+ of seagulls and men +
 

"Taylor, don't do that..." Kristina warned, backing up.

Taylor looked at her, confused. "Why? They're hungry just like us."

"Taylor, please. I'm begging you. You do not want to do this."

Taylor rolled his eyes at his girlfriend of one and a half years. She could be so silly at times. He reached down in his bucket and grabbed a handful of fresh, greasy french fries. Looking towards the sky, he threw the pieces into the air. "See, no harm done. We'll be out of here before they..."

His words were cut off by what sounded like a volcanic explosion. He turned around just in time to see about two hundred seagulls headed straight for him.

"NOOO!!!" He screamed then dove out of the way, into the shell infested sand. He did about four turnovers until he was a good distance away.

Kristina bent down and helped him up. "Did I not warn you?"

He blushed and pushed the hair his hair behind his ears. "It wasn't that bad."

A disturbing noise caught his attention again. A squawking of some sort. And it was getting closer. Kristina, sensing what was about to happen, ran to safety on the boardwalk.

Taylor turned around just in time to be greeted by a seagull in the face. "AAAHHHH!!!" He stumbled up the steps in search of Kris. "Help me, please! I gave them all I had! What do they want?" He desperately cried out. The birds started attacking his back. "Oh my God! They're gonna eat me alive!"

Kristina grabbed her sides in pain. Taylor could be so adorably-stupid sometimes. She quickly wiped the remaining french fries off his back. The seagulls, once claiming their prize, flew off in search of another victim.

Taylor scowled at her. "You put them there, didn't you?"

Kristina laughed, affectionately. "Baby, you put them there yourself. When you decided to get all 007 on me, you picked up some fries off the ground."

Taylor put on his coveted baby face, pushing his lower lip to its extent. Kris rolled her eyes and grabbed one of the belt loops on his yellow swimming trunks. "Come on, I'll buy you more."
 

+ you're on the mike  +
 

"Hi, you're on with Delilah, what is your request?"

"Um, well, I'd like to send a song out to my best friend. We've been together forever, it seems. He knows I love him like a best friend... but, uh, he doesn't know how much I truly love him. He... he's with someone else right now. I let him slip away. But I'll always love him, no matter what. He's my soul mate. So, um... can you play a song that says you've been a beautiful friend for so many years and words couldn't express how I feel."

"Sounds like you really love this guy."

A dreamy sigh escaped her lips. "Yeah, but I don't deserve him."

"It sounds like it should be the other way around. Do you mind if I ask what this young man's name is?"

She was hesitant for a second. "Isaac."

"Well, I can certainly play a song for you. And Isaac, if you're listening, you should be very thankful for such a true best friend. Here is 'More Than Words' by Extreme. Good luck dear."

"Thank you."

".. all you have to do is close your eyes, and just reach out your hand, and touch me. Hold me close, don't ever let me go. More than words, is all I ever need you to show. Than you wouldn't have to say. That you love me, cause I'd already know..."

Isaac turned off the radio. He knew the song by heart, so he couldn't stop himself from quietly singing along. This was one of Joey's favorites. He even played it solely for her at her sixteenth birthday party.

He shook his head and walked over to his bedroom window. He was so relieved that she finally expressed herself. They both knew there was something more to their relationship, but they were scared. So many times he wanted to drop to his knees and tell her he loved her, be he couldn't. After her mother had died only a few short months ago, something in her died also. He wanted Joey to find herself, before she found him. That was simply the most important thing he could do for her. Wait until she was ready.

Aside from being relieved, he was also confused. Did she say he was seeing someone? Maybe he had heard wrong...

He tried to think of a way to clear everything and express his own feelings towards her. He looked to the heavens for the answer. Something he found himself doing quite often. Then an idea struck him. He grabbed his acoustic guitar and headed out the door. He couldn't keep the smile off his face. This was too perfect.
 

+ torn between two lovers  +
 

"Zac! I thought you said I could borrow it, not her!" Tanya ripped the video game out of Caroline's hands.

Caroline put her hands on her hips. "Excuse me? No, Zac promised it to me!" Caroline grabbed it back.

Zac stood back and smiled, wickedly. "Ladies, ladies, please! I'm only one man!" Tanya and Caroline looked at Zac with weird expressions. "Oh, hehe wrong fantasy, sorry. Anyway, sorry, Care, I did promise it to Tanya first."

Tanya smiled, victoriously. "See, I told you!"

Caroline looked down at the floor, her lip trembling. "It's not fair, you always pick Tanya over me! You just like her more."

"Care, that is not true. You'll always be my number one girl. My Care Bear, remember?"

She looked up, smiling. "Thanks Zac." She leaned over and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

Just then, a horn blared from the street. "Oh, that's my mom. I have to go. Thanks again Zac. Cya Caroline."

"Bye Tanya." They chorused.

"Hey Care, come here." He pulled Caroline over towards his bed.

Her fingers trembled, nervously. "Zac? What are you doing?"

He held his finger to his lips. "Sshhh..."

Caroline swallowed hard. "Um, Zac?"

Zac bent down and picked up his pillow. He pulled a box out and handed it to her. "Here. I got a new game yesterday. I was saving it for you."

Caroline exhaled and smiled. "Thank you Zac, so much... well, it's getting late so I'm going to leave."

Zac grabbed her hand just as she was about to turn around. "Hey, I'll walk you home."
 

+ slip-n-slide  +
 

{Tha-thump!}

Kristina looked up from the magazine she was reading. "Taylor? Are you okay?"

"No!"

She threw her magazine in a wicker basket and walked back to the bathroom door. "What's wrong?"

She heard a soft whimper than an over exaggerated sigh. "I've fallen in the 2x2 bathroom and I can't get up."

Kris nearly fell to the floor from laughing so hard. She tried to calm herself for her boyfriend's behalf, but she couldn't stop the giggles from coming. "Baby... baby, are you okay?"

"No, I told you! Don't you listen?"

"I'm sorry. Are you decent?"

"Kristina Lynne," his voice held a hint of warning. "I was taking a shower. Normally, you don't take a shower with your clothes on!"

"All right, damn! What's up your butt?"

"Currently a bottle of Herbal Essence shampoo. Now help me, please!"

She tried hard not to smile or laugh, but it was becoming increasingly harder with this situation. She slowly opened the door to the 2x2 bathroom. It took every ounce of will power not to laugh at the sight before her. "Taylor! How the hell did you get in THAT position?"

"Please, no more questions. Just help."

She took the one step distance between the door and the shower. She carefully untangled his arms and legs and pulled him up.

He threw his arms around her. "Thank you! You saved me again!"

"Taylor, you're wet, you're cold and you're naked. Can we save these hugs for later?"

"Yeah, yeah, okay. Get out so I can finish getting ready and make sure you have all your stuff packed."

"Aye, aye, Sir! Anything else, Daddy?"

He gave her a sloppy, but sweet, kiss on the lips. "Yeah, can you make sure I packed everything?"

She smiled, knowingly. "Already done."

He smiled back. "What would I do without you?"

"Well, for starters, you'd have to learn how to take careful showers."

He rolled his eyes, sarcastically. "Har-har. Go!" He shooed her out of the bathroom.

She sat back down and listened to the shower running.

{Thump!}
 

+ oh, romeo!  +
 

Isaac carefully threw tiny pebble at Joey's bedroom window. A few moments later, a soft glow elluminated from the chosen room.

Joey came to the window clad in her favorite Chinese robe. She opened the window and climbed out onto the attached patio. "Isaac?" she called out into the surrounding darkness.

"Yeah, it's me. Sorry if I scared you."

A relaxed smile came to her face. "No, it's okay. I kind of knew it was you... so, what's up?"

"I heard you."

Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "I don't understand. Heard me when?"

"Tonight. On the radio."

Even though it was pitch dark, he could tell her face was a light crimson. "H-how? You don't listen to that station."

"I don't know. I guess it was Fate that made me listen."

She covered her face with her hands. "I can't believe you heard that."

He carefully climbed up the rose fence, his guitar perched on his back and kneeled down beside her. "Hey, don't be embarrassed. Please."

She looked up and his thoughts were proved true. Her face was a lovely scarlet color and unshed tears clouded her eyes.

Isaac pulled his guitar onto his lap and studied it for a second. He slowly began stroking it's newly tuned strings. He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them and stared directly at her.

His soft voice rang out through the quiet night.

"Saying I love you
Is not the words I want to hear from you
It's not that I want you
Not to say, but if you only knew
How easy it would be to show me how you feel
More than words is all you have to do to make it real
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
Cause I'd already know
 

What would you do if my heart was torn in two
More than words to show you feel
That your love for me is real
What would you say if I took those words away
Then you couldn't make things new
Just by saying I love you
 

Now I've tried to talk to you and make you understand
All you have to do is close your eyes
And just reach out your hands and touch me
Hold me close don't ever let me go
More than words is all I ever needed you to show
Then you wouldn't have to say that you love me
Cause I'd already know..."
 

Joey, her previous embarrassment completely dissolved, stared at this man, her best friend, before her. Happiness flowed from her eyes as she eagerly watched him place his guitar on the patio floor. He looked back at her with questioning eyes. Without further hesitation, she flung herself into his arms.

Isaac exhaled the long-awaited breath. He gently stroked the back of her head, lightly tangling his fingers into her hair.

She pulled away slightly, and stared him directly in the eyes, sadness radiating from them.

"What's wrong, baby?"

The corners of her mouth started to turn up at the sound of his favorite nickname for her. But it stopped when she remembered his question. She slowly detached herself from his warm, comforting embrace, making sure to avoid his hurt gaze.

"I'm sorry. This can't happen."
 

+ fluffy pillow playa  +
 

Zac laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling, and thinking. Mostly just staring, but he threw some thinking in there for good measure. He desperately needed someone to talk to. Isaac was nowhere to be found, and Taylor was still down at the beach with Kris and wouldn't be back until tomorrow morning.

"Aaahh!" He hurled a pillow at the ceiling, watching as it landed with a soft thud on the floor beside him.

Jessica ran in the room, with a bewildered look on her face. "Zac! What's wrong? Why did you scream?"

Zac smirk a little. "Sorry, Jess. I needed to vent some anger." He pointed to his victim of destruction.

"Well, geez, what did the pillow ever do to you?"

"It wasn't fluffy enough."

His playful smile made her laugh. She turned to retreat to her bedroom. "You're a nut case, Zac."

"Yeah, well, I'm your brother, so what does that make you?"

She turned around and retorted, smiling. "A sister of a nut case. Now goodnight Zac."

"'Night Jess."

When she left, he got back to his thinking. He could recall all the events of the day, yet one stood out in his mind.

"Well, thanks for walking me home and letting me borrow this game."

Zac smiled at Caroline. "You're very welcome. Anything for a friend."

She returned the smile and looked down at her watch. "Uh! I guess I better get in before they call the firing squad on me. I'll see you later Zac."

"Hey wait... um... uh..." All the words he had recited over and over again in his head seemed to fail him just then. So, he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Then he concentrated on the yellow stripes of his shoes, his face a lovely crimson.

Caroline pulled his chin up. "That was nice, Zac. Thank you." She returned the favor, then walked into her house.

Zac turned around and walked, dreamily, down the steps. He felt lighter than air, which was pretty amazing, considering his Dox weighed at least twenty pounds each.

"Hey Zac! Fancy meetin' you here!"

Zac was broken out of his dream state by a blonde hair, blue eyed blur. Zac blinked a few times to let his eyes focus.

"Oh, hey Tanya! It's been like, forever since I last saw you."

Tanya laughed, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear. "I know right! Geez, you were only this high," she drew a line across her stomach, "when I last saw you."

Zac raked his fingers through his hair and laughed. "Yeah. So, what are you doing here?"

"Oh, I'm staying over at Care's house tonight. Wanna stay?" She wiggled her eyebrows up and down.

Zac smiled, thinking that wasn't such a bad idea. Then reality sunk in. "Oh yeah, like either parents would fly for that."

"Yeah, that's true. So I guess I'll see ya tomorrow?"

"Of course!"

anya smiled and slowly edged forward. "Good," she whispered, planting a kiss on his lips.

Zac stepped back stunned, but then smiled when he realized how good it felt. "Yeah, definitely, I'll see you tomorrow." He watched as she walked inside Caroline's home.

"Zac!"

Zac shook himself out of his current trance and looked towards the doorway. "Yeah, Mom?"

"It's time for bed, sweetheart. Where's Ike?"

Zac looked at Ike's bed. He still wasn't home. He hoped he was okay.

"Um, he might have fell asleep at Joey's again. You know they can never make it through their movie marathons."

Diana laughed. "Okay, hon. Get some sleep."

"All right. Goodnight Mom."

He turned on his side and soon fell asleep. His dreams were filled with Caroline, Tanya and a giant squirrel.
 

+ joe of the volcano  +
 

".... never had to KNOCK ON WOOD!..."

"Taylor!"

".... because I'm sure it isn't good, because I'm sure it isn't, never had to KNOCK ON WOOD!"

"Taylor!!!"

Taylor stopped singing and banging on the steering wheel. He turned towards Kris. "Yes?"

"Can you PLEASE stop doing that. It makes me nervous."

Taylor frowned. "Why? You don't trust my driving?"

Kris leaned over and stroked his cheek. "Sweetie, I know how you get when you sing... please, just stop." He pouted and looked down. "Taylor! Road!"

He quickly looked up and kept the Jeep from going into a ditch. "Whoops, forgot I was driving."

Kris rolled her eyes then tightened her seat belt. She repeated a small prayer over and over again in her head. Please let us get home okay. Please let us get home okay.

"Ooo! Look, a Friendly's! Let's get some Ice Cream!" Taylor screeched, making a sharp turn into parking lot.

Kristina smiled as the car stopped. "Okay, sweetheart, but I get to drive on the way home."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, let's go before they run out."

Kris laughed as he grabbed her hand and pulled her inside.

"Yes, can I take your order?"

Taylor looked up, his blue eyes shining. "Yes you can! A Volcanic Explosion with two spoons, spank you very much."

The waitress smiled and walked away, mumbing something like "spank you?" Kris kicked Taylor under the table.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"Stop saying that!"

"Saying what?"

"Spank You! I'm gonna smack Joey for teaching you that!"

"Oh lighten up, Mom. There are a lot of worse things I could say."

Kris sighed and sunk back in her seat. "Yeah, but still..." All was forgotten when their Volcanic Explosion appeared. Within minutes the sundae was downed.

"Oh, that was so yummi!" Taylor stated, licking the bottom of the dish. When he came back up, there was ice cream all around his lips.

Kristina laughed and pointed to her own lips. Tay took his pinky finger and wiped at the tiniest corner of his mouth. Then gave her a questioning look. She sighed and picked up her napkin. "Come here." He got up from his side of the booth and then sat in her lap. "Or we could do that."

"Isn't that what you wanted me to do?" He asked, ice cream running down his chin. She began to gently wipe it off.

"No, I just meant for you to lean over so I could get it."

"Oh, okay, I'll go back."

"Well, lemme get it first!" She got the rest of the ice cream off and pushed him off her lap. They paid the check then went back to the car. Taylor headed for the driver's side. "Hey! What are you doing? We agreed that I would drive."

"Yeah right! When did that happen!?"

"Duh! Right before we went in. I said I'd go in if I could drive home."

"You know you can't talk to me when a Friendly's is involved. I lose my state of mind."

"That's not the only time you lose it." She mumbled under her breath.

"What?"

"Nothing, just drive. But I swear to God Taylor, if you sing, bang or swerve even once, I take over."

"Alright, come on. We hafta be home in a half an hour."

"But Tulsa is a good hour from here!"

Taylor smiled deviously. "I know. That's why we hafta leave now."

Kristina pulled her seat belt to it's tightest extent and closed her eyes. Please let us get home okay.
 

+ the outsiders  +
 

Isaac reached down to pull his blanket over him. When he realized it wasn't there... nor was his pillow and bed in general, his eyes shot open. He sat up quickly and studied his surroundings. He breathed a sign of relief when he realized where he was.

He tried to pull himself up but felt an incredible pain in his back. He shook his head and silently laughed to himself. 'That's what you get for sleeping on the patio.' He crawled over to the lounge chair to think and to just listen to the birds chirping in the sun-filled sky. His process was broken from the door hinges squeaking.

Ike looked up, timidly. Joey was standing there, staring at him with wide and puffy eyes. He could tell she had been crying. "Were you out here all night?"

He didn't take his eyes off of her. "Yeah. I wanted to be here when you woke up."

She ran her hand through her hair then walked over to sit beside him. "I am so sorry. I had no right to do what I did last night..."

"Joey, don't. What I did was unexpected and thoughtless..." She cut him off by placing her fingers over his lips.

"No, what you did was perfect. I'm the one who owes the explanation." He sat quietly and gently held her hand. "The reason why I... stopped what we were doing last night... was because I was afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

"Ike, come on, you know me. You know how I always screw everything up. What if we decided to actually try this... try 'us'... I'd do something and mess it up."

"Joey... you're too hard on yourself. Granted we all make mistakes, but try to be more self-confident. We've known each other all our lives and what we have is too perfect. We're so comfortable with each other that it can't be wrong."

She was quiet for a moment, then looked up at him with hopeful eyes. "Maybe you're right."

He smiled and kissed the tip of her nose. "Maybe? Must have lost my touch."

She laughed and wrapped her arms around his stomach. "No, no I definitely think you're right. We can do this."

"Now that's what I like to hear." He gently rubbed his fingers over her cheek, then kissed her forehead. Then he remembered something. "One question, why did you say I was seeing someone?"

She blushed and looked down. "Well, you see, I, um.. well, okay... I didn't want to sound as pathetic."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, if I wouldn't have said that then Delilah would have been all like 'well if he's not taken, why don't you go after him' or something like that, and I really didn't feel like going through that... I hope you don't mind too much." She smiled innocently at him.

He leaned over and kissed her sweetly on the lips. "I think I'll manage."
 

+ was it something i didn't say  +
 

Zac blinked rapidly as the sun light hit his eyes. A cheery voice broke into his waking. "Rise and shine, Zaccy!"

He turned to the voice and his eyes became wide. "Tanya! What are you doing here?"

"Is that any way to treat your guests?" She teased, a silly smile plastered on her face.

Zac rubbed his eyes and sat up. "Sorry, I didn't wake Ike up, did I?"

Tanya looked up to the top bunk, confused. "Zac, Isaac isn't even here."

He looked over to his clock and shook his head when he realized what time it was. "I slept in till 12:32? That has got to be some kind of record for me."

"Yep, well get up. We have a very exciting day planned."

He looked at her confused. "Did I miss something?"

Tanya laughed and grabbed Zac's hands, pulling him out of bed. "Ooo.. nice boxers. Now, get dressed and meet me downstairs in fifteen minutes."

"Wait!" He stopped Tanya from leaving. She turned back around. "Isn't today Sunday?" Tanya nodded in reply. Zac searched his mental calendar. "I can't, I'm spending today with Caroline at the park."

"Oh, about that. She called me this morning... and she was really sick and she told me to tell you that she wouldn't be able to make it. And since Isaac is gone and Taylor isn't due back for another couple of hours, that clears your schedule..."

"Well, maybe I should call her..."

"No Zac! She's sick, don't bother her. You can see her tomorrow, now chop to." Tanya left before Zac could even comprehend what she said.

Shrugging off his uneasiness, he quickly got dressed. Before exiting his room, he looked up to the top bunk and sighed. "Man Ike, I wish you were here... I really need to talk." He shook his head and trotted down the steps. "Okay Tanya, what do you have planned?"

Tanya smiled, evilly, and grabbed his hands. "Oh, you'll see."

Zac grinded his teeth together and let Tanya lead him out of his house. Three hours later, he returned, and was about to explode. His butt was sore from the horseback riding and his ankle hurt from slipping on a rock. But the pain he could deal with, it was the constant clutching from Tanya. She was always hanging on him and playing with his hair. He didn't mind it when Caroline did it, but it was annoying when Tanya did it. Caroline...

Zac turned around and stopped Tanya from coming in the house. "You know what, I'm extremely tired so I think I'm just going to go to sleep for a little.. yeah, so um, I guess I'll talk to you later." He tried to shut the door, but Tanya intervened.

"Okies, I'll see you later. And this is until then." Zac watched as Tanya closed her eyes and leaned forward. He turned his head so she got his cheek. She pulled back surprised, but shrugged it off. "Later Zac."

Zac quickly shut the door and leaned against it. "What's the matter, honey?"

Zac jumped and looked up into the caring eyes of his mother, who was wiping her hands on a dish cloth. "Oh, nothing Mom. Just tired, that's all."

"Oh, okay. Well, Caroline has been calling for you. She sounded a little upset on the phone. Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, Tanya told me she was sick so I didn't go over today. I thought I'd let her rest a little before she received a large dose of Zac!"

Diana smiled down at her second youngest son. "You are just too sweet for words, you know that."

Zac smiled and polished his knuckles against his chest. "Yep, I know." Diana laughed and gently hit him on the head with her towel. Zac turned to leave but turned back. "Is Ike or Tay home yet?"

"Ike came home about an hour ago, but him and Joey went for a walk..." She looked down at her watch. "Taylor should be home within the next hour."

"Alrighty, I'm gonna go see Care for a little. I'll try to catch the guys when I get home."

"Okay, sweetheart. Be home before dinner."

He opened the door and smiled at his mother. "I will. Love ya, bye." He hopped down the steps and ran to Caroline's house.

After two knocks, Mrs. Moore opened the door. "Hey Zachary, what are you doing here? I thought you were with Caroline?"

"No, isn't she here?"

"No, she's been at the park for the last two hours... I thought with you."

Zac looked just as confused as she did. He scratched his head then turned back to Mrs. Moore. "I guess there was a misunderstanding. I'll go get her."

"Alright, Zachary. Thank you."

Zac nodded and smiled, still confused. He jogged to the park, which was close and barren, and looked around for Caroline. When he finally found her, his breath got stuck in his throat. "C-Care?"

Caroline looked up, her body shaking and her eyes swollen with tears. She slowly pushed herself backwards, away from him. "How could you?"

Zac took off his jacket and moved towards her. "Stop! Just stop, Zac!"

"Caroline, please, whatever I did, I'm sorry. You're sick, you shouldn't be out.."

"I'm not sick! Or at least I wasn't till now." She cried, staring coldly at him.

"I don't understand. Tanya said.."

"Tanya? I knew it! You were with her, weren't you?"

"Well yeah, but that's because I thought you were sick."

"Zac! Stop and think for once. If I was sick, don't you think I would have called you? Today was supposed to be special and now it's ruined."

Zac sat down in front of her and was pleased when she didn't move away. He thought about today and what he was actually supposed to do. Then realization hit. "Oh my God... Caroline I am so sorry. Please, you have to believe me. You hafta understand.."

"Understand what? Zac, I hardly ever ask you for anything... this day, every year, I ask you to do something with me. And for three straight years you have. What made this year different? Trust me, I want to understand what was so important that you had to blow me off."

Zac's heart sank six feet into the dirt and he grabbed her hands. "God, you're freezing. Please take my jacket." When she didn't object, he wrapped his warm jacket around her shoulders. "Last night, I had every intention of coming here, and being with you. But when I woke up this morning... Tanya was there and she kept forcing me into believing I had to go with her. She told me you were sick and that I shouldn't bother you. I didn't even know what day it was, let alone what I had to do. So, I listened to her... And I'm so sorry Caroline. I know how much this means to you and it means a lot to me too. I just... messed up really bad."

Caroline looked up at him and smiled for the first time that day. "Thank you, Zac. That means a lot to me because I know you truly mean it... And you're here now and I guess that's all that matters..." She looked down at their hands, clasped together. She looked back up at him, timidly. "Will you still do it with me?"

Zac smiled and pushed the hair out of her eyes. "I would love nothing more. Come on." He helped her up and they walked over to the huge oak tree. They both looked down at the stone embedded into the ground. The words ran through both of their heads.
 

Caroline kissed her fingertips then placed them upon the shiny marble. "I love you, Daddy."
 

+ breaking all the rules when we get together  +
 

Taylor drove calmly down the main street of Tulsa. His ice cream drive had worn off and he was enjoying the scenic surroundings.

"Look Tay!" Kristina screeched, and pointed across the street. Taylor smiled and honked his horn. Isaac and Joey stopped and turned around. They both smiled and waved, with their free hands, then continued on their walk.

"Aww, they're together.. yay!" Kristina clasped her hands together and sighed.

Taylor looked over at her, confused. "What are you talking about? They're always together."

Kris looked over and grabbed his arm. "Didn't you see the way they were holding hands?"

Taylor scratched his forehead. "Again, they always hold hands.. what's the difference?"

Kristina rolled her eyes and pulled away. "Trust me, it is. I know these things..." Man, Joey and I are going to have a very long talk... Kris smiled inwardly and sunk back in the chair. She caught a glimpse of them in the side mirror. She watched intently as they both stopped and turned towards each. Words were exchanged but of course she couldn't see them. The last thing she saw before they were out of view, was Ike leaning over and kissing Joey's forehead.

Kristina was screaming "aww" in her head and she accidentally let her mouth move with it.

"What's so 'aww'? See a bunny or something?"

Kristina laughed and looked lovingly at her boyfriend. "Yes, sweetheart, I saw an adorable little bunny."

"I thought so.. you and those bunnies, I swear...Look we're home!" The Jeep pulled into the driveway and they both got out and stretched. "Mmm... Home sweet home. MOM!! We're home."

"Sweetie, I'm right here, you don't have to yell." Taylor turned around and saw him mother walking down the porch steps. "Welcome back, guys. How was your trip?"

"Awesome, Mom. Remind me to thank Aunt Nancy again."

"Well, get your stuff unpacked. Dinner is in an hour. Zac, Isaac and Joey should be home soon."

"Okay, thanks." Kristina supplied, since Taylor was already getting their bags out. Diana walked back into the house, but left the door open.

"Taylor! Kris!" Two voice chimed together. They both turned around and were greeted by welcoming hugs.

"Hey Ike, good to see you again." Kristina hugged Isaac tightly and whispered in his ear. "Congratulations." Ike pulled back and smiled and mouthed 'thanks.'

Joey came over and hugged her. "We have so much to talk about." They both whispered then pulled away smiling.

"Man, Caroline, we're missing all the bonding!" The four teens turned around. Joey was the first to run over and hug them.

"How you holding up, kiddo?" She directed towards Caroline.

She smiled and looked towards Zac. "Pretty good, thank you."

The rest of the crew joined them. "Oh, you've been *spanked."

Taylor laughed and ducked Kris's playful punch. "Joey, stop saying that stuff around him, he gets ideas."

Joey smiled and put her fingers to her lips. "Whoops, sorwie. Forgot how open-minded Taylor is."

The crew shared a bonding laughter, then walked inside, with their backs to the sun and their hands clasped.
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*AJ/Beth/Amy lingo - "spank you" = "thank you" and "you've been spanked" = "you're welcome" :o)
 

+ let me tell you mine +
 

"No, this is the best part!" Kris managed to get out between laughs. "They started flocking towards him... so he did all these Kung-Fu 007 moves, IN THE SAND!!!"

Joey and Zac fell to the kitchen floor, holding their stomachs. Taylor had his arms crossed over his chest, glaring at everyone in the room.

"Oh come on Tay! That is so funny! Don't be mad." Caroline said, pulling Zac off the ground.

"Yeah, Tay, lighten up. I think I lost two pounds from laughing so hard." Joey commented, re-situating herself on Ike's lap.

"Yeah, well I guess you're right. I mean, making you laugh to lose weight is a hell of lot better than sticking your finger down your throat." Taylor spat out, angrily.

"Jordan Taylor, that was uncalled for. Apologize, NOW!" Isaac yelled, tightening his grip around Joey so she wouldn't go anywhere.

Taylor looked up to argue, but saw the tears in Joey's eyes and stopped. All the anger fled from his body and it was filled with regret. "I'm sorry Joey, I didn't mean that. I was just upset that you were laughing at me."

Joey didn't say anything. She just looked down and concentrated on Ike's hands.

Zac looked at her, confused. Her eyes were closed so tight, as if trying to block out the pain. She looked so... numb. "Joey?" Caroline gently nudged him and shook her head.

Finally, Joey looked up and stared Taylor in the eyes. "I'm sorry I laughed at you, but you had no right to bring that up. That is a part of my past that I wish not to remember, okay?" Her voice wavered, and Taylor wondered if she was going to break.

With every word, his heart sank lower. What kind of monster was he? "I'm so sorry, Joey... I know that was a huge mistake on my behalf... I'm so sorry..."

She cut him off. "It's okay. We all make mistakes, I mean we're not perfect... although 90% of the world's population would argue that you are. I mean, really, what's all the fuss about..."

Taylor thought she was starting to get mean, which he did deserve, but when he saw that small smile form on her lips, he knew everything would be okay.

He leaned back and stretched his arm around Kris's shoulder. "Well, you know, its the eyes... my baby blues can catch them, my friend."

Kristina snorted. "Right..."

"What? I caught you, didn't I?"

She laughed and gently pushed him. "Not because of your *baby blues.*"

"Really? Then what?"

"Your butt."

He smiled and then attempted to look behind him. "It is nice, isn't it?"

Everyone at the table busted up again.

Isaac, who had been quiet for the past five minutes, finally spoke. "It was the black leather pants, wasn't it, Kris?"

She smiled and nodded. "You betcha. A man reveals a lot by wearing black leather pants."

Taylor smiled and wrapped his arms around her. "Oh, I have plenty more.. and in a variety of colors."

Kris laughed and fell into his embrace. "Okay, your turn, we told you our story now you have to tell us yours."

Isaac and Joey just looked at each other. She smiled then looked back at Kris. "That's another story for another time."