A different story by Babie Richie.
- Disclaimer - I don't own passion and I am in no way involved with them. The characters in this story are owned by NBC.
-Thank You - Thanks to ItsMe for the title!!!
- Note - This storyline is TOTALLY different from the show. Luis' father never disappeared and Pilar does not work at the Crane's Mansion. Luis is not a cop. Luis is a senior, Theresa is a junior and Miguel is sophomore. Charity is not in this period! lol! Sheridan is not Julian's sister but Ethan's cousin. There are no nightmares. She is living with Ethan in the cottage. Sheridan is also a senior and Ethan is a senior also. Sheridan is not in danger lol! That's about it.
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Chapter One: Time for Change
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As the last cardboard box was stuffed into the back of the orange moving van, Luis sighed. He still couldn't believe they were moving. He had denied it up until his mother had began packing her precious china. That's when he knew they were really moving to Harmony. "I still can't believe it Theresa." Luis said as he stared at the orange truck backing out of 'their' driveway.
"I know. I always thought we'd live here forever." Theresa replied as she tried to fight the tears that were creeping up on her.
"Come on kids! It's time to go!" Pilar, Luis' mother, yelled from the passenger seat of the white Ford Explorer. "Miguel, Luis, Theresa! Let's get a move on! We have a long drive ahead of us." Martin, Luis' father, hollered as he started the car.
"Good-bye house, good-bye friends, good-bye life." Theresa sobbed.
Miguel came up behind Theresa and placed a hand on her shoulder and lead her to the car. Luis followed, and took one last look at his childhood home before he stepped into the car.
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"I miss all my friends already." Theresa said after an hour of silence. "I wish we didn't have to move."
"Now Theresa, we had this talk earlier. It for t-" Pilar said before getting cut off by Theresa.
"It's all for the best. Ya I know mama. I just don't understand how moving to Harmony is for the best if we don't know anyone there." Theresa said as she laid her head back against the seat and closed her eyes.
During this discussion Luis had been staring out the window. 'Theresa's right. Life isn't worth living without family AND friends. I don't see why papa couldn't get a job closer to home.' Luis thought to himself. 'Because Dr. Johnston had recommended papa to the Harmony Hospital. And it was either Harmony or move across the country to California.' Luis thought answering his own question. 'But I still miss my friends. I wish they could have waited till I finished my senior year.' Luis sighed as he turned to look out the window.
He barely had time to tell his all his friends good-bye. The decision to move was so sudden that they had only had 1 week to pack and say their good-byes. Luis had spent most of his time at school saying good-bye to his many friends.
They hardest thing was telling his basketball and soccer coaches that he wouldn't be on the team that year. "But Lopez-Fitzgerald we need you to win the championship again this year." Both coaches had said. Luis knew it was the truth too. He had played on the Varsity team all three years and each year the team went on the win the championship. Of course it was a team effort but some last minute plays had been the work of Luis. He was your grade A perfect jock.
Yet another reason he didn't want to leave. There he was the 'big man on campus'. Everyone knew him and he was somebody. Moving to Harmony he'd be starting out a nobody. What if he wasn't good enough. He'd never not been popular. Luis shuddered at the thought, which didn't go unnoticed by Miguel.
"Hey bro, what's wrong." Miguel asked.
"Oh nothing. Just thinking about how this time tomorrow we'll be going to a new school were we don't know anyone." Luis replied as he stared out the window. He saw them drive by Lighthouse Park and knew they would be there soon.
"We'll know each other. Anyway Luis. Us Lopez-Fitzgeralds never have problem making friends. You'll be the most popular senior in a day, two at the most." Miguel said patting Luis on the shoulder.
"Thanks bro. I sure hope so."
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Driving through Harmony Luis stared out the window shocked at the beauty of the town. If Theresa had been awake she would have been in heaven. Theresa loved anything beautiful and this place was just that, beautiful. Trees of all sizes were every where. The houses were grand and amazing. Each house had its own garden full of all kinds of flowers. The park was amazing with benches and fountains. It reminded Luis of a painting. Little shops lined both sides of the street in one part of town.
As Luis was taking in all the sites they stopped at the light. That's the first time he saw her. She was gorgeous. Her blonde hair framed her perfect face. Her skin was the most beautiful color Luis had ever seen. Her ski blue, spaghetti strap dress fit her body perfect, showing off her curves. She was the most beautiful girl Luis had ever seen and he just stared at her. "Wow." He whispered as they began to drive off. "This place really is gorgeous." He said. He was still in a trance when they arrived at their new home.
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Luis had just finished unpacking his last box when Theresa walked into his room.
"Knock, Knock. Can I come in?" She said standing in his doorway.
"Yeah sure. What's up?" Luis asked as he placed a T-shirt in one of his drawers.
"Nothing just wanted to see how ya were. The town is beautiful isn't it?" Theresa said as she sat down on his bed.
"Yeah, it sure is." Luis said remembering the girl he had seen. Smiling as he thought about her.
"What's with you?" Theresa asked seeing Luis' strange smile.
"Nothing."
"Okay, well then. I'll just go finish unpacking." Theresa said as she got up and left the room. 'I wonder what's up with him.' She thought. 'Probably thinking about girls, like all guys.' Theresa had no idea how close to the truth she was.
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As Luis laid down to sleep he kept remembering the days events. The move. The car ride. The sights. The girl. 'She looked more like a women.' Luis thought. 'Maybe living here won't be too bad. As long as I can meet that gi-women.' Luis closed his eyes and went to sleep smiling for the first time since they decided to move.
Chapter 2
"BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!" Luis rolled over and slammed his hand onto the snooze button of his alarm clock. Rolling back over he attempted sleep again, but failed because 10 minutes later the beeping of his alarm awoke him again.
'I'm up. I'm up!' Luis thought to himself. Rolling out of bed he dragged himself to the bathroom and pushed open the door.
"Mornin' sleepy head." Theresa said as Luis entered the bathroom.
"What are you doin' up so early?" Luis said in grouchy voice. He was still not all there.
"I'm a women. It takes me twice as long as you to get ready in the morning. I can't just roll out of bed and throw on a cloths." Theresa said in a matter-of-factly voice while putting on her mascara. "There now. I'm done." She said admiring herself in the mirror. "The bathroom's all yours." She finished walking out.
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After throwing on black kakis' and a gray muscle shirt, and spiking his hair in an oh-so-perfect way, Luis headed down stairs for a quick breakfast. "Morning hijo!" Pilar said as he son came down the stairs.
"Mornin' mama." Luis replied as he seated himself next to Miguel at the table. "Yum, pancakes!" he said in a childlike tone, causing everyone at the table to laugh.
"That's my baby boy!" Laughed Pilar as she served Luis a healthy stack of pancakes. "Now eat up! You don't want to be late to your first day of school."
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They arrived at school just as the bell rang to head to class. Theresa and Miguel headed off to their first hours leaving Luis alone. Luis headed down the hall toward the English literature wing. As he entered the class everyone went silent. As he approached the teacher he heard whispers coming from the students. Luis was able to pick up bit and pieces of different conversations.
"He's cute." "Yeah what a body" Luis couldn't help but smile at that one.
"Man, I can never get my hair to do that!" Luis held back laughter.
"Well, Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald, welcome to Harmony High. Please take a seat. Um. . how about behind Mr. Crane. Ethan please raise you hand so that Mr. Lopez-Fitzgerald can find you." Ms. Davis said.
"Thanks." Luis said as he took his seat.
"Hey man, my name's Ethan Crane." Whispered Ethan as he extended his right hand. "Welcome to the Ms. Dimbats class."
"Hey, I'm Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald." Luis replied as he chuckled a little at Ethan's comment.
Ethan and Luis continued to talk all through English and were continually snapped at my Ms. Davis. They were in the middle of discussing which sport was the best when the bell rang.
"Look basketball rocks. You have to be athletic!"
"No way man. Football is America's sport, and you have to be tough to play it!"
"That's what you think. As long as you 200 lbs you can play football!"
"I don't-"
"Hey Ethan! Who's your friend?" A young brunette asked as she turned and smiled at Luis.
But Luis didn't notice the smile. He didn't even notice the brunette. He was too busy staring at the blonde standing at her side. It was the same blonde he'd seen the other day when they were moving. Up close she looked even more stunning, wearing white capris, and a pink spaghetti strap shirt, that had a white flower at the bottom. 'Wow.' Was all he could think again.
"Hey Beth. Hey cuz." Ethan said smiling at the blonde. "This is Luis. He's new here."
"Hey my name's Beth. It's very nice to meet you." Beth said as she extended her hand. Luis, reluctantly taking his eyes off the blonde, turned and smile at Beth.
"It's nice to meet you too." He had shaking her hand.
"And this," Ethan said. "Is my beautiful cousin, Sheridan."
"Ethan you're to kind" Sheridan said smiling. Turning to Luis her heart beat increased and she shyly smiled. "Hi."
"Hi. It's uh nice to meet you." Luis was nervous, and he'd never been nervous around any girl. 'This ones different though.'
"So where are you two headed?" Beth asked.
"Um, I'm going to trig. and Luis hear is headed to science."
"Oh that's right Ethan, we have trig together. Let's head off we don't want to be late again!"
"That wasn't my fault!" Ethan argued as they walked off. Neither noticed that Sheridan and Luis were still staring at each other.
"Ding, Ding, Ding."
"Uh, that's the one minute bell." Sheridan said shyly turning her gaze away. "I have to head to Mr. Deen's chemistry class. What about you? Where you headed." Rambled Sheridan. 'You sound so stupid!' She silently yelled at herself.
"Oh, yeah. Uh, I'm headed there too. Care to show me the way?" Luis said flashing her a killer smile. Luis was over the shock of her beauty and was turning on his old Latin charm.
"Sure. Follow me." Sheridan said flashing him a cute smile as so turned at head down the hall.
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The day continued smoothly for Luis. It turned out he had Sheridan in his chemistry, trig, and world history classes. And when he didn't have Sheridan he was with Ethan or Beth. Ethan, Beth, and Sheridan introduced Luis to many people. Including Sheridan's ex-boyfriend Hank Bennett and his new girlfriend Gwen Hotchkiss. Luis liked Hank, and thought he was hilarious. Gwen seemed slightly stuck-up but was nice enough. He also met Chad Harris and his lady love, Whitney Russell. Chad was a cool, street wise guy who really seemed to like Luis. Whitney was sweet, but she sure could speak her mind.
Luis also learned that he wasn't to late to try out for the Harmony High soccer team. He visited the soccer coach and scheduled a meeting the next morning.
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As Luis headed home, his thoughts kept drifting to the day he'd just spent. He'd met so many people. Ethan Crane seemed to be a great guy and he hoped they became best-friends. Beth seems cool, but a little to flirty. Hank and Gwen were great and he hoped to become friends with Hank. But most of all he thought about Sheridan Crane. She was gorgeous, inside and out. She had introduced him to everyone and even gave him a tour of the school. She promised to take him around Harmony this weekend and Luis was looking forward to it. She never left him alone at school, she said it was because she didn't want him to feel alone, but Luis had hoped it was because she liked him.
Luis sighed as he thought about Sheridan. 'She really is a great person.' He thought as he pulled into the drive way. 'I can't wait till this weekend.' Smiling he headed up the walkway and went inside his new home.
Chapter 3
The wind blew causing a chill to run down Sheridan's spine. Sheridan was walking toward her car with Beth at her side. She stared aimlessly in front of her. Beth's voice brought Sheridan out of her trace.
"So it's okay for me to stay over tonight right?" Beth questioned.
"Yeah of course. Aunt Ivy and uncle Julian are out of town for the week." Sheridan replied smiling at the best friend. "Besides, you practically live with me at the cottage!"
"Well, yeah but you look sorta spaced out. Are you feeling all right?" Beth asked worried about her friend. Ever since school got out earlier that day Sheridan seemed in a trance. When they went to the Ice Cream parlor, Sheridan just stared out the window. Beth wasn't sure what was wrong with her friend.
"Yeah I'm fine. I guess I was just thinking!" Sheridan said as she forced a laugh.
"About what, or should I say who!" Beth said, adding a little force to the word who.
"Excuse me? I wasn't think about anyone." Sheridan lied. In all truths, the only thing she could think about was one person. No matter what she did, her thoughts continually drifted to him. Luis. He was amazing. His smile caused her knees to buckle. He touch sent chills threw her body. One look into his eyes, and she felt like she was reading his soul. It was the strangest feeling, and she was scared.
"Sure. I'll let it slide this time. But we must have a serious talk when we get to the cottage!" Beth said hopping into the car. "I have to tell you so much!"
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"Popcorns ready!" Beth shouted from the kitchen.
"Movies ready!" Sheridan hollered back. She sat down on the couch and curled into a ball in the corner. Her feet tucked under her butt, and her arms hugging her knees.
"Good, now we can eat, talk, and watch movies!" Beth said as she hopped onto the couch.
The movie started and both girls sat in silence watching for a few minutes. Then, out of nowhere, Beth said, keeping her eyes fixed on the screen, "I think I'm going to try and get Luis."
"Wh-what?" Sheridan said turning to look at Beth.
"He's so hot! I think that he's perfect for me. Plus I think he's into me too." Beth said turning to Sheridan. "Just though I'd tell ya, so maybe you can help me!"
"Um. Yeah of course. What are best friend for?" Sheridan said trying to sound cheerful. 'Luis into Beth? I don't think so.' Sheridan thought, 'but then again he might be.' The last thought caused Sheridan's heart to ache, and she didn't know why.
"Thanks babe!" Beth turned and started watching the movie again. But Sheridan just stared at the screen, her thoughts were else where. Back to the first time she had seen Luis.
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Sheridan walked out of the ice cream parlor. The wind blew causing her dress to float around her. She licked the ice cream cone she held in her hand and started walking toward to park across the street.
As the reached the corner she looked up to see a very handsome man through the window of a Ford Explorer. 'Wow! Major hottie alert!' She thought to herself. She stared at him as the car came closer to her and stopped at a red light. Her heart began racing as he turned his head in her direction.
All the sudden Sheridan became very interested in the formation of a cloud. She continued to stare at the sky until the car pulled away and turned the corner.
"Wow!" Sheridan said out loud to herself. Then as if coming back to reality, she walked across the street toward to park."
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Sheridan had walked through the entire park thinking about him. She couldn't get her mind off of him and yet she didn't even know who he was. Then, imagine her shock when she had seen him walking toward her with her cousin. Boy was she surprised.
And now her best friend had the hots for this guy. 'Damn.' Sheridan thought. 'I can't hurt Beth by trying to get Luis. Our friendship is to important.' So, Sheridan decided to put her thoughts of Luis out of her mind and concentrate on helping Beth win him over. Of course that was easier said than done.
Chapter 4
Sheridan and Beth searched the halls for some sign of Luis. Last night had been filled with conversation of Luis. In Beth's words he had "Looked hot in that outfit. But would look hotter without it." Sheridan sighed as she recalled what today would hold.
Beth's first plan was scheming and underhanded. She planned on acting sweet, innocent, (and dumb). That way Luis would feel superior, and controlling. "That's what all men want." She had told Sheridan. "They want to be in control of everything, including women. It makes them feel strong."
They continued searching, and soon found Ethan and Luis. The two boys were talking to a beautiful brunette. She was wearing a white floral T-shirt, with a pink skirt. Her hair was up in a headband, with small curls framing her face. She looked familiar to Sheridan.
"Who is that they are talking to?" Beth asked as she looked evilly at the girl. "She'd better not be stealing my man!" 'Dang, that girl is on a power trip!' Sheridan thought as she followed Beth toward the small group.
"Hello everyone!" Beth said in a sickeningly sweet voice. Then turning to face Luis, "How are you doing today? You look fantastic!" She said smiling brightly.
"Just fine. You look lovely also. And so do you Sheridan, absolutely gorgeous!" Luis replied as he glanced at Sheridan. She was wearing a blue, spaghetti strap sun-dress that reached just above her knees. Her hair was down, framing her face perfectly. She had on a necklace with a small good charm on it. She looked like the picture perfect women. Sheridan turned her head slightly as she blushed.
"Thanks." She said quietly as she met Luis' gaze.
"Uh, Luis? Aren't you going to introduce me to these ladies?" The brunette asked snapping Luis and Sheridan out of their heated stare.
"Oh! Of course I am! Sorry." Luis stammered, regaining his composure. "Sheridan, Beth, this is my dear little sister, Theresa." Luis said pointing to the brunette.
"It's so nice to meet you!" Sheridan said smiling brightly as she gave Theresa a friendly hug. "I thought you looked familiar. Now I see the resemblance between you and Luis!" Sheridan said.
"Why thank you Sheridan! It's very nice you meet you also! And you too, Beth isn't it?" Theresa said extending her hand to Beth. After she shook it, she turned back to Sheridan. "I've heard a lot about you. Seems you made some impression on Luis yesterday!"
Again Sheridan turned her head and blushed. "Thanks." She said shyly turning back to Theresa. She didn't dare allow her eyes to meet Luis'. She would never be able to break free of them.
Beth stood by silently watching this. A pain of jealousy flowed through her. 'Luis talks about Sheridan? Not me? This isn't right. He's falling for Sher, not me! Damn! I'll have to work harder now, but in the end he'll be mine.' Beth smiled as she finished this thought.
The group talked for a while. Sheridan and Luis continually stole glances at each other, which did not go unnoticed by Beth. Her anger at Sheridan grew, but she concealed it well.
But it was not only Luis and Sheridan that were stealing glances. Although only Sheridan noticed it, Ethan was staring intently at Theresa. And Theresa stared back with the same intensity. 'How cute!' She thought.
Each of them lost track of time and were startled by the ringing of the bell.
"Oh my! We're going to be late! Come on Beth!" Sheridan said as she hurried of down the hall, pulling Beth with her. Sheridan had a feeling of mixed emotions running through her. She had to get away from Luis, to think things through. 'Thank God for videos!' She thought as she reached class and saw that the TV screen was turned on.
Sheridan sat down at her desk and began thinking. She totally ignored Beth's constant badgering about Luis. She had too much on her mind at that moment. Here she was falling for Luis even though he was "off limits" to her. Beth had made that perfectly clear last night. Beth stated clearly "any girl who tried to steal Luis from her would die a thousand deaths." And Sheridan knew it was the truth. Beth was known for her ruthlessness when it came to getting what she wanted. And Sheridan was not about to get in her way.
And yet, she couldn't stand the thought of Beth and Luis.
Just thinking about it made her sick.
Beth and Luis.
The thought made her cringe, and yet there was nothing she could do about it. Sheridan was not about to ruin her friendship, or was she?
All throughout the hour, and the day, Sheridan could think of nothing else. And yet she never came to a conclusion. She was always stuck on the fact that being with Luis would ruin her friendship with Beth. And she didn't want that, or did she? She was also stuck with that question. Did she like Luis so much that she would sacrifice her friendship with Beth?
'It's all to confusing!' Sheridan screamed at herself.
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As the day went on, Sheridan's day did not get any better. Throughout the day she fought and internal battle, and lost every time. No matter what she never came to a decision.
And of course, the fact that she ran into Hank didn't help much either.
Sheridan didn't like her occasional meetings with Hank. They brought back to many emotional memories that Sheridan was trying hard to forget. She fought them every night in her dreams (more like nightmares), and she didn't like having to fight them during the day too. That was another battle she didn't want to put up with.
"Hey Sher. What's happening?" Hank friendly asked.
"Oh nothing. Just frustrated that's all." Sheridan replied sighing. She averted her eyes from Hank's. Looking into them caused her unneeded and unwanted pain.
"Oh. I'm so sorry to hear that. Maybe a party will cheer ya up!" Hank said smiling. "Gwen and I are throwing a party at my place. Why don't you stop by? And bring that guy, Luis. I'm sure you two would have a ball!" Hank said patting Sheridan's shoulder. Little did he know that one little pat sent chills down her spine. That it caused her to remember the reason they broke up. It made her remember that night, and how much she regretted it.
Sheridan glanced up and faked a smile. "That'd be great Hank! I'd love to come, and I'll be sure to bring Luis. I'm sure he'd like to meet some more people."
"Yeah. Poor guy. Coming to a new town his senior year. I'd hate that!" Hank said smiling again. His smile still made Sheridan's heart race, but for different reasons then most would think.
"I know! But he seems to be getting along just fine. He's getting to be pretty good friends with Ethan." Sheridan said as she glanced around the hall.
"Yeah. That's good. Ethan's a great guy." Hank said still smiling. He loved it when Sheridan was so uneasy around him. It made his life more fun. Although he'd never admit that to anyone. Except himself.
Hank and Sheridan talked a while longer. Keeping the conversation as friendly as possible. Sheridan was becoming uncomfortable though. So, the second she spotted Luis she used that as an excuse to leave Hank.
"I see Luis! I'll go see if he can come tonight, all right? Bye Hank! It was nice talking to ya!" Sheridan said as she hurried off.
As soon as she was a safe distance from Hank she sighed. 'It still hurts.' She thought as she approached Luis. 'And I'm still scared.'
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"Hey Sheridan! How's your day been?" Luis said, flashing his million-dollar smile. Sheridan's knees went weak, and she struggled to stay standing.
"It's been tough. I've had a lot on my mind." Sheridan replied.
"Oh? Is everything all right?" Luis asked sounding concerned.
Sheridan smiled at the sincerity in his voice. 'He really seems to care.' She thought as a smile formed on her face.
"Everything's fine. It's nothing serious. I'll figure it out." 'I hope.' Sheridan added the last part in her head. 'It might take me years to figure this one out at the rate I'm going.'
"Well, if you need someone to talk to I'm here. It always helps me to get my problems off my chest." Luis said smiling at he placed a hand on her shoulder. "You don't have to of course." He added. "Just know I'm here, if you need me."
"Thank you! It's nice to know I've got you. But this one I have to figure out on my own." Sheridan said. 'Little does he know my problem is him! My problem is the fact that I'm falling head-over-heals for him. And if my best friend finds out, she'll kill me.'
Sheridan managed a weak smile and decided to change the subject, quickly. Luis was the last person she wanted to talk too about this.
"So, Luis. What ya doing tonight?" Sheridan asked as she turned to face Luis. Her eyes avoiding his, of course.
"Nothing that I know of. Why?" Luis asked. 'Something is definitely wrong with her. I can feel it. I can see it in her eyes. I just wish she'd open up to me. I hope no one has hurt her.' Luis thought as he searched Sheridan's eyes. For some reason she wasn't looking at him, as if she were avoiding making eye contact.
"Hank and Gwen are having a party tonight, and I need a date." Sheridan said. She smiled shyly, surprised at herself for being so blunt.
Luis smiled at the thought of escorting Sheridan to one of Hank's parties. They were supposedly wild, but fun. And luckily Hank was on a sports team so there would defiantly be no alcohol or drugs.
"Sure Sher. I'd love to take you to Hank's party. What time?" Luis asked smiling brightly. Sheridan almost fainted at the sight of his million-dollar smile.
"Um, how 'bout 8:00. The party isn't till 9:00, but we can hang out till then. Besides, I'm sure I'll be hungry." Sheridan hinted. She hoped Luis would catch it and ask her out to dinner.
"Oh, of course." Luis said sarcastically. Then he turned serious. "I'd love to take you to dinner, Sher!"
Sheridan eyes lit up and she smiled from ear to ear. She had a date with Luis. She, Sheridan Crane, had a date with him, Luis Lopez-Fitzgerald. She was ecstatic. Then a sudden tide wave of remembrance hit her. 'Beth! She's going to kill me!' Sheridan thought.
Luis watched as Sheridan face lit up, then fell a few seconds later.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
Sheridan was snapped out of her thoughts by Luis' concerned voice.
"Nothings wrong. I was just think about how Beth is going to be mad at me." Sheridan replied truthfully.
"Why would Beth be mad? What'd you do?" Luis questioned.
"Uh, I promised her that I'd hang with her tomorrow." Sheridan lied. She couldn't tell Luis about Beth's "crush" on him.
"Oh well bring her along. I'll bring Ethan. We don't want to upset Beth, now do we?" Luis kidded. Although he pretended to be okay with it on the outside, inside he was cursing Beth for being born. He wanted to go out with Sheridan, alone.
'He doesn't want to be alone with me? He doesn't care that Beth is coming?' Sheridan questioned herself. 'He's just trying to be nice. So be nice back!' Sheridan scolded herself.
"That sounds great! I'd love to have Ethan come with us!" Then remembering the looks Ethan and Theresa were exchanging she added, "And bring Theresa. I'm sure that she'd love to come to a party, and meet some new people."
"I'm not sure I want Theresa going to a party. She is my little sister ya know." Luis said. He was serious this time. Luis didn't want his sister to be influenced by the wrong people.
"Don't worry Luis! She'll be with you, me, and Ethan. Nothing bad can happen as long as we are watching her. And besides, she's a junior! You can't keep her a child forever. Let her live a little. Learn from her own mistakes. It's time she grew up, and that's the only way she can do it." Sheridan said, and she meant every word. She knew what it was like to be treated like a child, when you were ready to grow up. You felt trapped, and suffocated. Pressure builds up inside you until one day it all comes out. And that's when you make awful decisions that change your life. Decisions that can ruin you, and decisions you will regret forever.
"Oh, all right Sher. I'll bring Theresa and Ethan!" Luis held up his hands as if he were surrendering.
Sheridan slapped Luis' arm playfully, and turned to walk away. Luis grabbed Sheridan's arm and brought her back to walk beside him as they headed out to the parking lot.
"So what time do we all want to meet? And where?" Luis question Sheridan as they headed through the main doors of Harmony High.
"Um, how about we all meet at my cottage? We could hang out there for a while and then decided what to do from there." Sheridan suggested.
"Sounds good. I'll tell everyone to meet at your place. What time do ya think?" Luis questioned again.
"How about 8:00? Are you going to bring Theresa with you to my place, or meet her there?" Sheridan was wondering if Luis would come alone. Maybe she could get him to come a little early. So she could talk to him about Beth, of course! 'I have to put in a few good words for Beth. That way she won't hate me so much.' Sheridan convinced herself that was the reason.
"I don't think so. Theresa will probably want to drive herself." Luis was planning on showing up just a little bit early. He wanted to hang with Sheridan and talk about some stuff. He wasn't sure what he wanted to talk about though. He was only sure of the fact that he wanted to talk to Sheridan.
"Cool. Well, I'd better get going." Sheridan said realizing they had reached her car.
Sheridan walked around to the trunk and threw her backpack inside before turning to tell Luis good-bye.
"Well, I'll see ya." Sheridan said approaching Luis.
"Yeah see ya!" Luis said. Then getting a sudden burst of courage he pulled Sheridan into a friendly hug.
As Luis hugged her, Sheridan felt like she was on cloud-nine. The feel of his arms around her made all her worries disappear. The smell of his cologne made her heart begin to race. And the feel of his hair pushing past her cheek sent chill all down her body. She had never felt this way before. Not even with Hank. It was strange and scary, but at the same time amazing.
Luis felt the same things Sheridan did. She fit perfectly in his arms and he never wanted to let go. But reluctantly he did.
Luis smiled down at Sheridan then turned and headed across the parking lot to his car.
"See ya Sher!" He hollered back again as he waved his hand.
"See ya Luis!" Sheridan hollered back.
Sinking down into her car seat, Sheridan sighed.
'This is going to be a long night.' She thought to herself. 'A very long night.'
Closing the door, Sheridan turned her car on and drove home.
Chapter 5
"But mama - "
"No, Theresita. I need a car. I cannot very well drive to meet your father without a car, now can I? You will just have to ride with Luis." Pilar grabbed her car keys and opened the back door. "Good-bye hija, and please don't pout like that. You are too old for such childlike manners." With that Pilar exited the house.
Theresa sighed as she stomped out of the kitchen. Realizing now idiotic she was acting, she regained her composure. Theresa then turned and ascended the stairs, intent on speaking to Luis.
"Luis?" Theresa peaked her head into Luis' bedroom.
"What's up? I heard you and mama arguing all the way up here. What can't you do this time?" Luis pulled a dark navy blue T-shirt over his head and turned to face his younger sister.
Theresa gave Luis a 'shut up' look, then replied, "I'm sure you will be happy to know that your dear little sister will once again be tagging along with you and your friends. Mama has taken the other car which means you must drive me over to Sheridan's." Theresa's hands moved to her hips as she stated her problem.
"I don't think so! You can walk."
"Excuse me? Someone has forgotten a small detail here."
"And what is that?"
"You have failed to remember that I know what happened that Saturday before we left, with Amanda." Luis' face turned from anger into total shock. "That's right, and I'm pretty sure it had nothing to do with the library. Amanda isn't the type to keep books in her bed - I mean bedroom." Luis' face was painted with guilt, and his eyes danced as he recalled that night. Theresa took one look at him and knew she had won this battle.
"Fine. Are you ready?"
"Well, yeah I just need to grab -"
"Good! Come on, we are leaving now!" Luis grabbed Theresa's arm, and dragged her outside. She snatched up her purse on the way out the door.
***********************************************
"Theresa, where are your shoes?" Luis glanced over into the passenger seat only to see Theresa sitting comfortably Indian-style, without any shoes.
"Well, if you would have let me finish my story earlier, then you would have heard me say that I needed to grab some shoes. But no, you couldn't wait to be away from Sheridan a second longer."
"We're not going back. I guess you'll just have to go barefoot." Luis turned his attention back onto the road.
"Or, I'll borrow from Sheridan." Theresa did not even acknowledge the fact she hardly knew Sheridan. She seemed like an extremely nice person, and probably had plenty of shoes to spare.
With that said, Luis and Theresa drove on ward toward Sheridan's cottage in silence.
***********************************************
"Luis! I can't believe you didn't allow Theresa to grab her shoes!" Sheridan and Theresa were searching her closet for the 'perfect' shoes to match Theresa beautiful purple outfit. "Ah! Here they are!" Sheridan pulled out a pair of light lavender sandals.
"They're perfect!" Theresa screeched.
"Women." Luis and Ethan said at the same time while shaking their heads.
Theresa and Sheridan shot them both a 'shut up' look as they crawled out of the closet. Sheridan began placing back the dozen pairs of shoes that had been thrown out of the closet during the search.
"Actually Luis, I should be thanking you. These shoes match much better than the other ones." Theresa eyed herself in the full length mirror hanging on Sheridan's bathroom door. She smoothed down her shirt, and smiled brightly at her appearance. Ethan watched her with adoring eyes.
"Well, Beth is late, as usual." Sheridan decided to change the subject, realizing shoes was not something that Luis wanted to talk about. Ethan on the other hand, seemed content on talking about anything that allowed him to stare at Theresa. Even if it was her feet.
"Only by 10 minutes! And you didn't seem in a rush to leave just a second ago when I walked in!" Beth appeared in the doorway to Sheridan's room.
"Just kidding Beth! I knew you were there!" Sheridan's voice gave away the fact she was lying. But Beth shrugged it off and made her way toward Luis.
"Hey Romeo! Ya ready to take Juliet to the party?" Beth looped her arm with Luis' and smiled up at him.
Luis smiled and turned to Sheridan. "Ya ready?"
Sheridan nodded and walked past Luis toward the door. She opened it, allowing everyone to pass. Luis waited until Ethan, Theresa and Beth had exited, then passed Sheridan. He leaned in and whispered, "You're riding with me, Juliet."
Sheridan blushed and followed Luis to his car.
***********************************************
I wanna li-li-li-lick you from your head to your toes, and I wanna move from the bed, down to the - down to the - down to the floor. And I wanna, ah - ah you make it so good I don't wanna leave, but I gotta kn-kn-kn-know wha-wha-what's your fan-ta-ta-sy.
Luis stepped out of his car and laughed as he recognized the song that was flowing out of Hank's home. "Classic Hank." Sheridan said as she emerged from the vehicle. Luis thought he saw a glimmer of regret in her eyes, but discarded it as tiredness.
"My I have the pleasure of escorting two beautiful women into this exciting party?" Luis offered an arm to Sheridan first, then to Beth.
"Oh course you may kind sir." Sheridan looped her arm into Luis', and Beth did the same with a sweet smile pasted onto her face.
Ethan turned and smile at Theresa, offering her his arm. Theresa, gladly accepted it with a smile that went far past her eyes.
***********************************************
Hank laughed heartily and took another gulp of whatever substance his cup contained. Gwen sat at his side greeting each newcomer. Gwen released a small sigh of relief as she saw Ethan enter. 'Good, he showed up.' A sudden pain of jealousy and anger passed through Gwen as she saw a young, and beautiful, brunette attached to his arm.
"Ethan!" Gwen bounded across the room to greet Ethan with a 'friendly' hug.
"Hello Gwen. How are you and Hank?" Ethan returned her hug with 1 arm, keeping the other securely locked with Theresa's.
"Same old, same old. Who is this?" Gwen eyed Theresa up and down causing her to squirm. Theresa felt out of place around Gwen.
"This is Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald. She is Luis' younger sister. You remember Luis, right?"
"Of course. Any friend of yours is a friend of mine."
"Well Gwen, I'm not sure if Ethan and I are really friends. After all, friends don't stand in the middle of the doorway blocking other friends from entering." Luis stood behind Ethan pretending to be annoyed.
Ethan laughed. "Sorry man. Didn't realize I was blocking the path. Let me run and grab the read carpet for ya. That way you can make your grand entrance."
"Now we're talking!"
The 6 friends laughed as Ethan stepped aside allowing Luis to enter with Sheridan and Beth at his sides.
"Wow Lopez-Fitzgerald! Only two days in town and you already have two of the most beautiful women in Harmony falling for you!" Hank walked up to Luis and patted him on the back.
"Hank!" Gwen slapped Hank's shoulder playfully, and he pretended to wince in pain.
"I said two of the most beautiful women! You, my dear, are the most stunning beauty in all the world." Hank leaned in and kissed Gwen lovingly on the cheek. Gwen beamed in happiness.
"Hey guys, want somethin' to drink?" Hank turned to face the group wrapping his arm around Gwen's waist.
"Um, no thanks."
"No thank ya."
"Nope."
"No gracias."
"No thanks."
"Okay, well then! Have fun! I'm heading back to hang with my crew!" Hank laughed and left the group.
"Well guys, let mingle!" Luis released Beth's arm and reluctantly pulled away from Sheridan. Sheridan felt a chill flow through her body at the sudden loss of Luis. The feeling made her feel alone.
Ethan also reluctantly released Theresa's arm and followed Luis as he made his way toward Hank.
***********************************************
Sheridan sighed. She hated parties that were held by Hank. She use to love them, of course. Dating Hank was great, in the beginning. Then things changed, they got complicated. That's when she began dreading these parties.
She didn't like what 'went on' at them. Some strange things occurred at Hank's home. She felt safe knowing Luis and Ethan were keeping a close eye on her.
Or were they?
Sheridan glance around and spotted both Ethan and Luis. Luis was of in a secluded corner, with Beth hanging on his every word. He glanced up and smiled at Sheridan, before returning to what he was saying. Ethan was also off in the distance, being bored by one of Gwen's 'Yesterday, I went out with my father and did this because we are just that rich' stories. She thought they would impress Ethan, seeing as he was a Crane, but in all truths, they made him nauseous.
"Sheridan? What are you doing standing here all alone?" Theresa approached Sheridan and sat down on the couch.
"I usually just sit here till the party is over. I never have much fun at these things anymore."
"Oh really? I'm not having much fun either, but that because I don't know many people. Why don't you have fun?"
"Too many bad memories, I guess."
"Oh. Well, if you ever need to vent, or let loose your problems you can come to me. K? Think of me as your sister." Theresa smiled as she saw Sheridan's eyes sparkle at the thought of Theresa being her sister. 'I wish you were my sister-in-law more.'
Sheridan said 'thank you', then drifted into a daydream (okay, so it's more like an evening-dream, but . . ya know.) of herself and Luis married. She was ingrossed in a very graphic image of their wedding night when Theresa tapped her shoulder.
"Sheridan." She whispered. "Is Hank acting weird?"
"Oh no!" Sheridan's hand flew to her mouth as she glanced at Hank. "No. No. No." Sheridan began shaking her head frantically and Theresa looked worriedly for Luis and Ethan.
Luis, bored to death by Beth's blabbering, glanced over to see Sheridan's odd behavior. He saw fear in her eyes, as well as in those of his sister's. He glance at Ethan and noticed him trying to get to them through the group of people blocking his path. He was staring at someone with a look of disgust and anger.
Luis followed his gaze as it landed on Hank.
A very drunk Hank was headed toward Sheridan and Theresa.
To Be Continued...