Hi guys! I really hope you enjoy this chapter. A little shout out to the lovely Mini Time! Thank you for your praise dear! Oh and funnygirl00, you are MORE than welcome for the reviews, you deserve them! ENJOY!

Chapter 20

Rory's P.O.V

I shouted at the two, banging my fist on the thick glass of the door. Kirsten ducked her head, the wind sending her auburn hair flying. I wanted to vomit at the sight of Mr. Phantom holding her close as they walked, Kirsten visibly sobbing against his chest. Yuck. He was clearly twice her age and the thought make sick No doubt this was her tutor she's been ranting about. That should be me holding her, comforting her, keeping her warm against the cold autumn days. My soul was on fire. How could this happen? Didn't she understand how disgusting this situation was? I'd show her. She'd understand the mistake she's made. I'll make sure of it.

Kirsten's P.O.V

I was a zombie for the rest of my week. I went numbly from class to class, taking in zero information and neglecting to study. I made no attempt to communicate with Rory. Rarely, I made eye contact only to be shot down by his burning glare. I found solace with Erik, having nightly conversations filled of the love and warmth I longed for. I knew that sooner or later I needed to face Rory.

"What are you doing this weekend?" Asked Erik Friday night.

"I have homecoming tomorrow. I paid too much for that dress not to go. Besides, Maggie and I will have fun." I answered.

"Is he going to be there?" He asked in a cold tone.

"I..don't think so. We...were going to go together..before everything. He could be. You know I'll keep my distance." Worry fluttered I my stomach and I tried to suppress it.

"I know. Have fun. Don't worry about anything." He assured me in that same calm voice that always brought me home.

I should've guessed that Maggie would take the whole day to prep for the homecoming dance. And shouldn't I have known I'd be dragged along? You'd think I would have caught on since the girl's been my best friend since preschool. This time we decided to crash at her house. We stepped into her bedroom, the white wallpaper dotted with pink flowers brightened the room, causing my thoughts to turn to spring. Her bed was a huge queen and it had a large canopy over top that was draped with a soft pink tulle. Her room was truly a princess room. She laid our garment bags across her bed, unzipping them both. Standing back to admire them she said,

"Wow are we good." She let out a whistle

"Yep we are pretty awesome when it comes to fashion." I laughed, setting my bags down.

Maggie glanced at her watch. "We have two hours before we should start getting ready. What do you want to do?"

We both opted to watch Disney movies and have some girl talk. She gaped at me when I told her about my latest experience with Rory.

"Oh my word, what did Phan- I mean, Erik, say?" She gasped.

"He was very...understand. While we drove home I pretty much exploded, ranting about how horrible Rory was to him and how I was going to rip his freaking head off, but he calmed me down. He was so used to hiding from the world and being mistreated, he acted as if was nothing. Rory insulted him in the worst way possible. My Erik. It didn't phase him a bit. He told me to just ignore it. I said I wasn't going to sit down and take it. But he made me promise. I'd rather follow his wishes than do something rash that could hurt him even more." My heart sank.

"I'll bash his head in for ya." Maggie said coldly, her eyes narrowed.

I shook my head. "Maggie, it's behind us now. Just let go."

She scoffed. "What a jerk. I thought he was a nice guy."

"I'm sure he was just angry. I'll reason with him sometime." I assured her.

"So now you're defending him? Pick a side sister!." She exclaimed.

"This isn't about picking sides, Mags. It about settling things, the civil way." I said.

She sighed, seeming upset that she couldn't take her anger out on Rory. "Do we have to be civil?" She pouted.

"Yes. At least I have to. I'll get it settled the right way." I vowed.

"And when were you thinking of doing this?" She asked

"Whenever I get the chance. I don't know when that will be."

"Do you think he'll be at homecoming?" She inquired.

I bit my lip, thinking. "We'll just have to see. We were planning to go together, before all this occurred-"

"And Phantom swept you off your feet." She added.

"Was that really necessary?" I snapped.

"You feel guilty, don't you?" Maggie could read me like a book.

My shoulder's sagged with defeat. "You're right, I am. I can't help it. I feel horrible about it. He was so sweet and tender. A girl's perfect guy. Sure, he snapped now and then, but he didn't mean anything by it. I dropped everything for Erik. He became my...obsession. I hurt him so badly, didn't I?" I looked to her, holding the question in my eyes.

Maggie big blue eyes held my gaze and she nodded.

I sighed, throwing my across the bed and buried my face in a pillow. "What have I done?" I groaned.

Maggie my back in slow circles that calmed me. "We are going to get through this together. If you want to, talk to him tonight if he's there. If not, just save it til you're ready. These things take time." Her voice was soft.

I turned to look at her. "Have I ever told you how much I love you?" I gave her a watery smile.

Maggie laughed, hugging me close.

After the deep talk, we decided to lighten things up. Maggie turned on some happy tunes and decided to wok her magic on me. Once more she dragged out her bags of makeup, cans of hairspray, and about a million bobby pins as I got dressed. To my surprise, it only took us an hour to get ready. After final checks in the mirror, we headed to the dance.

"Quit touching your hair!" Maggie snapped.

"Did you have to put so much hairspray in it?" I gave an exasperated sigh as I flipped down the mirror, trying to run my fingers through the locks caked with Aqua-net.

"I always put in as much as necessary." She said simply.

"This was necessary?" I held up a stiff curl.

She smacked my hand down. "Stop it!"

I couldn't help but giggle. "Sorry girl. You know I'm just teasing. You did a great job." I gave her hand a squeeze.

She looked at me and cocked her head. "Not my best work, but it's not to bad."

"Well, we both look great." I told her as we pulled into the parking lot. "Let's go have some fun."

"Don't have to tell me twice." She beamed.

We hurried into the school, giggling excitedly. The first dance of the year was always the best. We both gaped at the glitter and magic of the gym turned wonderland. Streamers were strung on the ceiling and strands of beads were hung from the door frames. Music blared from a stereo that was set up at the far end of the room. We set our coats at an empty table..

"Do you think someone will ask you to dance?" Maggie shouted over the music as she dragged me to the dance floor.

I swayed to the music, relaxing to it's rhythm. "I doubt it, but we'll see."

Several upbeat tunes came our way, which led us to kick off our shoes and let loose. It felt so great to have so much fun after all the drama and stress that had been in my life. There wasn't anywhere I'd rather be. Maggie and I twirled our way around the dance floor, chatting and laughing with our fellow class members. We were on our feet for about an hour before we finally sat down to take a breather. A few girls pulled Maggie away because there was some sort of dress emergency with one of the cheerleaders, so I sat by myself, closing my eyes and letting the music take me away.

"You look beautiful." A voice startled me.

A rock hit my stomach. "Rory!" I blurted. "You...scared me." I faltered.

"I didn't mean to, Kirsten. You know we need to talk." His blue grey eyes met mine, awakening butterflies in me.

I nodded. "You should respect my decision, Rory."

"That's what I don't understand! Where did this guy come from, Kirsten? I thought we had a good thing going. All of the sudden musical boy shows up-"

"Rory!" I snapped, "if you're going to be like this I don't want to speak with you."

He gave an exasperated sigh. "I'm upset Kirsten! Did what we share mean nothing to you? At all?"

"It did mean something, honestly it did." I pleaded with him. "Erik and I share more..."

"Like what?" He asked slowly.

"That's not important." I said.

"Kirsten...I love you." He grasped my hand.

"Rory, don't say that..." Tears burned my eyes.

"But I do, Kirsten! I love you more than anything! I know I have a horrible temper, but I can change. I'll change for you, I swear!"

"You don't need to change for anyone, Rory. Especially not for me." I gripped his hand.

"But..I can't let you go. You mean to much to me." He kissed my hand.

I shivered beneath the touch of his lips. "Rory, I'm in a relationship with another man."

"Please Kirsten. Can't you see? How much do you really know about him?" His eyes begged for an answer.

The question hit me like a slap in the face. How much did I really know about Erik? "I..I don't know..." I whispered, almost to myself.

"See?" His voice was soft. "You need someone you can trust. Someone you know. Someone that was your friend above everything else."

I stared into my lap, his words ringing in my ears. He was right. Erik was a stranger to me. "Rory, I'm so sorry." I gasped.

"It's alright." He pulled me into his arms. I couldn't help but hug him close. I could smell his after shave against his neck and it made me giddy inside.

"Dance with me, please." His breath was warm against my ear. I nodded, a smile brushed my lips.

Rory took my hand and swept me into his arms. I could feel his muscles ripple beneath the thin cotton of his shirt. My heart warmed as I heard a soothing song come over the room. Lee Mead's soft voice combined with sweeping violins washed over me.

She
May be the face I can't forget
The trace of pleasure or regret
May be my treasure or the price I have to pay
She
May be the song that summer sings
May be the chill that autumn brings
May be a hundred different things
Within the measure of a day

"You are so beautiful." Rory whispered, and I felt his hand caress a few of my curls. Before I knew what was happening, I softly pressed my lips to his and everything fell away.

Yep. It happened. I know, I know. What do you guys think? Should he get a second chance? I also have a new fic. It's a James Bond fic called Bond, Uncle Bond. Please go check it out and review. Kirsten's hair is on my profile. Much love1