Chapter 2: Embrace

Things were finally looking up for Danny. He confessed about the necklace to Chief Masterson, Jo and Lacey and was now free of that burden. Although it took much effort to convince Lacey, he was able to make her understand. And in spite of the horrible truth she didn't hate him, in fact she wanted to help him. What more could he possibly ask for to make this week transpire any better? Danny was on cloud nine until he caught sight of something quite alarming. Exiting the school entrance and working his way down the steps was his soccer coach carrying a medium sized box filled to the top with stuff he originally had setup in his office. Danny re-positions his book bag onto his shoulder and walks swiftly towards the school's bottom step to stop his coach from getting any farther. "Coach what's going on? The coach slows down, turns and looks at Danny with a heartrending expression and says, "Sorry kid I tried covering for you, but word got out that you poisoned Cole. The assistant coach found out that I knew about it but didn't report it; so now I'm out of a job. Get prepared kid, you're in for a world of hurt." The coach left Danny speechless. He honestly didn't see this one coming. Truth was he never poisoned Cole.

When Danny walked the halls, the random students of Green Grove High gawked at him in shame. This could only mean that the poison rumor had spread. As Danny began unlocking his locker he stopped and began replaying in his mind the day he pleaded for the coach to reason on the fact that it didn't make sense for him to leave the evidence in plain sight and to poison his own friend; evidently someone was setting him up. The coach believed Danny; but he knew having Danny on the team was causing tension among the players, so he promised he wouldn't report the incident so long as Danny was willing to quit the team; so Danny quit the team despite how much he enjoyed playing. Panic and rage pulsed through Danny's mind and body as he snatched his History book out and then slammed the locker door loud enough to startle the students standing in the hallway. Danny had reached his boiling point. Images of Regina's face, finding the necklace in his locker, masked pranksters, Coach, Archie, Cole, mothballs were all simultaneously swimming around in Danny's head.

When Lacey and Sarita passed Danny they noticed him gazing oddly at his locker door. Sarita gestures to Danny and says, "Look at the Socio, I guess he finally knows this will be his last day at Green Grove High." Lacey halts "Why would it be his last day here?" Sarita glances back at Danny and then explains, "Well according to the soccer team, he poisoned Cole. The principle and school board will most likely expel him today. Lacey snickers "Oh". She had to pretend this information didn't faze her because this is what was expected; but deep down she wondered how he was taking this shocking news. She could only imagine how he must feel about possibly being expelled from school for allegedly poisoning Cole. Lacey needed to talk to him that instant, so she concocted a lie "Um, crap, I left my English book in my locker. I'll catch up with you guys in class." Lacey spun on her heel and started walking in the direction that would lead her back to Danny. She knew the bell was about to ring, but didn't care. Soon the halls would be empty of students and she'd have a chance to talk with him in private. To Lacey's suprise, Danny was still frozen solid in the same position from when she passed him. She was both relieved to see him still there and perplexed that he didn't even notice her walking up to him. He didn't even flinch at the startling sound of the bell. Instead he continued staring aimlessly at his locker. She grabbed his arm and whirled him around to face her and whispered "Danny… Hey what's wrong with you?" She then tapped on both sides of his face. Danny gasped and then shook his head as he blinked rapidly and finally acknowledged Lacey's face before him. Lacey had frightened him. He had no clue as to how long he had been standing there because he zoned out replaying the troubling events over and over in his mind. "How long were you standing here?" Lacey pouted, "Oh about 30 seconds." As selfish as it may sound, Danny was thrilled to know that she risked possibly getting detention to check on him. He then smiled at the sight of the big brown eyes of concern peering into his. "I don't know what just happened, Lace?" How long have I been standing here?" Lacey picks his book bag up and hands it to him "For about three minutes." Lacey knew it would be only a matter of time before a hall sweeper would notice and report them; and so she gestures for Danny to follow her into the library.

Since the library doors were glass, they could see that it was safe to enter because the librarian was nowhere in sight. Lacey takes a seat at a table in the isolated part of the library. Danny sits two chairs down from her, lays his History book on the table, opens it to some random page and pretends to read. Lacey also takes out her English book, turns to a random page and pretends to read. "What are you going to do about being expelled? Everyone believes you poisoned Cole?" Danny groans as he viciously rubs his face. "Whoever is trying to make my life a living hell has officially gotten under my skin. Lacey turns a page and whispers "How do you know it's one person?" Danny covered his mouth and slowly leans back in his chair as if he were having an epiphany. "I thought Archie was the one behind the pranks but it was Tyler. So I admit I was wrong about that; but someone purposely poisoned Cole and I can't imagine one of the teammates doing something like that. Although they weren't too thrilled about Cole befriending me, they would probably arrange a 'Stop hanging out with Danny intervention' before actually harming him. I know the soccer team wouldn't harm Cole, but Archie is still questionable. He hated knowing I had history with you and he hated having me on the team." Lacey couldn't contain the burst of excitement she felt at hearing Danny say they had history together. It was just a reminder of how entwined they were. Five years of separation was a testament to an attraction that started as kids. Danny could have pursued any other girl, but he wanted her when they were kids as well as now. "Well I believe that you are innocent. However, staying here at Green Grove High doesn't seem like a wise decision especially if you are striving to have a normal high school experience. It seems like every time I turn around there is either something on the news or gossip in the halls pertaining to you. I know this may not sound supportive, but I hate seeing you targeted for everything. Home schooling is probably a safer alternative."

Lacey wanted to hold his hand but it was too risky; so she got up and walked to the back of the library and signaled for him to follow. Danny waited until Lacey disappeared into the far corner and then went searching for her. She was exactly where he assumed. Lacey didn't waste any time, she reached out and wrapped her arms around Danny's neck embracing him in a hug. Danny snuggled his face into Lacey's neck as if he were seeking a hiding space. A wave of emotions swept over him. No matter the level of mayhem chipping away at him, she was the only person who could make him feel whole. In her arms the world just seemed right. He wanted to stay forever buried under her soft thick hair just along the side of her neck. As they rocked side-to-side holding one another he closed his eyes and allowed himself to fade away in the soothing scent of apricots and honey emanating from her skin. Lacey could feel the subtle warmth of Danny's breath on her neck. She knew she couldn't protect him from anything, but she wanted him to know that her body was his safe haven. It was all she could offer and a gift Danny sincerely treasured. Danny squeezed Lacey tighter and tenderly kissed her neck. He slowly unraveled Lacey's arm from his neck and kissed the back of her hands, her nose and her forehead. He then gently tilted her chin up to kiss her lips and whispered "Thank you." Lacey smiled and was happy to know she could do something to make him feel better. "I guess we better get back to class. I know Sarita is probably wondering where I am." Danny smirked and asked, so I'll see you later tonight for dinner?" Lacey pecked Danny on the lips one last time and replied "Of course." Lacey then walked back to the table, grabbed her things and went to English class. Danny waited until she left the library to walk back to the table and get his stuff to go to History class.

Later that day Danny text his mother letting her know about Cole and the dinner he was having for Lacey. Danny cleaned his room, he then gathered all the photo albums and placed them on the living room table. It was now time to cook Orange glazed Alaskan salmon, roasted garlic red potatoes and a spring salad with sweet citrus vinaigrette. Danny loved to cook. He even considered attending culinary arts school after graduation. Danny glanced at the clock on stove and began to work faster because Lacey would be there in about an hour. Danny's mother Karen came home. The delicious aroma coming from the kitchen mesmerized her. Once she reached the kitchen she stopped in the threshold, crossed her arms and watched as her son chopped vegetables with such delight. Moments passed before Danny noticed her standing in the doorway. Karen straightened up and asked him if he needed any help. Danny looked at the time again and gratefully accepted her offer. He assigned Karen the task of completing the salad so he could change. Karen then tells him that she received a call from the principal. "The principal would like to discuss the situation about you poisoning your team mate Cole tomorrow morning at 9am. Danny wasn't in the mood to talk about Cole or being expelled. "We can talk about this later Mother, right now I have to change." Karen nodded "Ok Danny, we can discuss this later."

Meanwhile Lacey was tearing up her room looking for her favorite meet the parents dress. She finally found it in Claire's room. Lacey's little sister Claire was a pest when it came to taking her stuff. Lacey didn't mind sharing certain things; she just expected it to be returned in the same condition. Although Claire had never damaged anything, she did however have a serious problem returning borrowed clothes. Unfortunately Lacey couldn't scold her because Claire was away at a boarding school for kids who wanted to be Veterinarians. She had won that scholarship for being an avid participant at the local zoo for the past two years. Lacey twirled around in her favorite green dress. It was a sleeveless A-line green polka dot dress. She completed her outfit with a white sweater and the most adorable green sued flats. Once she finished her hair and make up, she walked down the hall and told her mother she would be back at nine. "Wait, where are you going?" Lacey couldn't tell her she was going over Danny's house because her mother wasn't crazy about him. Judy actually resented Danny the trauma Danny put Lacey through five years ago when he killed his aunt Tara. "Um, I am going out to eat with friends." Judy smiles "Ok have fun." Lacey walks down the steps, grabs the cake she bought earlier, her purse and keys and leaves the house. As Lacey turns into Danny's driveway, she becomes nervous because the sole purpose of this dinner is to get Danny's mother to talk about Tara's close associates. Lacey wonders if she will be able to ask such personal questions without causing suspicion. She figured the least she could do is try.

Lacey knocked on the Desai family's door at exactly 6 o'clock. Danny happily opened the door. He took the cake from her and gestured for her to come in. "You look very pretty" To amuse Danny, Lacey curtsied "and you look very handsome yourself." Danny wore a black dress shirt and pair dark blue boot cut jeans with black leather loafers. Karen walked into the room "Hi Lacey! It's so good to see you again. The last time I saw you, you were running for…" Danny interrupted and groaned, "Mother…no." Karen got the hint "Oh…uh you brought a cake? What kind is it?" Lacey laughed internally at how Danny cut his mother short but she knew very well what Karen was talking about. She didn't want Karen to feel awkward so she disregarded the statement and cheerfully answered Karen "It's an Oreo Chocolate Cake." Karen became excited, " Oh, I've never had that before! I'll take this into the Kitchen." Danny knew it would be a constant challenge to keep his hands off Lacey for the entire evening. Which is why he figured he take advantage now. So as soon as Karen disappeared into the other room, Danny sauntered over to Lacey to taste what flavor lip-gloss she was wearing. He gently held her beautiful face in the palm of his hands and gave her a long succulent kiss. That kiss would have to hold them over until after dinner. Karen called from the other room "Ok can we eat now?" Danny rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh "She's right the food is getting cold. Just so you know, I placed the photo albums on the living room table; so you may want to eat cake and talk in there." Lacey nodded and wiped her cherry lip-gloss off the sides of his mouth and chin. Danny licked his lips "I think this one is probably my favorite flavor. It's only fair that I taste more." Lacey smirked and then pushed Danny in the direction of the Dinning room.

Lacey was impressed with the tiered white candle centerpiece and the soft music playing in the background. Danny pulled her seat out for her before he sat down in his. Lacey was amazed at how perfect everything appeared. She was even more amazed by how delicious everything tasted. Danny loved watching Lacey eat the food he prepared because it made him happy to make her happy even if it was something as trivial as a meal. Lacey realized she hadn't said a single word since she began to devour just about everything on her plate. Although feeling slightly embarrassed she knew she needed to say something. "Mrs. Desai this meal is fantastic." Karen chuckled, "All the credit goes to Danny. He prepared everything tonight. I just helped toss the salad." Lacey nearly choked. Danny couldn't contain the grin taking over his face. He was tickled by Lacey's reaction. They've spent so much time playing cat and mouse that they never really talked about things that interested them. Lacey pointed to Danny and then pointed to her plate and shrilled "I don't believe it!" Danny nodded his head to imply yes he did cook everything. "I can tell you the recipe?" Lacey wiped her mouth with her napkin and wittingly remarked "No, you can just make this for me again." Danny tilted his head in adoration and replied, "Will do". Although the dinner was intentionally for three, Karen felt like she was a third wheel. Watching Danny and Lacey ogle and sass one another was quite entertaining. It was as if they forgot she was still in the room. She dare not disturb their banter; instead she continued to eat and imagine where their wedding might take place and whether or not Lacey would wear her old wedding dress.

After dinner, Lacey waits in the living room for Danny to bring her a slice of cake. Karen sits on the couch beside her and confesses, "I just want you to know that Danny is crazy about you. I have never seen him so excited about having anyone over for dinner. But aside from that it is evident in the way he looks at you when you aren't looking." Lacey blushes "Well between you and me, I am crazy about him too." Hearing Lacey admit this really put Karen's mind at ease because she couldn't stand the idea of Danny having his heart broken. Lacey picked up a white photo album and began looking through it. She spotted a photograph of her and Danny standing beside Tara's car. Lacey points to the red car, "This car looks oddly familiar, I recall being in it a lot." Karen takes the book from Lacey and confirms "Oh that was Tara's old car. We use to ask her to drive you kids to the park and fun centers so we the parents could get some quiet time." Lacey leaned over to reexamine the photo. "That's right. Tara spent a lot of time with us. I often wondered if she ever had a social life or even a boyfriend?" Karen burst into laughter, "Oh she certainly had a social life. There was this one guy, named George Dasher. His nickname was Shorts. I believe he worked with Danny's dad and he met Tara when Vikram invited her to a company dinner. George was obsessed with Tara, but I wouldn't say he was a serious threat. It seemed as though his love for Tara became a bit unhealthy. I'll leave it at that." Lacey wanted to know exactly how unhealthy, but she didn't want to goad Karen. Danny was eavesdropping from the other room, waiting for his mother to finish. When he realized she was changing the subject, he took that as his queue to bring in the three slices of Chocolate Oreo cake. Danny and Lacey conversed with their eyes. Danny's eye signaled, 'you did great', where as Lacey's eyes signaled 'I think we have something.' Karen was so enthralled by her newly discovered Oreo Chocolate cake that she didn't even notice Danny and Lacey playing footsies under the coffee table.

It was getting late and Lacey had to be home by nine. Lacey hugged Karen and thanked her for the wonderful evening and asked Danny to walk her to her car.

To Be Continued…