Copyright and Disclaimer: 1. This is a fictional story with fictional characters. 2. No one is to steal this story under any circumstances. 3. This story deals with relationships and not sex, so if you're looking for a story with a lot of sex in it, this isn't the story for you.
Hope everyone is doing great! After this chapter I will be taking a month break to write the next installment and then will begin the next series of chapters. Hope you all enjoy! Here's the season 1 finale, `The Red Ball.'
`THE RED BALL'
FORD
"Patrick come back!" I called out as I chased after him outside of the banquet hall.
"I can't believe that all of this was because of you!" Patrick shouted back at me. "You are just as much to blame as Chandler!"
"I'm sorry Patrick. I had no idea!" I pleaded.
"I can't deal with this now," Patrick said. "I knew this night would be a disaster. I'm leaving."
Patrick got in his car and drove off leaving me alone and upset over the whole situation. If only he knows how horrible I feel about everything. It's an incident that I regret every second of every day.
SHANE
"Luke, I'm sorry, but I had to tell you," I said chasing after him. He stopped and turned to me.
"Are you kidding me with this? I'm here with Morgan. He's my date," Luke replied.
"I know, but I was hoping-" I began, but Luke cut me off.
"No Shane. It's too late. I'm dating Morgan now," Luke replied. "I'm not going to say I never thought about it, but it's something that shouldn't happen."
"So where does that leave us?" I asked. Was our friendship over?
39 HOURS EARLIER
FORD
"You okay Luke?" I asked as the four of us were eating breakfast together. "You haven't been acting like yourself lately."
"Yeah, for the past week you've been quiet," Shane added.
"Is this about the call you got from your friend in LA last week?" I asked.
"What call?" Benji asked.
"A friend of his from LA called. The police caught the guy who killed his Nick," Shane explained.
"That's good, right?" Benji asked. "The police caught the bastard."
"It's bittersweet I think," I said. I could tell that this news has brought back a lot of hard memories for him. The sadness that was in his eyes when I first met him is back.
"Listen honey," Benji said to Luke, "You have to look at this news as a positive thing. The man is in jail now and he'll be there for a long time."
"I know. I didn't think I would feel this way," Luke sighed. "It just brought back a lot of stuff I worked so hard to get past."
"Did you call your friend back?" I asked.
"No," Luke replied. "I wanted to, but I couldn't bring myself to pick up the phone and call him back."
"You should go up and see them," Shane suggested.
"That's a good idea," I added. "You should be with them. They can be good support right now."
"I have you guys for that," Luke replied.
"Of course we're here for you honey," Benji said. "But your friends in LA understand what you're going through better than us."
"It is only a couple hours away," Luke debating on taking the trip or not.
"I'll go with you," Shane offered. I shot Shane a look wondering what he was up to. I know he has feelings for Luke, but with Morgan in the picture now I'm not sure if it's a good idea for him and Luke to be alone together for a whole car trip.
"Are you sure?" Luke asked.
"Yeah. I finished my latest piece so I have a couple free days from work," Shane answered. "It'll be perfect. We can leave after breakfast today, go up for the night and then come back tomorrow in time for the Red Ball."
Luke thought it over a bit more before deciding, "Yeah, okay. Let's do it. Thanks Shane."
"No problem," Shane smiled.
"I have to go to the bathroom," I said looking and hinting at Shane.
"Well you don't have to announce it. Just go," Benji said with a raised eyebrow.
"Shane. Come with me," I said.
"Why?" Shane asked confused.
"Just come with me," I said through gritted teeth. Did I have to make a formal announcement that I wanted to talk to him?
"Fine," Shane said getting up and coming with me to the bathroom. When we got inside the bathroom I immediately turned to interrogate him.
"Are you going to tell him?" I asked.
"What?" Shane asked confused.
"Don't play coy with me. You're offering to go on this trip with him so you can tell him you like him. Am I right?" I asked.
"Maybe," Shane replied. He obviously hasn't thought his plan through that much either. "Do you think it's a good idea?"
"Are you kidding? It's a great idea!" I enthused. "It would be so romantic."
"It's a horrible idea," Benji said walking into the bathroom to join us.
"What are you doing here?" Shane and I asked in unison.
"You think that I didn't know what was going on when you offered to go with Luke to LA?" Benji asked.
"Did you just leave Luke alone?" Shane asked.
"Oh he's fine," Benji replied.
"Don't you think he'll get a little suspicious that we're all in here?" Shane asked.
"We'll go back out as soon as you agree to not tell him you like him," Benji said.
"I think he should," I said to Benji.
"Ford, this isn't one of your romantic comedies where everything ends happily ever after," Benji pointed out. "This is real life. It could ruin their friendship and along with it, ruin our group."
"He has a point," Shane sighed.
"No!" I objected. "It would be perfect."
"Don't do it Shane," Benji warned.
"No. Do it!" I said.
"Shut up!" Shane snapped at us. He obviously felt overwhelmed. "I'll do what feels right. Now let's go back out there before Luke catches on!"
"Fine," Benji and I answered.
We went back out and rejoined Luke. "What were you guys doing?" he asked.
"Nothing," we all replied at the same time. We looked at one another and knew how unconvincing we sounded.
"Okay," Luke answered, dropping the subject. He then turned to Shane. "So we'll head up to LA around noon. Is that good?"
"Sounds good to me," Shane replied.
LUKE
At exactly twelve o'clock, Shane came over with an overnight bag for our trip to LA.
"So where are we staying once we get there?" Shane asked. "We going to stay with one of your friends?"
"No, I booked us a room at the Four Season's and then I'll call them when I get there," I replied.
"Sounds good," Shane said. "Are you ready for this?"
I nodded, "I think so." Truth is, I'm not sure if I am ready to face Kurt and Leo. I'm worried that seeing the two of them will bring up too many memories of Nick, but I have to at least try. I want to find out how the police found Wayne. I want to find out how he was brought to justice for what he did to my soulmate.
"Well, let's head out before you change your mind," Shane suggests.
"Good idea," I grab my bag and the two of us headed to my car for the two hour drive back to Los Angeles.
About thirty minutes into the drive as we cruised on the 5 freeway, we got to talking about Shane's friend, Brenda, who had an abortion. He seemed to be acting fairly okay with situation. If it were me, I know that I wouldn't be handling it nearly as well. But it turns out that his true feelings are a lot different than the ones he lets on.
"To be completely honest, I'm a total wreck," Shane said. "I can't believe she just went and had an abortion with out even talking to me."
"Why have you been acting so `whatever' about it?" I ask as I got into the carpool lane of the freeway.
"Because that's what I do," Shane replied. "I don't like showing vulnerability."
"If you don't then how will we know when to be there for you when you need us?" I asked.
"I know. I'm trying to work on it, but I've been like that for so long now that it's easier to just hide it," Shane said.
"Well, if you every want to talk about anything, you know I'm here for you," I said.
"Thanks," Shane smiled. "So how are things going with you?"
"Aside from finding out the murderer of my last boyfriend finally got caught, I'm doing good," I replied. "Things with Morgan are going well."
"Really?" Shane asked. "You haven't mentioned him much."
"Yeah, cause you and Ford don't seem to keen on the idea of him and I dating," I replied.
"I just think that there may be someone else out there for you," Shane suggested.
"Like who? I don't meet any guys. Morgan is the first person I've met in a long time," I answered.
"So just because he's the only guy you've met so far you think you need to date him?" Shane asked.
"No. That's not what I mean," I answered. "I like him. I really do."
Shane didn't say anything. He just shrugged his shoulders and looked out the window. I really want to know why he doesn't like the idea of me dating Morgan.
BENJI
Since Shane and Luke headed up to Los Angeles. Ford decided to hang out with me at my store for a bit before he had to go to a restaurant his work was sending him to. I figure since him and I are having one on one time, I should tell him about New York. He's my best friend, so he deserves to hear it first. However, Ford being Ford, he was quite caught up in all of his drama that I haven't had a chance yet to tell him the news.
"...So anyway, now I have to worry about Chandler being at the Red Ball," Ford continued his long rant of Chandler once again. "And Patrick is going to be there so I hope nothing bad happens. But what if it does? What am I going to do about Chandler? Was it a mistake to have Patrick come to the ball? What do you think? Is it unrealistic to hope that they won't run into each other at the ball?"
"You need to calm down," I snapped. "Don't worry so much and just accept whatever happens."
"But it's my family's big event of the year and I don't want it to turn into a disaster," Ford replied. "It would be my fault."
"If Chandler causes any trouble just have him kicked out," I suggested. "Now can we get off your problems for one minute so I can tell you some news."
"Oh, yeah," Ford replied. He realized how self-involved he was being. "What's going on?"
"Well, I have some news regarding my recent trip to New York," I began. "And it's something I'm really excited about so I hope you will be understanding of it."
"Why do I have the feeling that I'm not going to like this news?" Ford asked. "What is it?"
"After careful consideration, I've decided to relocate to New York," I answered.
"Oh my God," Ford replied. I thought his jaw was going to hit the floor. "New York?"
"Well, they want to open up my store over there and it's just the perfect place for me to be if I want to expand my business," I explained.
"All the way to New York," Ford said. I could tell he was still in shock.
"Yeah," I nodded. "But I'll still come visit so it's not like I'll be gone forever."
"I can't believe this," Ford said as he began to pace back in forth in my store.
"What are you thinking?" I asked curious.
Ford was quiet for a moment, he needed to regain his thoughts before he answered. After another brief moment he finally spoke, "I think...I'm really going to miss you."
"Ford, it's not goodbye," I insisted. I could tell that Ford seemed to be on the brink of crying. I went over to him and gave him a hug. "This is a good thing."
"For you," Ford replied. "But I'm losing my best friend."
"No you're not," I answered. "You and I will always be best friends."
"Promise?" Ford asked.
"Of course you idiot!" I exclaimed. Ford laughed a little at the comment. I wiped a few tears of my own away.
"So when are you going to be moving?" Ford asked.
"As soon as I sell my place," I answered.
"You're really moving?" Ford asked, the reality of the situation not filly sinking in yet.
"Yeah," I replied. "I need this change. I've felt stuck here lately."
"Stuck?" Ford asked.
"I've been feeling like nothing is really new around here for me. I've done everything here. The only thing keeping me here is you, Luke and Shane," I replied. "I really need to do this. For now anyway."
"Well...then I promise that I am going to do everything I can to be happy for you," Ford said giving me a brave smile.
"Thanks sweetie," I said giving him another hug.
LUKE
The trip up to Los Angeles was quick, it was good to have Shane with me. It made the time pass by much faster. We checked into the hotel and got settled in our room.
"So should we go visit your friends?" Shane asked.
"Um, I guess I should call them first," I replied taking out my cell phone. Shane went to hang up his jacket in the closet as I dialed Kurt's number, but right when I heard the first ring I ended the call.
"Are you calling the?" Shane asked. I still had the phone up to my ear.
"Um, yeah. It's just going to voicemail," I lied. "I'll try calling later. Let's go out for a bit."
"Okay," Shane shrugged his shoulders. I didn't want to tell him that I was having second thoughts about seeing Kurt and Leo.
FORD
After I left Benji and went to the restaurant I had to review, I met Patrick at the mall to help him find clothes to wear for the Red Ball. As we were shopping around, Patrick noticed I wasn't in the best mood.
"You still worry about Chandler?" Patrick asked.
"No...well, yes, but that's not what I'm thinking about," I replied.
"What's wrong?" Patrick asked.
"I just found out that my best friend is moving to New York," I replied.
"Wow," Patrick said. "All the way on the opposite coast, huh?"
"Yeah," I replied. "I'm happy for him, but he's my best friend, you know?"
"Yeah," Patrick replied. "I was like that when my mom left."
"Why did she leave?" I asked.
"After the whole scandal with the necklace that Chandler's family accused her of stealing, she had trouble finding work so she had to move up north to Connecticut to find work," Patrick replied. "I know it sounds lame, but my mom and I are best friends. I love her more than anything so it was really tough when she left."
"Sorry to hear that," I replied. "So your mom is still in Connecticut?"
"Yeah," Patrick replied. "She's working for some family who is pretty good to her."
"Well that's good," I said.
"It is," Patrick agreed. "But I still miss her."
"That's sweet," I said.
"You don't think it's lame that I'm so close with my mom?" Patrick asked.
"No," I replied. "It's nice. What about your dad?"
"He's not in my life," Patrick replied. "I never knew him."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," I said as I picked out a red button up shirt and suggested it for him. He shook his head when he looked at the price tag.
"What about your parents?" Patrick asked. "I should know a little about them before I meet them."
"They're great people," I answered. "They love me a lot, but I will warn you that they are sometimes a bit judgmental."
"What do you mean by judgmental?" Patrick asked.
"They are just really protective of me," I answered. "They want the best for me."
"Do you think they'll like me?" Patrick asked.
"I'm positive," I replied. "They'll like you because I like you."
"I hope so," Patrick said. "Now let's try to fine me an outfit that will impress them, but won't kill my bank account."
"Okay," I smiled. I wanted to offer to buy him the outfit for the Red Ball, but I knew it would hurt his pride.
SHANE
Luke and I went to grab some food at the Ivy, which was a really nice place. I've never been, but it was one of Luke's favorite places when he lived here. As we were eating I could tell he was nervous being back in LA. I'm sure it brought up memories that were hard for him to face.
"You okay?" I asked.
"Just a little bit nervous," Luke replied.
"Don't worry. Everything will be fine. They will be happy to see you," I assured him.
"It's just going to bring back a lot of memories," Luke replied. He then shook his head as if he was trying to shake out some bad memories, "Let's change the subject to something else."
"Okay," I replied. I took a deep breath wondering if I should tell Luke now about my feelings towards him. "There's something I've been wanting to tell you."
"Yeah?" Luke asked. "What?"
"Well," I began taking a deep breath, "I'm not exactly sure how to say this...I..."
"Oh God," Luke said catching on.
"What?" I asked, wondering if he really knew what I was going to say.
"You think this is a mistake, huh?" Luke asked.
"What?" I asked confused.
"You think this is really a bad idea for me to come here and see them," Luke said.
"No," I replied. "This whole trip was my idea, remember?"
"Sorry," Luke said shaking his nerves. "I guess I'm a lot more nervous then I thought. I can't stop thinking about Nick."
As I looked over at him I wanted to just reach over and hold his hand and tell him how much I care about him, but it didn't seem like the right time. I realize that I didn't think this plan through very well. Why did I think going to LA with him would be a good opportunity to tell him I like him? I knew he would just be thinking about Nick. I surprise myself with how stupid I can be at times.
"So you've been a little quiet," Luke noted. "Anything you want to talk about?"
"No," I replied quickly. "I'm okay."
"You sure?" Luke asked.
"Positive," I replied. "This trip isn't about me. It's about you. Are you okay being here?"
"Truthfully, it's a lot more difficult than I thought it would be," Luke replied. "All these places around here have so many memories for me. All I can do is think about him."
"Are you having second thoughts about seeing your friends?" I asked.
"Maybe," Luke replied.
"Well, don't worry. That's why I'm here," I said sincerely. "I'll be here with you the whole way."
"Thanks Shane," Luke said giving me one of his charming smiles.
I decided I would wait until we got back to San Diego to tell him. I think it's a good thing that he hasn't talked about Morgan much this trip. Maybe he doesn't really like him that much after all. I'll worry about that later, for now it's about Luke and seeing his old friends.
"Should you try calling them again?" I asked.
"Um, yeah," Luke said taking out his phone. After about a minute with the phone to his hear he put it back in his pocket, "No answer again."
BENJI
After work that evening I walked around the streets near my store and took it all in. It wouldn't be long before I left this place. Of course I would be back occasionally. I am keeping my store here and leaving my assistant manager in charge, but I know if I want to become a success I have to stay in New York for a while.
Telling Ford was the hardest part, so I was relieved that I at least got that out of the way. Now all I had to do was tell Shane and Luke. It feels weird when you prepare to start a new life. I'm getting a fresh start. In some ways I think this is what Luke must have felt like when he moved down here. It's a new chapter in my life and I am ready to experience it. As much as I will miss life here in San Diego, I need this. The sadness was slowly being overcome by the excitement I feel towards all this change in my life.
LUKE
"Well, I'm sorry to hear they went out of town," Shane said when we walked back into the room. "We came all this way for nothing."
"It's okay," I replied. "You know what, I wanted to stop by and see an old co-worker. I'll be right back."
"You want me to come with you?" Shane asked.
"No, it's okay. It'll be boring for you. I'll be right back," I replied as I left the room. I didn't want Shane to come with me, because I felt this was something I needed to do alone. It took me all day to get up the nerve to do this and I knew if Shane went with me I would become too dependent on him and not be able to go through with it. I got into my car and drove over to Kurt's apartment.
The drive to his place was the longest twenty minutes of my life. The anticipation of seeing them again after everything that's happened was making me nervous.
When I finally got there I took everything in, in ways nothing about the area changed, but at the same time it seems like everything was different. I slowly walked up the stairs to the second floor where Kurt's apartment was and walked down the hallway until I was standing in front of his door. My heart started beating quickly as I raised my arm to knock on the door. I wanted to knock on the door, but it something inside of me kept me from doing so. I couldn't. I tried to build my nerves up again to face Kurt and Leo, but I couldn't. I couldn't do it. After everything, I couldn't do it.
"You're pathetic," I said to myself shaking my head in disappointment. I turned away and began walking down the hall back to the stairs. As I was about to head down the stairs I saw a familiar face walking up. It was Ryan, Kurt's old boyfriend or boyfriend (the last time I saw them, they were broken up, but I always felt that the two would get back together. Maybe they did.).
"Luke?" Ryan asked when him and I made eye contact.
"Hi Ryan," I replied nervously.
"How are you?" Ryan asked as he gave me a hug.
"I'm good," I replied. "How about you?"
"I'm okay," Ryan replied. "There's just some stuff with Kurt going on right now, but it'll be okay."
"Sorry to hear that," I said. "How is he?"
"You didn't see him?" Ryan asked confused. "I figured you were here visiting him."
"Oh, um...no," I replied. "I mean, I was planning to, but I can't. Not right now."
"Why not?" Ryan asked.
"It's still too hard for me," I replied.
"You should come in with me and say hi to him," Ryan said. "I'm sure he'd be really happy to see you."
"I can't," I shook my head. "I'm not ready. I thought I was, but..."
"I understand," Ryan gave me a sympathetic smile.
"How is he?" I asked truly concerned on how my old friend was.
"He's good," Ryan replied. "He had some issues when Wayne resurfaced, but I think he'll be okay."
"Good," I smiled. "And Leo?"
"He's good," Ryan replied. "Him and Jesse are engaged."
"That's great," I said happily for them. "Good for them."
"Yeah," Ryan nodded. "Are you sure you don't want to come in and say hi to Kurt?"
"Maybe another time," I replied. "I should get going."
"Okay," Ryan said. "Well, it was nice running into you."
"You too," I replied. "And can you do me a favor?"
"Sure," Ryan answered.
"Don't tell Kurt or Leo that you saw me," I said. "Please?"
"Okay," Ryan agreed. "Take care."
"You too," I replied as I headed down the stairs. I got into my car and drove away. It just isn't the right time yet for me to see Kurt and Leo. Maybe later on down the road I will, but not today.
As I headed back to the hotel I stopped by one place that is very important to me. I went to Nick's apartment. I parked my car in front of the building and walked the three flights up the stairs and went up the front door. I still had a key to his place and took a deep breath before unlocking the door and walking inside. As I entered his place, everything looked exactly the same, except that it felt darker, colder, the life was gone from the apartment. Even though everything was exactly the way Nick left it, it felt completely lifeless without him in it. I went into his bedroom and sat down on the bed. Next to the bed on his bedside table was a picture of him with Kurt and Leo and there was another picture of him and me. I smiled when I saw the picture. The smile on his face that warmed me up inside whenever I saw it shined through in the photo. I thought I would feel completely overwhelmed being there by myself, but it actually felt okay. I
felt like I could breath. It felt like the last thing I needed to let go and move on.
When I headed out to leave I turned back to get one last look at the apartment before closing the door.
"I love you Nick," I said quietly. I walked out and closed the door behind me.
SHANE
The next day when we got back to San Diego, Luke and I only had an hour to get ready for the Red Ball. Luckily before we headed back home I found a great red outfit to wear while shopping on Melrose. It was a great red vest with black pinstripes over a deep red button up shirt and a pair of red pants with black stripes on the sides. I would either look really awesome or like the Cool-Aid man.
By the time I headed out to the ball, I only had twenty minutes to get there before it started. I've been to the Red Ball for the past three years and had to admit that it was a pretty amazing event. Last year I met a really great guy who I dated for a total of two weeks. Maybe I can find a guy this year to make me forget about my feelings for Luke.
That hope went out of the window when I arrived at the ball and saw Luke looking sexier than I've ever seen him.
"Hey," Luke said coming up to me and giving me a hug. "You look great."
"Thanks," I smiled giving him a kiss on the cheek, "You look great too. Really, really great."
"You think?" Luke asked.
"Yeah," I replied. "Since we have a minute, do you think I can talk to you about something?"
"Sure," Luke replied. "Before you start, I just want to thank you again for coming with me to LA."
"Of course," I answered. "I just wish you got a chance to see your friends."
"Yeah," Luke sighed. "But I think I got the closure I needed."
"Good," I smiled.
"So what did you want to talk about?" Luke asked.
"Well," I began, but before I did I notice Luke looking over my shoulder. I looked behind me to see what he was looking at and saw Morgan walk in. I hated to admit it, but he looked really nice tonight.
"Wow," Luke beamed. "I have the hottest date tonight."
"I guess you better go to him," I said, trying my best to mask my disappointment.
"What did you want to talk to me about?" Luke asked.
"It's nothing," I replied. With Morgan here now, I really didn't want to go into my feelings for him. It seems like every time I want to tell him about my feelings for him, something comes in the way.
Luke went off to Morgan as Ford headed towards me.
FORD
"I'm freaking out," I said going up to Shane.
"What is it?" Shane asked.
"Patrick isn't here yet," I replied.
"So? It just started," Shane said. "I'm sure he'll be here soon."
"It's not that," I replied. "I'm freaking out about how Ford is going to handle tonight."
"He may not be wealthy, but I'm sure he isn't a complete uncultured moron," Shane answered.
"He's just not very comfortable around these kind of people," I explained.
"Who is?" Shane asked. "All these people here usually act like they have a stick up their ass."
"Be quiet!" I slapped Shane's arm. "These are my dear friends I grew up with you're talking about."
"Oh yeah?" Shane asked. He then pointed to a couple a few feet away from us, "Who are they?"
"How the hell should I know?" I shrugged. Patrick then walked in and he looked amazing. He was wearing a red and white striped shirt and red pants with a white belt. He was the best looking guy in the room.
"Wow," Shane said when he saw Patrick, "The boy looks good."
"Excuse me," I said making my way over to Patrick and giving him a kiss. "You look...wow."
"Thank you," Patrick smiled. "You don't look bad yourself."
"Sweetie," my mom said as her and my father came up to us. "Is this Patrick?"
"Yes," I replied. "Patrick, these are my parents; Melinda and Douglas Ohara."
"Pleasure to meet you," my dad said shaking Patrick's hand. "We're glad you were able to join us tonight."
"Thank you for having me," Patrick politely replied. I beamed with pride.
"He is absolutely charming," my mom said to me with a wink. "We'll see you two later. We have to go say hello to the Wolfsmith's."
"Crap," Patrick said under his breath as my parents walked away.
"What is it?" I asked.
"The Wolfsmith's? As in Chandler's parents?" Patrick asked.
"Yeah," I replied. "I told you they would be here."
"I know, but I was hoping I could avoid them all night," Patrick said. "I don't want them to see me and bring up what happened with my mom."
"Don't worry," I assured him giving him a kiss, "They won't. These people don't discuss unpleasant topics in public."
"Has Chandler shown up yet?" Patrick asked.
"No," I replied. "And there are enough people at this event that you might not even have to see him."
"I hope so," Patrick said. He then changed the subject to better things, "How about we go talk to your friends?"
"Sounds perfect," I smiled as we headed to our table to join the gang. When we got to the table it appears that Benji broke the news to Luke and Shane about his upcoming move to New York.
"Did you hear about this?" Shane asked as we sat down. "Benji is moving!"
"I know," I replied. "He told me yesterday."
"It's so sudden," Luke said. "When are you leaving?"
"As soon as I sell my place," Benji answered. My heart sank, I really didn't want Benji to move. I'm going to miss him so much. "But we can talk about this more tomorrow. Let's have fun tonight." He then shook Patrick's hand, "It's nice to see you Patrick."
"You too," Patrick replied. We all followed suit and proceeded to try and enjoy the evening. However, when I looked over at Shane I saw that he was less than thrilled to be sitting next to Morgan, who was busy flirting and talking with Luke.
Later that evening, we were so far having a great time and I almost forgot about Chandler when I saw him make a `fashionably' late entrance. He must have some sort of radar because he looked directly at me as he walked into the banquet room and headed towards my table.
"Hey buddy," Chandler said giving me a hug and kiss on the cheek. He then made eye contact with Patrick. "Wow, Patrick, I never thought I would see you at one of these events. Ever."
"Nice to see you too," Patrick said trying his best to be polite. Under the table I held his hand tightly.
"I would have been here earlier, but I had some business to take care of," Chandler said. "It's cute to see you two together."
"Thanks," I replied. "I'm sure your parents are looking forward to seeing you. They're at the table on the other side of the room."
"I'll see them in a second," Chandler smiled. "I want to catch up with you two for a bit."
"Great," I smiled trying my best to sound genuine.
LUKE
I looked over at Shane and gestured towards the guy talking to Ford, "I'm guessing that's Chandler?"
"I think so," Shane replied.
"You think I should say something to that son-of-a-bitch?" Benji whispered to me.
"No," I shook my head. "Let's not cause a scene."
"Fine," Benji said. "But if I hear him say one thing to hurt Ford, I'm going to kick his ass."
"Everything okay?" Morgan asked me.
"Hope so," I replied.
"Hey, I was wondering if you wanted to come over to my place after this thing," Morgan smiled.
"You talking about a sleep-over?" I asked smiling.
"Well, between you and me, sleeping is the last thing on my mind for tonight," Morgan hinted with a wink.
I smiled and gave him a kiss, "Sounds like a plan."
"Hey Luke," Shane said getting my attention, "I really need to talk to you."
"Sure, what is it?" I asked.
"Come with me," Shane said getting up. "It's private."
"Oh, okay," I replied. I then turned to Morgan, "I'll be right back."
"No problem," Morgan answered.
I got up and followed Shane out of the banquet room.
FORD
"So Patrick," Chandler said. "How's your mom?"
"She's fine," Patrick replied.
"I'm glad to hear that," Chandler said. "Especially after how things turned out."
"Let's not bring that up," I said trying to end the conversation with him.
"No, there is something that Patrick needs to know," Chandler said.
"What is it?" Patrick asked confused.
"Well, you remember that necklace my parents accused your mom of stealing?" Chandler asked.
"Yes," Patrick said quietly.
"I know she didn't," Chandler said. "I know your mom was innocent."
"How?" Patrick asked.
"Because it was me and Ford," Chandler replied.
"What?!" I asked. "You liar!"
"What are you talking about?" Patrick asked. He then looked at me, "What is he talking about?"
"I have no idea," I said. I glared at Chandler, "What the hell are you trying to do?"
"Don't act like you don't know," Chandler said to me. "How do you think I got the money to pay for what we did?"
"What?" Patrick asked.
"No you didn't," I said to Chandler, "Because of what we did, you got someone fired?"
"Don't just blame me," Chandler said. "You were involved with is as much as me."
"Why the fuck are you causing trouble?" Benji said looking at Chandler. "I think you should go."
"No," Patrick said. "Not until I know the whole story."
"You think I should go get Luke and Shane?" I heard Morgan ask Benji.
"Yeah," Benji replied. "We'll need them to help me get this son-of-a-bitch out here."
Morgan got up from the table to leave. I wish I were in his place now. I wanted to be anywhere but here.
"What's going on Ford?" Patrick asked me.
"Well," Chandler began, but Patrick cut him off.
"I want to hear it from Ford," Patrick glared at Chandler. He then turned back to me, "What's going on?"
"Okay, just remember that this was a long time ago and I'm a different person now," I explained.
"Tell me," Patrick said.
"Back in college, Chandler and I got into some trouble one night," I began telling him about a time that I wish I could forget.
FLASHBACK
Sophomore year of college, Chandler and I were hanging out in our apartment drinking some margaritas and listening to music to celebrate the end of a long week at school. It was our ritual, we would drink a little and go out.
"So where are we going tonight?" I asked.
"Numbers?" Chandler suggested. It was one of his favorite clubs.
"No, we went there last week. Let's go somewhere different," I replied taking another sip of my margarita. I was starting to get a really good buzz.
"Club Montage!" Chandler suggested jumping up in excitement.
"Yeah! I love that place!" I exclaimed. "Let's go!"
"Let's do some lines first," Chandler suggested.
"I don't fill like it tonight," I replied. "Let's just go."
"Who's car we taking?" Chandler asked.
"Yours," I replied tossing him his keys.
"Fine, but if I bring a boy home tonight. You're driving so I can make-out with him in the back seat," Chandler said.
"Not if I bring home a boy too," I tossed back.
We made our way down to the car. I had to admit, going down the stairs made me a little dizzy. We got into the car and Chandler pulled out of the driveway and we headed to the club.
We were only in the car for a couple minutes when everything turned chaotic. I was busy looking for music on the radio when I heard Chandler scream and slam on the breaks. I braced myself and then I heard a large banging noise as I felt the car collide with something. The car spun a couple times on the empty road before we finally stopped.
"What the fuck was that?" I asked confused, my heart was racing.
"Oh shit," Chandler said as he unbuckled his seatbelt and jumped out of the car. I quickly followed him.
"What was that?" I asked again. I then felt my body tense as I saw a body laying in the middle of the road with a crushed bicycle next to him. "Oh my God."
"Shit!" Chandler said again as he went to check on the guy. I followed him and the guy looked to be no more than sixteen years old. He had blood all over his arms and legs and head.
"Is he alive?" I asked.
Chandler went and checked his pulse.
"He's still alive," Chandler confirmed.
"Thank God," I sighed. I pulled out my phone to call the police.
"What are you doing?" Chandler asked.
"I'm calling the police," I replied.
"You can't!" Chandler exclaimed.
"We have to," I replied.
"Think about it Ford," Chandler said. "We've been drinking tonight. If we're here when the cops come we're fucked."
"We can't just leave him here!" I said.
Chandler looked down and saw the guy's cell phone lying next to him. He picked it up and called the police.
"I would like to report an accident," Chandler said. He told the police the location and that a young man was hit and the driver seemed to have driven off. He hung up before the police asked for his name. He then wiped down the cell phone and threw it back down next to the guy. "We have to go."
"No we can't!" I said. "What if he dies?"
"If we're here when the cops come then we're dead," Chandler replied. "Think about it. Everything will be ruined for us. Now get in the car."
"But-" I wanted to protest again, but Chandler grew angry.
"Get in the God-damn car!" Chandler screamed.
I looked back at the poor boy lying in the street. I wanted to stay, but I also didn't want to get in trouble so I followed Chandler and got in the car.
"How are we going to explain the damage on the car?" I asked, my heart was racing.
"We'll take it to a body shop tomorrow and get it fixed," Chandler said. "You and I will just have to pay for it ourselves instead of going through insurance."
"I don't really have much money in my bank account right now," I said. "I used most of it on that last party we had."
"I'll get the money," Chandler said.
"Your parents?" I asked.
"No, we can't say anything about this to our parents," Chandler replied. "I'll get the money. Don't worry about it."
"How can you be so calm right now?" I asked. My hands were shaking.
"It was an accident," Chandler replied. "We didn't mean for it to happen."
We drove back to our apartment in silence.
END FLASHBACK
"And I got the money to pay for the damages to the car from the necklace," Chandler said. "I didn't want my parents to get suspicious so I told them your mom stole the necklace."
"I didn't know," I pleaded with Patrick. "I'm so sorry."
"I have to," Patrick said getting up quickly from his seat.
"No wait!" I said getting up and chasing after him.
BENJI
When Ford got up to go after Patrick I looked over at Chandler and saw that he was smiling.
"You think you're so good," I said getting up from my chair so I was now face to face with him. "You ruined his relationship."
"Ford is kidding himself trying to put on this goodie goodie act he has going on. I know the real him," Chandler said.
"If you think the Ford you knew in college is the real him then you don't know him at all," I said.
"Save it," Chandler rolled his eyes.
"You hurt my best friend," I said.
"Boo hoo," Chandler mocked. "I couldn't leave without paying him back for abandoning me after I worked hard to cover his ass all those years ago."
"So that's it," I said. It finally made sense why he came back into Ford's life now, "You came back for revenge."
"Eye for an eye," Chandler said. "He hurt me, I owed him the same courtesy."
"He abandoned you because he saw that you were no good," I said. "You may not think much of Patrick because he doesn't have the money you have, but trust me, the real trash in this room is you."
"Go to hell," Chandler glared at me. I smiled before throwing my fist in his face, knocking him on the ground. Everyone in the room looked over at me in shock. I looked around and smiled, "Don't mind me. I was just leaving."
I headed out to go find Ford.
SHANE
Luke and I went outside so we can talk one on one.
"What is it?" Luke asked. He must have seen the nervousness in my eyes.
"Luke, there's something I've been wanting to tell you for a long time, but it never seemed like the right time," I began, "I still don't know if it's the right time, but I have to say it."
"Just say it," Luke said.
"Believe me, it's not something easy for me to say," I said. "I usually don't get like this."
"You can tell me anything," Luke replied.
I had to just blurt it out. I had to stop thinking about the repercussions and just say what is in my heart. "Luke, I think I'm falling for you,"
"What?" Luke asked in shock.
"What?" another voice asked as it approached us. We both turned and saw Morgan.
"Morgan," Luke said not sure what to say to make the situation less awkward.
"Obviously I walked in on something private," Morgan said. "I'll leave you two alone."
"No, wait!" Luke called out going after Morgan.
"Wait, Luke!" I called out and went off after him.
FORD
"Patrick come back!" I yelled as I chased after him outside of the banquet hall.
"I can't believe that all of this was because of you!" Patrick shouted back at me. "You are just as much to blame as Chandler!"
"I'm sorry Patrick. I had no idea!" I pleaded.
"I can't deal with this now," Patrick said. "I knew this night would be a disaster. I'm leaving."
Patrick got in his car and drove off leaving me alone and upset over the whole situation. If only he knows how horrible I feel about everything. It's an incident that I regret every second of every day.
SHANE
"Luke, I'm sorry, but I had to tell you," I said chasing after him. He stopped and turned to me.
"Are you kidding me with this? I'm here with Morgan. He's my date," Luke replied.
"I know, but I was hoping-" I began, but Luke cut me off.
"No Shane. It's too late. I'm dating Morgan now," Luke replied. "I'm not going to say I never thought about it, but it's something that shouldn't happen."
"So where does that leave us?" I asked.
"I can't deal with this now. I need to go find Morgan," Luke replied, he was about to head off, but I couldn't let him go with out at least trying. I grabbed his arm to stop him from walking away. When he turned back I walked up to him and pressed my lips against his. He stiffened up at first, obviously taken by surprise, but to my relief he slowly melted into it and I felt his hands press against my back pushing me closer to him. I slowly slipped my tongue into his mouth which he accepted, but then after a few more moments of this perfect kiss, he backed away from me, I couldn't tell if the look on his face was excitement or fear or dread, he quickly turned around and walked away from me.
To Be Continued...
With any comments, questions or feedback please e-mail me at ilj4ever44@yahoo.com. Thanks so much! I'll be back in a month with the next set of chapters. Take care!