Title: Burning the candle at both ends
author: Cindy Ryan
notes and summary: See part one

Lou left his home early the next morning. Over an hour before his normal time. He'd wanted to talk to Lilette before classes started. Wanted to get there at the beginning of visitor's hours. Lou didn't want to cause more tension for the teen but he needed to talk to her; alone. With no chance of her mother interrupting.

Lilette had been woken throughout the night for the nurses to check her vitals. Losing sleep was one of the downsides of having a concussion. Now at barely six she was awake once more. The nurse's having finished their final check and cleared her.
Lilette tried to sleep and couldn't. Her gaze traveled to the flowers on the small table near the window. Some of her cat mates had dropped them off last night. She'd appreciated their concern and kindness. It didn't completely erase Lilette's embarrassment but it helped. She still couldn't believe she'd passed out in front of everyone.
Poor Robbie. He'd looked so afraid and worried when he'd visited the night before. With everything he'd been through with his Mom's illness she understood his reaction.A knock at the door drew Lilette's attention.

"Yes?"The teen called.

Mr Mazzuchelli poked his head in looking frazzled and worried.

"I'm okay Mr Mazzuchelli."Lilette answered the drama coach's unasked question."They just cleared me from any further neuro checks."

Relief washed over the older man's face as he walked over and sat down.

"Good."Lou replied with a smile."Don't want my star missing opening night."

"I'm sorry I scared everyone,"Lilette commented quietly."was stupid to skip dinner."

"You're pulling yourself too many directions."Lou admonished.

"I can handle it."Lilette protested.

"You're not."Lou said gently."Lilette you could have been seriously hurt yesterday."

"I know,"Lilette said hating that tears were starting."I have to keep doing this...,my Mom lost her job and hasn't found a new one yet."

Lou stood and wrapped the crying teen in a hug. When she calmed more Lou stepped away and sat back down.

"I'm sorry..."Lilette said quietly.

"You have nothing to be sorry for."Lou replied."You should be commended. There are agency's out there who can help."

"I'm not sure my Mom would..."Lilette began.

"I think she would at least until she gets a new job."Lou commented."I can talk to her."

Lilette knew her Mom wouldn't but Mr Mazzuchelli was right. They couldn't keep going the way they were.

"Thank you."Lilette whispered.

"You're welcome."Lou said as he stood."I have to go. I'll check in on you later."

"Goodbye Mr Mazzuchelli."Lilette said as the older man left.

Slumping back on the pillow Lilette closed her eyes. She felt completely drained. She hoped her Mom would listen to Mr Mazzuchelli. If she didn't Lilette would have to quit the play and that was the last thing she wanted. But sometimes you didn't get what you wanted.

A month later on a Thursday night Lilette sat at a café having a late dinner with Robbie. They'd just finished one of the final rehearsals for the play. She was excited and very nervous for opening night. Lilette suspected most of the rest of the cast felt the same. She took a last bite of pasta and settled back in her chair. Things had calmed down the last few weeks. Her Mom had surprised her by getting another job. She wasn't sure if she had listened to Mr. Mazzuchelli or not about getting assistance but they'd only missed payment on a few bills and were getting things back on track. Lilette had even been able to cut one of her shifts at the diner.

"Where'd you go?"Robbie asked with a smile.

"Sorry."Lilette apologized returning his smile. "Lost in thought."

"Noticed that."Robbie said reaching over to cover Lilette's right hand with his.

"Was just thinking how glad I was that I didn't have to quit the play and that Mom got another job."Lilette explained squeezing his hand.

"I'm glad you didn't have to quit the play too."Robbie stated softly. "Don't want to do it with anyone else."

Lilette's heart melted and then Robbie leaned across the table and kissed her. Part of her still couldn't believe they were dating and yet here they were. Lilette didn't know how long it would last but she was going to enjoy every minute of it. They finished the meal, paid, and walked outside. Once there Robbie took Lilette's right hand again as they walked to the parking lot.

"Thank you for dinner."Lilette said as they walked.

"You're welcome."Robbie replied. "I'm glad we could have a date tonight and I'm glad things are going better for you."

Lilette stopped and leaned up and kissed Robbie. After a moment they broke apart. She rested her head briefly on Robbie's chest and he wrapped his arms around her.

"Come on, I'll take you home."Robbie said as he stepped back.

Minutes later Lilette was inside her apartment. She leaned back against the front door and closed her eyes. Tonight had been perfect. As she opened her eyes and moved through the quiet apartment to her room Lilette knew she would treasure memories like today. It would be those that she'd pull out when times got tough and she'd use those to get her through. Lilette had a hopeful feeling that she and her Mom might be over the rough patches. That the good days ahead would out number the bad. Lilette undressed got ready for bed and crawled under the covers. Her dreams were filled with pasta, theater and a handsome football player.

end