Adult-FanFiction.org : Celebrity

Someone Like You	By : stranger88 Category: Celebrities - Misc > Crossovers Views: 1940 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not own the members of the band PVRIS/Paramore, I do not know them, and I do not profit from these writings.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
Chapter 13: Final Decisions and Deep Conversations

"It's fine." Andy said putting her fork down on the table.
"You said that about the last three cakes." Susan said with a shake of her head.
"I'm not really into sweets. I just don't want anything too rich. Don't want the icing to be overpowering like my birthday cakes were mom."
"Oh! You used to love those! You always saved the icing for last. To this day you still save the icing for last."
"It's the best part."
"Babe, this is one decision I haven't been able to make on my own. These are our choices. Which one do you like?" Lynn asked putting a hand on her knee.
"Want the truth?"
Lynn, Cathy, and Susan nodded. Andy sighed and looked at all three of them.
"Fine, I don't like any of them. I would rather have a nice not too overpowering red velvet cake. Or go simple and just do cupcakes of different flavors so people can pick and choose. Something subtle that won't overload the taste buds. But also not too bland either. Or an inside out red velvet cake. You know, white on the inside and have red frosting instead." She said and the three women looked at her with slightly wide eyes.
"I would have never thought of that. I like the idea of the inside out cake. It's something different and the red will go with your colors." Susan said with a smile.
"What about you Lynn?"
She was just about to answer when Andy's phone started to ring, "Excuse me I gotta take this. Get whatever you want. I'll be outside." She gave Lynn a kiss on her cheek as she got up and went outside to answer her phone.
"Hey dad, good timing I don't think I could eat anymore cake."
He chuckled, "Where are you? Tim and I will come pick you up. We gotta get the groomsmen a gift."
"That's a thing?"
"Yup, your mom and Cathy are gonna take Lynn to get the bridesmaids a gift. Then, we're gonna meet up for dinner."
"How soon can you get here? I'm at that bakery in the shopping center across my favorite movie theatre. By your house."
"Know it well. Your mom goes there every Sunday. We'll be there in ten."
"See ya soon." She smiled and hung up. She went back inside and saw the three talking to the baker. When she joined them they all smiled at her.
"What did you decide?" She asked with a smile.
"Your idea was brilliant. Alice said she would be able to do it and have it delivered to the reception." Lynn said with a smile kissing her cheek and taking her in hers.
"Wow! That's awesome. Oh, by the way Jennie is gonna do my hair color the night before and cut it first thing in the morning. She wanted to know if you wanted her to do your hair as well." Andy asked.
"Oh! Can she do my color same night as yours? I've been meaning to get a touch up. Plus, you do need a haircut." Lynn said running her hands through Andy's hair.
"When was the last time you got it cut? I'm sure your sideburns are bothering you." Lynn said looking at Andy's hair more closely.
"Ummm I think four months ago. I had to call Jennie so she could explain the color treatment to the person I went to see. Kept the color, botched the haircut. So I called Jennie and asked what I had to get to keep the color so I didn't have to go to a salon." Andy explained.
"Explains why you're silver is still holding." Lynn said with a smile.
"By the way our dads are on their way to pick me up to get gifts for the groomsmen. I guess our moms are going to be taking you to get gifts for the bridesmaids."
"Wait, that's a thing?"
"That's what I said! I didn't know it was a thing."
"Shit! I have no idea what to get the girls!"
"I think I might know what to get the guys."
"Are you two okay?" Cathy asked coming up to them.
"Yeah, mom, just found out dad and Kevin are coming to pick up Andrea to get gifts for the groomsmen." Lynn said with a sigh.
"Right on time. Because we are going to go and pick out gifts for the bridesmaids." Susan said, "Oh, looks like they're here."
Andy turned around and saw her dad's blue Rave 4 pull up. She smiled and gave them a wave, "Guess, I'll leave you three to it." She said. She gave her mom and Cathy a hug before giving Lynn a soft kiss on her lips, "I love you. Have fun. Also," she leaned in a little closer to her, "Just in case." She slipped something into Lynn's jacket pocket and softly kissed her cheek.
"I'll see you soon. I love you." She whispered.
"I love you. See you in a bit." Lynn whispered back. They kissed one more time and Andy walked out of the bakery shop. Lynn watched her go and Andy didn't look back. She got into her dad's car and they drove off.
"Why doesn't she look back?" Lynn asked as Susan came up to her and hooked her through hers.
"Come on let's take a walk and I'll explain." She said with a smile. The three women walked out of the bakery and started to walk down the strip. After passing a few stores, Susan cleared her throat and began to tell Lynn why Andy never turns around.
"My daughter has been through a lot in her life. She's lost a lot of close friends, and family members. She doesn't look back anymore because she's afraid it will be the last time she sees her friends. When she was fourteen she lost three friends within two weeks of each other. February twenty second through March seventh is a hard time for her."
"That explains our tour before last. She was really closed off." Lynn piped in.
Susan nodded, "Christmas is even harder. She never shows it, but it is. Her best friend, before Ethan, passed away. That's a story she has to tell you. It was so tragic. She was nineteen when it happened. She got a phone call at a party and she just lost it. Kevin and I had to come and get her. She barely left her room for a whole month. She barely ate, wouldn't join us for anything. She seems fine now. But when she gets a chance to be alone, that's when she let's it out. I caught her one night outside on the deck just talking. I just listened. I knew who she was talking to. I didn't want to interrupt. She was outside for hours."
They followed Cathy into a store and began to look around. Susan continued her story, "When she came back in Kevin had a glass of Jack and Coke with a little bit of cherry waiting for her. They didn't talk. He just sat with her and they sip on their drinks in silence. So don't be hurt when she doesn't look back. It's just her way of not wanting to say good bye."
"I knew she's been through a lot, but I didn't know the extent of it." Lynn said.
"You both have been through a lot in your lives. You have the rest of your lives to find out secrets. But also don't forget to have some time to yourselves. Remember how every Friday I used to come home late?" Cathy asked as they looked around the store.
"Yeah, I asked dad why. He would just smile and say you were out with your friends." Lynn said with a nod.
Cathy chuckled, "I was. I needed 'me time.' Just to get away for a bit. Your dad would have his time Saturday afternoons with his friends."
"Every Sunday I get my nails done, and I visit the bakery we were just at. Kevin mostly stays home and watches whatever sport is on TV. I stay away for a few hours and then I come home. It's okay to get lost in each other, but also get lost in yourself." Susan said with a smile.
"Now, let's see what we can get for your maid of honor and bridesmaids." Cathy said taking hold of her daughter's hand.
"Wait, here's a question. Are these gifts for just my bridesmaids, or for both mine and Andrea's?" Lynn asked and the two mom's looked at each other.
"Good question. How about we just do all the bridesmaids, and I'll give Tim a call and tell them to get all the groomsmen." Cathy told them. She let go of Lynn's hand and started to look through her purse for her cell phone.
"I have to call Wendy to see what Andrea's bridesmaids are into." Lynn said taking her phone out of her back pocket. She sighed, the final preparations were almost done. The big party was tomorrow, then a couple of days later it would be the big day. So much to do and so little time. Hopefully things will come together smoothly.
*******************************************************************
"That's what you really want to get them? Not a nice watch or a ring or something?" Kevin asked as Andy filled up the cart with coffee mugs.
Andy smiled, "They all love my coffee. So I figured I can get these coffee mugs customized and put in a gift bag with instructions, and the ingredients on how to make it. Alex has been trying for a long time and he still can't get it right." She finished with a chuckle.
"That's not a bad idea. Something meaningful and something they can use every day." Tim said with a nod.
"But can you have this all done in four days?" Kevin asked
Andy gave her dad a look, "You realized who raised me right?"
"Okay, okay, it's just different. I'm not used to all these different things you two are doing."
"Always set in your ways dad. That's why I don't cook for you anymore."
Tim looked at them confused, "Why don't you?"
"I made these cinnamon vanilla pancakes once. Turned out great, Wendy, and mom loved them. Dad asked what I put in them. Told him and he said not to do it again." Andy said as she picked up a couple of things off the shelf and put them in the cart.
"Kind of harsh don't you think Kevin?"
"I didn't realize I hurt her feelings until two weeks later. She didn't talk to me or was just short with me."
"Yeah, because bland is the only thing in his flavor profile. I can put the same exact ingredients in front of my parents and my mom's would come out better. Sorry dad, just the way it is. The fact that she makes fried chicken better than you is kinda funny." She said with a chuckle.
"Okay, well in my defense, I was away a lot and I was trying to make it up to you and Wendy."
"I know dad, and I'm grateful for that. But just try to be a little open minded about flavor. Sometimes you just need more than a dash." She smiled and patted his back.
He smiled and kissed her forehead, "Do we have everything?"
"Just have to get the chili honey and we'll be all set. I can put these together tonight and give to the guys tomorrow. Where are we going for dinner?"
"Not sure yet. Was thinking of introducing Cathy and Tim to Rick's."
"Awesome! I've actually been craving Rick's the last few days." She said with a smile and turned to Tim.
"You're in for a treat. It's my favorite local spot. Open twenty four hours. Full menu and the atmosphere is amazing. Been going there for years."
"Lynn's told me about it. Heard they have amazing French toast." He said with a smile and they stood in line to check out.
"I didn't want to bring it up, but Chris told me last night about Ashley. How are you dealing with that?" Kevin asked.
Andy shrugged, "Gonna have to deal with it. I mean we're going to have to work together. Can't do anything about that. Just hope she knows what she's doing. With Uncle Chris up here, and me always traveling, I hope she can keep up. Didn't think she would get into the restaurant businesses though. She's married and had her kid. She's happy."
"I saw you two dance at the party. But, you seemed a little uncomfortable." Tim mentioned and Andy nodded.
"I was. She brought up how I left, and that her and were supposed to start a life together. But I don't remember her saying that we were going to start a life together. It's been years. but since that foam party my memory is still really hazy. All I remember really is working three jobs. Little to no sleep or food. Did that for three months straight. Took a toll on my body."
She found the honey she needed and said they were all set to go. They got into the checkout line and Andy saw her picture on the cover of a magazine. Her eyes went wide when she saw the headline. She picked up the magazine, "No, no, no, no, no, no, no," She repeated under her breath.
"What's wrong?" Kevin asked looking at her daughter.
"Andrea and Lynn Tie The Knot! Exclusive Inside." She read out loud. "Who wrote this?! I hate this magazine! They don't have the details at all!" She opened it up and found the article. She scoffed.
"Of course it would be him. This guy has had it out for me for a while. God, this is such bullshit! I didn't coax her! I am not rebounding from Nicole! This is the same guy that did that false interview with Nicole and Vicki! The hell! Dad here's my card, I gotta call Melissa." She said taking her wallet she gave her dad her credit card. Then, put the magazine back on the shelf. She took a deep breath and let it out. Once she was outside she took out her phone and found Melissa's name. She tapped on the phone icon and waited for her to answer.
After two rings she heard Melissa's voice, "Hey, I was just thinking about you. What kind of wine do you like?"
"I don't like wine. Melissa, I just saw a magazine article by Ray Swanson about Lynn and I."
"Wait, the same guy that did the interview with your exes? The same guy that isn't supposed to write about you anymore?"
"Yeah, apparently I coaxed Lynn into marrying me, and that I'm rebounding. He mentions that because I'm in my early thirties, I'm hurrying to get married because I'm getting older. We need to find him! Isn't this a violation? There's quotes from Vicki and Nicole too!"
"Andy, calm down. I'll call Joel and see what's going on. You need to call Lynn and let her know. I'll get Kara, Erika, and Serenity together. We'll figure this out I promise. Let me make my calls and I'll get back to you. Get the magazine and call Lynn. Have you been in contact with Nate at all?"
"It's been four months since he and I talked. I don't even think he's in the area anymore. Last thing we talked about was how he was going to Japan to open another hotel. He broke it off with Nicole right after everything was settled. I get freedom of the press, but this is just wrong."
"Okay, like I said, let me make my calls. Can you meet tonight?"
"No, Lynn and I have dinner with our parents."
"What about after? Wanna meet at Mary's?"
Andy sighed, "I'll talk to Lynn and give you a call. Thank you for everything."
"It's no problem Andy, we're here to help. Now, just stay calm. I know this is the last thing you need. But right now you need to finish planning your wedding. This should blow over soon. Plus that magazine is full of bullshit anyway. I've looked up their sales. They've been down since you discredited them. I'm sure people aren't going to believe the article. Plus that live interview you did happened before this was published. Everything's going to workout. Don't worry. Now, go and make your calls and I'll make mine. I'll see you tonight."
"Thank you. I'll let you know about Mary's."
"I'll see you soon. Bye."
"See you in a bit."
Andy hung up her phone and sighed. She turned to back into the store just as her dad and Tim walked out.
"Everything okay?" Tim asked.
Andy shook her head, "I don't know. I need to buy that magazine and read it fully. It's the same guy that wrote the article about Nicole and I."
"Already got it for you. Figured you wanted to read it. We can head back to your place and drop the stuff off. We have time before dinner." Kevin said handing Andy the magazine.
"Thanks dad and yeah I need to figure out exactly what was said. Is Wendy gonna be at dinner?"
Kevin nodded, "David and Ethan are gonna be there too, along with Angel."
"When did all this happen?" Andy said with a chuckle as they started to walk towards Kevin's car.
"Cathy called me and told me the change of plans. We can all discuss this article if you want." Tim said as Kevin opened the trunk of his car.
Andy shook her head, "No, I don't want this to worry anyone else. Let's just stay focus on the wedding and keep that as the main topic. I called Melissa, she's gonna help me out with this. This is the last thing Lynn needs on her plate right now."
"Are you going to tell her?" Kevin asked after putting everything away.
Andy nodded, "Of course. Just not at dinner figured I could have everyone over tonight after dinner and we can all figure out our next course of action."
"Well hopefully this will blow over like the last time. Come on, let's get these gifts done." Tim said with a smile and gave her a small pat on her back. The three got into the car and Andy sighed. She opened the magazine and started to read the article. Tim and Kevin looked at each other when they heard her scoff right away. They hoped this wouldn't interfere with the big day.
********************************************************************************
"Explain to me how your sister was able to land a lead singer of a band?" Kat asked as she sat back in her chair.
Wendy shrugged, "Got me. I mean you were her wingman for a while."
"Yeah, but she was so shy. I'm still trying to figure it out." She said with a chuckle.
"Wait, Andy was a shy person?" Angel asked and Kat nodded.
"VERY shy, she wouldn't go up to a girl at all. There's this one spot at Mary's that her and I always seemed to gravitate towards and we would just check out girls. I was a horrible wingman because I would walk away with the phone numbers." Kat explained with a small laugh.
"How close are you two?" Brian asked.
"We're close friends. But Wendy and I are closer. Andy was always working every time I asked her to hang out. Wendy would have free time. But Andy was there when it counted. She met my daughter when she was born, and has been in her life. Can't believe she was able to be there for her first day of Kindergarten. She surprised all of us that day showing up." Kat said with a small laugh.
"It was Trevor and Leigh that changed Andy's mind about having kids." Brittany said.
"Very true." Kat agreed.
"Wait I thought it was just Trevor. She never mentioned Leigh." Alex said.
"That's because I actually asked Andy to keep Leigh low key. I was going through the adoption process for a long time. I asked for privacy and she kept it. There's only three pictures of her and Leigh. When she first held her, when she came back from Michigan, and finally her first day of school. Being in the military I have to keep some things private. Even if it means my family."
"Makes sense, I mean you don't want things getting out there that aren't true." Justin said and Kat nodded.
"Hey what time are we meeting for dinner?" Ethan asked Wendy.
"In couple of hours. Just got off the phone with dad, we're going to Rick's. I think we're gonna talk about the final decisions. I know mom is going to want to." Wendy told him.
"Don't forget they both want to take us out the wedding party after dinner tonight too. Or just have a get together at their rental house." David said.
"What are your plans tonight Kat?" Kayla asked.
"I have a date night with my girlfriend. Going to hit up one of our favorite dinner spots. We try to have a date night at least two nights a week. With my schedule working mostly nights and hers working mostly days, we've managed to spend time together. I didn't mention this but Andy actually called me for advice about Lynn." She said.
"Are you serious?!"
"What did she ask?!"
"Hold the phone!"
"Wait, wait, wait, wait, what?!"
Everyone started to talk at once but Kat calmed them down, "Whoa, whoa, whoa, one at at time."
"Okay, when did she call you?" Addy asked.
"I think it was around February. She just started a tour and the way she was talking I knew she was scared."
"What did she ask?" David asked.
Kat sighed and took a sip of her drink, "She asked how did Jane and I handle the long distance before Jane moved down here."
"What did you say?" Justin asked.
Kat shrugged, "I just told her we kept our trust in each other. We talked every day. Kept the spark going. I didn't ask Jane to move here. She did that all on her own. Here we are five years later. Still together, still in love. I just told her that at the end of the day they have each other. Just keep Lynn in her thoughts and she'll be with her."
"What else did you two talk about?" Wendy asked. Kat shrugged again, "Football mostly. The Women's Wold Cup. Rugby World Cup. How she missed everyone. Then, we talked about old times and never thought we would be where we were at the time. Jane and I getting serious. Adopting Leigh from my sister. We were finally growing up. We used to go out almost every night. Spend Halloween, and New Years Eve at Mary's. Go to Rick's after. It was like our own little traditions."
"Then you joined the military and became a mom." Wendy said with a smile.
"That I did. But every now and then we all try to get together and we don't shut down the bar like we used to. Just go out for a drink or two then go home. Then she got her job at Ynot and that's when she became really busy. But she would ask me to come out every now and then. I went to some of the open mic nights. Her birthdays. Things like that. She would come over spend time with Leigh and my family. She was still there. Just like she promised." Kat finished with a smile.
"Wow, she's really a good friend. But remember when she told us about her depression." Angel said and everyone nodded.
"She didn't tell you guys about when she didn't want to be alive anymore?" Kat asked. Everyone but Ethan, Wendy, and Shey looked at her shocked.
"Uh no!" Addy said.
"Maybe that's something she should tell you guys. She's called me a few times while she was gone. She told me she had those thoughts before, but they were getting stronger. I told her to hold on and there's so many people that would miss her. Which is true. She started to cry and ask me why was she important. I got teary eyed but I knew I had to stay calm and I just kept telling her that she was here to bring joy to everyone and she was the glue that held everyone together."
Kat cleared her throat and leaned on the table. She blinked back the tears that she felt behind her eyes and looked at everyone, "Everyone here loves and cares about her. But what she said after I told her that she brings joy really got to me."
"What did she say?" David asked.
Kat took a moment to recollect her thoughts and then looked at each of them, "She said that if she brings joy to us, then why does she feel like she wants to die. Why does she feel like she can't feel that joy? Why does she feel so cold and empty inside? I told her it's because she's away from everyone she loves. But what she told me after that is what really, really got to me." Kat had to stop and she took a big sip of her drink and let out a sigh.
"She said that the cold and the emptiness feeling has been happening to her since she could remember. The next words out of my mouth took me by surprise. I told her to find a church and talk to a priest. My first thought was that she needed someone to talk to physically and I know she believes in God. Then, my second thought was she was on tour with people she didn't know. She agreed to find a church and to talk to someone. I told her I loved her and I missed her. Told her to call me the next day and to let me know how she feels in the morning."
"Did she ever go? Was she okay after?" Kayla asked.
Kat nodded, "She called me around eight the next morning telling me she spent about three hours talking to a priest. She questioned her Faith, and asked him why she was feeling as if she was alone. He told her that God has people that He thinks is strong and he puts them through trials to see how strong they are. We all know how strong Andy is, but what we don't see just how strong she tries to be for all of us. I want to go into more detail, but I think y'all should have a conversation with her."
Everyone was silent for a few moments then Kat started to speak again, "We all have our own personal problems that we don't want to burden our friends and family with. But we also have to remember there are people we can talk to. That's what Andy forgets. She listens to us, but she doesn't talk to us. She doesn't want to burden us with her own personal problems. She just needs reminding that she's not alone."
"I agree. She's always smiling, joyful and just an all around person. But we never know what's going on in someone's mind." Angel said.
"I hate to break this up, but I have to meet Jane. Maybe we can meet up with y'all later if we're able." Kat said standing up and everyone stood up as well. They gave her a hug. Wendy said she would let her know where they would be later tonight. They said their byes and sat back down.
"I think we should stay in tonight. Just hang out with Andy and Lynn. Tomorrow's the party, then we have the wedding. Maybe Andy will open up a little bit more to us." Alex said and they all nodded.
"Did you know she was feeling like that?" Kayla asked looking at Ethan, Wendy and Shey. All three nodded.
"When she was sixteen she overdosed on my dad's painkillers." Wendy said.
"WHAT?!" Brian said looking at her with wide eyes.
Wendy nodded and sighed. This is one thing that was going to come out of the bag.
*******************************************************************************
"Have you two decided on your wedding song yet?" Susan asked and Andy almost choked on her drink. She coughed and Lynn rubbed her back.
Andy was able to calm down and shook her head, "Excuse me. Sorry." She cleared her throat and then shook her head.
"I've been so busy I haven't really thought about looking for a song." She said and Lynn smiled taking her hand in hers.
"I actually found a song, but I want to surprise Andrea with it." Lynn told them.
"Okay, but how do you know Andrea's going to like it?" David asked.
Lynn waved him off, "Oh, I know she will. She mentioned something the other night and I actually found a song that fits perfectly."
Andy looked at her and smiled, "Well, I guess we got that covered. What's next?"
"Father daughter dances. Do you two have anything picked out?" Cathy asked.
Lynn smiled and nodded, "Dad and I are going to dance to 'Butterfly Kisses.' One of my favorite songs growing up."
Tim smiled, "I remember you wanted to play it all day when you were younger."
"I love that song." Andy said with a smile.
"What about you Andrea?" Tim asked.
"I talked it over with Wendy and I've decided to use 'House On Pooh Corner.' Dad used to sing it to us when we were kids right before bed." Andy said with a smile looking at Kevin.
"I can't wait. So I'm guessing Wendy you're going to use 'Little Miss Magic' when you decide to get married?" He asked looking at his youngest daughter.
"Yup, yup. Andrea loves Winnie The Pooh more than I do and I love Jimmy Buffet more than she does. So we talked about it and came to that decision." Wendy explained as Martha came over to them with their food.
"Andrea, I can't wait until your wedding! Rick is giving me the day off so I can come. He'll be there too!" She said with a smile which Andy returned.
"I'm glad you both are able to come. Least I could do for you both putting up with our drunk nights here."
"Oh, please, y'all were our entertainment when you would come through on those nights! We love you and you've become a part of our family." She gave Andy a small hug which she returned. Then she said she would be back to refill their drinks and Andy's coffee.
"Andrea sweetheart that's your third cup of coffee. Why are you drinking so much of it?" Susan asked.
"Mom, need I remind you that I haven't had an energy drink in a long time. Coffee is pretty tame. I'd rather have this than a Red Bull."
"When was your last energy drink anyway?" Angel asked.
"My twenty ninth birthday. When Ethan and I came back from Charlotte. I had a Monster and that's when I decided to not drink anymore energy drinks. That summer I was drinking them back to back because work was so hectic. I would come home around one, stay up til about three to just clear my head. Then go back to work at nine. Didn't like how they made me feel. Plus it was taking a toll on my heart too. Plus I had just quit cigarettes too."
"When was your last cigarette?" Cathy asked.
"August of twenty seventeen. Funny thing is I bought a pack of cigarettes before I bought my vape. I vape still, but with no nicotine in my juices. It's just the movement that helps."
"Lynn honey, you were right about this French toast! They're so delicious!" Tim said with a sigh.
"Told you dad. Best French toast I've ever had. Next to Andrea's of course." Lynn said kissing Andrea's cheek.
"Okay so tomorrow night before the party we have the wedding rehearsal, then dinner, then, the party." Cathy said looking at her small notebook and Susan nodded looking at hers as well.
"Do we really have to do a rehearsal?" Andy asked. That's when Cathy and Susan looked at her with a crazy look. "What?"
"It's important to do it. To make sure everyone knows where they have to go. Plus the kids have to learn how to walk down the aisle. Everyone has to know their places." Susan said.
"We did it for Angel and Brian's wedding. It was only like a twenty minute thing. Nothing to worry about babe. Just have to make sure things go right." Lynn said cutting into her food.
"I love having a plan. Don't get me wrong, but you do realize a lot of things don't go right around me." Andy joked and everyone laughed while nodding in agreement.
"Okay, Antony said the food would be ready and set up, around three at Peabody's. So did Claire. The night before they're going to put the food in the kitchen and they would have to leave the wedding a little early just to get things reheated and set up." Susan said.
Andy sat back in her chair, "They don't have to leave the wedding early. I already talked to Frank. Antony and Claire are meeting with him tomorrow afternoon to go over everything."
"When were you going to tell us about this?" Susan asked.
"Just now. I thought Antony and Claire told you yesterday. He called me this morning before we went cake tasting."
"Hmmm, interesting. Well, I guess that works. The cake and cupcakes are going to be delivered at two thirty." Susan said.
"Cupcakes?" Andy asked looking at Lynn and she just smiled.
"Like I said your idea was brilliant. The cake and the cupcakes. People can pick if they either want a piece of cake or if they want cupcakes."
"What kind of cake are did you all decide?" Ethan asked.
"Oh, Andrea came up with this amazing idea!" Lynn said getting excited.
"She said to have a red velvet cake, but inside out. So red frosting on the outside and white on the inside. The red would match the red color we have for our colors."
"That is a good idea! Wow! Why didn't I think of that?!" Angel said with a shake of her head.
"Now, bridesmaid dresses, what are the colors? The groomsmen?" Cathy asked.
"Well so since we have four colors, the bridesmaids are going to have black dresses with the red to accent them. The groomsmen are going to have emerald bow ties and silver cummerbunds. Their suites are going to be black, with red dress shirts." Lynn said with a cheerful smile.
"Andrea are you going to be wearing the same colors?" Susan asked.
"Of course, but I'm going to have an emerald tie instead. My shoes are going to be AWESOME!" Andy said with a big green.
"Why?" Wendy asked.
"You're going to have to wait until the wedding. You're gonna roll your eyes and say, 'Seriously?' Like every time you think I do something stupid. Before you say ANYTHING, Lynn is the one who bought them for me. They came in a couple of days ago and I'm so excited!"
"You would get excited for shoes!"
"You get excited over fuzzy slippers!"
"Girls! Enough! Last thing, are you two having a DJ or a band?" Susan asked.
"Kind of both in a way. For our wedding song I kind of called in a favor. The rest of the night Andrea mentioned she knew a DJ and he happened to be available that day." Lynn explained.
"Who's the DJ?" Tim asked.
"His stage name is DJ Redman, but his real name is Tony." Andy said wiping her face with her napkin.
"Are you serious?! How did you get him?!" Ethan asked and Andy shrugged with a smirk.
"Called in a favor. He just happened to be in town that week, and I asked if he wanted a gig."
"Who's DJ Redman?" Angel asked.
"He used to DJ at Mary's then, he got a new job out of state. You do realize he's going to be doing all of our favorites." Wendy said with a smile.
"Duh, that's why I booked him." Andy smiled, and her phone started to ring, but she ignored it. She was at dinner and she knew the rules. It's one of things she talked to Lynn about. No phones during dinner. She grew up with that rule. Even when she goes out with her family she would be the only one not on her phone. She was actually surprised one night, when she went out to dinner with her parents. They were both on their phones and Andy wasn't. It was like the roles were reversed. Instead of the kids being on their phones it was the parents.
Martha came by and started to clear away their empty plates. She asked if Andrea and Ethan wanted their usual desserts and they both nodded. She asked if anyone else wanted any and they all declined. Andy motioned for Martha to come by her. She whispered to Martha to bring her the check and don't tell anyone. She gave Andy a wink and told them she would be right back.
After she walked away Lynn took Andy's hand in hers and she felt something, "By the way I didn't need this today." Andy looked at her and smiled.
"Then, keep it. Save it for another time."
"Are you sure?"
Andy nodded, "Yeah, what's mine is yours."
"And what's mine is yours. Isn't that how it's supposed to go?"
Andy smiled and gave her a wink, "Not in my book. We'll talk about it later. But right now, I just want to give you a life that you've always dreamed of."
Lynn smiled giving her hand a squeeze, "So far you already have." They leaned in and just as their lips were about to meet Andy heard her name being called. She turned to see Melissa rushing over to them.
"Andrea! I've been calling you! We need to talk! Hi everyone, I'm soo sorry but this is kind of important." Without another word Melissa grabbed Andy's hand and led her outside.
Once they were outside and well into the parking lot Melissa stopped and let go of Andy's hand, "What's going on?"
"I've been on the phone with Joel and he said that there was no way that Ray could have written that article. He's in jail for drug charges. So whoever wrote that it wasn't him. So we did some more digging. Turns out it someone that was under Ray's wing. They're using his name. So I contacted the editor in chief. She just laughed at me, but as soon as I explained and kind of gave her my wrath she did some of her own digging." Melissa was explaining everything fast.
"Okay, okay, slow down. So who is it?" Andy asked.
"Taylor Johnson."
"Okay, who is that?"
"You know who it is."
Andy shook her head, "No, I don't doesn't ring a bell."
"She's your ex's wife!" Melissa practically shouted.
"I'm sorry WHAT?!"
*********************************************************************************
"Run it by me again! How did this happen?!" Andy said pacing back and forth in the living room. After dinner with her parents, Andy suggested everyone meet at her rental home. She told Ethan to call everyone to meet up. She had to talk to them about something.
About an hour later the wedding party was gathered at the house along with Melissa, Erika, Kara, and Serenity. When everyone was settled Andy explained the article and told them what she read. Everyone started to talk at once. Andy finally calmed them down and Melissa started to explain how she found out who it was.
"Turns out this magazine is based in Georgia. Taylor transferred to the home office. Andy, she already knew who you were before she married Ashley. Now, I know you two don't get along, but I think you need to tell Ashley what's going on." Melissa said and Andy shook her head.
"If I do that, then Ashley's going to think that I want her back, and that I'm trying to break up her marriage." Andy said as she finally stopped pacing.
"My question is how did she get all this information and how did she know all this stuff about you?" Shey asked and Andy shook her head.
"I mean she's married to my ex. So I'm pretty sure that Ashley might have talked A LOT about me. As for the other stuff, she must have gotten in touch with the other two. But why use his name?" Andy asked.
"According to the editor the name was changed at the last minute. I guess to throw it off. Ray's been in jail for months. So there's no way he would have been able to do this." Melissa said.
"I'm still stuck on the part that you coaxed my sister into marrying you." David said lifting his head up from the magazine. "Like seriously?! Why would they say that?"
"Did you get to the part where we rushed it because I'm in my thirties?" Andy said and David's eyes went wide. He turned his attention back to the magazine and began to read.
"What do we do?" Lynn asked looking at Melissa.
Melissa sighed and stood up from her seat, "Well this came out after the live interview, so we don't really have to do anything. But Andy has released a statement on her social media. If anything we can always call Maria or Robin for a follow up. But right now there's been a lot of positive feedback. They're on her side. This publication has been discredited time and time again. I have no idea why they're still up and running. They've had so many lawsuits but they keep going."
Kara stood up and stood next to Melissa, "There's nothing to worry about right now. We'll handle this. Right now you guys enjoy tonight. The wedding is soon and tomorrow is a big day. So just relax, put this article out of your minds and just enjoy your time together. I'm sure there's still some catching up to do. So we'll leave you all to it." Kara said with a smile.
They gave everyone a hug. Kara gave David a small kiss and then followed Melissa, Erika, and Serenity out. Andy showed them out and when she returned to the living room everyone seemed to have gone silent. She didn't think anything of it.
She sighed and shook her head. She sat down next to Lynn and leaned back on the couch. She was just about to reach for the TV remote when Lynn stopped her.
"Hey, so I think they want to talk about something." She said.
Andy sat up and looked at everyone, "What's going on?"
Just then, Haley, Zac, and Taylor walked in giving her a small smile. They found some space on the floor and sat down. Before anyone could speak the doorbell rang and Wendy shot up to answer it. It wasn't long until she came back with Kat and her girlfriend Jane following her.
They too found some space on the floor. Now Andy was even more confused. Everyone was looking at her as if they were going to give her bad news.
"Y'all are scaring me. Did someone die?" Andy asked in almost a panic voice.
Lynn gave her a small smile and took her hand in hers. She held it tight and really looked at her, "Andrea, you know I love you. This past year was really tough on the both of us, but we got through it. You've told me a lot about you. But there's one thing we haven't really addressed."
"Um, okay? I figured I told you everything." Andy said confused.
"You have, and I'm happy that you did, but you never really told me about your depression. How bad it gets." Lynn softly touched her wife's cheek.
"We're all here because we love and care about you. But, what you didn't tell us that you wanted to end your life." Addy said.
Andy looked around at everyone and then sat back on the couch. She sighed and slowly shook her head, "Which time?"
"There was more than one?!" Kayla asked and Andy nodded.
"Six times I've tried." Andy said softly, "There's was only one time I went through with it. But the other times I was saved."
"Why would you want to do that?" Michael asked.
"I guess it was when we left Okinawa. I met these four guys and they became my best friends in the entire world. Eric was the first to go. Six months after we came back to the States, I got the news he overdosed. Two weeks later Ryan hung himself. A few years go by and Ray was shot. A year later Mat jumped from his three story house. He held out as long as he could and then his heart just stopped and they couldn't get him back." Andy cleared her throat and sat up.
"Mat was my best friend in the entire world. That last conversation I had with him, he told me I was going to leave him just like our friends did. I told him that I wasn't going anywhere and he could always call me or we could chat. I was nineteen. Christmas morning I got the phone call he passed away.
When Eric died, I was fifteen. He was my first love. Yes, I know shocking me in love with a guy. But he was. So when I got the news, I was alone in the house and I found my dad's painkillers. I took a handful. Next thing I know I'm waking up on the kitchen floor. I rushed to the bathroom and just threw up. After that I yelled at God, asking him why did he take my best friend and not me. I rode my bike up to my high school and sat on the bleachers just talking to God." She sighed again and stood up. She paced for a few moments and then stopped.
"What about the other times?" Brittany asked.
Andy rubbed her face with her hands so she could try to hide the tears she felt coming. She looked at everyone and took in a breath, "There were two times where my exes actually saved me. Before my first date with Ashley I had a bottle of Jack and painkillers. She sent me a message online and we started talking. I put the bottle and painkillers away. The second time it was Nicole believe it or not. Same situation, I bottle of Jack and painkillers. She sent me a text and the next thing I knew we were talking."
"And the other three?" Hayley asked.
Andy rubbed her eyes and then put her hands on her hips, "I was twenty two that year it just seemed things weren't going the way I wanted them to. I had my pistol in my hand, in my bedroom and I stared at it for hours. That's when someone knocked on my door asking if I wanted to go to Mary's. I put the gun away and went out for a drink. The next time was when I was twenty four. Another rough year, financially I wasn't cutting it. I was spending more than I was making. It was cold and I decided to go for a run. A snowstorm came through that night and I was just in my running shorts, shoes, and a hoodie.
I stayed in that storm for hours, just letting it hit me. I was cold but I didn't care. I just didn't want to go home. I just wanted to be buried in the snow. Even before the snow and the cold that entire year it just hurt to breathe. I ended up being sick for about a week."
At this point Andy just let her tears silently fall. She quickly wiped them away and cleared her throat.
"The final time was when I was twenty seven. I was in my room and I just was thinking to myself that I didn't want to wake up the next morning. I tried calling my friends but no one would answer. I tried reaching out, but no one was getting back to me. I just needed to talk to someone. I got dressed and found a razor. I was ready, this time I was going to end it all. I just kept thinking that I was there for everyone. But in my moment of need, no one was around for me. The water was running and just when I was about to pick up the razor I get a call from my one of my friends I haven't talked to in a few years. I didn't want to pick up the phone, but I did."
Everyone was silent. Andy could see their tears, she didn't want to do this. She didn't want to reopen this wound. This is why she didn't open up about her depression, because she didn't want everyone feeling sorry for her.
Michael cleared his throat and looked at her, "I remember you talking to Tammi one day at work. How you felt you were failing at something. Do you still have that feeling?"
"Every day. You know how you get that voice in your head that you're not good enough? Or that you'll never be enough for everyone?" Andy asked and everyone nodded.
"Just imagine having that voice yell at you in your head. Yelling so loud you feel like your head is going to explode. Days where you just wanna stay in bed because it just hurts to move. You just wanna lay there and not be bothered, or not bother anyone with your problems. But you push yourself to the brink of exhaustion to keep your mind busy. To silence that voice.
You throw yourself into your work, into your passion, into anything that will keep your mind off things. Because the last thing you want to burden the ones you're close to with your personal demons. So you keep it to yourself. You work on yourself, learn to be happy again. Learn to find joy again, learn to love yourself again. You put on that mask so you can see your friends happy."
Andy ran her hands through her hair and shook her head, "You just push yourself and set goals for yourself. But no matter how well you do, that voice is still there. On the surface it doesn't show, on the inside there's an ongoing battle. You can silence that voice for so long until it resurfaces again. You always feel alone. No matter how many times you surround yourself with everyone you care about. You feel alone.
Everyone that I've become close to I've lost. Time and time again I hear the words, 'I'm always here no matter what.' But when I'm going through something no one is there. So I just go on with my life with this pain."
"Have you talk to a professional? Or taken anything?" Zac asked.
Andy shook her head, "I'm on enough medicine as it is."
"Do they worsen everything or has this been with you since?" David asked.
"No, Dr. Samson went through all the side effects with me. I even asked about the depression. She made sure I had medicine that didn't have it."
"Do you still feel empty, or cold?" Alex asked.
Andy shrugged, "Sometimes. When I'm with you guys, it's not as bad, when I'm away it's worse. Depression doesn't just go away because I said it's going away. It's one of those things I have to live with. I don't like talking about it because it brings up my past. I don't like opening up because I feel like I'm putting more weight on my friends shoulders. I just want to be able to enjoy my life while I have it.
Losing my four best friends was really hard. It took me a long time to open up. That's why I throw myself into a lot of projects and I just keep moving. I don't like staying still, because that's when I hear the voice. Every day it gets louder and every day I hear it whisper every negative thing about me. If I keep myself busy I don't hear it. I'm focused on the task at hand."
"Have you told mom and dad about this?" Wendy asked.
"That last thing mom and dad want to hear is that their child is suffering from depression and almost tried to end her life." Andy said in a somewhat annoyed tone.
She shook her head, "I thought about it, but all I could hear was mom saying that I'm just going through a phase. That I'll get better in time. When this started I was fourteen. So for me to go to my parents about it, I had this thought. They would just say that we're in a new place, I just have to make more friends, and to just get settled. I had a feeling dad would send me to a therapist. I mean, our parents were a little strict. I just stayed focus on school even tried out for a few sports."
"Why haven't you talked to us about this when we first met?" Brian asked.
Andy shrugged, "This is something that you don't open with. We all just getting to know each other. You highlight the good stuff. The other stuff comes with time."
"Point taken, but is this why you constantly on the go last month for the party?" Alex asked.
"You could say that. Seeing all of you again was kind of overwhelming. We were going to be together again. I just didn't know if anything changed or how upset you all were. Alex made his point clear that night in Georgia. I wanted to tell him more, but I couldn't." Andy explained.
"I wanted to tell everyone what I went through the past year. The sleepless nights, the long days, the long flights, the in and out of hotels, the long drives. The days where I thought I wasn't going to be able to get out of bed. The many times I wanted to call all of you. Just not on your birthdays or just to check in. I wanted long conversations, but I never had the time."
Andy sighed and told them she needed a minute. She walked out of the living room and they heard her footsteps on the stairs. Everyone was looking at Lynn at this point.
"You said you were in contact with her. Did she EVER mention all this?" Angel asked.
Lynn shook her head, "She just said that it was hard being away from me, from us. She couldn't wait to get home. She just wanted the traveling to stop for a little while and be in one place. She just wants to settle down for a bit."
Andy came back into the room with a stack of notebooks. She stood in front of everyone and then started to hand them out. She had one for each of them. Each notebook had their names on it and when she gave the final one to Lynn she looked around.
"In these notebooks are words I couldn't say to you face to face. Things I wanted to say but never could. I always found solace in writing. It was just easier put pen to paper. In these notebooks are my past that I've been trying to leave behind. Song lyrics that got me through the days. Some of my own personal poems and lyrics I wrote.
These are the words I couldn't say. The reasons why I hide behind my mask. My own personal thoughts. I never thought I would find a group of friends that I would get close to like I did with my four best friends. I push people away when they get too close. Or I just hold them at arm's length." Andy's phone chimed and she checked it. She smiled and then looked back at everyone.
"There is something you guys need to see. I'll set it up." She said as she turned on the TV. She was going through the set ups and found the outlet she needed. She looked at her phone and tapped on the icon. Just then the TV screen had something pop up.
"While I was away I was able to shoot these two music videos. One of them describes how I was feeling being away from you. Then, it transitions into the next song. The next song is about how I'm kept grounded. Before you read the notebooks, just watch these videos, and listen to the lyrics." She hit play and the song started to play. Andy took this moment to step out of the room once more.
She stepped out onto the deck and sat in one of the deck chairs as the night breeze came through. The moon was shining so bright it illuminated the backyard. This was she was afraid of. Opening up to everyone. She always thought opening up about her depression people would leave. Having this deep conversation with everyone scared her out of her mind. She was always told to open up in her past relationships but she never did. Then Lynn happened and all of a sudden she opened up.
She looked up at the sky and shook her head. She hated the light pollution, around here, she couldn't see the stars. The stars. The Heavens. One of her calms. If there was one thing she didn't tell them, it was she was getting annoyed with all of them telling her to relax. But that was the thing. When she did she didn't want to. She just didn't want to hear that voice again. She just had to keep her mind busy. Sleeping was getting a little easier now that she was sleeping next to Lynn. But she would still wake up. The meditations help but only for so long.
She just hoped after all of this, she would still have her friends at her side. She lost so many people in her life, she didn't want to lose anyone else. Music was her escape for a lot of things. So was reading. Even on her bad days she would listen to Christian music just to help her stay positive.
She was brought out of her thoughts when she heard the back door open and she saw Lynn rush up to her. She stood up and Lynn wrapped her arms around her. Andy held her close.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She whispered and she felt Andy let go of her.
Andy sighed and took her hands in hers, "I'm sorry. I just figured you were already having a rough time, with the wedding and me being gone. I didn't want to put anything else on your plate." She said truthfully and sat down.
Lynn knelt in front of her and put her hands on her knees, "We're in this together. Remember when we promised each other to open up and be honest with each other?" She asked and Andy nodded.
"Make me this promise. If you ever have one of your bad days, just tell me. Don't hold back. If you say you just want to stay in bed all day and do nothing. I'll stay in bed with you. Or if you just want to be left alone until you're ready to talk. I'll be waiting. Just let me be there for you. Like you've been there for me. Let me help you. You're not in this alone. You have an amazing support system. From what your friends told me, it's expanded."
Lynn saw the tears coming down Andy's cheeks and she gently wiped them away. She then gently placed her hand on Andy's cheek and Andy kissed the heel of hit.
"I promise. I just didn't know how to tell you. So I wrote it all down. Everything. Every little thing. From when this all started to now. I'm only good with words on paper and through music." Andy said softly.
"I haven't read the notebook yet. Part of me doesn't want to. But I will. We all have skeletons in our closets. I don't care about that. I just want you to know that you can come to me about anything. Even if you think I'll get upset or angry. Just tell me that's all I ask. You told me you trusted me. I want you to have complete trust in me. We're spending the rest of our lives together. I'm going to be by your side forever." Lynn said through her tears.
"I love you so much. I do trust you. I have these layers and you're slowly peeling them back. I've given my heart to you and I don't plan on taking it back." Andy touched Lynn's cheek softly and smiled.
"We're going to be a family." Andy stood up and took Lynn with her and gently placed a hand on Lynn's stomach.
"I'm not gonna lie I'm scared out of my mind. I don't know if I'm ready, but I know you're going to be a great mom." Andy told her as Lynn placed her hand over hers.
"You're going to be an amazing mom too. You have a knack for it. I've seen it." Lynn smiled looking at her wife lovingly.
"This is going to be one big adventure. I can't wait to tell the others." Andy kissed Lynn's temple.
"The fact that I found out two weeks before Angel and Brian's wedding was a little interesting."
"So, what are we going to tell them?" Andy asked letting out a sigh and fully turned to stand in front of Lynn.
"The truth, and we also have to figure out Godparents." Lynn said.
"Guess they'll find out at the reception."
"Guess so. Now come on everyone wants to talk some more. I know it's hard, but they just want to make sure you're okay."
Andy nodded, "But before I do." She leaned in and gently kissed Lynn's lips. She pulled her close and they were again lost in the moment.
They pulled away and Lynn blushed like she always did, "You still manage to make my heart skip a beat." She said.
"I could say the same for you." Andy said taking her hand.
"I love you." Lynn whispered.
"I love you."
"One of these days I'm going to ask you why you never say, 'I love you too.'"
Andy stood by the backdoor and smiled, "That my dear, is going to be one of our morning conversations." She smiled and opened the door letting Lynn go in first. She smiled, then let out a sigh. She stood there for a moment. Getting her thoughts together. She was now ready to face whatever questions her friends asked.
- 12
- 13
- 14
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Someone Like You