Miss me???
Ugh. It's more of a comfort chapter than action/romance and it's late. Sorry, I've been busy and had some headaches. But it's here. Finally. Next chapter will get better, I promise. This needed to just get out of my head. I hate this chapter. I really do....
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where: Harmony, Maine - The Bennett's
When : 10:24 AM Thursday, June 22, 2000
"Charity knows."
"She what??" Jessica said harshly as she dropped one of her mom's potted plants. She had been helping Grace garden some flowers, but she stepped out to check on the Bed and Breakfast and asked Jessica to help clean up.
Miguel decided to show up, wanting to see Kay more than anything. Instead he ran into Jessica at the door and decided to tell what happened.
Jessica winced at the loud shattering of a pot and sighed. Miguel motioned to help her, but she cut him off with a steely glare. "Please tell me she knows how to divide one into one, Miguel. Please tell me she knows why the sky is blue. Just don't tell me she knows about Kay or may God help you," Jessica hissed out as she bent down to pick up the potshards.
After all his bull about keeping it a secret and the fact that she didn't want Charity to know in the first place, she was pretty pissed. For the past several days, her home felt like an impending war zone. Kay wasn't talking to her for obvious reasons, although she did try to talk to her though. Jessica frowned as she remembered the last fight they had. She really didn't mean to set her off, but it felt as if anything could set Kay off lately after the carnival. The next morning after the carnival, there were dark circles under Kay's eyes and her bed looked as if she had tossed and turned all night. Charity looked as if she was another world and lost the somewhat perky, cheery attitude. She wasn't the nice girl that everyone knew and loved; especially to Kay. Sometimes, Jessica could swear that Charity looked like she was ready to throttle Kay. 'Charity wants to throttle Kay and Kay wants to throttle Charity. Both have faces like it was the Great Depression. I'm so lucky to be related to them,' Jessica thought sarcastically.
Jessica was starting to get even more worried if it was even possible.
Add to the fact that Miguel wasn't telling her anything, nor to Simone, it was all touch and go.
"Okay.... I won't say anything then," Miguel said as he put one hand in surrender.
"Yes, you won't because you won't be able to when I'm finished," Jessica sniped back, "Miguel? Why did you have to tell Charity? I thought you wanted it," Jessica paused as she looked around, "Between you, me, and Simone?"
"And I do.... I did," Miguel, admitted, "But Charity and I are having problems lately and I-"
"Problems?" Jessica responded with suspicion.
"She feels threatened by Kay since I'm spending time with her. But that was after she overheard me saying that I don't love her," Miguel sadly clarified. He looked down as he remembered her face filled with hurt and confusion. He couldn't tolerate to see it again.
'So that's why she has been moping,' Jessica thought. She decided to keep it to herself.
"It was the truth or to hurt Charity, Jessica, and I picked the truth," Miguel said with firm disposition, "I didn't even want to tell her, but I had no choice. I mean, she thought that I loved Kay!" Miguel said with a slight, forced laugh, "Not that I don't love her, but love Kay, my best friend?"
Jessica looked at Miguel and shook her head as she digested his words. Miguel didn't love Charity. Charity felt threatened by Kay. Charity knows about Kay.
She didn't say anything and put the broken pieces of the pot in the garbage.
"I did it to save my relationship with Charity. She's my first serious girlfriend Jess and I-"
"Okay, okay. I get it Miguel. You're off the hook," Jessica waved off with a sigh, "She asked the right questions and you needed an answer."
"I don't want to be off the hook Jessica. I want you to understand," Miguel implored, "I wouldn't say anything if there was any other way."
"I understand," Jessica begrudged as she began to clean up the flower remains, "What's done is done anyway."
Miguel gave a wide smile and helped Jessica, even as she protested. "Thanks Jess. I owe you one."
They cleaned up what was left and finished packing away the gardening tools. Soon, they were done and Miguel looked to his watch. "I'll be going since Kay isn't here. I'll check upstairs in her room."
Jessica gave a silent goodbye and watched as Miguel left the Bennett's back yard.
"Why can't things ever be simple?" Jessica asked herself silently. Not caring about her clothes getting dirty, she lay down on the grass and looked at the cloud less sky, hoping it would have the answers she didn't have. Everything was moving so fast and she was having a hard time grasping what she had.
Jessica closed her eyes and remembered how Kay and Miguel were. She remembered how she tagged along with them sometimes, probably because her mom and dad made them. They were in their own private little world. They never let anyone in and she was no exception. Sometimes she wished Kay and her were closer. It made her jealous to see her sister spending so much time with Miguel, but practically ignore her like the plague.
Maybe she had been jealous. Maybe she was just wanted Kay to herself. But when Charity came to town and took away Kay's chance of being with Miguel, she was happy. Now that Miguel was out of the picture, Kay would move on and forget about him and maybe, just maybe they would become spend time as sisters.
Jessica opened her eyes and squinted. Of course, it backfired and Miguel became Kay's obsession. It was worse than when Miguel and Kay were friends. Charity was with Miguel and nothing could separate them. She cheered the couple on, forever hoping that Kay would get the clue and move on. But she didn't and now Jessica wondered if she would ever move on from Miguel.
"Why did you have to fall in love with Miguel, Kay?" Jessica asked herself silently.
Suddenly, her thoughts were cut short as a shadow blocked her light. Jessica blinked and looked up to see Tabitha.
"Um," Jessica said as she quickly stood up, "Hey Tabitha. Mom's not here." Jessica looked around Tabitha wondering where she came from. Tabitha just popped out of nowhere.
The old lady gave an endearing smile and replied,"Oh no dear! I wasn't looking for your mother." Tabitha made her eyes look wide and innocent as she scanned the Bennett's property.
Jessica stood in front of her direct vision and gave a tight smile. "Well... what are you doing here then?"
"Well," Tabitha began as she put on her innocent, nice old lady act, "I was in my little herb garden trying to find fully grown herbs to use in my dinner tonight and I couldn't help but over hear. Is something wrong with Miguel and Kay?"
Jessica looked to Tabitha warily and cautiously replied, "No, nothing's wrong Tabitha.... Look, I have to get going. I think I might help mom at the Bed and Breakfast."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where: Harmony, Maine - Reese's Bedroom
When : 11:54 AM Thursday, June 22, 2000
"Okay Simone. Tell the honest truth. Does this color make me look fat?" Reese asked with mock seriousness. Well, he was being a bit serious. Maybe purple was his color...
Simone warily eyed the ugly purple shirt that did nothing to help its subject. "Uh, Reese? Just take the clothes off and no one gets hurt."
Then again, maybe it wasn't.
Reese looked at Simone and shrugged. "Simone, I didn't know you felt that way towards me." He said with an insulating wink and a coy smile.
Simone looked at him with 'you got to be kidding me,' look and replied seriously, "I love bright colors and all, but... purple is not your color. Not that bright, anyway. And maybe that mesh thing could just go...." Simone was all for personal style, although Reese just needed personal help.
Reese sighed as he tried to look through another pile of clothes to find a decent shirt to replace the purple one he had on. He didn't know why he had too. It had gold buttons with the phrase "Yo mama" across the shirt. Best of all, it looked spiffy with the matching silver mesh vest that went with it. Oh how he hated to see it go!
"Okay...." Reese said after a while as he found a plain and rather dull looking orange sweater, "How about this one?" He showed it off to Simone who was just staring off into space with a sad look on her face. She snapped back at the sound of his voice and nodded her head a bit too quickly.
"Yeah. Sure, put it on... while you're at it, burn that shirt or something," Simone said muttering to herself, still preoccupied. Reese kicked internally kicked himself. Yeah, he was batting into the thousands cheering Simone up. He went to his bathroom to change his shirt.
Simone and Reese were just spending a dull Thursday night together since both of them had nothing special to do. Reese ran into Whitney and Chad earlier and they were all over each other. He called up Simone, mostly out of concern since she was taking it hard, and she readily agreed to come over. But Simone knew what the real reason was.
He felt sorry for her.
The reason didn't matter, though, anymore. Simone felt alone again and she desperately did not want to feel that way again. If it took Reese to help drive the awful thoughts of Chad and Whitney out of her mind, so mote it is.
Looking normal again with the awful purple shirt in his hand, Reese gently locked the bathroom. He cleared his throat after a moment when Simone still did not acknowledge his presence.
"Well..." Reese began, "what do you want to do now?"
Shaken out of her reverie, Simone looked at Reese. "I'm not sure anymore. Jump off a bridge, I guess. Then maybe I can die and have Chad play some of that *lovely* music Whitney likes so much and have them kiss right in the middle of my mother's eulogy during my funeral."
"You're hurt, aren't you?" Reese asked softly.
"After what I just said I guess that's a yes," Simone responded sarcastically. She sighed. "It was never fair, was it?"
Reese didn't answer. Simone half smiled. His silence was his answer. But it was enough of an answer.
"So. I wasted all this time for nothing. He was in love with her from the beginning," Simone whispered. Reese could barely catch her words. She said it so softly but the pain was still evident that it made him wince.
"I loved him, Reese. I loved him with all I had. Everything. No one believes me. But it's true." Simone gazed thoughtfully at Reese. "I didn't know. I couldn't. But I should have. What Whitney wants, Whitney gets. Whether she makes it a point to do it or not. Everything falls into her hands."
"Maybe you're just thinking like it's that way," Reese responded softly, "You are not second best. Not to me."
"God I wish it was like that," Simone spat out bitterly, "But you never felt it like I have."
"Maybe I haven't with that much degree," Reese said slowly, "But I understand." Simone looked into his ice blue eyes and saw that he was actually telling the truth. It felt comforting not being lied to.
"Even so... I-I don't know what I'm gonna do, Reese," Simone said, "I can't look at Whitney and Chad all over each other and I know everyone in town is laughing at me. I'll bet they are wondering why I thought that I stood a chance against Whitney." Tears began to prick the backs of her eyes. "Sometimes, I wonder that myself."
"Come here, Simone," Reese said as softly as he possibly could, "It will be all right. I promise you that. Everything will be fine again." Reese took Simone gently in his arms and embraced her as she quietly sobbed.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where: Castleton, Maine - Somewhere...
When : 2:24 PM Thursday, June 22, 2000
"At least it's consistent," Miguel grumbled as he looked at yet another flat tire on his motorcycle.
"Um... I guess," Kay said darkly as she remembered what happened when the first tire blew out, "but what are we going to do exactly?"
Miguel wiped the sweat off his brow and shrugged. "I'm not sure, but we'll figure something soon enough."
Looking at the sky to the emerging grey clouds, Kay sighed discontentedly. "We should figure out something now. It's going to rain."
'At least it matches my mood,' Kay thought to herself as she sat down on the dirt pavement. It was two days since she over heard them. But it was one of the worst two days of her life. All she had to do was close her eyes and she'd hear the words all over again in her mind. Each word felt like a little stab of all her dreams, images, and hopes for Miguel.
Miguel looked to the sky to see if Kay was right and indeed she was. Miguel frowned. It certainly did ruin some of their road trip plans.
Kay just looked at her shoes while thinking again. It seemed all she did was think lately, but it felt like all she could do. There was something real about them, she knew. Kay knew she couldn't be imagining the feelings that she felt when she was around Miguel. It just didn't feel possible.
The last week had given her hope. True hope. It wasn't made up by some apathetic daydream. Not that she could make it up, anyway. Miguel genuinely gave some interest in her that she reveled in. There had to be some honest reason why Miguel started noticing her. The only reason she could come up with was that Miguel liked her. He had to like her more than a friend.
"We're too far away from home to turn away now," Miguel said after a while, "If you're up to it, we can do a two mile walk into Castleton."
Abruptly, she looked at Miguel. "Yeah. I guess." She stood up and brushed the dirt off her clothes.
"You've been quiet, Kay," Miguel said out of the blue, "Why?"
Kay blinked twice. "I feel a flashback coming on..."
"We have two miles to talk. What's wrong now?" Miguel asked patiently as he ignored her last statement. He picked up his motorcycle and started to walk it.
"Can't I be a bitch without being questioned?" Kay asked dryly.
"You never act that way unless you're mad at me," Miguel responded quietly all the while avoiding her face. Immediately, Kay felt guilty and sighed. 'I love him so much it hurts. And sometimes it really does hurt,' Kay reflected. She had no answer to it. Maybe she is mad at Miguel.
Miguel quickly racked his brains for anything stupid he may have said, did, or forgotten. All he came up was nothing. Miguel almost gave a frustrated sigh, but caught himself. Everything was going so well with Kay, too. He just couldn't get what changed on Kay's part. He was tempted to just ask her openly about the pills, but it was out of the question. 'Kay probably wouldn't admit it to me now anyway,' Miguel silently said to himself. Two small steps forward, but another thirty thousand steps back.
"What are we going to do when we get into town?" Kay asked Miguel just to fill in the silence. Honestly, she couldn't care less but just as long as she could go home. This was not what she needed right now. She did not want to think anymore.
Miguel shrugged, but was secretly glad that Kay wasn't mad enough at him [for whatever the reason may be] to at least talk to him. "I'm not so sure. I thought we might stay in Castleton and get the motorcycle fixed and wait out the rain. Or we could call our folks and let them pick us up, but I don't want to leave my bike here."
Kay nodded. "Okay. But how are you gonna pay for the repairs?"
"Mama gave me a credit card for emergencies. I can repay whatever it is," Miguel responded.
Kay just nodded again. Then the unusual silence surrounded them again. She wasn't sure what to say anymore. Maybe she had nothing to say now that she knew the truth.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where: Harmony, Maine - The Bennett's
When : 1:34 PM Thursday, June 22, 2000
"Hello?" Jessica said breathlessly into the phone. She had to run down the stairs since only the downstairs phone was working. Annoyed that her hair was in her face, she switched the phone to her other ear.
"Jess?" The voice responded. Jessica couldn't quite catch the voice.
"Um, yeah. Who's this?" Jessica asked suspiciously which was normality around the Bennett household when there was a phone call. Sam Bennett didn't spare any words when it came to telephone calls due to his line of work. Only a few friends had their number.
"Reese. Is Kay there?"
"Nope. They went on a road trip. I think they said they'll be back around 8:00 or something," Jessica replied, "Do you wanna leave a message?"
"Nah. It's okay. I'm just wondering why Kay or Miguel told me this in the first place," Reese said confusedly.
Jessica shrugged even though no one could see her. "I think Miguel thought this up at the last minute."
Silence.
"Reese, are you there?" Jessica asked him worriedly after a while.
"Yeah. I was just thinking about what you just said last. Sorry."
"It's okay, I guess..." Jessica accepted the apology easily. Then, she hesitated. A question had been budding her. "Are you still in love with Kay?"
Surprisingly, she heard a chuckle at the other end. "No, I'm not. I like her as a friend though. I'm just worried about her and all."
Jessica nodded empathetically. "Yeah. Me too. You know it has to do with Miguel..." She paused. Maybe Reese didn't know that Kay was in love with Miguel. She wasn't sure about his reaction.
Answering her question without a care, "I do know that Kay is in love with Miguel. That's what I'm worried about."
Jessica was stunned. Did he know? Could he know...? "What?"
"It's nothing. It's just that I'm worried. She's not herself lately."
"I know what you mean," Jessica said grimly, "It's been a mess around here."
"Yeah. Listen, thanks Jessica. Tell Kay I'll call her tomorrow. Bright and early."
Jessica laughed. Kay hated mornings. "Okay, but she'll kill you."
"I'll survive," he replied simply. With that, Reese hung up the phone.
After hearing the dial tone, Jessica gently put back the phone in the cradle. 'That was weird,' Jessica thought silently to herself.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Reese gazed intently at the refrigerator door as he tried to sort out his thoughts. He originally came down stairs to get something food for him and Simone, but decided to call Kay's house while he was at it. He wasn't so sure if Kay and Miguel should be together right now. Actually, he wasn't so sure if Kay should be around Miguel at the moment.
She called him a few nights ago, hysterically in tears, about Miguel or Charity. 'It at least had to do something with Charity,' Reese thought to himself with certainty. He automatically assumed that the problem had to do with Miguel. Honestly, he couldn't decipher what Kay had said to him over the phone but it had to be big if she was crying to him at 1:00 in the morning.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Simone asked him hesitantly as she stepped into his line of vision. Reese blinked quickly at the new image in front of him.
"In all modesty, my thoughts are worth more than that," Reese quipped as he put on a beaming, genuine smile at the black girl.
"One that wasn't really modest. Two, it did look as if your thoughts were worth more than that. What's wrong?" Simone responded without missing a beat.
"Have you talked to Kay lately?" Reese asked Simone bluntly. "Something is wrong."
Simone frowned. "Sorry to say that I've been wrapped up in my little world, but Kay hasn't talked to me in a while. Why do you think something is wrong?"
Reese hesitated. He wasn't sure if he should tell Simone. It wasn't that he didn't trust her. He just needed the whole story from Kay first. Looking down to his hands he casually said, "Nah. She hasn't talked to me in a while... Unusual." He looked up at Simone to see if she bought it.
"Unusual," Simone repeated suspiciously with an unwavering stare. He was lying to her. She didn't buy it one bit.
After clearing his throat loudly, Reese quickly exclaimed, "I'll just get those snacks." Reese moved to the fridge and opened it up to reveal a jug of milk, one green apple, some bread, and butter.
Simone looked into the fridge bemusedly. "Do you ever think of going grocery shopping?"
Reese shrugged and took out the jug of milk. "Mom usually does it. But she's on a trip with dad so="
"You're on your own," Simone finished. "That does explain some things." She looked around the almost-empty fridge. "Do you want to starve, Reese?"
"Want the apple? It's only been in here for a week and a half," Reese asked Simone.
"No thanks," Simone replied while shaking her head, "But you really need to grocery shop."
"Nope. Mom is coming in two days and she usually does the shopping. Besides, I really can't cook," Reese responded as he ate the apple in a loud crunch.
Simone wrinkled her nose. "I can't believe you don't help your own mother out in the kitchen."
"Hey!" Reese said indignantly, "I try but the fact that your own mother bans you from your own kitchen doesn't help."
"She banned you?" Simone asked confusedly, "Why?"
"You shouldn't really ask," Reese responded lightly, "When I said I really can't cook, I mean I really can't cook. I accidentally poisoned my parents' food last year and blew out a microwave. How was I to know you can't really fry chicken properly in a microwave?"
"Fry chicken in a microwave?" Simone asked in shock, "Don't tell me you didn't..."
Reese nodded.
Simone sighed. "Okay, let's go to the supermarket and pick up some food. I'm gonna show you how to make a real meal for once."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where: Castleton, Maine - Somewhere...
When : 4:11 PM Thursday, June 22, 2000
The old woman looked to the door after the little bell rang gently to warn her about visitors. They were both soaking wet from the rain that just started to fall a little while ago. The old woman dismissed the little pang as she realized that rain water was dripping all over the new carpeting. She didn't often get guests before the July-August season and felt lonely even with her cat, Mittens.
Putting on a bright, but genuine smile on her face she walked away from her desk to greet the unfortunate guests by the door where they were still standing. They were both dark haired and had brown eyes. The young woman was pretty enough and was looking around the place inquisitively while the young man looked to her with a charming smile.
"Hello and welcome to the Castleton Inn. How can I help you?" the old woman asked pleasantly to them, who looked no more than 16 or 17.
"We were caught in a storm and my motorcycle broke down. We just wanted to use your phone so we can call home," the handsome young man said, "And we're sorry about your carpet, Miss..."
"Parkins," the woman finished, but continued on motherly, "And the carpet will be fine. Don't you worry about it young man. What you should be worrying about is catching a cold. You both need to get out of these clothes. I have some things in the attic, but will you settle for some blankets for now?"
Finally the young lady stopped looking around the room and turned to her and smiled warmly. "That'll be fine Miss Parkins. Thank you."
"Oh dear," Miss Parkins responded, "No need to thank me! You are guests here and should be treated as such." With that, she hurried off to get some blankets.
Kay looked at Miguel and nodded her approval. "This place isn't so bad. I like her. She's not creepy like Tabitha," Kay ended with a shudder.
"Yeah. So do I. But you really shouldn't talk about Tabitha like that, Kay." Miguel said warningly, "She's just a lonely old lady."
'Lonely old lady my ass,' Kay thought to herself. "Yeah, whatever Miguel."
Miguel didn't respond for the old woman came back with the blankets. A whole pile of blankets. "There! I hope it's enough for you dears."
"I'm sure it is," Kay said simply as she eyed the huge pile, "But, do you have a phone? We just want to call our parents so they can come pick us up."
"Yes I do have a phone," the old woman said with a twinge of disappointment, "Hold on for a minute."
"Wouldn't go anywhere else," Miguel piped up with another flirtatious smile. Kay just rolled her eyes and watched the old woman go back to a room to get the phone.
"You mean we can't go anywhere else," Kay grumbled, "And stop smiling like that. It looks like you're hitting on the old lady."
"Stop it, will you? Your personality is matching the weather," Miguel said sarcastically, "What's wrong with being nice?"
"I don't know... Maybe because you got a girlfriend to think about at home?" Kay said while scowling.
"What does this have to do with Charity?" Miguel asked confusedly.
'Everything,' Kay responded silently. Instead of saying it aloud, she folded her arms in exasperation.
"What is your problem, Kay? Are you jealous over one comment?"
"I'm not jealous. And it doesn't have to do with the woman," Kay snapped, "If you can't figure out for yourself..." Kay started to turn away from him, but Miguel grabbed her arm and spun her around.
"Why are you playing this damn game?" Miguel almost yelled in anger as he pulled Kay closer so she wouldn't tear herself away from him, "You've been mad at me all day long and you haven't told me why. You haven't spoken to me since the carnival. What the hell is wrong with you?"
Kay stared at his face for a moment and blinked back tears. There were many things that were wrong. This argument was wrong. She didn't even know why she made that stupid remark in the first place. Maybe because he used that same smile on her.
There was so much anger in his eyes; more out of frustration than anything else. But it was her fault that it was there. Kay suddenly wanted to squirm. She didn't want Miguel mad at her.
"Look, I'm sorry okay? I'm just not feeling too well. That's all," Kay responded as she looked down to her left, "Could you just let me go and forget about it?"
"What. Is. Wrong." Miguel repeated, "You were ready to bite my head off, Kay, for no reason."
"I said I was sorry Miguel. I promise I'll be on my *best* behavior. Just let go of me," Kay replied anxiously as she tried to loosen the grip Miguel had on her arm.
Slowly, he loosened his grip on her arm but still had some sort of grasp. Miguel willed her, as funny as that might have seemed, to look into his eyes. They were filled with determination. "I'm going to find out. Whether you tell me or not, Kay."
"You'll be looking forever," Kay responded softly. 'Because I'll never tell.'
"Forever is fine, but I doubt that I'll be looking for it long," Miguel answered bemusedly as he looked right back into her eyes.
It should have been a cue to let her go, but for some inane reason Miguel still held on. It was another one of those forgotten times that never seemed much back in the past. A few moments longer than necessary here, little extra touches there. It was nerve-wracking to Kay. She could forget about the other night and just kiss him without a care or she could suffer silently and wonder if he felt it too. But God didn't work that many miracles for the latter to be true. Besides, the former did have its appeal...
Luckily, Miss Parkins then returned. "Oh! I'm sorry to intrude," she said gracefully in surprise, "But the phone-"
"No, it's fine. We were just talking," Miguel replied with such ease Kay almost believed she made up the last few seconds.
"Yes. I see," Miss Parkins staring at Kay knowingly. Kay kept her head up and kept down the blush, "Well, the phone isn't working at the moment. I must say the storm must have damaged the lines."
"Oh." Miguel frowned as he finally let go Kay much to her relief and dismay. "Well, I'm sure mama wouldn't mind if we stay here for the night since we can't really travel."
Immediately, the old woman's eyes lit up. "I have some rooms for you to board if you want. Two, of course." Miss Parkins looked at Miguel with a knowing eye. Miguel just shrugged. "I must think that your parents wouldn't want you and your girlfriend staying in the same room...." There was silence.
For a moment, Kay couldn't breathe. 'Trust an old woman's intuition, but never her tongue,' Kay said to herself. A blush rose up to her cheeks and she looked down. Yes she thought about making love with Miguel, countless times actually, but to have someone call her on it like that was just....
"We're friends," Miguel said in a clear voice, "I actually have a girlfriend back at home." Kay felt her heart plummet. Again. It was stupid really. How could she ever think that Miguel would just laugh and brush it off without bringing Charity in it?
Miss Parkins looked shocked. "I just assumed since you both seemed so familiar with each other."
"Don't worry. We grew up together. That's all it is," Kay responded half heartedly, "And how much will the rooms be?"
Miss Parkins' face softened with knowing wisdom. The tall brunette touched her heart. "Don't worry about my dear child. I'm an old woman beyond her years. Money is not what I need now."
"But, still. We can't just stay here without paying you," Miguel insisted. One of the most important things Luis taught him was to always payback your debt.
Even so, the old woman waved her hand at his plea. "You both being here is payment enough. You don't know how lonely it gets around these parts," she sadly said.
Miguel opened his mouth to protest this more, but Kay stepped in. "We'll be happy to keep you company Miss Parkins and thank you for letting us stay here for tonight."
"My pleasure," Miss Parkins responded brightly. "How about some hot chocolate to make you guys warm? It's still afternoon and a ways off from dinner. You two must be famished..."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where: Harmony, Maine - Durkee's Dining Room
When : 6:54 PM Thursday, June 22, 2000
~*~ You think I'd leave your side baby
~*~ You know me better than that
"This looks great!" Reese exclaimed as his eyes took in all the food that was deliciously set out on the table.
"Duh." Simone said good-naturedly. "Of course it does since it was cooked by me."
"And don't forget me too," Reese proudly replied.
"Yes. You did help. You helped create a mess," Simone offered with a smile, "But I have to say it came out good, didn't it?"
They were both right. There were mountain of fried chicken [Simone told Reese that she wouldn't leave his house until she taught him the right way], mash potatoes, spinach [Reese liked it], green peas, corn on the cob, rice with gravy, and peach cobbler for desert. Really, it was too much for two people to eat alone for one night, but Simone figured that Reese could eat the leftovers until his parents came home.
"Can we please eat?" Reese asked pleadingly to Simone after taking a whiff of the cobbler, "If we don't, I'm gonna get drool all over the desert..."
"All right. I think we can. But first we need to set the table. Let's do this in style," Simone happily said. Reese quickly obliged with a silent nod. His stomach had been growling fiercely. He had forgotten what a good home cooked meal tasted like.
Simone sighed in contentment as she fished for the silverware. It was the first time in a long while that she felt secure and happy with herself. Cooking was something she prided herself on since her mother and sister were always too busy to cook for the family and her dad was too tired at the end of the day.
Honestly, Simone knew they appreciated it, but often times, she felt it was something that was overlooked. It felt nice to be worshipped for something she knew Whitney could not do: bake a pie. Simone smiled brightly.
"Finished! Okay, Reese your wish is about to come true, but let's say a prayer first okay?" Simone asked Reese as she took off her apron.
"Of course we *have* to thank God for sending one of his angels to make sure I can die a full and happy man today," Reese said with a wink. "This looks gorgeous, Simone."
The table was set for two and it was set impeccably well. There was a blue dining cloth covering the table with a crystal vase filled with beautiful summer blooming flowers. Two candles on the opposite sides of the crystal vase burned brightly to give the room an ethereal glow. Two table mats [just in case some food spills, Simone had told Reese] matched the color of the dining cloth. The china was out, the silverware was put in their proper places and two glasses were already filled with milk.
"Are you sure your mother won't kill me for using the dining cloth?" Simone asked Reese anxiously, "I'm not so sure about this."
~*~ You think I'd leave you down when you're down on your knees
~*~ I wouldn't do that
"It's fine, Simone," Reese responded in a reassuring way, "Mom would love this. She would kill to have a daughter like you."
"Really?" Simone eyes lit up and her heart unexplainably warmed. "She wouldn't mind?"
"I think we should take a picture of it so she'd believe me," Reese replied wistfully looking around, "Or you can always come back and do this again...."
"Ah. So you want me to come back?"
"I'd like it if you never leave," Reese said honestly with his ice blue eyes piercing into her. At this, Simone didn't know what to say exactly.
~*~ I'll tell you you're right when you want
~*~ And if only you could see into me
"I- I'll see what I can arrange," Simone stammered out after an unsure moment. "We should eat this food before it gets cold."
They both sat down and bowed their heads for prayer in which Reese led. After saying amen, they began to eat the wonderful food that seemed even tastier because of their growling stomachs. They talked casually over simple things, cracked a few jokes, and had a good time. At least, Reese hoped Simone was. He was having a very fine time himself, but really, this was all for Simone.
"How are you doing Simone?" Reese asked quietly after a long lapse of silence.
Simone breathed in after swallowing her milk. Why did he have to bring that subject up again? But, it was out of concern for her. She could hardly blame him for dredging up the hurt feelings that she so plainly tried to hide.
The funny thing was it didn't take a lot for her to forget about Chad and Whitney. It was furthest thing from her mind, actually. Spending time with Reese and trying to avert cooking disasters at the same time was a tiring job. She finally felt worth something. And all because of one person who did his best to help her today.
~*~ Oh when you're cold
~*~ I'll be there
~*~ Hold you tight to me
"You should know, Reese," Simone said after a moment. Her eyes danced in the candlelight's fire. "Thank you."
"I'm only doing what a friend would do," Reese responded sheepishly at the genuine tone of Simone's voice.
"You did more than you should have done," Simone told him with a smile. "Thank you for making me forget. Even if it was for a few hours." Simone sighed.
"It'll get better. Life usually does... I think," Reese tried, "You got a friend in me, Simone. Always."
~*~ When you're on the outside baby and you can't get in
~*~ I will show you you're so much better than you know
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Where: Castleton, Maine - Somewhere...
When : 7:37 PM Thursday, June 22, 2000
"She's a nice person," Kay said to Miguel as they went into his room. It was a regular room with a TV, stereo, a window, and had rich deep blue linens and dark mahogany furniture.
"Yeah. I really feel sorry for her, though. Her husband is dead, she has no children... Miss Parkins must be really lonely," Miguel responded thoughtfully.
"We have to visit her again some day," Kay said absentmindly. Miguel knew they would. Very few people ever made a good impression on Kay. Miss Parkins happened to be an exception. Their dinner conversation and dinner itself was wonderful. It turned out that Miss Parkins and Kay had a lot in common so they hit it off rather well considering Kay was somehow 'jealous' of the old woman. Miguel still didn't figure it out.
"We will," Miguel replied. He liked the woman too. "You up for late night movie? It's only 7:00."
Kay shrugged. "Why not? There's nothing else to do. I've been trying to find something interesting but I got nada."
"Glad to know that I'm your last resort," Miguel said to Kay dryly.
"You just found out now?" Kay grinned and ducked because of the flying pillow that was coming her way.
"Ha, ha," Miguel told Kay as he walked up to the VCR of his TV, "We got Babe, Sense & Sensibility, Sleepless in Seattle, and White Men Can't Jump." Miguel shook his head at the poor selection. Miss Parkins really needed to update her stock of videos.
"I want to see Sleepless in Seattle first. But Babe gets to end the night because I love that movie too much," Kay said after hearing the choices.
"Babe? You couldn't eat bacon or pork for a week," Miguel snickered.
"It's touching!" Kay protested, "You didn't even see the whole movie so you wouldn't get it."
Miguel sighed. There was no way he was getting into an argument over a pig. "Whatever. You figure out the VCR while I get the snacks from the kitchen."
"Why do I got to figure out the VCR?" Kay asked suspiciously.
"Because if you got the snacks, you'd make some comment about how females are more than perfectly capable of fixing the VCR up," Miguel responded simply.
Kay just glared. "So what?" So he did know her too well...
"I'm just saving time." Miguel exited from the room.
Rolling her eyes, she went to the VCR and fixed it up in no time. Tired of standing up, Kay flopped on to the bed to make herself comfortable while the video previews were rolling. That's where Miguel found her a few minutes after.
"Popcorn and Pepsi courtesy of Chez Parkins," Miguel told Kay as he sat on the bed with the junk food.
"So she didn't ask..." Kay quickly shut off her train of thought, but the apparent question still hung in the air.
"Ask what? Miguel asked Kay as he got himself comfortable while watching the opening of the movie.
"Nothing." Kay mumbled as she stuffed her face with buttered popcorn.
~*~ When you're lost and you're alone and you can't get back again
~*~ I will find you darling and I will bring you home
"You never say nothing," Miguel replied.
"So it's a first," Kay responded, "Can we just watch the movie? Please?"
"Nope," Miguel said as he switched off the TV and VCR with the remote. "This is a great time for me to finally figure you out."
~*~ And if you want to cry
~*~ I am here to dry your eyes
"There is nothing to figure out, Miguel. Just give me the remote," Kay said exasperatedly.
"Not until you tell me what is going on with you," Miguel replied softly, "I dare you."
~*~ And in no time
~*~ You'll be fine
Kay let out a calming breath and stared at her hands. She'd probably break down if she saw his face and his eyes. There was that pleading lilt in his voice that made her cringe with guilt. He was her best friend even though she wished it were more. If she was in his position and she didn't know what was going on with him, she'd be going crazy. Just like he was right now.
'But how do you tell your best friend that you love him?' Kay asked within herself.
She didn't have a damn clue where to start.
"You know I can't resist a dare," Kay stammered out the half-hearted joke. "Let it go, Miguel. Please."
"Why? What is wrong with you Kay?" Miguel knew he was close. Kay had another secret. That was for sure and it didn't have to do with the other one he secretly knew.
"I can't say it," Kay whispered. "I just can't say it."
"Say what Kay? All you have to do is tell me," Miguel pleaded with her.
"But what happens after that Miguel?" Kay asked as she dared to look up, "What would you do?"
"I would help you. You know that," Miguel said almost in a hurt tone.
~*~ You think I'd leave your side baby
~*~ You know me better than that
"But what if it can't be helped? What if changed me, you, our friendship..." she trailed off.
"Nothing would change it," Miguel stated firmly.
"It would."
~*~ You think I'd leave you down when you're down on your knees
~*~ I wouldn't do that
"Do you honestly think that anything would change about the way I feel about our friendship Kay?" Miguel asked confusedly. Did Kay really doubt him?
"One thing would," Kay said harshly, "And it'd never be taken back. Never."
"So we'll deal with it!" Miguel practically yelled, "Damn, what the hell is it Kay? What are you so afraid to tell me, of all people."
Tears started to form in her eyes. "I can't Miguel. I just can't okay? It's not possible. I can't do this."
~*~ I'll tell you you're right when you want
~*~ And if only you could see into me
Miguel tiredly rubbed his eyes. "Not now?" It would be pointless to upset her now. He hated to see her cry.
Kay gulped some air and kept her emotions in check. "Not now. Maybe someday." 'Someday when we're old and ready to die, of course.
"You don't have to go through this alone," Miguel responded as he affectionately hugged her with one arm.
~*~ Oh when you're cold
~*~ I'll be there
~*~ Hold you tight to me
"I know. Can we just watch the movies? I'll tell you when I'm ready, okay?" Kay said in relief as she finally realized that Miguel had dropped the issue. Miguel nodded his head and pressed play on the remote control.
Kay hardly paid attention to both of the movies. Her brain just wouldn't let her relax. Once again, she almost said it. Those three words that would just damage their friendship beyond repair or create a new and wonderful chapter in her life. She couldn't do that yet. Miguel loved Charity. Could she risk their friendship over some feelings that may or may not fade away?
The credits for Babe started to roll. Slowly, Kay blinked back her glossy eyes and came into reality.
"Miguel?" Kay whispered out. It had to be past midnight. "I'm going to go back to my room. It's late.... Miguel?"
No answer. Kay looked around and saw him lying on the bed fast asleep. Kay wondered about how he got there, but remembered that he said he was just wanted to be more comfortable and also switched off the lights. He had such a peaceful and relaxed expression on his face that Kay had to smile even though she knew he bailed out on her with the movie watching. She bent down and brushed the lock of hair that fell in front of his face.
~*~ When you're low
~*~ I'll be there
~*~ By your side baby
"You'll never know how much I love you, Miguel," Kay whispered daringly to him. "That's my secret if you want it."
She frowned. "But you wouldn't want it would you? Why would you want my love when you have Charity?"
She sighed. This was fast becoming the pity party. "It's all here for you. I... I love you Miguel."
Kay kissed him on his forehead, glad to have the words out for his ears to hear. "If it was only this easy when you are conscious," Kay said with a sad laugh.
Slowly, she got up from his bed and made her way towards the door. But something made her stop. It was a voice.
~*~ Oh when you're low
~*~ I'll be there
"I love you, too."
Kay froze.
Was he awake?
"Miguel?" Kay whispered, "Miguel, was that you?"
There was no answer.
She turned back to look at him. Nothing had changed. "Great Kay. Now you're starting to hear him say I love you." Kay whispered to herself, "And even if he was.... it'd probably be for *Charity* anyway." She closed the door dispiritedly and walked back to her room.
~*~
Of course, Miguel did say the words albeit unconsciously, but he did...
~*~ By your side baby