Good as Gone.

Adam and I took his car, which was very nice, to meet his sisters. We made polite small talk on the drive there, mostly discussing music, which I could talk about all day long. I found myself enjoying the company smiling at him, and taking in the first moment I felt happy since the boys left. "So why are you and Alex as close as you are?" The million dollar question that everyone wanted to know.

"We weren't always like this, actually there was a time when we couldn't even be caught seen in the same room together. Towards the end of middle school is when that changed though, we lost someone in our family which really messed both of us up. I didn't talk to anyone for probably 6 months I think; After you lose someone like we did, it really makes you rethink anything you do and say before you actually say or do it. Alex realized this and I think he attached to me so quick, is because he thought he was going to lose me too." I cut myself short, knowing my emotions were soon to get out of hand even at the vague mention of the events.

"Oh wow, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to intrude, I didn't think it was that serious. My condolences by the way," he said, his voice dripping with empathy and pity.

"Im stating facts, and answering your question. Im not asking for you sympathy." My voice was harsh but I didnt really give a fuck.

"Noted." I appreciated this, because it was like he understood on a level that no one seemed to get.

Silence fell between us the rest of the ride, with only the radio to fill the void. It wasnt long before we pulled up to the curb, and as I climbed out of his Audi I felt like I was on another planet.

There wasn't concrete surrounding me, there was grass, and trees. "Welcome to Central Park!" Adam shouted as he ran passed me. I took off after him laughing and feeling happy, despite the mood created in the car.

"Oh my god! I never want to leave, this place is gorgeous!" I yelled after him as I ran to catch up.

"New York is a magical place," he said as he sat down on a bench just ahead of me.
"Im starting to realize this, my goodness." I sighed, catching my breath, placing my hands on my hips and taking in the view. There was bright green everywhere, it reminded me of the outskirts of Baltimore; which made me feel a little more at home in this city full of strangers. I sat down next to him and asked, "Where are we getting dinner?" He smiled and pointed to a rather tall building that over looked the park.

"There, I just figured you would want to see the park up close." he stated and my jaw dropped. Just then his phone went off and he said his sisters just got there, he texted them back saying that we were just across the street and to wait for us before they headed up. "Come on." I followed reluctantly, we climbed back into his car for the short drive to the skyscraper. We pulled up to the curb and I climbed out in awe yet again, one side of the street was lush green trees and on the other it was a bustling sidewalk that held the entrance to our dinner. Adam handed his keys to the valet and held his arm out for me to take after a dramatic bow, I took his arm and felt him tense under my grip.

Just as we made it inside the doors there was a deafening scream that startled me but only made Adam laugh, "I apologize in advance, my sisters are a bit much." Just then a girl no younger than the age of 8 or 9 was in front of us. Adam dropped his arm from my side and picked her up spinning her around making her laugh in excitement. "Hey Addy, this is my friend Devon." He said, motioning to me as he did, staying crouched to her level as well.

She gave a shy wave and I smiled as I joined them at the lower level. "I like your dress Addy, Do you think I could borrow I sometime?" She laughed, seeming like she was warming up to me already.

"I dont think it will fit you. I like her Fitz, she is pretty." She said, barely able to contain her laughing.

"Why dont we go get some dinner?" Adam interjected. We nodded in agreement and he offered me his arm again and as I accepted, he took Addy's hand in his free hand as well. We rounded a corner only to be faced with what looked like a room full of gorgeous girls of various ages that all looked nearly identical.

My mouth dropped and I looked at Adam asking him a very 'need-to-know' question. "How many sisters do you have exactly?"

"Ten," he laughed as if he was shocked by my reaction. "There's the triplets, which include Addison, Aspen and Harley at 9 years old. The next oldest is Luna at 12, then theres the twins at 15, Taylor and Jess. Then another set of twins at 18, Jasey and Eleanor. Finally there is me and the final twins. Im the fraternal of those two, Jenna and Ryan, not sure how that worked out but hey Im here." I was so overwhelmed, he had more immediate family than I had on one side of my family. "Everyone, this is Devon."

Noticing my loss for words, Jenna spoke up. "Oh my gosh you're so pretty, I love your scarf. Those are cute boots too, just wow." I pulled myself out of my state of shock and thanked her. As I looked around at their attire, I felt suddenly out of place because it seemed like what took me forever to pick out was their everyday closet, minus the designer name attached. I noticed the Louis Vuitton and Coach logos on their handbags and clothing here and there.

"Thanks, I wish I could have the patience and a big enough wardrobe to dress like this all the time. I usually am just in a sweater, t-shirt and jeans." I laughed, suddenly nervous at what I was getting myself into.

"Im so glad Fitz finally had the guts to bring a girl, its nice to talk to someone that doesn't look like me even remotely."

I made small talk with nearly all the girls as we took turns riding the elevator up to the restaurant. When it came for mine and Adam's turn to wait for the elevators return to join his family my mind was racing. "When I said yes to dinner I thought you had like two maybe three sisters, not ten!" My words were laced with laughter and a little anger. "Who are you Adam, I want the truth. You bring me to this fancy restaurant in your fancy car, totally under dressed in secondhand clothes, while your ten sisters are dressed in head to toe designer."

"My name is Fitzgerald Adam Kennedy. My mom works for the university - and my dad - well he works for the government and comes from old money, on top of making money off stocks or something like that. I love my family with all my heart and Im not trying to hide anything at all, I promise. Its just Ive brought people into my world out of the generosity of my heart, but they weren't here to be my friend." His head hung and his voice dropped, I could tell he was hurting.

"You just seem like the most genuine person I have met in a long time, so I-"

"Hey, I didnt mean to intrude or anything." I smiled as I took his shoulders in my hands, using his own words against him. I took him into a hug and felt him relax under my touch. "I get it trust me."

"Thanks," he smiled. As we pulled apart the elevator door opened to reveal his clan of beautiful siblings. He offered me his arm and I took it as we entered the top floor restaurant.

It was as if the entire thing was made out of glass, bright and open, over looking Central Park. I was at a loss for words, I just looked at Adam with my mouth agape and laughed. We were shown to the reserved seats that were on the balcony, and as we walked outside I was grateful I dressed on the warmer side because if I didn't have my jacket I would have been freezing. The night air had the life of summer in it but the chill of fall was quickly setting in, more so noticeable at night without the warmth of the sun.

"So you've never brought a girl to dinner with your family?" I whispered to Adam, or Fitz, I wasnt sure which one he preferred.

"Its a long story, but yeah you're the first girl to join us in a long time."

"Aw, well I'm honored," I said with the utmost sincerity, yet I still wanted to know the details of why but I respected his privacy. After we all sat down, our waitress came for the drink order starting at the other end of the table. She made her way down to Adam at the head of the table and he ordered for me saying we would split a bottle of wine.

After she left he looked at me with a grin on his face. "This life has its perks," he shrugged laughing. "Ive been drinking since I was thirteen, trust me when I say I know a thing or two about the pleasures in life."

"What did you order this time?" Jenna asked.

"1986 Cab Sauv," he said plainly, and although it sounded like gibberish to me it made perfect sense to her.

"My goodness she must be special, thats a $500 bottle of wine," she whispered as she leaned into Adam, seemingly making it so I couldn't hear her, even though I did. It was Ryan who filled the silence by asking why I moved to New York.

"I got a full scholarship to New York University, so I used my savings to buy out two years of rent, with a little interest, and moved into the apartment next to Adam."

"Thats where my mom works!" Addy yelled jumping in her seat. "I go there all the time, they have the best library ever!"

"Why do you keep telling everyone your name is 'Adam' Fitz? You know mom asked you not to." Jenna said as she turned to her brother, However I acknowledged their conversation and listened in a bit as I turned back to Addy.

"Well when I go to school maybe I will see you there!" I joked.

"I have my reasons Jenna, don't concern yourself with my life," he snapped which quickly changed the topic.

Soon after our original waitress and a few other servers returned and passed out our beverages of choice, then she began taking down food orders and I noticed most of the girls not even opening their menus, but knowing what that they want already based off their past experiences here. I leaned over to Adam, "Order for me? I have no clue what is good or what some of these things even say." He laughed and agreed to this and soon enough our time came and he put in mine and his order.

As our waitress left he raised his glass to me and I did the same. The sisters joined us in his toast to new opportunities, new friendships and good fortune in the future. The wine was like nothing I had ever tasted before, it was smooth and sweet, with oak undertones. "Oh my god!" I exclaimed, "This tastes like heaven, you have officially earned my trust."

"Im glad," he laughed as he refilled my glass that was already empty. "Enjoy."

The light hum of conversation filled the brisk air as we waited for food, I tried to talk to as many sisters as I could from my seat seeing as they were so interested in this outsider that their brother had brought. It felt as if no time had passed and the appetizers brought out first, and it was at this time that Adam decided to announce to all his sisters that I was musically inclined. "You should hear her sing, its magical!"

"Don't exaggerate Adam, Im nothing special." I blushed.

"No really she plays piano and guitar too," Im glad he stopped there refraining himself to mention my songs. I kicked him under the table and shook my head no, hoping he would take a hint, but the damage was already done.

"Oh my gosh you have to sing for us." It was Addy who spoke as she pointed to a grand piano that sat empty in a corner, and looked at me with her big doll like eyes. That piano however had me convincing myself to play without having to be asked. I had never played on something so grand and a professional instrument so close I couldn't help myself. Of course it had to be her, someone so innocent that I couldn't say no to. Then the rest of the sisters joined in asking, I just shot Adam a death glare that said 'look what you did'.

"Okay fine, what music do you guys listen to?" Which was a very wrong way to go about this because the sisters all started shouting various songs and artists. I tried my best to filter what I heard so I could find something that I knew, and after a minute of this shouting I caught a song that not only did I know but one that meant a lot to me.

"Wait what did you say Jasey?" My words silenced the sisters and we all turned to her.

"Uh, Cancer by My Chemical Romance."

"Thats it, thats the one." I said as I got up and made my way to the piano. I prepped my voice a little bit and found the key on the piano. I looked back and all the sisters and Adam now stood around me with eager eyes, Adam with a knowing smile. I started the song pressing firmly on the ivory keys and let the music bleed into my energy.

Turn away
If you could get me a drink
of water
'Cuz my lips are chapped and faded
Call my Aunt Marie
help her gather all my things
And bury me in all my favorite colors
My sisters and brothers still
I will not kiss you
'Cuz the hardest part of this is leaving you

I sang the first verse soft but with soul, and as the music climbed and so did my energy, this bringing my volume up just a little louder. I added some keys to the song to make up for the lack of back beat and drums. I returned to the lyrics, louder this time.

It just ain't living
And I just hope you know
That if you say goodbye today
I'd ask you to be true
'Cuz the hardest part of this is leaving you
'Cuz the hardest part of this is leaving you

The song ended and I noticed that my audience had grown from just the company of the strangely large family, with faces of strangers and waitstaff holding smiles, cheers and in awe as well. I said my thanks as compliments were handed out every five seconds from strangers, all the while I caught Adam watching me laughing and smiling. We made our way back to the table, and I sat down taking another sip of wine to counter act my nerves and anxiety from the attention given.

I looked at Adam sternly, only making him laugh more. "You have a gift girly, Im not saying I told you so but," he trailed laughing some more. I just rolled my eyes and dived into the appetizers, I was starving. After weeks of eating chinese take out, cold pizza and Ramen this food was a delicacy, heaven in the form of food. Words cannot describe the melt in your mouth feeling because it was that and so much more, pair with the wine I was having a sensory overload.

"Slow down, you wont have room for dinner." Adam joked as I filled my plate with appetizers for the second time.

"You've met my brother and the rest of the clan," he nodded. "I've managed to out eat all of them, easily. I'm literally a human garbage disposal." I laughed, granted I was starting to feel the effects of the wine, so I need to act fast and counter act it with food to soak up what was in my stomach.

Conversations started up, me bouncing in and out of conversations, the entrees came out soon after that. I was taken back at what Adam had ordered me, not knowing what it was, all I knew is that it tasted delicious. "Now I can die happy, that was the best tasting and most satisfying meal Ive had in years."

"Im glad I could of use," he laughed. I paid slight attention to the fact that no check was dropped at the table, peaking my curiosity. I excused myself to the bathroom and checked my phone while away from the table. A little surprised I hadn't heard from any of the boys, specifically Zack only because he said he would call when they were done at the label. I sent a small text; hoping all is well and sending my love xoxo at dinner with the neighbor adam and his sisters. i love you xx.

I returned to the table and was curious as to what held Adam's interest as he was entranced by something on Jenn's phone. "Dev you gotta see this," he waved me over as if I wasn't sitting next to him.

"Whats up?" I asked as I took my seat.

"You! Jenna took this video and it blew up the internet." My stomach dropped, no it couldn't be. I took her phone in my hands and watched the number of views climb just as fast as my heart rate. "Devon are you okay you're real pale?"

"Im fine, the video just caught me off guard," inhale - exhale. I was doing better in controlling my anxiety, the first step was opening up musically to Alex, and him being there for me helped me start off on the right foot.

"Oh my! Im so sorry I cant take it down," she offered apologetically.

"No its okay really, I love it, thank you. Here is my number can you send me the original?" I said as I handed her my number written down on a napkin.

"Oh my gosh yes! We should definitely hang out!" Soon following this exchange Jenna had shared my number with all the sisters because they wanted it too, minus the girls under fifth-teen, because well they didn't have a phone. The night carried on with a light conversation and obnoxious laughing escaping here and there from our group. This family was so genuine and wonderful, I was truly excited to have their connection thanks to Adam and hopefully become friends with them. I ate, drank, and laughed without a care in the world sitting atop the city that never sleeps.

As the night came to an end, we slowly left the table the girls even stacking the plates that were empty and cleaning up after themselves. This touching my heart because I worked as a waitress all throughout high school and served my fair share of assholes, but it was nice to know that there were still great people in the world. We once again all took turn taking the elevator, saying farewell to the girls as they all left in small groups
.
Once Adam and I were left alone we were surrounded by silence, so I asked the one thing that popped into my mind from dinner. "Just out of curiosity, why didn't they drop a check off at the table?" He laughed and shook his head at my attempt for conversation.

"My parents come here often as well as all the kids, so they hold a copy of one of my dads credit cards or bill him at the end of each week, I cant remember which. No matter who our server is though every time us kids come here my mom pays everyone working a hundred dollars as an apology for her rowdy kids."

"Wow, thats both crazy and hilarious, considering for the size of you guys, everyone is well behaved." I yawned and checked the time, it was just turning eleven which meant it was eight or nine for the boys which meant I had time to get home and call them. I giggled, due to the effects of more than half a bottle of wine, as I remembered my boys and how happy they made me.

"Lets get you home giggles," he said as he stabilized me by putting his arm around my waist. Once downstairs, the valet pulled his car around and Adam helped me climb in so I didn't hurt myself. The car ride was quite uneventful and slow due to New York traffic, we pulled up outside our building and just as we were walking inside my phone rang.

"Hello," I said dragging out the 'o'.

Hey darling, how was dinner?

"Lots of fun, the food and wine were delicious." I said as I started climbing the stairs.

Im glad you had fun babe, I miss you.

"I miss you Zack, how was the studio?"

Really cool and laid back, the dudes there are awesome, you would love them.
I mouthed a thank you at Adam as he stopped as his apartment.

"Ugh sounds awesome hun, Im so happy for-" I stopped myself short from talking after I had unlocked my apartment door only to be greeted with broken glass, everywhere. Not only was there glass everywhere, but there was everything everywhere. Tears rushed to my eyes and I screamed.

Devon? What's wrong?!
Devon?
Fuck sake, answer me!

With Zack screaming for my attention in one ear I heard Adam's apartment door burst open and his steps running towards me. I just looked at Adam, who looked to be in as much shock as me. "Zack, I think someone broke in to the apartment." The world slowed as I spoke the words, as if it made them real. I felt Adam's presence leave my side, and I seemed to be glued to the place I was standing.

From what I could decipher, Adam just got off the phone with the police. He sounded to be on the phone with someone else now though.

Devon?!

Zack's shouting pulled me out of my daze, "Yeah, whats up?"

Are you okay?!

"I think so, dont tell anyone please especially Alex, not till I figure out what happened."

I wont hun, but you said that someone broke in.

"I mean thats what it looks like." My heart dropped, I walked into my destroyed apartment. The packed boxes were opened, tipped over and emptied. Kitchen cabinets and drawers were open and disheveled. The couch cushions were messed up. The couch, wasn't empty when I left. Silent tears fell onto my cheeks, "My fender is gone." I walked over, and with my free hand I picked up my untouched folder full of sheet music.

Are you serious?

His voiced echoed in my head as I found myself unable to respond. Adam still stood in the hallway on the phone looking at me with shocked and cautious eyes. Just then, the muffled sound of breaking glass came from upstairs, scaring the shit out of me. "I think he is still here," I whispered as I dropped the phone.

Devon get out of there!

I ignored his yelling through the phone and grabbed the baseball bat of Alex's that laid on the floor under the contents of the boxes. I slipped off my shoes as I neared the stairs, I climbed them swiftly, not making any noise. I now had whoever it was trapped, adrenaline rushed through my body making my heart race. My blood was boiling at this point, I had never felt this much rage, my hands sweaty and shaking as they gripped the bat. I approached my bedroom door slowly, it being the first door to pass. I flattened myself against the wall and looked into my room that had obviously been ravaged through, this making me lose control. I gave up my stealthy approach as I passed the empty bathroom, leaving one place for the criminal to be, Alex's room.

I slammed the door open and was faced with a man much larger than even Zack or even Neil, but I held my ground. He could've touched anything but he crossed a line taking my guitar that was now strung around him, resting on his back, also holding a rather large black duffel bag in his hands which Im sure contained what he considered valuable things he acquired going through my things.

"Fucking drop it." My words held the definition of deadly, and Im sure the look I was giving him would terrify most anyone. He didn't move from his position, not dropping anything either. Enraged, I swung the bat towards him twice with his back facing me I connected with his elbow and his knee cap, making him drop the bag and fall to the floor.

"Fucking psycho bitch," he hissed as he lunged for the bag. I swung, crushing his hand between the floor and the bat, making him curse in pain. I lost control and started screaming, I took a step towards him as I swung again one handed, catching his nose with the bat and snatching the bag out of his reach. He looked at me disgusted, his nose gushing blood.

"The guitar," I ordered, as I held the bat ready for another blow. He seemed to surrender and slid the guitar across the floor, catching him off guard I pushed the guitar further away and dropped the bat. Rage fueled my every move, I clenched my toes as my soccer skills came back and connected with his jaw, throwing him backwards. I jumped on top of his chest, my legs trapping his arms at his side. I was high on the adrenaline and rage that I barely felt my knuckles connecting with his face time and time again. I screamed at him cursing endlessly, my knuckles turning bloody and quickly bruising just as his face was.

My blurred, teary eyes were pulled away from the thief on the floor, I fought against the person holding me back to no avail. I was hauled away from the scene as cops came into the room, leaving with my victim in handcuffs. As they dragged him out of my front door I was let go I turned to face Neil.

It seemed like minutes had passed and the adrenaline and rage that was all consuming just moments ago had faded away as reality set in. I looked at Neil and then took in my apartment for a second time, and realized that no matter how hard or how many times I hit him it still wouldn't put my apartment back together. Adam was standing in the doorway one the phone yet again, "Its the landlord." Neil informed me as I made eye contact with Adam and then he turned away, retreating to the hallway.

I collapsed just then, my legs gave way just as my hardened exterior faded into nothing. I sobbed into myself, as I crouched in a ball on the floor. Neil then took me into his arms, holding me as I cried and rubbed circles in my back. He held me like this for a very long time, until I wasn't crying anymore but just had very unsteady breathing.

"Phil is on his way," Adam said as he reappeared. "Devon, Im so sorry about this. Phil is going to get someone to fix your window and because your lease he said he will get you an alarm system." I took a breath to say thank you but nodded instead.

"Zack," I worried. I moved to get my phone that was on the couch. "Zack? Are you still there?"

Fucking hell. I love you but dont scare me like that.

I noted his shaky voice, meaning he was most likely crying, "Im fine, the cops came and took him away, and other than broken things here and there and the apartment looking like a tornado, I didnt lose anything. I stopped him."

I know you're tough babe, but you gotta be careful please. You had me worried sick. Are you okay?

"Yeah I think so, the landlord is on his way over. Ow, fuck." I was out of it enough to forget there was broken glass everywhere, and all I had on were socks. Blood quickly soaked my sock; Neil, who had shoes, on saw my idiocy and scooped me up in his arms, taking me to the kitchen and setting me on the counter. "I stepped on some glass, no biggie." I said bringing the phone back up to my ear.

Oh jesus Devon. Is there anyone there with you?

"Yeah Adam called Neil and they are both here now, my landlord is on his way too."

Can I talk to one of them? I trust you but I need the truth Devon.
Wait, whats wrong with Devon?

Alex's voice came through the phone in the background and my blood turned cold.

Dev, they're all here, there no avoiding it now.

Avoiding what?! Alex screamed, worry and rage filled his voice.

"Okay put it on speaker," I sighed and handed the phone to Fitz. "Just tell them what happened, I-I cant."

He complied, took the phone and left the room. "Yikes Dev," Neil whispered as he was looking at my foot. I looked at my foot that was being held in the kitchen sink, there was a good three inch long chunk of glass sticking out of my foot. "You're going need stitches."

Notes

excitement.