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A Phoenix Story: Living The Hand You're Dealt

By: writingdragon



There is no explicit sex in this story. 

No part of this story may be published at any other site or in any other form without the express written permission of the author. © December 25, 2006 

*******

Chapter One

'His thick dark hair sure accentuates his heavy set brow,' she observed. 'Together they give his eyes a deep shadowy, almost sinister look.' A shiver ran through the attractive young redhead as her thoughts continued, 'The same eyes I can feel undressing me even when I'm not looking. He would probably be considered handsome if he weren't so... so... foreboding. Yea, that's the right word, that's just how he appears.' 

From the moment Millie walked in the male bartender had been constantly staring, watching her every move. Normally she would be on her way home putting as much distance between the impolite asshole and herself as possible, but since Millie was here with a work colleague and expecting others, she felt safe. 

Although his ill-mannered behavior had unnerved her at first, now Millie just found it irritating as she finished her second drink. A slight buzz had begun to lift the depressive weight of her anxiety. 

For the first time since her arrival, Millie was beginning to relax. Except for the few times she glanced at the bartender, Millie was starting to enjoy herself and have fun. 

Diligently glancing around the lounge, she realized, 'Damn you Will Borrows, you've been gone for awhile.' Millie wondered, 'Where could you have gotten off to? Co-workers don't just disappear.'

After her eyes did one more sweep, she was satisfied Will wasn't in the lounge. Millie began watching and observing everyone coming or going from the hotel lobby. Her seat was in a perfect position to keep an eye on the only public entrance and exit. 



While swirling her drink and checking her watch for the umpteenth time, Millie suddenly felt cold liquid slosh over her fingers. Confused, giddy, and a bit dizzy, it slowly dawned on her while peering at her hand... 'I just spilt my drink. That's weird,' she thought while wiping her fingers with her drink napkin, 'nothing like that ever happened before, not after just two drinks.' 

Her wrinkled brow reflected her desperate attempt to stay focused while tapping nervously on the table with her straw. She was unconsciously fighting to keep her eyes and head from nodding when suddenly from over her shoulder came a familiar, but unexpected voice. 

"Hello Millie, mind if I sit down?" 

Jumping in surprise, the red head squealed before clasping one hand over her mouth in an exaggerated gesture as the false sensation of falling caused her to grab the table to steady herself. 

Her reply tumbled out in a slurred jumbled mess, "Mr. Courtier, whacha doin here? No I donn mine at all pleaseee ave a seat." Millie still maintained enough sensibility to know her cheeks were flushed by the embarrassment she felt at the moment. 

The wiry man slid in across from her, his ever present cane now resting on the table. He was average height, smallish with a well toned build, sandy brown hair, dark rim glasses, and dark brooding eyes. 

Millie had heard stories about how he injured his leg. There were so many, speculations really, none of them very flattering. Over the last few months she noticed that it seemed his limp was becoming less pronounced. 

As Millie watched her boss adjust himself in the seat the petite blonde server came over to take his order. 

"If I want a beer, what are my choices?" he asked the cocktail waitress.

After inquiring about the available beer options, he hardly looked at the waitress as she began reciting the current list. Instead, he sat staring at Millie through the entire ordeal. After carefully considering the possibilities, "I'll have a Samuel Adams Winter Lager on Draft," he stated. 

While the waitress was filling his order, Becca began to feel uncomfortable as Mr. Courtier sat scrutinizing her. Finally he said, "After hours, please call me Darren." She nodded as the blonde female server brought his beer. He looked up, smiled, and asked, "How much do I owe you?"

The girl replied, "Oh I can run you a tab...."

Mr. Courtier motioned with his hand to stop her and said, "Thank you for the offer, but, I always pay as I go." After pulling out his wallet, he slipped the server a hundred dollar bill. 

Smiling cheerfully she counted out his change and he handed her back a ten dollar tip. Her eyebrows shot up as she said, "Thanks sexy, I'll make sure to take good care of you."

He looked at her with a bit of mischief twinkling in his eyes and replied, "It is... and would be my pleasure." 

Millie followed Darren's eyes as they stared at the girl's backside as she headed towards the bar. He obviously enjoyed the view as the blonde's short skirt rhythmically swayed around her toned hips. 

When Millie looked back, her boss raised his glass to her, said, "Salute," then took a long swig.

Suddenly Mille felt confused, 'All I've ever heard at work is, "Mr. Courtier never joins in the parties or after hour wind downs." Then why is he here now?' She wondered. Focusing hard, Millie tried to recall what had transpired before his arrival. 

****** 

Millie remembered that when she first got there Will had already claimed a booth conveniently located near the hallway leading to the restrooms. As he waved to her, she watched his eyes roam over her lime green dress a moment or two longer than necessary before eventually settling on her face. 

"Hey Millie, I'm headed to the bar. I have the other's orders. Since the first round is on me, what will you be having my lady?" 

Will's voice was deep and husky, sexy even. She involuntarily shivered watching his tongue dance across his lips leaving a trace of moisture. 

More quickly than she wanted, Millie replied, "Ummm thanks, I'm in the mood for an Amoretto sour." She flushed a little as she watched Will walk away.

Millie was concerned that no one from the office had shown up yet, other than the two of them. It had been Will who told her about the happy hour tonight.

Moments later a cocktail waitress came over and asked, "Can I get you something to drink, sweetie?" 

"No!" Millie replied sharply, rousing herself from her hypnotic interlude. Realizing her concern was showing, she quickly extended her finger towards the bar and politely added, "One of our group just went to the bar to get the drinks, thanks anyway."

As her eyes followed in the direction Millie pointed, the blond scowled at the sight of Will talking to the dark haired bartender who even she had noticed leering at Millie. He gave both of them the creeps. 

"Thanks," the waitress said before moving off to the next table. Millie noticed she kept looking back towards the two men at the bar. 

Will came back a few minutes later and placed five drinks around the table laughing, "Ok, now where are the others? They knew what time we were supposed to start. They wouldn't want their drinks to get hot." Millie giggled as he chuckled at his own pun. 

The two of them talked and laughed for a few minutes. Millie finished her drink feeling very relaxed, for the first time in ages she began to enjoy herself. She hardly noticed when the lights slowly dimmed or the soft music began playing. 

Will asked and she accepted. Three or four couples were already dancing as he took Millie's hand and led her to the dance floor. 

After sliding his other around her back, he nodded to make sure she was ready. Millie was surprised, Will proved to be a very good dancer as he spirited her around with skillful ease. 

He kept her on the floor through several dances, each a little slower, and each with her pressed a little tighter to his body. She had her head on his shoulder by the time the last one finished. 

Suddenly, Millie pulled sharply away from him and moved quickly towards their table. Flushed from the sensations, she was deeply embarrassed over having allowed her work associate to get 'too close for comfort.' 

She returned to her seat and picked up her empty glass. Seeing her looking around trying to get the server's attention, Will said, "Millie why don't you take the slow gin fizz next to you? I'll order another when the others get here."

After thinking about it for a moment Millie felt safe enough to brush aside her concerns. She could always take a taxi home. Picking up the drink, she quickly emptied half the glass. 

She noticed the little cock sure smile that creased Will's lips. It always made him look the bad boy to her, a little devilish but not mean. 

Will had quite the reputation with girls in the office. The fact she was alone with him made Millie feel a bit uncomfortable, but ever so naughty. 

There had been gossip that Will was a player, an active player. Millie was not interested in ever becoming a player; she loved her husband too much. 

At the moment they were going through a bit of a rough spot in their marriage. The last thing Mille needed was trouble, and sure as hell not the kind that came from ending up in someone else's bed. 

Millie wasn't sure if Will knew that Scott, her husband, was a police officer. She felt it should be mentioned, but it had been her experience that knowing about Scott's job made to many people uncomfortable. She decided it was best to keep it to herself and not take the chance of putting a damper on everyone's evening.

While they talked, Millie explained, "My husband always seems to be working the three to eleven shift with rotating week-ends off. Right now things are a bit stressed between us with his job and all." 

Will nodded appearing to listen intently, touching, almost stroking her hand and assuring her things would probably get better soon. Millie moved her hands to her lap. His unwanted attempts at physical contact unsettled her.

A few minutes later Will teased her as she finished her drink by saying, "If I had you at home I would quit any job that kept me away from you for more than five minutes." 

Millie giggled while blushing at the complement.

Will downed his beer and pointed to her empty glass and asked, "One more Ma'am?"

Millie thought about what awaited her at home. Another evening of eating alone and falling asleep in bed before her husband got there. 

Quickly deciding that three drinks wouldn't be too much for her to handle she answered, "Sure, that'd be great, but I must insist I get this round." Millie fished the money out of her purse and handed it to Will. 

He smiled and said, "Thank you, my mom always said if its free... take two." As he turned to go he chuckled to himself mumbling, "It's going to be free alright, and before the nights over, I'll take everything you've got to offer, at least twice." 

Millie was confused, but before she could respond to what she thought she heard him mumble, he turned away moving with purpose towards the bar. 

As he walked away she watched the swagger of his rear end. "Damn he sure does have a cute little butt," she said out loud to herself then giggled as she looked around to see if anyone heard her. 

Thinking to herself 'That was uncalled for, I am a married woman.' Taking one more look at Will's backside she giggled again and whispered, "Ok, I may be married, but I'm not dead." 

After returning with their drinks, Will offered to dance, but Millie decided it wasn't a good idea and politely declined. Will tilted his head back to get the last swallow before setting his second empty glass of the day on the table. 

As Millie watched the foam trail back down and dissolve into a small pool of beer at the bottom of his glass, Will decided it was time. He excused himself to go to the restroom. 

After realizing she had been sitting at the booth alone for some time, Millie had begun to wonder about Will's disappearance when, quite unexpectedly, her office manager Mr. Courtier showed up. 

********

Feeling uneasy about Mr. Courtier's sudden appearance, Millie asked, "What made you decide to join the after hours wind down today?" She was embarrassed again because her tongue felt thick and numb causing her difficulties in pronouncing words. They kept coming out slurred and the room was beginning to spin a bit too. 

Darren was able to decipher her intent as he looked at her with a forced smile on his face, "Oh sometimes I do things that no one expects." Raising and bending two fingers on each hand like quotation marks he added, "Just to keep everyone guessing." 

His eyes bore into Millie's as he asked the question, "Are you feeling alright Mrs. Albrighton... you look a little peaked?" 

She felt intimidated by his gaze, as if he was looking right through her. Millie licked her lips and replied very slowly trying not to slur her words, "Yus Sir, U'm fine, but...wh...hare did Mr. Borrows dis...pear tu?"

Darren grinned as he answered with a sarcastic flip, "Ah yes... Mr. Borrows. I believe he is trying to figure out how to come out of the closet my dear." 

For some reason that was really funny to Millie. She laughed, and mocked back, but her words where so incoherent they didn't make sense, even to her. 

Suddenly Millie didn't feel so good, the room spun crazily and she realized Darren was standing next to her holding onto her arm with a surprisingly firm grip. 

She slumped into Darren who held her tight. The last thing she heard was Darren saying, "Come on, help me get her to our room."

Millie wanted, and tried, to scream "no", but nothing seemed to be working, then everything went black.

*****

Millie felt the warmth of the sun on her face, but her head felt like it was full of cotton. "Good Lord, my mouth and throat are so dry..." As she opened her eyes the rest of her words stuck in her throat.

In the light-headedness of her semi-confusion she blinked in silent prayer... praying the world would change as she opened her eyes once more to look around the obvious hotel room. 

The dark side of reality suddenly plunged its hidden dagger into her soul. Her guilty conscience twisted in agony with each turn of the blade. 

She slowly faced what must have occurred as she recalled the last words she heard before blacking out. "Come on, help me get her to our room." 

Suddenly howling out in pain, "Oh God nooo...please noooo. What have I done?" She realized, 'My boss Darren Courtier and my supervisor Will Borrows must have slipped me something last night and... and... raped me.' 

Her body trembled then shook as deep sobs exploded from her tortured heart causing her to gasp for air. A sick churning sensation ripped at her stomach forcing her into an involuntary fetal position.

All of a sudden the door to the room opened and Millie heard a commotion over her shoulder. She felt nauseous as she froze in fear unable to move waiting for Mr. Courtier or Will to come over and attempt to continue their assault. 

As some one moved onto it, she felt the bed sink. Curling her body into a tight ball she prepared herself for the onslaught. 

Millie heard a voice that sounded muffled and echoed like someone yelling down a well. Time seemed to stand still just before she heard her name, "Millie, hon..." 

She could feel someone or something touching her head. In the dark corner of her mind where she had retreated, huddled in fear, Millie could hear someone calling for her. She heard it through the haze. The voice seemed so distant as it kept pleading, "Millie come on baby, wake up honey, it's me... Scott." 

'Scott, my husband's name is Scott.' Millie screamed out "Scott!" as she opened her eyes and moved to sit up in bed. Her husband's strong handsome features came into focus inches from her face. 

Millie threw her arms around him and held on for dear life, "Scott, I never wanted this to happen..." Her voice, hoarse from exertion, cracked "God, why?" with such heart-rending, soul-wrenching emotion, she just let the tears explode. 

Scott pulled his wife to him, his own tears joining hers cascading down her face. He kept saying, "It's ok baby, calm down and let's talk." His strong voice was calm and in control.

Finally Millie sat up. She looked around the room and saw Mr. Courtier sitting at a small table near the window, sipping what appeared to be a cup of coffee. Millie's face contorted in rage, "How dare you, how could you do this to me? I hate you...," she screamed, sobbing as she collapsed back into her husband's loving arms.

Scott continued to comfort her as she calmed down, "Millie, I think you need to listen to me for a second. Do you really believe I would allow anyone who had hurt or caused you pain to be near you," he asked?

As Millie looked up at her husband, a bewildered expression of confusion spread over her face. "What do you mean?" She asked while absentmindedly pushing her hair out of her face behind her ear.

After brushing her remaining stray hairs out of the way, Scott kissed her gently on the lips. Then informed, "Honey it was Darren and RJ who kept Will Borrows and Spilman, the bartender, from playing their perverted little game on you. It was RJ who watched over you and kept the boys from really pushing the laced drinks to you. 

"In the meantime Darren tracked me down through the precinct. That enabled some vice squad detectives to meet me here and deal with the problem."

Millie looked up at her husband mouth agape, all she could say was, "Who is RJ?"

There was a movement near the door to the room and Scott nodded over his shoulder towards the movement, and said, "That would be the cute little blonde cocktail waitress who kept buzzing around you last night."

Moments later the blonde waitress from the night before came into view, she was wearing jeans and a white tee shirt. "Hi sweetie, sorry to scare you, I hope you can forgive us for that?"

Millie let go of Scott to hold out her arms to RJ. While hugging each other, Millie looked over RJ's shoulder at Mr. Courtier before breaking out in an embarrassed blush. Swallowing hard she apologized, "I'm sorry for what I said, I didn't know and I thought..." 

Darren interrupted by holding up his hand to stop her, "No offence taken, no apology necessary, I was just hoping you weren't going to thrash me before Scott could explain." He chuckled as he finished talking.

Millie just nodded thinking, 'I've never seen him this light-hearted before. At the office he's always so anal retentive, a real tight ass. It's weird seeing this side of him. He's really a normal human being.' 

She was lost in thought as RJ walked over to Mr. Courtier then turned and sat in his lap before hugging and kissing him with utter familiarity. 

Wide eyed, Millie stared for a moment then asked, "How do you know each other?" 

RJ opened her mouth but before she could speak Mr. Courtier interjected. "I come over on the nights she works and give her big tips. Then she takes me to her house afterwards to personally show her gratitude."

Before he could continue the little blonde slapped him on the shoulder twice, "You are so bad, why do I put up with you. I do not take you to my house for big tips. I take you home to personally thank you for loving and marrying me. Although... the big tips do help put me in a good mood." 

Darren chuckled, continuing what Millie now understood was playful banter, "Oh and all this time I thought it was because I was good in bed."

The blonde smiled, and then kissed him, "Well... there is that too... that's why you tip so well, to put me in the right mood so you can show your wares and strut your stuff."

They both looked back at Millie as Darren said, "Mrs. Millie Albrighton this is my wife, Mrs. R.J. Courtier." Both women nodded and exchanged smiles before cracking up into laughter only a female would understand. Scott and Darren were smiling, but their confusion was obvious, as usual, they were clueless. 


A Phoenix Story: Living The Hand You're Dealt



"Millie, please call me RJ, it's less formal and I like to keep it that way."

Millie replied with a smile, "Thanks, I will."

********

A few minutes after handing her a bathrobe, Scott followed his wife to the bathroom. He closed the door behind them and took Millie in his arms. She was biting her lower lip with obvious fear as she looked up into his face, "Scott, I am so sorry, please forgive me."

Scott looked at the beautiful lady standing before him, "Baby, I love you. There's no need for you to apologize to me for anything." Then kissing her gently, he could taste the tears that started to flow. He leaned against the sink so they could see and hold each other more comfortably. 

"You made some really bad decisions last night. Fortunately they didn't end up causing either one of us a lot of grief or pain but they easily could have. We can talk about everything when you're feeling better; I think we just need to take better care of each other from now on. I do so love you Millie." 

Millie held Scott close and said through her sniffles, "I love you too sweetheart. We can talk tonight, afterwards you can show me how much you love me, up close and personal." 

Scott kissed her again as he replied, "I would love to show you right now, but it will have to wait until tonight. And don't worry, this isn't just another empty promise. We are going to make it happen tonight, even if I have to quit my job. Now take your shower, your stuff is in the gym bag on the floor. I'll see you in a bit."

Millie shivered involuntarily at her lover's comments then sent him out the door as she got ready for a shower.

As Scott left the bathroom he had a lot on his mind, 'I know Millie, she isn't the cheating type. Going to that lounge was a huge error in judgment, even if it was a good set up by Borrows. 

'To begin drinking without the other people Borrows had supposedly invited was a major blunder. Dancing with the jerk was way out of line; we do need to talk about those things. 

'I know I get focused on the job and she gets lonely. We just need to tweak our relationship. This was a good wake-up call for both of us. We will take the time to sit down and get all our issues resolved.' Scott felt so fortunate to have Millie as his wife. 

******** 

Millie came out a short time later looking refreshed. She found RJ sitting at the small table with breakfast consisting of eggs, toast, orange juice and hot coffee. "Where are the boys?" she asked.

RJ smiled, "Scott is talking to some detectives and Darren has 

wandered over to the office to finish some odds and ends. The

corporate big wigs don't seem to be very happy about Mr. Borrows' idea of 'fun and games.' They've decided to offer him a fast track option to a career change." 

Millie thought about what RJ said as she sat down and fixed herself a cup of coffee. Leaning back she inquired, "May I ask what the main office intends to do with Mr. Borrows?" She took a long sip of coffee as she awaited RJ's reply. 

The cute little blonde cocked her head and a big smile formed on her face as she said, "They canned him, fired his dumb ass with prejudice, without even giving him the opportunity to resign. He has now become a national unemployment statistic."

"Oh," Millie blushed, her red hair making the glow of her neck and face even more pronounced. "I didn't want to..."

RJ interrupted her, "Let's see, Borrows and Spilman planned on drugging then raping you. They are low life scum; the detectives said Spilman is already rolling over on Borrows. 

"Seems they've played their sick little game on a few other women and the police are very interested. Hopefully that information and the drink glasses which should show evidence of the GHB or some other date rape drug they used will be enough to put them away for a long time. 

"Darren has been watching how Will Borrows operates for some time. Over the last few years, some of the younger married female employees who worked with Darren suddenly resigned after an evening of partying at the lounge in this hotel. 

"The other women never talked to Darren, but since this is where I work part-time Darren asked me to keep an eye open. I saw some things that weren't kosher, but since no one complained, Darren couldn't do anything.

"Yesterday Darren found out Mr. Borrows had set up an office get together with four other employees, the only catch being, three of those other employees didn't know anything about it. Well, luckily I had been called in to work last night and could watch over you. 



"At first you were sending mixed signals. You were dancing, almost cuddling before you suddenly walked off the dance floor. That was when I was pretty sure you weren't playing along. 

"The reason Will kept getting your drinks is Spilman was lacing them all evening, including the two untouched ones at your table. They were slick. 

"I was constantly around your table and that had the two of them a bit unnerved. I called Darren, who in turn phoned Scott before coming over to deal with Borrows. 

"When Burrows stepped out to get a room, he and Darren had a bit of an encounter before Darren came in to watch over you. Spilman was obviously agitated when he spotted Darren sitting down at your table with no Mr. Borrows in sight. 

"Scott and the vice detectives arrived moments after you passed out. They sorted through all the stories and I gave them the glasses from your table which I'd been able to hide before they were able to be washed. 

"Spillman was obviously worried, as I was helping Darren get you out the door, I saw him make a beeline for your table. He sure looked upset when he discovered there were no glasses, full or empty. 

"Let's just say, while you were resting comfortably the idiots were in for a long night of questioning. Now, with Spilman talking, both of them are about to take a vacation at the taxpayer's expense. 

"So you see Millie, whatever you do, don't waste any sympathy for either of them. What they deserve isn't sympathy." RJ seemed pleased with her rendition of events as she told them to Millie. 

For her part, Millie just sat in stunned silence. As the full realization sunk in of how close she had come to a nightmarish situation which would have ruined her life forever, tears of gratitude... and fear flowed down her face. 

RJ left Millie alone with her thoughts and sat on the balcony taking in the morning sun. Some time later Millie joined her. 

Leaning against the rail she said, "RJ, thank you so much for helping me last night. I think I have been on a pity party about Scott's work schedule and just wanted to be around people last night. That will be the last time I ever do anything like that."

Flipping her hair out of her face, she continued with a hint of irritation "I wasn't trying to come on to Will." As she spoke about Will Borrows, Millie's voice switched from irritation to one full of venom and her lip curled in disgust, but she continued. "I don't want anyone else, I truly love my husband and he is all I want or need, I'm so sorry I caused all this hubbub." 

RJ looked up and softly replied, "Sweetie, you didn't do anything, Will Borrows and that idiot bartender Spilman did. You were just another innocent victim they were setting up for their sick perverted depravity. You're just lucky I got called in last night and that Darren has been watching Borrows closely for weeks. 

"You were on a crash and burn course last night Millie, but like the Phoenix Bird of legend, you rose from the ashes..." RJ's face suddenly took on an almost remorseful expression, as she continued in a small voice, "You got a relatively free ticket to a second chance." 

Millie noted that RJ had been very animated in her hand and facial gestures until she started talking about the Phoenix Bird. She said the last few words in an almost forlorn tone.

RJ quickly recovered and Millie asked, "Last night Darren said something about Borrows trying to come out of the closet. Then you said earlier Darren had an encounter with him. Will Borrows is so much bigger and works out regularly. I can't imagine Darren getting into a fight with someone like that?"



The reflection of the sun off RJ's eyes gave Millie the impression they were twinkling as RJ replied, "First off, I'm not sensitive about discussing Darren or his injuries. I understand what you are really asking. How could Darren with his bad leg face off, and hope to hold his own, against someone such as Will Borrows? 

"After Darren was hurt in his last year of college he had to learn to use a cane. His physical therapist convinced him during his recovery to enroll in martial arts to help strengthen his arms and legs. Darren's sensei taught him how to use his cane as a devastating weapon. He isn't going to win in a prolonged fight but in a quick or unexpected encounter he can be downright mean.

"When Darren got here last night, I told him Mr. Borrows had gone down the hallway towards the restrooms and the check-in desk. Darren immediately went to find him, after checking the restroom he eventually found Mr. Borrows renting a room for the night. Mr. Wonderful was telling the kid at the front desk he was going to be extremely busy for the rest of the night with his very drunk date.

"Now, when my hubby walked down the hallway towards the lounge he did a 'dumb' thing, but it was all Darren could think of at the time. He waited at a water fountain across the hall from an open mop closet, hiding his cane beside his leg. 

"As Will Borrows walked by towards the lounge, Darren slammed the metal handle of the cane between the bigger man's legs from behind. Then Darren reached out grabbed Mr. Borrows' belt, at the same time pulling the cane handle back causing a second trauma to Borrows' groin.

"When Darren told me about his little interaction with Mr. Burrows, he said the sound of air rushing from lungs coupled with the surprise "Oh Ssshhhiiittttt!" was very satisfying. 

"Even though Mr. Borrows was doubled over from pain, Darren spun him around facing the mop closet. After getting his cane released which took a few extra violent jerks, he shoved Mr. Borrows in. 

"Apparently Borrow's head smacked into the wall pretty hard and he slid onto his knees, face first into a dirty wet mop. Darren turned off the light and shut the door, leaving the dirt bag for someone else to mop up."

Both ladies couldn't resist a good laugh at RJ's corny sense of humor. 

"That's where the cops found Burrows, disoriented and confused. The detectives are calling the circumstances surrounding Mr. Borrows' claim he was assaulted as fanciful. They believe he was a bit drunk, wandered into the closet by mistake, and fell."

Millie stared at RJ then said with a growing giggle, "Trying to come out of the closet, now I get it. But didn't the detectives take Darren's statement? I mean he could get into serious shit, sorry, I mean trouble over something like that."

RJ had a mischievous grin as she said, "Actually Scott told the detectives he interviewed Darren and told the detectives my docile little hubby had nothing more to add. Since Burrows didn't get a chance to see who did it, he had nothing more to add either." 

Millie looked at RJ and began laughing, "You two are something else. Thank you again."

While studying RJ, Millie was trying to figure out how to word a question. 

RJ looked up at the younger woman and said, "Go ahead Millie. What is it you want to ask me?" 

Millie blushed at being caught, "Sorry for staring. I was just wondering... did you ever go to college? I'm not trying to pry, but you look and act like you could do more than just deal with lounge lizards."

RJ giggled, "Hmmm, where to start? Ok... let's see... I have a bachelor's degree in art which is all but worthless. I guess I could do something else, but ever since I started working at the lounge part time, I discovered I really like the job and it's a lot of fun. Plus whenever Darren feels up to it and we can get a babysitter, he drops by and spends some adult time with me." 

RJ fell silent. From her expression, Millie could tell she was pondering whether to continue or not. "Millie I am also a silent partner who owns a share of the lounge. My working there allows some quiet oversight in the running of our establishment. 

"A few years back I came into a small chunk of money, Darren looked around for investment opportunities and I decided on the lounge. So far the gamble has paid off; it's proved to be a lucrative investment over the years. 

"I would appreciate if you kept that quiet. None of the other employees or for that fact, managers know anything about what you just learned and I would prefer to keep it that way."

In utter disbelief, Millie asked, "You are a part owner of the lounge downstairs, and you work as a cocktail waitress?" 

RJ had to stifle a laugh at Millie's expression, "Yep, I like to keep my finger on the pulse of the place. I am especially glad that I did with the situation which developed last night. It was very fortunate my bartender didn't know who I was. Enough about that, are you feeling better now? Head clear?"

Millie nodded, "You know I am just an average girl from a small town not far from here. I went to school, had boyfriends, experimented with sex, bruised my heart on a couple of guys and met Scott when I was finishing community college. 

"I heard being a cop's girlfriend or especially one's wife could be lonely and hard on the nerves. Up until the last few months things had been fine. Now I just want Scott at home with me, I am scared for him all the time. 

"We never seem to get time off together and there are times I feel like our lives are just passing by. I'll bet you don't think of things like that with Darren?"

RJ smiled weakly, then said, "Let's go to the ladies room, after that grab some coffee, and then we'll sit back down so I can tell you a story that will probably shock you."

Chapter Two 

After returning to the deck with their refreshments, RJ sat staring out over the river. It was a beautiful view from the balcony.

Millie could sense the obvious tension RJ was feeling as Millie watched her nervously play with her fingers. With her lips pursed, she looked at Millie with an intense haunting stare.

"I think it's best to try and tell this in Darren's own words as he has related it to me over the years," RJ said with a deep sigh. 

"In high school Darren had been good enough to be a starter in baseball and track... he did so love to run." As RJ stopped for a moment to wipe a tear from her eye, Millie realized for the first time she was about to learn the truth behind Darren's injury. From that point on, she slowly became mesmerized as the story mandated her full attention.

"But, he was never going to be offered a scholarship to any College or University and his parents didn't have the resources for him to attend one of the more expensive prestigious schools. Instead, he chose a small liberal arts college near Madison, Wisconsin for their business school and cheaper cost, trying to get the biggest bang for his buck, so to speak." RJ continued to speak, but her voice was lost as Millie only heard the words as they begin to form a spectacular visual of Darren's story.

**********

Darren enjoyed his first two years on campus, partying, studying, and happily losing his virginity to one of the few women who came his way. Darren knew his lean runner's build was unlikely to attract any of the "A" list girls, but that was okay with him. 

In high school many of the real hot babes were too self centered and money oriented. He didn't care for their attitudes... or have any extra money. Darren figured out in a hurry there were more than enough other girls with the so called 'correct attitude' to choose from.

About three weeks before the end of his second year in college, Tonya, his girlfriend of six months, introduced him to a cute little redheaded fireball nicknamed 'Red.' She was a freshman who had taken a liking to the group Darren hung out with. Although bubbly and a bit opinionated, she was not at all unpleasant. She even made a few positive comments about Darren's current relationship with his black girlfriend. 

Red told them one night, "I think it's good for different races to date each other. What if my future better half is a better color than I am." 

Tonya and Darren couldn't help but laugh before Tonya goaded, "I think he also liked the fact that I was willing to give it up for him." Both girls giggled as Darren blushed a deep crimson.

"I like to think it was the first reason that brought us together," he sputtered.



After licking her finger, Tonya made a hissing sound as she pressed it to her ass, "This, lover, is almost too hot to handle." Winking, she gave him a seductive smile, "But you handle it well."

Darren's shoulders slumped in defeat as he looked at his girlfriend, "Ok, I do enjoy your special attention too."

That had both girls laughing and high fiving.

**********

The rest of the school year went well, wrapping up almost too quickly. Since he and Tonya were going to rent the apartment for another year, the recess gave him the opportunity to go home and make some extra money.

He had hooked a summer job as a delivery man for a family friend, or as his dad called it, the pack animal. It was relatively easy and paid well.

**********

Upon arriving back at school in August, Darren instantly knew something was amiss when Tonya was waiting for him in the apartment with her arms crossed over her perky breasts. If there were any doubts, they vanished with her words, "Sit down... we need to talk." Her tone was pleasant but not warm and her greeting was downright cool.

'Great,' Darren thought, 'back to the dorms. I was looking forward to a fun partner to share the apartment with for another year, maybe more.'

Darren sat down looked up at Tonya and said, "Ok what's up?"

Tonya said, "This is weird, when we started the summer break, I was actually looking forward to spending the coming school year with you. But I met someone a couple of days after I got home and, well, we are head over heels in love. 

"I always enjoyed our time together, I can even say I was developing feelings for you, but it wasn't love. At least not like this. 

"So I am backing out of the apartment, but not to worry, I got you a roommate to take my place. Only you don't get special attention from this one... sorry." 

Darren was a bit confused, "Who? Do I know him? He's not gay is he?"

"Well yeah you know him, only just not too well and him is named Becca," Tonya replied.

"Who?" Darren asked with a look of utter confusion etched on his face.

"You know... Becca... 'Red' from last year. We kept in touch over the summer and she knew what was going down, so she is willing to share the place with you. There are just no special benefits or touching unless she gives you permission, OK? This way you don't have to lose the place or move back to the dorms."

Darren looked at Tonya, "Well, thanks for telling me up front, and for finding a replacement. I wish you luck. Hope it works out for you."

Tonya bent down and kissed Darren on the cheek, then whispered, "Thanks baby, I knew you would be ok with it." As she was leaving, she turned and waved. 

Darren just sat there taking stock of his feelings. It didn't take to long to understand he really didn't love Tonya, but did have some feelings for her. He knew the pain he felt was only his bruised pride from the sting of her unexpected rejection. 

'She was the best I've ever had,' he admitted to himself. 'I'm sure going to miss her body..., but I do wish her the best. She's one fine lady.' 

With a grin he realized there was a small silver lining to this otherwise dark cloud. Now he didn't have to explain about his little slip with an ex-girlfriend's younger sister at the Fourth of July party. 




A Phoenix Story: Living The Hand You're Dealt



Reminiscing about the party, Darren recalled how the younger sister and he talked through the situation the next morning. Both realized it was just a case of alcohol induced horniness taking undue advantage of their mutual loneliness. They had no plans to get together again. 

He remembered how hostile his ex had been after she walked in on them taking a shower together the next morning. Even though her younger sister was eighteen years old, his ex made it sound like Darren was a pedophile who had violated a fourteen year old.

Quietly disengaging himself from the argument that pursued, he managed to slip away, leaving the sisters to work things out between them. From the tone of their escalating voices, he knew it was going to take awhile.

Recalling the aggravation, he sassily said, "Note to self, never again screw sisters under any circumstances."

From behind him came, "That's a good policy, but who are you talking about? Tonya only has brothers."

Responding with his usual gracefulness to an unexpected voice, Darren jumped, landing on the edge of the couch, flipping it over onto himself when he fell to the floor. Red was laughing so hard she had tears rolling down her face while she helped him get out from under the couch and set it upright. 

She said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you. I thought Tonya told you I was already here." 

Darren, still trying to get his heart back in his chest, replied, "You didn't scare me."

When Becca almost went to the floor laughing at his reply, he realized how stupid the answer sounded and was soon laughing with her.

Over the next couple of hours they both outlined their feelings on sharing a place, division of chores, plus individual and joint responsibilities. Darren was very impressed by Becca's way of firmly planting in his mind the fact they were just roommates, not a couple in any way, shape, or form. 

She did make him tell her about the sisters before letting the subject drop. After he finished the story she shook her head and replied, "Well of course goofball, everybody knows you don't screw sisters or brothers." 

Over the next few months, until Thanksgiving, Darren and Becca along with the rest of the gang hung out and partied together. They both took time to reconnect with old friends and forge bonds with new ones. 

When not hanging out with friends, Becca and Darren spent a lot of time studying together. Darren also helped his roomie overcome some Math and history problems she was struggling with. 

They occasionally dated others but neither was able to find someone they really could connected with. A lot of their time together was spent laughing and sharing what was or went wrong with their dates. 

When everyone got back from Thanksgiving, Darren noticed Becca was always at his side, constantly touching his arm, shoulder, or leg. When everyone got together at the club one night, one of the other guys pointed it out to him. His buddy had noticed Becca made sure she was sitting next to Darren all night, even sitting in his lap at one point.

Since there were only two days before Christmas break Darren didn't have time to fully explore his feelings on the matter. But he decided to ask for a phone number to reach her over the holidays... just in case. 

She seemed quite excited at the suggestion and told him, "You can call me anytime, day or night."

Darren thought the comment a bit weird, but was so enamored with the cute little ball of fire, he just passed it off.

He called her at least twice a week over the break and each call got longer while they talked about anything and everything that came to mind. The last call was just after Christmas when he explained, "Hey just so you know, I'm caught in a problem with the airline. 

"There was a holiday overbooking hitch and they offered me some primo seats to fly a different day. So I'll be back on the thirtieth. At least the apartment will have food in the fridge and heat on when you get there."

She got quiet for a moment then replied, "Ok, I'll see you then, but gotta go for now, see ya soon."

When Darren arrived back at school he went about making the apartment livable again. After putting Becca's Christmas gift on her bed, he reset the thermostat then headed off to the store. He knew he was going to be alone over New Years, so he bought some beer and a bottle of wine. As a gift to himself he also made sure he had plenty of munchies for the bowl games. 

After the shopping was completed, Darren restocked the fridge and cabinets before heading for the shower. He intended to hit the sack early and enjoy the quiet. The hot water felt good and he absentmindedly wished that spring would get here so he could run again. 

Even though he now knew he was not a college level runner he still liked to run a few times a week. The same applied to baseball, after the coach made it clear he didn't possess the skills necessary to play at collegiate level, he still enjoyed going to the games.

Lost in his own little world he fumbled the soap and bent down to pick it up. Coming back up, he noticed two well toned legs attached to a very nice peach shaped ass move into the tub. 

As the girl turned, his vision was teased by the view of two little puffy lips adorably nestled in a patch of curly blond pubic hair. He couldn't help but notice a cute little 'heart' shaped birth mark right above that, that seemed to point the way to her hidden treasure. 

Continuing his tour up her wonderful body he found a smooth but tight abdomen spread around the sexiest looking belly button he had ever seen. He swore he could hear it pleading for his tongue to invade and caress it. 

Above that were two magnificent breasts, creating a delectable topping for all the sexual goodies below. Curiosity forced his eyes higher, but with great reluctance, he just knew in his heart if this wasn't a dream... one of them was in the wrong apartment.

As his eyes reached her full red lips, they begged to be kissed. He continued on to stare into light blue eyes shrouded in a gorgeous face framed by beautiful red hair. Shaking his head, he said, "Becca?"

"Yeah, Becca! I missed you a whole lot during break, Mister." As she threw her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss, her tongue demanded and gained entrance. 

He pulled her body to his as his erection hardened even more than it had from the visual stimuli. She pulled away from the kiss and purred, "I can tell you missed me too," as she reached down to stroke his excited member. 

"Yeah I did, but you said no touching, I mean we aren't lovers..."

She kissed him again, then smiled, "Touch all you want, anytime you want, and you're right, we aren't lovers... yet! It takes a bit more for loving than just a kiss, so use that touchy feely stuff and get me ready."

Becca giggled, "Oh and once we make love my kid sister is off limits forever."

Darren couldn't reply, he had been taught early in life, never talk with your mouth full. Still on one knee, his lips and tongue were busy caressing first one then the other nipple standing out so proud in front of him. All he heard was a deep moan, followed by, "Oh yeah lover, I like that."

Already lost in the haze of lust, Darren barely heard Becca's deep mewling while his hands gently moved over her body touching, feeling, rubbing, and squeezing. As his fingers tenderly moved inside her velvet lined wetness, he began to tease her clit with his thumb.

He heard her excited voice, "Come on before the shower gets cold. We need to wash off so we can get really messy." 

His fingers reluctantly slipped from their hiding place as he stood. Unable to keep their hands to themselves, they finally gave up. Between the laughter and playful banter they just washed and dried each other the best they could. 

The rest of the afternoon and early evening was fast hard sex, slow tender love making, and everything in between. Finally, in the afterglow of four couplings, they held each other and just enjoyed the special closeness of their new relationship. 

Darren saw Becca looking up at him and he asked, "Not that I'm complaining, but where did that come from?"

"Well Mr. 'I've got to study to the exclusion of all else,' I have been trying to get your attention since the end of October. I tried being more overtly attentive, touching you repeatedly... have you even noticed how I'm dressed when we are here alone together? 

"Then in December I decided to get more aggressive. I did my best to make it clear to everyone that you were the focus of my desires. All to no avail, I might add. 

"So, when I found out you were coming back early I had to scramble to get here too. I figured if you weren't going to make the first move, I would. 

"I'm glad I did. You're good... damn good!" Becca said with a smile.

Darren sheepishly replied, "Hell yes, I noticed all those things, along with the short dresses and half nightie combos. Trust me, you had me talking to myself a lot of nights. 

"But damn it, I was told by you and Tonya, 'No touching.' Remember? So until you said it was ok, I wasn't about to. I'm glad you finally decided to make the first move, and thanks, you're great too." 

Becca giggled as the seriousness in his statement warmed her fondness for him. "Okay, so now that we both know we want this. Are you ok with it?" She asked. 

"Oh yeah," Darren shot back with a deep throaty sigh that made Becca giggle again. Darren got a serious look on his face, "One question?"

"Yes?" she replied smugly.

"I really enjoyed going down on you, but couldn't help notice you're not a natural redhead. I thought most women did that in reverse. You know, wanting to be blond?" He hoped he hadn't offended her.

She touched his nose, then said, "All through the first three years of high school I had guys fawning all over me. At first the attention was cool. 

"After awhile I realized ninety plus percent of them were attracted to my hair but not to me. They were drawn to the 'dumb bimbo' reputation blond hair engenders. 

"So my senior year I went through about four different hair colors and found myself happy with this one. Lo and behold I was suddenly flying under the radar. My dates became fun, not an Olympic hand slapping event.

"I kept it this color when I came to college and I've been able to watch the wolves at work while I looked for a nice guy. That brings us back to you."

"Thank you, I'll do my best to live up to your standards", Darren grinned.

"You're welcome, I don't have any doubt you'll treat me right," she quipped. 

Pausing for a moment, "Hungry?" he asked.

"Yep I could eat, whatcha got in mind?"

"How about pizza, would that be ok?"

"Let's go, I just realized how hungry I actually am," she replied and kissed him.

After getting dressed they walked with arms around each other to a nearby pizza joint named 'The Palace' and sat talking while chowing down. Deciding to call it an early night, they headed home. 

Capping off a slow easy night with a final bout of lovemaking, they lay completely satiated in one another's arms. As she played with his lips, Daren smiled at her and said, "You're so damn cute, I could just eat you up."

She responded lazily, "Hmmm... what a way to go, I am so happy and comfortable. But you better leave the kitty alone for now. You can play with it again in the morning."

"Ok," Darren smiled, "I haven't felt this connected since last summer." He was talking to himself, a habit Becca had always thought was cute. 

Becca responded with a yawn, snuggled into him to get a nice sleeping position and mumbled, "Good at least you stopped seeing your ex's sister."

Darren kissed her and both of them quickly fell asleep.

Chapter Three

Becca tried to gather her thoughts as she lay awake watching the ceiling stare back at her, 'Has it already been eleven months? After Darren decided to take summer classes, I remember how tickled I was when he asked me to stay over with him. 

'Even though he warned me the summer would be brutal and he would need to put in long hours of study to qualify for grad school, I am still pissed. During the spring semester Darren got so one tracked if I didn't pester him, he would zone out and forget I was here.

'I know he took full course loads while I only signed up for one class during each of the summer terms.' She paused a moment regrouping her thoughts before continuing her self argument, 'I had to cut back on classes because I had to work. It wasn't an option for me, I had to make more money for the coming year. 

'Everything was cool for the first couple of months, but now summer is almost over. I want to do things with him, but he is always too busy to even talk, let alone go anywhere. 

'When we do talk, it's nothing but a constant nibbling at each other, no damn it, now it's just plain ole fighting. I'm sorry, I need more attention. We both need to have more fun and now he's telling me the fall semester is going to be just as bad.'

She listened to the voice of reason in her head. 'He's really trying to do well; he just needs time to get through this final summer semester. 

'I think I'm going to take Gwen's advice and go with the gang from the office Friday night. A few drinks and a little dancing would be a nice change from being cooped up twenty-four/seven. 

'It will be fun and a great tension relief. At least my best girlfriend is thinking about my mental stability. I'll explain to Darren in the morning.'

She rolled over and slowly fell asleep waiting for her guy to get home. 

********

Darren left the library after midnight again. Making his way back to the apartment, he thought about Becca. "Damn it, the faster I try to get through with my studies the longer it seems to take. 

'I know Becca's fed up. She wants and needs more time with me, hell it's just as rough on me, I need more time with her. We both need to put some fun back into our lives and do it together. When she's free, I am knee deep in studying; when I'm free, she is either working or in class. 

'Saturday morning we need to sit down and talk, work out some time together. Maybe we could go see one of the plays she's been talking about, or at least take in a movie. We have some extra cash put back. 

'That would be a lot of fun and I am in need of some battery recharging. The main point, just spend some carefree time together, let off some steam. The demand for papers this semester has been horrid.'

Arriving home Darren stumbled into bed after setting his alarm for six, "Early day tomorrow," he mumbled kissing Becca, cuddling into her he was asleep in seconds.

*********

Becca was up and moving at 8:30 the following morning. She was going to talk to Darren about her plans to go out with the people from her office after work. 

Walking into the kitchen she was surprised to find a note on the white board about an unexpected assignment so Darren had an early start. He had signed off, 'Baby please don't wait up we can talk in the morning, Love ya "D."

That was it, Becca lost her grip, she began shouting and crying. "Damn it... you're damn right I won't wait up. How much of this do you think I can take? 

"If this is what you 'think' makes a good relationship, well mister, you have another 'think' coming. I am going dancing tonight and that's final. If you can ignore me, let's see if you can ignore that."

She crossed through his message and tersely wrote, 'Out with friends, I'll be really late or at Gwen's if too loaded. See you whenever. Becca.'

Becca was obviously very hostile when she arrived at the office. Hayden Olsson, another student office worker with whom she and Gwen usually shared lunch hour with, followed her to the back. 

"Hey, you don't look so good. What's going on?" His voice sounding concerned. Becca suddenly realized Hayden was standing closer to her than she liked but not so familiar to be uncomfortable.

Becca couldn't help herself as she began to cry again. "Is Gwen here yet?" she asked. 

"No!" Hayden replied, "She took today off to help set up the club for tonight's party. Can I help or is this a girl's only kind of thing?"

One thing Becca had come to appreciate about Hayden, despite his occasional outburst of macho maleness was the fact he did seem to know when to let the girls talk among themselves.

Her increasingly higher pitched voice gave away her fragile emotions, "No, just peeved at my boyfriend right now... I'm sick and tired of being taken for granted." Suddenly Becca couldn't hold back, Hayden opened his arms and she went to him, sobbing on his chest.

She heard Hayden say, "This guy needs to get a grip on reality. What a jerk to do this to you."

Becca's heart wanted to tell him he was wrong, that Darren was actually a nice guy. But for the moment her emotions ruled, her silence agreed with Hayden.

After she calmed down, Hayden gently let her go, keeping his hands on her shoulders. Catching her gaze, he touted, "Tell you what; I'll make sure we dance with each other as much as possible tonight. 

That way you can tell this lunk-head he better get on the stick. You have another guy interested... and you won't be lying, ok?" 

Becca nervously glanced at his hands on her shoulders. "We'll see about tonight, but for now I have to figure out how to make things right with my boyfriend."

Hayden jerked his hands back holding them up like Becca had a gun. "Sorry, my only expertise is dancing, that's all I have to offer."

Becca turned and headed for the girl's room to compose herself. Hayden watched her cute little butt as she walked away. Just as she reached the restroom door, he mumbled to himself, "Strange chick, but tonight we'll see if my hands bother her after few drinks and some belly rubbing on the dance floor."

As she went through the restroom door, instead of stopping when she heard him mumble something, Becca just continued on, choosing to ignore him.

******** 

Becca felt exhausted. Combined with her slight buzz, she decided it best to crash in Gwen's apartment. As she lay in Gwen's spare bed she thought back over the evening. 'I haven't had this much fun in a long time. The music... the laughter... I think I danced with everyone. I even kept a perfect buzz all night but never let it get beyond that. 

'As the designated driver Gwen did a good job of watching over me so nobody got too out of hand. However, I was buzzed enough that I was surprised by Hayden's sudden come on when he got me isolated in the hallway just before we left. 

'I allowed him to kiss me for a moment or two, but when he tried to French kiss me, I pushed him away. He can't kiss anywhere near as good as Darren and he won't be getting another chance to try either. 

'The 'no harm, no foul' rule I guess applies for now, but I will need to be careful around that one. He is cagey, he slipped through my defenses quicker than anyone I've ever experienced.

'I really need to talk to Darren today and work out some of these feelings of anger. He really is special to me; I'm just frustrated with him.'

She looked at the clock it was 4:30 in the morning, 'Time to sleep.'

******* 

Darren glanced over at the clock once more, it was five minutes later than the last time. He finally just gave up, it was six o'clock in the morning and he was exhausted after a sleepless night without Becca. 

He began talking out loud to help him think things through. "Now what do I do, I can't give up on school and I don't want to give up on Becca. 

"God I wish she would call so I could stop worrying. Why didn't she just talk to me about a night out with some friends? I would have understood and I wouldn't have worried about her all night." 

Thinking back to the afternoon before, "Yeah, turns out I'm ruining the grade curve so my teacher excuses me from finals. So, stupid me, I rushed to finish my last two papers, picked up some Chinese take out, and hurry home thinking I'm going to be in my girls arms. 




A Phoenix Story: Living The Hand You're Dealt



"But...nooo, all I get is a note on a board saying 'Gone dancing and staying out all night.' Ending with a flippant threat, 'See you whenever.' He could feel the sarcastic anger rolling off his own answer, "Damn it, I told her this semester and the fall term would be hell."

Exhaling loudly he shook his head, "I know it might look like I don't care, but she's wrong. She's is so neat, so alive; I can honestly say I've never met anyone like her before in my life. She makes me so proud when we're out together, especially since it's me she wants to be with.

"I need to get away and think for a day or two, cool down, so I don't strike out at her. Maybe I should do some hiking, camp out over night, and get my head straight."

He threw together a backpack with his sleeping bag, some fruit, veggies, and a couple of sandwiches, then filled his two boda bags with water. Cleaning off the kitchen table he left a note for Becca.

Hey Babe,

I am feeling a bit hostile and from your note on the board, you probably are too. 

Worried that if we talk right now it will become a yelling match with one or both of us saying something we shouldn't. 

So, I'm hiking over in the state park to clear my head and calm myself, should be back early tomorrow evening.

I know you're the best thing in my life and I'm sorry for all the disconnects.

Darren

Folding it up he put it in an envelope with Becca clearly written across the front and taped it to the middle of the kitchen table.

He headed out to hop a bus to the park.

********



Becca awoke just after noon and followed her nose out to the kitchen where Gwen was reading the paper and having some coffee. Gwen giggled at Becca's disoriented looking hair, it was all over the place. Pointing to the corner of the kitchen she said, "Fresh coffee, help yourself."

After pouring a cup, Becca took a seat across from Gwen.

She was well into her second cup when she looked up at Gwen and said, "I bet I look a fright?"

"Compared to what?" Gwen joked.

"That bad?" Becca moaned.

Nodding as she fought back a giggle, Gwen asked, "Did you finally get your emotional kinks worked out last night? Are we back... or... is your guy still getting skewered?"

"I'm feeling a lot better.... Now that I got my fix maybe we can talk without me biting his head off."

"Hey, why don't you two get your heads straight and come over for supper tonight?" Gwen asked.

Becca thought for a moment then replied, "I did kinda drop a bomb in his lap yesterday. Can I use the phone to call him, maybe gauge what is going on in his head. I know I would have been a bit ape shit myself if I came home and saw what I wrote, especially the 'I'll be back whenever' part."

Gwen flashed a pained look at her friends comment, "In the living room."

"Thanks," Becca said as she headed for the phone.

A few minutes later Gwen watched as Becca came back with a worried look. She said, "I need to head over to the apartment, something isn't right. Darren was going to be in all weekend and there's no answer."

"Go grab a quick shower and at least calm your hair, then I'll run you home," Gwen said.

Becca seemed to be lost in thought then replied, "Ok," turned and headed to the bathroom.

Forty-five minutes later the two women pulled up in front of Becca and Darren's apartment. Becca was out of the car, up to the door, and inside before Gwen could park. After grabbing Becca's bag she left in the car, Gwen followed her in.

Becca was scared. After calling Darren's name there was nothing but silence. She quickly checked all the rooms; he was no where in sight. Coming in behind Becca, Gwen put her friend's overnight bag and dresses on the kitchen table. Then turned to find Becca a bit wild eyed, looking around the kitchen as if searching for something.

"Is everything alright?" Gwen asked.

Becca shook her head, "No, I have no idea where he is, but he has been home."

"How do you know?" Gwen inquired.

Pointing to the white board, Becca responded, "Our messages we left to each other have been erased." 

As she watched her friend's emotions build, Gwen tried to defuse the situation by suggesting, "Maybe he is studying again...."

Before Gwen could finish, Becca pointed to the desk across the room. She shook her head violently, "No. His laptop and all his books are right there. He wouldn't go study without them."

The first tears of the afternoon began to fall down Becca's face as Gwen took her friend into her arms to let her cry. For some reason Gwen had a feeling it was going to be a long night.

********* 

It was dusk when Darren made it home Sunday night; he was pleasantly tired but not exhausted. "Maybe we can go for Pizza then talk. I'm glad I went and cleared my head." 

Noticing Gwen's car in the driveway he thought, "Good she's home, I really need a hug." He moved a bit faster, but when he got to the door it was locked. Pulling out the key chain around his neck, he unlocked the door. 

Looking around inside the apartment, he saw Gwen asleep on the couch but Becca was no where to be seen.

As he unloaded his back pack off his shoulder, Gwen jerked awake, her eyes searching for the noise that startled her. Darren was about to greet her when her eyes narrowed into slits as she focused on him. 

Her face reflected the rage inside as she jumped up and ran at him. As her hand smacked loudly into his cheek, she screamed, "How dare you do this to her? First you disappear for the whole weekend, turning her into an emotional wreck. Then you leave her alone to worry herself sick about where you were, if you were hurt or even alive, no note, no message, no nothing." 

Gwen's voice was shrill and forceful as she continued the tirade. "I've got a good mind to kick your ass all over the sidewalk mister; I just got her to sleep a few hours ago. Who the hell do you think you are?" She raised her hand to slap him again.

Darren stood in stunned silence for a moment as the ringing in his head subsided from the force of Gwen's slap. Her attack was totally unexpected. As his head cleared he only heard a few words of her outburst. 'No note, emotional wreck... '

He saw her raise her hand again and the anger that flared from deep inside him boiled over. 

Gwen watched with sickening alarm as Darren's eyes narrowed with contempt, while his jaw clenched and his lips tightened with suppressed fury. He grabbed her raised hand and held it. His voice was low and the hiss of anger obvious as he spoke, "Thank you Gwen for your time and trouble helping Becca." Darren felt himself shaking as he fought for control.

Looking past the frightened girl to the kitchen table, Darren stated, "I left a note, it was on the kitchen table which is now covered up with Becca's stuff, it was cleaned off when I left." 

He watched the fight go out of Gwen as she shrunk back. "I'm going to go get a shower then I'm going to bed. When I get out of the shower, hopefully you will be gone. I've never hit a girl or woman before; if you're still here when I come out, I can't promise I'll ever be able to say that again. I was calm and ready to talk; now I need more time. Thank you so much for your help." The sarcastic snarl was not lost on Gwen.

Releasing her hand Darren moved quickly towards the bathroom door, as Becca flung open the door to her room. She looked up at him with a frantic look on her face and said, "Please..."

His look of unbridled anger stopped Becca from saying anything else. Spotting the reddening hand print on the side of his face, Becca stared in confusion at Gwen who was crying while mouthing "I'm Sorry." Looking back up at Darren, she shook her head in disbelief.

The look of pure hatred draining from his face was being replaced by one of pain and loss. He whispered in a hoarse voice. "Not tonight Becca... maybe tomorrow. I need to calm down again." He looked back at Gwen then disappeared into the bathroom locking the door behind him. 

He moved slowly to the shower and turned it on and moments later after discarding his clothes climbed in, letting his muscles relax in the hot water. 

After brushing his teeth, he finished his nightly routine. As he quietly exited the bathroom, he heard Becca screaming at Gwen, in the kitchen. He glanced at the two of them quickly. 

"How could you, I have never raised a hand to anyone and you decide to physically attack him. I know you were upset we both were, but even though you had to listen to me for a couple of days you had no right to touch him. Damn it! How did this get so screwed up?" Becca's voice grew shrill raising an octave as she spoke, her arms wrapped tightly around her body.

"Becca, I said I was sorry... I've been on edge all weekend and I just reacted when I saw Darren." Gwen replied throwing her hands up in exasperation. "I'm sorry! I really am." 

Becca shuffled her feet and looked up at Gwen, "I know, I'm pretty sure we all are, but I think it would be best if you go now. Darren and I need to be alone to see if we can dig ourselves out of this hole. I'll call you when things settle down, maybe next week. 

Darren turned when Gwen reached for her purse. There would be time for 'I'm sorry' later. Right now he needed a good night's sleep. 

He walked the few paces into his bedroom and he did something he had never done before, he locked Becca out for the night. Falling on his bed he pulled the sheet over him and passed out.

Sometime in the early morning hours Darren woke up needing to pee. He almost tripped over Becca who was asleep on a pillow in front of his door, holding tightly onto a blanket in one hand. She had what appeared to be a piece of paper, most likely his letter in the other.

After he got a drink of water and finished peeing, he picked up his girlfriend and carried her into his room. He laid her on the bed, climbed in beside her, and covered them both up. 

Becca was so exhausted she barely registered that Darren had her in his arms. Too hoarse from crying to speak, she grabbed onto him, holding on like she was afraid he would disappear. 

Darren wrapped himself around her to give her warmth. Stroking her head and back to reassure and comfort her, she was soon snoring peacefully. He quickly fell back to sleep once he knew she was alright. 

Chapter Four

Reluctantly Becca agreed to her parent's request and returned home for Christmas Break. As soon as she walked in the door, they could tell their daughter was tremendously distraught. In their sincere desire to help, they were able to convince Becca to finally open up and share her and Darren's problems as she saw them. 

Over the next few days, they spent several hours, discussing, questioning, and observing their daughter, her behavior, and analyzing her answers. In the end, their final conclusion and recommendation was that Becca and Darren probably should separate for awhile to clear their heads and get a grasp of their true feelings. 

Becca's mom and dad felt it would give the young couple some much needed breathing room to see if they could recapture what they previously had. Considering how the last eight months had torn at the fabric of her and Darren's relationship, Becca was melancholy. But unfortunately, she had to agree with them.

She recalled, 'Darren kept warning me the summer and fall quarters were going to be brutal, I just didn't realize how much. But did he really have to spend over seventy hours a week between classes, library, and study groups.

'I tried to figure out little ways we could be together. Like meeting him at the Library with dinner, or joining him there to do my studies.' She remembered fondly how much they had poured into each other for the five weeks between summer and fall classes. She really felt they had turned a corner. 

His comment to her the morning after the blow up in the apartment with Gwen had set her heart aflame. She woke up on his bed with him wrapped around her after falling asleep in front of his bedroom door. It was stupid but she was distraught and did not know what else to do. She had asked him, "How did I end up in bed with you?"

He had sheepishly replied, "I got up to use the bathroom and found you on the floor. No matter how mad I was, I care too much to allow you to suffer like that. So I picked you up, put you in bed and snuggled up with you."

Becca realized that was as close as he had ever come to saying he loved her. Of course she hadn't come out and told him how she felt either. 

She had promised herself she wouldn't say that to anyone until she was sure. Especially after telling that to one guy in high school, then quickly realizing she didn't love him shortly after they broke up. 

Her relationship with Darren was so confusing, when her mom asked if she loved him, she wouldn't say "yes" but she also couldn't say "no." 

The last semester had reset the stage and taken its toll. The constant strain proved to be too much, causing the little nit-picking fights about the stupidest things to start all over again. 

Her mother had always told her, "Be sure to pick your fights wisely, too much goodwill is wasted fighting over nothing." Did she heed the life long advice... of course not? Now she wondered, 'Why didn't I listen to her?' 

Becca had learned one thing about the stunt she pulled when she went out that Friday night. She now understood why Darren was so upset, finally realizing she would have been too if he had done something similar to her.

The next two times she went out dancing with the work group, it was discussed with Darren several days beforehand. She also called him as soon as they returned to Gwen's house afterwards.

Both times after she had been drinking, Hayden tried to get her to play. But she was ready and forcefully told him loud and clear, "Stay away from me."

Becca made it very clear she was in a relationship and didn't need his stupid macho games. Although indignant, he had backed off. 

He turned his attention to playing one of the younger girls in the office. Her name was Gabby short for Gabriele. She always seemed to be one step off of the bimbo bubble. 

'But' Becca reminded herself, 'Even though I was true to my guy, I didn't support him fully either. I wonder if I am even capable of having a mature relationship.'

When Becca returned to campus she quickly packed her things and moved into her dorm room. She left a letter and a check covering her half of the expenses for the remainder of the school year so Darren wouldn't have to worry about giving up the apartment. 

Before she closed the door, she stared wistfully one last time at her door key left on the kitchen table. As she drove away, she couldn't help but cry and didn't stop for two days. Separating from Darren was one of the most emotionally painful things she had ever done, it was going to be a long two months.

********

Darren came back to school psyched up. He had spent Christmas vacation thinking through the last few months. 'Boy have I been a dumbass, my sole focus has been on school. Looking back now, I realize I could have split the time with Becca and still done well in school. I hope she will let me make it up to her.'

Expecting her to be there he yelled out as he entered the apartment, "Becca baby, where are...?" He began to tremble when he saw her house key on the kitchen table. His fingers lost their grip as his suitcase effortlessly slipped to the floor as he ambled towards her room. Just as he feared, everything was gone. 

While fighting back tears, he proceeded to unload his car, trying to keep himself busy. Once he had finished unpacking and putting his stuff away, he closed and locked the front door. After removing his coat and gloves he sat at the table, took in a deep breath, then let out a long slow sigh, as he picked up the key.

Glancing around the room, his eyes settled on the envelope taped to the white board with his name written in Becca's gently flowing script. Afraid to take it down, even more afraid to read its contents, he sat just staring at it. 

He just knew in his heart that she was out of his life forever. This wasn't what he wanted. It might be deserved, but it wasn't what he wanted.

For some stupid reason as he hung his head, the lyrics to an old song came to mind.

"'Cause I need you more than I needed before
And now where I'll find comfort, God knows
'Cause you left me just when I needed you most
Left me just when I needed you most." 

He couldn't stop thinking about all the things he wanted... needed... should've... said to her. Staring out the kitchen window at the gathering darkness he realized his mind was going thru mental shook, but it didn't help, none of his thoughts at the moment were all that coherent. 

With the daylight all but gone, he walked over and turned on the hood light over the stove. Then with no previous intention, he found himself standing in front of the board, just staring at it again. With a sigh of resignation, he reached out and jerked the envelope down. 

After picking up a knife from the counter, he threw a leg over one of the kitchen chairs. Darren just stood listlessly looking at the envelope in his hand as he straddled the seat. With a deep breath, he finally plopped down. 

Darren sat tenderly tracing the edge of the envelope as if it somehow were part of Becca. Realizing he was only delaying the inevitable by fictitiously hoping the contents would somehow miraculously soften, he took the knife and ran it underneath the flap, opening the envelope. He knew it had to be bad, if it was good, she would be there instead of the letter.

While pulling out the contents, a check for a goodly amount of money came sliding out from inside the letter. Now his curiosity overcame his fears, he opened the letter the rest of the way and began to read.

Darren,

Please believe me and understand, as difficult as this is for you to read, it's been just as painful for me to write. My heart is so torn. I wish I had the wisdom to make our relationship better, but I don't. 

The past two semesters have been so difficult for us, I know you needed to get through them with your best possible effort. Believe it or not I am so very proud of how well you did. 

But I am not as focused on school as you. I wanted, no needed, more attention than you were able to provide. I'm sorry but I am selfish when it comes to the guy I am attached to. 

This may sound weird seeing as how I have moved out of the apartment. But I need to tell you that I have more feelings for you than I have ever had for any guy in my entire life.

Funny thing is, I am pretty sure you feel the same way about me, or I am deluding myself completely. So I am asking for some time apart to clear our heads. I am hoping you will give me the space of a few months to see how we feel about one another. 

If after spring break you still want to get back together we can talk about things and hopefully reestablish the relationship. If we really care for each other, then it will happen, if not, then the time apart will prove correct. 

All I know is I miss you bad, but right now we probably wouldn't survive because I would nit-pick everything to death. You deserve much better than that.

When the time comes, I truly hope we can salvage what we had from what it has become. 

With all my heart,

Becca

P.S. I knew finding a new roommate would be literally impossible. The check is for my part of the rent and utilities for the remainder of this semester. The last thing I would want is for you to have to give up our apartment. 

Darren re-read the letter two or three times before putting it down. He braced his elbows on the table as he buried his face into his hands, softly whispering as he cried, "Now I can say it Becca, I love you. All my doubts and fears are gone. Why did it take losing you to make me understand. I feel so empty and lonely, please come back." 




A Phoenix Story: Living The Hand You're Dealt



Knowing Becca well, Darren realized that if there was a real chance, he would have to wait two months until spring break. At the same time, Darren knew in his heart he wouldn't give up trying to find Becca and convince her to change her mind. 

********

Over the next few days Darren's moods shifted between morose and anger. He tried to find out which dorm Becca had moved into, but with no luck. Darren developed a habit of dropping by different places she used to frequent sometimes when the gang got together, but their friends said Becca was a no show. 

While checking out her work place, he ran into a young man wearing a name tag that said, "Hayden Olsson." Darren asked him if he knew a female employee named Becca. 

Since Hayden had overheard Becca telling Gwen about the separation, he lied to Darren. "It's my understanding she no longer works here. I know for a fact she left before the holidays and hasn't returned. Pretty sure she turned in her resignation and quit." As he was leaving the office, Darren didn't see the sinister smile on Hayden's face. 

Darren tried calling the student housing office to see if they could get a message to Becca. The two women he talked to had been polite, but adamantly refused to give him any information. 

"I will try and get a message to her that you called," one of them had finally told him before she abruptly hung up. He had the impression they weren't overly sympathetic to his plight. 

Darren had a similar response when he contacted Becca's parents.

They were sympathetic, but made it clear they felt it was Becca responsibility to make contact if that is what she desired.

All he wanted was the chance to talk this out with Becca and see if he could change her mind. As the semester started, he wished he had paid more attention to what classes Becca had mentioned she was going to take this semester. He might have been able to catch her in one of her classes. 

Totally frustrated he began to resign himself to the fact it wasn't going to happen. Due to the increasing demands of his own classes, he was finally forced to accept the situation and get serious about studying before his grades began to suffer. 

Darren settled into an uneasy schedule of school, study and bare existence. His normal winter doldrums seemed amplified by the stark emptiness of the apartment. 

He began to sleep on the couch because the bedrooms held too many memories. It turned into a long cold winter without the warmth and comfort that Becca had brought into his life everyday since they had become a couple.

******** 

Becca had become reclusive and very careful of who she confided in. Her decision to stay away from Darren for a couple of months didn't seem like such a good idea now. 

She realized if she had only been willing to live like this when Darren was buried in his studies, probably none of this would have happened and they would still be together. Once spring break was over and they were back together, she would put up with whatever was necessary to not only help Darren, but also too show him how much she loved and supported him. 

A few weeks into the semester Gwen cornered Becca one afternoon after class. "Becca, I'm worried about you. I've watched you isolate yourself in that little dorm room and waste away. 

"Girlfriend, you need to get out and be with people. You're not wired to be a monk. I want you to spend more time at my apartment even if it's just weekends so I can keep an eye on you.

"Also, if this separation is supposed to be to evaluate your relationship with Darren, don't cha think you need to see other guys during this time?"

Becca looked at her friend who had been so instrumental in both last August's big blow out fight with Darren and at the same time the rock for her own sanity during the semester that followed. "Gwen I really don't want to be around other people right now. I am hurting and licking my own wounds."

Gwen raised and lowered her eyebrows several times as she replied in a joking tone full of insinuation, "Ohhh! Do tell!"

Laughingly, Becca slapped Gwen on the arm, "Don't give me any of your crap, I don't need it. You don't swing both ways and neither do I." 

Both girls giggled loudly, then Becca resumed with a note of sadness in her voice and tears building in her eyes. "Gwen I don't want to date anyone else, I have no desire to be around anyone but Darren. Our only problem, we were ready to self destruct and I needed to be away from him to give us the space to get our heads straight. But, I'll come over to your place on the weekends from now on so I can get some people interaction, but no guys, Okay?"

Gwen smiled at her friend, "Yep it will be fun, even my company is better than none."

********

Becca was stressing as Spring break approached; she knew what she wanted, or more to the point 'who' she wanted. Her school schedule hadn't been all that tough when she signed up last semester, or so she had thought. 

Turned out two of her classes were being taught by PhD candidates, who unlike her other Professors were trying to impress their advisors at their students expense, at least homework and time wise.

It just plain sucked, not only were there no extra credit options, but the grading curve had a rather steep angle. So, although she had passing grades, she was stressed trying to keep them.

Hayden, whether intentionally or unintentionally, was adding to her tension level. She was forced to change jobs at work in order to get away from his constant little comments and touches. 

Even though she made it perfectly clear and even reported him to their supervisor, he was still trying to get her to "date" him. She knew from his comments and bragging around the office, any date with Hayden would be equivalent to sleeping with him the way he talked about it. 

******** 

Darren had marked off the days till spring break because it appeared any hope of seeing Becca wasn't going to occur until it then. He mused to himself while loading his car, "Being at the top of my classes ended up having one good perk, I got excused from all four of my mid-terms. 

Damn I get almost twenty days off. The only down side, I sure wish I was spending them with Becca.... Shit, sometimes life can really suck." 

As he left for the last major school break before graduation, his mood lightened considerably. He was focused on a single objective, getting the girl he loved back into his arms. Singing to his favorite CD, he drove off campus.

Chapter Five

It was the Saturday before 'spring break' when Becca unexpectedly showed up at Gwen's apartment in a hysterical state. Gwen soon found herself holding Becca as she sat sobbing and shaking violently. 

"Okay Becca, calm down, tell me what happened." Gwen was trying to comforter her, but Becca's outburst had Gwen's nerves on edge also.

It took her almost two hours to calm down enough to talk. When Becca finally moved away from the comfort of her friend's arms to sit up, Gwen quickly went to get a bottle of water and aspirin for each of them. 

Gwen sat down and waited until Becca had taken a couple of the white tablets and drank some water before she asked, "Now do you feel good enough to talk about it?"

Becca nodded her head and licked her lips, her mouth still felt dry. Looking at Gwen, Becca replied, "When we were at the club last night I was having fun dancing with the guys and girls who came by. You were right I needed the interaction to recharge my batteries to get ready for my talk with Darren after the break. 

"I was laughing at you using every trick known trying to get that tall black guy's attention. Since you left the club at the same time, I assume you finally found some common ground?"

"Yeah we have another date Tuesday. He made me smile a lot last night."

Becca tried to force a smile, but failed as she continued. "Well as you know I wasn't drinking alcohol so I was comfortable on my own. The guys and girls at the table were keeping our drinks refilled. I trusted everyone so I wasn't worried about anything. 

"About an hour after you left I started to feel funny and shortly there after I lost track of everything until I woke up about four hours ago. I was in a strange bedroom and in bed with somebody. It was obvious from the irritation when I tried to move that I had sex with somebody. 

"Gwen, I was so scared it made me sick to my stomach. When I got out of the bed, thankfully there was a bathroom off the bedroom 'cause I lost everything from the night before. 

"Afterwards, I checked for evidence of rape and found none other than a moderately sore and puffy crotch. I began looking for my clothes and quickly got dressed. 

"As I tried to sneak out, a hand grabbed my arm and I screamed in fright. Twirling, I found myself looking into the gloating eyes of Hayden Olsson. 

"He grabbed my face and forcibly kissed me as he spouted off, 'Now you're mine bitch, I finally claimed you. Don't let me catch anyone sniffing around my property. Get going and be here Monday night for our next romp. You were okay last night, a little too laid back, but I expect you'll perform better next time.'

"Jerking away from his grasp, I yelled, 'You bastard, how could you?' I grabbed my purse and ran to the living room. 'See you Monday,' he shouted as I fled out the door.

"I can still hear that rat faced bastard's sarcastic laugh just before the door slammed shut behind me.

"When I got outside I walked for a while because my car wasn't any where in sight. Finally I got to a bus stop and eventually back to the club. 

"Thankfully my car was in the lot. After getting back to my room, I showered three times and I can still feel his slimy touch. 

"I went to Darren's apartment first but he wasn't home, so I came here, I'm sorry, I just had to talk to someone. I feel so dirty...so used...so violated. The bad part is I can't do shit about it, the ass wipe obviously used a condom every time he had his way with me. 

"Honestly Gwen, I feel as though I'm trapped in some bittersweet nightmare, should I 'regret' or be 'thankful' that he used condoms. I don't have a shred of evidence, but at least I'm clean and shouldn't have to worry about an STD or worse a pregnancy. 

"The worst of it, I truly have no one to blame but myself. When you first mentioned and invited me to go to the club with you, I knew from overhearing people at work that Hayden was going to be there. 

"I knew in my heart I shouldn't go. Not with all the trouble he has been causing me at work and his constant remarks and attempts to get me to go out with him. With you there and all my other friends, I overrode my better judgment and thought I could handle the situation." 

"Why didn't you tell me about your concerns, I would never have left you there?" Gwen inquired.

"Hayden hadn't said or done a thing all evening. He was sitting four or five tables away with his two buddies. My guard was down, I was just relaxing and enjoying the interactions with everyone," Becca sniffed.

Gwen immediately responded, "Surely you're not trying to blame yourself for being drugged and raped. It wasn't something you could have foreseen."

"No, but I have to ask myself why I was out trying to have fun with other people when the only person I truly want to be with is Darren? If I had stayed home and waited for our talk, or at least contacted him instead of going out, this would never have happened. 

"There seems to be no end to my selfish behavior. So who do I blame? Hayden is an asshole and a rapist, but I'm the idiot who provided him with an easy target," Becca sobbed as she began to cry again.



With her head in Gwen's lap, Becca cried out her pain while Gwen did her best to soothe her. As she calmed down, Becca asked, "Do you think I am truly worthy of someone like Darren? Even though I love him with all my heart, I just seem to keep messing up our lives. 

"I don't want to hurt or cause him any more pain. Do you think it would be best if I just walked away and let him get on with his life? Especially after this?"

Softly and quietly, Gwen replied, "Girl there is no one more worthy. If he can't forgive poor judgment then he's doomed to a life of lonely misery. I've never met anyone who makes perfect decisions. 

"That man needs you, he needs your love and devotion. You owe it to yourselves to make your lives as fantastic as possible. That will only happen if you two are together. It's time for you to consider going home and I don't mean to your parents." 

"Actually, if you are going to blame someone, then blame me. I'm sorry, all this occurred because I pressured you into going out. If I had kept my mouth shut and let you do what you wanted, just to stay at home waiting for Darren, none of this would have happened." Gwen apologized with tears flowing down her cheeks.

"I just don't know, I jussst donnn't knowwww," Becca's said as her voice slowly drifted off into a fitful sleep.

Finally after getting her friend to sleep Gwen made a decision and tried to call Darren three or four times over the next few hours but no one answered. 

Gwen knew it was going to be another one of those long weekends and Becca was correct, Hayden had gotten away with somehow drugging and raping her. There wasn't anything anyone could do about it. 'Damn it to hell, this is when I wish I had at least a little meanness. I'd get a gun, hunt that S.O.B. down, and shoot him myself.' She angrily thought to herself, 'Hell, I'd even pay someone to do if I only knew anyone who would.' With exasperation, she felt, 'It's hell being nice all the time.'

*********

Darren returned two days early, filled with anticipation in hopes of seeing Becca. He desperately wanted to talk with her, to tell her how he felt, he needed her back in his life. 

Their separation had made his love more intense, a fact which almost made their time apart unbearable. She just had to feel the same way, the alternative was unthinkable. He could not stand to lose her. 

Because he couldn't find Becca, the two days proved to be a mistake. Living in the apartment with all of its ghostly recollections only served to painfully refresh agonizing hours of memories.

The first day back to class, Darren was at his wit's end, still no word from Becca. He was beginning to wonder if it was over, had he lost her for forever? Just as he was leaving his final class for the day he heard someone call out, "Darren!"

Stopping and looking around, he could not spot anyone he knew, shaking his head, he turned to go. There was a tug on his arm and he looked down into a very familiar pair of light blue eyes staring back up at him from beneath a head of blond hair. 

After taking a couple of seconds to fully focus on the pretty face in front of him, he realized it was Becca. Only she wasn't a redhead any more, she was her natural blond again. 

Good lord, she looked even more beautiful. The change in hair color completely changed the way she looked. It was like staring at a supermodel. 

Darren wondered why he was shaking as he tried to pull himself together. "I like the hair now that I've seen it." Darren nervously muttered. 

"I was hoping you would, I did it for you," she smiled up at him. 'Boy does he look good,' ran through her mind. 

Catching herself she said, "I'm sorry I didn't call last night, I hope I didn't upset you. But my plane got in real late, so I decided it was probably best to wait. I wasn't sure of your schedule but I figured you would be in the business college sooner or later. If not, I was going to stake out the apartment after my last class. 

"Darren I'd like to talk to you later in the commons, maybe about seven thirty. We need to talk... about a lot of things, and I'd like it to be in a neutral setting... at least to start with. 

"If things go like I think they will, I have something I need to tell you when we are alone." She nervously wet her lips before continuing, "And Darren, I've missed you."

Up until that moment Darren hadn't been sure where the conversation was headed. Becca's little come on smile and the fact she had missed him said a lot. 

He was now relaxed and no longer shaking. He smiled back and said, "I've missed you too, Becca. Seven-thirty will be fine, I'll see you then."

At his words Darren watched her eyes light up as a tear trickled down her face. He wiped it off her cheek and whispered softly, "Yeah, I'll definitely be there."

Becca felt a shiver go through her body at his touch. She turned and began to walk away. She knew if she didn't she might take him down right there in the hallway, and neither of them could afford to be expelled. 

Moving off in the other direction, Darren looked back over his shoulder, almost running into a pole. Having glanced back at that precise moment, Becca couldn't help but chuckle as she turned back, lost in her own little world. 

Becca didn't notice a pair of eyes burning a hole in her back as she turned to walk away. Those eyes were filled with malice and hate. 

Hayden bent down and whispered something in the ear of the pretty little coed under his arm. As he pointed at Darren, she nodded and as they walked off together, Hayden had that sinister smile on his face again. 

********

Arriving early, Becca sat in a booth near the front entrance of the commons. In her mind she was mentally rehearsing what she wanted to say to Darren. Her desire for everything to be perfect had her anxiously readjusting herself on the hard bench every few minutes. 

Her mouth was dry and she had already drunk one bottle of water. Her nervousness showed as she kept thrumming her fingers and playing with her empty water bottle, tapping it on the table. 

Darren came directly from the Library entering through the back door at twenty-five after seven. He was nervously searching for Becca. 

The throng of students not only blocked his way, but made it difficult to see very much of the commons. As he stood there three big frat guys moved in front of him and he half listened to them, frustrated at his inability to move further into the building. 

One of the two goons blocking his way asked the third guy who was standing in front of them, "Okay, just why are we here again?"

He heard a voice he thought he recognized reply, "Ok, one more time. My woman is sitting over by the door waiting for her former boyfriend to show up at seven-thirty. 

"She is going to tell him she doesn't want to ever see him again. We have a signal worked out if the guy gives her any shit.

"Since we became lovers a few weeks ago, she can't get enough of me. For that matter, she loves what I do to her body and I have to admit, I love what she does to mine. 

"She is one hot mamma who seems to be horny all the time. Hell, I can still see that cute little heart shaped birth mark just above her pussy, pointing the way, almost saying, 'Put it in here,' as I pound it to her. God she loves to fuck. 

"I've been promised her virgin ass for the first time tonight. That's my reward for helping her get dickhead out of the way.

"There, see the little flip of her bottle? That's the signal she wants to talk to me." The guy hidden from Darren's view said.

Darren looked around the bigger of the two guys, his eyes searching for a girl with a bottle. His knees went weak and he suddenly felt nauseous as his stomach lurched. 

The girl by the front door with the bottle in her hand was Becca, but he already knew it would be; he knew of no other girl with a 'Cute heart shaped birth mark pointing the way to her pussy.' 

As Darren watched, the guy with the familiar voice started towards Becca's booth. Darren immediately recognized Hayden from Becca's work. 

'What the hell's going on?' Darren wondered with a sickening lump in the pit of his stomach. A lump that rapidly increased in size as Darren watched Hayden stride across the floor and bend over Becca's table, blocking his view of Becca but leaving no doubt they were face to face in deep conversation.