"Do you want to hit me?" Fen said, "Go ahead, if it will make you feel better."
"I would certainly like to," Kyle snarled.
"I don't think that's necessary," Kevin said, coming to Fen's defense.
"No one is hitting anyone," Ashley said, walking over.
"That's right, I think it's best we call it a night," Jack said.
"You just couldn't keep your hands to yourself could you?" Kyle said.
"I will say it again," Fen said, "Nothing is going on between me and Rachel. It was a split second, which we both agreed was a mistake."
"It had to be more than that for that picture to be taken," Kyle said.
"That's what we should be more concerned about," Fen said, "I have no idea where that photo came from." Just as Fen pointed to the picture it disappeared from the screen.
"I am going to look into this and see if I can find out what is going on," Kevin said.
"You had no right to be alone with her in the first place," Kyle said.
"I have every right to spend time with a friend," Fen said.
"That's another thing," Kyle said, "I should have seen it coming. You have been trying to get closer and closer to Rachel over the last few months."
"That's because unlike you, she is nice to me and treats me like a human being," Fen said, "She needed a friend when you were sick, so I was there for her. That's all we are is friends. I have no romantic interest in her or a desire to break the two of you up."
"Every time I turn around you're causing trouble," Kyle accused.
"Stop fighting!" Kyle and Fen looked to see Susie, standing with tears on her face. Kyle closed his eyes realizing she had witnessed everything.
Chloe rushed over, saying, "Honey, everything's fine."
"No it isn't, where did Mom go?" Susie said.
"Your Mom will be okay," Kevin said, "She just needed some time alone."
Looking at Kyle, Susie said, "Why did you yell at her?"
"I'm sorry, you saw me get angry at your Mom," Kyle said, "But I am not mad at you about anything."
"I apologize if we scared you," Fen said.
"Don't you talk to me," Susie said, "This is all your fault!"
"I have to agree," Kyle said.
Fen nodded and said, "Sure. Once again, Fen is the one to blame." With his hands stuffed in his pockets Fen made a hasty retreat.
"Let's take you home," Chloe said, to Susie, "You were going to spend the night with us anyway."
"You go ahead," Kevin said, "I'll meet you there." He rubbed Susie shoulder and said, "Don't worry, everything is going to be fine."
Guests began to disperse, although Mariah stayed behind. Looking around, a concerned look crossed her face. "Where is Tessa?" she said.
Darkness had taken over the night, as Tessa sat next to Rachel on a park bench. Tessa had her arm around her friend, as the tears flowed down Rachel' face.
"I'm so sorry you had to go through this tonight," Tessa said.
"Kyle has never looked at me that way," Rachel said, "With such betrayal in his eyes and he was so upset. I can't believe he wants nothing do with me anymore."
"Maybe, it's for the best," Tessa said.
"How can you say that?" Rachel said, "I loved him, I still do."
"I know," Tessa said, "But for him to get so angry over all this, I think it proves he did not care and respect you as much as you think."
"Maybe if I talk to him," Rachel said, "I can explain everything and make him understand that I didn't mean to hurt him. Do you think he will take me back?"
"You are better off without him," Tessa said, "You should be with someone who will love you unconditionally, who can forgive if you make a mistake. Someone who cares very much about you." Tessa stroked Rachel's hair.
They looked into each other's eyes for a few seconds, until Tessa softly said, "Let it be me."
"What?" Rachel said.
Gathering herself, Tessa said, "Let me make you feel better. What can I do?"
"Can you turn back time and prevent this whole mess from happening?" Rachel said.
"Things are different now," Tessa said, "You are free to explore other relationships."
"That is the last thing I want," Rachel said, "I have to find a way to get Kyle to take me back."
"You don't need to be with someone like him," Tessa said, "I think he proved that tonight."
"It was my fault," Rachel said, "I should never have let Fen kiss me."
"There's another one you should stay away from," Tessa said, "Forget about being with a man for now. Be your special and beautiful self. The perfect one for you could be closer than you think."
"I had perfect," Rachel said, her tears continuing to fall.
"I know you feel sad," Tessa said, "But I am here to help you through this. I love you."
"Tessa…" Rachel started.
Tessa took Rachel's hands in hers and said, "As a good friend. I know you are not ready for more than that. Or are you?"
"Tessa, all I can think about right now is Kyle and what a mess everything is," Rachel said.
"It's too soon," Tessa said, "I can see that. I will be patient, you are worth waiting for."
"You're not hearing me," Rachel said, "I have hope that I can put things back together with Kyle. Even if that does not happen, you and I will not be together. I care very much about you, but cannot give you what you are asking of me. It's not in me, it's not who I am. I really thought we had gotten past this and agreed to be just friends. I still want that."
"I did not mean to push," Tessa said, "My feelings have been all over the place. I had to let you know how I feel. I thought you might feel the same."
"I'm sorry if this hurts you," Rachel said, "I cannot be there for you in that way."
"I understand," Tessa said, "Forgive me for getting over emotional."
"There's nothing to forgive," Rachel said. Standing up she said, "I think I should get going."
"I'll go with you," Tessa said, also getting to her feet.
"After everything that happened tonight, I need to be alone," Rachel said.
"I will check in with you later?" Tessa said.
"Thanks," Rachel said. Tessa watched Rachel walk away until she was out of sight. Strolling a few feet away, Tessa said, "You can come out now."
A figure of a man stepped out from behind the trees. "What are you doing here? Checking up on me?" Tessa angrily said.
"You strike out?" the man said.
"On the contrary," Tessa said, "I set things into motion with her. That picture you took and the way you set it up tonight was perfect. It worked just like we planned and the happy couple broke up."
"You sure?" the man said.
"Believe me it is over for them," Tessa said, "Thankfully, she is finally rid of that loser. Soon you and I will get exactly what we want. You had better scoot before someone sees you."
"Tessa?" Startled Tessa looked to see Fen. Fen's view of the man was obscured by the darkness and the trees, as he scuttled back into hiding.
"Fen," Tessa said.
"What are you doing out here?" Fen said.
Most of the guests had left the party, leaving Kyle alone with Mariah, Megan and Kevin.
Kyle looked over at Megan, who said, "I told you I would be first in line."
"Go ahead," Kyle said, "Tell me what a horrible person I am."
"Let me," Kevin said, "Not only am I appalled you spoke to Rachel the way you did, but you did it in front of our daughter."
"Everything happened so fast," Kyle said, "Of course, I'm sorry Susie saw us fight."
"That was quite a display," Mariah said, "But you and I both know you did not mean what you said. You need to find Rachel and apologize big time."
"I think I ruined things for good this time," Kyle said.
"This always happens," Mariah said, "Every time I throw a party, disaster ensues."
"It's not your fault," Kyle said, "Your heart was in the right place. The party was great up to a point."
"I will say it again," Mariah said, "What are you waiting for? Go and talk to her."
"I don't think Rachel wants to see or talk to me," Kyle said, "I wouldn't even know what to say."
"You could start by telling her you still love her," Mariah said, "Because I know you do."
"Of course I do, why do think this hurts so much?" Kyle said.
"Then go to her," Megan said, "When I first met you today, you told me Rachel was your number one priority. One disagreement and that all changes?"
"I might not have been in favor of this relationship in the beginning," Kevin said, "But I have seen the way Rachel looks and you and how happy she was with you. When her and I were married, we fought, but we also made up. One thing I regret is not fighting harder for her when we split up. Don't get me wrong, I am in love with Chloe, but I will always wish I had tried to hold on to Rachel longer than I did."
"You don't want to live the rest of your life with that kind of regret, do you?" Mariah said.
"I know all about heartbreak," Megan said, "I was once in love with someone very special. We had a wonderful romance and we even planned to get married. One fateful day he was hit by a car while riding his motorcycle. I got to the hospital in time to see him and talk to him, but that was the last time. I was at his bedside when he died."
"I'm so sorry," Mariah said, "I get why you are telling the story though."
"I miss the man I loved every day," Megan said, "Don't wait." Reaching out her hand Megan handed the engagement ring Rachel had left with her, back to Kyle. "Rachel is still here," she said, "Go to her before it's too late."
"You startled me," Tessa said.
"You shouldn't be out here by yourself," Fen said.
"I was looking for Rachel," Tessa said.
"Did you find her?" Fen said, "I was concerned about her too."
"You are the last person she should be around," Tessa said, "After that kissing stunt you pulled."
"It was not a stunt," Fen said, "It was caught up in a moment."
"Anyway, she was here," Tessa said, "I talked to her. Tried to convince her she was better off without the rich boy."
"You did what?" Fen said, "She needed some compassion."
"I gave her that too," Tessa said.
"Please tell me you did not confess your feelings to her," Fen said.
"I felt the time was right," Tessa said, "She is free to be with me now."
"Did she tell you that?" Fen said.
"It's too soon," Tessa said, "She will come around."
"So you went and messed with her head, when she was at her most vulnerable," Fen said, "Also it is entirely possible Kyle and Rachel could get back together."
"That can't happen," Tessa snapped.
"You want them apart, don't you?" Fen said, "Makes me wonder if you were behind all this."
"I don't know what you are talking about," Tessa said.
"The picture," Fen said, "Of me and Rachel. It showing up when and where it did. Did you plan this? Because if you did you not only humiliated Rachel and Kyle, you did it to me and Summer too. You could have ruined my relationship with Summer. We in such a good place getting so close and now she might never speak to me again."
"I think she is better off without you too," Tessa said.
"I don't hear you denying it," Fen said.
"Of course it wasn't me," Tessa said, "I was at the party, you all saw me. How could I have done all that unnoticed?"
"Wouldn't be too hard to set it up if you knew what you were doing," Fen said.
"I don't like what you are insinuating," Tessa said, "So keep your ridiculous accusations to yourself or…" Tessa trailed off.
"Or what?" Fen said, "Was that a failed attempt at a threat? What is going on with you?"
"Just leave me alone," Tessa said, "Stay away from me!" Tessa hurried off leaving Fen staring after her.
Summer sat on the patio of Crimson Lights, staring into her coffee. The events of the evening kept replaying in her mind, as she wondered how she could have been so wrong about her relationship. Legs approached her table, causing to look up to see Fen.
"Hi," he said. Summer did not respond to him, so he said, "Is it okay if I sit?"
"Suit yourself," Summer said, standing up, "I'm just leaving."
"Summer please wait," Fen said, "Can we talk?"
"I don't have anything to say to you," Summer said.
"I have some things I would like to say to you," Fen said, "Will you at least hear me out?"
Summer sighed and sat down again, saying, "Fine."
"Thank you," Fen said, sitting across from her, "First of all, I know you are upset with me."
"I'm disappointed in you," Summer said, "I thought we had something special."
"We did," Fen said.
"Yes, I could tell when I saw you had been kissing another woman," Summer said.
"It wasn't as big a thing as you think," Fen said, "We were talking and I made her laugh and I just got caught in a moment. She pushed me back and it was barely five seconds."
"What if she had not held you back?" Summer said, "Would you have continued to kiss her?"
"Fair question," Fen said, "I might have, but I didn't."
"That doesn't change the fact that you wanted to," Summer said.
"It was nothing romantic," Fen said, "It was not something that I had a longing desire to do or want to do again. I was not carrying on with anyone behind your back. I care about you too much to hurt you like that. It was a few insignificant little seconds."
"If it was so insignificant, why did you not tell me about it?" Summer said, "Why did you keep it from me?"
"Rachel and I agreed to put it behind us, so I left it there," Fen said, "It was bad judgment on my part not telling you. Summer…" Fen reached for her hand, but she pulled it away, "I'm sorry, for what I did and sorry you got blindsided by that picture."
"When I first saw it, I thought, oh, no he's having an affair," Summer said, "Which I know you said you're not and I believe you. I'm sorry I hit you."
"I probably had it coming," Fen said, "Would you be willing to give me a second chance? I swear, I will make it up to you."
"I would like that," Summer said. Fen smiled, however it faded when she continued, "But I don't know if I can, if I should." She stood up, Fen scurrying to his feet as well.
"Maybe all of this is a sign saying we should never have been together romantically," Summer said.
"Please don't say that," Fen said, "I don't believe that and I don't think you do either."
"Don't tell me how I feel," Summer said, "Fen, you know I care about you but…"
Fen cut her off as he engaged her in a kiss, with no resistance from Summer.
Rachel's phone displayed a picture of her and Kyle, as she stared at it, through her tears. The photo represented happier times, both smiling, as Rachel was wrapped in Kyle's arms. She had considered calling him, but he had not tried to contact her either. Rachel was afraid her former fiancé wanted nothing more to do with her.
The sound of the front door opening made her look up to see Kyle enter the house. He stopped when he saw her crying, pausing before shutting the door behind him. Rachel watched him as he walked towards her, but he was having trouble looking at her.
Rachel broke the awkward silence as she said, "I didn't know if you were coming home tonight." Kyle's eyes were still down, as he slightly nodded, but he remained silent.
"I know you are likely still upset with me," Rachel said. Not getting a response, she said, "Aren't you going to say anything? Are you trying to punish me by giving me the silent treatment? Maybe you would like to yell at me some more."
Finally, looking at her, Kyle softly said, "I'm not going yell at you." Walking to couch and sitting at the other end from her, he spoke calmly, as he continued, "I don't want to fight with you either."
"I don't have any fight left in me," Rachel said, trying to settle her tears.
"You have to understand, when I saw that picture, of you in someone else's arms…" Kyle started.
Rachel cut him off saying, "I was not in his arms."
"It looked like it to me," Kyle said, "His hands were on your waist and you were holding his arms."
"He caught me off guard, when he pulled me towards him," Rachel said.
"I know I got really angry, but the scenario just hit me," Kyle said, "I didn't know what to think." Realizing his voice was rising, Kyle adapted a calmer tone as he said, "All kinds of thoughts were running through my mind."
"What happened with Fen, meant nothing," Rachel said.
"It must have meant something," Kyle said, "Because you didn't tell me about it."
"I didn't think it was worth mentioning," Rachel said, "You were sick and I didn't want you to get upset about something so insignificant."
"What about after I was better?" Kyle said, "You still said nothing about it."
"By then I had practically forgotten about it," Rachel said, "The only thing I was focused on was you and your recovery. The only one I wanted to be kissing was you!" The more Rachel spoke, the harder she cried, "I know you are having a hard time even liking me right now, but I still love you Kyle. I am sorry I hurt you and you got blindsided from this. This is all my fault and everything is such a mess because of me. I am so sorry and I hope one day you can forgive me."
Kyle was quiet a few seconds, before he said, "I think I am the one who should be apologizing." Reaching into his pocket, Kyle pulled out the engagement ring and got down on one knee if front of Rachel. Taking her left hand he said, "Can you forgive me for jumping to conclusions?" He started to slip the ring on her finger as he continued, "For accusing you of doing things I know you would never do to me. For saying things I did not mean. For making you cry and thinking I didn't love you anymore. The fact is, I still love you, more than you know. I cannot imagine the rest of my life without you. Rachel, will you still marry me?"
Relief and love took over control of Rachel's tears, as she said, "Kyle…I love you so much."
Noticing she was hesitating, Kyle said, "…And? You are not going to make me wait until morning again, before you answer me are you?"
Rachel smiled, placing the palm of her hands on his cheeks. "Yes, of course, I want to marry you more than anything," she said.
Kyle dropped his head in relief that she had forgiven him. Rachel lifted his chin, to see Kyle had a few tears of his own. She stroked his cheek, with the back of her hand, as Kyle closed his eyes, leaning into her touch. Kyle rose to sit next to her, love overflowing as he gazed into her eyes, before he kissed her.
Pushing each other's coats off, Fen and Summer let the hotel room door swing shut behind them. Giving into their desire to continue kissing, Fen kicked his shoes off as, Summer pulled his shirt off. She giggled when his sweater got momentarily wedged coming off, making Fen smile before he kissed her again. Summer slipped her own upper clothing off, Fen putting his hand against her cheek. "You are so beautiful," he said.
Fen circled her to the bed, laying her down, he leaned in with her.
Collapsing onto the bed, Kyle pulled Rachel towards him as he kissed her. It was the first time since his recovery, the intensity returned to their love making.
Mariah was pacing the apartment worrying Tessa had not come home and she could not get a hold of her. Relief washed over her as the door opened and Tessa stepped inside. Tessa paused staring at Mariah. Her longing for Rachel had overtaken her, as she approached Mariah and pulled her into a kiss.
The harshness and conflict of the evening left behind, passion fluttered between each couple, as they explored their desire for one another.