Title: Burning the candle at both ends
author: Cindy Ryan
timeline: set between 1x5 and 1x6
summary: Taking on too much takes its toll on Lilette

Lilette Suarez didn't realize anything was wrong until she was suddenly falling. One minute she'd been rehearsing with Robbie the next there was nothing solid under her feet. Lilette saw Robbie's brown eyes widen in paniac and she heard shouted voices. Then her head connected with something solid and everything went dark.

Robbie Thorne saw his girlfriend pale and then topple backwards. He reached to grab Lilette but he wasn't quick enough. Freaking football player and he wasn't fast enough to keep someone he cared about from being hurt. Robbie ran towards the edge of the stage afraid Lilette was going to fall and his fear came true quicker than he or anyone anticipated. One minute she was on stage and the next the dark haired girl was gone.

"Lilette!Robbie shouted as he raced forward and vaulted off the stage.

Footsteps behind Robbie told him the rest of the cast was right behind him. As he reached his girlfriend Robbie found drama instructors Lou Mazzuchelli and Tracey Wolfe already there. Ms. Wolfe had her cell phone out and was calling 911. Robbie knelt next to Mr. Mazzuchelli and reached for Lilette.

"Lilette!"Robbie said fearfully as he saw the blood on her face.

"What can we do?"Simon Saunders asked as he reached them.

"Go outside and wait for the ambulance."Lou ordered grimly.

Simon placed a gentle hand on Lilette's left forearm before he stood and ran out of the theater.

"I tried to grab her."Robbie told the teachers his gaze locked on his girlfriend's still form.

Lou placed a supportive comforting hand on Robbie's right shoulder.

"Stay with her."Lou instructed as he stood. "I'm going to call her mother."

"Come on, Lilette, wake up."Robbie pleaded as he reached forward gently touching Lilette's right cheek.

Sirens could be heard coming rapidly closer. Robbie swallowed hard. As a football player he was used to seeing blood. Guys got cut and bruised all the time. It was tough seeing Lilette's beautifal face pale and her forehead cut and bleeding. It was also really scaring Robbie that she hadn't woken yet. Quickly moving footsteps caused the young man to look up. He saw a pair of paramedics moving towards them followed close behind by Simon and some of the other cast. Reluctantly Robbie stood and stepped away.

"Come on, I'll drive you to the hospital."Tracey Wolfe offered quietly.

"I have my car."Robbie protested his gaze still fixed on Lilette as the medics examined her.

"Like we're going to let you drive right now."Tracey admonished. "Come on."

The medics lifted Lilette onto a stretcher and carried her out of the theater. Everyone else followed; the large room silent.