Hello dear readers! I'm glad you like the story. It makes me happy to read your comments about it. It has taken me awhile to update because finals were last week. Well enough of my babbling. Story on!

Disclaimers: I don't own any of the characters.

Chapter 3: Date

Cedric and Taranee were having a lovely time together. Her mom was impressed by her daughters new prospect, 'Rick'. Especially after hearing he went to Columbia University, owned a bookstore, and most importantly saved her daughter's life. Mrs. Cook was so proud of her daughters new suitor. A huge improvement from Nigel in her opinion. Her father on the other hand was less than thrilled about having an older guy date his 'baby'.

"Dad please! Rick and Peter are basically the same age! Rick's just two years older. Besides you let Peter date Cornelia. What's the difference!" Mr. Cook could not come up with a good enough retort so he let it go, for now.

"She has a point dear. We didn't say anything to Peter about Cornelia. Besides I was 18 and you were 22 when we started dating. Plus Taranee's a lot more mature than I was at that age." Mr. Cook just nodded his head,

"Know this! If he harms one hair on my snuggles head." He looked over at Mrs. Cook, "Cynthia you will have to save me from the gas chamber."

"Roger! Don't be ridiculous." Mrs. Cook put her arms across her chest. He gave Cynthia a stare before placing a firm kiss on his daughters head and pulling her into his strong arms.

"Okay snuggles you can go."

"Thank you daddy." Roger then walked downstairs into the room where Cedric was waiting. He gave the younger man a thorough look over. Cedric wore a white button up shirt, black blazer over his shirt, black slacks, and black designer shoes.

"You have a lovely home, Mr. Cook"

"Thanks." Roger said dryly, "Where are you from Rick?"

"London, England. I moved over here with my Uncle to attend college."

"So you left your mom and dad behind?"

"Well actually they died when I was 13. I've been living with my Uncle. He thought it a great opportunity for me to come here. Sadly he died last year also."

"What happen to him?"

"Roger, honey don't you think you are being nosy?"

"No, it is quite alright Mrs. Cook. He was 78 and died of natural causes. But I truly loved my Uncle as he did me. He left everything thing to me; henceforth, I took what he taught me and opened a book store."

"That's quite an amazing story, there Rick." Taranee walked down the stairs wearing black mock top sweater, red mini skirt stopping in the middle of her thighs, and black velvet boots that began at her knees. On her arm was a waist length red and black patch-stitched leather coat. Everyone's eyes were on her as she walked down the stairs.

"I'm ready Rick." Cedric's mouth hung open (that you are) he thought.

"Wonderful." Roger looked at his daughter then to Cedric,

"You take good care of my daughter."

"Yes sir. She is in good hands." Mr. Cook stepped aside allowing Taranee to walk over to Cedric. He offered his arm to her and she took happily.

"Have fun honey." Mrs. Cook called as they left.

Now Taranee sat beside Cedric holding on to his arm tightly in the movie theater. They were watching a scary movie. Cedric loved the feeling he got when he was around Taranee. He chuckled softly when Taranee squealed and hid her face during a scary part.

"Tell me when the scary part's over."

"It's over darling. Maybe we should have seen the chick flick. If you are too scared maybe we should leave?"

"No. I'm fine. The movie is actually good. I'm just a chicken when it comes to scary movies."

"Why? It is only a movie darling. Besides I won't let anything happen to you."

"Maybe . . .I just like to be close to you?"

"That is quite fine by me beautiful."

"Shhh." A man behind them tried to silence them. Cedric and Taranee looked at each other and smiled. She held on to him tighter and leaned her head on his shoulder.

Will and Matt walked down the street in silence, just enjoying each others company. Will and Matt finally convinced Will's mom to let her off punishment. After hours of much begging and pleading on both of their parts, she finally let Will go out. Will looked over at Matt and took his hand into her own. He looked over at her and smiled happily.

"So what does the lady want to do tonight?" Will was silent as she thought for the moment.

"It really doesn't matter to me. What do you want to do?" He shrugged his shoulders,

"I don't know? That new slasher movies is out. Maybe we should check it out."

"That's fine by me." They walked for a moment longer, "Matt, really why didn't you want to tell me about Nigel?"

"Because, he asked me not to, number two I knew you would freak, and number three I thought I could talk him out of it. Looks like I was wrong."

"You should have told me Matt Taranee deserved to know the truth before she got her heart broken. She would have done the same for me if the roles were in reverse."

"But Nigel is my best friend Will. I couldn't betray him."

"But it was okay to betray me." Will narrowed her eyes at him. Matt put up his hands in defense.

"No, Will. It's not like that at all. Okay lets look at it from my point of view. Taranee tells you she's breaking up with Nigel, and told you not to say anything. Would you tell?" Will looked thoughtfully for a moment then shook her head,

"No I guess I wouldn't."

"Now do you understand? I couldn't betray my friend. Can we now please stop fighting about this?" Will nodded her head and they continued walking until they saw Cedric and Taranee coming out of the theater.

"Oh my God."

"I guess your friend Taranee bounces back quick."

Cedric and Taranee walked out of the movie with Taranee holding on to his arm. The pair got a few glances their way but the didn't notice. Taranee did however notice when Cedric put an arm around her waist. Cedric saw a guy watching Taranee so he pulled her closer to him and gave the guy friendly nod. The guy simply turned his head away from the departing couple.

"So what did you think of the movie, darling?"

"Well it was kind of bloody."

"Sweetheart that movie was full of blood and gore. I thought it was cheesy and . ."

"Hey Will and Matt. What are you doing here?" Taranee asked staring at them guiltily.

"I could ask you the same thing, Taranee."

"We were just watching the latest gore flick. What are you here to see?"

"The same thing." Matt said dryly "It was awfully nice to see you." Matt said before walking away. "I'll be over here getting our tickets, Will."

"Okay Matt." Will called over to Matt. "Do you mind if I borrow her for a second. Thank you." Will said before Cedric could say anything. "What are you doing Taranee?"

"I came to see a movie just like you Will."

"That's not what I meant Taranee. What are you doing here with Mr. Hauffman?"

"His name is Rick. And like I said before to see a movie." Taranee said through gritted teeth.

"What about Nigel? You just broke up yesterday and here you are at the movies with Rick."

"Nigel broke up with me and yes I'm out with Rick. He asked me out today and if I have the opportunity to go out I'm not just going to sit around the house and mope all night. You're out with Matt enjoying yourself. Am I not allowed to have fun?"

"Of course Taranee. I'm just saying why don't you try to work things out with Nigel."

"Why do you keep going back to Nigel? It's like you know something I don't."

"No, I'm just saying it's a good chance you two could get back together."

"Why can't you be happy for me Will? Someone else is interested in me. Wants to be with me. Why won't you do what best friends are suppose to do and be happy for me."

"I am your best-friend Taranee. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"Well, best-friend you are hurting me. Quite frankly Will I'm tired of talking to you right now." With that Taranee walked back over to Cedric. She looked back at Will then rolled her eyes and Cedric and Taranee left. Will stood there staring at the door the couple just left out of. Matt came behind her,

"Hey. . .you okay?" Will turned to look at him and nodded her head. "Come on let's go watch the movie."

Taranee stared out of the window as Cedric drove down the street. He kept giving her side glances and noticed that although they were together, she was somewhere far away. He took a right and head toward the Heatherfield Waterfront. Taranee began to take notice of the change of scenary.

"I thought we were going to the Westin Café."

"We were but I thought you might like to take a stroll in my favorite place to think." She looked at Cedric then back out of the window. Cedric parked on the sandy beach and got out then open the door for Taranee holding at a hand for her.

"We're at the Waterfront." Taranee looked around taking in the surroundings. The full moon's light hit the water casting an eerie glow. The usually golden sands looked dark blue. The whole scene held mystery and wonder that was absolutely breathtaking. "It's so beautiful here. I've never come here at night."

"That's such a shame. Wait a minute darling you are not going to make it in those high-heeled boots in the sands, but if you walk around barefoot you are sure to catch a cold. I guess I'll have to carry you."

"What? Rick. . .uh. . .ha ha. .put me down." Cedric scooped her up in his arms, and began walking the beach with her in tow. "Rick put me down before you hurt yourself."

"That kind of hurt my feeling that you don't believe in my strength darling. Besides you weigh next to nothing. This is where I sit." He sat her down on the ground sitting down beside her. They sat in silence for awhile,

"Rick?"

"What is it beautiful?"

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For bringing me here and for the whole entire night. I haven't had this much fun in awhile." She looked toward the stars then sighed, "I just wished my best friend could be happy for me."

"I'm sure everything will work it self out, precious. These things take time, she will certainly come around. If she doesn't was she really your friend to begin with?" Taranee said nothing just stared into the heavens above. She shivered visibly and Cedric dragged her into his arms holding her close to him. She snuggled into him loving the feel of his body shielding her from the cold winds of late November. He smiled at her snuggling and sighed in contentment.

I hope you liked it. Please tell me what you think.

gracefulraven,

out!