Chapter 6

"-That afternoon, your sister came to see me at Kelly's. She told me it was her big night out so I said;

-If this is your big night, then what about tomorrow?

-You mean the dance?

-Yeah.

-Well, Nikolas isn't exactly talking to me, or anyone else for that matter, except Emily. And I guess he's probably not going to the dance, not that he would really let me know one way or the other. You know? And I bought the tickets the first night that they went on sale. Wishful thinking, I guess.

-You know, you get the word out that you're free, a certain somebody will ask you.

-What about you?

-Hmm?

-Would you like to take me to the dance?

-Would I take you to the dance? I think it's safe to say I'd definitely take you to the dance.

-Great. I was pretty sure you probably would already be going with someone else, I almost didn't ask.

-Well, I'm meeting a couple of friends there, but--. This, no, this is going to work out good. Yeah. "

Elizabeth was crushed. He dumped her to go with Sarah? But then again, why was she so surprised? Every body liked Sarah. Little miss Perfect! Lucky took another deep breath and continued;

"-I went to see you just before the dance to tell you:

-I just wanted to be sure we're on the same page about tonight. Because, you know, we said we'd catch up with each other at the dance. But since it's not a 'date' date, you know, I can--it's okay if I bring someone, right?

-You want to bring someone?

-Well, you know how bummed Sarah's been ever since Nikolas got hurt and blew her off.

-You're taking Sarah?

-Well, she kind of asked if I'd go along so she wouldn't have to walk in alone. I mean, I'm just glad she's going at all. I mean, she's sick of sitting around and crying over the guy. She's ready to have a life again, you know? I mean, that's got to be a good thing, right? You could still come along and hang out with us. I mean, if nothing better comes up. See, Sarah and some of the girls are having dinner at Deanie's, and they're going over there later. So I might be a little late to the dance because I got to go pick her up. Is that cool?

-Cool? It's beyond cool. I mean, I can't believe this. This is such amazing timing. Chad Rendell just called. You know Chad, right? He's part of the basketball team.

-Let me think--do I know Chad? He's the guy who scored 42 points last time, isn't he?

-That's him. We have a study hall class together and have become pretty friendly. Anyway, he called and was fishing around whether I was going to go to the dance or not, and I told him that I didn't exactly have a date, but I was meeting someone there. But now I can just call him back and make a definite plan. All right. Well, hey, it's a win-win situation. I mean, I don't know Chad, but he seems pretty cool. Okay. Well, I will meet both of you at the dance then. Okay. I better get going. Oh, say hi to your grandmother."

-Yeah. Sure.

-I'll see ya.

-Okay. Bye."

Lucky's eyes were full of tears, as he said the last part to Elizabeth;

"-You never showed up, so I was a little worried. Later, at Kelly's I saw Chad and he was with his friends. He told me his girlfriend's name was Cheryl, and that he would've taken her if he went. Sarah told me you were good at making up stories when you wanted something to be true, but I went to look for you anyway, and I found you in the park. Lucky's voice cracked up and he started to cry. You had been beaten, your dress was torn, and you had your broken shoe in your hand. You kept going on and on about your grandmother's bracelet you lost. I took you home and, since you didn't want to go to the hospital, my Aunt Bobbie came to my house to examine you. A couple of days later, you admitted to me you were raped. Elizabeth, and it was all my fault"

Elizabeth couldn't believe it. In a way, she knew, but she was still in shock. Raped? Liz was searching her memory, but nothing came up. She didn't remember anything. Lucky wiped his tears and continued;

"-The day after I found you, I saw your grandmother at the hospital, and she told me something I will never forget. She said you were so excited about coming to the dance with me, and that you agonized on what to wear, having the perfect jewelry to go with it, and she said she didn't have to worry about getting home safely because you were with me. I made a vow then and there. I said to my aunt Bobbie that if you thought I was such a great guy, that I would be one. And I kept my promise ever since. I helped you back up again, and I guess that is why you know you can trust me.

-When was this? She asked, softly

-Valentine's day last year."

Lucky got close and took her in his arms. She didn't look like she needed him to comfort her, but he needed her to comfort him.

Elizabeth got up and took Lucky's hand. It was time for her to go home, and she wanted Lucky to take her. Downstairs they saw Mark, and he came to Liz.

"-Elizabeth I am so sorry! He said

-No I'm sorry Mark, I guess, I wasn't over Lucky after all, she said, while Lucky put his arm around her shoulders

-Well, I'm glad you are OK. Answered Mark, before taking off"

Lucky put the key back on the board, said bye to Tammy and took Elizabeth home. While walking she took his hand, and he smiled at her. The sat on the porch for a while, not saying anything. When they saw lights coming from the drive way, Lucky got up, saying it was time for him to go home. He held her one last time and turned around.

"-Lucky?

-Yeah? He said turning again to face her

-How about a kiss goodnight?"

Lucky got back on the porch and gently brushed his lips with hers. So gently, she wondered if he actually touched her. She was about to back out, when she felt his arms around her waist and his lips pressuring hers. Elizabeth felt the ground move under her feet, and her heart started racing. She could feel the love he had for her, the passion he felt inside.

"-I think I better go, he said, after breaking away

-Goodnight, she said in a whisper, still shaken about her mixed feelings"

Lucky kissed her one last time, and Elizabeth felt lightening going through her spine. She watching fade away, and she got in. Upstairs, she fell on her bed and watched the ceiling, a silly grin on her face.

"-You happy? She said out loud, I'm really falling for you Lucky Spencer!"

She smiled at her comment and got in her Pj's, after closing the light. She got under the cover and, looking at the ceiling, she whispered;

"-Goodnight Lucky"

Unaware that, on the other side of her window, at the same time, Lucky was whispering;

"-Goodnight Elizabeth"