Double Date
The next day Maria arrived early at school looking for Michael. Every since he started living on his own Michael had kept to his promise of attending school regularly. Maria was wearing a tight green Tarzan shirt with a black miniskirt. She had her hair pinned up. She wanted to look hot for Michael.
Michael was standing at his locker looking for his books when he heard a bunch of guys whistling. He looked up to see Maria walking down the hallway. Some of the other guys were still whistling and Michael was getting irritated. Maria could sense he was upset.
"What's wrong Michael?"
"Nothing," Michael lied. He was not going to confess to her that he was afraid of all the male competition.
Maria smiled up at him and put her arms around Michael. "I missed you last night Michael. I couldn't sleep without you."
Michael kissed Maria softly but it soon turned more passionate. His hands were touching every inch of Maria's body and they were starting to draw a crowd. "Let's go somewhere more private," Michael said taking Maria's hand and leading her to the school's eraser room.
Maria and Michael resumed their heavy make-out session. "We're going to be late for class." Maria said in between kisses.
"I don't care, I want you," Michael said starting to remove her top.
"I love you so much Michael," she said barely breathing.
Her words broke him out of his haze. He loved Maria too and couldn't let their make-out session go any farther. He didn't want to make love to Maria in a dirty closet where they could be interrupted. Maria deserved better. He still couldn't say the words "I love you" but it didn't make it any less true.
Maria started kissing Michael's throat.
"We can't do this here Maria. It isn't right. I want it to always be special for you and this isn't the right place."
"I guess your right Michael," she said disappointed but a little relived. This wasn't her ideal place either.
"Are you working tonight?" Maria asked.
"Yeah."
"Me too. We'll we better get to class," Maria said putting her shirt back on. Michael walked Maria to class.
It was Michael's lunch period and he caught up with Liz. "Here," Michael said handing Liz a large wad of cash.
"What's this for Michael?"
"It's part of the money you gave me for taking Maria out. I'll pay you the rest back as soon as I can."
"You don't have to give it back Michael. I know you need the money."
"It's not right to keep it."
"If your sure Michael."
"Yeah."
***
"Isabel!"
"Shh..."
"What is it?" Tess asked her friend.
"I just heard Michael and Liz talking. Get this. Liz paid Michael to go out with Maria."
"Oh my god Isabel. That's the perfect ammunition you need to break them up. I told you you would get him back soon."
After school Isabel saw Michael heading for his bike. "Hey Michael!" Isabel yelled. "I just wanted to tell you I understand now about you and Maria," She yelled flinging herself into his arms then pulling away for a minute. She flung her hair back over her shoulders as she talked. "I understand now why you went out with Maria and it's alright with me. I understand that you needed the money."
"What? But how did you find out?" he asked.
"It doesn't matter Michael. I knew you couldn't possibly care about her when you could have me." Isabel flung herself in Michael arms again and kissed him on the lips trying to push her tongue in his mouth.
Michael quickly threw her off of him. "I love Maria!"
Isabel was enraged. *How dare he turn me down. And for what? The town tramp.* "I thought you wanted me Michael."
Michael quickly got on his bike and drove off leaving Isabel standing there alone.
"So how did it go Isabel?" Tess asked coming up behind her.
"Not so good. If I can't have Michael she sure as hell won't either."
Isabel and Tess walked back into school to gather up their books before heading home. On the way to their locker they ran into Maria.
"Hi," Tess smiled at Maria.
"Hi," Maria said back trying to walk off.
"Hey Maria, how are things going between you and Michael?" Tess teased.
"Great," Maria said afraid of where this conversation was heading.
"That's nice to know. I give you a lot of credit for forgiving Michael and Liz," Isabel said.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well it's just if I knew my best friend had paid a guy to go out with me I would be totally humiliated."
"What?"
"Oh I'm sorry. Can you believe it Tess she didn't know? Well Maria it turns out Liz has been paying Michael to date you all along," Isabel laughed.
Maria stood their stunned. She didn't know what to do. She started running out of the school as fast as she could. She could still hear Isabel and Tess laughing at her. She ran to her car and drove away in her Jetta getting away from everything as fast as she could.
(Later at the Crashdown) "Michael do you know where Maria is she was supposed to start her shift a half an hour ago?" Liz asked.
"No. The last time I saw her was at school."
"I'm getting worried Maria is never late for work. I guess I'll try her at home."
Liz called Maria's house and Max had gone out looking for her. After their shift Michael and Liz continued the search. Several hours had passed and Michael decided to go to his apartment to see if she had left a message on his answering machine. He was stunned to find her waiting inside his apartment on his couch.
"Maria! We were worried about you. Where have you been?" Michael asked running up to wrap his arms around her.
"I was in the desert, thinking," Maria said pushing Michael away. He then noticed her tear stained face.
"So how much was I worth?"
"What?"
"You heard me Michael. How much did Liz have to pay you to go out with me?"
"Did Isabel tell you about this? Let me explain Maria."
"Then explain to me how much did she pay you?"
"Maria it was only for two dates. I paid her back," Michael tried to explain.
"Answer the damn question Michael or I'm leaving!" Maria stood up starting to leave the apartment.
"$225!" Michael yelled at her. "But I gave her the money back because it wasn't right to keep it."
"$225! You needed that much money to go out with me. How pathetic am I? I threw myself at you. You and Isabel must have had a good laugh."
"Look I don't like Isabel."
"I have to go," Maria said crying. She started to leave again and she turned around and looked at Michael one last time. "Did Liz pay you to sleep with me too or was that just an added bonus?" After a long pause Maria added, "You know what? I really don't want to hear anything from you again. I can't believe anything you say."
"Maria, I love you."
"You could never say it before. What's different? Are you afraid of losing the money Liz would have paid you to go out with me again? Find somebody else to play with Michael," she turned and left him.
"Maria wait!" Michael ran after her but she slammed her car door shut before he could reach her. She drove off leaving him.
Michael walked back into his apartment slamming the door shut. He then proceeded to trash his apartment. He then came upon her picture he kept on the table. He fell on the floor clinging to it crying. He had just lost the only good thing he ever had in his life.
Maria drove home in her car. She climbed through her window not wanting to see her mom or Max. When she hopped in her window she was shocked to see Alex sitting by her bed.
"Maria, where have you been? What's wrong?" he asked walking over to her. Maria flung herself in Alex's arms sobbing. "It's all right Maria. What happened?" Alex asked holding her tight.
"I found out the only reason Michael went out with me was because Liz paid him too. Isabel and Tess told me. They were laughing about it."
"Are you sure?"
"I confronted him and he admitted it. Oh god Alex, I lost my virginity to him. I love him so much. I thought he cared about me but he doesn't. He still wants Isabel. What's wrong with me Alex?"
"There's nothing wrong with you Maria. It will be all right. I promise." Alex held Maria until her sobs quieted down. He then laid her down in her bed. "Go to sleep Maria," He said pulling her hair back from her face. He rubbed her head until he was sure she was asleep.
******
Michael was shocked to here a knock at the door. He glanced at the clock on the wall. It read 12:00. *Who would be coming over this late at night? Maria?*
Michael picked himself off the floor and ran to the door. Maria!" He opened the door and was shocked to see Alex there.
"What are you doing here Alex?"
Alex pushed his way into Michael's apartment. "Maria has been my friend since I was three and let me tell you in all these years I've known her I have never seen her this upset. How could you use her Michael? Maria is the kindest, sweetest, most caring person I know and she deserves to be treated with respect. If you were in love with Isabel you should have never stated seeing Maria."
"Look Alex, nothings going on between me and Isabel," just as Michael got the words out of his mouth a scantily clad Isabel walked through Michael's open door. She was wearing a pair of tight jean shorts and a black bra with a see through top. Alex took one look at Isabel and slammed his fist into Michael's face. Even though Alex was smaller and less muscular than Michael he still managed to knock Michael off of his feet.
"Oh my god!" Isabel yelled running over to Michael.
Alex's hand started throbbing. He walked out of the apartment without saying another word to the couple. He couldn't believe his dream girl would be the one that ruined things between Michael and Maria.
"Who was that Michael and why did he hit you?" Isabel asked.
"That was Alex, Maria's friend," Michael said rubbing his jaw. He got himself off the floor. "Why the hell did you tell Maria about the money and how did you find out?"
"That's why I came over here Michael I know it's late. I overheard you and Liz. I thought Maria knew about it. I'm so sorry if I messed things up with you and Maria."
Michael was furious at Isabel. *No Michael you have no one to blame but yourself. You shouldn't have taken the money from Liz,* he thought.
"Did Alex do this to your apartment? You should call the police."
"No, Alex was sticking up for his friend. I did this to the apartment."
"Let me help you clean this up and you need ice on your face. I'll get it," Isabel said running to get some from the refrigerator.
"Isabel you need to leave," he said taking the ice from her.
"All right I'll go but I want you to know I'm really sorry," she said leaving.
Michael locked his apartment door and collapsed on the couch.
***
"Liz did what?" Max yelled at Maria. Max had gone to check on Maria when she hadn't awakened for school. He found her in the same clothes from the previous night and she was crying.
"She paid Michael to go out with me. Did you know about this Max?"
"Of course not Maria I would have told you. Are you sure Isabel didn't just make it up? That doesn't sound like Liz."
"Michael admitted it. I didn't think Liz could do something like that either. I thought she was a friend."
Max sat down on the bed next to Maria and put his arm around her. "Look I'm not saying what Liz did was right but you should talk to her and hear her side of the story. I really like Liz and I don't think she would purposely hurt you."
"Oh I intend to talk to her," Maria said grabbing fresh clothes from her closet.
***
Maria was at her locker getting ready for school to start when Isabel greeted her.
"Maria I just wanted to apologize about yesterday. I had no right to talk to you that way. I thought you already knew but either way it was wrong of me to bring it up," Isabel said.
"Cut the crap Isabel. Michael might buy your act but I'm not interested. Michael's all yours," Maria said walking away.
"Did I hear correctly?" Tess said walking up behind Isabel.
"Michael and Maria are history but Michael's mad at me for telling Maria the truth."
"Don't worry Isabel he'll be your again in no time."
"I hope your right Tess. What about Max don't you want him back too."
"I've tried talking to him but he's so gooey eyed around Liz. It's like she's mind controlling him or something. She's got him wrapped around her little finger."
"Won't he be upset when he hears that his dear sweet Liz paid Michael to go out with his sister?" Isabel asked.
"I'm sure Liz will worm her way back into his good graces. Max is so far gone."
***
"Hi Maria," Liz shouted trying to catch up with Maria at school. "Do you want to go shopping with me after school. I need you to help me pick out a dress for my date with Max on Saturday," Liz said practically glowing.
"Don't pretend we're friends Liz."
"What are you talking about Maria?"
"I know the truth. I know you've been paying Michael to go out with me."
Liz was suddenly scared of losing her best friend. "Maria I'm so sorry about that. I shouldn't have done it. Please let me explain," she said running after Maria who tried to walk away.
Maria dragged Liz into an empty classroom. "Okay explain to me how someone who pretends to be my friend could stab me in the back."
"Maria it wasn't like that. It's just when I asked Michael to go on the double date with you he didn't want to."
"Obviously," Maria interrupted rolling her eyes.
"Maria he didn't know you then. I knew once he got to meet you he would like you but it was the only way that I could get him to go on the date."
"So once he met me he liked me so much you had to keep on paying him to see me?"
"I only paid him for two dates. I knew he wanted to go out with you again he just wouldn't admit it to himself or anyone. Maria I didn't mean to hurt you. Michael is paying me back. He cares for you to much to let that be a factor in your relationship."
"You shouldn't have done it Liz."
"I know I was wrong Maria. I just really wanted to go out with Max and I didn't think about you and how much it would hurt you. I'm sorry Maria please forgive me. You're like the only best friend I've ever had and I don't want to lose you. I love you," Liz cried.
"I love you too chica that's why it hurt so bad. I can forgive you but I can't forgive Michael."
"Look Maria I only paid Michael to go out with you twice. All the other times you went out were because he wanted to. Maria you may not believe it know but I really think he loves you. Just think about forgiving him to. Please."
Maria couldn't help but think. Liz did have a point. If Liz stopped paying him there wasn't any other reason for him to go out with her unless he wanted to. *Oh god what if I was wrong about Michael?* "I need to go find Michael now," Maria said feeling hope for the first time since last night.
Maria rushed through the hallways so fast that she didn't notice when she ran into a body. She leaned reached down to pick up her books. "I'm sorry Maria let me help you."
Maria looked up to see Kyle. He was the school jock and Liz's ex-boyfriend. "It was my fault I wasn't looking where I was going."
"Here you go Maria. Are you all right?" he said after handing Maria her books. Kyle smiled at Maria.
"Yes, well I better get going to class," she said about to walk off.
"Uhh Maria I've been meaning to ask you, uh would you like to go out with me after the game Friday," he asked nervously.
"Kyle that's really nice but I'm kind of seeing someone right now."
"Who are you seeing?"
"Michael."
"That's odd."
"Why?" Maria asked confused.
"I hate to be the one to tell you this but I saw Michael and Isabel kissing yesterday after school. It looked pretty intense."
"What?!" Maria yelled.
"It was after school Maria. I saw Michael and Isabel talking yesterday by his bike. Isabel hugged him and then I saw them kissing. I didn't stay around to watch the rest of the make out session. I thought it was odd too since I thought he liked you."
"I've got to go. I'll see you later Kyle."
Maria continued walking down the hall. She saw Michael by his locker and she tried to walk by him.
"Maria!" Michael finally caught up with her. "Look Maria I'm really sorry you found out about the money. It was a mistake to take the money. Can you ever get over it?"
"Kyle just told me about the kiss," Maria said pissed off. "And what happened to your face?" Maria asked noticing his bruise.
"Your friend Alex did it."
"Remind me to thank him."
"Cute. What did you mean kiss? Oh Isabel."
"Yes Isabel."
"It didn't mean anything. It was a mistake," Michael said thinking she also knew he pushed Isabel away.
"A mistake! That's all you can say Michael! I can't believe I ever saw anything in you!" she said storming off.
"Is everything alright Michael?" Isabel said after seeing the argument between Michael and Maria.
"No. Maria found out about the kiss."
"Then why is she mad? You pushed me away," Isabel asked confused.
"I don't understand anything that goes on in Maria's head. She confuses me."
"If it will help I will talk to her and explain it was all my fault," Isabel suggested.
"No. It wouldn't do any good," Michael said walking away.
***
Maria didn't look forward to going to work after school because that would mean seeing Michael again. Liz and Maria were up front making drinks for the customers.
"So did you get a chance to work things out with Michael?" Liz asked.
"We're over for good."
"Maria you know you love him. Why don't you give him another chance?"
"I can't Liz. I just found out he kissed Isabel. He swore nothing was going on between them but he lied."
"Why would he be kissing Isabel? That doesn't make any sense."
"Michael doesn't make any sense. I'm through trying to figure him out. He can't hurt me anymore. I'm Teflon."
"I'll talk to Michael and see what's going on Maria."
"No Liz I don't want you getting involved."
"But Maria."
"No Liz stay out of it."
"Fine."
"I just wish I didn't have to see his face around here everyday," Maria whined.
"Look why don't you go deliver this sandwich over at the UFO center. It will give you a chance to get out of here for awhile," Liz suggested.
"O.K." Maria grabbed the order and made her way across the street to the UFO center. Max worked there part time after college but today was one of his days off. Maria made her way into the building and went upstairs to where the office rooms were.
Maria knocked on one of the office doors. "Excuse me but do you know who ordered the pepper jack sandwich from the Crashdown?" She said making her way through the partially opened door. Maria could tell someone there was someone in the office chair working on the computer.
"That would be me," the man said turning around in his chair. He was shocked to see the woman before him. He thought she was quite attractive.
Maria handed the man the order. "That will be $5.25."
"Here you go and keep the change," he said handing her a $100 bill."
Maria was outraged. "Maria DeLuca is not for sale. You and Michael Guerin can both go to hell!" Maria shouted.
"I'm sorry that was stupid of me. Of course I know you're not for sale. It was my stupid way of flirting. It's just your really beautiful and I didn't know how to get your attention. I'm sorry I was out of line."
All of a sudden Maria burst into tears. Brody put down his sandwich and rushed over to her. "Maria are you alright? I'm a jerk."
"It's not you. It's my stupid boyfriend I mean ex. He's in love with someone else. Look I shouldn't be talking to you about this your not interested."
"It's alright Maria. I'm sorry about your ex-boyfriend but I have to say he must really be blind. You're a beautiful woman and anyone would be lucky to have you," Brody said smiling at her.
"Thank you. Your right Michael was lucky to have me, it's his loss," she said trying to convince herself even though it was hopeless. "I didn't catch your name?"
"Brody. I actually just bought this place from Milton."
"Then you must be Max's new boss. Max DeLuca is my brother."
"Well it's nice to meet you," Brody said.
"I better be going," Maria said.
"Wait here's the money," Brody said handing Maria the exact change. "Look this might be incredibly bad timing but do you think sometime we could go out sometime?" Brody asked.
"You mean on a date?"
"If you don't want it to be we could go just as friends. Two friends going out to see a movie or something."
"That would be nice Brody," Maria smiled. Maria thought Brody was somewhat strange looking but she could instantly tell there was something special about him.
"How about tomorrow night at 9:00?" Brody asked.
"Sure. Pick me up at the Crashdown after work.
The next day Maria arrived early at school looking for Michael. Every since he started living on his own Michael had kept to his promise of attending school regularly. Maria was wearing a tight green Tarzan shirt with a black miniskirt. She had her hair pinned up. She wanted to look hot for Michael.
Michael was standing at his locker looking for his books when he heard a bunch of guys whistling. He looked up to see Maria walking down the hallway. Some of the other guys were still whistling and Michael was getting irritated. Maria could sense he was upset.
"What's wrong Michael?"
"Nothing," Michael lied. He was not going to confess to her that he was afraid of all the male competition.
Maria smiled up at him and put her arms around Michael. "I missed you last night Michael. I couldn't sleep without you."
Michael kissed Maria softly but it soon turned more passionate. His hands were touching every inch of Maria's body and they were starting to draw a crowd. "Let's go somewhere more private," Michael said taking Maria's hand and leading her to the school's eraser room.
Maria and Michael resumed their heavy make-out session. "We're going to be late for class." Maria said in between kisses.
"I don't care, I want you," Michael said starting to remove her top.
"I love you so much Michael," she said barely breathing.
Her words broke him out of his haze. He loved Maria too and couldn't let their make-out session go any farther. He didn't want to make love to Maria in a dirty closet where they could be interrupted. Maria deserved better. He still couldn't say the words "I love you" but it didn't make it any less true.
Maria started kissing Michael's throat.
"We can't do this here Maria. It isn't right. I want it to always be special for you and this isn't the right place."
"I guess your right Michael," she said disappointed but a little relived. This wasn't her ideal place either.
"Are you working tonight?" Maria asked.
"Yeah."
"Me too. We'll we better get to class," Maria said putting her shirt back on. Michael walked Maria to class.
It was Michael's lunch period and he caught up with Liz. "Here," Michael said handing Liz a large wad of cash.
"What's this for Michael?"
"It's part of the money you gave me for taking Maria out. I'll pay you the rest back as soon as I can."
"You don't have to give it back Michael. I know you need the money."
"It's not right to keep it."
"If your sure Michael."
"Yeah."
***
"Isabel!"
"Shh..."
"What is it?" Tess asked her friend.
"I just heard Michael and Liz talking. Get this. Liz paid Michael to go out with Maria."
"Oh my god Isabel. That's the perfect ammunition you need to break them up. I told you you would get him back soon."
After school Isabel saw Michael heading for his bike. "Hey Michael!" Isabel yelled. "I just wanted to tell you I understand now about you and Maria," She yelled flinging herself into his arms then pulling away for a minute. She flung her hair back over her shoulders as she talked. "I understand now why you went out with Maria and it's alright with me. I understand that you needed the money."
"What? But how did you find out?" he asked.
"It doesn't matter Michael. I knew you couldn't possibly care about her when you could have me." Isabel flung herself in Michael arms again and kissed him on the lips trying to push her tongue in his mouth.
Michael quickly threw her off of him. "I love Maria!"
Isabel was enraged. *How dare he turn me down. And for what? The town tramp.* "I thought you wanted me Michael."
Michael quickly got on his bike and drove off leaving Isabel standing there alone.
"So how did it go Isabel?" Tess asked coming up behind her.
"Not so good. If I can't have Michael she sure as hell won't either."
Isabel and Tess walked back into school to gather up their books before heading home. On the way to their locker they ran into Maria.
"Hi," Tess smiled at Maria.
"Hi," Maria said back trying to walk off.
"Hey Maria, how are things going between you and Michael?" Tess teased.
"Great," Maria said afraid of where this conversation was heading.
"That's nice to know. I give you a lot of credit for forgiving Michael and Liz," Isabel said.
"What are you talking about?"
"Well it's just if I knew my best friend had paid a guy to go out with me I would be totally humiliated."
"What?"
"Oh I'm sorry. Can you believe it Tess she didn't know? Well Maria it turns out Liz has been paying Michael to date you all along," Isabel laughed.
Maria stood their stunned. She didn't know what to do. She started running out of the school as fast as she could. She could still hear Isabel and Tess laughing at her. She ran to her car and drove away in her Jetta getting away from everything as fast as she could.
(Later at the Crashdown) "Michael do you know where Maria is she was supposed to start her shift a half an hour ago?" Liz asked.
"No. The last time I saw her was at school."
"I'm getting worried Maria is never late for work. I guess I'll try her at home."
Liz called Maria's house and Max had gone out looking for her. After their shift Michael and Liz continued the search. Several hours had passed and Michael decided to go to his apartment to see if she had left a message on his answering machine. He was stunned to find her waiting inside his apartment on his couch.
"Maria! We were worried about you. Where have you been?" Michael asked running up to wrap his arms around her.
"I was in the desert, thinking," Maria said pushing Michael away. He then noticed her tear stained face.
"So how much was I worth?"
"What?"
"You heard me Michael. How much did Liz have to pay you to go out with me?"
"Did Isabel tell you about this? Let me explain Maria."
"Then explain to me how much did she pay you?"
"Maria it was only for two dates. I paid her back," Michael tried to explain.
"Answer the damn question Michael or I'm leaving!" Maria stood up starting to leave the apartment.
"$225!" Michael yelled at her. "But I gave her the money back because it wasn't right to keep it."
"$225! You needed that much money to go out with me. How pathetic am I? I threw myself at you. You and Isabel must have had a good laugh."
"Look I don't like Isabel."
"I have to go," Maria said crying. She started to leave again and she turned around and looked at Michael one last time. "Did Liz pay you to sleep with me too or was that just an added bonus?" After a long pause Maria added, "You know what? I really don't want to hear anything from you again. I can't believe anything you say."
"Maria, I love you."
"You could never say it before. What's different? Are you afraid of losing the money Liz would have paid you to go out with me again? Find somebody else to play with Michael," she turned and left him.
"Maria wait!" Michael ran after her but she slammed her car door shut before he could reach her. She drove off leaving him.
Michael walked back into his apartment slamming the door shut. He then proceeded to trash his apartment. He then came upon her picture he kept on the table. He fell on the floor clinging to it crying. He had just lost the only good thing he ever had in his life.
Maria drove home in her car. She climbed through her window not wanting to see her mom or Max. When she hopped in her window she was shocked to see Alex sitting by her bed.
"Maria, where have you been? What's wrong?" he asked walking over to her. Maria flung herself in Alex's arms sobbing. "It's all right Maria. What happened?" Alex asked holding her tight.
"I found out the only reason Michael went out with me was because Liz paid him too. Isabel and Tess told me. They were laughing about it."
"Are you sure?"
"I confronted him and he admitted it. Oh god Alex, I lost my virginity to him. I love him so much. I thought he cared about me but he doesn't. He still wants Isabel. What's wrong with me Alex?"
"There's nothing wrong with you Maria. It will be all right. I promise." Alex held Maria until her sobs quieted down. He then laid her down in her bed. "Go to sleep Maria," He said pulling her hair back from her face. He rubbed her head until he was sure she was asleep.
******
Michael was shocked to here a knock at the door. He glanced at the clock on the wall. It read 12:00. *Who would be coming over this late at night? Maria?*
Michael picked himself off the floor and ran to the door. Maria!" He opened the door and was shocked to see Alex there.
"What are you doing here Alex?"
Alex pushed his way into Michael's apartment. "Maria has been my friend since I was three and let me tell you in all these years I've known her I have never seen her this upset. How could you use her Michael? Maria is the kindest, sweetest, most caring person I know and she deserves to be treated with respect. If you were in love with Isabel you should have never stated seeing Maria."
"Look Alex, nothings going on between me and Isabel," just as Michael got the words out of his mouth a scantily clad Isabel walked through Michael's open door. She was wearing a pair of tight jean shorts and a black bra with a see through top. Alex took one look at Isabel and slammed his fist into Michael's face. Even though Alex was smaller and less muscular than Michael he still managed to knock Michael off of his feet.
"Oh my god!" Isabel yelled running over to Michael.
Alex's hand started throbbing. He walked out of the apartment without saying another word to the couple. He couldn't believe his dream girl would be the one that ruined things between Michael and Maria.
"Who was that Michael and why did he hit you?" Isabel asked.
"That was Alex, Maria's friend," Michael said rubbing his jaw. He got himself off the floor. "Why the hell did you tell Maria about the money and how did you find out?"
"That's why I came over here Michael I know it's late. I overheard you and Liz. I thought Maria knew about it. I'm so sorry if I messed things up with you and Maria."
Michael was furious at Isabel. *No Michael you have no one to blame but yourself. You shouldn't have taken the money from Liz,* he thought.
"Did Alex do this to your apartment? You should call the police."
"No, Alex was sticking up for his friend. I did this to the apartment."
"Let me help you clean this up and you need ice on your face. I'll get it," Isabel said running to get some from the refrigerator.
"Isabel you need to leave," he said taking the ice from her.
"All right I'll go but I want you to know I'm really sorry," she said leaving.
Michael locked his apartment door and collapsed on the couch.
***
"Liz did what?" Max yelled at Maria. Max had gone to check on Maria when she hadn't awakened for school. He found her in the same clothes from the previous night and she was crying.
"She paid Michael to go out with me. Did you know about this Max?"
"Of course not Maria I would have told you. Are you sure Isabel didn't just make it up? That doesn't sound like Liz."
"Michael admitted it. I didn't think Liz could do something like that either. I thought she was a friend."
Max sat down on the bed next to Maria and put his arm around her. "Look I'm not saying what Liz did was right but you should talk to her and hear her side of the story. I really like Liz and I don't think she would purposely hurt you."
"Oh I intend to talk to her," Maria said grabbing fresh clothes from her closet.
***
Maria was at her locker getting ready for school to start when Isabel greeted her.
"Maria I just wanted to apologize about yesterday. I had no right to talk to you that way. I thought you already knew but either way it was wrong of me to bring it up," Isabel said.
"Cut the crap Isabel. Michael might buy your act but I'm not interested. Michael's all yours," Maria said walking away.
"Did I hear correctly?" Tess said walking up behind Isabel.
"Michael and Maria are history but Michael's mad at me for telling Maria the truth."
"Don't worry Isabel he'll be your again in no time."
"I hope your right Tess. What about Max don't you want him back too."
"I've tried talking to him but he's so gooey eyed around Liz. It's like she's mind controlling him or something. She's got him wrapped around her little finger."
"Won't he be upset when he hears that his dear sweet Liz paid Michael to go out with his sister?" Isabel asked.
"I'm sure Liz will worm her way back into his good graces. Max is so far gone."
***
"Hi Maria," Liz shouted trying to catch up with Maria at school. "Do you want to go shopping with me after school. I need you to help me pick out a dress for my date with Max on Saturday," Liz said practically glowing.
"Don't pretend we're friends Liz."
"What are you talking about Maria?"
"I know the truth. I know you've been paying Michael to go out with me."
Liz was suddenly scared of losing her best friend. "Maria I'm so sorry about that. I shouldn't have done it. Please let me explain," she said running after Maria who tried to walk away.
Maria dragged Liz into an empty classroom. "Okay explain to me how someone who pretends to be my friend could stab me in the back."
"Maria it wasn't like that. It's just when I asked Michael to go on the double date with you he didn't want to."
"Obviously," Maria interrupted rolling her eyes.
"Maria he didn't know you then. I knew once he got to meet you he would like you but it was the only way that I could get him to go on the date."
"So once he met me he liked me so much you had to keep on paying him to see me?"
"I only paid him for two dates. I knew he wanted to go out with you again he just wouldn't admit it to himself or anyone. Maria I didn't mean to hurt you. Michael is paying me back. He cares for you to much to let that be a factor in your relationship."
"You shouldn't have done it Liz."
"I know I was wrong Maria. I just really wanted to go out with Max and I didn't think about you and how much it would hurt you. I'm sorry Maria please forgive me. You're like the only best friend I've ever had and I don't want to lose you. I love you," Liz cried.
"I love you too chica that's why it hurt so bad. I can forgive you but I can't forgive Michael."
"Look Maria I only paid Michael to go out with you twice. All the other times you went out were because he wanted to. Maria you may not believe it know but I really think he loves you. Just think about forgiving him to. Please."
Maria couldn't help but think. Liz did have a point. If Liz stopped paying him there wasn't any other reason for him to go out with her unless he wanted to. *Oh god what if I was wrong about Michael?* "I need to go find Michael now," Maria said feeling hope for the first time since last night.
Maria rushed through the hallways so fast that she didn't notice when she ran into a body. She leaned reached down to pick up her books. "I'm sorry Maria let me help you."
Maria looked up to see Kyle. He was the school jock and Liz's ex-boyfriend. "It was my fault I wasn't looking where I was going."
"Here you go Maria. Are you all right?" he said after handing Maria her books. Kyle smiled at Maria.
"Yes, well I better get going to class," she said about to walk off.
"Uhh Maria I've been meaning to ask you, uh would you like to go out with me after the game Friday," he asked nervously.
"Kyle that's really nice but I'm kind of seeing someone right now."
"Who are you seeing?"
"Michael."
"That's odd."
"Why?" Maria asked confused.
"I hate to be the one to tell you this but I saw Michael and Isabel kissing yesterday after school. It looked pretty intense."
"What?!" Maria yelled.
"It was after school Maria. I saw Michael and Isabel talking yesterday by his bike. Isabel hugged him and then I saw them kissing. I didn't stay around to watch the rest of the make out session. I thought it was odd too since I thought he liked you."
"I've got to go. I'll see you later Kyle."
Maria continued walking down the hall. She saw Michael by his locker and she tried to walk by him.
"Maria!" Michael finally caught up with her. "Look Maria I'm really sorry you found out about the money. It was a mistake to take the money. Can you ever get over it?"
"Kyle just told me about the kiss," Maria said pissed off. "And what happened to your face?" Maria asked noticing his bruise.
"Your friend Alex did it."
"Remind me to thank him."
"Cute. What did you mean kiss? Oh Isabel."
"Yes Isabel."
"It didn't mean anything. It was a mistake," Michael said thinking she also knew he pushed Isabel away.
"A mistake! That's all you can say Michael! I can't believe I ever saw anything in you!" she said storming off.
"Is everything alright Michael?" Isabel said after seeing the argument between Michael and Maria.
"No. Maria found out about the kiss."
"Then why is she mad? You pushed me away," Isabel asked confused.
"I don't understand anything that goes on in Maria's head. She confuses me."
"If it will help I will talk to her and explain it was all my fault," Isabel suggested.
"No. It wouldn't do any good," Michael said walking away.
***
Maria didn't look forward to going to work after school because that would mean seeing Michael again. Liz and Maria were up front making drinks for the customers.
"So did you get a chance to work things out with Michael?" Liz asked.
"We're over for good."
"Maria you know you love him. Why don't you give him another chance?"
"I can't Liz. I just found out he kissed Isabel. He swore nothing was going on between them but he lied."
"Why would he be kissing Isabel? That doesn't make any sense."
"Michael doesn't make any sense. I'm through trying to figure him out. He can't hurt me anymore. I'm Teflon."
"I'll talk to Michael and see what's going on Maria."
"No Liz I don't want you getting involved."
"But Maria."
"No Liz stay out of it."
"Fine."
"I just wish I didn't have to see his face around here everyday," Maria whined.
"Look why don't you go deliver this sandwich over at the UFO center. It will give you a chance to get out of here for awhile," Liz suggested.
"O.K." Maria grabbed the order and made her way across the street to the UFO center. Max worked there part time after college but today was one of his days off. Maria made her way into the building and went upstairs to where the office rooms were.
Maria knocked on one of the office doors. "Excuse me but do you know who ordered the pepper jack sandwich from the Crashdown?" She said making her way through the partially opened door. Maria could tell someone there was someone in the office chair working on the computer.
"That would be me," the man said turning around in his chair. He was shocked to see the woman before him. He thought she was quite attractive.
Maria handed the man the order. "That will be $5.25."
"Here you go and keep the change," he said handing her a $100 bill."
Maria was outraged. "Maria DeLuca is not for sale. You and Michael Guerin can both go to hell!" Maria shouted.
"I'm sorry that was stupid of me. Of course I know you're not for sale. It was my stupid way of flirting. It's just your really beautiful and I didn't know how to get your attention. I'm sorry I was out of line."
All of a sudden Maria burst into tears. Brody put down his sandwich and rushed over to her. "Maria are you alright? I'm a jerk."
"It's not you. It's my stupid boyfriend I mean ex. He's in love with someone else. Look I shouldn't be talking to you about this your not interested."
"It's alright Maria. I'm sorry about your ex-boyfriend but I have to say he must really be blind. You're a beautiful woman and anyone would be lucky to have you," Brody said smiling at her.
"Thank you. Your right Michael was lucky to have me, it's his loss," she said trying to convince herself even though it was hopeless. "I didn't catch your name?"
"Brody. I actually just bought this place from Milton."
"Then you must be Max's new boss. Max DeLuca is my brother."
"Well it's nice to meet you," Brody said.
"I better be going," Maria said.
"Wait here's the money," Brody said handing Maria the exact change. "Look this might be incredibly bad timing but do you think sometime we could go out sometime?" Brody asked.
"You mean on a date?"
"If you don't want it to be we could go just as friends. Two friends going out to see a movie or something."
"That would be nice Brody," Maria smiled. Maria thought Brody was somewhat strange looking but she could instantly tell there was something special about him.
"How about tomorrow night at 9:00?" Brody asked.
"Sure. Pick me up at the Crashdown after work.