Fanfiction Chapter 11

Unconventional Rejections

At the Ice Cream Parlor

The group, minus Chris and Gracie, was sitting around at their usual corner booth enjoying some ice cream and each other's company when the subject of the new couple came up.

"I think they are just darling together" Gwen commented, taking a bite out of the sundae she and Vern were sharing.

"They even look good together!" Sophie exclaimed excitedly, getting caught up in the idea with Jackie and Gwen. Teddy couldn't help but roll his eyes; he could care less about how "good" they looked together.

"I know- isn't it awesome?!" Jackie joined in. "I mean, my cousin and your best friend are a couple!" She said as she squeezed Gordie's hand.

"Jesus, Jackie; first off, we don't know if they're even a couple. Second, doesn't them being a couple mean trouble for Gracie?" Gordie asked.

"How so?" Sophie asked, frustrated.

"Hello, Gracie's dad!" Vern answered.

"Okay, first off, we do know they're a couple. Didn't you see the way Chris ran after Gracie? Second, Gracie's dad will get over it. Things just have to work out between Chris and Gracie" Jackie responded.

"Look, all I'm saying is, don't be so sure you know what's goin' on. You gotta stop pushing people together, just let things happen naturally." Gordie replied.

"Well, I'm a natural-born control freak. I can't help it"

Back to Chris and Gracie

Gracie was still thinking about how to tell Chris what her decision was. Chris was practically dying in anticipation; yet, surprisingly, he was keeping his cool when he noticed Gracie reach for his hand. He looked up to meet her gaze.

"Okay, this is gonna be tough" Gracie replied, looking away. Chris felt his heart drop.

"Well, lay it on me." Chris said, pushing out a smile.

"You know I like you. I like you more than I've ever liked any guy. And I've only known you for, like, a week. And that says a lot. I usually don't allow myself to...form attachments that I can't break off easily, especially to guys." Gracie said hurriedly, not able to keep eye contact, "And there's a lot of reasons for that, that I'm not going to go into right now." Gracie was starting to get noticeably flustered, "I guess the point I'm trying to make is that you mean a lot to me."

"But......." Chris knew what was coming.

"But, I just moved here. And I love my family. While my parental units seem to be malfunctioning right now, they're usually pretty awesome. The timing just seems to be so off right now. I'm sorry. And I'm not gonna ask you to wait around for me, either."

"No need to ask." Chris replied

"What?" Gracie was caught off guard.

"What I mean is, knowing how you feel about me and knowing how strongly I feel about you, well, I'll wait for things to work out." Chris said, looking at her intently.

"I don't really know what to say. That isn't fair to you at all."

"I'll manage" Chris smiled.

"How is it that you don't have a girlfriend?" Gracie smiled back.

"Well, I enjoy bachelorhood." Chris said jokingly as Gracie pushed him, "Hey, ease up. You know, I just don't feel right about entering into such an abusive relationship." Gracie shoved him again, this time both were laughing.

"When do you have to get home?" Chris asked after the rough-house session had ended.

"In a few minutes"

"Well, want me to walk you?"

"No thanks, don't really wanna go"

"Oh, I see, you're becoming a rebel now."

"Well, I've had no choice but to succumb to your bad influence" Gracie joked.

Back to the rest of the group.....

Jackie and Gwen decided to make their way to the coffee shop that Jackie's mom was decorating to see if they could help out while Gordie and Vern decided to go back to the tree house and....surprise...play some blackjack. On the other hand, Teddy and Sophie determined that Sophie's house was the ideal location for their afternoon "make-out" session.

"I just really like Gracie- she is so much better for Chris than Heather ever was...." Sophie mentioned as she and Teddy were walking up the driveway.

"Jesus, Sophie! First off, I think I will gag if hear one more word about Chris and Gracie, 'the perfect soul mates' and second, our group decided a while ago that the H-word was forbidden to even mention" Teddy replied exhaustedly.

"Oh, give up the H-word crap. Her name is Heather. Granted, she is a horrible person for messing with Chris' feelings, but she has a name. And I refuse to act like a lunatic and call her the H-word- its so lame!!!"

"Can we just please stop talking about other's people relationships?!" Teddy exclaimed.

"What, what the hell else are we supposed to talk about?" Sophie asked as they walked through the front door.

"I say we stop talking and..." Teddy was cut off by the image of two very angry parents standing in the Taylor Home's foyer.

"Mom, Dad, what are you doing home?" Sophie asked nervously.

"Get to your room" Edward Taylor sternly said to his daughter.

"But, Dad...." Sophie pleaded.

"Now, Sophia" Edward replied, still glaring at Teddy. Sophie looked defeated as she walked up the stairway to her room.

"Now, you- I want you to stop associating with my daughter"

"The hell I will, you may have a tight hold on her- but you have no control over me" Teddy replied angrily, standing up to Mr. Taylor- something most people wouldn't even dare to think about.

"You can think and fantasize about whatever you want- the fact of the matter is this: She will not be allowed to leave this house unless she is in school, and I will have no problem calling the police if I ever see you on my property."

"Mr. Taylor...." Teddy tried to reason with the man.

"Gladys, call the police- tell them we have an intruder in our house" Edward commanded.

Teddy slowly turned around and left.

Hey guys- I am so sorry it took me so long to update (writers block was a major attribute). However, I never really forgot about the story. I have outlined everything I want to happen, too- so I am on my way now ( Thanks for all the lovely patience- hope you like the story.....