In shades of gray in candlelight

 "What's going on with you?" Felicity's question stung Liv. They were just back from a cookout at the park and she had so many leftovers.

"It's nothing," but it wasn't a promise. She'd rather not discuss her life with Nic's fiancee. Yes, it was official. He'd given her a ring. Of course, Woo was so excited. Liv just couldn't make the effort to get excited.

"Are you worried about something, or someone?" Felicity went on to question her while Liv turned her back to put the salads away. Yes, she'd made too much. Nobody touched the brownies. They'd eaten too much barbecue. But Liv wouldn't call it that. Although, she watched everyone eat so happily of the Korean version while she dreamed of Heartland pork ribs.

"It can't be Sunny," Felicity mentioned how happy she looked to be with Louie. "She's not even the same girl. Do you think it's serious?"

"It couldn't be," Liv said without thinking. Her lip almost twitched. Suddenly, it felt everyone was annoyingly happy but her. She sighed with an even lip. 

"I think they're good for each other," Felicity sounded so wise. "Just as Woo is good for you."

Liv agreed. Yes, she loved being here with him. Still, she felt guilty too.

"My parents might be getting a divorce." 

She felt as if she rattled off too quickly. Of course, Felicity remembered seeing the photo her brother sent her of her parents with Kenny on the Fourth.

"But, but they just adopted Kenny."

"Well..well, my dad was always too busy for us when we growing up, why should that change." 

Liv felt hurt when she said it. She blinked tears, wondering where they came from. It wasn't like her to cry so instantly. 

"Have you really been talking to your mom," Felicity gave her a pat on the back.

"No." Liv wailed. 

"You'll feel better if, if you really talk to her." 

She felt Felcity's arms come around her. Finally, Liv had a good cry.

"I don't know how," Liv finally admitted as she cleared her throat. She cringed then. She was going to be sick just like Tristan and he was back in the States.