Part 1
"Hello?" she said into the receiver.
"Hey beautiful!" Billy said.
Mac smiled and said, "I wasn't expecting you to call!"
"Well I like surprises," he replied with a grin. "When can I see you?" he asked.
"Um I'm not sure, if I can get away tonight." Mac replied. "What if someone catches us?"
"We'll go to our place," he said. "Besides no one's here again anyway so we could stay at the main house again."
"Well if you think it's safe, then I'll be over there soon." Mac smiled.
"Great I'll see you in a little bit." he replied. Mac hung up the phone and walked across the room to her dresser. She ran a brush through her hair and applied some lip gloss. She grabbed her bag from the chair in the corner and quickly hurried down the stairs and out the front door.
She caught the bus and made the short drive over to Billy's in silence. The bus stopped in front of the Abbott estate and she walked up the long driveway. Mac rang the front doorbell and Billy answered it with a smile.
"Hi beautiful." he said hugging her.
"You know how that makes me feel." she smiled.
"I do and that's why I say it." he said. He took her hand and they walked out to the back patio.
"Mmm something smells good." she said.
"Thanks, I thought this time we might actually eat those burgers I promised you." he said.
"I can't wait." she replied happily. Billy walked over to the barbecue and flipped the two burgers that were on the grill.
"These should be about done," he said smiling at her. He slipped an arm around her waist and leaned in to kiss her. Mac placed a hand on his shoulder and then Billy took her other hand in his. They broke apart and grinned at each other. "Are you ready to eat?" he asked.
"Definitely." she replied. Billy walked over to the table and picked up two plates that each had a bun on it. He flipped a burger on each plate and handed Mac hers.
"There you go." he said.
"Thank you," she said. She followed Billy over to the pool and then sat down by the edge. "We lucked out again." she said looking up at the beautiful night sky.
"Yes we did," he replied. "But it's not half as beautiful as you are." Mac blushed and bit into her burger.
"Mmm this is delicious." she smiled.
Billy just smiled at her then took a bite of his own burger."You're right," he said. "This is good!" They finished their burgers then headed to the pool house.
"What do you want to do now?" she asked.
"This." he said pulling her into his arms. He kissed her softly at first and then more passionately.
"We can't do this all night!" she laughed.
"Wanna bet?" he asked before kissing her again.
She smiled up at him and said, "You make me so happy I don't know what I'd do without you!"
"You don't have to worry about that because I am here to stay." he said.
"I know but, but I still wonder if it would be better to..."
"Better to what?" he asked.
"Better if I went back to Raul. Face it Billy being with me is only hurting you. If we saw other people we wouldn't have to go through all this stress of sneaking around and lying to everyone!" Mac cried.
"No Mac, I all ready told you we're staying together. There is no way I am going to lose you now." he said. Mac looked at the ground trying to hide her tears. "Mac look at me, look at me!" When she didn't he lifted her chin with his hand to meet his gaze. "I want to be with you and only you. If it was up to me I'd shout to the whole world that....."
Mac looked ito his eyes for a moment then said, "That you what Billy?"
"That I love you Mackenzie." he said softly. Mac stared at him for a moment then more tears filled her eyes. Billy waited for what seemed like hours before Mac finally spoked.
"I love you too Billy," she said. "Not sure if this is really happening". Billy hugged her close and kissed her cheek.
"I wasn't sure if I should tell you, I didn't want to scare you away." he said once he stepped back.
"You could never scare me away," she smiled. "Now that I know you love me, I'll never doubt that we should be together!"
"I am glad." he said before kissing her.
"Let's go outside, it's much too beautiful a night to be inside." she said.
"Okay, but let me get you a jacket first." he said. Billy disappeared into the other room and returned with his blue sweater again. "This should keep you warm." he smiled. He helped her put it on and then they walked hand in hand outside. Mac walked over to the pool and looked up at the sky. She saw a shooting star and made a wish. She prayed to herself that it would come true and then opened her eyes to find Billy staring at her in couriousity.
"What were you doing?" he asked.
"Wishing on a star." she replied with a smile.
"What did you wish for?" he asked.
"I can't tell you," she laughed. "Or it won't come true!"
"How about a clue?" he asked with a grin.
"Nope I want this wish to come true." she replied crossing her arms in front of her. He smiled at how cute she was, not to mention stubborn, but that was one of her best qualities. Mac glaced at her watch and said, "I really should be going, someone might notice I am gone!"
"Yeah, and we don't need anymore trouble." Billy frowned thinking of his mother. Good thing she was gone for the for the fore seeable future. "Come on I'll drive you home."
"No it's okay," she replied. "I'll take the bus."
"No way," he said. "I want to spend all the time I can with you!" She smiled and took his hand. They walked into the house and out the front door to his car. He opened the passenger door for her and then ran around to his side and climbed in. He started the car and then draped an arm around her shoulders as he backed down the driveway. They drove to Mac's house in silence and when they pulled up in front he turned and smiled at her. Mac leaned forward and pressed her lips to his, wrapping an arm around his neck. Billy wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer deepening the kiss. Mac ran her fingers through his sandy blond hair and down his neck. They broke the kiss and Mac opened the door.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said. "I love you!"
"I love you too." he said before she shut the passenger door. She ran up the front steps and turned and waved before disappearing inside. Mac snuck up to her room and closed her door with a soft click. She slipped out of her clothes and into a pair of blue silk shorts and a tank top. She flipped off the light and crawled into bed. As she slipped off to sleep, Billy was the only thing on her mind.
Billy woke the next morning with the sun shining in his face. He tried to roll over and go back to sleep, but he was already fully awake. He flipped back the blankets and swung his feet to the floor and then grabbed a pair of kaki shorts and headed to the bathroom. He showered and then slipped into the shorts and then headed back to his room. He grabbed a white muscle shirt from his closet and slipped on his wrist watch. He ran his hands through his hair and then hurried downstairs and out to the pool. When he walked outside Brittany was waiting for him.
"Hey Billy!" she cooed wrapping her arms around him.
"Hi Brit." Billy said trying nicely to get away from her. He finally pried her loose and walked over and grabbed a bottled water from the cooler. "You're here early, why?" he asked.
"To spend time alone with you silly." she smiled. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his neck. She pulled his lips down to meet hers, and at that moment Mac walked through the back gate with Phyllis.
"Well hello you two," Phyllis said with a sly smile. "Ah Brittany can I talk to you over here for a moment?"
"Sure." Brittany said.
"Phyllis, I am going to start the computer up in the pool house." Mac said.
"Okay." Phyllis replied as she turned to address Brittany. Mac smiled slightly at Billy and then headed into the pool house. Billy watched Phyllis and Brittany for a moment and then causally walked ito the pool house with Mac.
"Didn't take him long to follow her, did it?" hissed Brittany.
"Don't worry," said Phyllis. "I've got a plan that will make them both wish they hadn't messed with you!"
"What do you have in mind?" asked Brittany.
"Well..." said Phyllis.
Billy walked into the pool house to find Mac with her back to him. He snuck up behind her and enveloped her into his arms.
"Hey beautiful," he whispered into her ear. Mac turned around to face him and smile slightly. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"It's nothing." she replied walking past him.
"Bull," he said grabbing her shoulder to turn her around. "I know when something's bothering you!"
"It's just that I hate having to stand by and watch you kiss Brittany," she said. "I just want to slap her every time she touches you!"
"You have a right to feel that way," he replied taking her hand. "But what else can we do?"
"Nothing." she replied softly.
"I know you still think we should run away but we can handle this," he said smiling at her. "I know we can! Just trust me!"
"I do trust you." she said.
"Come on they're going to notice we've been gone for so long." said Billy.
"You go first." said Mac. Billy dipped down quickly and pressed his lips to hers. They broke apart smiling and Billy walked towards the door slowly letting go of her hand. A few moments later Mac walked out by the pool and smiled slightly at Raul and Rianna as they walked through the gate laughing.
"Okay guys are we ready to start?" asked Phyllis. They all nodded as Phyllis picked up the hand held. Mac watched Brittany and Billy out of the corner of her eye. God it was driving her crazy. Brittany was in a tiny blue and green bikini and had herself draped all over Billy. She had to give him credit though, he was just lying there in the lounge chair reading a magazine. He paid little attention to her, yet enough so she wouldn't think something was up. She glanced at Raul and Rianna who were playing golf again and smiled. Those two were growing closer everyday, even if they didn't want to admit it.
"You're cheating!" laughed Raul.
"I am not, you just don't know the rules." she laughed lightly touching his arm. Mac returned her gaze to the computer screen and was startled when Phyllis walked up behind her.
"Will you be joining us for the slumber party?" asked Phyllis.
"Yeah." said Mac, not looking up from the computer.
'Perfect' thought Phyllis. "Well I'm glad," she replied. "Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some footage of Brittany and Billy getting cozy in the lounge chairs!" Mac finished typing up a transcript and then stood.
"Raul it's time for you to chat." Mac said.
"Okay, we'll put this on hold. Don't cheat." he said smiling at Rianna.
"I'll try not to!" Rianna laughed sitting her club down. Raul followed Mac into the pool house and watched as she opened the chat.
"How have you been?" he asked coming up behind her.
"Pretty good! You?" she asked.
"Good, busy, not good." he replied. "Look Mac I know it seems like I've been avoiding you, but I want you to know that I haven't been!"
"I know Raul, it's been a busy summer for everyone." smiled Mac. "That's not what I think, believe me!"
"I miss you Mac." he said as she stood up so he could sit in the chair.
"I know and I miss you too, but like I said...." she started.
"I know, you don't have to say it." he interrupted pushing a piece of hair behind her ear.
"Raul..." she started to say. Suddenly he leaned forward and kissed her softly.
"Hey guys, Phyllis wants to know...." said Billy as he suddenly walked through the door. "Oh sorry," he said stunned. "I didn't mean to interrupt!"
"You didn't interrupt anything." replied Mac quickly. "Raul you know what to do, they're waiting for you to start!" Mac walked past them both and hurried out the door.
"What was that about?" asked Billy.
"I kissed her and I think it was a mistake." said Raul with a frown.
"Well did she act into it?" asked Billy.
"I'm not sure, I just hope I didn't ruin everything I've worked for these past few weeks." said Raul as he sat down at the computer.
"Well Raul I was sort of getting the feel that things were happening between you and Rianna." said Billy.
"I'm not sure where that's going," replied Raul seriously. "I'm really starting to like her though!"
"Really?" asked Billy sitting down on the couch.
"Yeah, she's easy to talk to and she doesn't play games like Brit no offence." said Raul.
"No taken," said Billy. "So you like Mac and Rianna?"
"No I love Mac and there is something developing between me and Rianna." stated Raul.
"I still don't understand, but obviously you do," said Billy. "So whatever you decide will be the right decision."
"Thanks man." smiled Raul. "So how are things with Brit?"
"Fine I guess." replied Billy.
"You don't sound to sure or to happy." said Raul.
"Well like you said there's something going on with her, but I can't figure it out." said Billy.
"Just keep working with her, she'll open up eventually." said Raul.
"Yeah I hope you're right," said Billy. "I'd better get back out there! I'll see you later man!"
"Yeah, later." said Raul. Billy walked back out into the sun and stared at Mac across the pool. As he walked towards her he smiled at Rianna and Brittany who were sun bathing in the lounge chairs.
"Hey." he said crouching down beside her.
"Hi." Mac said softly.
"Hey, I talked to Raul and I know he kissed you." said Billy.
"You do?" she asked.
"Yeah I do." he said with a smile.
"It didn't mean anything, I promise." she said.
"I know," he said. "Don't worry!"
"Are you sure you're not mad?" asked Mac.
"No I'm not. I talked to him and he knows it was a mistake!" Mac smiled slightly and Billy grinned up at her. "Look Mac..." he said.
"Billy!" called Brittany. "Could you come rub some sunscreen on me please?" Billy stood and groaned softly.
"We'll finish this later." he said flashing her a smile. Mac watched him walk over to Brittany and pick up the bottle of sunscreen. Brittany flipped over onto her stomach and undid her top. Billy quickly smoothed sunscreen on her and then stood and walked over by the pool and sat at the edge. Raul walked out of the pool house and sat down next to Billy. "How'd the chat go?" asked Billy.
"Good, there's alot of talk about whether Rianna and I are going to hook up." laughed Raul.
"How you answer those questions?" asked Billy.
"I just said that I was fresh out of a relationship and that Rianna and I were just friends." replied Raul.
"Did you ever think that maybe she's telling them something different?" asked Billy.
"Ah no, but that's a good question." said Raul. "I guess I should talk to her about it."
"No, don't tell her anthing." warned Billy.
"Why?" asked Raul.
"Well because it might ruin things." replied Billy.
"How?" asked Raul.
"Just trust me," said Billy. "I'm going to go get something to drink, do you want something?"
"No I'm fine." said Raul. Billy stood and walked into the house. Raul turned around and looked at Rianna who was talking to Brittany. She glanced his way and smiled brightly at him. He smiled back and then turned back to face the pool and to look at Mac out of the corner of his eye.
That night Mac walked into the living room with a glass of water and headed for the stairs.
"Hold on a minute Mackenzie." said Jill as she came through the front door.
'Oh great' thought Mac. "What do you want Jill?" asked Mac.
"To talk to you." replied Jill as she walked into the living room. "I was just going to check to see if you've been following my instructions!"
"Yes Jill, of course I have." snapped Mac. "Do you think I'm stupid?"
"No Mackenzie, I'm starting to realize that you're quite a smart girl. And I'll continue to think that as long as you avoid my son at all cost." smirked Jill.
"I have been, but it's a little hard when we work together all day." replied Mac.
"I know that!" snapped Jill. "I'm talking about spending time alone with him!"
"I haven't even talked to him in the last few days." lied Mac.
"Good I'm glad to hear that," smiled Jill. "Like I said you had your moment with him and now it's over! I just wanted you to know that I'll be out of town for awhile, so don't get any ideas!" Mac just looked at her and then walked over to her dresser and stared at her reflection. She brushed the tears from her eyes and then ran a brush through her hair. 'I hate you Jill Abbott!' Mac thought. 'You're ruining my life and there's nothing I can do to stop you!" Tears filled her eyes again and Mac flopped on to her bed and cried into her pillow. A few minutes later the phone rang and Mac reached for the receiver.
"Hello." she answered with sobs still in her voice.
"Mac what's wrong, have you been crying?" asked Billy.
"Um, no Billy." she lied.
"Don't lie to me Mac," he said. "What happened over there? Wait let me guess, my mother!"
"Uh huh." she whispered.
"What did she say this time?" he asked.
"Just her usual threats." replied Mac. "I told her I hadn't talked to you in several days, but it was hard not to when we worked together!"
"Just ignore her Mac and act like nothings change." he said.
"I know and that's what I've been doing," she replied. "It's just hard, she always gets me, even though I know what she's going to say!"
"I'm so tired of this," cried Billy. "She's messing up our lives, why can't she let me live my life!"
"I'm sorry Billy, this is all my fault" whispered Mac.
"No, no it's not! It's her fault and I'm tired of it." he replied. "I don't want to keep my love for you a secret anymore!"
"But Billy," said Mac. "We can't tell anyone, you know what your mom would do!" cried Mac.
"I know, but she's gone out of town for awhile, so we would have time to get everyone else on our side." Billy said, trying to persuade her.
"Let's wait a few days and then maybe after the slumber party is over this weekend we can try it." said Mac.
"Okay, I'll think of something by then and this isn't a way for you to think of a way to put this off." smiled Billy.
"We're going to tell everyone!" Mac smiled and then said, "I should get off the phone, I don't want your mom to catch me!"
"Don't worry she's probably packing, but yeah I'll see you tomorrow." he said grinning. "Sweet dreams and remember I love you!"
"I love you too," she smiled. "Bye!" Mac hung up the phone and then looked down at the ring on her finger. 'I hope you know what you're doing Billy' she thought.
"I know it's so sad, we start school next week." frowned Rianna.
"Well let's just have some fun tonight." smiled Brittany, thinking of her plan.
"I wonder where the guys are?" asked Rianna. "Maybe they're in the pool house!"
"Let's go see and we can take our stuff into one of the rooms." said Brittany. They walked into the pool house and closed the door just as the guys walked through the gates with Mac.
"So you two ready for tonight?" asked Billy.
"You bet, this is going to be a blast!" smiled Raul. Mac just smiled and walked over to the computer. "What's up with her?" asked Raul.
"I'm not sure." lied Billy.
"Well I wonder if it's because of the other day." wondered Raul.
"I don't know man, I talked to her about it and she agreed that it was a mistake, but she wasn't holding it against you." said Billy.
"I hope you're right." replied Raul with a slight smile. Just then the girls walked out of the pool house laughing.
"Hey guys," smiled Rianna. "We've been looking all over for you!"
"Really?" asked Raul.
"Yeah I wanted to beat you one more time at golf!" she laughed. Billy walked over to a lounge chair and stretched out. He picked up a magazine and smiled over at Mac. She smiled back and then returned her gaze to the computer.
"So Brittany, are you ready for tonight?" asked Phyllis in a hushed tone.
"Yep, they're both going to pay." seethed Brittany.
"Well I'm here if you need any help." said Phyllis. "Now I believe you have our last chat to do!"
"Yeah, I'll see you later." said Brittany as she headed into the pool house.
"So Raul, what are you and Billy planning to do tonight?" asked Rianna.
"Oh a little of this, a little of that." he replied with a grin.
"And what would this and that be?" asked Rianna.
"You'll have to wait and see." laughed Raul.
"Oh you're no fun!" she laughed.
"Come on let's go for a swim, we'll finish the game later." he said.
"Okay." she smiled, following him to the pool.
Later that night Mac walked out of the pool house and over to the computer.
"Hey Mac." said Raul as he came through the gate carrying a sleeping bag.
"Hey Raul." she smiled. "Are you and Billy sleeping out under the stars tonight?" asked Mac.
"Yes we are." replied Billy as he walked out of the pool house.
"Hey man," said Raul. "Where's your sleeping bag?"
"Over there." pointed Billy.
"Okay." said Raul. Brittany walked out of the pool house with Rianna still wearing her tini tiny blue bikini and went over to Billy.
"Hey Billy!" she cooed wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Hey Brit." he replied.
She pulled him aside and whispered, "Phyllis is in the house, so we can sneak off to the pool house for awhile!"
"I don't know Brit." he said glancing at Mac.
"Don't you want to be alone with me?" asked Brit.
"Well sure, but....." he started to say.
"Then come on." she said pulling on his arm. He followed her to the pool house glancing back to meet Mac's hurt eyes. Brittany and Billy walked into the back room and sat down on the couch. "Do you want something to drink?" she asked.
"Ah sure, how about a water." he said.
"Actually I was thinking of something a little stonger." replied Brit.
"Ah no thanks, I think I'll stick with the water."
"Suit youself." she said. "I'll be right back!" Brittany walked back into the main room and whispered, "Why does he have to be such a spoiled sport all the time?" Thinking back now, she realized he really had turned into Mr. Dull as he had put it. "Oh well, I guess I'll go with plan B!" She poured some water into a glass and then reached into her purse. She pulled out a white capsule, broke it in half, and then poured it into the water. As she watched them dissolve she said, "Compliments of Phyllis!" She poured herself a glass of water and then headed back to Billy.
"Here you go." she said handing him his glass.
"Thanks." he said. He gulped it down and then set the glass aside. Brittany sipped on hers and then set it aside too. She crawled across the couch to him and started kissing his neck. She scooted into his lap and moved his arms around her waist. 'Something's wrong' he thought to himself beginning to feel the effect of the drug. His mind became fuzzy and he could no longer think clearly.
Phyllis walked through the gates wondering if this was the right thing to do. Billy seemed like a good kid and so did Mac, in fact Mac was a lovely young lady who was only following her heart. Just as she, herself had all those years ago with Danny. Brittany on the other hand was turning into a carbon copy of Jill Abbott and the world didn't need that. The only good that would come out of this was clips for the website, but anymore she didn't really give a d*mn about the project. Phyllis was torn about what to do. Brittany would have a cow if she didn't keep up her end of the bargain, but did she really want to hurt Billy and Mac? From what Phyllis had seen and heard they hadn't meant to fall in love! 'I know what I'll do' thought Phyllis. 'I'll let Brittany get a reaction out of Mac and then I'll explain things to Mac later! It's perfect, that way I'd even get clips for the website!'
Phyllis walked over to Mac and asked, "Mac could you go change the tapes in the pool house for me? I believe there are four cameras in there, one in each room!"
"Sure." said Mac as she finished typing and then headed into the pool house. She gathered the first three tapes, then walked to the doorway of the final room and stopped. Brittany was sitting on Billy's lap with her bikini top off and she was working at unzipping his pants while he kissed her neck. Billy moved Brittany's lips to his and kissed her passionately for quite awhile. Brittany let out sighs of happiness and ran her hands through Billy's hair and then down his bare chest. Mac leaned against the doorframe for a moment trying not to faint from despair. Tears streamed down her face as she watched the scene unfold. Finally she could take no more and turned right around and ran out of the pool house, tears in her eyes. Brittany heard Mac approach and knew what she was thinking and seeing. Just then Billy passed out from the effects of the drug, so Brittany climbed off.
"It's about time." she said. Brittany laid Billy down on the couch and worked quickly, she knew he'd only be out for about a half an hour before he woke up. She stripped him down to his birthday suit, not turned on in the least and then covered him with a blanket. She then tied on her top and snuck out to the main room to make sure Phyllis was keeping everyone else busy. She peeked through the blinds and saw Rianna and Raul out by the pool talking with one another, flirting was more like it! What her friend saw in Raul she didn't know. He was a loser, a nobody, but if Rianna wanted to loose JT and go for Raul that was her problem. Phyllis was talking on her cell phone and looked to be in a heated discussion with the other person on the other line. Finally Brittany spotted Mac by the computer crying her eyes out, yet trying to hide it. Satisfied she headed back to the room, grabbing the bottle of vodka out of her bag on the way. She walked back in the room and looked down at Billy.
"I bet you'll be sorry you messed with me, won't you Billy?" she laughed. "No one messes with me and gets away with it. Like I said, 'You play, you pay!' And poor Mackenzie, I wonder what's going through that head of hers right now?" Brittany opened the bottle in her hand and took a drink as she glared down at Billy. "I'm sorry Billy, we could have been great together, but you had to choose her, Mackenzie of all people!" she cried. "She had to have it all. Raul wasn't good enough for her and because of that I'm going to ruin her life!" She wandered around the room wishing she hadn't been so stupid. 'Why did I tell him I loved him?' she asked herself. 'He probably laughed at me and turned around and uttered those same words to Mac.' That thought made her furious and she threw a vase across the room, shattering it against the wall. She composed herself and sat down on the couch next to Billy just as he started to stir. Brittany quickly removed her top again and then slowly began putting it back on.
"What happen?" asked Billy as he sat up feeling dizzy.
"Don't you remember?" she asked. "We just finished showing each other how much we loved one another!" Billy glanced down and noticed he was naked. 'Oh my God' he screamed in his head. 'What have I done?' He looked up at Brittany as she straightened her top and then he scrambled to find his shorts. He slipped them on quickly and then stood.
"Are you telling me we slept together?" he asked.
"Of course I am Billy, I guess you had a little too much to drink." she said pointing to the bottle of vodka she'd planted next to the table. "It was great Billy, don't worry!" she cooed kissing him. "Come on we'd better get back out there before someone notices!" Brittany walked towards the door and then asked, "Aren't you coming?"
"Yeah in a minute." he replied sitting down on the couch. Brittany walked through the pool house and then outside, nodding to Phyllis that things had gone as planned.
"Mackenzie, there are only three tapes here." said Phyllis. "I need the other one!" Mac looked at her for a moment with sad eyes and then stood and walked into the pool house. She walked into the room and saw Billy sitting with his head in his hands. She walked to the camera and ejected the tape totally ignoring him. Billy looked up and saw Mac with her back to him. He stood and walked up behind her, intending to wrap his arms around her.
"Don't you touch me!" she cried.
"Mac what's wrong?" he asked.
"I saw you Billy, I saw you with Brittany!" she cried, turning to face him. "How could you Billy?"
"Mac I don't even remember it happening." he tried to explain. "She went to get me a glass of water and then after I drank it I blacked out! I don't remember anything!"
"I don't care Billy!" she cried. "I'm not even sure I believe you! Do you know what that did to me?" she asked.
"Mac you have to believe me, remember it's you I love, not her." he cried with tears filling his eyes.
"You made me so happy the last time you uttered those words, but now I'm not so sure they're for real." she said. Mac pushed past him and hurried into the front room. She wiped the tears from her eyes and composed herself completely, and then she hurried back outside.
"Mac did you see Billy in there?" asked Brittany.
"Ah yeah...he should be out in a minute." replied Mac as she handed the tape to Phyllis.
"Thanks, I'm going to go look at these and then upload some clips on the site." said Phyllis. "Is something wrong Mackenzie?"
"Ah I'd rather not talk about it now." replied Mac and then she walked past Phyllis to the computer.
"You guys behave yourself!" called Phyllis as she headed into the main house. Raul noticed the change in Mac's attitude and was about to go talk to her when Billy walked out.
"Hi Billy!" smiled Brittany. He smiled and then sat down on a lounge chair. "Rianna let's go get changed into our pajamas." suggested Brittany.
"Good idea." smiled Rianna. "We'll see you guys later!" Raul watched as they walked into the house and then went to talk to Mac.
"Hey Mac, are you okay?" he asked touching her shoulder.
"Yeah Raul, I'm fine." she said not looking up at him.
"Are you crying?" he asked crouching down next to her.
"No." she whispered.
"Mac what's got you so upset?" he asked as he raised her face with his hand.
"It's nothing." she replied. She stood up and stared over at Billy. "I can't do this!" she said tears running down her face.
"Can't do what?" he asked standing up next to her. Tears streamed down Mac's face as she turned and ran through the gates. Billy stared after her, but didn't move from where he sat.
Mac ran down the path and around the front of the house. She stopped there and let her tears fall freely. 'How could he do this to me' she wondered as she sat down on the front steps. 'He just told me he loved me, why would he turn around and sleep with Brittany!' She stuck her hand in her jean pocket and pulled out the opal ring, slipping it on her finger. She stared at it and wondered if this had ever meant anything to him. 'What if what he had said was true?' she asked herself. 'How could he not remember sleeping with Brittany?' Suddenly the front door opened and Mac looked up to see Phyllis standing there!
"Mackenzie I think we need to have a little chat." said Phyllis.
"I'm really not in the mood right now, okay Phyllis." replied Mac, wiping tears from her eyes.
"I have a feeling you'll be very interested in what I have to say," she said sitting down next to her. Mac didn't look up at her, so she said, "What you saw tonight wasn't real!"
"What are you talking about?" asked Mac, looking at her in confusion. "How do you know what I saw?"
"I know, because.....Because I helped set it up." replied Phyllis.
"What do you mean?" asked Mac.
"I really shouldn't say anymore," she said. "All I can tell you is don't let what you saw tonight cause pain, it was staged!"
Phyllis stood and turned to walk inside, but Mac stood and said, "I still don't understand Phyllis, can't you tell me anything else?"
"I'm sorry Mackenzie, the only other thing I can tell you is that your secret isn't so secret." Phyllis replied and then walked into the house, closing the door behind her. The comment made Mac's face go white and sent chills down her spine. 'What did she mean?' she wondered as she stood and wandered back to the pool. Raul and Billy were both surprised to see her, but she didn't pay any attention to either of them. She did however notice Brittany smile a sly smile at her as she talked with Rianna by the pool. Mac walked into the pool house and wasn't surprised when Billy followed. She turned to face him and she could tell his heart was broken.
When she didn't speak he said, "I don't have any idea what happened tonight Mac, I don't remember anything!"
She stared at him for a moment longer and then said, "I think I'm beginning to believe you! When I left Phyllis found me and told me some very interesting things that I don't understand!"
"What did she say?" asked Billy as he stepped towards her.
"She told me that what I saw tonight wasn't real, that what I saw was staged." replied Mac.
"How would she know?" he asked.
"She said because she helped set it all up." replied Mac looking down at the floor.
"She what?" he cried turning towards the door.
"Wait Billy, there's more." she said reaching out to grab his arm. "She also said something that sent chills down my spine." said Mac.
"What was it Mac?" he asked taking her hand.
"She said, 'Your secret isn't so secret'." she replied. "What does that mean Billy?"
"I'm not sure, but I'm sure as hell going to find out!" he said heading towards the door. Mac waited for him and heard him ask Phyllis and then he asked, "What did you mean by those things you said to Mac?"
"I told her I can't say anymore Billy," she replied. "Just believe me when I say nothing happened tonight!"
"I don't understand!" Billy said his voice rising. "Are you telling me that I didn't sleep with Brittany?" Phyllis only stared at him, but the look on her face said it all! "That's what your saying isn't it?" he asked. "But how?....."
"Like I told Mac, your secret isn't so secret." she replied and with that she walked back outside.
"Does Brittany know?" he asked.
"I don't know," Mac replied. "But I think the best thing to do is not let her know that we know she knows."
"You're right," he said. "I'll keep an eye on her and see if I can get anything out of her. Just remember your the one I love!" He pulled her close and kissed her gently. Mac wrapped an arm around his neck and brought her other hand up to caress his cheek. Billy wrapped an arm around her waist pulling her closer. He lifted his other hand and laced it through her hair, holding her lips close to his. He deepened the kiss and when they finally broke apart they just smiled at one another. "Come on let's head back out here." he said.
"You go first." she said. Billy took her hand and brought it to his lips then walked outside. A few moments later Mac followed and headed back to the computer.
"Are you ok?" Raul asked from behind her. She turned to face him and her heart sank when she saw the true concern on his face.
"Yeah Raul, I am fine." she replied. He walked around her chair and sat down in the one next to her.
"I don't think so Mac, you've been on edge all summer." he said leaning forward. "There's something wrong and I wish you'd share it with me! I hate thinking of you going through it alone!"
"I am not Raul, I promise." Mac replied.
"Then you told your grandmother or your father?" Raul asked.
"No I haven't," she said. "And you can't either!"
"Mac what is bothering you? First your all excited to be prom queen, then you don't want to be in the commerical, then you....you break up with me, then you drop the website and refuse to even be seen on camera, and now just a minute ago you were crying hysterically." he said.
"Raul I know you're concerned and I appreciate it alot, but I've got it under control!" snapped Mac.
"I'm sorry Mac, I don't mean to push you." he said frowning. "It's just that I still really care about you and it hurts me to see you in so much pain!"
"If I can't handle this on my own, I'll let you know!" she replied.
"Okay, have it your way." he said as he stood. He frowned at her and then walked over to Billy. "Man what's up with her?" he asked as he sat down next to Billy.
"What do you mean?" asked Billy.
"Oh something's bothering her and she won't share it with anyone." replied Raul.
"Are you sure she hasn't talked to anyone?" asked Billy.
"Well she said she'd talked with someone, but I don't know who it could be if it's not me or her family," said Raul. "Unless....."
"Unless what?" asked Billy nervously.
"Has she talked to you Billy?" asked Raul.
"Look man if I could tell you I would, but I promised her." said Billy, praying Raul wouldn't push!
"Well I guess you're right," said Raul. "At least I know she's talking to someone and going through whatever it is that's bothering her alone!" Billy smiled at him and then noticed Rianna walking out of the pool house with two cans of pop.
"Here Raul," she smiled handing him one of the cans. "I thought you might like something to drink!"
"Thanks Rianna." he grinned.
"Wanna finish our game?" she asked.
"Sure." he said standing. Billy gave him the club and grin as Rianna walked over to pick up hers. "What?" asked Raul as he followed her. Billy just laughed and then glanced over at Mac.
'What are we going to do?' he wondered. He loved her so much and now not only did they have to worry about his mother, they also had to worry about Brittany. 'I have to break up with Brittany some how' he thought to himself. 'And it has to be before school starts again!' He glanced over at Mac again and caught her eye. She smiled at him and then returned her gaze to the computer. 'I think I know just what to do' he smiled.
The next morning Billy rolled over in his sleeping bag and mumbled, "Mackenzie!" Raul's eyes snapped open at the sound of her name and stared at his friend's back.
'Did I hear Billy right?' he wondered. 'No, I must be hearing things!' Raul crawled out of his sleeping bag and walked over to the table where someone had left breakfast for them all. He picked up a pastry and poured himself a cup of coffee. He then walked over and took a seat at the table. 'I really wish I knew what was bothering Mackenzie' he thought. 'But at least you aren't going through it alone.' He stared over at Billy again and then noticed Mac walking out of the pool house still in her pajamas. He smiled at her as she poured a cup of coffee and grabbed a muffin. She walked over to him and sat across from him.
"Morning." she smiled.
"You seem to be feeling better." he said with a smile.
"Yeah, I think I just needed some sleep." she replied taking a sip of coffee.
"Just remember...." he started to say.
"I know Raul," she replied. "You don't have to say it!"
"Okay, okay." he said. "I get the picture!"
"Hey Raul, hey Mac." smiled Rianna as she also poured herself a cup of coffee. She walked over and sat down next to Raul.
"Morning." he smiled.
She smiled back and then said, "What were you two talking about?"
"Oh nothing important." replied Mac. "I'm going to go change and then pack up my stuff, okay!"
"Okay." smiled Raul. He then turned back to Rianna and laughed at something she'd said. Mac walked across the patio and glanced down at Billy. He stared up at her and smiled. She walked past him and into the pool house. When she'd changed into kaki shorts and a dark red tank top, she walked back out into the main room to find Billy waiting for her.
"How did I know you'd be here?" she laughed as he hugged her tightly.
"I just can't stay away." he replied with a grin.
"We have to be careful though because Brittany's still in the other room!" warned Mac.
"Yeah, we'll keep it down." he replied. "I just wanted to let you know I've thought of a plan!"
"What, what type of plan?" asked Mac.
"Well....." he started to say.
"Hey you two!" smiled Brittany with a fake smile.
"Hey Brittany." said Billy as she walked over and kissed his cheek.
"Ah there's breakfast and coffee outside if you want some." said Mac, hoping she'd leave.
"Ooo I could use some coffee." she said. "I'll see you later Billy!" She turned her back to them and her smile quickly faded as she walked out the door.
"That was close." said Billy.
"Yeah, you don't think she heard anything?" asked Mac.
"Nah, she would have acted differently." replied Billy.
"I hope you're right." frowned Mac. "So you were about to tell me about your plan!"
"What plan?" asked Phyllis as she walked down the stairs. She stared at Mac and Billy and when they didn't say anything she asked, "Is something going on?"
"Ah no, we were just heading out to get some breakfast." replied Billy.
"I think there's more going on here than you're letting on, but I won't push." she said and then headed outside. 'Besides we all know what's going on! Well most of us anyway.' she thought as she looked at Rianna and Raul.
"Come on we'd better get out there." said Mac.
"Yeah come on," he said. "We'll talk about this later!"