Disclaimer: I do not own West Side Story or any of the characters contained therein, although I'd like to own Riff, and a little Ice, Ice Baby. lol. Raquel, however, is mine, so please don't steal her! Devante is also mine!

Author's Notes: Thanks to those of you who have read and reviewed! It makes me happy! lol. This fic is too much fun... I'm not sure how long it will last, but I'm pretty sure it will be really long. lol.

Chapter 16: Waiting

Raquel spent the night at Anita's, as did Maria. They were all sitting on Anita's couch watching a movie on Anita's new television set. "Raquel," Anita said with a smile. "That John is a darling. Don't let him get away."

Raquel smiled. "His grandparents were wonderful. Just wonderful! They did not mind that I am Puerto Rican. His grandmother even told me to call her Grandma Elin!"

Anita and Maria smiled. Maria found herself wishing that it had been so easy for her and Tony to be together. "She sounds wonderful, querida," Anita said, patting Raquel's arm.

"Sí, she is! And his abuelo is a charming gentleman as well."

Anita smiled. "You are blessed to have such wonderful friends."

Raquel smiled. "I know. I am so thankful for them."

"Baby John is a sweet boy, Raquel," Maria said. "I wish so much joy for both of you.

"Gracias, Maria," Raquel replied.

The girls talked until they could no longer hold their eyes open. They all fell asleep feeling better about life in general.

OoOoOoOoOoO

The next morning, Raquel woke to the sound of crying. Devante. Anita groggily walked into the baby's room saying, "Ayayay! I'm awake! I'm awake!"

Raquel snuggled back into the blankets, hoping to sleep a little longer, but no such luck. At that point, the shower started in the apartment next door. She wouldn't be able to sleep now. So she got up and said, "Coffee anyone?"

"Ah, sí," Anita replied.

"Oh, yes!" Maria agreed.

Raquel boiled the water for a pot.

"Is Juan coming to see you today?" Anita asked when she came back into the living room.

"I hope so!" Raquel said with a smile.

"Ay! She has it BAD!" Anita said playfully.

Raquel sighed as Maria nodded her agreement. "You girls are silly!" she said with a smile.

"Us, silly?" Maria asked innocently.

Raquel smiled and shook her head.

OoOoOoOoOoO

Meanwhile, in Jet territory, A-Rab was giving Baby John quite a ribbing about Raquel. "So, buddy boy, d'you ask 'er to marry ya yet?"

Baby John rolled his eyes and chunked a pillow at A-Rab, catching him in the side of the head. "OOF!" A-Rab shot Baby John a dirty look as he picked up the pillow and hurled it back at him. Baby John ducked, and the pillow soared over his head, smacking an unsuspecting Ice right between the shoulder blades.

Ice turned on his heel to glare at A-Rab.

"Sorry, Ice!" A-Rab said, in his most apologetic tone. "I was... aimin' for Baby John, but he ducked... and... uh..."

Ice shook his head, then chucked the pillow back at A-Rab.

Ice had been a football player on the Varsity team before trouble with the Jets had gotten him kicked of the team, and ultimately, expelled from school. So the pillow, which hit A-Rab in the chest, was enough to smart.

Baby John smiled. "Thanks, Ice!" he said.

Ice smiled. "No problem, Johnny Boy."

A-Rab stood, dropping the pillow. "Boys..." he announced. "I'm bored!"

"You won't be for long," Ice said. "Not with Johnny-boy here on his hate list for stealin' his girl."

"I didn't steal ANYBODY'S girl!" Baby John said in his most defensive tone.

"Anybodys' girl?" A-Rab said. "I knew it!"

"Cool it, wise apple!" Ice said, knowing that A-Rab was just trying to cause trouble.

Baby John smiled. Ice was one of the best guys he knew.

"Well, I'm hungry!" A-Rab said angrily.

Ice grinned. "Go get some food, smarty-pants."

A-Rab groaned as he went to search for food.

Baby John laughed. "I've never seen anybody shut A-Rab up so quick."

Ice grinned, and answered with a shrug. "Talent, I guess."

OoOoOoO

Translations!

Abuelo- Grandfather

A/N:

Eaglesgirl- Aw! I'm flattered! And tell your friend that Chino is yours because I said so! lol.

Tonyboy- Sorry! I had to stop and do some writing! I know how it is with the mom thing. They think that if someone hurts you once, you should never give them a second chance. I think that, unless they are abusive, maybe all they need is a second chance. I believe that God has a reason for what's happening, and that it may be more beautiful and exciting than anything you expect. My prayers are definately with both of you. I'm really looking forward to seeing what this girl looks like who stole your heart. Wow! Natalie was a little short!

Jianus- You do? Well, to be honest, I had considered some serious Ice/Anita-ness. But first I have to get rid of Velma. I was gonna have A-Rab shoot her with a bazooka (lol) but that doesn't seem to work with the plot! I don't know if I'll put Maria with anyone or not... Just not sure yet. But it won't be Riff, b/c obviously, Riff is dead.

Countrygurl- Indeed! I'm probably not going to see DOH the movie, because of Cooter... He said it was garbage and not to go.

Ash and company- Thank you! Guys, grow up! And if you don't quit torturing Johnny-boy, your lives will not be fun! I'm sorry I haven't reviewed yet! I'll do it soon! I've read the chapter... Just not reviewed. Oh, it's so hilarious that your teacher actually saw the reamains where your dog ate your homework!

Gondor Girl- Thanks! I'll check that out!

Lauren- Thank you very much! I heart Johnny-boy too!