Their Undying Love

By Jade-Nichole Thurber

Lillys life is filled with secretsher past and her present, and possibly her future. Lilly and her best friend, Becca, struggle through high school, and then their crushes finally see them. Liam wasnt expecting to fall in love with Lilly, and he certainly didnt think she would break his heart. Will her secrets and a tangled web his mother weaves bring them back together or tear them apart for good?

Rick knew Becca was the one for him. However, a stupid proposal could rip them apart. Beccas life was picture-perfect. Nothing could possibly go wronguntil she gets some devastating news. With outside people throwing in their opinions, could she handle the emotional weight of what this news means?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781499063912

Jade-Nichole Thurber

Jade-Nichole Thurber works part time as an auto parts delivery driver. She is a wife, mother to three children and lives in Southern Virginia. She’s been writing short stories since she was a young girl for her friends and family to enjoy. It’s been her dream to be a published author and finally that dream is coming true.

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Their Undying Love

Jade-Nichole Thurber

Copyright © 2014 by Jade-Nichole Thurber.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 10/07/2014

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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Contents

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Epilogue

This book is dedicated to my three beautiful children,

Rachel, Grace and Desmond.

May all your dreams come true.

Mommy loves you!

Acknowledgments

To my husband, Joshua, thank you for putting up with everything I didn’t do, and my sleepless nights as I pushed through getting this done. I love you!

To my cousin, my first fan (so many years ago) you have listened to and read so many stories and always had faith in me!

To my best friends, you have inspired so much and pushed me and kept the faith that this day would one day get here! I love and thank each of you! (You know who you are! There are too many to name)

To my cousin-in-law, you have been so enthusiastic about this book. Your excitement was definitely a motivation to get this done. Thank you so much!

To my Mother! Thank you for blessing me with my imagination to be able to create such work! I love you Momma!

To my Dad, thank you so much for helping make this dream come true! I love you!

To my teachers all through school who put up with me talking about my stories, and putting up with me writing my stories instead of the notes I should have been taking down from the board, Mrs. Singer, it was in your second grade class that I found my love for writing. Thank you.

And to my crazy, funny, loving sisters! I love you! Your faith in me and having my back has definitely helped me get to where I am. Thank you!

Prologue

Liam stood towering over her, the sun casting his shadow over her. Looking up at him was like looking at the ghost of Christmas past. It had been three and a half years since she has physically laid eyes on him; she looked at his carbon-copy every day. He looked the same now slightly older, tired. It was easy to see the last three and half years of college had not been kind to him, then she noticed the cane…

He spotted Lilly sitting on the park bench as he walked out of the book store across the way. As he nearly ran into a passer-byer on the sidewalk, he done a double take to make sure his eyes weren’t deceiving him. He had planned to seek her out while he was home for his break, but hadn’t intended his search would be so simple. Deciding there was no better time than right at that moment, he crossed the street and approached her.

How have you been? Liam asked, breaking the silence.

I.. I…I’m fine. Lilly replied as she gathered her wits about her. How’s college? Senior year right?

Yeah. It’s going I guess. He smiled and motioned to sit with her. She nodded. I’m living he chuckled, How about you? Before Lilly could answer, a small boy about three years old ran up to her.

Mommy, the boy said, I’m hungry.

Ok, Lilly turned her attention to the boy just a minute please. Go gather your trucks. The boy smiled and ran to the sandbox.

You have a child? Liam asked, noticing the boy looked exactly like himself as a child. Lilly, is he… Lilly cut him off, standing and looking towards the sandbox.

Um, yeah, Liam…it was good to see you, but I’ve got to go. I’ll see you around. The boy ran back to Lilly’s side; taking his hand they quickly walked away.

Mommy, who was that man? Liam heard the little boy ask Lilly.

A special friend from a long time ago. He heard her reply.

Liam couldn’t move; he was too shocked. A million thought ran through his mind. He say watching her walk away much like he had when she walked out of his life over three years before. Several minutes later, after Lilly was gone, Liam decided he needed answers and headed to Rick and Becca’s house. Becca was Lilly’s best friend and Rick was his. As Liam drove he thought about happier days when the four of them did everything together…

Rich chased Becca through the playground. Liam and Michael had Lilly and Kimya trapped in the tower.

Please, Becca save us! the girls yelled out through planks of wood. Becca ran up the steps to the tower and stood on the edge of the bridge. Michael was blocking the entrance to the tower Kimya and Lilly were at.

You’ll have to fight me to get to them! Michael yelled. Becca ran across the bridge but Rick grabbed her; she squealed.

I’ve got you now! He laughed an evil laugh. Their teacher yelled that it was time to go in. The six friends groaned and walked toward the school.

Liam and Lilly slid their bikes to a stop as Rick and Becca stopped behind them. They stood in the woods where they were building their fort. Rick and Liam unloaded their wagons of materials to continue putting the walls together. Lilly and Becca unloaded Becca’s wagon which had old ratty blankets to cover the windows. Michael was putting the door on and Kimya was setting up a table and chairs.

This is going to be so awesome when we finish! Kimya exclaimed.

I know! I can’t believe we built this! Lilly said. When the boys finished with their tasks they joined the girls inside. They all sat around the table laughing, proud of themselves.

From here on out, we promise to be best friends forever. Becca said putting her hand in the middle of the table. Rick put his hand on her, followed by Lilly, then Liam then Kimya and last Michael.

BEST FRIENDS! they all agreed.

Lilly, Becca, and Kimya walked into Becca’s house. Lilly’s mother, Julie, and Becca’s mother Laurine were sitting in the living room. There was a suitcase waiting at the end of the couch. Johnny Lilly’s father and Mark, Becca’s father are in the kitchen but come into the living room when they hear the girls come in.

Kimya, you should go home. Mark says. We need to talk to the girls.

Is something wrong? Becca asked. Her question was ignored. Kimya looked worried, as did the other girls. I’ll call you later. Becca told her.

Yeah, we will call you later. Lilly agreed. Are we in trouble? she asked Mark and Johnny.

I’ll see y’all later. Kimya said and left.

Girls, you need to sit down. Johnny said, showing them into the living room. Becca and Lilly sat down on the couch next to each other.

Girls, you’re not in trouble, you have nothing wrong. Laurine said. Lilly was waiting for Julie to say something, or even look at her but she didn’t; Julie continued to look at her feet. Lilly knew something was wrong.

What’s going on? Lilly demanded. Mark sat next to Laurine, but Johnny sat next to Lilly.

Honey, he said to Lilly, You’re mother and I are getting a divorce and she is leaving.

WHAT!? Lilly looked at her mother, waiting for her to tell her that her father was lying, that she wasn’t really leaving.

You can’t do that! Lilly started to cry. Where are you going?

I’m leaving town and I don’t know when I’ll be back.

What about me?

You are going to stay with your dad. Julie stood and picked up her suitcase. She looked back at Lilly just before she walked out of the door. I hope one day you will forgive me for all that I have done. And then she left. Lilly jumped up and ran after her.

Mom, you can’t do this to me! You can’t leave me!! she screamed as she watched her mother drive away. Julie didn’t look back, she just kept driving. Lilly collapsed on the front steps crying. Becca joined her friend on the steps. Lilly threw her arms around her and held on to her as she sobbed. I can’t believe she just left me.

I’m so sorry Lilly. I wish I knew what to say right now. But I’m here for you. She hugged her friend. They walked back in the house.

Why? Lilly asked to no one specific.

That’s a really loaded question. Johnny replied. It’s a really long story, and I don’t think I’m ready to tell you, and I don’t think you are ready to hear it. Tears rolled down Lilly’s face as she looked at her father.

Is she going to come back?

I guess she might, but I really don’t think she will. I know you don’t understand everything right now, but this is really for the best. You’re mother doesn’t love me anymore. We are going to be just fine though. Lilly moved to him and sat in his lap and cried more.

Does she not love me anymore?

This has nothing to do with you. But sadly you are caught in it. I love you and I’m sorry you are sad, and I hope with time you will be ok. Johnny rubbed his daughters back trying to sooth her.

Lilly, everything is going to be just fine. Laurine said. She gave her a weak smile. You know I’m here for you whenever you need me. We love you to Honey.

Yes, anytime you need us, you just call. Mark agreed.

Thank you. She snuggled into her father. Can we go home please? Johnny nodded.

We will see you tomorrow. He told Laurine and Mark.

Chapter 1

It was a semi-warm cloudless Friday morning. The sun was bright and a slight breeze was blowing on this particular fall day. As usual, Lilly and Becca were running late for school. It was their senior year and they only had three classes and lunch to deal with. The duo weren’t social outcasts, they had a few associates and were well known at school, but mostly kept to themselves, not wanting to deal with the normal dramas of high school. They did alright academically; they weren’t geniuses but, they both did well enough for their classmates to ask them for help, in which Lilly gladly helped tutor them…for a small fee.

The high school was no different any other; it was full of social rank. Basically if you weren’t an athlete or a cheerleader you were a target. Their leader was the head cheerleader, Kimya. She dated the quarterback and captain of the football team, Liam and his best friend was Rick. They had both dated and/or slept with all the other cheerleaders; however Kimya was off limits to Rick…he wasn’t complaining. Rick put up with her; and while he sometimes (as did everyone else who witnesses) get a good laugh out of her pranks/torcher, he mostly thought of her as a major bitch.

Lilly and Becca ran up the hall with their tardy slips in hand going to their second black class which was History 101. As Becca entered the room to take her seat, hoping to go unnoticed by the teacher, she hadn’t noticed Kimya’s purposely extended leg making Becca trip over her foot. Lilly fell over top of Becca; both their bags and books scattered across the floor. The whole class erupted in laughter.

LOSERS!! Kimya yelled. Both girls cut Kimya a look of hatred as they gathered their stuff.

Are y’all alright? Rick asked as he helped them.

We’re fine. Lilly replied as she jerked a paper from his hand. Nothing we haven’t endured before.

I’m sorry. Rick said looking at Becca. He thought it best to leave Lilly alone. Becca glanced at him.

It’s not your fault. She blushed as he smiled at her.

Why are you helping the losers Rick?

Shut up Kimya! Rick replied. He helped Becca up from the floor; he tried to help Lilly too but the jerked away from him.

I’m fine. She snarled. He held his hands up in surrender and stepped away from her. He didn’t blame her for her attitude. As he turned to his own desk he bent and whispered in Kimya’s ear,

You’re such a jerk. She rolled her eyes at his hiss.

Class went as usual; Lilly took notes while Becca slept. Kimya threw balls of paper at them off and on throughout the hour and forty-five minutes of hell. The fact that Lilly and Becca could practically sleep through school and maintain a high ‘B’ average pissed Kimya off. She struggled to keep a ‘C’ average to stay on the squad but she was too proud to ask for help, so she torcher them instead.

Lilly and Becca were just sitting down at an empty table at the end of the cafeteria in the corner when Rick approached the table and sat down his tray. He was pulling the chair out when Becca spoke,

This table was empty when we got here. Rick paused and looked at her a little stunned.

Yeah, and we’re not moving. Lilly added. Rick looked back and forth between the girls.

I wasn’t going to make you move. I planned to join you, if that’s ok.

Is this a joke? Lilly asked.

No. he proceeded to sit down. I’d like to sit with y’all and have lunch. Why is that so hard to believe?

Oh, I don’t know, maybe because since we started middle school, you and your asshole friends have made our lives a living hell. Becca answered. Don’t get me wrong, we appreciate your help in class, but forgive us if we’re not so trusting.

For all we know Kimya’s about to talk in and y’all are going to dump our lunches on us.

Oh, I guess I can understand your suspicions. I’m truly sorry. I can’t speak for all of my friends, but I’m personally sorry for all the shit over the years. Rick took a bite of his pizza and shoved a few fries in his already full mouth.

Ok, so if you’re not here to trap us in some sick joke for Kimya, what do you want? He stopped mid-chew and looked Becca in the eyes and in all seriousness he replied,

Well, he said around his food trying to swallow, This may come as a shock to you, but I’d like to take you out…like on a date… Becca and Lilly looked at each other and back at Rick. They burst into a fit of laughter. Lilly was laughing so hard she had tears coming from her eyes. A few people from a table across the way were staring at them.

Wow. That has to be the funniest thing I’ve heard in a while. Becca was trying to calm herself.

I seriously don’t see what’s so funny. Rick replied. Lilly and Becca sobered and they both seen the disappointment briefly on Rick’s face.

You seriously don’t get it do you? Lilly replied back. They girls picked up their bag and left the room. Rick called after them. He finally caught up with Lilly in her next class that he happened to be in. He slide into a desk next to her. Lilly didn’t notice him until he spoke.

Lilly, please help me. I know you don’t trust me and I get it. I really like Becca. I want to take her out.

Jeez, what is your deal? Is this a pity trip or what?

No, honest, it’s not a joke either. I’m not being paid and it’s not a pity trip. I really do like her. I’m not blind. I noticed her a long time ago. Please help me Lilly. Lilly considered what he was saying. She thought it over for a few minutes.

Rick, the only thing I know to tell you is you gotta earn her trust. You’ve got to prove to her that you’re not that asshole jock anymore. I can’t talk to her about you because I don’t trust you.

How do I go about proving myself to her?

I don’t know. You figure it out. Lilly turned away from him and focused on the notes on her desk.

After class Lilly met Becca at the convenient store at the end of the school parking lot. They went there every Friday afternoon to get their evening started. They were standing at the slushy machine when Lilly told Becca about her conversation with Rick.

He said he was serious, that it really wasn’t a joke or a pity trip and he wasn’t being paid, that he really want to take you out.

What did you tell him? Becca slid a lid on her cup and grabbed a straw.

I told him he would have to prove himself worthy, that you can trust him. Then he asked me how to go about that.

What did you tell him then? They paid for their drinks and sat outside on the sidewalk.

I told him I didn’t know, that he had to figure it out. Lilly replied around her mouth full of slushy. Let’s go to the mall.

They window shopped for a while, leisurely walking around, roaming in and out of the stores.

Don’t let your guard down Becca. I know you want to explore this, and I’m not telling you not too, but you should really be careful.

But what if he really does like me?

Good, that would be great actually, but until you’re really sure, just be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt. Just as they rounded to corner, the girls ran right into none other than Rick and Liam.

Oh, sorry. Rick said catching Becca by her arm before she fell. Well, fancy meeting you here. He smiled at Becca as he realized who he had ran into. Becca blushed.

Why are we being punished today? What have we done to deserve this karma? Lilly said rolling her eyes at them. Liam seemed to share the same mutual feeling; he looked none too happy to be seen standing near them. Becca elbowed Lilly.

"Be nice." She mouthed to her.

What are y’all doing here? Rick asked.

Just a little window shopping and sipping on our slushy’s. Becca answered.

What does it look like we’re doing? Plotting world domination one dress at a time? Lilly mumbled. Liam caught her remark and snickered.

You don’t have to be so rude you know. He whispered.

Really? ‘Cause I’m pretty sure I have every right to carry a chip on my shoulder. What exactly is you’re reason for being suck a dick? Liam didn’t reply, he simply rolled his eyes and stepped a few feet away.

We were about to get a couple slices of pizza, do y’all want to join us? Rick asked Becca.

Have you completely lost your mind? Liam jerked his head towards Rick, If Kimya sees me with them, she’ll have me hung in the nearest tree!

Um, yeah, that’s ok. Maybe another time. We should probably be going anyways. Becca answered.

Yeah, we would hate to tarnish your reputation. I’m sure Queen Witch Kimya will be here any moment with the rest of her minions. Lilly replied, sarcasm oozing from her mouth. She took Becca’s arm and started dragging her away.

I’ll call you later Becca! Rick shouted after her.

Ok! 750-3985! she shouted back at him. He quickly punched the number in his phone and saved it.

That has to be the stupidest thing you could have done. If Kimya gets that number she’s really going to give you crap.

Shoot, I totally wasn’t thinking about that. She put her hand over her face.

Then again, I kinda don’t see Rick giving out your number. So far he really seems to like you. Lilly gave her friend a reassuring smile. Becca returned the smile.

SO where are we going now? she asked.

I’m feeling another slushy.

Can you believe Liam? Jeez, Kimya must keep his balls in a small glass jar in her purse.

I know right! She probably controls him totally with the sex. But all jokes aside he is totally hot! If he would open his eyes and actually notice me, and give me half a chance, I’d show him that not all girls, are controlling Witches like Kimya. But he barely knows I’m alive.

Oh no, Lil he definitely knows you’re alive, but it would probably help if you were a little nicer. Maybe if you show him the ‘you’ that I know, he might be nicer to you. Lilly gave her a droll look.

You act like they haven’t known us since the first day of pre-school. Kimya used to be our friend. Remember when she used to spend the night with us? I don’t understand what changed and made her hate us so much.

We grew up Lil. Popularity was never important to us. And if you recall, cheerleading was never a strong point for us. She chose to become the school slut and we chose to be individuals. Becca laughed.

Rick and Liam watched the girls leave and proceeded to get pizza. Liam was relieved the girls left; he was sure Kimya would show up any moment and did not want to deal with an argument. Rick was disappointed. He had hoped Becca and Lilly would hang out.

Why did you do that? She was actually talking to me. You are not helping my case in trying to get them to trust me.

What’s with you man? The guys were sitting in a booth in the food court. Who cares about them? We are the two most popular guys in school and can get any hot girl we want, and you want to talk to the two biggest social outcasts in school.

Dude, aren’t you sick of those self-absorbed stuck-up bitches yet? Your so-called girlfriend being their ringleader? Liam it’s the same stupid bullshit just another day and honestly I’m sick of it. Why should I continue to mess with the same nasty sluts the whole school has screwed…again your girlfriend included…The jokes aren’t funny anymore. I don’t blame Lilly at all for her attitude towards us. We have all been mean to them for far too long and it wasn’t long ago that they were our friends. What’s wrong with them? What has changed now?

They’re losers.

You really just sounded like Kimya…I want to know why they are losers? What really makes them any different from Kimya and all the other girls…actually don’t answer that last question.

They’re not cheerleaders or popular or… Rick stopped him,

They’re not mean and rude…well Lilly can get kinda shitty but with good reason…But they’re not stuck on themselves. They talk about things other than the latest fashion and who screwed who and they also haven’t screwed the whole damn school!

Well they need to jump on the latest fashion. They dress like homeless people. Rick put his head in his hands.

You’re hopeless. Did you hear anything I just said?

Yes, I heard you, I just don’t understand your sudden change of heart over our lives these past seven years.

We’re seniors, it’s nearly time to start our lives out of all the petty bullshit. I want a real relationship, something that’s gonna last. I’m bored with the screw of the week. Do you seriously think your relationship is going to last with Kimya?

"Of course it’s going to last. Why shouldn’t it? I’ve never cheated on her and I don’t plan to start when I go off to college. Kimya’s not