"I can't believe you two were going to do that on my bed!" Jason exclaimed
as he stood shocked in the door of his bedroom. Jason liked to think that
he was not the type of guy who was surprised by the passionate actions of
others. However, Jason Masters was stopped dead in his tracks when he saw
Ghoul Girl herself in such a position with the infamous Brady Black. He
couldn't help but wonder if his good buddy Philip even had a clue how his
girlfriend spent her free time.
After staring blankly at Jason for a moment, Chloe's mind began to function, and she realized that she was inadvertently showing her barely covered breasts to her habitual foe. Even worse, she was doing it while on his bed straddling Brady.
Chloe hurriedly reached to grab her shirt from where it dangled precariously from the edge of Jason's queen size bed. Her mind literally overloaded with thoughts and feelings, Chloe just couldn't find the words to apologize to Jason or explain what he had witnessed. In reality, Chloe wasn't even sure what had happened. But, she did know that it had been inevitable. She might refuse to admit her constant attraction and admiration for Brady, but her actions had proven it.
As Chloe removed herself from the bed and slipped her shirt back on, Brady simply relaxed on the bed. He wasn't the least bit sorry for what he and Chloe had been doing or what they had been on their way to doing. And, Brady knew that if he thought about it long enough, he could find a way to make the entire situation work to his advantage.
Part of Jason was appalled that he had walked in on Chloe and Brady making out. However, the more hormonal part of him found it rather exciting. After getting a view of Chloe without her shirt on, Jason was beginning to see why she had been so appealing to Philip. And, if she kissed Philip half as passionately as she did Brady, his friend was quite a lucky guy.
Approaching Jason, Chloe quickly stated, "It wasn't what it looked like."
Rolling his eyes, Jason sarcastically replied with a smile, "Nah, of course it wasn't. Let me guess, you were just having music lessons. I bet today's instrument of choice was an organ. So, Chloe, are you going to tell me just how much you enjoy playing with Brady's organ - while Philip is just downstairs?"
Before Chloe could utter an upset response, Brady jumped from the bed and took his place at her side. Directing a cold glare in Jason's direction, Brady warned, "Don't ever speak to her like that again." Brady then gave a smug smile and added, "Besides, everyone knows that you and Mimi come up here all the time for some afternoon delight, but you don't see me going down to ask her about it."
Jason decided to ignore Brady's remark and focused his attention on Chloe. He had never seen her so much as seriously flirt with anyone but Philip. Now, he caught her trying to tongue wrestle with Brady. Jason enjoyed a good revelation as much as the next person, but he honestly didn't want to see Philip's pained reaction to Brady and Chloe's own version of afternoon delight. Even worse, Jason somehow sensed that it wasn't just a physical connection. Whatever Brady and Chloe shared had to be much deeper for them to finally stop resisting their mutual attraction.
Still, Jason could not really concern himself with Brady and Chloe's possible feelings for each other when it was his friend that was in danger of getting his heart broken. "So, Chloe, what about Philip?"
"Philip?" Chloe repeated as though hearing the name for the very first time. Lost in her thoughts, Chloe didn't even notice Brady leave her side and begin to aimlessly pace the room.
"Yeah, you know, your boyfriend."
Tears filling her eyes, Chloe whispered, "I never wanted to hurt him."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Shawn's level of jealousy continued to rise as he watched Zach carry on his flirtation with Belle. It was bad enough that the guy was hitting on Belle, but worse, Belle didn't exactly look unhappy about it. Shawn concluded that Belle was just being her usual nice self and that if Zach wasn't around she surely wouldn't miss him.
Noticing his friend blatantly staring at Belle, Philip remarked, "I've already told you that you're going to lose her if you don't get your act together, Shawn. The girl can only wait for you so long."
"You make it sound like I'm the problem. But, I'm not."
"Well, all-knowing Shawn Brady, who is the problem?"
"[iHim[/i]," muttered Shawn as he cast an unhappy glare in Zach's direction. Of course, Zach Wesley was far too busy entertaining Belle to even notice Shawn's displeasure.
Continuing to stare at the two people standing near the pool, Shawn stated, "The entire time we were out here, he stayed in that hammock. Then, when you and I stayed in the kitchen to joke with Mimi after catching her on the kitchen floor with Jason and Belle came out here alone, he suddenly wasn't tired. Imagine that. The minute I'm not there to protect her, he gets all flirty with her."
"Shawn, you're not going to go off on your own and do something crazy, are you?"
"No, of course not. First, what I have planned isn't crazy. And, second, I'm not doing it on my own - your helping me."
Philip grimaced as Shawn mentioned having something in store for Zach. From personal experience, Philip knew that plans created by Shawn Brady were destined for one thing . . . failure. Even as he listened to Shawn's instructions, Philip groaned, "Why do I get myself into these situations?"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I swear to you, I would never want to hurt Philip. You have to believe me, Jason. I really do care about Philip," pleaded Chloe as a tear escaped the boundaries of her eye and slid down her left cheek. Quietly, she added, "That's what the note was about in class today - the one telling him to come in my window. Can't you see? I care about Philip too much to continue our relationship when I know that I can't be what he needs. He deserves someone who can love him with all of her heart. I am not that person."
Jason was so involved in his dispute with Chloe that he completely failed to notice Brady discreetly looking through the papers on the desk. Attempting to keep his anger under control, Jason crossed his arms over his chest and theorized, "So, you've been planning to rip Philip's heart in half just so you could mess around with Brady?"
"No! My relationship with Philip has nothing to do with Brady. Jason, even you have to admit that things have been getting worse and worse between me and Philip. He deserves more than I could ever give him."
"Are you trying to tell me that Brady doesn't have anything to do with you dumping Philip? Considering I just walked in on you two, I find that a little hard to believe."
More tears slipping down her saddened face, Chloe stated, "I swear to you that Brady and I have not been seeing each other behind Philip's back. And, I would never hurt Philip just so I could be with Brady. In fact, there has never been anything going on between me and Brady, and there never will be. Things just got a little out of control in here. That's all. I swear."
"Give me one good reason to not go downstairs right now and tell Philip what I saw going on in here."
Before Chloe could answer, Brady stated, "Chloe, why don't you step out into the hall for a minute. I think there's something that Jason and I need to discuss. You know, man to man."
Chloe was going to refuse, but decided to trust Brady when she realized that she just couldn't bear to see the look of disgust that was painfully clear on Jason's face. Nodding, she left the room.
The moment the door shut behind Chloe, Brady approached the younger man. In his most intimidating voice, Brady ordered, "You are never going to make Chloe feel like that again. She's not a bad person, and from now on, you are going to respect her."
"Not a bad person? Philip is downstairs probably wondering where Chloe is, and she can do is stand out in the hall and hope that I won't tell anyone that I caught her making out with her boyfriend's nephew. How can she not be a bad person?"
Laughing heartlessly, Brady responded, "Don't be self-righteous, Jason. It doesn't suit you. I seriously doubt you think Chloe's really that bad of a person. God knows that you've probably done things ten times worse. Now, I want you to not only treat Chloe like a lady, but I also want you to forget that you ever walked into this room while Chloe and I were on the bed."
"Why should I?"
Brady's mind flashed back to the papers he had been looking at while Chloe and Jason were speaking. Most of the documents on Jason's desk were completely unimportant. However, Brady had stumbled upon part of a torn up letter - from Jason's father. Though he only had part of the letter, Brady was able to understand that Jason was terribly ashamed of something his father had done and would never forgive him. Brady only hoped that he could bluff himself and Chloe out of their current position. Still, Brady hated using something that must be terribly painful against Jason. Under normal circumstances, Brady wouldn't sink that low, but he would do anything to protect Chloe. That included blackmailing one of his sister's friends.
"Why should you behave like a gentleman? Maybe, because I know that your father isn't one."
A look of panic took control of Jason's face. "What are you talking about?"
Hoping that his bluff would work, Brady answered, "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Did you honestly think that you could keep the truth about your dad a secret forever? Really, Jason, you had to know that someone would eventually find out. Of course, I can't blame you for being ashamed of your old man. I would be, too."
Jason was far too panicked to notice how cryptic Brady's words were. The only thing that Jason could concentrate on was that someone had discovered the truth. And, that someone was Brady Black.
"I'll make you a deal, Masters. You keep your mouth shut and don't harass Chloe, and I won't tell anyone what I know about your father. The whole thing will stay strictly between you and me. Deal?"
Reluctantly, Jason agreed, "Deal." Without another word, Jason turned and left the room, wordlessly passing Chloe in the hallway. The idea of changing his damp shirt had long ago been forgotten.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The loud splash of the water in the pool instantly grabbed the attention of everyone that had started to eat in the back yard. Of course, the sound of the water paled in comparison to the screams that erupted from the two people who caused the splash. Or, more precisely, the victims of Shawn's latest plan.
Shawn had been certain that nothing could go wrong. No one would get hurt, and he would get a good laugh - at Zach's expense. Shawn was simply going to pretend to have a friendly disagreement with Philip. Then, Philip would shove Shawn in the direction of the pool. However, Shawn's plan would make certain that he "accidentally" bumped into Zach and knocked him into the pool instead.
Things were actually going smoothly at first. As Zach stood near the pool with Belle, Philip gave Shawn a gentle push. That push placed Shawn in front of Belle and sent Zach on his way into the pool.
Unfortunately, neither Shawn nor Philip noticed Erin walking past the pool until Zach smashed into her. That little detail resulted in both Zach and Erin taking an impromptu swim.
Zach had attempted to save himself and Erin by grabbing her waist. Like with Jason and Mimi in the kitchen, he only managed to bring them both down.
And, a slightly amused Zach and a terribly embarrassed Erin were in each other's arms in the pool when Jason stormed out of the house.
A large part of Jason was angry that his actions were being decided by Brady. However, there was also a part of Jason that was relieved. He knew that if Brady wasn't holding something over his head, he would be obliged to tell Philip the truth. And, for reasons Jason would never understand, he didn't entirely want to do that.
All laughter stopped when Jason appeared next to the pool. Like most other males, he just didn't like the idea of seeing his newest friend and his baby sister wrapped in each other's arms in a pool. In fact, the mere sight of Zach's arms around Erin's waist was enough to make Jason's temper return in full force.
"What are you doing?" Jason yelled as he loomed over the two stunned individuals in the pool. Focusing solely on Zach, Jason ordered, "Get your hands off my sister! I don't ever want to see you near her again! Not ever!"
As Zach tried to give a jumbled explanation, he unintentionally kept his arms around Erin. Well, he kept his arms there until Jason reached over for Erin's hand and pulled her to the side of the pool - and away from Zach. As he continued to try giving an explanation, Zach removed himself from the pool and was greeted with a towel from Belle as she shot dirty looks and Shawn and Philip.
While everyone kept their gazes focused on Jason, Chloe discreetly entered the backyard and stood several feet away from Philip. Part of her feared that not only would he be able to see what she had done, but he would also be able to see how right it had felt to her.
Noticing his girlfriend, Philip instantly approached her and wrapped a loving arm around her waist. "Hey, beautiful. I was wondering where you disappeared to. I was half afraid that you had gotten bored and walked home." Oblivious to Chloe's inner turmoil, Philip happily continued, "You really missed the fireworks earlier. A bunch of us walked into the kitchen and found Jason and Mimi together on the kitchen floor. It was hilarious."
Chloe forced herself to smile as she glanced around for Brady. Not seeing him, she wasn't sure if she was relieved or thoroughly disappointed. He had told her that things with Jason were settled and that she had nothing to worry about. But, that had been all he had said before walking away from her and leaving her alone in the hallway outside Jason's bedroom. Now, Chloe wasn't sure where they stood with each other. Over the past few months, they had begun to share a very special friendship. She wasn't quite ready to admit that she had fallen in love with Brady, but she wasn't ready to lose him from her life either.
Looking up at Philip, Chloe quietly questioned, "You're still coming over later tonight, aren't you?"
"Of course, I would do anything for you."
Chloe looked away from Philip before he could see the tears building in her eyes. She was so close to crying, but it wasn't because she would soon be living life without Philip at her side. In her heart, Chloe knew that she could never be what he needed to truly live his life to the fullest. And, he would never be the one to haunt her heart in the darkest hours of the night. He would never be Brady. Instead, Chloe felt sorrow because she knew that ending the relationship would hurt Philip - even if it was for the best.
Lost in her own thoughts, Chloe paid no attention as Jason walked inside with his sister while Belle sent Shawn especially displeased glares. And, Chloe barely noticed Philip lead her to the picnic table. All she could comprehend was that in a few hours, Philip would be coming to her window only to have his heart shattered. But, even as Chloe felt grief for her relationship with Philip ending, somewhere deep inside, she wondered what that would mean for her and Brady.
Over the course of the next hour, things returned to an almost normal state. Returning outside with a much calmer Jason, Erin took a seat near the pool with Kevin and Susan while her brother retrieved her glasses from the pool.
Shawn was forced to make conversation with Jack and Jeremy since Belle devoted herself to listening to Zach talk about the friends he missed in Chicago. After returning Erin's very wet glasses to her, Jason approached Mimi. Instantly, the two returned to alternating between staring and avoiding gazes. It was apparent that having Mimi near him and not Jeremy was enough to put Jason in a better mood. As for Brady, he had purposely stayed indoors to avoid any possible conflicts.
Chloe tried her hardest to listen as Philip discussed some team's chances of making it to the state finals, but her mind continued to drift away as she noticed the way the backyard was darkening. And, she remembered the way the setting sun had cast its glow over Jason's room . . . the way Brady had cast a seductive spell over her. Deep inside, Chloe knew that she never wanted the spell to be broken. Never.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Just as Kevin and Susan were leaving, they were stopped by Jason. With Mimi standing at his side, Jason purposely stepped in front of the couple. Expecting Jason to yet again warn them to never return, Kevin and Susan were shocked to see him offer what appeared to be a genuine smile.
As he glanced back and forth between the two people he had so often tormented, an uncontrollable smile took over Jason's face. Unsuccessfully trying to control his grin, Jason casually commented, "So, you two are leaving."
"Yes, we know that makes you very happy. And, I can assure you that the next time Belle asks us to attend a barbecue, we'll decline," curtly replied Susan.
Jason cocked his head to one side and said, "Yeah, okay. Um, anyway, you two look awfully chummy. What's up with that?"
Proudly sticking up for Susan, Kevin answered, "Not that it's any of your business, but Susan and I have reached a mutual agreement to enjoy one another's company this Friday evening - as in on a date."
Giving a light laugh, Jason smiled widely at Kevin and Susan before looking at Mimi whose face was set in an unamused expression. Throwing an arm around Mimi's shoulder, Jason pulled her close to him and smugly commented, "Mimi, did you hear that? Kevin and Susan are going out on a date! Isn't that just the greatest news you've ever heard?"
Looking up at Jason unhappily, Mimi sarcastically replied, "Oh, that's just swell." Knowing exactly what she would have to do because Kevin asked Susan out, Mimi subconsciously blamed the newly formed couple. While thinking along those lines, she bitterly added, "Gee, Kev, maybe you can seduce Susan with all those big words you know."
Joining Mimi's taunting, Jason asked, "Hey, Susan, is it the way this geek talks that turns you on?"
Chloe suddenly appeared behind Kevin and Susan and smugly questioned, "Would you rather Susan get turned on by the kitchen floor or the balcony doors being opened like you and Mimi?"
"To be honest, I don't really care what gets Susan all hot and heavy - as long as she doesn't decide to betray Kevin with some other guy on my bed," responded Jason as he sent Chloe a knowing glare. He knew that she got his message loud and clear when she simply continued on her way to wait for Zach and Philip by the Mustang.
His smile returning, Jason looked at Kevin and Susan and said, "Seriously, you have no idea how glad I am that the two of you finally hooked up."
Kevin and Susan weren't sure what Jason was up to and didn't want to find out. They each forced a fake smile before going to the jeep to wait for Brady and Belle.
After Kevin and Susan left the backyard, Jason stared triumphantly at Mimi. Tearing his gaze away from Mimi, Jason waved to get Zach's attention. "Hey, man, I need a favor."
Confidently striding over to Jason and Mimi, Zach asked, "And, just what would that favor be?"
"My mom won't be back from my Aunt Corrine's house until tomorrow afternoon, and I'm going to be really busy in the morning. So, I sorta need someone to take Erin to school."
"I thought you didn't want me with hundred yards of your baby sister."
"Cut the crap, Zach. Can you pick up Erin in the morning or not?"
Knowing that he would probably regret it, Zach answered, "Yeah, I can do it."
And, with that final promise, the barbecue celebrating the start of their senior year officially ended. But, it was really only the beginning of many interesting times to come.
After staring blankly at Jason for a moment, Chloe's mind began to function, and she realized that she was inadvertently showing her barely covered breasts to her habitual foe. Even worse, she was doing it while on his bed straddling Brady.
Chloe hurriedly reached to grab her shirt from where it dangled precariously from the edge of Jason's queen size bed. Her mind literally overloaded with thoughts and feelings, Chloe just couldn't find the words to apologize to Jason or explain what he had witnessed. In reality, Chloe wasn't even sure what had happened. But, she did know that it had been inevitable. She might refuse to admit her constant attraction and admiration for Brady, but her actions had proven it.
As Chloe removed herself from the bed and slipped her shirt back on, Brady simply relaxed on the bed. He wasn't the least bit sorry for what he and Chloe had been doing or what they had been on their way to doing. And, Brady knew that if he thought about it long enough, he could find a way to make the entire situation work to his advantage.
Part of Jason was appalled that he had walked in on Chloe and Brady making out. However, the more hormonal part of him found it rather exciting. After getting a view of Chloe without her shirt on, Jason was beginning to see why she had been so appealing to Philip. And, if she kissed Philip half as passionately as she did Brady, his friend was quite a lucky guy.
Approaching Jason, Chloe quickly stated, "It wasn't what it looked like."
Rolling his eyes, Jason sarcastically replied with a smile, "Nah, of course it wasn't. Let me guess, you were just having music lessons. I bet today's instrument of choice was an organ. So, Chloe, are you going to tell me just how much you enjoy playing with Brady's organ - while Philip is just downstairs?"
Before Chloe could utter an upset response, Brady jumped from the bed and took his place at her side. Directing a cold glare in Jason's direction, Brady warned, "Don't ever speak to her like that again." Brady then gave a smug smile and added, "Besides, everyone knows that you and Mimi come up here all the time for some afternoon delight, but you don't see me going down to ask her about it."
Jason decided to ignore Brady's remark and focused his attention on Chloe. He had never seen her so much as seriously flirt with anyone but Philip. Now, he caught her trying to tongue wrestle with Brady. Jason enjoyed a good revelation as much as the next person, but he honestly didn't want to see Philip's pained reaction to Brady and Chloe's own version of afternoon delight. Even worse, Jason somehow sensed that it wasn't just a physical connection. Whatever Brady and Chloe shared had to be much deeper for them to finally stop resisting their mutual attraction.
Still, Jason could not really concern himself with Brady and Chloe's possible feelings for each other when it was his friend that was in danger of getting his heart broken. "So, Chloe, what about Philip?"
"Philip?" Chloe repeated as though hearing the name for the very first time. Lost in her thoughts, Chloe didn't even notice Brady leave her side and begin to aimlessly pace the room.
"Yeah, you know, your boyfriend."
Tears filling her eyes, Chloe whispered, "I never wanted to hurt him."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Shawn's level of jealousy continued to rise as he watched Zach carry on his flirtation with Belle. It was bad enough that the guy was hitting on Belle, but worse, Belle didn't exactly look unhappy about it. Shawn concluded that Belle was just being her usual nice self and that if Zach wasn't around she surely wouldn't miss him.
Noticing his friend blatantly staring at Belle, Philip remarked, "I've already told you that you're going to lose her if you don't get your act together, Shawn. The girl can only wait for you so long."
"You make it sound like I'm the problem. But, I'm not."
"Well, all-knowing Shawn Brady, who is the problem?"
"[iHim[/i]," muttered Shawn as he cast an unhappy glare in Zach's direction. Of course, Zach Wesley was far too busy entertaining Belle to even notice Shawn's displeasure.
Continuing to stare at the two people standing near the pool, Shawn stated, "The entire time we were out here, he stayed in that hammock. Then, when you and I stayed in the kitchen to joke with Mimi after catching her on the kitchen floor with Jason and Belle came out here alone, he suddenly wasn't tired. Imagine that. The minute I'm not there to protect her, he gets all flirty with her."
"Shawn, you're not going to go off on your own and do something crazy, are you?"
"No, of course not. First, what I have planned isn't crazy. And, second, I'm not doing it on my own - your helping me."
Philip grimaced as Shawn mentioned having something in store for Zach. From personal experience, Philip knew that plans created by Shawn Brady were destined for one thing . . . failure. Even as he listened to Shawn's instructions, Philip groaned, "Why do I get myself into these situations?"
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"I swear to you, I would never want to hurt Philip. You have to believe me, Jason. I really do care about Philip," pleaded Chloe as a tear escaped the boundaries of her eye and slid down her left cheek. Quietly, she added, "That's what the note was about in class today - the one telling him to come in my window. Can't you see? I care about Philip too much to continue our relationship when I know that I can't be what he needs. He deserves someone who can love him with all of her heart. I am not that person."
Jason was so involved in his dispute with Chloe that he completely failed to notice Brady discreetly looking through the papers on the desk. Attempting to keep his anger under control, Jason crossed his arms over his chest and theorized, "So, you've been planning to rip Philip's heart in half just so you could mess around with Brady?"
"No! My relationship with Philip has nothing to do with Brady. Jason, even you have to admit that things have been getting worse and worse between me and Philip. He deserves more than I could ever give him."
"Are you trying to tell me that Brady doesn't have anything to do with you dumping Philip? Considering I just walked in on you two, I find that a little hard to believe."
More tears slipping down her saddened face, Chloe stated, "I swear to you that Brady and I have not been seeing each other behind Philip's back. And, I would never hurt Philip just so I could be with Brady. In fact, there has never been anything going on between me and Brady, and there never will be. Things just got a little out of control in here. That's all. I swear."
"Give me one good reason to not go downstairs right now and tell Philip what I saw going on in here."
Before Chloe could answer, Brady stated, "Chloe, why don't you step out into the hall for a minute. I think there's something that Jason and I need to discuss. You know, man to man."
Chloe was going to refuse, but decided to trust Brady when she realized that she just couldn't bear to see the look of disgust that was painfully clear on Jason's face. Nodding, she left the room.
The moment the door shut behind Chloe, Brady approached the younger man. In his most intimidating voice, Brady ordered, "You are never going to make Chloe feel like that again. She's not a bad person, and from now on, you are going to respect her."
"Not a bad person? Philip is downstairs probably wondering where Chloe is, and she can do is stand out in the hall and hope that I won't tell anyone that I caught her making out with her boyfriend's nephew. How can she not be a bad person?"
Laughing heartlessly, Brady responded, "Don't be self-righteous, Jason. It doesn't suit you. I seriously doubt you think Chloe's really that bad of a person. God knows that you've probably done things ten times worse. Now, I want you to not only treat Chloe like a lady, but I also want you to forget that you ever walked into this room while Chloe and I were on the bed."
"Why should I?"
Brady's mind flashed back to the papers he had been looking at while Chloe and Jason were speaking. Most of the documents on Jason's desk were completely unimportant. However, Brady had stumbled upon part of a torn up letter - from Jason's father. Though he only had part of the letter, Brady was able to understand that Jason was terribly ashamed of something his father had done and would never forgive him. Brady only hoped that he could bluff himself and Chloe out of their current position. Still, Brady hated using something that must be terribly painful against Jason. Under normal circumstances, Brady wouldn't sink that low, but he would do anything to protect Chloe. That included blackmailing one of his sister's friends.
"Why should you behave like a gentleman? Maybe, because I know that your father isn't one."
A look of panic took control of Jason's face. "What are you talking about?"
Hoping that his bluff would work, Brady answered, "You know exactly what I'm talking about. Did you honestly think that you could keep the truth about your dad a secret forever? Really, Jason, you had to know that someone would eventually find out. Of course, I can't blame you for being ashamed of your old man. I would be, too."
Jason was far too panicked to notice how cryptic Brady's words were. The only thing that Jason could concentrate on was that someone had discovered the truth. And, that someone was Brady Black.
"I'll make you a deal, Masters. You keep your mouth shut and don't harass Chloe, and I won't tell anyone what I know about your father. The whole thing will stay strictly between you and me. Deal?"
Reluctantly, Jason agreed, "Deal." Without another word, Jason turned and left the room, wordlessly passing Chloe in the hallway. The idea of changing his damp shirt had long ago been forgotten.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The loud splash of the water in the pool instantly grabbed the attention of everyone that had started to eat in the back yard. Of course, the sound of the water paled in comparison to the screams that erupted from the two people who caused the splash. Or, more precisely, the victims of Shawn's latest plan.
Shawn had been certain that nothing could go wrong. No one would get hurt, and he would get a good laugh - at Zach's expense. Shawn was simply going to pretend to have a friendly disagreement with Philip. Then, Philip would shove Shawn in the direction of the pool. However, Shawn's plan would make certain that he "accidentally" bumped into Zach and knocked him into the pool instead.
Things were actually going smoothly at first. As Zach stood near the pool with Belle, Philip gave Shawn a gentle push. That push placed Shawn in front of Belle and sent Zach on his way into the pool.
Unfortunately, neither Shawn nor Philip noticed Erin walking past the pool until Zach smashed into her. That little detail resulted in both Zach and Erin taking an impromptu swim.
Zach had attempted to save himself and Erin by grabbing her waist. Like with Jason and Mimi in the kitchen, he only managed to bring them both down.
And, a slightly amused Zach and a terribly embarrassed Erin were in each other's arms in the pool when Jason stormed out of the house.
A large part of Jason was angry that his actions were being decided by Brady. However, there was also a part of Jason that was relieved. He knew that if Brady wasn't holding something over his head, he would be obliged to tell Philip the truth. And, for reasons Jason would never understand, he didn't entirely want to do that.
All laughter stopped when Jason appeared next to the pool. Like most other males, he just didn't like the idea of seeing his newest friend and his baby sister wrapped in each other's arms in a pool. In fact, the mere sight of Zach's arms around Erin's waist was enough to make Jason's temper return in full force.
"What are you doing?" Jason yelled as he loomed over the two stunned individuals in the pool. Focusing solely on Zach, Jason ordered, "Get your hands off my sister! I don't ever want to see you near her again! Not ever!"
As Zach tried to give a jumbled explanation, he unintentionally kept his arms around Erin. Well, he kept his arms there until Jason reached over for Erin's hand and pulled her to the side of the pool - and away from Zach. As he continued to try giving an explanation, Zach removed himself from the pool and was greeted with a towel from Belle as she shot dirty looks and Shawn and Philip.
While everyone kept their gazes focused on Jason, Chloe discreetly entered the backyard and stood several feet away from Philip. Part of her feared that not only would he be able to see what she had done, but he would also be able to see how right it had felt to her.
Noticing his girlfriend, Philip instantly approached her and wrapped a loving arm around her waist. "Hey, beautiful. I was wondering where you disappeared to. I was half afraid that you had gotten bored and walked home." Oblivious to Chloe's inner turmoil, Philip happily continued, "You really missed the fireworks earlier. A bunch of us walked into the kitchen and found Jason and Mimi together on the kitchen floor. It was hilarious."
Chloe forced herself to smile as she glanced around for Brady. Not seeing him, she wasn't sure if she was relieved or thoroughly disappointed. He had told her that things with Jason were settled and that she had nothing to worry about. But, that had been all he had said before walking away from her and leaving her alone in the hallway outside Jason's bedroom. Now, Chloe wasn't sure where they stood with each other. Over the past few months, they had begun to share a very special friendship. She wasn't quite ready to admit that she had fallen in love with Brady, but she wasn't ready to lose him from her life either.
Looking up at Philip, Chloe quietly questioned, "You're still coming over later tonight, aren't you?"
"Of course, I would do anything for you."
Chloe looked away from Philip before he could see the tears building in her eyes. She was so close to crying, but it wasn't because she would soon be living life without Philip at her side. In her heart, Chloe knew that she could never be what he needed to truly live his life to the fullest. And, he would never be the one to haunt her heart in the darkest hours of the night. He would never be Brady. Instead, Chloe felt sorrow because she knew that ending the relationship would hurt Philip - even if it was for the best.
Lost in her own thoughts, Chloe paid no attention as Jason walked inside with his sister while Belle sent Shawn especially displeased glares. And, Chloe barely noticed Philip lead her to the picnic table. All she could comprehend was that in a few hours, Philip would be coming to her window only to have his heart shattered. But, even as Chloe felt grief for her relationship with Philip ending, somewhere deep inside, she wondered what that would mean for her and Brady.
Over the course of the next hour, things returned to an almost normal state. Returning outside with a much calmer Jason, Erin took a seat near the pool with Kevin and Susan while her brother retrieved her glasses from the pool.
Shawn was forced to make conversation with Jack and Jeremy since Belle devoted herself to listening to Zach talk about the friends he missed in Chicago. After returning Erin's very wet glasses to her, Jason approached Mimi. Instantly, the two returned to alternating between staring and avoiding gazes. It was apparent that having Mimi near him and not Jeremy was enough to put Jason in a better mood. As for Brady, he had purposely stayed indoors to avoid any possible conflicts.
Chloe tried her hardest to listen as Philip discussed some team's chances of making it to the state finals, but her mind continued to drift away as she noticed the way the backyard was darkening. And, she remembered the way the setting sun had cast its glow over Jason's room . . . the way Brady had cast a seductive spell over her. Deep inside, Chloe knew that she never wanted the spell to be broken. Never.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Just as Kevin and Susan were leaving, they were stopped by Jason. With Mimi standing at his side, Jason purposely stepped in front of the couple. Expecting Jason to yet again warn them to never return, Kevin and Susan were shocked to see him offer what appeared to be a genuine smile.
As he glanced back and forth between the two people he had so often tormented, an uncontrollable smile took over Jason's face. Unsuccessfully trying to control his grin, Jason casually commented, "So, you two are leaving."
"Yes, we know that makes you very happy. And, I can assure you that the next time Belle asks us to attend a barbecue, we'll decline," curtly replied Susan.
Jason cocked his head to one side and said, "Yeah, okay. Um, anyway, you two look awfully chummy. What's up with that?"
Proudly sticking up for Susan, Kevin answered, "Not that it's any of your business, but Susan and I have reached a mutual agreement to enjoy one another's company this Friday evening - as in on a date."
Giving a light laugh, Jason smiled widely at Kevin and Susan before looking at Mimi whose face was set in an unamused expression. Throwing an arm around Mimi's shoulder, Jason pulled her close to him and smugly commented, "Mimi, did you hear that? Kevin and Susan are going out on a date! Isn't that just the greatest news you've ever heard?"
Looking up at Jason unhappily, Mimi sarcastically replied, "Oh, that's just swell." Knowing exactly what she would have to do because Kevin asked Susan out, Mimi subconsciously blamed the newly formed couple. While thinking along those lines, she bitterly added, "Gee, Kev, maybe you can seduce Susan with all those big words you know."
Joining Mimi's taunting, Jason asked, "Hey, Susan, is it the way this geek talks that turns you on?"
Chloe suddenly appeared behind Kevin and Susan and smugly questioned, "Would you rather Susan get turned on by the kitchen floor or the balcony doors being opened like you and Mimi?"
"To be honest, I don't really care what gets Susan all hot and heavy - as long as she doesn't decide to betray Kevin with some other guy on my bed," responded Jason as he sent Chloe a knowing glare. He knew that she got his message loud and clear when she simply continued on her way to wait for Zach and Philip by the Mustang.
His smile returning, Jason looked at Kevin and Susan and said, "Seriously, you have no idea how glad I am that the two of you finally hooked up."
Kevin and Susan weren't sure what Jason was up to and didn't want to find out. They each forced a fake smile before going to the jeep to wait for Brady and Belle.
After Kevin and Susan left the backyard, Jason stared triumphantly at Mimi. Tearing his gaze away from Mimi, Jason waved to get Zach's attention. "Hey, man, I need a favor."
Confidently striding over to Jason and Mimi, Zach asked, "And, just what would that favor be?"
"My mom won't be back from my Aunt Corrine's house until tomorrow afternoon, and I'm going to be really busy in the morning. So, I sorta need someone to take Erin to school."
"I thought you didn't want me with hundred yards of your baby sister."
"Cut the crap, Zach. Can you pick up Erin in the morning or not?"
Knowing that he would probably regret it, Zach answered, "Yeah, I can do it."
And, with that final promise, the barbecue celebrating the start of their senior year officially ended. But, it was really only the beginning of many interesting times to come.