Chapter Twenty-One

Howie’s throat felt dry, and his hand trembled as he reached to turn the door knob. He felt the fear of seeing his girlfriend in this stste rise within him. Will she make it? He wondered. Of course she will! She’s strong.

He let his hand drop from the door knob. He couln’t go in. She could die, her condition couldn’t get any worse. Could it? Jessica needs me. He scolded himself. And I’m too big a chicken to be there for her. Shoveing open the door, Howie felt his stomach turn inside out at the sight of his girlfriend. Tubes, and so many different machines were hooked up to her.

She doesn’t deserve this! She’s been to good! I’m the one who should be laying there! The man should take the responsibility. He looked at Jessica. Her soft blue eyes stared up at him, showing just how much pain she felt. “I’m so sorry Jessi!” He broke down and sobbed. “I should have been there for you.”

“Howie,” Jessica took his hand. Her’s was trembleing. “You couldn’t have stopped this. It isn’t your fault.Don’t go beating yourself up about this. I’ll get better.” She winced in pain, hand gripping Howie’s a little too tightly.

Howie called Dr. James who came running. Forcing Howie out of the room he said, “Go sit with your friends in the waiting room. Renee and Hamidah are going home tonight. Go talk to them. Jessica may need surgery.”

Howie’s heart hammered in his chest as he walked to see his friends who were leaveing. Hamidah, noticing that his trademark grin was missing rushed over to him. “What happened?” The others quickly followed.

“Jessica is really bad.” He muttered. “She might be going into surgery.”

“Oh my gosh!” Renee exclaimed. “That’s awful. Why?”

“Because her appendix burst. And her other one is badly damaged. You all go home.” Dr. James appeared.

“I’m going to stay here. She needs me.” Howie stated firmly.

“Me too. Megan’s here, and D’s gonna need some company.” Nick announced.

“I’ll stay too.” Brian agreed. “After all, a group must stick together. Renee you go home. You need to rest.”

“I’ll take them all home. Then I’ll be back.” Kevin siad reaching for his car keys. “AJ, would you mind staying home with the girls tonight?”

“Need you ask?” AJ diplayed a playful grin.

“Then again, I don’t know if I’d trust you with my girlfriend.” Kevin laughed.

“Oh.” Allison snapped. “So you don’t trust me?”

“No I-”

“Gotcha. Come on. I need my sleep so I can be here bright and early tomorrow.” Allison smied.

“Me too.” Renee agreed.

“Well, I think I should be here too. After all, they are my friends.” Hamidah sighed.

“You’ve all had a rough day. Go home and relax.” Howie told them. “Did you hear about the other driver? Who was it?”

Renee cringed. “Well, we know him.”

“Who?”

“Rob.”

“You’re kidding! Oh my gosh!” Howie’s head was swimming in his confusion. “This is too much.”

“I know. I know.” Renee agreed.

*****

The guy’s had spread out in the waiting room, and were now all soundly sleeping. Dr. James entered the waitning room. “Excuse me, Howie?” He called.

Howie’s eyes shot open. He sat up and rubbed his eyes, focusing on the doctor. “Sorry, I fell asleep. What happened?”

“Don’t be sorry. Jessica’s out of surgery, but she isn’t doing as well as I planned. She’s still sleeping from the anastisia, but she looks worse, and is going to be in pain for the next few days. I’m sorry.” Dr. James looked sympathetic.

The others were awake now. “How long untill we can see her doctor?” Brian asked.

“It’ll be a while. You guy’s might as well go home for some rest.”

“No.” Howie demanded. “She needs me. I can’t.”

“D, come on man. She’d want you to rest.” Nick told him. “She wouldn’t want you to be a wreck over her.”

“She’s really sick Nick. For some reason, I just don’t think it would be right to leave her here alone. I’d feel bad.” Howie replied a little calmer.

“Okay.” Kevin rose to shake the doctors hand. “We’ll see you when we bring the girls.” He placed a supporting hand on Howie’s shoulder.

“Thanks guys.”

Once the guys left, Howie went to visit Megan. Suprsingly, she was sitting up, fully awake. “Hey Meg.” Howie gave her the best smile he could. “ How’re you doing?”

“I’m bored.” She announced. “And the smell of hospital is making me nervous.”

“I know what you mean.” He agreed.

“Why are you here? It’s three in the morning.”

“Jessica was in surgery, and she’s not doing too well.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“Why are you up?”

“My arm hurts, and I’m worried about the others.” She looked over at him expectantly.

“Well, you and Jessica are the only one’s still here. I’m pretty sure you’ll go home tomorrow. Jessica...”

“I’m sorry D. Did you hear about Rob?”

“Yeah. That’s scary isn’t it.”

“Yeah.”

Dr. James stuck his head in the room. “You okay Megan?” She nodded. “Howie, you can see Jessica now. I’m just going to check on Megan to see if she can go. I’ll be with you in a second. Go right in.”

Walking down the hallways, Howie tried to picture Jessica’s sweet smile. It seemed too easy. She always smiled when she saw him, except for this afternoon. He knew that today she would be sleeping, so when he entered, he sat and held her hand. He looked at her and hoped she would recover quickly just so she would smile again. And, so her pain would dissapear. Vowing to sneak a smile out of her, he sat holding her hand untill the sun broke through the window announcing a bright new day.

Why be afraid if I’m not alone/ Though life is never easy the rest is unknown/ Up to now for me it’s been hands against stone/ spent each and every moment/ searching for what to believe/coming out of the dark, I finally see the light now/ It’s shining on me/ Coming out of the dark, I know the love that saved me/ You’re sharing with me/ Starting again is part of the plan/ And I’ll be so much stronger holding your hand/ Step by step I’ll make it through, I know I can/ It may not make it easier but I have felt you/ near all the way/ Forever, forever, I stand on the rock of your love/ Forever I’ll stand on the rock/ Forever,forever I’ll stand on the rock of your love/ Love it what it takes, no matter what we face

                                                                                    "Coming Out Of The Dark," Gloria Estefan

Chapter Twenty-Two

Monday. The most boring day of the week. Sitting in her classroom before class started, Allison was startled when the music teacher entered her room. She hadn't gotten to know him well, but the students all loved his fun personality and entertaining class. “Can I help you?” She asked politely. “Mr Cooper, right?”

“Yes. You’re Miss Edwards right?” He retured the polite manners.

“Yes.”

“Well, the school’s staff was supposed to do a production of Cinderella, but no one wants to participate.” Mr Cooper looked stressed.

“I’d love to help out with the play.” Allison smiled. “It sounds like fun.”

“Okay, then, do you have a few friends who would enjoy helping out?” Mr Cooper asked.

“Probably. I could get at least one.”

“Do you have any male friends?”

Allison laughed. “Of course. They’re entertainers already. You know, The Backstreet Boys?”

“You’re kidding.” Mr. Cooper was shocked. “Would any want to help out?”

“I’m pretty sure all of them would. And I’ll force the others, my room mates, to help.”

“Then can you get them here this afternoon? So they can try out.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Thanks.” Mr Copper grinned.

“Anytime.”

******

AJ walked down the hallway trying to find room 244. Allison’s classroom. School ended about half an hour before he arrived. Personally, he looked forward to helping out in the school. Acting in a school play sounded like allot of fun. Hopefully, he would get a big part. Something bigger than the mouse. What was his name? Gus-Gus? AJ laughed. “What a stupid name.” He muttered.

Walking into Allison’s room, AJ wasn’t suprised to find that everyone else already seated listening to a plump man lecture about the play. “Sorry. I got lost.” He grinned at Hamidah, and plopped down into the chair next to her.

“I’ve gone over a part of the play with Allison already. So, I’m going to split you in half. I’ll take a few, then Allison will see if you are good enough for the part. You.” He pointed to AJ. “And you.” He pointed to Renee. “Stay here. The rest of you come with me.”

“Can I just watch the play?” Hamidah asked.

The man nodded. “By the way, if you have any questions, I’m Mr Cooper.”

They all exited. AJ looked over at Allison. “So, what part are we acting out?”

“When they kiss.” Allison grinned. “Renee? You wanna try first?”

“No, that’s quite allright. You can go.” Renee shook her head.

Laughing, Allison sat next to AJ handing him the script. Quickly, it became apparrant AJ would be playing Prince Charming. It seemed to fit him. Slowly, they kissed. The script called for one, so they acted it out. Hamidah standing in the doorway gasped.

Before AJ coud explain, she took off. AJ shrugged. “She’ll be back. Renee, it’s your turn to try out.” He laughed.

“Allison is Cinderella though.” Renee displayed her friendly smile. “But allright. I’ll try.”

“Atta girl.” AJ grinned.

This time, when the kiss came around, Hamidah burst in smacking AJ hard on the head. “OW!” He cried. “What the hell was that for?!”

“You’re cheating with two of them now?!” Hamidah yelled back.

“No! Hamidah, think about it. Why are we here? A play. A kiss between actors means nothing!” AJ fumed.

“Sure. Oh, and my best friends,” She turned to Allison and Renee. “Your sweet boyfriends are going to find out about this!” She stalked out leaving the group in a stunned silence.

Standing, Renee said, “We’ll explain when we get home. You would never dream of doing that AJ.”

“Really.” Allison agreed. “Plus, Kevin and I are getting pretty serious. So are you and Brian.”

“So,” AJ asked, “Who get’s what part?”

“Allison, you should play Cindy. I’ll be the fairy godmother.” Renee smiled.

“AJ, you definately won the part of Prince Charming.” Allion told him.

“Okay. Cool. It’s better than the mouse. I’m gonna go explain things to Hamidah...” AJ jumped up and chased Hamidah down the hallway, followed closely by the others.

*******

Howie earned the part of the person who followed the prince around while he looked for who fit the shoe. He totally forgot what the person’s job was called though... While sitting and thinking, he watched Hamidah come flying in, and wisper something to Brian and Kevin. They appeared angry and followed her out. They wern’t in the play anyway, Nick would play the king, and Megan the queen. A few kids from Allison’s class would play the mice. Kevin and Brian would be stagehands. A second later, AJ, Renee, and Allison came running into the room. “Have you seen Hamidah?” AJ asked breathlessly.

“Yeah, she just came in here a few seconds ago. I think she B and Kev. went home.” Howie shrugged to show he really didn’t know. “What’s going on?”

“Well, we tried out for the play, in the part we had to act out, Allison and I had to kiss AJ. Hamidah camein saw us both kiss him and blew up.” Renee looked tense.

“Oh. Well she told Kevin and Brian something that made them a little angry.” Howie explained.

“Shoot.” Allison mumbled.

******

“Are you sure they kissed?” Kevin growled.

“Positive. When I saw Allie kiss him, I figured that they were rehersing for the play because she’s Cinderella, or supposed to be. Then when Renee kissed him, well, I didn’t think that they were rehersing anymore.” Hamidah’s eyes were red from her crying. “Why would he do this to me?”

“I don’t know.” Brian said. “I thought Renee cared for me.”

“I know the feeling.” Kevin sighed.

Thowing the door open, Allison, Renee and AJ burst in. “Let me explain!” He cried. Howie and Nick and Megan followed him quietly.

“Why do you need to? It’s apparent you don’t care about me.” Hamidah snapped.

“Hamidah, we were assigned to try out that section! So Renee and Allison tried out. I’m prince Charming, or whatever his name is. Allison is Cinderella. In the play, in front of all those little kids, we need to kiss.” AJ groand falling back on the couch. “If it’ll help, someone else can play the prince.”

“I’m not buying it AJ. Why’d you kiss Renee?” Hamidah snapped.

“Renee! I thought I could trust you!” Brian yelled.

“It’s a play! I wanted to be in the play! I tried out! That is the scene we tried out in! Mr. Cooper assigned it to us!” Renee yelled back.

“Plus Hami, a kiss between actors means nothing. There’s no emotion in it. I could kiss Howie right now and it wouldn’t mean anything ‘cuz were just acting.” AJ added calmly.

“Please don’t.” Howie laughed.

“Sure. Okay fine.” Hamidah entered her room. Returning a minute later, she had a

box with her stuff filled and a bag of clothes. “My two best friend betray me along with my boyfriend. I see when I’m not wanted. Have a nice life. All of you.” With that, she left her group of friend shocked and unable to understand what just happened.

Sometimes it’s hard to make things clear/ Or know when to face the truth/ And I know that the moment is here/ I’ll open my heart and show you inside/ My love has no pride/ I feel with you I’ve got nothing to hide/ So open your eyes and see who I am/ And not who you want for me to be/ I am only myself, myself/ I don’t wanna loose you now/ We’re gonna get through somehow/ Don’t wanna loose you now or ever/ ‘Cuz baby I’ve finally found the courage to stand my ground/ but if you want me/ I’ll be around forever/ We all make mistakes We all loose our way/ But we stood the test of time and I hope/ That’s the way it will stay/ It’s all up to you to tell me to go/ ‘Cause it wont be me to walk away/ When you’re all that I know/ And I know that/ I don’t wanna loose you now/ Were gona get through somehow/ Dont wanna loose you now or ever/ ‘Cause baby I’ve finally found/ The courage to stand my ground/ But if you want me I’ll be around forever/
                                                                  "Don’t Wanna Loose You Now," Gloria Estefan

Chapter Twenty-Three

“Did she...?” Megan asked gaping toward the door.

“She did.” Nick awnsered.

“She’s overreacting.” Megan stated.

“Way.” Nick agreed.

“Will you two shut up?” AJ snapped. “I can’t believe it! I would never do that to her! Or my friends. Brian, Kev, don’t be mad at them, it was nothing. I swear!”

“From Hamidah’s reaction, I beg to differ.” Brian growled.

“Oh my gosh Brian! Do you think we’re that low?” Renee cried. “So low that he’d cheat with both of us? With us in the same room?!”

“We’re not stupid.” Allison added in a small voice. “I have the man I love.”

“Now isn’t the time to kiss up.” Kevin snapped, stalking from the room.

“So,” Megan began, “who got what part?”

“I’m the King.” Nick announced.

“Prince Charming.” AJ sighed. “But I feel nothing like he does. He gets all the chicks.”

“I’m the fariy godmother.” Renee groaned.

“No I am.” Megan disagreed.

“You are?” Allison asked.

“Uh-huh.”

“Okay, Renee could you direct?” Allison asked.

“I’d love to! Boy, I get to boss all of you around.” Renee grinned wickedly.

“Great.” AJ groaned.

“What?”

“I dunno. It’s just, Hamidah meant so much to me. So much. I can’t believe she can’t trust me yet.”

“I’m sorry.” Allison slipped her arm around jis shoulder in a supportave hug. Brian glared at her.

“My point exactly.” He established flatly.

“She’s being kind.” Renee snapped.

“Will you all just relax?!” Howie yelled. “You don’t realize how lucky you are! Brian, Renee is standing right in front of you. You still love her no matter what. She didn’t do it. I heard their side of the story. If you and Kevin would just listen, you’d understand that they love you two more than anything in the world! A play is just a play, that’s all it is. It’s a game. You two have the one’s who mean the most to you right in your reach! Jessica is in the hospital getting worse!” A tear slipped down his cheek.

“And what makes you Mr know-it-all on this subject?” Kevin’s eyes darkened with anger.

“Yeah!” Brian agreed. “You and Jessica haven’t gotten past your ‘new’ stage yet! You guys don’t understand what a real relationship is--”

“Guys! Stop!” Nick shouted over the raised voices. “Howie’s right. Brian, you’re my best friend. I can tell you still care for her. Why else would you let this little kiss hurt you so much? And Kevin, you too. I can tell by the way you just look at her.” Nick paused and lowered his voice. “All you’re doing is fighting. I mean, Allison, Renee, you too. We have a sick friend, getting worse and we should be there with her. Plus, we just lost a member of our crew. Don’t just stand there and fight. Do something. Be with Jessica. Help her out. Go after Hamidah.”

Allison looked at the floor. “Hamidah didn’t take all of her stuff. She’ll be back.”

“That doesn’t matter.” Nick replied. He could tell he got to them.

The comotion silenced so quickly, and the group stared down at the floor. Each thought of what they did wrong in the situation. “I’m sorry D. It’s just... I didn’t mean to take my anger out on you.” Kevin finished. “We should have been more patient.”

“Me too, Howie.” Brian agreed. “I’m sorry. I know how much Jessica means to you.”

Howie stared at his hands. Nodding he decided he should tell them exactly how badly Jessica was doing. He recived a call that afternoon about her condition, she was slipping, fast. “The doctors don’t think she’s going to live much longer.” He wispered. He didn’t trust his voice to say it any louder.

“She’s what?” Megan gasped. “No. She will. You know it.”

Nick turned to her. “How can you be so optimistic?”

“How can you be so pesamistic?” She retorted.

AJ stood up. “I’ll meet you at the hospital.”

“Where are you going?” Howie asked.

“After Hamidah. Thanks Nick.”

Walking down the hallways, AJ wondered what he would say to her. He knew to tell her how much she meant to him, it would help a little. Plus, she didn’t know where she was going. Another plus for him. Turning down the hallway toward the parking lot, he recignized a tiny form leaning against the wall. Her bags scattered on the floor. She stared into space, obviously confused. “Hamidah?” AJ called. "Can we talk?”

Turning to him, emotion flooded her face. “I couldn’t go. You were right. I overreacted. I love you so much!” She took his hand.

“I never said you did.” AJ wrapped her in his arms. I hinted it though. He smiled. Kissing her forehead, he pulled her even closer so her cover her with his sweet kisses. She allowed him to.

“I can’t believe I almost left! Where would I be able to go? Georgia to become a hick?” She laughed.

AJ leaned back to look her square in the face. “I don’t know. You’re strong enough to make it though.”

Hamidah buried her face in his soft shirt. “You don’t know how stupid I feel right now.”

“It doesn’t matter. I love you.”

Breatheing deeply, Hamidah smelled the cologne she bought for him at Christmas. The though of him wearing something she bought him touched her. Content, she leaned forward and allowed herself to fall in love with him deeper than before.

*****

Renee sat next to Jessica holding her slim hand tightly. Jessica looked so weak, and her colorful face so filled with life was pale with the pain. Even her smiles were weak. Dispite these few sickening factors, she was alive. “You look great.” Renee told her.

“No I don’t. I ‘m sick, pale and in pain. You can tell.” Jessica’s normally bubbly personality was crisp and tense.

Howie cringed. “Jessica, you’re beautiful you know that.”

She smiled. “I love you. And I’m sosorry for all of this.”

“It’s not your fault! You weren’t driving the car! I was!” Renee scolded. I couldn’t do anything about it either.

Howie left the room leaving Jessica and Renee alone. Megan and Allison went to get drinks, while Brian, Nick and Kevin wandered around. Jessica’s eye’s slowly shut, and she quickly fell into a restless sleep. Renee realesed her grip on her hand and leaned back in her chair. Burying her face in her arms Renee tried to drown out the sounds of the hospital. This place is way too depressing. It smells bad, it has so many sick people, and all the noise! The beeping of the heart moniter was driving her crazy!

Sitting up, Renee noticed Brian sitting stiffly beside her. Patting his arm, she looked back over at Jessica. Felling his hand grip her own, she turned back to Brian who, now, sat staring at her. He looked at the floor. Suddenly, Renee had to apologize and explain that afternoon. “Brian, I’m sorry--”

“Don’t be. It’s mostly my fault. I jumped to conclusions. I really do love you more than anything. Nick was right.” Brian looked directly into her eyes.

“I love you more.” She teased.

“No you don’t.” He said. “That’s impossible.”

“Not for me.”

Closeing her eyes, she leaned back and sighed. Feeling his warm lips on her own, she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his unexpected gift.

*****

Howie sat out at the cafeteria with Megan and Allison. “Jessica will be just fine.” Megan promised.

“I don’t know. She isn’t recovering very fast.” Howie sighed.

“You’re too negetive about this whole subject.” Megan giggled.

“You’re too positive.” Howie grinned.

Allison laughed as she stirred her coffee. knowing it would be a long night, she called in sick so she could take the next day off. Everyone would be spending all their time at the hospital. As boring as it sounded, they all knew Jessica needed them. Howie looked over Allison’s shoulder and practicly dragged Megan back to the room. “Allison, you finish your coffee, we’ll just be in the room. Don’t rush your self.” With that, he dragged Megan away.

Looking down into her coffee, she suddely became aware fo someone’s presance behind her. Spinning around, she found herself staring into Kevin’s deep green eyes. “Oh!” She gasped, falling back into her chair.

“Sorry.” His voice came out softly and he looked at her. “About everything. I really didn’t believe that. I know you’d never do that to me. It’s just, I’m a little tense. We all are.”

Being able to tell his true emotion by looking in his eyes, Allison saw genuine trust and just how much he cared for her in them. Placing her hand on his cheek she wispered, “I’m sorry too.” just before hpulled her into her arms kissing her.

*****

Howie sent everyone home. Jessica realized when she awoke. Looking up, she saw Howie’s innocent brown eyes watching her. Putting on her best face for him, she reached out for his hand. Taking it she wispered. “I love you Howie.” and started to cry. “I can’t and I won’t leave you here alone.”

Howie instantly gripped the meaning of her words. “No you won’t not untill your needed up there. This isn’t the time. They have plenty other angeles.”

Feeling more confident, she wispered, “I’ll be home soon.”

“I’ll count the seconds untill you’re there.”

This world don’t turn when you’re not in my arms/ The sun don’t shine whenever I’m without you/ And there’s an empty space inside my heart/ When you’re gone/ And whenever you’re gone/ It’s too long/ And the waiting is driving me crazy/ Baby I’m not alive ‘till you’re here by my side/ I count the minutes/ I count the hours/ I count the seconds/ Till you’re here by my side again/ And every minute goes on for hours/ untill you’re with me/ ‘till I look in your eyes again/ And time is standing still ‘till you’re here with me/ I need your love to set me free/ Set me free/ Each night is a lifetime when I’m not with you/ And everyday just seems to take forever/ I’m missing when I should be kissing you/ I can’t wait/ ‘cause I live for the love that we make/ I can’t breathe ‘till I feel you beside me/ And I’m lost in the dark/ ‘till you’re here in my arms/ I can’t wait a minute more/ Just to touch you/ ‘cause I love you baby/ Don’t make me stay away from you too long/ ‘cause the waiting is driving me crazy/ Baby, I’m not alive ‘till you’re here by my side/
                                                                                          "I Count The Minutes," Ricky Martin

Chapter Twenty-Four

Opening his eyes to the blinding waiting room, Brian groaned. What is wrong with Jessica? What’s taking her so long? He wondered. Sitting up fully, he felt Renee’s head resting on his shoulder. Glancing over at his cousin, he announced. “I’m going to get my own apartment.”

“I already did.”Kevin said. “Ya know, it’s a little bigger than an apartment....”

Brian laughed. “Well, I was thinking about inviting Renee to live with me.”

Kevin stared at him. “Why?” He pushed Allison over so she leaned against the wall. He leaned forward. “Are you going to propose?”

“No!” Brian cried. “Not yet!”

“Then why?”

“Because I love her, and I think it’s the next step.” Brian shrugged. “I just don’t know how to ask her.”

Kevin nodded. “I know what you mean.”

“Whadya mean by that?” Brian asked.

“Oh nothing.” Kevin grinned. “It’s just been about three years that we’ve dated them, so, well, you’re getting more serious.”

Brian arched an eyebrow. “Like your rendeveous (I can’t spell that word) at the bed and breakfast?”

Kevin flushed a deep red. “Not exactly.”

“Okay.”

Renee stirred when the doctor entered to address them. “Well, I have good news, and bad news.” Dr. James announced.

“Bad news first.” AJ asked. He and Hamidah arrived to find all the other couples cuddling in the waiting room.

“Well, Jessi’s going to be bedridden for the next few weeks.”

“Good news?” Renee asked groggily.

“She’s going home tonight.”

“She is?!” Renee jumped up excitedly. “Great!”

Brian smiled. This is great! Now Renee will be happy! She’ll defenitly say yes to my plea!

“Nee? Can we talk?” Brian grinned.

Following him down the hallway, she wondered what he could possibly want to talk about. They had quietly chatted for the past few hours. “What’s up B?”

“Well...”Seeing the look in her eyes, her excitement to see Jessica out of the hospital, he decided now wasn’t the time. “I was just going to tell you to spend as much time as you need with Jessica. We can cancel and dates you need to.”

“That’s not what you wanted to tell me Brian, what is it?” Her smile lit up her face.

“Oh nothing. It’s not important now.” He smiled, but in his eyes, she could see he wanted to know something.

“I’ll ask in a little bit then. I can see you want to know something.” She told him.

“Okay” Brian shurgged.

*****

Renee smiled at Jessica, who looked much better since she arrived at home. Howie was currently buzzing around, doing anything he possibly could to make her comfortable. “Howie sit down!” Renee laughed when she entered the living room to talk to Brian, only to find Howie vacuming. “Jessica doesn’t want you to worry yourself too much about cleaning her house. She wont even be oout here!”

“I know.” Howie sighed. “I just don’t want her to have to clean first thing when she gets out of bed.”

“Well she wont have to. That’s why we’re all coming over tomorrow. To clean. Allison will feel right at home.” Renee grinned across the room at her friend, who was deep in coversation with Kevin, and didn’t look up.

Brian pulled Renee down next to him on the couch and kissed her on the cheek. “So, what did you want to know earlier?” Renee asked.

He took her hand. “Renee, I love you more than anything in the world. You know that.” Renee nodded. “ If this isn’t the time for you, just tell me.”

“Brian, what is it?” Renee expected the worst from Brian’s tone.

“Renee, do you want to live together? I mean, everyone else is buying their own houses, and I thought this would be the next step for us.” He gazed at her with large pleading eyes.

“Brian!” Renee gasped. “This is allot to think about, I mean, I love you too. You know that. It’s just, well, could I think this over?”

“I understand. If I’m moving to fast--”

“No! You arn’t, trust me. I just, give me a second.” Renee stood up and exited the living room. Stepping outside into the pale moonlight, she felt her head clearing from all the confusion in the house.

Did he really just ask me to move in with him? This is a big step! Renee wondered. Pushing her thought aside, Renee assured herself she wanted to move in with I him. I love him more than anything! She told herself.

Glancing across Jessica’s yard, she noticed Brian slowly walking toward her. The silver moonlight played on his face, making his light blue eyes bright silver crystals. Renee gazed at him expectantly. He leaned next to her casually on the tree next to her. “You don’t need to decide tonight.” He told her.

She took his hand. “I’ve made up my mind.” He turned to face her. “When do we start house-shopping?”

Brian grinned. Pulling Renee closer, he expressed his joy by kissing her. A couple in love, under the shade of a tree, falling deeper into love, only proved love was unstoppable. You couldn’t stop it, and neither could they.

Chapter Twenty-Five

The school was filled with students milling around. Many recognized the boys. Few simply walked past. “Why are you here?” A young girl asked. “You don’t have kids do you?”

AJ laughed. “No. I’m in the play, well, I need to get ready. See-ya.”

“Be good AJ.” Kevin warned. “Don’t do anything you aren’t supposed to.”

“Yeah.” Brian agreed. “And tell Renee good luck. She did a perty nice job on directing the play.” He grinned.

Kevin sighed for about the hundredth time this evening. “If you don’t wanna be here, just tell Allie.” Hamidah told him.

“I’m just tired.” Kevin assured her.

“Aren’t you taking her out after the show?” Howie asked. Jessica had urged him to go without her, saying she wanted him to tell her all about it. “I mean, I’m going to Jessie’s.”

“Yeah, I don’t mind. She wont stay out late.” Kevin assured him. I’ll keep this a secret. Unless she wants me to tell.

Howie wandered the hallway. “Okay. I’ll go snag us some seats.”

“Tell Nick and Megan ‘hello’ for us.” Brian called.

Howie nodded.

“Kev, what’s the matter?” Brian turned on his cousin, eyes full of concern.

“Just a little nervous.” Kevin admitted. He told me about asking Renee to live with him. I know he can keep a secret.

“‘Bout what?” Brian looked confused. “Allison’s the one in the play.”

“I know. Remember when I agreed about telling her my feelings? And you told me about asking Renee to live with you?” Brian nodded, not following. “Don’t tell anyone, please. But tonight, I’m going to propose.”

“You, you are?” Brian gaped. “Congratulations! You two will be great together! Tell me the awnser, ‘cuz Renee and I are waiting for the right moment to tell our little announcement.”

“She agreed to move in?!” Kevin beamed. “That’s great! I’ll be sure to tell you. After my mom.”

Brian laughed, punching his cousin, he dragged Kevin to the auditorium.

*****

The play was a hit. Allison and AJ dragged Renee out from backstage, introducing her. She earned a standing ovation. Megan and Nick were wonderful also. All the young girls thought Nick looked so adorable! Megan did a great jonb playing the fairy godmother, even with her broken arm.

“Great job Allie!” Brian beamed winking at Kevin. “You too guys! Renee! That was an amazing play! You did a great job getting them prepared.”

Renee shrugged. “I enjoy bossing people around. What can I say?”

“So are we all going out together? Or are we going to split and go our separate ways?” Megan asked.

“Lets go separate.” Kevin stated. “I’d just like to be alone with Allison toight.”

“Kevy! Why? We can be together any other night!” Allison wined.

“Well, I’d like to go alone with Renee myself. Plus, Kev’s tired, he might want to go in early.” Brian told the group.

“Okay.” Nick grinned at Megan. “Being alone has its advantages.”

Megan laughed.

Hamidah took AJ’s hand and dragged him to his car. “No one will be back at the house. C’mon.”

Kevin smiled at Brian, thankful for the quick save, and gallantly ecorted Allison to the car they arrived in.

*****

Wandering around the local park, Allison noted how private and romantic it was in the evening. The stars twinkling in the sky, the moon shining a peaceful silver light across the tall trees. She kissed Kevin’s cheek and leaned against him, holding him close.

Finally, she noticed how his hand trembled, and how subdued he seemed that night. Looking imploringly at him, she asked, “What is it Kevin?”

He pulled her over to the nearest bench. motioning for her to sit, he took her hand in his own. “I love you, and just want you to know that. I never want to be without you, ever. I’ve always been amazed by your faith in this relationship. And in me. I talked to your dad, and he agrees with me.”

“Kevin if--”

“Allison, let me finish.” Dropping to one knee, he whispered, “Your father told me to ask you when I felt it would be right. He told me he’ll miss you.” Pulling out a soft blue, velvet box, he looked her deep into her eyes. “Will you marry me?”

Fingers touching the box, she felt shocked when she became aware of the tears trailing down her cheeks. Stroking the silver band, running her finger over the sparkling diamond, she nodded. “Yes. Yes, I will.” Throwing her arms around his neck, she broke into a fresh round of sobs as he slipped the ring onto her finger.

*****

“You’re awfully quiet this afternoon Balto.” Renee commented. “Is anything wrong?”

“No. Kev. and I just stayed out late. I’m a little tired.”

The truth was, Allison hadn’t slept at all after she called her parents, Kevin’s parents, and her brother. They all agreed to keep it a secret untill someone identifyed the ring. Allison figured Renee would be the first, after all, she was her best friend. Running her left hand through her short dirty blonde hair, she smiled.

Renee and Allison headed to the door when they were stopped by a man who had a striking resemblence to Rob. Allison gasped, and Renee wondered, Isn’t he dead?

“You.” The man growled, “You killed Rob.”

“No, I--” Allison was cut off.

“He was my best friend! My twin! Why? And how could you do that? He loved you.”

“I caught him making out with another woman in his car. He never cared for me.” Allison snapped. “Plus Bob, I didn’t kill him, he nearly killed all of my best friends in a drunk driving accident.”

Bob snarled and whipped out a gun. “Don’t ever say that about him!” He srieked.

Startled, Allison dropped her cell phone. Renee scooped it up. “B? Please call the police. And get your butt over here.”

Bob never noticed her, he was too intent of frightening Allison. “Why?” He demanded.

“I didn’t do it! He nearly killed Renee over there! And my friend almost died! I didn’t do it. He never loved me either!”

“Why?” The man seemed to believe her.

“Because, he’s not as kind as he seems.”

“I’m sorry, about him.” Bob totally cracked. “I really looked up to him all my life.”

“What seems to be the problem here?” The police asked.

“Nothing sir. We just had a little dissagreement.”

Kevin, and Brian came rushing up to see the officers exiting, shaking their heads. Brian dashed up to Renee, “Are you okay?”

Renee nodded watching Bob leave.

After that mess was done, Renee wandered off with Brian, and Allison ran into Kevin’s safe strong arms.

“When I see you there/ I’m so aware/ of how lucky I am, baby/ ‘Cuz I don’t deserve, I don’t come close/ To understanding, baby/ The logic of your kind untrust/ It amazes me/ That someone like you would care enough to just believe/ chours/ Your faith in me it pulls me through/ When there’s nothing around to hold on to/ When I fall when I’m weak/ All the strength I need is your faith baby/ Your faith in me/ Even when we fought I got along/ ‘Cuz our love is real, baby/ Iot’s like salvation to my soul/ ‘Cuz that’s how it feels, baby/ It’s a sacred thing that I keep close/ To carry on/ And I know that I’ll be allright/ In your healing arms/chours/ You make me feel I can walk on water/ I can reach above the stars/ And nothin’ comes against me/ Safe within your arms/Chours/ Your faith in me”
                                                                                     "Your Faith in Me," Jessica Simpson