A/N: I can't believe this is the last chapter of Collide. Well here goes, I hope you guys like it. I still can't believe that no one has caught the fact that I made Tarah, Nicole's daughter. Check out the first few chapters of when Audrey started Chilton and you'll see. All will be explained later in the story.
Thanks to all my readers and some new names. It is so nice to know that my work is liked.
Chapter 48: Who You'd Be Today
School was out for the summer. Audrey Avery Danes had little under three months to prepare for the Miss America pageant. Ryan Turner, her boyfriend was sailing with his friends for most of the summer. Camille Rogers, her best friend, was being sent off to camp in Maine. Her best friend from Chilton, Tarah Leahy-Worth, was going to be around and the two girls had made plans to spend most of the summer together.
"Mom why are you going to Italy without me?" Audrey whined, watching her mother pack several suitcases.
"Audrey enough. Your father and I deserve a nice vacation," Lorelai said, exasperated. "With Rory and the kids in Ohio with Marty and Jess and Annie gone in California, our house is no longer the neice-nephew-grandchild dumping center. Besides it's been forever since Luke and I got to go anywhere by ourselves. We need this Audi. It's only for a month. It won't kill you."
"Yes it will."
"You get the entire house to yourself. You can eat whatever you want, sleep on the couch, watch a ton of movies. You could totally throw that wild keg party and have the two guys you've always liked break a bunch of Hummels and a fence."
"What are you babbling about?" Audrey teased.
"Nothing. The month will go by so fast you won't even notice it."
Audrey laid back on her mother's bed. Everyone was abandoning her for the summer. Her family always used to take vacations together. They went to Florida when Audrey was eight and heard one too many rants about theme park lines, paying for parking, the price of park admission, and the outrageous price of a burger. Needless to say the Danes' never hit another major theme park. Even before Rory and Marty had Laura she would go places with them. She let out a large sigh.
"Audi, if you're going to pout at least do it right," Lorelai said, folding another sundress.
Audrey climbed out of her parents' bed and wandered into the hallway. The last few months the atmosphere in the Danes house changed greatly. Photographs of Christian and Audrey lined the walls. They were able to talk about him and all the things that they had wanted to do with them both. She wandered into the kitchen and found her dad labeling tupperware containers. Luke knew that Lorelai was leaving Audrey plenty of money for food and what not, but he didn't want her to have to live on Al's and pizza for a month or so. She sat down at the table and sighed loudly.
"Audrey you have enough to do this summer," Luke said. "By the time we get back it will feel like we never left."
"I know. I just want to go too!"
"If it helps, I'll try to be miserable without you," Luke said running his fingers through his daughter's curls. "Ok so I think I've made you enough stuff to last all summer and not just a month. The top shelf is all pasta and salads. Chicken on the second shelf and soups are onthe bottom. Sookie is going to check in on you every few days just to make sure you're still alive."
Lorelai came downstairs lugging several suitcases. She set down a pile of papers on the kitchen table.
"Here are the names and phone numbers of all the hotel we'll be at. Also there is a official document declaring that if anything was to happen to you while we are out of the country Sookie and Jackson are your gaurdians. We'll call you every night and that's about it," Lorelai said.
A horn sounded outside. Their cab had arrived. "Be good and we'll see you in about a month," Lorelai said, hugging her daughter. "Sookie'll check in on you every couple of days."
Audrey walked out to the cab with her parents. She sat on the porch steps watching her father load up their luggage. She rested her head in the palms of her hands and watched until the cab was out of sight. She walked back into the house and looked around. It was entirely way too quiet for her. She turned on the stereo and blasted some Blondie song. She danced around the living room. She grooved to Madonna, jammed to the Clash and U2. Soon afterward she ordered pizza from Joe and settled into her much anticipated musical movie marathon. She started with The Phantom of the Opera and ended two days later with Blue Hawaii.
Camille had called from camp somwhere in between My Fair Lady and The King and I. She was whining about being away from Hunter Davis, her new boyfriend.
"Audi I hate camp!" she exclaimed. "All the girls here are snobs and all they want to do is sleep with every guy here."
"At least your parents didn't leave you to rot in the Hollow for half the summer," Audrey retorted. "Mom actually called last night from the plane to tell me that she could see the lights of Paris."
"Harsh!" Camille agreed. "Crap. Audi I have to go. Slave driver Sarah calls. Talk to you later."
During the next few days Audrey hung out at the house, worked a few hours at the inn, helped Miss Patty with her starters ballet class, and basically just waited around for one of her friends to call. Her parents called nightly to give her the daily report of the day. She heard from Ryan almost every night or whenever he was able to get a signal on his phone. It was hard for Audrey to be so far from him. She loved Ryan too much to be away for this long.
The last time they had talked they were on their way back from Annapoilis where James was almost arrested for water ballooning some senator's yacht. Luckily Ryan was a fast talker and said that he thought it was his cousin's boat and they didn't mean any harm. Thursday afternoon she got a call from Ryan that they were back in Bridgeport for the weekend.
"You sound really close," Audrey said. "Where are you?"
"Driving past the diner and Miss Patty's," he said looking over his shoulder. "I should be there in about a minute or two."
"Could you make it five? The house is a mess and so am I."
She quickly hung up the phone and tore around the house throwing out the pizza boxes and the old popcorn. She threw most of her dirty clothes out onto the porch, to be done later, she mentally tallied. She then dove into her room and changed her clothes. She put on a pair of faded jeans and a green tshirt, stolen from her mother's closet. Audrey took one last look around the house and sighed. Then the bell rang.
Audrey went to the door and found Ryan standing there. He was in a white tank top and blue green Hawaiian print surfer shorts. He had on his glasses and to Audrey, who hadn't seen him since the last day of school, three weeks ago, he never looked better.
"Hey," he said. He took her hand and pulled her out onto the porch. He pulled her into a kiss.
"Hey," she repiled, in between kisses. "How long before you have to meet back up with the boys?"
"Not until Monday," Ryan answered peeking into the house. "Based on the look of the house, I'm the first human contact you've had all week?"
"Not so. Aunt Sookie came by yesterday," Audrey said, her eyes glittering.
They walked into the quiet house. They fell onto the couch. It was so quiet and he looked so good that Audrey began to think that this was the right moment for them.
"Let's take a walk," she said.
They left the house and began the trek to Raudrey's place.
"Ryan?" she asked quietly.
"What is it Audrey?" he asked, concerned. "What's wrong?"
"Did you have anything in mind when you came over tonight? Anything you wanted to do? With me?" she asked, trying not to sound so afraid of what she was trying to get at.
"Do you think I came here tonight with the intention of sleeping with you? The answer is, no I didn't. Audrey, I love you. I would never push you into something you're not ready for," he said turning to face her. He took her small hands in his and gently caressed her knuckles. "Unless you're ready? Are you?"
"Yes, I am," Audrey said, standing on her tiptoes kissing him. "I am."
They arrived in the clearing of Raudrey's Place. Audrey stood under the tree and pulled down the stairs of the treehouse. She went up first and Ryan soon followed. She lit the lantern and Ryan eyed the loft. The last time he was here, he was not allowed up in the loft. Now he was following her up the ladder.
They stood facing each other. She took the first step and kissed him gently, drawing her hands over his shoulders and locking them in place behind his head. His hands hung loosely at her side then he began to play with the hem of her shirt. He pulled away fora second.
"Audrey, are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes, I am," Audrey replied.
Ryan pulled her shirt off over her head and tossed it aside. Audrey stared up into his eyes, falling more in love with him then before. he helped her get his tank top off. He held her in his arms and lowered themselves to the bed. He traced the outline of her breasts and down to her belly button. He loosened her belt and popped the buttons on her jean and she wiggled out of them.
Audrey pulled at the stings of his shorts. Ryan looked down at the beautiful beneath him. He remembered the first time he had seen her. She was walking with her parents towards Ms. Geller's office. He thought she was so beautiful and he had to meet her. He looked into Audrey's eyes and saw the love and longing in her sapphire blue eyes.
They came together, moving slowly. For Audrey, it was the most special, romantic, perfect moment in her life. For Ryan, the act of loving Audrey, only made him love her more. She curled up next to him, lying her head on his shoulder. He was playing with a strand of her curly brown hair.
"I love you Ryan," she whispered. "I don't want to go back out to sea. Do you have to go?"
"If I don't go back out there, James will either get himself killed or thrown in prison for attempting to commandeer the president's yacht," he replied.
They fell asleep and Audrey was the first to wake in the morning light. She wrapped herself in the sheet and went over to the wardrobe and removed some clean clothes she had stashed there a few weeks back, during finals. Once she was dressed she climbed back into bed with Ryan and playfully tickled his back.
"Good morning Ryan," she whispered, kissing his shoulder. "Come on, you have to get up."
"Five more minutes," he mumbled.
"I'll make you breakfast."
"No. I wanna stay here with you."
Ryan rolled over and balanced over her, staring into her beautiful blue eyes. He didn't want to go but he knew they couldn't stay here. He had to go get some stuff to take out with his friends. They both goy up and Ryan helped her make the bed. They then walked back to the house so Ryan could get his car.
"I love you Audrey," he said, before climbing into his car. "I'll call you whenever I get a signal."
"I'll hold you to that," she replied, kissing him.
She watched his Cooper drive away and then entered the house to find a very put out cocker.
"I'm sorry, baby," Audrey said, patting Katie's head. "Come on, let's have pancakes."
As she passed the answering machine Audrey hit the playback.
"Hey kid! I guess you're not home so, we'll try to catch you later. We're on our way to the Vatican. Mommy hopes to get to touch the Pope again. Talk to you later," said Lorelai.
"Audrey. Hi. I can't really talk right now but please, please call me the second you get in," Tarah'svoice said. "I'm getting off Ricky. Bye."
"That's strange," Audrey said, after Tarah's message.
"Audrey I have the best news ever! Oh yeah this is Holly. I got an audtion next week in New York! If you can, could we meet for lunch tomorrow? I have so much I want to tell you. Call me later or whenever you get in."
Audrey picked up the phone and called the Matthews' in Woodbury.
"Matthews residence. May I ask who's calling?" the Matthews' maid said.
"Audrey Danes, may I speak to Holly please?"
A few minutes later Audrey hung up the phone after confirming lunch plans with Holly. The two friends agreed to meet at Sniffy's Tavern, Audrey's Aunt Maisy and Uncle Buddy's place. They sat down and looked over the menu. Audrey remembered her father's warning about ordering at Sniffy's. "Don't bother looking. Whatever you order they'll just bring you something different."
"So you have an audtion next week?" Audrey asked.
"Chorus of Phantom and Cats," Holly elaborated. "I'm so nervous."
"What are you going to sing for your audtion?" Audrey asked. "Think of Me?"
"Could I borrow Palace of Art?" Holly asked. "I know it's your signature peice and you won Miss Connecticut with it. I was just thinking out loud really," Holly said, rambling. "I just don't want to come off looking stupid by singing something from the show."
"Of course you can use Palace of Art," Audrey replied. "If you get this part what are you going to do about school?"
"On set tutors and Mom's going to homeschool me on the weekends and on off nights. God, Audi I am so excited. Mom said that I could go to the audtion by myself. I'll take the train in on Monday morning and be back by Monday night."
"Just be careful Holly. The city is nothing like Woodbury or the Hollow," Audrey said, her voice full of concern.
"Audrey, don't worry about me. I'll be fine."
The two girls talked and laughed together for about an hour. Unbeknownst to them, Audrey and Holly shared their final hug before parting for their cars.
"Call me the second you finish the audtions," Audrey called to her friend. "I want to know everything!"
"I will. Bye Audrey!"
When Audrey arrived home she found Tarah sitting on her porch steps. She was clutching her bookbag, her eyes darting around and she looked terrified. Audrey parked her car and ran to her friend. Upon a closer look Audrey found Tarah's once delicate features beaten beyond recognition.
"Oh my God!" Audrey breathed. "Tarah what happened?"
"I'm so sorry to drop this on you but I have no where else to go," Tarah said, trying not to cry. "Could I stay here for a few days, until my Mom gets back from Boston?"
"Of course. Come on in."
Audrey took her friend's things into the house. Tarah, walking slowly, collapsed onto the couch. Audrey set Tarah's things in her room and went to start the coffee pot. "Tarah are you hungry? Daddy left me a ton of food. I've got salad, soups, chicken, beef and pork. I've got coffee started now. Anything sound good?"
"Anything will be fine Audi. I'm not sure how much I can keep down," Tarah replied.
Audrey went to the fridge and pulled out a goat cheese fennel salad. She put it on a tray and waited for the coffee to finish brewing. She filled two mugs and brought the tray into the living room. She found Tarah huddled into the corner of the couch, clutching a pillow and Katie's loving head resting on her knee.
"Tarah? What happened?" Audrey asked, settling onto the couch. "Who did this to you?"
"You remember that guy I started seeing just after spring break?" Tarah asked.
"Ricky Van Warner?" Audrey asked.
"Yeah, James and Ryan's friend from Lakeside Academy. It started innocent enough, playful punches in the shoulder, pinches in hidden places but last night," Tarah stopped trying not to cry. "Last night it just escalated."
Audrey knew who Tarah was talking about. She had met Ricky Van Warner once or twice at one of James' crazy parties.
"I guess that explains the message from last night," Audrey said, softly.
"In the last two weeks things have just gotten worse. He hates all of my friends, you in particular. I'm not sure why."
"So what else is new? Tarah, he's not going to get away with this. Hang on."
Audrey picked up her cell and punched in Ryan's number.
"Who are you calling?" Tarah asked, frightened.
"Back up," Audrey said. "Ryan, where are you?"
"In Hartford with James. Why?" he replied.
"I need you guys to pay a visit to Ricky Van Warner's."
"The Rickster? What for?"
Audrey began to tell Ryan all that Tarah had told her and what Tarah looked like at that very moment. Then the line was quiet. It hadn't clicked off so she knew he was still there. AUdrey was frightened.
"Ryan? Baby, say something."
"Does Tarah know where he is at this moment?" Ryan asked, with much anger in his voice.
Audrey held the phone away from her mouth and asked Tarah if she knew where Ricky might be.
"Possibly at home asleep. If he's not there, he's at Harris Nichols' place," Tarah answered bitterly.
Audrey relayed the message and waited again in silence for Ryan to speak.
"Baby, this is what we're going to do. James and I are going to track down Ricky and if we have to drag him back to his house. You're going to call the cops. They can't hold him on anything unless Tarah is pressing charges. Keep your phone with you and I'll call you as soon as I know something."
"What are you going to do to Ricky? Don't do anything that can get you in trouble also."
"Don't worry baby. We won't do anything except maybe sit on him until the cops show up. Take Tarah to the Hartford station and file a report. I love you."
"I love you too. Thank you so much for doing this."
"You're welcome, Audrey."
Audrey hung up her phone. "Ryan and James are going to find Ricky. We're going to Hartford."
"I can't go anywhere! Look at me!" Tarah exclaimed.
"Come with me. Let's hit the mall."
"The mall?"
"My mother's closet," Audrey explained.
"Audrey no. I can't wear your mother's stuff."
"Why not? Rory, Annie and I do it all the time."
Tarah followed Audrey up the stairs past all the photographs on the walls. This house was so cheerful and friendly, unlike her own home. They walked into Audrey's parents' room and there were even more pictures. One in particular stuck out at Tarah. Audrey was rummaging through her mom's stuff while Tarah stared at the photo. She had seen it somewhere before. The woman in the picture looked so familiar to her.
"Hey Audrey? Who's that?" Tarah asked pointing to the photo.
"Who's what?" Audrey replied, coming out of the closet with an armful of long sweaters and a big pair of Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's sunglasses.
"That woman with your dad," Tarah said softly. "I know her from somewhere."
Audrey took a look at the picture. It took her a minute to remember who it was. The photo was of her father on a cruise. "Oh that's Nicole Leahy, Daddy's first wife."
"Leahy? Nicole Leahy?"
"Yeah. She seems nice. I never met her though. Daddy says she was nice."
"She is. She's my mother," Tarah said. "Wow. My mom was married to your dad. Wait your dad's name is Luke right?"
"Yeah. I have been friends with you for months and I have never put that together. I think it's because I know you as Tarah and I never put two and two together with the last name."
There was a short pause between the two girls. Tarah took a tan sweater from the pile in Audrey's arms and the put it on, covering the bruises on her arms. She then put on the glasses.
"Thank you for doing this Audrey. You didn't have to."
"Tarah, you're my friend. Just to let you know, if I was about another four or five inches taller, I'd go over there with James and Ryan and soundly kick Ricky's ass for doing this to you."
They went back downstairs and Audrey called the cops. They then went out to Audrey's car and got in. The drive to Hartford seemed much longer than twenty minutes. As they neared the station they saw Ricky being led inside. Tarah reached over and clutched her friend's hand. Audrey parked her car and the two girls went inside.
A/N: Ok so I lied. This isn't going to be the last chapter. The handwritten copy that I work on at school is over 20 pages long so I figured I'd chop it off here and make this a two parter. Next on Collide:
"I need to think about something else. Tell me anything."
"I slept with Ryan."
The situation with Ricky becomes dangerous. The call that Audrey never wanted to hearcame. Holly was gone and there was nothing Audrey could do to bring her back. Also the Miss America pageant.
All right guys you know the drill. The pretty purpleish gray button is calling you. If you think it's good tell me what you liked about it. The one liner "Update soon please!" doesn't help with the content of the story.