Disclaimer: I own nothing. Cept the Original Characters. Everything else is Lionsgate.

Authors Note: So sorry for the long wait. Work took over my life along with a really bad flu, so I have been out of it. Rest assured this is not abandoned. I have chapters that need to be refreshed before I post them. I have a lot of this story already written. I hope you all enjoy this special treat.

Please review! I love the feedback, not that I don't like silent readers but reviewing is so important to writers on this site, lets us know we should keep on working through the bad and the good.

Love you all! xoxo. Enjoy!

Chapter 3

"Count the garden by the flowers, never by the leaves that fall. Count your life with smiles and not the tears that roll."- Anonymous

Elizabeth yawned and walked into her kitchen. Turning on the coffee pot, she loathed the clock stating back with the numbers 5:45 am. Normally on her day off she wouldn't be up this early on the weekend, but her grandmother had an appointment and Elizabeth offered to take her. It was getting colder now in Burgh as they headed into winter, so she was kind of regretting these early morning appointments now.

Hearing the beep, the machine was done. Elizabeth walked over and picked up the pot, pouring herself a nice hot cup. Indulging in the lift she needed, she was unaware of the new presence entering the room. The latch of the kitchen door suddenly shot open and Mark, of all people walked inside the house.

She stated at him for a second confused, looking around the room before setting her cup down.

"That's so funny." She began "I could've swore that you didn't know the world existed before 10 on the weekends." Elizabeth teased.

Mark laughed and tugged his hoodie back; during their training over the last coiple weeks, Tommy has been giving me some cardio tips about running.

"Tommy kind of forced it out of me, though I am glad. Haven't felt this great in weeks." Mark acknowledged.

Elizabeth just raised her eyebrow and walked over to the cabinet and pulled out a box of cereal. She lifted it to him and he shook his head.

"No thanks, I think I'm going take a shower and then rest a bit. It's fucking cold outside." He shivered.

Elizabeth could only laugh, "Welcome to Pittsburgh." He began to move towards the stairs, "HEY!" She called, he stopped and turned, "I'm going to go to grams for a bit. She has a doctor's appointment and I offered to drive."

Mark nodded, "Well, I have no school work for the weekend cause of the holiday so I was gonna take the bus and head to the movies. Meet up with a couple of friends from school. Probably check out the new action flick."

Elizabeth was hesitant to believe him. "When you say friends-"

"School friends" Mark assured, he paused and sighed, "Liz you gotta believe I don't talk to Rowley anymore. Not since I was arrested."

She accepted that, "Good. So do you need any money then?" She pointed to her purse, "There's a 20 in my bag if you -" Mark shook his head and raised up his hand.

"Na, been helping out around the gym after I finish my homework. Colt gave me a couple bucks. Said besides training I could do some part time stuff."

Elizabeth was surprised and grateful, "That's nice of him." She poured her cereal into a nearby bowl, "Keep in touch ok? Text me when you leave and when you get of the movies."

Mark laughed, "Yeah, yeah. I know MOM." He joked. "I'll check in for ya you worry wart."

Elizabeth smiled "Somebody's got too. Now go rest."

Mark saluted her and mumbled a 'give grams my love' as he climbed up the stairs to his bedroom.

-break-

Elizabeth and Marge, her grandmother, arrived at Liz's house around noon. Marge was restless and Liz loved her company, so offering lunch was nothing but genuine.

They were in the middle of a conversation about maybe getting a pet when a car door slammed out front. Elizabeth not expecting company got up from the table and looked out the window. Narrowing her eyes when she saw Carter 'Rowley' Collins waking up to her porch.

She turned to her grandmother.

"Grams," She said without hesitation, "Grab the phone. I may need you to call the police." She whispered, not daring to look away from the window yet.

"Why?" Her grandmother stood up concerned, "What's wrong? Who is it?"

Elizabeth snapped her head towards her grandmother and gave her a hard stare, "An old problem I thought was dealt with. Now please." She took the cordless phone and slid it across the table. "If he approaches, call 911. We have a restraining order."

Opening the front door she hesitated to grab the bat that was next to it. She walked outside and Rowley stopped, admiring the young woman.

"Well, it's been a long time, hasn't it Liz."

"Spare me the pleasantries Rowley. You can leave my property now." She pointed to his car with her bat.

The man in front of her just continued to smile, "Now is that anyway to treat an old friend."

"I'm not your friend nor one of your goons." Elizabeth spit out, "Mark is done with you. I'm done with you. Leave us the hell alone."

He took a step forward; Elizabeth took one as well, her grip tightening. She was not going to let him intimidate her.

"Afraid I can't do that Sweetheart. See before the misunderstanding-"

"You mean his arrest," she sneered, raising the bat. "I should beat the living shit out of you for what you put me and my family through."

Rowley laughed, "Mark could make his own decisions."

"Mark is a child. A CHILD Carter." She reasoned, "You disrespected him, and most importantly;y me."

Carter straightened his tie and shrugged, "Does not matter. What does is that Marks last fight cost me a pretty penny. I need to collect what I am owed."

Elizabeth crossed her arms and stood in front of this man not amused, "No. Mark told me he never took any money."

"No." Rowley continued, " He never took any money's but those fights he did were shall we say off the books. And that last one. Mark told me to do double or nothing, and he lost. So I am here to collect."

Elizabeth looked at him disgusted, "Maybe you shouldn't gamble on children. For god sake-"

Rowley stepped forward quick and grabbed the bat, Elizabeth refused to budge. He brought her close, "Oh your brother had all the right means. It was a tragic loss, losing him. But now I need the payment. Soon."

"How much?" Elizabeth she hissed.

Rowley looked away before answering, "Ten thousand."

Elizabeth closed her eyes for a second, shaking her head in disbelief. Rowley let go of the bat and took a step back.

"Unless, give me one night Elizabeth. One night with you and all his troubles go away."

Elizabeth spit at his feet instantly.

"You are a piece of filth Collins, it would be a cold day in hell before I came near you and your-"

Rowley sneered and backhanded her hard across the face. She fell to the ground, "Learn some respect." He hissed in a low whisper.

Holding her cheek, Elizabeth turned to look at this man with a deadly expression. Letting go of the bat she stood up and wiped a small trickle of blood on the side of her lip. Without any fear or doubt she pulled her first back, and punched him square in the face.

He stumbled away in shock.

"You forget Mr. Collins, I grew up around pieces of shit like yourself and I will not be bought. My father was a talented man and he taught me how to defend myself, scum like you do not scare me. Now if you can do me a favor, please get the FUCK off my property." She asked politely.

Wiping blood from his nose, he shook his head in disappointment, "That was a mistake Ms. Phillips."

Elizabeth shook her head, "The mistake was standing by why you tried to ruin my brothers life."

She could hear the sirens in the distance. She smirked.

"Looks like someone called the cops"

He lunged and she reached for the bat and stood ready.

"Try it! I'd love to take this bat to your pretty little face."

Conflicted he stood there, becoming angrier by the second, "I should have you arrested for assault!"

She straightened herself up and looked the man up and down before scoffing, "Besides. You may be powerful. But even you can't slide from a court ordered restraining order. I suggest you leave before I press charges for violating it. And for assault."

Rowley spit on her lawn and nodded, "Ten thousand dollars Ms. Phillips. I intend to collect."

"You'll get your money, every fucking cent and then you will leave us alone." She challenged.

The man hurried back to his vehicle before driving away. When the police arrived she explained the situation. A drunk man had approached her and she was grateful the police arrived.

Stepping inside the house, she drew her cell phone from her coat pocket. Dialing Mark's number without a second glance.

When Mark stepped inside his house 2 hours later he knew something was wrong. Elizabeth stood leaning against the kitchen sink while his grandmother looked on from the island table.

"What's going on?" He asked curiously.

"Rowley came to visit today Mark," Elizabeth stated, getting straight to the point. "Want to let in on the reason why?"

Mark shook his head confused, "Elizabeth! No- I have no idea-"

"Damn it mark!" Elizabeth screamed, "Don't lie to me! I am sick of it."

"I'm not!" He pleaded, "I told you I'm done with Rowley! Elizabeth you gotta believe me."

She laughed, "No. I'm tired." She whispered, " All I have done is try. I've tried to think positive but Mark. God mark how could you be do stupid! Fighting for money."

He looked away suspicious, "I don't know what-"

"STOP." She screamed pushing herself from the sink and walking towards him with a menacing gaze, "I know all about it. The gambling the bets, for god sakes he came to our house Mark."

He stared at his sister, "I never bet. Never took any of that money, Elizabeth you have to believe me. Please," he begged.

"Ten thousand dollars Mark-"

"It was dumb! He told me it was a simple fight and that it was double or nothing! The guy had the upper hand from the start and I lost. That's why I beat the other guy to escape! I had to get out of there because Rowley blamed me."

She just shook her head, "And now he is looking for the money."

"YBut Elizabeth I swear I never took money."

"You fought for it though." She whispered, "Under the table with crooks. Dangerous people. " She took a step back and laughed, "God haven't I taught you anything."

Mark became enraged, "You know what. Fuck you Elizabeth! I can't do this anymore" He screamed, starling her and their grandmother, "All you ever want to see if the bad in me! You never focus on me changing! I never lied! You never give me the change even get a fucking word-"

"That's enough!" Marge scolded, "We are family, you don't talk to each other like this."

"Then tell her." Mark pointed to his sister, "She won't listen to me. She never has."

He walked away from the kitchen, going to grab his coat. Elizabeth followed him.

"Don't you dare walk out that door." She scolded, as she went to grab his arm and he twisted away and grabbed her in return to hold her, then went to punch on reflex. Luckily he stopped before he could hit her. Mark instantly let go and backed away. She saw the look of fear in his eyes before he bolted. Elizabeth could just stare. Rubbing the bruise forming on her arm.

-break-

As soon as Mark had left Elizabeth called Colt. Letting him know to keep an eye out for her younger brother. Colt calmed her down and told her not to worry, the kid would show up sooner or later. And not 3 hours later Colt saw the young man make his way into the small diner across the street. Tommy had been over dropping off some equipment when Colt told him what went down. Tommy told Colt not to worry and he would handle it.

Walking inside, Tommy didn't wait to announce himself before sliding in front of Mark at the booth.

Mark sat there shuffling around some mashed potatoes on his plate. A lukewarm soda to his right showing no signs of being finished.

"You alright kid?" Tommy questioned.

Mark shrugged "Dunno. I suppose you're here to take me home."

Tommy shook his head and motioned for the waitress's. "Can I get a coffee." She nodded and left.

He studied the kid for a hot second and could tell he as having some serious problems staying composed. His coffee was delivered and he welcomed the bitter shake of the cold leaving.

"You wanna tell me why Colt got a call from your sis saying you ran?" He pushed.

Marks gaze shifted, "That's none of your fucking business. I don't have to tell you shit."

Tommy set his cup down and lowered his gaze. "Curse at me again and I'll pop you one. I didn't come here for a fight but don't think for one second that smart mouth is going to save you from anything. Now tell me, what the hell happened." He warned.

"Rowley." Mark sighed, "The guy I was fighting for, he came to visit Elizabeth today at our house."

"Rowley Collins? Carter Collins, that Rowley?" He questioned, Mark nodded, and Tommy let out a breath, "Shit Mark."

Mark understood, "I know. I lost a big fight before I got out and he lost a lot of money that he wants back."

"How much is a lot." Tommy pondered.

Mark hesitated before speaking, "Ten thousand."

"Jesus Christ kid." Tommy Cursed under his breath.

Mark sighed. "When I got home today Elizabeth was just there and went off. Screaming at me, saying how I lied and that how hurt she was I had been fighting for money. I tried to tell her I never took a cent but she just wouldn't stop! Then she told me he came by tried to proposition her and grams said she hit him but fuck Tommy I was so mad. She tried to hid it but I saw her cheek. He hit her. So I wanted to find him. Make sure he would never touch her again. But-"

Tommy could tell he wasn't finished then what.

"She grabbed me, and without a second thought I almost hit her. My own sister. I would never! I was just so mad. I think she knows that but I didn't stay. I left and I got on the bus to go to Rowley, but ended up here."

Tommy was quiet for a long time before speaking, absorbing it all.

"Don't worry about the money and don't worry about Rowley." He assured the young boy, "I'll handle that. But you need to go home. Elizabeth is probably going out of her mind and the last thing she would have wanted is you coming home with your face kicked in. You hear me. You stay away from Carter Collins and his crew."

Mark nodded.

"Another thing." Tommy stood up, "You lay a hand to your sister again and we are going to have words. That fucking clear?"

Mark nodded "Crystal."

Tommy pulled out his wallet and tossed some bills on the table. "Get your suit I'm taking you home."

Mark stared at the man confused, "You don't down a car."

Tommy shrugged, "Got one now. Don't make a deal out of it."

Authors Note: I hope you all liked it. I know there was no Elizabeth/Tommy but I needed to get some of the family issues going down.