Magically Divalicious

Story 5   What are Friends For    

Scene 1

Jenn and Eddie fell back against the bed.  Dinner had been wonderful but tiring. Jenn couldn't believe how smoothly things had transpired. "Your partner is a really sweet guy Eddie." she pointed out, resting her head against his chest, rubbing his shoulders. "He's nothing at all like you described."

Eddie expelled a long, tired breath.  "That's because you didn't get to me the real Watkins.  The Watkins before he turned soft." Eddie chuckled, holding her close.  "Jenn, I still can't believe he came.  I really believe he's changing and his change of attitude toward David was surprising."

Jenn smiled. "Yeah.  David's a good kid.  Cassie's got some really nice, well mannered friends.  I can't believe how much things have changed from a couple months ago.  I mean, you and Watkins were once at each other's throats.  Now, you're sitting having dinner together.  It just goes to show you how quickly things can change.  How much a person can change."

A curious look came over his face and he sat up in bed.  "Speaking of Cassie and her friends, I over heard her talking with Charles about applying to Colorado State." Eddie frowned.  "Did you know anything about that?  What happened to going to school in New York?  I thought she was all set to attend the Pratt Institute."

Jenn held her head up, looking at him. A serious look came across her face. "Colorado?" she mouthed incredibly.  "She was a little upset about Charles applying there but she never gave any indication she was thinking about following suit.  Are you sure you heard right?  Eddie, maybe you're mistaken."

Eddie cocked his eyebrow.  "Jenn, I know what I heard.  Our daughter is thinking about going away to Colorado. Number one, that's too far away and secondly, it's too expensive.  There's no way we can afford that."

Jenn sighed and sat up. She smiled.  Her husband was impossible. It was obvious Cassie's college plans were starting to sink in.  "Eddie, New York is farther away than Colorado.  If she goes to Colorado at least she'll still be close to the West Coast." She rubbed his stomach. You never complained about her going away to Pratt and it's clear across the United States.  Why the sudden change of heart?"

Eddie shook his head and remained silent. He was thinking about the financial aspects of an out of state school.

Jenn stared at him.  "I think Cassie's doing exactly what I told her to do.  She's following her heart Eddie.  I honestly don't think Cassie could survive being separated from Charles.   Eddie..., she was willing to marry him before he went into the military so she could have a part of him.  She loves him." Jenn explained, trying to reason with him. 

Eddie nodded, agreeing.  "Jenn, I know she loves him and there's no doubt in my mine he loves her. I honestly think he's the right man for her.  I know she's letting her heart lead her but there's no way we can afford to send her to an out of state school.  I wish we could.  New York..., Pratt, that was different.  Your sister's there and Cassie would have had free room and board.  At least she would have been close to a family member if something happened or she needed something.  She's going to be disappointed but she's going to have to choose a state school.  We have two other kids to think about."

Jenn pursed her lips. "You're right." She kissed him.  "Don't worry.  We'll talk to her in the morning.  She'll be okay.  There are some really great schools right here in California."

Eddie stared at the wall in deep thought. "She grew up so fast Jenn.  I'll admit I'm going to be sad to see her go and if I could have my way, I'd love for her and Charles to attend the same school." he confessed.

"Really.  Oh my goodness.  "It's not everyday you pay Charles compliments." Jenn teased.

Eddie rubbed her back.  He had a sad feeling deep in his chest.  In some ways, Cassie's devotion to Charles was like her declaring independence.  She didn't need him as much anymore.  It was obvious she depended on Charles for a lot of things she used to depend on him for.  She really looked up to Charles.  He was happy for her and a little sad all at the same time.  "Well, I know he'd do the right thing.  Take care of her, look after my baby. College is a big step.  I know I give Charles a hard time but deep down inside I know that he'll put Cassie first every time and I respect that."

Jenn breathed softly.  "Eddie she'll be fine.  Thousands of students leave for college each year and they manage, they adjust.  Cassie won't be any different.  She's ready and I think she's a responsible young woman.  She can take care of herself.   I looked around our table tonight, and I saw four young adults, not teenagers. Charles, Cassie, Claire and David, they are all so grown up. Claire's taller than me." Jenn laughed.  "You know, next year this time Cassie won't be here." Jenn murmured sadly, her eyes growing soft. 

Eddie pulled her close.  He kissed her passionately.

"We're losing one of our babies Eddie. What am I going to do when she's gone?" Jenn questioned, her voice slightly wobbly.

Eddie laughed.  "We're going to enjoy the sound of one less child in the house.  One down, two to go." he joked, rubbing her shoulders. "In another few years we'll be a couple of empty nesters.  Let's stop worrying about Cassie.  Why don't you worry about me for a while." he grinned, rolling over on top of her.

"Eddie?" Jenn called, distracting Eddie from kissing her.

"Yeah?" Eddie muttered, deep in thought, kissing Jenn's shoulders.

"I want to have another baby." She said calmly and methodically, speaking as if it were the most natural thing in the world to ask for a baby.

Eddie rolled over so fast he almost fell out of the bed. 

"Eddie!" Jenn laughed, surprised, shocked. She hadn't meant to scare him.  "Did I say something wrong?"

Eddie lay on his back, numb from Jenn's comment.   He didn't move. He lay silently.  "I must be losing my mind or my hearing.  I thought I heard you say you wanted a baby."

Jenn leaned across his chest, staring at him.  She smiled.  "Yeah, I was only kidding but I do miss the sound of little baby feet running around.  I can't wait for the day when Cassie and Charles fill this house up with our grand children." She smiled, visualizing the scene in her head. 

Eddie stared up at the ceiling, scowling.  "Can we please not talk about Charles and Cassie having babies.  I'm in no hurry to become a grandfather and we certainly don't need to encourage them.  Please don't give them an excuse to try and run off and get married behind our backs again.  Goodnight grandma." he smiled, kissing her goodnight.

Scene 2

Cassie rushed down stairs. She had to hurry and pick Charles up.  They were going to be late for school, again.  She rushed through the kitchen, bypassing breakfast.  "Bye everyone!.  I have to go. I don't want to be late."

Eddie stopped her before she could make it out the door. "Not so fast.  Hold on.  We need to talk to you."

Cassie turned quickly.  "Dad, whatever it is, can we please talk about it later?  I have to go.  Charles is waiting on me."   She was really anxious. She and Charles took turns driving to school now that she had her car. Charles always teased her about being late and he was right.  They got to school late whenever she drove.

Eddie shook his head. "Nope. This can't wait.  Your mother and I need to talk to you.  Right now. It will only take a few minutes." he said, motioning her into the formal dinning room.

Cassie rolled her eyes and stomped into the dinning room. 

"I overheard you talking to Charles about Colorado State. "Why didn't you tell us you had applied there? Eddie questioned, irritated that she had decided to make such a huge decision on her own without consulting them. 

Cassie shrugged her shoulders.  "Dad, Charles and I talked and we decided we want to go to school together.  We both applied to Colorado and Oklahoma State.  They both have really good programs and they're excellent schools."

"Oklahoma?!" Eddie exclaimed, turning to Jenn with a crazed expression.  Things had just gone from bad to worse.  "Cassie, what happened to Pratt?  I thought you loved that school." Eddie asked, trying to understand.

"Dad, I do.  I love Pratt but I love Charles more." Cassie confessed. She'd been so excited about being with Charles and them coming to an understanding and agreement, she hadn't discussed her plans with her parents.  "I'm sorry." she said, making eye contact with Jenn. "I know I should have told you but I want to be with Charles. We can't be separated for four years." she insisted nervously, reading Eddies expression.  She knew something was wrong.  She could tell by his expression.  She braced herself for the bad news.  "What is it dad..., mom?" she asked worriedly, her eyes glancing between the two. Her whole demeanor changed in a flash.

Jenn grabbed her hand. "Cassie, we know how you feel about Charles and we're not trying to separate the two of you.  We know you want to be with him but as your parents, we have to be practical.  College is expensive and unfortunately you father and I cannot afford to send you to an out of state school."

"Mom!" Cassie wailed, turning to Eddie. "Dad!" she pleaded, her voice cracking.  "Are you telling me I can't be with Charles?  I can't go with him?  Mom, you can't do this to me!"

Jenn pulled out a chair and forced Cassie to sit.  She sat next to her and caught her hand, squeezing it.  "Cassie, we're not trying to separate you from Charles but Colorado State just isn't feasible right now.  I did some research this morning and I know it's a great school. They have a fantastic engineering and art program.  You and Charles could do very well there but we cannot afford it.  We don't want you to attend school for a couple years and then have to drop out because of finances.  Cassie, there are some great schools here." Jenn encouraged.  "You'll be close to us and we can visit each other more often." Jenn explained, rationalizing her and Eddies decision.

Cassie pulled her hand away. She knew her mom was right but Charles was all she could think about right now. She turned to Eddie. "Dad, what's going to happen to Charles and I?  What about Charles?"

"Cassie..., I'm sorry baby but it has to be a state college.  Either it's a state school or no school at all.  Your mother and I have been all through this.  Charles's father is paying for his education and I think that's great but we don't have Wes Benjamin's money.  Besides, who knows, maybe Charles will decide to stay here. You mother and I will be more than happy to help you.  We'll take a few days and visit some schools together. 

"Cassie please tell me you understand." Jenn added.

Cassie got up and grabbed her bag.  Her face was saddened.  "I do.  Can I go now?" she asked, her voice cracking.

Jenn looked at her and turned away.  She couldn't bare the look of disappointment and hurt on Cassie's face.

"Cassie wait...__" Jenn tried to stop her.

Cassie walked out without looking back. "I have to go mom."

Scene 3

Cassie pulled up into the parking lot with her tires squealing. 

Charles jumped back from the sidewalk, afraid she'd hit him.  He walked to the driver side door. "Hey!, where's the fire?"

Cassie grimaced and shot him a cold look. "Just get it in."

"Okay but hold on. This tire looks really flat." he said, pointing to her rear, driver side tire. "You didn't feel that as you drove here?"

Cassie looked out the window, glancing at the tire. "No." she said nonchalantly. "Let's just go.  We'll change it later."

"Uh huh.  No." Charles refused.   "Come on.  Get out of the car.  You can't drive like this.  You'll only end up bending your rims. We have to change this now." Charles insisted.

Cassie frowned. "Charles, come on.  We'll be late."

Charles glanced at his watch.  "We've got a few minutes.  Besides, we don't have a choice. I want this tire off.  It's not safe. Come on Cassie.  It'll only take a few minutes." he said, rolling up his sleeves, preparing to work.

Cassie got out of the car.  She slammed the car door and leaned against it.  Charles tried to kiss her cheek and she turned away.

"Cassie, calm down.  It's just a tire.  Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?   Why the cold shoulder?" Charles questioned. Cassie was in a nasty mood and he knew he hadn't done anything.   Well..., he hoped he hadn't.

Cassie leaned and kissed him.  "I'm sorry. It's not you."

"Then what is it. You pulled in here driving that car like you'd stolen it.  Tell me what's going on." Charles demanded, irritated and upset.  She could have killed herself driving like that.  She was a good driver but she wasn't exactly the most experienced driver.  She was still learning.

Cassie's eyes narrowed.  "Charles, let's just get this done.  I'm to upset to talk about it.  I'll tell you about it later."  She was extremely hurt and so disappointed.  After everything she and Charles had been through, everything they had discussed, it looked like they would be going to different schools after all.  

Charles spared her a fleeting glance and bent to remove the tire.  Cassie stood beside him.  He explained the process as he worked, going step by step. He may not be around the next time this happened.  She needed to know how to handle road side emergencies.

Charles looked back and saw Cassie ignoring him, picking her nails. "Cassie..., so..., you think you can do this the next time?" he questioned, knowing she hadn't payed attention. 

Cassie looked around strangely.  "Why?  That's what I have you for." she said, looking at him with a disgusted look on her face.  He had axle grease on his face and his shirt was a mess.

Charles laughed. He stepped close to her and held her when she tried to pull away.

"Charles no.  You're all greasy." Cassie stated, trying to pull away.

Charles laughed and kissed her anyway.  "I may not be around all the time Cassie.  Trust me, you don't want to break down. somewhere with a flat tire and have some sleazy guy offer to change it for you."

Cassie stared at him, trying to come up with a reply.  "Well..., then I'll just call my dad."

That's fine but I want you to know how to do this."  He wrapped his arms around her.  "After school, you and I are going over to Castillo's garage.  I'm giving you a car maintenance, road hazard 101 lesson.  There's more to being on the road than just jumping behind the wheel of a car and driving.  Your cars in good shape and in good condition but even new cars can break down."

Cassie started to argue.  She frowned.  "But Charles Claire and I were going shopping for prom dresses after school.  Prom is only a few weeks away."

Charles smiled.  He kissed her on the nose.  "Yeah, you're right.  You were going shopping." he said, emphasizing the word were. He tugged the keys from her hand and opened the passenger side door for her.  "Get in.  I'm driving." he stressed, still a bit uncomfortable with her erratic driving.  He got into the car and turned to her. 

"Charles I don't want to go to the garage.  I promise I'll be more careful from now on and I'll check my car."

"You're not talking your way out of this Cassie." Charles replied, refusing to yield to her pouting face.  "You can pout all you want. I'm not changing my mind." he said, kissing her pouting lips.  "Cassie, the fact that you drove without realizing your tire was flat tells me you need to learn.  No more arguing." He stared at her with a non-yielding look.   "After school.  Castillo's garage." he repeated forcefully.

Cassie turned in her seat and buckled herself in.  "Fine." she grumbled.

"Oh, and Cassie..., please don't ever let me see you driving like that again." he said sternly.   "You scared the crap out of me.  You could have killed yourself." 

Cassie knew he meant business and she knew he was upset.  His eyes were set and hard.  She winced.  "Okay, I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

Scene 4

Mr. Edwards passed out last week's test scores.  Tay was excited.  He felt like he had done very well.  He'd been studying extra hard and really concentrating on his work. 

Mr. Edwards stood before the class. "Most of you did very well on the test.  Although, there were a few of you who disappointed me.  The lowest grade in the class was a fifty eight." he announced, looking around the classroom.  "As for the lowest grade, I must say this, 'A mind is a terrible thing to waste.'"   Everyone laughed and stared at Tay.  They all knew he was in danger of failing.

Tay glanced around. "Why's everyone looking at me?" he questioned. Wow, they must really think he was a complete idiot.  He wasn't stupid.  He was just a little guilty of slacking off a bit.  "Don't look at me.  It's not me." he growled.

"If I may continue," Mr. Edwards said, "the highest grade was a ninety eight. This person only missed one problem."

Everyone looked around wondering who it could be. 

Mr. Edwards walked to the back of the class.  "Congratulations Taylor.  You got the highest grade.  I knew you could do it.  Now, if you can perform just as well on the next two test and your exams, it's highly possible for you to pass my class with a B-.  Good work."

Tay snatched the test from Mr. Edwards hands.  "Are you serious?  Dang, a brother got skills!   I'm talented and smart!"  He held his test sheet up for everyone to see. "See, I told you all it wasn't me!"

"Hey Tay," Malik called out, "good work man."

"Thanks Malik."  Tay was surprised Malik had spoken to him.  They hadn't talked since Malik's accusation that Tina was just using him.  He couldn't wait to tell Tina and his parents the good news.   Finally, he could get his equipment back.  His new supplies were locked away in a closet and he couldn't wait to try them out.

Scene 5

Shaunice pulled Lizzie aside in the hallway.  "Lizzie, wait up.  Here." she said, pushing a narrow sheet of paper in Lizzie's hand.

Lizzie glanced at the paper. She was confused. It had all kinds of atmospheric Science terms scribbled all over it. "Shaunice..., what is this?"

Shaunice smiled.  She was excited.  "The answers to today's Science test silly."

Lizzie's mouth dropped. "Are you serious?" she frowned. "How did you get these?  Where did they come from?" she questioned.

Shaunice snickered.  "Why, does it matter?  Don't worry about it Lizzie.  I'm just happy we don't have to worry about Mr. Patterson's Science test anymore.  I failed the last two.  I don't know about you but I don't plan on failing another." she said, smiling from ear to ear.  She noticed Lizzie wasn't smiling.  In fact, she didn't seem happy at all.  She looked down right upset.  "Lizzie, what's wrong?  I thought you'd be happy.  We don't have to sit and study for hours anymore.  I can get the answers."

Lizzie shuddered.  "I don't know Shaunice.  I'm not completely comfortable with this."

"What?!" Shaunice responded.  "Okay..., seriously..., what's up with you?  I'm giving you the answers to the test.  The test that we've been worried about for weeks now and you're telling me you're not comfortable.  Lizzie..., get a clue.  Do you think we're the only one's who'll cheat?  Mr. Patterson makes it impossible to do well on his test.  I think he does it on purpose.  I think he enjoys failing people."

Lizzie tried to reason with her.  She had never cheated in her life.  "Here, you keep it." she said, handing the sheet back to Shaunice.  "I don't have to cheat.  I've already studied and I think I'll do well."

Shaunice grabbed the sheet and forced it into Lizzie's bag.  "You keep it.  You're going to need it."

"No, I won't!" Lizzie insisted.   "Shaunice, it's not right.  We've known about this test for weeks.  If we fail it's our own fault."

"Okay,  why don't you explain something for me.  How come you made a seventy six on our last test if your study skills are so great?" Shaunice confronted her.

Lizzie couldn't answer the question.  She had studied for hours and had barely passed the test. 

Shaunice laughed.  "See, I made my point.  Lighten up Lizzie.  It's not like I'm asking you to commit a crime.   I'm just trying to help you.  You should be thanking me."

"Shaunice, what if we get caught?   What if someone tells?"

"We won't get caught and who's going to tell?" Shaunice threatened, getting in Lizzie's face, warning her.   "If I get caught, I'll know you told." 

"Fine, I won't tell." Lizzie promised timidly. 

"Good." Shaunice replied.  "Oh, and by the way, you don't have to thank me.  What are friends for?" she said, walking away.

Lizzie grabbed the cheat sheet from her bag.  She didn't know what to do.  She was nervous about today's test.  She didn't want to cheat.  She believed in the honor system but her life would be so much easier if she could use these answers.  She turned to toss the sheet into a nearby trash can and stopped herself. She stared at the answers and folded the sheet, tucking it away in her pockets.  Maybe things would be okay.   Everyone needed a little help sometime.  Maybe it wouldn't hurt to cheat just this once.  She always did the right things but sometimes doing the right things didn't pay off.  

Scene 6

Eddie overheard Nate talking on the phone at work.  He didn't mean to eavesdrop but he couldn't help it. Nate was obviously engaged in a serious conversation with Dana.  He was trying to keep his voice down but Eddie read his body language.  He could tell Nate was upset.

"It's okay.  We are going to get through this.  I wish you would let me talk to him.  Right now, at a time like this, you need family and friends by your side.  Why are you being so stubborn?  Okay...., okay. We'll do this your way but I don't agree with it.  I think your making a mistake." Nate whispered.  He hung up the phone and turned to find Eddie standing behind his desk.

"Dad, I didn't see you come in." He pretended to shuffle papers on his desk.  He was nervous and needed something to do with his hands.  He didn't like lying and keeping things from his dad but he'd promised to keep a secret.  He was putting up a brave front but deep down inside he scared.  He was really scared.

Eddie wasn't buying the casual, nice guy routine.  He could tell Nate was trying to hide something.  He couldn't even look him in the eye.  He stared at Nate and measured his reaction.    No, something was definitely wrong.  Nate was flustered and preoccupied.  "Nate, whatever you're trying to hide from me..., don't.   What's going on?  Who were you talking to on the phone?"

Nate leaned back in his chair with his head hung down.  He fiddled with a pencil.  He didn't want to break his promise but he had to.  He needed some advice and someone to talk to.  This was serious.  He held his head up and spoke clearly.  "Mom found a mass..., in her breast.  She's got cancer."

Eddie's entire face went still.  He didn't blink and he didn't move.  "What!?    Wait..., Nate, hold on.  When?..., how do you know this?   I just saw you this weekend."

Nate closed his eyes and rubbed his face.  He was so worried about his mom he hadn't gotten much sleep last night.  "She didn't tell me the results of the biopsy until last night.  We were hoping it would come back benign but...___" His voice trailed off. What more was there to say? 

"Why didn't you call me?" Eddie whispered feverishly.  This was a huge blow.  He never suspected anything like this. He felt weak on his feet and had to sit down.  He took a seat in the vacant desk next to Nate's. 

Nate held his hands up in defense.  "Dad, she begged me not to tell you.  I wanted to.  I did.  I picked the phone up twice last night but I promised her I wouldn't." Nate said, clenching his fist, slamming it against the desk.  He was frustrated and angry.  His mom had suffered enough bad luck to last her a life time.  She had moved in with him to regroup and make a fresh start.  "This isn't how things were suppose to happen dad.  How much bad luck can one woman take?  Mom's devastated and there's nothing I can do to help her."

Eddie grabbed his shoulder, trying to comfort him.  "Nate, don't give up yet.  A lot of women survive breast cancer.  There are new treatment options, therapy.  Let's not jump to conclusions.  We've got a great medical center here with some of the best doctors.  I'm going to help you and Dana any way I can." Eddie promised.

Nate stood up slowly.  "Thanks..., but the best doctors in the world can't help an unemployed, uninsured woman with cancer eating away at her." he mumbled, walking away.

Eddie didn't respond and he didn't try to stop him.  He let Nate walk away.

Scene 7

David met Charles and Cassie in the cafeteria. "Have you guys seen Claire?"

"She's probably in the Science lab." Cassie said.  "She mentioned something about some special project."

David laughed.  "I should have known.  Why did I even ask?"  Claire spent all her free time in the Science lab with extra credit projects and lab diagnosis.  Her face light up when she talked about her Science projects.

Cassie smiled. "Face it David.  Your girlfriends a Science geek."

"I know." David agreed, taking a seat.  "I helped her with a few of her projects.  I swear, sometimes I think she just makes up excuses to stay in the lab." he grinned.  "Either that or she just likes the smell of formaldehyde."

Claire sneaked up behind David and heard him talking about her.  She put her finger against her lips, silently warning Charles and Cassie to be quiet.  She didn't want them to give her away.  She covered David's eyes with her hands and disguised her voice.  "Guess who?" she teased.

"Your hands smell like formaldehyde Claire." David laughed.

Claire pulled her hands away and tapped him on the side of his head.  She chuckled.  "They do not.  Stop talking about me like I'm not here." She took a seat and kissed him on the mouth.

Stacy walked up and joined them at the table. "Hey guys."

Everyone said hello.  They hadn't seen her in a while.

"Sorry I haven't been around much lately but I just wanted to make sure I shared the good news with you all." Stacy apologized, pulling out her college acceptance letter.  She squirmed and celebrated in her seat.  "I just got accepted to North Carolina A&T."

"That's great Stacy." Claire said.  "Wow!, I'm from North Carolina.  That's a great school.  The campus is beautiful."

Stacy agreed. "I know.  My dad and I visited a couple months ago.  I can't wait. What about you guys. Where's everyone going?"

David spoke quickly.  He had everything all taken care of.  He had been accepted months ago.  With his grades and his smarts, he could have chosen any school but wanted to follow in his mom's footsteps.  "I'm UCLA bound, following in my mom's footsteps.  She went to UCLA and I've always dreamed of going there.  I'm pre-med all the way and hopefully," he paused, leaning to kiss Claire on the cheek, "I'll have my princess by my side."

Claire blushed. She loved his endearing name.  She couldn't help but smile every time he said the word princess.  "Hopefully I will be but don't get too excited.  I haven't heard back from them yet." she replied.  She had applied to UCLA but had been waiting on an answer for weeks.

"You'll be accepted.  Give it time." David encouraged.

"I really wanted to go to the University of North Carolina but there's no way my dad will let me go anywhere out of state." Claire said, disappointed.   "So..., it looks like I'm stuck here in good old sunny California.  If UCLA doesn't accept me I'll definitely be attending the University of California San Diego.  It's my second choice and it's a great school.

"What are you going to major in?" Stacy asked.

"I want to be a pathologist." Claire replied shyly.  People thought she was weird and didn't understand her fascination with pathology.

"You want to work with dead people?  Is that why you spend so much time in the lab?" Charles asked, oddly curious.

David laughed and Claire elbowed him in his side.  "No, that's a forensic pathologist." Claire laughed, correcting Charles.  "Guys, pathologist do more than work with the dead.  I want to work in a hospital lab.  A clinical pathologist. It's more of a behind the scenes process.  Despite what some people may think, pathologists are a doctor's right hand man.  They come up with most of the diagnosis and they do all the screenings.  There's tissue diagnosis, diagnosing biopsies and all sorts of critical lab testings.  Every time we go to the doctor and we're forced to wait on lab tests, results and evaluations, we're really waiting on an answer from a pathologist.  This is where doctor's get a lot of their answers.  Pathologist don't get enough credit.  They're behind the scenes so most people overlook them.  There's a saying, 'the pathologist is the doctor's doctor.'" she explained.  "They come up with a lot of the answers to medical ailments, medical mysteries. It's so cool."

Everyone looked at her like she had slipped and bumped her head.  "Okay..., I know you guys think I'm weird but I'm really interested in it. I can't explain it."

David bumped her with his shoulder. "Hey, don't knock the doctors.  I'm Pre-med remember.  I'm going to be a doctor."

Claire kissed his cheek.  "Sorry, I didn't mean it that way."

David looked at her lovingly.  "I think it's cool.  A doctor and a pathologist.  That's a nice pairing.  A power couple." he smiled.

Stacy smiled.  "Wow, pre-med, a doctor.  David, what medical field are you going to specialize in?"

"Anesthesiology.  Putting people to sleep, as close to death as they can possibly go." he joked.

"Charles..., Cassie, what do you two love birds have planned?" Stacy asked.

"Cassie and I are going to Colorado State together." Charles said proudly.

Cassie sunk down low in her chair.  She had to tell him the bad news.

Stacy smiled.  "Really?  Wow, you guys are in this for the long haul aren't you?  Don't forget about me when you get married.  I want to be in the wedding." she teased.  "It must be comforting Cassie.  I mean, going away to college with your fiancee.  What more could a girl ask for?"

"A miracle and parents who understand." Cassie replied cautiously, eyeing Charles from the corner of her eye.  Her voice was flat and dull.  The whole table grew quiet.

Charles stopped eating and looked at her. "What?  What are you talking about?" There was something she wasn't telling him and from the look on her face it wasn't good news. "Cassie?" he repeated when she didn't answer him.

Cassie turned to him and grabbed his hand.  She shook her head slowly. "Charles, I can't go."

Charles cocked his eyebrow.  "What do you mean you can't go?  You can't go where?"

Cassie swiveled in her seat, turning to face him fully.  She might as well get it over with and tell him. "Colorado, Oklahoma, anywhere.  I can't go away to school with you.  I can't go out of state, period.  I'm sorry."

Charles's face went blank.  "Cassie what are you saying?  We talked about about this.  You said you were sure."

"Charles, I was and I still am but my parents won't let me.  It's too expensive and we can't afford it.  I made a decision on something that I hadn't discussed with them yet.  I'm sorry but I can't go."

Charles pushed his lunch tray away and leaned his elbow on the table, thinking.  He'd lost his appetite.  "Cassie, what are we going to do?  I thought we finally had this all figured out.  Why didn't you tell this morning?" he said, raising his voice.  This college conversation was getting very old.  He was tired of talking about it.

Cassie looked at him with pleading eyes, silently begging him to understand.  "Charles..., I knew you'd be upset. We'll figure something out."

"Yeah..., like what?" Charles asked, sarcastically.  He was ready to give up. 

David interrupted them.  "Come on guys.  Don't argue about.  You'll figure something out."

"Cassie, why don't you just come to UCLA with David and I.  It'll be fun.  Just like old times." Claire suggested.

"Wow, best friends all going to the same school." Stacy joked sarcastically.

Claire thought about Stacy's comment. "Actually, that's not a bad idea.  Why not?"

"Why not what?" Charles asked, still upset over the bad news.

"Why don't we all go to the same school?" Claire added.

Charles laughed. "Yeah right."

"No, I'm not joking.  I'm serious." Claire said.  "Guys, stranger things have happened."

"She's right Charles." David said.  "I never understood why you didn't consider UCLA in the first place.  They have an excellent mechanical engineering program."

"David I know...__" Charles started.

David didn't let him finish.  "Man look, just stop for a minute and think outside of automotive engineering.  Step outside the box for a minute. I think you should broaden your scope.  A good engineering program will cover all mechanical aspects, not just automotive."  He turned to Cassie.  "And Cassie, even if you decide against UCLA, some of the best art programs are here in California.  We have the San Francisco Art Institute, Cal Arts, and California Institute of the Art, just to name a few.  You guys are making this harder than it is." 

Stacy got up from the table.  "If you want my opinion, I think David's right.  Trust me, if and when I find the girl I'm going to spend the rest of my life with, I'll do whatever it takes and I'd follow them from here to hell and back to be with them." She stared at Charles and Cassie.  "You guys have a real good thing. Don't screw it up.  I'll see you later."

Charles put his arm around Cassie's waist.  "I'm sorry I got upset.  I just really want this to work."

Cassie smiled.  "So..., what do you think?  What if we both go to school here instead?  It will solve all of our problems and we'll be able to hang out with Claire and David."

Charles smiled and threw his head back, pondering.

"Come one Charles.  You know you want to." Claire said, forcing him to make a decision.  "Seriously, college is a big, scary step.  What could be better than taking that step with friends?  Friends til the end.  It'll be just like old times.  It'll be fun.  Think of the good times we could have.  I thought I'd be nervous about school but I'm not.  I don't know about you guys, but just knowing that I'm going to school and knowing I'll have David there with me, puts me at ease."

David smiled.

"Plus, I'm not so far away that I can't visit my dad when I want.  It's a no brainer." Claire explained.  She held her hand out to the middle of the table.  She wanted them to form a friendly pact.  She wanted their friendship to continue on through college.  "Well, what do you say Charles?"

David placed his hand on top of hers. "I'm game. I think it's a great idea."

"Come on Charles." David insisted. "You know you can't live without Cassie.   Let's just do it.  Make a decision. Right now."

Charles pulled Cassie close and kissed her. "I love you." he whispered in her ear quietly, placing his hand in, agreeing to the friendly pact.  He didn't have a choice.  He wasn't leaving Cassie and she couldn't leave California so he was stuck there.  "Of course I'm in.  What are friends for?  I don't know why I didn't think of this."

Cassie put her hand on top of Charles's.  She squeezed his hand.

"UCLA baby!" Claire screamed over the lunch room crowd.  David, Cassie and Charles all laughed.  

David and Charles stood up and shook on it. They leaned over the table and bumped shoulders. "See how simple that was?" David asked.

"Your right. This solves everything." Charles responded.

Claire held her hand out to David.  "Hey, you want to shake on it?" she joked. 

David grabbed her hand and pulled her close.  He kissed her, swallowing her laughter.

Sage slammed her lunch tray down on the table.  She stared at David and Claire in disgust.  "Eww!  Get a room." she said, sitting down to eat, frowning.  "Okay, first we had to deal with lovey dovey Charles and Cassie, a.k.a. "Chassie."  she snarled,  curling her fingers into imaginary quotation marks.   Now, we have to stomach David and Claire, "Daire," drooling and slobbering over each other?"  Just what this school needs, another love sick couple.   David, you could do so much better."  She ridiculed Claire.

Claire's mouth dropped. She picked up an uneaten apple from her tray and started to throw it at Sage. "You skinny little bitch!   I ought to shove this apple right down your...__"

David grabbed her wrist. "Whoa!  Hold that thought." he interrupted.  "Come on Claire.  Time to go."  He pulled her from her seat. He knew if Claire got her hands on Sage there would be no stopping her.

Claire grabbed her things and sent Sage an evil look.  "Cassie, we're still on for shopping this afternoon right?"

Cassie turned to Charles. "Sorry Claire.  I can't.  I promise we'll do it tomorrow.  I've got a hot date with a mechanic." she smiled.

"Yeah you want to join us.  I'm going to teach Cassie some car maintenance basics." Charles invited.

Claire grimaced.  "Ah..., no thanks.  I'll pass."

"Since you're not going shopping you might as well hang out with me." David suggested.  "I've got basketball practice but I'm going to hang around the recreational center afterward.  You know, shoot some hoops, play a little pool." David invited, hoping Claire would say yes. He wanted to be with her and spend some time with her outside of school.

"Pool?" Claire frowned.  That didn't sound like much fun.  "Okay, I'll think about it okay." she promised.  She turned to Cassie.  "Bye guys."

Cassie turned her back on Sage.  She didn't want to talk to her.  She was still upset about the awful comments she had made about her and Charles's break up.  Sage couldn't be trusted. 

"Are you ignoring me?" Sage questioned.

Cassie glanced over her shoulder.  "What do you want Sage?"

"Nothing.  Can't a girl sit with friends?"

"I'm not your friend." Cassie spat, getting up from the table.  "Come on Charles.  Let's go."

"Cassie wait!" Sage said urgently. "I'm sorry about the mean things I said. I didn't mean it.  You know how I am.  You know you can't take me seriously.  Will you please sit down?  I really need to talk to you."

Cassie ignored her and started to walk away.

"Please!." Sage begged.  "I need your advice and I really need your help."

Charles cast Cassie a discouraging look.  He didn't trust Sage as far as he could throw her.  Cassie always fell for her lies. "Come on Cassie." he urged, pushing her forward with his hand on the small of her back.  He knew Sage was up to something.

Cassie looked into Sages pleading eyes and gave in.  "Go ahead Charles." She gave him a quick kiss on the lips.  "I'll see you after school."

"Alright.  Spit it out. Whatever rude, nasty comment you're about to say, just spit it out." Cassie grumbled.

Sage had a frightened look on her face.  "I'm pregnant." she said calmly, staring at Cassie, waiting for a reaction.

Cassie was shocked. Her eyes stretched wide. She sat down slowly. "What!?   Sage..., are you sure?  How long?  Who's the the father?" she questioned.  Now she knew why Sage looked so scared.  She remembered having that exact same look on her face during her pregnancy scare.  She felt sorry for her.  She knew what she was going through.

Sage nodded. "Yeah, I'm sure.  I just wish the father was.  He doesn't believe me, says it's not his. He accused me of sleeping around."

"Well, who is it?" Cassie inquired.

"Thad." Sage replied.

"Sage, you told me you two broke up." Cassie said.

Sage gnawed her lip.  "Well, we did but we kind of..., sort of,  got together a few times after that.   We were..., you know..., friends with benefits." She justified their relationship.

Cassie wasn't sure how to respond.  She didn't know what to say to her.  "What are you going to do Sage?"

"I'm not getting rid of it if that's what you're asking." Sage replied sharply.  She was a selfish person and she could admit that but she wanted her baby. It was unplanned and a surprise but she wanted her baby.

"No, that's what I mean." Cassie explained. "Sage, you're a senior.  What about school, college?   Sage, what are you going to do with a baby?" Cassie asked.  She stressed the word you.

"Cassie, I haven't thought that far ahead yet and please don't make it sound like I can't be a mommy.  You don't think I'd make a good mother do you?

"I didn't say that Sage.  It's a big step and I don't know if your ready for it." Cassie softened her explanation.  She didn't want to hurt Sage's feelings.  Sage was a wild child.  All she seemed to care about was parties and guys.  She never had anything nice to say.  She got a kick out of irritating people and belittling them.  She couldn't see Sage sitting at home nursing a baby. 

"I took a pregnancy test, twice and I have a doctors appointment this week.  I want you to go with me." Sage answered.

Cassie hesitated.  "Sage, I don't know.  Maybe your mom should go with you."

"Are you kidding me?  I haven't told her.  Besides, she's out of town at some sales meeting and she won't be back until next week.  Can you please just do this for me?  Cassie, you're the closest thing I have to a real friend. You put up with my bull time and time again yet you're always there when I need you.  For some reason we seem to understand each other.  Cassie, the people I pick on and ridicule, the people I irritate, those are the people I really care about.  It's just my insane way of saying you're my friend.  Please come with me.   I really want you there with me."

"Okay," Cassie agreed reluctantly, "but you really need to tell your mom. She's going to find out sooner or later."

Scene8

Tay rushed out of class.  He couldn't wait to find Tina and tell her the good news. He ran down the hall to her class.

Malik followed Tay.  He wanted to talk to him and apologize for the foolish way he had acted and the things he had said about Tina. He had to admit, he'd been a little jealous but had gotten used to the idea of Tina and Tay being together.  He knew Tina was using Tay but he'd made up his mind to stay out of it. 

Malik turned the corner and saw Tay and Tina with their heads together, laughing and talking.   He also saw Matt approaching.  Tay was so involved with Tina he didn't see Matt coming for him.  Malik screamed.  "Run Tay!."

Tay looked up and saw Matt kareening towards him.  He dropped his bag and took of running.  He wasn't afraid to admit he was scared.  Matt was twice his size and had a reputation for being a bully.  He heard Tina laughing as he ran off.  He felt like a fool.  He knew Matt would kill him if he caught up with him.

"Yeah you better run fool!" Matt screamed behind him.  "You been avoiding this beat down for weeks!"

Malik watched in a daze as Tay ran down the hall, dashing into the nearest restroom for cover.  He tried to buy Tay some time.  He waited until Matt got right up on him and stuck his foot out, tripping him."

Matt fell to the floor in agony, holding his knee.  He shot Malik a killer look.  "You little punk.  You're dead!"

"Oh shit!" Malik exclaimed, realizing his mistake. Now,  Matt was after him.  He took of running, dashing into the restroom with Tay.  He found Tay hiding in a bathroom stall.   "Tay," he breathed rapidly, "we can't stay in here.  He's gonna find us.  Let's go."

They rushed to leave but stopped in their tracks when Matt came busting into the bathroom.  He blocked the door with a trash can, trapping them inside. They couldn't run.  Matt pounced on Tay and dragged him to the floor, pummeling him with his fist. Malik didn't know what to do but he knew he couldn't stand there and watch his friend take a beating.  He jumped on Matt's back and wrapped his arms around his neck, choking the life out of him.

"Get off my friend fool!" Malik yelled. 

Matt tried to throw him off but Malik held on tightly.  Matt might be bigger than them but he couldn't handle all two of them at once.  "Come on Tay!  Get em.  We got this!" Malik yelled.

Matt managed to throw Malik from his back.  He braced his back against the bathroom stall, staring at Malik and Tay.  "What?   Yall want some of this?  You think you can take me!?" he provoked. 

Malik turned to Tay, looking for confirmation.  They were tired of this fool.  It was time for someone to fight back against the bully.  Tay smiled and nodded his head. He had taken some heavy punches from Matt and he was hurting but he was more than ready to fight back. 

Malik laughed.  He stared at Matt.  "Oh yeah!   You about to get knocked out fool!  I'm talkin' bout a bathroom beat down." He and Tay charged Matt, forcing him into the bathroom stall.  They gave him the beating he deserved. 

Someone tried to get into the bathroom, pushing the trash can from behind the door.  "Come on Malik." Tay said, pulling him off of Matt.  This fool's done." Tay laughed, watching Matt moan and squirm on the floor in pain.  Malik ran for the door but turned back unexpectedly. 

Tay yelled at him.   "Come on man!  What are you doing? We got to get out of here." Tay urged, pushing against the door, stopping people from coming in.  Someone was outside pounding on the door, trying to get in.

Malik snatched the baseball cap from Matt's head and pulled his wallet from his pocket. He took a twenty dollar bill and stuffed it into his back pocket.  Matt had stolen his favorite baseball cap last year and had been stealing his lunch money for weeks.  This was his chance to get even.  He got in one last lick, kicking Matt in his side.  "That's for taking my hat and stealing my lunch money fool!"

"Let's go Malik!" Tay yelled.  "Stop foolin' around.  We're going to get caught."

Malik pushed the cap onto his head. He and Tay ran out of the bathroom laughing.  

Scene 9

The class was quiet.  Everyone sat taking their test.  Lizzie looked around the room and caught Shaunice staring at her.  She winked and motioned for Lizzie to look down at her feet. Lizzie noticed Shaunice's purse sitting wide open on the floor. She was obviously hiding her cheat sheet in her bag.

Shaunice pointed at her test. She didn't understand what Lizzie was doing.  She just sat there.  She'd given her all the answers.  All she had to to was copy them.  Sometimes Lizzie got on her nerves.  She was such a good girl.    She raised her eyebrows and silently shrugged her shoulders. 

Lizzie scanned her test.  She didn't know what to do.  Should she cheat and make things easy on herself or should she sit there and struggle with her answers?  Some of the test questions were ridiculously hard.  She looked up and caught Mr. Patterson staring at her. He had caught her day dreaming.  She felt so conspicuous, like he was watching her.  It felt like he somehow knew she was thinking about cheating but that was impossible.  How could he possibly know?  She was nervous and over reacting.    She shot him a fake smile.  He held his wrist up and pointed at his watch, silently telling her to watch her time.  She only had twenty more minutes to finish her test.

Lizzie tried to be honest and do the right thing.  She answered every question to the best of her ability and sat back in her chair.  A lot of her answers were simple guesses.  She looked over at Shaunice.  She was completely at ease and done with her test.  She sat twirling her hair, chewing gum and picking her nails.

Lizzie pulled the cheat sheet from her pocket.  It was do or die, now or never.  She threw caution to the wind and erased all her answers, replacing them with the correct ones.  The bell rang and she placed her test on Mr. Patterson's test. She felt awful about what she'd done but there was no turning back now. 

"You don't look very pleased." Mr. Patterson comment on her sad face.  "Did you study for the test?" he smiled.

Lizzie forced a smile. "It was easier than I thought.  It wasn't what I expected" she lied, walking away.

Scene 10

Charles pulled Cassie into Castillo's garage.  All of the guys had gone home for the day so he had all evening to show her some tips and pointers.  He dragged her into the back work room and found her a navy blue garage coverall.

"Charles do I have to do this?" Cassie whined.  She knew he wasn't trying to be mean and understood his intentions but she didn't want to be there.  She wanted to go shopping.

"Yeah you do." Charles answered, turning to her with the coverall.  "Here put this on."

Cassie stared at the garment with disgust. "What?!   Charles I don't want to wear that." she refused.

Charles ignored her.  He bent and told her to step into them.  "Put it on.  You're going to ruin your clothes if you don't." 

Cassie stepped into the overalls.  She was so tiny they swallowed her.  The arms and the legs were extra long.  She looked down at herself.  She looked ridiculous. "Charles, I look like a fool." she complained. "Why are you being so mean?"

Charles knelt and rolled the pant legs up and did the same to the extra long sleeves. He kissed Cassie on the cheek. "No you don't.  You look cute and I'm not being mean.  You're just used to pouting and getting your own way.  I'm not going to have you stranded on the side of the road somewhere and not be around to help you.  Besides, this is what I do.  I know everything there is to know about cars.  You've got the perfect teacher." he explained, zipping her into the coveralls.

Cassie glanced down at her chest and saw a white embroidered patch with the name Joe stitched on it.  She was wearing someone's uniform.  "Charles, who's Joe?" She gasped in outrage.  "Am I wearing his uniform?  I can't believe you let me put this on." she said, unzipping it as she spoke.

Charles stopped her and zipped her back in.  "Don't worry about it.  He's just some guy Castillo hired but he never showed up. He never wore this.  Your fine." he laughed, kissing her cheek.

Cassie couldn't believe he was laughing.  He was enjoying this.  "You're doing this on purpose." she accused.  "You're trying to get back at me for making you wear that apron."

Charles grinned. He was guilty.  He had to admit, the thought had crossed his mind. She was so cute when she was mad.  He loved teasing her.

"Charles it's not funny." Cassie said, trying to pull away from him.

Charles pulled her close and wrapped her in his arms.  He pulled her hair from under the collar of her coveralls.  "Okay..., I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to laugh." he apologized,  biting his lip to hold his laughter.  "Come on.  Let's get started." he said.

Charles went over her car thoroughly.  He checked and explained everything.  He taught her how and when to check her oil, brake and transmission fluids.  He explained how to use jumper cables in case her battery died.  He showed her how to use her emergency brake in case her brakes ever failed.  In short, he gave her a full, detailed lesson.  Cassie's attention wandered a few times but she tried to take in everything he said.

Charles glanced at her.  "Are you listening to me?" he questioned.

"Yes, of course I am." Cassie replied.

Charles smiled.  He was going to put her to the test.  He called out every part and detail he'd just discussed and had her point them out and explain each one.  She did well and got everything right except the emergency brake portion.  She had a little trouble pulling it up. 

Charles laughed and explained that she had to really put some muscle behind it.  He kissed her on the lips.  "You were listening.  Nice job."

Cassie smiled. "Okay..., so I passed right?  Can we go now?" she asked anxiously.

"Not so fast.  You still have to do one more thing." Charles said, pushing a lug wrench in her hands.

Cassie snatched her hand away.  The wrench was covered in black garage grease. "Charles, it's all greasy."

Charles grabbed her hand and forced her to take the wrench.  "It'll wash off.  You've got a tire to change."

"Why?  You changed it this morning.  Why do we have to do it again?" she asked, looking around the dirty garage.

Charles kissed her on the nose.  "Uh-huh.  Not we..., you." he corrected.  "I want you to do it.  You remember what I showed you this morning right?" he asked doubtfully.  She hadn't payed any attention to him this morning as he changed the tire.

"Of course I do." Cassie said wearily. She was tired and ready to go home.

Charles sat back on the garage stool and stared at her. "Prove it."

Cassie stared at him in shock. "What?   Charles, you want me to do it by myself?"

Charles grinned.  "Yeah.  Don't stand there staring at me." he laughed.  "Get busy." he grinned, sipping on a bottle of water.

Cassie shot him an evil look.  She turned and stared at her car.  Where did she begin.  She tried to remember everything he had done earlier that morning.  She really should have payed more attention.  She toyed with the wrench in her hand, turning it over and over.  She glanced back at Charles.  He sat there staring at her with an amused look on his face.  She knew he thought she couldn't do it.  She'd show him. She was determined to prove him wrong. 

She knelt to remove the bolts from the tire.  Charles cleared his throat loudly, getting her attention.  "Ahem.  Ah..., hazard lights and emergency brake." he reminded her.

Cassie winced. That's right.  She'd forgotten. Those were the first things she should have done.  She had to remember safety first.  She tried to pull the brake up and struggled with it.  She yanked on it and fell back hard against the seat.   It was so tight. 

Charles nearly died.  It was so funny watching her trying to prove herself.  She was so stubborn. He couldn't hold it in.  He had to laugh. 

Cassie looked up and saw Charles laughing.   He tried to turn his back on her so she couldn't see him.  She got out of the car.  "Charles..., are you laughing at me?" she asked angrily, pouting. 

Charles composed himself and turned quickly.  "What?" he feigned.  "Baby..., no.  Of course I'm not laughing at you." he smiled, lying. 

Cassie knew he was lying.  "I'll show you." she spat, getting back into the car.  She yanked with all her might and finally pulled the brake free. She went back to the tire and tried to loosen the lug nuts.  There was no way the bolts were coming off.  They wouldn't budge.  They were so tight.

Charles shook his head and smiled.  "Remember what I said.  If they're too tight use your feet.  Put your foot on the lug wrench to loosen them up.  You've got more strength in your leg than your arm."

Cassie tried it but her foot slipped off of the lug wrench and she fell on her butt.

"I'm gonna whip your tail." Claire threatened, smiling.  She dribbled the ball clumsily the first few times, feeling David out, checking his movement.  He was quick and light on his feet.  He had excellent defense and quickly jumped ahead in the scores.  Every move she made was blocked but then she stepped up her game.   She used her crossover dribble, moving the ball from one hand to another, between her legs, changing direction as she dribbled down the court on a full run.  Her court vision was excellent and she covered the court beautifully.  She was able to make a few defensive rebounds, scoring off of David's missed shots, evening the score.  She flashed him a smile, laughing at the shocked expression on his face.   

"You give up?" Claire taunted, dribbling the ball, trying to work around his defense.  "Ugh!" she screamed as David managed to steal the ball. 

David made a quick drive down the court and scored, grinning from ear to ear.  "Now that's how it's done baby."

"Okay..., I'll give it to you.  That was a nice drive but I'm done playing around with you." she threatened.  She played off of a hesitation dribble, staggering her steps, slowing her pace and speed, confusing David, changing the momentum.  He tried to guard her but was unsuccessful.  Claire faked a fast break, pretending to move the ball quickly down court but took her chances at a perimeter shot outside the free throw line.  She scored.  It was a beautiful shot. 

David was speechless.  He put his hands on his waist and laughed. He walked towards her signaling a time out with his hands.  "Time out.  Hold up.  Stop.  Where the hell did that shot come from?  Where did you come up with that kind of shooting range?  You've done this before haven't you?" he speculated.  She was too good. 

Claire grabbed the ball and spun it on the tip of her finger with ease.  "Did I forget to tell you I was on the basketball team before I moved here?" she confessed, smirking.  She'd fooled him.

David whirled around, covering his hands with his face.  He couldn't believe it.  He turned back, facing her with a huge smile on his face.  "I had no idea.  You little sneak.  You set me up." he laughed, pulling her close.

Claire smiled and kissed his cheek.  "That's what you get for judging a book by it's cover.  Seriously David, look at me." she said, indicating her height.  "Of course I played basketball."

David took the ball from her and held it high in the air.  "Oh yeah.  You're tall but not that tall." he teased as Claire tried to jump after the ball. 

David was right.   She couldn't reach it.    She wasn't tall enough.  He was taller and his arms were longer but she knew how to get the ball back.  She pressed her body up against him, pretending to block and guard him.  She got extra close and nibbled  on his jaw line.  David couldn't resist.  He brought his arms down to wrap them around her and she stole the ball.  "Sucker!" she mouthed, running down the court and scoring. 

Eddie searched around the police station for Nate.  He looked everywhere.  He asked the secretary and a few of Nate's friends.  "Have you seen my son?  I can't find him anywhere."

"Yeah, he went out to his car for something." Lynette, the secretary said.

"Thanks." Eddie said.  He and Jenn had talked about Dana's situation and she had assured him she could help Dana find the help she needed.  He wanted to share the good news with Nate and thought they could grab some lunch, have a little father/son time.  He saw Nate's car but there didn't appear to be anyone in it until he looked closer.  He approached the car slowly and found Nate sleeping inside.  He tapped on the window a few times before Nate heard him. 

Nate jumped up, rubbing his eyes.  He put the window down, yawning.  "Hey dad."

"Nate what are you doing?  You're out here sleeping in your car?" Eddie asked, scanning the parking lot, confused.  "Son, you look beat.  You look dead tired.  What's going on?"

"I am tired.  I'm exhausted." Nate replied. His voice was hoarse and raspy.  He hadn't been getting much sleep lately.

Eddie walked around to the passenger side and got into the car.  "You want to tell me what's going on?" 

Nate stared at Eddie thoughtfully. He appreciated the offer but he couldn't accept.  "No dad.  I can't let you do that.  You have your own family, your own expenses.  Cassie's getting ready to go to college.  I know how expensive that's going to be.  I can do this.  I know I can't do it forever but I'm young, strong and healthy.  I think I can manage for a while.  At least until mom has surgery and starts treatments." Nate said. 

Eddie smiled.  "Your mom should be very proud of you.  She raised a man.  A real man." Eddie responded, his pride showing in his eyes.  "If you need any help, anything at all, you be sure to come to me.  Now come on,"  Eddie said, buckling his seat belt, "you can't work two jobs on an empty stomach.  Let's go grab lunch."

David tightened his hold on her waist.  "No.  You're not walking away from me again.  I'll tell you but I'm warning you, you're not going to like what I have to say."  He pulled her close and leaned his head against her chest, inhaling the sweet smell of her perfume.  He looked up and stared into her beautiful face.  "I don't want to keep anything from you Claire.  I don't want any secrets between us.   Look..., before I say anything else, just know that I really care about you and I'd never...," he paused,  "I'd never lie to you." he muttered.  "I'd never do anything to hurt you. Okay?"

Claire put her hands on his shoulders, rubbing them.  "David, it's okay.  Just tell me.  What is it?"

David swallowed and closed his eyes.  He knew he had to say it right.  He only had one shot at this.  He didn't know how Claire would react. "Before I met you, I dated a girl at my old school, Nicole.  We dated for a while and things ended badly.  I don't like talking about it and I certainly don't like discussing my old girlfriend with you.  Do you understand what I'm saying?  I just need you to trust me."   David reassured softly, massaging her back with his hand.

"Well, it must have been a pretty bad break up if it bothers you to talk about it." Claire rationalized.

David looked away.  Claire saw the look of uncertainty on his face. She placed her palm flat against his face, forcing him to look at her.  "David, what happened between you two? Claire pleaded.  "Is she here at this school now?  Is that it?  Do I know her?   Answer me David." Claire stressed when he remained silent.

"She accused me of something I didn't do." David blurted out, studying her face, gauging her reaction to what he'd just said. 

"Wha...what do you mean she accused you of something?  What?...What did she accuse you of David?" Claire asked nervously, raising her voice and pulling away. 

David wrapped her up tight.  He wouldn't let her go.  He was afraid if he let her go, he'd never get her back again.  "This is why I didn't want to tell you." he said.  Claire was looking at him with eyes full of doubt and concern.  She tried to hide it but he read the look on her face.  "Claire please don't look at me like that.  It's not what you think.  I didn't do anything.  I mean...I didn't do anything that she didn't want me to do.  It was mutual."

Claire stared at him and placed one palm against his chest so he couldn't pull her any closer.  "David, what are you saying?" she questioned, her voice unsure and wobbly.  He was scaring her.

David sighed deeply to build up his nerve. He might as well tell her.  She wasn't going to let this go.  "She accused me of forcing myself on her." he said, his voice full of anger and contempt.  He stared at Claire, waiting for her reaction, waiting for the sudden outburst of anger but it never really came.  She just studied him with a shocked, confused, questioning look.  He shook her gently.  "Claire please..., say something."

"What do you want me to say?" Claire asked, trying to hide her shock and surprise.  She never expected him to say that.  Anything but that.

David licked his lips.  "I want you to tell me you believe me.  I want you to tell me you know I'd never do anything like that.  Tell me you know I'd never force myself on a woman..., any woman..., you." David begged.    He was so afraid she'd give up on him and walk out of his life.  He had to make her understand.

Claire forced herself to speak.  She didn't know what to say.  David had blindsided her.  So many emotions and thoughts ran through her head. "But..., I don't understand.  Why would she accuse you of something like that?"

David's jaw clenched.  "I don't know Claire.  I honestly don't know.    Things were fine.  We went to prom.  We had a good time and one thing led to another.  The next day, she accused me and I got caught up in a scandal."  David held her face in his hands.  "Claire, I swear to you, I'd never hurt anyone and I didn't force her to do anything.   My dad assumed they wanted money.  He made a few threatening phone calls and eventually they went away.  Nicole tried the exact same thing with another guy a few months later." David explained.  

"Is that why you came to school here, because of what happened?" Claire asked. It all made perfect sense now.  David had switched schools after his junior year. She remembered him telling her. "This is why you didn't want to talk about prom." Claire stated.

"That's part of the reason.  Yeah." David admitted.  "After things blew over and settled, I just wanted a fresh start.  I needed to be around new people and new students.  This is my senior year and I didn't want a scandalous school history following me around."

Claire's voice cracked and she struggled to get her words out.  "Is there anything else you need to tell me...because...all of these," she paused to catch her breath and compose herself,  "these things..., they just keep coming up with you?   This Nicole..., were you in love with her?" she asked, her voice shaking.

"What?!...Oh... Claire no, no." David said abruptly.  "No, I wasn't in love with her.  What I had with Nicole is completely different than what I have with you.   You and I..., we're real.  This is the real thing.  You're different from any girl I've ever met."

Claire took offense. "What's so different about me?" she asked angrily.  She was upset and trying to make sense of everything he had just told her.

"Sweetheart..., I meant that in a good way." David clarified.   "I'm not insulting you.  I can't explain it.  You're just different.  Your personality, your demeanor, everything about you.  You're tough, stubborn and you keep me on my toes.   Those are the things I love about you.  I  think about you all the time and I can't get you out of my head.   I'm not trying to freak you out.  I'm just telling you how I feel."  David told her exactly how he felt.  He didn't want her to mistake his feelings for anything other than love.  "Claire, you asked me to be honest with you so I'm being honest.  And no, there's nothing else you need to know about me.  This thing with my parents and Nicole, that's it.  I swear.  Other than that, I'm just a normal guy.  What you see is what you get.  Yes, I dated a few people at my old school but they weren't serious.  I wasn't in love with them.  I love you and I don't want you to be afraid of me.  That's why I didn't tell you.   You know I'd never force you to do anything.  Please tell me you believe that."

"I'm not afraid of you David.  You've been the perfect gentleman the entire time we've dated." she pointed out.  Sometimes she wondered if their relationship would ever progress to the next level.  She had thought about being with him many times and she wanted to but David never forced the issue.   "I know you'd never hurt me or anyone else for that matter." Claire conceded.  "I'm just surprised and shocked that you were involved in something like that."

"Yeah tell me about it.  I just want to forget it ever happened.  I just want to move forward with you." David agreed.

"So..., do you ever see her?" Claire asked timidly.

"Nicole?, Yeah, sometimes." David confirmed.   "I still have a lot of friends at that school.  Sometimes we show up at the same parties." 

Clarie's lips flattened. Her mood was somber.

David pressed his face against hers. Her eyes spoke volumes and he could tell she was worried. "You're not worried about Nicole are you?" he questioned softly.

Claire held her head up and spoke sharply.  "No, of course not." she fabricated.

David knew was she was lying.  "Claire please don't do this.  I don't care about her.  I love you. You're my princess." he whispered softly against her temple.

Claire buried her face in his shoulder.  She believed him.  She believed every word and there was no doubt in her mind that he loved her. He had a way of making her feel so very special. Her eyes watered and David heard her sniffling.

He pulled back and looked at her face.  "Hey..., come on.  Stop it.  New rule, no crying in the lab." he teased.  "If telling you I love you makes you cry, I promise I won't do it anymore." he joked.

"Don't you dare." Claire smiled through her sniffles.

David kissed her, drawing a response from her. He loved kissing her.  Her lips were so soft. 

Claire relaxed.  She felt David's hands on her thighs. Her skirt was really short and it left quite a bit of her legs exposed. 

"You have the most beautiful legs I've ever seen." David whispered against her lips.

Claire laughed between kisses.  "Is that why you're always staring at me?"

David flashed a smile.  He was busted. "Yeah.  I didn't think you had noticed. I can't help it.  You're beautiful." he divulged, smoothing his hands up and down her legs. He grabbed the lapels of her shirt and pulled her face down for another hot kiss. 

Claire pulled away and grabbed his ear lobe, pulling hard.

"Ouch!, what was that for?" David yelped.

Claire kissed him on the lips. "For yelling at me this morning.  If you ever yell at me like that again, I swear I'm going to smack you." she giggled. "Come on. Let's go. It's getting late."

"Oh I'm sorry.  Did I hurt your feelings?" David asked, concerned.

"Yeah you did." Claire smiled.

"Yeah well, you hurt me to.  My ribs are still aching." David complained.  He gathered his things and slung his arm around her shoulder. "Come on. Let's go home."

Scene 21

Lizzie banged on the attic door.  There were awful sounds coming out.  It sounded like Tay was building something. 

Tay motioned for Malik to be quiet and stop hammering.  They had pumped up the music to disguise the sound but evidently it had filtered through.  He and Malik had decided to work a few hours after school each day while his parents were away at work.  That way, it would be a surprise and they wouldn't hear him working.  He could work in peace and have time to finish his project because they rarely came up to the attic.  He's seen his dad rummaging through the attic a few times but it was only to find paper work on the mortgage and insurance stuff. 

He opened the door by a few scant inches, enough for him to peek out. "What do you want?" he asked

Lizzie frowned.  "Tay,  what are you doing in there?  It sounds like a construction zone."

"None of your business Lizzie.  You are so nosy.  Shut up and mind your own business." Tay argued.

"I can't wait until dad gets home.  I'm telling him your up to something." Lizzie said, trying to force her way inside, pushing at the door.

Tay wouldn't let her in.  He pushed her back and squeezed through the door, closing it behind him. "Lizzie look, I'm working on a new song and Malik and I are just rearranging the attic a little.  That's all.  I finally brought my grades up and dad let me have new equipment.  I'm just trying to make more room.   Please don't tell mom and dad.  I want it to be a surprise.  Besides, the attic needed to be cleaned out anyway."

"Are you sure that's all your doing?" Lizzie questioned, skeptical.

"Yeah.  Don't worry.  It's cool.  It's a surprise.  You wouldn't want to ruin it would you?" Tay lied. 

Lizzie rolled her eyes.  "Alright but try to keep it down please.  I've got homework and I need to study." 

Tay shuddered.  "Yeah...ah, speaking of studying, there's a message on the machine from school. Your teacher called.  I thought I was the only one having problems in school.  

"I don't want to talk about it Tay." Lizzie mouthed.  She knew she'd be grounded.  The question was for how long?

Scene 22

Charles did not want to sit in the obstetricians office. He begged Cassie to take him home first.  He sat in the back seat and let Sage sit up front.  "Cassie, why don't you just take me home?  I'll take you to see the house later" he suggested.  All he could think about was sitting for hours with crying, whining babies and very pregnant women.

"Charles we don't have time.  We're running late as it is.  You'll just have to come with us." Cassie replied.

Sage swiveled in her seat, facing Charles. "What's the matter Charles?  You're not afraid of a few pregnant women are you?   I promise we don't bite and we're not contagious." Sage laughed.

Charles ignored her.  He sat in the car as Cassie and Sage got out.

Cassie held the car door open.  "Come on Charles. It's just like any other doctor's office." she promised.  "This shouldn't take long.  Just read a magazine or something."

Charles closed his eyes and shook his head. He got out of the car, trailing behind them as they entered the doctor's office. Thankfully, Cassie was right and Sage's name was immediately called.  Hopefully, they would be in and out in no time.  Charles looked around.   "You're right.  This isn't so bad." he said to Cassie, smiling.  He was the only guy in the waiting room and the office was unusually quiet.  There weren't any babies or kids running around.  He thumbed through the magazines but the selection was limited to Parenting Magazine.  He wasn't interested and decided to take a nap while they waited.  He closed his eyes, leaned his head back and put his foot up on his knee, relaxing.

His nap was disturbed when two ladies, mother and daughter entered the office.  He remembered the young girl, Chrissy. She went to Robelson High but she had gotten pregnant, dropped out and had a baby last year.  

Cassie greeted Chrissy as she came in.  "Chrissy hi.  Good to see you." she said.

Chrissy smile. "Hey Cassie.  I haven't seen you in ages.  How have you been?" she asked politely.  

"I'm good.  What about you?  How have you been?" Cassie replied.

Chrissy rubbed her still flat stomach.  "Ah...I've been...pregnant." she laughed.  "I'm working on number two." she said, glancing awkwardly at her mom who was holding her little boy Brett.

Cassie smiled shyly.  "Oh..., you're pregnant."

"Hopefully, this will be her last." Chrissy's mom commented.

Chrissy frowned.  She introduced Charles and Cassie to her mom.  "Mom, this is Charles and Cassie.  We went to school together.  Charles..., Cassie, this is my mom Rachel."

Everyone exchanged greetings.  Rachel eyed Charles and Cassie suspiciously.  "So, are you two expecting?"

Charles's head shot up and his eyes grew huge.  "What?!" Charles asked loudly.

Cassie responded quickly, grabbing Charles's hand, reassuring him.  "No.  We're here with a friend."

Rachel nodded.  "Oh, okay.  It's nice to see teenagers waiting to have children.  You two are doing the responsible thing." she declared sarcastically, eyeing Chrissy disapprovingly.

"Mom, please." Chrissy growled.

"Chrissy, can I see the baby?" Cassie asked.  He looked beautiful.

"Of course you can." Chrissy smiled, taking her son Brett from her mom's arms, handing him over to Cassie. 

Cassie's eyes light up.  She took extra care and held little Brett gently.  She was fascinated by his little feet and hands and his cute little baseball outfit.  He had a head full of curly black hair with a cocoa complexion.  He was a beautiful baby boy. Brett played with her hair and toyed with her necklace.  "Oh, Chrissy he's adorable." Cassie complimented, squeezing Brett's cheeks.

"Thanks." Chrissy replied.  "He's adorable but he's a handful. He gets into everything."

Cassie turned to Charles.  "Charles look.  Isn't he cute?"

Charles sat quietly, staring at Brett.  He nodded, agreeing with Cassie but he didn't say anything.  He just stared at her with a peculiar look on his face.  A strange feeling came over him watching Cassie with the baby.  She had a huge smile on her face.  Her eyes light up with excitement.

Cassie kissed Brett on his forehead and gave him back to his grandmother. "He's beautiful." she repeated.

"You know what they say, babies are cute when you can give them back." Rachel commented, taking her grandson.

Chrissy went in to see the doctor and her mom watched the baby in the waiting room.  She talked with Charles and Cassie as she waited.  She told them all about Chrissy's plight as a single mom and how the baby's father had disappeared. She warned them against having kids to early.  She kept telling them to stay in school and to not make the same mistake her daughter had made.  Her conversation was interrupted when the nurse called her over to the counter.  Chrissy's doctor wanted to see her and she didn't want to take the baby into the examining room.  She turned to Cassie. "Will you please hold Brett?  I promise I won't be long.  I need to talk to Chrissy's doctor.  He's a good baby."

Cassie was delighted.  "Of course I will."  She was anxious to hold him again.   She cuddled him in her arms and spoke soft childlike baby words to him.  She turned to catch Charles staring at her.  He sat massaging his knuckles, staring at her as she held baby Brett.  "Charles, are you okay?" she asked, worried about him.  His mood was strange and he was so quiet.  He studied her holding the baby. She couldn't read his odd expression.

"Yeah. I'm fine.  Just wondering what's taking Sage so long." he replied, reaching out, caressing her hair away from her face.  He was enthralled with the ease with which she handled the baby.  His mind went back to their pregnancy scare and he thought about what things would have been like if she had been pregnant.  "You look so calm and peaceful holding him."  He leaned and kissed her on the cheek.  "You look so comfortable."

Cassie smiled, reminiscing, "I had a lot of practice.  I used to help mom with Tay."   She ran the back of her finger over Brett's soft cheek.  Brett latched onto her, smiling.  He was full of energy and couldn't sit still for a minute.  He toyed with her fingers and his eyes followed her dangling earrings.  His chubby hands kept reaching for them.  Cassie was careful to keep her hair away from her face. She remembered how Tay used to grab handfuls of her hair.  Once they latched on it was hard to get them to let go. 

Charles laughed.  "Chrissy's right.  He's a handful but he's cute." he smiled, toying with Brett's fingers. He couldn't help but smile as Brett latched onto his finger, flashing a wide smile with two miniature baby teeth.

Cassie stared at Brett.  "Isn't he cute?  I could sit here and hold him all day.  Look at his eyes Charles.  He's looking at me like he knows what I'm saying and thinking." Cassie laughed, turning to Charles, noticing his piercing grey eyes.  She reached out and traced his brow line. She couldn't help but think of a little boy with Charles's eyes, his features." 

Charles caught her hand and pulled it against his lips, kissing her palm. "What's wrong?  Why are you staring at me like that?"

Cassie's face flushed.  "Nothing.  I was just thinking." she breathed softly.  "Charles, do you want to hold him?" Cassie asked, seeing the fascinating gleam in his eyes as he studied the baby.

"No.  It's okay.  I don't want to drop him."  Charles said, refusing.

Charles refused but Cassie knew he really wanted to.  He was fascinated with Brett.

The nurse called Cassie back to the examining room.  Sage wanted to see her. "Mrs. Sutton..., your friend Sage is asking for you?"

Cassie turned to Charles.  She sat Brett in Charles's lap.  "Charles here, take him."

"What!?  Cassie no." Charles frowned.  "I might hurt him or drop him." Charles said, pulling away as Cassie tried to deposit Brett in his arms. 

Cassie chuckled.  "Charles you won't hurt him." Cassie said, laughing at his curious stare.  He held Brett as if he was afraid he  would break him. 

"Cassie wait." Charles pleaded, calling out after her.  He stood up, holding Brett out to her.  He wasn't comfortable holding him and wasn't exactly sure how.  He held Brett with his hands under his arm pits, leaving his little legs and feet dangling free.  Brett loved it and thought it was a game.  He laughed and kicked his feet.  "Take it.  It's squirming." Charles complained.

Cassie laughed. She kissed Charles on the cheek.  "Charles, he's not an it.  He's a baby.  He just wants to play.  I'll be right back.  You'll be fine."   She walked away, leaving Charles holding Brett with his mouth wide open and in shock.  He was clueless.

Charles stared after Cassie and held Brett up in the air, studying him.  He couldn't believe she had left him holding the baby.  It kept staring and laughing at him like it wanted to be entertained and he didn't know what to do with him.  He sat Brett on his lap and studied him.  Cassie was right and he had to admit, Brett was adorable.  How could anyone not love such a cute face?  He spoke softly to him. "Hey little man.  Hey little guy.  You're not so bad.  I thought you were going to give me all kinds of trouble." Charles said, playing with Brett's fingers.  Yeah, he could handle this.  Brett seemed like a little angel.

Brett's angelic attitude lasted all of ten seconds.  He became hyper and overexcited.  He kept muttering and cooing baby words but Charles couldn't understand what he was saying and he couldn't control Brett's hands.  Like any other baby, Brett was curious and got into everything.  He toyed with the buttons on Charles's shirt and kept trying to pull his hair.    Charles wondered how something so small could have so much energy and be so busy.  He grabbed a magazine, thinking he could occupy Brett's attention with the pictures.  Boy, was he wrong.  That only made things worse.  Brett wasn't interested in the pictures.  He just wanted to rip the pages.  Charles resorted to plan B, standing Brett up on his lap, holding him by the waist.  Chrissy was right.  He got into everything.  As soon as he took one thing away from him he grabbed for something else.

Brett flashed the cutest, most innocent smile and shot him a tricky grin right before he grabbed a handful of his hair in a death grip and refused to let go.  Charles heard the receptionist laughing at him as he tried to free his hair.  In between the hair pulling, Brett managed to poke his finger in Charles's eye and laughed hysterically when Charles yelled out in pain.   "Ouch!." Charles yelped. His irritated eye watered and turned red.   "That's it!" he said out loud to himself.  "I've had enough."   He was frustrated.   

He stood up, holding Brett in his arms, pacing around the small waiting room, hoping to calm Brett down.  Things went from bad to worse.  Brett's playful mood turned sour.  He started whining and softly crying.   His little face was turning red.  Charles jostled Brett in his arms and rubbed his back, trying to soothe him.  "It's okay.  Stop crying.  Your mom is coming back." he whispered.  "Soon I hope." he muttered under his breath.  "Please stop crying.  Please.  I'm begging you." Charles pleaded softly.   He was at his wits end and he couldn't believe this eighteen pound bundle of joy had brought him to his knees.  He felt helpless.  The more he talked, the louder Brett cried. 

Cassie came back into the waiting room.

"Oh thank God." Charles breathed, elated.

"Charles what did you do to him? Cassie accused, reaching out for the baby.   "Why is he crying?  Were you mean to him?"

Charles sneered.  "Are you kidding me?  No.  He turned into Dr. Jekyll when you left." Charles complained, handing Brett over to Cassie.  "Here, take him.  Satan's child."

"What happened to your eye?" Cassie asked, noticing the redness. 

"Ask him." Charles responded with a fake smile.

Charles looked down at his shirt.  His expression was scornful.  "Great.  Just great.  My favorite shirt is ruined."  What a day.  His hair had been pulled, he'd been poked in the eye and now he'd been urinated on.

Cassie rubbed Brett's head.  "Charles, he didn't mean it.  He can't help it. He's just a baby.  I promise you it'll wash out.  He's wet.  Poor baby." she sympathized, smoothing Brett's clothes, making sure to hold him away from her so he wouldn't ruin her clothes.  

Brett calmed down as soon as Cassie took him into her arms.  She cradled and soothed him.  She whispered soft words to him and he stopped crying immediately. He smiled and muttered baby words.  He resorted back to a sweet little innocent baby.

Charles laughed.  "Great.  Now you stop crying." he smiled.  "I don't think he likes me Cassie. "You're so good with him." Charles acknowledged, glaring at her. "You're a natural."

Cassie grinned.  "Babies are sensitive Charles.  You have to be patient with them."

Charles stood and watched as Cassie interacted with Brett.  Brett's head lay against her shoulder.  His eyes were closed and he nursed his thumb. It was a beautiful sight to see and Charles's mind wandered.  He thought about him and Cassie as a family with a baby of their own. He knew she'd be a good mother.  She was so patient and understanding.  His mind conjured up thoughts of a beautiful baby girl, just as beautiful as Cassie.  He envisioned her being pregnant, carrying his baby. 

Cassie paced the floor, rocking Brett asleep. "He's tired and sleepy.  That's why he was so fussy."  She looked up and caught Charles staring at her waist with the most peculiar look on his face. His eyes traveled up her body and he stared at her.  She blushed and averted her eyes.   She knew what he was thinking.  It was written all over his face and he wasn't trying to hide it.  His look was distracting, intense and passionate. "Charles." she  spoke his name inadvertently, flustered and a little embarrassed with his blatant thoughts.

"What?" Charles asked quietly, approaching her.  "Don't look so shocked."

Cassie's look was shrewd. "What do you mean?"   

Charles sensed her embarrassment and he knew she had read his thoughts.  He stepped close to her and kissed her on the forehead. He placed his hand against her flat stomach.  "Don't tell me you've never thought about it.  Having my baby." he added.  "You and I, a baby, a family.  I know you have and so have I.  Several times.  You're going to be my wife.  Of course I've thought about it.  It's completely natural.  I'd be lying if I said I hadn't." he said, his lips a hairsbreadth away from hers.  "I want to have a family someday." He stated.  He wanted a chance to fully raise his son or daughter.  He'd missed out on a life with his dad and he wanted his family life to be very different.   "Cassie?" he questioned when she didn't respond. "You do want kids right?" He persisted.  He wanted confirmation.  Surprisingly, he realized that after everything they had been through, all the obstacles they had fought through to be together, they had never really talked or specifically asked each other about kids, babies.  It was strange how they had survived a pregnancy scare and had almost married but had never stopped to ask each other about children.  They were being cautious and using protection but he truly didn't know if Cassie saw kids in their future.  It was a question that needed to be asked.  They should have talked about it a long time ago.   He had only assumed she would eventually want children.  Maybe he was wrong.

Brett stirred in Cassie's arms. His little forehead creased. He was sound asleep.  Cassie struggled to hold him.  She smiled.  "He's heavy."

Charles rubbed Brett's back and planted a quick, soft kiss on her mouth. "Here let me take him." he said, reaching for the baby, pulling him from Cassie's arms.  Brett was much easier to handle while he was asleep.  He was manageable.  Charles couldn't help smiling.  Brett looked so peaceful.  "This little guy is out for the count." he smiled, placing Brett in his baby carrier.

Charles turned back to Cassie. "So...you didn't answer my question." he continued.

Cassie smiled and rested her head against his chest.  "Of course I want children.  A house full.  I love babies." she said, canceling all of Charles's doubts.  

Charles's eyes crinkled with laughter.  "A house full huh?" 

Sage and Chrissy's mom burst into into the waiting room, breaking up Charles and Cassie's touching scene.  "I hate doctors!" Sage complained. "Let's get the hell out of here." she said, walking out the door.

Charles cringed. "Some people weren't meant to be mothers."

Scene 23

Jenn raced upstairs. She was furious with Lizzie.  She knocked on Lizzie's door. 

Lizzie opened the door and plopped down onto her bed.  She wasn't in the mood for speeches. She just wanted her mom to ground her already.  Get it over with.

Jenn leaned against the door opening. "I got a phone call on my cell phone from Mr. Patterson today.  Imagine my surprise when he told me you cheated on your test."

Lizzie spoke without making eye contact. She lay on her back bed with her arms folded behind her head and her ankles crossed.  She was completely unconcerned.  "I already know I'm grounded. Just tell me for how long."

Jenn stepped into the room and slammed the door.  "First thing you're going to do is drop the attitude young lady.  I'm so disappointed in you.  You're usually the first one to dive into your studies after dinner.  You're always prepared.  What happened?"

Lizzie sat up, crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.  "Mom, high school is different than middle school.  I have more work and less time to study.  I have a life outside of school.  I made a mistake.  It won't happen again.  Besides, I already retook the test.  I know I didn't score one hundred percent but I think I did okay. It's no big deal.  Everything is okay.  I'm not the only one who cheats." Lizzie said, showing very little remorse for her actions.

Jenn stood and headed for the door.    Lizzie's attitude seemed to be changing for the worst lately.    Normally, she was such a well mannered, good kid, always willing and trying to do the right things.  Now, she rolled her eyes when spoken to and had a careless attitude.  She was also spending less and less time volunteering at the boys and girls club. She was totally self absorbed.  "I don't know what has gotten into you Lizzie but I don't like it." Jenn cautioned.  "Whether you want to admit it or not, what you did was wrong.  For some strange reason you seem to think that everything is okay because Mr. Patterson was gracious and nice enough to have you retake the test.  And as far as having a life outside of school, that life will be in your room staring at these four walls. You're grounded." Jenn stated, glancing around Lizzie's room. 

"For how long?" Lizzie asked nonchalantly, staring at Jenn with a careless attitude.

"For how ever long it takes for you to show a little remorse, responsibility and respect.  That means no television, no after school activities and no company, that includes Andrew." Jenn said curtly. "Come home after school and go directly to your room.  Do I make myself clear?"

Lizzie rolled her eyes and huffed.  "I might as well be grounded for life. Dad never let's me do or go anywhere anyway."

"Your father will speak to you when he gets home." Jenn said.

Scene 24

Charles was tired of looking at houses.  He was exhausted and Cassie looked tired.  His mom couldn't make up her mind.  "Mom, can you just pick one already?  Please.  There starting to all look the same.  It's getting late and Cassie needs to get home."

"It's okay Charles.  I can wait." Cassie said, trying to be polite.

"Thank you Cassie." Marla said, looking around the house.  It was a two story colonial style and it was roomy.  Best of all, it was in a better neighborhood. She and Charles could be very comfortable here.    "Charles doesn't understand why I have to find the perfect house.  I'm done with living in cramped quarters, sharing a bathroom, stepping over each other"

"Mom what's the big deal?  You'll only be here a couple weeks out of the month anyway." He stretched his arms out, looking around the massive family room.  "We don't need all this space.  It's just the two of us and I'll be gone next year.  Why do you have to have so many bedrooms?  Are you planning on adopting a family?" he laughed.

Marla approached Cassie.  She rubbed Cassie's stomach with her hand.  "No.  Just making room for my grandbabies.  I want lots and lots of room with a big fenced in backyard for my grandbabies to play." Marla envisioned.

Cassie was mortified.  She secretly wished the floor would open up and swallow her.  Her eyes bulged out and she stared at Charles for help.  She couldn't believe what Mrs. Antoni had said.  She'd never been so embarrassed in her life.  She concentrated one spot on the floor, staring.  She didn't know how to respond.  Where was all this sudden talk of babies coming from?  First Charles now his mother.  Was this some kind of omen or sign?

Charles came to her rescue.  "Oh my God.  Mom please stop.   You're embarrassing her."

"I am not." Marla griped, looking up into Cassie's face.  Who was she kidding.  Charles was right.  The poor girl was so ashamed and embarrassed .  She gave her a big hug.  "Oh,  Cassie I'm sorry honey.  You'll have to forgive me.  I'm just so excited for you guys.  You were made for my baby and I'm so happy he found you.  You two are all grown up now.  You're young adults moving into the world.  I've been looking forward to this day for a very long time and waiting for the day to see my grand babies." she said, choking up, getting emotional.

Cassie was speechless.  Somehow Mrs. Antoni had gotten the wrong idea and the wrong information.

"Mom!" Charles said loudly.  "Will you please stop saying that?"

Marla was clueless.  "What?!  What's wrong?  Did I say something?"

"Yeah, that word.  Babies.  You keep talking about babies, grand babies.   What are you talking about?  Cassie and I haven't even graduated yet." Charles justified.  His mom was talking crazy.  

Marla ruffled his hair and kissed his cheek.  "Oh..., I know silly.  Graduation is only a few weeks away and I promise you I will try to be here and I'll talk to your father.  I know you'd love to have him here with you."

Charles pulled her hand from his hair and held on to her wrist, shaking her.  "Mom, whoa, you've got it all wrong." he chuckled lightly.  Somehow their signals had gotten crossed.   "You're jumping the gun here.  Cassie and I still have four years of college and maybe even grad school after that.  We're concentrating on school.  Babies and marriage..., that all comes later."

Marla's spirits dampened.  She pulled away from Charles and exchanged worried glances with Cassie.  Realization set in and her heart sank.  "Wait a minute.  So you're not getting married?  A few months ago you were dying to get married.  We couldn't keep you two apart and you tried to sneak off and get married. You couldn't wait to start a life together.  Cassie, your dad fought to keep you from marrying.  What's changed?"  She eyed Charles and Cassie suspiciously.  "Are you two having problems?  What did you do Charles?" she asked angrily.

"Mom, Cassie and I are fine." Charles said, pulling Cassie close for verification.  "We'll be together, just not in the way you're thinking.  Not right now.  I'm sorry.  We've got our whole lives ahead of us.  Our priority right now is furthering our education and planning our careers.  Don't worry, we're going to be together.  We're just putting marriage and family on hold for a while," Charles pointed out, squeezing Cassie's shoulder, "right Cassie?" he asked, sensing her hesitation. 

Cassie shrugged her shoulder at him in annoyance.  He was putting her on the spot in front of his mom.  Cassie faltered, hesitating.  "Yeah." Cassie muttered one short word.

Marla folded her arms and stood in one spot sulking.  "Huh?  Are you going to make me wait four years for grandbabies?  But I..., I was so excited and happy for you two." she whined, smoothing Cassie's hair from her shoulder.  "Four years is a very long time. What if something happens?  I was looking forward to having Cassie as a daughter in law.  I was picking out names for my grandbab...__"

"Babies." Charles finished abruptly.  "Yeah mom, we know.  We heard you.  Grandbabies.   You've said it about a dozen times already.  Mom, nothing's going to happen.  Cassie and I are going to be together.  Always.  Forever."  

Cassie felt horrible for her.   "It's okay Mrs. Antoni.  We can still call each other and do things together when you're in town."

Marla's voice grew heavy and sappy.  She grew emotional.  "Really?"

"Sure." Cassie replied.  She liked Mrs. Antoni.  She was a fun person.

"Oh..., you are so sweet." She hugged Cassie.  "You may not be Mrs. Antoni yet but I still think of you as my daughter in law." 

Charles tightened his hold on Cassie's waist and threw his arm around his mom's shoulder, hugging them both.  He had his two favorite girls, Cassie and his mom,  all to himself.  

Scene 25

Claire invited David in for a drink. Her dad wasn't home yet so they could be alone. "You want to come inside?  Dad's not home yet."she invited. 

David stared at her lips before answering.  He knew if he went inside he wouldn't be able to keep his hands to himself.  He just knew it.  "Sure.  Why not." he agreed, following Claire into the house.  He wanted Claire but he didn't want to push her.  He didn't want to rush her.  He wanted her so badly.  The scent of her perfume was slowly driving him crazy.  They talked and watched television.  David sipped on a glass of lemonade and he nearly screamed out loud when Claire drank from the glass, turning it, drinking from the same spot his lips had just touched.  She was killing him.  If she only knew what he was thinking and feeling.   He didn't know how much more he could take.  

He tried not to look at her.  She kept gnawing her full lips and licking them.  He jumped up from his seat.  "I better go.  Your dad will probably be home soon."

Claire held his glass of lemonade out to him.  She didn't want him to leave so abruptly.  "Don't you want to finish your drink?" she asked.

David stared at the glass and the lipstick imprint of Claire's lips.    He sighed heavily.  Those lips...  Those beautiful, full, sexy lips.  He was in so much trouble.  He needed to get out of there.  "No.  I'm fine."

Claire didn't want him to leave.  She wanted to sit on the couch and cuddle with him but he seemed anxious to get away.  "I wish you didn't have to go." she said thoughtfully, taking David's hand in hers as he walked to the door.

David turned with his back against the door to say his goodbyes.  He didn't want her to walk him out.  He knew he'd never leave if she did.  "I'll see you tomorrow." he promised.

Claire leaned to kiss him goodbye on the lips and he turned his face at the very last minute.  Her kiss landed on his cheek.   He worked hard at being the perfect gentleman and she wanted him to know she wasn't afraid of him, regardless of what he'd told her earlier.  She felt like it was time for their relationship to evolve to the next stage.  It took her breath away to simply stand before him.  His body felt warm and hard through his clothing and his cologne penetrated her senses.    He smelled delicious.  The electricity and sparks flowing between them were inescapable.  The silence of the room amplified their breathing.  She didn't want to seem overly forward and aggressive but she she had to erase all his doubts and let him know that she was ready.  She didn't want to fight her feelings anymore.  She wanted him.  She knew he was holding back for her sake, struggling to refrain himself.  He was edgy and his patience was wearing thin. He turned to leave but she caught his hand in hers, holding it tightly.  She reached up and drew his head down, pressing her lips against his, inviting him to take the initiative.

David's breath rushed out in a hard sigh.  He kissed the corners of Claire's mouth.  "You're tempting me." he mouthed quietly.  His brown eyes swept her face.  "You have no idea how much I want you." David confided, clenching his fist, holding on to his will power.

Claire was never so aware of David as a man than at that very moment. His look was forbidding.  Time hung between them.  They stared at each other, eyes meeting with silent questions.  "I want you to.  I love you." Claire whispered shakily in breathless anticipation.

David caressed her jaw line with his thumb.  "Only if you're sure."

Claire smiled and David's bent his head quickly, covering her mouth with his, stealing her breath.  Claire opened her mouth and David freely and willingly explored.  He leaned against the door and jerked Claire's body against his, whipping her against his hard frame.  Claire felt his muscular abs rippling against her as he fought to pull her closer. "Come closer." he groaned, his voice tight, pulling her against him.  He wanted to feel her against him.

Claire snuggled closer and David settled his back against the door, pulling her between his legs. She was startled when he reversed their positions, quickly turning with her in his arms, placing her back against the door.  His hands went to the buttons on her shirt and she hesitated, catching his wrist, stopping him. 

David growled against her mouth, whispering.  "I just want to look at you." David pleaded softly.  He knew she'd be beautiful.  "I've been going insane wanting you.  Every look you've given me lately has felt like an open invitation." he divulged, kissing her.

Claire's head fell back against the door with the force of David's kiss.  The doorbell rang just as David managed to free the last button on her shirt.  They were startled into awareness and immediately composed themselves.

David's eyes grew large.  "Your dad?" he whispered, helping her button her shirt.

"Dad wouldn't ring his own doorbell." Claire said, straightening her clothes, collecting herself before opening the door.  "It's probably just a concerned neighbor.  They probably don't recognize your car.  We've had a few home invasions in the neighborhood."Claire justified, jerking the door.

Claire got the shock of her life.  "Mom!?"  This was no neighbor and certainly no stranger.  

"Clairissa!   Hi baby.   I've come to take you home." Claire's mom said excitedly, hugging and squeezing her tight.

Scene 26

Jenn made an announcement at the dinner table. She looked around the table, eyeing everyone, mainly Lizzie.  She had a feeling Lizzie would really be effected by what she was about to say.  She was so sensitive.  "Your father and I want to to talk to you all before we have dinner." she said, getting their undivided attention with the serious tone of her voice.

Cassie looked worried.  "Mom what's wrong?"

Tay stared straight ahead. He broke out in a cold sweat.  Mom sounded serious and she looked upset.  He was worried that somehow, someway, she had found out about his little attic reconstruction project.  He wondered if she had somehow gotten in.  He'd locked the door and hidden the key safely away in his sock drawer.

Lizzie sat with her arms folded, still upset over being grounded.  She wasn't in the mood for a family discussion.

Jenn cleared her throat and spoke clearly. "We don't want you all to worry or get scared but Dana's sick.  She's sick and she's going to need her family and friend's help to get better.  We want to do everything we can to help her.  Nate and Jeron have their hands full and we want to be there for them." Jenn explained, turning to Eddie.

"What's wrong with her?" Tay asked, frowning concerned.

Cassie let out a open mouth sigh.  Whatever it was, she knew it was serious.  She could tell by the look on her mom's face.

"She's got breast cancer son." Eddie explained to Tay.

"Whoa." Tay said.

"Poor Dana." Cassie added.

Lizzie didn't say a word. She just sat there sulking.  She was more upset by the news than she let on.  Honestly, she wanted to cry but she held it in. 

The mood at the table was silent and solemn. No one spoke or said anything for a while. They needed a moment to digest the information, take it all in.  Dana was like a part of their family.  Of course, there had been some issues with her interfering with family matters but she was still involved in their lives.  She'd lived with them for a while and they'd gotten to know her, grown used to her.  She was Nate's mom and Nate was their brother.  They loved him.  The news came as a shock.

"Poor Mrs. Taylor." Tay muttered sadly.  She had been so nice to him.  He'd eaten dinner over at her house several times when him and Jeron used to hang out.  He thought about Jeron and felt sorry for him.  Then, he thought about Nate and wondered how he was taking the news.

"Mom is she going to be okay?" Cassie asked considerately.  She really like Mrs. Dana.  She remembered how Dana had talked to her about Charles and given her some really good advice.

Jenn nodded.  "Yes, hopefully with treatment she'll make a full recovery and be back to her old self again but she's going to need our help. Your father and I have been talking and we thought it would be a good idea to organize a community fund raiser in Dana's honor.  We need to raise funds.  We could coordinate with all the neighbors on the block and put up fliers all over town.  There's tons of activities we could do.  We can have a car wash, a community garage sale and maybe even a bake sale.  We thought it would be nice if we put donation boxes in community stores and vendors."Jenn said, naming a few of the ideas she'd come up with so far.  She was excited and ready to get started.

"Cassie, I thought it would be fun to sell raffle tickets for some of your paintings." Jenn suggested.  People in the community knew Cassie was an artist.  She was sure they would be willing to support the cause. 

"And Tay, maybe you could play some music for us during the car wash, help get people in the mood and get them out of the house." Jenn asked.

Tay and Cassie both agreed immediately.  They were more than happy and enthused with the idea.  "That's a great idea mom.  Do you think it will work?  Do you think we'll be able to raise money?" Cassie asked.

"Of course we will." Jenn replied.  "I'm not sure how much but at this point every penny counts.  I'm so glad you all are willing to pitch in and help out." she said, glancing at Lizzie.   She was as quiet as a mouse.  She hadn't spoken or even commented on the news of Dana's condition.  Jenn was upset.  She'd assumed Lizzie would be the first to jump at the chance for a community fund raiser.  This wasn't her Lizzie. 

"Lizzie, what do you say you and I go out tomorrow and talk with some of the neighbors.  Will you help me organize and plan everything? Jenn probed, trying to get some kind of reaction from her.

Lizzie's eyes darted around the table.  Her mom had instinctively picked her out for the task.  As soon as the word fund raiser was mentioned, both Tay and Cassie had automatically looked at her.  "Why's everyone looking at me?" she asked, her eyes darting between them. 

Jenn looked at Eddie.  Something was seriously wrong with their daughter. "Lizzie..., I thought you'd be ecstatic about our idea.  We're doing this for Dana.  It will be fun.  Come on.  You love community activities.  We can clean out the attic and pull out all the old furniture and clothing for the garage sale.  Then you and I can come up with some crafty ideas for the donation boxes.  It'll be fun distributing them around town." Jenn coaxed.

Tay coughed and nearly choked on his own breath.  His eyes grew huge.  

Cassie patted him on the back.  "Tay are you okay?"

"Yeah." Tay coughed out, trying to clear his throat.  He and Malik were in so much trouble he thought.  Mom was going to clean out the attic.  The place was completely torn up and he hadn't even purchased supplies yet.  He had to get the attic done and he had to do it quick, fast and in a hurry. 

Lizzie grumbled sourly. "Why me?  What about Cassie or Tay?   Oh..., and let's not forget, I'm grounded remember?  I'm not suppose to leave the house." she said to Jenn, her voice heavy with cynicism.

"If you know what's good for you'll take that base out of your voice.  Don't ever talk to your mother like that.!" Eddie reprimanded.  Lizzie needed a verbal scolding.  He pointed his finger at her in warning.  "This attitude of yours has gone on...__"

Jenn interfered.  "It's okay Eddie." She held her hands up and looked around the table.  "Let's just calm down. There's no need to get upset."  She turned to Lizzie.  "Lizzie, we're all going to help.   Everyone's going to pitch in and do their part.  I thought you'd be the first to volunteer.   I'd really like for you to be a part of this."Jenn remarked hopefully.  This was not the reaction she'd expected or hoped for.  Out of all of her children, she had expected Lizzie to be the most enthusiastic but she didn't seem very excited at all.  Usually, she was the first one willing to lend a helping hand. "Why don't you ask your friends to join us.  I'm sure they'd love to help.  Some of them live right here in the community." Jenn suggested. 

"Are you kidding me?" Lizzie sneered.  Her mom was so out of touch with reality.  Seriously, what high school teenager would give up their free time for a charitable fund raiser.  She didn't know anyone like that, especially not her friends.  The only person she knew like that, with those characteristics was herself and it felt pretty pathetic.   "Mom, trust me..., my friends won't volunteer.  They actually have lives."she said sourly.

"Okay." Jenn said, giving up.  "It's fine it you don't want to be involved.  I'm not going to force you but it's for a good cause and Dana would really appreciate it."

Lizzie threw her head back and sighed.  She threw her hands up in defeat.  "Fine, now my friends will really think I'm a loser. Lizzie reluctantly agreed.  She got up from the table, holding on to the back of her chair.  "While everyone else and all my friends are going to parties, having fun and hanging out,  I'll be stuck organizing a community tag sale like a good little girl." Lizzie ranted.  "Just tell me where and when and I'll be there with bells on."

"Lizzie we haven't had dinner yet.  I want you to sit and eat." Jenn argued.

Lizzie pushed her chair in and took her plate.  "Mom, I'm not hungry.  I just want to go to my room."she responded rudely.  Her day had just made a turn for the worst. First, the problems at school, losing one of her best friends and then being grounded.  Now, she had learned of Dana's illness.  Of course, everyone at the dinner table had these great expectations of her helping with the fund raiser.  Of course they would.  It's what she did right,?  Good girl Lizzie.  Help people, try her hardest to do the right things, stay involved and help the community.   People's expectations and opinions of her were really starting to irritate her.    They all just assumed she would be thrilled and anxious to volunteer.   If friends and people at school found out she was organizing a fundraiser, they'd probably really accuse her of being lame.   Shaunice was right.  She was a loser.  She liked Dana and she felt horrible for her but she wasn't in the mood to play helping hands Lizzie.  She turned on her heels and headed upstairs.

"Lizzie!" Jenn called after her, scooting her chair back, determined to talk with her. 

Eddie stopped her.  "Sit down Jenn.  I'll talk to her." 

Jenn shook her head in frustration.  "Eddie, I don't know what's gotten into her lately."

"I do." Eddie nodded. "It's called high school.  She's a teenager.  She's growing up."

Scene 27

Claire wrapped her arms around her mom and hugged her tightly.  What a surprise.  She hadn't seen her mom in a little over a year. She was elated.  "Oh my goodness mom!" she breathed.  "What are you doing here?  I can't believe your here!" Claire said, staring at her mom, looking at her, taking in everything about her appearance.  Taking in the wonderful sight of her and all the changes she had missed over the last year.

Her mom kissed her.  "How is my baby?  I missed you." She grabbed her and hugged her close again.  She couldn't believe she had actually let a year go by without seeing her beautiful daughter.  Where had the time gone?  She turned Claire in her arms.  "Let me look at you." she said, shaking her head slowly.  "Still as beautiful as ever and you look so happy baby.  I didn't mean to sneak up on you and surprise you but I had to see you.  We've spent way too much time apart as it is.  I can't wait to get you back home with me.  Your aunts and uncles all miss you and they can't wait to see you."

"Yeah..., I missed you to." Claire said awkwardly, silently cringing inside with her mom's comment of taking her home.  She didn't want David to hear that.  He was going to have so many questions.

Claire's mom glanced over her shoulder.  "And this handsome young man must be David?" she asked, studying him.  Adam had  told her all about David during one of their brief phone calls. 

"Yeah." Claire confirmed, her eyebrow shooting up.  "Let me guess..., dad?" Claire asked, speculating.

Her mom smiled and winked.  "Of course your father told me.  You know how protective he is."

Claire turned to David. She had almost forgotten he was standing there with the excitement of seeing her mom.  He smiled but his face was filled with questions.  Questions she wasn't ready to answer.  She knew he was confused and pondering over her mom's remark about taking her home.

"I'm sorry mom.  Let me introduce you." she apologized.  "This is my boyfriend David.  David, this is my mom Denise." she introduced slowly.  She hadn't dated much at her old high school and both her parents had been pretty strict but her mom had always been the more lenient one.  She really wanted her to like and accept David.

David shook Denise's hand. "Nice to meet you Mrs.__" He paused, realizing he didn't know exactly how to address her."

"Mrs. Russell." Denise conveyed, seeing David's dilemma.  She was no longer Mrs. Watkins.  She'd divorced Adam, remarried and moved on with her life.

David smiled.  "Nice to meet you Mrs. Russell." David continued, smiling at the resemblance between Claire and her mom.  He'd always thought Claire was the spitting image of her dad but now, having seen and met her mom, he noticed several similarities.  There were two pairs of doe eyes staring at him and they had the same balmy voice but that's where the similarities ended.  Claire's mom was very short, barely reaching five feet and her complexion was pale compared to her daughter's.   Claire definitely took her height and her beautiful, dark skinned, cocoa complexion from her dad. 

Denise turned to Claire. "Well, let's not stand here in the doorway baby.  Let's go inside.  I want to catch up with you.   I want to hear all about school and life in the Heights. Is your father home?"

"He's still at work but he should be here any minute now." Claire responded.  She was over joyed to see her mom but already foreseeing a huge argument between her mom and dad.  To say that her dad would be in a rage and furious that her mom had showed up unexpectedly was an understatement.  

"Oh, still working extra late hours I see." Denise complained wearily.

"Mom please." Claire pleaded softly.  She didn't want to air out family problems in front of David and she just wanted to enjoy seeing her mom again.  This wasn't the time to rehash old family issues.  She stepped from the doorway, letting her inside.

Denise walked around the family room, glancing around, investigating and inspecting the house, letting her curiosity get the better of her.  She was anxious to see how Adam was living and under what conditions he had uprooted and planted their daughter.  As much as she hated to admit it, she was impressed.  It was a nice house and Claire looked very happy.  From the looks of things, Adam and Claire were settling in nicely.

"Claire I'm going take off so you can have some time with your mom." David said politely, edging his way to the door. "Again, nice meeting you Mrs. Russell." David said, excusing himself.

"Yes, nice meeting you David. Take care." Denise returned.   

"I'll walk you out." Claire said, closing the door behind them. 

They walked to the car holding hands.  "That was nice... your mom coming to see you like that, surprising you."David said.

"Yeah.  I can't believe she's really here." Claire smiled.   "We've got a lot of catching up to do." Claire said wearily, her expression idle and complacent.

"You don't sound very happy." David detected a hint of worry in her voice.

"No." Claire reacted quickly.  "I'm thrilled.  I'm just a little surprised, shocked."  She was extremely happy to see her mom but upset about her reason for being there.  Her mom wanted to take her back home, plain and simple.  She wanted her to come back to North Carolina, for good.  A simple visit wasn't what she had in mind.  Her dad had warned her about this weeks ago but she hadn't put much stock into it because her parents argued over her all the time.  Her mom always managed to make wild accusations about her dad not raising her right and always threw out false threats of coming to get her.  Apparently, this time she wasn't bluffing.  Maybe her luck had ran out.  She knew her mom wouldn't have traveled all this way if she wasn't serious but she didn't want to go.  Lincoln Heights was her home now but she didn't know how to tell her mom without hurting her.  She didn't even want to think about it.

David leaned against his car and poked her playfully in her stomach. "Clairissa?" he teased, mocking her.   Claire's mom had called her Clairissa.  He hadn't known that was her full name.  Claire hadn't mentioned it.

Claire laughed and covered her face with her hands.  "Oh my God.  Yeah." she nodded bashfully.  "That's my full name but don't ever call me that.  I hate it.  It sounds so formal.  My mom only calls me that when she's excited, upset or really disappointed with me.

David caught her fingers with his.  "Okay I won't." he smiled.  "Unless you make me mad." he teased, squeezing her hand.  His face grew serious all of a sudden and he searched her face.  "Claire..., speaking of your mom..., what was she talking about? 

Claire almost groaned out loud.  She knew this question was coming.  She knew exactly was he was talking about but she stalled for time, trying to think of how to respond.  "What?  What are you talking about? 

David scratched his head.  "She said she was here to take you home with her.  You're not thinking about leaving are you? he asked cautiously.  He knew what he had heard.  Claire hadn't mentioned anything about going home and he hoped her mom was talking about a simple, short visit.  If she was going home it was news to him because they hadn't discussed anything.

"What? " Claire stalled, answering David's question with a question of her own.  "No.  Of course not." she said, not lying but not exactly telling the truth either.  She hadn't actually discussed anything with her parents yet so technically she wasn't lying.    

David stared at her skeptically.  "Claire, are you sure because your mom sounded pretty serious?"

Claire forced a blank smile.  ""David don't worry.  She probably just wants me to come visit her this summer." she said convincingly. She didn't have the heart to tell David what her mom really wanted. His eyes were set on her and they were wary.  Besides, nothing had been discussed and California was where she wanted to be.  There was no sense upsetting and hurting him over something that hadn't been decided yet.  Regardless of what her mom said, she wanted to be with her dad and she loved David.  She couldn't leave him. 

David kissed her temple and breathed a sigh of relief.  "You had me worried there for a minute. I guess this cancels me and your dad's game right?"   He was sure Mr. Watkins would want to spend time with Claire and Mrs. Russell, even if she was his ex-wife.  He was disappointed but he understood.

"Yeah right.  Are you kidding me?" Claire snickered.  She found the whole situation with David and her dad quite humorous.    Her dad had done a complete three sixty.  He'd went from hating David and harassing him to inviting him to weekend outings.   "It's all he can talk about.  He won't shut up about it."  

David kissed her on the forehead.  "Alright.  Have fun with your parents." 

Scene 28

Eddie knocked softly on Lizzie's door.  He cracked it open and peeped inside.  "Can I come in?"

Lizzie sat on her bed doing homework.  She glanced up. "I guess so.  It's your house."

He sat on the bed and clasped his fingers together. "What you working on?"

"Just studying for a History test." Lizzie said casually, her tone flat.

"Well, don't let me stop you." Eddie said, folding his arms.  "I just came up here to see how you were doing.  Your mom told me about the test." Eddie informed her.

Lizzie flipped through the pages of her book, ignoring him, continuing her studies.   She knew her was trying to give her one of his pep talks and she didn't want to hear it.  She crossed her legs in Indian style and held her head down.  She had work to do.  She had to pass the next test. She most certainly wouldn't be cheating again, in Science or any other class for that matter.  Once was enough.

Like Jenn, Eddie had noticed small changes in Lizzie himself.  She was growing up and her personality was changing.  She had mood swings.   He hadn't delved on it because he knew teenagers had a mind of their own and lived by a different set of principles.  However, he did find it necessary to have a heart to heart talk with her regarding her careless attitude toward her mother and cheating in school.  It was extremely obvious that Lizzie was under the influence of her friends and classmates.  She was trying to fit in, trying to find her place.  He couldn't blame her.  That was a part of high school.  A part of growing up.  Teenagers just wanted to be accepted and they separated themselves into cliques.

He clasped his hands together. "You want to tell me why you don't want to help with the fund raiser?

Lizzie clenched her book in her hands.  "Dad..., I just don't okay.  Can we please stop talking about it?"

Eddie agreed, nodding.  "Okay. I just get the funny feeling that you really want to be involved but your worried about what people might say?" Eddie prodded.

"Dad, I don't care what people think." Lizzie lied.  She cared.  She cared a whole lot. No one liked being ostracized.

Eddie held his hands up.  "Okay...okay.  You don't have to convince me.  I believe you." Eddie said half heartedly, rubbing Lizzie's shoulder.   "I'll tell you..., you must be one strong person.   I mean..., to not care what people think, to not let it bother you.  It's hard.  You know, if enough people tell you something or accuse you of something, pretty soon you start to believe it yourself." he stated.

Lizzie paused and looked away from her studies. "I don't understand." He was trying to tell her something but she just wasn't following.

Eddie smiled and smoothed the bed covers with his hand.  "You know...,  when I first became a cop, all my friends thought I was crazy.  They didn't believe me at first.  They thought I was just living a dream, bluffing but they knew I was serious after I graduated from the academy and got sworn in.  A lot of them wouldn't even speak to me and the ones that did expected me to turn a blind eye to petty theft and crimes they committed.  I lost a lot friends because of my career, my beliefs." Eddie reminisced, holding his head up, thinking back to old days and good times.  "Sometimes I used to think about giving it all up." he admitted. 

That got Lizzie's attention.  She closed her book and set it aside, scooting closer to him on the bed.  "You did?  Dad, why would you give up your career?  That doesn't make any sense.  You love being a cop."

Eddie shrugged.  "I didn't want to lose my friends, my buddies.  I didn't like the looks I received when I went out in public.  Your mom and I would go to parties and when people saw us coming they would disperse.  I've been called some pretty mean and nasty things and the worst part about, most of them by good friends of mine..., or at least, people who I thought were my friends.  A lot of my friends thought that by becoming a cop I was a sell out, turning my back on the community I grew up in and arresting some of the very same guys I used to play ball with.  It made me feel pretty bad and I felt kind of low at times.  Made me question why I became a cop in the first place and if it was truly my calling.  I was looked down on for wanting to do the right thing, protect and serve my community.  I have to admit, there were times when I questioned my principles but I hung in there.  I didn't let someone else's beliefs and values become my own." Eddie explained.

"Dad, that's horrible.  You were just doing your job, doing what you love.  I couldn't see you being anything else but a cop." Lizzie replied.

You know what's strange?" Eddie asked, peaking Lizzie's interest.

"What?" Lizzie asked, intrigued by the conversation.

Eddie continued.  "The funny thing is, the same people who accused me of being a sell out now appreciate me and thank me for keeping the streets safe, tracking down crime in their community."

"No." Eddie corrected.  "They were some real good guys.  Some good people, good friends but just like you and your friends, they just didn't understand that we were all different."

Lizzie breathed harshly and looked away.  She finally understood and knew where this conversation was going.

"My friends and I all chose different lives and different careers." Eddie explained.   "They didn't like the path I chose but they came to accept it.  I never changed.  I never changed my ways, my career or what I believed.  My friends changed.  They made a change and decided to accept me.  Some of them are still my best buddies, my buddies from back in the day..., my posse." Eddie laughed, trying to make light of the situation.  "Lizzie..., what I'm trying to say is...a best friend isn't someone whose just always there for you.  It's someone who understands and can accept your differences and  many times, someone who understands you more than you understand yourself." he explained.

Lizzie grinned.  She knew what he was saying and she understood.  He had made her feel so much better without prying and asking her a million questions.  He always knew exactly what to say.  He had managed to sum up and understand her situation in a brief fifteen minute conversation and he was right.  He understood her more than she understood herself sometimes.  He made her decision easy.  She couldn't wait to help her mom.   

"Dad..., seriously..., posse?" she asked sarcastically, frowning and grinning at the same time.  She couldn't believe he'd used such a lame word.

Eddie laughed.  Finally, he'd made her smile and she was talking to him.  "Your dad used to be a cool G back in the day." he teased.

Lizzie rolled her eyes and made her way to the door.  "Oh God, dad please.  You're too old to be cool." Lizzie joked.

"Where you going?" Eddie asked.

"I'm going to go tell mom I want to help with the fund raising.  I've got a lot of ideas.  I can't wait." Lizzie said, excited and anxious.

Eddie stood up.  "I thought you weren't interested.  What are your friends going to think? Eddie asked, testing her.

Lizzie spoke confidently.  "I don't care what they think.  You're right.  This is who I am and these are the things I like doing.  This is me." she confirmed, pointing at her chest.  "If they're my real friends..., they'll understand.  She turned to leave but came back unexpectedly, running to him, hugging him.  "Thanks dad." she smiled.

Eddie hugged and kissed her.  "Go tell your mom the good news."

Scene 29

"Woman you must be crazy!  You think you can just ride up in here and uproot my daughter, take her away from me?!" Watkins barked at Denise.  As usual, they were arguing.  He stood face to face with her.  So close he could feel her breath on his face. He had arrived home and found a strange car in his driveway.  The hairs hairs on the back of his neck had risen and something, some strange feeling had told him it was Denise.  He had walked into the house and the first words out of her mouth had been about moving Claire back to North Carolina.  He was tired, hungry and had worked late. He wasn't in the mood for any of Denise's foolishness.  And it was foolishness.  For her to think she could breeze through town and make rash decisions was ridiculous.

Denise screamed. "I told you when you left I would be coming for Claire as soon as I got myself settled!  Don't act surprised.  You knew this day was coming. Don't make me look like the bad guy Adam."

"Settled." Watkins laughed, mocking her.  "Don't try to pretty it up.  Say it for what it's worth.  For you..., settled means divorced, dating, shacking up and remarrying within a year of divorcing me.  I didn't think you could work so fast.  You didn't waste any time did you?" Watkins growled, sneering, looking his ex-wife up and down.   "By the way..., where is your husband?  I honestly don't know how he's going to deal with you.  One thing I don't miss is your high maintenance.  Nothing I did was ever good enough for you.  I wish your husband luck.  I feel sorry for the S.O.B." he mouthed, degrading her.

Denise crossed her arms.  "Adam, I didn't come here to argue with you.  Claire is my daughter.  She has a mother."

Claire jumped between her parents.  She wanted them to stop fighting.  "Will you two please stop it?!" she yelled, tears in her eyes.   "Stop talking about me like I'm not here!  Just stop it.  I can't stand it.  Don't make me choose."  It was the same old story all over again.  The yelling, the screaming, the arguing..., they never stopped.  Her dad had stepped in the door, threw his keys aside and immediately light into her mother.   Her mom was small but feisty and she never backed down. Sometimes she wondered if her parents had ever really loved each other and if they should have ever married in the first place.  It amazed her how two people who claimed to have been so madly in love, now couldn't stand the sight of each other.  Her dad had once described their marriage as a love/hate relationship.  He'd said there was a thin  line between love and hate and that people who loved each other sometimes grew apart.

Denise whirled on Adam, her eyes cutting him to pieces.  "Look what you did.  You made her cry."  She wrapped Claire in her arms and rubbed her arm.  "Claire, there's no need for you to get upset.  I didn't come all this way to cause trouble. I just want my daughter back."

Claire looked up with watery eyes.  "Mom..., I'm in school.  I have a life here.  I'm getting ready for prom and graduation.  I plan on going to school here in the fall."Claire protested, trying to reason with her mom.  She didn't want to go and she didn't want to hurt her feelings by telling her no.  She was caught between her mom and her dad and she didn't want to disappoint either one of them. Her dad expected her to stay and her mom pleaded with her to leave.

Denise took Claire's hand and pulled her to the sofa.  They sat close, holding hands.  "Claire, I know you like it here and I know you have school obligations.  I'm not asking you to miss out on prom and graduation.  I've got a few weeks vacation and I figured this would be the perfect time to come out."she smiled reassuringly.  "I can help you.   Prom is all about the dress right." she smiled brightly, trying to cheer Claire up.   "I'd love to be a part of that.  Help you with your dress.   Help you get all pretty." she sighed, squeezing Claire's fingers, holding her face in her palm.  "I want you with me.  I'm your mother and I want you with me."she repeated sadly, her voice faltering.  She studied Claire's face and her features.  She caressed her jaw.  "Look at you." she stated, admiring Claire's beauty.  "Your a grown woman and I missed a whole year of your life.  I don't want to lose any more time with you." 

Claire peeped at her dad.

Watkins turned away.  He couldn't bare the hurt and confusion he saw in her eyes. 

Claire knew she had to say something.  She just couldn't find the words.  How did one tell their mother they loved them but didn't want to be with them in the same sentence?  How could she refuse without hurting her mom?  She felt like she was betraying her and siding with her dad.  She hated the sunken, hollow feeling deep within her chest.   "Mom..., I..."

"You don't have to answer me now. I know I've sprung a lot on you and you've got some decisions to make.  Promise me you'll think about. I'll be in town for a while so we don't have to make any decisions just yet.  She grabbed her purse and headed for the door, taking Claire's hand.  "Come on.  Walk me out." she said politely, one eyeing Adam.  "Goodnight Adam.  I'll be...," she hesitated, "...around."

Watkins didn't respond. He followed her to the door with his eyes.  He didn't like her being there.  He didn't like it one bit.

Claire saw her mom out and closed the door.  She leaned against it with a rough sigh.  She turned to her dad for comfort.  "Dad tell me what to do." She needed advice.  She was so confused.

Watkins wanted to tell her what to say.  Deep down inside he wanted to be childish and have her tell her mom to go straight to hell but he couldn't do that.  He was and adult and as Claire's father he had to be sure to say and do the right things.  "Claire, I can't tell you what to do baby.  You have to make your own decisions.  As much as your mother and I argue, that doesn't change the fact that she's still your mother and I know she loves you just as much as I do.  I don't blame her for wanting you with her.  I'm disappointed and I don't like it but I can't blame her.  I love having you here.  You already know what I want.  As selfish as it may sound, I want you right here with me where you've been for the past year but I can't ask you to choose.  Your mother's right.  She warned me but I didn't think she'd live up to her words." 

Claire dropped down on the couch with a thud. "Dad, regardless of what decision I make someone will be hurt."

Watkins leaned and kissed her on the forehead.  "Don't worry about me and your mom.  We'll be okay regardless of what you decide.  Just do what's best for you.  That's what I'm telling you to do.  Do whatever makes you happy."  

Scene 30                                (The next evening, after school)

Tay and Malik stood in the home improvements store, dazed and confused.  Malik had convinced his cousin into driving them to the home improvement store with his truck to get supplies.  They were in way over their heads.  For starters, he barely had enough money.  All he managed to get with his seventy five dollars was three sheets of drywall, construction mud, a few boxes of tile and one roll of insulation.  That barely covered a third of the supplies they needed.

Tay stared at Malik with his mouth open.  "Malik, what are we going to do?  I have to figure something out.  Dad is going to kill me.  I can't believe I let you talk me into this.  We're in so much trouble." Tay said as they loaded the truck.

Malik wasn't the least bit concerned.  He stood reading a magazine and bobbing to music on his ipod. "No, no, no.  Not we Tay.  You.  It's your dad and your house." Malik responded, placing all of the blame on Tay.  "You said you had money for supplies fool."

"You're the idiot who said real men don't plan dummy." Tay accused, staring at his receipt mindlessly.  "This is the dumbest thing we've ever done Malik.  How could I have been so stupid?"  He'd really screwed up this time.  There's no way he'd be able to finish the attic.  They didn't have enough time or materials.  The garage sale was in a few days and his mom was going into the attic.  "Hey Malik..., you think I can stay with you for a few days?"

Malik shot him a confused glance.  "What for?"

Tay closed his eyes and said a silent prayer.  "Because I'm dead.  You hear me?  I'm dead." he repeated.  "Dad is going to kill me.  I think he might hurt me."

Charles caught her hand and silently led her upstairs to the bathroom.  He wanted to check her face, make sure she was okay.  The bruise on her cheek was now red, puffy and slightly swollen.  He sat her down and knelt on his haunches before her, lightly touching the bruise.  Cassie sat before him trying to be brave but he knew she was scared.  Her hands were shaking and her eyes were red from crying.  He wanted to kill that jerk for hurting her.   He placed a soft kiss to the corner of her mouth and pressed a cool cloth against her face, holding it with his palm, trying to help the swelling.   

Cassie winced.

"I know it hurts."  Charles said, holding her face steady in his palms when she tried to flinch away.  "It's okay baby." he caressed her cheek.

Cassie covered his hand with her own and felt the friendship ring on his finger, suddenly remembering that hers had been stolen.  Her eyes misted over and she squeezed his fingers.  "Charles he took my ring." she cried softly.  That ring meant everything to her.  It was a symbol of her and Charles's binding love for each other.

Charles grabbed a tissue from the vanity and dried her eyes. "Cassie it's okay.  It's not important.  I'll get you another one." he promised.   "You're safe.  That's all that matters to me right now." he said, removing his ring.  He looped his arms around her neck and released the clasp to the heart necklace he'd given her.  He slid the ring onto the chain and put it around her neck, nestling his ring against her chest.   He smiled and placed a feather light kiss on her cheek.  "There you go.   See," he said, holding his naked finger up for inspection, "I don't need a ring to remind me that I love you." 

"Charles," she paused, "will you just hold me?   Please." Cassie whispered, her lips quivering.  

"Of course I will." Charles agreed, wrapping her in his arms, squeezing her tight.  He felt so sorry for her. 

Cassie held on to him, clutching his shoulders.  She felt like a fool.  How could she have been so foolish?  "I should have never let Sage leave me alone.  What was I thinking?"

"Stop blaming yourself." Charles muttered against her ear, smoothing her hair.  "It wasn't your fault.  You didn't know this was going to happen." 

Cassie pulled away from Charles's embrace and fingered the tattered edges of her shirt and frowned with disgust.   She caught the end of her sleeve and sniffed.  She smelled of rancid, stale cologne.  The smell alone reminded her of the horrible night.  It made her skin crawl.  She yanked at the ragged threads of her shirt.  "Charles I smell just like him!  It's all over me." she sobbed.

Charles steadied her hands, covering them with his own.  "Okay..., okay." he soothed.  "I'll give you a t-shirt... calm down." he consoled her, clasping her hands between his.  He sucked in a deep breath with the sight of her hands.  Her palms were covered with scrapes and scratches, some of them fairly deep.  He grabbed some alcohol swabs from the medicine cabinet and disinfected the cuts.  "This is going to sting a little." he warned.

Cassie grimaced and closed her eyes.

He didn't want to upset her but he had to know what happened.  He wanted every single detail.   "Cassie..., are you sure he didn't he touch you?" he questioned gently.  "Is that why you're so scared?  Is that why you won't tell us what he looks like?" He knew she hadn't been honest with her dad.   She was too wound up, too agitated and afraid.   She was hiding something.  She wasn't telling them everything.

"Charles I don't remember." Cassie pretended. "I told dad everything I know." 
 
Charles held her gaze.  "Yes you do.  You're just scared.  Your shirts ripped, your hands are scraped and your face is bruised, yet you're telling me nothing happened and you don't remember.  "You need to tell me if he tried to touch you or hurt you.   Baby, I need you to tell me exactly what happened.  I want you to describe him to me.  Don't be afraid." he encouraged softly. "You can tell me.   Baby please talk to me." he begged.

"Charles I can't." she whispered, her voice cracking.  "If I tell he'll come back for me." she confessed softly. 

Charles wrapped her in his arms.  "Is that what he told you?  Did he threaten to come back?  He threatened you into keeping quiet?" He guessed, gauging her reaction to his assumptions.

Cassie nodded slowly.

Charles caressed her face with his thumbs, holding her face steady. "Cassie look at me." he insisted, catching her chin in his hand. 

She caught his wrist in her hands, encircling them.  "Charles please don't." Cassie sighed.  She didn't want to think about it anymore.  She stood and tried to walk out but Charles reacted quickly, following her out into the hallway.

"Cassie..., wait." Charles said, rubbing her shoulders.  He knew she wanted to forget what happened but he had to pressure her.  He forced her to face him, turning her chin with his finger.    "I need you to tell me if you remember anything about him. Baby..., you're dad and I...we're trying to protect you.  We can't catch this guy if you don't tell us what happened.  If you saw him again would you recognize him?"   

Cassie folded her arms. "Yes." she replied honestly.  She knew Charles wouldn't rest until she told him the truth.  She blurted out a quick description.  "Blond hair..., really blue eyes and a scar on the left cheek.  He was really tall and he always wears this big blue jacket." she forced out shakily, her voice wobbling.  "Charles, I didn't even know he was there.  I turned around and he was just standing there." she cried.

"Shh..., shh,  it's okay." Charles comforted her. 

"Charles what if he comes back?" she asked, scared.  It was all she could think about.  Her nerves were frayed. 

"He won't." Charles guaranteed.  "He knows we're on to him.  He won't come back but I don't want you working if you don't feel safe."

Cassie continued her description, filling in all the details.  "I should have known something was suspicious about him.  He comes in all the time but he never orders anything.  He said his name was Eric." she shuddered, remembering.

Charles kissed the bruise on her cheek softly.  "Did he hit you?" he asked  "Please tell me he didn't touch you." Charles said, glancing at her shirt. 

Cassie shook her head slowly.  "I tried to run but he caught me.   I fell and hit my face."she said, explaining her injuries.   "I tried to break my fall." she said, holding her scraped hands up as evidence of her struggle.  She was worn out and bruised.  Her body was sore and she had a splitting headache.  It felt like her head was spinning.   "My head hurts." she sighed, resting her head on Charles's shoulder, massaging her aching temples.   "Charles he didn't touch me." she affirmed, easing his mind.  "He tried to but I think I scared him away.  He found out dad was a cop." she clarified.

Charles smiled and caressed her back.  He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm.  "I know your head hurts and your probably sore from your fall."he observed.  "You're just tired and scared." he said calmly.   "You need to rest and try to forget about what happened tonight.  It's over.  Come on." he coaxed, leading her back into the bathroom.  He filled the tub with warm water and poured in some of his mom's perfumed bath gels and beads, lathering the water.  He pulled her close and helped her undress, undoing the buttons on her shirt himself, removing her clothing.   "I want you to relax.  A nice long hot soak should make you feel better."  He unsnapped her jeans and peeled them from her legs, helping her step out of them, settling her in the tub.  "I'll be right back." he stated, turning away.

Cassie grabbed his hand.  "Charles no.  Don't leave me." she said anxiously.  She didn't want to be alone.

Charles leaned and kissed her forehead.  "Baby I'll be right back." he promised. "I'm just going to get you a t-shirt."

Cassie released his hand reluctantly.

Charles found Cassie with her eyes closed, her head tilted back against the wall, gently falling asleep when he returned.  He'd found her a t-shirt and rummaged through some unpacked moving boxes, searching for aspirin for her headache.  He crouched quietly beside the tub, watching her sleep.  She looked beautiful. He pulled a stray strand of hair back from her face with his finger and she came awake.

"Hey..., don't fall asleep in there." Charles laughed softly.  "I want you to take these." he said, pushing the aspirins into her hands.

"What are they" Cassie questioned.

"It's just something for your headache. Take it." he insisted, holding the glass to her lips, forcing her to drink.

Cassie swallowed and smiled lightly.

"You scared me to death." Charles divulged quietly, touching her face.  "I couldn't get to you fast enough." He breathed a hard sigh of relief. 

"Charles I'm okay." Cassie insisted.

!!This Scene Contains Adult Content.  Reader Discretion Is Advised!! 

Please stop and play the audio track below before reading any further. Listen to the track as you read the remaining story to help envision the scene.  Thanks.

Charles smiled and leaned to kiss her softly. 

Cassie held his head, drawing him back for more when he tried to pull away, holding his mouth against her parted lips.  He had taken such sweet care of her.

Charles rested his hand against the tub wall, leaning in closer, deepening his kiss, giving Cassie exactly what she wanted.  He rolled his shirt sleeves up while kissing her and cupped handfuls of soapy water, streaming it over her smooth shoulders.  His hand  trailed a path from her neck down to her soft stomach. 

Cassie gasped as his hand continued its downward path, disappearing beneath the sudsy waters.  She instinctively caught his wrist, encircling it with her hand but that didn't slow him down.  It didn't stop him.  His hand continued its loving exploration.

He whispered against her open mouth and held her head steady for his kisses with his free hand.  "I just want to touch you.  I'm not going to hurt you.   I love touching you." he moaned, kissing her, touching her.  "Just let me love you."

Cassie hesitated at first but by the time Charles got through with her she wasn't pushing him away, she was pulling him closer.  She sucked in her breath and gripped his shirt with her wet hands.  His touch was intimate but gentle. The water moved and sloshed in the tub as her back arched and her knees lifted.

Charles watched as Cassie's head tilted back and her eyes dilated, turning from a rich shade of brown to near black.  Her lips parted and she panted softly.  She was so responsive.  He kissed the smooth column of her neck.   Her skin was soft and silky from the warm water and her face glowed.  "You're beautiful." he groaned.

"Charles..."Cassie moaned breathlessly, her breathing ragged and choppy, unsteady.

Charles nuzzled her face with his, staring into her eyes.  "You okay?" he breathed between kisses.

Cassie didn't respond.  She simply wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

Charles lifted her, wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her from the tub.

"Charles no." Cassie protested.  She was dripping wet and his clothes were getting soaked.

Charles ignored her protest.  He didn't care that she was soaking wet.  He just wanted to hold her against him.  He grabbed a towel and carried her into his bedroom where she slowly slid down his body.   He sat on the edge of the bed and wrapped the towel around her waist, drawing her close between his legs.   He threw the towel aside and pressed a warm open mouthed kiss against her belly. "You're so soft." he muttered.

Cassie inhaled sharply,  sucked her stomach in and arched her back with the feel of his moist lips against her skin.  

Charles grabbed a handful of his shirt and drew it over his head.  He unbuckled his belt and unsnapped his jeans.  He drew her down onto the bed and came down on top of her, pinning her soft body beneath him.  The breath left his lungs with the feel of her against him. She felt like pure magic under him.  He trailed kisses down her body and tunneled his hands into her hair as she called his name over and over.   Her nails bit into his shoulder and she clung to him mindlessly.

"Shh..., I'm right here baby.  I'm not going anywhere." he whispered in her ear, smiling softly.   He held her tight and rolled to his back, positioning her on top.  He sat up and wrapped his arms around her small waist, settling her onto his lap.  His mouth shifted over hers and kissed her hungrily.

Cassie wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kisses.  She needed the comforting consolation of his touch tonight.   He made her feel safe, warm and secure.

Charles dug into his pocket for his wallet, grabbing protection. 

Cassie shook her head.  "Charles no." she whispered.  "I don't want to."  She looked at him with a troublesome expression.

"Wha..., what's wrong?" he asked, trying to read her blank stare.  He wanted to make love to her but she was telling him no.  He exhaled a breath heavy with disappointment and frustration but he wasn't going to force her.  Obviously, tonight's events had effected her more than he realized.  "Cassie..., if you don't want me to touch you just tell me."

Cassie smiled softly and licked her lips.  "No...I mean...we don't need this." she clarified, taking the condom from his fingers, placing it on the bed.  "I trust you." she whispered shyly.  

Charles cradled her face in his hands.  An overwhelming feeling of love and desire took over him.  She was offering herself to him in a way that they had never shared before.  "Where's this coming from?" he asked, unable to hide his surprise. "Cassie..., baby are you sure?  We don't have to." he asked.  They had always been extra cautious, even now that she was on the pill.  He didn't want her to feel pressured.

"I want to." Cassie spoke softly.  "I just want to feel close to you." she spoke, so softly he could barely hear her.

Charles kissed her cheek and sighed deeply.  "We don't have to do this.  I'm fine with the way things are." he said, staring at her intently, seriously.  He wanted her to know there would be no turning back if they took this step together.  

Cassie gave a slight nod, confirming.

Charles tightened his hold around her waist and drew her closer.   The thought of being with her in such a new and intimate way excited him.  He kissed her softly and breathed against her mouth.  "Does this mean I can make love to you..., I can have you the way I want," he murmured softly, "with nothing between us?"

"Yes." Cassie reaffirmed, shifting to get closer to him, kissing him.  "I love you."

Charles turned the bed side lamp off.  He smiled and returned her kiss.  "I love you too baby.  I love you too."

Please stop and play the audio track below before reading any further. Listen to the track as you read the remaining story to help envision the scene.  Thanks.

Scene 35  

Cassie stood in Charles's bedroom, looking in the mirror,  combing her hair and gingerly touching the bruise on the side of her face.  It was getting late and she needed to get home. She blew out a breath at her reflection.  The bruise looked horrible.

Charles walked back into the room.  His eyes fed on the site of her in his t-shirt.  She was so small it swallowed her.  He approached her slowly, his jeans unbuttoned, hanging low on his hips, shirtless.  He wrapped his arms around her from behind and took the comb from her hands, placing it on the dresser.  He kissed the side of her neck. "Stop it." he said, reading her mind.  "You look fine and that bruise should disappear in a few days."

Cassie craned her head to look back at him.  "You're just saying that to make me feel better Charles.  I hope it's gone before prom." she said, staring at herself in the mirror.  She really wanted to look her best for prom.  She certainly didn't want to show up with an ugly bruise on her face.

Charles tightened his hold and pulled her closer against him.  "No I'm not." he laughed.  "And don't worry about it.  You'll be beautiful regardless." he commented, turning her in his arms to face him.  He linked his hands behind her back and his voice  turned husky and deep.  "Listen..., about tonight..., no regrets right?  No turning back?" he confirmed, breathing huskily.  He held her gaze and caressed her waist with his hands.

Cassie looked up at him.  She rested her hands on his naked chest.  "No.  Tonight was special.  No regrets." she said confidently, smiling.  She didn't regret one single minute of what they had shared.   She had no reservations and no regrets whatsoever.  Tonight had been explosive and she had enjoyed every single kiss, every touch, every searing moment. 

Charles rested his forehead against hers and breathed in deeply.  He smiled wickedly.  "Yeah..., tonight was....uh..., whew!..." he hesitated, drawing in a deep breath, searching for the words to describe the intensity of what he had felt but couldn't come up with one.  Words couldn't describe the pleasure and heated intensity of what they had shared.  He was speechless.

Cassie smiled.  She was amused by his stumbling discomposure.  She had never seen him like this.  She was delighted that he couldn't find the words to describe how he felt.  She laughed and reached up to kiss him on the lips.  He was right.  Tonight had been indescribable.    Charles had held her extra close with his arms gripping her extra tight as she had trembled in his arms.  His kisses had been longer, deeper.  And at that precise moment, that intimate union when they had become one, he had held her face steady, whispering for her to look at him as he had held her gaze, locking his eyes with hers.   He had watched as she closed her eyes and the breath escaped her lungs. 

Charles chuckled along with her, holding his head back with his eyes closed, a huge smile on his face.  "You were amazing." he complimented.  "But," he paused, "baby..., what if something happens and you get pregnant?" he asked with a mix of gentleness and caring.   "We've been so careful up until now." he stated with a hint or worry.  "You were so scared the last time.  I don't want you to go through that again." Tonight had been extremely intimate and passionate and he didn't want to turn back.  It was one of the most intense nights they had ever shared and he couldn't deny that he wanted more, much more.  He wanted their relationship to strengthen and progress but he also wanted Cassie to make the decision.  He wanted her to know they could stop and turn back at any time if she ever felt the need.

"Charles I won't." Cassie answered quickly.  "I won't." she promised.  "I've been careful and I'm taking my pill every day."  

"So, no turning back?" Charles questioned.

"No." Cassie said, laying her head against his chest.  "This is what I want.  I want to be with you Charles." She lifted her head and peered into his eyes.  "I don't want to disappoint you." she mouthed slowly. 

Charles's face softened with her comment but he remained silent.

Cassie read his silence for confusion.  She stared at him, trying to explain herself.  "I mean....I mean...," she stammered, "I just want to please you." she continued.  Everything about their relationship was changing.  Things were evolving and she needed and wanted him to guide her.  She was finally coming out of her shell, stepping outside of her comfort zone and it was all due to his patience and understanding.    Somehow, he was always managed to turn every moment, no matter how intimate, into a gentle, loving experience.

Charles's eyes beamed with pride and happiness.  He bent his head and kissed her softly.    "Cassie, ...how could I possibly be disappointed?  Baby..., I couldn't get enough of you.  Of course you pleased me..., always, every time, every single time we're together.  You were amazing." he breathed, grazing her lips with his.  He breathed into her mouth.  "The only thing that disappoints me is having to let you go.  If I had my way I'd hold you and make love to you all night.  All night long." he stressed.  "I know this is all new to you but I love being the first.  The first to hold you and touch you,...teach you.  You and I..., we're good together." he reassured her, kissing her cheek.  "Being with you, touching every part of you for the first time...," he paused, licking his lips, "it was incredible." 

"Really?  You mean it?"she asked doubtfully.

"Of course I do.  I mean every word." Charles confirmed, flashing a smile.

She smiled and hugged him.  "I think you're incredible Charles."

Scene 36                                                        The Next Morning    

Claire met her mom for breakfast at a local restaurant.  Her mom had called and invited both her and David to breakfast last night and she had promised her she would make a decision regarding going home.

Denise reached across the table and took Claire's hands in hers.  "Good morning baby.  You look good." she said, admiring Claire's outfit.  "I got here a little early so I went ahead and ordered your favorite." she said, pointing at Claire's plate.  "Where's David?  I thought he would come with you."

Claire got defensive.  "Mom I didn't come here to talk about David.  Please.   Let's just have breakfast." she said sourly.  She didn't want to talk about David. 

Denise nodded slowly, holding her hands up in defense.  "Okay.  Calm down.  It was just a simple question."  She glanced at Claire's plate.  "You're much thinner than I remembered.  I really want you to eat something." she suggested. 

"Clairissa please eat something.  Just a little something." Denise responded, squeezing Claire's hands.

Claire pulled her hands away.  "Mom would you please stop calling me that." she said, frustrated.  She just wanted to get this whole conversation over with. 

Denise sat back in her chair and sighed.  "I can tell by your attitude and your body language that you've made your decision.  You haven't really looked at me since you got here." Denise's voice cracked, heavy with disappointment.  She bent her head to meet Claire's eyes but Claire looked away, pretending to concentrate on her breakfast, toying with her fork.  She knew Claire was avoiding her and she knew why.  It was painfully obvious she didn't want to go.  She sat across the table looking like she had just lost her best friend. 

Denise closed her eyes and opened them slowly.  She propped her elbows up on the table and rested her chin on her hands.  "I shouldn't have come.  I shouldn't have come." she repeated sadly.

Claire felt so sorry for her.  "Mom don't say that.  Of course you should have.  I'm happy to see you but I just..." she faltered.

Denise stopped her.  "No.  I should have stayed away and let you make your own decision on your own time.  My being here is putting pressure on you.  Baby...I just wanted to see you but I'm sorry I came.  I've made a real mess of things.  You and your dad are all settled and I show up here interfering.   This is too much for you and it's wrong of me to ask you to choose.  You have a life here.  You have your father, your boyfriend David and I can look at you and tell you're in love baby.  It's wrong of me to ask you to give that up just because I want to be selfish and have you with me.  If I had done the right things we could have avoided all of this." she motioned with her hands.  This is a big mess and it's my fault." she blamed herself.  "Your father is right.  It's my fault." she breathed heavily, pointing at her chest.  "I should have just toughed it out with him and made things work.  If I had hung in there, I'd have you with me, we'd still be a family and your father and I wouldn't be trying to tear you in two.  We wouldn't be having this ridiculous conversation." she choked out with frustration, tears threatening to spill over.  She got up quickly and excused herself.  "I'm going to the ladies room." she cried, rushing away.  She didn't want Claire to see her crying.  She needed a few minutes to pull herself together.

Claire called out to her. "Mom!"  She followed her into the ladies room and found her standing in front of the huge wall length mirror, leaning against the counter, drying her tears with a tissue.  She stood next to her and rested her head on her shoulder.  Neither one said anything for a while.  They just stared at each other in the mirror.  Claire was the first to break the silence.   "Mom it's okay." she said.  She knew exactly what she had to do.   She'd made her decision.  She couldn't stand the look of devastation and sadness on her mom's face. 

Denise dried her tears.  She turned and took Claire by the shoulders.  "Look at you.  You're taller than me and I have heels on." she laughed softly, glancing down at her feet.  She looked into her eyes and her tone turned very serious. "You know that I love you right?"she sniffed, composing herself.

Claire smiled.  "Of course I do mom.   Please don't cry.  You're going to make me cry." she smiled softly.

"I'm your mother Claire.  I'm the parent." she said.   "I should have known better than to place such a burden on you.  I'm here and I've seen for myself with my very own eyes that you're happy and you've settled in nicely.  What kind of mother would I be to keep uprooting you and not let you have a constant stable home?"  She stared blindly at Claire's shirt and fidgeted with her shirt collar.  She smoothed the faint wrinkles away with her hands.  "It's going to be very hard leaving without you but now that I've seen how much you've changed and matured, I know things will be okay." she whispered softly, her voice turning emotional as she spoke. 

Claire interrupted. "Mom it's okay." she repeated.  "I'm coming with you.  I'm coming home." she announced, forcing a weak smile.  She said the words, heard her own voice speaking them and each one made her heart ache.  She was dyeing inside.  She didn't want to hurt her mom so she forced herself to say what she wanted to hear.  She said what was needed to put a smile on her face.

Denise stared in complete surprise. "Claire..., oh baby!" She hugged Claire as tightly as she could.  She swallowed her up into her arms.  Tears of joy sprang to her eyes.  "Oh baby.  Are you sure?  I want you to be sure."

Claire nodded.  "I'm sure.  You're right.  It's time for me to go home and be with you, see my family.  I really miss grandma.  Besides, I'm going to school here this fall so I'll still be close to dad and David and will still be together."  She hoped and prayed they would.  If everything worked out as planned, she could spend her summer in North Carolina and go to school in Los Angeles this fall.   It was the only reasonable way for her to spend time with both her parents.  She knew her dad would understand. He had told her to make her own decisions and do what was best for her but she wasn't sure about David.  She knew he would be upset but hoped he would understand her reasons for agreeing to go.  As she stood holding and hugging her mom, she thought about how she would tell him, what she would say.  She didn't know if she would be able to face him and tell him the truth.  She didn't want to hurt him.  She loved him and hoped he loved her enough to understand and wait for her.

She held Claire's face between her hands.  "You just made me the happiest woman in the world.   I was so sure you would say no.  I love you so much baby.  We are going to have so much fun together." she promised, a huge smile on her face.  "Do you want me to talk to your father, tell him about your decision?" she offered.

"No mom.  Dad is fine.  He wants me to do what's best for me. I'll talk to him. It's okay." Claire responded.

"And what about David, your new love?" she asked, playfully poking Claire in her stomach.  "What does David think of all this?  How does he feel about you leaving?  He seems like a very nice young man Claire."

"We've...,"  Claire fumbled for words, "we've talked about it and he's okay.  He's fine." She lied convincingly.  

Denise breathed a gracious sigh of relief.  She had her daughter back.  "This is wonderful.  Just wonderful.  We can leave right after graduation.  That will give you some time to hang out with your friends and say your goodbyes.  How does that sound?

Claire pulled back and looked in her face.  Great.  That left her with little to know time to talk and explain herself to David.  She plastered on a fake smile.  "Sure.  Why not?  That sounds great.  Really great."

Scene 37

Jenn and the whole family woke bright and early for the community garage sale.  They wanted to get an early start and make sure every thing was organized and in its place.  She, Lizzie and Dana had worked hard all week and stayed up late into the night organizing donation boxes and fliers before distributing them throughout the community.  As promised, Cassie had compiled an assortment of paintings for the raffle and Tay was all set to provide entertainment for the car wash.  Unlike Lizzie, Cassie had also convinced her friends Claire and David to participate.  David and Charles promised to help Tay with the car wash.  Most of the neighbors were more than willing to participate and the community stores and vendors volunteered to spread the word and accept donations.   All that was left to do was bring down the old furniture pieces from the attic. 

"Eddie make sure Tay helps you with the furniture.  I don't want you struggling down the stairs with those heavy pieces." Jenn advised with pencil and pad in her hands, going down her check list.  "Everything goes except that old antique dress form.  I don't want that sold."

Eddie turned, frowning.  "Why not?" he questioned. "I thought that was the purpose of the sale.  Raise money for Dana and get the attic cleaned out in the process."

Jenn shrugged. "Because...I may decide to pull out my old sewing machine one day."

Eddie laughed.  "Jenn, you haven't sewn in years.  Don't kid yourself.  If you want my advice..., I say get rid of the dress form and the sewing machine. " he teased.  "And you call me a hoarder."

Jenn hit him on the shoulder with her note pad. "Eddie Sutton I am not a hoarder.  I just want to save a few of the unique pieces.  Besides, the kids are getting older and Cassie's growing up."she winked.  "It will be nice to sew baby clothes."

Eddie flinched.   "Don't go there Jenn."

She laughed and kissed him on the lips.  "I'm teasing.  I thought that comment would get your attention." she said, leaving their bedroom.  She turned back. "Oh..., and don't forget that old teak chest.  I know someone would love to have that."  

Scene 38

Eddie pulled on the attic door.  He frowned.  That was strange.  The door was locked.  They never locked the attic door.  He hollered down for Jenn to bring the key from the kitchen drawer.  "Jenn, why is the attic door locked?!" he yelled downstairs.

"Eddie..., I have no idea.  Someone must have locked it by accident.  I'll get the key!" Jenn yelled.

She searched through the kitchen drawers but the key wasn't there.  It was the only key to the attic and it was always kept in the kitchen drawer.  She checked the cabinets and the china hutch.  She looked everywhere and ran upstairs.  "It's not there.  I don't know where it could be.  I searched everywhere." she said, heading towards Tay's room, knocking on the door.

"Tay...," she spoke through the door, "did you lock the attic door?  Do you know where the key is?"

Tay stood silent on the other side of the door sweating bullets.  He was afraid to open it.  He hadn't slept a wink last night worrying about this morning and the disastrous site awaiting his parents behind the attic door.   He swallowed hard and slowly cracked the door open, feigning sleep, yawning.  He pretended to rub his eyes.  "Good morning mom."

Jenn was surprised and disappointed.  "Tay, I can't believe you're still in bed.  Get up.  We've got a big day planned.  I need you up and alert.  You need to help your father and we can't get into the attic.  The doors locked.  Why would you lock it?  Where's the key?"

"What?" Tay stalled.  "Uh...no.   I don't have the key and why would I lock it? he lied blatantly.  The key was still safely hidden away in his sock drawer and he had made sure he locked the attic door last night.  He wanted to confess and tell the truth but he didn't have the nerve. 

Eddie was irritated.  They were wasting time hunting down a key and still had a lot of work to do.  "Because you're the only person who uses the attic." he stated, tugging on the door knob.

Jenn threw her hands up in frustration.  "I'll ask the girls if they've seen it."she said, turning to go down stairs.

Eddie stopped her.  "Jenn.  Forget it.  I got a better idea." he responded.  "Tay..., go outside to the tool shed and get the crowbar so I can force this lock.  The lock was flimsy at best.  He wouldn't have any trouble forcing it open.   "We're wasting time.  We've still got a lot of work to do."

Tay's heart sank and he cringed inside.  "Uh... why don't I just go downstairs and help mom look for the key.  It's got to be around here somewhere." he volunteered, stalling and hoping for some kind of miracle.

"Tay..., do what I told you to do." Eddie scowled.  "And what's wrong with you.  Are you sick?  Why are you sweating?" he questioned scornfully, noticing the nervous perspiration on Tay's face. 

"No sir. I'm fine." Tay answered.  "I'll be right back." he said, walking slowly, dragging, taking his slow sweet time.

Eddie glared at him.  "Tay, boy, get a move on.  We don't have all day.  Time ain't forever."

Here is A Picture Of Cassie's Prom Dress

Jenn covered her hands with her mouth to hold in her emotions.  She walked up to Cassie and placed her palm against her face.  "You look like a beautiful young woman." she acknowledged, emphasizing the word woman.

Cassie covered Jenn's hand with hers.  "Thanks mom."

Lizzie stood back staring in awe.  "You look amazing Cassie."

"Yeah.  Wow." Tay continued.  He hugged Cassie unexpectedly.  "You look gorgeous sis.  Like a princess."

Cassie laughed.  She had expected a smart, rude comment from him and he had caught her completely off guard with his compliment.  "Oh...Tay," she said emotionally, her eyes going soft,  "thank you."

Everyone had spoken except Eddie.  He stood in the background watching Cassie.

Cassie looked to him.  She really wanted his approval.  She became nervous with his silent stare and thought he didn't approve of her dress or the way she looked.  Her spirits started to sink.  "Dad..., so...do I look okay?  You haven't said anything.  What do you think?" she asked, seeking approval.

Eddie approached her calmly and spoke slowly.  He sighed and looked at her with such caring his eyes.  He held her by the shoulders and told her exactly what he thought.   He spoke slowly.  "I think you look beautiful.  I think Charles is a lucky man.  I think he will be very proud and I think you're not my little girl anymore."he spoke sadly.

Cassie hugged him as tightly as she could and Jenn snapped the first picture of father and daughter together.  Cassie posed for a few more pictures before pulling Jenn aside.  She wanted to speak to her privately.

"Mom, can I talk to you."she asked.

"Sure."  Jenn followed her to the kitchen. 

"Mom, I'll be home really late okay." Cassie started, broaching the curfew subject.

Jenn's look went from cheerful to mindful.  "Cassie..., you know how your father feels about staying out late."

"But mom it's prom, Senior prom.  I want to go to all the after parties and be with my friends." she explained.  There were tons of parties planned for the night, both school sponsored and private.   Many students had reserved hotel rooms to laugh, have fun and party the night away.  Some of the local businesses like the bowling alley, cafes, the skating rink and the movie theaters were all staying open through the night to serve the senior class.    It was going to be a night to remember and she wanted to enjoy herself along with her classmates and though she couldn't reveal this to her mom, most of all, she wanted to spend the night in Charles's arms.  "Mom, it's just for tonight.  Please?  Will you explain to dad for me? Cassie pleaded.

Jenn conceded.  She remembered what it was like being a teenager and remembered her own prom experience.  "Alright..., I'll explain..., after you're gone." she chuckled.  She would talk with Eddie tonight.

Cassie smiled and threw her arms around Jenn's neck, thanking her. "Thanks mom.  I knew you'd understand."

Jenn caught her arms and pulled away.  "Hold on.  Don't thank me too fast.  This is a one time thing Cassie and I'm only doing this because of prom." She spoke slowly and methodically so there would be no misunderstanding.  She understood tonight was a special night for her and she wanted her to enjoy herself.   "Don't make it a habit and please don't disappoint your father and I.  Don't make me regret this.  I want you to promise me one thing." she requested.

Cassie drew a blank.  "What?"

"Promise me you'll keep your cell phone charged and try to stay in an area where you can get a signal." she pleaded, her mind eliciting terrible thoughts of Cassie's attack at the revolution.  "You need to be able to contact someone during emergencies."

Cassie agreed.  "I will and I promise I'll be home in the morning."

The door bell rang.

"That must be Charles." Cassie said, excited, headed for the door.

"I'll get it." Eddie called out, opening the door for Charles.  "Hi Charles." He stepped back from the door.  "Come on in.  Cassie's all ready.  You look sharp." he complimented, taking in Charles tuxedo."

Here's A Picture Of Charles's Black Tuxedo with Iridescent Grey Vest and Tie

"Good evening Mr. Sutton." Charles greeted, turning the corner, his feet rooting to the spot, glaring at the sight of Cassie before him.  He couldn't find the words to describe how beautiful she looked.  He knew she'd be beautiful but she took his breath away.  He approached her lazily, needing the time to look at her, see how beautiful she really was.    He stood before her, simply staring, not saying a word.

Cassie became embarrassed at his appreciative stare as everyone stood watching.  "Charles." she whispered discreetly, getting his attention.

"Just when I thought you couldn't get any more beautiful than you already were." he said appreciatively, reaching out to span her tiny waist with his hands.  He knew her family was watching but he couldn't help himself.  He was drawn to her and had to touch her.  He marveled at the way his hands nearly encompassed her narrow waist.  "You look so beautiful." he mouthed quietly. 

"You look so handsome." Cassie returned.  He looked amazingly handsome.    His tanned skin stood out against his black tuxedo and crisp white shirt.  He was devastating. 

Charles kissed her temple and held up her corsage.  "I have something for you."

The room was utterly quiet.  Too quiet and too tense.  "Why don't we take more pictures." Jenn said discerningly, breaking the uncomfortable silence and tension.  She snapped a few shots of Charles helping Cassie with her corsage and with his arm around her.

Eddie and Jenn walked Charles and Cassie to the door.

"Have fun, enjoy yourselves but be safe." Eddie cautioned.

"We will Mr. Sutton." Charles promised, leading Cassie outside to a beautiful black limousine.  He helped her inside.

Cassie smiled.  Inside the limousine, chocolates and a box of long stemmed roses awaited her.  She opened the box and leaned to kiss Charles on his cheek.  "Charles these are beautiful." She rested her head against his.  "Just beautiful." she repeated, reveling in his caring and thoughtfulness.

Scene 50

Claire batted her mom's hands away.  She had come over and helped her prepare for prom.  She kept fussing over her and picking at her hair, smoothing her dress.  "Mom..., stop it." Claire argued.  "I'm fine.  I'm ready to go.  David should be here any minute.

"I'm sorry baby." Denise apologized.  "It's not everyday a mother gets to see her daughter go to prom.  It's important and I'm so happy I was here to help you."she smiled graciously.  She studied Claire from head to toe.  "You look lovely.  Absolutely lovely.  Let's go show your father."she suggested, ushering Claire towards the door.

Claire stopped unexpectedly.  "Mom, when David gets here, can you please not mention anything about going home.  He's still getting used to the idea and I don't want to do or say anything to spoil tonight..., okay?" she requested, lying and misleading her mom.  She had mad up her mind to tell him but not tonight..., definitely not tonight.  Tonight was special and she just wanted to enjoy the time she had left with him.  Nothing and no one was going to ruin her prom.  

"Okay baby.  I understand but don't forget what we talked about earlier.   If your father ask, you're spending the night with me at my hotel.  Otherwise, you and I both know he'll expect you home early, he won't let you stay out late and you won't have any fun with your friends." Denise reminded her.  She was a parent but she wasn't that old.  She remembered what prom night was like.  It was an all night affair with partying, club dancing and socializing.  Adam would never condone it.  He was a good father but he was too protective.  When they were married,  she used to tease him that it was the policeman in him.  Claire wanted to be honest and do the right thing.  She wanted to go to her father and ask him to forgive her curfew for the night but she had advised against it.  She and Adam had been married for twenty years and she knew him through and through.  He would never allow Claire to stay out all night, no matter how much she begged and pleaded.  She tried not to interfere but Claire was her daughter too and this was prom night.  She wanted her to go out with her friends and have an unforgettable evening.  She would be forced to say goodbye to these very same friends in a couple weeks.    She deserved to have some fun.  

"Okay." Claire nodded.  She hated lying to her dad but her mom was right.  He would never understand.

"Now come on," Denise urged impatiently, pushing Claire out the bedroom door,  "let's go show your father how pretty you are."

Watkins was wowed and so very proud of Claire.  He got up from his chair and took her by the hand, twirling her around.  "Baby girl you look beautiful."

Here's A Picture Of Claire's Prom Dress 

Claire pulled her dad close and motioned for her mom to take a picture.  "Dad take a picture with me." she pleaded.  "Please." He didn't like pictures.  He hated taking pictures but she was leaving soon, in a couple weeks time and wanted an updated picture of the two of them together.  Last night, she had told him she would be leaving for North Carolina and he had understood and encouraged her to go and have fun with her mom.  She knew he was sad and upset but he was doing a really good job of hiding it.  He got really quiet when something was on his mind, when he was hurting and had barely said two words during dinner.  He had lost his appetite and walked away from the table.

Watkins took the camera from Denise and caught a few shots of her and Claire together.  Denise was still just as beautiful as he remembered.  Her appearance was still youthful and vibrant.  He looked through the camera's view finder but felt compelled to pull the camera away and focus on her beautiful face with his own eyes.  Seconds ticked by as he stared.

Claire looked from her dad to her mom.  He was staring at her with an unreadable, blank expression on his face.

Denise grew uncomfortable.  "Uh...Adam..., is there a problem?  Is there something wrong with the camera?"  She searched for words.  She had read his face and knew where his thoughts had taken him.  He was reminiscing and thinking about the past but those days were over.

Watkins fumbled with the camera.  His mind had blurred and wandered down memory lane for a minute.  Watching Denise stand there with Claire had brought back memories of when they were a real family, just the three of them.  It seemed like old times but it wasn't.  Things were very, very different now and they had both moved on with their lives.  "No..., it's fine.  Everything's fine." he assured, gathering his thoughts, putting up his usual stubborn , stone faced facade.    "Uh...why don't you two step back a little and move a little closer." he directed, snapping the picture.  

Denise took the camera from him and their fingers touched, grazing.  She pulled away immediately as if she had touched something very hot.  She glanced out the window and saw the limousine pull up.  She was extremely grateful for the intervention.  She certainly didn't want to go down memory lane and rehash old feelings with Adam.  Besides, she was a happily married woman now.  "Baby, David's here." she said.

"Oh, let me grab my purse and check my face." Claire said, hurrying.

Watkins went to open the door.  "Baby you look fine." he shouted, opening the door, inviting David inside.  "Mr. Gibbs," he said, grinning, "come on in.  Claire will be out in a minute."

"How are you doing Mr. Watkins.  Hi Mrs. Russell." he greeted.

"Fine.  Fine.  Just fine." Watkins answered.

"Nice to see you again David.  You look nice, very handsome." Denise said, admiring David's attire.  He wore a black tuxedo with a purple vest and tie, coordinating with the color of Claire's dress.

David flashed a bashful, lop-sided grin.  "Thank you."

Here's a Picture of David's Tuxedo

Claire made her grand entrance and David's mouth dropped.  He was stunned.  Claire looked regal and statuesque.   Her face was glowing and her dress hugged her body.  He tried to be respectful and control his gaze with her parents watching but he couldn't help himself.  He really wanted to kiss her but he couldn't with her parent's staring.  He greeted her with a corsage, red roses and candy.  He took her hands in his.  "Wow..., you look amazing...stunning." he said, his eyes traveling over her face.

"So do you." Claire responded, straightening his tie.   "You look great.  I've never seen you dressed up before." she acknowledged.  He was usually in jeans and basketball gear.   He looked so neat and handsome and his strong shoulders filled out his tuxedo nicely.

He put her corsage on and smiled.  "Hey," he said, looking down at her feet then up at her head, "I think you're taller than me." he laughed.  He noticed that she stood a couple inches above him with her heels on.

Claire looked down at him and laughed softly.  She had to look down to meet her eyes.  "Yeah, I think I am."she said, bending her knees, hunkering down playfully to meet his face.

The limo made a couple more stops, picking up Stacy and Emillio.   Stacy was all alone, going stag and proud of it.  Emillio however, had a date.  A really tall, buxom, muscular Amazonian like young lady.  She towered over him.  The entire limo grew quiet as he and his date entered.  Everyone couldn't help but stare.  Emillio was so slight, so small and his date stood well over six feet tall and was built like a body builder.    She was a beautiful girl..., really fit and in shape with gorgeous hair and a brilliant smile to match her exotic looking face but she was uncommonly large and muscular compared to Emillio.   She looked like a giant next to him.  It made for a very odd looking couple.  It was quite comical.

"What's up people?" Emillo asked, exchanging greetings with everyone.  He proudly introduced his date.  "Everybody this is  Sheila.  She's my cousin..., on my dad's side."

Everyone said hello but the introduction was visibly awkward.  They all had their doubts and didn't believe for a second that  Sheila was his cousin.  Sheila confirmed their doubts when she leaned over and kissed him on the mouth and massaged his chest.  It was no simple kiss. She really laid one on him. 

Everyone stared in disbelief.  Charles and David were almost hysterical with laughter. Charles laughed so hard that he started coughing.  Cassie pat him on the back.  David kept clearing his throat and rubbing his forehead.  He couldn't stop laughing.  He laughed so hard his eyes watered.  It was so obvious that Emillio was blatantly lying to them.  He had done some wild and crazy things in the past but this topped them all.  He had been very secretive about his date was and had told everyone it was a surprise, bragging that he would have the hottest date at the prom. 

David didn't agree with Sheila being the hottest but she damn sure was the biggest.    "Your cousin...really?" he repeated sarcastically, nodding his head.  "Right." he said, his voice dripping with doubt.  "That's funny because you never mentioned her before."

Emillio adjusted his tie and sat up straight.  "She's not from around here." he lied.  The truth was, she wasn't his cousin at all and her name wasn't Sheila.  It was Sophia the party crasher.  She and some of her body building friends had crashed his cousin's party a few weeks ago.  That's where they had met. 

"Right." David nodded, his mouth wide open.

Claire looked at him, silently telling him to shut up.  "David, he could be telling the truth.   She could really be his cousin." she whispered quietly.  "Don't judge him."

"Oh you mean like kissing cousins."David responded, speaking softly, holding back his laughter. 

Claire couldn't hold it in any longer.  She burst out laughing and hid her face in his chest.  "Stop it.  You're making me laugh."

"You think he paid her?" David whispered in Claire's ear, grinning uncontrollably.

Claire's body shook as she tried to compose herself.  David wasn't helping with his funny comments.

Cassie couldn't get over how Sheila was all over Emillio.  She had one leg thrown over his lap and rained kisses all over his face.  The funny part was Emillio was loving every minute of it.  She looked from Emillio to Charles and covered her eyes, embarrassed.

Charles stared at Sheila's muscular physique.  This chick was clearly into some heavy body building.  "Wow, I bet she could probably bench press him."he guessed, laughing.   He didn't know where Emillio had found this young lady but he doubted they were remotely related.

Cassie hit him on the shoulder.  "Charles stop it." She covered her mouth with her hand to refrain from laughing.

Charles tried to make polite conversation with Sheila.  "So uh...Sheila, where are you from?" he asked, digging for information.

Both Sheila and Emillio answered at the same time, giving themselves away by calling out different cities. 

"San Diego." Sheila said.    "Sacramento." Emillio said, mentally kicking himself for screwing up.  Honestly, he had no idea where Sophia was from.  "I meant San Diego.  That's what I was going to say." he corrected himself.

"She is so not your cousin." Stacy blurted out loudly, saying what they all were already thinking.

Everyone laughed including Emillio and his date. "Man...forget yall!" Emillio said, smiling, realizing he had been busted.  "I don't even like yall no more!" he ground out, laughing at himself.   Not every guy had it as easy as Charles and David.  Cassie and Claire were two of the most beautiful girls at Robelson High. He should have known better than to try and fool his friends.

Here's A Picture of Emillio's Date Sheila and Stacy's Royal Blue Dress

 Scene 52

This years prom was held at the Los Angeles Marriott in downtown Los Angeles, a few miles from Lincoln Heights.  They had converted one of the ballrooms.  The Senior prom theme was Hollywood Glamor..., Lights, Camera,  Action.  Cassie and the other prom committee students had worked extra hard and it had payed off.  Everything was perfect.  Students were treated to a red carpet arrival upon entering the hotel and members of the prom court, soon to be crowned king and queen, Claire, Cassie, David, Sage, Tracy, Kevin and Malcom were all given special treatment.  They each had their very own Hollywood walk of fame star stamped on the red carpet with their names on it. They felt like Hollywood royalty. Every female student received a mock celebrity give away gift bag which included a small picture frame with Robelson High colors on it, sunglasses, a prom glass and an autographed t-shirt signed by tonight's surprise performing artist.  The guys received an autographed CD. 

The make believe atmosphere, the lights and the props were truly magical.  Life size oscar trophy statues lined the hallways on the way to the ballroom.  Inside,  there were giant film reel props and large celebrity Hollywood standouts.   The floors and ceiling were covered with shiny metallic black and silver balloons.   The tables were decorated beautifully with black table cloths and champagne glasses.  In the center sat an ice bucket with a huge bottle of sparkling grape juice. Large movie spot lights shined down into the room and the dance floor was huge.   The prom committee had paid extra money to have photographers roaming around the room all night, snapping pictures and staging photos, recreating the essence and feel of real Hollywood paparazzi. 

Here Are Some Prom Scene Pictures

Sage arrived, alone and much to Claire and Stacy's dismay, took a seat at their table.

"Wow, I thought vampires and witches always wore black." Claire mouthed off, mocking Sage's beautiful bright red dress.

Here's A Picture Of Sage's Dress

"Do you have to sit here?" Stacy frowned.  Sage was not her favorite person.  In fact, she was one of her least favorite people.  Cassie had such a soft heart and always forgave her for all the evil things she did.

"I know your girlfriend dumped you Stacy but that's no reason to take your frustrations out on me."Sage countered.

"You got some nerve." Stacy returned, pointing at Thad and his date at a far table.  "Looks like Thad has traded up.  It's about time he came to his senses.  I was wondering how long it would take him to figure out what kind of witch you really are." she ridiculed.

"Stacy...., Claire, don't." Cassie said.  Stacy didn't know about Sage's pregnancy and she felt like Sage was being punished enough with her unplanned pregnancy and losing her boyfriend.  She didn't need Stacy rubbing it in any deeper.  She saw the genuine hurt on Sage's face as she watched Thad with his date.  Thad was being deliberately cruel.  He wouldn't even look at her.  "Don't worry Sage.  He'll come around.  Just give it time."

"Yeah right Cassie," Sage said, filling her champagne glass with sparkling grape juice, "It's been weeks now and he still can't stand the sight of me."  She held up her glass, forcing a cheerful face through her pain and hurt.  "To friends?" she asked, issuing a toast.

Everyone held up their glasses.  "To friends." They said, toasting their glasses.

"And cousins!" Emillio blurted out foolishly, making everyone laugh.

They all danced the night away.  They had a blast.  Claire and Cassie danced until their feet hurt.  She, Cassie, Sheila and Stacy had even resorted to taking to the floor together, leaving their dates to talk and mingle with friends.  To everyone's amusement, Sheila and Emillio spent the majority of their time at the table, kissing and groping each other. They couldn't keep their hands off of each other.

The DJ switched to a slow love song and Charles spotted Kevin from across the room, making his way towards Cassie on the dance floor.   He put his drink down on the table and made a b-line over to her as quickly as he could.  Kevin saw him and walked faster.  They both raced across the room, eyeballing each other the whole time, measuring the distance between themselves and Cassie.  Charles got to her first, just beating Kevin.  He pulled her into his arms and eyed Kevin with a cold, calculating grin.  Cassie couldn't see Kevin because her back was turned as he held her.   He planted a soft kiss on her naked shoulder and neck, goading Kevin as he stood there watching.  He knew it was childish and immature but he was sick of Kevin and wanted him to know Cassie would never be his.  He wanted him to back off.  Cassie was his girlfriend.  She belonged to him.  Kevin had come to prom with his own date but hadn't taken his eyes off Cassie all night.  He was fed up and he was tired of it.  He wasn't going to let him sit there and ogle Cassie with his eyes all night. He really wanted to punch him but he had promised Cassie he would ignore him and behave himself tonight.  Though, Kevin wasn't making it very easy.  He was full of himself, blatant and arrogant in his efforts to get Cassie's attention. 

Here's a Picture of Kevin

The song ended and Charles pulled Cassie from the floor a little to forcefully, eager to get her away from Kevin.

"Charles..." she called his name, pulling on his arm, slowing him down, concerned.  "What's wrong?" she questioned, following his gaze, his eyes landing on Kevin.  She wrapped her arms around his waist and nestled her head on his chest.  "Charles you promised.  Stop it.  Don't pay any attention to him."

She and Charles both locked eyes with Kevin.  She turned away, shifting her head as Kevin brazenly appreciated how beautiful she looked.  His eyes traveled from her head to her toe.  He winked, stroked his chin and licked his lips suggestively.

Charles pulled away from her and turned to go after him but she caught his arm.  "Charles no!  Don't.  I don't care about him.  I'm here with you. He's just a guy from class."

Charles stopped but he knew it was just a matter of time before him and Kevin exchanged more than words.  The guy was asking for it and he was disrespecting Cassie and disregarding him like he wasn't even there.  "You're being naive if you think he's just a classroom friend, a nice classmate.  Believe me, Kevin wants something from you and it's not friendship. Cassie, that guy is a jerk and if he doesn't stop staring at you I swear I'm going to hurt him.  I'm sick of his crap and I'm not going to let him disrespect you."

Cassie took his hand and led him clear across the room, putting some distance between him and Kevin.  She didn't want any fighting tonight.  She just wanted to dance the night away in his arms.

Claire dragged David onto the floor for the umpteenth time.  Her feet hurt but she didn't care.  Her goal was to create some precious memories tonight.  She didn't have much time left with him and she wanted to enjoy every minute. 

David held her close on the dance floor.  He had to admit, being the kind of guy that he was, he felt a little awkward and inadequate with her towering over him, looking down into his face.   "Hold on.  This is not working.  I got a better idea." he said, hunkering down, removing her shoes."

Claire laughed but held on to his shoulders as he removed her shoes.  Her feet felt much better and her dress was so long you could barely see her shoes anyway. 

"That's more like it." he stated,  handing her the heels, looking down at her with his full height. 

Claire laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck with her shoes dangling from her fingers.  She pressed her face against his and closed her eyes, listening to the music, taking in the wonderful evening. Everything was fine until she felt him stiffen in her arms.  She bent her head back and looked at him.  "You okay?"

"Yeah." David said, but he was far from okay.  The night had just turned sour. Nicole was there.  She had just walked in with one his basketball team mates.  He closed his eyes and opened them slowly, hoping he was imagining things and she would be gone when he reopened them but no such luck.  In fact, she sat at her table, facing him on the dance floor.  She looked right through him.   From the look of the tricky grin on her face, she was still the same old conniving Nicole. 

"You sure?" Claire asked again, holding on to his forearms.  "You feel a little tense."

David pulled her head back down on his shoulder.  He didn't want her to see Nicole and wonder why she was staring so hard.   "I'm fine princess."he fabricated, shooting Nicole a death glare over Claire's shoulder as she waived at him.  He couldn't wait for the song to end.  He was going to confront her.

Claire excused herself as the song ended.  She found Cassie and they both went to the ladies room. 

Stacy saw her chance to dance with Charles and pulled him onto the floor.  "Come on Charles.  Take pity on me and dance with me. 

David waited until Claire was out of view before grabbing Nicole by the arm and forcing her into a nearby corner.

Here's A Picture Of Nicole

"Ouch, you're hurting me." Nicole claimed, rubbing her arm.

"What the hell are you doing here?" he growled, his temper flaring. 

"I'm here with my date." Nicole replied sweetly, her fingers reaching out, fiddling with the buttons on his vest.  "Wow, I didn't think you could possibly get any sexier David but you've proved me wrong." she said seductively.

David grabbed her wrist.  "Don't touch me." he threatened. 

Nicole jerked her arm away. "You used to like when I touched you." she rounded vindictively, her eyes glaring.  "So who is your friend.  Who is she?" she asked, referring to Claire.  "I see you've downgraded." she mocked, degraded and bad mouthed Claire.

David forced her against the wall and jabbed his finger in her chest.  "Claire is none of your business.  Don't go near her.  Don't even look at her.  I'm warning you Nicole." he said, sieving with anger. 

Nicole pressed her body against his.  "Oh, so that's her name..., Claire." she laughed.    "Really David..., what are you going to do if I don't?" she said, throwing out some threats of her own.

"You don't want me to air out your dirty laundry in front of your date and all these people do you?" David said, the muscle in his jaw tightening up, flexing. 

"Your bluffing.  You wouldn't dare.  Besides, if you do, you'll have to air out your own laundry.  You don't want your friends to know little old David was involved in a date rape scandal do you?"

"You really want to push me?" David questioned.  "You want to try me?  You really want to push me and find out?" he forewarned, his fist clenched.  It didn't make a difference to him.  The only person who mattered already knew.  He had told Claire everything a few weeks ago.  He had nothing to lose.

"Wow, you must be serious about her.  So, did you tell her about me..., us?" she smirked.

"Don't kid yourself." David asserted.  "There's nothing to tell and there is no us.  You made sure of that.  It was a huge mistake."

"What do you say you and I get rid of our dates and get out of here?" Nicole asked blatantly.

"This is a big room." David said.  "I want you to stay as far away from me as you possibly can and if you don't..., I swear I'm going to start singing like a canary.  I don't think your date will be to thrilled."

Nicole plastered a huge smile onto her face, stepped extra close to him and pulled his head down unexpectedly for a hard, quick kiss, leaving him little time to react. She forced her lips against his.

David pushed her away but it was too late. 

Nicole smiled over his shoulder.  "Don't look now but your girlfriend is back."

David let out a huge sigh and was afraid to turn around and look.  He could only imagine what she must be thinking, how guilty the situation must look.  He forced himself to turn.  Claire was standing a few feet away, glaring at him, her eyes full of hurt.  She wasn't crying but he knew from the glossiness of her eyes she was close.   He held his breath as she turned and quickly headed for the exit.

"Claire!  Claire come on don't go!" He yelled, chasing after her, following her pass the elevator, through the stairwell door.  He caught up with her but she managed to snag away, running farther away.  "Claire stop!  Don't go...let me explain!" He screamed.  

Claire looked back, running and hurling insults at him.  She told him to go straight to hell.  He caught up with her at the bottom of the stairwell. She stood with her back to him, leaning against the wall, her forehead resting on her folded arms,  crying her heart out.

He touched her softly on her back and she turned with lighting speed.  She light into him, fighting and clawing at him with everything she had.  She pummeled his chest with her fist and clawed at his face with her nails.  "Don't touch me!  I hate you!" she screamed though her tears, attacking him.

David was caught completely off guard.  He had never seen Claire like this.  She was furious, in a rage.  He had never in his life had a girl come at him like that.  She came at him with everything she had.  He pulled back to avoid her nails but she caught him on the chin, tagging him good, drawing blood.  He fought to catch her wrist and subdue her, forcing her back against the wall, trying to calm her down.  He took hold of her wrists and pushed her arms back, holding her as forcefully as he could without hurting her, begging her to let him explain.

"Claire!, stop it." he said through his teeth.  "Listen to me.  It's not what you think. Listen to me..., please.  Come on don't go.  It's prom.  You can't just leave." 

"It's her isn't it..., Nicole?!" she said loudly, cussing at him, calling him one of the nastiest names in the book.   She knew it was Nicole.  She just knew it.  She had never seen that girl before and she definitely wasn't a student at Robelson high. 

David tried to reason with her. "Yes it's Nicole but let me explain.  You're overreacting."   He couldn't blame her.  He knew what a guilty picture him and Nicole must have painted standing there together.

"No wonder you slept with her.  She's gorgeous!" Claire  rang out angrily.

David went perfectly still.  Rage flared up in his eyes.  He shook her gently.   "I can't believe you just said that." he rounded, blazing mad.  "Don't say that me." he warned.  "Don't ever say that to me."he said, his voice rigid and cold.    He had shared that information with her in confidence and here she was throwing it back in his face.   "Now stop it!" he repeated, his voice deep and hard. 

"Why it's the truth?!" Claire spoke loudly.  She had caught him red handed and she wasn't going to let him get away with it.

"It's not what it looked like." He told her.

Claire wouldn't listen. "I know what I saw David.  Please don't lie to me." she grated, her tears clouding her vision.  "How could you?"

"I didn't.  Stop accusing me.  Let me tell you what happened." David argued.

"I guess she just accidentally fell into your arms and pushed her tongue down your throat right!?" She yelled in his face.  "Let go of me.  Get your hands off of me." Claire growled fiercely, struggling to pull her wrist away.

"Why?   So you can attack me again?!    Huh?" David asked her.

"No!" she yelled.   "So I can leave.  I want to go.  I don't want to be any where near you."she answered.

"No, I'm not letting you go until you promise me you'll calm down.  Let me explain.  After I've said what I have to say, if you still want to leave I'll take you home myself.  You came here with me and it's my responsibility to get you home."David said.

Claire breathed in deeply and worked at controlling her breathing.  "Fine.  I'm calm.  Now let go." she said

David let go of her wrist cautiously, watching her to make sure she wouldn't charge him again.  Claire tried to move away from him but he wouldn't let her. He caught her with one hand on her waist and held her in front of him.  "I didn't know she was going to be here.  I swear." he promised.  "She just showed up here with one of the guys from the team.  I'm sorry."

"David you're lying.  You were with her." Claire blamed.  "You kissed her."

"I wasn't with her and I wasn't kissing her.  I was confronting her.  I warned her away from you.  I asked her to leave.  I tried to get her to leave.  I didn't want her to spoil things for you.  That's it and that kiss was staged out of pure spite.  She's trying to upset you and turn you against me and I'm sorry Claire but it's working.  You're doing exactly what she wants.  You should know I'd never hurt you.  Either you trust me or you don't but I'm telling you the truth.  There is nothing going on between Nicole and me.  This is the first time I've seen her in months."David rendered, desperately wanting her to believe him. He took her hands in his. She tried to pull them away but he held strong.

Claire swallowed.  "You didn't tell me she was white or so pretty.  She's beautiful."   Nicole was a gorgeous leggy blond with hair cascading down her back.  She was beyond pretty.  She was beautiful and made her feel insignificant.  She thought about how beautiful Nicole was and felt like she was lacking, like she didn't measure up.  The fact that David had slept with her made her feel even worse. 

David swallowed before he spoke. "Claire, does it really matter what color, what race she is?  Come on, be honest.  That's not what your upset about.  You're upset because of what you think you saw." 
  

Claire knew he was right and she was being trivial because she was doubting herself.  She loved him so much.  The thought of losing him to Nicole or any other woman made her sick to her stomach.  It didn't matter what Nicole's race was.  Nicole could have been green, or any other color for that matter and she would have still felt the same way, jealous and insecure.  "I can't compete with her David." she muttered quietly.

"Stop talking like that.  Stop it." David demanded  "You don't have to and I'm not asking you to.  You don't have to compete with anyone.  I'm with you.  We're together.  You've got me so caught up and in love with you I don't know whether I'm coming or going."

Claire tried to leave and walk away. "I don't want to hear it." She hissed at him

David caught her arm and held her waist in his hands.  "No, let me finish."  She had no idea how far gone he really was.  She was a permanent fixation in him mind.  Here she was accusing him of being with another girl when she was all he could think about every waking minute of the day.   "I think about you morning, noon and night."  He sucked in a huge breath.  "I dream about you dammit." he swore, baring his emotions. "I love you and you're the most beautiful girl I've ever seen." he stated.  "I don't even think you realize how beautiful you really are.  You're gorgeous, smart and if I have to fight you to make you realize that and stay with me I will." he said, forcing her head up, forcing her to look at him.

She sucked in a breath at the sight of his shin.  She dug in her small hand bag for a tissue.  "You're bleeding." she sympathized, pressing the tissue against his chin.  "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you." she apologized.

David didn't want her fussing over him.  "It's just a scratch.  I'm fine." he said, taking her purse, pulling out another tissue, blotting her eyes and her face.     "There.  You're as good as new.  Can we please go back in and enjoy our prom and not worry about Nicole?  Just pretend she's not here.  This is our prom.  Let's not let her ruin it."

"I'm sorry I accused you." she apologized.  "I didn't know what else to think."

David touched her face.  "It's okay.  I know what it must have looked like." he pardoned.  "Can we please go?  Please come back inside with me.  I want you to have a good time."

"Yeah. You're right.  I came here to have fun and enjoy myself." she agreed, smiling, wrapping her hands around his arm to be escorted, walking up the stairs.

"By the way, you pack a mean punch.  Where did you learn to hit like that?" David teased, opening the ball room door for her.

"My dad...self defense classes."she shared.   "Do you really dream about me?" she asked, her face gleaming.

David smiled as they walked quickly to the ballroom.  "Just forget I said that." he laughed embarrassingly, opening the ballroom door for Claire.  

Scene 53

Charles apologized for abandoning Stacy on the dance floor but he had no choice.  As he stood occupied on the dance floor, Kevin had sauntered over to Cassie at the punch table.  He watched as Kevin forced the punch bowl ladle from her hand.  Cassie was shaking her head and trying to pour her own drink but Kevin wouldn't let her.  He took the ladle right out of her hand, refusing to let her serve herself and began pouring her a drink himself.   "Sorry Stacey.  I promise we'll dance later." he said over his shoulder as he left, quickly excusing himself. Every minute, every second Cassie spent alone with Kevin was too much for him.  He didn't trust him as far as he could throw him. He made it to the table just in time, standing between Kevin and Cassie, ripping the drink from Kevin's hand before he could pass it to her.  "No thank you.  She's fine." he snarled, getting close to Kevin, their chests touching.

Kevin sneered.  "Oh my bad man.  I was just serving the lady a drink.  You were occupied."he taunted, pursing his lips. 

Cassie knew where they were headed.  This could only end with them fighting.  She touched Charles on his shoulder.  "Charles come on.  I'm fine.   I don't want any punch.  We have grape juice at the table."

Charles didn't look at her as he dismissed her.  "Stay out of this Cassie."

"Kevin, stop it." Cassie said, turning to him when she couldn't get any sense out of Charles.  Kevin knew there was no chance of anything happening between them but he used Charles's jealousy to taunt and irritate him.  Ever since the incident in the lunch room him and Charles were constantly goading and sizing each other up.  It was escalating and she wanted it stopped. 

Kevin held his hands up in defense.  "Hey it's not me.  You need to check your boyfriend." he said, bumping Charles with his shoulder. 

"Fiancee" Charles corrected him quickly.

"You know I'm gettin real tired of you accusing me of pushin up on your girl." Kevin said.

Charles planted his palms against Kevin's chest and pushed him away, trying his best to walk away from a fight.  "You're date must be really confused because you've done nothing but stare at another woman all night.  I told you before...,leave Cassie alone and stay away from her."

"Come on player."  Kevin snickered.   "You can't blame a guy for lookin.  Besides, he said, lowering his voice to a sensual level, Cassie's a fine brown skin sister and you really need to fall back and let her get with a dark skinned brother."he snickered, verbally ridiculing and mocking Charles and Cassie's interracial relationship. 

Charles snapped.  "You bastard!" He went after Kevin with his fist.  He threw a punch but Kevin dodged and he missed.  The punch sloshed out of the punch bowl as they struggled against the table.

Cassie turned to run and find David but thankfully a prom chaperon, Mr. Thompson was close by and broke up the scuffle before it had a chance to get out of hand.  He grabbed Charles and Kevin by their blazer collars and pulled them apart.  "Break it up fellas.  I don't want to kick you two out but I will if I have to. You guys understand me?" he asked, waiting for their response.

"I'm done." Charles said.

"Everything's cool." Kevin replied.

"Good." Mr. Thompson said.  "Now go.  Walk it off fellas.  You should be enjoying yourselves, not fighting."

Cassie placed her hand on Charles chest and looked down into his face. "Charles are you okay?"

He never got a chance to answer her. 

Principal Evans came on stage and announced that it was time to crown the new king and queen.  "I need everyone on the prom court to come to the head of the stage please." he requested, reading off their names.

Charles adjusted his clothes and tie. They were disheveled from the scuffle. "Come on." he told Cassie, urging her forward.

The tension between everyone on the prom court was palpable.  There was no love lost between Cassie and Tracy and Charles and Kevin couldn't stand each other.  Principal Evans directed them all into a single.  The prom court names included, Charles, Cassie, Sage, Claire, Malcom, David and Tracy.  Two of them would soon be crowned the new reigning prom king and queen of Robelson High. 

Sage stood next to Tracy.

"Stand back ladies.  This crown is all mine." Tracy bragged, her attitude cocky. 

"Oh please." Sage said.  "Don't kid yourself.  No way in hell am I passing over my reign to you. Keep dreaming honey."  She was reigning prom queen and she certainly didn't want someone like Tracy taking her place.  Besides, it was very possible she could be the reigning prom queen two years in a row.

Charles stood next to David and held Cassie's hand.  She was so nervous she was shaking.  Somehow, Kevin managed to finagle his way on her left side.  Charles immediately swapped places with her, placing her next to David while he and Kevin stood shoulder to shoulder.

Claire leaned forward in the line up.  "Good luck guys." she said to Charles and Cassie, squeezing David's hand.

Charles and Cassie smiled.  If they didn't win, they at least wanted their good friends Claire and David to be crowned. Charles kissed her on the lips.  He really wanted her to win.  She deserved it after last year's disaster.

Kevin stared Charles down.  "May the best man win." he goaded.

"You're looking at him." Charles responded confidently.  He knew exactly what Kevin meant.  He wasn't talking about prom king.  He was referring to Cassie.

Principal Evans stood on stage in the spotlight and prepared to open the envelope with the winning names.  "Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready?!" he said over the microphone.

The entire Senior class yelled and streamed. They were anxious and wanted to know the winners.

Principal Evans spoke clearly and slowly.  "Robelson High's Class of 2010 prom king is......David Gibbs!"

The crowd screamed and David was in complete shock.  He never expected to win. 

Claire hugged him and kissed him.  "Baby!..., congratulations."she said, so happy and excited for him.

Charles shook David's hand.  "Congrats man." he said, breathing a sigh of relief.  He could rest easy.  He didn't have to worry about Kevin slow dancing with Cassie.

Principal Evans continued.  "Settle down people." He calmed the crowd before announcing the prom queen.  "And now for the prom queen.  Robelson High's Class of 2010 prom queen is.....Cassie Sutton!"  The entire room exploded with applause.  Everyone knew Cassie deserved to win.  She had been jilted last year.  They were happy for her and Cassie was so excited.  She wouldn't get to dance with Charles, her true king but she was excited all the same.  Tears came to her eyes.

Charles pulled her into his arms.  "Congratulations beautiful." he muttered against her face, smiling.  "I knew you'd win."

"Charles I can't believe it." Cassie smiled.

Sage looked a little worse for wear but she forced herself to walk over and congratulate Cassie.  "Nice going girl.  Enjoy your dance." she said, walking away.

Claire was ecstatic, thrilled.  "You deserve it Cassie.  I'm so happy for you."

Emillio and Sheila planned on excusing themselves from the prom early.  They gave their support and blessing to David and Cassie before excusing themselves.  "Don't worry about me getting home.  Sheila and I have a room upstairs." he said, leaving.

Charles called after him playfully.  He knew what Emillio was up to and he tried to give him a hard time.  "Hey where you going?  Prom isn't over yet." he smiled.

Emillio turned and pointed his finger above his head while walking backwards.  "Dude, I told you...upstairs.   Sheila and I got family stuff to talk about it." he laughed uncontrollably.  "Later peeps."

Charles shook his head.  Emillio was a riot.

Principal Evans crowned Cassie and David and placed their white prom king and queen sashes over their shoulders.  "Everyone, please clear the dance floor for the reigning prom king and queen!"  He spoke loudly on the microphone, projecting his voice over the rumbling, noisy crowd.  " And now, without further ado, as I'm sure you all have been anxiously awaiting..., please join me as I welcome the beautiful, international, multi-platinum recording artist Tamia to the stage!"

The crowd roared.  They had been waiting for this performance all night. 

David hugged Cassie, congratulated her and led her onto the dance floor as Tamia's beautiful voice echoed throughout the room.  "It's just you and me Cass."he said, taking her in his arms, dancing.

Cassie studied David.  He was happy but she knew where his thoughts were.  His mind wasn't on the dance.  He couldn't take his eyes off Claire and she couldn't blame.  She couldn't stop staring at Charles.  He stood next to Claire, smiling at her as she danced.  He looked so handsome.

"David, we don't have to dance if you don't want to.  It's okay.  You won't hurt my feelings.  I promise." Cassie said, giving him the opening he needed to bail.

David pressed his lips together.  He hadn't meant to ruin her dance but as prom king, he had envisioned dancing with Claire.  "I'm sorry Cass.  Don't take it personal okay?  It's not you.  I love you and you're my girl but I think we both know who we'd rather be dancing with.  Am I right?"

"Yes but we can't." Cassie stated, her eyes darting over the crowd.  "Prom king and queen have to dance together."

"Says who?" David asked, questioning tradition.  "I could care less about prom tradition.  We're prom king and queen.  There's no law saying we can't dance with our own dates.  Honestly, what's stopping us?" he coerced.

Cassie grinned from ear to ear when she caught on to David's plan. "You're right." she laughed.  "Let's do it." she agreed.   She and David separated, ran across the dance floor and dragged Charles and Claire into their arms.

Please stop and play the audio track below before reading any further. Listen to the track as you read the remaining story to help envision the scene.  Thanks.

Cassie melted into Charles's arms.  His arms felt so warm, so right encased around her, enveloping her.  His hands spanned her waist, and held her tightly as they danced.  She breathed a sigh of contentment with her head held back, her smile beaming up into his face.  She looked over at Claire and David dancing beside them.  Like she and Charles, they were in their own little world, dancing and holding each other.  David was a good friend but this was where she wanted to be.  Right here in Charles's arms.  He was the only man she wanted to dance with.  This was the highlight of the night, standing there, sharing the last dance of the night with him.  

"Tonight has been so perfect Charles." she said, staring into his eyes.

Charles kissed her softly, lightly.  "You're right.   It is perfect.  Perfect because I finally get to dance with my prom queen." he said, making her feel like the most beautiful woman in the room.

Cassie reminisced.  "I'm going to miss it Charles." she spoke sadly.

Charles looked down into her face. "What..., miss what baby?"he questioned lightly, gently swaying to the music.

"Everything," Cassie replied,  "School, our friends...everything." she said, feeling strange.  Throughout high school she had done nothing but complain and dream of the day when it would all be over.  Now that the  day had finally drawn near, she was reluctant and apprehensive as it came to a close. 

"I'm just happy we'll all still be together." Charles remarked.  "You and I, David and Claire.  That's all I care about..., moving on, being with you, starting a full life with you.  As long as we're together nothing else matters."  

Cassie kissed him on the lips and pressed her face against his as they danced the night away.  "It seems like we met just yesterday.  I can't believe it has been four years."

Charles smiled.  So much had happened in those four years.  Cassie had evolved from the shy girl from art class, the girl he had chased around..., into his very own beautiful, confident fiancee.  "Honestly, did you ever think you'd be mine?  Did you see yourself as my fiancee, my future wife..., Mrs. Antoni?"

"Yes." Cassie said with absolute conviction.  "I knew we'd be together Charles.  I knew it.  I fell in love with you and I knew I could never be with anyone else." she said lovingly.  There had never been a doubt in her mind.  They had seen their share of arguments and breakups but in the end, they always found their way back to each other.  Always.

"So did I." Charles agreed.  "I knew the moment I saw you I'd make you mine.  It took a while but you finally warmed up to me.  You're mine."he breathed, burying his face in the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet perfume. 

Cassie was reluctant to see the night end.   She wanted to savor every waking moment.   "I wish tonight didn't have to end."

"It's not over yet baby.  I promise.  I promised you a special night and I meant it." He whispered, embracing her.  The night was young and he had special plans for her .  A special surprise that he knew she would love.  He kissed the delicate spot right below her ear.  "Have I told you how beautiful you are?" he asked, still enthralled by her appearance..., the dress, her hair, everything.  "You look like a doll baby.  A beautiful barbie doll."

Cassie wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled his head down for her kiss.  "Yes..., several times but don't worry, I'm not counting." She kissed him.

Charles tightened his hold and kissed her, sealing her lips with his own.

David cuddled Claire in his arms as they danced.  His arms snaked around her and held on to her as she rested her head against his shoulder. 

Claire closed her eyes and listened to the music, concentrating on the loving lyrics.  Every word, every note seemed to describe tonight beautifully.  She was there with David and as promised, he had made the night beautiful.  She stood dancing, thinking... and wanted to forget all her problems, her worries.   She wanted to end the night right there in his arms.  

David glimpsed her peaceful face.  "Hey," he spoke slowly, "you're so quiet.  Are you falling asleep on me?" he said tenderly, grazing his finger down the smooth expanse of her naked shoulder. 

Clear opened her eyes slowly and smiled.  "I'm just thinking."

"About?" David probed, seeking her every thought. 

"That tonight is beautiful, extra special." she said, fidgeting with his shirt collar.  "I didn't win prom queen but I feel like I did." she whispered delicately.   "I feel like a queen."

David's eyes swept over her face and he tilted her head up for his kiss. "You look like a queen.  You're beautiful." he said, stroking her cheek with his thumb. "My very own princess."

Claire blinked and opened her eyes slowly.  Tonight felt like a dream come true and she intended to cherish every minute.  These were the moments she would miss and think about when she was gone.  Special moments like this, cuddling with David, dancing with him, and reveling in the feel of his arms around her.  "Thank you." She whispered in his ear.

David held her closer.  "For what?"he questioned gently.

Claire lifted her head and stared into his eyes.  "For everything..., for making tonight unforgettable."

David smiled widely.  "You're welcome sweetheart." he said, glancing around the ball room, at the students, his classmates, smiling at Charles and Cassie.  This was the last dance and prom was officially over.  Their lives as they knew it, as high school Seniors, was officially coming to an end.    He was ready to move on, ready to start college and strengthen his relationship with Claire but a part of him would surely miss high school.  He'd spent the last year or so of his life with these people, his classmates, his teachers and suddenly realized that people had a way of growing on you, ingraining themselves and their personalities on you when you least suspected.   He was overcome with feelings of sentimental nostalgia.  He kissed Claire's cheek.  "This is our last dance as high school seniors.  Enjoy it while it last princess."

Claire tightened her arms around his neck.  "Maybe so...but this feels like our first dance.   I love you David."

David held her and stroked her neck.  "I love you too princess."

Scene 54
Stacy ran into ballroom, searching for Cassie.   Her eyes were as wide as saucers and she looked like she'd seen a ghost.  She couldn't catch her breath.  She found her still standing on the dance floor, talking with Charles, David, Claire.

"Cassie come quick!  It's Sage!" she said, frightened out of her mind.

They all took off running, following her out into the hallway to the ladies restroom.  Charles and David stopped short of entering the ladies room.  Cassie and Claire followed Stacy inside.  They were horrified by what they saw.  Cassie covered her mouth to keep from crying out.  Sage sat on her knees, she lay doubled over in pain on the bathroom floor.  Her hair hung forward, covering her face.

Sage looked up at her.  "Cassie..., I'm bleeding...help me...my baby." she cried, screaming out in agony.

"What?!" Stacy exclaimed.  "Oh my God." she said, taken completely by with the news of Sage's pregnancy.

Cassie went down on her knees and held Sage's hair back so she could see her face.  "Sage!, what's wrong?" she asked helplessly.  She didn't know what to do.

"It's the baby.  I think I'm losing my baby." Sage wailed.

"Oh!...Sage!" Cassie whispered frantically, quickly getting to her feet.    "Claire stay with her." she said, rushing out the door to find Charles.  She ran to him and grabbed his forearms with a hard grip.  "Charles!, go find Thad.  It's Sage!"

Charles's eyes widened and turned wild.  He gripped Cassie by her shoulders.  She was terrified.  "What!?  What's wrong?!"

Cassie shook her head pulled on his arm, urging him to hurry and find Thad.  "The baby!  Charles hurry."

"Baby?!  What baby?!" David mouthed.  He was surely hearing things. 

"Okay...just calm down..." Charles soothed.  "We'll find him."  He and David ran down the hallway as fast as they could.  They had to find Thad. 


Scene 55
Thad burst into the restroom like a madman.  He eyes scanned the room and found Sage leaning against the wall with Cassie holding her, trying to console her.   He held his breath and felt like the wind had just been sucked out of him.   "Oh my God!" he muttered, trying to mask his fear. 

"Thad help her!" Cassie said.  She was distraught and frantic.

Thad went down beside Sage, talking to her.  "It's okay Sage.  I got you." He pushed her hair away from her face.  She was grimacing with pain.  She was hurting...bad.   He scooped her up in his arms and carried her.  "I got you honey.  Come on."he comforted, hefting her up higher into his arms.

Stacy held the door open as they all rushed outside. 

"We have to get her to a hospital.  Now!" Thad yelled, carrying her down the hallway.

"We need an ambulance." Cassie said, rushing, trying to dial on her cell phone.

"There's no time.  Let's just go!" Thad barked, hurrying.

"The limo.  Let's take the limo." Charles suggested quickly.


Scene 56
They sat in the hospital's waiting room, awaiting news on Sage and her baby.  Everyone's mood was quiet and somber.  The drive to the hospital had been a frenzied, nightmarish experience that none of them wanted to relive.  Sage had been in so much pain and they couldn't seem to get her to the hospital fast enough.  She had moaned and cried out with pain the whole time.  Thad had called and explained everything to her mom and she was on her way.

Cassie paced the floor.   She couldn't sit still.  She couldn't stop worrying.  Charles made her sit.  "Cassie, stop worrying.  Let the doctors do their job.  She'll be okay."

David, Claire and Stacy stood staring out the window.  "I was so mean to her tonight.  I feel horrible." Stacy said.

"She knows you didn't mean it Stacy." Claire said thoughtfully.

Thad sat a few chairs down, away from them, his head hung low.  He swallowed the lump in his throat.  He came down hard on himself.   "If something happens to her I'll never forgive myself.  I've been a first class jerk."  He looked up and his eyes were cold and full of hurt.  He got up and walked away.  He didn't want his friends to see him getting emotional.



An hour rolled by and the doctor finally spoke with them.  Sage would be fine but they were going to keep her over night.  She was going to be all right but she had lost the baby.  She had suffered a miscarriage.

Cassie burst into tears.  "No!"

Charles tried to console Cassie the best he could.  He wrapped his arm around her, holding her as she sagged against him, crying.  He let her cry and just held her. 

Stacy sat down in her chair with a hard thump.  She wrapped her arms around herself and stared off into space.   

Claire pulled away from David.   Her legs grew weak. "I need to sit down." she said, very close to tears.  David came around to her chair and rubbed her shoulders.

Thad stood with tears in his eyes.   "Oh God." he exclaimed, dropping his head.  He passed his hand over his face, spreading his tears and breathed in deeply.  "Can I...can we see her?" He stammered, trying to find his voice.

The doctor agreed but only allowed them a few minutes.


Scene 57
Sage was alert but in an awful state.  She wouldn't stop crying.  Her face was swollen and puffy from her tears.  Thad rested his cheek against her forehead and Cassie held her hand. 

"We called your mom.  She's coming." Cassie said, still crying, trying to hold back her own tears.    She knew Sage would feel better with her mom by her side.  Every girl needed her mom at a time like this.   Sage responded by squeezing her hand.

Thad told her how sorry he was.  "I'm sorry.  I'm sorry."  He kept repeating those same words.  He didn't know what else to say.  Sage had lost the baby.  Their baby..., his baby.  He felt like the lowliest man on earth.  He had been to afraid to accept and admit that he was going to be a father and had shirked his responsibilities.  He had run away.


Sage's mom rushed into the hospital room.  Everyone cleared the room to give her and Sage some much needed privacy. She hugged and kissed Sage, calling her by her birth name.  "Mariska..., why didn't you tell me baby?

Sage grabbed onto her mom and wouldn't let go.  "Mom I couldn't.  I didn't know how.  I was scared.  I wanted to tell you.  I did.  Please don't tell dad.  You can't.  Promise me you won't."  Her dad was the main reason she had hid her pregnancy in the first place.  She knew he thought the worst of her at times but she couldn't blame him.  She hadn't exactly given him any reason to doubt his belief that she was a self-absorbed, selfish teenage bad girl.   She hadn't wanted to add fuel to the fire and spring an unplanned pregnancy on him.  She would surely have lost the little respect he had left for her.

"Honey, let's not worry about your dad right now okay?   Let's just concentrate on getting through the night and getting you out of here. I'm here with you now and everything's going to be okay."

Sage nodded, silently agreeing.

Thad spoke to everyone outside the hospital  room.  They had all interrupted their prom and been sitting for hours. "Listen..., you guys should go, take off..., enjoy the rest of your prom.  It's getting late.  I'm going to stay here with Sage and her mom.

"Are you sure?" Cassie asked, concerned about Sage.  The night had started off so grand to end so badly.  "I can stay if she needs me to." she volunteered.

"No. She'll be fine.  Her mom and I will be here. There's nothing you can do." Thad answered.

"Okay." Cassie said, grabbing her purse.  "I'll see her tomorrow."


Scene 58
Charles and Cassie had the limo all to themselves. Everyone else had already been driven home.  Being at prom and then spending hours in the emergency room had worn them all out and they were weary and too tired for after prom partying. 

Cassie sat propped up against Charles, thinking about Sage and nibbling on the box of chocolates he had given her earlier.  She had left them sitting out in the limousine all night and they had gotten a little gooey. She wasn't hungry but she ate because she was worried, because she had something on her mind. 

Charles pulled her onto his lap.  He read her thoughts.  "Hey, stop it.  Stop worrying.  Sage is going to be fine.   She'll be home tomorrow."

"You're right.  I know but I can't help thinking about her." She admitted, feeding him a piece of chocolate.  She held her chocolate covered fingertips up.  "My candy is all melted." she whispered thoughtlessly..., silently worrying, speaking more to herself than Charles.  She began to lick her fingers but he caught her hand and slowly licked her fingertips.  She stared at his mouth as it touched her fingers.  She knew his actions were completely innocent but they came across as something so invitingly sensual and comforting.

Charles saw the flicker in her eyes and caught her staring at him.  He angled his head and kissed her.  Her mouth fell open under his and he pulled her closer, making her more comfortable on his lap.  Minutes later, he pulled away unwillingly and gave her one last quick peck on the lips.  He pressed the limo's privacy button, bringing the passenger/driver divider window down and spoke with the driver.   He directed him to take a short detour to the park where Cassie had proposed to him.  He helped her from the car and held her hand, silently leading her to the same spot where she had asked him to marry her.  He was really excited and pulled her along behind him, anxious to see the look on her face. 

Claire took  his hand and flattened it against her stomach. "I want to.  I'm ready.  I want to be with you." she revealed quietly, her eyes darting nervously.  

Claire cut him off. "He's not here. He's not here David. It's just you and me." she said softly, offering herself to him.

She saw and knew the moment his will power and all his resistance faded.  The minute he gave in.  His eyes turned hard and his jaw muscle tightened.

David took in her flat stomach, her long lean legs and he couldn't resist any longer. He had dreamed of this night and he couldn't wait any more.   "Oh God...you're just like I imagined...beautiful." he breathed roughly, stepping close to her, kissing her. He helped her step from the voluminous folds of her dress and knelt, holding her feet in his hands, removing her strappy heels.  He stood up and found her mouth again, kissing her.  He led her down the hallway, slowly kissing her, holding her face in his hands as he guided her to his bedroom.

Claire's eyes widened at the sheer size of David's bed.  It was huge with heavy thick posts and slightly intimidating.  It sat right in the center of the room. 

David stood with her in his bedroom.  He kissed the pulse at the base of her neck and kissed her shoulder.   He nibbled at her mouth, her jaw line, placing soft random kisses everywhere.  His hands reached for the front enclosure of her strapless bra.

Claire's nerves took over and she pulled away abruptly.

David sensed her unease. He caught her hand and tried to help her relax, make her comfortable.  "Hey, come here." he said, drawing her back to him, standing face to face with her.  "You don't have anything to be ashamed of baby.  You're perfect."he whispered.  "Claire we don't have to do anything.  We can just sit and I'll hold you."

Claire squeezed his hand and pressed her body against his.  She wanted him but she was just a little scared.  "I want to.  I'm just a little nervous."she confessed, lowering her eyes. She averted her eyes and undid the clasp to her bra, slowly pulling the cups aside, baring herself as he watched.  Her hands trembled.  David stared at her in awe, making her feel self conscious.  He didn't say anything.  He just stared.  She crossed her arms and started to cover herself but he stopped her.

"No don't.  Please don't" he begged.  "I can't get over how beautiful you are." He pushed the straps down her arms and watched it slide to the floor.  He wanted to feel her softness against his naked skin. He unbuttoned his shirt with her watching him closely. He shrugged out of it and eased her against him.  He groaned when their bodies collided.

Claire sighed and whimpered as their bodies touched.  The sound and feel of flesh against flesh was overpowering.  She stared at his chest.

David knew she wanted to touch him.  She couldn't stop staring at him.  "Here," he said, "curling his fingers with hers, bringing her palms up to rest against his chest, "you can touch me." He coaxed her.  He wanted her to feel him and know that it was okay.

She marveled at the feel of him.  His shoulders were broad and his abs felt hard and chiseled against her stomach.  She held her face up and he coaxed her into kissing him.   He nipped at her mouth, toying with her until finally taking over completely, forcing her mouth open with his, urging her close to the bed.  He fell back against it and brought her down on top of him, cushioning her between his legs. He ground her body against his.

Claire pulled her lips away.  "Wait...do you have protection?" she asked innocently.  It was an awkward question but one she had to ask.

David moaned and pulled her head back down for his kiss. "Of course I do." he muttered, "and don't worry..., I've been tested.  I promise I'll take care of you sweetheart."he assure her.   He gripped her thighs with his hands and she tensed up.  "What's wrong?" he whispered against her lips.

Claire couldn't speak.  "I...I need..." She couldn't go on.  She had to tell him something but she couldn't find the words.  She couldn't tell him.

David knew something was wrong.  He rolled her over onto her back and stared down at her.  He massaged her stomach with his hand. "Tell me what's wrong.  Whatever it is you can tell me."

Claire tried to raise up from the bed but David flattened his palm on the mattress, trapping her under his arm.  He lay poised over her. 

"Where are you going? What's wrong?  Claire talk to me.  Tell me." he said gently.

Claire averted her eyes.  "I've never..." Her voice trailed off.

David saw the doubt and shyness on her face.  She was a bundle of nerves and he grew suspicious. He thought he knew what she wanted to say but he had to be sure. "What are you saying?"he asked, massaging her shoulder.  His eyes narrowed uncertainly.  "Is this..., is this your first time?" he questioned softly, unbelievably.

Claire bit her lip and closed her eyes.

David smoothed her cheek with his hand and kissed her shoulder. "Sweetheart I need you to tell me.  I need to know." he said.  He knew he'd have to be gentle with her. "I don't want to hurt you baby.   Am I your first?" He coerced her gently.

Claire opened her eyes.  "Yes.  I'm sorry."

David gathered her in his arms.  "You don't have to be sorry baby." he smiled. He couldn't believe it was her first time.  He didn't understand how someone so beautiful and stunning could still be a virgin but he was thrilled..., ecstatic to be her first.  "I can't believe I'm the first person to see you like this" he said, kissing her temple.  "The first person to touch you."he smiled, relishing the idea.  He wanted her first time to be with him.

"Will you tell me what to do?" Claire asked shyly.

David stared at her.  She was doubting herself.  He put her mind at ease.  "I won't have to.  You're doing just fine all on your own.  We'll go slow okay.  I promise we'll go slow."he comforted her.

Claire pulled his head down and kissed him.  She was ready.  Ready to be with him.

Scene 60

Lizzie yawned and counted, dropping the last few remaining coins onto the money pile  in the center of the table.  "Fifty four...fifty five...fifty six cents." she concluded, jotting down the number on her pad. They had finally collected  all the donation boxes and money from neighbors and friends for Dana's fund and had stayed up late counting it all.  "That's  three thousand, two hundred thirty five dollars and fifty six cents." she said proudly.  "Wow, I never thought we'd raise that much mom."

"Neither did I." Jenn responded.  "People really came together."

"Yeah." Lizzie agreed.  "I just wish my friends had shown up and helped out like Cassie's.  Mom, right now, the only friend I have is Andrew." she complained, putting the money away in the lock box.

Jenn smiled.  "Don't worry honey.  They'll come around.  They will.  Even as friends, no one gets along the time.  Friends have arguments too." She told her.

"I hope you're right." Lizzie said, disappointed.

They were interrupted with loud banging noises coming from the attic upstairs.

"Is dad still working?" Lizzie asked, wincing at the pounding noise generating downstairs.  It was really loud.

Jenn closed and opened her eyes wearily.  "Apparently so."   She couldn't believe Eddie still had Tay in the attic at this hour, steadily banging and sawing.  What would the neighbors think?   He was really trying to teach Tay a lesson.  She looked up at the ceiling and shook her head.  She yawned and got up from the table.  She kissed Lizzie on the forehead.  "It's late.  We both need to get some sleep.  Goodnight honey.  I'm going to go talk some sense into your father before he works my son to death."

Please stop and play the audio track below before reading any further. Listen to the track as you read the remaining story to help envision the scene.  Thanks.

Scene 61