended the game a while ago, forgot to tell you."

"Then why are you still playing around with that little girl?" She drawled out confused herself now.

"Well," I look at Marisa.

"We agreed to end the game because we realized we had real feelings for her, and playing a game about her didn't seem right. So we agreed that we were out of the game all together," Marisa effortlessly explained.

"Avery?" Emily locked eyes with me.

"What?" I tilt my head still confused. "Marisa's right, she's not a game, I actually really like her." And might actually be falling for her.

The bell rings and we all get up and head for art. Lizzie is already in her seat when we walk in. I sit down and pull her chair into me and put my chin on her shoulder, with a slight pout.

"Yes maus?" She asks.

"What's that mean?" I ask her glancing at her notebook she's got out with math problems written on it. I also see her name, or an alternate version of her name, but with my last name instead. "Elizabeth Mia Sullivan?" I read aloud.

Lizzie shuts her notebook quickly, shrugging me off her but all I do is snake my arms around her waist and pull her back into me. I kiss her cheek and catch a blush on her cheeks.

"It's cute," I tease.

"Any Elizabeth Mia Garcias in that notebook?" Marisa snides still with her eyes on her book.

"You both suck," She grumbles slumping in my arms trying to cross her arms with a pout.

"We'll exchange our christmas gifts next friday since it's the last day before break," Marisa says plainly, in her black christmas hat, she wears all season long without fail.

"Were exchanging gifts?" Lizzie asks, still wrapped up in me and I'm not moving.

"Yes kitten, you don't have to get anything for anyone, we just do this every year," I explained with my chin on her shoulder.

"But I'll feel bad otherwise," She claims. "Besides, I already got you something," She whispers to me. I feel a grin escape onto my lips. "And Marisa, but will Emily feel bad if I don't get her something?" She whispers to me.

"Nah, but I never know what she would do anymore," I pout realizing that our friendship feels strange as of recently and it makes me a little sad to think I might be losing a friend of so many years. But I shake it off as I feel Lizzie lean into me more, I smile and rest my head on her shoulder. I might just try to sleep again, hopefully she will keep the nightmares from my dreams this time and I can get a few minutes of actual sleep.