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Chapter 1: The Beginning Stages
"Oh, look at this Simone," Kay cried out to her best friend, "My gosh, it's so, it's.. it's all wrong, this is NOT the gift I expected from him." Kay said looking at the platonic Christmas present her old buddy Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald gave her.
"Sorry Kay, I guess guys don't have their way of expressing themselves like you do." Simone said trying to make her friend feel better. It was hard for her, because Chad actually gave her a present, and knowing that Chad never gives presents is a big incentive for Simone.
"What am I gonna do...I need a plan Simone, I need one fast, before little Miss Goldilocks takes my man away from me" Kay said in a devilish voice.
"Well you can't do anything Kay. Christmas is over, school is almost back after New Years, and Charity...I hate to say this Kay, but Charity is going to our school now, Miguel and her will be inseperable. Get i--..." Kay interrupted, "That's what I'm gonna do. Thanks Simone, I knew you'd help me out." Kay said giving her a hug.
"What did I say?" Simone asked
"I'll have a party..a New Year's Eve party. You know what they say Simone, the one you are with when it strikes midnight is the one you are going to be with all year."
"Kay that is riduculous, it's not gonna happen." Simone said trying to get her friend back into reality.
"Why are you doing this?" Kay yelled
"Doing what?"
"Dampering my day, I have the perfect plan for me and Miguel...don't go ruining it Simone Russell." Kay said as she walked to her desk. "Now, all we have to do is to send out the invitations." Kay said.
"Allright Kay, do whatever you need..." Simone trailed off.
Kay took a sheet of paper and a pen and started writing the invitation. She finished and turned to Simone.
"How's this." Kay began, "....Come one, come all, to Kay and Simone's New Year's Eve Bash. The party begins at 4:00 pm on New Years Eve, and ends after midnight. Invite as many as you want, the more the merrier...and we'll see you there at the Bennett's house. Don't be late, there is going to be lots of fun in store for everyone."
Kay finished as she put the paper down on her lap and awaited Simone's response.
"Kay, that sounds great, but why are you doing this." Simone asked while sifting through Vogue.
"Earth to Simone, DUH! To win Miguel." Kay said looking at a picture of her and Miguel at a softball game.
"How is that?" Simone asks, "I don't get it Kay, you are talking nonsense."
"No, Simone, hear me out, I'll invite everyone over, and of course Miguel will come, because he always does. And I'll think of something later. But that something has to be to get me and Miguel together. That's all." Kay said.
Simone just laughed at Kay, "If you'll think that will work Kay Bennett, I'm with you all the way. Just as long as we invite Chad." Simone said smiling.
"Ok Chad it is" Kay said writing that down, "...what about Whitney?" Kay asked.
"Whitney can come too if she wants." Simone answered.
"Noo dummy, I meant, what will Whitney say when Chad comes. You know, Whitney and Chad don't get along at all." Kay said.
"Oh, you mean that." Simone sighed, "I dont' care what Whitney thinks, it's my life." Simone said.
"Ok, so here's who i got right now that I am sending invitations to." Kay started, "Miguel, Chad, Whitney, Theresa... Who else, I know I'm missing a lot of people." Kay said.
"Hello...Charity?"
"Ugh, that brat..I suppose I have to invite her, if I don't, Miguel would most likely invite her." Kay said writing "Charity" on the paper. "This is gonna be a party Miguel will never forget." Kay says dreaming about Miguel loving her in ways she would never think of.........
Chapter 2: Here or There
"Allright, invitations are done." Kay said to Simone, "What now?"
"Um, how about....food?" Simone answered. Simone was quite interested in planning the party now that she knows Chad mighht come.
"Great idea Simone, what would I do without you....." Kay said, "Let's go."
"Go where?"
"To the store, to get some food...maybe we'll get some of those love chilies Charity ate at Pilar's party last time, and I'll share one with Miguel" Kay said recalling that time.
"Hello Kay? You know that there are NO such thing as Love Chilies, your bratty sister Jessica made that all up." Simone said laughing.
"Right Simone, then explain to me why Miguel and Charity are in love? Huh? It's because they shared a love chili."
"Ok, whatever." Simone said as she and Kay walked out of the Bennett house.
Kay and Simone finally get to the store. They first dropped off the invitations in the mailbox. Then, they look around for some snack foods they could serve at the party when they bumped into Miguel and Luis.
"Hey Miguel...." Kay said staring into his deep brown eyes.
"Hey Kay, Hey Simone." Miguel said looking at them weird. 'Kay is acting kinda weird.' Miguel thought to himself.
Luis jumped in, "So what are you girls doing here?"
"Oh, we're buying some food and stuff for a party." Kay said proudly
"Uh, what party Kay?" Miguel asked wondering why he didn't know about it.
"Oh, me and Simone are having a New Years Eve Party, don't worry, you're invited Miguel. I would never not invite you." Kay said.
"Yeah I know Kay." Miguel said.
Simone looked on and saw the twinkle in Kay's eyes. She so noticed how Kay was flirting with Miguel. She wanted to save her friend fast from utter embarrassment. But she couldn't, she couldn't do anything, it was all up to Kay. Simone looked at Kay, then at Miguel and then at Luis.
Luis noticed it too, the way Kay was pratically "throwing" herself at his little brother, verbally. He obviously knew Miguel didn't notice but he did remember that his little bro was in love with Charity, and he didn't know how to tell him. But he saw that Simone knew too, besides the fact that she is Kay's best friend. 'Maybe Simone knows something about Kay and her feelings for my brother.' Luis thought.
"Well, enough about me." Kay said ending the long silence, "What are you doing here Miguel?" Kay asked.
"Oh, me and Luis are shopping for some food and party decorations for the Youth Center New Year's Eve Dance." Miguel answered.
"Are you going?" Kay asked very worried. 'What if he doesn't come to my party?' Kay wondered.
"Yeah, I was planning to. Luis says its gonna be really fun." Miguel said.
"But Miguel, what about my party?" Kay whined.
Miguel remembered, "Oh yeah, Kay, I'm sorry. I mean I wanna go, but I really want to take Charity to a real dance, so we can spend time together. You understand right?"
Kay looked hurt, she needed to think of something fast. She remembered that she already sent out the invitations, so she couldn't cancel the party. "Um, we'll have dancing Miguel. I really want you to come." Kay pleaded.
"What about Charity?" Miguel asked
"Uh, yeah she can come of course, if that's what you want." Kay said dropping her smile.
"I'll think about it Kay, right now, me and Luis really gotta get this shopping done. Theresa is at home starving." Miguel said
"Yeah ok, I hope you will come Miguel...New Year's Eve won't be the same without you." Kay said, putting in her final word to Miguel and watched Miguel and Luis go off.
"Simone......Ugh, what do I do?" Kay said.
"I don't know, Kay, I dont' know." Simone said walking away looking around the store.
Chapter 3: Awkward Silences
NOTE: Phone conversations---are in italics, hope u get what I'm saying. In the part where Sheridan and Ethan are having their phone convo, the p
Miguel and Luis finally got home after their day of shopping for the Dance. After they brought everything in, they both plopped on the couch.
Luis said, "I'm so tired...."
"Yeah so am I, what a day"
Luis finally asked the question he's been waiting to ask all day, "So, which one are you going to?"
"Huh? What are you talking about Luis." Miguel asked trying to dodge the subject.
"Is it the Youth Center Dance, or Kay's New Year's Eve Party?"
"I don't know yet, I mean I really want to go to both." Miguel said, "But I don't want to disappoint Kay."
"Why don't you go to Kay's Party, I mean she said there's gonna be dancing, so you can dance with Charity." Luis said
"Yeah, but I promised you Luis....unless you are bringing a date perhaps?" Miguel asked. He knew how much Luis wanted to be with Sheridan. He just doesn't know it yet. He sees how his older brother looks at her. But since she's a Crane, he obviously can't admit it.
"No..i mean I was gonna ask someone, but, I was a little too late." Luis said trailing off, thinking about the most wonderful eyes Sheridan Crane had, the time he had to look at them when they were looking at the slides of Spain she brought him.
"Was that someone...a Crane?" Miguel said laughing.
"No Miguel.....she wasn't." Luis said trying to hide his expression.
"Yeah it was, I know my big brother, so who asked Sheridan Crane first?" Miguel asked.
Luis gave in, "Hank..."
"Hank did? OH my gosh, you got beaten by Hank Bennett? C'mon Luis." Miguel said laughing.
"Shut up lil' brother, at least my best friend isn't in love with me." Luis said, referring to Kay.
"What?"
Luis just looked at him, seeing if Miguel would figure it out.
"Kay?" Miguel whispered as he looked at Luis.
All of a sudden, a knock was heard at the door.
"Lemme get that while you ponder what I said." Luis said smiling.
Luis walked up to the door and opened it to find the one...Sheridan Crane.
"Uh, Hey." Luis said in his deep voice looking into her eyes, thinking how beautiful they are.
"Hey Luis...." Sheridan said, getting lost in her words and thoughts only thinking about how cute he looked and how badly she wanted to be with him at the Youth Center Dance instead of Hank.
"Um, can I help you?" Luis said, wondering why she had come.
Sheridan snapped back into reality, "Oh, yeah, I had some free time on my hands and I was wondering if you wanted us to look at the slides of Spain I gave you........" "together..." she added.
"Uhhh, sure." Luis said welcoming her into his home, "Lemme get that for you." He said taking her coat and hanging it up. Luis stared at her, for a moment, he got lost in his head thinking how beautiful she looks, until Sheridan said....
"I found this on the ground in your driveway, There is no stamp, so someone must of delivered it to you." Sheridan said handing Luis two envelopes, one addressed to Miguel and one to Theresa.
"Oh, Thanks." He said. "Miguel, Theresa." Luis called out.
Miguel came out of the living room, and Theresa out of her room as they both said, "What?" in unison.
Theresa noticed a Crane standing in her house, "Sheridan Crane? What is she doing here?" Theresa asked.
"Oh, Hi Theresa, I just came to talk to your brother." Sheridan said.
Theresa smiled, "Really? Cool." 'Well, with Luis and Sheridan now actually speaking, I can get closer to Ethan. Yes!' Theresa thought.
"This is for you and this is for you." Luis said handing Theresa and Miguel their mail.
Miguel and Theresa took it and both opened it.
"Oh, it's this." Miguel mumbled.
"What is it little bro." Luis asked
Miguel answered and sighed, "An Invitation to Kay and Simone's Party."
"So, have you decided?" Luis asked, "I mean, is it the Dance, or the Party Miguel?"
While all of this was happening, Theresa was reading her invitation, 'What I would dream, is to have Ethan there too.' Theresa thought.
Sheridan interrupted, "A New Years Eve Party? My nephew Ethan was looking for one to go to in Harmony."
"Really." Theresa said as her eyes lit up.
"Yeah, he asked me to ask around. And I guess I have found one. I have to call Ethan...well if he can come, I mean I'm sure he didn't get an invitation." Sheridan said.
"Oh, it's fine it says Invite as many as you want, the more the merrier" Theresa said gladly, hoping her dream will come true.
"Oh great. I'll ask him if he and Gwen wants to come." Sheridan said as she took out her cell phone and dialed Ethan's number.
Theresa's heart fell, "Gwen Hotchkiss" Theresa mumbled to herself, 'Why does she ahve to come.' Theresa thought in her head.
"Ethan darling? It's Sheridan."
"Hello Sheridan."
"I just found you a New Years Eve Party you and Gwen would love to go to. Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald says you can come...one of her friends are hosting it."
"Really? That sounds wondeful. Tell Theresa I will be there, and I will tell Gwen that we have plans to ring in the New Year, at a party"
"Great, I'll talk to you later Ethan."
"Bye"
**NOTE: Through the magic of soap operas, Ethan already knows the specifics of the party like when, where, blah**
Sheridan got off her cell phone, "Great, he and Gwen are coming."
"Great." Theresa said quietly.
Luis jumped in, "So Miguel, decided yet?"
"Uh, yeah, I'm sorry big bro, but I gotta go to Kay's party, she'll freak. It's bad enough that we aren't playing our computer games this year." Miguel said
"I understand, I'll just be alone." Luis said looking at Miguel then shifting his eyes to Sheridan.
"Alone? What are you talking about?" Sheridan asked inquisitively
"Well, I mean Miguel's not gonna be there, and Hank has his date." Luis said.
"Oh, yeah.....me." Sheridan mumbled, "You can hang out with us..." Sheridan said, 'God, I want to go with you so bad Luis, only if I didn't ask Hank' Sheridan thought.
"You know Sheridan, three's company" Luis said.
Sheridan replied, "I know, but it'll be fun. What do u say?"
Luis smiled and looked at Miguel. The two brothers smiled at eachother, knowing which eachother was thinking. "Allright, that sounds nice." Luis said.
Miguel and Theresa both left, Theresa went to call Whitney, and Miguel went to the Bennetts. For a couple minutes Luis and Sheridan just stood there, looking into eachothers eyes, not knowing what to do or say next. It was awkward for them, but they both enjoyed that silent time. They both had extreme powerful feelings toward eachother, but both didn't know how to express it. The social-scale didn't help much either. The silence became unbearable for Sheridan.
She finally said, "So, how about those slides?" She said smiling, wondering if it was the right thing to do.
"Yeah." Luis said thinking about that moment they just had. He motioned to come into the living room, "After you miss." Luis said.
They both walked into the living room, and sat down at the couch, together, one next to the other.
Chapter 4: Dangerous Liasons
Luis put the slides in the slide viewer (thingie) and started looking at the slides of Spain with Sheridan. They sat so close they could hear eachothers heart beat. After every slide, Sheridan would always explain which one was, and why she liked it so much. And after ever slide Luis would always turn to her while she was talking and stare at her deep eyes, and her soft skin, wanting to touch it so bad. When they reached the last slide, silence fell over once again.
Until Luis said, "That was soo breathtaking. I didn't know Spain was so beautiful."
"Yeah, you should really go there when you can." Sheridan said, not knowing what to say..."Well I gotta go, I promised Ethan I would meet him for dinner."
"Oh yeah." Luis said snapping out of his daydream. "Well Thanks so much for telling me about Spain, it was really nice." Luis said
"Yeah, it was." Sheridan added.
Luis showed her to the door, "I had a fun time" he said
Sheridan smiled, "So did I. I'll see you at the Dance then." she said
"Yeah."
"Ok, bye." She said leaving.
Luis shut the door and looked out into space, "Yeah, Bye Sheridan." he whispered.
Theresa sat on her bed, talking to her best friend Whitney.
"Whitney, this is gonna be great, I mean Ethan is gonna be there. Just like I said." Theresa said dreaming.
"Hello Theresa?? Ethan is going with Gwen...remember her?" Whitney said
"That's what I mean....she's not gonna be there Whitney." Theresa said
"What are you talking about? You told me that Sheridan invited her."
"Yeah, but doesn't mean she is gonna come." Theresa said schemingly.
"Theresa........" Whitney said in a serious tone. "What are you gonna do?"
Theresa answered, "Nothing...we are just gonna pay little Miss Gwen Hotchkiss a visit."
"What are you up to?"
"She can NOT come to the party. I NEED Ethan there by HIMSELF, for me" Theresa said
Whitney asked, "How?"
"I know exactly how, just leave it to me."
"I want NOTHING to do with this Theresa." Whitney said as she left.
Miguel went to the Bennett house to look for Charity. He knocked on the door and Grace answered it.
"Hey Miguel." Grace said.
"Hey Mrs. Bennett, can i talk to Charity for a second?" asked Miguel
Grace answered, "Oh yeah, definitely" she said letting him in, "Charity." Grace called out, "Miguel is here"
Instantaneously Charity came running down the stairs.
"Hey Miguel." Charity said.
"Hey."
Grace left the room, so the two can talk.
"Um, I was wondering instead of going to the Youth Center Dance, we go to Kay's Party." Miguel asked.
"Uh, yeah that sounds fun, Kay told me about it today, and it sounds really cool." Charity said
"I really wanted to take you to a real dance though." Miguel said.
Charity smiled, "It's okay...just as long as we are together for our first New Years."
"Yeah, I totally agree." Miguel said.
*******AT Kay's PARTY***********
**Sorry, I jumped times a bit**
Kay and Simone were rushing to get everything ready. The party was going to start in a couple hours and they weren't ready. Kay rushed to put the food out and get the place all ready. She even had to make a dance floor, for Miguel...his wish.
When they were all done setting up, they both went up to Kay's room to pick out something nice to wear. Kay started sifting through her closet and found a suttle pink 3/4 sleeve top and a long black skirt.
"How's this?" Kay said holding the outfit up.
"Ohh, that looks great Kay, Miguel would love you in it." Simone said.
They both got dressed and put their make up on and did their hair.
Meanwhile......
Theresa was getting ready. Whitney couldn't get ready with her because she had a tennis tournament, and after the tournament, she'd get ready and go to Kay's Party. Theresa put something nice on, something that would definitely impress Ethan.
"This looks nice." Theresa said looking at herself in her mirror. She then put her hair up in clips and left to go take care of Gwen.
"Now it's time for Gwen, to NEVER come to this party tonite." Theresa said heading out of her house.
Theresa got her license a while back, and hasn't really used it, until now. She took her mom's junky old car, which no one drives, out. She drove out to the nearest Highway, Interstate 10
Gwen was driving along Interstate 10 heading to the Crane Mansion. She was already running late. Work and a late meeting held her up at the office.
"I need to get ready for this party with Ethan." Gwen said rushing, going 90 mph. While she was driving she noticed that her gas light came on.
"Damn, I have no gas." She said. Once she noticed that, she got off at the next exit and went to the gas station.
Theresa was not far behind. She knew what Gwen's car looked like, so she followed it into the gas station. When Gwen finished pumping her gas, she was really hungry. So she went inside to get a bag of chips and a bottled water. While she was in there, Theresa got out of the car, and slashed her tires with a knife, and then drove off.
While she was driving back, Theresa thought, "Gosh Theresa, why did you just do that, you would never do that." Theresa said feeling a sense of guilt.
Meanwhile...
Luis was putting the finishing touches for the Dance. After it was all done and ready he was exhausted. He sat down on one of the chairs and must have dozed off.....
**Luis's Dream**
Luis found himself in the Crane Mansion, walking around, drinking his cup of Brandy. He then heard a noise, laughing of some sort...so he looked around, but saw nobody. He didn't know where the noise was coming from. He started walking around and a shadow of somebody. He finally saw who it was and she was Sheridan. Luis reached out to her, but he couldn't seem to reach her. She seemed so distant. He took an incentive and jumped out for her, wanting her so bad, and ended up falling face first on the ground. He then looked up to find Sheridan and Hank holding eachother laughing at him...........
Chapter 5 Let the Party Begin
Luis woke up from his dream, sweating. He didn't know what to make of it. He didn't know if it meant something deeper. He started to think about it. 'What if I lost Sheridan, just because I didn't have the guts to go for her' Luis thought. 'I mean, she did ask Hank. If I asked her first, I would be escorting her....not Hank.' Luis thought. He felt regret for that, and wished he'd take an initiative..but it was too late.
Right then, people started coming in, with their dates, all nice and fancy dressed. 'They were so cute together.' Luis thought to himself. Luis wished he brought a date to this. But Sheridan was taken.......
Sheridan and Hank walked in, hand in hand, ready to start the dance. Hank was looking around to see how beautiful the place looked. Sheridan spotted Luis just sitting there. He looked kind of lost, and she noticed that he was sweating a bit. 'It's not warm in here.' she thought. So she turned to Hank and said, "I'll be right back."
Hank was too apalled by the room, he didn't even notice.
Sheridan walked up to Luis, "Hi Luis." she said.
Luis looked up at the sound of his name and saw the most beautiful lady in the world, "Hello Sheridan." he said.
She sat down next to him, "Are you allright, I mean you are sweating and all..."
Luis wiped some of the sweat off, "Oh, yeah I'm fine...what sweat?" He said acting like a macho man.
She touched his forehead, "That sweat." she said
"Oh" Luis said embarrassingly, "So where's your date?"
Sheridan looked at the hurt in Luis' eyes but then said, "Oh, he's around..." She said looking into his eyes...
The music started playing and people started filling up the dance floor. They just looked at eachother. Luis thought of his dream, 'Take advantage of this moment Luis.' he thought so he said, "May I have this dance."
Sheridan smiled and blushed, "I thought you'd never ask." she said, 'YES!' She thought.
They danced so close, they could hear eachother breathe.
People started to arrive at Kay and Simone's Party. Music started playing, and everyone was talking and laughing.
"This has got to work." Kay said to herself.
Miguel and Charity arrived hand in hand with great big smiles across their face.
"This is going to be the best night of our lives" Miguel said as he turned to Charity.
Charity smiled, "I know, because I'm with you."
They walked in and spotted Reese.
"Hey Reese, whatsup man." Miguel said.
Reese said, "Hey, don't you guys look nice."
Charity smiled, "Thanks, so do you."
Kay was in the corner, thinking of what to say, what to do to get Miguel in her arms at Midnite. 'But first he has to get here.' Kay thought, not knowing that he had already arrived. "Where are you Miguel." Kay whispered to herself.
"I'm right here Kay." Miguel said wondering why she was whispering his name.
Kay was shocked, "Oh, Hey Miguel, i'm glad you made it after all."
Theresa finally got to back to her house to drop off the car. She went back inside to calm herself down after what she just did to find Whitney there.
Whitney scared Theresa, "OHh, Whitney."
"Theresa, hi, where did you come from, I was looking for you around your house forever." Whitney said
"Oh, I was here. You just probably kept missing me." Theresa said laughing trying to hide her secret.
"Oh" Whitney laughed, "Ready to go to the party?"
"Yeah, let's go."
Ethan was getting ready for the party. He was worried, Gwen hadn't come home yet. So he decided to call her cell phone.
"Gwen?"
"Ethan..oh my gosh, you would never know what happend?"
"What hunny?"
"I got a flat tire, I don't know how, but I'm stuck here."
"Gwen, what about the party?"
"Go...just as long as you have fun"
"Really Gwen?" Ethan realized that she didn't know Theresa was gonna be there. He forgot to tell her...but he knew if he did, all hell would raise over.
"Yea hun, I'll try to get there as soon as possible. But i doubt I would get there in time. Save me a kiss." Gwen said as she hung up.
"Bye." Ethan hung up the phone and headed off to the party.
Back at the Bennett's house, Theresa, Whitney, and Chad arrived.
Simone got so excited and ran up to Chad, "Hey Chad, you came."
"Yeah, I thought, why not. I had nothing else to do." Chad said
Whitney saw Simone and Chad talking together, "Dang, why is he here. I wouldn't be surprised, I mean Simone must of lured him in." Whitney said angerily.
"Whitney calm down, it's okay, lets just concentrate on the party." Theresa said looking around for Ethan.
Ethan just then walked through the door. He was way overdressed, he thought. He didn't know it was "black-tie optional" *hehe*
Just then, Theresa spotted him, "OH my gosh Whitney, look he's alone."
Whitney turned around to find Ethan, "Oh my gosh Theresa."
"It's fate."
"Or, it's what you did." Whitney said.
Theresa looked at her and thought about it, she shook it off and walked up to Ethan.
"Hi Ethan."
Chapter 6: Harmless Game?
"Theresa, hi there." Ethan said.
Theresa then asked the most obvious question, "Where's Gwen? Sheridan said she was coming."
"Oh, she got a flat tire, she doesn't know if she can make it tonite." Ethan said.
Luis and Sheridan were talking at the food table of the dance when Sheridan saw Hank getting a little more than cozy with Beth. 'YES!' she thought, 'now I can play hurt, and then maybe Luis will know that I really don't like Hank' Luis saw that and looked back at Sheridan, "Look we can get out of here if you want."
"Oh, what about the kids?" Sheridan asked
Luis said, "Oh, the manager said if I had any other plans for tonite, he said I could get out of here whenever."
Sheridan smiled, "Oh, ok, where would we go?"
"Oh, well my brother and sister are at a New Years Eve Party. We could go there."
Sheridan said, "Oh, ok sounds good."
They both left the Youth Center and arrived at the Bennett's house. They walked in, and put their coats on the hanger. Luis first spotted Miguel and Charity.
"C'mon, I want you to meet my brother and his girlfriend." Luis said.
"Ohok"
They walked up to Miguel and Charity.
"Hey little bro." Luis said
Miguel smiled, "Hey Luis, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, we thought we'd join the festivities here, rather than at the Dance." Luis said, "Oh, Sheridan, this is my brother Miguel and his girlfriend Charity."
"Nice to meet you both." Sheridan said.
"Likewise." Charity added.
The four of them started talking when Sheridan spotted Ethan, "Oh, there's Ethan." she said as both Luis and her started walking to them.
"Theresa's with him." Luis said devilishly.
Sheridan sighed, "Don't do anything stupid, c'mon Luis, Theresa isn't the only one here with a Crane."
"Fine.." Luis said as the walked up to them.
"Hey Ethan." Sheridan said giving her nephew a hug.
Ethan said, "Hey Aunt Sheridan, what are you doing here?"
"Oh we decided to come here rather than the dance, that's all."
"We?" Ethan questioned.
"Me and Luis." Sheridan said.
"Oh, Hello Officer." Ethan said properly
Luis said, "Hi Ethan." Luis looked over at Theresa. Theresa whispered, "Don't do anything Luis. Just this nite." Luis took a deep breath, "Ok", he whispered.
Kay was looking around the room, "Gosh I need to liven this party up." Kay said to herself. "I have to get Miguel in my arms when it strikes midnite." Kay's eyes lit up as she remembered when Miguel and her ended up in eachothers arms in a harmless game of Truth or Dare. 'But we're not kids anymore, we're older, we don't have to play harmless...' Kay thought evilily.
So she got everyone's attention, "Excuse me everyone, ATTENTION everyone." Kay called out.
Everyone turned and looked at Kay with drinks in hand
"This party looks kind of dull to me, so how about we get in a big circle and play a game of Truth or Dare." Kay said.
Some people cheered, some people moaned, and some people didn't have a care, so everyone gathered in a big circle in the middle of the Bennett's living room.
Chapter 7: You said Dare
Everyone gathered around the Bennett living room floor in a circle.
"This is stupid Kay" Simone said
"Simone, no, this is real...this is the way I am going to get Miguel in my arms at midnight" Kay said.
Simone yelled, "How Kay?"
Everyone looked at Simone and Kay. Simone and Kay looked around at the tantilating eyes looking at both of them, "Uh...excuse us." Kay said pulling Simone into the Bennett kitchen.
"Simone, keep your voice down." Kay said.
"Sorry Kay, I just don't understand you."
Kay sighed, "You know how you feel about Chad? I feel that and more for Miguel, and I am willing to do anything to get him in my arms at midnite, not Charity's." Kay said walking out of the kitchen as Simone followed her.
"Ok everyone...." Kay said sitting down next to Miguel in the circle. "Who wants to start?" Kay asked.
"I will" Luis said
Kay sighed, 'I wish Miguel would of started.' Kay thought. "Ok go ahead."
"Ok...." Luis didn't really know what to ask. But he did remember the talk him and Miguel had about Kay, so he asked, "Kay, I pick you, Truth Or Dare?"
Kay didn't know what to pick, so she just said, "Truth".
"Great" Luis said, "Ok, Kay....are you in love with Miguel?" Luis asked.
Miguel looked at Luis., with a "Why are you doing this?" look...
Kay stopped, and looked at Simone with a worried look, Simone looked at her with the same look.
Eventhough Miguel didn't really know why Luis was doing this, he still really wanted to know...badly....'if I know now...maybe I can sort out my feelings, I love Charity though' Miguel thought, ' Kay is just a friend, that's all' Miguel thought. But even through all this thinking...if Kay said yes, he still wouldn't know what do to next... so he REALLY wanted Kay to answer the question.
Finally Kay said, "No no no no....did I say Dare? I meant Truth."
Luis and Miguel sighed, looking at Kay in disappointment and anger, "But Kay, You said truth, and a truth is a truth." Miguel said.
Kay looked at him, and sighed, "Fine....Luis can you repeat the question."Kay asked, trying to buy herself some time.
Luis repeated his question, "Kay, are you in love with Miguel?"
Kay looked up, "Might as well tell the truth, Kay...you can't do anything else now." Simone whispered.
"Fine" Kay said, "Uhh..." She sighed and looked down, then at Miguel, then at Charity, "Yes. I am in love with Miguel."
Everyone gasped, "What?" Charity yelled.
Kay looked at Charity and kind of felt bad for her, but then remembered that she stole her man, and looked away...at Miguel.
Miguel was looking down, at the ground..he didn't know what to say. Now he knows, and he didn't know what to do.
"Miguel..." Kay whispered.
"Kay....."Miguel trailed off.
Charity said in a soft voice to Miguel, "You are in love with her too aren't you Miguel?"
Miguel looked at Charity...he saw the hurt in her eyes. Tears were welling up Miguel and Charity's eyes...more in Charity's though. He didn't know what to say..."I don't know." He said...that's all he thought of... Charity nodded, "I can't believe you Miguel." Charity whispered and turned away...ready to run off and cry.
Everyone decided to let the three-some figure out their teenage love triangle. They all got up, except Miguel, Charity, and Kay.
Luis walked away, Sheridan followed, "That was weird." Sheridan said.
"Yeah...I guess I forgot how hard teenage life is." Luis said.
Sheridan looked down, "Well, i really didn't have a tennage life, Allister sent me to a bording school."
Luis stroked her arm, "I'm sorry Sheridan..I didn't know."
Luis and Sheridan both looked at his arm on her shoulder...Obvously..fireworks went off. They were looking at eachother...deep into eachother's eyes. They didn't know what to say next, they just both got lost in eachother. 'Maybe I should tell him how I feel.' Sheridan thought to herself, 'It wouldn't hurt,...would it?' Luis was thinking the same thing too....'Maybe i should put my vendetta against the Crane's aside, Sheridan isn't that bad...money isn't that big for her.' Luis thought, 'I really like her....maybe i should tell her how I feel..., before Her and Hank run off together.' Finally breaking the silence, both Luis and Sheridan said, "I need to tell you something." they said in unison. They both started laughing. Luis said...being the gentleman that he is said, "You first."
Sheridan sighed, "K, Thanks...Luis, I......" She was interrupted by the front door slamming, *BANG*, it caught everyone's attention. Charity ran out the door.. crying, sobbing really. Miguel sighed in disappointment, he started to after her, but then Kay grabbed him by the arm, "Miguel..don't" Kay said.
Miguel nodded..."I can NOT believe you Kay...I don't want to talk to you right now.., you may of made me lose the most precious thing in my life." Miguel yelled.
Everyone now stopped what they were saying *Even Luis and Sheridan..sorry :(*, and everyone was listening to their conversation.
"ME?" Kay yelled, "I didn't do ANYTHING...YOU were the one who wanted the truth, YOU were the one who wanted answers...and if it wasn't for your NOSY BROTHER Luis....this wouldn't happened."
Everyone looked at Luis...he had hurt in his eyes, he didn't know why...but he felt this was all his fault...Kay wanted to play the game though..Luis thought. Sheridan looked at him and stroked his shoulder, like he did to her, "It's not your fault Luis...you were just playing the game..don't blame yourself." Sheridan said still stroking his shoulder. Luis looked at her...in guilt. "I don't blame you Luis...I could never." Sheridan added, and when she did that, Luis finally broke his face into a smile, "Thanks Sheridan." Luis whispered.
Ethan, Theresa, Whitney, and Chad were in a corner. Surprisingly, Simone wasn't there, she was standing at the other corner...worrying about Kay.
Theresa said, "I can't believe Kay is blaming Luis."
Ethan said, "I'm sorry Theresa.. eventhough I don't know her..., she seems kind of mean."
"I bet Simone knew about this...my gosh..." Whitney added.
Chad didn't say anything...he was just looking around... then was caught when he saw Whitney next to him...he just stood there and stared.
Miguel yelled louder, "DO NOT BRING LUIS INTO THIS....he did NOT do anything wrong....YOU wanted to play the game...not him, not anyone else. Excuse me Kay, but I have to talk to Charity...i can't lose her because of you." He walked away, but turned around and added, "I thought you were my friend Kay...my best friend, I thought we would never yell at eachother...Kay you've changed...a lot, and I don't like it." He said and walked out.
Kay turned around filled with tears and ran in the kitchen...Simone ran after her.
Miguel found Charity sitting on the porch. He walked up and sat next to her. She didn't move. "Charity..." Miguel said. Charity still didn't move a muscle. "Charity, I know you are probably never going to talk to me, but just hear me out." Miguel said.
"So, why aren't you inside with Kay." Charity whispered.
"Because I want to be with you...only you."
Charity smirked, "Then why did it take you so long...i mean after she told you, you didn't know what to do..i saw that look..it's like you forgot all about me...all about us."
Kay and Simone were in the kitchen, Kay filled with tears. "How could this happen?" Kay said...crying in between. Simone didn't know what to say, all Simone knew what to do was to comfort her, so she gave her a hug, letting Kay cry on her shoulder.
Meanwhile outside, it was nearing midnite.
'I have to think fast, or else Ethan won't be in my arms at midnite.' Theresa thought to herself. So out of the blue, Theresa started crying.
Ethan noticed, "Theresa, what's the matter?"
"My family....Miguel, Luis, Mama." Theresa said...trying to keep crying
"What? What about them?"
"I can't help them...I can't......Miguel is going through a difficult time with Kay and Charity, Mama still believes that Papa is alive..and Luis ...he gave up his hopes and dreams for me and Miguel...and I'm not doing anything with my life...it's my fault, i mean he paid for us to go to high school...and is paying for us to go to college, and i'm not helping him out." Theresa said...sobbing, trying to make it look real.
Ethan started believing it and comforting her, "Theresa it's not you fault...this is all about growing up."
"Yeah...but it's MY fault....." Theresa said. She didn't know why it was her fault.. but it sounded good.
Ethan then embraced her...hugging her, holding her tight, 'Don't cry Theresa." Theresa then enjoyed the hug...staying there, in his arms.
"Uh..what were you gonna say Sheridan?" Luis asked
"Huh?"
"Uh..before we were interrupted...?" Luis asked.
Sheridan said, "Oh yeah... Luis...I...I have been having these....these...feelings." she started.
"Feelings?" Luis asked.
"Yeah...."
"For who?" Luis asked, "for Hank?"
"Uh..NO NO...I mean Hank is a nice guy..but...no feelings for him."
Luis was confused, "Oh..then who?"
Sheridan took a deep breath, 'ok Sheridan..you can do this' she thought, "You." She muttered.
Chapter 8 Fairy Tale Endings
Luis was shocked by what Sheridan said, but he was kind of happy. He didn't know what to say. 'Now i can tell her how I feel because I already know how she feels about me' Luis thought.
Sheridan looked at Luis, 'Maybe I shouldn't of told him....' Sheridan thought. She looked into his eyes, 'What is he thinking?' "Say something Luis...." Sheridan said out loud.
All Luis could do was smile. That made Sheridan uneasy, 'What does that mean?' She thought. "C'mon Luis, say something, please...." Sheridan pleaded.
"I like you too....." Luis said softly. Sheridan instantaneously smiled.
~~~~~~
Ethan was comforting Theresa about feeling guilty about her father. They were so close that Ethan could smell her hair. He smiled, 'Am I falling in Love with Theresa?' Ethan thought. Theresa was in heaven right then, in Ethan's arms. She felt bad about all the things she has done to get into his arms, she didn't mean to hurt anyone or use anyone. 'I have to come clean with Ethan in order for us to really truly be happy.' Theresa thought. 'Mama always said that the Truth is the best medicine in any type of relationship.' Theresa had to do this, if not for her and Ethan, but for Mama, she has always been there and believed in her, now it was her turn to do the same for her.
Theresa turned and looked at Ethan, "Look Ethan, I have to tell you something.....and." she stopped, "You can not say anything till I am finished, please." Ethan nodded. "Um, look....the thing is, " Theresa hesitated. 'I have to say this...no matter what.' Theresa thought. "Look, um...this is kinda hear for me to say but, okay i'm doing it...um, ever since I was a little girl, Mama would always come home with stories about you and the Cranes. And its kinda been a fantasy for me ever since to.......to be a Crane." Ethan didn't quite understand what she was trying to say, "Theresa, what are you trying to tell me?" Ethan asked. Theresa took a deep breath, "Ethan, ever since i was a little girl, I've been i love with you....." She said. She couldn't bear what Ethan's expression would be so she turned away.
A smile then appeared on Ethan's face, he took Theresa's arm and turned her around, "I was hoping that you would say that." Ethan said quietly.
A shocked Theresa spoke, "So you're not mad at me?"
Ethan was puzzled by Theresa comment, "Why would I be Theresa?"
"Because of everything I've done, c'mon I spilled BBQ sauce on you, i even poured fish guts on you....." Ethan stopped her rambling by placing his finger on her delicate mouth. "I know they were just accidents Theresa.....and plus, after everything we've been through and the relationship we have established, how could I ever be mad at you?" Theresa smiled. Ethan then went down to Theresa's ear and whispered, "I think I am falling in love with you."
~~~~~~~~~~
~*In the Bennett's Kitchen*~
Simone was comforting a distraught Kay. "Kay, I'm so sorry." she said.
Between sobs, "I should have listened to you Simone.....do...you think that...Miguel...would ever .... forgive ....me?" She said crying.
Simone smiled, "Miguel is not one to hold grudges Kay, but the thing you have to know is you have to learn to like Charity, no matter what." Simone said, "Love isn't everything....and you know before this, Miguel really loved you as a friend...."
Kay looked up at her friend, "I hope he still does, Gosh, how could I have been so stupid...this is the last of the Old-Kay Bennett." She said.
"What are you saying Kay?" Simone asked. She didnt' know what her best friend was talking about.
Kay took a deep breath, "I'm giving up on tearing people apart, especially Miguel and Charity. I mean...I guess she's not that bad. I just don't wanna lose what me and Miguel had." She then took a tissue and wiped her tears, "Okay, i'm gonna go outside and apologize....I hope Miguel will accept it."
Simone smiled, "He will Kay......don't worry..." Simone said patting Kay on the back.
With that Kay left the kitchen and went out the door and found Miguel and Charity sitting on the porch. Kay cleared her thoat to catch their attention (Ahem). Miguel and Charity turned around. Miguel instantaneously turned back around but Charity kept staring at her. Charity wasn't really mad at Kay. She was more mad at herself than anyone else.
Kay then took the initiative and spoke, "Look you guys, I know you don't really wanna talk to me right now...but you have listen...please." Neither of then spoke. "Look Charity, I just want you to know that I really want you and Miguel to be happy .......together. And I know what I said but I thought about it, and...I don't want to break you two up, or lose what we three had." Charity smiled, "It's okay Kay...I mean, how can someone not fall in love with Miguel." Charity said. Both Charity and Kay shared a laugh. 'She's not that bad.' Kay thought. Miguel looked over at Charity and smiled.
Kay then turned to Miguel, "Look Miguel, I am so sorry about what I said in there, about your brother, and everything. I just, i was so....whatever I had no right to blame anyone for my problems. And I dont' want our friendship to be ruined. I want you and Charity to be happy and I have accepted the fact that you really care for Charity...." Kay then started crying, "I don't want to lose you as a friend Miguel, you are my life long friend, and I don't know what I would do without you, please Miguel.....I am so sorry."
Miguel then turned around and gave Kay a hug. It was the most precious hug Kay had ever dreamed of, but she knew that Miguel didn't love her the way he loved Charity. Miguel then said, "Kay....I am still your friend...my gosh, I am going to be you friend till we die. Kay, I could never be mad at you, no matter how harsh the situation is...but you have to understand that just because Charity is my girlfriend, it doesn't mean we're not friends anymore. And what happened in there.....I know you're sorry....and I forgive you." Miguel said. Kay smiled, "Thank you Miguel....you're the best." she whispered. Kay could sense that Miguel and Charity had something to work out, "Uh...I'll leave you two alone...." She smiled as she gave Miguel a wink and whispered in his ear, "You love her, don't let her get away." Kay said. Miguel smiled and watched Kay walk back in, he turned to Charity.
"Charity....." Miguel said. Charity interrupted him, "Miguel....you are the best thing that has ever came into my life. And what happened tonight...it made me realize how lucky I am to have you in my life....as a boyfriend..and a best friend. And I know you nore I can erase what happened tonight, I can't lose you...I hope you feel the same way about me....now that you know...." She said, she couldn't finish her sentence but Miguel knew what she was talking about.
Miguel took her by the hand and stroked her hair, "Charity.....of course I feel the same way. You have made me feel so.... so complete. And the times we have spent with eachother makes me the luckiest man alive. No one could ever compare to you. I can not lose you either Charity...I won't lose you...." Miguel said as he pulled her into a hug.
~~~~~~~~~~
Midnight was nearing as Simone and Kay watched the ball drop on TV withDick Clark. 10---9---8---
Everyone was getting all excited that the new Millennium was coming.
Luis looked into Sheridan's eyes and said, "you know what I've wanted to do?" Luis said.
"What?"
"This....." Luis said as he pulled her into the most passionate kiss!!
~~~~~~~~~
Theresa smiled at the thing Ethan said to her. She then turned and saw Luis and Sheridan kissing, "Aww, that's so sweet, look Ethan." Ethan turned around and saw his Aunt kissing Officer Lopez-Fitzgerald. He smiled and wanted so much to kiss Theresa too. He then took his finger and turned her head over to him, "You know what would be even sweeter?" Ethan asked. Theresa was confused, "What?" Ethan leaned in, and Theresa knew....she smiled as Ethan pulled her into a kiss.
~~~~~~~~~
Miguel and Charity heard everyone counting down the seconds till Midnight. Charity smiled, "You know what Jessica told me?" Miguel nodded. "Well she said that whoevers arms you're in when it strikes midnight, is the person you are going to spend the whole year with." Charity said. "Really?" Miguel inquired. Charity nodded, "MmHmm." She said. "Well you know who I want to spend the Millennium...and forever with?" Miguel asked. Charity blushed as Miguel continued, "Well....you know its you." Miguel said. Charity smiled, "It better be me."
With that, they were looking in eachothers young eyes as the both leaned in for a kiss.
"3---2---1....HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!" Screamed everyone at the Bennett house. As the clock striked Midnight, it was obvious who was going to be with who for the year.
****THE END!*****
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