Chapter Two
Sorry for the blooper rating in the former section... the story is pg-13 for now.
Len walked around observing Kay every chance she got and what she saw didn't please her. Only a moron wouldn't notice the big bone that girl has for the boy named Miguel. But Len couldn't image why Kay even thought Miguel interesting. Miguel has a girlfriend that would make the Pope gag and Miguel is obviously fond of protecting her. Even though Len notices that Miguel is getting tired of dealing with Charity, the fact that he chose her in the first place is sickening enough. However, none of this mattered because Reese wants Kay and he has very little time left. Kay is about win Miguel's attention.
Len sat in her room and thought long and hard. Then she picked up the sales paper and look through it, trying to find a good look for Reese. The first thing she decided to do is fix his hair. There is no way on earth that even she can tolerate that hairstyle, all plaster down with three tons of gel. She plans to get that fix along with contacts or at the very least better glasses. Those bulky bottles he wears now must be tossed. His clothes aren't so bad but he needs to change it up a bit. Everyone in this town practically dresses alike. He needs to stand out but not in a way that changes his personality too much. So she plans to help him out a bit in that department. Then the personality workout, which is going to be the hardest part.
She has also observed him out on the streets and with his friends and the boy is a complete dork. He is clumsy, the bearer of information well above the intelligence of his peers, and acts like a dense puppy around Kay. All that has to change if he plans to get a girl like Kay. She doesn't think he needs to be a different person as much as he needs to produce his package in a different manner.
After a couple of hours, she pulls out the pages with outfits she has in mind and places them aside. Then she takes out a Lens Crafters sales paper and looks over the frames. Finding three, she also sets the pages aside. Finally, she thinks about his height and decides that a good pair of Kenneth Cole shoes is in order.
Len gets up and goes downstairs. Her aunt isn't in and she is glad. There is a lot of tension between her aunt and herself. Something is making her aunt very nervous and she can't figure it out. Len hasn't done anything, well she hasn't been caught doing anything yet. She still sells what is left of her cigaweeds to the locals at the community college. And she does have an officer on her heels all the time but for the most part she is keeping up with her probation agreement.
She opens the fridge and thinks about Reese. He really is a nice guy, smart, sweet, and a complete geek. She didn't really care about his geeky ways but in high school that could put a person in complete hell. It is hard as hell to deal with high school as it is and to be like Reese adds to the problem. However, she has a feeling that once he becomes more adept in social areas beside academic issues, then he will be a blast to hang out with. And she plans on making sure that it happens.
On Thursday after listening to the dry ass probation officer, she races out the police station and gets into the car she borrowed from her aunt. She is about to start it when Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald taps her window.
"What!" she snaps, tired of him bugging her.
"Where are you rushing off too?" he said in a nasty voice.
"To hell. If you don't mind, I would like to leave now," she turns the ignition and floors the gas nearly knocking Luis over. He swears under his breath and shakes his head.
"One day, I'm gonna bust your ass, Len," he promised and goes into the police station.
Reese is waiting by the old bookstore nervous. He didn't want people to see him with Len especially if she has something special planned for him to get Kay back. Miguel is starting to respond more to Kay and Reese feels like time is of the essence. He is willing to do anything to get her attention away from Miguel. A second later, Len pulls in front of him.
"Get in. We have a long afternoon. I hope your parents won't mind you being out late."
"They are okay with it. I told them that I was going to do some research at the community college library." He said getting into the car.
"Good. Let's blow this taco stand," she said peeling off again.
They drive until they reach the next town. Located there is a major mall. Len checks her watch and nods, "Great we have plenty of time to make both of your appointments."
"My appointments?" Reese said worried.
"Yes. Your hair and eye appointments. Come on, let's go," she opens her door and slams it shut. Reese follows slowly after her.
"But I don't need glasses," he said frowning at her.
"Yes you do. Those things over you eyes are just too stereotypical. You can do way better than that," she emphasizes her point by pushing his glasses back up.
"And the hair?" he absently touches his hair.
Len stops and looks at him, "Reese, please trust me when I say you need these things. I promise you will thank me later. Now come on," she grabs his arm and pulls him into the mall.
Two hours later, Reese has a new pair of glasses and contacts. His hair is no longer glued to his head but cut and blown out in a nice style. They are shopping for a few clothes and a couple of pairs of shoes. Reese watches in fascination as Len transforms him into a person he hardly recognizes.
"Len this isn't me?" he said timidly when she has him completely deck out in a pair of khaki cargo pants and a deep green shirt. She placed a nice chain around his neck and gave him a nice watch to wear. On his feet are a pair of Kenneth Cole's shoes that are black and have a half an inch block heel on it. He wears his wire rimmed glasses adding to the finishing touches.
The shopkeeper is even impressed by Len's work. Len couldn't stop smiling. Reese is rather cute once you knock off all the things that downplay his best features. She even discovered the boy has a body and she plans on making sure that he advertises it a little more before the beaches are officially closed.
"You look damn good. This is most definitely you," she said with a big smile.
Reese just looks at himself feeling strange. He has never dressed in such a manner. He doesn't know how to behave in this look and tells Len so.
"What? Man just be yourself with a few changes. Come on. Let's get out of dodge."
They left the mall and went for something to eat. Reese notices people staring at him and he blushed. Len smiles, enjoying the success of her partial transformation. It is during dinner that she tells him about changing his behavior.
"You have to walk tall Reese, like you are proud of your height instead of humped over. Unless you're trying to protect your friend's feelings about his height, I advise that be your first change."
"What are you talking about?" He said genuinely confused.
"You look like you have back problems. Do you because if you do then I'm sorry about my comments but if not walk straight. And sit up straight," she reaches over and slams his arm.
Reese sits taller and Len smiles, "Now that's better. Okay next you need to change your attitude. Stop hovering over Kay like some pathetic creature. And wipe the goofy expression off your face. You can smile without looking like a dork. You need to walk around like you know that you are worth any woman's attention and it needs to be reflected in your face as well as your walk."
"You want me to be arrogant?"
"No. Just more confident instead of corny. Believe that you are entitled to talk to her. Believe that you are worthy. That doesn't mean that you need to be disrespectful. Do it with class. Don't worry, we'll work on it this weekend. Understand that you cannot play the boy next door. Miguel has that roll. You have to be the outsider who breaks away her attention, just like Charity took Miguel's attention away from Kay, comprende?"
Reese nods, "I guess but how will I do all that?"
"Trust me, I will show you. Finally, when you ask her for a date, ask her with some belief that you will get it. Don't whine and don't beg. If she says no, then shrug her off and act like that's cool too even if it isn't. Make sure that there are other girls around and give them a smile. And also makes sure the entire time you are respectful to her."
Reese starts to feel discourage, "Len, I don't know about all that. How am I suppose to do all that by tomorrow?"
"Sweetie, tomorrow is just an observation day. I want you to go to school with only your hair changed. Dress like before and just watch Kay and her interaction with Miguel. Believe me it will give you that added incentive to learn."
He just nods and continues to eat silently. Len attacks her food too and they enjoy the ambiance. Just when they are about to finish Reese remembers what he planned to tell Len.
"I spoke to Chad and he said that he would meet you tomorrow at around ten. And Dr. Russell will be at work tomorrow, I checked out her schedule for you."
Len smiles at him mildly shocked, "My, we have been busy. Thanks for the info."
"Not a problem considering that you are helping me. I figure that I give you something so you would think helping me would be worth it."
Len reaches across the table and takes his hand, "Reese, you are worth it. No matter what happens with all this crap, I like you, okay? You are my friend."
Reese smiles and it causes a disconcerting feeling in Len. She gently removes her hand and drinks her water thinking, Damn I made him look so good that I actually think this jail bait is cute. She swallows hard and puts her glass down, "Let's go."
They leave and head back. Reese starts thinking about the cost and says, "I can't pay you back, well at least not right away."
"You already have. Don't worry about it. I have a little money and since I can't spend it on myself without drawing suspicion, I'll spend it on you." She takes out a cigaweed and lights it.
Reese turns away and Len laughs, "Try it. It's no big deal."
"No thanks, I don't need drugs," said Reese annoyed with her smoking.
"All the more reason for you to try it. Chances are you won't become an addict."
Reese turns her frowning, "How does that follow?"
"Nice. Keep that attitude and you'll get somewhere with Kay," she takes another drag and winks at him.
Reese is confused by her comment and but remains silent. He looks at her a moment and she offers it again. This time Reese's curiosity gets the better of him and he takes a drag and holds it in like he saw on tv. Seconds later he is coughing hard. Len laughs a bit.
"Not too long smoky. You aren't use to it, okay. Take it slow," she watches him do it again, "That's it. Now slowly release it."
Reese lets it out slowly. He still coughs a bit but not violently like last time. He hands back the weed and waits. "When does it hit me?"
"Probably never. If it does only slightly. You're not a smoker so it might take a little more to make you high. There is not a lot of weed in here. Just enough to give a regular user a fix when they need it."
"Oh," he says feeling slightly light headed, "I see. So I shouldn't be feeling light headed right now?"
Len glances in his direction, "Stop," her eyes big from disbelief, "You're shitting me! This little bitty stuff got you high."
Reese just shrugs and relaxes further in the chair with a smile.
"I guess I made this a little more potent than I needed to. I'm feeling a little fucked up myself."
Reese laughs a bit and then continues looking out the window.
They drive for another hour and Len takes him home. By this time Reese is down from his slight high and he has a need to eat something. Len rolls down her window and hands him her number.
"Give me a call tomorrow after school so we can begin your training, okay?"
Reese leans back into the car, "Thanks Len," he smiles at her and then walks away with all his bags. When he gets into his house, he races up the stairs to avoid his parents seeing his wears. He puts on his old glasses, changes into some different clothes, and takes out a couple of books. He brings them downstairs and smiles at his parents who take notice of his hair but shrug it off. Reese is in the clear and he is thankful. He has never lied to his parents before and he didn't want to add to the lie by discussing his hair.
The next day while Reese is observing Kay and Miguel, Len decides to go to the hospital and find Dr. Russell. So she puts on a decent shirt and some jeans and takes a walk over to the hospital.
At the hospital, she walks around searching. She has yet to find anyone that remotely resembles Dr. Russell. At least no one that fits Reese's description of her. She is about to give up and go see her aunt when someone taps her shoulder. Len turns and looks at a tall black woman, with long dark hair and almond shaped eyes.
"Can I help you?" she asks in a pleasant voice.
Len stares at her a moment and in that instant she knew this woman is her real mother. There is something about her that is familiar. Len looks her up and down and finally responds, "Not really. I'm here looking for my aunt and got off on the wrong floor."
Eve stares at the young woman and a feeling of foreboding comes over her. She couldn't put her finger on it yet but she has a feeling that this young woman could mean more trouble for her.
"Well, who is your aunt. I might be able to tell you where she is located," she said thinking hard about the woman in front of her.
"Her name is Mae. Mae Adams. She just started working here a couple of months ago."
"And you are?" Eve said with a raised eyebrow.
I don't like this woman, thinks Len, "Lenora Adams. Look, I just came to ask my aunt a couple of questions about this hospital but maybe you can answer them." Len decides that she rather ask this woman instead of playing games, "I wonder if you would know about a woman who gave birth to a child about twenty years ago. She was a jazz singer, black, and her name was Eve or Eva."
Eve's heart nearly stopped in her chest. She blinks rapidly and then plasters a phony smile on her face, "Uh, I'm not sure about that. I haven't worked here that long…"
Len notices how uncomfortable the woman has become and decides to push her a little further, "Well do you know Eve Russell because I think she has…hey let me go!"
Eve grabbed the young woman's arm and pulls her into a small office. Eve slams the door and then hisses at Len, "Who the hell are you!?"
"I just told you. Who the hell are you? Why did you drag me here?" Len is pissed.
"I am Dr. Eve Russell and I want to know what you want with me," Eve demanded.
"I'm just looking for my real mother, that's all," Len stated, "Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to leave."
"Oh no you don't. This must be some game you cooked up with Ivy Crane to get even with me…" Eve is beyond angry.
"Who the hell is Ivy Crane? Look woman, I don't know you but if you are Eve Russell, then a blood test will solve both our problems."
"I will not do a blood test for you or anyone. But I will tell you what you will do. You will leave this hospital and this town. I have heard about you and what you do. I can make sure that you and your aunt…"
Len jumped in Eve's face, which startles Eve, "Don't threaten me bitch. I don't respond well to it. My aunt has nothing to do with this so you stay away from her."
Eve glared at her with a how dare you look, "And you stay away from me and keep your vicious lies to yourself!"
"I don't have to lie. Just look up the records about a baby scandal at this hospital and you'll know what I say is true. Now move the fuck out of my way."
The women glare at each other and finally Eve moves aside. Len leaves and Eve stands in the room trying to control the fear that she kept hidden.
My God! It can't be true. It just can't be true. I gave birth to a son who died, didn't I. I have to check those records now! She leaves the room and is unaware of Ivy Crane watching her go with an evil smile on her face.
Len heads to the book café and finds Chad waiting for her. He is a goodlooking young man about her age. Chad recognizes Len on the spot. He has seen her around but never spoke to her. He moves his head slightly indicating that she takes a seat. Len smiles and flops in it.
"Somethin' to drink?"
"Naw, thanks. Just let me cool off for a second. By the way my name is Lenora," she sticks out her hand.
"Chad. Nice to meet you," he grips her hand firmly and lets it go. "What happened? You look pissed."
"I am. I just met a Dr. Russell," she said with an exasperated sigh.
Chad raises his hand, "Say no more. I know what you feel. That woman has given me nothing but grief since I got here."
"Really? Why?" Len leans forward.
"She thinks I'm too street and not good enough for her daughters. You see I came to Harmony looking for my folks and Dr. Eve Russell uses that as a reason to treat me with nothing but disrespect. All she has ever done was discourage my efforts and tear me down, every chance she gets."
"I wonder why?" Len thinks for a moment and then she says in a spacey voice, "Did you ever find your parents?"
"No, not yet but I will keep looking," Chad notices Len's spaced out look, "What about you? What kind of business you got with Dr. Russell?"
Len blinks back into reality, "Nothing really. I was just asking about my aunt and the woman got an attitude," she lied.
"Yeah, well that seems to be the trend. Anyway, how did you meet Reese?"
Len rolls her eyes and tells him the story ending with, "That poor boy is gonna get his feelings hurt."
"Why do you say that?"
"Haven't you seen the way he looks at Kay? I mean you hang around them."
"Yeah but not that much. I talk more with Theresa."
"Who's that?" Len moves her chair closer to Chad.
"That's of a friend of mine. She is Miguel's older sister."
"Well, if you've seen the way Reese obsesses over Kay and the way she moons over Miguel, you would know what I'm talking about," she decides to order a drink, "Do you want another?"
"Naw, thanks."
Len gets up and gets a coffee and returns back to Chad. After taking a couple of sips she says, "Well Reese has a hard battle because Kay is really digging Miguel and it looks like he is starting to feel her too."
"Really?" Len nods and Chad continues, "Well it is about time. You know I thought Charity was alright at first but then I got to know her a little better and she just gets on my damn nerves. Have you ever listen to her?"
Len shakes her head amused.
"Don't. Do yourself a favor and stay away. She is a total retard. And Miguel's a fool to still be with her."
Len busted out laughing, "You not right. What's so bad about her?"
"She is just stupid. I mean really weak. Any woman that I date would be kick to the curb if she started acting like Charity. I think Kay would be better for him, foul though she is."
"How do you mean?"
"She…I don't know but I think she is into to some shady shit and she directs it all towards that crazy cousin of hers. I just can't tell you exactly what it is."
"I guess. However, I can't really root for her when I'm trying to help out Reese."
"I understand. All that boy needs is a new pair of glasses and some balls. Oh yeah and maybe a better wardrobe. Did you see his prom suit?"
"No. Do you have a picture?"
"Yeah, we all took a picture before the disaster happened." Chad pulls out his wallet and looks through it.
"What disaster?" she said taking the picture he handed her. When she spots Reese she nearly chokes on her coffee, "No he didn't!" she said shocked.
"Yes he did. I couldn't believe he stepped out the door with that shit on. No woman in her right mind would want to be seen with a guy dressed like him. And as far as that disaster is concerned, let's just say I have my fair share of near death experiences for the year."
Len is still staring at the picture in pure shock. Reese needs some help. She can even see the sour look on Kay's face from associating with him. Poor dear. I can't believe someone didn't call him and tell him that under no uncertain terms is he to wear such a hideous outfit to prom.
Len hands the picture back to Chad, "Well it looks like my help is coming at a good time. Can't let him walk around thinking that is cool. Anyway, let's talk about you. You got a girlfriend?"
"Damn woman, you get right to it don't you?" he said laughing.
"Yeah well, why pretend. You're fine and I'm available. Can't hurt to ask," she says grinning.
"True. True. You'll never guess who I'm secretly dating?"
"You're right. I don't know enough people in this town to even try."
"I'm dating Dr. Russell's daughter, Whitney."
Len's eyes get big, "Are you serious?"
"Yes," and he tells her his story. They stay in the café for another hour and then Len leaves knowing that she just acquired another friend. She walks down the street heading home to get a good outfit for tonight when she bumps into a woman. The woman has blond hair, wears a nice suit and has an evil smile on her face. Len tries to step around her but the woman prevents her.
"Can I help you?" she asks annoyed.
"I'm certain you can. My name is Ivy Crane," Ivy sticks out her hand.
"Really?" Len stares at her a moment and then side steps her to walk away, "I don't need any bullshit today Ms. Crane."
"Oh, I assure you. Nothing I have to say to you is, how do you say, 'bullshit'. No, as a matter of fact, I think I can help you."
Len turns back to her, "You think so, huh? How?"
"Well, for starters, I can tell you that I am about 95% sure of who your father may be and I am almost definitely sure about your mother." Though I'm surprised. Eve said she had a son.
Len tilts her head, "Okay. Who are they and what do I have to do to find out?"
"My dear, really…"
"Cut the crap woman, I know there is a price. All that matters now is if I am willing to pay it."
"You know, I believe that you and I will get along well," Ivy's smile fades, "Right. Let's cut the crap. I'll tell you who your parents are and you give me license to blackmail them with the information."
"That's it?" Len says wary.
"That's it," Ivy says slowly. Then, "Of course, we have to prove it first and I want a copy of the proof."
"Why do you want to do this?" Len steps closer to Ivy.
"Because my dear, I have to exact a revenge on a couple of choice people and I plan on it happening now that you have come. Is it a deal," a slow smile creeps on Ivy's face.
"Sure. When do we do this?"
"Well you work on Dr. Russell. I mean my dear, you know she is you mother, you resemble her in so many ways. Try to get a blood test out of her. And I'll work on the other person."
"I've already tried that and she didn't go for it."
"Well, try again and this time get a hair sample. That will be your insurance if someone tries to fake the test."
"Okay. So who's my father?" Len said crossing her arms.
"Oh, Oh please bear with me. Allow me the simple pleasure of torturing this person for a little while. We'll meet again on Monday. Right here in this spot. Deal?"
"Fine. But don't jerk me around," threatened Len.
"Honey, why would I jerk you around when you are the answer to all my prayers. Bye," she said walking away. Len watches her disappear. In the pit of her stomach she has the feeling that all hell is about to break loose.
Reese walks slowly to the old bookstore feeling like the fool. No one notices his new hair cut. As a matter of fact, Kay ignored him altogether and Miguel barely spoke to him. Simone just didn't care and Charity was upset. He has no idea what the hell is going on but he instinctively knew that whatever it is, it effected his chances with Kay.
He takes off his old glasses and puts on his new ones. Last night he stood in the mirror and stared at himself in his new look and he began to like what he saw. He looks more distinctive with the pair that Len bought him and they gave him a little more confidence. He tried on all his clothes and modeled himself. The more he tried on the more he liked it. He even followed Len's suggestion and stood up straighter and found that it added to his look. Today in school, he made sure that he was aware of his stance at all times and tried to stop slouching.
He has just finished stretching out his back when Len walks up. She is wearing a tank top with a white button down shirt over it and a backpack slung over her shoulder. She has on jeans and worn out tennis shoes. She doesn't have on any make-up and Reese can see her au natural. Again he thinks how pretty she is.
"Hey Len."
"Hey Reese. How was school?" she smiles for him and for some reason it brightens Reese's day.
He tells her all that he observed and she frowns at him, "You don't know what happened?"
"No. Nobody was talking. It must have happened yesterday."
"Well you won't find out tonight. Are your parents home?"
"No, why?"
"Because you need your clothes. We are going out tonight. And tomorrow I want you to meet me bright and early because we have a lot of work to do."
"Where are we going tonight?"
"To the Jazz club," Len says with an evil smile.
They arrive at the club with Reese dressed in a nice white shirt, dark slacks, and a nice pair of dress shoes. He has been in a state of mild shock by Len's appearance. She is dressed in a dark wine color dress that stops just above her knees. It has spaghetti straps and the dress hangs loose in the front and back. Reese learns that she has a nice size chest not too big but not very small. All her twists are flowing away from her face going back and she wears a nice choker.
"Don't act young Reese. Remember you aren't suppose to be here."
"All right," he said nervous.
Len takes his hand and they make their entrance. No one pays any attention to them and that's what Len wanted. They walk to a booth and Len orders them drinks. The woman doesn't even card them.
"I don't look old enough to drink?" he said.
"That's what the fifty was for," Len said with a smile.
Reese gasps, "You gave her a…"
"Shhh! Damn Reese, get over yourself," she says giving him a disapproving look, "It's no big deal. Anyway, we are here to investigate." Their wine arrives and Len lifts her glass.
Reese picks his up and they toast to good health. He sips his wine and enjoying the flavor he drinks a little more. He places his glass on the table and studies Len.
Len is bobbing her head to the soft music playing in the club. She has an intense look on her face as if she is concentrating on something. Reese enjoys watching her body move slightly to the music and then he looks around and notices people dancing.
"You want to dance?" he asks shyly.
Len faces him with a little grin her face, "Can you dance?" she notices him wince and says, "It's good that you asked. It shows that you are aware of my desires by observing my actions. Be that way with Kay. So again can you dance?"
"Yeah, I mean I can do that I think?" he points to the crowd feeling awkward.
"Okay then, let's dance," she waits until Reese gets up and extends his hand. Len takes it and Reese gently pulls her up. They walk out to the dance floor. Len places her arms over his shoulders and Reese puts his arms around her waist. They move slowly to the soft Jazz music, stepping in a small circle. Eventually Len steps closer to him and they dance close. Len rests her head on Reese's shoulder. She enjoys the scent on him. It is Candi for men.
"You want to hold a girl you like close. Make her feel like she is special, something you hold precious," she whispers in his ear and lets her fingers run over the soft hair resting on his neck.
Reese's mouth opens slightly. He has never done anything like this before. He has never had a woman hold him this close. The closeness is very disconcerting for him but in a nice way. He adjusts his arms around her to have her even closer and his body really loves the way hers fits against his.
They dance through a few songs before Reese finally asks her what she wants to investigate here.
She steps back away from him so that he can look into her eyes. "I plan to ask a few questions about a singer that use to work here. Maybe somebody will remember something."
Reese shakes his head, "When Chad came here, there was no one except the singer Crystal and she's dead."
"Yeah well I have a little advantage over Chad," she mumbles looking away.
"What's that?" asks Reese.
"Never mind. Let's just enjoy the night. I want you to remember this experience so that you might be able to re-enact parts of it for Kay."
"Yeah right…" he starts.
"No really. Look at how you are carrying yourself. Tall, confident, and strong like this is the most natural thing in the world for you. I'm sure you have notice the women looking at you," she smirks nodding at him.
Reese blushes, "The confidence is because I'm with you. As far as the women looking at me, well they are probably wondering if I'm underage."
"No, Reese. They think you look good and they are damn jealous of me for being with you." Len wonders about Reese's statement about her giving him confidence but brushes off when she glares at who is trying to make a play for Reese dead in her face. Len is thankfully that Reese is too shy or dense to realize what is going on around him.
"Well, they'll have to take a number because tonight I only have eyes for you," he said in a deep confident voice. He winks at her and smiles seductively.
"Ohh, Reese. Down boy," Len drawls. "You gonna hurt somebody talking that way. Anyway save that for Kay."
"I will," he said with growing confidence and pulls Len close to him again. He is happy that he took a risk and made those statements. He has always wanted to say that to Kay but never had the nerve because one time he tried something like that and it came off bad.
They dance through a few more songs before Len tells him that she needs to begin her investigative inquires. Reese nods and hangs around for second. He didn't have to wait long before a woman came up to him and asked him to dance. He hesitates for a moment but then after getting an encouraging look from Len, he agrees.
Meanwhile, Len is talking to the bartender who tells her to talk to a bouncer who tells her to talk to a manager. After all the running around she only got an acknowledgement that a black woman use to sing in the club twenty years ago and her name might have been Eve but back then, women used stage names just like now. Annoyed but not too disappoint, Len went back to the dance floor to discover Reese dancing with yet another woman. This time it is a red head in a long black dress. They look good together. She takes a seat by the bar and watches. A couple of men ask her to dance but she declines. She'd rather watch the look of pleasure mixed with shock on Reese's face from all the attention.
Later on that night after leaving the club, Len asks him how he feels about his experience.
"It was great. I really had a good time. Did you enjoy yourself?"
"Yeah whatever. I didn't get as much information as I'd like but the night wasn't a total wash. I'm glad you had a good time. You don't know how many women were walking around talking about the sweet young man they danced with. Did you get any numbers?"
Reese is bashful for a second and then produces three numbers. They both laugh as he tosses them in the trashcan.
"Hey, why did you do that?" she said looking back.
"Because I have no use for them. There is only one person I want. But I'm still flattered that they wanted to see me again." Reese has a shit eating grin on his face.
"They wanted more than just seeing you. A nice roll in the hay I'm sure many of them had in mind."
"Stop Len," he said pushing her slightly.
"I'm serious. But if you don't believe me, wait until after tomorrow night."
"What happens tomorrow night?"
"I got invited to a frat party. I normally don't attend those parties but since we are trying to expose you to different things," she opens her arms and reaches upward, "the sky's the limit."
"Cool," said Reese and they continue walking.
They reached his house and she turns to him. "Well, goodnight Mr…um I don't know your last name."
"Durkee. Reese Durkee."
"Well goodnight Mr. Durkee," she touches his shoulder and starts to walk away.
"Are you sure I can't walk you home?" Reese starts towards her worried.
"Nope. Don't worry. I parked my car over here so that I can drive back."
Reese continues to stare at her, watching her hips whish although she has a distinctly male walk. When she glances back she catches him.
"What?"
Reese looks at the ground and kicks some dirt, "Nothing, just watching you walk."
Len grins evilly, "You like my walk?"
Reese nods, "Yes, I do. It's different."
Len slowly walks over to him. When she gets close she smiles and says, "What else do you like about me?"
Reese is at a loss for words and his mouth opens partially but nothing comes out. Len couldn't resist the temptation. She slips her arms around his neck and kisses him. Reese is awkward initially but he gets into it. A moment later her tongue slips into his mouth as she deepens the kiss. Reese leans into the kiss and slips his arms around her, pulling her close. They kiss like that for a long while and then Len breaks away laughing.
"Goodnight Reese," she walks away saying over her shoulders, "Get some rest, your gonna need it."
Reese stands there breathing hard. He never had an encounter like that in his life. Never is his wildest wet dreams has a kiss felt so good. And he knew it was a good kiss because he can feel himself partially erect. Hobbling back into the house he went straight to the shower to cool off.
In the Crane residence, Ivy is lounging on a couch feeling comfortable for the first time since Julian got wind of Ethan's parentage. The Cranes made a power play and now she is virtually their slave. She was at their mercy to protect Ethan but this day she has a plan that will put them all in their rightful place, including a certain non Crane, who helped Julian do this too her.
Ivy was reduced to being a complacent and dutiful wife after Eve exposed her lineage to Julian to stop the blackmail of herself. Julian used the knowledge about Ethan to keep Ivy quiet about him. He also made it grounds to take away her spending ability and force her to endure is infrequent nights of lust. She had to prevent Ethan and her from being thrown on the streets not only ruining her own life but Ethan's. But God must have looked down on her when he sent that young woman to Eve and let her hear about the possibility of Eve and Julian's child being alive.
Ivy raises several of Julian's hairs contained in a plastic bag in the air saying, "Revenge will be more than sweet. It will be indescribable," she laughs wickedly putting the bag away.
Julian comes into the room and stares at his wife. He hasn't heard such a deceitful laugh since she had the photos of him. He walks in the room cautiously and spots his wife on the sofa smiling up at him intently.
"So why are you up so late or are you just waiting for me?" he says in his sarcastic manner.
Ivy rolls her eyes and swings her legs off the couch, "Please. You have never gave me a reason to wait up for you," she starts to walk from him but he grabs her arm. She tries to jerk away but he holds her tight.
"Remember your place Ivy. We wouldn't want nothing to happen to you or Ethan."
She jerks her arm away, "How could I ever forget but soon you will know yours." She turns away giggling with glee and Julian stares at her wondering. He decides to wait. Ivy has a tendency to make mistakes and when she makes it, he plans on being there to take advantage of it.
In other parts of Harmony, Eve has begun to have a restless night. Her thoughts are on Len. She can't help but feel like the girl is going to cause ruin in the near future. She becomes so nervous that she gets up and goes to the kitchen. Tired, she opens her fridge and takes out the juice. After pouring herself a glass, she sips it slowly and thinks. She has to figure out a way to get the young woman out of town before she causes problems.
Eve did look up the medical records and discovered that there was a scandal at the hospital. The baby she thought she gave birth to was actually a girl not a boy. She was so out of it that she really didn't remember the gender of the child but she did remember that they told her that her baby died. She remembers because it devastated her at the time. Even now it creates a slight pain in her chest. But upon review, she found that her baby did survive and some stupid nurse made a mistake that wasn't discovered until three years later.
She puts the glass on the table and shakes her head. She has to come up with a plan to keep that girl quiet or she will have problems. Her world will come down again and this time hard.
The next day Miguel knocks on Reese's door. Reese's mother answers and tells Miguel that Reese is gone.
"You know where?"
"No idea. He left out really early this morning. He may have went to the library."
"Thanks Mrs. Durkee," Miguel walks away confused. He hasn't spoken to Reese since Wednesday and that is very strange. He shrugs it off and goes to see Kay…shaking his head he reminds himself that he is going to see Charity.
Reese arrived at Len's house at a quarter to eight in the morning. Thankfully Len's aunt is already at work or she would have been pissed at someone knocking that early. When Reese knocked on the door, Len is still sleep upstairs and he has to knock hard to get her attention. She races down the stairs wearing only a t-shirt and bikini underwear. She put Reese in a cationic state from the view. It isn't like Reese hasn't seen a woman half dressed before. He saw Kay in the hot tub in a bikini and of course he has seen his fair share at the beach. It's just that first thing in the morning, he didn't expect to see a woman in such a state.
After closing the door behind him, he follows Len up the stairs. His eyes follow her long legs as she takes each step, her butt bouncing slightly with it each lift. Reese swallows hard and concentrates on not falling up the stairs while watching her. When they get to her room, Len climbs back into the bed and goes to sleep. Reese looks around and then dumps his backpack next to himself as after he sits on the floor. He waits patiently for a second then shouts her name.
"Len! Len wake up. Come on if I had to get up early then you have to too." Today he is wearing his contacts like she asked and they are getting on his nerves. He wants to rub his eye but he knows that it could tear his lens, so he takes out his drops and put them in his eyes.
Len moans and says, "Who's idea was it to get up this early?"
"Yours," said Reese tired, "So get up."
"No," she moans.
Reese stands up and then shaking her he says, "Yes. Get up before I take that blanket away from you."
Len pops open one eye, "You wouldn't dare," she says in a low voice.
Reese feeling playful, "Wouldn't I. I usually sleep in on Saturdays and you have me up while you're sleeping. Hey as a matter of fact I think I can come up with something worst."
"Aw come on Reese. I gave you a good night kiss. Doesn't that earn me a few more minutes sleep," she is sitting up now scratching her head.
"No but it is not because I didn't like it," he says grinning.
"I'll bet," she grunts and then flops back on the bed, "Damn I'm tired." She lays there for two seconds and then jumps up, "I'll be ready in thirty minutes. Stretch out if you want."
She gets up and removes her shirt. Reese gets an eye full of her chest before she disappears down the steps. It takes him a few seconds to process that he has just seen real breasts, live and in person. He takes a couple of breaths and then climbs on her bed. He lays his head down and almost instantly he is asleep.
Someone is shaking him and he snaps awake. Len is smiling down on him. She has on a tank top and a short skirt with stack tennis shoes.
"Let's go have some fun."
They head out to the fair that she passed on the way to mall on Thursday. She figures it would be a good chance for Reese to get practice for the upcoming week. They walk around and Len gives Reese lessons on how to walk and act. She points out different guys and tells the Reese the quality in the guy that makes him cool and attractive.
"You got understand Reese, Most girls are not going to be as understanding about your uniqueness. They have this obsessive need to fit in, even when they are being different. And you are after a girl whom you suspect is in love with another guy. That's going to be an uphill battle. You have to give her a reason to look your way and for better or for worst, looks and attitude does it every time."
They walk around getting on rides and talking. Then Len sent Reese out to speak to some of the local girls. He struck out a lot at first mainly because he tried to act too far outside his character and he came off looking stupid. But then he found a mannerism that made him comfortable. He just acts laid back and relaxed. He got to a point where he stopped trying so hard and just acted casual. It worked. He starts to get girls responding to him and by mid afternoon, several are following him around to get on rides with him. Meanwhile, Len observed and critiqued him when necessary. For the most part she just chilled at the fair and read.
Reese came over to her, carrying an ice cream, "For you my sweet."
Len closes her book, "Thanks gigolo. So how's being a stud treating you?" she takes a lick and savors the melting cream.
Reese sits next to her, running his fingers through his hair, "I had about five girls trying to make out with me." He has a big smile on his face.
"Make out how?" she wants to make sure that they are on the same page.
"You know, kiss and stuff," he says looking at her weird.
"Just making sure we have the same definition of making out. And did you make out?" Len said leaning back and smiling at him.
"With two of them but only because they were so beautiful," Then he jumps up, "Len this feels great. I mean it is weird. I have never had so many girls after me before and even when I told them what I like they still didn't frown at me."
"Hey, I told you looks can take you anywhere and then a good personality helps it out. They responded to you because you look good, you listen well, and your personality doesn't suck."
"Yeah well this is all fine and good but will it work on Kay," he says with a worried look on his face.
"I think so," she said knowing that even if it did, Kay is too far gone to lose any chance she might have with Miguel to try something different even if it might be better, "But remember you can only do so much. As with the girls out there, you can still strike out with Kay."
"Yeah I know but have my chances improved?" he sounds hopeful.
"Yeah, they have," she stands up and finishes her ice cream, "Ready to blow this joint?"
"Yeah, let's go."
They ride out of that area and Len takes Reese to the mall again. They get out and walk around. Len is looking for a sexy outfit to put Reese in for the party tonight. Reese thinks she is shopping for herself until she stops in a men's store.
"What are we doing here?"
"Do you work out Reese?" she is looking over a shirt.
"Yes, a little, why?"
Len turns to him and hands him a shirt. Then she drags him to the dressing room. She checks around to find the biggest dressing area. She finds one in the back and she goes in with Reese.
"Take off your shirt."
"What?" Reese said nervous.
"Take off your shirt, I want to see how you would look in this top. Come on, I've seen bare chest men before and beside you saw my tits, let me see yours?" She grins at him.
"That was an accident…"
"Yeah right that's what they all say. Come on Reese, I don't have all day," her voice lost its playfulness and takes a serious tone.
"I think this a cheap way to look at me," he says in a weak voice as he removes his shirt.
"Damn right," she mumbles as she stares at his exposed chest and stomach. Damn Kay really doesn't know what she missing. I wonder if I…girl stop. This kid is still in high school. You already got one cheap thrill from him, leave it at that.
Reese puts on the tight black shirt and looks at her. She nods at him and then hands him a button down that he didn't see her take. He puts it on and then stands in the mirror. With the jeans he is wearing the new shirt adds to his look and makes him look more buff than he is.
"Perfect. Let's buy these two items and then go to my house for something to eat. I have some things to tell you about Friday that I didn't mention yesterday."
They bought the shirts and left. On the way back she told Reese about her encounter with Eve and Ivy. Reese is dumbfounded but excited.
"Eve might be your mother and if Ivy is involved, then maybe her husband Julian is your father."
"What? How does that follow?" she gets nervous. She knows that rich people play dirty in a way that she generally can't compete.
"Well it is common knowledge that Julian sleeps around. Theresa told us that it is the one thing Ethan can't stand about his father. He is such a whore."
"Really," Len said wheels turning in her head.
They arrive at her house and her aunt is there. Len introduces Reese to her and he greets her politely.
"You look a little young to be hanging with my niece," said Mae.
Len rolled her eyes, "He is old enough. We just came through to eat. Did you make anything or need my help…"
"Well if I knew we were having company I would have made dinner but I thought you were out studying or something…"
"That's okay. We can go out," suggested Reese because he notices the tension between Mae and Len.
"That's okay. I'll make something. Reese, have a seat. Did you want something auntie?"
"Well, if you don't mind."
Len shakes her head, "That's why I asked. Anyway, I'm making a couple of steaks I bought. You want one?"
"Sure," Mae said getting comfortable. Len starts cooking in the kitchen and Mae stares at Reese.
Reese smiles at her and says, "So I hear you work at the hospital."
"Yes, I do. It is a lot of work. They are under staffed but too broke to hire any one new. I barely got my old job back."
They are silent for a moment, listening to the clinking of the dishes in the kitchen. Then Mae asks, "How old are you boy?"
Reese's mouth hangs open for a second and just as he is about to respond Len shouts, "Reese, I need you in the kitchen."
"Excuse me," he says and gets up. In the kitchen Len has the steaks in the skillet simmer and fresh veggies in a pot boiling.
She points to a chair in the kitchen and he sits in it.
"I swear she is too damn nosey." Len tosses another pan on the stove for rice.
"She is just curious," he said trying to be nice.
"I know but still. Anyway do you eat rice?" she bends over to look at a steak that she has on the stove.
"Yes, I do."
"How do you take your steak?"
"Medium rare," he said.
Len frowns, "Gross but to each his own." She inspects the steak again and motion for him to look at it. He nods and she takes it off the eye and places it on a tray. She puts the tray in the stove, "That'll keep it warm without cooking it more."
She does this routine and Reese watches her. They are in a comfortable silence and it allows Reese time to think. These past twenty-four hours have been very interesting. He has managed to meet more women and have more fun in that time than he has had in his whole life and it is all because of this woman. A woman who is now cooking for him and about to take him to a frat party. And at this frat party he will probably meet more women and again all because of this one woman. She gave him courage, self-confidence, style, hope, and the best kiss ever. And this woman who has helped him so much could very well be a Crane of all people. There is some weird type of Karma flying around.
Twenty minutes later she serves him his plate and then takes a plate to her aunt. She comes back and fixes her own plate and sits down.
"You're not eating. Is there a problem?"
"No. I was waiting for you," he said and digs in. The steak is succulent. Reese savors every bite like it will be his last. "This is good."
"I'm glad you like it. We need to eat well to counter the beer we'll drink."
"Beer?" he is nervous again.
"Yeah, beer, drinks whatever. Don't worry. I'm not trying to get drunk and neither are you." she smiles at her food. Then a thought hits her, "Hey what's your curfew?"
Reese hadn't thought about that. They got in early last night so it wasn't a problem. However they aren't going to a Jazz club but a party party. When he thinks about it he has to smile. "I don't know. I never have been out late so they never gave me one."
"We'll call them on the road. When we do, try to get a two o'clock curfew, okay?"
"Okay but why?"
"Because parties don't really start until midnight at most places, eleven at the earliest."
Reese looks at his watch, "It's only eight thirty. What are we going to do until then?"
"Do you want to see X-Men? There is a special showing tonight."
They washed dishes and then Len went upstairs to change, leaving the bathroom to Reese. Her aunt has long since gone to her own room. Reese steps out the bathroom and waits downstairs for Len.
Len comes down dress in tight black pants that flare slightly at the bottom to accommodate her boots. She has on a tight white shirt on which doesn't button at the top, exposing her black bra. She wears a scarf around her head with big hoops in her ears. Her lips are a deep red and she has a cigaweed dangle from it.
"Ready for the movies?"
"Su…Sure Len," Reese stutters.
They call his parents who agree to the curfew and then go watch the X-men and since both are slightly high, they find almost everything funny about it. Then they head out to the frat party at about eleven fifteen. It took them twenty minutes to get into the place because of the line. The party is fairly integrated and so the music is more diverse than usual. The frat has three floors, the first floor and the basement open for the party. In addition, the party also spills into the backyard. It is pretty wild and crazy but fun.
Reese has a couple of beers and is walking around talking to people. He is self-conscious at first but he then he begins to relax. He spent most of the party alone, rather without Len. After Len and him got in, she showed him around and then left him to his own devices. He knew that she is doing this to help build up his confidence and practice on hitting on girls but he really wishes she stay with him. He quickly found that the frat scene is definitely not his thing. But there are nice girls there and he talks to them.
Around a quarter to one he finds Len again. She is dancing with some guy to a fast song and they are doing moves that he wouldn't dare try. As he watches he becomes slightly jealous. Len belongs to him. She is like his special friend that he doesn't want to share but he knows he is being ridiculous. Len is too pretty to want to spend all her time with a guy in high school trying to win back a girl he has a crush on. Yet he can't shake his jealousy. So instead he walks away and goes to the backyard.
People are doing some very illegal things in the corner and he steers clear of them remembering Len's warning. He walks around and bumps into this girl name Kate. They talk for a minute and she leans over and gives him a number. He smiles graciously and walks away only to run smack dab into Len.
"Hey, I thought you were dancing."
"I was but I got tired. Besides, I wanted to spend time with my date. How are things going?" she puts her arm around his shoulder.
"They are going okay I guess but…"
They are heading back into the house, "But what?"
Reese is uncomfortable. He doesn't want her to think of him as lame, "But I…I really don't like this sort of thing," then he says quickly, "I mean it's okay…"
She waves her hand slightly, "It's okay. I'm not too fond…" she notices an illegal sell going on and a person witnessing it next door. "Got dammit. We need to get out of here anyway."
She pulls Reese into the house. She stops him on the dance floor, "We really need to leave but I want to see you dance so we'll cut the rug on this song and then split."
Reese starts backing away, "Hey I can't dance like that…"
Grabbing his hand, "Sure you can. All it is is pressing up against some girl and moving that pelvis." She demonstrates for him.
Reese stares her as she seductively dances in front of him. He starts swaying a bit and then he gets into to the beat of the song Your Loving Arms by Billie Ray Martin. Although he couldn't do much but bounce around, he notice that there are several other people who aren't doing anymore than him. He brings up his arms, flagging them a bit and Len puts her arms around his waist and grinds up against him. Reese smiles a bit as they hop around in a circle, eventually laughing to the fast music and their actions. She removes her arms from his waist and places them over his shoulder. Reese grabs her sides and they continue to dance. When the song ends, he hugs her tight.
"That was fun," he said.
"That's what it's all about. Having fun and being a fun person to hang around. Let's get out of here before the shit hits the fan."
They left the party and only got a half a block before the police came. Len knew it would happen with all the noise and the drugs being used in plain view of the neighbors. She is thankful that the song didn't last any longer or they would have been screwed.
She glances over at her sexy blond companion and thinks about how good he looks. Not only that, his confidence is high which adds to the new sexiness of his looks. She never dreamed that when she helped him out he would look this damn good and appealing but he does and she is giving away her best work to a girl that won't even appreciate it. So what, Len! He is eighteen, seventeen at the most. You're almost twenty-one. He doesn't need anymore complications in his life and you know you are a complication. But as she thought it, her heart isn't in it. She likes Reese, they have things in common although she doesn't really know how much yet. She does know that he is a good guy and friend. She hopes that despite everything that will happen, they will be friends for a long time.
Reese watches the road as she takes him home. He has had a good couple of days with Len. He really needed it too. His frustration over Kay was bringing him down to an all time low. He likes Kay so much and she doesn't even see him. But now he has a feeling that she will and it will be because of Len. He sneaks looks at Len studying her profile. She appears deep in thought but not unpleasant. He begins to wonder what it would be like to be more than just her friend. Get off it Reese. She will never talk to some high school kid. Christ! She's just humoring you now. Just be thankful that she wants to talk to you at all. Besides, you like Kay and that is what this weekend is about, getting Kay. But when Len catches him staring at her, she smiles. And the way she smiles gives Reese the impression that he might have a chance if he tries.
Just before they arrived at his house, Reese asks, "So what's next boss? What's up for tomorrow?"
"Don't you have homework because I sure as hell do. I have to prepare for class on Monday and so do you. Just relax tomorrow. Wear your old glasses and dress in your old style. Think about what would make you more comfortable. If you find that you like your new look, then give me a call and we'll make plans." She pulls in front of his house. She parks the car and turns to him "I had fun. Thanks for hanging with me today." She leans over and kisses his cheek.
He smiles back at her, "My pleasure. Thank you. I had a great time. I think I'll be calling you on Sunday."
She nods, "Good. Get out of here and get some rest stud." She laughs.
"Yeah right," he shakes his head. He opens the door and starts to get out. Something in him makes him hesitate and then he thinks screw it! He climbs back in and places his hand on her cheek, leans forward and kisses her.
It is a sweet and tender kiss. And when he moves away slowly and gazes into her eyes the presence of his lips still tingling her own.
"What was that for?" she whispers impressed by his ability to get a reaction out her. Right now she is on fire wanting more.
"Why did you kiss me yesterday?" he asks softly.
"Curious I guess," she replies.
He tilts his head slightly, "Well, so was I," he kisses her again quickly and gets out the car, "Goodnight."
"Bye." She drives away thinking hard and feeling very confused.