SETTING: Central Theater

TIME: 5:45

YEAR: 1995

Stephanie chewed on her bottom lip, casually glancing around at the people in the theater. It was pretty crowded for a Wednesday night. Her eyes wandered over to an older couple who were hand in hand, grinning from ear to ear. Stephanie found herself fantasizing about her life when she was to be their age. Stephanie would be happily married with one or two little ones of her own. No more than that. She always imagined her children growing up with DJ's.

Stephanie felt a twinge of agony at the thought of her deceased eldest sister. Stephanie could feel her throat dry up as she fought back the urge to break out into a fit of tears right then and there. She could hardly decipher the fact that her sister had been buried three days ago. It was a surreal feeling. It had been only a little over a month ago that she and DJ made a bet about lying off sweets for a whole week.

Stephanie smiled in a reminiscent manner at the memory, neither of them stayed true to that bet. Stephanie desperately tried to swallow the golf ball sized lump that was forming in her throat; she'd give anything to go back to that moment in time, to see her sister laughing and smiling so vibrantly, to hear the sound of her voice…

"May I help you, Miss?"

Stephanie's head jerked up abruptly at the sound of a voice before her that shook her from her thoughts of her deceased sister.

It was the teller. Stephanie subconsciously took note of her features. She was a slender, brunette who looked to be in her early twenties. She smiled politely at Stephanie. She reminded Stephanie a lot of the actress Soleil Moon Frye, just with a lot less freckles.

"Um, yes. One adult ticket for The Basketball Diaries, please."

The teller, aka-Soleil Moon Frye look-alike cocked her perfectly manicured eyebrow at the young blonde before her. "May I ask how old you are?"

Stephanie cleared her throat nervously, but tried not to show it. "I'm eighteen, why?"

The teller shrugged, "You just look a lot younger than eighteen."

Stephanie hoped she wouldn't ask for I.D.

As Stephanie gnawed on her bottom lip for a response, she feigned a smile. "Well, miss…" She quickly glanced down at the teller's name tag, "Amanda, looks can surely be deceiving." Stephanie finished cleverly.

Stephanie watched as the girl peered at her suspiciously, then finally, she sighed and typed something into the thick computer before her. She handed Stephanie her ticket and forced a smile.

"Enjoy your movie, Miss."

Stephanie quickly scurried away, relieved that her real age was not exposed.

Stephanie let out a relived breath as she made it passed the guy who rips your tickets in half. Stephanie nervously chewed on her bottom lip as she made her way into the theater along with several other people after getting some popcorn and cherry soda.

As she found a seat way at the top of the theater, she spotted a guy and a girl, enter into the theater. They were a couple who looked like they were on a date. Stephanie kept her eyes on the couple as they made their way up the steps and sat down a couple rows in front of Stephanie. The guy looked familiar. He had dark wavy hair that was slicked back. The guy's hairstyle was familiar to Stephanie as well.

She wasn't able to catch a glimpse of the mystery guy's face as the lights dimmed in the theater, denoting the movie was going to begin.

Stephanie found herself throughout the whole movie, glancing over at the mystery guy. It was bugging Stephanie that she couldn't catch a peek at his face. His gestures, movements, body language, they were all too familiar.

She watched as the girl snuggled up to the boy and rests her head on his chest, and then they kissed for a while; Stephanie rolled her eyes, annoyingly at this. Then the boy finally pulled away from sucking faces with the girl. Stephanie watched as he mouthed a few words to the girl that Stephanie could not comprehend, and then the boy got up.

Stephanie presumed he was going to the bathroom, or to get more snacks.

Stephanie waited a few seconds before discreetly following behind the mystery boy out the theater room. As Stephanie predicted, he was on his way to the snack bar.

Stephanie now stood behind the mystery boy in a line. After he paid for, what it looked to be, liquorish, jawbreakers, and a few tootsie rolls.

Stephanie had to find a way to meet this boy. Stephanie bit her lip in contemplation, and then an idea popped in her head. She rolled her eyes at the thought. It was pretty cliché, but she hadn't had a better idea.

"Oh, I'm sorry!"

"It's fine, I –"

Stephanie finally got a look at the mystery boy's features. Her jaw literally hit the floor. It was Steve. Memories of he and her elder sister flooded Stephanie's cerebrum. Steve was DJ's boyfriend. Her secret boyfriend, actually. They had been dating on and off for most of DJ's high school years until they officially broke up towards the end of DJ's junior year. Stephanie didn't know why. DJ had never really elaborated on why she and Steve had broken up, for good.

The only information she coughed up was that she and Steve had gotten together at the wrong time and eventually outgrown one another. Stephanie had wondered what her sister had meant by "wrong timing" and even to this day she still wondered.

Stephanie also wondered as to why her relationship with Steve was such a big secret. Why all her romantic relationships with guys were kept a secret. Sure their father wasn't a big fan of them dating but he wasn't a crazed, overprotective manic father. He eventually accepted the fact that they were growing up and were going to have boyfriends.

Stephanie blinked as she took in his features. She hadn't seen him since the day he and DJ had broken up. That had been about a year ago. He hadn't changed much. He looked a little taller than from what Stephanie could remember. His hair was still inky black and slightly wavy. He was still the handsome boy that courted her sister for all those years.

She always thought Steve was the nicest and cutest boyfriend DJ had, besides Viper. Viper was smoking too, with his ripped jeans and curly locks. He was a bit ditzy too, like Steve in a way, but a little more muscular, like he worked out at the gym every day. Stephanie couldn't help but admire his physique from afar. DJ and Viper didn't last nearly as long as she and Steve did.

From what Stephanie could remember, they were kind of on and off as well. Much like she and Steve's relationship, Viper was kept a secret as well. Stephanie wondered if the secrecy is what ultimately ended most of DJ's relationships.

Stephanie wouldn't put past that theory. Stephanie wasn't sure she'd be able to stay with any guy who wanted to keep her and their relationship a secret…

"Stephanie…" Steve finally spoke, "Is that you?" He looked surprised.

Stephanie presumed it was because of that fact that she had grown since the last time he had seen her. She had been around fourteen when he had last seen her. She was taller now, and what one could say…, more… developed.

She watched as Steve's eyes roam over her from head to toe. She could feel the hotness under her neck and around her cheeks. Her hands became slightly clammy.

"Wow, you look great! So grown up since the last time I seen you." He smiled, revealing his perfectly aligned whites.

Gosh, he was so attractive. He was as dreamy as Stephanie could remember.

Wait, did she just think that? Snap out of it, Steph!

"Uh, yeah it's been a while… erm, so, how are you?"

"I'm…alright. I, um, I heard about what happened to DJ…"

All of a sudden the mood had changed and an uncanny feeling had settled in the air. Stephanie could see the color drain from Steve's face as he mentioned the name of his ex-girlfriend. She could see the little strength he was using to keep his composure.

Stephanie could see his eyes glisten with tears that stung the corner of his eyes. Stephanie felt her heart sink at the sight.

"You know," Steve started, his voice shaky. "When I was first told that she…she…died, I-I just couldn't believe it. I thought it was some big joke or that it was all a terrible nightmare. But it was real. I remember feeling numb all over. I still do sometimes..."

Stephanie could see the tears leak from his eyes and pour onto his pale cheeks.

"I've always loved DJ. Always. Even when we broke up, I never stopped loving her. She was the only girl that I truly loved." There was a slight pause. "I still love her and always will."

And he did. Stephanie could remember the times DJ and Steve shared. She could remember the way they would look at each other. The way Steve would hold onto her, whenever they were watching a movie or are just simply around each other. The way he would stroke her hair and touch her, Stephanie remembered secretly fantasizing about a boy doing all those things to her, exactly the way Steve did.

They loved each other dearly, or as much as two love struck teenagers could. Now looking back, Steve had really love DJ. Possibly more than she loved him.

"She loved you too, Steve. Even though you two broke up, she still had love for you. She thought she was doing what was best for the both of you."

Stephanie found herself tearing up. Her sister's death still had not registered with her. She couldn't accept the fact that DJ wasn't there anymore. That she wasn't going to be able to run and tell her anything when she needed to. That she wasn't going to be able to get married and have DJ as her maid-of-honor. That their kids would not grow up together. She couldn't accept it, she just couldn't.

But deep down, very deep, Stephanie knew that eventually she would have to. She would have to move on with her life and keep the loving memories of her deceased sister in her heart. She would have to be strong for Michelle, for Michelle was hurting too. That was her oldest sister too.

Before either of them knew it, both had their arms wrapped around each other tightly, weeping in each other's shoulders. Steve was taking it hard, which was expected. They did go steady for the majority of their high school years.

Stephanie silently wondered about Viper and if he had heard about what had happened to DJ. Stephanie wondered (if he knew), how he was doing and if he was taking it as hard as Steve…

"I was planning to come and see you and everyone else. I can only imagine how everyone else is taking it." Steve whispered as they slowly pulled apart. "I wanted to come over, I really did. But every time I'd build up enough courage to do so, I chickened out figuring you all needed some alone time to grieve amongst yourselves. I figured no would want to see me anyway since Deej and I broke up."

Stephanie shook her head, "No Steve, that's not true. You were her boyfriend for a while. Possibly the longest boyfriend she's ever had. You made her happy; of course we would want you around."

Steve simply smiled and looked at Stephanie with sincere eyes. "Thanks, Stephanie. You know that really means a lot." There was a short pause. "So, how have you been doing? I know it has got to be hard on you. I know you guys were really close."

Stephanie sighed, feeling her throat dry and a lump form. She pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm doing okay. It gets hard most of the time, but it helps to have my dad, Joey, Uncle Jesse, and Aunt Becky there." Stephanie paused for moment before continuing. "It almost seems like a dream, it doesn't even feel real, but I know it is…" Stephanie could feel her tears burn at the back of her eye sockets as she felt Steve wrap his arms around her and pull her close to him. She could smell the intoxicating scent of his cologne. She slowly closed her eyes, savoring the moment.

"I'm so sorry, Steph. I'm sorry…" Steve whispered into Stephanie's ear soothingly.

The actuality of being in Steve's arms made Stephanie feel a certain way inside, like she could feel butterflies bursting inside by their embrace. Why she felt this way she didn't know. I mean, sure she had always found Steve attractive; she found most of DJ's boyfriend's attractive, but that's all she ever really thought of them – Attractive. Just attractive.

Also considering the fact that's Steve was DJ's boyfriend and rightfully so.

But residing in his arms brought back old feelings Stephanie had buried deep within herself that she hadn't realized were there until then…

"Steve!"

The two both jumped away from their position and Stephanie became face with a tall, slender blonde. She also had looked familiar, and then it clicked.

Rachel Taylor.

She was Steve's ex. The one that almost ruined DJ's prom when she tried to come onto Steve knowing he had a girlfriend and it was DJ.

Stephanie eyes switched from Rachel, to Steve, then back at Rachel who was glaring intensely at her. Rachel couldn't have possibly been the girl Steve had been cuddled up with in the theater room…could she?

"Rachel, hey, um, you remember Stephanie, right? Erm, DJ's sister." Steve's voice weakened at the mention of his late, ex-girlfriend's name.

"Yeah, I remember." Rachel spat with seemingly no emotion. "What were you doing hugging her?" She crossed her arms, immediately getting to the point.

Stephanie couldn't understand what Steve had seen in her. She was a real witch.

Steve seemed to notice her animosity towards her. "Why are you getting so upset, Rach, we were just talking."

Rachel huffed, unfolding her arms angrily in the process. "Because you were gone for a while and I thought you had ditched me so I come looking for you only to find my boyfriend hugged up with some bimbo, and worse! DJ's sister." Rachel finished the last part of her sentence with disgust.

Stephanie could feel her blood boiling. She fought the urge to slap the girl across her face. How dare she speak about my deceased sister that way!

But before Stephanie could spew all that out, Steve spoke – more like yelled before she could say a word.

"Close your damn mouth, Rachel! Don't you ever talk about DJ that way or even speak to Stephanie that way! You have no right!" Steve shook his head, eyeing Rachel down in disgust. "I don't know what I ever seen in you, but it's over Rachel. I never want to see you again. Don't call me, don't come by my house, I'm done, for good this time…"

Stephanie would be lying if she said she wasn't shocked. She hadn't expected Steve to stick up for her like that. But she was glad.

Steve's fists were balled up so tight his knuckles began to turn white. His eyes boring angrily into Rachel's as his words had dripped with venom. He meant what he said. He truly meant it.

Stephanie could tell Rachel was taken aback by Steve's outburst as well by the startled look on her face. She blinked and finally regained composure and picked her jaw up from the floor. She glared at the both of them with hatred.

"You're going to regret this Steve, big time. No one dumps me like that, especially you. It's not over until I say it's over. It's not!" Stephanie could see Rachel ball up her fist as Steve stood protectively in front of Stephanie incase Rachel decided to get physical. "You made the biggest mistake of your life, Hale. And I'm going to make-you-pay." Her eyes then switched to Stephanie's as the pique in her eyes seemed to heighten, if possible. "And you, you better watch your back, Tanner. You messed with the wrong one." And with that, she turned on her heel and stocked off into the other direction with anger.

Moments later, Steve turned towards Stephanie with an apologetic, sincere smile. "I'm sorry Steph…about her."

Stephanie scoffed, "Don't be. You can't control wild, uncaged animals." Stephanie rolled her eyes and Steve replied with a chuckle of his own. "Thanks."

Steve knitted his eyebrows together in confusion, "For what?"

"For sticking up for me, you really didn't have to, but I'm glad you did. So, thanks."

Steve shook his head. "I don't even know what I even seen in her. She never would act that way with me." Steve sighed, "I guess the saying, "Love is blind" really is true."

Stephanie frowned. "You loved her?"

Steve shrugged. "I use to think I did, until I met DJ and realized I never felt the way I felt with DJ for any girl before. All the rest before her I was just infatuated with."

Stephanie smiled and slowly nodded. A silence fell between the two for a moment before Steve broke it.

"So, since it's just the two of us, do you want to go back in there and finish the movie together?"

Stephanie smiled, "Sure!"

And the two made their way back into the theater. Stephanie could feel her stomach tie in knots as Steve smiled down at her.

Get a grip, Steph! Get-a-freaking-grip! She scolded herself. She couldn't possibly like-like Steve, he was DJ's boyfriend, he was older, he was…absolutely handsome.

Stephanie groaned inwardly at her ridiculous thoughts. She couldn't go down that street, she just couldn't…


Jesse's heartbeat began to quicken its pace with rhythm as he had just finished searching everywhere in the house for Danny, but couldn't find him. He called for him several times but had gotten no answer. He knew Danny was still in the home because his car was still parked in the garage.

"Daniel, where are you?!" He called once again. He wasn't in the living room, kitchen, neither of the girls' bedrooms, or the bathrooms – wait he hadn't checked any of the bathrooms.

Jesse raced up the stairs and checked the first bathroom. He hesitantly placed his clammy hands on the knob.

"Danny…, are you in there?" He didn't wait for a response as he slowly twisted the knob, opening the door.

Immediately a figure slouched against the tub caught Jesse's eye as recognized the figure to be Danny. He raced to his side and began shaking him frantically.

"Danny! Danny, wake up! Danny!"

Danny's eyes remained closed, then his eyes slowly began to open and as soon as he had taken in his surroundings his eyes had bugged open.

"Jess…Jess what's wrong?"

Jesse breathed out a sigh of relief and pulled Danny in for a hug. Danny's eyes widen in shock.

"Jess, you're hugging me. You do realize that, don't you?"

Jesse let out a chuckle as he pulled away. "I thought something had happened to you, Dan. I couldn't find you anywhere and when I did…the way you looked, it was scary."

Danny watched as Jesse desperately tried to blink away the salty tears that were waiting to fall. Danny gave Jesse a lopsided grin as he patted Jesse on the shoulder. "I'm fine, Jess. Everything's okay. I'm okay…"

Jesse smiled and nodded. Danny lifted his hand, beckoning Jesse to help him up from his sitting position. Jesse complied as he brought Danny to his feet and helped him out of the bathroom.

"Don't ever scare me like that, Daniel. You nearly gave me a panic attack!"


"So how did you like the movie?" Steve asked Stephanie as the two made their way out the theater room in the mix of people.

Stephanie smiled. "It was good, crazy how kids that young could get caught up in such a life…Leonard Dicaprio didn't look half bad either." Stephanie grinned.

"Oh, you like him?" Steve scoffed, lifting his eyebrow.

Stephanie shrugged, "Of course. What teenage girl doesn't?" Stephanie quipped, earning a laugh from Steve. She smiled.

"I guess that's true." Steve looked down at Stephanie, "Do you have a ride?"

Stephanie looked around, "Yeah, I came here with Joey. He must still be in theater with Michelle. They went to go see Casper. They should be done any minute now…"

Steve nodded and smiled, "So, uh, I guess I'll see you around?" Stephanie smiled and nodded as she watched Steve slowly back up, making his way out the theater. "Bye, Steph."

Stephanie smiled and waved a little, "Bye, Steve."

Stephanie gnawed on her bottom lip nervously as her heart thumped heavily against her chest. Why was she worked up? It was just Steve. The same guy who spent most of his days feasting off their food every morning. The same guy who had a balloon for a brain, the same guy who was in love with her sister.

Yet, something about him seemed different. Stephanie couldn't put her finger on what exactly it was. Maybe it was the fact that he had matured since the last time Stephanie had seen him or the fact that he had told that Rachel girl off.

Either way, he was changed from the inside out.

Stephanie's mind then wandered over to Rachel's words from earlier.

'You better watch your back, Tanner. You messed with the wrong one.'

Stephanie wondered what Rachel meant by that exactly…

"Steph!"

Stephanie quickly whipped her head around, pushing her previous thoughts to the back of her mind as she became face with Joey and Michelle, she smiled.

"Hey Joey, hey Michelle, did you like the movie?"

"Yeah!" Michelle beamed, "I can't wait to get it on VHS!"

Stephanie smiled and looked up at Joey, seeing he was staring at her worriedly the whole time. Almost as if she read his mind, she rolled her eyes in a playful manner. "I'm fine Joey. Everything's fine. I made it on my own in one piece."

Joey smiled, "I know, Steph. I just worry too much sometimes, that's all." Rightfully so considering the circumstances. Stephanie felt chills flow down her spine at the thought of their current situation.

"Do you guys still want to go get some ice cream?" Joey suggested.

"Yes! Joey, please!" Michelle practically begged. Joey smiled down at the beaming girl and turned to Stephanie, "Steph?"

"Sure!" Stephanie smiled as she shrugged and so the trio made their way out the theater and into Joey's car, on their way to the ice cream parlor…