The Trip - Chapter 15

Rafe awoke slowly. It took him a minute to remember what had happened. Had it been a dream? As soon as he opened his eyes, Alison was lying beside him, right beside him, sleeping peacefully. He immediately remembered everything and smiled. He remembered kissing, touching, exploring and making love to Alison all night. Just thinking about it made his body begin to tremble with joy, all over again. Resting on the floor, the two were surrounded by several plush blankets. After a little while the couch had become to constraining for the couple. Rafe had his arm around the petite girl and he could smell her hair. It was wonderful. Rafe could hardly believe it had happened. He hadn't quite expected it to happen the way it did. Though he loved every minute and every part of the girl, he couldn't help but feel a little guilty and he wasn't sure why. Several thoughts bounced and collided in his head.

Did I take advantage of the situation? Had she really wanted to do this? What is Jamal going to think? Did we rush things? What do I have to offer this girl?

It was a little scary and new for him. All he knew for sure was that he loved Alison with all his heart and that wasn't an exaggeration. Everything else was so confusing. Feeling guilty that they had spent the night on the floor, Rafe knew that she deserved more. He was living in Lucy's old apartment…of all things. Being returned to earth, he didn't have a job or a place of his own or a dime to his name. He had nothing to offer her. Rafe knew after the night they had just had, admitting their complete love for one another, things like that shouldn't matter, but they did. It was all so new.

Rafe slowly and carefully slid his hand down Alison's bare body that rested under his palm. He was losing himself again, feeling her smooth, warm skin. He was drifting and dreaming…becoming completely lost. Wanting to wake her, to make love to her one more time before their world was invaded by reality…there was a knock on the door. Too late! The boy cringed and his heart raced as he heard the repetitive thumps. Who could it be, Jamal looking for Alison? His guilt surged through his body once again. Rafe gently got up without waking the girl. Sliding his arm over and away, feeling her one last time. He threw on his shirt and pants and went to the door. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door slowly.

"Well there you are." A pleasant voice greeted him. Rafe released a sigh of relief. Stepping outside, he shut the door slightly behind him. "I would have used my key but then I remembered you were staying here so I thought I'd knock first. I now you're my cousin and we're family, so it shouldn't really matter…but I still think you deserve your privacy, you know? Did I wake you?" It was Lucy, warm and friendly Lucy. It was so good to see her. Lucy did grate his nerves from time to time but he was so happy at that moment he loved seeing her. She looked incredibly chipper for this time of morning. Before Rafe could open his mouth Lucy interrupted. "Do you know what time it is? It's already lunchtime. What? What are you smiling about? Did I say something funny."

"No," Rafe laughed. He was just in a great mood. "No, you didn't say anything funny. I can't believe it's already noon. Oh my gosh! I got to wake…" Rafe stopped himself in mid sentence. He had almost let it slip out.

"Wake? What are you talking about? You know, you are acting very peculiar. What's going on? I sense something had changed with you. It's very obvious. So, tell me…what's going on Rafe?" Lucy asked very suspiciously, trying to read his mind unsuccessfully.

"Nothing! Why did you come by?" Rafe tried to change the subject and get Lucy on her way.

"I just wanted…" Lucy's attention was already diverted. Her eyes concentrated on the partly opened door behind Rafe and his hand that refused to move off the knob. She had to figure out what was going on. "I just wanted to grab some things. You don't mind to you?" Lucy suggested as she pushed her way past Rafe and through the door before Rafe could stop her. Only getting one foot on the door, Rafe pushed her back outside. It was already too late. Lucy saw the sleeping girl, or at least locks of blonde hair lying gently on the floor, beside the couch.

"Lucy!" Rafe said harshly, pushing her back outside and shutting the door completely.

"Rafe!" she said, shocked. "That is why you have the dopey smile on your face, mister." She smiled, hitting him playfully in the arm. "Is that Alison?" Rafe didn't know what to say. He didn't want the biggest mouth in Port Charles to know Alison was sleeping on his floor, but he did want to talk to her about it. All he could do was grin, sheepishly. "Rafe? What on earth is Alison Barrington doing on my…I mean…your floor? Huh?" Lucy asked.

"Lucy…she had a fight with Jamal. She didn't want to go home last night…so, I let her stay with me…perfectly innocent. Don't go telling anybody, OK?"

"Me?"

"Yes you! I know you and how you get talking and nothing is kept a secret. This time is different Lucy. I mean it! Do not say anything to anybody. You could get Ali into a lot of trouble."

"My lips are sealed. You can count on me. I mean, we're family. If you can't count on that you can't count on anything, right?"

"Thanks Lucy." Rafe hugged his cousin sweetly. He thought the discussion was over.

"Now, are you going to tell me what's really going on?"

"I just told you."

"I don't believe that story. Remember I can sense these things."

"What do you want me to say?"

"You could start at why you are smiling like a little school boy in love? I've been sensing a change in you lately, like there was something you weren't telling me, like a girl in your life. I had no idea it would be Alison. I thought her and Jamal were pretty tight."

"Lucy!" Rafe began to feel guilty again. His heart sank. "It's not that simple."

"Oh really!" Lucy always loved a good love story. "Tell me cousin…are you in love?"