John didn't know what he was thinking. He's not one to back out when a girl throws herself on him, but when said girl is little miss popular Claire Standish, the mighty John Bender diffuses into a little person until he feels himself turn into a speck of dust.

What did Claire have to get him all bothered like this?

For one, if something bad is gonna happen to her, it will be all his fault. Usually he won't be bothered by it, but Claire wasn't like any other girls. She wasn't trashy, bitchy or lowgrade. She was raised properly by a wealthy family. He didn't even know what he did to deserve someone like her and he's not about to lose her just because he can't control himself if left alone in a room with her.

"I can't believe I'm turning blue balls over this shit," he said under his breath as he changed his clothes and exited his room. He knows how painful it is to lose one's virginity. He's never broken one but he heard stories. And if Claire couldn't understand that, he has to be the one to tell her. He wanted to see her this time and explain to her what's on his mind. With dinnertime almost here, he proceeded downstairs.

He found Claire and Allison by the kitchen preparing the food while Andy and Brian were out in the balcony enjoying the sea breeze of the night.

"Hey there, hot shot," Claire greeted and made her way to him. She planted a quick kiss on his lips and smiled. "How was your room?"

"Comfy," he answered with a smile too.

She went back to stirring something on the pan. "You should be. It's my favorite room in the house."

He swallowed a lump in his throat. There's no way she'll be there with him ever, he thought. "Oh yeah?"

"It was my brother's room. I used to sneak in to sleep beside him whenever nightmares haunted me."

"I'm done with the steak," Allison suddenly said. John was grateful for the distraction.

"I'll set up the table."

"Thank you, John." Claire said as she turned off the stove.

"God, this steak is amazing," Andy rejoiced and everyone in the dining table laughed. Dinner commenced as soon as the food was brought out.

Brian took a bite of his steak as well and added, " This is rather good."

Allison blushed. "I just copied whatever the cook book said. Besides, it's not all on me. Claire did the sauce as well."

"God, the sauce is amazing," John added. This time, everyone laughed harder.

"John," Claire said after stifling her laughter. "You don't need to patronize me over a simple sauce."

"Sweets," he called her this whenever he's trying to make a point, "The steak wouldn't be the same if it weren't for the sauce. Give yourself a little more credit."

Claire just shook her head. "Let's just eat."

Dinnertime went on with giggles, cheers and more revelations. Brian finally got an A on Shop because of John helping him but he is still trying to figure out the inner workings of the porcelain elephant lamp.

"I already told you everything I know," John added.

"I know," Brian replied, "And thanks for it. I just don't know why I still can't get it."

"Let's still cheers to your grade in Shop now," Andy said and raised his glass. The others followed with smiles on their faces.

"Let's toast to Allison's steak--"

"And Claire's sauce," John interjected. Another round of giggles were heard.

Andy smiled and continued, "And Claire's sauce."

"Most of all," Allison suddenly said, "Let's toast to the night we never dreamed of."

They looked at each other. Sincere eyes sparkled on their dinner table.

"Probably the most memorable and enjoyable dinner we've had in a long while," Andy added. And with it, the sound of wineglasses tinkering were heard and roars of cheer brightened the evening.

The dishes washed and the table cleaned. The club stayed at the balcony after dinner. The stars were out and the sound of waves crashing by the shore were lulling them to sleep.

Allison and Andy were sitting on a deck chair cuddled up to each other. Brian was on the porch while John lied on another deck chair enjoying a cigarette. Claire was sitting on the edge of it.

They were silent for a while when suddenly Allison snored. The others held their chuckle.

"She specifically said she cared less of Andy hearing her snore," John reminded as he puffed again on his cigarette.

Claire shifted on her seat and added, "Maybe all of this excitement was wearing her down. We haven't been this free for a while, you know."

Andy smiled and whispered, "Yeah." He then slowly got up and carried Allison in his arms. "We're gonna head inside now. See you tomorrow."

"Have fun, kids," John sneered as they watched the couple go inside.

"You know," Brian suddenly added, "We should do this more often. You know, going somewhere faraway from Shermer. It certainly gives us a fresh perspective on things. I'm glad you offered this trip, Claire."

"Thanks, Brian," she replied with a pleasant smile on her face. "I figured we needed some ease since that day on detention. The faces on people in school had been not so nice."

"They look at you funny?" John asked.

"Not just me," she said and shifted again on her seat, "Like when Andy talked to Allison, they were certainly looking at them funny. Or when she returned my eyebrow pencil or when you and Brian were working hard in Shop. It was starting to choke me."

"I know what you mean," Brian replied. "This is certainly nice." He then hopped off the porch and continued, "I'm going to sleep now. I'll be on my way."

They nodded and watched Brian disappear inside.

Claire shifted on her seat and turned to John. "You've been acting funny."

He took a long drag from his cigarette and said, "Funny how? I've always been me--just a tad bit kinder nowadays."

"You've been avoiding me," she finally said. "What are you afraid of, John?"

He threw away his cigarette and leaned forward. "Truth?"

She nodded. "Truth."

He stared straight into her eyes and said, "You."

She chuckled. "What about me?"

He leaned in more. His breath close to her lips. "I'm scared of losing you."

She could smell the smoke from his face but her eyes were still on him. "What are you talking about? You're not gonna lose me, John."

He looked into her eyes, the gap between them hadn't changed. "I will be."

"What do you mean?"

"This crazy idea of yours is making me anxious."

"Why?"

He sneered at her. "Isn't it obvious? You can't possibly make me not do something if I'll be alone with you in one of the rooms. This is not school anymore where we can sneak off somewhere and make out. I know you're not ready but don't make me stop when I start kissing you."

She pressed her lips trying to gain her composure. "Actually, there is something I need to talk to you about."

"Claire?"

"John," she swallowed as she looked at his lips and then at his deep eyes. "I'm ready."

It took him a moment to sink that in when she suddenly smiled. He crashed his lips onto hers and carried her immediately inside.