Author's Note: Here's Chapter 5—enjoy!

July 9, 2004

Disclaimer: I do not own Summerland or any related characters or places.

Your Beautiful Soul

Chapter 5

"What happened to you?" Ava asked, hurrying over to inspect her bruised nephew as he limped in the back door with Maggie's help. "Were you in another fight?"

"No—a volleyball accident," Bradin said, easing himself down onto the couch.

"Is that a black eye?" Ava lifted his chin.

"Yeah," he looked over to Maggie.

"Hey." Maggie lifted her hands in defense. "I called it."

"Obviously not loud enough," Ava smiled.

"What'd you do to him?" Susannah asked, stepping from the kitchen, ice pack and washcloth in hand.

"She was trying to kill me, that's what," Bradin put in.

"I called it—I went for it. It's not my fault you dove for it at the same time." Maggie sat down next to him and gently placed the cloth-covered ice pack over his left eye.

"I did win the game for the team." Bradin tried to hold on to the last remaining piece of dignity he could find.

"Oh, yes—quite. That last shot you made off of your head did score a point."

"Got you a game closer to the championships, if I do say so myself." Bradin stretched out and put his feet up on the coffee table.

"Save your ego, buddy. You didn't do it by yourself."

"Whatdaya mean? I got the knocks to prove it!" Bradin moaned, playing his injuries to the max.

"Oh you poor baby," Maggie crooned, then with a light tap on his knee, "Suck it up tough guy."

Ava and Susannah laughed, returning to their work in the kitchen.

Bradin sighed, then said reluctantly, "Fine. But if anyone asks, a football player fell on me."

"Whatever you say tough guy." Maggie smiled at him.

"Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend?" Ava asked after a moment.

"Oh, yeah, Aunt Ava, Susannah, this is my girlfriend, Maggie—Maggie, this is Susannah and my Aunt Ava." At the word 'girlfriend' he felt Maggie stiffen and, glancing over to see a slight blush spread across the cheek nearest him, he instantly regretted saying the objectionable word, hoping neither of the women had noticed.

"I'm very glad to meet you," Ava smiled reassuringly over the kitchen island.

Bradin was now positive his aunt had caught a glimpse of Maggie's brief discomfort.

"Ditto," Susannah said over her shoulder, stirring something in a pot on the stove.

"You too," Maggie covered with a smile and a sigh only perceptible to Bradin.

"We're about ready to eat," Ava pulled a large white pot from the oven. "Maggie, would you like to join us? I'm sure we have plenty."

"Thank you very much, but I can't. I have dinner plans with a friend of mine."

"Tomorrow maybe?" Ava tried to make sure she was clear that Maggie was welcome in the house.

"Absolutely—I'd love to," she paused looking to Bradin, "As long as it's okay with you."

"Sure, Mags." He smiled at her. Maggie smiled back…her smile was beautiful.

"Well, I should get going." Maggie stood from the couch. "It was very nice to meet you, Ava; Susannah."

"You too, Maggie." Susannah smiled.

"I'll walk you to the door," Bradin said, getting up carefully.

"I hate to rush off like this, Bradin," Maggie started after the front door had closed behind them.

Bradin looked at her, taking in all her beautiful attributes. He slid his arms around her waist and pulled her towards him as she slung her arms around his neck. Leaning down, his lips met hers in a gentle and passionate kiss. Bradin was pleasantly surprised when Maggie met him with the same passion and fire. They stood on the front porch for several long minutes, searching each other and finding a rewarding calm.

Bradin groaned quietly, breaking the kiss, his body objecting to the strain of holding her so tightly.

"I'm sorry," Maggie whispered. She shifted to give him a soft hug, then pulled away. "See ya tomorrow."

"Bye," Bradin forced out, finally realizing what she'd said. He stood dazed for a moment, watching her walk away down the street. Wow. He smiled.