Chapter 26

“Where’s Allison? Where’s Allison?” Brian asked Kevin excitedly as they walked next door for the dinner they decided to have with the girls. “I wanna see it! I wanna see it!”

“See what?” Nick asked.

“Nothing.” Kevin replied quickly.

“Okay.” Nick acted offended, and waltzed into the aparnment shared by the girls.

“Jessi’s coming! Her doctor said she could!” Megan chirped when they walked in the door.

“She is?! Great!” Howie beamed, finally his girlfriend would be out of bed, and among her firends.

Nick draped his arm around Megan’s shoulders. “What are we having?”

“Fried chicken. Or should I say Kentucky fried chicken.” Megan shot a playful glace toward Kevin and Brian. “And potato salad.”

“Mmmmm. Sounds good.” Nick rubbed his belly. “What? No chips?”

“Allison’s at the store getting the chips. Don’t worry. Renee’s right over there making the salad. See her?”

Nick grabbed her waist. “You know what I mean!” He pulled her into the living room and hugged her to his chest. Pulling away, Megan giggled breathlessly. “Do you want dinner or not?”

“Food is good.” Nick announced.

Megan smiled and skipped back into the kitchen. Nick plopped onto the couch next to Brian, trying to include himself in the conversation was more difficult than it seemed.

“So when is it?” Brian asked.

Kevin shrugged. “We haven’t planned that far ahead yet. About a year. No rush.”

“When is what?” Nick felt left out.

“It’s not important.” Kevin mumbled.

Renee entered carrying a bowl half full of chips. “This is all we had as of right now. Balto is out getting more, along with a few other things.” Renee set the bowl down in front of the men. “Hopefully this will hold you down untill dinner.”

Allison entered the apartment weighed down with grocieries. Smiling broadly at Kevin, she set the bags down int the kitchen and wandered back into the living room to kiss him hello. “Let me seee it!” Brian cried.

“See what?” Nick wailed. “You guys are confusing me.”

AJ and Hamidah glanced up from the TV. “Yeah man, what are you talking about?”

Kevin dissmissed their questions with a wave of his hand. Allison grinned, and wiggled her hand in the air, causing the diamond to sparkle in the light. “Perfect.” Brian patted his cousin on the shoulder.

“Since when are you so excited to see women’s nails?” Nick wondered, bewildered.

Brian laughed. “Just forget it man.”

“No one knows yet sweetie?” Allison inquired.

Kevin shook his head.

Hamidah eyed Allison suspiciously. “Know what?”

Grinning, Allison wandered into the kitchen to help prepare dinner.

These guys get stranger everyday. Nick thought. They talk funny too. Like Allison and Kevin, that’s just crazy.

Nick roamed into the kitchen. Renee looked up, saw Allison helping with the food, and screamed. “No! No! You can’t cook! Shooo!”

Megan cracked up. “You’re so mean! But I have to admit it’s true!”

Allison rolled her eyes, and stomped out. “I was just trying to help!” She called over her shoulder.

When Jessica arrived, everyone cheered and hugged her. She grinned and hugged Howie tightly. “This feels just right. I needed this for a long time now.”

Howie nodded.

Sitting around the table, the friends chattered away, telling tales, and laughing. Megan took Nicks hand and whispered, “We need to go out as a group like this. It would be fun.”

“I agree. You and I need to go out again too.” Sheepishly, he grinned at her.

Megan laughed. Her laughter was interupted by Renee’s gasp. Pointing at Allison’s finger she inquired, “Is that what I think it is?”

Blushing, Allison nodded, took Kevin’s hand, and extended her own for the others to see.

“Aww!” Megan exclaimed. “That sweet!”

“Why didn’t you tell us!” Renee cried.

“It was just a few days! Plus, we wanted to wait till you guys figured it out.”

Their gushing was interupted by a knock at the door. Megan jumped up to awnser it. Swinging the door open, Megan’s face showed pure shock. “Oh my gosh Jeff! How- Why-?” Memories flashed before Megan’s eyes.

“Megan?” Jeff seemed just as surprised. “I’m here for a Hamidah El Shariff. Why are you here?”

“I live here Jeff.”

“Oh,”

“Invite them in!” She heard Hamidah call from the kitchen.

“come on in.” Megan mumbled.

“Where’s Hamidah?”

“In the kitchen. We room together.”

“Oh. I work for her now. She’s becoming pretty popular.”

“Jeff!” Hamidah cried. “Why are you here?”

“I came with a note. They want a design dilivered next week.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll call you later about it okay? Do you want to join us?”

“No. Really that’s okay.”

“Oh come on! Man you need to relax! Sit down and join us!” AJ knew him to.

Megn stiffly sat next to Nick. He senced her discomfort. “Who is he?”

“An old boyfriend. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m remembering all the fun we had together.” Megan looked up at Nick.

“Really?” His voice was no longer soft and comforting. A chill ran up Megan’s spine.

“Nick, it’s not--”

“Find out if these feelings mean something. If they do, you have my permission to be with him. If not...” He trailed off, and looked down at his plate.

The table sat in silence. All stared at Megan and Nick. Suddenly, an uncomfortable murmering arose between the couples. Megan eyed Jeff, signaling she wanted to find out as soon as possible.

******

Megan trotted down to her car the next evening. Memories filled her head, and she couldn’t help but miss Jeff’s bear hugs, his gentle kisses, his friendly smile. Nick though, he meant everything to her. Sheloved how he always asked if she liked something befoehand. The way he loved her with every cell in his body, and how she did the same.

Jeff sat at a table, staring at his hands. “I’m sorry.” He whispered as Megan approached. “I didn’t think it would cause that much trouble.”

“You didn’t know. Jeff, I really cae for Nick. You and I--”

“We’re over I know. My girlfriend and I are getting to a serious point. I understand how you feel. You’d never be able to care for anyone else but Nick. He seems nice.”

Megan smiled and took his hand.”For that year, we were perfect. Then it came time for a change. Look how better off you are.”

“I’m just as happy, Meg.”

“So no intamite feelings?”

“None that I know of.”

******

Walking into the aparnment where Nick lived, Megan nervously twisted her jacket into knots. “Nick?” She called. “Nick, are you home?”

“Right here.” Came a muffled reply from the couch.

“Wh- nevermind. Nick I--”

“Go on, go to him.”

“No. I’m here for you.”

Suddenly Nick pulled her into a giant bear hug. “It’s amazing how lovers can just be friends.”Megan murmered.

“Here we are/ Face to Face/ We forget time and place/ Hold me now/ Don’t let go/ Though it hurts and we both know/ The time we spend together’s gonna fly/ And everything you do to me/ Is gonna feel so right/ ‘Cuz baby when I’m loving you/ I feel like I could cry/ ‘Cuz there’s nothin’ I can do/ To keep from loving you/ Here we are/ All alone/ Trembling hearts/ Beating strong/ Reaching out a breathless kiss/ I never thought it could feel like this/ I want to stop the time from passing by/ I wanna close my eyes and feel you lips touching mine/ Baby when you’re close to me, I want you more each time/ And there’s nothing I can do to keepfrom loving you/ There’s nothing I can do/ I’m helpless in your arms/ Oh baby what’d you do/ I’m in love this is it/ There’s no turning back this time/ No no no/ Here we are/ Once again/ But this time we’re only friends/ Funny world/ Sometimes lies/ Before the game when love’s the prize/ And though noone know’s what’s going on inside/ And knowing all the love I feel for you/ Is something I should hide/ When I have you close to me/ The feelings so sublime/ That there’s nothing I can do/ To keep from loving you"
                                                                                           "Here We Are," Gloria Estefan

Chapter 27

Renee blew a fallen strand of hair out of her face as she sat in the middle of her, now, bare,empty room. Hamidah, Megan and Allison all perchen on the edge of the bed to help her pack. Handing Renee a photo of the group, Megan asked, “Remember that day?”

“How could I not? We first met Jessica then.” Renee smiled down at the photo. “It’s going to be weird not having you guys to shove around.” She announced suddenly.

Allison looked up from the photo album. “I know. We were so close since Middle school. It gonna be kinda weird.”

Hamidah nodded. “You help to keep the house meesy! Now whose gonna give Allison something to clean up?”

Megan laughed. She couldn’t believe that Renee was moving in with Brian, or that Allison would be getting married. The couples were perfect together, but, it seemed too soon for Megan. Then again, they were logical adults.

Renee dropped two thick notebooks onto Allison’s lap. “‘Member these?” She asked.

Hamidah peered over Allison’s shoulder as she read. “Our notebooks! You kept these?”

Renee laughed. “Of course. They really help a bad mood.”

********

Hamidah rushed in from the office. She couldn’t belive what just happened, and her excitement caused her to shake. With trembleing fingers, she opened the door. There she found Renee perched in a chair, looking at pictures. “Guess what?” Hamidah cried.

“Hmm?” Renee guessed it would be something silly, something expected from Hami.

“Madonna is buying a few of my designs!”

Renee’s head snapped up. “ You’re kidding.”

“I’m not! She came in herself today!” Hamidah eyes twinked in anticipation. “She’s going to become the spokes woman for my designs, and wear them at her next tour!”

Emerging from the shower, Megan asked, “Who?”

“Madonna!” Hamidah squealed.

“Really! Oh, Hami that’s great!”

“I can’t believe it!”

“Believe what?” AJ wandered into the room.

“I have a celebrity buying my designs.”

“What am I?”

“Your AJ.”

“Really? How’d you know?”

“I dunno? Maybe ‘cuz I date you?”

“That’s you? I thought her name was Amanda. Oops, I wasn’t supposed to tell you that was I?” AJ grinned at her. “Congrats.”

Hamidah laughed. “Thanks. I still can’t believe it. Modonna!”

AJ grinned and hugged her. “I always knew you ‘d do it someday. Wanna ‘tango’ in celebration?”

“Not now.” But Hamidah was too late. He swept her into a swift dace around the small apartment, laughing, and stumbleing along with him.

“Mi salsa es caliente!” Allison suddenly cried out.

“Your salsa’s hot?” Renee asked skepticly.

“Oh,” Allison laughed. “A student said that to me today. I just remembered because...” She let her voice trail. “I’m goin’ to my room now.”

Renee shook her head. “I swear, that girl’s gonna go crazy with all the stress from those kids.”

Hamidah nodded, still dancing in AJ’s arms.

*****

Sitting in her office, Hamidah felt like a kindergardener again. Unable to sit still and wait. Modonna would arrive any second. Finally! I get to meet her! Hamidah heart raced with anticapation. This is so exciting!

A buzz at her door announced the legend’s arrival. (Renee, she’s a legend to Hami.) Silently praying she didn’t trip on the rug, or leave anything out that she could spill, Hamidah rose to reply to the buzz at her door. Standing in the doorway, a blonde woman with powerful brown eyes smiled at Hamidah. “ I love your work.” She said.

“It’s wonderful.”

“Thank, thank you.”Hamidah stammered.

Modonna smiled. “Don’t be embarresed. I came here today to see what will work on my tour. I know you can help me.”

“I’m flattered you chose me.” Hamidah grinned. Very flattered.

Finsihing up that evening, Hamidah wandered home slowly. Finally she had met her! And she loved her designes! What could be better?! Don’t let this day end! Hamidah thought to herself.

Chapter 28

Surrounded by her paperwork and lesson plans, Allison looked up from her desk in her classroom. Gasping, she realized it was 4:30. I have a date with Kevin at five! Stuffing her work into her duffel bag, she dashed out to her car to try and make it home in time.

Dashing into her house, she tried to make it into her room quickly. Before Allison could enter the walls of her room, she felt a pair out strong hands surround her waist and pull her down into their owner’s lap. “Kev, I’m so sorry! I’m running a little late this afternoon!” she gasped turning to face her fiancee.

“No problem.” He grinned. “I have another idea if it’s all right with you.”

“What is it?” Allison asked.

“Well, you know how my brother just had a baby? I was planning to go and visit my new nephew.”

Allison stared up at him, shocked. She had looked forward to spending the evening with him. “That’s fine.” she murmured.

“Well, he is your nephew too.” Kevin smiled. “Why don’t you come with me. I do have two plane tickets.”

Allison felt her cheeks grow warm. Laughing, she agreed to go. “I need to pack. When are we leaving?”

“Tonight.” Kevin announced dropping her onto the easy chair they just occupied.

“I’ll be here to pick you up at seven.”

Allison grinned knowingly up at him. “I’ll be ready at eight.”

******

Taking their first class seats, Allison felt nervous. Kevin’s family was so close, she sometimes wondered if she fit in. Kevin always treated her lovingly around them, and they all smiled kindly and welcomed her. She just felt like a newcomer, which in many ways, she actually was.

Gently, Kevin took her hand. Playing with her engagement ring, he watched how brightly it sparked as the light hit it. The young couple looked across the isle, where a lady sat staring angrily at them. “You two are way too young to be married.” She snapped. “You could only be in high school.”

“Pardon me ma’am?” Kevin asked politely, his eyes sparkling with laughter.

“You! You’re way too young to be married to that girl!” The woman cried angrily.

“We’re not married.” Allison offered.

“Then what’s with the ring?”

“We’re engaged. And not in school. I teach school, but we’ve been out of high school for many years now.” Allison smiled patiently.

The woman rolled her eyes and turned away. Kevin shot Allison a playful look and laughed. Placing her finger on her lips, she signaled for him to stop, but couldn’t help laughing herself.

*****

Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Allison walked up the drive to Kevin’s older brother, Tim’s , house. When his wife answered the door, she greeted them warmly. “We had no idea you two were coming!” She beamed.

“Surprise.” Kevin took a hold of Allison’s shoulders.

Winter had arrived. Christmas would be spent at Reneé, and Brian’s house, once they returned from Kentucky.

Ushering them into the foyer of the house, Tim emerged from the back. “Train!”

He cried, wrapping his younger sibling in a tight hug, “What makes you come here? And your little lady too?”

“We came to meet the new addition to the family.” Kevin smiled. “Plus, we’re getting married in June. So I thought a little family visit with her would bring us all closer.”

Tim snorted and rolled his eyes at the comment. Allison laughed. “it’s not like we’re distant, man. We are brothers.”

“Yeah,” Kevin agreed, “but, you guys haven’t gotten to know each other very well.” Just then, Ann Richardson entered, carrying the infant, Daniel. Noticing her youngest son, she handed the child to it’s mother, and ran to hug Kevin. “Baby, what are you doing here?”

“I came to see Danny.” He hugged his mom back.

“Allison!” She cried. “It’s so nice to see you again!”

“You too.” Allison hugged the woman warmly. “How have you been?”

“Wonderful! You guys planning on adding to my list of grandchildren?” Ann smiled warmly at the couple.

They both blushed. “I would love to.” Allison finally murmured, watching the floor.

“Well,” Kevin smiled awkwardly, “let’s see this little guy.”

Lifting the infant, he smiled and rocked him. “He’s so sweet!” He smiled at Allison. “Wanna hold him?”

“Please?”

Placing Daniel, into her arms, he hugged her about the waist as Allison cradled the baby. “He’s beautiful.” she whispered breathlessly. Kissing the top of his tiny head, she breathed in the scent of baby powder, and lotion. “I want one,” she whispered to Kevin.

After she handed Daniel back to his mother, Kevin whispered, “We’ll work on it after the wedding.” Smiling, he kissed her, underneath the mistletoe.

Pulling away and laughing, Allison linked arms with her future husband, and plunked herself into his lap on the couch.

Tim, laughing hysterically, shook his head at his younger brother. “Please don’t discuss that in front of the children.” He grinned referring to his newborn son.

“If you think that’s bad, don’t let AJ anywhere near him.” Allison beamed.

Kevin chuckled. “Now that’s true,” he agreed.

“We can only stay a day or two. Christmas is coming and we have plans.”

Ann shook her head. “You’re going to have trouble leaving.”

“That’s why I booked us for tomorrow.”

The next afternoon, after saying their good-byes, Allison and Kevin arrived in the airport so they cold make it to Brian and Reneé’s house on time for the Christmas partying.

“When I think of how life used to be/ Always waking in the shadows/ Then I look at what you’ve given me/ I feel like dancing on my tiptoes./ I must say that everyday I wake/ And realize you’re at my side/ I know I’m truly blessed/ For everything you’ve given me/ Blessed for all the tenderness you show/ I’ll do my best/ With every breath that’s in me/ Blessed/ To make sure you never go/ There are times that test your faith/ ‘Till you think you might surrender/ And baby I’m not ashamed to say/ That my hopes were growing slender/ You walked by in the nick of time/ Looking like an answered prayer/ I know I’m truly blessed/ For everything you’ve given me/ Blessed for all the tenderness you show/ I’ll do my best/ With every breath that’s in me/ Blessed/ To make sure you never go/ I’m blessed with loved and understanding/ Blessed when I hear you call my name/ I’ll do my best with faith that’s never ending/ Blessed to make sure you feel the same/ Deep inside of me/ You fill me with your gentle touch/ I know I’m truly blessed/ For everything you give me/ Blessed for the tenderness you show/ I’ll do my best/ With every breath that’s in me/ Blessed/ To make sure you never go.”

--“Blessed,” Christina Aguilera

Chapter 29

Reneé pushed the final boxes under the tree in her and Brian’s living room. Pushing herself upright, she smiled at the house. It was spotless. She and Brian weren’t exactly the tidiest people. Well, Brian was down-right messy. Reneé just picked up when she had to.

Since she and B had moved in together, Reneé actually missed the friendly bickering between the other girls. Well, she loved being with Brian, but she missed so many people in one house. That’s why she decided to throw the Christmas bash here.

“ ’Neé?” Brian called.

“What?”

“Everything ready?” He wrapped her in his arms, pulling her under the mistletoe. Reneé kissed his nose. “Yep. They should be here any second now.” She kissed him playfully on the lips.

A pounding on the door announced their guests’ arrival. Nick and Megan came running into the large living room. Megan carefully placed her gifts under the tree. She stood up and gave Reneé a huge hug. “Merry Christmas!” she cried. “This place is gorgeous!”

“I know! It’s huge too!” Reneé giggled.

Nick grinned at his girlfriend from the doorway. Pointing up, he grabbed Megan and kissed her under the mistletoe. Megan giggled happily and held him close. “Merry Christmas,” she breathed.

The second knock alerted Reneé that AJ and Hami just arrived. “Y’all behaving?” AJ laughed as he bounced into the foyer, his arm lazily draped on Hamidah’s shoulder.

“Always.” Megan grinned, eyes sparkling wickedly. “Are you?”

“Nope. When have you ever seen me behave?”

Hamidah laughed. “So, you’re trying to give me the bad wrap too?”

“Why not?” AJ laughed. “We are partners in crime!”

Hamidah laughed, plopping into a large loveseat. Pulling AJ next to her, she sat whispering in his ear.

The third knock announced Howie and Jessica’s arrival. Jessica squealed and hugged everyone, giving each their gift. Howie laughed. “Jessi, relax.”

“I can’t! This is a wonderful place! I love everyone here! I bet already, this is going to be a special moment we’ll all remember, always.”

Howie kissed her, laughing merrily.

“Where are the ‘Richardsons’?” AJ asked teasingly.

“You know Kevin’s always late,” Brian replied knowingly.

“Yes, but Allison’s always early,” Reneé pointed out. “Especially for a party.”

“Oh well,” AJ chirped. “They’ll be here. Let’s get this party started!”

Lively music filled the house, adding to the cheerful spirit. The group turned off the lights in the living room, and just danced to the lights flashing on the gigantic Christmas tree.

“I see the party’s already started!” Kevin called over the music. Dropping his overnight bag, he hugged all his friends, wishing them a merry Christmas.

“We aren’t going to sit around and wait for you!” Reneé joked. “You’re an hour and a half late.”

“That’s nothing new!” Allison mumbled. She looked frustrated from the long plane ride.

“Can I get you guys something?” Reneé smiled.

“Not yet, thanks.”

****

Cuddled by the fire, waiting for midnight, the couples talked amongst themselves.

Brian, interrupting the conversations, called out, “I need everyone’s attention. Especially Reneé’s.”

Reneé felt the room grow silent around her. She stared up at Brian curiously. “What?”

He pulled her to her feet. “We have a wonderful family here tonight. I feel that it’s a good time as any. I love you, ’Neé. I can’t live without you.” Reneé felt her heart fluttering in her chest. Brian kneeled. “Will you marry me?”

“Oh gosh, yes!” She wrapped her arms around Brian’s neck as the group burst into applause.

“I have an idea!” Howie exclaimed. The group turned to him. “Well, how about we tell everyone what we love most about each other. You know, I tell Jessi, Kevin tells Allison, Brian tells Reneé, AJ tells Hamidah, and Nick tells Megan.”

“I’ll start!” Nick linked his fingers into Megan’s. “I love how Megan is always so happy and so beautiful. How she doesn’t get angry at all, and she’s always there for me.” He kissed her.

“Well you, Nick,” Megan gazed into his eyes, “always find something to laugh about. You love me with all your heart and never let anyone feel sad. It also doesn’t hurt that you’re so good looking.”

“AJ can do better.” Hamidah grinned.

“I can try,” AJ agreed. “Hami, I love how you’ve captured my heart. You never seem to allow anyone to feel sad if you’re there, and you brighten every room.”

Hamidah kissed him. “Well, Mr. Romantic, I love your wild spirit, and your large heart. I love how you always know what to say. You always will love me, no matter what.”

Howie held Jessica close. “Jessi, you are so innocent. I love how you can make everyone love you for your bright personality. You stay strong through the rough times and never want anyone you care for give up. I love how your smile lights up your face. I just love you!”

Jessica beamed. “Howie, you’re always there for everyone, never letting them down. You have strong family values and keep your mother very close, always. You respect the world, even if they’re a cruel person. I don’t know how you do it. I love you too!”

Kevin pulled Allison into his lap. “I love you. You love everyone too. I love how you always want to take the best care of me. The way you go along with anything. You’re always willing to help and work your hardest. You’re so pretty!” He kissed her.

“You’re one of People’s sexiest men,” Allison laughed. “I love how you look out for others, and try to protect me for... I dunno. I love how you always find some way to make me fall even deeper in love with you. I know we’ll have a wonderful life together.”

Reneé felt Brian hug her tightly. “I love you for you, Reneé,” he murmured. “You’re always happy and try to help as much as possible. I can’t express in words just what you mean to me . It’d be impossible because this feeling is so powerful!”

Reneé gazed up at Brian and sighed happily. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, Brian, but whatever I did must have been that of a saint to be rewarded with you. I’m blessed with someone who will always try to brighten my day, and keep me laughing so hard. I love how you put me first and make sure I’m happy. It’s going to make me so happy to fall asleep and wake up beside you every day. I love you.”

Reneé relaxed into Brian’s arms feeling drowsy from the warmth and love that finally filled the room. She felt happy for everyone, knowing they had all found home.

“In these moments, moments of all our lives/ All the world is ours/ And this world is so right/ You and I sharing this time together/ Sharing the same dream/ As the time goes by, we will find/ These are the special times/ Times we’ll remember/ These are the precious times/ The tender times we’ll hold in our hearts forever/ These are the sweetest times/ These times together/ And through it all one thing will always be true/ The special times are the ones I share with you”

--“The Special Times,” Celine Dion

The End