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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍

𝐈𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐁𝐄𝐄𝐍 𝐎𝐍𝐄 year.

Exactly one year to this date, November 5th, since Liz Chambers life was turned upside down. One year since she was told she'd never run again. One year since she was told she'd be going blind in a couple years.

One year since she lost the two most important people in her life.

To this day, it still feels unreal. Even now, standing in front of their grave in the pretty blue flower dress her mother had made for her, it didn't feel real. None of this felt real. It felt like they were just on a long vacation or she would go back to her house and find them there. The house she hasn't been to since before the accident because she couldn't bring herself to step inside without them.

It didn't make sense to the seventeen year old how someone can be there one minute and then the next, they are gone. Forever. Without even the chance to say goodbye.

Liz never got to say goodbye.

She never thought about what it would feel like to wake up on this day. She never thought she'd ever have to feel like this. She hadn't even been thinking about the fact that the anniversary of their deaths was coming up. She has been so wrapped up in the wedding and school... She has done so well in distracting herself from thinking about a certain someone and trying to fill the gigantic void in her chest, that she almost forgot about the absolute worst thing that had ever happened to her.

The key word being 'almost'.

When Liz Chambers went to bed the night before, she had her first night terror in almost a year. She hadn't had one since she first returned to Forks after spending time in California. But just because she forgot the date, doesn't mean her subconscious did. Ester knew, too. She knew immediately what triggered Liz's night terror and hadn't even bothered commenting on the fact that she hadn't had one in several months.

Even Danny seemed to understand. The two had helped the girl calm down and Ester did not leave her side, sleeping with her and holding her tightly. Liz will never admit how much she appreciated it, nor will she admit the treacherous thought that entered her mind last night. One she wanted to slap herself for allowing herself to think about it. One she hated herself for with a fiery passion.

But she couldn't stop it once it was there. She could not stop thinking how much she wanted Jasper to be the one to comfort her last night. How she wanted him to be the one holding her, calming her, reassuring her. For one night, she let herself admit she wanted Jasper back. She let herself miss him deeply.

She spent this morning puking into the toilet from the nausea that came from reliving the accident, missing her parents and for allowing herself to become weak and think about him.

It only fueled her anger more that he wasn't here. Because he left her. He abandoned her. He made her fall in love with him and then he broke her. She can not give him the satisfaction of missing him. Doesn't matter if deep in her heart she does, she can't allow herself to admit it. He can't have that power over her. She can not allow that.

But she can miss her parents.

Her parents. The two people who always had her back. The two people who always believed in her and who never let her give up. Who went to every track meet, especially her father who sometimes would turn down jobs just so he wouldn't miss it despite needing the money. And her mother, who would make embarrassing large signs and even t-shirts with her face on them to support her.

Liz remembers how embarrassed she used to be of them, especially the signs and the loud cheering. She hates herself for feeling that way because she'll never hear them cheering her on again. They won't be there when she graduates... if she graduates. They won't be there for Ester's wedding, despite the fight they were in. They won't be there for the future she will have.

That is what destroyed her. She fell to her knees at the grave and sobbed into her hands. Ester was standing by the car with Danny, already having paid her respects and having her moment with them, allowing Liz to have time alone with them. She didn't care that she was staining her favorite dress from the grass, she just shook from another sob and put her hands down, staring at their shared tombstone.

Robert Chambers. September 1st, 1954 - November 5th, 2004

Lori Chambers. August 24th, 1956 - November 5th, 2004

"Mommy," Liz choked out, wiping her cheek and trying her best to clear her throat. "Daddy. I miss you both so much. Sometimes I-I don't know how I made it this far without you."

Another sob escaped her lips and she couldn't stop it. She has been reliving the accident in her head since last night and it is not good. She can still hear her mother calling to her. She can still see the glimpse of her fathers body through the windshield.

"I'm sorry I don't visit more..." Liz hiccuped. "I just... it's so hard. I try not to think about the accident because the realization that you are no longer in my life hits me like a brick and it's like I-I can't breathe. It's like the oxygen gets sucked out of the Earth and nothing I do will bring it back."

Liz did not care how she looked or who saw her. When she finally lets her walls down and let her emotions show, it all comes out at once like an explosion. "I-I don't even care about my knee or about the brain damage. I can live with those changes. I only want to reverse time so we weren't on that damn highway. I'm so sorry. I-I know this is all my fault. I did this... You guys are dead because of me..."

Liz buried her face into her hands and leaned forward until her thighs touched her chest. She couldn't control the sobs. Everything that has happened this year came rushing back. She has been through so much... too much. And just when she thought she was getting better... when she thought she found an anchor, someone she could rely on and who consumed her... well, to say the rug was pulled from her feet and she landed face first would be an understatement.

To this day, no matter what anyone tries to tell her, she knows her parents' death is her fault. She should have died in that explosion. She hates that she didn't, but that is something she is going to have to live with.

Forcing herself back up, her vision blurred through the tears, Liz swallowed in order to clear her throat and sniffed, trying hard to get herself together. She was silent, trying to find the right words. But she couldn't. How can she when she is the reason they are dead?

She killed her parents.

She shouldn't have come. She shouldn't disrespect their grave like this.

With that in mind, Liz Chambers forced herself to her feet and without being able to look at the grave, she turned on her heel and went back to the truck, ignoring the worried looks from Danny and Ester as she brushed past them and climbed into the vehicle, ignoring Ester who tried to talk to her on the drive home.

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𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐒 𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑, 𝐋𝐈𝐙 buried herself into the wedding more than ever. She has managed to get so much done, much to the surprise of the bride and groom all while managing to stay within their budget.

Liz had forced herself not to think about the visit to the cemetery, but it was hard when her night terrors had become a nightly routine. Sometimes they weren't that bad, mostly simply regular nightmares, but sleep has been kind of difficult. She is hoping they will go away with time like they usually do, but right now she has had to adjust to working on three hours of sleep each night.

It was November 25th, meaning she had exactly forty days until the wedding. Pretty much everyone has RSVP'd. Ester finally settled on a wedding dress, since she had been fighting between two beautiful ones and had a hard time deciding. Liz was happy with her choice and wasn't too upset with her bridesmaid dress, despite Liz not being too crazy about pink.

Ester's other five bridesmaids consist of her two best friends from high school, a new friend she made at nursing school, and Danny's younger twin sisters, Rachel and Rebecca. Liz remembers Bianca and Lola from the times they would spend the night at the house when she was younger. The dress fitting was the first time Liz met Kaylie, Ester's nursing school friend. As for Rachel and Rebecca, Ester only met them twice but had never really talked to them. They sure as hell look like both Danny and Jacob though.

Danny didn't really have that many groomsmen, seeing as he doesn't speak to any of the guys he was friends with at high school. Most of them were addicts or dealers and Danny said goodbye to that life a long time ago. So his groomsmen consisted of Jacob (who will serve as the best man), as well as his father, a friend from the shop name Terrance and apparently, Sam Uley, Jared Cameron and surprise surprise, freaking Paul Lahote.

Liz has not been happy learning this news. But apparently in order to make it even for both sides, Danny needed available men. He was already going to have Sam Uley as a groomsman, apparently the two were a lot closer then Liz ever knew about. But now she is going to have to be near her ex-best friend which is something she really doesn't need to be dealing with right now. But Ester doesn't see the probably since she still views Paul like a little brother.

As long as Liz doesn't have to interact with him much, she can try to refrain from punching him in the face. Key word there is 'try'.

The Chambers/Black residence has become a hurricane of wedding planning. Because there isn't a spare room for her to work, Liz basically took over the entire living room. She had a poster attached to the wall of everyone's assigned seats for the reception. There is a poorly sketched picture of what the venue on the beach will look like, as well as the church in case they get rained on, which she will literally die if that happens because her dream for this wedding is outside with a light breeze blowing, the ocean crashing against rocks in the background as Ester and Danny stand under the altar she had specially ordered, a wedding present that neither of them know about.

A knock on the door had Liz almost running to the door, but since running and a knee injury is a big 'no no' from the doctor, she refrained and simply walked as fast as she could. Once she swung the door open, she was met with a familiar looking smirk of a blonde male, his tall frame leaning against the door frame, wearing a usual band t-shirt and blue jeans. The band today happened to be the ever famous Led Zeppelin.

Liz stared at him with hopeful eyes. "Well?"

Mitch moved past the female and invited himself into the house, which Liz did not object to and closed the door behind him, turning back towards the male waiting for his answer. He just grinned at the hopefulness in her eyes and nodded. "He'll do it."

Liz couldn't hold in the squeal of excitement as she raced towards him and wrapped his arms around his neck tightly, which he returned the hug and laughed at her excitement.

Mitch Cooper is an angel sent down from above and no, that is not an exaggeration. Liz had no idea that walking into that Floral shop a little over a month ago that she was going to walk out with someone she now considers an amazing friend.

After talking to Mitch's aunt and setting up the flower arrangements- which she had complimented Liz on her choice since delilahs are very uncommon for weddings- Mitch interrupted and managed to pull some strings and get an amazing deal. Liz is not sure why he did it, but was very grateful to him.

He then invited her to an open mic night at the bar at town where he usually performs every Friday and she accepted, seeing as he told her to bring whoever and she ended up bringing Mike, Jessica and Eric. Tyler was too busy with Lauren, Bella was still a vegetable and Angela... well, Liz isn't quick sure why Angela decided not to come. Eric said she just hasn't been in the mood to go out recently and Liz could tell he was worried but tried not to show it.

Mitch was amazing. He sang an original song he was working on, which he claims he usually always does but will sometimes play a cover from a band if he is in the mood. Because it was open mic night, Mike attempted doing a comedy bit, but the only genuine laughs he received was when he fell off the stage after tripping over a wire.

Afterwards, the five sat at the booth and got to know each other, where Mitch then confessed about just getting out of a long relationship with his boyfriend, which Liz remembers him mentioning having an ex. Apparently he had been cheating on Mitch for two months and the fall out was very, very bad. Because his father disowned him after coming out, he left Pete (the ex) and is now living with his aunt. He's been here for five months and claimed he hasn't been successful at making friends, mostly because he hasn't put himself out there.

Liz found herself connecting with Mitch after he told her his story, confessing to him that she also just got out of a relationship and that her ex broke her heart. She didn't tell him much detail, just that he told her that he never loved her and left. They ended up forming the 'broken hearts club' and somehow, they have been attached to the hip.

Mitch was now someone Liz found herself admiring. Not only did he make a life for himself after his father kicked him out the minute he turned eighteen, but Mitch was putting himself through online courses and doing what he loves most by making music. Mitch wasn't even ashamed that right now his only friend happens to be a seventeen year old senior in high school. They formed an amazing friendship. So much so that he even found himself helping Liz with the wedding planning, which brings to the reason why Liz was squeezing the life out of him.

"Has anyone ever told you that you are a lifesaver?" Liz released him and smiled.

Mitch just shrugged a bit smugly and fell back onto the couch. "Not today, but feel free to say it again."

Liz rolled her eyes and pushed him away before heading over to the white board and circled 'Great Gatherings Catering' from the list of three top catering businesses for the reception. Mitch apparently knows the owner of the business, Kyle Long, who apparently used to babysit Mitch when he was younger. Mitch once again came in like an angel and said he can convince him to do it since it was such short noticed, and he did just that.

"Kyle says he is free tomorrow or Thursday to meet and go over the menu and wedding cake tastings. I'll text you his number later."

Liz took a seat on the recliner and sighed in satisfaction. "That's perfect. Seriously, Mitch, thank you so much for all your help."

"Hey, if I can't help my new friend plan her sister's wedding, what else am I good for?"

Liz only rolled her eyes. "Everything. You are good for everything and don't let anyone tell you differently."

Mitch saluted her with two fingers. "You got it. Ugh, I'm bored. What do you have on the schedule today?"

"I have an English paper that is due on Monday and I also have a math test on Friday and I know damn well if I don't start studying for it now, I'm going to fail. I barely passed the quiz last week."

Mitch raised his brows. "Yeah? What'd you get?"

"I got a D minus."

Mitch winced. "Yeah, D for disappointment. I remember those. Math was never my favorite, I barely passed it in school."

"Tell me about it," Liz mumbled annoyingly, realizing math will be her enemy for the rest of her life. "It might be the very reason I don't graduate this year."

"Seriously? Is it that bad?" Mitch questions and Liz only nodded. "Why don't you get a tutor?"

It was Liz's turn to wince. "I had a tutor."

Mitch stares at the blonde female, waiting for further explanation, but when she doesn't say anything more, he motions his hand in circles. "And...?"

Bitterness creeped into Liz as she turned to her new friend with a tired sigh. "And he's a coward just like his brother."

Before Mitch could question further, the front door opened and in walked Danny, something for which caused Mitch to sit up straight. Danny gave the two a stiff nod before saying in a rough voice. "Hey guys."

"Hey," Mitch said calmly and Liz tried not to throw a pillow at him. Last week when Mitch met both Ester and Danny for the first time, Mitch spent a good ten minutes raving about how hot Danny is. It drove Liz to sacrifice the amazing chocolate donut she was eating by shoving it into Mitch's mouth just to get him to shut up.

Choosing to ignore Mitch admiring her soon-to-be brother-in-law, Liz turned to him and noticed the distant and distraught look on his face. He was covered in oil from working on cars and his hair that had started growing back was pulled back in a bun out of his face. "You alright?"

Danny forced a nod as well as a reassuring smile. "Yeah. Today just kind of kicked my ass. I'm exhausted."

"Maybe you should shower and go take a nap?" Liz suggested, but Danny shook his head.

"Can't. I have to meet my dad and the guys for a fitting."

Liz stared at him in confusion. "Danny, you guys already did that.."

The older male blinked at her. "I thought you said it was on Friday?"

Both Liz and Mitch exchanged a strange look before she turned back to him. "Yesterday was Friday. Today's Saturday."

Danny shook his head in a daze. "What?"

Now Liz was worried and immediately on her feet. "Danny, are you sure you are alright?" She reached for him but flinched when she realized how hot he was. "Danny, you're burning up."

Danny pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yeah, I'm not feeling too great."

"Okay, I'm going to start the shower and you are going to clean up and go to bed. You might be coming down with a fever."

Danny only nodded, not having the energy to argue. "It's probably one of those twenty-four hour things."

"I hope so," Liz whispered before walking him to his room. She looked back at Mitch. "I'll be right back."

Mitch only nodded as the two disappeared into the room where Liz started the shower and got him clean towels from the closet. Leaving him to do his thing, Liz prayed that this really was a twenty-four hour stomach bug.

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𝐈𝐓 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐀 twenty-four hour stomach bug. Three days Danny had been cooped up in his room, shaking and shivering and sweating like crazy. He refused to go to the doctor and had even snapped at Ester a couple times when she would try to convince him to go.

Then, all of a sudden, Liz returns home from school the other day to a hysteric Ester who left to get more groceries and medicine for him, only to find the bed empty and Danny nowhere in sight. It sent a big panic through both Chambers sister's chest, and Ester was close to starting a search party when Billy finally called and said Danny showed up and he was fine.

Ester was relieved but was not prepared for what Billy had to say next. He told Ester to stay at the house, not to bother coming to see him. Now if anyone knows Ester Chambers, she is not one to take orders very well, especially when it comes to those she loves. At first, she granted Billy his request and let Danny stay there for one night but before Liz got out of bed the next morning, Ester had already left the house and went over to see her fiancé, only to have him tell her he doesn't want to see her and refused to open the door.

Another two days went by and Ester was a mess. She was currently sitting on the couch, crying with the phone clutched to her hand as she continuously hit redial only for her calls to go straight to voicemail. Liz was watching her with a heavy heart from the kitchen table. Everything about this, Danny getting sick then disappearing and then refusing to see anyone... it was all very, very familiar to the blonde.

The more she thought about it, the more she realized why this is so familiar. Why she can feel Ester's pain and why this felt like deja vu. Because it was. But instead of thinking about Danny, Liz starts thinking about Paul. This was Paul all over again.

And at this revelation, Liz was absolutely furious.

She wasn't even thinking. Not as it became clear what she had to do. She got up and threw her bowl of soggy Frosted Flakes into the sink, grabbed her keys and helmet and stormed out the door, telling Ester she would be back. She swears she could hear Ester calling out to her, but she didn't hear what she said. She just threw on her helmet and started her bike.

She didn't even think to grab her glasses, she was so livid. All she kept thinking was that there was no way in hell she was going to let this happen again. Daniel Black was not about to break her sister's heart like the way hers had been broken over and over again by multiple people who kept letting her down.

Not if Liz has anything to say about it.

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Not gonna lie, writing that scene in the beginning brought me tears to my eyes. It was very hard and I just want to hug Liz.

Also... next chapter is gonna get real. I'm so excited for it! Please let me know what you guys thought of the chapter! Sorry it's short but next chapter will be much longer!