Chapter 6
The entire car ride was complete silence, except for the sound of breathing or the occasional sigh. Amber would throw a quick glance in Link's direction every so often but his expression hadn't changed. His face was cold blue steel and he appeared to be lost in thoughts, that or he was concentrating very hard on the road ahead of him. She wasn't used to seeing him this way. He was so good at the old look good, smile and dance routine that she never considered maybe he was faking it too.
Tracy meant a lot to Link. If Amber couldn't tell back when she and Link were an item, she knew now more than ever. This wasn't a silly phase and he hadn't gone crazy when he chose Tracy. He was in love with Tracy Turnblad. Despite what some would consider obvious flaws and with reckless abandon toward what the rest of the world thought, he had fallen for Tracy. She didn't understand it but it was real and true.
Link slowed down the car in front of Amber's house before coming to a complete stop. His hands were resting on the steering wheel tightly, his gaze directed straight ahead. Amber was supposed to use this as an opportune time to seduce Link and finally seal the deal in this plan she and Vinnie had worked on for so long. That's what she was supposed to do.
"Are you okay?" Amber asked after a moment finally breaking the silence, not moving to get out of the car. It might not have been what she should have said but it was what she was really wondering. The question seemed to catch Link off guard because he looked at her like she had just grown a second head. He hadn't been expecting what almost sounded like genuine concern in her voice. Although he was pretty sure nothing about Amber Von Tussel was genuine.
"No…no, I'm not okay." Link responded and she was equally surprised by his raw honesty to the question. Amber was certainly the last person he ever thought he'd be confiding in. Where was his plastic smile when he needed it? He should be playing it cool and saying everything was groovy. But it wasn't, and he wasn't.
"It's because of Vinnie? He really gets to you doesn't he? He's not a good guy but Tracy can't see that." Amber replied knowingly and she wasn't sure where she was going with this. It wasn't a part of the plan. In fact everything she was saying could very well hurt the plan.
"You see it?" Link questioned looking over at her.
"Tracy isn't like us. I think you know that. She's the type of person to give someone the benefit of the doubt even if she's been done wrong by them. She's the type of person who puts others ahead of herself. I think that's one of the reasons you fell for her." Amber answered honestly and Link looked surprised by her insight.
"I thought you hated Tracy." Link answered incredulously.
"That doesn't mean I don't see things." Amber shrugged with a smirk. "To her, Vinnie is a good guy who wants to be her friend, and he's done nothing to prove otherwise." She reminded.
"What do you see when you look at Vinnie?" Link sighed looking straight ahead again.
"A snake." Amber replied honestly. She mentally kicked herself. If she blew this for all of them she'd never live it down. Her mother would cut her off, and send her to boarding school.
"Things were so much easier when it was you and me." Link admitted swallowing hard.
"Yeah, but what's so great about easy? It's the things that you have to fight for that mean the most." Amber smiled and she couldn't help thinking of Seaweed.
"Who are you and what have you done with Amber Von Tussel?" Link laughed giving her a strange look.
"It must be the lack of sleep. If you tell anyone I said any of this I'll deny it…and they won't believe you anyway." Amber smirked playfully. What was she doing? She had to shake whatever sympathy she was feeling and put her game face on. She thought of her mother and Vinnie, and all the expectations they had. Her chest tightened with panic. She was blowing it. This was her chance to be the victorious one and shine, yet she was blowing it. "Then again, maybe easy can be great too. Relationships shouldn't be all work." She added with a sultry smile changing her tune.
Link looked her in the eyes. Amber leaned forward licking her lips, inching closer and closer. Link hadn't moved and showed no signs of accepting or rejecting her. She thought of Seaweed's hands on her waist. She thought of how she seemed to dance into his arms perfectly. She thought of how he was finally looking at her like she was a person. She then thought of the promise she had made him. She promised she'd leave Link and Tracy alone. Although by just being involved in this plan in anyway was breaking that promise, it felt like being the cause of Link's infidelity would be crossing the line of no return. She thought of how Seaweed managed to make her heart flutter and how she wished she could feel that way all of the time.
She was mere inches away from Link's lips and before he could say or do anything, she backed away just as quickly as she had leaned in. Link looked at her feeling puzzled and confusion was etched across his face. She looked into those deep blue eyes finally noticing how beautifully broken they were. His eyes told the story of someone who had been forced to grow up just a little too soon.
"I was going to say I should have known better…" Link spoke finally but she was now looking out the window avoiding eye contact. "Why do you do that?" He asked curiously shaking his head.
"I don't know." Amber admitted quietly.
"It's because you can't stand the idea of losing. You want what Tracy has just for the sake of her not having it. It's never been about me. Even with you and Shelly it wasn't about me. All I've ever been is a trophy." Link chuckled with a bitter tinge in his voice.
"Like you wanted to be with me because you loved me so much?" Amber scoffed with a laugh. Link had to smile because she had a point. "And that's not why, for the record." She added finally looking at him.
"Then why?" Link asked again.
"Because this is who I am. And your right, I can't stand losing. But even more than that, I can't afford it." Amber explained. "Goodnight Link and thanks for the ride." She added with a smile reaching for the door handle.
"Amber." Link called and she ducked her head in the window after closing the door.
"Yeah?" Amber questioned curiously.
"It doesn't have to be..." Link replied. "…who you are, I mean." He added offering a wink. Amber smiled. He still hadn't lost his charm.
"Goodnight Link Larkin." Amber smirked before turning to walk away.
XoXoXoXoX
Tracy walked towards the Corny Collins studio with a heavy heart. She'd normally be riding to the show with Link but she hadn't seen him since he left last night with Amber. He hadn't shown up to school that day, which really wasn't like him. She was worried for his well-being and for the status of their fractured relationship. She wasn't sure if he had broken up with her. She didn't know if her heart could take it if the answer was yes. It had been plaguing her ever since and she spent the night crying in Penny's arms. Was she wrong for being friends with Vinnie? Vinnie had done nothing but try to be her friend ever since she met him. Perhaps she had just let things get a little too friendly. She and Link had finally recovered from that night at the club and now this. She felt like she was on an emotional roller coaster. She heard a car door slam behind her but didn't turn around. Vinnie was swiftly walking along side her with a charming smile.
"Hey dollface. Why didn't you tell me you needed a ride?" Vinnie asked with an innocent smile. "I would have offered you one but I assumed you'd be catching a ride with Link." He added with a curious glint in his eyes.
"Link wasn't in school today." Tracy answered quietly. Vinnie held open the studio door for her and they both walked inside.
"I hope I didn't cause any trouble between the two of you." Vinnie offered feigning sincerity and concern. He was smiling inside.
"I think Link might have the wrong idea about us." Tracy answered referring to herself and Vinnie.
"Does he?" Vinnie asked raising an eyebrow.
"He seems to think that we flirt." Tracy shrugged with a frown.
"I know that for some odd reason Link doesn't like me, but he should trust you." Vinnie reasoned giving her back a comforting rub as they walked down the corridor. "To be honest, I guess I wouldn't like me too much if I were him either." He added looking away with a slight blush on his cheeks.
"Why's that?" Tracy asked stopping in her tracks and looking at him.
"I'd be lying if I said I wasn't crazy about you. The truth is I like you Tracy. I don't think I have ever liked a girl quite like this…and if Link wasn't in the picture…" Vinnie began slipping his hand through a few strands of her hair and tucking it behind her ear. Tracy's breath caught in her throat. She took Vinnie's hand and gently guided it away from her face.
"Link is in the picture. I'm sorry Vinnie, but I love Link. If I somehow didn't make that clear before, I'm saying it now." Tracy answered in a soft, firm tone.
"But does he love you, the way you deserve to be loved? He makes walking away from you look easy, in a way that I could never do." Vinnie shook his head looking into her eyes. "Does he love you?" He asked. Tracy was silent for a moment before speaking.
"Eventually…" Tracy nodded intensely because she needed to believe in Link, but she knew his heart wasn't there yet.
"You're too good for eventually dollface." Vinnie smiled caressing her cheek. "Who wants eventually when you can have now?" He murmured softly moving in closer. Tracy was starting to realize it must have been Vinnie's developing romantic interest in her, that she had been oblivious too, that had Link flipping his lid. Sure she knew Vinnie was really nice and attentive and maybe even flirty but she never thought anything serious of it.
"Link will be worth the wait." Tracy replied adamantly while backing away.
"I'm sorry. I just don't want to see you get hurt Tracy. Link's no good for you." Vinnie sighed and started walking again towards the dressing room.
"You don't even know him." Tracy argued following behind him.
"Well, what I do know I don't like." Vinnie replied evenly.
"And what's that?" Tracy questioned crossing her arms over her chest and Vinnie stopped and turned to look at her just outside of the dressing room.
"He's selfish and he's not above using people for his own personal gain. I just don't want to see you used and spat out the way that girl Amber was." Vinnie explained.
"Amber?" Tracy scoffed. "I think you've got that all wrong…" She shook her head.
"He's a leech, and it's a pattern. Shelley told me how he started out liking her and she was one of the most popular girls on the show. Then he choose Amber over her because not only was Amber popular, winning Miss Teenager Hairspray several times and all, but her mother was also the station manager. Her mother had control over his career. It had nothing to do with having feelings for Amber." Vinnie pointed out. "And didn't you tell me he didn't go to that march with you?" He reminded with a frown.
"Yes, but…" Tracy uttered.
"And that was because he cared more about himself and his career, than doing the right thing. Link will do whatever it takes to be on top." Vinnie insisted.
"You're wrong. Link felt awful for not going to the march. He even went to my house and stayed with my parents because he was so worried about me. He went against what everyone else thought by choosing to be with me. I'm not exactly the conventional choice but he saw passed all that." Tracy argued passionately.
"And I know it must have seemed like some huge romantic gesture when he kissed you in front of everyone and chose you over Amber, but even that was self-serving. Amber had just been dethroned and you were rising in popularity for weeks. You think it's some great coincidence he started showing interest in you after you became the most popular girl on the show?" Vinnie countered his argument becoming more convincing. "You're just the flavor of the week. Once a girl surpasses your popularity, she'll be the next one on his arm. It's only a matter of time before he hurts you. I don't want to have to be the one to say all of this to you, but I also don't want to see you get hurt. I care about you Tracy." He admitted softly. Tracy was stunned silent. She didn't want to believe any of the things Vinnie was saying, but she couldn't deny that some of it made sense. She slowly shook her head regaining her voice.
"No. You don't know Link the way that I do. He might have done some bad things in the past but he has a good heart. He wouldn't do something like that. He's with me because he wants to be, not because of some popularity contest." Tracy insisted with tears in her eyes.
"I hope you're right." Vinnie shrugged. "And if not, I'll always be here for you to help pick up the pieces when he's done." He added softly before Seaweed approached them from behind.
"If you don't mind, I'll take care of her from here." Seaweed smiled politely putting a protective arm around Tracy.
"Not a problem at all. You better watch out though. Link might get jealous. I hear he's the possessive type." Vinnie grinned and Seaweed ignored him pulling Tracy along.
"I don't think that's such a good idea." Seaweed commented when they were alone in a corner of the room.
"What?" Tracy asked in confusion.
"Spending time with Vinnie, when that is the reason you and Link are having problems in the first place." Seaweed reminded wisely giving her a look.
"So now you're saying I shouldn't even talk to him?" Tracy asked incredulously giving him the same look back.
"I'm saying have you ever known Link to be a jealous guy?" Seaweed asked.
"No, not even when he was with Amber. I'm sure he had more cause to be jealous with her then he does with me." Tracy offered.
"There you go. Link isn't a jealous guy. If he is upset there is probably a good reason to be." Seaweed reasoned. "You need to decide who's more important. Link or Vinnie." He stated simply.
"But Vinnie and I are just friends. It's not like that." Tracy insisted for what had to be the millionth time.
"I realize that, but I don't think you can have both. I don't see them co-existing anytime soon." Seaweed pointed out.
"It wouldn't be right to just stop being his friend." Tracy frowned feeling conflicted. "I mean he's been nothing but good to me. Would you stop being friends with someone just because Penny didn't like them?" She asked raising an eyebrow. Seaweed silently chewed his bottom lip pondering the question for a moment. He immediately thought of Amber and how he had been sneaking around giving her lessons. It felt like over the past few weeks he and Amber were actually starting to become friends. He found himself guiltily enjoying the time he spent with her. There was no doubt in his mind that Penny would definitely disapprove of any type of friendship with Amber. He felt even more ashamed when he thought of how he had been lying to Penny over Amber. Amber a girl he was foolish enough to begin to trust, grow fond of and almost consider a friend. He risked a lot for Amber and all so she could turn around and stick a knife in his back. He felt the bitterness rushing through his body at the thought of her getting into a car with Link, even though she promised she'd leave Link and Tracy alone. Although he didn't know the details of what happened. There was the off chance that she didn't try anything with Link. Maybe she hadn't betrayed him.
"Seaweed?" Tracy called with a chuckle as he snapped out of his daze.
"Oh sorry." Seaweed uttered slightly blushing shaking off the thoughts. "I don't know. I guess it depends. I think I would." He answered even though part of him wasn't really sure.
"If it came down to it, it would always be Link." Tracy admitted and there was no mistaking the love in her eyes.
"You should tell him that." Seaweed offered with a grin nodding toward the door where Link had just made his entrance. Link greeted a few of the council kids before heading over towards IQ. "Or, you could just watch him longingly from afar. That always works too." He teased with a grin after watching her watch Link for a moment.
"I'm gonna talk to him. I just have to get the nerve. I mean I don't even know if he was breaking up with me or not." Tracy reminded worriedly.
"You'll never know if you don't talk to him." Seaweed reminded with a thoughtful look in his eyes.
XoXoXoXoX
"Oh, I don't know about this Link." IQ uttered uncertainly.
"Would you stop being such a panty waist?" Link groaned sounding annoyed. "It's just harmless fun." He reminded with a devilish grin.
"I know, but I kind of like Vinnie. He's a cool cat." IQ admitted with a slight pout not sure he wanted to be a part of this plan.
"So do I…" Link began with a smile.
"You do?!" IQ asked clearly sounding surprised.
"Yeah. Why wouldn't I?" Link shrugged with a smirk.
"I just thought with the way he is always all over Tracy…" IQ answered awkwardly his voice trailing off.
"I can't blame a man for having good taste." Link replied with a fake smile. "Besides, I have nothing to worry about. Tracy's not going anywhere, and I can have anyone I want." He offered putting on his cocky persona.
"You're sure of that?" IQ questioned.
"Positive." Link stated.
"Because it would be kind of embarrassing if Tracy left you for Vinnie after making such a claim." IQ reminded and was awarded with a death glare. "Not that she would!" He added quickly.
"Are you in or not? Think of it as an initiation. He's the new kid on the block and this is our way of welcoming him to the family and making him feel at home." Link explained with an innocent smile.
"So it'll be like we are initiating him into the council?" IQ offered slowly.
"Exactly." Link smiled.
"I guess when you put it like that…count me in." IQ finally decided. Tracy approached them looking like a meek child who had just been scolded. This was a far cry from the Tracy that was usually so bouncy and full of life.
"Hey Link…IQ" Tracy greeted quietly sending IQ a slight nod. "Link could I talk to you for a second?" She asked looking down. Link had focused his attention on the mirror in front of him and he was fussing with his hair not really paying any attention to her.
"What's up Darlin?" Link asked without looking at her. Her heart would normally flutter at the term of endearment but for some reason it didn't come out sounding the way it normally does.
"I meant in private." Tracy answered softly and this finally caused him to look at her.
"It's almost time for the show." Link reminded giving her an apathetic look. She looked at him with disappointment filling her beautiful brown eyes and it was enough to soften him for a moment. "I guess we have a few minutes." He sighed walking passed her and she followed him into the hall.
"Link…" Tracy began and suddenly her heart felt heavy when he turned around to look at her. He was dressed in an all black suit and looked stunningly handsome, a picture of perfection. She could tell by the look in his eyes and the difference in his demeanor that this wasn't her Link, the one she had been with for months now. This was Link Larkin, most popular guy in school, chick magnet and TV personality on the Corny Collins Show. Sure, he still had those traits after they started dating but it was different now. Now he was more like the boy she had watched on TV, and from afar in the halls. She was sure it was her fault and in that moment she realized maybe she had made more progress with Link then she had first thought. He had come such a long way from who he was.
"Yes?" Link asked raising a superficial eyebrow.
"I…did…are…" Tracy stammered nervously unable to find the right words.
"Spit it out Darlin. I don't have all day." Link responded coolly with a smile that was as charming as it was faux. She felt her heart tear a little the more he acted like cocky, popular, superficial 'Corny Collins star' Link. She knew this wasn't the real him.
"Were you breaking up with me last night?" Tracy asked with fresh tears in her eyes despite herself.
"Why? Does Vinnie want to know if you're on the make?" Link chuckled sarcastically even though he didn't find the situation particularly funny.
"What? No! I swear it's not like that. I'm sorry I kept things from you. I wish I could take it back. I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn't want to cause anymore unnecessary friction between us after our last fight." Tracy tried to explain.
"Keeping things from someone you claim to care about is never the right thing and I wasn't breaking up with you." Link stated and she was a little relieved to hear this even though he was still being cold. The truth was he didn't know if he could end things between them. A lifetime of misery with her had to be better than any kind of life without her. But he felt the need to put his guard back up and act this way, if he was going to get through this in one piece and unscathed.
"So, we're gonna be okay?" Tracy asked hopefully feeling her heart rise just knowing they were still together.
"I don't know." Link shrugged. They stared at each other intensely, both thinking they were right and the other was wrong. There was still so much left unsaid. Tracy could only wish he'd talk to her the way he used too. She thought they had communication issues before, but now Link's guard seemed to be up completely. He was treating her as if she were just another council member.
"5 minutes guys!" IQ called ducking his head out the door. Link turned to walk away but she grabbed his arm.
"We have to go." Link stated looking down at her small hand.
"We still need to talk. I don't like how we left things." Tracy answered with pleading eyes.
"After the show." Link offered nonchalantly. He turned to walk away again when she doesn't say anything.
"Wait." Tracy called and he turned to face her once more raising an eyebrow. "Can I at least have a kiss?" She asked with a small smile. His frosty blue eyes looked over her once before he pulled her closer, and kissed the corner of her mouth. She grabbed his head before he could pull away and kissed him hard. He stood rigid and stiff against her and there was no emotion being reciprocated from him. She released him and without a word he walked away from her.
Link sat in front of his vanity mirror, checking his face to make sure he wasn't too flushed. He didn't want anyone to know how her kiss shook him to his very core. He didn't want them to know how much this was all really affecting him. He especially didn't want her to know. He was a good actor and could fake his way through this whole thing if he had too. He hated having to be this way towards her. He knew he had to be this way, be this version of himself. He was still hurt by her keeping things from him, but he bottled those emotions up and put his game face on. If Vinnie wanted to play, then he was finally going to meet Link Larkin.
XoXoXoXoXoX
Link enthusiastically made his return and retook his place as Tracy's partner. They were now all in the middle of performing "Nicest Kids In Town.' Corny sang and all of the council kids danced around him. Link threw IQ a glance and the other boy nodded. On cue at the dance move where they were all supposed to throw their hands in the air, Link and IQ ripped Vinnie's pants down to his ankles pantsing him on live television.
Everyone else in the council tried to keep from laughing as Vinnie struggling to pull his pants up. His face was flushed with embarrassment and IQ couldn't stop laughing. He could also hear Amber's unmistakable cackle. He then noticed the only person not laughing was Tracy. She looked like she felt bad for him. She mouthed a 'sorry.' Vinnie briefly noted he could use this to his advantage later. He threw a glare at Link and all Link could do was smile. Corny kept singing trying to recover from the slip up and the other kids continued to dance. Vinnie tried to shake off the tinge of embarrassment he felt, starting to dance again as well.
They finished roll call and Link calculated each step before deliberately dancing in front of Vinnie, and throwing his elbow back hard. His elbow connected with Vinnie's nose with a loud crack. Everyone in the room seemed to gasp as blood spurted out of Vinnie's nose.
"Oh my God. I'm sorry man. I didn't mean to. It was an accident." Link apologized looking sincere with a slight chuckle. The singing and dancing had stopped and now all attention was on Link and Vinnie. Vinnie was hunched over holding his nose as blood poured into his hand and down his expensive suit. Before another word could be spoken Vinnie grabbed Link violently by the jacket. Corny stepped in before the situation could escalate, pulling them apart and stepping between. They were off the air and quickly went to a commercial break.
"Easy killer. You wouldn't want to ruin that fake, nice guy image of yours. You think you've got everybody fooled." Link shook his head with a sneer. Corny stood firmly between them, arms extended to try and keep them apart.
"What has gotten into you two?" Motormouth Maybelle asked as she approached in a hushed tone. "We were on the air." She reminded looking back and forth between them.
"What's the matter Link? Afraid someone is going to dethrone you or finally expose you for the fraud you really are?" Vinnie laughed wiping the blood from this face.
"You go ahead and try it." Link challenged not backing down.
"That's enough." Corny warned with a stern tone.
"I guess if I lost everyone I was close too I'd be paranoid too. I mean with a dead mother and an absentee father, one is bound to develop emotional issues." Vinnie snapped with a sinister smile. The entire room was silent and Tracy had a growing knot in her stomach.
"Excuse me?" Link choked. His voice was laced with anger. He felt a stab of pain at the mention of his deceased mother.
"Don't look so surprised. Tracy and I communicate. We tell each other things." Vinnie smiled like he's won and Link can't take it. He felt like he was going to be sick or explode with rage, so he walked off of the set. Tracy watched helplessly, did Vinnie really have to take it that far? Did he have to bring up Link's mother and other things she had confided in him about?
"Vinnie!" Tracy cried and she turned to walk away but he grabbed her arm.
"Just let him go." Vinnie insisted. "Come on Tracy, do you really want to be with a guy that is capable of this?" He asked pointing to his face. Tracy yanked her arm from his grasp and took off in the direction Link had gone.
XoXoXoXoX
Tracy ran into the hall repeatedly calling out his name but she didn't have to look very far. Link stood in the middle of the hall, chest heaving and his back to her. She could practically feel the anger radiating off of him.
"Link." Tracy cooed softly.
"You told him about my mother? How could you? You know how I feel about that…I can barely bring myself to talk to you about it and you tell him of all people? You told him something so personal and private that I confided in you about?! And then you expect me to be able to open up to you?" Link asked quietly but the anger in his voice was unmistakable. He was trying to control his temper but he felt betrayed.
"Yes, but I didn't think he would use it the way he did. He's my friend and yes we talk sometimes and he's asked about you. I'm sorry." Tracy apologized with a heavy sigh. "Link, you didn't hit him on purpose did you? I really want to believe that you didn't." She added after a brief silence, wishing he would look at her. He finally turned to face her and then walked passed her.
"It was as accidental as him injuring my ankle." Link replied honestly. "God, you are infuriating!" He snapped not really at her but just letting out his out frustration. He turned on her and Tracy looked surprised and a little scared. She wasn't afraid of him. She was just surprised by his angry outburst.
"I don't understand why you hate him so much. Aside from what just happened in there he's never done anything to you." Tracy cried insistently. "Vinnie and I are just friends and I've never tried to control who you hang out with so…" She began frantically.
"See? That's just it! You don't understand! You just don't get it!" Link shouted furiously.
"Then explain it to me! Talk to me!" Tracy demanded becoming angry.
"Tracy, you are a sweet but very naïve girl. You see the world in all vibrant colors, you're accepting and you always give others the benefit of the doubt…" Link tried to explain.
"And that's a bad thing?" Tracy asked incredulously.
"No…but, sometimes yes it can be. I know it's not right. I wish everyone could be like you but that's just not how it is. I am telling you right now, Vinnie is a bad guy. I know he seems like he's trying to be your friend but darlin, he's just a wolf in sheep's clothing. I don't want to see you get hurt because I know he's not who he's pretending to be. Call it instincts, or a gut feeling…but I know he's no good." Link insisted heatedly.
"That's funny, because he feels the same way about you. He thinks you're using me and that you're just going to end up hurting me. He was telling me about some of the other girls you've dated...some of the things he's heard." Tracy replied looking away.
"And you believe him?" Link asked raising an eyebrow.
"No, I'd like to believe I know you better than that." Tracy answered looking into his eyes. "But why did you choose Shelley over Amber?" She asked. Link shook his head with a sigh before looking up at her.
"Because Amber's mother was the station manager. Amber was starting to outshine Shelley on the show, not because she was more talented but because she was getting a lot more camera time. Velma made sure Amber got a lot of camera time. Which stands to reason who ever her partner was would get the same kind of exposure. Her mother also knew agents and she controlled whether or not I got to sing on the show." Link answered honestly.
"What about me?" Tracy asked with tears in her eyes facing the reality that it was possible for Link to do such a thing. If he could do something like that to the other girls he had been with what made her any different?
"What do you mean what about you?" Link asked looking confused.
"Well, when you finally started to notice me...my popularity had skyrocketed. I was one of the most popular girls on the show by the time we got together." Tracy pointed out.
"Oh my God, is that the kind of stuff he's been filling your head up with?" Link scoffed in disbelief. "Trace, I would never…what we have…I can't even believe you would think that." He uttered feeling at a loss for words. His anger now mixing with disappointment and hurt.
"I don't." Tracy shook her head.
"But you considered it. I can tell by the look on your face when you found out about Shelley and Amber. I'm not proud of some of the choices I've made and some of the things I've done. I'm not gonna lie about it or keep it from you either. You opened up my eyes and made me want to be better than that. The way I feel about you has nothing to do with your status. Trace, I noticed you before all that…in detention when I saw you dance. Hell, even when you auditioned for Velma." Link admitted softening only for a moment while looking into her eyes, and thinking of when he had first truly saw her. He shook off the memories and in an instant his face was back to cold blue steel.
"Link, even before you noticed me I always knew there was more to you than that. I don't want to fight anymore. I just want us to be together." Tracy insisted softly because that was honestly how she felt. She just wanted to put this all behind them.
"I wanted that too, but every time I turn around there's something new. You keeping things from me, Vinnie trying to fill your head with lies…" Link pointed out looking upset.
"So what are you saying Link? That you want me to stop being friends with him when he hasn't really done anything wrong?" Tracy asked. "I just don't understand why this has to be an either, or thing. If you guys tried, maybe you could even be friends." She added hopefully trying to sound enthusiastic and positive. Link shook his head incredulously, apparently she just didn't understand there was no being friends with a manipulative bastard who was trying to steal you're spot and you're girl.
"You're right. You shouldn't have to choose. I'll make the choice for you." Link answered and with that he turned to walk away from her, from them.
"Link, no!" Tracy cried chasing after him and grabbing his arm forcing him to turn back around. "So that's it?! What ever happened to letting love and friendship reign? We're going through a rough patch, and we had a few fights so now you're just ready to give it up? There's no choice to be made because it'll always be you. If you really want me to stop being friends with Vinnie, if that's what it's going to take to fix us than I'll do it. I love you Link. I'm in love with you." She admitted letting all of her emotions pour out into one heartfelt confession. Love. The word made his stomach do flip-flops. He felt like he was going to be sick with all of the swirling emotions he was feeling. He had never spoken the words to her even after he admitted them to himself so long ago. He crashed his lips against her without warning, aggressively pushing her back against the wall. Tracy certainly wasn't expecting this reaction. He kissed her furiously hard, releasing all of his pent up emotions onto her lips. She felt so much in his kiss, anger, pain, passion, disappointment, desperation and love. His lips claimed her neck with an aching hunger that was only intensified by the anger he felt. Tracy gasped finally able to catch her breath. Her heart was racing and she could barely form a coherent thought. It had never been like this before. His hands that were usually so soft and gentle to the touch were now rough and unforgiving.
"No…you…don't." Link whispered huskily into her ear.
"What?" Tracy barely gasped.
"You don't love me." Link repeated in a whisper giving her earlobe a small nibble. Tracy opened her mouth to argue how wrong he was but before she could say a word she felt his hand slide up her skirt, and between her legs. "When you love someone you don't lie to them…" He continued in a husky voice.
"I didn't…" Tracy argued desperately but it was hard to think with his hand resting on her inner thigh.
"…Or keep things from them. You don't choose others over them…" Link went on quietly.
"I never…" Tracy shook her head with tears building up in her eyes.
"Maybe not meaning too, but you did. When you love someone there's no need to flirt or look at anyone else because that person is all you need." Link murmured against her ear.
"It's not like that…" Tracy insisted as a tear rolled down her cheek.
"And when you love someone you certainly don't let another touch you…" Link breathed into her ear before letting his hand intimately graze her panties. Tracy gasped with a sharp intake of breath, at the new sensation jolting through her body.
"Does Vinnie make you feel the way that I do?" He asked softly. His fingers pressed against her cotton covered, throbbing core with a little more force and she whimpered into his neck wrapping her arms around his shoulders for support. His chest heaved up and down in time with hers.
"Tell me to stop." He pleaded because he needed to hear the words. He would have taken her right there against the wall letting all of his frustrations out. It certainly wasn't a romantic way to share their first time together. It wasn't right. It wasn't time. He still needed to hear her say the words. She couldn't speak. All she could do was bite her bottom lip and try not to moan. Did she even want him to stop?
"STOP!" Corny cried in horror and Link and Tracy jumped apart from each other. He looked back and forth between them completely bewildered. "You two have missed half the show. I come to find you and you're…we don't need another Brenda incident on our hands." He warned in a hushed tone.
"Oh no, we weren't…" Tracy uttered becoming completely flushed. Corny gave her a look. "Please don't tell my parents." She added quickly with a look of alarm.
"Sorry Corny. Things just got carried away. It won't happen again." Link offered coolly slipping back into his TV persona.
"The Ladies Choice is coming up. Get back on the set and I'll deal with you two later." Corny advised sternly and then softening at the look of fear on Tracy's face. "I see no need to involve your parents as long as nothing like this ever happens again." He added to ease her worry and she immediately perked up.
"Oh, thank you!" Tracy smiled throwing her arms around him.
"You guys aren't off the hook." Corny reminded hugging her back with a slight chuckle. "Now go." He nodded and they both went off towards the set.
XoXoXoXoX
The Corny Collins Show was back from commercial break a few moments after Link and Tracy rejoined the council. Corny was more surprised than anyone when he read that Amber would be the one to lead the Ladies Choice.
"It looks like those new moves of yours are finally starting to pay off Amber." Corny offered with a cheesy smile. "Feels a lot more rewarding than having your mother hand it to you doesn't it?" He added and she glared at him but took her spot center stage in front of all the boys who were lined up for the Ladies Choice.
She walked up and down the line of guys looking at each of them as the girls were told to do each week, even if they already knew which one they wanted. Amber stopped for a moment close to Seaweed but not in front of him. She frowned when he wouldn't even look at her but looked straight ahead. She walked back down the line of boys knowing she could never really choose the one she wanted. She stood in front of the next best thing. The one she was expected to want to be with. The one her family wanted for her out of selfish and vindictive reasons. She smiled before offering her hand and Link accepted.
He twirled her out to the dance floor holding her close. Tracy looked on uncomfortably. Seaweed tried not to show how unsettled he was by the sight, casting his eyes down to the floor. Amber suddenly spun out of Link's arm and began doing a dance she and Seaweed had gone over in practice. Link was a bit put off at first because Amber was usually a very prim, proper by the books kind of dancer. So to see her bust out these kind of moves during a couples dance was very new to him. It almost reminded him of the first time he saw Tracy dance in detention, so free-spirited and confident. Link didn't waste time asking questions. He just went with it. It was a matter of seconds before they were both shaking it to the groovy beat and the entire live audience was into it. Seaweed could feel a new found bitter rage rise within him at the sight of her performing his moves on live television.
"If I didn't know any better I'd think they were still an item." Tracy heard Doreen whisper to Noreen. She was already having mixed emotions and this did nothing to help calm them. She wasn't sure who was right or wrong, or where they stood at all anymore. She was still flustered after their encounter in the hall and even that left her feeling even more confused. How could Link say that she didn't love him? She had loved him before he even knew who she was.
The fact that she made him question that bothered her. She also never wanted to be one of those women who allowed a man to control them. She loved being independent and free spirited. If she stopped being friends with Vinnie not only would it be wrong because he didn't deserve it but it would be like Tracy was letting Link control her. Then there was the fact that Link was only trying to look out for her. If something was making him feel uncomfortable in their relationship then she should respect his wishes. Tracy let out a groan as she watched Link dip Amber. She slightly pouted, all of these conflicting thoughts were giving her a migraine. She loved Link. That was the one thing she knew was pure and true. She made up her mind. She would tell Vinnie she couldn't be his friend anymore.
XoXoXoXoX
Vinnie sat in front of the vanity mirror examining his face. There was bruising and it would no doubt leave an ugly black and blue, but luckily Link hadn't broken the bone. He held the ice pack to his face and didn't notice Tracy approaching until she was right behind him.
"Hey." Tracy greeted in a small voice.
"Tell your boyfriend he hits like a girl." Vinnie snickered before putting the ice pack down and turning to face her in his seat.
"Oh my!" Tracy exclaimed at the sight of his face. She cupped his face in her hands gently examining the damage that had been done. "I'm so sorry about this." She sighed sadly. He winced slightly as her small hand grazed the side of his cheek a bit taken aback by the genuine concern and tenderness in her eyes. In that moment he had to admit, she almost looked beautiful. It made him sick to actually think such a thing and he tried to remind himself of what a cow she was. He smiled the more she looked over him with that look in her eyes. He could easily use this to his advantage.
"You still think that boyfriend of yours is such a great guy? I think this alone proves what kind of man he really is." Vinnie offered manipulatively pretending to act like it hurt more than it did.
"I'm sorry he did this but he really is a wonderful person. I wouldn't have fallen for him if he weren't. You shouldn't have said those things about his mother I would have never told you if I knew you were going to try and use it as Ammo. You both seem to think poorly of each other. I feel so caught up in the middle. I mean you're my friend and Link's my boyfriend. I don't want to lose him. I'm sorry Vinnie. I hate that I have to say this but if Link is uncomfortable with me being friends with you then I can't be your friend." Tracy shook her head looking away to avoid his eyes. For the first time, Vinnie felt panicked. He was losing her. Perhaps Link was better than he thought. She shook her head giving him a look of regret that said she wished things could be different. She turned to walk away but Vinnie was on his feet grabbing her by the arm in an instant.
"Tracy wait…" Vinnie protested.
"I'm sorry Vinnie, but this is the way things have to be." Tracy replied softly.
"Tracy, I know you care for him but Link isn't the one for you. You spent so much time being infatuated with him that you tricked yourself into thinking it was love." Vinnie insisted.
"Don't tell me how I feel. It's not infatuation. I love Link." Tracy proclaimed defensively.
"Tracy, listen to me. I know you think he's so great and you know him so well but love is blind. It'll make a fool out of you if you let it. I have more to offer you than Link ever could." Vinnie declared finally deciding it was all or nothing. He had to do something drastic if Link had her to a point where she was actually ready to end their 'friendship'. He took her hands in his. "Let me prove it to you. I've watched you dance and felt captivated by you. It drives me crazy seeing Link put his hands on you even when I know you're not mine to be jealous for. If I were lucky enough to be your guy I wouldn't be jealous you had friends. I'd be honored that I was the one lucky enough to have you on my arm. You wouldn't have to beg to meet my family because I'd be dying to show you off. I'd put you on a pedestal because that's where you belong. You'd never have to feel inferior with me. Dollface, I place you above me. I can give you what you deserve. I could love you more than he ever could Tracy." He promised. He was staring at her intensely and she was at a loss for words. She watched him gently slip her promise ring off of her finger.
"Vinnie…" Tracy uttered trying to pull her hand away but he already had the ring off. He turned the ring around slipping it back on her finger so that the heart was pointing away from her body. Tracy slowly shook her head. Before she could really react to it all Vinnie suddenly pulled her into a passionate kiss. Tracy's arms flew up in shock and he held her even closer. She wasn't kissing him back but not exactly fighting him off either. When she finally regained her sense she pushed Vinnie away.
Link stood in the doorway and had witnessed it. He must have just walked in. Tracy let out a defeated sigh. It seemed like Link had a habit of walking in at the worst possible moments. She had come here to end her friendship with Vinnie but would that matter? Vinnie gave Link a smug look and Link charged at him taking him to the floor. A few of the girls screamed and gasped as they all scattered about the room. Link mounted Vinnie and was about the finish the job he started on his face when Corny and a few of the other council boys pulled him off.
"Calm down." Corny yelled and the other boys held Link back. Vinnie got up off the floor throwing Link a sly smile, that Link was sure he was the only one who caught.
"Mr. Collins, with all due respect sir, this is the second time today that Link Larkin attacked me. I am starting to fear for my safety here on this show." Vinnie frowned touching the bruises on his face. Corny looked at him sympathetically before turning to Link. As much as Corny respected and cared for Link, if another council member was fearing for their safety he had no choice but to do something about it. The stunt Link had pulled earlier live on the show and now this, couldn't go without consequence.
"Link, you're suspended from the show indefinitely." Corny decided after a moment. There were shocked murmurs amongst the entire room.
"What?!" Both Link and Tracy cried.
"You heard me Link! I can't have you attacking the other talent and all for what? Fear of being replaced or outshined?" Corny frowned disapprovingly.
"That's not what this is." Link insisted shoving the other guys away and straightening out his suit.
"Well it doesn't really matter why. Attacking another member of the council is unacceptable. I expect this from some of the girls…they can be so catty…but you? I'm disappointed. I suggest you get that temper of yours in check." Corny advised.
"How long am I suspended for?" Link asked in disbelief. It was all so unfair. Vinnie was slime, yet he was always the one paying for it.
"Long enough, until I feel you're ready to come back." Corny stated. Link could feel all eyes in the room on him. Link moved closer and tried to speak as discreetly as possible.
"Corny, this show is my life." Link answered in a hushed tone. The show wasn't his life in the sick way that it had become Velma Von Tussel's life, but for over 3 years it was still very much his life.
"Maybe that's the problem." Corny offered quietly. Link looked around the room at all the surprised faces that were now pretending not to be listening to the exchange between him and Corny. Without another word he headed for the door and Tracy ran after him.
XoXoXoXoX
Tracy followed Link out to his car. Link being upset and her chasing after him was becoming a little too familiar.
"Link." Tracy called after him again.
"Tracy, you're like the last person I want to talk to right now." Link answered angrily and there was warning in his tone.
"I know what that must have looked like…" Tracy began carefully.
"Let me guess it wasn't what it looked like?" Link smirked sarcastically. He was anything but amused.
"I didn't kiss him. He kissed me. I was telling him I couldn't be friends with him anymore." Tracy insisted.
"You didn't exactly seem to fight it." Link countered, his eyes burning into hers.
"I wasn't expecting it." Tracy argued desperately. It seemed like everything between them just kept getting screwed up no matter how hard she tried to fight it.
"He just got me kicked off the show. I've spent over three years of my life on that show…" Link began becoming even more upset.
"Suspended, not kicked off…there's a difference! You're still on the show Link." Tracy reminded trying to see the silver lining even when he couldn't. "And you did attack him. What was Corny supposed to do?" She added reasonably.
"I attacked him with good reason." Link scoffed. He let out a sigh and silence fell around them for a moment. They both looked at the ground or anywhere but each other.
"You were wrong earlier…I do love you Link. I always have." Tracy admitted softly. Link moved closer to her after a brief moment of silence, finally calming down a bit. He took her hands in his, running his thumb over the Claddagh ring he had given her, a ring that was supposed to be a symbol of their love and commitment. Tracy looked up into his eyes and there was bittersweet sadness and raw emotion she just couldn't read.
"Oh, Vinnie did that when I was telling him I couldn't be his friend anymore. He took it off and turned it around. Then all that stuff happened with Corny and I never got a chance to turn it back around." Tracy rambled pulling her hand from Link's grasp. She began slipping the ring off so she could turn it back around so that the heart of the ring was facing her.
"Leave it." Link answered softly before she had the chance to put it back on her finger.
"What?" Tracy uttered in surprise.
"Don't turn it back around." Link responded feeling a deep pain in his throat from constricted emotion. She had no idea how hard this was for him to say.
"But that means…" Tracy began. "…My heart is open and I'm not in a relationship." She finished and she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes at the realization of what he was saying. "Link…" She uttered weakly.
"I thought I could handle all this if I just put on an act, slip back into the old Link. I felt like that was what I had to do but I should have known I can't fake it with you." Link offered gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Link, what are you trying to say?" Tracy asked trying to keep her emotions under control.
"I meant it when I said I can't do this anymore…" Link admitted honestly.
"Link, I'm not gonna be friends with him anymore. What more do you want?" Tracy cried as the tears finally spilled onto her cheeks.
"After everything that's happened, I just…I need time. I need space. I'm not gonna be the one to force your hand." Link shook his head. "The only reason you're gonna stop being his friend is because you think you'll lose me if you don't. You still don't see him for who he is." He added.
"Link, you don't even know him." Tracy snapped. She was tried of this. It seemed like no matter what she did or how hard she tried, Link would always find a reason to push her away. He had no reason to hate Vinnie with such passion. His disdain towards Vinnie seemed irrational at times. At least until recently when Vinnie made his feelings for Tracy clear, but even that didn't make sense because Link's hatred for him started before all that.
"It's not just about him either. I don't know if I'm ever going to be where you need me to be." Link explained. "You're always pushing me to open up to you and I don't know if I can. You kept things from me…you told him about my mother, something I confided in you about." He added painfully.
"I'm sorry." Tracy sobbed. "I didn't know…" She shook her head.
"I know you didn't. And that's just it. He's a manipulative person Trace. I just hope you see it before it's too late. I know to you it seems like I have no reason to feel that way I do about him, but I know in my heart I'm right. I see Vinnie for what he really is, because that's who I almost was...it's who I could have been. Then I met you and everything changed. The things I thought were important before didn't seem so big after all. If we're meant to be together we'll find our way back to each other. Sometimes you just have to let go no matter how hard it is. I'm sorry Trace. I'll always care about you but for now this is the way things have to be." Link answered regretfully and Tracy began to sob harder. Her body shook and the tears were coming like rain. Link pulled her into a hug tight against. She held on for life never wanting to let go. She cried into his chest and couldn't help but find it ironic that the person comforting her was also the one who had just broken her heart. Tracy pulled away from him wiping at her tear stained face.
"You said Vinnie was a bad guy and you didn't want to see me get hurt by him. So how come your the only one who makes me cry?" Tracy sobbed as another layer of fresh tears covered her face and it took everything he had to hold back his own. She shook her head crying harder as she turned away from him and ran. He watched with blurry vision as she ran out of the parking lot and out of his life. He blinked finally allowing the tears to roll down his cheeks. When he got in the car behind the wheel, he cried harder. He cried like he had just had his heart ripped out. He cried like he had just lost his first love, because he had.
His body quaked with emotion and the tears continued to fall. He hadn't cried since his mother's death. That fact alone was enough to leave him feeling shook. He was head over heels in love with Tracy. It killed him to see her cry. Breaking up with her had broken him more than she could ever realize. He bit down on his knuckle in an effort to control the downpour of tears. He wiped the tears from his face and looked into the rearview mirror trying so hard to be the Link Larkin he was before he knew Tracy. Tracy for the first time had made him feel whole, and now all there was, was emptiness and hollow.
XoXoXoXoX
A/N: Another long one. Sorry to anyone who doesn't like long chapters. I'm happy to see it looks like most of you like long chapters.
Special thanks to: writergirl2003, Becky, Anna, Ley(aka my Lollipop), onetreefan, Katherine. X, FelineMimiDavis74, -XxDulce.Beat, anon, Kayla, Irish, Carrie, expansivedoseofwords, LuLuOceanEyes, Jennifer, Zikkifan33, Kimmy, Froody, Sarah, Clare, noro, Sadia, anime92, "LYIO" ROX! (hehe cute name), and oolorditstay for all of the reviews, the kind words, encouragement and especially the detailed reviews! You guys rock.
Sadia- built your hopes up and then ruthlessly tear them down? LMAO at your review. I flove you. VDT will still be your fault if it happens. :P
Ley – a little fyi…that scene in the hallway against the wall was for you, and wasn't originally planned. I wanted to do something for the 69th thread but couldn't think of a way to incorporate it, especially into this with where all the characters are at…but then that one day you were upset and I wanted to make you feel better so I figured out a way to add in some almost smex. Just for my Lollipop.
Preview: Penny confronts Seaweed about the lying, Amber is upset and feels like Seaweed has been avoiding her, The aftermath of Link and Tracy's break up, Velma wants to take the plan a step farther. All that and much more. Please read and review!