Dedicated to Brittany, for encouraging me every step of the way. =) You go girl!


**
first, when there's nothing but a slow glowing dream
that your fear seems to hide deep inside your mind
all alone i have cried silent tears full of pride
in a world made of steel, made of stone

well i hear the music, close my eyes, feel the rhythm
wrap around, take a hold of my heart

chorus:
what a feeling, bein's believin'
i can't have it all, now I'm dancin' for my life
take your passion, and make it happen
pictures come alive, you can dance right through your life
(excerpt from "What a Feeling" [aka "Flashdance" theme song] by Irene Cara)
**




A grouchy cabbie pulled up in front of a small office building. He turned to the couple of young lovebirds he was toting around. They were wrapped around each other, fast asleep. The pretty brunette had her head on the boy's chest, and her arms around his midsection. The boy was slouched in a very uncomfortable looking position. His grip around the girl's shoulders was secure. One of his hands was tangled in her hair.

A smile softened the driver's face. He opened the glove-box and extracted a cell phone. He stepped from the cab into the night. He made a quick call to his wife, and opened the door nearest the young man. The cabbie put on a guff facade, although his eyes twinkled kindly. He "ahemed" and coughed. The boy startled and woke, pulling the girl closer at the same time. His eyes flew open, showing stark fear. When he realized he held the girl in his arms, he visibly relaxed.

"I'm sorry to bother you," the cabbie mumbled, twisting his hands, "but I do have to get home for dinner..."

"Oh. Of course, I'll just..." Lucky tried to slip away from Liz. Even in her sleep she held him almost desperately. "Elizabeth, honey, you're either going to have to wake up or let go."

Liz nuzzled under Lucky's chin. He glanced embarrassedly up at the cabbie, who was trying to look uninterested.

"Elizabeth, we're not alone...this is a public place-"

She rammed her elbow into his gut, trying to sit up and compose herself. Lucky doubled over.

"What? You're ashamed to be seen with me?"

Liz giggled nervously. "No. Nothing like that."

The cabbie cleared his throat and Liz looked up. She flushed pink and turned to open her door.

"Hey," Lucky murmured. He locked his hand under her elbow and pulled her to a halt. "Do you just want me to go in?"

Liz shook her head. "No, but you can come with me."

**

A half hour later, the two teens were standing in front of an elegant hotel. The sign outside read "No Vacancy", but Lucky assured Liz that that was just to deflect tourists.

"But aren't *we* tourists?"

Lucky rolled his eyes and didn't reply. Liz shrugged and followed Lucky inside anyway.

A seventeen year old boy was sitting behind a tall counter, reading a hardcover book. He looked up.

"Can I help you?" the boy asked. He smiled widely, the edges of his eyes crinkling. His hair was so bleached it was almost white. His skin was a dark copper color. His eyes were pale blue.

"Yes..." Lucky's eyes fell to the boy's nametag, "Andrew, you can. We're looking for a place to stay," Lucky said, setting the two duffels at his feet. He leaned his elbows on the counter and propped his chin on his hands.

The boy motioned to the door the teens had just walked through. "Like our sign says, we have no vacancies. I'm sorry."

"You have absolutely *no* rooms?"

"That's correct."

"None? None at all?"

"Right."

"When will there be a vacancy?"

"Lucky." Liz's soft reprimand caught his attention. She turned to Andrew. "I don't suppose you can recommend someplace else?" Liz asked with a sweet smile.

Andrew's lips inadvertently formed a responding smile. He brushed at his hairline. When he spoke, his voice was soft and shy.

"My mother rents out a cottage on the beach, and I happen to know that it's empty as of yesterday. Go here," he scribbled on a piece of paper and handed it to Liz, "and tell them Andy sent you."

Liz nodded and gave the boy one last grin before following Lucky out the door. Lucky was all set to pout the entire way to wherever it was that Andy had sent them. They walked down the sidewalk, through a residential street, with a million stars shimmering overhead. Liz glanced over at the sullen Lucky. She silently wrapped her arm around his waist, almost tripping the both of them. Lucky studiously ignored her.

"Lucky..." Liz murmured near his ear. He turned his head away. "You're not going to stay mad at me, are you?" He didn't answer. "Come on, I didn't do anything!" Still he didn't say a word. Liz frowned and pulled away from him. Before she got very far away, he laced his fingers through hers and pulled her along with him, their shoulders just touching.

The tiny house that fitted the address given by Andy, was set back from the street. A short white picket fence surrounded it. Lights glowed from inside, the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies hovered in the air. Liz hung back, almost afraid to disturb the household. Lucky stepped up the sidewalk, and knocked firmly on the door. It opened to reveal a diminutive figure.

"Hello?"

---

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