Behavior Analysis

Chapter 7: The Kiss

"Lizzie, are you up, sweetheart? It's time to get up now, breakfast is ready!"

Startled by the abrupt voice, accompanied by piercing knocks on the door of her bedroom, Lizzie threw off Donnie's arm from across her body and ran toward the door. She opened just a sliver, and peeked out to the face on the other side.

"Dad, I'm awake, I'll be down in two minutes." She held onto the door to shield the form of the sleeping figure on her bed, just in case her dad became most inconveniently adventuresome.

"Well, hurry up before the food gets cold. It looks like Donnie overslept, too." And just as Sam turned toward the bedroom on the other end, Lizzie quickly called out, "Dad, I'll wake him up. We'll be down soon."

Lizzie made sure that her dad had descended to the very last step, then swiftly tiptoed to Donnie on her bed, who had just now begun to move his legs sluggishly. She bent down to his face and shook his arms gently at first, "Donnie, wake up. Donnie!"

The gentle tugging quickly elevated to some force, and at last Lizzie saw that Donnie was struggling to open his eyes. When his eyes slowly fluttered open, in its haze and daze, she whispered, "Donnie, wake up. It's time to get up."

Much to her dismay, it was quite apparent that Donnie was still merrily operating in the dream land. When his eyes lazily glossed over to the source of the voice, his eyes cleared ever so slightly through the film as he mumbled, "Lizzie, hi." Then with his hands extended, grabbed both of her arms and proceeded to draw her closer to him, all the while wearing a rather dopey grin. "Come here."

"You've got to be kidding me." Lizzie shook off his hands little too forcibly, and began tugging at his shoulder. "Donnie!"

"What the…what's going on?" Donnie fought the good fight against the haze, and now he was wide awake, slowly sitting up from the bed.

"You fell asleep on my bed. We probably…passed out from the wine. Couple of wild kids, we are." Lizzie quipped as she stood up and walked towards the bathroom. "Dad was here just a minute ago, you better get cleaned up. He's waiting."

Wordlessly and begrudgingly, Donnie got up and walked past Lizzie by the bathroom sink on his way to his room. He didn't even bother asking where she slept.

. . . . . .

"I'm so sorry that I couldn't stay longer. It's just that I had promised one of my professors that I'd assist in his work after Christmas. I just assumed I'd be at the Academy during the entire break." Donnie sheepishly looked at Sam while rubbing the back of his neck. At the doorway was his luggage, ready to be taken for a ride.

"That's alright, son. I understand. Lizzie, are you ready?" Sam called out to the upper floor, and heard muffled footsteps nearing their way. Soon Lizzie appeared, clutching a small luggage and hurriedly descending the stairs. "So sorry, wanted to do a double-check. And last minute dusting of the trophies."

Donnie chuckled while Sam embraced his daughter and kissed her forehead, "Gonna miss you, sweetheart. Call me more often, will you? I love you."

"Love you, too, dad." Lizzie's voice muffled against the rumpled sweater of her dad, and Donnie was struck with the pain of separation of family. Donnie saw the heartache etched on Sam's face, and realized how difficult it must be to miss someone, yet at the same time how beautiful that love was. Will he ever receive such love? Will anyone ever miss him?

"Alright, Donald. I'm real glad to have met you and have you at our home. This house is open for you anytime." The trio made their way to the blistery cold winds of the outside world, and Sam extended his arm for a handshake with Donnie before he got into the car.

"Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything, I had the best time."

"Take care of yourself. And take a good care of Lizzie, too, will you?"

"Yes, sir. I will."

. . . . . . .

The drive back to the Academy seemed faster than they expected, but nonetheless dreary and bleak. The campus was essentially empty and the previous night's snow had turned all things either icy or muddy. "It's a ghost town," Donnie muttered as he pulled the car into Lizzie's dorm building parking lot.

Despite her strong protest, Donnie insisted on carrying her luggage to the front of the dorm building. And as Lizzie pulled her keys out of her coat pocket, they stood wordlessly on the icy pavement, each trying to figure out how to say goodbye. They may very well have been two school children waiting for the other to leave the sandbox first.

It was Lizzie who ventured out, "So, what is this work you're doing for a professor?"

"Every year there is a publishing opportunity for upper division cadets, offered from the Criminology Department. The professor in charge of submission asked me to assist in cataloguing the thesis proposals collected from students. I had the time and the brains, so how can I turn him down?"

Lizzie chuckled lightly, "Publishing opportunity, huh? That actually sounds pretty amazing. Did you turn in a proposal yourself?"

"Yeah, I did. It's already been accepted." Donnie spoke with such easy nonchalance, that either he didn't fully grasp the recognition, or he had naturally expected it.

"What is your thesis, if I can ask?"

"It's something that I've been interested in for awhile. It's the psyche behind career criminals, specifically those with law enforcement past or background, really delving into why they give up the life of security and choose the life on the run."

Lizzie stood silently, processing what Donnie has said, being lifted into one of those brief time suspended moments when every membrane of her brain was actively connecting, branching, and calculating. "I always found it fascinating that some of these criminals had left their family, just walked out of their wives and children, for Christ's sakes. How does one do that? How does anyone willingly turn their faces from their young children?"

Donnie had been watching Lizzie with a slight raise of an eyebrow. "Lizzie, how would you like to work with me on this thesis? And write the article together?"

"What? Are you serious? No, I can't. I mean, I'm just a first year cadet. No way." Lizzie resisted, but Donnie could see her eyes brighten, and he knew it was inevitable.

"First of all, it's for publishing in the Academy's yearly reference volume. Second of all, the other cadets usually work in groups. I just haven't found someone I wanted to work with. Until now."

Donnie pressed on, "You are a first year, yes. But you're on accelerated program, not to mention brilliant. Plus, it's my thesis proposal, and I choose you as my co-conspirator."

Lizzie looked at him with eyes of uncertainty that were plainly failing at masking happiness. "Donnie, it really sounds like a great opportunity. I mean, I feel excited just thinking about it. I just hope you won't regret asking me. Or regret being overshadowed by my brilliance."

Donnie let out a hearty laugh, "I'm fully expecting to just fetch you coffee while you work. Lizzie, I'm really glad, you have no idea. This is going to be great, we're gonna kick everyone's asses. And just think of our names on that paper." Donnie couldn't put away the smile that, he was sure, looked quite idiotic, but at that moment all he wanted to do was lift her up and kiss her.

"Let's just take one step at a time, and I take two creams, no sugar." Lizzie matched the size of his smile, and the two stood silently for a moment until Lizzie spoke, "Well, then, I guess I'll see you later. Hope the cataloguing won't give you any paper cuts. Bye, Donnie."

Donnie inched closer to her, amidst the amused chuckle. She always had a way of making him laugh. "Hey, um…Lizzie, what are you doing for the New Year's Eve? Do you have any plans?"

"The reason I'm asking is, I was invited to this party, at a professor's house, actually. It's not going to be as stodgy as it sounds, and it's not frat beer party, either. I was wondering if you wanted to go with me." Unbeknownst to Lizzie and to Donald himself, he was holding his breath in anticipation of her response.

"I don't know…"

"Lizzie, it's at a professor's house, so you know there won't be any crazy drunk teenagers. And it's New Year's. We'll have some drinks, and enjoy the time, together." Donnie eyed Lizzie earnestly, hoping to hear in his favor as she mulled it over.

"Well, it is New Year's. I guess…yes, I guess I'll go. Let's just not get drunk on wine and end up on the same bed together."

"What?"

"Nothing. So I guess I'll see you on New Year's Eve. Good bye, Donnie." And Lizzie quickly disappeared behind the building's front door, leaving Donnie behind in icy wind and in utter befuddlement.

. . . . . .

Lizzie threw down her luggage on the floor and let her body fall onto the bed without a shred of resistance. Although the dorm room was cold and grey, she was nonetheless glad to be back in this little corner called her world, her home. Funny that she now felt more at home in this little dorm room than compared to her bedroom at her childhood home. Perhaps she was growing older, shedding things of her childhood, and wanting to gather new memories. There was a part of her that longed to be that little girl holding her dad's hand, but she couldn't deny the energy that swelled in her, thinking of the vast unknowns she wanted to see, to learn, and to experience. Her world was just beginning, and Lizzie was ready to take the plunge into the vast beyond her scope.

She couldn't deny that this surge of fearlessness came in part from the anticipation that she may have a published article, under her name, at one of the most respected institutions in the nation. And all during her first semester, as a first year student. This was beyond her dreams, beyond the unexpected, and completely beyond her initial plan of simple survival mode of first semester. And all this is because of Donnie.

And Donnie. What must she do with him? Lizzie thought back to the morning, lying next to him on her bed. It felt nice to be so close to him, as if being held by him. And she wanted to kiss him, for once not heeding to her fear of consequences or this need to explain her motives. All she wanted was to feel his lips on hers. And she didn't even know why. This feeling was new to her, almost too foreign to comprehend. She has always been careful, and would never engage in anything that she couldn't account for in her reasoning. In fact, she'd scoff at those who availed themselves to foolish things before counting the cost. Yet, here she was, willing to abandon all that, for a kiss.

. . . . . .

Donnie picked her up promptly at ten o'clock on New Year's Eve night. They drove a bit out of town into a suburban area where all the houses began to look massive and impressive. This kind of luxury was never her style or preference. Lizzie had always dreamt of owning a small cozy brick home, a place where a family can gather and rub lives together.

"Here we are. Don't let the massive size intimidate you, the professor is actually a very nice man. And a nice family." Donnie opened the door as Lizzie stepped out onto the brick laid walkway.

They entered the home, and Lizzie was struck with not just the impressive size of the home, but that it was packed with people. For what she can gather, there were professors and cadets all mingling together. Lizzie thought she may have seen Colonel Gundsen and Mrs. Gibbons as well.

"Let's go get some drinks." Donnie led the way as Lizzie followed closely behind. It seemed like he knew his way around this massive home.

"Do you know these people?" Lizzie hung onto Donnie's grey sweater sleeve amidst the throng. Donnie spoke close to her ear, "Hate to say this, but I know most of them. There are some big wigs from the Academy."

Donnie got some cocktail punch, whispering, "Alcoholic beverage is later, just you and me." Then he led her to a corner where they stood with their drinks, trying to make sense of all the noise and the bustle.

"It seems like there are more people this year."

"Oh really? Do you come here every year?"

"Yeah. Um, I know his daughter, she's a friend." Donnie took a sip of the drink, but Lizzie suspected certain hesitation, as if there was something he wasn't telling her.

"So, what usually happens at this party?"

"People just hang out, eat and drink. I think most of them are talking about some research or current cases. Some boring stuff like that. Then there's a countdown at midnight. And the party's over." Donnie snickered. "Oh, by the way, what was that you said about you and me ending up on the same bed after drinking?"

"It's…it's just a saying. You know, like a popular Southern phrase." Lizzie was already at the corner. Is it possible to be backed further into the corner? Why couldn't Donnie ever forget these things?

"I don't think I'm aware of such a phrase. I don't even think such a phrase exists. What does it mean?"

Just when Lizzie detected a knowing grin on Donnie, she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Lizzie?"

She turned around, to face a tall young man with brown hair and a pair of horn-rimmed glasses perched on his nose. He was wearing a handsome smile, and Lizzie stared at him, trying to recollect that face.

"Lizzie, right? From Café Marmalade, just about two months ago? I…I spilled coffee on you."

Yes, Lizzie remembered. And so did Donnie. She sensed Donnie inch closer to her, and he was eyeing the other man, just like he did at the café.

"Oh, yes, I remember you. Tom, right?"

"Yes, I'm glad you remembered," and he turned to Donnie, "I don't think we were introduced. My name is Tom Keen." He offered a handshake, and Donnie obliged out of expectancy. "I'm Donnie Ressler."

"Lizzie, I never received that phone call from you, for your sweater." Tom smiled sweetly, if not too sweetly, but Lizzie saw that his gaze flickered to take notice of Donnie's proximity to her. By now, Donnie's chest was digging into her right arm and shoulder. What has gotten into him?

"Don't worry about that old sweater. It's really not a big deal."

"Are you a student at the Academy?" It sounded like Donnie had barked out that question.

"I guess you could say that. I'm a bit like a loaned property." Tom laughed at the knowledge only he had possessed at the moment.

"Loaned property? Like a library book?" Donnie was up to no good.

"Not quite. I'm on a research fellowship grant from the Naval Academy, it's like a roving scholar type of thing. I'll be at Quantico for the rest of the school year." Tom met Donnie's gaze, and Lizzie could sense something was brewing between them.

"So, Lizzie, what year are you?" Tom returned to Lizzie, and Donnie pursed his lips with lines etched on his face.

"I'm first year. So are you a student at the Naval Academy?"

"Yeah, I'm third year."

"Oh, just like Donnie." But Lizzie had a feeling these two boys will not become best buddies any time soon.

"So, crazy party, huh? I don't know any of these people. I'm glad to see your familiar face." Tom speaking solely to Lizzie did not abide well with Donnie.

"Hey, buddy, how did you get invited to this party?" Donnie fought for the eye contact.

"I came with some friends in the research group. You know, it's New Year's Eve. Didn't feel like being holed up in my dorm room by myself, you know?"

"Oh, you came with friends. Where are they? Maybe they're looking for you." Donnie smiled, all the while the undercurrent implication was not lost on Tom. Lizzie looked at Donnie in disbelief.

"Nah, they're alright. I'd rather talk to the pretty lady." Tom turned to Lizzie again with a mild grin, and she couldn't help blushing at the attention and the compliment. "Oh, wait a minute…I'm sorry. Are you two umm...dating? Because it really didn't look like that to me. I mean, if you are dating, I'll just walk away, man."

Lizzie felt Donnie about to take a step towards Tom, and she shifted her body to dissuade him. She felt the heat radiating through his sweater and knew that Donnie was liable to do something regrettable.

"Donnie!" Just then a woman's voice rang out amongst the mass of people, and Donnie immediately turned his head in search of it. Soon enough, a young petite woman with long brunette hair appeared with a wide smile. She walked quickly to him and eagerly gave him a hug, of which he returned rather passably.

"Donnie, why didn't you tell me you were here? You should've looked for me." She spoke sweetly, while dismissing the presence of the two figures standing by.

"Audrey, I…I had no idea where you were. And you are right, I should've at least gone to your father and thanked him for inviting me." Donnie's demeanor softened towards her, but his compliance was laced with a faint amount of unease. And Audrey had not let go of Donnie's arm, which made Lizzie instinctively take a step away from them.

"Silly, you don't have to thank him, he invites you every year. But come say hi to friends, we're all in the back foyer." Audrey proceeded to pull his arm, much to his slight dismay, and Donnie turned to Lizzie. "I'll be right back, don't go anywhere." And just like that, he disappeared amongst the throng.

"Well, what the heck was that all about?" Tom chimed in, "Just exactly who's who in this triangle relationship? Or is it a square? A rhombus? Damn, just insert your own quadrilateral."

Lizzie shrugged her shoulders and managed a smile, "I have no idea."

"I think she's the daughter of the professor who owns this house. That I know." Tom shook his head, then faced Lizzie. "Can I ask you if there's something between you and Donnie? If there is, I'll kick my own ass out of here."

Lizzie wanted to say no, that there was absolutely nothing between her and Donnie. They were friends, just friends. But something made her pause, and Tom saw that.

It was at that moment a loud commotion was heard from somewhere above the house. The whole mass of people started chanting, numbers in fact. "They're starting the countdown." Tom yelled in the midst of the rowdy and roaring voices.

Ten!

Nine!

Eight!

Seven!

Something propelled Lizzie to go find Donnie, before the countdown was over. She didn't know why, but she didn't have the time to figure it out. She leaned towards Tom's ear and said, "Excuse me." And left him behind as she thrust herself into the crowd, toward the direction Donnie had disappeared to.

Six!

Five!

Four!

Then, just like that, Lizzie saw him. She saw the mop of blond hair struggling to find his way towards her. It was Donnie. When they made eye contact, it was understood that both were headed for each other. Donnie's face brightened into a smile as he kept his eyes on her, and she smiled back. This was becoming quite exhilarating.

Three!

Two!

At that instant, a woman appeared from behind him, and grabbed Donnie by his shoulders. It was Audrey. It must've caught him off guard because he didn't resist her. Not even when she pulled him in for a kiss.

One!

Lizzie turned away from Donnie kissing Audrey, and stood in shock as the mass around her began the joyful celebration of the New Year. People were kissing, hugging, screaming, and dancing. Then she saw a hand that grabbed her arm. It was Tom, and he yelled out, "Let's get out of here."

. . . . . .

Author's Note: OK…don't hate me…(dodging tomatoes and various other produce thrown my way)…I just didn't think it was their time yet. It's coming, though. I mean, this is a love story, not a friendship story. So…hang it there with me, will ya?