"Hey Kay, what's up," Miguel asked.
"Hey everybody, what's up?"
"We asked you first Kay." Simone said sitting in a huge chair at the book café.
"Nothing guys. I've just been hanging out, that's all."
"With who Kay?" Kay's sister Jessica asked.
"Stop being so nosy brat." Kay snapped.
"Come on Kay, we want to know." Miguel said curiously. "You haven't been hanging out with us. We want to know who your new friend's are."
"Just someone I met about two weeks ago. No one really special."
"No one really special? I've been by your house everyday for the last two weeks, and I haven't seen you once. A few nights I left at nine o'clock, and you still hadn't made it home."
"Miguel both our curfews are at 9:30PM. You'ld have to leave my house before I could get there so you won't break yours."
"Anyway, that's not the point. The point is you've been hanging out with someone whom you haven't even introduced us to. Are you ashamed of your friends."
"No Miguel, I just haven't had a chance to introduce you guys yet. Oh, except for Simone."
"Yeah and wait until you see who she's been hanging out with. Some people have all the luck."
Simone laughed.
Kay nudged Simone, "Hush Simone, he's not that special."
"Hey?" Everyone kind of blurted out all together.
"What? Did you think that I wasn't going to date anyone? That I would just hang, out with my friends and their special someone. Well I don't think so. I mean Nicholas and I aren't serious we just met, But you never know."
"Nicholas who?" Miguel asked.
Just at that moment, Nicholas came into the book café. Every girl's eye in the place was on him including Charity.
"Who is that?" Reese asked straitening his glasses.
"I don't know." Miguel responded. "I've never seen him before."
Just then, Nicholas spotted Kay and walked over to where the gang was sitting.
"Hey Kay, what's up?" Nicholas said hugging her and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey Nicholas, I want to introduce you to my friends."
Nicholas turned to face the group of young people sitting around the table. Every eye was on him curiously wondering where he came from.
"You know Simone."
"Hey Simone."
"Hey Nicholas."
"This is my sister Jessica and her friend Reese."
"Hello," Nicholas, said shaking hands with them.
"Hi," Jessica said not knowing why Kay hadn't introduced her to Nicholas before now.
"How you doing?" Reese replied.
"This is my cousin Charity."
"Nice to meet you Charity."
"You also Nicholas." Charity said smiling.
"And last but not least, this is..."
"Miguel, right?" Nicholas said reaching out to shake Miguel's hand.
Miguel stood up and shook the young man's hand, with a jealous lokin his eyes.
"That's right, nice to meet you, Nicholas is it?"
"Yes, but I also go by Fox. All my friends called me that in Europe. I've heard so much about you, all of you." He said looking around.
"Well that's more than we can say. Kay hasn't told us anything about you." Miguel said frowning.
Nicholas turned to Kay and put his arm around her.
"Actually I asked Kay not to mention me to you guys. I didn't want you to have any pre-greeting notions about me. So I asked her to introduce us all together. Simone saw the two of us together one day and Kay had to introduce me to her best friend and her boyfriend Rob."
"Oh, so you know Robby too." Miguel asked still not knowing what to make of all this.
"Yes, in fact, Rob and I talk often. He was the first male friend I've met here in Harmony."
"So where are you from Fox?" Charity asked.
"I'm from a boarding school in Europe, but I'm going to finish out my last two years at Harmony High."
"Who are your folks?" Miguel asked wondering what to make of him.
"Julian and Ivy Crane."
"Your parents are THE Cranes?" Jessica asked bright eyed.
"Yes, I'm the youngest of five. All my sisters are older than me, and you know my brother Ethan."
Every one sitting around kind of nodded and smiled at the mention of Ethan's name.
"In fact Miguel, I've met your sister Theresa. Ethan took Kay, Theresa, and I out to dinner last night."
Hmm Theresa didn't mention this to me. Miguel thought.
"Well, sorry guys we can't stay. Nicholas and I have plans."
"Yeah Nicholas is taking me, Robert, and Kay to see Brittany Spears tonight." Simone said very exited.
"Brittany is not singing in Harmony." Miguel said thinking he had one up on Nicholas.
"We know Miguel," Kay responded. "She's singing in Chicago. Nicholas's father is allowing us to fly to Chicago in their family's private jet."
"Wow!" Jessica gasped.
"Oh how lovely," Charity replied.
"Yeah nice." Miguel said bugged.
"Well it was nice meeting you guys. Hope to see you again soon." And at that time, Nicholas put his arm around Kay and asked if she was ready to leave.
"Sure Nicholas. Bye everyone." And the couple walked out hand in hand.
"Bye!" They all chimed together, all except Miguel. He didn't know why he felt like this, but he wasn't sure he liked the idea that Kay was dating this Fox character, or her seeing anyone for that matter.
"They make a cute couple don't they?" Charity said watching them leave.
"They're not a couple." Miguel said quickly. "They're just friends."
"I don't know man. It sure looks like those two are couple material, which is great. I'm glad Kay found someone nice like Nicholas."
"Yes he is kind of nice Reese." Jessica said.
"We hardly know him. He's a Crane, and you know how that family is." Miguel said with folded arms.
"What's wrong Miguel? I've never seen you react to any one like this before." Charity asked.
"Nothing. I'm just surprise a guy like Nicholas Crane would want to hang out with us."
"What's wrong with us. He's not that much different. A sixteen young male who like pretty girls is what we always see around Harmony."
"That's not what I meant Reese. You know how that family acted to the idea of Theresa and Ethan being together. They think that they could only be with their own kind."
"Well that's just ridiculous Miguel. I think that if Kay and Nicholas like each other, they should be allowed to date each other, no matter whose rich and who's not." Charity replied.
"I guess so." Miguel replied. "If that is who Kay wants to date."
"Who wouldn't want to date a handsome, rich, and very polite young man. Kay sure got lucky with that one."
"He's the lucky one." Miguel snapped. "And I hope he knows that too. And I hope he doesn't do anything to hurt her, or he'll have to answer to Me."
"Miguel calm down. Nicholas doesn't look like the type to disrespect anyone. Besides, you and Kay aren't little kids anymore, she doesn't need your protection anymore."
"I know Simone; I guess I feel obligated to protecting her like when we were young. The kids in the class were always picking on Kay. She was much shorter than everyone else if you could believe that."
"I remember Miguel; I was in the same classes with you guys. The Three Musketeers everyone would say."
"But most of the time people would say Miguel and Kay, like we were married or something."
"Yeah well that was a long time ago. You have Charity now, and Kay's a big girl who would eventually fall for someone like Nicholas."
"Yeah Miguel," Charity said. "Give Nicholas a chance. He just may be what Kay needs in her life right now. She deserves to be happy don't you think?"
"Yes, she definitely deserves to be happy, who wouldn't want that for their very best friend."
Simone looked at Miguel wondering what he was thinking. She couldn't wait to see Kay to let her know how Miguel reacted in meeting Nicholas. Then she too left.
Two months later, October
"What's up Miguel, where you headed?"
"Oh hey Reese, I'm on my way to Kay's to see if she could help me with my Trig homework."
"Why ask Kay? I'm equally smart as Kay in Trig. Why not ask me?"
"No offense buddy, but she's much more prettier, and those legs are awesome." Miguel said laughing.
"Man, I've never heard you talk about how pretty Kay was before. What brought this on?"
"What? I'm sure I've talked about how gorgeous my best friend is before."
"I don't think so Miguel. The only person I've heard you ever talk about was Charity. What brought about this change of heart?"
"I don't know what you're talking about Reese. I have always thought Kay was beautiful. Always!"
"Let me see if I've got this right. Pretty, gorgeous, and beautiful? Are we talking about Kay or Charity?"
"What? I'm not allowed to talk about how pretty Kay is?"
"I'm not saying that Miguel. It's just strange that you're not talking about Charity, that's all."
"I don't talk about Charity all the time do I?"
"24 hours a day my man."
"Get out Reese. Please tell me I don't. And especially around Kay."
"Kay, Simone, Jessica, the whole gang knows how much you love her. Love at first sight right?"
"Yeah, love at first sight." Miguel said, not believing his own words.
"Yeah, well, tell Kay I said hello O.K.?"
"Will do." Miguel said, slapping Reese on the arm as he turned in the direction to Kay's house.
At the Bennett's
"Hey Miguel, what's up?"
"What's up Jessica? Is Kay home?"
"Kay?" Jessica said not believing her ears.
"Yes Kay, is she home?"
"Oh sure Miguel, hold on."
"Kay, you've got company!" Jessica said calling up to Kay's bedroom.
"Send him up Jess!"
Miguel ran up the stairs to Kay's room where he used to spend all of his time at before he met Charity.
"Hey Kay, can I come in?"
"Oh hey Miguel, I thought you were Nicholas. He's picking me up in a little bit to go see the new movie that's out."
"Oh that's nice."
"I could have sworn Jessica said Kay, she must have said Charity. I guess I need my ears checked."
"Oh, no, she said Kay. I came to see you."
"Why? Is everything all right?"
"I thought you could help me with my Trig homework. I'm stuck on a problem."
"Oh sure, what's the problem?"
"It's on page 92."
Kay got her Trig book and opened it.
Miguel leaned down close where she sat at her night table.
She turned to the page and told him to watch how she worked out the problem.
However, Miguel didn't pay attention to the math problem at all. Instead, he closed his eyes, and thought how lovely her hair smelled. He was feeling something inside of him that he didn't think possible. How could he be falling for Kay? She was his best friend. He couldn't be in love with her could he?
Nah! Miguel thought. This is insane. I love Charity. She's the girl for me, not Kay. However, there's a connection with Kay that I don't seem to have with Charity. She knows my deepest and innermost thoughts. My dreams and desires I've shared with her. My wants and needs are no stranger to Kay. Why haven't I seen this before? What is going on? The thoughts just kept coming as Miguel leaned close to Kay. He wanted her to turn around so that his lips could meet hers. But what would she say? Miguel thought. Is it possible that she would kiss me back? Turn around Kay. Turn around and look at me. He thought.
Just at that moment, Kay turned and met Miguel's gazed.
"So, did you see that Miguel?"
"See, what, huh, oh, yes, the problem. I got it."
"Are you O.K.?"
"Oh yes, I was just thinking about something."
"What's up. You know you can tell me." Kay said putting on her lipstick.
Miguel watched her lips very closely as she went across them with her lipstick, he was now on his knees beside her chair.
"Um, I was wondering um, um,"
"Just say it Miguel, you've always told me what's on your mind."
"Well," Miguel moved closed to Kay. Something was pulling him close to her. He wanted to kiss her, and be done with it and then deal with the consequences. But then something interrupted his thoughts.
"Kay!" Jessica said calling up to her. "Nicholas's here!"
"I'll be right down!" Kay said hollering back.
"Well I guess this is going to have to wait Miguel."
"Yeah I guess so."
Miguel walked to the bedroom door with her and said, "Maybe we could get together tomorrow and spend the day together like old times."
"Just me and you?" Kay said sounding surprised.
"Yes!"
"Sure, why not." Kay put her soft hands on Miguel's face and leaned forward and gave him a very lightly peck on the lips.
"Until tomorrow then."
"Until tomorrow." Miguel said feeling as if he was about to explode.
"Hi Kay. You look lovely".
"Thank you Nicholas, you look nice also. Is this a new shirt? It's cool".
"Thanks. Ethan gave it too me as a welcome home present. I told him I been home for two months now and he said he hadn't realized because I was spending all my time with you, but he was just joking. He had to come up with an excuse for not giving me something earlier. Brothers!"
"Ethan is great". Kay replied. "But my brother Noah is awesome. People use to call us the Bennett Duo because we would get into a lot of mischief together".
"So, are you ready to go"?
"Sure. Bye Jessica, tell mom I'll be home by curfew".
"I'm not your personal messenger." Jessica said ugly. However, right when Kay was going to say something to her, Nicholas walked over to Jessica and put his hands on her shoulders and whispered,
"Jessica you are such a pretty girl. Be nice and give your mother the message. If not for Kay, do it for me. You know I don't want your parents to forbid me from coming over. I may not be able to see you anymore. You know you're my best girl." And with that, he kissed her on her cheek.
"O.K. But not for troll face over there, but I'll do it for you".
"That's my girl, thank you Jess".
"You're welcome". Jessica said blushing. And with that, the couple left.
Just then, Miguel came down the stairs.
"Oh hey Miguel, you're still here"?
"Yeah, I'm about to leave". Miguel said looking down.
"Miguel are you all right? You don't seem to be your cheery, funny self".
"I'm all right. I just have a lot on my mind that's all".
"It's Kay isn't it"?
"Kay? What? What do you mean, Kay"?
"I know how she can be sometimes. Mean!"
"Oh no Jessica, that's not it at all. She's not mean, she's wonderful."
"Are we talking about the same Kay Miguel?"
"Jessica don't be so hard on your sister. Kay is great. A good friend and a beautiful person."
"Now I know we're not talking about the same Kay. I don't know her to be any of those things you've just said. Are you feeling all right?"
"I'm fine Jessica. I'm... I'm just looking at Kay in a different way now, and I can't seem to figure it out."
"What way is that Miguel?" Charity said walking into the room from the kitchen."
"Oh hey Charity, I didn't know you were here."
"So what were you guys talking about, and how do you look at Kay now?"
"Oh it's nothing Charity. I was telling Jessica not to be so hard on her sister because she loves her."
"Oh." Charity said humping her shoulders. "Well that's just how sisters are I guess. They always seem to find fault in the other just so they won't show how much they love each other."
"Yeah right!" Jessica said as she walked out to the kitchen.
At the end of Kay and Nicholas's date, he walked her to the door.
"Did you have fun tonight Kay?"
"Yes Nicholas, it was a nice evening."
"So why do I get the feeling something is bothering you?"
"Wow Nicholas, we must be getting closer than I thought, if you are already reading my mind."
"Well I can't say that I can read your mind, but I can tell when something is on your mind. Why don't you tell me what it is?" Nicholas said putting his arms around her as they took their seats on the porch swing.
"It's Miguel."
"Lopez Fitzgerald? What's wrong with him?"
"He came over earlier, and I could definitely tell something was wrong, but he couldn't tell me what. He was acting all strange around me, and I can't figure that out. He has always told me everything, but I guess that's not the case anymore since Charity came to town."
"Wow Kay you sound almost jealous."
"I was jealous, for a little while, but I'm not now. I had to give up the idea that Miguel and I would ever be a couple. And maybe Mr. Crane you had a lot to do with that." Kay took Nicholas's hands.
"What are you saying Kay?"
"I'm saying that I like being around you. You make me laugh with your corny jokes. I think there could be something special between us."
"I feel the same way Kay. I have never met anyone quite like you before. You're hard working and very smart. I just can't believe you're giving me a chance."
"Nicholas why wouldn't I. You are a wonderful person. I like spending time with you."
"Well I know that you had this major crush on Miguel, and I didn't know if I could compete with that."
Kay leaned in closer to Nicholas. "Nicholas, I don't know how things are going to be between us, but I promise to always be honest with you, always."
Nicholas moved closer to Kay very slowly and they both closed their eyes. Nicholas then kissed Kay gently on her cheek and they both smiled.
"That was wonderful Nicholas. Thank you for taking things slow with Me."
"I want the moment we share our first kiss to be special and unforgettable. But most of all I want the time to be perfect so that there are no regrets. Speaking of regrets, why did Miguel come over earlier?"
"Well that's just it. Miguel asked me for help with this math problem that he answered in class. I thought it kind of strange at first, but I just went along with it. I wonder what's making him so loopy all of a sudden."
"I think I may have the answer to that."
"Well tell me, because I've never seen Miguel act like this before. So, what could it be Nicholas, why is Miguel acting so strange."
"Well I'm not really sure, but maybe I could talk to him tomorrow and find something out."
"Oh that just reminds me. Miguel and I are spending the day together tomorrow to rekindle our friendship. I hope that's O.K. with you."
"Sure, but if he put the moves on you I'll have to break his neck."
"Nicholas please, Miguel trying to put the moves on me is the last thing on his mind." I wouldn't be so sure, Nicholas thought. "Well good night sweet lady. I'll talk to you tomorrow after your rendezvous with your Latin lover."
They both laughed as Kay said good night and went into the house.
The Morning of the Date
When Miguel woke up that morning, he was nervous. He didn't know why he had butterflies in his stomach. After all this was Kay. His best bud. They were just going to hang out at the park and have a picnic or something. Still he wanted it to be special. He was curious about these current feelings for Kay. Could they be just because she was dating Nicholas, or were these feelings genuine? He went down stairs for breakfast.
"Hey Miguel, you sure are looking handsome this morning. You and Charity have plans today?" Theresa asked.
"No, actually Kay and I are spending the day together."
"What? You and Kay? How did that happen? Isn't she dating Nicholas?"
"It's not a date Theresa. Kay and I are best friends. We just thought it would be nice to spend some time together like we use to."
"I don't know if that's such a good idea little brother."
"Why not?" Miguel asked eyeing his sister.
"Well, I better not say."
"Why not Theresa? Do you know something I don't know?" Miguel said taking two pancakes and putting syrup on them.
"Well, Kay had a huge crush on you at one point. Whitney over heard her and Simone talking about how much she liked you, but you started dating Charity and broke her heart."
"I had no idea." Miguel said forgetting about the breakfast on his plate.
"It was so obvious Miguel. I'm surprised you didn't notice. She would light up every time you came into the room. Are you blind or something?"
"No! I just had no idea she felt this way. Kay and I always have been friends. I can't remember ever not being her friend. I thought that one day we would be together, but then I met Charity. And it seemed like love at first sight. I don't know, and I'm not so sure any more. How do you know Theresa? How do you know when you're with the right person?"
"People are different Miguel. They have different feelings. However, with me when I first met Ethan, something inside me knew that he was the one. I never had any doubts about my feelings. I never let anyone else distract me from loving him. It wasn't possible."
"Well I do love Charity, but I've been thinking of Kay a lot lately."
"Maybe it's because you see her with Nicholas a lot. Maybe you are starting to wonder what it could be like to have a relationship with her now. That's normal. You and Kay share so many things. You've discovered so many wonderful things with each other. It's almost as if she's your soul's mate, and life is making it plain to you now. It's like waking up from a very long night into a beautiful morning filled with sunshine. Sounds like love if you ask Me."
"I was afraid you might say that."
"Yeah, I frightened myself too. Well the worse thing to do is to stop whatever her and Nicholas has going on. She needs to run the course of true love. Kay and Nicholas need to experience some things together just as if you've done with Charity. I know you want to share your feelings with Kay, but you can't. Not now. Wait until she comes to you. You don't want her to think you broke her and Nicholas up because you're jealous."
"But I am jealous. I can't stand seeing them together!"
"Well that's too bad Miguel. Kay needs to experience some things without you. She likes Nicholas. Leave her be for right now. If it's meant to be, then it will happen, but you don't want her to run from you. Let her come back to you. And don't forget to talk this over with Charity. Be honest with her as well. Life is so much better when you are honest with the people you care for. She will truly appreciate it. Believe me."
"Thanks Theresa. You are wonderful. No wonder Ethan chose you. He's the luckiest man in the world."
"Thank you Miguel. Any girl would be lucky to be with you too."
At the Bennett's
"Jess, have you seen my baseball cap?"
"Yes, it's down stairs on the lamp table."
"Thanks, Miguel will be here soon."
"I can't believe he asked you out for today. What was he thinking?"
"It's not a date Jessica. We're just friends. He has Charity and I have Nicholas now. No more scheming for me, It wasn't meant to be with Miguel and me and I know that now."
"Wow, I can't believe my sister is saying these words." Jessica put her hand up to Kay's forehead.
"Are you O.K.? You're not sick are you?"
Kay slapped her little sister's hand out the way. "Move Jessica. There's nothing wrong with me. I just got tired of competing with Charity. If Miguel and I were meant to be, we would've happened. I'm glad things worked out as they did. Nicholas is wonderful. I have so much fun when we're together. He makes me laugh and feel things inside of me that I have never felt before. So don't worry Jessica, I'm not trying to make Miguel jealous or anything by dating Nicholas. I'm not a monster. I wouldn't do Nicholas like that. I like him too much."
"I wasn't insinuating anything Kay. I'm just surprise you gave up so soon."
"Whatever Jessica. When you experience life and love, you'll know. Just wait. Now, will you braid my hair going back so I can wear my cap?" Kay said sitting and handing Jessica the comb.
"I'm surprise you are dressed in jeans and T-shirt."
"Why? I'm not trying to impress anybody. My man is at home. He's the only person I'm trying to impress now days. And soon he too will see me in jeans and T-shirt if we have a jeans and T-shirt kind of day."
The two girls laughed as Kay stood up from her vanity table.
"Thanks Jess. This is beautiful."
"You're welcome Kay. Thank you for letting me do it. I like spending time with you. You're not so bad sometimes."
"Thanks, I think." She smiled at Jessica as she put her shoes on.
Down stairs
Miguel entered in the back door through the kitchen. Charity was sitting at the breakfast table munching on a muffin.
"Oh hi Miguel. I didn't know you were coming over today."
"Hi Charity. Actually Kay and I are going down to the park today."
"Ooh the park, that sound nice. I'll get my bag!"
"No Charity don't!"
Charity turned and looked at Miguel with confusion in her eyes. "Why not Miguel? What's going on?"
"Only Kay and I are going to the park."
"Why Miguel? What is this all about?"
"Nothing Charity. Kay and I are best friends. We just thought we would go do some fun things together like old times."
"I guess that was Kay's planning, right? I know she has feelings for you."
"You know it too?" Miguel said under his breath.
"What did you say?"
"I said that's crazy. Kay doesn't have feelings for me. She's with Nicholas."
"Whatever Miguel. I still think she loves you."
"Love? Where is this coming from Charity? I've never seen you act so jealous."
"Well you've never given me a reason to be jealous before."
Miguel hugged Charity tight. "And I'm not now. Kay and I are just going to the park to talk and perhaps play a little ball that's it. You are the girl I'm with. I love you. O.K.?"
Charity lightened up and smiled. "You're right Miguel, forgive me. I don't know what came over Me."
"There's nothing to forgive Charity." He kissed her on the lips.
Just at that moment, Kay came through the door. "Get a room!" she said sarcastically but jokingly.
"Oh hey Kay. Are you ready to go?"
"Sure Miguel. I prepared a lunch picnic basket for this afternoon."
"Great! I missed breakfast this morning. I sort of lost my appetite."
"Nothing to worry about Charity." Miguel said looking at her.
"Well great. I prepared all your favs. I hope you don't mind."
"Nope. This is great. Well I guess we should get going."
Miguel hugged Charity again and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see you later O.K.?"
"Yes Miguel, later."
"Bye Charity, bye Jess." Kay said smiling as she walked out with Miguel.
"I don't trust her Jessica. I think she's up to something."
"At first I thought the same thing Charity, but Kay really confided with me upstairs. She swore up and down that she cares a lot for Nicholas, and doesn't want to do anything to hurt him. She recognizes that you and Miguel are together, and promises not to do anything to break you guys' up."
"I hope you're right Jessica. I hope you're right."
As Kay and Miguel walked around town, Kay couldn't help but to ask what the real reason he wanting to spend the day with her.
"So Miguel, what made you want to spend the day with me when you could be spending your time with Charity?"
"Kay we use to spend time together all the time."
"It seems a life time ago now. We've both grown up and our lives has seem to go in different directions."
"You really think so?" Miguel asking bright eyed.
"I don't know Miguel. It just seems like we don't have anything in common anymore."
Right at that point they passed by an old Harmony candy store and soda shop. Miguel and Kay looked at each other and started to laugh.
"Remember this place?" Miguel said smiling.
"How could I forget?" Kay said looking in the window as she pictured a 10- year-old Miguel sitting at a booth with his sister Theresa and his brother Luis.
Six Years Ago
"Mom, while you're next door, can I go inside and get some candy with the money daddy gave me?" A 10-year-old Kay asked.
"Sure, but don't be long. We still have your school shoes to get."
"Thanks mom. I won't."
Kay went inside noticing Miguel sitting at a booth with his siblings. "Hey Miguel." Kay said waving at her best friend.
"Hi Kay." Miguel said smiling as if his cheeks would burst.
"Miguel's got a girl friend, Miguel's got a girl friend." Theresa chanted, teasing her little brother.
"Shut up Theresa, she's not my girl friend." Miguel snapped cheeks red with embarrassment.
Kay overheard the two, trying to ignore them, for her cheeks were red as well. Kay told the guy behind the counter what she wanted. He put several pieces of candy and bubble gum on the counter and walked away to get something else Kay asked for. Right at that moment, a friend of Kay's got her attention. She turned to see the girl sitting in another booth and spoke. When Kay turned back around, the counter was minus the three pieces of bubble gum.
"What happened to the bubble gum little girl?" The guy roared at Kay.
"I don't know. It was right here a moment ago."
"You took it and put it in your pocket didn't you?"
"No mister, I didn't."
"Don't tell fibs little girl. Pay me for the gum, or I'm going to call the police."
Kay's eyes started filling up with tears.
"I promise I didn't take the gum, please don't call the police."
"You're Officer Bennett's daughter aren't you?"
"Y-e-s." Kay said sobbing now.
"Don't cry; just pay me for the gum."
Right at that moment, Miguel got up and ran out the door. Luis got up from his seat and went to the counter.
"What's the problem?" The rookie officer asked.
"This little girl took bubble gum from the counter and don't want to pay for it."
"Did you check her pockets?" Luis asked putting an arm around a hysterical Kay.
"No! I just know she did it!"
"How could you be so sure? I know Kay, and I know she wouldn't take anything that didn't belong to her."
"Well maybe I should check her pockets."
Just as soon as the man stepped behind the counter, advancing toward Kay, Miguel burst through the door with two other boys twice his size.
"Tell him!" He shouted at the boys. "Tell him what you did, or else."
One of the boys emptied out his pockets to reveal three pieces of bubble gum.
The man grabbed the two boys, apologized to Kay, and went to discipline the two boys in the back of the store. Walking away, they turned to Kay and apologized, looking frighten at Miguel.
"Well, well, well little brother. Those boys were twice your size. How did you get them to come back?"
"I don't know. I just knew Kay was in trouble and she needed my help."
"Thank you Miguel." Kay now was calming down a bit as she kissed him on the cheek and ran out the door.
"Miguel's got a girl friend, Miguel's got a girl friend." Theresa cheered as Miguel put his hand to his face and blushing as if he'll never stop smiling.
Kay turned around to find Miguel smiling at her.
"I guess you remember Huh?"
"Yes, just like if it was yesterday, but you know what I never knew? What made those guys come back? They were twice your size."
Miguel laughed. "I told them that my brother saw them take the gum and that he knew where they lived and that he was on his way to get them. Boy was my heart beating fast. I would have never thought they would fall for something so lame. But they did."
"Miguel they could've hurt you. What were you thinking."
"I was thinking of you. Standing there crying for something you didn't do. I saw the two boys take the gum and run. And I knew I had to do something."
"Thank you Miguel." Kay said smiling sweetly.
"You thanked me already. Six years ago."
Kay and Miguel turned and kept walking around town until they came to the park.
"This is a good spot Miguel. Spread the blanket right here."
Miguel spread the huge comforter in a shady area surrounded by a river of flowers and a very large duck pond.
"It sure is a nice day today, not too cool, with a touch of warmth in the air. Next month the ground should be covered with snow."
"Yeah I can't wait for ice skating season." Kay said looking at the duck pond in front of them.
"Remember the ice skating contest?" Kay asked.
"How could I forget? You literally twisted my arm to be in it with you."
"I did not twist your arm. I just punched you several times until you gave in."
"That's not how I remembered it." Miguel laughed.
Miguel and Kay at the age of eleven
"Miguel please! Please join the contest with me. I think we could win."
"No Kay! I'm not going to do it! Ice-skating is for sissies! You can't make me."
Kay started to cry.
"Stop it Kay. You're not going to trick me with those fake tears."
Kay cried even louder than before. Tears were drenching her little cheeks as if she were swimming in a pool.
"O.K.! I'll do it! Just stop crying, please!"
The tears stopped almost automatic as Kay put her arms around a defeated Miguel.
"Great! We have three weeks to work out a routine. We'll have to come here everyday and practice, because I want to win."
Miguel dropped his head knowing that this was something he knew he'd never get anything out of.
For three weeks, they practice their routine, and the contest was already a day away.
"How's our little ice skater." Luis teased.
"Leave me alone." Miguel snapped. "I'm not doing this. Kay is just going to have to be mad."
"Ay Mi Mijo!" Pilar said to her son. "You and Kay have worked hard for weeks. Do you think it would be fair to not show when you know Kay is counting on you?"
"I don't care! I'm tired of people teasing me! She'll have to do the routine by herself!"
"Miguel, Kay's mom worked real hard on you outfits. She'll be disappointed as well."
"That's another thing. Tights are for little girls. I'm not wearing them."
"Miguel, I'm sorry for teasing you. I think you and Kay have a good chance at winning. You two have worked real hard. Don't give up now." Luis said.
When Miguel woke up the next morning, he had butterflies in his stomach.
"This would be better if it were baseball. I know baseball, but ice-skating is not. I'm not going." Miguel said to himself.
Pilar knocked on her son's door.
"Go away, I'm not going!" Miguel yelled.
Pilar opened the door and thought how adorable her son looked in his outfit. "Miguel, I know you will decide to do the right thing. Kay is your best friend. She is counting on you to be there. But I'm not going to make you do anything you're not ready for. We'll be down stairs waiting if you change your mind."
Kay walked back and forth wondering where Miguel was. They were to go on in five minutes.
"He's not going to show is he?" Kay asked her mom.
"He'll be here darling. Just have faith."
"Where's your little sissy partner Kay?" The class bully asked as he walked up.
"Shut up Chucky before I introduce you to my fist."
"I guess you have to fight Miguel's battles now that he's turned into a little sissy ice skating boy."
"Shut up Chucky," a voice said standing behind him.
"Oh sorry Miguel, we didn't see you."
"Get out of here and leave Kay alone."
Chucky and his friends ran without looking back.
"Miguel you made it, I so glad." Kay said hugging his neck.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, let's get this over with."
Miguel and Kay skated perfectly for the contest. They didn't miss a beat, and everyone in Harmony cheered them on. It was no surprise when they went home with first place trophies.
Miguel and Kay sat there all afternoon reminiscing about the past while they ate the delicious lunch Kay prepared for them. At that point, they forgot all about Charity and Nicholas as they thought of times past. They really were the best of friends and no one really could ever change that. They had history. A history that was perfect just for the two of them.
Miguel stood up to stretch his legs and walked over to a very old oak tree.
"Come here Kay!" He called to her. "Look at this."
Kay stood and walked over to Miguel. "What is it Miguel?"
Miguel pointed to a carving in the tree. Miguel Kay The carving said in the middle of a crooked heart.
"Oh Miguel, this is beautiful. When did you do this?"
"When I was fourteen." Miguel said wondering what she was going to say.
"Why hadn't you ever shown this to me? This is really sweet."
Miguel took Kay by the hand as they took a stroll around the park.
"When we were younger, I had always thought that we would be together someday. It's funny what you think of when you're young. Things seem to go differently in real life than it is in your dreams."
"What are you saying Miguel?"
"Kay you knew. You knew I liked you. You were my girl. You were my girl without me asking you to be. We just fit together like that. Our families knew it, I knew it."
"Me too Miguel." Kay said looking down.
"Then what happened?" Miguel said now facing her.
"Charity happened, that's what!" Miguel looked towards the ground, and found that they were back by the old oak tree. "Yeah that's right, Charity."
"I'm sorry Miguel. I was out of line. We grew up and grew apart. We're not kids anymore. I can't make a home run and have you hug me hoping that you would never let me go. Most of the boyish things I did growing up were to be with you, a little girl in little league? I think I started a trend. You and I taking on boys at the basket ball court. How crazy was that? I was happy the most when we were hanging out. I couldn't wait until the day we both turned sixteen, and you came to my house to ask my dad if we could go on our first official date, but that didn't happen. You never came over, and you never asked. I thought at that moment it would never happen. The feelings I had for you were not returned, and probably never were."
"That's not true Kay. I liked you more than words could say. You were my strength when I couldn't bear going to father and son picnics without a father. You stood by me and supported me in everything I did. You taught me to love and appreciate the finer things in life. Remember the fallen baby bird. You cried and nursed that bird back to health when I thought it was a hopeless case. You're so caring and compassionate. I don't know many people who would do the things you do just for nature. You taught me not to liter, and that I should take care of the earth God provided for us. It was you Kay and no one else."
"Oh Miguel." Kay managed with tears forming.
Miguel wiped Kay's tears with his fingertips. "Don't cry Kay. Don't cry. I want you to read something."
Miguel pulled an old piece of notebook paper from his back pocket and handed it to Kay.
"What is this Miguel?" Kay said taking the battered paper.
"I wrote this last summer on the last day of school."
Kay unfolded the paper and saw that it was a letter addressed to her.
June 14, 1999, Dear Kay,
It's the last day of school and I'm so excited about starting the summer. We have worked real hard in school this year and I'm really looking forward to summer vacation. However, most of all I'm looking forward to spending the summer with you.
I know we aren't officially dating yet, but this time next year we will be. You have been my best friend ever since I can remember, and when we turn that magic number, you will be my girlfriend.
I'm saving this letter until our first date. I will be standing with you by the old oak tree in the park, showing you our carved names within a heart. Call me a romantic if you want, but I would love to see your face when you read it. You are my soul mate Kay Bennett and no one will ever change that.
Love Forever,
Miguel Lopez Fitzgerald
Kay couldn't help crying more tears now. She has never felt this excited in her life.
"Miguel I don't know what to say. I didn't know you felt this way." More sobs came from Kay. "This is the most beautiful thing I have ever received."
Miguel took Kay by the hand and led her back to their blanket by the pond. As they sat, Kay spoke first.
"I would have given anything to see this months ago. I guess it wasn't meant to be. Why with you and Charity together, and Nicholas and me, I guess this is one of life's funny twists and turns. I know how happy you and Charity are, and I respect that. I couldn't be more happier with Nicholas. He's wonderful. We laugh and have so much fun together; we have so much in common. He was the captain of his high school swim team in Europe, and I told him we were looking for a co-captain. Coach thought it would be cute to make us co-captains of Harmony High's Swim Team. Anyway, I'm looking forward to experiencing many things with Nicholas. He reminds me a lot of you Miguel. He treats me with such compassion and tenderness. I was afraid at first that I wouldn't find anyone to call my own until I met Nicholas. He's really great. I guess you feel the same way about Charity. I know how much you love her. She's really lucky. You're the best, the absolute best." Kay threw her arms around Miguel and hugged him tight. This had been a wonderful day, but she couldn't wait to see Nicholas.
They packed up everything, and headed back to Kay's house. Miguel was unexpectantly quiet on the way back, so many thoughts clouded his mind. He wasn't so sure about his feelings for Charity anymore, and he knew he would have to talk to her about it. What could he say? Theresa said to be honest, but I don't want to hurt her. I guess I'll come up with something, but in the mean time, he thought of Kay and his love for her. Could fate turn this whole thing around, or will he miss out on a love that would last them a lifetime. Only time would tell.
When Kay and Miguel walked up to the house, Kay was about to turn the knob to walk in, but Miguel reached out his hand to stop her from turning the knob.
"What's wrong Miguel? Why can't we go inside?"
"I want to tell you something." Miguel's mind was doing flips. He wanted so bad to tell Kay that he still loved her. He wanted her to know that she would always be his first love; it wasn't Charity. Yes, he cared a lot for her, and they shared some good moments together, but he felt differently about Kay. She was his past, and his future. And with the way things went today, she became his present.
"What is it Miguel? What do you want to tell me?" Kay said looking lovingly in his eyes.
"I wanted to tell you that I... that I love..." Miguel was finding the words hard to say. His mind quickly turned to the conversation he and Theresa shared just a few hours earlier that day. The worse thing to do is to stop whatever her and Nicholas has going on. She needs to run the course of true love. Kay and Nicholas need to experience some things together just as you've done with Charity. I know you want to share your feelings with Kay, but you can't. Not now. Not now...
"Not now..."
"Miguel? Are you O.K.?"
"Oh yes, I, Kay, I just wanted to say that I loved spending the day with you. And that I hope we could do this again sometime."
"Oh silly!" Kay said hugging him very tightly. "Of course we'll have other days like this."
Miguel didn't want to let her go. This felt so good, so right. Oh Kay. He thought to himself. Miguel looked at Kay but didn't let her go. She looked up at him unaware of his feelings. He stared into her eyes, still holding a tight grip onto her waist. They stood there for a second that seemed like hours looking in each other eyes, and then Kay quickly reached up and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you again for today Miguel. This memory will go into the Miguel and Kay memory books." She laughed, turned around and went inside the house.
"Nicholas! You're here! Great! I was just about to call you."
Kay ran over to her boyfriend who was sitting on the sofa next to Charity. She sat on his lap and gave him a quick peck on the lips.
"Hi sweetie, did you have a good time today reminiscing with your friend?"
"Best Friend!" Miguel said closing the door behind him.
Charity got up and ran towards Miguel.
"Hi Miguel, did you have a good time?"
Miguel didn't answer Charity; he kept his gaze on Nicholas very sternly.
"I'm Kay's best friend now. Your duties have been relieved. Isn't that right Kay?"
Miguel walked pass the young couple as Kay hugged Nicholas very tightly. He took the picnic basket into the kitchen with Charity following him.
"Miguel, what happened today? What did you guys do? Charity said trying not to sound jealous.
"Nothing really. We went down to the park and talked about when we were younger."
Charity put her arm around Miguel. "What would you like to do tonight?"
"I don't know, what do you want to do?"
"Hang out I guess."
"We always hang out." Miguel said walking out of the kitchen.
Outside in the living room Kay and Nicholas sat on the couch in a very sweet embrace.
Miguel looked at them really feeling jealous now.
"So, what are you guys doing this evening?" Charity asked.
Nicholas whispered something in Kay's ear that made her giggle.
Nicholas said he's going to surprise me. What are you two doing tonight?"
Charity humped her shoulders and sighed.
Miguel stood there for a moment and then spoke.
"Charity I'll see you later. I remembered that I have something to do at home. I'll be back later."
"O.K. Miguel. See you later." She said looking puzzled.
"Bye Miguel and thanks for today."
"You're welcome Kay. I had a good time too."
Nicholas kissed Kay on the cheek and told her that he'll come back around six.
"Wait up Miguel, I'll walk out with you."
"Whatever." Miguel said under his breath.
"I think it would be best if you left Kay alone. She doesn't need you playing with her mind. She's been hurt too much in the past."
"What right do you have to tell me whether I can talk to my own best friend? Anyway I would never hurt her."
"That's where you're wrong, I've already seen her hurt from the way you ignored her for her own cousin. You acted like she wasn't even alive anymore."
Miguel was so tempted to punch him in the face, but then what would that accomplish. "I will not stand for this. You can fool Kay all along with your act, but you don't fool me Crane. I just hope Kay sees your true colours before it's too late." With that statement, Miguel left Nicholas in front of the Bennett door.
"Hey everybody, what's up?"
"We asked you first Kay." Simone said sitting in a huge chair at the book café.
"Nothing guys. I've just been hanging out, that's all."
"With who Kay?" Kay's sister Jessica asked.
"Stop being so nosy brat." Kay snapped.
"Come on Kay, we want to know." Miguel said curiously. "You haven't been hanging out with us. We want to know who your new friend's are."
"Just someone I met about two weeks ago. No one really special."
"No one really special? I've been by your house everyday for the last two weeks, and I haven't seen you once. A few nights I left at nine o'clock, and you still hadn't made it home."
"Miguel both our curfews are at 9:30PM. You'ld have to leave my house before I could get there so you won't break yours."
"Anyway, that's not the point. The point is you've been hanging out with someone whom you haven't even introduced us to. Are you ashamed of your friends."
"No Miguel, I just haven't had a chance to introduce you guys yet. Oh, except for Simone."
"Yeah and wait until you see who she's been hanging out with. Some people have all the luck."
Simone laughed.
Kay nudged Simone, "Hush Simone, he's not that special."
"Hey?" Everyone kind of blurted out all together.
"What? Did you think that I wasn't going to date anyone? That I would just hang, out with my friends and their special someone. Well I don't think so. I mean Nicholas and I aren't serious we just met, But you never know."
"Nicholas who?" Miguel asked.
Just at that moment, Nicholas came into the book café. Every girl's eye in the place was on him including Charity.
"Who is that?" Reese asked straitening his glasses.
"I don't know." Miguel responded. "I've never seen him before."
Just then, Nicholas spotted Kay and walked over to where the gang was sitting.
"Hey Kay, what's up?" Nicholas said hugging her and giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"Hey Nicholas, I want to introduce you to my friends."
Nicholas turned to face the group of young people sitting around the table. Every eye was on him curiously wondering where he came from.
"You know Simone."
"Hey Simone."
"Hey Nicholas."
"This is my sister Jessica and her friend Reese."
"Hello," Nicholas, said shaking hands with them.
"Hi," Jessica said not knowing why Kay hadn't introduced her to Nicholas before now.
"How you doing?" Reese replied.
"This is my cousin Charity."
"Nice to meet you Charity."
"You also Nicholas." Charity said smiling.
"And last but not least, this is..."
"Miguel, right?" Nicholas said reaching out to shake Miguel's hand.
Miguel stood up and shook the young man's hand, with a jealous lokin his eyes.
"That's right, nice to meet you, Nicholas is it?"
"Yes, but I also go by Fox. All my friends called me that in Europe. I've heard so much about you, all of you." He said looking around.
"Well that's more than we can say. Kay hasn't told us anything about you." Miguel said frowning.
Nicholas turned to Kay and put his arm around her.
"Actually I asked Kay not to mention me to you guys. I didn't want you to have any pre-greeting notions about me. So I asked her to introduce us all together. Simone saw the two of us together one day and Kay had to introduce me to her best friend and her boyfriend Rob."
"Oh, so you know Robby too." Miguel asked still not knowing what to make of all this.
"Yes, in fact, Rob and I talk often. He was the first male friend I've met here in Harmony."
"So where are you from Fox?" Charity asked.
"I'm from a boarding school in Europe, but I'm going to finish out my last two years at Harmony High."
"Who are your folks?" Miguel asked wondering what to make of him.
"Julian and Ivy Crane."
"Your parents are THE Cranes?" Jessica asked bright eyed.
"Yes, I'm the youngest of five. All my sisters are older than me, and you know my brother Ethan."
Every one sitting around kind of nodded and smiled at the mention of Ethan's name.
"In fact Miguel, I've met your sister Theresa. Ethan took Kay, Theresa, and I out to dinner last night."
Hmm Theresa didn't mention this to me. Miguel thought.
"Well, sorry guys we can't stay. Nicholas and I have plans."
"Yeah Nicholas is taking me, Robert, and Kay to see Brittany Spears tonight." Simone said very exited.
"Brittany is not singing in Harmony." Miguel said thinking he had one up on Nicholas.
"We know Miguel," Kay responded. "She's singing in Chicago. Nicholas's father is allowing us to fly to Chicago in their family's private jet."
"Wow!" Jessica gasped.
"Oh how lovely," Charity replied.
"Yeah nice." Miguel said bugged.
"Well it was nice meeting you guys. Hope to see you again soon." And at that time, Nicholas put his arm around Kay and asked if she was ready to leave.
"Sure Nicholas. Bye everyone." And the couple walked out hand in hand.
"Bye!" They all chimed together, all except Miguel. He didn't know why he felt like this, but he wasn't sure he liked the idea that Kay was dating this Fox character, or her seeing anyone for that matter.
"They make a cute couple don't they?" Charity said watching them leave.
"They're not a couple." Miguel said quickly. "They're just friends."
"I don't know man. It sure looks like those two are couple material, which is great. I'm glad Kay found someone nice like Nicholas."
"Yes he is kind of nice Reese." Jessica said.
"We hardly know him. He's a Crane, and you know how that family is." Miguel said with folded arms.
"What's wrong Miguel? I've never seen you react to any one like this before." Charity asked.
"Nothing. I'm just surprise a guy like Nicholas Crane would want to hang out with us."
"What's wrong with us. He's not that much different. A sixteen young male who like pretty girls is what we always see around Harmony."
"That's not what I meant Reese. You know how that family acted to the idea of Theresa and Ethan being together. They think that they could only be with their own kind."
"Well that's just ridiculous Miguel. I think that if Kay and Nicholas like each other, they should be allowed to date each other, no matter whose rich and who's not." Charity replied.
"I guess so." Miguel replied. "If that is who Kay wants to date."
"Who wouldn't want to date a handsome, rich, and very polite young man. Kay sure got lucky with that one."
"He's the lucky one." Miguel snapped. "And I hope he knows that too. And I hope he doesn't do anything to hurt her, or he'll have to answer to Me."
"Miguel calm down. Nicholas doesn't look like the type to disrespect anyone. Besides, you and Kay aren't little kids anymore, she doesn't need your protection anymore."
"I know Simone; I guess I feel obligated to protecting her like when we were young. The kids in the class were always picking on Kay. She was much shorter than everyone else if you could believe that."
"I remember Miguel; I was in the same classes with you guys. The Three Musketeers everyone would say."
"But most of the time people would say Miguel and Kay, like we were married or something."
"Yeah well that was a long time ago. You have Charity now, and Kay's a big girl who would eventually fall for someone like Nicholas."
"Yeah Miguel," Charity said. "Give Nicholas a chance. He just may be what Kay needs in her life right now. She deserves to be happy don't you think?"
"Yes, she definitely deserves to be happy, who wouldn't want that for their very best friend."
Simone looked at Miguel wondering what he was thinking. She couldn't wait to see Kay to let her know how Miguel reacted in meeting Nicholas. Then she too left.
Two months later, October
"What's up Miguel, where you headed?"
"Oh hey Reese, I'm on my way to Kay's to see if she could help me with my Trig homework."
"Why ask Kay? I'm equally smart as Kay in Trig. Why not ask me?"
"No offense buddy, but she's much more prettier, and those legs are awesome." Miguel said laughing.
"Man, I've never heard you talk about how pretty Kay was before. What brought this on?"
"What? I'm sure I've talked about how gorgeous my best friend is before."
"I don't think so Miguel. The only person I've heard you ever talk about was Charity. What brought about this change of heart?"
"I don't know what you're talking about Reese. I have always thought Kay was beautiful. Always!"
"Let me see if I've got this right. Pretty, gorgeous, and beautiful? Are we talking about Kay or Charity?"
"What? I'm not allowed to talk about how pretty Kay is?"
"I'm not saying that Miguel. It's just strange that you're not talking about Charity, that's all."
"I don't talk about Charity all the time do I?"
"24 hours a day my man."
"Get out Reese. Please tell me I don't. And especially around Kay."
"Kay, Simone, Jessica, the whole gang knows how much you love her. Love at first sight right?"
"Yeah, love at first sight." Miguel said, not believing his own words.
"Yeah, well, tell Kay I said hello O.K.?"
"Will do." Miguel said, slapping Reese on the arm as he turned in the direction to Kay's house.
At the Bennett's
"Hey Miguel, what's up?"
"What's up Jessica? Is Kay home?"
"Kay?" Jessica said not believing her ears.
"Yes Kay, is she home?"
"Oh sure Miguel, hold on."
"Kay, you've got company!" Jessica said calling up to Kay's bedroom.
"Send him up Jess!"
Miguel ran up the stairs to Kay's room where he used to spend all of his time at before he met Charity.
"Hey Kay, can I come in?"
"Oh hey Miguel, I thought you were Nicholas. He's picking me up in a little bit to go see the new movie that's out."
"Oh that's nice."
"I could have sworn Jessica said Kay, she must have said Charity. I guess I need my ears checked."
"Oh, no, she said Kay. I came to see you."
"Why? Is everything all right?"
"I thought you could help me with my Trig homework. I'm stuck on a problem."
"Oh sure, what's the problem?"
"It's on page 92."
Kay got her Trig book and opened it.
Miguel leaned down close where she sat at her night table.
She turned to the page and told him to watch how she worked out the problem.
However, Miguel didn't pay attention to the math problem at all. Instead, he closed his eyes, and thought how lovely her hair smelled. He was feeling something inside of him that he didn't think possible. How could he be falling for Kay? She was his best friend. He couldn't be in love with her could he?
Nah! Miguel thought. This is insane. I love Charity. She's the girl for me, not Kay. However, there's a connection with Kay that I don't seem to have with Charity. She knows my deepest and innermost thoughts. My dreams and desires I've shared with her. My wants and needs are no stranger to Kay. Why haven't I seen this before? What is going on? The thoughts just kept coming as Miguel leaned close to Kay. He wanted her to turn around so that his lips could meet hers. But what would she say? Miguel thought. Is it possible that she would kiss me back? Turn around Kay. Turn around and look at me. He thought.
Just at that moment, Kay turned and met Miguel's gazed.
"So, did you see that Miguel?"
"See, what, huh, oh, yes, the problem. I got it."
"Are you O.K.?"
"Oh yes, I was just thinking about something."
"What's up. You know you can tell me." Kay said putting on her lipstick.
Miguel watched her lips very closely as she went across them with her lipstick, he was now on his knees beside her chair.
"Um, I was wondering um, um,"
"Just say it Miguel, you've always told me what's on your mind."
"Well," Miguel moved closed to Kay. Something was pulling him close to her. He wanted to kiss her, and be done with it and then deal with the consequences. But then something interrupted his thoughts.
"Kay!" Jessica said calling up to her. "Nicholas's here!"
"I'll be right down!" Kay said hollering back.
"Well I guess this is going to have to wait Miguel."
"Yeah I guess so."
Miguel walked to the bedroom door with her and said, "Maybe we could get together tomorrow and spend the day together like old times."
"Just me and you?" Kay said sounding surprised.
"Yes!"
"Sure, why not." Kay put her soft hands on Miguel's face and leaned forward and gave him a very lightly peck on the lips.
"Until tomorrow then."
"Until tomorrow." Miguel said feeling as if he was about to explode.
"Hi Kay. You look lovely".
"Thank you Nicholas, you look nice also. Is this a new shirt? It's cool".
"Thanks. Ethan gave it too me as a welcome home present. I told him I been home for two months now and he said he hadn't realized because I was spending all my time with you, but he was just joking. He had to come up with an excuse for not giving me something earlier. Brothers!"
"Ethan is great". Kay replied. "But my brother Noah is awesome. People use to call us the Bennett Duo because we would get into a lot of mischief together".
"So, are you ready to go"?
"Sure. Bye Jessica, tell mom I'll be home by curfew".
"I'm not your personal messenger." Jessica said ugly. However, right when Kay was going to say something to her, Nicholas walked over to Jessica and put his hands on her shoulders and whispered,
"Jessica you are such a pretty girl. Be nice and give your mother the message. If not for Kay, do it for me. You know I don't want your parents to forbid me from coming over. I may not be able to see you anymore. You know you're my best girl." And with that, he kissed her on her cheek.
"O.K. But not for troll face over there, but I'll do it for you".
"That's my girl, thank you Jess".
"You're welcome". Jessica said blushing. And with that, the couple left.
Just then, Miguel came down the stairs.
"Oh hey Miguel, you're still here"?
"Yeah, I'm about to leave". Miguel said looking down.
"Miguel are you all right? You don't seem to be your cheery, funny self".
"I'm all right. I just have a lot on my mind that's all".
"It's Kay isn't it"?
"Kay? What? What do you mean, Kay"?
"I know how she can be sometimes. Mean!"
"Oh no Jessica, that's not it at all. She's not mean, she's wonderful."
"Are we talking about the same Kay Miguel?"
"Jessica don't be so hard on your sister. Kay is great. A good friend and a beautiful person."
"Now I know we're not talking about the same Kay. I don't know her to be any of those things you've just said. Are you feeling all right?"
"I'm fine Jessica. I'm... I'm just looking at Kay in a different way now, and I can't seem to figure it out."
"What way is that Miguel?" Charity said walking into the room from the kitchen."
"Oh hey Charity, I didn't know you were here."
"So what were you guys talking about, and how do you look at Kay now?"
"Oh it's nothing Charity. I was telling Jessica not to be so hard on her sister because she loves her."
"Oh." Charity said humping her shoulders. "Well that's just how sisters are I guess. They always seem to find fault in the other just so they won't show how much they love each other."
"Yeah right!" Jessica said as she walked out to the kitchen.
At the end of Kay and Nicholas's date, he walked her to the door.
"Did you have fun tonight Kay?"
"Yes Nicholas, it was a nice evening."
"So why do I get the feeling something is bothering you?"
"Wow Nicholas, we must be getting closer than I thought, if you are already reading my mind."
"Well I can't say that I can read your mind, but I can tell when something is on your mind. Why don't you tell me what it is?" Nicholas said putting his arms around her as they took their seats on the porch swing.
"It's Miguel."
"Lopez Fitzgerald? What's wrong with him?"
"He came over earlier, and I could definitely tell something was wrong, but he couldn't tell me what. He was acting all strange around me, and I can't figure that out. He has always told me everything, but I guess that's not the case anymore since Charity came to town."
"Wow Kay you sound almost jealous."
"I was jealous, for a little while, but I'm not now. I had to give up the idea that Miguel and I would ever be a couple. And maybe Mr. Crane you had a lot to do with that." Kay took Nicholas's hands.
"What are you saying Kay?"
"I'm saying that I like being around you. You make me laugh with your corny jokes. I think there could be something special between us."
"I feel the same way Kay. I have never met anyone quite like you before. You're hard working and very smart. I just can't believe you're giving me a chance."
"Nicholas why wouldn't I. You are a wonderful person. I like spending time with you."
"Well I know that you had this major crush on Miguel, and I didn't know if I could compete with that."
Kay leaned in closer to Nicholas. "Nicholas, I don't know how things are going to be between us, but I promise to always be honest with you, always."
Nicholas moved closer to Kay very slowly and they both closed their eyes. Nicholas then kissed Kay gently on her cheek and they both smiled.
"That was wonderful Nicholas. Thank you for taking things slow with Me."
"I want the moment we share our first kiss to be special and unforgettable. But most of all I want the time to be perfect so that there are no regrets. Speaking of regrets, why did Miguel come over earlier?"
"Well that's just it. Miguel asked me for help with this math problem that he answered in class. I thought it kind of strange at first, but I just went along with it. I wonder what's making him so loopy all of a sudden."
"I think I may have the answer to that."
"Well tell me, because I've never seen Miguel act like this before. So, what could it be Nicholas, why is Miguel acting so strange."
"Well I'm not really sure, but maybe I could talk to him tomorrow and find something out."
"Oh that just reminds me. Miguel and I are spending the day together tomorrow to rekindle our friendship. I hope that's O.K. with you."
"Sure, but if he put the moves on you I'll have to break his neck."
"Nicholas please, Miguel trying to put the moves on me is the last thing on his mind." I wouldn't be so sure, Nicholas thought. "Well good night sweet lady. I'll talk to you tomorrow after your rendezvous with your Latin lover."
They both laughed as Kay said good night and went into the house.
The Morning of the Date
When Miguel woke up that morning, he was nervous. He didn't know why he had butterflies in his stomach. After all this was Kay. His best bud. They were just going to hang out at the park and have a picnic or something. Still he wanted it to be special. He was curious about these current feelings for Kay. Could they be just because she was dating Nicholas, or were these feelings genuine? He went down stairs for breakfast.
"Hey Miguel, you sure are looking handsome this morning. You and Charity have plans today?" Theresa asked.
"No, actually Kay and I are spending the day together."
"What? You and Kay? How did that happen? Isn't she dating Nicholas?"
"It's not a date Theresa. Kay and I are best friends. We just thought it would be nice to spend some time together like we use to."
"I don't know if that's such a good idea little brother."
"Why not?" Miguel asked eyeing his sister.
"Well, I better not say."
"Why not Theresa? Do you know something I don't know?" Miguel said taking two pancakes and putting syrup on them.
"Well, Kay had a huge crush on you at one point. Whitney over heard her and Simone talking about how much she liked you, but you started dating Charity and broke her heart."
"I had no idea." Miguel said forgetting about the breakfast on his plate.
"It was so obvious Miguel. I'm surprised you didn't notice. She would light up every time you came into the room. Are you blind or something?"
"No! I just had no idea she felt this way. Kay and I always have been friends. I can't remember ever not being her friend. I thought that one day we would be together, but then I met Charity. And it seemed like love at first sight. I don't know, and I'm not so sure any more. How do you know Theresa? How do you know when you're with the right person?"
"People are different Miguel. They have different feelings. However, with me when I first met Ethan, something inside me knew that he was the one. I never had any doubts about my feelings. I never let anyone else distract me from loving him. It wasn't possible."
"Well I do love Charity, but I've been thinking of Kay a lot lately."
"Maybe it's because you see her with Nicholas a lot. Maybe you are starting to wonder what it could be like to have a relationship with her now. That's normal. You and Kay share so many things. You've discovered so many wonderful things with each other. It's almost as if she's your soul's mate, and life is making it plain to you now. It's like waking up from a very long night into a beautiful morning filled with sunshine. Sounds like love if you ask Me."
"I was afraid you might say that."
"Yeah, I frightened myself too. Well the worse thing to do is to stop whatever her and Nicholas has going on. She needs to run the course of true love. Kay and Nicholas need to experience some things together just as if you've done with Charity. I know you want to share your feelings with Kay, but you can't. Not now. Wait until she comes to you. You don't want her to think you broke her and Nicholas up because you're jealous."
"But I am jealous. I can't stand seeing them together!"
"Well that's too bad Miguel. Kay needs to experience some things without you. She likes Nicholas. Leave her be for right now. If it's meant to be, then it will happen, but you don't want her to run from you. Let her come back to you. And don't forget to talk this over with Charity. Be honest with her as well. Life is so much better when you are honest with the people you care for. She will truly appreciate it. Believe me."
"Thanks Theresa. You are wonderful. No wonder Ethan chose you. He's the luckiest man in the world."
"Thank you Miguel. Any girl would be lucky to be with you too."
At the Bennett's
"Jess, have you seen my baseball cap?"
"Yes, it's down stairs on the lamp table."
"Thanks, Miguel will be here soon."
"I can't believe he asked you out for today. What was he thinking?"
"It's not a date Jessica. We're just friends. He has Charity and I have Nicholas now. No more scheming for me, It wasn't meant to be with Miguel and me and I know that now."
"Wow, I can't believe my sister is saying these words." Jessica put her hand up to Kay's forehead.
"Are you O.K.? You're not sick are you?"
Kay slapped her little sister's hand out the way. "Move Jessica. There's nothing wrong with me. I just got tired of competing with Charity. If Miguel and I were meant to be, we would've happened. I'm glad things worked out as they did. Nicholas is wonderful. I have so much fun when we're together. He makes me laugh and feel things inside of me that I have never felt before. So don't worry Jessica, I'm not trying to make Miguel jealous or anything by dating Nicholas. I'm not a monster. I wouldn't do Nicholas like that. I like him too much."
"I wasn't insinuating anything Kay. I'm just surprise you gave up so soon."
"Whatever Jessica. When you experience life and love, you'll know. Just wait. Now, will you braid my hair going back so I can wear my cap?" Kay said sitting and handing Jessica the comb.
"I'm surprise you are dressed in jeans and T-shirt."
"Why? I'm not trying to impress anybody. My man is at home. He's the only person I'm trying to impress now days. And soon he too will see me in jeans and T-shirt if we have a jeans and T-shirt kind of day."
The two girls laughed as Kay stood up from her vanity table.
"Thanks Jess. This is beautiful."
"You're welcome Kay. Thank you for letting me do it. I like spending time with you. You're not so bad sometimes."
"Thanks, I think." She smiled at Jessica as she put her shoes on.
Down stairs
Miguel entered in the back door through the kitchen. Charity was sitting at the breakfast table munching on a muffin.
"Oh hi Miguel. I didn't know you were coming over today."
"Hi Charity. Actually Kay and I are going down to the park today."
"Ooh the park, that sound nice. I'll get my bag!"
"No Charity don't!"
Charity turned and looked at Miguel with confusion in her eyes. "Why not Miguel? What's going on?"
"Only Kay and I are going to the park."
"Why Miguel? What is this all about?"
"Nothing Charity. Kay and I are best friends. We just thought we would go do some fun things together like old times."
"I guess that was Kay's planning, right? I know she has feelings for you."
"You know it too?" Miguel said under his breath.
"What did you say?"
"I said that's crazy. Kay doesn't have feelings for me. She's with Nicholas."
"Whatever Miguel. I still think she loves you."
"Love? Where is this coming from Charity? I've never seen you act so jealous."
"Well you've never given me a reason to be jealous before."
Miguel hugged Charity tight. "And I'm not now. Kay and I are just going to the park to talk and perhaps play a little ball that's it. You are the girl I'm with. I love you. O.K.?"
Charity lightened up and smiled. "You're right Miguel, forgive me. I don't know what came over Me."
"There's nothing to forgive Charity." He kissed her on the lips.
Just at that moment, Kay came through the door. "Get a room!" she said sarcastically but jokingly.
"Oh hey Kay. Are you ready to go?"
"Sure Miguel. I prepared a lunch picnic basket for this afternoon."
"Great! I missed breakfast this morning. I sort of lost my appetite."
"Nothing to worry about Charity." Miguel said looking at her.
"Well great. I prepared all your favs. I hope you don't mind."
"Nope. This is great. Well I guess we should get going."
Miguel hugged Charity again and kissed her on the cheek. "I'll see you later O.K.?"
"Yes Miguel, later."
"Bye Charity, bye Jess." Kay said smiling as she walked out with Miguel.
"I don't trust her Jessica. I think she's up to something."
"At first I thought the same thing Charity, but Kay really confided with me upstairs. She swore up and down that she cares a lot for Nicholas, and doesn't want to do anything to hurt him. She recognizes that you and Miguel are together, and promises not to do anything to break you guys' up."
"I hope you're right Jessica. I hope you're right."
As Kay and Miguel walked around town, Kay couldn't help but to ask what the real reason he wanting to spend the day with her.
"So Miguel, what made you want to spend the day with me when you could be spending your time with Charity?"
"Kay we use to spend time together all the time."
"It seems a life time ago now. We've both grown up and our lives has seem to go in different directions."
"You really think so?" Miguel asking bright eyed.
"I don't know Miguel. It just seems like we don't have anything in common anymore."
Right at that point they passed by an old Harmony candy store and soda shop. Miguel and Kay looked at each other and started to laugh.
"Remember this place?" Miguel said smiling.
"How could I forget?" Kay said looking in the window as she pictured a 10- year-old Miguel sitting at a booth with his sister Theresa and his brother Luis.
Six Years Ago
"Mom, while you're next door, can I go inside and get some candy with the money daddy gave me?" A 10-year-old Kay asked.
"Sure, but don't be long. We still have your school shoes to get."
"Thanks mom. I won't."
Kay went inside noticing Miguel sitting at a booth with his siblings. "Hey Miguel." Kay said waving at her best friend.
"Hi Kay." Miguel said smiling as if his cheeks would burst.
"Miguel's got a girl friend, Miguel's got a girl friend." Theresa chanted, teasing her little brother.
"Shut up Theresa, she's not my girl friend." Miguel snapped cheeks red with embarrassment.
Kay overheard the two, trying to ignore them, for her cheeks were red as well. Kay told the guy behind the counter what she wanted. He put several pieces of candy and bubble gum on the counter and walked away to get something else Kay asked for. Right at that moment, a friend of Kay's got her attention. She turned to see the girl sitting in another booth and spoke. When Kay turned back around, the counter was minus the three pieces of bubble gum.
"What happened to the bubble gum little girl?" The guy roared at Kay.
"I don't know. It was right here a moment ago."
"You took it and put it in your pocket didn't you?"
"No mister, I didn't."
"Don't tell fibs little girl. Pay me for the gum, or I'm going to call the police."
Kay's eyes started filling up with tears.
"I promise I didn't take the gum, please don't call the police."
"You're Officer Bennett's daughter aren't you?"
"Y-e-s." Kay said sobbing now.
"Don't cry; just pay me for the gum."
Right at that moment, Miguel got up and ran out the door. Luis got up from his seat and went to the counter.
"What's the problem?" The rookie officer asked.
"This little girl took bubble gum from the counter and don't want to pay for it."
"Did you check her pockets?" Luis asked putting an arm around a hysterical Kay.
"No! I just know she did it!"
"How could you be so sure? I know Kay, and I know she wouldn't take anything that didn't belong to her."
"Well maybe I should check her pockets."
Just as soon as the man stepped behind the counter, advancing toward Kay, Miguel burst through the door with two other boys twice his size.
"Tell him!" He shouted at the boys. "Tell him what you did, or else."
One of the boys emptied out his pockets to reveal three pieces of bubble gum.
The man grabbed the two boys, apologized to Kay, and went to discipline the two boys in the back of the store. Walking away, they turned to Kay and apologized, looking frighten at Miguel.
"Well, well, well little brother. Those boys were twice your size. How did you get them to come back?"
"I don't know. I just knew Kay was in trouble and she needed my help."
"Thank you Miguel." Kay now was calming down a bit as she kissed him on the cheek and ran out the door.
"Miguel's got a girl friend, Miguel's got a girl friend." Theresa cheered as Miguel put his hand to his face and blushing as if he'll never stop smiling.
Kay turned around to find Miguel smiling at her.
"I guess you remember Huh?"
"Yes, just like if it was yesterday, but you know what I never knew? What made those guys come back? They were twice your size."
Miguel laughed. "I told them that my brother saw them take the gum and that he knew where they lived and that he was on his way to get them. Boy was my heart beating fast. I would have never thought they would fall for something so lame. But they did."
"Miguel they could've hurt you. What were you thinking."
"I was thinking of you. Standing there crying for something you didn't do. I saw the two boys take the gum and run. And I knew I had to do something."
"Thank you Miguel." Kay said smiling sweetly.
"You thanked me already. Six years ago."
Kay and Miguel turned and kept walking around town until they came to the park.
"This is a good spot Miguel. Spread the blanket right here."
Miguel spread the huge comforter in a shady area surrounded by a river of flowers and a very large duck pond.
"It sure is a nice day today, not too cool, with a touch of warmth in the air. Next month the ground should be covered with snow."
"Yeah I can't wait for ice skating season." Kay said looking at the duck pond in front of them.
"Remember the ice skating contest?" Kay asked.
"How could I forget? You literally twisted my arm to be in it with you."
"I did not twist your arm. I just punched you several times until you gave in."
"That's not how I remembered it." Miguel laughed.
Miguel and Kay at the age of eleven
"Miguel please! Please join the contest with me. I think we could win."
"No Kay! I'm not going to do it! Ice-skating is for sissies! You can't make me."
Kay started to cry.
"Stop it Kay. You're not going to trick me with those fake tears."
Kay cried even louder than before. Tears were drenching her little cheeks as if she were swimming in a pool.
"O.K.! I'll do it! Just stop crying, please!"
The tears stopped almost automatic as Kay put her arms around a defeated Miguel.
"Great! We have three weeks to work out a routine. We'll have to come here everyday and practice, because I want to win."
Miguel dropped his head knowing that this was something he knew he'd never get anything out of.
For three weeks, they practice their routine, and the contest was already a day away.
"How's our little ice skater." Luis teased.
"Leave me alone." Miguel snapped. "I'm not doing this. Kay is just going to have to be mad."
"Ay Mi Mijo!" Pilar said to her son. "You and Kay have worked hard for weeks. Do you think it would be fair to not show when you know Kay is counting on you?"
"I don't care! I'm tired of people teasing me! She'll have to do the routine by herself!"
"Miguel, Kay's mom worked real hard on you outfits. She'll be disappointed as well."
"That's another thing. Tights are for little girls. I'm not wearing them."
"Miguel, I'm sorry for teasing you. I think you and Kay have a good chance at winning. You two have worked real hard. Don't give up now." Luis said.
When Miguel woke up the next morning, he had butterflies in his stomach.
"This would be better if it were baseball. I know baseball, but ice-skating is not. I'm not going." Miguel said to himself.
Pilar knocked on her son's door.
"Go away, I'm not going!" Miguel yelled.
Pilar opened the door and thought how adorable her son looked in his outfit. "Miguel, I know you will decide to do the right thing. Kay is your best friend. She is counting on you to be there. But I'm not going to make you do anything you're not ready for. We'll be down stairs waiting if you change your mind."
Kay walked back and forth wondering where Miguel was. They were to go on in five minutes.
"He's not going to show is he?" Kay asked her mom.
"He'll be here darling. Just have faith."
"Where's your little sissy partner Kay?" The class bully asked as he walked up.
"Shut up Chucky before I introduce you to my fist."
"I guess you have to fight Miguel's battles now that he's turned into a little sissy ice skating boy."
"Shut up Chucky," a voice said standing behind him.
"Oh sorry Miguel, we didn't see you."
"Get out of here and leave Kay alone."
Chucky and his friends ran without looking back.
"Miguel you made it, I so glad." Kay said hugging his neck.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, let's get this over with."
Miguel and Kay skated perfectly for the contest. They didn't miss a beat, and everyone in Harmony cheered them on. It was no surprise when they went home with first place trophies.
Miguel and Kay sat there all afternoon reminiscing about the past while they ate the delicious lunch Kay prepared for them. At that point, they forgot all about Charity and Nicholas as they thought of times past. They really were the best of friends and no one really could ever change that. They had history. A history that was perfect just for the two of them.
Miguel stood up to stretch his legs and walked over to a very old oak tree.
"Come here Kay!" He called to her. "Look at this."
Kay stood and walked over to Miguel. "What is it Miguel?"
Miguel pointed to a carving in the tree. Miguel Kay The carving said in the middle of a crooked heart.
"Oh Miguel, this is beautiful. When did you do this?"
"When I was fourteen." Miguel said wondering what she was going to say.
"Why hadn't you ever shown this to me? This is really sweet."
Miguel took Kay by the hand as they took a stroll around the park.
"When we were younger, I had always thought that we would be together someday. It's funny what you think of when you're young. Things seem to go differently in real life than it is in your dreams."
"What are you saying Miguel?"
"Kay you knew. You knew I liked you. You were my girl. You were my girl without me asking you to be. We just fit together like that. Our families knew it, I knew it."
"Me too Miguel." Kay said looking down.
"Then what happened?" Miguel said now facing her.
"Charity happened, that's what!" Miguel looked towards the ground, and found that they were back by the old oak tree. "Yeah that's right, Charity."
"I'm sorry Miguel. I was out of line. We grew up and grew apart. We're not kids anymore. I can't make a home run and have you hug me hoping that you would never let me go. Most of the boyish things I did growing up were to be with you, a little girl in little league? I think I started a trend. You and I taking on boys at the basket ball court. How crazy was that? I was happy the most when we were hanging out. I couldn't wait until the day we both turned sixteen, and you came to my house to ask my dad if we could go on our first official date, but that didn't happen. You never came over, and you never asked. I thought at that moment it would never happen. The feelings I had for you were not returned, and probably never were."
"That's not true Kay. I liked you more than words could say. You were my strength when I couldn't bear going to father and son picnics without a father. You stood by me and supported me in everything I did. You taught me to love and appreciate the finer things in life. Remember the fallen baby bird. You cried and nursed that bird back to health when I thought it was a hopeless case. You're so caring and compassionate. I don't know many people who would do the things you do just for nature. You taught me not to liter, and that I should take care of the earth God provided for us. It was you Kay and no one else."
"Oh Miguel." Kay managed with tears forming.
Miguel wiped Kay's tears with his fingertips. "Don't cry Kay. Don't cry. I want you to read something."
Miguel pulled an old piece of notebook paper from his back pocket and handed it to Kay.
"What is this Miguel?" Kay said taking the battered paper.
"I wrote this last summer on the last day of school."
Kay unfolded the paper and saw that it was a letter addressed to her.
June 14, 1999, Dear Kay,
It's the last day of school and I'm so excited about starting the summer. We have worked real hard in school this year and I'm really looking forward to summer vacation. However, most of all I'm looking forward to spending the summer with you.
I know we aren't officially dating yet, but this time next year we will be. You have been my best friend ever since I can remember, and when we turn that magic number, you will be my girlfriend.
I'm saving this letter until our first date. I will be standing with you by the old oak tree in the park, showing you our carved names within a heart. Call me a romantic if you want, but I would love to see your face when you read it. You are my soul mate Kay Bennett and no one will ever change that.
Love Forever,
Miguel Lopez Fitzgerald
Kay couldn't help crying more tears now. She has never felt this excited in her life.
"Miguel I don't know what to say. I didn't know you felt this way." More sobs came from Kay. "This is the most beautiful thing I have ever received."
Miguel took Kay by the hand and led her back to their blanket by the pond. As they sat, Kay spoke first.
"I would have given anything to see this months ago. I guess it wasn't meant to be. Why with you and Charity together, and Nicholas and me, I guess this is one of life's funny twists and turns. I know how happy you and Charity are, and I respect that. I couldn't be more happier with Nicholas. He's wonderful. We laugh and have so much fun together; we have so much in common. He was the captain of his high school swim team in Europe, and I told him we were looking for a co-captain. Coach thought it would be cute to make us co-captains of Harmony High's Swim Team. Anyway, I'm looking forward to experiencing many things with Nicholas. He reminds me a lot of you Miguel. He treats me with such compassion and tenderness. I was afraid at first that I wouldn't find anyone to call my own until I met Nicholas. He's really great. I guess you feel the same way about Charity. I know how much you love her. She's really lucky. You're the best, the absolute best." Kay threw her arms around Miguel and hugged him tight. This had been a wonderful day, but she couldn't wait to see Nicholas.
They packed up everything, and headed back to Kay's house. Miguel was unexpectantly quiet on the way back, so many thoughts clouded his mind. He wasn't so sure about his feelings for Charity anymore, and he knew he would have to talk to her about it. What could he say? Theresa said to be honest, but I don't want to hurt her. I guess I'll come up with something, but in the mean time, he thought of Kay and his love for her. Could fate turn this whole thing around, or will he miss out on a love that would last them a lifetime. Only time would tell.
When Kay and Miguel walked up to the house, Kay was about to turn the knob to walk in, but Miguel reached out his hand to stop her from turning the knob.
"What's wrong Miguel? Why can't we go inside?"
"I want to tell you something." Miguel's mind was doing flips. He wanted so bad to tell Kay that he still loved her. He wanted her to know that she would always be his first love; it wasn't Charity. Yes, he cared a lot for her, and they shared some good moments together, but he felt differently about Kay. She was his past, and his future. And with the way things went today, she became his present.
"What is it Miguel? What do you want to tell me?" Kay said looking lovingly in his eyes.
"I wanted to tell you that I... that I love..." Miguel was finding the words hard to say. His mind quickly turned to the conversation he and Theresa shared just a few hours earlier that day. The worse thing to do is to stop whatever her and Nicholas has going on. She needs to run the course of true love. Kay and Nicholas need to experience some things together just as you've done with Charity. I know you want to share your feelings with Kay, but you can't. Not now. Not now...
"Not now..."
"Miguel? Are you O.K.?"
"Oh yes, I, Kay, I just wanted to say that I loved spending the day with you. And that I hope we could do this again sometime."
"Oh silly!" Kay said hugging him very tightly. "Of course we'll have other days like this."
Miguel didn't want to let her go. This felt so good, so right. Oh Kay. He thought to himself. Miguel looked at Kay but didn't let her go. She looked up at him unaware of his feelings. He stared into her eyes, still holding a tight grip onto her waist. They stood there for a second that seemed like hours looking in each other eyes, and then Kay quickly reached up and kissed him on the cheek.
"Thank you again for today Miguel. This memory will go into the Miguel and Kay memory books." She laughed, turned around and went inside the house.
"Nicholas! You're here! Great! I was just about to call you."
Kay ran over to her boyfriend who was sitting on the sofa next to Charity. She sat on his lap and gave him a quick peck on the lips.
"Hi sweetie, did you have a good time today reminiscing with your friend?"
"Best Friend!" Miguel said closing the door behind him.
Charity got up and ran towards Miguel.
"Hi Miguel, did you have a good time?"
Miguel didn't answer Charity; he kept his gaze on Nicholas very sternly.
"I'm Kay's best friend now. Your duties have been relieved. Isn't that right Kay?"
Miguel walked pass the young couple as Kay hugged Nicholas very tightly. He took the picnic basket into the kitchen with Charity following him.
"Miguel, what happened today? What did you guys do? Charity said trying not to sound jealous.
"Nothing really. We went down to the park and talked about when we were younger."
Charity put her arm around Miguel. "What would you like to do tonight?"
"I don't know, what do you want to do?"
"Hang out I guess."
"We always hang out." Miguel said walking out of the kitchen.
Outside in the living room Kay and Nicholas sat on the couch in a very sweet embrace.
Miguel looked at them really feeling jealous now.
"So, what are you guys doing this evening?" Charity asked.
Nicholas whispered something in Kay's ear that made her giggle.
Nicholas said he's going to surprise me. What are you two doing tonight?"
Charity humped her shoulders and sighed.
Miguel stood there for a moment and then spoke.
"Charity I'll see you later. I remembered that I have something to do at home. I'll be back later."
"O.K. Miguel. See you later." She said looking puzzled.
"Bye Miguel and thanks for today."
"You're welcome Kay. I had a good time too."
Nicholas kissed Kay on the cheek and told her that he'll come back around six.
"Wait up Miguel, I'll walk out with you."
"Whatever." Miguel said under his breath.
"I think it would be best if you left Kay alone. She doesn't need you playing with her mind. She's been hurt too much in the past."
"What right do you have to tell me whether I can talk to my own best friend? Anyway I would never hurt her."
"That's where you're wrong, I've already seen her hurt from the way you ignored her for her own cousin. You acted like she wasn't even alive anymore."
Miguel was so tempted to punch him in the face, but then what would that accomplish. "I will not stand for this. You can fool Kay all along with your act, but you don't fool me Crane. I just hope Kay sees your true colours before it's too late." With that statement, Miguel left Nicholas in front of the Bennett door.