New chapter is up and ready to go! WARNING: explicit language and mature content in this chapter!

Chapter Seventeen: This Friday Night

Friday night came too quickly for Ronnie. She spoke with her family about being bi-curious; which they took in stride. While they talked about it, Ronnie watched her brother's reactions. While there weren't any reactions that were dead giveaways, she knew that they would talk again. She went to bed that night content and got up the next morning ready for work. She worked hostess at the restaurant for most of the day. Her cover came in closer to four, along with her brother. She wanted to talk to him, but Gabe reminded her of her date that night. Ronnie headed home and jumped in the shower.

She got out of the shower; towel wrapped around her and was at a loss for what to wear. She looked in her closet and couldn't find anything that looked good for her. She pondered her choices when her phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Hey pretty lady."

Ronnie smiled. "Hey Shane; don't tell me that you're calling to cancel?"

Shane laughed. "I would never think of doing such a thing. I was just calling to let you know that I would be over in about half an hour. That's unless you need a little more time to get ready?"

Ronnie looked at the clock and noticed that it was already five-thirty. "No, that should be fine. Just wondering what I should wear tonight."

"Something slutty?"

"Seriously Shane!" Ronnie nervously laughed.

She heard him laughing on the other end. "No Veronica I'm kidding. I've got a plan, so think casual to business casual."

Ronnie sighed in relief. "Really? Is that the only reason that you called?"

"We'll have a good time. Trust me; it's just the two of us. You don't have to be nervous." Shane commented. "I really called to say that I would be early. If I helped with your wardrobe choice; then cool. Although…"

"I don't have any slutty clothes." Ronnie giggled.

"I didn't think so." Shane chuckled. "I'll see you in half an hour."

They said their goodbyes and Ronnie headed to the closet again. She smiled as she found the outfit for the night…

Time passes…

Jane was cleaning up in the kitchen when the doorbell rang. She looked up and smiled as she went to the door. She looked through the peephole and noticed a well groomed Shane Milligan. She turned from the door and spoke up the stairs.

"Ronnie; Shane's here for you."

"Thanks mom; I'll be right down."

Jane turned back to the door and opened it.

"Evening Mrs. Mason. I was wondering if Veronica was ready for our date this evening."

Jane stood away from the door and let Shane in. She closed the door once he was in the foyer. She had to smile that Shane had actually cleaned up quite well. Shane dressed in a pair of dark brown khakis, a navy blue polo with a leather jacket. He had even brought flowers for Ronnie. If he was trying to make a good first impression; he had succeeded.

"Ronnie's almost done. I think she was putting on the last of her makeup."

"Thank you Mrs. Mason." He sat down on the couch and waited for Ronnie to come down the stairs. He didn't wait more than five minutes when footsteps were heard from the stairway. He got up and watched his date walk down the stairs.

Ronnie had listened to what Shane suggested. She walked down the stairs in a pair of flats, a knee length tan skirt and a white blouse. Her hair was down, slightly curly and she wasn't wearing her glasses.

"Absolutely stunning Ms. Mason. Decided to say no to the glasses?"

Ronnie blushed. "Contacts Shane; I don't like wearing them very often."

"I figured. We're so used to seeing you in those wire-frames." Shane smiled. "It's a very welcome change."

"You should feel honored Shane, Veronica only wears contacts on special occasions." Jane chimed in. "She must feel that this is a very special occasion."

"Mom…"

Shane smiled. "I can understand her point of view." He looked at Ronnie. "Thank you for thinking this as a special occasion." Ronnie blushed again as Shane turned to Jane. "What time would you like me to have Veronica home?"

Jane smiled, blushing a bit herself. "No later than midnight; I would like to talk to her some tonight as well."

"Of course, I will have her home just before then." Shane nodded. He handed the flowers to Ronnie. "I hope you like them."

"Carnations and Baby's Breath; very interesting combination Mr. Milligan." Ronnie observed, taking the bouquet from him. "I'll just put them in some water."

Jane took them from her daughter. "I'll take care of this Ronnie. You go ahead and have a great night out." Jane smiled at the flowers as she put them in a vase in the kitchen. Shane held the door for Ronnie as they left for the night.

They walked down the path to the curb where Shane had parked his car. He opened the door for Ronnie and she took a seat. Shane made sure that she was in before closing the door. Ronnie noticed that Shane's door was locked, so she unlocked it for him.

Shane opened the door. "Thanks Ronnie. For some strange reason; the lock on this door always slides and locks." He got in the car and closed the door. He started the car and put his seat belt on; checking all of the mirrors at the same time.

"Nice car."

"Thanks." Shane smiled. "I'll have to let dad know, it's his."

"I thought you had your own?"

Shane laughed. "I do, but dad wanted to borrow it. He's taking mom out tonight."

Ronnie nodded. "So what are the plans for tonight?"

"Well I had a few ideas." Shane kept his eyes on the road while he spoke. "I was thinking dinner first."

"I'm not really that hungry right now." Ronnie commented, but her stomach betrayed her. Shane looked over and laughed. "I think someone protest the truth."

"I'm starving." Ronnie groaned. "We were so busy today! I barely got anything to eat on my break."

"I can guess." Shane commented. "Your dad's place is almost always busy."

"I don't know how he does it." Ronnie commented. "He works in the kitchen and still has time to do all of the orders and keep everyone in that place in line."

"Your dad's a good guy." Shane smiled. "He does all of that for his family."

Ronnie smiled. "I know that. He's a great dad. He's always made time for Mom, Gabe and me. He's done a lot for us."

"Sounds like my old man." Shane smiled.

"How are things going with your parents?"

Shane sighed. "Going a hell of a lot better than it has in years. I think things will actually work out this time and for the better."

"Does it have anything to do with the scar on your left arm?" Ronnie asked meekly. Shane looked over at her in surprise. "I'm sorry if I brought up a bad point; nevermind."

"No, it's cool. I usually hide it from most people." He glanced over at Ronnie. "How did you notice it?"

Ronnie blushed. "I noticed in on Monday, when you were trying to keep Alyson from tearing Juliette's head from her body."

Shane laughed. "Yeah that was all kinds of hot."

"Shane!" Ronnie laughed. Shane smiled at her.

"Oh come on. I may be a gentleman, but I'm a guy!" Shane smiled at her. "What guy wouldn't be amused or be slightly excited about that day?"

"Good point." Ronnie mused. "I guess you're right."

Shane parked the car. He took the keys out of the ignition and got out; opening the door for Ronnie to get out. They headed into a diner that Ronnie had never been in. They walked in the restaurant and found a seat near the back. They looked over the menus and ordered.

"So to get back to your question…"

"Shane you don't have to…"

Shane shook his head. "I have no problem talking about it now. Besides you did ask and I feel that I can tell you anything."

Ronnie blushed and smiled as Shane continued. "You may remember me saying to Gabe that I have a strong dislike for those that use and abuse drugs?"

Ronnie nodded. "I remember you mentioned it once or twice. You're not like Gabe though."

"No not at all." Shane took a drink from his soda. "I have nothing against Gabe and the straight edge lifestyle at all. I do happen to partake of a beer or two every now and then. I have something against those that abuse drugs."

Ronnie nodded for Shane to continue. "My parents didn't get married when I came along. Mom was really devoted to the Army. She took care of me for the first three years or so, but decided that service was more important. So she left me in my dad's protection and took off."

"That sucks." Ronnie looked at him sympathetically.

"It wasn't all that bad actually. Dad and I have always been close. I'm also close to my uncle Tristan and some of his friends. I was raised by a small village."

"That's kind of cool."

Shane nodded. "Dad and Tristan were my blood family. I had my aunt Tori and aunt Maya to help out as well. I had good people to raise me to respect not only men and women, but alternative lifestyles as well." Ronnie looked at Shane quizzically. "My uncle is gay and my aunt Tori is bi."

"Tristan Milligan the soap star is your uncle?"

Shane nodded. "Guilty as charged."

"But he's…"

"…one hell of an actor." Shane finished her though. "He's played it off for a long time. He just recently came out publicly." Shane shook his head. "Sorry off tangent; so they raised me for a long time. Needless to say, mom wanted back in the picture when I was about ten or so. So dad and mom worked out arrangements for me to go on base two weekends a month and for about two weeks over the summer."

"How long did that work out?"

"Would you believe that it worked for a while? Yeah, it worked for about six months or so. Mom was in training for officers' school and was really busy a lot of the time. Most of the time I would hang out in the Motorpool and talk to the mechanics. I learned a lot about cars and how to fix them."

"How does this explain the scar?"

"I'm getting there Ronnie; patience dear." Ronnie smiled as Shane continued. "So at one point, I got busted and had to stay in my mom's quarters. Mom didn't have a lot of things to do for a ten year old boy. So I went digging through her stuff. She came back and stated that she needed a nap and not to disturb her. She went to her bathroom and took out some kind of sleep aid or something, took a few of them and went to sleep."

Shane took a drink from his water and continued. "What I didn't know at the time was mom was taking a lot of those pills. She wasn't getting a lot of sleep and they tended to help her. So like I said, I was rummaging and found a field knife that she had from basic."

"Oh no, you played with it?"

Shane shrugged. "I know now that it wasn't the brightest of moves. I was ten. So I get to playing around and goofing off in my own world when the doorbell rings. Scared the hell out of me starting a swing and I sliced my arm; deeply might I add."

"Oh god, that's serious." Ronnie gasped.

"Yeah it sucked. I go to the door and answer. Some corpsman was there for mom and panicked when they saw my arm. They took me to the infirmary and stitched up my arm. They tried to wake up mom, but to no avail."

Dinner had arrived and they had small talk during the meal. Shane had paid for the meal and they left the diner. Shane had suggested that they go see a movie; which Ronnie had no objections. They ended up in a small art house theater; watching a foreign film that Ronnie hadn't seen before. Shane stated that he'd seen it before that and knew that Ronnie would like it. Ronnie not only liked it, but loved the movie. They had walked out at the end and decided to take a walk in the nearby park.

The couple were quiet during their walk. Ronnie had to admit that she was enjoying herself immensely. She looked over at Shane; he seemed to be smiling to himself as well.

"So not to be a downer, but you never finished you story at dinner." Ronnie commented.

Shane sighed. "You know? You're right." They found a bench and took a seat. "So they ended up calling out dad to the base. I was stitched up and waiting for a parent. In the meantime they have some on-base shrink asking me a million questions."

Ronnie nodded. "They thought you were trying to kill yourself."

"Can you believe it?" Shane shook his head. "I tried to explain what I was doing…"

"I know that you weren't Shane. You're not that type of person. So what happened?"

Shane nodded. "So they were trying wake mom. They finally get her up after my dad shows up. An hour after my dad showed up. Mom shows up and dad lets her and the shrink have it. The military tries to explain that I'm suicidal. Dad explains that I'm bored. In the end; the shrink leaves and then it starts."

"Dad tore into mom. He finds out that mom's been using sleeping pills and has a fit. He said something about mom having a coke habit when she was younger. I wasn't aware of that at all. Mom admitted it and I made it a point to stay away. I started going back about two years ago. I was only staying one weekend a month and three weeks in the summer. She was trying, but I felt that the damage was done."

"That was until recently?"

Shane nodded. "Monday we got all of our feelings on the table. Mom's still an officer, but is working more locally. She wants to be more involved in my life. Besides, dad still loves her and I want him to be happy. In the end, I guess that things will start working out for us."

Ronnie smiled as they found a bench. They both sighed in contentment. Ronnie turned to Shane and moved a bit closer to him.

"I wanted to thank you for tonight. I really had a great time."

Shane nodded. "I should be thanking you. If it wasn't for our little talk on Monday, I wouldn't have my folks together again."

Ronnie blushed slightly. She looked at Shane and as if on instinct; she leaned over and kissed him. He responded in kind and the two kissed a couple of times before Ronnie broke contact. She smiled and looked at her date; happy that she got to kiss him. Somewhere in the back of Ronnie's brain; something didn't feel right about this.

"I wasn't expecting that." Shane looked at her surprised.

"You weren't? I just felt that I should…"

"Ronnie; just because we're out on a date doesn't mean I want anything serious right now. Trust me, I'm just not ready for a relationship right now."

"You just want sex then?"

Shane looked at her surprised, but smiled back at her. "Tempting as an offer as that is; no I don't. I wanted to take you out and thank you for just being awesome to me."

Ronnie sighed in relief. "Oh thank God."

"Was it that bad of a kiss?" Shane chuckled.

Ronnie looked at him horrified. "No! Definitely not!" She fidgeted on the bench. "I was just… I was embarrassed to tell you something…"

"Well, this should be interesting." Shane put all of his attention to her. "I have to hear this now." Ronnie was about to protest, but Shane stopped her. "Keep in mind that I spent a good part of the evening explaining something that I keep hidden. Now it's your turn."

Ronnie sighed but nodded in agreement with Shane. Ronnie spent the better part of an hour explaining to Shane what had happened on Thursday as well as what she had gone through up to that point. She told him everything from growing up to being picked on to dating to being bi-curious. When she was done; she was on the verge of tears, but felt like a giant weight was off of her shoulders. She had turned to Shane and expected him to be angry; all he did was smile at her.

"Well that wasn't so hard; now was it?" Shane chuckled.

"I'm so sorry. I just felt like I could tell you everything and not be judged."

"Nor would I judge you." Shane placed a hand on Ronnie's shoulder. "I'm glad that you could share that with me."

Ronnie smiled at him. "So where does that leave us?"

Shane nodded at her. "Well I'll tell you what I'm thinking. I think that for the time being; we continue to be friends. Let's see how things are looking in the next couple of months and go from there." Shane pulled Ronnie into a hug. "I think we both have some things to work out for ourselves here."

"I don't want you to wait for me." Ronnie said, breaking the hug. "I feel that would be unfair to you."

Shane chuckled. "I'm not going to wait. If we're single in a few months, then we'll talk and try dating. If one of us is spoken for, then we'll wish each other the best."

Ronnie merely nodded at Shane. She felt somewhat bad about the situation, but understood that times waits for no one. Shane offered to drive Ronnie home and they headed back to the car. They talked about small stuff until they got to the Mason home. Shane got out and walked Ronnie to the door. They said their goodnights and Ronnie kissed Shane on the cheek; thanking him for a wonderful night.

Ronnie let her parents know that she was home. They asked her about her night; to which she replied that she had a great time. When pressed about the two of them dating, Ronnie merely stated that at the current time; they would just be friends. Ronnie wished them a good night and headed up to her room. She wanted to talk to Gabe, but found him asleep. She took a shower and went to bed; content in her talk with Shane and quickly fell asleep.

Meanwhile…

Shane walked back to the car. He got in and sat down; pulling out his phone and sending off a quick text. He got a reply and smiled. He started the car up and left; heading out into the night. Shane drove for twenty minutes into the heart of Toronto's upper class neighborhoods and pulled into a driveway to a house that seemed alive with activity. He locked up his car and went to the trunk; pulling out a dufflebag. He walked up to the doorway and knocked on the door. He could hear the chatter of people and music coming from the stereo.

"Hey man, you're late." Jimmy Brooks Jr. smiled as he handed Shane a beer.

"You know me, had to get the princess back to the castle before midnight." Shane chuckled, taking a long drink from the bottle. "Had a decent date with her though. Are the parentals gone?"

"Yeah they're out of town for the weekend. That's the reason that we've still got a party going on man." Jimmy led Shane to a guest bedroom. He opened the door and Shane tossed his bag into the room. "I told Rosalyn to split, but she's up in her room screwing some girl."

"That dark-haired Coyne girl?" Shane asked, leaving the room.

Jimmy shook his head. "Nah, she's messing with some dyke that Ogre brought with him." He closed the door and the two headed to the kitchen.

Shane noticed some of the other jocks on their way. He saw Ogre in a chair with a three girls around him; the girls taking in his every word. Shane nodded when Ogre looked up and received a grin back. Shane stopped in the doorway of the den. He watched as Edgar was leaning up against the fireplace talking to some freshman girl. He noticed J.J. Hogart at a card table playing strip poker with two other girls and winning that particular hand.

Jimmy came back to Shane and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Surprised that those two are here?"

Shane smiled. "No I'm surprised that they're fitting in so well." Shane followed Jimmy to the kitchen. They stopped at the kitchen island and continued to talk.

"So how'd it go?"

Shane shrugged. "It was alright. We had a pretty good time."

"But?"

Shane took another sip of the bottle. He went on to Jimmy about what they did and the talk in the park. He spoke about her kissing him, but then delving into her sexuality. Shane finished up with dropping her off and showing up at the party.

Jimmy laughed. "Man; isn't that the fucking luck?"

Shane smirked. "Yeah man; my fucking luck." Shane hid the slight twinge of guilt and continued. "It was Gabe's idea in the first place."

"Yeah well that's Mister goody two-shoes for you." Jimmy took a long drink from his beer. "Too bad he's not here."

"Yeah well there's drinking involved." Shane felt another twinge. "Gabe's decent; if only he'd quit being such a downer."

"His loss; not ours." Jimmy shook his head. "I can't believe he made the team."

Shane shrugged as he downed the bottle. He felt bad about what was said. He knew deep down that Gabe had become a good friend and that his feelings for Ronnie were genuine. He was slightly angry to what she had said to him, but understood that Ronnie would have to figure herself out before he could go after her.

Jimmy handed another bottle to Shane. "So what's the plan with…? Ronnie was it?"

Shane nodded. "Not sure Jim; figure that I give a couple of months and try again in the New Year." Shane took another drink and continued. "In the meantime; I'll just lay low, drink and get as much pussy as I can get until then."

"That's the Shane Milligan that I know." Jimmy clapped a hand on Shane's shoulder. Shane held back the feeling of wanting to tear his arm off and nodded. "Speaking of easy pussy; Tricia Parker's been looking for you for the last hour or so."

Shane's eyebrow lifted in surprise. "I didn't see her when I came in tonight. Is she still here?"

No sooner did Shane finish his question; he felt the slender arm of a woman come up around his waist. The girl in question was a blonde number a few inches shorter than Shane. She was pale skinned with a cheerleader's build. Shane turned and looked at her; a grin on his face. She was wearing a low-cut blouse to show off her ample breasts and a dark skirt that was cut just above the knee. On her feet were a pair of black heels and her wrists, neck, ears and a few fingers were adorned with gold jewelry.

"I've been waiting for you babe." Tricia purred. She turned to Jimmy and spoke. "Dana Whittler has been waiting for you. She should be in your room."

Jimmy finished the beer and placed it on the counter. "Well if you two excuse me; I have to continue my host duties for this party." He headed out of the kitchen, but turned to Shane. "Catch you in the morning?"

Shane nodded and Jimmy left the room. Tricia turned her full attention to Shane.

"So you got here kind of late. Something I should know about?"

Shane shook his head. "Nah just something I had to do. It's all over now."

"Good; I'd hate to have you thinking about anything serious right now." She pulled him close to her and whispered. "I've been waiting for an hour to do what I want to do to you."

"You want to do that right here?" Shane leered at her.

Tricia licked her lips. "Not this time; we need some privacy for what I'm going to do."

Shane smirked. "Well then, let's not waste anymore time then." Tricia turned and headed for the Shane's room. Shane swatted her on the butt as she turned. She squealed in a fit of giggles and headed for the room. Shane followed behind her and walked into the room.

Tricia had closed the door behind him and locked it. She pushed Shane onto the bed and they kissed for a few minutes. She pulled off his shirt and kissed him again; kissing her way down his muscular chest as she went. She undid his belt and pants; pulling the zipper open with her teeth. She tugged on the clothes for a moment until he was exposed.

"Ah, I see that someone's happy to see me." She purred at him as went to business; straddling his legs.

Shane lay there on the bed; trying to focus on what was going on at that moment. Deep down Shane was feeling guilt; as if he was cheating on Ronnie. He had said many a thing to Jimmy, but knew that this was wrong somehow. This wasn't him anymore. He continued to lay there as she worked on his manhood; thinking about another girl. He shook himself out of that thought and decided to live in this moment and not future moments.

Besides; old habits tend to die hard.

So endeth this chapter in the sordid drama that is Degrassi.

First and foremost; thank you to all of you that have commented and left reviews. More thanks to those of you that keep reading this story. I thank you (as always) for your continued patience.

I think this is my longest chapter of this story to date! I was planning to split this chapter up into two parts and have some other things happen during the date. I wasn't really satisfied with that plan and changed it to this. So was it what you were expecting? I'm sure that some of my more devoted readers may be disappointed. I hate to say it, but sometimes things don't work out. I truly feel that at this juncture in the story; the relationship between Ronnie and Shane may not be for the best. I really feel that Ronnie needs to find herself first. What happens next will come to be.

It is with this chapter that I'm now switching focus from Ronnie back to Gabe. I've been meaning to tell you guys what he's been doing. Now it is time to do so. Don't get me wrong, Ronnie really grew on me, but it is the way that stories progress.

One final note: In respect to Aubrey Graham/Drake and all of his success; I never really liked his character on Degrassi: TNG. Jimmy Sr. was a jerk and a bit of an egotistic personality. I did feel bad for him getting shot by Rick, but that was about it. In that respect; Jimmy Jr. is much like his father was back in his high school days. Granted, Jimmy Sr. has become a better person in this storyline and is almost likable as a person. Jimmy Jr. isn't a likable person. It will only be a matter of time before Jimmy and Gabe cross paths and it may not be good for anyone (Don't worry; this will be down the line somewhere, not anytime soon). I have a feeling that Tricia will be an issue later down the road as well, but in the meantime she's merely there to move the story onwards.

Thanks for your continued reading and I'll update soon. Feel free to message and review. Thanks!