Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Wake Me Up When September Ends ❯ Part One ( Chapter 1 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Izzy had returned to Las Vegas after spending 10 months with her aunt and uncle. After a single night, both her and her boyfriend, Cain, find themselves in a little trouble. Part One follows the first ten months of Izzy being back in Vegas, and the hardships of teenage pregnancy and engagement. May seem to be a little too happy, but there are reasons behind everything.

Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Angst | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 10.18.2005 | Updated On: 01.03.2008 | Pages: 9 | Words: 9.8K | Visits: 245 | Status: Completed

AN: First off, this story is the main one that most of my others are based off of. Secondly, I would like to thank my good friend, Megan, for helping me edit and getting my muse thinking.

Disclaimer: I don't ownYou and Me by Lifehouse. It belongs to its respected writers. Though, all original characters, etc. do belong to me.

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Wake Me Up When September Ends

Part One

As I drove through the familiar rod-iron gates of Mystic Canyon, a feeling of dread overcame me. I was beginning to think that turning around, and driving home was a good idea. But `home' was twelve-hundred miles away from where I currently was, and I was unwelcome. Pushing forward, I drove down the main street towards my previous home, and the home of my boyfriend.

Pulling up next to the twenty-nine hundred square foot, single story home, I put my truck in park and debated on staying inside or daring to go up the flagstone walk to the stained-glass front door. Finally deciding that the best plan of action was to get out, I unlocked my door and slid out of the Chevy, onto the pavement that led to the home. What was actually only five seconds seemed to take forever. Reaching forward to knock, I was stopped.

“Isabelle?” a voice from behind asked. Turning, I looked into the violet eyes of my boyfriend's mother. How did I miss the sound of her pulling into the driveway?

“Mrs. Riese…” I said, slightly stuttering.

The elder woman looked at me. “How many times have I told you its Hana, Izzy?” she reached ahead of me to unlock the door.

“Sorry,” I began, “is Cain home?” I asked, following Hana into the house. She set down her bag and keys on the black granite counter and turned to me.

“No, he's with Maria right now… I can take you there though. That is, if you would like me to?” I nodded my head, a few locks of my light chocolate colored hair falling in my face.

Following the woman outside and to her flint grey Volvo S40, we departed from the house. As we pulled on to Elkhorn Boulevard, she spoke again. “So, Izzy, what brings you back to Vegas so quickly? You were here in June.”

“Nothing much; just had a summer to waste, why not visit my friends while I had the chance…” I responded, not tripping over my rehearsed response.

The quick, five-minute ride was quiet after that. We pulled onto the gravel road that led to Maria's stable and parked next to Cain's navy-colored Jetta. I got out and walked over to the large ring, resting my elbows on the warm PVC fencing. Remembering back to the day that I left my Vegas home for my home state of Washington. The day I told Cain that my horse, Parker, was his because I couldn't take her with me. I hadn't seen him ride since then, even when I had visited earlier in the summer.

“You know,” Hana began, grabbing my attention, “you did the best thing by getting him on a horse. It's just… just like its natural. Like he was born to ride.”

And he was perfect on a horse. The 2'9” jumps seemed like nothing as he took them in an eight-jump course. He never seemed to make any exaggerated movements, just followed Parker's natural movements. Perfect in my eyes. As he finished, he came to a walk, and talked to Maria.

“Great, I'll see you Tuesday at ten!” Maria said as he left the ring and walked over to the crossties, unaware of me following him.

“So, when did you plan on saying `hi'?” I asked, causing Cain to whip his head around in my direction. I crossed my arms over my chest, pulling down my already low cut tank top, and attempted to pull off a pout.

Cain dismounted Parker, and just stood frozen in his spot, his mouth agape. “I… uh…” he was speechless. As Hana took our horse, he started towards me, and in the blink of an eye, he was right in front of me.

“I missed you, too…” I said before capturing his lips in a teasing kiss. “So,” I began, “how are my two stars doing?”

“Pretty good. Getting ready for Tovah's Diamond Series show next weekend. We're already halfway there. Standing first after the first series. This close,” he took his thumb and first finger to show me just how close, “to winning that diamond.”

“Bravo,” I said, kissing his cheek and walking over to the dappled grey thoroughbred that his mother held. “Thanks, Hana.” The dark-haired woman nodded and left towards her car.

“I'm glad you're here.” Cain said, beginning to un-tack Parker.

After putting the mare away for the night, Cain grabbed my hands and we started towards his Jetta. “I've got something to show you!” he whispered in my ear as he started the car.

Pulling into the driveway, he quickly put the car in park and exited. I followed as he practically ran into the house. My sneakers squeaked on the tile floors of the halls as I followed my boyfriend into his bedroom. When I entered, he was digging through a drawer of his nightstand. I gasped as he pulled out a black and silver box.

“Isabelle, I worked hard for this, even before you came down in June.” He began, “Look, Izzy, I really love you. And I've come to find that I love you more each day.” Cain opened the box, revealing a simple white gold ring with a small emerald cut and two princess cut diamonds. “I know we're a little young for this, but will you marry me?”

He looked to me, pleading. That's when I broke down. Hot tears rolled down my cheeks, and my breaths became ragged. Cain wrapped his strong arms around me. I looked up and pushed him away.

“Cain, I have to tell you this before I could even think of answering…” I said, wiping my tears away.

“Wha… what?”

I looked for the right words, trying to find some way to say what I needed to say without scaring him off, which seemed inevitable due to the horrified look I was given. “Cain… I'm…” the tears came again; “I'm…” he looked to me, pleading for me to just get it out in the open. “Pregnant.”

The whispered word floated in still air. I dropped to my knees, sobbing. At this moment, I wanted to curl into a ball and just disappear. But when Cain knelt before me, everything changed.

“So, will you?”

I looked up to his midnight eyes, which were peeking out from behind his mussed up bangs. “Will I what?” I asked, slightly confused as to what he was up to.

“Marry me?”

I nodded my head quickly, “Yes… but not until after we've graduated.”

“Okay,” Cain said, slipping on the ring. He helped me up off the floor and we sat on his bed. “Is that the only reason you came back to Vegas?”

I looked down to the black and blue comforter that I sat on. “No,” I began, my voice ever so soft. “My aunt kicked me out because of my condition; even despite my uncle's pleading to let me stay. So I packed up all that I could in ten minutes, and drove down here. My duffel's in the truck.”

“Your condition?” we jumped from our positions on the bed when Hana spoke up. “What condition? Isabelle, you said you just came to visit. Why didn't you tell me that your aunt kicked you out of the house?” Hana began to walk into the room slowly, until she was only a foot away from where both Cain and I sat.

“Because,” I said, getting up to face the woman, “I didn't want you to pity me for my screwed up life. And my condition only directly affects myself. It's really no ones business to know!”

I stormed past the woman and towards the front door.

“Izzy!” a strong hand stopped me as I reached the door. “Please, stay here. I'll help you out. It's just, Mom, she needs to know what's going on.”

Later on that week, Cain and I sat with his family, watching Seabiscuit, when an interesting conversation was brought to my attention. “Everyone should get a second chance…”

“Everyone except me.” I whispered, leaning into Cain's embrace.

“That's not true, Isabelle, and you know it!” Cain said rather quickly.

I looked to my boyfriend. Our blue eyes clashed. “Yes it is. First my dad died, and then my mother did herself in. Now my aunt has exiled me, and… and I have no home…” I pulled my gaze from Cain's to look at the glowing television. “I'm seventeen and expecting, with a family that doesn't seem to give a damn about me.” taking a deep breath, I finished what I needed to say. “Cain, your family is the only family I have. You are my home…”

The unbearably hot summer passed quickly. The wedding was in the works for the following summer, right before college started, and I was welcomed as a member of the Riese family, after fighting with Hana throughout July and August. Obviously I had ruined her son's chances at a normal life with a career and a family. Hell, I ruined my chances at a normal life as well… but I bet she never saw it that way.

Now only one last major step had to be made. The first day of school, our senior year… August 29th.

Cain and I walked into the large, open Quad that served as the courtyard to the school, as well as currently hosting the Senior Breakfast. Taking my hand in his, he walked me over to our friends, who stood in a circle by the gates that led to the gym and locker rooms. We had twenty minutes until first bell, which would be when we received our schedules in our homerooms.

Almost to the group of fifteen, a voice reached my ears. “Cain, nice to see you!” That voice… CJ.

A chorus of `Hi', `Cain, where you been?', and `Hey Cain' burst through the group. Until CJ looked my way. “Izzy?” she asked, looking at me with a smile on her face.

Then all hell broke loose. Everyone was in front of me, wanting to know everything. I didn't hear any of their questions, just the heavy pounding of my heart in my ears.

When the bell rang, I walked to my homeroom, room 814, on the second floor of the school, and Cain towards room 809. My schedule consisted of five classes; U.S. Government Honors, Calculus A.P., Art II, English Literature Honors, and Physics. Cain's schedule was identical to mine, except he had Pre-Calculus and Japanese II Honors, replacing my Calculus and Art II.

As the day progressed, I met up with teachers from my sophomore year, and talked to my friends about their schedules, most of which took all eight periods offered. Cain, CJ, and I took five. This meant time for us to get what needed to be done, done.

“Isabelle?” CJ whispered as we reached the parking lot. I turned to my friend, tugging on Cain's shirt to get him to stop. “Why are you back in Vegas? Other than the fact that you are engaged to Cain…”

I fumbled around for words to explain. “My aunt gave me the boot.” I answered. “It's not right for her to throw me out because I refused to have an abortion.” With that, I stormed off towards Cain's Jetta. `She's a bitch, that's why she did this to me!' I yelled to myself. I never knew it was against her laws to love someone so much. And by that I meant Cain and our unborn child.

Reaching the car, I tried to open the passenger door. Locked, damn it. “Cain!” I yelled across the parking lot, continuing to pull on the handle, trying my best not to cry.

Before I knew it, strong arms wrapped around my waist, and butterfly kisses rained down my neck. “Please don't cry.” Cain breathed into my ear. “I hate it when you cry…”

The next few months passed quickly. During my fourth month Cain and I were constantly fighting. It didn't matter where you were in the large house, you could hear the usual `Cain, you're such a jerk!' and `What did I do?' When I would storm into his room and lock the door, he would mention that it was his room. I would argue back that the child is mine, and I could deny his paternity rights. That always shut him up.

Then my fifth month rolled around.

I had been called into the registrars' office during my Calculus class. There, I was greeted not only by the registrar, but the dean as well. When I entered the small room, the dean shut the door behind me.

“Ms. Lane?” the registrar, Mrs. Satterfield, asked. I nodded and she continued. “There has been rumor about you.”

My eyes widened in shock as the dean, Mr. Gilchrist, continued. “Rumor that you are expecting.”

Immediately my expression changed. My eyes became slits; I turned my head to one side. “What of it?” I mumbled.

“You're a good student with A's. We don't see how this could have happened.” Mr. Gilchrist said.

I had to roll my eyes at what the dean was saying. “Simple, I have a boyfriend… we had sex. Didn't you ever learn about the birds and the bees?”

“And” Mrs. Satterfield started, ignoring my remark completely, “I noticed your home address is the same as Cain Riese…”

I looked to the elder woman. “So?” The two adults looked to each other.

“Why don't we call him in here as well?” Mrs. Satterfield looked up his schedule. “Mr. Gilchrist, could you go to room 205 and get Cain Riese?” The dean nodded and left the room. I flopped down into one of the hard plastic chairs, crossing my arms over my breasts. A few minutes later, Mr. Gilchrist returned with Cain in tow.

“Izzy,” he whispered as he sat next to me, “what's going on?” I shook my head, resting my elbows on my thighs.

“Mr. Riese,” the registrar began, “Files show that both you and Ms. Lane are at the same address, 5002 Wild Thyme Avenue. Would you mind explaining why, considering Ms. Lane won't?”

I heard Cain take a breath before beginning. “So she lives with my family, what of it?” His voice was hard. No emotion was evident.

“Why does she live with your family? They aren't her legal guardians.”

“My guardians threw me out of the house in late July.” I said, my voice poisoned with disgust and hate for the two administrators. “The Riese family is currently in the process of gaining custody over me or having me emancipated.”

“Let me guess, your guardians, they kicked you out because you are with child?” I remained silent, they already knew that. “Pull up both of their records.” Mr. Gilchrist demanded.

“Hold on! What are you going to do with our records?!” I yelled.

The two from the school administration looked to us. “We're just going to find out what's going on. That's all…”

Cain rose from his seat, slamming the chair into the wall. “You're going to threaten us with our permanent records in order to get us to spill?! That's unethical!” he yelled.

“But effective!”

“You dirty bastards!” I hissed.

When it came to the end, I was forced to not attend Shadow Ridge during the day. Instead, I would keep in contact between my teachers and go through internet courses like an independent study. The deal being that once my baby was born, I could attend SRHS again, and graduate like a normal senior. Apparently, I was a disgrace to the school's reputation, and they didn't want their second graduating class to believe that it was alright to be pregnant at such a young age.

But the arrangement hurt Cain more than it did me. He had enjoyed our drives to and from school, and the three classes that we'd had together. He would come home to find his mother and I sitting out back talking, or me working on homework that was to be e-mailed to my teachers.

Winter Break approached quickly afterwards. Finally, Cain and I had two weeks to be teenagers, and nothing else. More than once during the break did his parents, Akira and Hana, and older brother, Conner, catch us sitting out back, cups of hot cocoa in our hands, singing along to the songs playing on the radio. Our favorites being Green Day's Holiday, Tommy Lee'sGood Times, as well as Nickelback's Photograph. This became part of life as we knew it.

First semester finals came a week after break. The only time that I could actually return to school was to take the exams, which I passed with ease. January faded into February and soon Valentines Day was upon us. Cain promised me a night to ourselves, which I did receive, along with a dozen red and white roses. He was dressed in a deep red, silk button down and black slacks when he presented me with a red and white gift-wrapped box.

“Happy Valentine's Day…” he whispered. I tore open the box to discover rose petals surrounding a gorgeous heart-shaped ruby on a white gold chain. He took it out of the box. I pulled my hair out of the way as Cain stepped behind me, putting on the necklace.

“I love it.” I said, turning around to face my fiancé. His lips met mine in a lingering kiss.

What day is it?
And in what month,
This clock never seemed so alive,
I can't keep up
And I can't back down
I've been losing so much time

Cain and I slowly made our way from the family room to the tiled kitchen floor, the song lingering softly behind us. His right hand took my left one, bringing it to rest over his chest, as his left hand wrapped around what was left of my waist. Wrapping my right hand around his neck, I allowed my head to rest against his silk clad chest.

'Cause it's you and me
And all of the people with nothin' to do
Nothin' to lose
And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of…

You and me
And all of the people with nothin' to do
Nothin' to lose

And it's you and me
And all of the people
And I don't know why
I can't keep my eyes off of you

As the song faded into another, one lone tear found its way down my cheek, soaking into Cain's shirt. I would never trade anything for this moment in time.

February passed cold and wet, unusual for Las Vegas. But March came promising warmer weather and sunny skies. So close, it was, to my due date.

I had spent the last week in bed, not doing much, but thankful for the wireless internet network that allowed me to continue with my school work that was due before Spring Break. Do As Infinitywafted through the headphones of my iPod Mini as I typed up a paper for my literature class.

I looked up from the laptop's screen when Cain entered the room. Tossing his backpack on the floor, he sat on the bed next to me. I saved the file I was working on, and shut down the computer. “Have a rough day?” I asked, kissing his cheek.

“Mrs. Williams said that I have to raise my grade in her class or she'll flunk me this quarter. I never knew Pre-Calculus was so hard!” he flopped back on the mattress, his shirt coming up a bit to show off his chiseled features and Spongebob boxers.

“Hmm… didn't I tell you I could tutor you in Pre-Calculus? If you needed help you should've asked me.”

“You're busy enough as it is. You don't need me asking for you to tutor me in math.” He said, looking towards the ceiling. “And Mrs. Keiser asked how you were doing. She likes what you're doing with your work.”

“What did you tell her?” I inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“That you should be back in class by April.” Cain answered. I nodded and reached towards his stomach. My fingers lightly danced along the muscles. He tried his best not to burst out laughing, but lost the fight. The small room was filled with laughter from both of us. When Conner entered the room, we both stopped, and looked at the university sophomore.

“Lunch is ready.” He said before turning to walk back out to the kitchen.

Cain helped me up and we walked out to the kitchen, the wafting smell of warm Chicken Caesar Salad hitting my nose.

I couldn't sleep that night. Instead, I looked through one of the many photo albums that Cain and I kept. So many photos from when we had first met that school year not so long ago. How often had I taken what I was given and not given anything in return? I was given a caring boyfriend and a mother who thought it easier to die than live without my father by her side.

A soft snore brought me out of my thoughts. Cain was fast asleep, clinging to my pillow as though if he were to let go of it he would wake up from his dreams. So young, but I had never noticed it. He was older than me… a whole nine days older than me.

Walking, well… waddling, over to the bed, I watched his bangs move in time with his breathing. “Izzy,” he mumbled, pulling the pillow closer. I sat down next to him, a smile pulling at the corners of my mouth.

“You are so cute, I hope you know that…” I whispered, brushing back his bangs.

“No, I'm not!” Cain whispered, his eyes cracking open to glare at me. I couldn't suppress the snicker that left my lips. He sat up, putting all of his upper body weight onto his left hand. “What time is it?” he asked, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

I looked to the digital clock on his nightstand, “4:17,” I answered.

Cain blew out a breath in a huff. “It's too damn early to be awake.” As his head hit the pillow he whispered, “Wake me up when the sun's out and its past 8 a.m. Better yet… wake me up when September ends.” He ended his whispers with a soft snore.

Cain finally entered the kitchen at nine that morning, joining the family for breakfast.

“Morning, Sweetheart,” Hana said, as Cain kissed her cheek. He reached past his mother and grabbed one of the many doughnuts in the center of the table before taking a seat next to me.

“So, did you ever get to sleep, last night?” he asked.

I shook my head, “No. I would close my eyes for a couple minutes, but then I would wake up again. I've just been restless these last few days.”

“You must be getting close,” Akira said, setting down his cup of coffee.

I rubbed my swollen abdomen, “I hope so. This little one is really putting a lot of pressure on my spine. Anyways, I want to get back to school. I miss not being in class with friends.” The family that surrounded me nodded and continued with their breakfasts.

The morning slowly crept into the afternoon. I spent a good chunk of the day resting on the couch in the family room, while Cain sat next to me, reading a new novel that he had picked up from Borders earlier in the week. When three o'clock rolled around, a small pain jolted me from the peace that was the afternoon. But unlike most the pain I felt, this wasn't a pinching pain against my spine, it was a quick jolt that spread through my abdomen. I didn't know what it was, so I just forgot about it.

Close to a half hour passed before another pain grabbed my attention, causing me to gasp, and place a hand on my swollen womb. My gaze met with Cain's worried midnight-colored eyes.

“You okay?” he asked, marking his place in the book before setting it down on the side table.

“I don't know,” I responded. “But could you help me up. I've gotta get to the bathroom.” Cain nodded and helped me up off the couch. I waddled over towards the bathroom Cain, Conner, and I shared. I had just rounded the corner to the hallway when I felt wetness between my legs. Suddenly it seemed that I put two and two together.

I stood against the wall for a few minutes, letting everything sink in and to try and find my voice. And just as I did, another contraction ran through me. “Cain!” I yelled as I gripped my abdomen. I started taking in shorter breaths as Cain made it around the corner.

“Shit!”

Once Cain spoke, my eyes seemed to mist over. I didn't really remember what had happened after that, only that I ended up in the maternity ward of Mountain View Hospital. I sat in the hospital bed, with my legs dangling over the side. I now wore a skimpy little gown, instead of my comfortable sweats and t-shirt.

I began to swing my legs back and forth, trying to keep myself occupied in this idle time. Cain and I had recently returned from our short walk around the ward. The clock that hung on the wall showed it to be 10:07 p.m. A movement to my left caught my attention.

“There is something on your mind, Isabelle, I can tell.”

I didn't look at Cain; instead I kept my head down. “I'm scared.” I admitted.

“Of what? You are the last person in the world who I would have thought to be scared of anything.” He positioned himself in front of me, and his callused hand gently grasped my chin, forcing me to make eye contact with him.

“Scared of not being prepared for this. Scared that we won't be the best parents.”

“We'll never know until we find out for our selves, will we?”

“I guess so,” I whispered, giving him a weak smile.

The room door opened to reveal my doctor. Her auburn hair sprinkled with grey. “Good evening, Isabelle.” She looked to one of my charts. “It seems that everything is moving smoothly and quickly. I just want to check you again, and see how far you are dilated.” I adjusted my position on the hospital bed as my doctor positioned herself between my legs.

Trying to take my mind off of what Dr. Weirman was doing, I looked to Cain. “Cain,” I began, “what are you hoping to get out of this?” He looked to me, trying to understand what it was I was asking. “Do you want a son or a daughter?”

Dr. Weirman interrupted before Cain could answer. “Well, Isabelle, you're just about eight centimeters. It shouldn't be much longer until you're holding your child.” And with that, the doctor left Cain and I alone in the room.

“So?” I asked, trying to get an answer from my boyfriend.

He looked up before answering. “A daughter. Because, I wish to have a little girl with your beauty, and I want to hear her be called Daddy's Little Girl.”

My eyes watered, “I was Daddy's little girl… Momma always said that to me…” Cain brought his arms around my shoulders, so caring a gesture that I cried even more.

The final stages of labor came shortly after midnight. And after nine hours and 53 minutes of labor, the first gasping cry of a baby came to my ears.

“Congratulations, it's a girl!” Dr. Weirman said, handing me a bundle wrapped in pink. Tears came to me once more.

“She's beautiful…” I whispered, brushing her dark strands of hair away from her face. Her eyes opened to reveal blue as deep as her father's. “Hey baby,” I cooed.

“She's perfect. I couldn't have wished for anything else.” Cain whispered before kissing my forehead. “And, since I still have my Japanese traditions, it is your right to choose the name of our daughter.”

“But I want you to help… she's as much yours as she is mine.”

He nodded, “But, I've got nothing. You're the smart and imaginative one here.” I thought for a while. Then a name popped into my head.

“Schuylar!”

“Perfect, and let me guess, middle name is going to be Riley?” I couldn't help but smile, he was reading my mind. “Thought so, Schuylar Riley it is.” Cain leaned in next to me, “All that's left for you to decide: whose name will she keep?”

I knew exactly what Cain was talking about. He was giving me a chance to keep her name Lane, or change it to Riese, even though we weren't married. “Riese…” I whispered. “Schuylar Riley Riese.”

The beginning of April pulled me from my motherly duties to my duty as a student. I returned to day school at SRHS, and felt a rush of homecoming.

Cain and I entered our English Literature class, taking our seats near the front. The lesson was review for an upcoming test, which, yes, I had studied for. But as the bell rang to let us out of fourth period, Cain and I stayed behind.

“Isabelle, it's nice to have you back.” Mrs. Keiser said, taking a seat in the desk next to me.

“It's nice to be back. I missed school.”

“So, I was promised pictures… may I see them?”

Reaching into my backpack, I grabbed the newly developed photos. Mrs. Keiser took them and carefully studied each one. “She's gorgeous. Looks just like her mother, but has her father's gorgeous eyes. What's her name?”

Cain spoke first, “Schuylar.” There seemed to be a hint of pride in his voice.

“You know, Mrs. Keiser,” I began, “you are the only teacher I have who hasn't given me this weird look that's like, `Oh my, you were pregnant?!' or something close to that.”

“I know just who you are Isabelle, I respect your decision not to have an abortion. Besides in all the time you were gone, you didn't fall behind at all.”

“Well, I guess we should get going. Mom's going to have a fit if we aren't home by 10:30. Remember, we aren't paying her to watch Schuylar.”

“See you two on Wednesday.”

Three weeks later, with Cain at home, taking care of Schuylar, I headed out to the mall, in desperate need of clothes that fit. I had pulled out of the parking lot of Meadows Mall onto South Valley View Boulevard, when everything seemed to disappear. I hadn't seen the speeding white sports car, or the flashing lights following it. All that I saw were the faces of the two people I loved most. The next thing I knew, the whining of sirens reached my ears. Everything went black.

I didn't know how much longer it had been, but a frantic voice reached my ears. “Isabelle,” it sobbed, “please don't leave me! Schuylar and I need you with us!”