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Disclaimer: I don't own anything, but do admit to participating in Flip Cup and Speed Quarters.

Wednesday Morning

Sandy woke up smiling. He felt so relieved. After carrying a ton of guilt on his shoulders for the past week, it felt so good to explain to Kirsten his side of the story. He was so happy she gave him the opportunity. He smiled, thinking of what it took to get her to listen. Why did she have to be so difficult all the time? Everything he heard about her must be true. The wealthy upbringing, the country club membership, the fancy cars and the big mansion were things that she probably didn't even blink at. She probably assumed everyone lived like she did. It was a wonder she wasn't more selfish. He wondered why she didn't go to some Ivy League school and live in a fancy apartment. She had chose Berkeley and dorm life. He couldn't figure it out. Even if she wasn't smart enough to get into the ranks of a Harvard or Yale, which couldn't be the case because she was really smart, her father could have paid her way in. He knew there had to be more to her than what most people saw on the surface. She kept telling him not to judge a book by its cover. He wanted to know what was in the first few chapters.

He made his way downstairs to get some cereal when he saw Emily and Paul standing in the kitchen.

"Good Morning Sandy." Paul said it with such a big smile that Sandy rolled his eyes. He knew that look and it only met one thing. Paul got laid. Sandy didn't want to draw any attention to the fact that Emily was there that early. He didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable and tease Paul about it, especially since Paul didn't do this often. He was always a true gentleman.

"Hey guys." Sandy thought to bring up a safe topic. "So when do you guys head home for Thanksgiving.?"

"I am not going until tomorrow. You?" Emily started thinking to herself about plans for this evening.

"I have a flight early in the morning back to New York." Sandy was wondering what their plans would be since he knew Paul wasn't going home until tomorrow either.

Paul interrupted their conversation because not going out with the rest of the guys was something he never missed. "So Sandy, how was it out last night? Good crowd?"

"It was..it was..." Sandy immediately thought about kissing Kirsten in the alleyway. He thought of pointing out to her the rock in his pants. He blushed as he said, "Interesting." He didn't want to say anything more than that especially in front of Emily.

Paul needed more. "Interesting in a good way or interesting in a bad way?"

"A good way." A smile spread across his face. "Definitely a good way." Paul knew not to say any more. Emily just looked at him wondering what the hell he was talking about and immediately wondered if it had anything to do with Kirsten.

Paul decided to jet out of there before Emily opened her mouth. "Later Sandy. I am going to drive Emily back to campus and maybe get some lunch."

Emily blew off lunch with Paul claiming she was tired. She told him she would call him later to make plans for tonight. She headed straight for the bedroom that she shared with Kirsten. She wanted details and after a week of not asking, she better get some answers.

She sat on Kirsten's bed and shook her until she got up. Kirsten was more than annoyed. "Emily? What are you doing?" She rolled over to look at the clock. It was ten o'clock and that was too early to be woken up on a day with no classes. Then she noticed Emily was in the same clothes as she was in yesterday.

"What happened last night? Did you see Sandy out?"

Kirsten was trying to hide what happened, but there was no way she could lie to Emily. She tried a different approach. "Shouldn't I be asking what happened with you last night? The girl who obviously did the walk of shame this morning?" Kirsten smiled at two things. First, that she backed Emily into a corner and second, she thought back to what happened in the alleyway.

"I will be more than willing to share the details of my evening once you spill your guts. You owe me at least that. You have been silent about the whole Sandy situation all week."

Kirsten didn't want the look on her face to give anything away. "Why do you think something happened with Sandy last night?"

"Kirsten, come on! You have got to be kidding me."

"Okay, okay. Nothing major happened. We just kissed but it was so intense. Other than that, your evening seemed to be a lot more interesting."

"Interesting? That is what Sandy said this morning when I saw him. Yes, I stayed at Paul's and bumped into Sandy."

"What did he say?" Kirsten sat up in bed, dying to know if he said anything about her. She couldn't help but be curious.

"Whoa, anxious are we?" Emily couldn't believe Kirsten was so intrigued about what Sandy said and didn't even mention her staying over at Paul's.

"No, not anxious. I'm just curious to know if my assumption of him is accurate. He seems like a typical guy that would tell his buddies everything." Did Paul know what happened the night their party? She would surely die of embarrassment if he did.

"He really didn't say much. He just said that his night was interesting in a good way. I am not even sure what that means. You sure nothing else happened?"

Kirsten then told Emily the whole story. The drunken night of the party that turned out to be disastrous. She told her about how humiliated she was and then she told her what happened in the alleyway last night. Emily was speechless. She didn't want to say it, but she couldn't keep her mouth shut.

"You're falling for him, aren't you?"

Kirsten's eyes went wide. "I am not. Sandy and I are just friends and nothing more."

"Friends with benefits?" Emily laughed at her knowing this was so not Kristen's type of thing. If she thought she could handle a relationship with no emotion, she was kidding herself.

"Maybe. It could be fun and you cannot believe how sexy he really is. He has this way about him that is obnoxious and charming at the same time. It's crazy. But I do know that this can't go any further than where it is right now, but I don't care. Besides, we are two very different people, from different worlds, it would never work anyway."

"Well as long as you are okay with it, I hope it works out. Besides, I am not so sure Sandy's intentions are the same as yours anyway. He seemed way too excited about last night, as if something was going on that was more than casual."

"Really? Good." Kirsten felt really good about this. She figured what could go wrong? She just had to be careful to keep her feelings out of it, and everything would be fine.

"Well Paul isn't leaving until tomorrow and neither is Sandy. I was thinking of inviting all the guys over here for some drinks tonight. Lay low, so we can get away from the bar scene for awhile. Do you have plans tonight? I know Allison and her roommate will be around."

"I'll be around. I just have to pack some stuff and mentally prepare myself for facing my father for the weekend. Other than that, I can hang out tonight." Kirsten thought she played that off well. The truth was that she was very excited to hang out with Sandy one more time. She couldn't help but wonder what tonight would bring.

Then the phone rang and shook her out of her thoughts. Emily got up to answer it as she said, "I am going to call Paul in a little bit."

"Hello? Oh hey Jimmy." She looked at Kirsten, perturbed. Kirsten laid back down covering her face with her pillow. She completely forgot that Jimmy was coming up today and spending the night. Shit, shit, shit, she thought. She knew she had to face him sometime and grabbed the phone from Emily when she was done. Emily excused herself out of the room.

"Hey Jimmy"

"Kirsten, hey listen, I am running a little bit late. I had to talk to a professor of mine and it took longer than I thought. I am still planning on coming and hanging out if that's cool."

"Jimmy, you really don't have to. I can get a ride from Allison tomorrow morning if you feel like scraping the whole thing." Kirsten had to try and avoid the situation. It was going to be awkward with Jimmy there, but his intentions were always good.

"No way, I wouldn't miss hanging out in Berkeley. It was way to much fun the last time I was there." Kirsten thought back to the last time he was there remembering how drunk they got and the mind blowing sex they had. Of course, it was mind blowing for them. In her head, she knew it would be better with Sandy.

"Okay, what time will be here then?"

They settled the details and Kirsten immediately thought of how this was sure to ruin her night with Sandy. They would have to wait until after break to unleash their passion, but Kirsten thought this would be a good way to hang out just as friends. That is what they ultimately were anyway.

Emily came back in the room and informed Kirsten that she called Paul from Allison's room. It was confirmed. Tonight was definitely going to be awkward.

Wednesday Night (The night before Thanksgiving)

Emily spent the day making sure everything was set up for this evening. Sneaking alcohol into a dorm room on a dry campus was never an easy task. She ordered pizza to be delivered and set up a table to play drinking games.

"You know, I spilled all the info I have on Sandy and me, and I didn't get anything in return about your night with Paul." Kirsten's mind was so occupied with thoughts of how tonight would go, that she forgot to ask the the details.

"It was incredible. He really is a good guy and I don't want to get my hopes up, but I have a feeling this might be it for me."

"Really? That's great Em. I really am happy for you, but you are not going to tell me anything else are you? No details?"

"Nope, not this time."

Kirsten couldn't believe it. Emily must be serious about this one if she wasn't willing to divulge any info. There was a knock at the door and Emily jumped up. Paul, Sandy and three of their housemates came in. The group of guys were good looking, but Sandy definitely stood out amongst them. Kirsten thought so anyway. He had on a pair of jeans and a blue, long sleeve t-shirt. He looked amazing as always.

Sandy tried to avoid looking at Kirsten. He wanted to act as casual as possible, but he couldn't help it. She had on a pair of jeans that accentuated her curves. Plus, she was the one handing out beers. How was he supposed to avoid that?

Everyone grabbed a beer and they all sat down. Emily was already on Paul's lap. Did she really need to witness the budding love? Kirsten stayed by the cooler waiting for Sandy to come over and get something to drink. When he didn't make a move toward her, she decided she would be the one to play it cool.

"Cohen, I know you don't pass up alcohol." She tossed him one across the room. He didn't even flinch and caught it with one hand. Unfortunately his cool act went down the pipes when he opened the beer and it sprayed all over the place, soaking his jeans and shirt. Everyone burst out laughing except for Kirsten. She didn't mean for that to happen or embarrass him.

"Sandy, I am so sorry. You shouldn't have opened it."

Sandy didn't say a word. He just crossed the room never taking his eyes off her, but was laughing as he approached her. She started to get nervous, wondering what he was planning on doing, especially with everyone's eyes on them. He grabbed her and pulled her into him making sure his wet shirt rubbed off on her clothes. He was laughing as she shrieked. She was trying to pull herself away from him but he kept his grip tight as he wiped his drenched arms over the back of her shirt. Finally, he let her go, satisfied she would smell like beer.

"There was no way I was going to let you get away with that one." He smiled mischievously at her.

"Come on, lets go get a towel." Kirsten made her way to her room and Sandy followed behind her. He always wondered what her room would be like, but nothing prepared him for this. It was extremely neat and organized and filled with pictures from her life back home. He couldn't help but stare at the mansions, infinity pools and fancy cars her friends posed in front of. It was like something out of a movie. He then noticed her in a long white dress being escorted by some skinny guy in a tux.

Kirsten noticed him staring and didn't want misconceptions of her formulated over a bunch of pictures. "You know, my life isn't what you are imagining right now. There's more to it than what you see."

"I didn't say a word." He turned to look at her as she handed him a towel.

"You didn't have to. I know what you are thinking. You are thinking that I am as spoiled as you first thought. That I expect everything to be handed to me on a silver platter, and I think everyone grew up like that."

"Kirsten, I didn't say anything. I am done judging you. You told me not to anymore, so I like waiting for you to surprise me. There is a reason why you came to Berkeley and live in the dorms right? There is a reason you can drink beer from a can and eat cafeteria food. There is a reason you don't have fancy furniture and a fancy car that you are driving home in tomorrow. I am just waiting to hear more about why if this is the only way you used to know. Every time we are together, you surprise me."

That was all he had to say. He actually got her. He understood that she was more than what was posted on her walls and what everyone expected of her to be. He figured that out in such a small amount of time and he really didn't know that much about her. She let her impulses take over. She grabbed his blue t-shirt in her fist and pulled him toward her and kissed him. She pulled back not wanting to be rejected and give him to opportunity to pull back first. She smiled that gorgeous, sexy smile at him that melted him like butter.

He turned back to all the pictures and his eyes couldn't be taken off Kirsten in the white dress. Kirsten leaned her chest up against his back to see what he was looking at. How was she supposed to explain that to him?

"I know I am going to regret this, but that is a picture from my cotillion. At sixteen, all girls make their debut in society and that was mine. No laughing and no comments." She looked back at the picture and realized Jimmy was in it. Shit, Jimmy, she thought. How was she going to explain Jimmy plus the fact that he was coming any minute?

Before she had the chance, he took her by surprise and kissed her. He pulled away but she really didn't want it to end. But she didn't want to start something that couldn't be finished and she knew now was not the time. She walked away from him and asked, "When am I going to get a glimpse into your childhood? When am I going to be surprised?"

He had to laugh at her naiveness. "Kirsten, believe me, if you got a glimpse into my background, you would definitely be surprised." He thought about how embarrassed he would be if she ever knew his roots. The one parent household, the 2 bedroom apartment in the Bronx for four people, the bad neighborhood and the crime he witnessed. He was sure Kirsten would never understand that. He wanted to change the subject and fast. But he didn't have to, she jumped in to ease the awkwardness.

Kirsten could see him becoming uncomfortable and vulnerable and she hated seeing him like that. "So, there is something you should know about those pictures."

Sandy could sense her uneasiness and wanted to put her mind at ease. He turned back to the pictures and said, "Kirsten I don't care who this boy wonder is in those pictures with you." He didn't care to know about that part of her past.

As if the timing couldn't be worse, there was a knock on the door and Allison got up to answer it. Kirsten heard it as well because her bedroom door was open. Sandy noticed Kirsten tense up, but as soon as he saw the mystery guest, he knew why. He put his head down and walked out to the living room. He didn't even want to look at her. How could she not mention she was with somebody from home? That he was embarking on another man's territory. He may be a lot of things, but not a scumbag.

Jimmy was greeted by Allison as she called out to everyone, "Newport Beach has just arrived. Kirsten, Jimmy's here."

Kirsten made her way out to greet him and didn't dare look at Sandy. She immediately knew when he walked away from her that he got the wrong idea. Although she wanted to explain herself, she was happy to see Jimmy. It had been three months and since they didn't talk very often, they had a lot to catch up on.

"Hey Jimmy." She walked over to him and instead of just hugging him, he lifted her off her feet and spun her around. Kirsten was more than self conscious knowing Sandy was watching the entire display of affection.

"Wow, Kirsten, you look fantastic."

"Thanks. Want a beer?"

"Always." He then looked around at her surroundings. "I can't believe you are still living like this. I would have never guessed you for the dorm life."

Sandy couldn't believe his ears. Did this guy not know her at all? Apparently Kirsten is a very different person in Newport Beach.

"I love living here." She made sure she said it loud enough for Sandy to hear. "It's cozy and I get to hang with all my friends all the time." She looked at Sandy, her eyes pleading to let her explain. "By the way, I don't think you met everyone here." As Kirsten went through the introductions, Kirsten made sure she clarified that Jimmy was her friend from home. Never once did she use the words boyfriend or ex-boyfriend.

She wanted to die when she heard Jimmy say, "Come on, Kir, we were always more than that." She knew not to look at Sandy now.

Jimmy noticed Sandy as the only one who he hadn't been formally introduced to. "Hey man, I didn't catch your name."

"Sandy." Sandy couldn't be mad at this guy. He seemed oblivious to his girlfriend's actions. "You must be the wonder boy."

"Excuse me?" Jimmy was a little taken back.

"Sorry. I noticed you from the pictures in Kir's room." He used Kirsten's nickname as a dig that Kirsten caught onto immediately. No one called her that in Berkeley and she knew that was his way of showing his level of anger.

"She needs to take those down and let go of Newport a little. I have been telling her that since the summer."

Kirsten needed this to stop immediately. "Can you guys stop talking about me like I am not even here." Kirsten needed an out and Emily saved the day.

"Hey, why don't we play flip cup or quarters or something?

The evening progressed with everyone enjoying themselves and getting drunk at the same time. The digs between Kirsten and Sandy were endless. Jimmy didn't catch on to anything, although Kirsten caught the digs Sandy threw his way as well. How immature was he being? Why couldn't he just act like a grown-up for once?

Jimmy was the first once to call it an evening. "Kir, I am going to hit the sack. We have a long drive tomorrow and I rather not do it completely hungover. Partially is okay, I guess." Kirsten saw the others start moving and getting ready to leave. She didn't think twice about letting Jimmy sleep in her bed. They always shared a bed, friends or otherwise.

"Sure. Let me just get some extra pillows out of the closet for you." He made his way into her bedroom and she followed.

Sandy didn't need any further explanation than that. They were going to share a bed so he knew that there was something between them that Kirsten never disclosed. He would have never pegged her to be a liar or a cheat, but he was learning that she was more than what he bargained for.

Kirsten came out of the bedroom alone and said her good-byes to everyone but Sandy. He completely ignored her, but Kirsten couldn't leave it like that. She followed him into the hallway. "Sandy, wait a second." She wanted to explain things weren't always what they seemed, but she didn't get that chance.

"Don't. Just don't even try to explain. How can you assume the worst things about me and pull something like this. I know you are I are friends, but you could have informed me of the minor boyfriend detail. I may be a lot of things Kirsten, but I am not the cheating type of guy. Honesty is something I hold to my heart and you are nothing short of a liar."

She started to explain. "I didn't lie…"

"No, you just forgot to mention it. You don't think I could see the guilt all over your face? That your secret is inevitably ruined? This guy is crazy about you and I can see you have feelings for him too. So why bring me into the picture? Huh?" He was out of breath and huffed while he waited for her to say something.

"That is what you would see!" She spat that comment out like it left a bad taste on her mouth. She turned around and walked back into her room thinking about how something that was supposed to be so easy was becoming so difficult. Was it really worth the aggravation?

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