(Friday June 19, 1987)

Dean and Seth were packing up their rental car to head to the airport in Atlanta to fly back to California. They had spent a week in Georgia with Roman and his friends. They had gone to all the graduation parties with them and really enjoyed being with his friends.

"I am so glad you guys came out. It made graduation even more special." Roman told them as he helped them load their bags into the trunk.

"We enjoyed being here. You got great friends…and a smoking girlfriend. Are you sure I can't have her?" Seth joked.

"I thought you wanted her mom. You even proposed to the poor woman at Naomi's party." Dean laughed.

"Her mom is a great cook. And not ugly for 38 years old." Seth chuckled.

"You guys come back and visit any time." Roman smiled.

"Why don't you and Chevonne fly out and see us sometime? Maybe for Thanksgiving break?" Dean asked.

"I will see what she thinks. But I would love to come out and see you guys, and your parents." Roman said.

"We need to get going. We don't want to miss our flight." Dean said.

Roman hugged him. "Thanks again for coming. It means a lot to me…really."

"Wouldn't have missed it. Stay out of trouble." Dean said.

"Call me when you get home safe." Roman hugged Seth.

"I will. Take care of yourself. And take care of your girl." Seth said. "But no making us uncles. Wrap it up."

"Thanks for the advice." Roman laughed and rolled his eyes.

"Say goodbye to Chevonne for us. We like her. She's a keeper." Dean climbed in the car.

"I will. She liked you guys too." Roman said. "Bye guys, have a safe trip."

"We'll talk soon." Seth started the car.

Roman waved as they pulled out of the driveway. He had really enjoyed having his friends there. He hadn't realized how much he had missed them until they visited.

He went back in the house. He was meeting the others in a bit to buy supplies for their upcoming week at the cabin.

(4pm)

Roman, Randy, Chevonne, Naomi and the twins were at the local Kmart getting things for their week at the cabin. They wanted to make sure the cabin was well stocked.

"How did you ever talk your family into letting your go for a week? It was one thing when you were single…but now that you got Roman?" Naomi asked Chevonne as they looked through sun blocks and bug sprays.

"Well mom is still a bit nervous considering the murders and all….but she trusts Randy to look after me. Bob on the other hand took a bit of convincing…not that he would ever contradict my mom….but I think he wants to have me fitted for a chastity belt." Chevonne laughed. "He sat me down for a long talk that included pregnancy and the AIDS epidemic."

Naomi laughed. "Sounds like Bob. My dad would strangle Jimmy if he ever found out about us having sex."

"But you guys have been together so long. And Jimmy is such a sweetheart. I guess it is something all parents go through." Chevonne shrugged.

"Well, are you picking up any condoms while we are here?" Naomi asked.

"I don't know. I mean heaven knows I have thought about it." She sighed. "Besides isn't that the guy's responsibility?"

"Not in this day and age honey. You want to make sure you are safe. There is nothing wrong with a woman being sexually responsible." Naomi said.

"Maybe…I will think about it. Meanwhile, where do you suppose the guys have gotten to?" she asked.

"Knowing those guys they have stocked up on charcoal and are now waist deep in snack food." Naomi laughed.

"I hope John enjoys coming to the lake with us. As much as Nikki was a brat with a pole up her butt…..she was his girlfriend. And to have found her dead and then be the suspect for a while…..I am sure he could use a nice vacation." Chevonne said as they went to find the guys.

"I am looking forward to it. A week with Jimmy, no school, no parents and if I get bored I can steal your man." She winked.

"Oh sure…then you can tell me if your theory about penis size running in their family is true." Chevonne laughed.

"Honey, if it is…make sure Roman is very gentle. If he is anything like Jimmy…."

"I do not want to hear about Jimmy's alleged third leg." Chevonne groaned.

"Maybe it is a Samoan thing." Naomi chuckled.

Chevonne laughed as they rounded the corner and saw the guys coming towards them with a shopping cart full of charcoal and snacks.

"Well you got the snacks part right." Chevonne laughed.

Saturday June 20, 1987

"John, you have never been here so I will show you around in a bit." Jimmy said as they began unloading cars.

They had just arrived at the cabin at the lake and were getting settled in for their weeklong vacation. The twins had driven up together with John. Randy had rode his motorcycle. Roman was bringing Chevonne and Naomi with him after he took them shopping for groceries.

"Your family owns this? It looks great." John said, grabbing his bag.

"Come on, you can share a room with me. Jimmy and Naomi will have their own room." Jey said.

"The first floor is kitchen and living room and a bathroom, the second floor is bedrooms and another bathroom. There is a back deck, fire pit. An old shed out back." Randy said.

"When are the girls getting here?" John asked.

"They are with Roman, he took them to get our groceries then they will be here." Jimmy said as he opened the front door.

"You can tell Roman is family. Jimmy trusted Naomi with him." John chuckled.

"Not to mention Roman is all about his own girlfriend." Jey laughed. "I haven't seen him this crazy about a girl since that chick on 'The Facts of Life'."

"We were in middle school." Jimmy rolled his eyes.

"Come on John, I will show you where our room is. It has bunk beds in it." Jey said as he started up the stairs.

The guys set about settling in for the week. Jimmy opened the windows to help the place air out and get fresh air inside. Randy put his bags in his room and put Chevonne's bags away as well. After showing John where they were staying, Jey went and checked switched on the electricity and double checked the fuse box.

Soon afterwards, Roman pulled in with the girls and the groceries. Everyone hurried out to help them carry the food in.

"Did you girls leave anything at the store?" Randy laughed as he helped carry bags in.

"What? We know how you guys eat. And Ted and Kristin will be here at some point this week. Cody and Brandi too so we will need a lot of food." Chevonne said.

"Besides, some of us will be working up big appetites this weekend." Jimmy wiggled his eyebrows.

"Terrific…horn dogs in the woods." Jey rolled his eyes.

"Not my problem you are single." Jimmy chuckled.

"Roman stole my girl. I dated Chevonne first." Jey smirked.

"One homecoming dance and I will never hear the end of it." Chevonne laughed. "We went as friends and he kissed me goodnight with a kiss that very quick and innocent."

"We'll put everything away. You three can go get settled in." John said.

"Thanks, make sure you put the dairy away." Naomi said.

The three new arrivals headed up the stairs to unpack their things. Naomi hurried to the master bedroom she was sharing with Jimmy. Chevonne went into the room with twin beds she usually shared with Randy. She looked around and couldn't find her stuff.

"I put your things in the guest room with a double bed. Roman's stuff is in there too." Randy said behind her.

"You did?" she was surprised.

Randy smiled. "Yeah, you're in a serious, committed relationship. I trust Roman not to do anything you don't want. Besides, everyone can see how crazy you two are about each other."

"Randy…I don't know." She said.

"Hey, the spare bed in here is open if you want it. I just wanted you to know that if you want to stay with Roman….I won't interfere." Randy said.

"Thanks Randy." She hugged him. "I think it would be nice to stay with Roman even if…nothing happens."

"You'll know when the time is right." Randy said. "And if Roman gives you any problems…I'll bloody his nose."

Chevonne kissed his cheek and hurried down the hall to find Roman.

She found Roman in the guest room sorting through his clothes. He smiled at her as she walked in.

"Guess we're rooming together this week." She said.

"If you want, I will find another room. I can share with Randy or take one of the empty rooms." He offered.

"No need for that. I am glad we're sharing. It means I can sleep curled up with you." She smiled. "You don't snore do you?"

"I don't think so." He laughed.

(3pm)

Chevonne walked out onto the back deck to find John reading a book and Jey asleep on a lounge chair. John smiled up at her.

"Headed to the lake for a swim?" John asked, indicating her swimsuit and towel.

"Yes, Naomi is still changing. Do you know where Roman and Jimmy are?" she asked.

"They went for a jog. Said they wanted to get a work out in before dinner." John said.

"You all settled in?" she sat down beside him to wait.

"Yeah, I am enjoying just relaxing." He smiled.

"That's good. Just make yourself at home. You know Randy and the twins pretty well from sports but Roman is very nice and easy going. I think you will get along with him." She smiled back.

Naomi stepped out on the deck carrying a towel. "Ready?"

"Yeah, if the guys come back from their jog tell them where we went. We'll be back in time to fix dinner." She said.

"I will, enjoy your swim." John went back to reading his book.

The two girls walked off the deck and followed the path down to the lake. They could see the pontoon boat tied to one side of the pier. They put their stuff down on the pier, making sure they left their towels where they would stay dry.

"You know, if you wanted to turn Roman on you could've worn a two piece." Naomi chuckled.

"I don't feel comfortable in a bikini. I am kinda on the flat-chested side." Chevonne said.

"You're a C cup, that is plenty."

"Easy for you to say." Chevonne chuckled.

The girls dove into the lake and swam out into the lake a bit. The water was warm. They could see a few of the cabins on the opposite side of the lake.

"You thought anymore about having sex with Roman?" Naomi asked as they treaded water in the deep.

"Of course I have thought about it. He is sexy and sweet and I love him….of course I am thinking about it." She answered.

"Have you told him you love him yet?"

"No, I am not sure how he would respond and I don't want to make things weird between us." Chevonne said.

"Fair enough, I am sure when you're ready to tell him you will. But you know…being up here for a week with Roman….that is quite the temptation." Naomi said.

"I know….and I want to….I am just nervous I guess." She said.

"Sweetie that is normal. I am sure Roman wouldn't hurt you."

"I know that. I mean Roman is very sweet and caring. But doesn't your first time hurt? And isn't there bleeding?" she asked.

"Yes, it hurts the first time but it is not horrible pain if the guy is careful. Jimmy was very sweet about it. I am sure Roman would be too." Naomi said.

"What about the bleeding? I mean isn't it embarrassing that you're bleeding in front of a man?"

"It is part of life, the right guy understands that. That is why it is best that someone waits until they found a good guy that will not be an ass about things." Naomi said. "I am sure Roman would be very understanding. He is crazy about you…one look at him and you can see that."

"Before your first time….did you talk things out with Jimmy?" she asked.

"Yeah, and it was fine. He was gentle, didn't make any stupid comments and even helped me clean up afterwards." Naomi said.

"I hope Roman is like that." Chevonne said.

"Honey he will be. You remember how he helped you when you were sick. He was great and very sweet about it. He will be just as wonderful about this." Naomi said.

"You make a good point." Chevonne said.

"Hey if you don't want to do it this week, then don't. Only you know when the time is right. But I have seen you and Roman…..you two are so…..happy and in love, even if you two won't admit." Naomi said.

"Come on, we better get back so we can start dinner." Chevonne smiled.

The girls swam back to the pier and climbed out of the water. They grabbed their towels and dried off. They hurried up the path back to the cabin.

When they arrived they could see John was still reading but the twins were getting the grill ready.

"Let us get changed and we'll start dinner. We're having hamburgers." Naomi said.

The girls hurried into the cabin and up to their respective rooms. When Chevonne walked into her room, Roman was getting dressed after a shower. She hurried over and kissed him. He wrapped his arms around her even though her swimsuit was wet.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"I'm just happy." She smiled.

"Any particular reason? Not that I mind." He chuckled.

"Oh just glad to be here with my friends and my wonderful boyfriend."

"You look even more beautiful when you're happy." He kissed her.

"I better go help Naomi with dinner." She kissed him.

"I'll give you some privacy so you can change." He kissed her.

"We're not getting anywhere like this." She chuckled but kissed him.

"I'm leaving so we don't starve." He kissed her and gently pulled away.

"Take a walk with me later tonight?" she asked.

"Wouldn't miss it." He smiled and shut the door so she could change clothes in private.

(Midnight)

The kids were all gathered around the fire pit, laughing and telling stories. John was eating a ton of S'mores. Roman and Chevonne were cuddled together in a lounge chair. Jimmy and Naomi were sitting together on a blanket.

"John, you are gonna get sick. What is that? Twelve s'mores you have eaten?" Jey laughed.

"This is nothing. I set a record one summer at camp." John chuckled. "I ate twenty one."

"And how sick did you get?" Naomi asked.

"I threw up the whole night and I thought the nurse was going to strangle my counselor for letting me do it." John laughed.

"Well don't go throwing up tonight. If you do, you are cleaning up the bathroom." Chevonne told him.

"But Jey told me you girls were great nurses." John laughed.

"Broken arm is one thing, vomit is another." Naomi said.

"I kinda wish Cody was here. I miss his goofy ghost stories." Randy said.

"Yeah me too." Jey said.

"And since we are in the woods, you know he would be telling that ridiculous one about the religious commune that burned down." Naomi laughed.

"That is one of his favorites." Randy agreed.

"We all heard that old tale growing up. Never seen any disfigured people in these woods yet." Chevonne said.

"Besides, I am more afraid of something like in the movie 'The Last House on the Left'. Those crazy hippies raping and killing those girls." Naomi said.

"I didn't make it all the way through that movie. I had to shut it off." Chevonne said.

"It's getting late. I am ready to turn in." Jey said.

"Yeah, me too." Jimmy agreed.

"Ready to go for a walk now?" Roman asked Chevonne.

"Yeah, let's go." She smiled.

"Me and my lady are going for a walk. We'll lock up when we get back." Roman said as he stood up and helped Chevonne out of the lounger.

"Don't get lost." Jey said.

"We'll be fine." Chevonne said as she and Roman started down the path towards the lake, hand in hand.

"It is so quiet out here." Roman commented.

"Do you think we should have brought a flashlight?" Chevonne asked.

"Nah, I know the way. Been walking these trails since I was a kid." He said.

"Have you heard from Seth and Dean since they went home?"

"Yeah, they called to let me know they made it safe."

"I really liked them. I hope we get to see them again sometime." She said.

"They are good guys. Like brothers to me." Roman said.

"I could tell that. You three have a bond….it is very special."

"Yeah…I guess that is why I understand about you and Randy so much. Of course I never went through what you did growing up, but I understand that friend-sibling bond." He said.

"What were the girls you dated in California like?" she asked.

"Why?"

"I want to know. I am curious. Dean mentioned a girl named Kaitlyn." She said.

"Well…..Kaitlyn and I dated from the end of freshman year until sometime in sophomore year. She was a nice enough girl. But it was mostly infatuation…after the infatuation wore off, we started getting on each other's nerves." Roman said as they began rounding the lake.

"Was it amicable?" she asked.

"I guess, it was more of an 'all we do is fight this is a waste of time' thing. Then for a while last year I dated a girl, Eve but…it just wasn't what I wanted. I politely sat her down and told her that. She seemed okay with it, but never spoke to me again." He explained.

"Any others?"

"Oh you know…a few dates here and there. What about you? Since we are sharing past relationships, what about yours?" he asked.

"Ummm, well in 10th grade I briefly went out with a guy named Josh Matthews, you never met him, he transferred. He was nice enough but really insecure about Randy. We had a foreign exchange student from England…we went out a few times but I couldn't get comfortable with him." She explained.

"Is your curiosity satisfied now?" Roman asked.

"Yeah….you don't have any leftover feelings for those girls do you?" she asked.

Roman stopped and turned her to look at him. "Baby, stop being insecure. If I had felt anything special for those girls, I wouldn't have broken up with them. I never felt about them the way I feel about you."

She smiled up at him. "You always know the right thing to say."

"It wasn't a line, I meant it." He kissed her.

She wrapped her arms around him and melted into his kiss. He pulled her against him. Something rattled in the woods, making them pull apart.

"What was that?" she asked.

"Probably an animal. Maybe an owl hunting or something." Roman said. "We should head back."

Roman wrapped his arm around Chevonne as they turned and walked back towards the cabin. She leaned against him, enjoying being close to him. As they approached the cabin they could see it was mostly dark. They walked into the cabin and locked the back door.

"You can go on upstairs and do whatever women do that takes forever to get ready for bed. I will lock up." Roman said.

"I will be ready in ten minutes thank you. Just need to freshen up and brush my teeth." She kissed him.

"Be up in a few minutes." He chuckled.

She hurried up the stairs. Roman walked around checking the windows and doors, making sure everything that was secure. He turned to head upstairs when he heard someone coming down the stairs. He saw Randy walk into the kitchen.

"Everything okay man?" Roman asked him.

"Yeah, everything is fine. Just need a glass of water." Randy said.

"I am headed to bed, see you in the morning." Roman said.

"Roman…..you are the first guy I ever trusted with my sister. And I trust you enough to let you share a room with her. Whatever you two do is your business; I know you will be good to her." Randy said.

"Thank you...just so you know…I…."

"I know you do." Randy smiled.

Roman nodded. He turned and walked upstairs. When he walked into the bedroom, Chevonne was pulling the covers back on the bed. She was wearing shorts and a tank top to sleep in.

"See, it didn't take me long." She giggled.

"Let me change and brush my teeth. It will take me five minutes." He chuckled.

Chevonne climbed into bed, but left the lamp on so Roman could see when he came back into the room. She got comfortable. A few minutes later Roman came back in dressed in a pair of basketball shorts. He switched off the lamp and crawled into bed as well.

"I know you are a snuggler so come here." He chuckled and reached for her.

She gladly curled up against him. "Randy says I kick in my sleep."

"I'll risk it." Roman laughed again.

She leaned up and kissed him. "Goodnight Roman."

"Goodnight."