Tibby's phone rang, "Hello?" she answered.
"Hello Tabitha?"a man asked.
Who the hell called her 'Tabitha'? "Who is this?"
"Oh, sorry," the man replied, "this the dean of the NYU, Dean . I was referred to your case by Dean Michaels. She told me of your harassment. I would like to apologize for the school and compensate you for your trauma. Would you be prepared to accept a $200 scholarship?"
"Bee, I think we should talk about the Billy thing before we leave," it was the last night of camp. Eric and Bridget were outside chaperoning activities, but in fact, they were actually just sitting on the grass.
Bee was transported back to the day where she confronted Eric about his behavior regarding the kiss with Billy. She looked away because she was blushing, "Oh Eric, it was horrible," she looked at him.
"I'm sorry I reacted that way," he grabbed her hand.
"That was the worst part," suddenly, she began crying, "I don't want to talk about it. I just want to sit and stare at you. 'Cause I'm in love with you," she sniffed.
"You're what?" he asked, waiting for it to sink in.
"You heard me," she replied, "I said, 'I'm in love with you'," she drew out the words for effect.
"Wow Bee," he remarked.
Bee was afraid of such a response. He didn't say he loved her back, "You know how hard that is for me to accept and say. But its easier than not having you around. I just wanted to get that out in the open."
Eric nodded. He was searching for words, "aye, aye," he began, "This is getting serious, isn't it?"
"It is for me Eric."
"Well I love you Bridget Vreeland. You're sexy, an awesome soccer player, and you're not afraid."
"I'm petrified," she admitted.
"Thats okay too," he assured her by looking into her eyes, "This is what unconditional love feels like."
"Can I open the door?" begged Lydia.
"Sure," Al supplied the key.
Carmen smiled at Lydia's enthusiasm.
"Finally," she said, "I get the home of my dreams."
Lydia turned the key, and gasped at the beautiful living room. Carmen knew that the guests were all hiding in the kitchen. The living room was full of streamers and balloons.
Lydia gasped, "Oh my! Whats all this?"
The guests emerged, "Surprise!"
Paul was sitting on the balcony when Carmen came up behind him after the party.
"Hey," she said quietly.
"Hi. Great Party."
"I didn't do much. Jo did most of the work. I just got the key and got Max here."
"That was a feat in itself. You amaze me Carmen. First, you gave Krista the courage to tell mom about the baby, then you help get them back together, now Max. Is there anything you can't do?"
"I can't make French toast."
Paul laughed.
"What? Its true!"
"You want me to show you before you leave?"
"Yeah, only if you let me make you a Puerto Rican dinner."
"Deal."
"You want to know a secret? I was jealous when dad told me that he and Lydia were having a baby. You'd think I'd stop being jealous. I mean dad does have you and Krista now, along with the baby, and mom has Ryan, but I'll never get used to not being the only child."
"I bet you don't. I've had Krista around for almost as long as I can remember, so I'm used to the whole sibling thing."
"Do you have any secrets Paul?"
"Yes..."
"I mean, besides your dad."
"Oh I've got a secret," he replied.
"And that is?"
Krista chose that moment to interrupt them, "Hey, whats up?" she came out of her room's entry, "Those ladies are almost cleaned up. Carmen, thanks for inviting Max, and making me invite grandma. Thanks most of all for not making this party a surprise for me."
"You're welcome. Paul, what is your secret?"
"I will tell you in my own sweet time."
"Aww damn," Carmen remarked, "Krista, why aren't you hanging out with Max?"
"His family is checking into the hotel. They'll be back for dinner. The two families are going out."
"How long is he staying?"
"Only a week."
"Must be hard, to see him again, but know he'll be gone in a week."
"Seeing him again, after all these months, makes me realize, that I really didn't love him. It makes me feel stupid."
"Its not stupid, you're young. Think about it, Win is my first serious boyfriend."
"Oh I've had tons of boyfriends, but Max was the only one I felt like going all the way with. You can see where that lead me," Krista scoffed.
Jo ran out to the balcony, "Carmen, Krista Paul! Come quick! Lydia is having her baby!
Several Hours Later:
"Here's your baby boy Lydia!" the nurse beamed, "Whats his name?
"Albert James Lowell Jr.," Al proudly supplied.
"AJ," Carmen, Paul and Krista said in unison.
"He's just beautiful," Krista smiled.
"We'll leave you three to get acquainted with each other," Paul retreated to the door. Carmen followed.
Suddenly, Carmen had an idea, "Paul, I challenge you to a game of tennis. I win, you spill your secret. You win, I'll buy you an all you can eat sushi dinner."
"I don't want all the sushi I can eat."
"Fine, then what DO you want?"
"I'll decide if I win."
"Thats not fair. You know my terms. I don't know how hard I should play."
"Trust me, you won't want to loose."