(8) Fancy Face

Shawn, Belle, Jason and Jan browsed the local video store for several minutes. Belle ended up debating the guy’s selection rather passionately. Jason went to the front of the store to check for the selections that hadn’t placed on the shelf. Jason grabbed his find and brought it to Shawn. He held it up and Shawn nodded, “Hell yeah!”

Belle heard Jason, “What is it? What movie did you get?”

“The Cell,” Jason replied.

“Noooooo. I heard that movie was scary and weird.”

“Too bad. We’re getting it.”

“No wait, Jason. We ALL have to agree on this.”

“Belle, we’re going to be here all night if that’s the case. Come on Belle, I’m dying to see it.” He turned to Jan who just approached them. “Do you want to see this?”

“I don’t care, it’s fine with me.” Jan answered.

Jason tapped the movie case on his chin, “Three out of four Belle.”

“Yeah, but what about Philip and Chloe?” she offered hopefully.

“Phil will want to see it,” Jason and Shawn answered in unison.

Belle frowned, unable to hide her discouragement, “Then I guess the decision has been made.”

Shawn sensed her disappointment. He reached for her hand and led her away as Jan and Jason went to check-out counter. Belle refused to make eye contact with him. He followed her eyes, forcing her to look at him. “Belle, what’s the problem? Why are you so against everything Jason and I have picked out?”

“Because they’re all scary movies or action movies!!!!” She explained vehemently.

“So. What’s wrong with that?” He asked, curious about the real reason she so violently protested.

“I just don’t like them.”

“Why?”

“Because I don’t!”

“Why Belle?”

Belle let out a huff and hesitated, “Because…. Shit. Brady loves those kinds of movies, especially scary ones. And when we were little, we used to hang out in his room all the time. He used to turn them on every Friday or Saturday night. He would make me watch them with him.”

“How could he MAKE you watch them?”

“He didn’t exactly. But he did in a way. I would be closing my eyes and covering my ears and he would turn it up, pull my hands away and tease me, saying ‘Listen to that Belle!’ And then I would have nightmares for like three nights straight. I hated it! But Brady got a kick out of it.”

Shawn couldn’t contain his laughter at her confession. Belle smacked him on the arm, “Shawn! That’s not funny!”

Shawn covered his mouth and turned away. Belle grabbed him and turned him to face her, “Why are you laughing me?”

“I’m not.”

“You are too!”

“Ok, ok, I’m sorry. That is pretty jacked up. Was he really that mean about it?”

“YES!!”

“Awwww. Poor Belle.”

“I hate scary movies!”

“Which one gave you the most trauma?”

“Carrie!”

Shawn considered this a moment, “Oooooh. I don’t blame you for that one. That one is pretty eerie. Especially when she comes home after the dance, she’s got all that blood on her, and then she get in a fight with her mom. All those knives and shit. And then at the end…”

“Where the hand comes out of the grave!!!!”

Shawn leaned back against the video rack laughing at the recollection, “Oh my God. That part was scary!”

“Now do you see why I don’t like those movies?” Belle pleaded wide-eyed.

Shawn nodded, “Yes, I understand why now. But I’m not going to torment you like Brady. If you get scared, I’ll let you cover your eyes, and I’ll tell you when it’s over.”

“And you’ll hold me?” she smiled flirtatiously.

Shawn blushed, “Oh you know I will, no doubt about that. Whether you’re scared or not.”

“Well then I guess I don’t mind watching scary movies with you.”

“Lucky me, honey bee,” he replied affectionately. He wrapped his arms around her and led her to the entrance where Jason and Jan stood arguing. Shawn and Belle gave each other a knowing look as they followed the volatile couple to Jan’s Mustang. “It’s going to be one of those nights,” Belle mumbled under her breath. Shawn couldn’t have agreed more, “It’s going to be a long one too.”

**********************************************

Philip and Chloe showed up at the Fancy Face shortly after the others began to settle in. Philip carried two pizzas with one hand as he climbed down the ladder. He handed the pizzas to Jason and grabbed the twelve pack of Coke from Chloe as she climbed down. Jason sat the pizzas down uttering a rude, “It’s about time Kirakis. I’m fucking starving and you’re on your royal clock.” Shawn, Belle, and Jan flocked to the pizzas eagerly.

“Shut up Jason. We’re not late. Fuck it, you’re not getting any.”

“Hey, I’m not the only one…” Jason stopped in mid sentence as Chloe walked up to the hungry crowd. She changed from earlier that day. She was breathtaking in even the most casual attire, stylish jeans and t-shirt, long hair dangling to her waist. Philip glared at Jason when he noticed him checking out Chloe.

“You’re not the only one that’s what?” Philip asked irritably.

“Hungry,” Jason replied uncomfortably.

Chloe slipped her arms around Philip’s waist and looked over his shoulder to Belle and Shawn, “What movie did you pick out?”

Belle popped her Coke open and rolled her eyes, “The Cell.”

Chloe caught eyes with Shawn and smiled, “Jennifer Lopez.”

Shawn returned a guilty smile, “Whaaat?”

Chloe raised her eyebrow, “I take it that was your doing.”

Shawn reached for a slice and shrugged, “It was Jason’s idea! I just went along with it.”

“Uh huh, yeah right.”

“I did! It looks like a good movie.”

“You’re full of shit Shawn. You’d play a Lopez tri-fecta if you had it your way.”

Shawn threw his head back and laughed, “Well I can’t exactly disagree with you.”

“I don’t blame you,” Philip interrupted, eyes shining, dimples flashing.

Belle grabbed her pizza from Shawn and stomped off. Chloe and Jan followed her. They understood her frustration- at least somewhat. They sat down on the couch with Belle in the middle. Jan and Chloe continued their subconscious game of ignoring each other. Belle was aware this rather pathetic ploy. But at this point, she figured that their silence was better than outright quarreling. Their hostilities were far beyond her reach. As hard as it was, Belle, with the help of Shawn, came to accept that fact.

The guys allowed their girlfriends to cool off while they ate their pizza at the small table. Jason ignored the several dirty looks Jan threw his way. Shawn burped, “What’s her problem now?” Jason threw his remaining crust into the empty box. He shrugged his shoulders, “The usual, stupid shit.” Jan heard his comment and snapped at him. They argued back and forth. Philip shook his head and mumbled under his breath to Shawn, “Why did you invite them? I’m not in the mood for this tonight.”

Shawn crumbled his napkin and threw it in the box, “You know your used to it by now.”

“Yeah, but still. It’s pretty annoying sometimes.”

They watched Jason as he sat down in the chair across from Jan, glaring furiously at her. He flipped her a double bird and whined “I LOVE YOU!”

“You’re such an asshole!” Jan yelled.

Jason reached for the remote and pointed it to the tv screen, “Come sit on my lap sweetness.”

To Chloe’s amazement, Jan stood up to obey his request. She sat on his lap, welcomed by open arms and mumbling, “Grab that blanket over there.” Jan got up and grabbed the blanket, and they resumed their cuddling. As if nothing ever happened! Completely bewildered by their exchanges, Chloe tossed a piece of bubble gum into her mouth. She turned to Belle and whispered, “Are they always this psychotic?”

Belle tucked her feet under her and nodded, “Pretty much.”

Chloe whistled and uttered an “Ok….”

Philip grabbed a large pillow and threw in on the floor next to the couch. He lay down and gestured for Chloe to join him. Chloe grabbed a blanket for them and knelt down on the floor. Philip pulled her into a spoon and said nothing as Jennifer Lopez rode on her white horse on top a sand dune. Chloe reached for his hand under the covers. Philip kissed her neck sweetly and resumed watching.

Shawn sat on the couch and allowed Belle to position herself between his legs. “Look at her. She is SOOO hot,” Shawn commented uncontrollably. Belle sat up and moved to the other end of the couch, “I am NOT going to hear you go on and on about Miss Lopez all night.”

“Belle, come back. I promise you I won’t say anything more about her.”

“I would back that ass up like you wouldn’t believe” Jason offered enthusiastically. He stood up suddenly and thrust his hips to a suggestive “doggie style” position. “Yeah Jennie, Yeah Jennie. Feel it baby, feel it baby. Waiting for tonight, UH!”

Chloe cracked a bubble and giggled out loud. Jason pointed to her, “Hey, where’s the snort?”

Jan pulled Jason down as Belle yelled at him, “In your dreams Jason!”

Jason cocked his imaginary gun and fired, “She’s even wilder in my dreams Belle.”

Belle fought off Shawn’s attempt to cover her mouth as she shot back, “I think we need to go back to the video store and get a Ricky Martin video.”

“Hell no!” Jason argued.

“Will you guys shut up?!” Phillip boomed. “I’m trying to watch a movie.”

“No shit,” Jan commented.

Jason pulled his “gun” back and blew the smoke. Belle pointed at him and mouthed, “We’ll finish this later.”

Jason pretended to flinch and stole a glance at Chloe. She felt his eyes on her and looked back at him. He smirked at her. Chloe bit her lip and rubbed her shoulder with her chin. Unbeknownst to everyone else, she had to spend the next day with tutoring him. And who knew what that would bring.

*************************************************************

Throughout the movie, Belle’s eyes were covered frequently. And she was held.

Under the blankets,

Jan copped a feel.

Philip copped a feel.

Buttons unsnapped simultaneously, followed by eager stroking.

Biting their lips to withhold a moan of pleasure…

Jan got up to go bathroom. Soon followed by Jason. Joining for a classic rendez-vous.

Philip leaned down to whisper into Chloe’s ear, “You want to get some fresh air?” Chloe rolled onto her back and met his eyes. She knew what he wanted. She nodded, “I’ll bring the blanket.” They stood up.

“Now where are you two going?” Shawn asked.

Chloe smiled at Shawn as she climbed up the stairs. “Just going outside to get some air. We’ll be back soon,” Philip explained softly.

**********************************************************

They lay on the cool wooden deck at the bow, using his coat as a pillow. Breathing in the fresh air, watching the stars. “That movie is very disturbing.” Chloe said thoughtfully as she nestled to him. Philip answered with a passionate kiss. Chloe sucked in her breath as he climbed on top her. His stiffness pressed against her thigh. She arched her back to him.

Philip broke his kiss, “I love you Chloe.”

“I know you do.”

“Let me show you then.”

“Not here Philip.”

“I won’t. But just a little…”

Chloe regarded his face tenderly. Her brow crinkled when she heard a noise to her left. She turned her head, “What is that?”

“Jason fucking Jan.”

“What? Where are they?”

“I think they’re in the bathroom.”

Chloe listened more intently to the sound of Jan’s voice moaning in delight. The sound made her sick to her stomach. She covered her eyes, “I can’t believe them.”

“They do it anywhere and everywhere,” Philip whispered humorously.

Chloe pushed Philip onto his back and adjusted the blanket around them. She turned onto her side, “They have no class. That is so disrespectful to Shawn.” Philip smiled at her, “Forget about them.”

“No problem, I will.”

Chloe stroked his face and kissed his cheek. She noticed his hand moving under the blanket. “What are you doing?” she asked. Philip met her eyes, “Unbuttoning my shirt. I want you to feel your bare skin against mine. Please, can I?”

Chloe was reluctant to give in. The sound coming through the window helped to enforce her decision. She reached down to pull off her shirt. She led her eyes to the front hook of her bra, signaling a green light for Philip. “I just want to hold you,” Philip said softly as he reached for the clasp.

****************************************

Shawn hit the rewind button and looked around irritably, “Wait a second. I think... I think there is some serious boat rocking going on here.”

“What are you talking about?” Belle asked innocently.

“What do you think I’m talking about Belle.”

“Jason and Jan just excused themselves. You know what that means, nothing mysterious about that. But Phil and Chloe left too. To, how did he put that, oh yeah, to ‘get some fresh’ air. What the fuck? This sucks!” Belle sat up and massaged his back. “Well, I’m not going to argue with you regarding Jason and Jan. But I highly doubt Philip and Chloe are, you know…”

“Doing it?”

“I doubt they’re ‘doing it’.” Belle mocked his voice.

“Why not?”

“Because Chloe’s not like that.”

“Sounds familiar.”

“Shawn!”

“Belle!” He stood up, “I’m getting another Coke, you want one?”

Belle nodded, “Yes please.”

Shawn grabbed two from the small refrigerator. “So what should I do?”

“About what?”

“Belle, I have very strong suspicions that there is a boink feast on this Fancy Face.”

“I’ll be your fancy face,” Belle offered demurely and sat up to massage his shoulders.

“Belle I’m serious! What if Phil and Chloe are out there doing it for real? What if someone sees them? There’s always someone out walking around in the marina. Shit! What if my dad or my grandfather decides to check on us, or whatever.”

Belle kneaded tense shoulders, “Shawn, just relax.”

“Belle!”

Belle interrupted his worry with a kiss. “Thanks,” Shawn whimpered. Belle pushed him backwards slowly and adjusted so she was lying face to face with him. She smiled devilishly. Shawn stroked her hair thoughtfully. Belle leaned down to kiss him, catching him by surprise with her tongue. Shawn allowed himself the pleasure for a moment then withdrew. He sat up and pushed her away gently.

“What is wrong with you?” she asked.

“Isabella, I can’t take this right now.”

“Take what? What are you talking about Shawn?”

“Awww, shit Belle. Numero Uno. I got people screwing all around me on this very boat. Numero Dos: I got you teasing me. And trust me, my plumbing can’t handle this tonight. I mean it’s bad enough looking at Jennie Lopez.”

“Shawn, why do you have to be so serious? It’s Friday night, everything’s fine.”

Shawn wasn’t convinced. He appeared helpless. Belle laughed at him and grabbed one of his hands, massaging it between her own. “They’re your friends. I don’t think they’re going to disrespect you like that.”

“I don’t know…”

They were interrupted by the sound of the bathroom door opening. Shawn turned around to see Jason emerging first, followed by a blushing Jan. Jason smiled at the curious couple and sat down across from them. “Hey kids! What’s going on?” Jan sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around him possessively. Shawn stared at him with his jaw hung open. “Oh hey, Jason. Nice of you to join us.”

“Nice to see you.” Jason looked around the room, “Where’s Chloe…and Philip?”

Belle smiled and spoke up for her irritated boyfriend, “They went to get some fresh air.”

Jason’s face fell slightly, “Really? Where?”

Shawn took a swallow before answering curtly, “They’re outside Jason. Did you clean up your mess?”

Jan’s jaw gaped in shock, “Yes Shawn,” she answered in an embarrassed tone. Jason stood up quickly, with Jan falling off his lap, “You think I should check on them?”

Jan stared at him angrily as he helped her to her feet. “Excuse you!”

“Sorry about that Sugar.”

Jason rushed to climb up the ladder. “Where are you going?” yelled Jan.

“I’m going to find Philip and Chloe.”

“Why?”

“I’m just going to mess with them.”

Jason looked around the deck, searching for the other loving couple. He found them making out on the floor of the bow. They stopped when they heard the uninvited guest stomping across the deck. Philip rolled onto his back and pulled the covers over Chloe’s shoulders. Jason stood over them smiling, “Hey Phil, hey Chloe. What’s going on?”

“Trying to have a PRIVATE moment. Get the fuck out of here!”

Jan came up behind Jason and tried to pull him away. Jason pushed her hands away, “Were you guys doing what I think you were doing? Huhhhh?” He kidded. He tried to pull the blanket off them. Philip grabbed Jason’s hand and flung it away violently. “Get OUT of here!”

Jason smiled at Chloe, “Hey girl. Don’t let him take advantage of you…”

Jan pulled him away with all her might, “Let’s just go Jason!”

Chloe sat up, holding the blanket over her breasts.

Jason looked over his shoulder to her, “Don’t let him.”

Chloe gasped in embarrassment. Everything happened too quickly. She reached for her bra and t-shirt. Philip was pissed, “Fucking Jason.” He grabbed his own shirt and buttoned it, “He’s really pissing me off these days.”

“Philip.”

“What?”

“Let’s just go!”

“You want to leave already?”

“Yes.”

“Do you want to go home?”

Chloe considered this, “Yes, I’m tired.”

Philip looked up at her as she stood up, “What are you doing tomorrow?”

Chloe avoided looking at him, “Uhh, I’m going to be busy most of the day.”

“Doing what?”

Chloe held her arms and shivered, “Just some stuff with Nancy.”

Philip frowned, “Oh.”

Philip stood up and began to fold the blanket. Chloe grabbed one end to help him. “But we can do something later that night.”

Philip smiled, “Just the two of us?”

Chloe nodded and grabbed the blanket, “God yes.”

“Good, cuz I really don’t want to around anyone.”

They walked back to the ladder. Chloe paused, “I’ll wait for you out here.”

“You don’t want to say good bye to Shawn and Belle?”

Chloe shook her head, “Will you for me?”

Confused, Philip nodded. “Sure.”

Chloe walked towards the dock. She couldn’t face Jason. His last words still burning…

Don’t let him do it….