Gaining a Rose

Parts: 1 of 1

Summary: Aliesha and Shannon broke up a year ago. Despite having mutual friends they never saw each other. What happens the one night that they do cross paths? Who played a role in them breaking up in the first place?

Rating: R

Content: Violence, rape

Distribution: ask and ye shall receive

Disclaimer: I own the people that you are not familiar with. Those persons are under contracts with the WWE, TNA or just themselves. Lyrics belong to Jon Bon Jovi and Ritchie Sambora

Sitting here wasted and wounded

At this old piano

Trying hard to capture

The moment this morning I don't know

'Cause a bottle of vodka

Is still lodged in my head

And some blond gave me nightmares

I think she's still in my bed

As I dream about movies

They won't make of me when I'm dead

Shannon sat on his porch and lazily played his guitar on a Saturday afternoon. Aliesha immediately filled his thoughts. Aliesha had been Shannon’s girlfriend for 4 years. She could not handle him being away for so long and it did not help that Aliesha saw him with Jana at a show. Shannon sighed as he walked into the house that he had brought for them to share. He noticed that she left things in place. Aliesha only took what were hers and not theirs. Shannon glanced at the tiger clock and realized he needed to get ready. Jeff had plans to cheer him up. A new club had opened up in Southern Pines called Enigma. Jeff had went the last week and said that it was jumping. Shannon laid out some clothes and walked to the bathroom. He frowned as he saw the Bath and Body works items that Aliesha loved. He looked in the mirror and sighed. Why was it so hard to get over Aliesha?

Aliesha walked to the patio and sat her glass down. She had taken over the lease on her mom’s apartment almost a year ago. Damn Shannon for having that bitch on the side. Aliesha sighed as she heard the phone ring. She reached the cord and said, “Hello?” Rosalina hated the way her friend had changed over the past year. “What are you up to?” Rosalina questioned as she heard the glass on the table. “I am working tonight at Enigma’s.” Aliesha answered as she lied. She knew that Rosalina had a plan and it involved Shannon. “Oh, cause Mickey wanted to know if you wanted to go with us to Raleigh. We’re meeting up with Arndt and Shane.” Rosalina said as she tried to pursue her friend. “Oh man, I have to miss a fun filled evening with Jason and Suga not to mention Mickey, Marty and may be even Shannon.” Aliesha said as she was tried of Shannon just showing up everywhere. “Laa Laa, I just want you to be happy and have fun. Shit, we never see you anymore. Damnit we miss you!” Rosalina said as Aliesha sighed. She knew she was right. She, Jason, Shane and Rosalina grew up together. “Okay may be I can call in but only on the condition that Shannon is not going to be there.” Aliesha demanded as she had the right. “I will make sure that he is not there.” Rosalina said as she could tell that Aliesha was smiling, “What time should I be there?” Aliesha questioned as she moved into the house to get ready.

“Oh my God, wake the dead, Laa laa has resurfaced!” Shane said as Rosalina and Aliesha entered the room. “Ha ha ah! Good to see you to Shane!” Aliesha said as she hugged him. “Laa Laa, I am glad that you are living again. What are you drinking tonight?” Jason asked from behind the bar. “Umm… how about a strawberry martini?” Aliesha said as she moved to sit in the recliner. “Who are we waiting on?” Mickey questioned as he moved to kiss Aliesha on the forehead. “I think just Matt, Amy, Jeff and Kera.” Shane said as Aliesha almost choked. “I do not want to be around either of those bitches, especially Kera.” Aliesha pointed out as Jason laughed. “I mean she tried to put a move on you once and you hold a grudge.” “Not to mention that Amy just accused you once of sleeping with Matt and you take offense.” Shane said as Aliesha mocked laughed. “Look, Hardy Boys can have insecure girlfriends inc. but damn the shit should either get old or worn out.” “See that’s what we have missed outspoken Laa Laa!” Marty said as he entered the room. “Damn, Marty what have you been doing? You look right sexy!” Aliesha said as Rosalina glanced at Shane. “Ooowee, feel the sexual tense!”

Matt waited as Jeff went in after Shannon. He wondered if Shannon and Aliesha could ever reconcile. Aliesha had every right to be pissed and leave Shannon. Matt urged Shannon to leave Jana and go back to Aliesha. Shannon being the one to know everything continued and now had no one. Aliesha had dated a couple guys but nothing to serious. He would have jumped at the chance with he stopped by and she was drunk as hell. Aliesha immediately shut him down and pleaded for him to be her friend and listen to her. Matt was astonished as Laa Laa admitted to him how much she cared for Shannon even though he had fucked her over. The next morning he went and pleaded with Shannon to at least go and talk to her. Shannon was not going to bow to her like she was a damn queen. Matt knew she was the queen of his world.

“I am serious; I don’t want Matt to mention to me anything about Aliesha. If she wanted me back, then she would have at least said something by now.” Shannon said as he and Jeff walked to the car. “I am not taking sides but didn’t you admit to sleeping and having a relationship with Jana? I mean how you think that made her feel. For your own good think outside of that Shannon bubble.” Jeff said as he opened the door. “Whatever, what are we doing tonight?” Shannon questioned. “Change of plans, we are going to Raleigh. Jason and Shane have something planned. Jeff, did you call and inform them that Amy and Kera aren’t coming?” Matt asked as Jeff grabbed his cell phone. “I guess I should pass along that Shannon is coming in case Aliesha is there with Rosalina.” Jeff pointed out, as Shannon looked astonished. “What do you mean in case Aliesha is there? Does she not want to see me?” Shannon questioned as Matt and Jeff exchanged looks. “Umm… more or less … yeah!” they answered as Shannon looked out the window.

“Aliesha, grab the phone.” Shane shouted as he and Rosalina were having some alone time while everyone else went out for supplies. “Hello?” Aliesha said, as Jeff looked perplexed. “Laa laa, did I dial you by mistake?” Jeff asked as Shannon looked up. “Nope, Shane and Rosie are having alone time and the other guys went for supplies. I guess we are staying in tonight.” Aliesha answered as she heard Jeff relaying the message to Matt. “Tell her who is coming!” Matt stressed as Aliesha tried not to laugh. “Umm… Laa Laa, Amy and Kera were unable to make it so umm well… Shannon is coming with us.” Jeff said as Aliesha looked around the room. “That’s cool. How long till you are here?” Aliesha asked as she wondered if she had time to run. “About 30 minutes!” Jeff said as Aliesha exhaled. “See you then!”

Rosalina and Shane noticed how Shannon and Aliesha had exchanged glances all night. “She has so much to say to him but there is a wall.” Rosalina whispered as Shane nodded. “I wish Shannon could see why she is resist. I mean he practically waved the skank in her face.” Shane said as he noticed Aliesha coming their way. “Okay.. Dr. Phil and Dr. Brothers, how are you going to fix the situation?” Aliesha joked as she poured some more of something from the blender. “I think you should talk to him. That would be a start.” Shane joked as Rosalina rubbed her arm. “Laa Laa, don’t rush it.” Rosalina said as Shane nodded. Jeff noticed how Shannon watched Aliesha. “You should talk to her. Tell her what’s on your mind.” Jeff insisted as Shannon laughed. “Like she would want to hear it. I mean damn she has hardly said five words to me all night.” Shannon answered as Jason noticed the separateness in the room. “Marty, didn’t we get some movies?” Jason questioned as Marty nodded. “Yeah, Hardball and Don’t say a Word.” Marty answered as he stirred the food. “We can eat and watched the movies.” Mickey said as he moved to set up a side table in the living room.

Matt walked over to Aliesha as she sat in the bay window. “You look beautiful… too beautiful to sit here alone.” Matt said as he pulled a chair over to her. “Okay, M. Hardy, you’re too handsome, too handsome to sit here with me.” Aliesha answered back. Matt smiled as he realized why she was so against being anywhere near Shannon. They loved each other so much that it killed them not being together. “So how are things at the various places that you work?” Matt questioned as Aliesha placed her glass on the floor and turned to at least face him. “Excellent really, I mean business is good at Applebee’s and Enigma. I heard about what you gave Amy for Valentine’s. She is damn lucky to have you.” Aliesha said as she caressed his face. Shannon glanced and noticed Matt talking with Laa Laa. No wonder he wasn’t upset about Amy not coming. Shannon thought as he caught Marty’s glance. “Hey Moore, help place the food on the table.” Marty ordered. “You and everyone else know but she is still in doubt.” Matt said as he leaned back in the chair. “Are you cheating on her with someone on the side?” Aliesha asked. “No, we are together 24/7. I don’t piss without her knowing it.” Matt admitted. “Does she still think that we did?” Aliesha asked as she looked down. “Yeah, I swear her and Shannon have a conspiracy theory against us.” Matt joked as they moved to help set the table. “Nope, you two either always helps put out and clean up.” Mickey said as he pointed for Matt and Aliesha to sit down.

Matt moved to go to the bathroom and Aliesha moved to sit on the love seat. “Shan go talk to her.” Jason said as they glanced and noticed Aliesha looking at the movies. Shannon walked out and sat beside Aliesha. Aliesha looked at Shannon a little shaken but offered a smile. Shannon leaned over and kissed her. Aliesha moved to place her arms around him. Shannon rubbed up and down her back. “Damn, I mean do you guys need a room.” Jason said as Shannon pulled back. “No, not for those reasons.” Aliesha said as they moved to fix themselves a plate. Mickey looked at Rosalina and laughed. “Slow and easy right?” Mickey joked. As everyone moved to the living room to get comfortable to watch movies there was a knock at the door. “I got it!” Aliesha said as she moved to open the door. “Hey, we’re just in time.” Amy said as Kera and Jana followed her. Aliesha slammed the door and picked up her plate. Shannon sighed as Aliesha turned her back to everyone. “I mean Damn!” Jeff said as Kera looked at him. “I know … I know. I told Jana that it wasn’t a good idea but Amy insisted that she come.” Kera admitted. “I want to see Aliesha and Shannon get back together just as bad as you.” Kera said as Jeff glanced at her. “We have to get Jana out of here. If Laa Laa doesn’t hurt her then Rosie will.” Jeff admitted as they sat down to eat.

With an ironclad fist I wake up and

French kiss the morning

While some marching band keeps

its own beat in my head

While we're talking

About all of the things that I long to believe

About love and the truth and

what you mean to me

And the truth is baby you're all that I need

Shannon woke up with a massive headache. As he sat up to get out of bed, he noticed that Jana was there. She had on pajamas. Shannon was relieved as he moved to the living room. He sat and thought about last night. He actually kissed and embraced Laa laa. The thought made his skin crawl as he was so close to her and Jana ruined it all. He moved to sit on the porch and take some aspirin. He felt like a marching bed was in his head. Shannon smiled as he noticed the flowers that Aliesha planted were trying to grow. He walked off the porch to the back yard to the swing where they spent summer nights under the stars. He pulled out his cell phone and dialed Laa Laa’s number. He prayed that she actually answered her phone.

Aliesha looked at her phone as it rang. She had been awake for hours but refused to get out of the bed. “Umm hello?” Aliesha said without looking at the caller id. “Ali, it’s me Shannon.” Aliesha removed the phone from her ear and laid it down beside her. She laid it beside her as she stared up at the ceiling. As she sighed, she brought it back to her ear, “Hi, what’s up?” Aliesha said cheerfully. Shannon bit his lips as he realized that this was her best front. “I was just calling to see what you were doing tonight?” Aliesha looked over at her calendar. “I am at Applebee’s till 9 and then I am working at Enigma’s tonight.” “Oh, I wanted us to get together and discuss us.” Shannon said as he heard Aliesha moved in the bed. “Good idea, hey why not bring Jana and we can schedule when you are with her and me.” Aliesha said as she remembered that he left her to be with Jana. “Aliesha, that is um…” Shannon paused as Aliesha hung up the phone. Aliesha stared at her phone. She knew that Jana was in the bed that they use to lie in. As she glanced at the clock, she realized she needed to get ready for work.

I want to lay you down on a bed of roses

For tonight I sleep on a bed on nails

I want to be just as close as the Holy Ghost is

And lay you down on bed of roses

Shannon sat in his living room alone. He threw Jana out after he couldn’t reach Aliesha. He had driven by Applebee’s and saw Aliesha behind the bar. She looked as beautiful as she had her brownish black hair unstraightened. Her hair was naturally curly. He could tell that she had her moneymaking pants on. He smiled as he thought of how Shane introduced them. They were all going to Manson concert together. Shannon instantly fell for her as at that time she had blond streaks around her face and was wearing green cat eye contacts. He glanced at their pictures on the wall. He missed the way Aliesha could smile and make any and everything better. Shannon decided to make this situation better. He was now hell bound and determined to get her back. He had finally stepped outside the Shannon bubble and discovered that Aliesha is what he needed. Shannon hung up the phone and stared at the list of people he had just called. He planned to have Aliesha’s car towed and he was going to be the one she called to pick her up. He was going to make up for his stupidness and for missing Valentine’s Day. It was 1 in the morning. Time to make magic.

Aliesha punched out and grabbed her purse. She reached in and grabbed her keys. As she exited the building she noticed the lights of the tow truck. Aliesha could have screamed as she realized it was her car. Damn, she thought to herself about who she could call. Rosalina and Shane were at the Show with Mickey, Jason and Marty. Matt was with Amy and Jeff with Kera. She could have cried as she realized she had to call Shannon. She hit his number on speed dial and waited. Shannon stood at the door with the phone. He smiled as it rang and he noticed Aliesha’s number. “Hello?” Shannon answered trying to sound sleepy. “I really hate to bother you but I had no one else to call. My car was towed and I need a ride home and I was wondering if you come and get me.” Aliesha asked as Shannon sighed. “Yeah, let me throw on some clothes.” “Shannon, I owe you so much.” Aliesha said as she turned to walk back in the club. “No, this is the least I can do.” Shannon said as he heard her say something before hanging up.

Aliesha walked back in the club and noticed Jeff and Kera. “I didn’t know you guys were here, I could have saved Shannon a trip.” Aliesha said as she ordered some Jell-O shoots. “No, I think Shannon would jump at the chance to be near you.” Jeff said as he grabbed some of the drinks and walked off. Kera waited for her drink and glanced at Aliesha. “For what it is worth, any guy is lucky to have you. I just hope Shannon wises up before other men realize your potential.” Kera said as she grabbed her drink and walked off. Aliesha sat and downed a shot. This was turning into to one freaky ass night. Her car gets towed, she has to call Shannon to come and get her then the frigid bisexual bitch gives her a compliment. What else could happen?

“Laa Laa, Shannon is at the door for you!” Scott said as Aliesha grabbed her purse. “Thanks!” Aliesha said as she handed a five-dollar bill to Holly and walked to meet Shannon. “Be careful, Laa Laa!” Scott said as she walked to Shannon’s mustang. “Why do they always tell you to be careful?” Shannon asked as Aliesha looked in her purse. “They have seen me do crazy shit and live. It is like a ritual that you don’t want to break.” Aliesha said as she applied some lip-gloss. They both sighed; Aliesha only pointed out where to turn. Aliesha refused to discuss anything else. Shannon reached and took her hand. Aliesha wanted to jerk her hand away but for some reason it felt comfortable. “Right here, the second set of apartments is where I am.” Aliesha said as Shannon observed the surroundings. “It’s dark; you want me to walk you to your door.” Shannon offered as Aliesha nodded. “Please, there have been 2 assaults in the past month.” Shannon got out first and walked quickly around the car. Aliesha was glad it was dark, so Shannon could not see her blushing. “Hey, take my hand.” Shannon insisted as Aliesha took it and led him upstairs to what was now her home.

Shannon heard the noises and wondered who was in Aliesha’s apartment. “Damn!” Aliesha said as she turned the knob. “You remember my mom right!” Aliesha said as she walked through and picked up the random beer and liquor bottles. “Are you sure you want to stay here?” Shannon questioned as he noticed the hurt and fear in her eyes. “Yeah, it’s not a problem. I can lock my bedroom door this time.” Aliesha said as Shannon immediately took her in his arms. “Call me if you need me!” Shannon whispered as he noticed men that were everywhere. “Don’t worry, I am a big girl and can defend myself.” Aliesha paused as she walked Shannon to the door, “Thank you for bringing me home. I know that you where sleep and…” Shannon kissed her again hoping to entice her to leave with him. “Always remember that I love you!” Shannon said as he walked down the stairs. Aliesha walked out the door and watched him leave.

Aliesha walked back in and decided against her better judgment to take a shower. She washed all the cares of the world away. She thinks back to the days when she and Shannon shared showers and baths. Aliesha sighed as she exited the shower. “My My! Michelle didn’t tell us that someone else would be joining the party.” A man said as Aliesha became frantic. “Please don’t do this.” Aliesha pleaded as he forced her on the floor. Aliesha knew there was no way she could fight this man who was much bigger than her. Aliesha exchanged bites, kicks, screams and scratches for 30 minutes with this stranger. She cried as he moved off of her and rejoined whatever was happening there. She moved to her room and placed on her clothes. She looked for her purse and phone. Shit she thought as she realized it was still in Shannon’s car. Aliesha quickly packed some clothes to tide her over for a couple of days. She sat there and waited for things to die down.

Well I'm so far away

That each step that I take is on my way home

A king's ransom in dimes I'd given each night

Just to see through this payphone

Still I run out of time

Or it's hard to get through

Till the bird on the wire flies me back to you

I'll just close my eyes and whisper,

Baby blind love is true

Aliesha noticed the time and grabbed her bag. She opened her window and dropped her bag. She expertly climbed down the drainpipe. She winced as her elbow scraped the bricks. Aliesha picked up her bag and walked as normally as possible to the pay phone down the street. She reached into her pocket that was full of change and placed a handful on the makeshift counter. Surely, someone would be at home. It was like 4 in the morning. Aliesha cursed as she got everyone’s answering machine or voice mail. Aliesha dialed her last resort… Shannon. “Hey you’ve reached Shannon leave me a message.” She began to sob as she hit the glass. Aliesha hung up the phone in defeat. She did not want to call the police and go through this shit alone. She did not want to answer all those questions and then have another rape kit done. She sat in the booth and realized that the guy who did it last time didn’t get caught.

Shannon walked from outside with Tinky. He was the Siberian husky that Laa Laa loved. It broke her heart that she had to leave him behind. Tinky walked to his blanket and lay down. Shannon walked to the kitchen and noticed the flashing light on the answering machine. He checked the caller id and noticed the number was unknown. Shannon silently cursed as he realized it might be a prank call. He hit the play button and continued into the kitchen. “Shannon, this is Laa laa, if you are there please please pick up. Shannon, I need you please pick up.” Aliesha’s pleads once again echoed through Shannon’s house. “If you get this soon just call me at 248-6699. Shannon, I love you!” Shannon walked to the phone as quickly as his body would allow him. He frantically dialed the number and waited.

Aliesha had fallen asleep in the booth. She was startled as the phone rang. She pulled herself up with her right arm as her left one had swollen. “Hello?” She barely said. “Laa Laa, where are you?” Shannon said as he thought about the number. “I am at the pay phone on the corner from the apartments. Can you come get me? I would leave but I don’t know where my car is or who towed it.” Aliesha said as Shannon cringed. “They had left a message and it is at Jones Garage. I can take you there if you want.” Shannon offered knowing she just wanted to go anywhere but where she was. “That’s fine. I’m scared so could you hurry.” Aliesha said and quickly regretted it. “Why are you scared? Are you hurt? Talk to me Aliesha!” Shannon demanded as he pulled on his shoes. “Shannon, if you love me, just come.” Aliesha demanded as she noticed cars pulling out of the parking lot. “Okay, I am on my way. Just stay safe.” Shannon asked as he heard the phone hang up.

Shannon dialed Jeff’s number. He needed some support in this. He was not sure how bad Laa Laa was hurt but he knew she was hurt. “Shannon, I swear this better be good cause I had just fell asleep.” Jeff demanded as Shannon sighed. “I need you to ride with me to go get Aliesha and her car.” Jeff immediately sat up. “Is she okay? I mean she called you?” Jeff questioned as he walked to pull on some clothes. “Yeah, she sounded so desperate. I can’t go into this alone.” Shannon pleaded as he drove towards Jeff. “I am ready… where are you?” Jeff said as he noticed Kera had woken up. “5 minutes … is that cool?” Shannon answered. “I’ll be out there.” Jeff said as he paused to hang up the phone. “Laa Laa is hurt and Shannon’s not sure how bad so I am riding along. “ Kera sat up and smiled at Jeff. “Hug her for me. She’ll need that.” Kera said as Jeff caught a chill. Kera had a sense about things and was normally right. Jeff kissed her and walked out to get into Shannon’s car.

Aliesha opened the door and decided to walk back up to her apartment. Shannon had 45 minutes to get there anyways Aliesha hated the darkness for too many reasons. She was raped in the dark. The dark was her only comfort when her parents fought. When her dad left them, the darkness embraced her. While her mom had parties and all the wild shit she did, the darkness toyed with her. Aliesha stopped when she heard something behind her. She became frightened when something or someone lunged at her. “I guess round 2 wasn’t enough?” The voice said from the dark. “What are you talking about?” Aliesha questioned as she tried to maneuver in the dark and detect his next move. “Don’t you remember 5 years ago, upstairs at your old house? You had just walked out the bathroom.” He said as Aliesha became frightened. “You are such a prick… you can’t identify yourself” Aliesha shouted as she felt him grab her. “I’m Kellen, Kellen Davis. It’s okay though because you won’t live to tell it.” Kellen said as he pulled her into the bushes.

Shannon pulled towards the phone booth. “Damn, she lives here.” Jeff said as he noticed the shadows. “She took over her mom’s lease and it’s a long story okay.” Shannon said as they got out and looked around. “Hey, that’s her bag. I remember from when we all went to the beach.” Jeff said as he grabbed it and walked it to Shannon’s car. “ALIESHA! Aliesha!” Shannon shouted as he looked into the booth. “Oh My God, she’s bleeding.” Shannon said as he noticed the smug on the glass. “ALIESHA! ALIESHA!” Jeff shouted as he moved towards the apartments. Shannon walked back to the car and got flashlights. He ran back to Jeff. “I think these will help.” Shannon said as they split up and walked in different directions.

I want to lay you down on a bed of roses

For tonight I sleep on a bed on nails

I want to be just as close as the Holy Ghost is

And lay you down on bed of roses

Jeff walked through the parking lot towards the trashcans. He immediately noticed a hand it was bloody. He wanted to scream to Shannon but he had to make sure. Jeff shined the light and became sick. Aliesha laid there bloody and battered. Jeff pulled out his cell phone and called for an ambulance. “Shannon!” Jeff called as he walked over to his friend. “I found her.” Jeff said as Shannon looked at him. “Where is she?” Shannon said as he frantically shined his light. “It is not pretty Shannon. I am guessing who ever hurt her the first time got to her again.” Jeff said as he walked with Shannon over to where Aliesha laid. Shannon fell to his knees and reached to touch her hand. He was not going to lose her like this. He moved to check for a pulse and thanked God. Apparently she wasn’t going to lose this way either.

The hotel bar hangover whiskey's gone dry

The barkeeper's wig's crooked

And she's giving me the eye

I might have said yeah

But I laughed so hard I think I died

Shannon returned to the hospital five days later. He could not handle Michelle, Aliesha’s mom, acting hurt and devastated that this had happened to her baby again. Rosalina filled Shannon in on how Michelle made Aliesha feel worse than already possible about her rape. That’s why they moved to Vass. Aliesha needed to get a fresh break and start. Shannon smiled as he got on the elevator. Because two weeks later was when they all went to the Manson concert. He walked to her door and knocked. Rosalina pointed out that Aliesha was weary of visitors. Jason and Shane told him that she had visible scars and hated for people to look at her. That’s why she demands the room be kept dark. Rosalina opened the door and smiled as Shannon walked in. “Laa Laa, Shannon is here.” Rosalina announced as she held the door open so he could see his way to the bed. “Laa Laa, how are you?” Shannon said as he moved to kiss her forehead. “I’ve had better days. You know we are not together so you don’t have to be here. I am sure you would rather be with Jana right now.” Aliesha said. Shannon reached for the chair but decided to sit on the bed. “I want to be with you. Remember you said if I loved you then I would come.” Shannon said as he took her hand. “When are they going to let you out?” Shannon questioned as he noticed Aliesha tensing up. “Shannon, please go! I don’t want you to see me like this.” Aliesha said as she pulled away from him.

Shannon sighed as turned to face the wall. “It’s easy to push me away right. You know to end things on your terms. You always did this, Ali. I came here today not knowing what to expect but I knew that I loved you!” Shannon said as he heard Aliesha suppress her crying. “Shannon, don’t say you love me! I mean look at me!” Aliesha said as she turned on the light. Shannon took her scars in. Aliesha resisted looking away or down. She wanted to see his reaction. Shannon reached and touched the one under her left eye. He moved to look at her neck, where the bastard tried to take her life. Aliesha wanted Shannon to hold her. Shannon looked in her eyes and outstretched his arms. Aliesha eased into his arms and began to cry on his shoulder. Rosalina took her cue and grabbed her coat and left. Shannon stroked her hair and rubbed her back. “I can leave tomorrow. I was going to move in with Rosie for a while but I want to come home! With you is the only home I know!” Aliesha said as Shannon smiled. “You’re always welcomed at home.”

When you close your eyes

Know I'll be thinking about you

While my mistress she calls me

To stand in her spotlight again

Tonight I won't be alone

But you know that don't

Mean I'm not lonely I've got nothing to prove

For it's you that I'd die to defend

Jeff and Kera sat exhausted. Matt, Rosalina and Shane walked in with drinks. “Okay, next time Shannon helps. I mean what do they need all this stuff for?” Shane complained. “It makes them complete.” Jeff said. “You see a little of Shannon, a little of Aliesha and a lot of them.” Rosalina said as Matt nodded. “They should be here soon. Guys she has scars to her face and neck. So try not to stare.” Shane said as he noticed a deliveryman. “I’ll get it.” Kera said as she tried to stretch her legs. “Delivery for Aliesha Lanksy!” Kera signed and noticed the bouquet of flowers. “Hey, isn’t Joaquin Lanksy Aliesha’s father?” Rosalina glanced at Shane. “This only means trouble. He hasn’t really talked with her in at least 8 years.” Shane confessed. Matt stood at the window and noticed Shannon pull in. He hadn’t had the time to go and visit like he wanted with Aliesha. He walked to the door and smiled as Shannon helped her out of the car.

“Aliesha, what’s up?” Matt said as he moved to assist in some way. “Not me, I was sleep! What’s up with you? You look tired and all.” Aliesha said as she reached for his support. “We figured we would move your stuff for you. Jason and Marty moved a majority of it last night.” Matt said as he helped her. “You guys didn’t have to… I mean it could have waited right?” Aliesha questioned as Matt shook his head. “The landlord called and regretted that he had to ask you to get your stuff ASAP.” Aliesha nodded she knew that her mom had fucked up again and was gone again. “Who all is here?” Shannon questioned as Matt took it one step at a time. “Kera, Jeff, Shane and Rosalina.” Matt said as Shannon nodded. Aliesha entered her house and smiled. She was home. “Hey everyone! Thanks for moving all that stuff.” Aliesha said as Matt sat her gently in the recliner. “No problem, oh those came for you.” Jeff said as he moved to hug her. Aliesha noticed whom it was from and sighed. She pulled out the card and read it. Shannon moved behind her and scanned it as well.

Aliesha had talked about her father and they had somewhat of a relationship. Shannon smiled as he promised that Aliesha would be vindicated. Aliesha smiled and placed the card down. “Have you guys eaten?” Aliesha asked as everyone looked at each other and got uncomfortable. “We were just on our way to Applebee’s.” Jeff said as everyone nodded. “I will cook for you guys to repay what you’ve done.” Aliesha said as everyone nodded. “We feel that anything else you need, Shan’s got it.” Matt said as everyone hugged Aliesha and left. ‘Around 3 I will need to go and get your prescriptions.” Shannon said as Aliesha glanced at him. “Okay, can you get something to eat then, too?” “I was going to take you with me.” Shannon said as Aliesha laughed. “You can’t take me everywhere. I mean I know it’s hard for me now but all I need to do is rest.” Aliesha said as she stood up and almost fell. Shannon grabbed her and held her so close. He was never going to lose her again.

I want to lay you down on a bed of roses

For tonight I sleep on a bed on nails

I want to be just as close as the Holy Ghost is

And lay you down on bed of roses

Shannon woke up at 3:10. He was so close to Aliesha that he had to call Jeff to get the prescriptions. This was a rare moment. Aliesha had snuggled tight to him. Shannon had her equally as tight. He had talked with Vince earlier and had received a leave of absence. Aliesha would have been mad if she knew that he was going to take care of her. He kissed her forehead and lay back next to her. He actually felt comfortable. He was at peace. Shannon glanced at Aliesha and realized that she felt the same. Shannon pulled the covers up around them. They had no plans for at least a week. Nothing else mattered… he had his rose.

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