Characters:
Tristan and Rory DuGrey
Andrew- 18 (Tristan's son with Summer, before meeting back up with Rory.)
Christopher- 17(Rory's son with Dean, before meeting back up with Tristan.)
Julianna- 15
Paris and Jamie Gellar
Conner – 18
Matthew and Allison- 16
Lane and Dave Rygalski
Kristina- 16
Jess and Paige Mariano
Nick- 18
Holly and Dan- 16
Ricky- 15
Mariano House- New York
I was so psyched. My dad was gone for the weekend. Not only but, my Mom was also away visiting my Grandparents for two weeks. You know what that means? Party. I just have to get my three brothers out of the house. That would be a challenge, one that I waited till Saturday morning to address. We were sitting in the kitchen eating breakfast, when I decided to bring it up.
"What are you two doing tonight?" I asked, trying to act nonchalant, even though I probably wasn't.
"We'll be here," Nick replied, grinning. Oh, so they had known what I was thinking. This would be harder then I thought.
"Oh yeah?" I said, as if it didn't affect me at all. They both nodded. Nick was my eldest brother, he was eighteen. Lots of girls found him attractive, but I sure didn't understand that. He always had the look that he just rolled out of bed and was annoyingly overprotective. Then there was my twin brother Danny, he and I used to be all close and stuff. But, things weren't going so well lately. I know, you're thinking that all twins got along, we do. It's not like we hate each other. Now, we just both have different friends. And, lastly I have one younger brother, Ricky. Recently he'd been going through the whole punk phrase, which has been really annoying.
"Yeah Holly, so whatever you were thinking won't happen." Danny declared, getting up and putting his dish in the sink.
"Well, what were you going to do?" I asked.
"Maybe have some friends over-"
"A party?" I interrupted, looking accusingly at my twin.
"Maybe," He replied.
"Look you two. If you want to have a party, we have to do it all together." Nick explained. He was the master at throwing parties. Every year he had his annual bash, and always managed to keep it under the covers.
"But, you can't get all overprotective, and tell me that I can only talk to girls and can only have one drink!" I complained. That had happened far too often.
"But, wait a second..." Nick began.
"No, because if you're going to be like that, I can always have the party at Maddie's," I told him, knowing I had trapped him. He wouldn't want me having my own party, where who knows what could happen, especially where he wouldn't be able to keep an eye on me. Maddie was my best friend, who lived next door. She lived just with her Mom, Summer. And, she was constantly traveling for her 'art' or whatever.
"What about Maddie's Mom?" Nick questioned.
"She left yesterday." I responded, with ease. I grinned challenging him, to find something wrong with my plan.
"That woman is always gone." He mumbled, cursing silently. I noticed Danny was quiet. He usually got that way, when we spoke of Maddie. Dan and she used to be close, closer than close even. Our families since we three were born joked that they were going to grow up and get married. And, it did at one point seem that way. They used to hold hands, declaring since Kindergarten that they were boyfriend and girlfriend. Up until puberty, when most things go wrong. And, their relationship changed in just one night, but that story is rather long. Now, they act as if it all never happened, their friendship that is.
"Yes, well anyway, I hope you boys have a fun party." I smiled, adding my breakfast dish to the pile in the sink.
"Wait, oh, fine! Holly, you can have your friends of both sexes." Nick said, stopping me from leaving the room.
"And...?" I pressed on, this was just too easy.
"You can do what you want, to some extent." I grinned, big. Now, I was really excited, this was great. "Now, I bet, I'm going to regret this." Nick grumbled. I laughed, yes he would.
"C'mon be a man Nick. Put your foot down." Danny said, trying to change his mind. I bet he wasn't thrilled with the idea of my friends coming over.
"You can't take your word back!" I told him.
"Ok, but there will be rules." I nodded. "For all of you," He said, looking at Danny and Ricky too. We had this chalkboard in the kitchen, where Dad always wrote what we were having for dinner. And, Mom would write messages for Dad, things to remember. But, now it was just covered, with writing from about a month ago, when everything was still normal.
"Write them on the board," Ricky insisted, grabbing the eraser.
"Ok, ok." Nick agreed, erasing the old messages. And, writing his rules down. "Rule number one no drugs. Agreed?" We nodded, that was easy. I wasn't into that kind of stuff. "Two, there can be no members of the opposite sex in your bedroom. Three, if I say that I think you've had too much to drink then you're done, got it?" We both nodded, again.
"What about for Ricky?" I asked, looking to my youngest brother.
"No pranks, only a couple drinks," Nick stated. I looked at Ricky, who just nodded solemnly. I always forgot that he was only a year younger than me; it was strange to think that. I always thought of him as a baby.
"I can do all that." Danny said, referring to the list on the board.
"That's all, for now. I might think of another thing or two, later on." Nick stated, grinning down at the three of us. "Oh, here's another one, I'm not buying you guys' beer that is where I limit myself." That I understood. He could get in serious shit, for providing alcohol to minors.
"What happens if we break a rule?" Ricky asked, innocently.
"I don't know. Just don't, because I'll think of something bad. Like you'll be grounded for eternity," He joked, and we all gave out forced laughs.
"How are you getting beer?" Ricky asked me, when Danny and Nick had started talking about something else.
"Maddie knows someone." I replied. That was the truth, Maddie did have connections. Danny and Nick had looked over now.
"Who does she know?" Nick questioned, they both looked incredibly interested.
"I shouldn't reveal the sources." I responded, playfully. "Well, I'm going over there now; I'll tell her we have to leave the coke at her house." I joked, laughing, as I skipped up to my room to get changed.
After I got dressed, I went over to Maddie's. Finding the spare key, hidden in its spot, I unlocked the door and went in.
"Hey Madds," I called, through the house.
"Hey!" She exclaimed, as I found her sitting in the kitchen.
"What are you up to?" I questioned. She shrugged and pointed to the book in her hands. "Well, I got something exciting planned!"
"What?" She questioned, very unenthused. She hadn't even taken her eyes away from the book.
"Wow, you're in enthusiastic!" I responded, laughing.
"What?" She asked again, with fake enthusiasm.
"That's better... Well it's a party!" I exclaimed smiling broadly.
"That's actually not a bad idea." She stated, putting her book down.
"Thank you, very much!" I replied smiling. "So, you game?"
"I am so game!" Maddie declared.
Till around four o'clock we just watched movies, which was the usual. We had called Maddie's 'source' and he agreed to get us some stuff. Our group of friends had all been eager, and agreeable. So, everything was going pretty well.
"Maddie, you there?" We heard a guy call, as he came in the house. "Can you give me a hand?" Maddie and I grinned and we jumped off the couch, greeting the male by the side door.
"Hey Jimmy!" Maddie gave him a one armed hug. "Thanks so much, for getting this!" Jimmy was Maddie's Mom's ex fiancé son. Summer, as she told me to call her, was always dating, which explained her absent as well. She always skipped from guy to guy, but was actually dating Jimmy's Dad for over six months. But, when they got closer to the wedding, she realized it wasn't right. Maddie and Jimmy couldn't have been happier. And, now they remained friends. Well really, just two people who always seem to bail the other one out of trouble, or in her case, he got her beer.
"Anytime kiddo," He responded. Accepting the cash, she forced into his hand. "I'll see ya! I gotta get back." He told her, as he left the house, waving back at us. "Don't drink too much!" He called, as he got into the car.
"Want to take this over to my house?" I questioned.
"Yeah, that's a good idea. My Mom said something about sending my Uncle Sam over to check on me. And, I wouldn't want him to come and see this." She laughed, pointing to the boxes of beer.
"Would your Uncle come when the party is happening?" I asked worriedly.
"Nah, remember he doesn't live around here. He's in town on business, and is stopping by on his way to the airport. So we're totally ok." She explained. "He should stop by around six, and I highly doubt he will stop by, no offense to him." We both went to pick up a box of beer.
"Looks like we're going to have to do a couple trips," I stated. Maddie nodded, we headed out the side door, and across the small space between the houses. As we entered, through the kitchen door, we saw Ricky passing Nick bags of ice, and he would stuff them into the freezer. Looking up, they both gave us a grin.
"So, are you girls going to tell me where you got that beer?" We both shook our head, suppressing laughter. His face had turned serious, "I really worry about you two, and how am I suppose to sleep at night, not knowing where youget youralcohol..."
"I gotta have my secrets, but I'll promise you I didn't sleep with a guy to get it. But, then again maybe that's what he meant when he said he'd want something else later..." Maddie joked. I bit my lip to keep from laughing aloud, Nick looked simply horrified. And, Danny who had walked in while Maddie was talking, looked just as alarmed, with his mouth wide and agape. But then just as fast as he walked in the look was gone.
"I'm going to have to lock you girls up, until your forty!" Nick exclaimed, looking warily from each of us.
"I don't know Nick. They might turn into lesbians." Danny stated, laughing. I shot him a dirty look. He'd been so irritating lately.
"No one is locking anyone up, unless we have a dog cage for you Danny." I sniped back.
"Enough guys, but Madds, can you just tell me where you got it?" Nick asked sincerely. I looked at Maddie, who was biting her lip with indecision.
"You wouldn't know the guy." She stated, shaking her head.
"So, you did get it from a guy?" Nick questioned, shocked.
"Well, not a guy that would expect me to sleep with him in payment." She replied. "I wouldn't do it, even if it was the case."
"Who was the guy then?" Nick asked. Danny and I were just watching this exchange, curiously.
"Look, if you aren't going to shut up about it, I'll tell you, but it really doesn't make a difference. The guy was, the guy is one of my Mom's ex boyfriend's sons." Maddie concluded.
"How do you know he doesn't want you in bed?" Ricky piped in, we all looked at him. I had forgotten he was in the kitchen, sitting silently upon the counter.
"That's gross. He was almost my stepbrother." Maddie responded. "Anywho, Holly and I have more to get." We left the boys, all standing there in silence. After delivering all the boxes of beer over, we did a basic clean up. Removing all fragile things, and anything we didn't want trashed.
"There's no more room in fridge," Ricky said. He had been trying to fit all the drinks inside, but was now standing in front of us, wearing a frown. "What are we going to do?" He asked us and Danny who had recently walked in.
"Washing machine," Both Danny and Maddie said at the same time. I raised my eyebrows, biting back a laugh, while they looked at each other strangely.
"It's the perfect cooler." Maddie concluded, smiling at Ricky. "Just add ice and the drinks will stay cool and refreshed." Ricky nodded; he must be picking up a lot of tips, for the future. "I better get going Hol. I gotta get changed, and Uncle Sam, might drop by." She waved goodbye, and left through the backdoor.
A couple minutes of silence passed after she left, before I asked. "So, Danny who are you having over tonight?"
"Friends," He replied, shortly.
"You mean no special love interest?"
"What about you?" He inquired, turning the question around.
"I don't know. I figured I just see if I could hook up with someone here." It had been a while since I had actually told him what I thought, and I did miss it, I really did miss his opinion on everything.
"Same, no strings attached, just someone for the moment." He told me. That was predictable, all his relationships lasted a week at most.
It was half past six, and people were starting to come in about an hour. So, I figured I should get ready. And after, that I would call Maddie, and get her over here.
It was a bit after seven and after procrastinating to get ready, I decided it was time. I quickly slipped on dark blue jeans and a black halter top. I was never totally indulged in the mirror, so compared to some people I took practically no time. I guess it was also from growing up with three brothers.After I was finished I head downstairs. Some of the boy's good friends had arrived. Maddie still hadn't and her line was busy, so I decided to drop by her house. Finding the spare key and doing the same I had done that morning I walked in.
"Hey Madds," She stepped out into the hallway, with the portable phone next to her ear, and she waved me in. Then she mouthed, 'mom', and I figured Summer was checking in.
"Look Mom, I gotta go, Holly's here... Yes, I will remember what you said... I understand... Ok, bye." I heard the end of Maddie's conversation. "Sorry, Hol. Goodness that was the weirdest conversation I ever had with my Mom." She stated, looking at the phone, while she placed it in the base.
"Why?" I asked, I knew Maddie's Mom was pretty weird already. She was the artist type and was known as being out of it. Or, at least where Maddie was concerned.
"First she started talking about my Dad and then she went on about not doing drugs or having sex. It was really strange!" We both laughed. In a way it was good that Maddie could just laugh off her problems, but I always felt as if she never dealt with them. Except, what do I know, I don't have half the problems she had. "Anywho, I'm ready to go." She stated. She was already dressed, and was wearing her favourite blue jeans and a white beater.
"Alrighty," We both walked, out of her house and over to mine. It was now growing in numbers, from when I had left. Even though, all my brothers were sitting in the kitchen.
"Remember the rules?" Nick asked when we walked in. I nodded, and rolled my eyes. "They go for you too Maddie!"
"Nah ha, I don't think so." She replied, laughing.
"Well my dear girl, they do..." He told her, they both just stared challenging at one another.
"Keg is here!" Their eye contact was lost, when a bunch of guys came in carrying a keg, separating Maddie and I, from my brothers.
Over the next few hours, we pretty much just drank and talked. Nothing outrageous happened, because that kind of stuff usually happened once everyone was far into drunkenness. Luckily, I managed to stay out of Nick, Dan, or even Ricky's view. This guy from school, Rob was there, and I was having fun just flirting with him.
In the Kitchen, there was a game of strip poker happening. Nothing extravagant had yet happening, which means people were still just taking off their sweaters and socks. Maddie was playing as well. She had only removed her sandals. The majority of the people were sixteen years old, either Dan or Holly friends, but there were two of Nick's friends playing as well. And, if Nick knew it would irk him intensely. Also, the fact that the ratio of girls to guys was one to two
"Want to play?" One of the girls, Stephanie, asked Danny when he came in. Maddie rolled her eyes and sighed. Stephanie was one of those blonde straight hair, blue eyes chicks that guys drooled over. Maddie herself had brown curly hair, and green eyes.
"I don't know." Dan responded, looking straight at Maddie and then past her at the rules printed clearly on the board. "Yeah, I guess, I'm in." He sat down beside Stephanie, which was also across from Maddie.
After a couple more rounds the game had heated up. Some girls were already sitting pretty in their underwear, some guys in their boxers. The only people who still had both a pant and a shirt on were Maddie, Danny, and one of Nicks' friends.
When they were in grade four, Nick had taught both Maddie and Danny to play poker. And, they had then played everyday at lunch, up to the end of their friendship. Now, they both held that competitive glint in their eyes, although Maddie was purposely avoiding his eyes.
"Damn." Maddie mumbled, when she had lost the round. This really sucked; she couldn't just leave though, because people would think she was a coward, or worse a prude. She now wished she had as much courage as the other girls.
"Take it off!" One of the guys shouted. Maddie blushed while she reached down and lifted her top over her head. After, the wolf calls and several whistles were heard through the room, making her blush redder. Just think you're just in your bikini. She had a pretty nice stomach from exercising and being on the swim team. But, she always had a low self confidence.
"Nice bra." The guy beside her, whispered. This was actually really embarrassing, now remembering she had worn a black lace bra, she cursed herself for not wearing a modest bra, or even a sports bra. As they dealt the next hand, she finally had the nerve to look up at the others, catching Dan's gaze. Which just reminded her she was in just her bra, and she immediately looked back down.
"Maddie, you're looking hot," I turned around to see this guy who I had dated in the past, Charlie. Luckily he had said it quiet enough so no one really heard. I really hoped Danny hadn't.
"You've obviously drunk too much." I murmured to him.
"No, I'm serious, y'know we should have dated more..."
"Yeah well, you didn't feel that way six months ago."
"Oh c'mon Madds, be nice. We could help each other get what we want." I now fully turned around in my seat.
"What do you want?" I asked, bitterly.
"You, me, I don't know... to have some fun." He had to be the most disgusting guy ever, but then maybe not, he's the first one tonight who really y'know just seemed to notice me, and actually approached me.
"And, what do I want?" I whispered back, hoping no one would catch our conversation. I felt extremely desperate, asking him that.
"Let's play!" Someone shouted. I turned around in the seat, to see everyone waiting on me.
"I'm going to sit this one out..." Everyone groaned. I didn't know I was that well appreciated, but then again I guess if I kept winning the other girls would keep stripping. "I'll be back." I assured them and got up to leave.
"So?" I asked Charlie. We were now standing in the small alcove where the side door leads out, unfortunately still in the kitchen. Except, since I just remember I was still wearing just my bra, I was glad, people would hear me if I screamed.
"Don't you want to have fun?" He asked.
"Look, how about I'll get back to you on that one."
"But..."
"Just let me finish winning this poker game."
"You don't strip though it you win?" He questioned me, confused.
"No, you don't." I replied, laughing.
"Well, then try and lose!" He told me as we walked back out to the room. Okay, well that's comforting. The table quickly welcomed me back, and I watched with joy as Charlie, finally left the room. I really hoped he never came back, but then with him maybe I'll forget some things...
The game continued, and people lost more clothes. Some girls were now even top less. Danny had lost his top, as well. And, I couldn't help but notice first him. He had amazing muscular shoulders, and a toned six pact... Shit, I read way too many stupid romance novels. Do not think of Danny Mariano like that. Do not think of Danny at all. Embarrassed I tried to keep my eyes down.
"Everyone put their fucking clothes on." Everyone looked up suddenly to see that Nick had come in. "Y'wanna strip do it anywhere, but here, get it?" He asked, glaring at his friends. My shirt was sitting at my feet, and I had it on in a second flat. To tell the truth, I was a bit happy, he actually stopped the game. I'd never admit it.
Everyone was quickly leaving the room, or just the wrath of Nick. I was one of them, I needed out of here. "Madds, stay here." He called, pulling me back with my belt loop.
"Despicable! They were all stripping in front of one another!" I shook my head. I know this was not likely to work, but I was desperate.
"Funny, I thought you were one of them." He replied, sternly. "Stay here, don't move." He commanded. I did as told, well actually I moved, so that I could at least see what he was doing... "Dan! Get back here!" I turned back, to appear as if I hadn't moved.
"Nick, can't you have a little fun?" Danny asked, while walking back in the kitchen with Nick. It was now just the three of us there.
"I can, but I don't appreciate you two participating in that. And, both stripping no less." He berated, looking seriously at the both of us.
"It wasn't a rule." I rebuked smirking.
"Still, you should've known better." He told us. "I expected-"
"You expected what? Better?" Danny questioned coldly. "We're sixteen give us a break," I was stunned to hear Dan sticking up for me. I guess he was doing it more so for himself though.
"You're setting a crappy example for Rick," Nick stated.
"And you're a good role model?" Danny bit back.
"Don't you fucking give me this.You'll be lucky if I don't tell Dad." He threatened.
"But, Nick, you can't tell Jess! Do you know how weird things will get?" I begged.
"Look, none of this will get out on one condition."
"What condition?" Danny asked, suspiciously.
"This is where the party ends for you two; you'll both go..."
"I'll just go-" I began.
He shook his head, "No, you'll go upstairs..."
"You have got to be kidding me!" I replied, shocked. This idea sucked, just because we both took off our shirts.
"Fuck, Nick! It's only like eleven thirty!" Danny complained.
"Yeah, look if you say I have to go, I'll go, but can I at least go home?" I asked, because then maybe I could find Charlie on the way.
"No, for all I know you could take a guy and be having sex with him." Ok, ok, he can't read minds, I tried to reassure myself.
"I wouldn't!" I exclaimed, once I had recovered, from him saying what I had been thinking.
"No, look this is what's going to happen... or both Dad and even your Mom Maddie will be having a shocking surprise." He warned.
"Summer won't even care... and won't you be getting yourself in trouble?" I asked him.
"No, because I'm allowed to have parties. Dad just saidno giving you guys any alcohol, and I didn't. So, actually I wouldn't get in trouble, thanks though for worrying about me." He looked at us. Damn, why did Jess have to be such a nice Dad?
"Why upstairs though?" Danny asked, after a moment of silence.
"Why not? You're still in the house, but the further away from the party. And, if you stay together isn't that more of a punishment?" He questioned us. We silently looked at each other. And, I suddenly found it very sad that four years ago, I'd love this situation. Being alone with Danny and now I considered it a punishment.
There was nothing either of us could do, but cooperate. Well, technically I didn't have to, but I didn't want a pissed off Nick on my case. Or, want Jess knowing I was playing strip poker, that's just creepy.
"I hope you guys don't think I'm a bad guy." Nick said. I actually now felt sorry for him.
"No worries." I told him. As we headed into Dan's room. The light was turned on and I looked around in awe at a room I hadn't been in since junior high.
"Yeah, don't worry Nick, I'll forgive you someday." Danny joked. When Nick left, it was silent. We both just stood there. I yawned and headed over to the window. I looked out the window. There was a perfect view of my house, and my bedroom. I sighed. When we had been kids, Danny and I used to communicate through the windows. I had forgotten what a prime view it was. I really should close my curtains more often, I thought. Looking around the room, I saw Danny sit down at his computer. Shit, this was awkward what do I do?
I looked to his bed. The blankets were thrown all over. I slowly sat down on his bed. This was too much. Why couldn't I go home? Glancing over at Danny I watched as he logged on the internet. Well, don't worry about me. Sticking out my tongue at his back, I stood back up. Heading to the window I unlocked it and opened it, letting the cool autumn breeze come in. I finally realized Danny watching me, and I felt a blush start heating my cheeks. He stood up and regarded me slowly.
"What are you doing?" He questioned coolly.
"I was hoping somehow I could get across to my room..." It wasn't possible though. Well, it probably was possible, just not, well whatever.
Danny walked over and looked at the distance, "Does your window open on the outside?"
"No," I shook my head.
"Well, if it did, or if it was open. Then you could do it..."
"Hmm... I see," I replied, not quite sure what else to say. Danny leaned back against his desk and looked at me carefully. I tried to act calm over his gaze.
"How are you doing?" He finally asked. It was weird, because it was the first time someone had asked me that in a while and I just wasn't doing ok, but how could I tell him that?
"Ok." I replied. I leaned back against the windowsill and tried to give him a smile.
"You can't lie with me Madds. And, to be honest you can't lie for shit," He said smirking. I was shocked that he said thatand even that he knew. "How are you really doing?" He questioned me again.
"Do you ever feel that no one would notice if you weren't around?" I asked, in reply. He looked shocked at first that I had confided in him, and I was too, but it just seemed so comfortable.
"Yeah, but you gotta forget that, cause people would notice and they would care." He told me, I nodded. This was not a good time to get emotional.
"Perhaps..."
"Perhaps? You're crazy!" He looked at me and I laughed, laughing back the tears that threatened to fall. Looking at me again he walked over.
"What?" I questioned shocked at his closeness. He didn't reply, but reached out and grabbed my arms. He turned them over and looked at them. Wrenching them from him I realized what he was doing, "You think I'm suicidal?" I questioned angrily.
"Well, you fucking just said you thought about dying!" He exclaimed, quickly stepping away from me.
"I didn't say die. I said if I wasn't around. There's a difference!"
"I can't believe you!" He muttered. I bit my lip to keep from replying. I knew if I say something everything would just get worse. So, I stayed silent. And, he did too for a good five minutes, before yawning. "Shit, I'm tired." He mumbled going over to his bed and lay down. We were both silent again for a minute. I watched Danny, as he got himself comfortable. Now more than ever I wanted to cry, because memories of our past friendship floated back. It was still silence, expect for noise from downstairs floating up. I looked back outside and watched as some kids flooded out of the house.
"Do you wish you were back down there?" I asked him, looking sideways over at him. He shook his head, and then closed his eyes.
"Truthfully, no, but then I do feel like I'm missing something... all because of one dumb strip poker game." He chuckled, and then turned to me. "What about you?" Danny and my relationship had always been like that temperamental. We were able to go from hot to cold in seconds, which I was glad of now.
"Nah, it wasn't too fun, it was just a mere distraction from life." I confessed. That all it really was, it was all a simple diversion for my mind.
"Yeah, I know what you mean. Everything seems like a distraction these days... Can I ask you something?"
"What?" I questioned in response.
"Say if we hadn't gotten caught, would you have fooled around with Charlie?" He asked, looking up at me.Whoa! That was a loaded question.
"Would you have fooled around with Stephanie?" Turning the tables around was my only way to escape the answer.
"I don't know, maybe if I felt the evening was that bad, that I would need a lift up of any kind..." He responded, looking down shamefully.
"Same here," I told him. Honestly, that was exactly what I had been thinking.
"Wait... so, you say that you've might've slept with him?" He asked, looking shocked. Is that what I had said? And, why is he so stunned, didn't he just say he would've slept with Stephanie.
"Well, I don't know..." I murmured. "I mean, maybe, it depends how everything went. I wouldn't just hop into the sack with him; I'd wait to see if it was worth it..." I looked at him, but he was silent. So, I tried to fix my eyes up at the floor, not wanting to be caught looking at him.
"It wouldn't have been worth it at all." He stated firmly, destroying the silence. "Madds, look at me..." My eyes left the spot on the floor, for his eyes. Regretting the moment I looked over, he looked so sweet and caring. And, I just shouldn't see him that way.
"Yeah..." I whispered, softly. What would it be like to kiss Danny? Blood was rushing through my veins wildly, at the thought. Shut up, Maddie, I told myself silently.
"Hey guys!" We heard Nick, opening the door. "You know, I feel so mean about this stupid thing, so, it's been like what a half hour? How about you two go back down there and have fun? Think of this at a timeout!" He explained, smiling.
"Timeout?" I repeated dumbly.
"Yeah, just don't tell anyone I'm a softie at heart." He joked. It was apparent he wasn't moving, until we left.
"You been drinking?" Danny asked him, looking amused. "Cause you seem a lot happier than before… doesn't matter though. Thank you,"Danny replied getting up quickly. Does this mean? Is he now off to find Stephanie? Maddie who were you kidding he doesn't care about you. Not even close. He never did.
Shaking away my thoughts, I walked to the door, "Thanks," I told Nick. After one look at Danny, I quickly went out saying a last, "Bye,"
"Oh, and Madds," I turned around, and looked back to Nick. "No more stripping." I nodded solemnly.
"No more stripping. Got it," I replied, looking straight at Danny, who had been watching us speak. Giving them a weak half smile, I went back down to the main level.
"Is Maddie ok?" Nick asked Danny.
"She's fine." Danny replied, while not looking at Nick. "Thanks, for letting off the arrest. I'm going back downstairs." He stated, and left quickly. Nick just stood there confused.
"Ok, something is up!" He said aloud, to himself.
Holly had been continuing flirting with Rob, although, and then it had changed to kissing and from kissing to making out. She had been lucky that Nick, had been preoccupied, but she had also planted herself on the back deck, where no one seemed to be.
"Want to slow down a bit?" Holly said when she felt his hand traveling up her shirt. Why am I so naïve? Crap, I should know that a guy wouldn't be interested in me, but only in sex. And, I thought he liked me. "Let's slow down." I told him firmly, trying to remove his hands from up my shirt. I'm not a prude, but if I'm going to have sex, it's going to take a bit more than some sweet talking to get in my pants, and it be would be nice, if we could fool around, somewhere nicer, than a cold patio bench. The minute his hands left my top, and he bent down to undo the buckle of my pants, I knew I had to think fast. I raised my knee, and kneed him in the stomach.
"Jackass," I muttered, when he had keeled over in pain. This night really wasn't turning out in my favour. What was my problem? Most people I know aren't virgins, and here I am one stupid virgin. And, I'm just ruining all my chances to change it, maybe I'm just not ready? I left the back patio, heading into the house. I avoided all the people gathered in the house. I wasn't in the mood to party, I needed to think. Walking out to the front porch I spotted, Danny sitting on the steps.
"Hey." I said, sitting down next to him. "What's up?" I questioned, looking over at him.
"Don't you find that this party blows?" He asked, in return.
"Yeah, it does... It's weird, because we wait this long to have one, and then everything really does goes wrong." I smiled, at him.
"Hey you two," Looking up we both see Nick coming out the front door. He came and squeezed himself between us on the steps. "What's wrong?" He asked when he sat between us.
"The party is shitty." Danny stated. Nick then looked at me, and I just nodded in agreement. It really did.
"Yeah, I guess it really does." He said in reply. All three of us just sat there looking dejected. Dwelling on what went wrong for us that night.
"What a family of downers!" Ricky joked, walking by us down the step. It was pretty pathetic. We were all sitting there, staring out looking miserable.
"It's past your bed time." Nick stated, not even looking up from the place in space, he was staring at.
"It wasn't a rule." Ricky retorted. Suddenly I thought of Maddie. Where was she? The last time I saw her was around ten, now it was a bit past one. What kind of friend was I?
"Have you guys seen Maddie?" I questioned, looking at all my brothers.
"Last I saw her upstairs." Nick replied. Upstairs? Was she with someone?
"Me too," Danny added.
"What was she doing there? Was she with a guy?" I asked, them both.
"It's a long story, but I sent her there." Nick told me. Where was she now? Do you think she's doing what I could've done?
"I haven't seen her since ten..." I admitted, in shame. Danny and Nick looked at each other, as if they were sharing a secret. "When was the last time you two saw her?"
"Midnight..." Danny guessed and Nick nodded in agreement. We were all silence for a minute, and I thought of where she might be.
"I'm going to go find her." I stated, getting up to leave.
"I might know where she is," Danny confessed. "She and I were talking, because well Nick put us in this shitty situation, but she said something. She said she might sleep with Charlie..."
"She might sleep with Charlie? Danny how much have you been drinking that's BS." I laughed. "Madds and Charlie broke up a while ago and we have decided he's way too vile for anything..."
Danny sighed, "Holly I have barely drunk anything, because of Nick's little shitty stunt-"
Nick interrupted, "Stop fucking calling it that!"
"What is Nick's shitty stunt?" Ricky asked curiously.
"It's nothing. Danny was just being a little ass fuck and dragged Maddie down with him. So, I punished them..." Nick explained.
"What?" Danny questioned. "I dragged her down with me? Oh, yeah I forgot I fucking made Maddie take off her shirt!"
"Shit, you saw Maddie topless?" Ricky asked.
"What the hell happened?And, when you explain it don't curse," I commanded.
Danny smirked, "I didn't realize our cursing bothered you. Maddie and I joined a game of strip poker. All we both lost had been a shirt, before the freak over here came storming in. We get a lecture over setting bad examples, blah blah... whatever. To make a long story short Maddie and I end up in my room as a punishment,"
"Is that where she said she might sleep with Charlie?" Nick questioned.
"How come I didn't get to play strip poker?" Ricky asked. "And, how did Madds bring that up? Was she just like y'know what Danny, I haven't talked to you civilly in four years, but y'know I might sleep with Charlie tonight... that's just random,"
"Well, maybe if Holly hadn't-" Danny started, before Nick hit him over his head. "Ow,"
"We'll help find her." Nick declared, while Danny rubbed his head.
"We'll meet back here, when we're done looking." I told him. And, with that we all left. I went upstairs, highly doubting she'd be there. The last room to check was Danny's. She wasn't there. Although, looking out his window I did see a light on in her bedroom.
"Ok, so she went home" I muttered, when I saw the clothes she had been wearing, were now lying on the floor, except, there was no sign of her. I ran downstairs, to the front porch. Gladnobody was there yet. So I could, quickly head over to Maddie's. I didn't want the boys following me there.
Doing the same as I always did, I let myself in the house.Once I was inside, I dashed upstairs. Her room was empty, but I noticed immediately the adjoining bathroom door was closed. Now I felt stupid, nothing was probably happening. Ilistened closely, suddenly I heard the water turn off. She had been having a shower.
The door opened, and Maddie came out wearing a plush yellow bathrobe. "Hey... sorry I didn't find you, before I left," She told me.
"It's okay; I'm just a paranoid person. Sorry, I kind of abandoned you at the party," I replied.
"No worries...I'm exhausted so I'm just going to hit the hay," She said, as she gathered the clothes on the floor and threw them into her wicker hamper.
"Alrighty, night," I grinned, going to leave.
"Oh, and Hol... I'll be around tomorrow to help clean," She called to me.
The rest of the party, my brothers and I pretty much just started cleaning up. None of us were having a good time, and we couldn't just go to sleep with all these strangers in the house. Slowly they all left, and we had most of the place clean.
Sunday night, when Dad had come home, he asked us all to meet him in the family room, for 'a talk'. Now that really freaked me out, we weren't the family that had family meetings, and junk. So, this meant that something was happening.
"How was it Dad?" I asked, looking over at him.
"It was fine; everything's fine, except I need to tell you all something serious." He stated, looking at us all. Nick, Dan, and Ricky were all sitting on the long sofa, while I curled up on the recliner.
"Now, I didn't want to tell you this, without your Mother..." I bit my lip, he had always referred to Mom, as Mom, not your Mother, could this mean? Mom had been away an awful lot and when they were both home they had fought a lot. Why hadn't I seen this earlier?
"Are you getting a divorce?" I asked shocked, watching the stun looks of my brother's look at me and then Dad.
"It's not easy to say, but you're right, yes... Before you say anything, I don't want this, as I can imagine you all don't." My heart when out to him, he didn't want it a divorce, then what happened? Had Mom been having an affair?
"What happened?" Ricky questioned, innocently.
"I love your Mother, and I always will. I guess she just fell out of love for me." I wanted to run up and give him a hug, but I restrained myself.
"How?" Ricky inquired.
"I don't know..." At this point, I stood up and gave my Dad a hug. Wishing I could change all the problems, but knew I couldn't. My brother's stood up and all gave Dad, a hug too. There was a comfortable silence, as we all stood there. And, I realized that things were changing and fast.
"Please! I'm begging you! I don't want to move to some shitty small town!" Holly was practically crying. After the news of her parents' separation, she just barely survived, but now being sent of to Hell town?
"Honey, trust me you'll love it." Her Father told her. She highly doubted it, but didn't want to complain too much, because she knew even though he didn't show it, he was going through hell.
"Why this place anyway?" Ricky asked.
"I was sent there in my youth to quote on quote reform." He replied, with a laugh. "Not only that, but I was offered a job at a nearby college. And, even another reason is my uncle lives there." He ticked off the reasons on his hand, grinning at the end. "Where are you brothers?" He questioned, surveying the room full of boxes.
"Beats me," Ricky replied, shaking his head.
"They're probably sleeping, the lazy asses." Holly stated bitterly. Jess shot her a warning look. Even though he tended to swear, he hated it when his children did, especially his daughter.
"I am not a lazy ass!" Dan declared, coming in the doorway. Then grinning, he looked at Holly. "You are." She shook her head in disgust.
"I'm going to go see Maddie." Holly announced, jumping off her seat on the counter. Maddie was just as devastated as her about the move.
"Hey kid, watch where you're going." Nick said playfully, after bumping into Holly on his way in. She gave him a half smile and left.
"Not too happy?" He asked, referring to Holly. Jess nodded solemnly, and then grinned at his three sons.
"Now it's time for us big strong men, to pack the trucks!" He exclaimed, clapping his hands together. All the boys groaned, looking towards the boxes, surrounding them, and this was just the kitchen.
"Why can't we get movers to do it?" Ricky questioned.
"Cause, this way we save money, and we aren't taking much, because your Mother is still keeping the house." He explained. The boys had never asked why they couldn't just stay there, with their mother. Not wanting to hurt their Father's feelings, but also knowing there was a more than good explanation.
About half an hour later, the men had their two cars all packed up, one car being a pick up and the other being a SUV, both allowing, a lot of cargo space.
"All ready to go." Jess exclaimed, shutting the trunk of the SUV.
"Already?" Holly asked, looking back at the house she had always called home. And, then back to her best friend standing by her side. Poor Maddie, always had people leaving her, like her Father left her Mother when she was pregnant with her. She didn't want to be like that too.
"Don't worry. I'll come see you this weekend!" Maddie reassured her. They had already promised that they would take turns visiting each other.
"See, you'll see her in a week!" Jess told his daughter, getting into the SUV. "Have a good week, Maddie!" He called, before shutting the car door. Ricky looked at Maddie, the girl he used to secretly love.
"It will be weird, not having you next door to annoy," He told her, grinning. Walking up to Maddie he put his hand out, and taking it she pulled him into a hug.
"I'll miss you kiddo." She commented, ruffling his hair slightly.
"I'm not a kid! I'm not even a whole year younger then you. What is it now? Seven months?" He joked, walking backwards to the SUV. Waving as he got into the back seat.
"Ah, the terrible twosome will now be spilt up! Even though I've waited years for this, now that it has come its rather unsetting." Nick told Maddie. "I mean who else can I make fun of? And, who will be there to make sure you don't date jerks?" He questioned, giving her a brotherly hug and then doing as the rest of his family and walking over to the cars.
"Well, I guess this is it." Dan stated, shifting his weight on his feet. With there long turbulent relationship, what do you do at moments like these?
"Yeah, I guess it is." She replied, looking at him for any indication of what was coming next.
"I'll probably see you whenever you come to visit Holly," He told her.
Maddie nodded, "Have a safe drive," They both stood there, until she spoke again. "It will be weird without you,"
"It will?"
"Who else will I ignore? I could find someone new, but then I'd need the history that made it, what it was." She said, squinting in the sun.
"That be hard."
"Very hard,"
"Impossible,"
"It couldn't be done." She ended with a grin. He smiled back at her, the awkwardness now ending. They looked at each other, until he broke the silence.
"Can I hug you?" He asked, moving forward.
"I suppose so." She joked, melting in his embrace. It felt like time was passing them by as they hugged, as if it was just the two of them. Until they heard the car honk, and broke apart abruptly.
"I'll miss you." He called, as he walked over to the pick up, where Nick sat inside. Holly grinned at her friend.
"Maybe me leaving will open other doors." She said with a laugh. The two girls quietly giggled. Holly secretly surprised Maddie didn't deny anything. "I'd better go." She told her friend.
"Of course," Maddie responded. The two friends hugged, and then performed their secret hand shake, laughing at the juvenileness of it.
"I'll call you!" She shouted, as she ran to the SUV. Maddie stood there, suddenly feeling an overwhelming wave of loneliness. Her best friend was as good as gone, and she was left behind.