Chapter Three

"Mom! I'm leaving!" Chris called out as he pulled the door open. He glanced at his watch, seeing the time and started to walk out.

"Wait just a minute, young man. Where do you think you are going?" Barbara asked as she came up behind him, reaching to close the door.

"I'm going to TJ's house. I'll be back at ten thirty."

" Ten thirty? Ha, try nine thirty," Barbara responded with a dull smile.

"Ma, nine thirty? It's Friday and its almost the summer. What can I possibly get done in two hours?"

Barbara thought about it and dropped her hand. Chris had been wonderful in school and he stayed out of trouble... most of the time. "Okay, are their parents home?"

"Of course they are home, Ma. Relax, I'm just going over to hang."

"Right, I remember the last time you guys just hanged," Barbara expressed with quote gestures. "It took a lot of convincing on both of your father's and even my part to convince Mrs. Weaver not to press charges."

"I promise, Ma, nothing's gonna happen,"Chris responded giving his mother his best innocent look.

"Gah, you look like your father when you do that. Alright, ten thirty."

"Make it twelve?"

"Make it back. At. Ten. Thirty, "Barbara countered. " Not a second longer."

"Buzzkill," he quipped with a short laugh. He bent to kiss her on the cheek and smiled deeply. He was on the verge of the biggest party ever.

"Be happy you are going out tonight, and not babysitting."

"Believe me, I am,"Chris said as he opened the door. " Bye mom!"

Barbara watched him get in his car and drove off, giving him a short wave. She trusted him to do the right thing.

Tj glanced around the living room, making sure that everything that was valuable was put away. He'd even brought down his stereo from his room, just so they wouldn't have to use his Dad's , even though, it was far more superior than his. Aj walked from the direction of the library , a nervous smile on his face as Rory and Riley came out of the kitchen. They all looked at each other with smiles as they heard cars pulling up and chatter as they came to the door. Just as the door bell sounded, the phone rang in the kitchen. Tj grabbed it as the door bell began to chime incessantly and the chanting began at the door.

"Let us in! Let us in!"

Tj depressed the button, speaking quickly, "Hello?"

"Tj... son, is that the door bell?" Tim asked , the worry deep in his tone.

"Uh, no Dad..."

"What is all that noise? Tj..."

"It's a movie , Dad. I turned on the surround sound."

"Turn it down, Tj. You know Mrs. Ramsey can't stand a lot of noise."

"Yes, sir. Whatcha need?" Tj asked , gaining his confidence. The chanting had grown and he walked into the living room.

" Your mother swears she left the iron on in our room. Go turn it off, and come right out."

"Okay, Dad. Anything else?" Tj asked as the banging got louder.

"No,... Tj, are you sure nothing's going on?"

"Positive , Dad. Don't be so paranoid."

"So, is it good?"

"Huh?"

"The movie, is it good?"

"Oh, yeah, right. Um , yeah, I-it's f-fantastic! Love it, two thumbs way up," Tj stuttered slightly. He instantly closed his eyes and put a hand to his forehead. How dumb could he be?

"Oh, alright. Well, we are getting ready to take off. I'll call you when we get to Vegas."

"Alright, Dad. Have a safe trip."

"Alright," Tim said as he sighed heavily, "bye."

"Bye,"Tj said as he glanced up to see Aj coming in. He hung up the phone and looked to the door as Riley answered. " No turning back, my friend."

"No turning back," Aj said defeated as he saw four kegs coming up the lawn with Danny brining up the rear and half of Antioch High with him. He grinned at the two brothers, as he gestured to the corner table.

"Gentlemen, paradise has arrived."

The kids behind him swarmed in and the music started blasting instantly. Tj gave Danny a shake as he turned to survey the room filling, the party instantly jumping a gear. He looked to the door to see Sian and Danica along with Sebastian Hamilton. Chris entered a second later, his eyes instantly transfixed with Sian. A few others passed through and he bobbed his head to the beat of the music. This was going to be off the hook.

"Alright, kiddies, time to head in," December said as she pulled her hair behind her. She had seen the numerous cars that passed on their way to TJ's place, and she was itching to get down there, knowing that Sebastian was waiting.

"But December, it's only eight fifteen, and I'm not sleepy," Azerra said as she stood at the foot of the stairs. "I can't see why we can't stay up. If mom and dad were here..."

"Well, mom and dad aren't here, I am. And what I say goes. Now, it's bed time."

"That's so not fair,"Aleera said as she stomped up the stairs behind Azerra. " I'm telling mom about this."

"You wanna tell, Leera? Go ahead, their numbers are in the kitchen. But remember that when you need a favor."

Aleera let a frustrated sigh out as she finished her trek up the stairs. December smiled wickedly as Pierre appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Junior is throughly involved," Pierre reported.

"Good, let's get going. I've missed almost an hour as it is."

"Should we lock the doors?"

"Are you out of your mind, Fitzy? Of course lock the doors. Make sure you have your key. And remember what we talked about."

"I come home first, make sure that the side door is unlocked."

" Correct. Mom didn't give me my key back before she left."

"Doesn't that kinda speak to how bad this idea is?"

" No, it doesn't ,Pierre. You'll be home before I will, so it's fool proof."

"I don't know, December. This just doesn't feel right, we can get into some serious trouble with this."

"Come off it , Pierre," December said as her anger began to rise. The more she stood there talking to him, the more time she was losing at the party. " Look, you can stay here if you want, I don't care, but I'm going."

"I think that is what I'll do,"Pierre responded as he started to walk off .

"Okay. I'll tell Riley when I see her. She said something about telling you something tonight. Oh, well, I guess you are going to have to wait until tomorrow," December shrugged.

Pierre stopped in his tracks, his heart starting beating irregularly. Riley had something to tell him? He turned quickly to face December, running a stiff hand through his red hair, " You're sure that she had something to tell me?"

"Positive. You don't have to stay long, just get out. There are something's in this life other than school, Fitzy. I want you to enjoy yourself tonight, and have fun! Experience life!"

Pierre smirked lightly as she punched him softly in the arm and then lifted his head as the door bell rang. He looked to December then to the door and then heard the phone ring. December motioned to the phone as Pierre opened the door.

"Hello?" December asked quickly.

"Hey, man, thirteen forty," the voice came from the door as Pierre opened it. December walked towards them, pulling her money out of her pocket.

" December?"Horatio asked, " What's going on ? Was that a pizza guy?"

" Yeah, I ordered out," December returned as she roughly handed him the money. The pizza guy glared at her then shrugged as he turned to leave. " I didn't feel like cooking anything."

" And where did you get the money for this?" Horatio inquired sternly. He knew that December was havoc on a pocket.

" I had a little money saved up. It's no biggie. So, gone two hours and already checking on me? That's gotta be some kind of record."

"It's nothing like that, December. I just wanted to check on you guys. Everything is going well?"

" You just left us not two hours ago, Dad. Yes, everything is fine."

" Good," he sighed heavily. " You would tell me if something was going on , right?"

" But of course, Daddy," she said sweetly. " I hate to disappoint you, but there is absolutely nothing going on."

"Alright, Princess. I was just checking. We should be landing in about four hours. I'll call then, I'm sure you will be up."

"Okay," December said as she glanced at Pierre who was taking three plates up the stairs. " So you'll be calling around , what, one o'clock?"

"That sounds about right. Tell Madison I said hello, I'm sure you will be talking to her before the night is out."

You have no idea, December said to herself, " I will. You guys have fun."

"Ok, sweet heart. Talk to you later."

"Alright, Daddy. Bye."

"Bye."

December depressed the button and sighed heavily as she leaned her head against the wall. As if it was a second thought, she depressed the button again and dialed a couple of numbers. She then pulled her cell out and flipped it up to make sure that her phone was on. With the calls forwarded to her cell phone, she could catch the calls and not step foot out of the party. The sounds of his footfalls coming down the stairs, caused her to lift her head, a smile coming on her lips.

"So, everything copesetic?"

"Everything's fine. They are eating. I don't think they will be going anywhere."

"Good. It's getting late. I wanted to be there an hour ago,"December responded as she picked up her bag. " Don't forget, lock up."

"I won't forget. I'll see you in a few."

"Yeah, see ya, Pierre," December said as she opened the door. With a sudden pull the door closed , and Pierre was alone in the foyer.

He struggled with the decision of returning to his bedroom and forgetting about this, and shrugged his shoulders. December was right, he should start to live a little. After fifteen minutes, Pierre opened the door and stepped out, hearing the music as it flowed through the neighborhood. He reached behind the door and locked it, closing it shut quickly. With his mind on Riley, he put his hands in his pockets and walked the sidewalk towards the Speedle house. He would have fun and then some.

Tim sighed heavily as he looked out of the window, seeing the clouds as the moon shined off of them. There was a certain feeling that he couldn't get over, it running through him like a freight train. The conversation with Tj over the phone didn't do much for him except solidify that they had made a very grievous decision. He could practically feel the destruction in his bones.

Alexx turned her head at him, putting an assuring hand on his leg. This had all been her idea, and it was two sided. The first thing she wanted was to take Tim away from Miami to help him relax, and the second thing was to prove to him that their sons were ready to be taken more serious. She could contend that Tj had been a handful, getting into all kinds of trouble, especially with Chris O'Brien, but deep down, she felt that all he needed was the chance.

"Tim, what's bothering you?" she asked quietly.

" I just have this feeling, Lexxi. It's sticking with me. Those boys are up to no good. Let me rephrase, TJ's up to no good."

"Now, Tim, didn't we agree to give them a chance? We haven't even been in the air for more than two hours. Don't you think it's a bit premature to freak out."

" You didn't talk to him, did you?"

" What do you mean?" Alexx asked , taking her hand off of his leg, and sitting up more. Tim's sudden change of tone caused her defensive side to rise. " There's no need to get nasty with this, Speed."

"Oh, no, I'm not getting nasty, Lexxi. It's just that he studdered on the phone."

Alexx looked away, then back to him quickly, " Did you say he studdered?"

"Yeah. He studdered. And you know what that means, right?"

"He's lying," Alexx said as she closed her eyes. The sudden feeling of a headache began to appear , taking root right in the front of her head. " Wait, maybe ..."

" No, Alexx, he studdered, and it was on a simple question."

"Jesus, what have we done?" Alexx asked as she went in her bag for her phone. She quickly dialed Tracie's number, hoping to god that they were home. When she got the answering machine, she left a message and then flipped the phone down. " I can't get Tracie."

"And Tommy's phone is broken. He was getting another one, I didn't get the new number. Who else can we call?"

" Barbara, Anni?"

" I'll try Anni, you try Barbara," Tim said as he grabbed his phone. In his mind he was already making plans for returning to Miami. After a moment, he hung up the cell, coming up short. Anni wasn't home. He looked to Alexx, seeing the obvious disappointment in her eyes as she flipped the phone down.

"Dammit, Tj," she said under her breath. She really needed this vacation. Tim reached out and took her hand and she looked up at him, a small smile coming to her face. He brought his hand to her cheek and caressed it softly. She took in a deep breath and let it out in a heavy sigh, " I guess, the vacation will have to wait."

" We will take one, after I crucify our son. I just can't help but think he's doing something very stupid at the moment."

"Any ideas?" Alexx asked.

" With Tj, you never know. As soon as we land, I'm going to check on tickets back to Miami."

"Alright," Alexx returned defeated. " I guess I will tell Kyrie and Horatio . Maybe they can stay and have a good time."

" Horry, what's the matter?" Kyrie asked as she saw him drop his head in thought. He was very hesitant on letting December keep the kids, but didn't understand why. For the most part, December was reliable on anything , and she was certainly old enough to do it. But deep down inside, she knew that his fears weren't unfounded.

" It's nothing. I just think that December was not forthcoming with the truth."

"What makes you say that?"Kyrie asked tilting her head slightly.

" Her voice. She was extremely forceful."

"That's how she is, Horry. It doesn't necessarily say anything. She's just like me," Kyrie said with a smile.

"And how were you when you were her age?" Horatio asked as he turned to her, his blue eyes cloudy with questions.

Kyrie closed her eyes, her memories flashing before her and then jolting up quickly, "Shit!"

"Exactly," Horatio said as he glanced up to see Alexx approaching. When she got to them they all spoke at the same time.

"We're going back."

With that understanding, Alexx returned to her seat, "Tim, we're going back. All of us."

Tim nodded and turned back to look out the window. Tj had better hoped that his feelings were wrong.

"Go, go , go , go!" the crowd was saying as Tj took the tube to the keg and opened his mouth . The amber liquid flowed from the tube, cascading into his mouth, the sounds of the urging crowd, pushing him further. He'd only drunk twice before, and both times, he'd come out of it with a monster of a hangover, promising that he would never do it again. But this was a special occasion, how was he to think that his patrons would have fun if he wasn't? He laughed as the beer traveled down his chin, putting the tube down and giving Danny a high five.

Aj walked up on him, a look of devastation hanging around him. Already, tables had been smashed and the kitchen was well on it's way to being demolished, and there was no telling what was going on upstairs, even though it had been barricaded.

"Tj, man, come on! This is getting out of hand," Aj screamed over the music. He glanced to his right to see some people going into the library and shot off before they could get the door closed. He ushered them out and then closed the door, pulling a chair in front of the doors. When he walked away, the same couple moved the chair and opened the door, slipping in. Aj returned to his brother's side as he began to dance wildly. " Tim, you gotta stop this. The place is getting trashed!"

" Where's the fun boy?" Tj asked as he continued to jump up and down. It was very obvious to Aj that he was already drunk.

"Fun boy doesn't want his ass in a sling, although," Aj said surveying the damage, " now I'm working for trying to stay alive."

Tj shook his head at him, as the song changed and more people gathered in the small space, pushing him further out of TJ's hearing. He turned around and began to dance more, pointing to random people, having a ball. Aj struggled to get through the throng of people, turning to walk towards the foyer, where he could see several people engaged in acts that he'd rather not think about. Shaking his head, he opened the door, and walked out side. This had been going on for almost two hours, and didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon. He looked down the street to see more people arriving. Looking to the right, he noticed the blue tarp sitting on the ground, and his heart stopped.

"What the? WHERE IS THE BIKE?" Aj screamed as he pushed past several more people, getting to the place where the Ducati should've been. "Oh , MY FUCKING, GOD! Dad is going to sacrifice us!"

"Aj?" came a soft voice from behind him. He could feel a light touch on his back and he swung around , coming face to face with her. It was Danica. " Is everything alright?"

"No, Danica, no everything's not alright," he responded as he dropped the tarp, watching it float to the ground. His life was over , just like that. "Go ahead and pick out the outfit that you are going to wear to my funeral, cause my dad is going to kill me."

"Aj, it can't be that bad," Danica said as she came closer to him. There were some feelings under her touch, and now seemed like a better time than any.

Just as she said that, a streak of yellow passed , it's engine revving hard. Aj dropped his head in defeat as he heard the tires squeal on the asphalt and turned around, going the other way, " There goes my life."

"Hey, that looked like Danny. Isn't that your Dad's Ducati?"

"Yeah," Aj responded in a very low tone. His heart had stopped beating and he hoped that the earth would open and swallow him whole before his dad came home.

" It seems that you would've put the keys up," she remarked absently. Aj turned to give her a scowled glare as the bike passed again, this time , the rider toppling over slightly, making it slide. Aj watched in horror as sparks flew up from the body of the canary yellow bike and the rider standing up , or rather, stumbling up, giving everyone two thumbs. Danica peered at him and exclaimed, " That is Danny!"

Aj stalked past Danny as he stumbled past him, coming to the bike and looking down on it mournfully. He picked it up and saw the black jagged scratch that the slide caused. He was looking his mortality in the face. He walked the bike up the driveway and parked it, the smell of steel burning. He heaved slightly before covering the bike back up.

"Maybe, he won't see it," Danica tried.

Aj narrowed his eyes at her as he snatched the tarp over the bike, " Danica, a blind man could see this! Dammit, TJ!"

Danica walked over to him and grabbed his hand, leading him away from the bike, " Since your life is going to end, make the best of it. Come inside with me."

Aj threw a look at the blue tarp and felt his shoulders slump even more. If he was to die, he sure as hell didn't want to croak before having the time of his life. With a hint of remorse, he squeezed her hand and looked into her eyes. Everything that he felt was coming to the surface. As a small smile appeared on his face, he turned to see Pierre as he walked up, gesturing to him.

"Eienstein, what's up?"

"Nothing, sounds like a heck of a party in there? Is it safe?"

Aj looked to the bike again, a deep sigh coming out, " Riley's in there somewhere."

"Thanks. Hey, have you seen December?"

" No,"Aj returned as more people passed. Just how many people did Slater invite? "If I see her, I'll tell her you are looking for her."

"Thanks, Aj. You say she's in there?" Pierre said as he looked in the direction of the door, many bodies blocking the way.

"Try the kitchen."

"HEY! Awesome , fiesta, man," Slater said as he walked up, his page boy cap on backwards. "Just getting started good? What's up , Danica?"

" Yeah, Slater, it's a thrasher," Aj returned gloweringly.

"Dude, did you see those rubber marks in your drive? Someone took a major ride around the block," Slater said as he looked over to the blue tarp. "Hey, man that thing is smoking."

Aj looked back and saw the smoke coming from the tarp and raced to it, pulling it back. Slater and Pierre got a good look at it, and snickered loudly. Aj turned to them with a menacing look in his eyes, " I don't see what's so damn funny."

"Man, that bike is totally wasted," Slater intoned with a giggle. " Shit, man , it's thrashed. I hate to see the poor bastard that belongs to."

"Aj, your father is going to stroke out, ... and then kill you," Pierre responded as he grinned heavily. "Any last words?"

"I hate you both," Aj said as he covered the bike again and stalked away. Pierre looked at Slater and shrugged, heading for the inside. Slater took the tarp off and looked at it again.

"A fucking tragedy has befallen this poor machine. May you rest in peace," Slater said as he crossed himself. He cover the bike again and made his way into the party. It was as kick ass as he thought it would be.

TBC...