A Byte/Me Book
"It's such a beautiful day out here," Darby Baldwin cooed, breathing in the cool fresh air as she leaned back on the grass and stared at the clear blue sky. "I could be getting some killer sun today if I was on the beach."
"Yeah, but instead we're stuck here for the rest of the day in those drabby classrooms," Breann Jordan sighed, throwing her hands in the air in the direction of the school building in front of them. "What I wouldn't give to be out of school. To have everyday to do as I please-soak up the rays, never worry about going to school, or doing homework. That would be the dream life," she declared, holding up one finger for emphasis.
"But then you would get tired of the beach and spend the days bored to death, not knowing what to do with yourself," Cameron Norwood proclaimed. He wrapped his arm around Breann's shoulders and planted a tender kiss on her rosy cheek.
"I know what I would do," Rhett Carver stated, stretching his long slender legs out on the ground. "I would spend every waking moment on the water-just me and my boat."
"What about me?" Darby cried, sticking out her bottom lip. "You wouldn't leave me on solid ground all by myself would you?" All her life Darby had been terrified of water. She loved nothing more than to spend bright sunny days at the beach as long as she could stay on the sand.
Rhett rolled his large emerald green eyes in Darby's direction and forced a smile. "Of course not! You would be right there with me baby," he informed, patting her on the knee. "One day you are going to love the water as much as I do."
Darby cringed at the dominance in Rhett's voice. A major obstacle of their relationship had always been their disagreement of the water. Rhett was like a fish. He practically lived on the water. The only problem was that if he were ever faced with a choice of Darby or the water, the water would always win.
Out of the corner of her eye, Darby saw Breann shake her head and look down at the ground. She knew her best friend was biting her tongue. Breann hated Rhett! Darby figured there were a dozen things Breann wanted to say to Rhett that would probably make him feel smaller than an ant. But out of respect for Darby, Breann's thoughts always remained a secret.
Rhett Carver was a bit of a loner at school. He didn't have many friends and really didn't seem to care. All he cared about was racing boats. He was a rugged, dangerous, fly-by-the-seat-of-his-pants type of guy.
Darby didn't have the slightest clue what had attracted her to Rhett. They gave a new definition to the phrase 'opposites attract.' But through all the differences-Rhett's continuous bad attitude, their clashing appearances, their conflicting personalities-Darby had fallen in love. Now, after almost a year, she couldn't imagine life without him.
"Speaking of water, are you going to Todd Powers' pool party Saturday?" Cameron asked, raising a hand to his forehead to shield his eyes from the blinding sun as he gazed at Darby.
Darby's oval shaped tan face brightened at the mention of a pool party. "I forgot about that!" she exclaimed with a twinkle in her aquamarine eyes. "Are we going baby?" she asked Rhett in a hopeful voice.
"Are you kidding?" Rhett smirked. He glared at Darby as if she had lost her mind. "There's a boat race at the river Saturday. The grand prize is one hundred dollars!"
The smile instantly faded from Darby's lips. "But you promised we would go to the next party someone held," she cried, slapping the ground with her fist. She couldn't count how many fantastic parties she had missed because of one of Rhett's boat races. Even though she had protested many times, he always insisted she tag along to the races.
Darby didn't mind being the supportive girlfriend sometimes but every race Rhett attended always had the same outcome. Darby would spend the day on the beach, watching and waiting for Rhett to remember she was there. Time and time again she reminded herself that boat racing was what he loved. Rhett rarely smiled but when he was around boats no one could wipe the smile off his face. It was her fault that she couldn't share in his excitement because of her babyish fear of water.
"Darby," Rhett shook his head, appearing to get irritated with her, "don't act like such a child. You know I would die if I missed a race. Besides, high school parties are so lame. I don't know why you want to spend a Saturday with stuck-up snobs anyway."
Darby felt a lump of tears form in her throat, but she held them in. It was pointless to argue with Rhett. The boat races were important to him and he was important to her. So what if he was breaking a promise he had made to her? So what if she was going to miss another party to spend another lonely day at the river? At the end of the day, when Rhett won the race, she knew they would go somewhere and spend quality time together and everything would be okay.
"Look, if you really want to go, go without me," Rhett shrugged, his voice taking on a softer tone.
Darby's aquamarine eyes widened to the size of saucers and her jaw nearly dropped to the ground. It was her turn to look at Rhett like he was mental. "Are you serious?" she shrieked, not believing her ears. In all the months she had been dating Rhett and after all her previous objections, he had never suggested or allowed her to go to a party without him. He always insisted on her being by his side.
"I know you would rather go to the party," Rhett said kindly, touching Darby's hand. "Although I can't imagine why," he added dryly.
"But I want to be with you, too," Darby said softly. Suddenly she was faced with the decision of one or the other and was baffled as to which way to go.
"You will be bored out of your mind like you always are at the races," Rhett reminded. "You know I'm going to be caught up with everyone else and you will be left alone. Go to the party," he ordered in a forceful tone. "I'm sure Cameron and Breann won't mind if you go with them."
"N-not at all," Breann stammered, looking as shocked as Darby did by the sudden change in Rhett's attitude.
"Are you sure?" Darby quizzed, glaring at Rhett in astonishment.
Rhett ran his fingers through his bushy black hair. "Positive," he insisted. "I'll come by your house Saturday night and we can spend some time together then."
Darby didn't say another word. She continued to glare at Rhett but there was no way she was going to argue with him. She knew she would have a better time at the party. After all the arguments and objections, she was finally getting what she wanted. But the sudden thought of going somewhere without Rhett after so many months made her wonder if she would really have a good time without him there?
"I have some things to do before class," Rhett said suddenly, getting up from the ground. "I'll see you after school." He leaned down and quickly kissed Darby on the cheek before he sauntered away.
"What just happened here?" Darby asked wrinkling her forehead as she gazed at Breann and Cameron after Rhett walked away.
Breann shook her head wildly and chuckled. "I have no idea," she replied, throwing her hands in the air in surrender. "But if I were you, I wouldn't say another word about the party for fear that he will change his mind."
"This is hopeless!" Darby cried, shoving the last dirty plate into the dishwasher. "I'm going to flunk this test, I'll be grounded until I'm old enough to collect social security, and all because of formulas and compounds. It's so unfair!"
She slammed the dishwasher shut and leaned against it, glaring at the open notebook on the counter across the kitchen with fire in her eyes. "Science," she moaned in frustration, moving closer to the notebook. "Who invented this silly stuff anyway? I'm never going to use this when I get out of school. What's the point in learning it?"
Darby propped her elbows on the counter and hovered over the notebook. A page full of formulas and compounds with at least ten more behind it, all of which she had to know backwards and forwards by the next day. It was hopeless-utterly hopeless! But the worst part was it would be impossible to hide the bad grade from her parents if she flunked the test. How could she hide the grade when her teacher, Mr. Berskey, would make her get the test signed and then call her parents to be sure it was done? It was like being back in kindergarten!
"I better start writing goodbye notes to all my friends," Darby sighed sadly, snatching up the notebook. "I won't be seeing them for a long time after tomorrow." She stomped up the stairs to her room and flopped down on her neatly made bed. "I need a miracle," she groaned as she began to recite the first page of notes in her mind.
As if it wasn't bad enough that her science notes seemed like Greek to her, Rhett hadn't phoned that night. He had told her that day in the courtyard that he would see her after school and she had searched everywhere for him at the end of the day; but he had been no where to be found. Finally she had left the school, convinced that something had come up and he would explain it all when he called that evening.
Every night Rhett called by seven o'clock, and they would talk for at least a half an hour about anything that popped into their heads. Then they would say goodnight with the promise to see one another the next morning. It was a daily ritual that had never been broken in all the months they had been dating.
Darby glanced at the digital alarm clock on her nightstand. It was nearly ten and still no phone call. Was he mad at her about the party? He was the one who had insisted she go without him. Could something have happened to him? The thought of that sent dreadful chills down her spine. It was just so unlike him not to call!
Deciding that, although her studying seemed to be hopeless but definitely wasn't going to get any better if her mind was focusing on Rhett instead, Darby tossed the notebook aside and picked up the phone beside her bed.
After three rings Rhett's father answered. "Is Rhett there?" Darby asked in a soft sweet voice.
"No Darby," Rhett's father said sounding a bit disgusted with his son. "I'm sorry. I haven't seen him yet tonight, but when I do I'll tell him you called."
"That's okay Mr. Carver," Darby sighed. "I'll see him tomorrow at school."
Darby hung up the phone and stared off into space. Where can he be? She wondered aimlessly. She quickly pondered all the possibilities, then attempted to dismiss the thought of Rhett from her mind. She was positive there was a good explanation for him not calling. Putting her priorities in line, she settled back on her bed and returned to studying. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep with her notebook in her hand.
"I need you help," Breann announced, sounding almost in a panic as she and Darby made their way to their lockers the next morning.
"Uh oh," Darby groaned, stopping abruptly in the middle of the hall. "What are you going to get me into this time?" Ever since they were kids Breann had continuously come up with one hair brained idea after another. Although Breann's ideas usually pulled through, Darby always ended up in some sort of predicament or completely embarrassed while Breann walked away the smart innocent victor.
"It's nothing bad," Breann assured, tossing her chestnut brown hair over her shoulder. "I've decided to run for class president."
"Seriously!" Darby exclaimed, eyeing her friend with a puzzled look. "I had no idea you had a politician side. And here I thought I knew everything about you," she teased, taking a few steps down the hall.
Breann reached her locker and began fumbling with the combination. "I really want to do this Darby," she insisted in a strenuous tone. "Do you think I stand a chance?" she quizzed with uncertainty, retrieving her books for her morning classes. "I would be running against Pamela Townson."
"Pamela is the biggest snob in the school," Darby reminded as they pushed their way down the hall to her locker. "She's popular but only because she's known as the wicked witch. Everyone in the school likes you much better," she flattered, leaning against her locker. "If you're really serious about doing this, I think you will be elected in a heartbeat."
"Then I'm going to do it," Breann decided with determination. A sly grin spread across her oval-shaped face. "Will you help me make some posters and stuff?"
"I knew I would get cornered into this some how," Darby sighed playfully, turning to collect her books. She slammed her locker shut and stared at the ceiling. "Breann for President! I have to admit it does have a nice ring to it," she chuckled playfully. "You know I'll have to be your campaign manager."
"Naturally," Breann shrilled in agreement. "So you'll help me?"
"Of course!" Darby exclaimed, seeming shocked that her friend would ask such a thing.
"Good morning beautiful," Rhett greeted flirtatiously, coming up behind Darby.
Darby turned spun around to find herself face to face with her tall rugged boyfriend. Her aquamarine eyes glistened brightly with surprise but her expression instantly changed when she remembered the previous evening. "Where were you last night?" she immediately interrogated, placing her hands on her slim hips. "You didn't call me," she pouted.
"Sorry babe," Rhett shrugged nonchalantly, as if it were nothing important. "I had a spur of the moment night out with the guys. I started to call when I got home but it was to late."
"You didn't study for Mr. Berskey's test today?" Darby prodded, wrinkling her forehead.
"Nah," Rhett snorted with a flourish of his hand. "I'm not worried about that stupid test," he declared, propping against a nearby locker. "I'm sure I can muddle through it just fine."
"I wish I had your confidence," Darby whispered with a sigh. "I prepared myself last night to be grounded for the next eighty years."
Suddenly, the beginning bell for the day screeched through the school's intercom.
"Will you come visit me when I'm locked away in jail?" Darby asked Breann and Rhett, batting her eyelids with a puppy-dog expression.
"Absolutely," Breann proclaimed, flinging her arm around Darby's shoulders. "But you really shouldn't be so negative. You might surprise yourself."
"My optimistic best friend," Darby sang, patting Breann on the back. "That's one of the many reasons I love you so."
"One of us has to be," Breann called after Darby as she entered her first class of the day.
Unfortunately for Darby, all her classes flashed by like a streak of lightening. Before she knew it she was sitting at her desk in Mr. Berskey's class shaking like a leaf in anticipation of the big test. She had spent every possible moment studying more for the test throughout the day but was still no more confident than she had been the night before.
Darby glanced across the room and shot Breann a worried look. Breann flashed her a comforting smile in return.
"You have the entire period to complete the test," the short, pudgy, baldheaded teacher, Mr. Berskey, informed as he passed out the test papers. "When you're finished, turn them in at my desk and return quietly to your seat until class is over."
Darby's heart pounded rapidly as the test paper hit her desktop. Here goes nothing, she sighed silently as she picked up her pencil and began reading the first question. Her palms became sweaty from gripping her pencil for dear life. The entire test was multiple choice and matching questions which was shocking considering Mr. Berskey's tests were usually in essay form. Although she was still unsure of over half the questions, the multiple choice and matching made it easier for her to at least make educated guesses.
By the time Darby completed the test she was a nervous wreck! She finished only seconds before the bell rang to end the class.
"How did you do?" Breann quizzed as she and Darby left the classroom.
Darby shrugged and let out a long uncertain sigh. "I don't know," she shook her head doubtfully. "It wasn't quite as bad as I thought it was going to be, but I still don't think I passed it."
"You know what you need?" Breann interrogated with a twinkle in her sapphire eyes.
"No, but I'm sure you're about to tell me," Darby giggled.
"A shopping spree," Breann announced, clapping her hands. "Let's go to the mall," she suggested eagerly. "I need a new swimsuit to wear to Todd's party tomorrow."
"I don't know Breann," Darby hesitated, pushing her way through the jam packed hall to her locker. "I'll have to find Rhett first and make sure he hasn't planned for us to go out tonight first."
"Darby -- " Breann began but stopped herself in mid-sentence. She would probably never understand why her best friend allowed a guy like Rhett to control her life.
Astonishingly, Rhett was leaning against Darby's locker when she reached her destination. "Hello there," Darby sang gleaming with happiness. A grin covered her face from cheek to cheek. "We were just talking about you."
"Good things, I hope," Rhett said, moving aside so Darby could toss her books in her locker.
"Always," Darby cooed, slamming her locker shut. "So, what does my wonderful boyfriend have planned for tonight?" she asked, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Actually, that's why I was waiting for you," Rhett began, grabbing Darby's arms. He removed her arms from his neck and held her hands down in front of him. "I forgot to tell you this morning. I'm taking the boat out this afternoon. I have to make sure everything is running right before tomorrow-so-I won't be around tonight."
Darby's aquamarine eyes lowered to the floor. "Oh," she said softly, shuffling her feet on the tile.
"I don't know how late I will be-but I'll call you when I get home."
Before Darby could say another word, Rhett kissed her quickly on the cheek and hurried down the hall.
"I guess we can go to the mall after all," Darby whispered sadly, watching after Rhett until he disappeared in the crowd.
"Hey, it will be fun," Breann said in a perky voice, playfully slapping Darby on the shoulder in an attempt to cheer her up. "We haven't been shopping together in forever."
"Check out this one!" Darby exclaimed forty-five minutes later. It hadn't taken long once she and Breann reached the mall for her spirits to lift again. Shopping always did wonders for her soul. "Isn't it fabulous?"
"Yeah," Breann hesitated, glaring at the black and white bikini Darby was holding in front of her. "Don't you think something with a little more color would be better though?" she interrogated, squinting her eyes in disapproval. "You have such beautiful tan skin and brighter colors will really show it off more."
Darby shrugged. "Okay," she said simply, shoving the swimsuit back on the rack.
"Here's one that would look magnificent on you," Breann announced, snatching a swimsuit off the revolving clothes rack. She handed the bikini to Darby and folded her arms in front of her chest waiting for a response.
"Do you really think so?" Darby asked skeptically, wrinkling her forehead. "It looks like it would be awfully revealing."
"But you have the body for it," Breann urged with a sly grin. "Trust me, you wear that tomorrow and you will be the center of attention at Todd's party."
"I don't exactly want to be the center of attention," Darby protested, tossing the swimsuit onto a nearby shelf. "I do have a boyfriend, remember. Rhett would have a cow if he saw me in something like this,"
"Darby," Breann frowned, placing her hands on her hips. "Are you going to let that boy pick out your clothes for you, too?" she interrogated with a quizzical stare. "I try my best to stay out of your relationship with Rhett, but get with the program, girl He's not even going to be there tomorrow. He'll never know what you wore to the party."
"I guess you're right," Darby gave in with a sigh, snatching up the bikini. "It is pretty," she agreed almost as an afterthought, glaring at the swimsuit. "Okay. I'll buy it."
"Great! Now all we have to do is find something for me," Breann proclaimed with a defeated expression.
Darby and Breann searched for an hour and a half before Breann finally settled on a solid baby blue bikini with ruffle trim. Nearly exhausted from their afternoon of shopping, they exited the mall and sought to find their cars.
"Do you have plans with Cameron tonight?" Darby asked, propping her elbows on the roof of her car.
"No, he has a dinner date with his parents or something," Breann answered. "He promised me he will make it up to me tomorrow night."
"Let's go to a movie," Darby suggested eagerly. "It beats spending a Friday night at home alone."
"Sounds good," Breann agreed, hopping behind the wheel of her car. "I'll be at your house in about an hour."
Darby slid into her new bright yellow and teal bikini and glared at her reflection in the mirror. She had to admit the swimsuit looked great on her, but the low cut top held together by a tiny gold hook that rested between her breast made her feel a bit uncomfortable. It was sexy and she did have the body for it, but the longer she gazed at herself in the mirror the guiltier she began to feel. Pangs of guilt for wearing something so flattering in front of anyone but Rhett.
Sighing heavily, Darby reached over and retrieved a long pink T-shirt that was draped over the back of a chair. She slipped on a pair of tight fitting blue jean shorts and allowed her T-shirt to fall freely, almost concealing her shorts. If the desire to show- off hit her at the party, she would remove her outer clothing, but until then the security of being covered by the oversized shirt and shorts would ease her nerves.
Darby sauntered over to the window, checking to see if Cameron and Breann had arrived, but the driveway was empty. It was a gorgeous, sunny day outside. Perfect weather for Todd's pool party and Rhett's boat races. The thought of Rhett made her heart sink. He hadn't called that morning. Although he never said he would when they talked the night before, Darby had still hoped to hear his voice before she left.
Although she would never say it to his face, a part of her was beginning to wonder what was really going on with Rhett. Over the course of the previous weeks he had began acting strangely. He had nearly stopped spending any time with her, hardly ever called, and when he did call he never had much to say. Then he had allowed her to go to Todd's party! That was totally unlike him.
Lost in her thoughts of Rhett, Darby didn't notice Cameron and Breann pull into the driveway. The doorbell chimed through the house, sending Darby's mind whirling back to reality. Out the window, she saw Breann patiently waiting at the front door.
Darby grabbed her plastic beach bag packed with a towel and hair bands and bounced down the stairs.
"Good morning sunshine," Breann greeted when Darby opened the front door. "Are you ready to have the time of your life?"
"As ready as I will ever be," Darby forced a smile, following her friend to Cameron's car.
"Uh oh," Breann groaned, hopping into the passenger seat of the car. "You definitely don't sound like you are in the mood I expected you to be in today."
"Sorry," Darby sighed, settling into the back seat. "I'm in a good mood," she insisted, faking a perky expression. "What did you expect? Did you want me to do cartwheels out the door to the car?"
"Not exactly," Breann replied, giggling at her friend's silliness. "I just thought you would be a little more excited about going to the party. After all, you did get out of spending a boring day at the boat races, which I know you hate, to attend one of the biggest parties of the year."
"I'm just not used to doing anything without Rhett at my side," Darby admitted sadly, pushing her auburn hair behind her shoulders. "I think he's mad at me. He didn't call this morning before he left for the races."
"So that's what's wrong," Cameron concluded, joining in on the conversation as he drove toward Todd's house. "When's the last time you talked to him?"
"Last night," Darby replied, leaning forward in her seat. "He called me last night after he got back from taking the boat out for a test drive."
"Did he sound mad at you then?"
"No," Darby shook her head vigorously. "Actually, he acted like he always does-happy, caring, and loveable," she lied. She didn't want to tell her friends her suspicions about Rhett. Although she had the feeling that something just wasn't right and could really use someone to talk to about it, telling her friends would be the worst thing she could do. She knew they would love nothing more than for her and Rhett to break up.
Breann whipped her head around and glanced at Darby over her shoulder. She didn't say anything, but Darby could read her mind. When was Rhett ever happy, caring, and loveable? So she had picked the wrong words to cover the truth.
"Then why would you think he's mad at you?" Cameron shrugged, pulling into the driveway of Todd's house. "Just because he didn't call you this morning doesn't mean a thing. You know he will call you tonight and everything will be perfect again," he assured Darby. "Now, put your worries out of your mind and try to have a good time today."
"You're right," Darby declared with fake enthusiasm. "This is the first party I've been to in ages and I'm going to have a good time," she vowed, stepping out of the car.
"That's my girl," Cameron smiled, wrapping his arms around Breann and Darby's shoulders as they sauntered to the gate. "Tell me I am not going to be the luckiest guy at this party," he kidded. "I've got two beautiful girls for my date. How many guys can say that?"
The party was in full swing by the time they stepped through the gate. Almost instantaneously, Todd Powers, the host of the party and Cameron's best friend, spotted them and darted across the crowded yard.
"Cameron, glad you could make it," Todd accosted as he walked up and patted his friend on the back.
"Looks like you've outdone yourself again," Cameron proclaimed, gazing around at all the fellow students who had showed up for the party. Todd's parties always had the best turn out. Of course, he always had the tendency of making his parties the best and most talked about of the year.
The Olympic sized swimming pool was swarming with guys and girls splashing around and playing pool games while others danced on the grass to the fast beat of the latest rock music blaring from the enormous sound system Todd had set up in the yard. A row of tables covered with various appetizers lined the seven-foot tall privacy fence on one side and tables and chairs were scattered through out the remainder of the yard.
"I think more and more people show up every time I have one of these," Todd declared with a look of satisfaction, throwing his hands in the air.
"And you know it will be the talk of the school for weeks after, too," Breann reminded, with a glistening smile. "Just like you wanted."
"You are definitely the last person I thought would show up," Todd said with a welcome and kind look as he gazed at Darby. "I don't think I've seen you at a party since you started dating that guy Rhett."
"Rhett and I stay so busy," Darby lied, forcing a smile. "We haven't had time to make any parties this year but I decided I wasn't going to miss this one."
"Well, I'm glad you're here," Todd smiled flirtatiously, tilting his head. "If you will excuse me, I have to mingle with the rest of the guests. I'll catch up with you guys later."
Out of the corner of her aquamarine eyes, Darby saw Breann shaking her head in frustration as Todd cascaded away. "What?" Darby asked, glaring at her friend.
"Why do you -- " Breann began but stopped herself in mid-sentence. "Never mind," she said quickly with a flourish of her hand. "We're here to have a good time. Let's go check out the buffet tables. I'm starving!"
Darby pushed her friend's frustrations aside as she followed her and Cameron to the buffet tables. She knew what Breann had wanted to say. Why was she always covering for Rhett? Everything she had said to Todd had been a lie. She and Rhett were never too busy to attend the parties. Rhett just refused to go.
"Darn!" Breann suddenly exclaimed, stopping dead in her tracks. "Would you look at that," she shrieked, pointing across the yard. "Pamela Townson has turned this party into her election headquarters."
Darby followed her friend's gaze to a group of students standing across the yard surrounding a table full of flyers, buttons, and signs, which read 'Pamela Townson for class president'. "I can't believe Todd allowed her to do that!" she shrilled in shock.
"Oh why didn't I take the time to make up some signs and buttons last night," Breann whined, slapping her forehead. "Now she is really going to have a head start on getting votes."
"Don't worry sweetheart," Cameron consoled, gently pulling Breann against his side. "We'll spend the entire day tomorrow making up stuff announcing you as her opposition and Monday morning we'll paste them up everywhere. By the end of the afternoon you will have everyone in the school on your side."
"You're right," Breann declared in persistence. "I'm not going to let that witch get the best of me."
"Sweetheart, you're something else," Cameron chuckled, kissing her on the top of the head.
"Can you believe all this food!" Darby shrieked, staring at the buffet tables in amazement. "Todd must have prepared to feed an army."
"Actually Darby, there are more people here than in the entire United States Army," Cameron laughed, scanning the over crowded yard.
"True," Darby agreed, raising one perfectly plucked brow as she began piling finger sandwiches, vegetables, chips, crackers, and other appetizers on her plate.
"Girl, I will never understand how you can eat like you do and stay so fit and trim," Breann scowled in resentment as she placed a few selected low calorie items on her plate.
Darby shrugged and bit into a finger sandwich loaded with mayonnaise. "It's a gift," she said nonchalantly, talking with her mouth full.
"Baby, our song is playing," Cameron announced as the slow beat of a love song filled the air. "Do you want to dance?"
"Absolutely," Breann gleamed, setting her plate on the edge of a nearby table.
Darby watched as Cameron led Breann to a part of the yard set aside for dancing. She would never admit it but she envied Breann. Cameron was so romantic, so loving. Why couldn't Rhett be that way? Through all her suspicions and wants for him to be more gentle she still missed him. Her heart ached at the absence of Rhett. Although she knew that if he had been there he wouldn't dance with her anyway, she longed to be in his arms.
"Care to dance?" Todd asked softly, breaking into Darby's thoughts.
Darby turned her head, startled. She hadn't realized Todd had walked up to her. "No-thank you," she answered distractedly, shaking her head.
"It was worth a try," Todd said with a shrug. "Are you having a good time?"
"Of course," Darby lied. Actually, she really wasn't enjoying herself at all. She was beginning to wish she had tagged along with Rhett to the races. She just felt so out of place!
"You never said earlier, why isn't Rhett here with you?" Todd quizzed with obvious interest. "The two of you aren't fighting, are you?"
"Oh no!" Darby gasped, digging in her beach bag at her feet for a hair band. "Everything is fantastic between Rhett and I," she lied, not meeting Todd's glare. "He had a boat race to participate in at the river," she explained, pulling her shoulder length auburn hair into a ponytail.
"Well, I'm glad the two of you are so happy." Todd shuffled his feet and looked away. "I have to go over here and talk with someone. If you change your mind about the dance let me know."
"Why did Todd leave so suddenly?" Breann questioned as she and Cameron returned from their dance.
"He had to talk to someone," Darby replied with a shrug. "He just came over to see if I wanted to dance."
"And you turned him down!" Breann shrilled, wrinkling her forehead. "Why?"
"Because I have a boyfriend," Darby answered dryly, tugging at her over sized T-shirt. "I can't dance with another guy!"
"Darby -- " Breann hesitated, searching for the right words. "You wanted so much to come to this party today. Why? All you are doing is standing in one spot watching everyone else have all the fun. You could have done that at the beach with Rhett," she shrieked. "Mingle with people, take off that shirt you keep pulling at, show off that new swim suit, and try to have some fun."
"I just feel so uncomfortable," Darby argued, frowning hopelessly.
"Well get over it!" Breann ordered with devastating force. "Do you think Rhett is moping around at the races because you aren't there?"
Darby's gaze fell to the ground and her eyes began to burn from unshed tears. She knew full well that Rhett wasn't moping around at the races. She was probably the farthest thing from his mind at that time. "I guess you're right," she finally admitted, almost in a whisper.
"Of course she's right," Cameron butted in.
"Okay, okay," Darby giggled, giving in. Taking a deep breath she slowly slid off her T-shirt and shorts. "Is that better?"
"Whoa," Cameron moaned, eyeing her approvingly. "You look that good in that bikini and you were keeping it covered!"
"Hey!" Breann slapped Cameron playfully on the shoulder, faking a pout. "You didn't say that about me when I took off my shirt and shorts."
"But-but darling, you always look fantastic," Cameron stuttered, turning three shades of red.
"Oh, and I usually look terrible," Darby tilted her head and glared at Cameron.
"No!" Cameron exclaimed, his jaw dropping. "I give up," he proclaimed, throwing his hands in the air in defeat.
"You better stop while you're ahead honey," Breann chuckled, cuddling up to Cameron.
"Darby, I love your swimsuit," Maria Fuller complimented as she walked by, patting her on her bare shoulder.
"See, I told you so," Breann gloated with a satisfied gleam.
It was amazing. Once Darby loosened up and began talking with all her friends, she had the time of her life. It wasn't until she began dancing with Todd later in the afternoon that she thought about Rhett again.
The dance had been her idea. She loved to dance and had convinced herself that one friendly dance wouldn't hurt. But when Todd took her in his arms and the tingling sensation swept throughout her body she began to wonder if she had been wrong. The dance was perfectly innocent but talk about feeling guilty! Feeling someone else's muscular arms wrapped around her waist, the electricity that seemed to spark when she laid her head on Todd's broad shoulder, could she have been wrong?
By the time she left the party with Cameron and Breann, Darby felt on top of the world. She couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun.
"Breann and I are going out to dinner," Cameron announced, pulling into the driveway of Darby's house.
"We are?" Breann asked with a quizzical expression. Obviously it was a surprise to her.
Cameron simply smiled at Breann, ignoring her question. "Do you want to join us?" he asked Darby.
"No," Darby declined, climbing out of the car. "Rhett is supposed to call soon. We're probably going out or something. You two have a good time."
"Are you coming to the house tomorrow to help make the campaign signs?" Breann questioned with a hopeful expression.
"Of course!" Darby exclaimed, tossing her beach bag over her shoulder. "We are going to get you elected class president," she informed with determination. "I'll be there first thing in the morning."
Breann ran a soft bristle brush one last time through her long chestnut hair and took one last glance at her reflection in the mirror. Turning from side to side, she admired the hourglass figure staring back at her. She hoped she had chosen the right outfit for dinner. Cameron's only instructions had been to wear something nice. Nice! That could mean almost anything. If only he would have told her where he was taking her. But Cameron loved surprises, and he knew Breann loved to be surprised.
One hour after Cameron had brought Breann home he returned to pick her up for their night on the town. Breann's heart skipped a beat as she descended the stairs to find Cameron patiently waiting for her at the bottom. He looked so handsome in his kaki slacks, navy blue oxford shirt, and matching blazer and tie. They had been dating for quite a while and yet it still blew Breann's mind how she ever got so lucky as to have him for a boyfriend.
"Is this nice enough?" Breann asked, running her hands down her sides. She had chosen her favorite dress-knee length, tight fitting, low cut, and rose colored with spaghetti strap shoulders.
"You look spectacular as always," Cameron complimented with an approving, loving, seductive smile as he gently grabbed her hand.
"Are you going to tell me where we are going?" Breann quizzed as she allowed herself to be led outside to Cameron's car.
Cameron simply smiled mischievously, opening the passenger door of the car for her. "Nope," he replied slyly. "You'll find out when we get there."
Breann settled in her seat. She shivered with excitement and anticipation as Cameron climbed behind the wheel of the car.
The air was filled with silence as Cameron drove through the streets of town. Breann slid in her seat closer to Cameron and laid her head on his shoulder. Countless times she and Cameron went for rides through town just to escape from the rest of the world. They rarely talked when they were in the car. They simply remained silent and enjoyed the scenery until they reached their destination.
It wasn't until Cameron pulled into the parking lot of the Imperial Restaurant that Breann lifted her head from his shoulder. "This is my surprise?" she asked, gazing out the windshield in astonishment. "Sweetheart, you must be kidding."
"No my lady," Cameron shook his head. He ran his long slender fingers through Breann's hair and smiled at her lovingly. "This is your surprise."
Breann had fantasized many times about what it would be like to have dinner at the Imperial Restaurant but had never dreamed she would get the opportunity to go. The Imperial was the most ritzy, elegant restaurant in town.
"Baby, are you sure you can afford this?" Breann asked concerned as Cameron led her across the crowded parking lot to the enormous stained glass doors of the restaurant. Cameron was from a wealthy family, but she knew his parents didn't allow him to have enough money to blow on such an expensive dinner.
"Don't worry, I talked my father into giving me his charge card," Cameron assured, sliding his arm around Breann's trim waist. "It's been a long time since I've asked for anything extra."
Once inside the restaurant, Breann could do nothing more than gaze around in complete awe as the maitre d' led her and Cameron to a secluded candle lit table in the corner of the lavish dining room.
"This place is even more exquisite than I had pictured," Breann whispered as she sat down in the chair the maitre d' had pulled out for her across the table from Cameron.
"Anything for my beautiful girlfriend," Cameron smiled seductively, reaching for her hand.
Romance filled the air as Cameron and Breann ordered their entrees and became engulfed in various conversations. The atmosphere was impeccable for a lovely quixotic dinner. Soft slow music played in the background and, although the restaurant was nearly packed to capacity, everyone kept their voices low so the dining room was as quiet as possible.
"I hate to say this but, as much as I like Darby, I'm glad she didn't accept my invitation to come with us," Cameron admitted, sipping on his ginger ale. They weren't old enough to drink yet so they had decided to drink ginger ale to give them the feeling of drinking champagne.
"What would you have done if she had wanted to come?" Breann interrogated, raising one perfectly plucked brow.
Cameron rested his chin on his index finger thoughtfully. "I would have postponed this dinner until tomorrow night," he finally said. "I just couldn't drop her off at her house knowing she would probably end up spending a Saturday night alone without at least offering for her to join us."
"You are such a gentleman," Breann cooed, reaching across the table to stroke his cheek. "I hope you're wrong though. I would feel so bad if Darby ended up spending the -- " her words trailed off.
"What's wrong?" Cameron asked, wrinkling his forehead.
Breann blinked twice. Were her eyes deceiving her? Surely she was seeing things. "The guy that just walked behind you. If I didn't know better I would swear it was Rhett," she said slowly, almost in a whisper. Her eyes scanned the dining room but the guy seemed to have disappeared.
"Rhett Carver!" Cameron chuckled, covering his mouth with his hand to suppress his giggles. "That boy would never be seen in a place like this much less be able to afford it. Heck, the way he dresses they wouldn't even let him in the front door."
"I guess you're right," Breann conceded with a sigh, but the uneasiness that had overwhelmed her the instant the Rhett look alike passed by refused to fade. She knew that it was highly unlikely that the guy she saw was Rhett, but her suspicions were not going to subside until she knew for sure.
Their dinner arrived and Breann and Cameron began eating their chicken cordon bleu that Cameron had ordered for them. The chicken was absolutely scrumptious-perfectly seasoned and so tender it practically melted in their mouths. It may have been outrageously priced food but it was well worth every penny.
As Breann devoured her dinner she caught herself still scanning the room for the Rhett look alike. Her gaze danced around the room numerous times before her eyes finally landed on the boy again.
Instantly, there was no doubt in Breann's mind that it was Rhett. He was surprisingly dressed in a pair of black slacks and a hunter green shirt, but the shaggy black hair and facial features were unmistakable. There he was sitting at a table twenty feet away talking wildly and appearing to be having the time of his life. A waiter taking an order at another table blocked Breann's view of Rhett's companion, but the instant the waiter moved she wished he had stayed. The sickening feeling she had felt moments before intensified as she realized his companion was not Darby, but an attractive blond she had never seen before.
"Cameron, it is Rhett!" Breann gasped in horror. Her sapphire eyes widened to the size of saucers. "He's here with another girl!"
Cameron discretely turned in his seat and spotted the couple. "Maybe that's his sister," he suggested with an unconcerned shrug. But from the sound of his voice Breann could tell even he didn't really believe what he was saying. "Doesn't he have a sister that goes to a private school in Paris?"
No sooner than the words left Cameron's mouth, Rhett leaned across the table and kissed the mysterious girl on the lips. "Do you kiss your sister like that?" Breann asked, feeling her blood boil with anger.
"Oh boy," Cameron sighed with a disgusted expression, shaking his head in disbelief. "Baby, don't make a scene," he pleaded, knowing his girlfriend's temper-especially when it came to someone hurting the people she cared about. "Just let it go and we'll deal with it later."
Taking a few deep, calming breaths to control her temper, Breann allowed the subject to drop but it still preyed heavily on her mind. From that moment on, her romantic evening with Cameron was totally shot. She couldn't stand to sit and watch the episode across the dining room any longer. Pushing her plate of half-eaten food away, Breann insisted she and Cameron leave the restaurant. The last thing she wanted was for Rhett to see them there-for him to know they had seen him with another girl.
Obeying Breann's wishes, Cameron drove her straight home. After a long, sweet, loving goodbye at the door, Breann went to her room to contemplate the situation of Rhett Carver. Never in her life had she experienced such a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. What was the right thing to do? Should she tell Darby what she had seen? Should she keep her mouth shut and let her find out for herself? The questions played again and again in her mind.
Deep down Breann knew she should tell Darby but she was deathly afraid Darby wouldn't believe her. She knew how much Darby cared for Rhett. She also knew that Darby was aware how much she despised him.
Trying to put herself in Darby's shoes, Breann wondered how she would feel if the situation were reversed. Would she want Darby to tell her if she had seen Cameron with someone else? The thought was inconceivable. Better yet, if Darby hated Cameron as much as she disliked Rhett, would she believe her friend if she had something so horrible to tell her about her boyfriend?
After hours of deliberating, Breann finally drifted off to sleep deciding against telling Darby about Rhett and the other girl. She couldn't tell Darby for fear that she would choose to believe Rhett over her and allow the truth to ruin their friendship forever.
"Wake up sleepy head," Darby sang, bursting through the door of Breann's bedroom bright and early the next morning.
Breann rolled over and buried her face in her fluffy feather pillow. "What time is it?" she groaned in a muffled voice.
"Time for you to get your butt out of bed," Darby answered, snatching the paint splattered print bed spread from her friend. "We have work to do-flyers, buttons, posters. You don't think the President was able to sleep all day during his election do you?"
Breann opened one sapphire eye and shot her friend a killer look. "Darby, I'm running for class president not the President of the United States," she moaned, sitting up in bed. Now, with both eyes opened, she rubbed them vigorously, trying to focus on her surroundings.
"Good grief!" Darby shrilled, slapping her hands over her face. "Lay back down," she ordered, laughing hysterically. "Your hair wasn't sticking out so bad when it was pressed against the pillow. You look like a porcupine!"
Breann snatched her pillow from behind her and sent it sailing across the room, smacking Darby in the head. "Thanks a million!" she shrieked, falling back onto the bed.
"You're welcome," Darby replied with a mischievous smile, plopping down on the edge of the bed. "Now, as your campaign manager, I order you to get out of bed," she declared, slapping the bed with her fist. "Get up, throw on some clothes, and brush that dreadful hair. We have work to do."
"Oh, why did I appoint you manager?" Breann moaned, slowly crawling out of bed.
"You didn't. I insisted," Darby reminded. "I knew you were going to need someone to keep you in line and motivated." She grabbed her book bag that she had brought with her and dumped it out on the floor at the foot of the bed. "I didn't know what we were going to need or what you had already so I brought everything I had, too."
Breann slipped into a pair of gray biker shorts and a sunflower tank top and glared at her friend in amusement. "Where did this sudden burst of energy and this overly perky attitude come from this morning?" she quizzed, quickly running a brush through her tangled chestnut hair.
"I don't know," Darby shrugged. "I felt totally depressed when I woke up, but Rhett called and I feel so much better."
Breann tossed the brush on her dresser and spun around, staring at her friend with a stunned expression. The evening before when she and Cameron had seen Rhett with the mysterious blond had nearly slipped her mind. Probably because she wasn't fully awake yet.
For hours the night before, sleep had seemed virtually impossible for Breann. On top of feeling terribly guilty for destroying her special evening with Cameron, contemplating the decision of telling or not telling Darby about what she and Cameron had seen at the restaurant had haunted her the entire night. When she had slept, she had nightmares about the situation! Now Darby was sitting on her bedroom floor practically glowing because Rhett had called her that morning. There was absolutely no way she could tell Darby the truth! She couldn't be the one to break Darby's heart.
"You know, it's amazing. Last night I was so mad at Rhett I couldn't see straight," Darby confessed, fiddling with the markers, papers, and other things she had dumped on the floor. "I waited all night for him to call and he never did. I even cried myself to sleep! But first thing this morning the phone rang and it was Rhett. The races ran late yesterday and he decided to stay with a buddy of his who lives near the river instead of driving home. He was so apologetic and swore he would make it up to me tonight. I don't know what it is about him but no matter what he does, I just can't stay mad at him."
Want to bet, Breann thought with a devastated sigh as she plopped down Indian style on the floor across from Darby. If you only knew what he was really doing last night you wouldn't have any problems staying mad at him, she wanted to tell her friend. The more she listened to Darby go on and on about how wonderful Rhett was, the more she wanted to shout out the truth to her, but she couldn't find the words. She knew Darby would be crushed and she just couldn't bring herself to be the one to do it to her.
"What's the matter?" Darby interrogated, breaking in to Breann's thoughts. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"I just love to see you happy," Breann lied, shaking her head. It wasn't a total lie. She did love to see her friend happy. Unfortunately, she knew Darby would one day find out that her happiness wasn't truly happiness at all. "So where do we start?" she asked quickly, changing the subject.
"I got bored last night so I made up these rough drafts of some signs we can make," Darby informed, spreading out pieces of construction paper on the floor in front of her that read 'Breann-Your Class President' and 'Breann Jordan-the Smart Choice'.
"These are cool," Breann smiled in approval. "You did a great job."
"Fantastic! Now, all we need to do is duplicate them onto all these papers so we can post them around the school," Darby proclaimed, tossing a stack of blank construction paper onto the floor. "Doesn't your dad have a copy machine down stairs?"
"Yeah, it's in his office," Breann answered, snatching a few pieces of the paper from the stack. Her father was a prominent insurance salesman and had his own personal office in the house stocked with everything they could imagine in the category of office supplies. "I'm sure he will let us run off a bunch of flyers if that's what you're getting at."
"Now you're waking up," Darby kidded. "Tomorrow we are going to pass out the flyers to everyone in the school. We are going to bug everyone so much with your election stuff that they will promise to vote for you just so we will leave them alone."
"That's devious, Darby," Breann chuckled, placing her hands on the smooth charcoal gray carpet underneath the posters and jumping to her feet.
"That's politics my dear," Darby gleamed, raising her index finger for emphasis.
By the time Darby left Breann's house later that afternoon to go home to get ready for her night with Rhett, Breann's room was cluttered with posters and flyers of all different shapes and colors. The two were certain that by the end of school the next day the campus would be redecorated with 'Breann-Your Class President' wallpaper.
Darby propped her feet on the couch beside her and leaned back in Rhett's arms. Her night out with her boyfriend had ended up being a night on the sofa in the living room of her house watching movies, but she didn't mind. Rhett seldom wanted to go out. Renting a few movies, popping popcorn, and cuddling on the couch was more his speed. Darby cherished evenings like this with Rhett. Sure, she loved to go out to dinner or to the theater, but staying home in Rhett's arms seemed more personal, and the closest thing to romance that she would ever get out of Rhett.
"I love you, darling," Darby whispered, sinking deeper into Rhett's side.
"I love you, too, baby," Rhett responded with less feeling than Darby had anticipated.
"Is something wrong?" Darby asked concerned, leaning forward to look him in his emerald green eyes. "You seem a million miles away tonight."
Rhett shook his head. "No, everything is fine," he said quickly, his eyes glued to the television. "I'm just into this movie. You know this is my favorite movie of all time."
"Sorry," Darby said, sloping back onto the sofa. "Just checking."
"I'm fine, Sweetheart," Rhett assured dryly, rubbing her shoulder with his fingertips. He leaned over and planted a hard kiss on the top of her head.
Darby sat silently for the remainder of the movie enjoying the feeling of being in Rhett's arms. When the movie ended, Rhett rose from the sofa and ejected the tape from the VCR.
"You haven't said anything about the races yesterday," Darby proclaimed, eyeing him with a puzzled expression. Usually he would be talking about nothing else. "How did it go?"
"Can you believe I came this close to winning?" Rhett shrieked, holding up his thumb and index finger one-inch apart. "Pete Collins won! His boat is a piece of junk. I can't believe he beat me!"
"Baby, I know how bad you wanted to win, but you can't win them all," Darby consoled, attempting to make him feel better about his loss.
"I should be able to," Rhett insisted, shaking his head vigorously. "It just means I need to spend more time on fixing up my boat. There is something I'm not doing right, but I'll figure it out before the next race," he vowed.
"I'm sorry you didn't win," Darby said softly, wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
"What about you?" Rhett interrogated, his facial features tightening. "I heard you were the life of the party at Todd's yesterday."
Darby looked stunned. Who had he talked to that had been at Todd's party? "I wouldn't say I was the life of the party but I had a good time," she responded, her voice beginning to quiver. For reasons unknown, her hands began to shake uncontrollably.
"I know all the guys were falling all over themselves trying to stare at you in that new swimsuit you bought," Rhett uttered, releasing her from his embrace. "I heard you were a knockout."
"Is that what's wrong?" Darby questioned, her gaze falling to the floor. "Are you mad at me for wearing a new swimsuit to the party?"
"No, I just wish you wouldn't wear something so revealing in public," Rhett said dryly. "From what I was told you were barely covered. Did you have to show off your entire body the first time I let you go to a party without me?"
"Rhett, I didn't -- " Darby began but the lump of tears that was starting to form in her throat prevented her from finishing.
"Forget it Darby," Rhett ordered, throwing his hand in the air. "Just don't make a fool out of me like that again."
Darby stood speechless, glaring at Rhett. Her eyes clouded over with unshed tears.
"I have to get home," Rhett sighed, kissing her quickly on the lips. "I'll see you tomorrow at school." With that he spun around and walked out of the house, leaving Darby to crumble in the middle of the living room floor.
"That's the last one," Breann said to herself, clapping her hands. Taking a few steps back, she gazed with a gloating expression at the poster promoting her candidacy for class president that was now hanging on the front wall of the school.
Cameron and Darby had met her at school early that morning to help distribute the election material. Deciding they would be able to cover more territory before the beginning bell rang if they split up, the three went their separate ways, agreeing to meet back in the East Wing of the building when they were done. Now that Breann had run out of her stack of posters and flyers she set out in search of her boyfriend and best friend.
It was getting closer to the time for classes to begin. The halls, which had held an eerie silence minutes before, were now becoming loud from the arrival of students involved in wild conversations.
"Breann, I had no idea you were running against Pamela for class president!" Nora Dawson exclaimed, running up to Breann in the hallway.
"At least I know someone is reading my posters," Breann smiled with satisfaction.
"Are you kidding! Everyone will be reading them," Nora declared, tossing her long sand blond hair over her shoulder. "We have all been waiting to see who Pamela's competition would be. I'm so glad it's you and not another stuck-up snob. You definitely have my vote."
Breann's smile widened greatly. "Thank you, Nora," she said with a trace of surprise in her voice. Nora was one of the most popular girls in the school. To have her on her side was going to be some of the best promotion she could ask for.
"I'll help spread the word for you," Nora offered. "And I'll tell all my friends they'd better vote for you." With that, she turned and disappeared down the hall.
Excitement and gratification filled Breann's body as she pushed her way down the hall, returning to her search for Cameron and Darby. She couldn't wait to tell them that Nora Dawson was on her side.
"I want to talk to you," a male voice suddenly said forcefully, grabbing her by the arm and jerking her around to face him.
"Ouch, that hurt!" Breann shrieked, snatching her arm from the boy's grasp. Looking up, she found herself glaring into the cold dark eyes of Rhett Carver. "Don't you ever grab me like that again," she exploded, her sapphire eyes fuming with anger.
"I see you're running for class president," Rhett declared sarcastically.
"So, what is it to you? That doesn't give you the right to hurt me like that," Breann ranted. She was determined not to back down to Rhett. Darby might put up with him and his meanness but there was no way she was going to.
"I saw you and Cameron at the Imperial Restaurant Saturday," Rhett informed sarcastically, his features tightening. "And I know you saw me."
"Yeah I saw you," Breann declared hotly. "I saw you cheating on Darby with some blond!"
"You better keep your mouth shut about it, too," Rhett warned, pointing a finger in Breann's face. Lowering his voice he continued, "If Darby finds out I will know who told her and I promise you I will destroy any chances you might have of being elected class president and make you the laughing stock of the entire school."
"Are you threatening me?" Breann raged, raising one brow. It took every ounce of her soul to remain calm with Rhett. She wanted more than anything to pounce on him and beat him to a bloody pulp but she knew, even as scrawny as he was, she was no match for him.
"No, darling, it's not a threat, it's a promise. A promise that I will keep if I'm forced to," Rhett cautioned.
"Rhett, you know Darby loves you," Breann said between deep calming breaths. "Why are you doing this to her?" she pleaded, attempting to make sense of the situation.
"I don't have to explain anything to you," Rhett flared. "What I do is my business and my business only. You just make sure Darby doesn't find out or you will regret it." He spun on his heels and stormed off.
Breann stood in the middle of the hall, stunned by Rhett's threats and words of warning. He actually thought he could get away with cheating on Darby! It was obvious he was going to see whomever he wanted and still keep Darby on the side.
I have to do something, Breann thought aimlessly. But what? Rhett is bad. I know he can hurt me in more ways than one. But he's hurting my best friend too. There has to be some way to protect her without ruining my life, too. But how?
The bell announcing the beginning of the school day screeched through the intercom. So much for finding Cameron and Darby before class, Breann thought sadly. As she sauntered to her first class a lump of tears began to form in her throat. Somehow, some way she had to find an answer to her problems with Rhett. She had known since the moment she saw him at the restaurant with the other girl that the right thing to do would be to tell Darby but the fear of being the one to crush her best friend's world had kept her from doing so. Now the situation had become more complex. If she told the truth now, she would not only hurt her friend and risk loosing a life-long friendship but she would also risk ruining her own life.
Concentration seemed to be a foreign concept for Breann through her morning classes. She couldn't think about anything else but Rhett, Darby, and selfishly, herself. She moped from class to class on the verge of tears. By lunchtime the only thing she wanted to do was go home and cry.
"Baby, is something wrong?" Cameron asked with a concerned expression as they made their way through the lunch line in the cafeteria.
"No," Breann lied, forcing a smile. She had realized that she couldn't even tell Cameron about her encounter with Rhett. If Cameron knew Rhett had threatened her he would hit the roof and probably Rhett, too. Then Darby would find out the truth for sure.
As Breann and Cameron scanned the courtyard for an empty table, Breann attempted to put her problems behind her. If she didn't Cameron would pester her like he always did until she told him what was on her mind. Then the world would fall to pieces.
She wondered where Darby was. It was unusual for Darby not to find her and Cameron the instant the bell rang for lunch break. After a moment of searching for a table in the courtyard her question was answered. That day Rhett had gotten to Darby first. The sickening feeling that had overwhelmed Breann Saturday night at the restaurant contiguously returned. Of all the nerve-Rhett was sitting at a table across the courtyard, hovering over Darby. In all the months that Darby and Rhett had been dating, Breann had never seen him hugging on Darby and kissing on her the way he was doing at that moment.
Finally Cameron found an empty table and led Breann toward it. As she sat down across from him she took one look at the food in front of her and felt a nauseating sensation in the pit of her stomach. Her appetite had totally vanished.
"All right," Cameron sighed, throwing his fork down on his tray. "I know something is bothering you-now tell me."
Breann thought quickly. "Look at him!" she exclaimed, pointing in the direction of Rhett and Darby across the courtyard. "How can he sit over there loving up on Darby when he knows he was with someone else two nights ago?"
"So that's what's the matter," Cameron bowed his head. "Baby, you can't continue to let this get to you," he said slowly, raising his head to look Breann in the eyes. "There's nothing you can do about it. I know you're afraid if you tell Darby the truth she will blame you and you're probably right. You're going to make yourself sick worrying about this."
Cameron was right. Even though he didn't know the whole story, she was already getting sick worrying about it. "I just can't stand it!" she shrilled, pounding the table with her fist. "Seeing the two of them like that when I know he's deceiving her and he thinks he can get away with it. It's so wrong!"
"Yes, it is wrong," Cameron agreed, running his fingers through his hair.
"Rhett is a creep, but Darby is the only one who doesn't see it. The only way this problem can be solved it to let her find out for herself, and then be there for her when her life falls apart."
"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood," Darby sang as she tossed her books in her locker at the end of the day. "Isn't it amazing to be in love? I feel like I'm walking on a cloud. I can't believe I ever thought there was something wrong between Rhett and me."
Breann stood leaning against the locker beside Darby's, completely lost in space. Subconsciously she knew her friend was talking to her, but she really hadn't heard a single word she had said.
"Hello, earth to Breann," Darby giggled, snapping her fingers in front of Breann's nose. "Are you in there?"
Breann jumped. "I'm sorry," she said almost in a whisper, sighing heavily. "Did you say something?"
"What's up with you this afternoon?" Darby quizzed, slamming her locker shut. "I've been talking to you for the last few minutes and I bet you haven't heard a word I said."
"I was just lost in thought," Breann replied, pushing away from the locker. "Nothing is wrong," she lied. "I just have a lot on my mind."
"Like what?" Darby interrogated, propping her hands on her hips. "You've been a space cadet lately. What's going on?"
"It's my sister," Breann lied, saying the first thing that came to mind. "She's having problems and I don't know how to help."
"What kind of problems?" Darby asked, her features softening. "Is there something I can do to help?"
"Uhm -- " Breann hesitated, staring down the hall. "She went out with her boyfriend the other night and saw Bryan, her best friend's boyfriend with another girl. She's torn about whether she should tell Casey about it or let her find out the hard way."
"Ooh, that is a dilemma," Darby sighed, scratching her forehead. "I would die if anything like that ever happened to me."
It is happening to you, Breann wanted to scream. It's not my sister's friend who this is happening to. It's you. But she couldn't bring herself to say what was on her mind to Darby. Instead she turned the moment into a chance to see what Darby would do in the same situation. Maybe Darby could unknowingly solve her own situation.
"If it were me, I would tell her," Darby advised after a minute. "Your sister can't sit back and watch this guy destroy her best friend when she can possibly prevent it. Either way Casey is going to be hurt, but it will be easier to find out now than weeks or months down the road when her feelings are stronger for him."
"I agree with you," Breann sighed. "But what my sister is worried about is losing her friendship with Casey. She's afraid Casey won't believe her because Casey knows how much she dislikes her boyfriend."
"Kind of like the way you feel about Rhett, huh?" Darby said, catching Breann off guard.
Breann eyed Darby, startled. "Yeah, I guess so," she finally answered, hoping with all her might that Darby hadn't figured out that Breann was talking about her and not Breann's sister.
"It is a complicated situation," Darby admitted. "Your sister could do the wrong thing no matter what she decides. I'm not really sure I would want to take the risk of telling Casey knowing how Casey would feel. I can tell you that your sister is going to have to decide for herself. No one's advice is really going to help."
"I guess you're right," Breann sighed. "She's the one who's going to pay the price for her decision."
"Now quit letting it get you down," Darby declared in a perky voice as they began walking to the parking lot of the school. "Everything will work out in the long run."
"What got you in such a terrific mood today?" Breann wondered, choosing to drop the subject.
"Rhett," Darby answered simply. Her aquamarine eyes took on a far away, loving look. "He's so wonderful. I know you don't like him, but you just don't know him like I do. He can be a real jerk sometimes, but the way he cares for me and loves me makes up for all of that."
Breann felt the tears forming behind her eyes. Somehow Rhett had succeeded in deceiving Darby again. He was bouncing her like a yo-yo, and she cared for him too much to realize it. "I'm glad you're so happy," Breann said dryly when they reached Darby's car.
"I'm the happiest girl in the world," Darby raved, getting into her car. "Love is so wonderful."
Through the lump in her throat Breann forced a giggle at her friend. "I'll see you tomorrow."
Darby cascaded through the door of her house singing merrily all the way to the kitchen. Usually her mother would be in the kitchen preparing the evenings dinner, but instead all Darby found was a note taped to the refrigerator. The letter from her mom informed her that her parents had decided to have dinner with some friends and left Darby to fend for herself. A twenty-dollar bill was attached to the note for her to buy dinner.
Deciding to wait a while before eating, Darby plopped down in the middle of the living room floor and began doing her homework. It wasn't often that she had the house to herself and after a few minutes the silence started to drive her insane. She cascaded over to the stereo system in the corner of the room and turned on her favorite radio station. Fast beat rock music instantly replaced the silence of the room.
"Much better," Darby said aloud, returning to her spot on the floor. Singing along to a song on the radio, she picked up her pencil and tapped it on the page of the textbook she was studying in time with the music.
Two hours later Darby was forced to put down her pencil and get out of the house. Her stomach was beginning to grumble so loud she couldn't think about anything else but food. She considered calling Breann to see if she wanted to join her for dinner, but decided she would rather eat alone. Grabbing her textbook to study while she ate, she bolted out the door to her car and drove the few short blocks to her favorite hamburger joint down the road.
Burt's Fantastic Burgers was nearly empty when Darby entered the diner. She found a small table in the corner of the room and settled in for her dinner and studying. When the waitress arrived to take her order, Darby ordered her favorite Bert's Special-with-everything and a diet soda and then buried her face in her textbook.
Minutes later her burger arrived and she put her book away so she could enjoy her food.
As Darby devoured her hamburger she gazed around the room at her surroundings. There were only two couples in the place-each sitting at tiny tables as close to one another as possible. One couple seemed to be having some sort of heated discussion but was trying to keep their voices down so the other people in the room didn't hear them. The other couple sat practically in one another's laps, kissing passionately.
Seeing the happy couple made Darby wish Rhett was with her. He had informed her that day at lunch that he was going to be spending the evening working on his boat in his dad's shop. That boat was Darby's only competition for Rhett's affection. She knew she was totally stupid to feel jealous of a boat, but the boat seemed to get more attention from Rhett than she did. Of course, the attention that she did get was more than enough to make up for the lost moments.
For instance, that day at lunch, it had been a long time since she and Rhett had spent their lunch break cuddling and kissing in the courtyard. At first, Darby had felt uneasy about seeing Rhett that morning. After the argument they had had the previous
evening about what she had wore to the party she had attended Saturday, she thought he would still be mad at her. On top of that she had still felt the uneasiness that something just wasn't right between her and Rhett. But to her surprise, Rhett had seemed to have forgotten all about their little fight and had easily made all her suspicions disappear.
Darby was lost in thought when another couple entered the diner. It was the loud chuckle of a female's voice that brought her back to reality. Looks like I decided to come to the wrong place tonight, she thought as she gazed at the new couple from across the room. She glared at the attractive brunette who wrapped her arms around the guy she was with and planted a tender kiss on his lips.
Something about the guy seemed familiar to Darby but with his back to her she couldn't figure out what it was. Then he spoke. The voice-she would know that voice anywhere. Rhett! After hearing the voice and taking a closer look at the boy she was positive the guy was Rhett. The dark hair, clothing, and build were unmistakable.
Darby's heart sank to the pit of her stomach and a cold eerie feeling swept through her body as the realization hit her. That was her boyfriend sitting across the diner holding hands with another girl. Mixed emotions of anger and sadness filled her body as Darby threw what was left of her burger on her plate. She needed to think. First she had to figure out how to get out of the diner without being seen. She knew she would explode if Rhett saw her, and a nasty scene in the diner was not the way to handle the situation. Slowly, she quietly made her way to the front door. Thankfully Rhett never turned around. She was able to escape out of the diner and to her car without being seen.
The instant Darby was in the security of her car the tears began to fall. Rhett must be really concentrating on the other girl if he missed her car in the nearly empty parking lot. As she pulled out of the parking lot she became overwhelmed with the feeling that she was leaving a part of her behind. All the months of her relationship with Rhett flashed before her eyes-the good times they had shared, the fun they had together, the love they had shared-all gone with the blink of an eye. She had sensed that something was wrong in their relationship but had been too blind to see the truth. Never had she really thought that their relationship was going to go down the tubes. She had allowed him to play her-to play her like it was all some sort of game.
Suddenly Darby saw blue lights flashing in her rear view mirror. She took a quick glance at her speedometer and realized she was doing twenty miles over the speed limit. "Great! A ticket! That's just what I need," she scowled aloud as she pulled the car over to the side of the road. While she waited for the officer to approach the car, she retrieved her license from her purse and attempted to wipe the tears from her cheeks.
"Do you have any idea how fast you were going miss?" the officer asked in a forceful tone as he peered at Darby's driver's license.
"I was speeding," Darby answered honestly. "I'm sorry officer. I honestly didn't realize how fast I was going."
"Are you alright miss?" the officer asked, looking at Darby for the first time. "You look upset. You really shouldn't drive when you're upset. A lot of accidents are cause by drivers who have other things on their mind."
"Yes sir," Darby shook her head. "I'm on my way home. I live about two blocks away."
"Well, it looks like you are having a bad enough day already, so I'm going to let you off with a warning," the officer informed, his voice taking on a softer tone. "Go straight home and slow -down -- " He spoke to her as though she were a little girl.
"Yes sir," Darby said obediently with a sigh of relief. She pulled the car back onto the road and cautiously drove to her house. The house was still empty when she arrived. She walked through the door and went straight to her room where she fell face down on the bed and let the tears flow.
"How could you do this to me?" she cried aloud. Her mind whirled, trying to find a reason, an explanation for Rhett's infidelity, but nothing came. It was so hard for her to believe. How long had he been cheating on her?
Then an even more sickening thought hit her. Breann! She knew Rhett was cheating on her. That day in the hall, Breann had said her sister had caught her best friend's boyfriend cheating on her. Breann had lied. It hadn't been her sister that had caught someone it had been her. Obviously, Breann had saw Rhett with that other girl but hadn't told her.
Feelings of betrayal and pain swarmed through Darby. "Breann knows," she cried aloud. "The question is how long has she known?"
Breann rushed out of school the following day and headed directly for Darby's house. She had blown off an afternoon with Cameron in order to get to Darby's as soon as possible. Darby had not shown up at school that day. She never missed school without at least calling Breann to tell her why. It was totally unlike her!
"Breann, what a surprise," Alise Baldwin greeted as she opened the front door.
"Is Darby home?" Breann asked, abruptly getting straight to the purpose of her visit.
"She's in her room," Darby's mother answered with a nod toward the stairwell. "She wasn't feeling well this morning so I let her stay home. She's been in her room all day! I think something is wrong, but she won't talk to me. Maybe you can get her to talk a little."
"I'll try," Breann pledged as she cascaded up the staircase to Darby's room. "Hey, how are you feeling?" she asked in a lively voice as she entered the room. "Your mother said you weren't feeling well."
"Don't you ever knock?" Darby snapped, turning her back to Breann.
Breann glared at her friend with a bug-eyed expression. She hadn't meant to be rude, but she had never knocked before. When did the new rule start? "I'm sorry," she apologized almost in a whisper. "I just came over to check on you and drop off this invitation to Shelly Webster's birthday party this weekend. She's having it out on Shell Island. Can you believe her parents are paying for everyone to take the excursion boat to the island?"
"I could really care less about some beach party," Darby scowled, walking over to the window. She never once looked at Breann.
Instantaneously, Breann knew something major was wrong with her friend. Not only had she missed school, but her appearance was disturbing! It was nearly four-thirty in the afternoon and she was still dressed in her nightclothes. Her usually silky, shimmering auburn hair looked like it hadn't been brushed in weeks, and when she spoke she sounded like a totally different person. What on earth had happened?
"Do you want to talk?" Breann asked slowly, walking a few steps closer.
"There's nothing to talk about," Darby answered sharply, her voice full of sarcasm.
"Maybe we should try this again," Breann suggested, tossing the invitation on Darby's dresser. "I think we got off on the wrong foot somehow. I'm going to go out of the room and knock first this time."
"Trust me, that isn't going to help," Darby darted, still staring out the window.
"Darby, are you mad at me about something?" Breann questioned, raising one brow in confusion. "Did I do something wrong?"
"As if you don't know," Darby shouted. She whirled around to face Breann for the first time. Her eyes glared at Breann with fury and anguish. If looks could kill, Breann would have dropped dead that instant!
"What are you talking about?" Breann cried, rushing over to stand beside Darby. "When I talked to you yesterday everything was fine. Forgive me-but I have no idea what I've done wrong."
"You can put the idea of forgiveness out of your mind," Darby exploded, storming away from Breann. "After what you have done I don't know if I can ever look at you again, much less forgive you."
"Darby, why are you so angry with me?" Breann shrieked. A lump of tears began to form in her throat. She didn't have the slightest clue why her friend was being so brutal with her, but just the tone of her voice toward her made her want to cry.
"Rhett," Darby blurted, tears streaming down her cheeks as she scowled at Breann with a loathing expression. "You knew! Rhett has been cheating on me and you knew all along. Why didn't you tell me?"
All color drained from Breann's face as she stood momentarily stunned. "Darby -- " she stammered. "I-I couldn't tell you. I wanted to but I didn't want to hurt you."
"So you allowed me to keep on believing that Rhett loved me unconditionally and make a total fool out of myself," Darby shouted, wiping the tears from her face. "You allowed me to walk around raving about how wonderful our relationship was. I bet you were probably laughing at me the whole time for being so naive."
"Darby, you know your relationship with Rhett was not wonderful," Breann proclaimed, jumping to her own defense. "You were even beginning to sense that something wasn't right. And you know I would never laugh at you. What kind of a person do you think I am?"
"I don't know anymore," Darby cried, shaking her head. "I thought you were my best friend. How long have you known?"
"Darby, I swear, I just found out -- " Breann answered, crossing her heart with her fingers. "Saturday night-after Todd's party Cameron took me to dinner at the Imperial Restaurant. Halfway through dinner I spotted Rhett across the room with some blond girl. I -- "
"He was with a blond?" Darby interrupted in a whisper. A look of confusion and shock consumed her tear- streaked face. "Last night I went to get a hamburger at Burt's diner and he walked in with a brunette! He's been cheating on me with every girl in town!"
"After seeing Rhett at the restaurant I was completely devastated," Breann continued, perching on the edge of Darby's bed. "I didn't know what to do. I wanted so much to come straight over and tell you, but I was afraid. I knew you needed to know, but I was scared you wouldn't believe me. I was afraid you would blame me or just accuse me of trying to make Rhett look bad, and it would ruin our friendship"
"So you decided to keep your mouth shut," Darby concluded, scornfully.
"Believe me Darby, the truth has been eating me up inside," Breann bowed her head. "Even after Rhett threatened me yesterday I wanted to tell you. I just couldn't find the words."
"Rhett threatened you?"
Breann nodded. "Yesterday morning when I was hanging up the posters for the election. Rhett caught me in the hall and threatened to spread rumors about me and ruin my chances of becoming class president if I told you he was cheating."
"So that's why you didn't tell me," Darby sighed, throwing her hands in the air. "Does being class president mean that much to you? You were willing to throw away a life-long friendship to be class president for a school year. You have a bigger politician side than I thought."
"That's not -- "
"Save it, Breann," Darby hollered. "I don't want to hear any more of your excuses. Go home! Get out of my room and out of my life."
Darby was intentionally late for school on Wednesday morning. The last thing she wanted at that point in time was to run into Breann or Rhett. A deadly silence filled the hall as Darby strolled to the principal's office to get a pass to class. Yawning fiercely from lack of sleep, she explained to the secretary that her car wouldn't start that morning, which caused her to be late. It was a lie, but she had to make up something.
Moping to her first class of the day that was already fifteen minutes in progress, Darby wished with all her might that she could be back at home in her room. She had no desire to be in public. She didn't want to see anyone, talk to anyone, or listen to anyone-she only wanted to be by herself. After the events of the previous days, she had come to realize that she was the only one she could count on, the only one she could trust; and she had made a vow to herself that from that day on she would never believe anyone or count on anyone again.
As Darby suffered through her first three classes, she wondered aimlessly how her world could suddenly come down around her the way it had. Just two days before she had been happy. Even though part of her had been displeased with Rhett's behavior, she had been hopelessly in love, had the best friend anyone could ask for, and her life had appeared to be absolutely flawless. But in the blink of an eye everything had abruptly changed. Her life had been full of ups and downs, but never before had it hit rock bottom like it had in the past two days.
In between her third and fourth period classes was a ten-minute break. Usually Darby would spend this time with Breann, Cameron, and Rhett mingling in the hall. An irrepressible surge of loneliness swept over her when she realized that those days had come to an end.
Darby pushed her way through the crowded corridor but came to an abrupt stop in the middle of the hall when she spotted Breann a few feet away. There she was surrounded by a group of students talking wildly. Because of the distance, Darby couldn't hear what they were talking about, but she guessed from the flyers in the student's hands that they were discussing Breann's candidacy for class president. Seeing this only reinforced Darby's belief that her ex-best friend really did care more about becoming class president than their friendship.
Deciding there was nothing for her to do but go to her fourth-period classroom and wait for the bell to ring, Darby spun on her heels and rushed in the opposite direction. She knew if she got anywhere near Breann, that Breann would catch up to her, and she just couldn't bring herself to face her again. Darby was almost to the classroom when she turned a corner and plowed right into Rhett.
"Hey baby," Rhett smiled, sliding his arm around her waist. "Where have you been all morning? I've been looking everywhere for you."
"Get your hands off me!" Darby ordered, jerking away from his embrace.
"What the heck is wrong with you?" Rhett scowled, glaring at her with puzzled expression.
Before Darby knew what she was doing, she exploded. "Who do you think you are?" she screamed, her face growing hot with anger. "Did you honestly think you could cheat on me and I wouldn't find out?"
"Are you accusing me of cheating on you?" Rhett asked, his voice rising to a yell.
"Accusing you?" Darby shrieked, stepping back to catch her balance. "Are you denying the fact that you have been seeing other girls behind my back while you are telling me you love me and that I'm the only one for you?"
"Darby, calm down darling," Rhett ordered forcefully, lowering his voice. He looked around nervously. "You're making a scene."
Darby glanced around and discovered that nearly every student in the hall had stopped and formed a circle around them. The silence in the hall was so thick it could have been sliced with a knife.
"I don't care if I'm making a scene or not," Darby continued to shout. "Actually, I'm glad. I'm tired of biting my tongue and covering for you. I want everyone in the school to know what a low-down, womanizing, scum-bucket you are."
"Now you're going to far, baby," Rhett declared, his features tightening as he pointed a finger in Darby's face.
"Oh no," Darby shook her head vigorously. "I'm just getting started. I know you took some blond to the Imperial Restaurant Saturday night after the races when you were supposed to be with me!"
"That witch!" Rhett exclaimed, narrowing his emerald eyes that were now filled with rage. "She told you."
"Yes, she told me," Darby darted sarcastically. "I know about you threatening her to keep her from telling me, too. But it didn't take Breann to tell me you were cheating on me. I saw that with my own two eyes. I was at Bert's Diner the other night when you came in kissing all over that brunette."
Rhett stood speechless for a moment, staring at Darby in total shock. "You were there," he finally said softly.
"Yes, I was there," Darby replied, her voice cracking. She had been doing so good at keeping her control. She had been letting out her fury but the tears were something she had been determined to hide. "Just leave me alone, Rhett. Obviously it's over between us. I just wish you would have told me instead of humiliating me the way you did."
Finally, Darby couldn't take it anymore. Pushing Rhett aside, she bolted down the hall to the girl's bathroom where she fell against the wall and burst into tears.
"Darby," a female voice whispered. "I thought you could use a friend."
Darby uncovered her eyes and found Shelly Webster before her. She and Shelly had never really talked much before, but at that moment the welcome and kind look that covered Shelly's face was all Darby needed to feel comfortable enough to crumble in her arms.
"How could he do this to me?" Darby sobbed, lifting her head from Shelly's shoulder. "I thought he loved me. I thought we had something special. How could I be so naïve?"
"Rhett Carver is a pig, Darby," Shelly said softly, using a tissue to gently wipe away Darby's tears. "You can do so much better than that jerk. I've always thought that. You're 'way too good for him."
"And Breann!" Darby shrieked. "She knew all along that he was cheating on me and didn't tell me."
Shelly sighed loudly. "That surprises me about Breann," she said honestly. "I know she cares for you very much. The two of you have been inseparable since I can remember."
"Well, we're not anymore," Darby whispered. A single tear trickled down her cheek. "Even super glue couldn't change that now."
Suddenly the bell to begin fourth period sounded loudly. "Dry your tears and try to smile," Shelly coached kindly. "We have a pop quiz in Calculus. If we don't get to class, we'll be screwed."
"A pop quiz!" Darby shrilled, slumping her shoulders.
"Yeah, I overheard some students talking about it last period."
Darby splashed a few drops of water on her face and took a few deep breaths before following Shelly out of the girl's bathroom and down the hall to their Calculus class.
"Good luck," Shelly whispered as they entered the classroom.
"Thanks. I'm going to need it," Darby forced a smile as she took her seat.
Calculus was her best subject. She always passed it with flying colors. So why did she suddenly feel like crawling into a corner and hiding? Because she knew deep down that her concentration had flown out the window days before.
When the pop quiz paper hit her desk, Darby stared at if it were covered in blood. Any other time she would know every answer to every question but when she gazed at the first question her mind drew a complete blank. For the first time that year, Darby was about to fail a Calculus test.
"Want some company?" Todd Powers asked delicately, approaching Darby in the front courtyard of the campus at lunchtime.
"I guess so," Darby responded with a shrug. She hadn't had much of an appetite so she had decided to skip lunch. Instead, she had found a quiet, shady spot under an enormous oak tree in front of the school.
"Do you want to talk?" Todd offered, speaking carefully as if afraid she was going to yell at him.
"I guess you heard about the fight Rhett and I had in the hall this morning," Darby sighed sadly, not meeting Todd's gaze.
"I was there," Todd informed, running his long slender fingers through his sandy blond hair. "I heard it all."
"I really made a fool out of myself in front of most of the student body, didn't I?"
Todd shook his head. "I don't think so," he assured her. "To tell you the truth, I think you did a fantastic job at keeping your cool. I was really waiting for you to break down into tears. I know you still must have a lot of emotions you haven't let out yet."
"Actually, I think I'm finally passed the stage of crying over Rhett," Darby confessed, tilting her head to look at Todd. "I've been crying for two days. I'm surprised the city hasn't flooded from all the tears I've shed in the last couple of days," she declared, forcing a giggle. "Now I'm angry. I'm angry at Rhett, but most of all I'm angry with Breann."
"I didn't quite catch exactly what Breann has to do with all of this," Todd admitted with a puzzled look. "Why are you angry with her? I didn't think the two of you ever fought."
"We never have until now," Darby said sadly. "She hurt me even more than Rhett did."
"So what happened?"
Darby took a deep breath and began spilling out the story. She knew Todd was Cameron's best friend, which meant that everything she said would soon fall on Breann's ears but she didn't care. She had to talk to someone before it all drove her to the brink of insanity. "Breann saw Rhett last Saturday after your party with some blond at the Imperial Restaurant but she didn't tell me," she began slowly. "She says she didn't know if she should tell me or not. Then Rhett threatened to ruin her chances of being elected class president if she told me, so she kept her mouth shut."
"And you're mad at her for not telling you the minute she discovered he was cheating on you," Todd concluded, leaning back on the grass.
"Wouldn't you be?" Darby whispered, raising one perfectly plucked brow.
"She's supposed to be my best friend. You would think she would have told me to keep me from finding out like I did."
"Maybe." Todd paused. "But did it ever occur to you that maybe she thought she was doing the right thing by not telling you?"
"No!" Darby shrilled with a look of astonishment. "How could not telling me be the right thing to do?"
"Darby -- " Todd hesitated. "You know Breann totally despises Rhett. She always has. She put up with him out of respect for you because she knew how much you cared for him."
"I know she hates him," Darby proclaimed, leaning back against the tree trunk. "That just seems like all the more reason for her to tell me he was cheating on me! Surely she knew that when I found out Rhett and I would break up and then she wouldn't have to put up with him anymore."
"That's just it," Todd declared, raising one finger for emphasis. "She was probably afraid that if she did tell you about Rhett you would think she was only trying to make the two of you break up. Then when Rhett threatened her I'm sure it scared her even more. You know Rhett had a way of making you believe almost anything. Even I could see that! He would have convinced you that Breann was lying on top of ruining her reputation by spreading nasty rumors about her and heaven knows what else."
"She still should have taken that chance and told me," Darby insisted dryly.
"Look, maybe it was a wrong decision on her part," Todd admitted. "But are you going to let a guy like Rhett ruin your friendship? Friendships like what you and Breann have shared most of your lives only come around once in a lifetime. A guy, no matter who he is, should never be able to come between the two of you."
Darby sat silently glaring at Todd, letting his words sink in. Then she remembered the conversation she'd had with Breann about the same subject. At the time she had thought it was Breann's sister they were talking about but it hadn't been. It had been her, Rhett, and Breann. And what had her advice to Breann been? Basically not to tell!
"I just have one more comment and then I will leave you alone," Todd said standing. "Put yourself in Breann's shoes. If you had seen Cameron with another girl would you have told her?"
Breann picked up the receiver of the phone on her nightstand and then slammed it back down again. It had been over twenty-four hours since she had talked to Darby and she was going totally insane! She couldn't count the times she had picked up the phone, dialed half of Darby's number, and then put the phone down again.
The overwhelming emptiness Breann felt inside refused to go away. Without Darby in her life she felt as if a piece of her had died. Sure, she and Darby had argued before but they had never had a fight that was so bad that they didn't talk for more than five minutes. Since the day they met when they were six years old they had been practically attached. Now, for the first time in years, there was a gulf between them that was far greater than physical distance.
Finally, Breann couldn't take it any longer. She grabbed her car keys off her dresser and bolted outside to her car. She didn't care whether Darby wanted to see her or not. She was going to her house, and one way or another, she was going to make her friend listen to her. She wasn't going to leave until they were friends again.
When Breann pulled into the driveway of Darby's house the only light she saw was Darby's bedroom light. As she stepped out of the car, she sighed with relief because Darby's parents weren't home. Slowly, she walked to the front door. Her hand trembled nervously as she raised a finger to ring the doorbell. Inside the house she heard Darby pouncing down the stairs. When the door swung open, Breann took a few deep breaths to calm her racing heart before speaking.
"Can we talk?" Breann asked in a shaky but hopeful voice.
"I don't have anything to say to you," Darby said sharply. She tried to slam the door in Breann's face but Breann caught the door and kept it from closing.
"Will you just listen to me for a minute?" Breann pleaded.
Without saying a word, Darby turned around and walked into the living room, leaving the door open for Breann to enter. Breann shut the front door behind her and followed Darby into the living room.
"Well, say what you have to say so you can leave," Darby ordered dryly, sitting down on the flower printed sofa.
"Darby -- " Breann began slowly, folding her arms across her chest. "I just came over to say I'm sorry."
"There's no excuse for what you did," Darby snapped, her aquamarine eyes filled with hurt and anger.
Breann swallowed hard to hold back the lump of tears forming in her throat. "I didn't want to hurt you and I ended up hurting you anyway," she whispered sadly. "When Cameron and I saw Rhett with the blond that night I was devastated! Part of me wanted to tell you, but I was scared you wouldn't believe me. I knew how much you cared for him. I told Cameron I wanted to tell you right away. You can ask him. But then I was afraid that if I told you, it would destroy our friendship and instead I ended up destroying it anyway."
"You should have told me," Darby declared, looking away from Breann. "It hurt when I saw Rhett with the brunette at Bert's, but when I realized that you knew he had been cheating on me and didn't tell me I felt my world was coming to an end. I trusted you! I thought I could count on you and you betrayed me," she began to cry.
"I made a wrong decision," Breann said sobbing as she sat down next to Darby on the sofa. "I knew you were going to be hurt no matter how you found out about Rhett. I was wrong for not telling you. I know that now. But does one wrong choice have to destroy years of friendship?" she asked. "I'm sorry. I wish you could see how sorry I am. If I could go back in time to the night I saw Rhett with that other girl I would. I would rush straight to your house and tell you."
"It's too late for that now," Darby sighed. Finally the sarcasm in her voice began to fade.
"I know," Breann admitted sadly, bowing her head.
"Look, it really hurt when I saw Rhett with someone else," Darby confessed in a quivering voice. "It hurt when I realized you already knew and hadn't told me. Then when you told me Rhett had threatened you and your election chances I became angry because I thought you cared more about the election than me."
"Darby, you know that's not true!" Breann exclaimed, holding her head. "I would give up the election in a heartbeat just to have you back as a friend."
Darby smiled warmly at Breann. "That's not necessary," she shook her head. "I was wrong. I took out my anger for Rhett on you. Yes, you should have told me. I wish you had. But I do understand how confused you must have been. I know you were afraid I wouldn't believe you, and to be honest, as much as I hate to admit it, you were probably right. I cared for Rhett with all my heart. I can't believe I was so blind. I let that boy walk all over me!" she shrilled, pounding the sofa cushion with her fist.
"Darby, you can do so much better," Breann said softly, stroking her friend's shoulder.
"I know," Darby sighed in agreement. "Actually, I sort of feel relieved that it's over between Rhett and I. I really wasn't happy but I wouldn't admit it to myself. Looking back, I can see how much he ordered me around and I followed his orders like an obedient puppy."
"Love makes us blind sometimes," Breann declared. "You saw something good in Rhett. Something that no one else could see. That's what you fell for."
"I think I saw what I wanted to see instead of what was really there," Darby decided, leaning back on the sofa. She turned her head and stared at Breann. "I'm glad you came over," she confessed. "I have been lost without you."
"I just couldn't stand it any longer," Breann shook her head. "My parents would have had to commit me if we had gone one more day without speaking."
"Let's not ever allow another guy to come between us again," Darby vowed.
"No matter what, nothing will ever come between us again," Breann proclaimed, hugging her friend tightly.
"Can we talk about something else?" Darby asked, wiping the remaining tears from her swollen face. "I'm so over talking and thinking about Rhett 'the jerk' Carver."
"Absolutely!" Breann shrieked, clapping her hands. "What did you have in mind?"
"Shelly Walter's party," Darby answered after a moment.
"Good subject," Breann declared with excitement. "It's going to be fabulous! I can't believe her parents are paying for the excursion boat to take everyone invited out to Shell Island."
"That's the problem," Darby proclaimed, raising one finger.
"The water," Breann concluded, tilting her head at her friend.
"Are you sure there isn't a way to get to the island by car?" Darby asked hopefully.
Breann giggled helplessly at her friend. "No," she said between chuckles. "A boat is the only way to get there."
"Then that leaves me out," Darby professed, throwing her hands in the air.
"Darby, we will be going on a huge boat-so huge that you will hardly know you're on the water," Breann assured comfortingly. "Nothing is going to happen. The boat will not sink. Besides, even if something did happen, there will be so many people there that you still wouldn't have to worry."
"I don't know Breann," Darby shook her head hesitantly, her aquamarine eyes full of worry and fear.
"The island is only about twelve miles from the shore," Breann continued to persuade. "It's only about a thirty minute boat ride, and once you're there it will be worth it. The water is so clear and beautiful, the sand is so clean and shiny, it's absolutely breathtaking. Come on-you have to go"
"I'll think about it," Darby finally caved in. "I don't even know if my parents will let me go."
"Why wouldn't they?"
"I failed the science test," Darby sighed helplessly. "But worst of all, I failed the Calculus pop quiz yesterday!"
"You failed a Calculus quiz!" Breann exclaimed in disbelief, her jaw dropping to the floor. "Darby, that's your best subject. You're a whiz in math!"
"With everything going on I just couldn't concentrate," Darby whispered sadly. "When my parents find out they will ground me for sure. That means no party whether I want to go or not."
"Maybe it will help if you tell them why you failed," Breann suggested. "Surely, after the breakup with Rhett, they will understand. As far as the science test, you just didn't understand the stuff. They can't condemn you for that!"
"I'll give it my best shot to get them to understand," Darby vowed. "I have to tell them about the tests when they get home anyway. Then I'll decide if I want to go to the party or not."
"You have to go to the party," Breann informed, shaking a finger at Darby. "I heard they are going to announce who was elected for class president since practically everyone in the school will be at the party anyway." Ballots had been passed out to the students that morning in homeroom for the elections. Breann couldn't wait to find out the results. "If I have to tie you up and drag you onto the boat, you have to be there."
"Now this I've got to see," Darby laughed hysterically.
"Would it be wrong of me to ask who you voted for this morning?" Breann asked slowly, hoping her friend didn't get the wrong impression about her feelings of the election again.
"You of course," Darby shrieked. "We may not have been talking at the time but I would have been a complete lunatic to have voted for Pamela."
"True," Breann agreed with a chuckle.
"You know everybody voted for you," Darby declared. "Stop worrying!"
"Well, look who's the one being optimistic today," Breann proclaimed in surprise.
"It's not optimism-it's having confidence in a friend," Darby corrected with a gleaming toothy smile.
"Now that's something I was terrified I would never hear again-you calling me your friend," Breann said bowing her head.
"And you always will be," Darby vowed, hugging Breann tightly. "No matter what, we will always be friends."
As Darby slithered into her bright yellow and teal bikini on Saturday morning, she sighed with sadness. The last time she had worn the swimsuit she and Rhett had been dating. Tons of boys had made advances at her during Todd's party but she had dismissed them all because of her love for Rhett. How could she have been so blind? And then Rhett had hit the roof because she had worn such a sexy bikini in front of everyone!
"You are not going to let him ruin this day," Darby coached aloud, talking to her reflection in the mirror. "There is no more Rhett and Darby; he can't fuss at you for what you wear anymore. You are going to this party and you are going to have the time of your life."
One thing was for sure, Darby didn't have to worry about Rhett being at the party. Not only was it not his style to show up at a high school beach bash but Shelly had phoned her the night before and assured her that he hadn't even been invited. Rhett was probably the only person in the school who had not received an invitation!
After Darby hung up the phone the night before, the realization of just how many friends she had sank in. Although Shelly simply despised Rhett, she had not invited him to the party because of Darby. Nearly the entire school knew about Darby and her fear of the water but Shelly had been determined to convince Darby to attend. She assured her that there would be certified lifeguards on board the boat and everyone would be looking out for her.
As the thought of being on a boat crossed Darby's mind, a cold chill overwhelmed her body. She was still surprised she had been allowed to go to the party at all. To her astonishment, her parents had understood why she had failed the Calculus and science tests. The only lecture she had received was that of concentrating harder and pulling up the grades quickly. Part of her had hoped her parents wouldn't allow her to go. At least then she would have had a good excuse not to get on the boat.
The sound of Cameron honking the horn in the driveway brought Darby back to reality. "I'm not even ready yet!" she shrilled, dashing around her bedroom to gather her things for the party.
"Darby, Cameron and Breann are here," her mother called up the stairs.
"I know mom," Darby yelled in return. "I'll be right down." Quickly, she brushed her auburn hair back into a ponytail and sprinted down the stairs. "Bye, Mom," she said, quickly kissing her mother on the cheek before cascading out the door. "Tell me again that I have nothing to worry about today," she ordered, hopping into the back seat of Cameron's car.
"You have nothing to worry about," Breann answered obediently. "You are going to have so much fun you will forget you're on the water."
"Boy, I hope you're right," Darby sighed, settling into the seat.
When they arrived at the boat launch, groups of fellow students were already boarding the boat. The boat had a maximum capacity of one hundred and fifty people and by the time Darby, Cameron, and Breann boarded it was standing room only.
"Darby, you came!" Shelly exclaimed, darting over to Darby immediately. "I'm so glad you're here. You won't regret it!"
"I can't act like a baby forever," Darby shrugged nervously. "Besides, with all of you assuring me how safe I am going to be, how could I argue?"
"We have some life jackets up front if it would make you feel more comfortable," Shelly offered. "Although I promise you won't need one."
"Now this is definitely a surprise," Todd Powers declared, approaching Darby. "I thought it was odd for you to show up at my party last weekend. You are the last person I expected to see on this boat."
"It's Breann and Shelly's fault," Darby proclaimed. "They made me do it."
"I'm sure you won't regret it," Todd professed with a soft, warming smile.
"That's what everyone keeps saying," Darby informed, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "All I can say is don't leave me until my feet are back on solid ground."
"Tell you what-you know I am a great swimmer. I will stay with you as long as we are on the boat," Todd offered.
"May I have your attention please," a voice announced over the boat's speakers. "We are about to begin our excursion to Shell Island. Please observe the safety rules posted through out the ship. I would also like to remind you there is no glass allowed on the island and please put all trash in the trash receptacles provided. Thank you and enjoy the trip."
Darby shuttered as the motors of the boat started abruptly. After a few minutes the boat slowly began pulling away from the dock. You're going to be fine, she coached herself silently. In thirty minutes you will be safely on land again and all in one piece.
"Are you alright?" Todd asked concerned.
"Yea-yes," Darby stammered, her voice shaking. As the boat headed into deeper water she felt the vibration of the engines speeding up. She glanced to the bow of the ship and watched as the land became further away. Before long the cars passing on the street began to look like little ants running quickly across the ground. Then it all seemed to disappear, leaving Darby nothing to look at but water all around her.
"Look Darby," Breann shrieked excitedly, pointing to the water on the side of the boat. "There's a dolphin."
"Come here," Todd said, gently grabbing Darby's arm, leading her to the side of the boat. "Push, over Eric," he ordered one of his buddies. "You can get a better look at the fish and stuff from here," he said to Darby as he got closer to the rail.
Darby stood a few feet from the side of the ship. "I'm close enough," she informed, shaking her head.
"Come on," Todd said softly, wrapping his arm around Darby's waist. Darby squeezed her eyes shut as she allowed him to pull her closer to the rail. "Look at the water, the different marine animals swimming below, it's beautiful!"
Slowly, Darby opened her eyes, grabbed onto the rail, and peered over the side of the boat. Todd was right. It really was spectacular. The water was crystal clear. She could see all sorts of various animals swimming wildly around the boat as it proceeded though the water. The bright sun shining high in the sky sparkled off the water like diamonds.
"It's breathtaking!" Darby exhaled, still staring off into the water. It was so quiet and peaceful. The dozens of wild conversations from the other students on board seemed to be miles away as she listened to the calming sound of the waves crashing against the boat's surface.
"I told you it was beautiful," Todd whispered in Darby's ear. "Relax-you don't have to hold on so tight. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
Darby glanced down and realized she had been squeezing the rail so hard her knuckles were turning white. But the feel of Todd's warm breath against her neck and ear when he spoke only made her clinch the rail tighter. Turning her head, she gazed into Todd's soft hazel eyes. She had never looked at him before as anything more than a friend but suddenly she realized just how absolutely breathtaking he was. With his wavy sandy blond hair, deep, dark complexion, and glistening hazel eyes he was definitely perfection personified!
"You actually got her close to the water!" Breann exclaimed in surprise as she and Cameron moved in beside Darby and Todd.
"What is that see through thing?" Darby asked, letting go of the rail for a split second to point into the water.
"That's a jelly fish," Cameron replied with a chuckle. "You don't want to get too close to them. They're beautiful but they will sting you in a heartbeat."
"You really need to watch yourself when we get to the island," Todd warned, rubbing Darby's side with the palm of his hand. "There are all kinds of jelly fish in the water and you won't know you're near one until it stings you if you're not paying attention."
"Like I'm going to get in the water anyway," Darby declared, tilting her head at Todd. "You guys did good getting me on this boat. Once we get to the island I will be perfectly happy sitting on the sand."
"So, that's my next chore for the day," Todd declared, flashing Darby a determined but mischievous smile.
"If you are referring to getting Darby in the water you have your work cut out for you," Breann informed with a chuckle. "I've known her all my life and I have never seen her get in anything deeper than a bathtub."
"Or the shallow end of a swimming pool," Darby added, in an effort to make herself look less childish.
"Don't underestimate the powers of the all mighty Todd," Todd joked, showing off his muscles in his arms.
"Oh boy," Darby laughed, rolling her aquamarine eyes to the sky. "I think I'm in for it today."
As the excursion boat neared the shore of Shell Island, Darby's heart skipped a beat. She had often heard students at school raving about how gorgeous the island was but their descriptions had not done the island justice.
Unable to say a word, Darby glared in awe across the water. She carefully leaned over the side rail of the boat, listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore of the island. In the distance, she spotted a sailboat scurrying past under the brilliantly baby blue sky. Even though the air was filled with conversation and laughter from the other students on the boat, the sounds of nature seemed to make them all disappear, leaving Darby with only a calm, relaxing feeling inside. Slowly, the boat pulled into port and shut off its engine.
"Darby, you finally get your wish," Breann teased, gathering her things. "You can now get your feet back on solid ground."
Darby followed Breann and Cameron off the boat with Todd close at her heels. Lugging picnic baskets and beach bags, the four cascaded down the long peer to the south side of the island.
"The water and sand are always so much cleaner on this side," Cameron informed as they reached the end of the peer.
"Let's stop here," Breann suggested, walking a few feet away before throwing her beach bag on the sand. "I want to be close to all the action in case something interesting happens."
"You just want to be sure you're one of the first to know when they are about to announce who won the class president elections," Cameron corrected with a mischievous grin as he began spreading a blanket over the warm sparkling sand.
Darby reached into her beach bag, pulled out her favorite beach towel and spread it on the ground beside Breann and Cameron's blanket. "I can't get over how beautiful it is out here," she cooed, bending over to sit on the towel. "The water is so blue and the sand is so white and clean. Why can't the beach in town be like this?"
"It would be if people would take care of it like they should," Todd declared, perching down next to Darby.
"Aren't you glad Shelly and I convinced you to come?" Breann interrogated, raising one perfectly plucked brow. "Just think, if you weren't here, you would be sitting at home being bored out of your mind and missing all the fun."
"And the boat ride wasn't as bad as you thought it would be either, was it?" Cameron chimed in, raising a hand to his forehead to shield his brown eyes from the blinding sunlight.
"Okay, I'll admit it," Darby gave in, throwing her hand in the air in defeat. "The boat ride was actually kind of nice. It's so peaceful out here. No cars, no horns, only the sound of the water crashing to the shore, the seagulls flying high in the air, and people having fun. I can definitely see why everyone raves about Shell Island."
"Did you bring any suntan lotion?" Breann asked, retrieving a large white bottle of cream from her bag.
Darby shook her head. "You know I never wear that stuff," she proclaimed, wrinkling her nose in disgust. "All it does is make your body greasy and the sand clings to you more than normal."
"Darby, the sun is a lot hotter out here then it is in the city," Cameron informed, taking the bottle of lotion from Breann. "I know it sounds funny, but there aren't that many trees out here to give you shade from the sun. The direct sunlight on this island will burn you so quick and you won't know it until it's too late."
"Well -- " Darby hesitated. "You have been right about everything else so far," she shrugged, accepting Cameron's offer for some of the lotion. Slowly, she slid out of her tank top and shorts to reveal her yellow and teal bikini. "I guess I'll take your word for it."
"Want some help with that?" Todd asked softly, moving closer to Darby. He grabbed the lotion from her and began gently caressing all over her back and shoulders.
"Sweetheart, I hate to leave you so soon, but that wonderfully cool water over there is calling my name," Cameron declared, kissing Breann on the cheek.
"I was wondering how long it was going to take you," Breann chuckled.
"Are you ready to go for a swim Todd?" Cameron asked, beginning to walk toward the water.
"On my way man," Todd proclaimed, jumping up to run behind Cameron.
Darby slid on a pair of gold rimmed sunglasses and leaned back on her towel. "I really am glad you talked me into coming out here," she said to Breann. "I needed this."
"All I want to know is what's going on between you and Todd," Breann expounded, propping herself up on one elbow.
"Nothing," Darby responded simply.
"Nothing!" Breann exclaimed. "Girl, that boy has been stuck to you like glue since we boarded the boat. Not to mention the way he's been looking at you all morning."
"Breann, you're exaggerating," Darby insisted, sitting up. "Todd is just trying to be a friend. He knows how scared of the water I am. He just wanted to make me feel safer on the boat."
"Are you afraid of the sand, too?" Breann joked.
"Of course not!" Darby giggled, gazing at her friend over the rim of her sunglasses. "Don't be silly."
"So if Todd was only being a gentleman on the boat because of your fear of water then why is he still hanging around now that we're on land?" Breann interrogated.
"Probably because of Cameron," Darby shrugged nonchalantly. "They are close friends, remember."
"Whatever you say," Breann shrugged, lying down on the blanket. "I say he likes you, and I'm not talking about as a friend."
"Breann, I just became a single girl again," Darby reminded with a chuckle. "Don't rush things."
"But you can't deny that Todd is attractive," Breann urged with a sly grin.
"No, I can't argue with that," Darby confessed, shaking her head. "Although attractive isn't exactly the word I would use. I would say more like totally gorgeous!"
"Aha, so you like him, too," Breann gleamed, eager to hear more.
But Darby was going to let her friend draw her own conclusions. At that point in time even she didn't know exactly what was going through her head about Todd.
"May I have your attention please?" the DJ yelled over the microphone hours later. "Our birthday girl has been selected to announce the victor of the class president elections. Would the candidates please come to the platform?"
"Oh no!" Breann breathed, cupping her hand over her mouth. "I've been waiting all day for this, but now I don't want to know. What if I didn't get it?" she shrilled.
"Breann, go!" Darby ordered, pushing her friend in the direction of the platform.
Shaking like a leaf, Breann approached the platform, followed by Pamela Townson a few feet behind. Once both girls reached the platform, Shelly Webster took the microphone from the DJ and took the spotlight.
"First of all, I would like to thank all of you for coming to my party," Shelly began with a gleaming smile. "I hope you are all having as much fun as I am."
The students yelled in response.
"Now, for the moment we have all been waiting for," she paused, letting the tension set in. "Choosing a class president is always a big deal for us. I know everyone, including myself, always thinks long and hard before casting their vote on Election Day and so far we have never made a wrong choice when it came to picking someone to represent our class."
"Get on with it birthday girl," Andrew Karmichael yelled in the crowd of spectators. "We're dying out here!"
"Ok, ok," Shelly giggled. "This year we have chosen -- " again she paused for a brief moment. "Breann Jordan!"
Applause and screams of approval filled the air. Breann stood in shock for a minute before the realization set in. After all she had been through with Darby and Rhett, she had made it. Her classmates had chosen her to be their class president.
"Speech, speech, speech, speech," the students chanted.
Taking a deep breath to calm her nerves, Breann took the microphone from Shelly to make a quick acceptance speech. Instantly, the noise of the students faded into a deadly silence. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted Pamela storming off the platform. Sorry, she thought with satisfaction.
"Naturally, I want to say thank you," she began in a quivering voice. "Thank you all for having the confidence in me to be your class president. I promise I won't let you down. Now, everyone enjoy the party!"
"So Ms. Jordan, how does it feel to be president?" Cameron kidded with a proud smile as Breann returned to her friends.
"Absolutely wonderful!" Breann cooed, her oval face gleaming with happiness. "And I owe it all to you and Darby," she added, hugging them tightly.
"Hey, what about me?" Todd shrieked, sticking out his bottom lip in a pout.
"Come here silly," Breann giggled, hugging him too.
"Well, no wonder everyone was talking about you and that swimsuit," a male voice scowled from behind them.
Darby whirled around and found herself face to face with none other than Rhett Carver. "Wh-what are you doing here?" she stammered in complete shock. Regaining her composure she added, "I heard you weren't invited to this party."
"I'm not here for the party," Rhett informed sarcastically. "I'm here with my buddies. We were out boat riding and decided to stop at the island for a break."
"Well, I think you made a wrong decision," Darby darted in return, her face growing hot with anger. How dare he show up and ruin my day, she thought fuming. I swore I wasn't going to let him get to me today. I haven't thought about him all day and he has to show up!
"Obviously," Rhett declared, glaring at Todd with detest. "I see you didn't waste any time moving in on my girl," he snapped at Todd.
"I am not your girl!" Darby flared.
"Rhett, you are not wanted here so why don't you just go off with your buddies and leave us alone," Cameron suggested, trying to remain calm.
"No problem man," Rhett declared, throwing his hands in the air before turning and walking away.
"Can you believe the nerve of that boy?" Breann shrilled skeptically.
"Are you alright?" Todd asked softly, sliding his arm around Darby's shoulder.
"I'm fine," Darby answered almost in a whisper as she watched Rhett disappear across the island. Feeling her eyes brim with tears, she swallowed hard to hold back the teardrops. Why did she still allow him to upset her? She was supposed to be angry with him, not sad because she no longer had him.
Then Darby realized it wasn't that she still wanted to be with Rhett that upset her so bad. It was what he had done to her-the fact that she had been so stupid and naive not to see the truth. The tears she was feeling behind her eyelids were not tears of sadness but tears of anger, of hatred for a boy she once loved.
Darby slowly stepped off the boat, holding on to the handrails for support. It had been a long adventurous day, which had been filled with fun in the sun and yet totally exhausting. After her encounter with Rhett, she had tried hard to put him behind her. She had been having the time of her life before he appeared and had been determined to continue to have fun no matter what. Darby had spent the remainder of the afternoon looking for seashells, building sandcastles, and being buried in the sand by Todd.
On the way back to the city, Darby had thought of nothing except Todd. Confusion and bewilderment had set in. Was Breann right? Did Todd really like her for more than a friend? It was true, he had spent the entire day with her. Not that she was complaining. She had a fantastic time with Todd.
"I have never been so worn out after a day at the beach before," Breann announced with a sigh as she stepped off the boat. "There's no doubt in my mind that I'm going to sleep good tonight."
"You're not tired are you, darling?" Cameron teased, massaging Breann's shoulders.
"Ooh," Breann moaned, rolling her head in circles. "You're going to put me to sleep before we reach the car."
"Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I had a wonderful time," Darby confessed, seeming surprised in herself.
"Does that mean I won't have to beg you to go to the island anymore?" Breann quizzed with a delighted expression.
"Are you kidding!" Darby exclaimed. "I can't wait to go back. Can we go tomorrow?"
"Uh oh, we've created a monster," Todd groaned, covering his face with his large slender hands.
"I don't know about you guys but I would love a hot shower and a suit of clothes that aren't covered in sand," Cameron declared, beginning to walk toward his car in the parking lot.
"That makes two of us," Breann agreed, trotting behind her boyfriend.
"Darby," Todd said suddenly, gently grabbing her by the arm. "Will you let me take you home instead of riding with Cameron and Breann?" he asked with a hopeful expression.
"Su-sure," Darby stammered with a shrug. "Breann, I'm going to ride home with Todd," she yelled after her friend.
Breann spun on her heels and gazed at her friend with a mischievous grin from ear to ear. "Ok," she shrugged. "Call me tomorrow."
"I know you're probably ready to go home, but would you like to take a walk on the beach first?" Todd asked in a skeptical tone.
"You haven't had enough of the beach yet?" Darby asked, raising one brow. "I thought I was becoming the monster."
"I just thought it would be nice to talk without everyone else around," Todd said softly, bowing his head.
"I didn't mean it like that," Darby insisted, softly touching Todd on the shoulder. "I would love to go for a walk."
"On second thought, why don't we walk to the end of the pier and watch the sun go down over the water," Todd suggested, his spirits soaring.
"Even better," Darby agreed as they walked side by side to the pier a few feet away. Nothing was said as they sauntered slowly down the pier, as if neither wanted the moments to end. Again, for the zillionth time that day, all Darby could hear were the waves crashing and the seagulls chirping as they flew by.
When they reached the end of the pier, Darby propped her elbows on the railing and gazed out over the water. In the distance the sun was beginning to set, casting a glamorous glow of yellow, orange, and red light across the water. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Todd fidgeting uneasily with his fingers, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.
"Is something wrong?" Darby asked softly, not taking her eyes off the water.
"N-no," Todd stuttered quickly. "Why do you ask?"
"You just seem to have something on your mind," Darby shrugged.
Todd let out a long slow sigh. "You're right," he confessed after a minute. "I like you," he finally blurted.
"I like you, too," Darby responded with a smile. Suddenly she felt her insides tingle with excitement. She knew what Todd was trying to tell her, but she wasn't sure how to handle it. All day long she had dreaded this moment. As she lay on the sand earlier that day she had closed her eyes and thought about Todd. But when she closed her eyes she saw two pictures-one of Todd and the other of Rhett.
"No," Todd shook his head. He took Darby's hand and pulled her to face him. "I'm in love with you."
Darby stared into Todd's blue eyes in astonishment. Had he just said he loved her? "Todd -- "
"Please, don't say anything," Todd interrupted almost in a whisper, holding a finger in front of her lips. "I know you don't feel the same about me. I just couldn't keep it a secret any longer."
Darby stood silent for a few minutes trying to find the right words to say what she felt. It was incredible! As much as she had cared for Rhett, to hear the Todd was in love with her made her feel like she was flying so far off the ground that she needed a pilot's license.
"Todd," Darby hesitated finally. "I feel funny admitting this so soon after my break up with Rhett, but I like you, too. Actually, I've realized today that I like you more than I thought."
"Really!"
"Yes, really," Darby giggled, delicately touching Todd's deep tanned cheek. "But I don't want us to get together with me on the rebound from Rhett," she proclaimed, turning to sit on the bench on the side of the pier. "Rhett hurt me-beyond belief," she confessed with a sad sigh. "I'm really not upset about us not being together anymore, but I'm still so angry with him for what he did. It's going to take some time to get over that. It's going to be a long time before I can trust another guy again."
"I understand," Todd said sincerely, sitting beside her on the bench. "I can tell you that I would never do anything like that to you. But after what you've been through, I wouldn't expect you to believe me."
"And that's the problem," Darby cried, pushing a strand of her auburn hair out of her eyes. "I don't want to hold you responsible for the things Rhett did to me. Deep down I know you would never cheat on me, but at the moment it will be hard to have complete trust in you the way I should."
"So we both want to be together, but Rhett's deceptions are keeping us apart," Todd concluded, shaking his head in frustration.
"I'm still allowing him to control my life huh?" Darby declared, wrinkling her forehead.
"Yes and no," Todd replied carefully. "I'm sure Rhett would love nothing more than to know that you feel you can't get involved with anyone else because of him, but after all he put you through you have every right to feel the way you do."
"So you understand?"
"I understand completely," Todd nodded. "I don't like it, but I understand. It's just going to take some time for you to get over the things he did."
"You know, you are one of the greatest guys I've ever met," Darby complimented with a smile. "You're so nice, caring, and sympathetic. Why can't all boys be like you?"
"Because then they would all want you, and I wouldn't stand a chance," Todd kidded, smiling slightly. "Would you agree to taking our relationship slowly? No pressures, no commitments, just dating and seeing where things lead"
Darby tilted her head and grinned. "Are you serious?"
"Absolutely!" Todd said happily. "Darby, there's this-electricity between us. I can feel it every time I touch you. I know we can have something special if we give it a chance."
"As strange as it sounds, I think you're right," Darby affirmed, shivering from chills of excitement. "I can't honestly say I'm in love with you, but I do feel the attraction between us. If you're willing to give me some time to get my head straight-I'm all yours."
"I will give you all the time you need," Todd whispered, caressing her back with the tips of his fingers.
Darby laid her head on Todd's shoulder and gazed into the enveloping darkness. The sun had disappeared entirely, leaving the pier surrounded by deep blue sky. But even through the deep silence of the night the setting was extremely romantic. Many times she had dreamed of sitting on the beach with the boy she loved. Although she wasn't in love with Todd and they were not exactly on the beach, they were close enough.
"Darby," Todd whispered, brushing his lips against the top of her head.
"Hmm," Darby sighed contentedly.
"I know we're supposed to be taking this slow-but can I kiss you?" Todd asked, his voice beginning to shake from nervousness.
Darby lifted her head and gazed into Todd's deep blue eyes. A few nearby streetlights cast just enough light on the end of the pier for her to see their sparkle. Without saying a word, she eased closer to his lips. When they touched, Darby's stomach executed a somersault. A tingling sensation swept throughout her body, causing her to nearly melt like a marshmallow in his arms. His lips were so soft and sweet tasting, his kiss so passionate and loving. Instantly, all thoughts of Rhett seemed too vanish from her mind.
"I love you Darby," Todd whispered when their lips parted.
Darby returned her head to Todd's shoulder as he held her close. It was going to take some time to get over Rhett's deceptions, but there was no way she was going to allow him to keep her from starting another relationship with someone else. Especially when that someone else was destined to treat her ten times better than Rhett ever had.
To learn about other books Awe-Struck publishes, go to the Awe-Struck E-Books website at http://www.awe-struck.net/