I remember the morning after, I woke up and Tweak was getting ready to go. He was being quiet, not wanting to wake me up. It was dark in Clyde's downstairs living room. The only light coming in was from a small window and the door leading upstairs to Clyde's kitchen. In my dreamy state, I watch as Tweak wanders the room and runs his fingers through his hair. He's shaking uncontrollably.

Then, he stops. His eyes focus on me and for a moment he stands there. Watching me. Without another word, he leaves.

I shut my eyes tightly and try calm the ache in my heart.

I didn't talk to Filmore for a week afterwards. It wasn't because of Tweak, I told myself. As as matter of fact, I didn't even see Tweak at all since that last morning. I told myself we were both drunk and what happened between us didn't mean anything to him. I was Craig's sister and four

years younger than him. I also had a boyfriend...That I didn't love. Nonetheless, I was untouchable.

I kept my mouth shut and maybe if I played my cards right, something good would come my way.

The only person I even hinted my feelings to was Karen Mccormick. We talked about it as she walked me to work a week afterwards.

"What do you know about him, Karen?" I ask. I had told her bits and pieces of the story. Leaving out the fact, I kissed him and we got high together.

"Not a lot to be honest. Kenny doesn't really hang out with him. He seems kinda funny though. I know some girls that crush on him."

"I don't know why I can't get him off my mind. Maybe it will be better next week. I know it's wrong since I am still dating Filmore,but-"

"About that, Ruby. I know you guys had a really good four months or so, but you should really consider dumping him. I'm saying this as a friend and not to annoy you, but he isn't good for you." Karen pauses. "You heard the rumours."

I don't answer. I'm so confused. When we walk up to Tweak and Bro's Coffeehouse, I stop dead in my tracks. Filmore stands there, leaning in the brick walls by the door.

"Shit." Karen says, under her breath.

I turn to her.

"Karen, come by later on tonight and I'll treat you to a latte." I say. She gives me an unreadable look, and then turns the other direction.

"Alright, I'll see you later, Ruby."

"Bye, Karen."

When she's out of sight, I turn to Filmore. His black hair was spiked up as usual and his brown eyes were clearly pissed off and flaming. He wore dark jeans and his red windbreaker jacket.

"You have a lot of nerve coming to my work."

"Last time I checked, this shitty coffee house was open to the public."

My eyes narrow at him. "You have a lot of nerve ignoring me all week."

"I don't have time for this, Filmore. I don't want to talk right now." I say.

"Well, you haven't wanted to talk all week. Right now seems like the best time, considering you got drunk last Friday with your brother and it's so obvious you're hiding stuff from me."

My blood boils as he says this.

"I'm hiding stuff from you? You have no idea how many people tell me a day that you're cheating on me with Flora. No idea. Everyone I talk to has to mention it!" I growl.

"I told you to ignore them. Flora's just a friend and people in this town like to talk." His eyes are narrowed and dark.

"I know that, but what about when everyone I talk to constantly insists it? They say that they see you two together everywhere!"

"Do you see it? I mean, I barely talk to Flora."

"That's a lie."

"I'm not a liar. You are. Tell me, what happened last friday night? You just like this drama, you thrive on it." He spits at me.

"I thrive on this drama? I've wanted to avoid this all week!" My voice rising.. Looking inside, I see Richard Tweak watching me. "This isn't the time. Let's talk later." I say, turning away. He grabs my wrist. Clenching it hard. I cry out in pain.

"Like hell it isn't." He lets go of my wrist and grabs my shoulders, his fingertips digging in my shoulders, as he pushes me away from the window and into the alley beside Tweak and Bro's. He pushes me up against the rough brick wall.

"Filmore! You're hurting me!" I cry out.

"No. Stop trying to push me away. I love you, Ruby. Don't listen to what everyone else says. You're mine. I wouldn't ever hurt something that's mine." With each word, his fingers tighten. I cry out, but he ignores it. There's such intensity in his eyes. I don't know him.

"Let me go, you're hurting me now!" I cry. Tears stinging my eyes from the pain. I try and squirm, but that only makes the pain worse.

"Shut up! I am not!"

"Get your hands off her." A familiar voice says. I look up to see Tweak, standing there at the foot of the alley. His arms were crossed and his mouth was in a thin line. He wore a black jacket and worn, grey jeans. Filmore, see's him and lets my arms go. I slump to the cold ground.

His eyes narrow at Tweak.

"Craig won't be happy when he hears about this." Tweak says, his hazel eyes narrowed.

"Tell him, and you'll regret it." Filmore spits at Tweak, and walks down the street.

"I bet I will." Tweak calls after him. He turns to me, sitting there in the snow, tears and mascara streaming down my face. I covered it with my baby-blue mittens. He comes over and kneels beside me.

"I guess asking if you were alright would be a stupid question." He says, quietly. "Ruby, I don't know if you really know this, but you're a very pretty and smart girl. He doesn't deserve you."

Tweak says, his voice is quiet. My throat is dry and theres those butterflies again. He stands up and holds out a gloved hand. I give him my mittened hand and he pulls me up. When I'm standing, his gloved hand leaves mine. I'm left with the same ache I felt when he left me lying by myself in Clyde's basement.

"You won't tell Craig, will you?" I ask quietly.

His hazel eyes look conflicted. Finally he answers, "If you don't want me to, I won't. You have to promise me something though."

"What?"

"You can't let him hurt you anymore."

"We spent so much money on him! He can't just bail out on us now!" Annie wails, bringing me back to now. "My wedding day is ruined! All because that stupid DJ has caught an STD!" Her eye make-up streaks her face and her face is puffy. Luckily she has on a hotel bathrobe, that's protecting her snow white wedding dress. "I've ruined my make-up!" She cries.

I pat her back sympathetically. I know Annie enough to know not to say anything and just listen to her when she's having one of these fits. I know Wendy Testaburger is in the other room, finding a solution. Soon enough, Annie calms down enough to do her make-up again.