So I FINALLY got around to posting another chapter!
Just when you I'd given up right?
Sorry it took so long!(
Enjoy.
SILVERBEND MALL
Maria, Liz and Isabel wound their way through the mall leading Kyle from store to store.
Each time he picked up a gift one of them would veto.
"What about this?"
"No." Maria said barely looking up, as she and Liz were engrossed in a shower gel display.
"She likes this scent…I thought you girls liked getting baskets of bath beads and lotions. God knows yours are all over the bathroom, Maria."
"Kyle that's not the point. The point is this is your girlfriend we're talking about. You need to get her something with a little more thought behind it not just a random gift basket.
Besides, that's what Michael and I got her."
Isabel took Kyle by the arm as they walked out of Crabtree and Evelyn.
"Kyle this will be a lot easier if you just use your head. What would she like? Think about what would mean a lot to her."
I think I can do that!"
"Well, don't strain yourself."
"Come on Iz, you're the expert gift shopper here. Can't you help a little? I know you got those earrings Michael gave Maria last Christmas."
Iz looked as though she was ready to deny that accusation.
"Please, there is no way Michael could have found something like that on his own! If you didn't buy them, then you at least picked them out."
"True, but Maria doesn't know that so keep your voice down."
Kyle laughed as Iz shoved him lightly. As he turned to tug on her hair, he noticed something in a store window. Suddenly Iz felt herself being pulled into Natural Wonders.
1.1 "What about these?"
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1.2 CRASHDOWN CAFE
"Sera, I really appreciate you coming in on your birthday."
"It's more than OK Mr. Parker. You've been so great giving me all this time off for camp. I owe you big time."
"Its OK, Liz, Maria, Christina and Holly can handle it."
Michael smacked his hand down over the order bell breaking up the conversation.
"Sera, Will Smith medium rare."
"Thanks!"
"Well, I'll let you get back to it!" Jeff said as he left the restaurant for the apartment above.
Sera picked up her order from Michael and went to her tables.
The bell over the door rang and Max walked in.
She smiled at him and motioned him to a booth in her section.
"Hey Max! How are you?"
"Hey Sera, happy birthday!"
"Thanks!"
"I'm surprised to see you today! I thought you'd be home preparing for your party."
"No, I told Mr. Parker I'd come in and help out. Kyle drug Maria, Liz and Isabel to the mall. He needed help picking out my present."
"He hasn't picked up anything yet?"
"No, and his face gave him away. I reminded him that everyone was coming over at 5:00 and his eyes kinda bugged out, then he made some excuse that he forgot something he and Iz were supposed to do and left."
Max laughed. "Don't feel too bad. I'm sure my sister will rip into him for last minute shopping. It's one of her pet peeves."
"I figure he's in real trouble between her, Liz and Maria so I don't have to worry too much! So what can I get for you?"
"Well, Michael's cooking so I'm not sure its safe to eat!"
"You want me to tell him you said that." she teased.
"No! I'll just have a Mars Attacks, medium well with chips instead of French fries please."
"You got it! What about a drink?"
"Cherry Coke."
"Why did I even ask?" they shared a grin. "I'll be right back."
"Hey Michael, Max would like a Mars Attacks medium well, chips no fries."
"Sure. Order up!"
"Already?"
"Not yours, this is Holly's, table four"
1.3 "Where's Holly?"
"She went on her break."
"Wonderful! I guess that means I'm taking her tables too!"
Michael smirked. "Happy Birthday!"
Sera rolled her eyes. She took the order for table four and quickly filled a cherry coke for Max. Placing them both on a tray she wound through the tables.
She dropped off the food first then set Max's soda down.
"Working the whole restaurant today?" Max asked taking a sip.
"Holly is supposed to cover that side but Michael just said she took a break! AGAIN!"
"Mr. Parker really is a softy to keep her on. I can't count how many times Liz and Maria complain about her."
"I'll give her one compliment, when she does bother to work, she's pretty good at her job!"
"Well, that's a start!"
DING
"Sera, order up!" Michael yelled.
"Excuse me." Sera said moving away from the table.
"You rang?" she asked Michael as she returned to the kitchen.
"Cute, here's your Martian Melt and Redskin Basket."
"You know, All work and no play make Michael a dull boy!"
He stared at her for a moment before holding up his finer and saying, "REDRUM"
She laughed. "Was that a joke? I knew you had it in you Michael!"
Sera took the meals off the window and took them to the couple at table five.
She rang two customers out; refilled sodas for three tables and was just bending down to get more sweetener for a table when:
DING
1.4 "Mars Attacks for Maxwell"
She grabbed the sweetener and Max's lunch off the counter. Dropping the sweetener off at table two she was just serving Max when Liz, Maria, Iz and Kyle strolled in armed with shopping bags.
"Hey beautiful!" Max called as the gang approached his table.
"Gee, Thanks Maxie. You're pretty cute yourself!" Kyle said in a girlish voice.
"I thought we talked about you and that voice." Iz and Sera said at the same time.
"He does that so well, I question his sexual orientation." Maria joked.
"Don't, I can vouch for him." Sera said with a sly smile.
"More than I needed to know!" Maria said with a grimace.
"I second that." Iz shook her head.
"God, gutter minds! Sera smacked Maria on the arm. "I just meant that I've been dating him for over a month now, I think I'd know!"
"Oh." Maria tried not to laugh.
"Is that all you think about?" Sera asked regarding Maria with a stern gaze.
"Maybe!"
"See, gutter mind!"
Maria playfully shoved Sera into Kyle, then grabbed her bags and went to visit Michael.
Iz glanced at her brother and Liz sharing his cherry coke and chips, then looked at Sera and rolled her eyes.
"Well, I can see there is no talking to those two, they are WAY too wrapped up in each other."
Come on I'll put you behind them so you'll be in my section, actually, I think every section is my section today."
"Holly's here. Isn't she supposed to have that side?" Liz asked snagging some chips from Max's plate.
"Oh my God you mean she's actually going to work today?" Kyle asked.
"Surprise Surprise right?" Sera joked. "She's probably pissed because I get off early and she has works till 6:00 with Christina and Deandra."
Kyle and Isabel sat in a booth and Sera left to get them drinks.
"So you think she'll like them?" Kyle asked.
"YES!! For the one hundred and fiftieth time yes!"
"Is he bothering you?" Sera asked as she returned to the table with their beverages.
"No, he just keeps harping on the same point, and HE'S DRIVING ME CRAZY." she said, raising her voice in his direction.
"Leave Iz alone!!!" Sera said tugging Kyle's hair affectionately. "She was nice enough to take you shopping today."
"I took her…wait, how did you know that we went shopping?"
"I have my ways! Did you find anything?"
"I got a few new outfits." Iz said sipping her cherry coke.
"Anything I can borrow?" Sera asked with a grin.
"Of course!"
"Yea, shopping trip in Isabel's closet!" Kyle smiled as he watched his girlfriend dance her happy dance.
"OK people, order what you want because I'm out of here in ten minutes. Gives me time to slip in to my bikini and catch a few rays before I have to prepare for your invasion."
"Our invasion. I thought we were invited." Iz said.
"Yes, but only cause I'm a present whore!" Sera asked
Kyle's eyes lit up as he looked at Sera.
"PRESENT whore. Learn to listen!"
"I didn't say anything."
"You have that look."
"Oh the classic Kyle Valenti, I really want to say something but I know if I do I'm going to get in trouble look?" Iz conjectured.
"Exactly!" Sera concurred.
"Why do I let you two gang up on me? Kyle asked
"You love it and you know it!" Sera said with a smirk. "Now are you two going to order or not?"
"Blood of Alien smoothie for me."
"Kyle?"
"Asteroid Pie with ice cream."
"You do know we're having an ice cream cake tonight right?" Sera asked.
"Yeah?"
Sera looked to Iz who shrugged her shoulders and threw up her hands.
"Don't look at me, you're responsible for him now!"
"Gee thanks!" Sera laughed. "I'll be right back with these."
She headed for the kitchen to fill their orders.
As she came through the door she saw Michael and Maria huddled near the sink. Maria was laughing as Michael attempted to put something on her wrist. Sera cleared her throat and they sprung apart.
"Hey Chica, didn't hear you come in."
Sera had to cover her mouth when Maria raised her hand to smooth her hair.
Shackled to her wrist was a pair of red feather covered handcuffs.
"Been to Frederick's?" Sera asked getting the Asteroid Pie out of the fridge.
"What, why….oh." Maria pulled her hand down and undid the handcuffs, then stuffed them in the nearest bag.
"It's just a gag gift for a friend."
"Uh-huh!" Sera said with a grin. "They look pretty cool. I just hope you have something to wear with them, I hear they have a great leather teddy."
Sera scampered out the door to avoid the dishtowel Maria tossed at her.
At the shake machine she made Iz's smoothie and peeked in the order window.
"You know if you aren't into leather, there is a great red lace thing I saw in the last catalog, I think it would match perfect."
"I'm about 3 seconds from taking your gift back to the mall." Maria yelled at her.
"Stopping now!"
Making her way back to Kyle and Iz, she couldn't help but grin at Liz and Max, who were smiling at one another as they talked softly. Sera once asked Kyle if they were always that googly with each other: "CONSTANTLY!! Max once told me that he and Liz saw into each other's souls…of course we were both drunk at the time, so take that with a grain of salt."
Reaching Kyle and Iz's table Sera set their orders down with a warning to Kyle.
"If you ruin your appetite don't blame me!"
"I'll have plenty of room for cake later! Promise!" Kyle stated as he dove into the pie.
"Isabel did you drive?"
"No, Kyle did."
"Well, I am officially off in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, NOW! Woo Hoo! I'm going to clock out and I'll be right back!"
She returned in a flash and sat next to Kyle.
"Did you bring your stuff with you or do we need to swing by your house?"
"No I dropped my stuff in his trunk before we went shopping."
1.5 "Great so we can go straight to my house and the pool!"
1.6 "So is this a girl's only thing or can the boyfriend come too?"
"Girl's only." Sera said shaking her head. "Sorry!"
"Why be sorry? That means he can come." Iz cracked.
"I really dislike the two of you." Kyle said looking at each girl.
**************************************************************************** **
"So you got Sera's present wrapped?" Max asked as Liz returned with his cherry coke refill.
"All taken care of."
1.7 "You still want to me pick you up at 4:30?"
"Well," she began, snuggling closer to him. "If you came by a bit earlier we'd have some time alone, before the big celebration."
Max grinned as he looked at his girlfriend.
"Have I told you today how beautiful you are?"
"Not yet."
"Well, I should make up for that. Liz Parker, you are the most beautiful person in this or any world."
Liz blushed and leaned into Max for a kiss.
Behind them Iz coughed loudly and Max broke away to glare at his sister.
"Maybe we should go upstairs and get away from the on-lookers." Liz offered.
"Sounds like a plan to me." Max said with a gleam in his eye.
They practically sprinted to the back and up the stairs, making sure to tiptoe past Jeff and Nancy's room where Nancy was listening to Elvis Costello and folding laundry before slipping into Liz's bedroom and onto her balcony.
"Did you have a fun time at the mall?" Max asked kissing his girlfriend's forehead.
"Shopping with those three is QUITE the experience." Liz laughed as she pulled Max down on the lounge chair. "I think Kyle looked through every store in the mall TWICE before Isabel and Maria OK'd his present choice."
"Sounds like you need to relax and unwind after that."
"Any ideas on how to do that?" Liz asked with a smile.
"I think I might be able to come up with something." Max teased, placing a kiss on her collarbone.
"I think I'm going to like this idea!" Liz said before Max moved to her mouth.
They kissed passionately.
//I really wish my parents weren't home. Max would be shocked if he knew what I want to do to him right now.// Liz thought.
//Shocked? No. But I really wish your parents gone too!//
//Max Evans stop reading my thoughts and kiss me.//
//Yes ma'am!//
**************************************************************************** **
Downstairs Kyle was still trying to persuade Iz and Sera to let him crash their pre-party.
"No! Male guests are not allowed until 5:00!" Sera said with a stern tone.
"Oh come on! What do you guys have a stripper coming or something."
Sera and Iz looked at each other.
"DO YOU?" Kyle asked a little louder.
"No, but that would be an excellent way to kick off the party!" Iz said nudging Sera.
"Damn, why didn't we think of that sooner!" Sera said, loving the look crossing Kyle's face.
"Not funny!" he warned.
"Nothing to worry about, there will be no strippers, at least for now. We're just going to do some good old fashioned girl talk—in our bikinis!!"
"OK I'm definitely coming over now."
"Compromise, You stay away until 4:00. That will give you time to WRAP UP a few things before you head over." Iz looked at him pointedly.
Kyle caught on and shook his head. "Yeah, I do have a few things to finish up. Uh, is that OK? If I show up a little early?"
"I guess I can put up with you for an extra hour!" Sera said making a face at her boyfriend.
"Gee thanks." Kyle joked tickling her side.
Sera squealed and hopped out of the booth. She stuck out her hand and motioned toward his empty pie plate.
"Done? Or do you need to lick it clean?"
"Such abuse, I think I'll take that present back."
"Iz? Should that threat worry me?"
"Actually Sera it might. He did a pretty good job." Iz admitted.
"With lots of help from you I'm sure."
"I'll admit, I was pretty helpful!"
"What? You are not taking credit for my present." Kyle protested.
"Children! Let's not argue. Finished Iz?"
"Yeah, thanks!"
Sera took Kyle's plate and Iz's glass to the back. She set them in the sink and said goodbye to Maria and Michael who were arguing about the proper toppings to go on the bowl of ice cream they were sharing.
"See you at 5:00 right Chica?"
"Well, I'd try and convince you to come to the girls only pre-party, but something tells me you have other plans." Sera said with a grin.
"I'll be there at 5:00."
"See you then. Bye Michael."
"Later."
Sera walked out front to retrieve Isabel.
"Ready?"
"When you are."
Kyle followed the girls to the parking lot, popped the trunk and took Isabel's stuff out.
"I'll see you at 4:00." he said leaning in to kiss Sera quickly on the lips.
"See ya then." she said, pressing the unlock button on her keychain.
"Later Iz. Thanks for today."
"You owe me."
"As usual!" Kyle grinned at her.
Sera and Iz hopped in the Pathfinder and pulled out of the parking spot. Sera honked and both girls waved at Kyle, then they set out for Sera's house.
**************************************************************************** **
THE WHITMAN'S (POOL SIDE)
Iz turned over on her stomach and passed the sunscreen to Sera who applied another coat to her arms before lying on her tummy as well.
"So you and Kyle are getting pretty serious?"
Sera turned to face Iz. "Was there a segue to that? I thought we were talking about movies."
"I've never been good at small talk. I prefer to just get to the point."
"OK, direct. I like that. Yeah, I think we are getting serious. At least I hope so."
"You hope so?"
"I REALLY like him. I know we haven't been dating long, but I've never had so much fun in all my life."
"Really?"
Sera blushed and grinned at the look on Isabel's face.
"Not that kind of fun! He's been a perfect gentlemen."
"We are talking about the same Kyle Valenti aren't we?"
"YES! I'm serious Isabel, coming here, meeting all of you. It's been amazing. I kept worrying I wouldn't fit in, I wouldn't have anything in common with anyone. But you, Kyle, Maria, Liz, Max and Michael; you've all been wonderful. And Kyle? I starting to feel things about him I've never felt for anyone."
"You've been good for him."
"You think so?"
"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. Kyle and I have become pretty good friends in the past few months, we've been working through difficult times, it's nice to see him happy."
"Thanks Iz."
"Just make sure he stays happy." Isabel warned, with a smile.
"I'll do my best."
**************************************************************************** **
By the time Kyle arrived around 4:00, Iz and Sera were on their second pitcher of non-alcoholic strawberry margaritas.
"Man, you started the party without me?" He asked looking at the girls who were sitting in their lounge chairs wearing their cover-ups and toasting giddily. "Are you sure there is no booze in these?" Kyle questioned as he appraised the two giggling girls.
"100% alcohol free. So says the label. We are just naturally goofy." Sera explained.
"That's for sure!" Kyle agreed, setting the gift he was carrying onto an empty table near the food table.
"Is that for me?" Sera asked jokingly.
"No, its for Iz." he deadpanned.
"Me? I love presents. But Sera can have it, I already know what it is!"
"So hard to please." Kyle said laughing at his friend.
"I try!"
"OK…who's ready for a water fight!" Kyle asked raising his eyebrows at Iz and Sera as he stripped off his shirt.
Sera was glad she was wearing sunglasses. When Kyle shed his shirt she swore that her eyes were going to pop out of her skull.
//Damn, he's got a nice body! I mean I know it feels nice when I'm running my hands up his chest but GOOD LORD! I don't think anyone has the right to look that good.//
While Sera was trying to regain the ability to speak, Iz glared at her friend.
"Don't even think about it!"
"Why not? You guys attacked us on Fourth of July. I say turn about is fair play!"
"You're all alone. You really think you stand a chance against us?"
"When the guys get here I'm sure they'll back me up!"
"You think Max and Michael will pay any attention to you with Liz and Maria parading around in bikinis? When did you suffer from a massive head wound?"
"Guys stick up for each other you know."
"Not when their girlfriends are standing four inches away from them wearing only a tiny swatch of fabric!!"
"We'll see."
Iz turned to Sera. "Stand up."
"Huh?" Sera looked at Iz.
"Stand up. I'm going to prove my point."
Sera did as she was told and stood beside Iz.
Iz walked toward Kyle dragging Sera with her. She reached out and yanked the tie to Sera's halter style cover-up. The material drifted down Sera's body and she blushed to the roots of her hair when she saw Kyle's eyes roam over her approvingly.
//OK, I'm so glad these swim trunks are bulky. I didn't think that Sera could possibly look more beautiful than she did in that corset thingie on Fourth of July, but this suit is making me crazy! It matches her eyes, which makes them seem more blue than ever-if that's even possible.
Praise Buddha, she was built for a bikini! Wait, I'm supposed to be refuting Isabel's point.//
"And?" Kyle managed to choke out, hoping he sound stronger to them than he did to himself.
Sera grinned and looked at Isabel before moving closer to her boyfriend.
"So my proximity to you, in this garment has ABSOLUTELY no effect on you?"
N…None whatsoever." Kyle stuttered.
Sera pressed into him and breathed in his ear. "None? Really? I must be losing my touch." She said as she traced a path down his arm.
Sera started to turn away from him and he spun her around to face him. "Well I guess you did have some effect on me."
She smiled. "Really?" she asked putting her arms around his neck. "Care to share?"
"This is something I'd better show you." Kyle said kissing her lightly.
"Standing right here." Iz complained.
"Don't worry Iz, I'll show you too."
"What?" the girls shouted a split second before Kyle wrapped his arm around Iz's waist and jumped into to pool with both of them.
They came up sputtering as Kyle howled with laughter.
"Pay back is a bitch isn't it?" He asked.
Isabel struggled with her wet cover-up for a moment before finally pulling it free.
"Nice suit Iz." Kyle said regarding the copper bikini that looked stunning against her tan form.
She shot daggers at him in response.
He swam the length of the pool as the girls got their hair out of their faces and plotted their revenge.
"He is so going down!" Sera said as she wiped her face with a towel.
"You're not kidding!" Iz said, pulling the wet ponytail holder out of her hair.
They swam to Kyle, who tried to get away but they were too fast for him.
"Where are you going? We just want to have a little fun." Sera said in a singsong voice.
Hey, now if you want all of us to have fun, I can think of a really good way."
Sera nodded slightly to Iz who quickly jumped Kyle, dunking him under the water.
Kyle tried in vain to escape Isabel's hands, she was deceptively strong and, he had a sneaking suspicion she was using her powers on him. He caught hold of Sera's legs and took her under. She swam free of his grasp and motioned to Iz to release him. He came up with a devilish glint in his eyes. He splashed Sera, his arm making a sweeping motion through the water. She retaliated, but her aim was off and the brunt of the wave caught Iz full in the face. Isabel sputtered for a moment before going after Sera.
Kyle, Sera and Isabel were having so much fun they didn't realize how much time had passed until Maria, Michael, Liz and Max appeared at the pool's edge.
"Well. Looks like you guys are having fun without us." Maria said laughing at the pool occupants.
The trio finally called a truce and hoisted themselves out of the water.
"Happy Birthday Chica! I'd hug you but your soaked."
"That's OK."
"Oh good the gang's all here." Nicole said as she and Charles came out bearing pizza and gifts.
"Man, Sera you are making a haul." Maria laughed examining the card table where the gifts were stacked. "Just think if you'd invited too many more people, the presents wouldn't fit."
"Everyone I want to share my birthday with is here. Except Sean."
"Yeah, he hated that he couldn't get off work, but he sent his birthday wishes. He said he'd give you your birthday spanking the next time he saw you."
"Ooh, I can't wait!" Sera joked.
"Sean's so humorous isn't he?" Kyle asked as he draped his arm over his girlfriend.
Nicole opened the pizza boxes and blanched. "Ugh, I don't know how you kids eat this stuff. Pineapple and hot peppers on the same pizza?"
"Sweet and Spicy." Max, Iz. Michael, Maria and Liz answered all at once.
"Well, I still think its weird, but everyone's different."
"You call us when you're ready to do gifts." Charles said turning to head indoors with his wife.
"You aren't staying?"
"No, you have fun at the party part of the party and call us for the gift giving and for clean-up."
"You two rock! Can it be my birthday everyday?"
"Thankfully no." Charles teased. "Have fun kids!"
They loaded up plates with the pizza, chips, and dip and sat on the lounge chairs to talk.
"So what exactly does one do at a three week cheerleading camp?" Isabel asked sipping her water.
"Seems a bit excessive doesn't it?" Sera replied with a grin. "Well at Kennedy, we worked on the routines for the coming year. Our camps were only two weeks long. Maybe they do something special here. I know it will be fun, but I have a major hurdle to overcome."
"What's that?" Liz asked.
"How to spend three weeks in a close proximity to Pam Troy without killing her."
"Now there's a challenge." Max said causing everyone to stare at him.
"What? I'm not allowed to express my opinions."
"Just never knew you had it in you!" Kyle said looking at Max bewildered.
"I've expressed my opinion regarding you PLENTY of times."
"Yeah, but that doesn't count. You're jealous of me." Kyle puffed out his chest.
Sera threw a potato chip at him. "Why would Max be jealous of you?"
"Thanks for the support!" Kyle said frowning at her.
"Anytime!"
Max picked up the Tabasco bottle and liberally doused his pizza.
"Tabasco on top of hot peppers? Geez you three really do like the hot stuff!!" Sera said turning her attention to Iz, Max and Michael.
"Just our little dietary quirk." Iz said stealing a glance at Maria, who grinned.
"I guess I can't say anything. I once made a cake with cayenne in it."
The group stared at her.
"I had just seen Chocolat, the movie, and the main character talks about making this dessert with a special kind of peppers in it. I went home and tried it. I thought it was pretty good. My mother wouldn't let me near the kitchen for three weeks after that."
"Good thing Mr. Parker hired you as a waitress, not a cook!" Michael joked.
Sera sneered at him, but joined everyone else as they laughed.
When they put away most of the pizza Sera ran to get Nicole and Charles for the gift giving.
When she returned Liz was collecting the paper plates and stacking the on the table near the pizza boxes. Sera walked quickly to her and took her hand.
"You are not at work! Put down the plates, walk away from the table and no one gets hurt!"
"Sera, I don't mind!"
"I do! Come sit down."
"OK!"
The sat near Kyle and Max, Sera clapped her hands at her mother. "Gimmie, Gimmie!"
"I thought you'd outgrow this obsession with getting presents. Nicole lightly chided her daughter.
"No way. I've still got at least another 10-20 years before I tire of getting presents!"
"OK, lets start with this one from me and Charles."
Sera opened the package to reveal diamond earrings. She squealed and jumped up to hug her mother.
"You've been waiting for those for awhile now, so I hope you like them."
"I love them. Thanks Mom. Charles," she exclaimed as she hugged him, "Thank you, they're beautiful!"
She scampered back to the chair she and Kyle were sharing to show him. He laughed at her enthusiasm. "Easy girl, you still have five more to get through!"
"I can't help it, I love presents."
"Don't listen to him Sera, he loves getting presents just as much as the next person!" Liz reported.
Iz grabbed the next present off the table. "This one's from Sean."
"That was sweet!" Sera cooed.
Kyle took the package and held it at arms length. "Be careful, it might explode."
"Give it back! It's for me it won't explode. Now if it were for you, then we'd have cause to worry!"
Kyle returned the present and Sera ripped into it. Her eyes widened as she looked inside.
"Oh my God!!!" She reached in and held up the gift to show Maria. "He's such a sweetie! It's a Spike clock! I'll now have James Marsters in my bedroom on a regular basis!"
"Can I borrow that?" Liz asked.
"NO!" Max and Sera forcefully answered her.
"I can't believe he remembered that conversation." Kyle looked to her for an explanation. "He was in the Crashdown having lunch one day and I mentioned that he'd better tip me well because I just found a new Buffy website to blow all my cash on. He asked me a little more about it and THIS," she held up the clock for demonstration. "was one of my heavily coveted items! How did he know I didn't have it?"
"He called to make sure before he bought it." Charles explained.
"Oh! I can't wait to see him in person! To thank him, I may let him give me those birthday spankings after all." Sera said laughing.
Kyle mocked her laughter. "Ha Ha Ha. Over my dead body!"
"OK Iz, what's next. Mr. Testosterone is beginning to rear its ugly head."
"You can open mine next." Isabel said passing a slim package to Sera.
"I love this wrapping its beautiful!
"Why is it chicks get just as excited about the wrapping paper as they do the actual present?" Michael asked Max.
Max shook his head with a grin.
Sera opened the package. "Iz I love them!" She modeled her new J-Lo style shades for everyone.
"I've never seen them with a butterfly, its usually a heart."
Iz and Kyle grinned. "I had them make an alteration."
Sera leaned forward to hug Isabel. "Thank you so much."
"That one is from Max and me." Liz said as Isabel picked up a larger package.
"I love packages wrapped like this. It makes me feel like I'm on TV." Sera joked as she pulled the wrapped top off the bottom. "Oh my God you two, I've been wanting this for so long! Thank you."
She pulled out the Ultimate Mummy in glee.
"There's a second layer." Max said pointing to the box.
Sera laughed as she lifted up the tissue paper and uncovered three bags of microwave popcorn.
"It was a vicious plot. Get you movie and popcorn and you HAVE to have us over to share!"
"Agreed! I'll put them in a special bag marked Max and Liz only!"
"Hey, What about us? Michael questioned.
"We'll see." Max laughed.
"OK that one's from me and Michael! Open open!" Maria exclaimed with glee.
Sera accepted another package from Iz and pulled back the paper.
"Crabtree and Evelyn! Ohh, Nantucket Briar is my favorite scent! Thanks guys!"
"Honey were are you going to put all the shower gels and bubble baths you have now?" Nicole questioned with a smirk.
"Not to worry Mom. For this I'll make room!" She winked at Maria and Michael.
"If you say so!" Nicole shook her head. "Well, looks like we're down to one present. Kyle this must be yours." She handed the package to Kyle who turned it over to Sera apprehensively.
She smiled at him as she took the gift. She slowly slid her fingers under the tape and pried the wrap away from the box. When it finally slid away her breath caught in her throat. She glanced up at Kyle before opening the box. She reached in and pulled out a set of colorful butterfly wind chimes.
Kyle whispered in her ear. "If you don't like them we can take them back.
She shifted on the lounge chair and wrapped her arms around his neck.
I love them." she whispered back. "Remind me to show you how much later."
Kyle pulled away and looked at her with a goofy grin on his face.
"Now Kyle you know I'm not one to say I told you so…"
Iz began as the rest of the group coughed and snickered.
"BUT…" she shot them an icy glare.
"I told you she'd like them."
"Yes you did. Thank you Iz!"
"All of you thank you so much! I love everything. You guys are so great!" Sera said as she wiped tears from her eyes.
"How about some cake kids?" Nicole said giving Sera an opportunity to compose herself.
Kyle picked up the wrapping paper mess that had created a nest around his and Sera's chair.
"Fudge Mint Ripple ice cream cake." Nicole announced as she strategically placed seventeen candles around the cake's perimeter.
"Oh yes! Sera you know how to pick your ice cream!"
"Honestly, is there any other flavor even worth mentioning?" Sera replied.
"Very Vanilla is my favorite." Liz admitted.
"Vanilla? Your favorite flavor is vanilla?" Sera asked incredulously.
"Tell me about it!" Isabel said rolling her eyes.
"You two leave Liz alone! Vanilla is a fine flavor!" Charles defended her.
"Thank you Mr. Whitman!"
"Well, I can't let those two pick on you! It's just not fair!" he winked at her.
Everyone filed to the table to get their cake then returned to their chairs. Maria provided a shield as Michael pooled some tabasco sauce onto his plate. Liz smiled and did the same for Max. Kyle grabbed a plate from Charles and put sauce behind the cake for Iz before handing it to her. He turned back to the table and accepted another plate from Charles before joining Sera on the chair.
They ate their cake in relative silence with a few jokes from Kyle about skinny-dipping. Apparently he failed to realize that Charles and Nicole had not yet gone back inside.
Once Charles cleared his throat and gave him a stern stare, Kyle refrained from such comments.
When the cake was finished and the Whitman's safely back inside, Maria decided it was time for everyone to hit the pool. She stripped off her clothes and grinned when she heard Michael's breathing alter.
Her tiny light blue suit with sparkly yellow sunbursts certainly seemed to attract his attention.
Max was equally as interested in Liz's black tankini. His eyes roamed over her appreciatively until his sister smacked him upside the head.
"You think you could have eye sex with her a little later?"
"Isabel!" Max turned to face his sister.
"Honestly Max, they way you two stare at each other is ridiculous!"
"Maybe if you weren't so nosy, you wouldn't notice the looks that Liz and I share."
Max I could be blind and I'd still be subjected to those looks. They radiate off you two!"
Max grinned and started for his girlfriend.
"So, when did you get this and why haven't you modeled it for me?" Michael asked Maria as he nuzzled the back of her neck.
"Because she got it the day I got mine!" Sera informed him as she and Kyle swam to the steps where they were seated.
"What else did you two pick up that day that you're keeping from us?" Kyle asked with a glint in his eye.
"I guess you'll have to wait see!" Sera said laughing as she splashed him.
Iz sat down on the pool edge and dangled her feet in the water. "Am I interrupting couple time?"
"Never. We're always happy to see you." Sera smiled.
Iz smiled back as she looked at Maria's suit. "Is that it?" she questioned.
"Yeah."
"Looks nice. How long was he non-verbal?" she asked pointing at Michael.
"Awhile."
Michael looked from his girlfriend to his 'sister' "You two are a riot!"
"We try!" Maria said winking at him.
"Did you get tired of the dreamy twosome?" Kyle asked gesturing toward Max and Liz, who were on the opposite end of the pool, completely engrossed in each other.
"I can only take so much! I figured that you two were the safest couple to be around." she said pointing at Sera and Kyle.
"What about us?" Maria said getting defensive.
"Please, you two are just as bad. I'll say this for you. You don't insist on making googly eyes at each other 24 hours a day!"
"No they prefer the more subtle tongue down your throat approach." Kyle said making a face at Maria
"Like you're opposed to that!" Maria said staring at him harshly.
"I think I'm a little more smooth than that!" Kyle protested.
All three girls responded at the same time.
"No you're not."
Kyle turned on Sera. "Aren't you are supposed to be expressing your thanks for your birthday present."
"You're the one who said we should come pick on Michael and Maria."
"I said talk to not pick on."
"Oh. There's a difference?"
"Hey! See if I stick up for you anymore!" Maria said flicking water in Sera's direction.
"Kids place nice." Iz chided.
"You never let us have any fun!" Kyle complained.
"I think those two are having enough fun for all of us." Sera said pointing at Max and Liz.
"Ugh, still! Do they ever come up for air." Iz asked joining her friends in the water.
"I think we all know the answer to that!" Michael replied dryly.
At the other end of the pool Liz laughed as Max tried to join her on the raft she recently acquired from the pool ledge.
"I feel like Rose in Titanic."
"What?" Max asked confused.
"Near the end of Titanic, Jack tries to join Rose on this raft thing, actually it's a door or something. But each time he tries he nearly tips them both over so he settles for leaning on it while she stays afloat."
"Oh."
"Max, I know you've seen that movie! I've watched it with you."
"I know I just love to hear you explain things." he said gazing at her.
She smiled and kissed him. "Just be thankful that the Whitman's keep their pool warm so we don't have to worry about you freezing!"
"I'll never let go Jack, I'll never let go!" Max said in his best Rose voice.
"MAX! You're ruining a beautiful movie moment! How would you like it if I made fun of Crouching Tiger?"
"That's not allowed!" Max declared.
Liz grinned and shifted on the raft so she was closer to him.
"So Sera had a good time don't you think?" she asked wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Yeah. This was fun! We haven't had a real birthday celebration in the group in a long time."
"I've missed everyone hanging out together. With everything that happened this spring, it feels nice to get some semblance of normality back."
Max stroked her hair for a moment before a grin lit up his face. "Don't get comfortable just yet!"
"Why not?" she inquired.
"Isabel's birthday is in two months, that gives us JUST enough time to plan."
Liz smiled and leaned in for another kiss.
END CHAPTER
Just when you I'd given up right?
Sorry it took so long!(
Enjoy.
SILVERBEND MALL
Maria, Liz and Isabel wound their way through the mall leading Kyle from store to store.
Each time he picked up a gift one of them would veto.
"What about this?"
"No." Maria said barely looking up, as she and Liz were engrossed in a shower gel display.
"She likes this scent…I thought you girls liked getting baskets of bath beads and lotions. God knows yours are all over the bathroom, Maria."
"Kyle that's not the point. The point is this is your girlfriend we're talking about. You need to get her something with a little more thought behind it not just a random gift basket.
Besides, that's what Michael and I got her."
Isabel took Kyle by the arm as they walked out of Crabtree and Evelyn.
"Kyle this will be a lot easier if you just use your head. What would she like? Think about what would mean a lot to her."
I think I can do that!"
"Well, don't strain yourself."
"Come on Iz, you're the expert gift shopper here. Can't you help a little? I know you got those earrings Michael gave Maria last Christmas."
Iz looked as though she was ready to deny that accusation.
"Please, there is no way Michael could have found something like that on his own! If you didn't buy them, then you at least picked them out."
"True, but Maria doesn't know that so keep your voice down."
Kyle laughed as Iz shoved him lightly. As he turned to tug on her hair, he noticed something in a store window. Suddenly Iz felt herself being pulled into Natural Wonders.
1.1 "What about these?"
**************************************************************************** **
1.2 CRASHDOWN CAFE
"Sera, I really appreciate you coming in on your birthday."
"It's more than OK Mr. Parker. You've been so great giving me all this time off for camp. I owe you big time."
"Its OK, Liz, Maria, Christina and Holly can handle it."
Michael smacked his hand down over the order bell breaking up the conversation.
"Sera, Will Smith medium rare."
"Thanks!"
"Well, I'll let you get back to it!" Jeff said as he left the restaurant for the apartment above.
Sera picked up her order from Michael and went to her tables.
The bell over the door rang and Max walked in.
She smiled at him and motioned him to a booth in her section.
"Hey Max! How are you?"
"Hey Sera, happy birthday!"
"Thanks!"
"I'm surprised to see you today! I thought you'd be home preparing for your party."
"No, I told Mr. Parker I'd come in and help out. Kyle drug Maria, Liz and Isabel to the mall. He needed help picking out my present."
"He hasn't picked up anything yet?"
"No, and his face gave him away. I reminded him that everyone was coming over at 5:00 and his eyes kinda bugged out, then he made some excuse that he forgot something he and Iz were supposed to do and left."
Max laughed. "Don't feel too bad. I'm sure my sister will rip into him for last minute shopping. It's one of her pet peeves."
"I figure he's in real trouble between her, Liz and Maria so I don't have to worry too much! So what can I get for you?"
"Well, Michael's cooking so I'm not sure its safe to eat!"
"You want me to tell him you said that." she teased.
"No! I'll just have a Mars Attacks, medium well with chips instead of French fries please."
"You got it! What about a drink?"
"Cherry Coke."
"Why did I even ask?" they shared a grin. "I'll be right back."
"Hey Michael, Max would like a Mars Attacks medium well, chips no fries."
"Sure. Order up!"
"Already?"
"Not yours, this is Holly's, table four"
1.3 "Where's Holly?"
"She went on her break."
"Wonderful! I guess that means I'm taking her tables too!"
Michael smirked. "Happy Birthday!"
Sera rolled her eyes. She took the order for table four and quickly filled a cherry coke for Max. Placing them both on a tray she wound through the tables.
She dropped off the food first then set Max's soda down.
"Working the whole restaurant today?" Max asked taking a sip.
"Holly is supposed to cover that side but Michael just said she took a break! AGAIN!"
"Mr. Parker really is a softy to keep her on. I can't count how many times Liz and Maria complain about her."
"I'll give her one compliment, when she does bother to work, she's pretty good at her job!"
"Well, that's a start!"
DING
"Sera, order up!" Michael yelled.
"Excuse me." Sera said moving away from the table.
"You rang?" she asked Michael as she returned to the kitchen.
"Cute, here's your Martian Melt and Redskin Basket."
"You know, All work and no play make Michael a dull boy!"
He stared at her for a moment before holding up his finer and saying, "REDRUM"
She laughed. "Was that a joke? I knew you had it in you Michael!"
Sera took the meals off the window and took them to the couple at table five.
She rang two customers out; refilled sodas for three tables and was just bending down to get more sweetener for a table when:
DING
1.4 "Mars Attacks for Maxwell"
She grabbed the sweetener and Max's lunch off the counter. Dropping the sweetener off at table two she was just serving Max when Liz, Maria, Iz and Kyle strolled in armed with shopping bags.
"Hey beautiful!" Max called as the gang approached his table.
"Gee, Thanks Maxie. You're pretty cute yourself!" Kyle said in a girlish voice.
"I thought we talked about you and that voice." Iz and Sera said at the same time.
"He does that so well, I question his sexual orientation." Maria joked.
"Don't, I can vouch for him." Sera said with a sly smile.
"More than I needed to know!" Maria said with a grimace.
"I second that." Iz shook her head.
"God, gutter minds! Sera smacked Maria on the arm. "I just meant that I've been dating him for over a month now, I think I'd know!"
"Oh." Maria tried not to laugh.
"Is that all you think about?" Sera asked regarding Maria with a stern gaze.
"Maybe!"
"See, gutter mind!"
Maria playfully shoved Sera into Kyle, then grabbed her bags and went to visit Michael.
Iz glanced at her brother and Liz sharing his cherry coke and chips, then looked at Sera and rolled her eyes.
"Well, I can see there is no talking to those two, they are WAY too wrapped up in each other."
Come on I'll put you behind them so you'll be in my section, actually, I think every section is my section today."
"Holly's here. Isn't she supposed to have that side?" Liz asked snagging some chips from Max's plate.
"Oh my God you mean she's actually going to work today?" Kyle asked.
"Surprise Surprise right?" Sera joked. "She's probably pissed because I get off early and she has works till 6:00 with Christina and Deandra."
Kyle and Isabel sat in a booth and Sera left to get them drinks.
"So you think she'll like them?" Kyle asked.
"YES!! For the one hundred and fiftieth time yes!"
"Is he bothering you?" Sera asked as she returned to the table with their beverages.
"No, he just keeps harping on the same point, and HE'S DRIVING ME CRAZY." she said, raising her voice in his direction.
"Leave Iz alone!!!" Sera said tugging Kyle's hair affectionately. "She was nice enough to take you shopping today."
"I took her…wait, how did you know that we went shopping?"
"I have my ways! Did you find anything?"
"I got a few new outfits." Iz said sipping her cherry coke.
"Anything I can borrow?" Sera asked with a grin.
"Of course!"
"Yea, shopping trip in Isabel's closet!" Kyle smiled as he watched his girlfriend dance her happy dance.
"OK people, order what you want because I'm out of here in ten minutes. Gives me time to slip in to my bikini and catch a few rays before I have to prepare for your invasion."
"Our invasion. I thought we were invited." Iz said.
"Yes, but only cause I'm a present whore!" Sera asked
Kyle's eyes lit up as he looked at Sera.
"PRESENT whore. Learn to listen!"
"I didn't say anything."
"You have that look."
"Oh the classic Kyle Valenti, I really want to say something but I know if I do I'm going to get in trouble look?" Iz conjectured.
"Exactly!" Sera concurred.
"Why do I let you two gang up on me? Kyle asked
"You love it and you know it!" Sera said with a smirk. "Now are you two going to order or not?"
"Blood of Alien smoothie for me."
"Kyle?"
"Asteroid Pie with ice cream."
"You do know we're having an ice cream cake tonight right?" Sera asked.
"Yeah?"
Sera looked to Iz who shrugged her shoulders and threw up her hands.
"Don't look at me, you're responsible for him now!"
"Gee thanks!" Sera laughed. "I'll be right back with these."
She headed for the kitchen to fill their orders.
As she came through the door she saw Michael and Maria huddled near the sink. Maria was laughing as Michael attempted to put something on her wrist. Sera cleared her throat and they sprung apart.
"Hey Chica, didn't hear you come in."
Sera had to cover her mouth when Maria raised her hand to smooth her hair.
Shackled to her wrist was a pair of red feather covered handcuffs.
"Been to Frederick's?" Sera asked getting the Asteroid Pie out of the fridge.
"What, why….oh." Maria pulled her hand down and undid the handcuffs, then stuffed them in the nearest bag.
"It's just a gag gift for a friend."
"Uh-huh!" Sera said with a grin. "They look pretty cool. I just hope you have something to wear with them, I hear they have a great leather teddy."
Sera scampered out the door to avoid the dishtowel Maria tossed at her.
At the shake machine she made Iz's smoothie and peeked in the order window.
"You know if you aren't into leather, there is a great red lace thing I saw in the last catalog, I think it would match perfect."
"I'm about 3 seconds from taking your gift back to the mall." Maria yelled at her.
"Stopping now!"
Making her way back to Kyle and Iz, she couldn't help but grin at Liz and Max, who were smiling at one another as they talked softly. Sera once asked Kyle if they were always that googly with each other: "CONSTANTLY!! Max once told me that he and Liz saw into each other's souls…of course we were both drunk at the time, so take that with a grain of salt."
Reaching Kyle and Iz's table Sera set their orders down with a warning to Kyle.
"If you ruin your appetite don't blame me!"
"I'll have plenty of room for cake later! Promise!" Kyle stated as he dove into the pie.
"Isabel did you drive?"
"No, Kyle did."
"Well, I am officially off in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, NOW! Woo Hoo! I'm going to clock out and I'll be right back!"
She returned in a flash and sat next to Kyle.
"Did you bring your stuff with you or do we need to swing by your house?"
"No I dropped my stuff in his trunk before we went shopping."
1.5 "Great so we can go straight to my house and the pool!"
1.6 "So is this a girl's only thing or can the boyfriend come too?"
"Girl's only." Sera said shaking her head. "Sorry!"
"Why be sorry? That means he can come." Iz cracked.
"I really dislike the two of you." Kyle said looking at each girl.
**************************************************************************** **
"So you got Sera's present wrapped?" Max asked as Liz returned with his cherry coke refill.
"All taken care of."
1.7 "You still want to me pick you up at 4:30?"
"Well," she began, snuggling closer to him. "If you came by a bit earlier we'd have some time alone, before the big celebration."
Max grinned as he looked at his girlfriend.
"Have I told you today how beautiful you are?"
"Not yet."
"Well, I should make up for that. Liz Parker, you are the most beautiful person in this or any world."
Liz blushed and leaned into Max for a kiss.
Behind them Iz coughed loudly and Max broke away to glare at his sister.
"Maybe we should go upstairs and get away from the on-lookers." Liz offered.
"Sounds like a plan to me." Max said with a gleam in his eye.
They practically sprinted to the back and up the stairs, making sure to tiptoe past Jeff and Nancy's room where Nancy was listening to Elvis Costello and folding laundry before slipping into Liz's bedroom and onto her balcony.
"Did you have a fun time at the mall?" Max asked kissing his girlfriend's forehead.
"Shopping with those three is QUITE the experience." Liz laughed as she pulled Max down on the lounge chair. "I think Kyle looked through every store in the mall TWICE before Isabel and Maria OK'd his present choice."
"Sounds like you need to relax and unwind after that."
"Any ideas on how to do that?" Liz asked with a smile.
"I think I might be able to come up with something." Max teased, placing a kiss on her collarbone.
"I think I'm going to like this idea!" Liz said before Max moved to her mouth.
They kissed passionately.
//I really wish my parents weren't home. Max would be shocked if he knew what I want to do to him right now.// Liz thought.
//Shocked? No. But I really wish your parents gone too!//
//Max Evans stop reading my thoughts and kiss me.//
//Yes ma'am!//
**************************************************************************** **
Downstairs Kyle was still trying to persuade Iz and Sera to let him crash their pre-party.
"No! Male guests are not allowed until 5:00!" Sera said with a stern tone.
"Oh come on! What do you guys have a stripper coming or something."
Sera and Iz looked at each other.
"DO YOU?" Kyle asked a little louder.
"No, but that would be an excellent way to kick off the party!" Iz said nudging Sera.
"Damn, why didn't we think of that sooner!" Sera said, loving the look crossing Kyle's face.
"Not funny!" he warned.
"Nothing to worry about, there will be no strippers, at least for now. We're just going to do some good old fashioned girl talk—in our bikinis!!"
"OK I'm definitely coming over now."
"Compromise, You stay away until 4:00. That will give you time to WRAP UP a few things before you head over." Iz looked at him pointedly.
Kyle caught on and shook his head. "Yeah, I do have a few things to finish up. Uh, is that OK? If I show up a little early?"
"I guess I can put up with you for an extra hour!" Sera said making a face at her boyfriend.
"Gee thanks." Kyle joked tickling her side.
Sera squealed and hopped out of the booth. She stuck out her hand and motioned toward his empty pie plate.
"Done? Or do you need to lick it clean?"
"Such abuse, I think I'll take that present back."
"Iz? Should that threat worry me?"
"Actually Sera it might. He did a pretty good job." Iz admitted.
"With lots of help from you I'm sure."
"I'll admit, I was pretty helpful!"
"What? You are not taking credit for my present." Kyle protested.
"Children! Let's not argue. Finished Iz?"
"Yeah, thanks!"
Sera took Kyle's plate and Iz's glass to the back. She set them in the sink and said goodbye to Maria and Michael who were arguing about the proper toppings to go on the bowl of ice cream they were sharing.
"See you at 5:00 right Chica?"
"Well, I'd try and convince you to come to the girls only pre-party, but something tells me you have other plans." Sera said with a grin.
"I'll be there at 5:00."
"See you then. Bye Michael."
"Later."
Sera walked out front to retrieve Isabel.
"Ready?"
"When you are."
Kyle followed the girls to the parking lot, popped the trunk and took Isabel's stuff out.
"I'll see you at 4:00." he said leaning in to kiss Sera quickly on the lips.
"See ya then." she said, pressing the unlock button on her keychain.
"Later Iz. Thanks for today."
"You owe me."
"As usual!" Kyle grinned at her.
Sera and Iz hopped in the Pathfinder and pulled out of the parking spot. Sera honked and both girls waved at Kyle, then they set out for Sera's house.
**************************************************************************** **
THE WHITMAN'S (POOL SIDE)
Iz turned over on her stomach and passed the sunscreen to Sera who applied another coat to her arms before lying on her tummy as well.
"So you and Kyle are getting pretty serious?"
Sera turned to face Iz. "Was there a segue to that? I thought we were talking about movies."
"I've never been good at small talk. I prefer to just get to the point."
"OK, direct. I like that. Yeah, I think we are getting serious. At least I hope so."
"You hope so?"
"I REALLY like him. I know we haven't been dating long, but I've never had so much fun in all my life."
"Really?"
Sera blushed and grinned at the look on Isabel's face.
"Not that kind of fun! He's been a perfect gentlemen."
"We are talking about the same Kyle Valenti aren't we?"
"YES! I'm serious Isabel, coming here, meeting all of you. It's been amazing. I kept worrying I wouldn't fit in, I wouldn't have anything in common with anyone. But you, Kyle, Maria, Liz, Max and Michael; you've all been wonderful. And Kyle? I starting to feel things about him I've never felt for anyone."
"You've been good for him."
"You think so?"
"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. Kyle and I have become pretty good friends in the past few months, we've been working through difficult times, it's nice to see him happy."
"Thanks Iz."
"Just make sure he stays happy." Isabel warned, with a smile.
"I'll do my best."
**************************************************************************** **
By the time Kyle arrived around 4:00, Iz and Sera were on their second pitcher of non-alcoholic strawberry margaritas.
"Man, you started the party without me?" He asked looking at the girls who were sitting in their lounge chairs wearing their cover-ups and toasting giddily. "Are you sure there is no booze in these?" Kyle questioned as he appraised the two giggling girls.
"100% alcohol free. So says the label. We are just naturally goofy." Sera explained.
"That's for sure!" Kyle agreed, setting the gift he was carrying onto an empty table near the food table.
"Is that for me?" Sera asked jokingly.
"No, its for Iz." he deadpanned.
"Me? I love presents. But Sera can have it, I already know what it is!"
"So hard to please." Kyle said laughing at his friend.
"I try!"
"OK…who's ready for a water fight!" Kyle asked raising his eyebrows at Iz and Sera as he stripped off his shirt.
Sera was glad she was wearing sunglasses. When Kyle shed his shirt she swore that her eyes were going to pop out of her skull.
//Damn, he's got a nice body! I mean I know it feels nice when I'm running my hands up his chest but GOOD LORD! I don't think anyone has the right to look that good.//
While Sera was trying to regain the ability to speak, Iz glared at her friend.
"Don't even think about it!"
"Why not? You guys attacked us on Fourth of July. I say turn about is fair play!"
"You're all alone. You really think you stand a chance against us?"
"When the guys get here I'm sure they'll back me up!"
"You think Max and Michael will pay any attention to you with Liz and Maria parading around in bikinis? When did you suffer from a massive head wound?"
"Guys stick up for each other you know."
"Not when their girlfriends are standing four inches away from them wearing only a tiny swatch of fabric!!"
"We'll see."
Iz turned to Sera. "Stand up."
"Huh?" Sera looked at Iz.
"Stand up. I'm going to prove my point."
Sera did as she was told and stood beside Iz.
Iz walked toward Kyle dragging Sera with her. She reached out and yanked the tie to Sera's halter style cover-up. The material drifted down Sera's body and she blushed to the roots of her hair when she saw Kyle's eyes roam over her approvingly.
//OK, I'm so glad these swim trunks are bulky. I didn't think that Sera could possibly look more beautiful than she did in that corset thingie on Fourth of July, but this suit is making me crazy! It matches her eyes, which makes them seem more blue than ever-if that's even possible.
Praise Buddha, she was built for a bikini! Wait, I'm supposed to be refuting Isabel's point.//
"And?" Kyle managed to choke out, hoping he sound stronger to them than he did to himself.
Sera grinned and looked at Isabel before moving closer to her boyfriend.
"So my proximity to you, in this garment has ABSOLUTELY no effect on you?"
N…None whatsoever." Kyle stuttered.
Sera pressed into him and breathed in his ear. "None? Really? I must be losing my touch." She said as she traced a path down his arm.
Sera started to turn away from him and he spun her around to face him. "Well I guess you did have some effect on me."
She smiled. "Really?" she asked putting her arms around his neck. "Care to share?"
"This is something I'd better show you." Kyle said kissing her lightly.
"Standing right here." Iz complained.
"Don't worry Iz, I'll show you too."
"What?" the girls shouted a split second before Kyle wrapped his arm around Iz's waist and jumped into to pool with both of them.
They came up sputtering as Kyle howled with laughter.
"Pay back is a bitch isn't it?" He asked.
Isabel struggled with her wet cover-up for a moment before finally pulling it free.
"Nice suit Iz." Kyle said regarding the copper bikini that looked stunning against her tan form.
She shot daggers at him in response.
He swam the length of the pool as the girls got their hair out of their faces and plotted their revenge.
"He is so going down!" Sera said as she wiped her face with a towel.
"You're not kidding!" Iz said, pulling the wet ponytail holder out of her hair.
They swam to Kyle, who tried to get away but they were too fast for him.
"Where are you going? We just want to have a little fun." Sera said in a singsong voice.
Hey, now if you want all of us to have fun, I can think of a really good way."
Sera nodded slightly to Iz who quickly jumped Kyle, dunking him under the water.
Kyle tried in vain to escape Isabel's hands, she was deceptively strong and, he had a sneaking suspicion she was using her powers on him. He caught hold of Sera's legs and took her under. She swam free of his grasp and motioned to Iz to release him. He came up with a devilish glint in his eyes. He splashed Sera, his arm making a sweeping motion through the water. She retaliated, but her aim was off and the brunt of the wave caught Iz full in the face. Isabel sputtered for a moment before going after Sera.
Kyle, Sera and Isabel were having so much fun they didn't realize how much time had passed until Maria, Michael, Liz and Max appeared at the pool's edge.
"Well. Looks like you guys are having fun without us." Maria said laughing at the pool occupants.
The trio finally called a truce and hoisted themselves out of the water.
"Happy Birthday Chica! I'd hug you but your soaked."
"That's OK."
"Oh good the gang's all here." Nicole said as she and Charles came out bearing pizza and gifts.
"Man, Sera you are making a haul." Maria laughed examining the card table where the gifts were stacked. "Just think if you'd invited too many more people, the presents wouldn't fit."
"Everyone I want to share my birthday with is here. Except Sean."
"Yeah, he hated that he couldn't get off work, but he sent his birthday wishes. He said he'd give you your birthday spanking the next time he saw you."
"Ooh, I can't wait!" Sera joked.
"Sean's so humorous isn't he?" Kyle asked as he draped his arm over his girlfriend.
Nicole opened the pizza boxes and blanched. "Ugh, I don't know how you kids eat this stuff. Pineapple and hot peppers on the same pizza?"
"Sweet and Spicy." Max, Iz. Michael, Maria and Liz answered all at once.
"Well, I still think its weird, but everyone's different."
"You call us when you're ready to do gifts." Charles said turning to head indoors with his wife.
"You aren't staying?"
"No, you have fun at the party part of the party and call us for the gift giving and for clean-up."
"You two rock! Can it be my birthday everyday?"
"Thankfully no." Charles teased. "Have fun kids!"
They loaded up plates with the pizza, chips, and dip and sat on the lounge chairs to talk.
"So what exactly does one do at a three week cheerleading camp?" Isabel asked sipping her water.
"Seems a bit excessive doesn't it?" Sera replied with a grin. "Well at Kennedy, we worked on the routines for the coming year. Our camps were only two weeks long. Maybe they do something special here. I know it will be fun, but I have a major hurdle to overcome."
"What's that?" Liz asked.
"How to spend three weeks in a close proximity to Pam Troy without killing her."
"Now there's a challenge." Max said causing everyone to stare at him.
"What? I'm not allowed to express my opinions."
"Just never knew you had it in you!" Kyle said looking at Max bewildered.
"I've expressed my opinion regarding you PLENTY of times."
"Yeah, but that doesn't count. You're jealous of me." Kyle puffed out his chest.
Sera threw a potato chip at him. "Why would Max be jealous of you?"
"Thanks for the support!" Kyle said frowning at her.
"Anytime!"
Max picked up the Tabasco bottle and liberally doused his pizza.
"Tabasco on top of hot peppers? Geez you three really do like the hot stuff!!" Sera said turning her attention to Iz, Max and Michael.
"Just our little dietary quirk." Iz said stealing a glance at Maria, who grinned.
"I guess I can't say anything. I once made a cake with cayenne in it."
The group stared at her.
"I had just seen Chocolat, the movie, and the main character talks about making this dessert with a special kind of peppers in it. I went home and tried it. I thought it was pretty good. My mother wouldn't let me near the kitchen for three weeks after that."
"Good thing Mr. Parker hired you as a waitress, not a cook!" Michael joked.
Sera sneered at him, but joined everyone else as they laughed.
When they put away most of the pizza Sera ran to get Nicole and Charles for the gift giving.
When she returned Liz was collecting the paper plates and stacking the on the table near the pizza boxes. Sera walked quickly to her and took her hand.
"You are not at work! Put down the plates, walk away from the table and no one gets hurt!"
"Sera, I don't mind!"
"I do! Come sit down."
"OK!"
The sat near Kyle and Max, Sera clapped her hands at her mother. "Gimmie, Gimmie!"
"I thought you'd outgrow this obsession with getting presents. Nicole lightly chided her daughter.
"No way. I've still got at least another 10-20 years before I tire of getting presents!"
"OK, lets start with this one from me and Charles."
Sera opened the package to reveal diamond earrings. She squealed and jumped up to hug her mother.
"You've been waiting for those for awhile now, so I hope you like them."
"I love them. Thanks Mom. Charles," she exclaimed as she hugged him, "Thank you, they're beautiful!"
She scampered back to the chair she and Kyle were sharing to show him. He laughed at her enthusiasm. "Easy girl, you still have five more to get through!"
"I can't help it, I love presents."
"Don't listen to him Sera, he loves getting presents just as much as the next person!" Liz reported.
Iz grabbed the next present off the table. "This one's from Sean."
"That was sweet!" Sera cooed.
Kyle took the package and held it at arms length. "Be careful, it might explode."
"Give it back! It's for me it won't explode. Now if it were for you, then we'd have cause to worry!"
Kyle returned the present and Sera ripped into it. Her eyes widened as she looked inside.
"Oh my God!!!" She reached in and held up the gift to show Maria. "He's such a sweetie! It's a Spike clock! I'll now have James Marsters in my bedroom on a regular basis!"
"Can I borrow that?" Liz asked.
"NO!" Max and Sera forcefully answered her.
"I can't believe he remembered that conversation." Kyle looked to her for an explanation. "He was in the Crashdown having lunch one day and I mentioned that he'd better tip me well because I just found a new Buffy website to blow all my cash on. He asked me a little more about it and THIS," she held up the clock for demonstration. "was one of my heavily coveted items! How did he know I didn't have it?"
"He called to make sure before he bought it." Charles explained.
"Oh! I can't wait to see him in person! To thank him, I may let him give me those birthday spankings after all." Sera said laughing.
Kyle mocked her laughter. "Ha Ha Ha. Over my dead body!"
"OK Iz, what's next. Mr. Testosterone is beginning to rear its ugly head."
"You can open mine next." Isabel said passing a slim package to Sera.
"I love this wrapping its beautiful!
"Why is it chicks get just as excited about the wrapping paper as they do the actual present?" Michael asked Max.
Max shook his head with a grin.
Sera opened the package. "Iz I love them!" She modeled her new J-Lo style shades for everyone.
"I've never seen them with a butterfly, its usually a heart."
Iz and Kyle grinned. "I had them make an alteration."
Sera leaned forward to hug Isabel. "Thank you so much."
"That one is from Max and me." Liz said as Isabel picked up a larger package.
"I love packages wrapped like this. It makes me feel like I'm on TV." Sera joked as she pulled the wrapped top off the bottom. "Oh my God you two, I've been wanting this for so long! Thank you."
She pulled out the Ultimate Mummy in glee.
"There's a second layer." Max said pointing to the box.
Sera laughed as she lifted up the tissue paper and uncovered three bags of microwave popcorn.
"It was a vicious plot. Get you movie and popcorn and you HAVE to have us over to share!"
"Agreed! I'll put them in a special bag marked Max and Liz only!"
"Hey, What about us? Michael questioned.
"We'll see." Max laughed.
"OK that one's from me and Michael! Open open!" Maria exclaimed with glee.
Sera accepted another package from Iz and pulled back the paper.
"Crabtree and Evelyn! Ohh, Nantucket Briar is my favorite scent! Thanks guys!"
"Honey were are you going to put all the shower gels and bubble baths you have now?" Nicole questioned with a smirk.
"Not to worry Mom. For this I'll make room!" She winked at Maria and Michael.
"If you say so!" Nicole shook her head. "Well, looks like we're down to one present. Kyle this must be yours." She handed the package to Kyle who turned it over to Sera apprehensively.
She smiled at him as she took the gift. She slowly slid her fingers under the tape and pried the wrap away from the box. When it finally slid away her breath caught in her throat. She glanced up at Kyle before opening the box. She reached in and pulled out a set of colorful butterfly wind chimes.
Kyle whispered in her ear. "If you don't like them we can take them back.
She shifted on the lounge chair and wrapped her arms around his neck.
I love them." she whispered back. "Remind me to show you how much later."
Kyle pulled away and looked at her with a goofy grin on his face.
"Now Kyle you know I'm not one to say I told you so…"
Iz began as the rest of the group coughed and snickered.
"BUT…" she shot them an icy glare.
"I told you she'd like them."
"Yes you did. Thank you Iz!"
"All of you thank you so much! I love everything. You guys are so great!" Sera said as she wiped tears from her eyes.
"How about some cake kids?" Nicole said giving Sera an opportunity to compose herself.
Kyle picked up the wrapping paper mess that had created a nest around his and Sera's chair.
"Fudge Mint Ripple ice cream cake." Nicole announced as she strategically placed seventeen candles around the cake's perimeter.
"Oh yes! Sera you know how to pick your ice cream!"
"Honestly, is there any other flavor even worth mentioning?" Sera replied.
"Very Vanilla is my favorite." Liz admitted.
"Vanilla? Your favorite flavor is vanilla?" Sera asked incredulously.
"Tell me about it!" Isabel said rolling her eyes.
"You two leave Liz alone! Vanilla is a fine flavor!" Charles defended her.
"Thank you Mr. Whitman!"
"Well, I can't let those two pick on you! It's just not fair!" he winked at her.
Everyone filed to the table to get their cake then returned to their chairs. Maria provided a shield as Michael pooled some tabasco sauce onto his plate. Liz smiled and did the same for Max. Kyle grabbed a plate from Charles and put sauce behind the cake for Iz before handing it to her. He turned back to the table and accepted another plate from Charles before joining Sera on the chair.
They ate their cake in relative silence with a few jokes from Kyle about skinny-dipping. Apparently he failed to realize that Charles and Nicole had not yet gone back inside.
Once Charles cleared his throat and gave him a stern stare, Kyle refrained from such comments.
When the cake was finished and the Whitman's safely back inside, Maria decided it was time for everyone to hit the pool. She stripped off her clothes and grinned when she heard Michael's breathing alter.
Her tiny light blue suit with sparkly yellow sunbursts certainly seemed to attract his attention.
Max was equally as interested in Liz's black tankini. His eyes roamed over her appreciatively until his sister smacked him upside the head.
"You think you could have eye sex with her a little later?"
"Isabel!" Max turned to face his sister.
"Honestly Max, they way you two stare at each other is ridiculous!"
"Maybe if you weren't so nosy, you wouldn't notice the looks that Liz and I share."
Max I could be blind and I'd still be subjected to those looks. They radiate off you two!"
Max grinned and started for his girlfriend.
"So, when did you get this and why haven't you modeled it for me?" Michael asked Maria as he nuzzled the back of her neck.
"Because she got it the day I got mine!" Sera informed him as she and Kyle swam to the steps where they were seated.
"What else did you two pick up that day that you're keeping from us?" Kyle asked with a glint in his eye.
"I guess you'll have to wait see!" Sera said laughing as she splashed him.
Iz sat down on the pool edge and dangled her feet in the water. "Am I interrupting couple time?"
"Never. We're always happy to see you." Sera smiled.
Iz smiled back as she looked at Maria's suit. "Is that it?" she questioned.
"Yeah."
"Looks nice. How long was he non-verbal?" she asked pointing at Michael.
"Awhile."
Michael looked from his girlfriend to his 'sister' "You two are a riot!"
"We try!" Maria said winking at him.
"Did you get tired of the dreamy twosome?" Kyle asked gesturing toward Max and Liz, who were on the opposite end of the pool, completely engrossed in each other.
"I can only take so much! I figured that you two were the safest couple to be around." she said pointing at Sera and Kyle.
"What about us?" Maria said getting defensive.
"Please, you two are just as bad. I'll say this for you. You don't insist on making googly eyes at each other 24 hours a day!"
"No they prefer the more subtle tongue down your throat approach." Kyle said making a face at Maria
"Like you're opposed to that!" Maria said staring at him harshly.
"I think I'm a little more smooth than that!" Kyle protested.
All three girls responded at the same time.
"No you're not."
Kyle turned on Sera. "Aren't you are supposed to be expressing your thanks for your birthday present."
"You're the one who said we should come pick on Michael and Maria."
"I said talk to not pick on."
"Oh. There's a difference?"
"Hey! See if I stick up for you anymore!" Maria said flicking water in Sera's direction.
"Kids place nice." Iz chided.
"You never let us have any fun!" Kyle complained.
"I think those two are having enough fun for all of us." Sera said pointing at Max and Liz.
"Ugh, still! Do they ever come up for air." Iz asked joining her friends in the water.
"I think we all know the answer to that!" Michael replied dryly.
At the other end of the pool Liz laughed as Max tried to join her on the raft she recently acquired from the pool ledge.
"I feel like Rose in Titanic."
"What?" Max asked confused.
"Near the end of Titanic, Jack tries to join Rose on this raft thing, actually it's a door or something. But each time he tries he nearly tips them both over so he settles for leaning on it while she stays afloat."
"Oh."
"Max, I know you've seen that movie! I've watched it with you."
"I know I just love to hear you explain things." he said gazing at her.
She smiled and kissed him. "Just be thankful that the Whitman's keep their pool warm so we don't have to worry about you freezing!"
"I'll never let go Jack, I'll never let go!" Max said in his best Rose voice.
"MAX! You're ruining a beautiful movie moment! How would you like it if I made fun of Crouching Tiger?"
"That's not allowed!" Max declared.
Liz grinned and shifted on the raft so she was closer to him.
"So Sera had a good time don't you think?" she asked wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Yeah. This was fun! We haven't had a real birthday celebration in the group in a long time."
"I've missed everyone hanging out together. With everything that happened this spring, it feels nice to get some semblance of normality back."
Max stroked her hair for a moment before a grin lit up his face. "Don't get comfortable just yet!"
"Why not?" she inquired.
"Isabel's birthday is in two months, that gives us JUST enough time to plan."
Liz smiled and leaned in for another kiss.
END CHAPTER
