The Zodiac of PRA V: The Finale

Chapter 46

Devin motioned Hung Gor into a corner where his group were kept a close eye on. Gun still pointed, he flicked his head for Erin to come over. She did as he asked as he leaned into her ear “Get Jenna to try to decode those bombs. I’m going to keep an eye on them, I have a feeling the bombs outside are just a scam like the last mission.”

She nodded in agreement but did not say a word to keep the enemy from perking their ears up. Returning to the group, she walked over to Jenna, who was tending to Matt’s wounds “Jenna.” Erin whispered as the young girl turned to her with questioning eyes “See if you can decode those bombs.”

“What?” she was unsure of what she just heard “Didn’t he say they were indestructible?”

“You can do it, Jenna. There's always a way to stop a bomb, he's just bluffing.” Erin nodded and walked over to tap Ryan on the shoulder. Pulling him to the side, she asked “Can you get outside and look for those bombs they are claiming are attached to the building? Devin has a feeling they’re a scam.”

“IF they are real and I walk out, the door opening will cause them to explode.” Ryan reminded her.

Erin sighed, knowing it was true. They would be doomed either way, suddenly, her eyes caught sight of a corner window that was open “Can you fit through that?” she pointed.

Ryan was reluctant but they had no other choice “Yeah, I think so.”

Before he left, Erin gave him a word of caution “Be careful.”

Turning to her, he smiled with a nod “I will.” Walking towards the back wall, he looked around for anything to give him assistance to get to the window. His eyes stopped on a dangling chain as he grabbed it “My lucky day.” He sighed and began climbing towards the window.

Devin smiled when Hung Gor’s eyes widened, probably feared that Ryan would discover his little game “What’s wrong?” he mocked.

Hung Gor twisted his lips crookedly “We’ll just die a little faster.”

“Great, have fun in hell.” Devin snickered.

Jenna’s fingers shook as she lifted Matt’s shirt and had a closer look at the bomb “I can’t open it…it’s taped to his body.” She whispered to Mia and Darren, who were blocking the enemy’s view.

“I’ll hold onto it.” Mia suggested as she held on tight “Darren, can you untape it?”

“Hold tight.” He nodded and began peeling the duct tape from Matt’s skin “Hold on Matt, I almost got it.” He coaxed when the lieutenant began groaning in pain. For what seemed like hours, Jenna was able to open the main control box. Inside were rainbows of wires.

“There’s too many, it’s impossible to know which one.” Jenna felt defeated before she even began the fight.

Matt could barely move but he managed to give her a last bit of confidence “Trust your instincts Jenna, you’ve always had good guesses.”

“But one wrong guess and we all die together.” Jenna pointed out, her hands still shaky as she traced a few wires but all were leading to the same place.

“Jenna…” Matt said while he caught her eyes “Listen to me. You can do it, I believe in you. Those bastards are planning to kill us anyways, we can’t let them win. If we die, we all die together. What do we have to lose?”

“Just our lives.” Darren cracked. Jenna turned to him as he gave her a quick wink “It’s better this than to wait for the bombs to go off. God knows when that psycho will change his mind.”

Mia nodded “Darren’s right. We have to take this chance. We all have faith in you Jenna. No pressure. Whatever happens happens.”

Feeling ten times better than before, Jenna nodded as she pulled out her tiny pocket knife “Okay. I’ll do this for the team. Matt, try not to move.”

“I couldn’t even if I wanted to.” He joked.

Ryan searched for the bombs that were supposedly surrounding the building, he dug through the bushes and dirt and found three black boxes, all were locked up. Using his tools, he picked the lock and opened it carefully. Inside was another small box, again with a lock. He opened that one faster than the last, inside the case was another smaller box. After the third box, he realized it was a scam as Devin suspected.

Rushing towards the door, he opened the sliding metal door and exclaimed “It’s fake!!”

Devin turned to Ryan and was ready to call Ted when Hung Gor lunged at him and knocked him down while trying to get a hold of the gun. They rolled a few rounds as the gun accidentally fired a few times but luckily not hitting anyone “Get them!” Hung Gor roared at his men.

They got up and charged at the remaining team, Erin, Leah and Ryan fought the people at the same time while Jenna watched worriedly “Jenna, concentrate.” Mia advised when the girl looked distracted “This bomb could still be real.”

Darren nodded “I’ll cover you girls.” He got up to block them and make sure that no one got passed him.

Hung Gor had the upper advantage when he rolled on top of Devin and banged his wrists against the ground roughly. Devin knew his only chance was to throw the gun far away and fight the man fist to fist, so he flicked his wrist throwing the gun within far distance. It slid down the floor and stopped at a box.

Erin fought Ah Gam but she refused to pull out her gun “Why are you helping him? I know you don’t want to.” Their arms crisscrossed after he blocked her punches.

“How do you know?” he pushed her away to untangle their arms.

“You could have killed Darren, but you didn’t.” She recalled.

Ah Gam snickered “If Mia didn’t beg me, I would have done it.”

“Bullshit.” Erin snapped, “You didn’t want to kill him.”

Leah fought with a few of the men but eventually, she would be outnumbered. Seeing this, Ryan pulled out his gun and fired at a few men trying to attack her from behind. Some tried to go after Jenna and the other two. What he didn’t see was Becca from behind as she attacked him with ease and caught him off guard while knocking the weapon out of his hand. She winced in pain from the earlier stabbing but disregarded the blood now seeping out of the wound “You’re bleeding.” Ryan pointed out.

Raising her hand in defense, she stopped him “Don’t come near me.” She yanked out her own gun and pointed it to him “I’ll kill you.”

At the corner of his eyes, he saw a few guys trying to slip through. He noticed Leah was way ahead of him as she began fighting with three of them at the same time. Ryan ingored the gun as he rushed to help Leah, but some made it towards Darren who tried his best to block them “Jenna.” Matt called again when she began to stray towards the fight scene to her left “Concentrate.” He whispered.

She nodded and continued to carefully slice open the plastic covers of the wires. She finished all ten and realized they were made of different material “Copper, silver, bronze and gold…” she said it out loud.

“What does that mean?” Mia asked while she turned to check on Darren who had defeated one guy.

“Bomb wires are only made of two materials…copper and bronze.” Jenna said.

Mia nodded “Okay, then cut them.”

“Only one wire can be connected to the bomb. There are three coppers and two bronze wires.” Jenna analyzed.

Devin and Hung Gor received a simultaneous punch in the gut at they fell on one knee, eyes glaring both had no intention of stopping until the other was down. Roaring to fuel up his anger, Devin attacked Hung Gor with vicious throws and kicks. But his enemy was as ready as he was with the blocks. It seemed Devin was winning as he finally pinned the man onto the wall “Where is the control to the bombs! Tell me!” he commanded.

With his nose bleeding, he laughed while spitting out the blood that began to drip from his mouth “Let me go and I’ll tell you.”

“Go to hell!” Devin punched at his head again but the man moved as his hand collided with the wall. Whipping his hand back in pain, he wrung it out and balled it into a fist again.

Hung Gor’s eyes brightened suddenly as he turned to Ah Bat “Detonate the bombs.”

Erin, Ryan stopped as they turned to each other and charged towards Ah Bat, who scurried into a corner screaming like a little girl. Devin turned to the man whose smile was growing “NO! He doesn’t have it!”

“Becca, now!!” Hung Gor ordered.

She pulled out a clear square like control with a black button in the center. Staring at it with caution, she turned to Erin who was stopped by Ah Gam. Ryan and Leah too were being attacked. She was suddenly caught in the middle when Mia began screaming “No, Becca! Please…don’t do it!”

She stared at them to Hung Gor, his voice echoing in her head to do push the button. Time seemed to stand still as she debated with herself. Wishing that she had some kind of a sign on what to do. Before she had a chance to decide, it was snatched right out of her hands from a figure swinging by “I’ll take that.”

Her heart nearly stopped as she spun around at the familiar voice. He pushed the device into his mouth and somersaulted from the chain he used to get him inside. Gun drawn, he pointed to Hung Gor and used his free hand to catch the control when he opened his mouth “Hey boss, sorry I’m late.”

Devin’s eyes widened but a smile came on his face “Better late than never.”

The room seemed to freeze as everyone’s eyes landed on the person that was suppose to be dead “Doug!!” Jenna cried.

Mia turned to her friend but her hands still carefully holding onto the bomb against Matt’s body “What took you so long?!” she demanded.

Jenna turned to Mia strangely “What?”

Doug pointed the gun closer to Hung Gor’s head “What’s wrong? Surprised to see me still alive and kicking?”

“It can’t be…” his head began to twitch “You’re dead…Reina killed you…you’re suppose to be dead!!” as if going mad, he curled into the ground and wrung his fingers through his head.

He laughed merrily at his discomfort “Speaking of which, why not give you another surprise?” he turned up at one of the hanging cages “Care to join us?”

Reina sat on the top of the cage and grinned at the eyes turning up to look at her. Pointing the gun to the chain control, she fired as the cage began to drop. Before it collided with the ground, she jumped off to the ground safely “Happy to see me?” she asked Hung Gor.

“No…this can’t be happening. My plan worked! It had to work!! No!! This is fake!!! NO!!!!” he began pulling at his hair.

Devin stepped over to Doug “Is Ted moving in?”

“Yeah, we should be surrounded in a few seconds.” Doug explained.

Becca eyes were welled up with tears of joy, she had been devastated when learning that Doug had died. She wanted nothing more than to see him one last time at the funeral but she could not get through security of the team. Stepping closer to him, she smiled while a tear fell from her cheek “You’re not dead…” suddenly at the corner of her eyes, she saw Hung Gor rolling away towards Devin’s gun that he threw to the side “Watch out!!” she leaped a few feet and caught the bullet flying into the center of her back while Doug’s eyes widened.

Erin reacted quickly as she drew her gun and shot at Hung Gor, the bullet through the head killed him as he sank slowly to the ground, eyes still opened “Becca.” Doug cradled her in his arms as he looked down at her wound, she was bleeding profusely “Why?”

She was short of breath as she tried hard to breath but her lung was giving up on her “I…I, I’m so…sorry…I…”

“It’s okay, I forgive you.” Doug quickly said the words he knew she was waiting to hear.

Smiling, her eyes began to close “Thank…you…” it was a mere whisper but he knew she was able to go in peace. Pulling her body closer, he hugged her lifeless body.

Ah Gam knew that was his time to escape as he ran for the door, but when he got there, he froze as a gun was pointed to his head “Going somewhere?” Ted asked. The guy backed up with hands raised “Everyone get down!!” he ordered the remaining group of assassin terrorists. His eyes did a double take on Doug, who was hugging a female figure.

Tilting his head, he stared at him “I’ll explain later.” Mia looked up from her position.

Reina rushed over to the girls “This bomb is real, the button that detonates it is in the back, pushed into the body. The minute it’s removed, we all turn to barbeque. It’s useless if we have the control.”

“Do you know which wire?” Jenna asked.

She nodded “Two, actually.” Reina concentrated as she tried to recall the bomb training she had over five years ago with Hung Gor “Two bronze.” She answered.

“Are you sure?” Mia asked, “Our lives are at stake.” She looked up shortly to see the police coming in to take over and the paramedics taking out all the injured people. They were about to move Luke when she pointed “No! Don’t, he’s got a bomb on him!”

The emergency crew stopped as they backed away while waiting for Ted’s orders. He cuffed Ah Gam and motioned for his men to take him away “I want everyone to leave this room. The bomb experts are on their way.” But it was the team that refused to move “Guys, this is too dangerous, I need all of you to leave.”

Mia shook her head “You know, your lips are moving but I can’t understand a single word.”

Reina and Jenna exchanged smiles “I think it means we’re not moving.” Jenna turned up to the Captain.

Ted knew it would be hell to convince them “I can’t make you guys.”

Reina turned to bomb and back at Jenna “Cut it.”

Fingers steadier, she pulled at the bronze wires “Here goes…one…” closing their eyes with silent prayers, they waited for her “two…I can’t…I can’t do it!” Jenna backed away “I don’t want to…”

Reina smiled “I’ll do it then.”

“No! I want the credit for saving us all.” Jenna realized.

The group groaned, “Just cut it!!” Mia took the scissors from her hand and cut the bronze wires she had pulled out.

“NO!” Jenna cried as she cowered into a ball. Expecting the whole place to blow up, she slowly opened her arms up at the laughing sounds of her teammates “Are we in heaven?” The group shook their heads while she stood up laughing, “We're alive!!!”

“Yeah, but Reina helped a little.” Doug snickered. Jenna snapped her head to him as she glared at him “You’re not going to hit me are you?”

Her lips curled into a smile as she ran to him, he backed away fearfully but all she wanted was a hug “You’re alive.” She whispered. Pulling away, she smiled as he relaxed “You don’t know how many tears I’ve lost.” Pulling her fist back, she gave him an unexpected punch in the gut as he yelped and fell to his knees “How dare you make me cry for nothing!!!”

“I was waiting for that.” Devin cracked.

The remaining people were released of the bomb with Reina’s help. They were removed from their bodies and were all taken to the hospital for checkups. The team too were told to go to the hospital for a checkup.

Chapter 47

In a daze, she could hear him calling her from a distance. Fluttering her eyes open, she looked around the blank white room, his smile was comforting “Jessie.” Doug clasped her hand between his “Hey you.”

Jessie smiled in return “I didn’t think I would see you in heaven.”

Doug’s smile faded “You’re not dead.”

“What?” her brows furrowed.

He pointed around the room “Its just the hospital. You’re safe and I’m still alive.”

“But I thought…” she shook her head in confusion.

“It was just a plan Mia came up with…” he began explaining.

In Michael’s room sat Erin and Julie, she seated by his bed waiting for him to come to. It seemed like hours since they released him from intensive care. His system was free of drugs but he remained weak as he finally opened his eyes “Michael! He’s awake!” Julie exclaimed to Erin.

“Michael.” She smiled while getting up and standing behind Julie “You’re okay, don’t worry.”

He nodded “I feel like my bladder just exploded.” He reached out and held onto Julie’s hand “I’m sorry…for worrying you.”

Tears welling up as she shook her head “No…you didn’t. I knew the team would get you out. They always do.”

Michael turned to Erin with a smile “No offense but I think I need to get away from you people.”

Erin laughed with a nod “I understand. I had suggested that to Julie, maybe it’s for the best.”

“Yes, it is.” Michael agreed with a tired sigh.

“Well, you two probably have a lot of catching up, I’ll go check on the others.” Erin smiled at the two with admiration and left the room.

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

Luke felt an aching pain down his back as he twitched his body on the hospital bed “He’s awake.” Ryan patted Jenna on the cheek, she was tired of waiting and had rested on his shoulder.

“Luke!” Jenna rushed to his side “Are you okay?”

“I’m hungry.” He looked strangely at them “I feel like I haven’t ate for days.”

“You didn’t. Apparently, they starved you and Jessie. But don’t worry, everyone is safe and sound.” Jenna assured.

“How’s Carmen?” he asked.

Jenna turned away and buried her face in Ryan’s chest “We couldn’t save her.”

“What?” Luke screeched his voice.

Ryan rolled his eyes “She’s teasing you. We were able to save everyone. Carmen is in the room next to you.” He pointed to the left.

“I want to go see her.” Luke pulled the blanket off weakly and prepared to get up when he felt a surge of draining energy overcome his body. Laying back, he covered his face with a hand “Maybe later.”

Jenna grinned with a shaking head when she turned to a knock on the door, it opened and appeared Carmen, limping on one leg “Speak of the devil. Hi Carmen.”

“Hey…” she greeted and turned to Luke, who was smiling goofily at her “Wipe that stupid smile off your face, I was just checking to see if you were dead yet.”

“Vicious aren’t they?” Ryan winked at Luke, but he earned a jab in the ribs by Jenna.

“It’ll take more than starvation and bombs strapped to my body to kill me.” Luke said bravely.

“We should see how Matt is doing.” Jenna spoke up suddenly. Pulling Ryan along, she left the two to talk amongst themselves, knowing that that’s what they wanted. Holding onto Ryan’s hand, she strolled down the hall “Are you ready?”

“For what?” he turned to her innocently.

She frowned with a pout “You promised.”

Laughing as he pinched her cheek adoringly, he nodded “I’m only kidding. I’ll tell Gor as soon as we see him.”

“Well come on then!” She began dragging him towards Matt’s room.

Touching his forehead for the fifth time, she relaxed again knowing that his temperature was back to normal. Reina smiled when his face began to flick, it was nice to see his face again, to stare at him. Her hand wrapped around his tightly as she sighed “I’m sorry, Matt. I didn’t mean to lie to you again.”

“Reina…” he muttered her name incoherently “Reina…”

“Matt.” She shook him gently to wake him from the dream “Matt.” She called louder. Slowly his eyes opened as her smile grew wider.

“Reina, am I dreaming?” he asked.

Shaking her head, she grinned “No…I’m here.”

“I thought I heard you earlier but I thought it was just my imagination. How did you get out?” he pushed himself up into a sitting position.

Reina smiled “I’ll explain as soon as everyone gets here.” She had paged for the group to meet in Matt’s room for a meeting.

Just then, the door thrust open appearing an out of breath Jenna and Ryan “M…Matt…” she said between breaths.

“Hi to you too.” Matt frowned strangely “Did you two race again?”

Ryan shook his head “No…no…I…have something…to tell…you.”

“It can wait. Have a seat first.” Reina instructed.

It was Mia and Darren that entered next, hand in hand they looked like a love sick couple “Hey guys, what’s the rush?” Mia greeted.

“In a minute.” Reina said shortly and pointed to the couch. Luckily Matt’s room was the largest, it was able to fit a lot of people.

Erin knocked on Matt’s room door and opened it “You’re late!” Mia tapped her watch.

“And you’re dead meat.” Erin warned. Mia threw her friend a wide grin as she tapped on the empty seat next to her. Shaking her head, she took the seat while waiting for the rest to come in.

Doug could hear laughing even before he reached the door. Opening it, he asked “Is this where the party is?”

“Hi lover!” Mia waved wildly.

He laughed as he approached an empty chair he found by the other empty bed. He took a place next to Jenna and Ryan. Devin walked in as he supported Carmen with one hand “You guys might want to keep your voices down, I think I heard the nurse saying she was going to send up security.” Turning to Matt, he nodded “You okay?”

“Better than I’ve been in the past 48 hours.” He joked.

Reina stood up to help Carmen into a chair “Thanks.” She said gratefully.

“So, I want to start by apologizing to each and every one of you. I know it’s a tough month that we went through, what with losing an agent and another one going to jail, not to mention the string of kidnaps of our dear and loved ones.” Reina began.

“Boo!!! Sit down.” Mia hissed.

“You want to do it?” Reina raised her brows.

Popping from her seat, she practically took over the spot light as she began to animate “Well, it all started about a month ago when I was eating dinner with Darren and I saw Reina in a black trench coat exchanging something with someone I didn’t recognize. Curious, I decided to follow her…..”

********FLASHBACK**********

Mia followed her outside the restaurant instead of going to the bathroom like she told Darren. Feeling that she was being followed, Reina quickened her steps. She merged into traffic and when the steps caught up with her, she stopped and spun around with an arm whipping at her follower but the person blocked her “Mia!” she sighed with relief.

Mia was suspicious “What are you doing there Reina? I saw that person pass you a paper, it looked like a check. Are you working for the CIA?”

Reina turned her eyes strangely “Yeah…yeah…I am.”

“Thank goodness.” Mia laughed, “At first I thought you were taking a bribe but then I thought about it and it just didn’t make any sense. The only person that would do anything to harm us right now is Hung Gor, but you don’t know the guy…” Reina laughed nervously while nodding “Oh my God, he’s bribing you!” Mia pointed.

Reina spun in a circle to look for anyone else that might be watching them as she pulled Mia into a little café shop and took a seat “Please, don’t tell anyone about this.”

“Reina! You can’t do this. Does Matt know?” Mia pressed.

“No! And he’s the last person that should know.” Reina emphasized, “I’m sorry, I didn’t weaken but Hung Gor is very powerful.”

“How…how did you know this guy?” Mia was confused “What’s that check for? Oh my God, you’re an assassin.” She threw her hands in defeat “We lost you…we lost you, didn’t we?”

“Mia, stop being so dramatic!” Reina scolded “I’ll tell you, but don’t you dare repeat this to anyone!” she told her everything, from the history of her old days to the most recent request from Hun Gor, to kill Doug.

Mia sat back in the chair “Doug…you…you’re going to kill him?”

“No! I couldn’t do it even if I wanted to.” Reina assured her “There is only one way to get out of this.”

“I’m afraid to ask.” Mia said slowly.

“I die.” Reina said flatly. Mia began shaking her head “No, listen to me…if I die, then Hung Gor will not have anything to threaten the team with. You guys can catch his ass and throw him in jail for good.”

“What about Matt?” Mia reminded her.

She sighed sadly “I have a letter that I wrote out explaining everything. I’ve thought about this Mia. On the day of the Time Square mission is the day I’m suppose to kill Doug.”

“There must be a way out….” Mia was desperate to keep her friend’s life “Wait…I know…fake a death.”

“My death?” Reina asked. Mia grinned with a shaking head “Doug’s?”

“Bingo.” Mia snapped her fingers. She leaned her arm around the chair “And Darren says my head is full of mush. Hah!”

Reina raised her brows “I think it was Doug that said that.”

“Oh…right.” Mia cleared her throat “Okay, so this is what we’ll do….”

**********END OF FLASHBACK**********

“So Mia called me and told me about her plan.” Doug continued, cutting into Mia’s words. She wasn’t pleased but decided not to argue “I thought it was crazy and the idea of lying in that coffin again, wow…that was enough for me to back out.”

"Chicken." Mia muttered.

“So you guys got Ethan into this.” Erin guessed.

Mia pointed to her friend “Precisely, I knew it wouldn’t work if we brought Doug in the hospital but the doctors would say that he wasn’t shot. I called Ethan hoping that he would do me this favor…it must be my charm but he said he’d do anything for me.”

“I’m still here, Mia.” Darren reminded her coolly.

She giggled, “I know sweetie. You’ll always be my favorite husband.” Throwing him a kiss while he smiled, it was hard to be mad at her for a long period of time.

“With that in mind, we knew the plan would work but only if Hung Gor and his people believed it. That’s why the funeral was printed in the newspaper.” Reina continued.

“But why did you turn yourself in?” Jenna asked.

Devin tapped his chin “Easy, it’s the safest place Reina could be in. Hung Gor would not be worried about her since her job to kill Doug was already done and he couldn't ask her to do another job. She took all the wrap and he continues to live outside the law.”

“Exactly.” Mia pointed to Devin. Carmen raised her hand as Mia acknowledged her “Yes, you the crippled girl.”

“Actually, this is for the boss. How did you know where the hideout was?” she asked Devin.

“You knew?” Reina questioned.

Erin spoke up “This, we had Luke to thank.”

“Luke?” Jenna looked even more confused.

“If he didn’t pose as Brad to get to Carmen, she wouldn’t have given him the old college album which had a picture of Brad, Carmen and Ah Gam.” Erin explained.

“What?” Mia turned to Reina looking shocked.

Erin arched her brow up at her friend “I told you.” Reina crossed her arms at Mia warningly. She smiled weakly and returned to her seat next to Darren “Anyways, after Carmen found out the truth, Luke was devastated.” She snuck a glance at Carmen to see her reaction but the girl only looked down at her hands “I opened up some of Brad’s old things to show Luke, just to light up his spirits when we ran across his journal. He convinced me to read it and I discovered someone in there…”

“Reina.” Devin finished “The description of the girl fit Reina to the exact. That’s why I was extra cautious of the Time Square mission to keep Reina in the van with me. Unfortunately…”

“I realized that Ah Gam had a crush on Carmen back in college. I mentioned it to Devin and he suggested that Carmen go to check out the old sewing manufacturing company.” Erin explained, “Even if she was caught, we knew she would not be killed.”

“The last time Erin and I fought with Ah Gam, it was in an alleyway. He was especially careful not to let us enter the alley. I noticed that and figured it might be a hideout. Doing a little research, I found out that the building was owned by a woman by the name of Chan Kwok Lai. Sister of the ever so famous Hung Gor.” Devin finished.

Mia began clapping her hands together “Great work!”

“Nothing beats your little trick.” Erin pointed out. She nodded to Darren “It almost cost you a husband and a kid.”

“I’m sorry.” Mia widened her eyes “I promise, it won’t happen again.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that before.” Doug nodded to his friend “Don’t believe her. I wouldn’t, I mean look where I turned out? Lying in a coffin with two sleeping pills in my body. I slept for hours.”

“Wait, how did you get out?” Jenna asked.

“That explains why the priest made us go out so he can bless the body in private.” Erin snapped her fingers “Sneaky.”

“Or just plain smart.” Mia tapped her temple while winking at the others.

“You came up with that?” Erin laughed.

Her smile dropped “No, Reina did.” She muttered.

“But the good news is that we killed the crazy mad man and saved the world.” Matt finished, everyone began laughing.

“Yes and business will presume on Monday morning ten o’clock sharp.” Devin pointed, “Those that are injured can miss a few days.”

“Damn! Punch me Ryan…right now.” Jenna pointed to her gut.

He patted her on the head “Aww…but I'll pass. Thanks for asking though.”

Doug stifled a laugh as Jenna turned to him threateningly “Shut up! You have to go too.”

“No, I’ve been through an emotional rollercoaster. It’s exempt.” He nodded firmly but earned a shake of the head from Devin “Damn!” he cursed to himself.

“I know this is the wrong time.” Erin stood up before Devin could leave the room.

“She’s going to propose.” Mia whispered loudly.

She threw her friend a good glare “No. I was going to ask about Becca’s funeral.”

Devin nodded and turned to Matt “What do you think?”

“Joe always said, once an agent always an agent. She might not deserve a grand funeral but she should have a respectable one for turning back at the last minute.” Matt reasoned.

“Good point. Reina, can you take care of it?” Devin reached for the door when he felt a hand stop him.

“Uncle, don’t you have something to do?” she turned to Erin and flicked her head towards her.

He smiled knowingly but decided to avoid the question “You might want to see a doctor for that tick.” Without another word, he left the room as Erin turned to the door in time to see it close. Jenna threw her a sympathetic smile.

Chapter 48

One Month Later

The restaurant was filling up quickly with guests from both sides of the family. The groom looked extra plump and very red in the face because of the hot tight suit “Is he drunk?” Jenna whispered to Erin, who was sitting by the sign-in table. She was the maid of honor for Eve, since she didn’t have another other single friends.

“No, the suit is a just a little tight.” Erin glanced up and looked down at the red envelope as she kept track of who gave what “Cheapskate.” She muttered at the unrecognizable man that gave only fifty dollars.

“Who are all these people?” Jenna smiled at a woman and man that walked in wearing jeans and matching white print shirts.

“I have no idea.” Erin shrugged.

“Chucky!!!” Doug exclaimed as he came with Jessie on his arm. The men hugged laughing while Jessie nodded politely at Eve and congratulating her “Don’t worry, I got your back.” He whispered “I have a getaway car if you feel the sudden urge…”

“Ahem!” Eve cleared her throat with a sweet smile towards Doug.

“I’m kidding.” Doug laughed, “You are one lucky man.” He said to Chuck but the second Eve turned away, he whispered, “I’m here for you.” Patting him on the back, he walked over to the sign in table with Jessie “Hi kid.” He nodded to Jenna “So, where am I sitting?”

“Besides hell?” Jenna said casually as she checked the seating number for him.

“Still mad?” Doug asked, “You punched me!” he exclaimed.

Jenna wasn’t willing to forgive and forget without giving him a hard time “I was aiming for the lower portion.” She said evilly. Erin shook her head at the girl and pushed the book for the two to sign in. Doug reluctantly took the pen and signed in.

“Even I forgave him.” Jessie pointed out.

“Yeah!” Doug chimed in.

“I’d forgive you too if I wanted to get into your pants!” Jenna smirked.

Doug dropped his jaw “Jenna!”

Jessie laughed instead of getting mad, she nudged him and gave him a slight wink “It’s true though.” Walking away, she swung her hips purposely causing her dress to slink here and there.

Jenna turned to Doug “How you got her…is beside me.” She waved him away.

“Erin, I need you in the picture!” Eve called as she waved her over.

“What is with this superstitious thing that three people can’t be in the same picture together?” Erin asked Jenna before getting up and smoothing out her sky blue lace and satin dress. It showed off her bare back and fitted her waist as it dropped around her legs to the ground. She posed and smiled for the camera. But before she had a chance to return to her hideout, another single guest came in.

Matt wrapped an arm around Devin’s shoulder “Beautiful isn’t she?”

“Yeah.” Devin glanced briefly and turned back to Matt with suspicion “What do you want to say?”

“Nothing, just ask your heart.” Matt hinted.

Reina crossed her arms with a smile “It’s never too late.”

“I have a girlfriend.” Devin reminded them.

“Are you going to marry her?” Matt asked straightforwardly.

“No.” he answered without thinking twice.

Reina raised her brows “Then why are you with her?” Devin turned to the floor as he too began to contemplate the question “I’ll see you later sweetie.” She turned her face up to kiss Matt on the cheek. He was the best man for Chuck, who wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Chucky!!!” Mia’s shrill laughter was recognizable as she walked through the front door and hugged Chuck wildly “Lost some weight huh?” she patted his still round tummy.

“Really? See, I told you!” he nudged his new bride with a laugh.

Darren laughed as he hugged the plump groom “You still fall for it every time. Congrats, we’re all very happy for you.” He said sincerely.

“Uncle Chuck!” Bonnie raised her arms to be picked up.

Chuck picked up the bundle of joy in the pink dress “Don’t you look cute. Way cuter than your mom.” Mia’s smile dropped as she rolled her eyes away. She caught Erin’s eye and quickly moved away towards the table.

“Hi girls.” Mia sang sweetly.

Erin turned to Jenna “Uh oh, that’s not a good hello. She wants something, run…run for your life.” She whispered.

“I resent that!” she said defensively.

Erin let out a sigh “Mia, I can read you from a mile away. It took years of practice, but I can totally tell when you want something.”

“Just for that comment, I’m not going to tell you what I found out about someone.” Mia crossed her arms stubbornly.

Jenna grinned while Erin nodded “Okay. Please sign in and Jenna will show you to your table.”

“Erin!” Mia whined as she scribbled a picture in place of her name. Jenna looked at her strangely “He’ll understand.” She insisted, “Just ask me.” She pushed Erin again.

“No.” Erin replied shortly “What table.”

“Ten.” Jenna pointed inside “It’s the same table as Jessie and that guy.”

“Still mad?” Mia turned to see Darren walking over with Bonnie.

“Mad is too nice of a word.” Jenna smiled sweetly at the little girl next to Darren “Hi Bonnie.”

She waved to Jenna shyly “Come on, let’s sit down before Doug drinks all the good booze.” Mia began pulling at Darren and picked up Bonnie with one arm.

Jenna began laughing while Darren scratched his head “Why I married her still remains a mystery.” He laughed when she decided to abandon him while running towards Doug screaming for him to not drink all the booze.

“Where’s Ryan? I haven’t seen him yet.” Erin pointed out.

“He’s running an errand for me.” Jenna said mysteriously. At the mention of him, Ryan came strolling into the restaurant looking rushed. He slowed down his pace and approached the table with his hands behind his back “Did you find it?”

He shook his head with puppy eyes “I ran down ten blocks. Maybe he was closed for the night?”

Jenna was obviously disappointed when her face fell “It’s okay, maybe tomorrow night.”

Ryan smiled as he pulled around his back the brown paper back stained with grease “I’m kidding.”

“You found it!!” she grabbed the bag from his hand with a bright face “You’re the best, Ryan!”

“What is that?” Erin asked curiously.

“Only the best snack within the whole city!” Jenna mixed the contents in the bag and took the toothpick Ryan gave her as she devoured the slimy food.

Erin winced disgustedly “Can you take that somewhere else? The smell is awful.”

“Fine. Some people can’t enjoy good food.” She walked to her table to Ryan.

When the guests were seated the wedding reception began to take place. Erin and Matt were introduced and eventually seated at their own table. Before she took her seat next to Mia, she found Luke and Carmen rushing into the restaurant, dodging the tables “A little early aren’t you?”

Luke was apologetic “I’m sorry. We ran into a bit of traffic.” He pulled out a seat for Carmen and sat next to him.

“What kind of traffic?” Mia asked seductively “That kind of traffic?”

“Not in front of the kid.” Erin advised as Mia quickly cleared her throat and turned away smiling “As long as you two made it.”

The food began coming out as the group dug into the freshly cooked dishes “You give it.” Carmen whispered.

Luke shook his head “No, you should give it.”

“No, I can’t do it…” Carmen replied a little louder.

The group turned to the two of them. Doug chomped away at a pile of fried rice in his mouth as he suddenly raised his hands at Carmen “I’ll give it!”

The two looked embarrassed “I’m sorry…it’s nothing.” Carmen assured as she got back to the food. When the group continued to stare at her, she gave in “Okay.” Pulling out a lavender bag and handed it to Erin “I want you to have this.”

“Carmen found something that belonged to Dai Lou, she thought that you should keep it.” Luke explained.

Erin frowned while shaking her head “If he gave this to you then it means he wanted you to have it. You don’t have to give me anything.” Erin insisted.

Carmen shook her head “Actually, I stole it from him. I was immature and didn’t take it too well when he rejected me. I was a bit angry…” she saw Erin pull out a framed picture of Brad and herself back in high school. Her face was blacked out “That’s just drawn on the glass frame, the picture should be in good condition.”

Her finger traced the frame of his smile “Thank you.” She looked up with a sincere look “This means a lot to me.”

“He used to have that picture next to his bed. When I asked him who the girl was, he always said someone special but never gave me a name.” Carmen explained.

The table grew quiet when Erin didn’t speak up. Tears dwelling in her eyes as she gripped onto the frame “You had to do it right now?” Doug scolded.

Erin quickly looked up “No, I’m okay. Really.” She nodded with an exaggerated smile. Picking up her chopsticks she began eating, a sign that everyone should do the same.

***********

When it came time for the bride and groom’s first dance, Chuck was already near drunk. He looked red and dazed while swaying with his wife. Afterwards, the M.C. announced for the rest of the group to come join the newlyweds on the dance floor.

Darren stood up and bowed at the waist “Would you like to dance, my dear?” he said to Bonnie in his most gentleman voice.

“Yes, yes!” Bonnie jumped on her chair as she climbed onto his open arms.

“I want to dance too!” Mia exclaimed as she rushed out to her husband and little girl.

Matt turned to the rest of the table “Chuck is giving me the eye, I think that’s a hint for me to join him.”

“As long as it’s not in bed.” Reina cracked. The others turned to her oddly “Right, that’s your line.” She smiled at Matt while taking his hand.

“Ahem!!” Jenna cleared her throat obviously.

“I was just going to ask.” Ryan got up with a laugh and pulled her chair out as the two took the dance floor.

Doug suddenly pushed the chair back and took a hold of Jessie’s hand “You two are last!” he pointed to Luke and Carmen as he raced to the dance floor giddily.

Erin shook her head at the silly guy “You two go ahead and join them.” She nodded to the floor.

“No, it’s okay, we can sit with you.” Luke assured her “Right?” he nudged Carmen when she began giggling at Doug and Mia, who couldn’t stop teasing each other.

“Huh? Yeah…” she agreed quickly, not sure of what she was actually agreeing too.

“She clearly wants to dance. Are you going to be a gentleman or a bore?” Erin asked Luke “I thought I taught you better than that, kid?”

“Are you sure?” Luke questioned.

Erin rolled her eyes “You are worst than a woman. Go.”

Luke nodded as he grinned at Carmen “My lady?” he raised a hand to her as she took it with ease.

She watched with a big grin on her face, they were having too much fun. Soon the dance floor turned into a circle with Chuck in the center giving his best moves. The group hollered and exploded with laughter when he attempted a break dance move. Erin winced painfully for her Uncle when he banged his head into Darren’s leg.

“Why don’t you join them?” a familiar male voice asked. Most of the guest had left and she knew her Uncle had purposely sat him somewhere else with his date.

“I don’t need to.” Erin answered without looking up.

Devin pulled over a chair next to her as they got the best view of the dance floor “You don’t want to or you don’t need to?” she turned to him with a tilted head “There is a difference.”

“Where’s your girlfriend?” she turned back to the scene before her.

“Ex girlfriend.” He corrected.

This got her attention as she turned to him “You two broke up?” he nodded in response “Just now?” again he nodded “Why?”

Devin laughed, “Do you want me to say because of you?”

“You are unbelievable.” Erin said sarcastically.

“Thank you.” He replied smugly.

Erin raised a brow upward “That wasn’t a compliment.”

“I took it as a compliment.” Devin said. She refused to comment again, fear that he would twist her words again “Who was I kidding? I never even liked the girl. She was just there to kill time. Matt and Reina were right, I’m not going to marry the girl so why be with her?”

“Glad you cut her loose before it’s too late.” Erin snickered.

“Not like you and Ted?” he reminded her.

She turned to him with a frown “Can you not be a jerk for one minute? It must be hard to think with that ego taking up so much space in your tiny little head.” She snapped.

Despite her insult, he continued to smile “I love it when you get mad.” Before he had a chance to say anything else, she got up and left the restaurant without saying goodbye to anyone. Sighing, he got up to chase after her. He found her outside trying to call for a cab “Erin.” He pulled her hand and yanked her towards him.

She got out of the grasp with a whip of the hand “Leave me alone.”

He was tired of playing games as he reached for her hand again and pulled her into his arms. Without warning, he leaned down and kissed her roughly. She didn’t struggle this time, only melted into his kiss. Her arms moved around his neck as their kiss softened until she felt butterflies in her stomach.

Chapter 49: Prologue

The three walked together up hill towards his grave. The familiarity of each step was a reminder for her. She realized she was able to find his site blindfolded “Erin? Erin!” Carmen called.

She looked up dazily “Yes?”

“Are you okay? You seem out of it.” Luke said with concern.

Erin shook her head “I’m okay.”

“I was asking you how Brad’s funeral was.” Carmen asked.

She smiled “It was very grand. They did a military type funeral, saluted with a gun show and everything. Joe really pulled everything out for him.” She recalled as if it just happened yesterday.

“It sounds great.” Carmen sighed. They stopped in front of the grave and bowed three times respectfully. Flowers in hand, she bent to her knee and placed it in front of the stone. Sighing, she smiled slowly “Hey you…long time no see.”

“Ah Gor, you remember Carmen don’t you?” Luke bent down next to her as he too gave his set of flowers.

“He’d better.” Carmen joked. She turned to the stone “Who would have guessed that I’d be with Luke, your twin brother. I guess we didn’t have fate.” Lowering her head, she felt a rush of sad emotions wash through her. Looking up at Luke and his smile made her forget everything “But I’ll be okay.”

Luke turned up to Erin “Aren’t you going to say something to Ah Gor?”

Erin smiled “I already did.” She ruffled his hair playfully “Bye kid, I have to go somewhere. You two keep Brad company. I’ll see you at Mia’s later!” Smiling at Carmen, she rushed down the hill to a place she knew too well.

The cab stopped as she let herself out and walked towards the sandy beach. The sky was dark and no sign of the sun around. But it was Thursday, he would be there as he always did. When she heard footsteps behind her, she turned to see him smiling back at her “You’re early.” He said.

“You’re late.” She giggled as her head tilted downwards.

Devin stepped closer and stood next to her, his hands clasped behind his back “No sun today.”

“No.” she sighed.

“But I’m still warm.” He hinted.

Erin turned her head at him “Really?”

He nodded and wrapped an easy arm around her shoulders “What are we doing, Erin?”

She leaned onto his chest comfortably and wrapped both arms around his waist “I’m not sure. But let’s just go with the mood.”

“Until we argue?” he asked and kissed her on the top of her head.

“Let’s not jinx it.” She looked up at him and smiled “And don’t tell the others.” He nodded in agreement as the two stared out into the waters calmly washing up the shores.

***********

Jenna was busy cooking lunch while Ryan and Reina set up the table waiting for Matt to come home. Ryan popped up from behind her “It smells good.”

She grinned happily at the compliment “It should. When’s Matt coming home?”

“Soon!” Reina replied from the dining room.

“How does she do that?!” Jenna hissed. Suddenly, she whipped her head in a circle “This kitchen must be bugged.” She whispered.

Ryan laughed as he leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek “You’re so cute when you get all paranoid.”

“Matt’s home!” Reina announced. She greeted him shortly “Hey, lunch time.” Before he had a chance to settle on the couch, she grabbed his hand and pulled him into the kitchen. Jenna was barely setting out the dishes when the two walked into dining area “Jenna cooked.”

“Of course she did. You couldn’t possibly cook something like this.” Matt teased openly with his fiancé.

“Ah Gor, you sit here.” Ryan pointed to the head of the table.

“Where I normally sit?” he said with raised brows.

“Try the pasta soup.” Jenna poured him a bowl as the three settled into their seats.

Matt tried the soup and made a thumbs up sign to Jenna “This is great.”

“Thanks.” She grinned proudly.

“Jenna’s a great cook. If you want, she’ll come over for dinner once a week or more if you want.” Ryan hinted.

Matt nodded as he enjoyed his soup and began getting his own salad. Jenna was disappointed that he didn’t get the hint. She winked at Reina wildly “Matt, I think—”

“Can you pass the rolls?” he asked Ryan.

Ryan gave him the basket “Gor, I have something—”

“Wow, did you put butter into the batter? The bread is so good.” He commented to Jenna, who smiled and nodded.

“Honey—” Reina began only to be cut off again.

“Can I get more soup please?” he asked her with a smile. She reluctantly took the bowl and shrugged at Jenna helplessly.

“Gor, I wanted to tell you—” Ryan started but when Jenna patted him on the hand, he turned to her.

She leaned in and whispered, “He obviously doesn’t want to hear it.”

“I don’t care.” Ryan turned to Matt firmly “Gor, Jenna and I are dating. There, we’ve been waiting for weeks to tell you that.”

“And?” Matt shrugged carelessly.

“And?” Jenna raised her brows surprisingly “You know?”

He nodded “Well, yeah…Mia told me.”

“Mia!” Jenna hissed, “Damn it.”

Matt laughed with a shaking head “It doesn’t matter how I know. The good news is that I’m happy for you two and wish you the best of luck.”

“Really?” Ryan asked.

“Of course.” He placed a hand on Ryan’s shoulder “You’re my brother, I only want the best for you. I was only teasing you two cause it took so long for you guys to tell me. Sneaking around is not the most righteous thing to do.”

“In other words, he doesn’t want to be the last to know.” Reina translated. They laughed as they began eating quickly. They had a dinner barbeque at Mia and Darren’s home that night.

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

“Do you see anything?” Mia whispered.

“No, this stupid trailer is in the way.” Darren replied as he shifted his body to the other side of the limo’s window “Are you sure they’re here?”

Mia turned to him with rolled eyes “I was the one that discovered Devin comes here every Thursday. I told Erin about and she pretended not to care, but I know she comes to spy on him.”

Darren eventually gave up as he sat back on the leather seat “Interesting what our lives have become. Sneaking on friends and spying to see if they are secretly dating. I don’t know how I let you talk me into these crazy stuff.”

“Because I’m always right.” Mia pointed out as she hit the chair roughly “Damn it! Stupid trailer. I’m going outside.”

“Mia!” Darren tried to stop her but it was a train wreck waiting to happen. He rushed out after her and spotted her marching onto the empty beach “Mia!” he caught up with her “There’s no one here.”

She searched around the beach and found two people holding hand in hand walking along the beach “Oh yes there is.” She said certainly and ran to the couple “Ah hah!!!” she blocked their ways.

Mia’s face turned to surprised “I’m sorry?” the guy asked.

“Sorry, I thought you were my friend.” Mia apologized. The couple looked at her strangely as they continued on their way. She turned back to Darren, who had his arms crossed and a smug smile “Wipe that grin off your face. I’ll pay you a hundred later.” She passed him without giving him one glance. He laughed as he quickened his steps to catch up with her.

They rode back to the mansion with the barbeque well under way. Mia walked into the kitchen feeling defeated as she picked at the fruit dish “Hey lover.” She nodded slightly to Doug, who was setting up the jello and whip cream as dessert.

“Hey babe.” Doug nodded with a short glance “Where’s the soda?”

“What?” Mia looked at him strangely.

“You said you were going to go out to buy soda, where is it?” he asked.

Darren walked in with a shake of the head “We have a ton in the garage.”

“Then why did you say—” Doug began.

Mia snapped “Shut up dork.” She stomped out to the pool area where the others were.

“Is she on drugs again?” Doug asked Darren “Or just PMS?”

“No, just plain old Mia.” Darren chuckled.

“Just as I thought.” Doug nodded in agreement. He finished the jello and nodded to Darren for help “Hey, no personal feelings?”

He knew what he was talking about “No. It’s cool.”

“Really?” Doug asked in surprise “I thought you would at least get back at Mia for pulling that stunt. You two almost divorced.”

“No, I’m a different person now. I don’t search for ways to get back at her anymore.” Darren assured his friend with a sly grin.

Erin was lying on a lawn chair when Mia blocked her view “Okay, how did you get here so fast? Huh? I know you were at the beach with—” she stopped herself and leaned in to whisper “him…”

“Him, whom?” Erin didn’t bother looking up at her crazy friend.

“You know him whom.” Mia replied, “We followed you.”

“Dear God, how did you pull Darren to go crazy with you?” Erin asked.

“We’re not crazy. I know you two are secretly dating.” Mia looked around like a spy.

“He’s not even here Mia.” Erin pointed out.

“Yeah, well, maybe you two came at different times purposely to throw us off.” Mia analyzed.

Erin sat up and peeled off her sunglasses “Where is your brain when we are working? And why are you so interested in my life?”

“Because I have none!” She whined, “All my friends are hitched or getting married. You’re the only light to my boring life.”

She laughed while patting Mia on the leg “I’m not sure if I feel sorry for you or wonder about the true meaning of our friendship but I assure you nothing is going on.” Erin got up to get some food at the buffet table. She nodded to Jessie “Hey, so how’s work at the hospital?”

“You don’t have to make small talk with me. I know you’re trying to get away from Mia.” Jessie said wisely.

“Just play along, that girl is driving me crazy.” Erin laughed purposely.

Jessie nodded “You can sit with me and Doug.”

Just then Devin arrived with a bag of fruit “Devin’s here!!!” Mia announced as she turned her head to Erin, who ignored her completely “Why thank you for the fruit, Devin!!” She said loudly.

Devin grimaced as her voice raised “Mia, I’m not deaf, I can hear you fine.”

She leered her eyes at him and leaned closer “I’m watching you.” She warned and walked away to mingle with Carmen and Luke who were the earlier ones that arrived “Hi guys.” She greeted.

Luke raised his brows “Perky aren’t we?”

“Hey, didn’t Erin mention that you three were going to visit Brad?” Mia asked nosily. Carmen nodded “Why didn’t you guys come together?”

Luke shrugged “Erin left before we did.”

“Did she say where she was going?!” Mia asked excitedly.

Carmen laughed at the strange girl “No…but we’ll make sure to ask her next time.”

Mia frowned “You guys are useless!” She got up and tried to go after Devin again, who was now by the buffet table. Instead Darren blocked her way. Each time she tried to sidestep him, he was one inch ahead “Honey, this is no time for tango.”

Darren crossed his arms “Actually, I wanted to ask you something.”

The tone in his voice only brought fear to her as she stepped back “Okay…ask.” She said hesitantly. He stepped closer making her more nervous “Do you have to stand so close?”

“What’s wrong? Why are you so jittery?” he tempted.

Mia looked at the giant heated pool to her right “You’re gonna throw me in aren’t you?”

He shook his head with a laugh “Of course not!” she relaxed at his words but didn’t expect to be pushed into the pool the next second. Her head bobbed into the surface of the water while Darren bent on his knees “Oops, I guess I lied.”

Mia nodded “I deserve that.” She put up her hand for him to help her. But when he did, she pulled him head first into the pool. Doug began laughing to the point of tears while the others shook their heads laughing. Mia pulled herself onto the ground wringing out her t-shirt with Doug’s exaggerating laugh. Without warning, she pushed him into the pool.

Just then Jenna, Ryan, Reina and Matt appeared at the patio door “I told you it would be a pool party!” Jenna exclaimed as she ran and hopped into the pool with her cloths on.

“Pool war!!!” Luke exclaimed as he got up and made a cannonball into the pool making a big enough splash to get everyone wet.

Mia shrugged “If you can’t beat em, join em.” She jumped in while waving for the rest to join “Come on!!”

Erin shook her head “You guys have fun.”

“Fine, can you hold this shirt for me?” Jenna peeled off her t-shirt showing off her bathing suit underneath. Erin was close by as she nodded and got up to take the shirt when she saw a shadow coming near her. Rolling away, she turned in time to see Ryan falling into the water. Jenna giggled hysterically “You almost got her.”

Mia shook her head at Ryan “Useless.” She turned to Devin with a wink “Come on.”

“I like being dry.” He assured her.

Luke turned to Carmen while waving hysterically “Come on, it’s warm!” She laughed and gave in too as she stripped down to her bathing suit.

Doug swam to the edge where Jessie sat “Are you going to join us?”

She shook her head “Not really.” He began pushing himself out of the pool when she raised her hand “Okay! I’ll go in.” he laughed as he waited for her to join them.

“Reina! Matt!! Come on!” the hostess yelled.

Matt shook his head “I don’t think so.” Reina raised her brows and abruptly pushed him into the pool before jumping in herself. He poked his head up and wiped his face but managed to laugh, “You’re crazy.”

“Why thank you lieutenant.” She wrapped her arms around his neck playfully.

“Get a room!” Jenna yelled but quickly shut her trap “Sorry Sir!” she saluted and ended up hitting Ryan in the face with the splash of water.

“Party poopers!!” Mia pointed to Erin and Devin who were the last two standing on dry ground.

Devin remained seated eating chicken wings while Erin stood by the pool with her arms tightly crossed “Say what you want, I’m not jumping in.” Just as she finished her words, she felt a pair of arms wrap around her as they fell into the pool together.

The group laughed while Erin and Devin bobbed their heads up “I take it back.” Mia pointed to Erin “One party pooper. You’re cool!” she pushed a thumbs up sign at Devin.

Erin turned to him ready to scold him but it was hard when he was grinning flirtatiously at her “You’re welcome.”

“I wasn’t going to thank you.” Erin replied.

Devin shrugged “Oh well.” She watched as he began to swim away and dunked Jenna’s head into the pool playfully.

Erin looked up to the sky “I’ll be just fine.” She swam into the center to join the others in a friendly game of keep away boxers with Doug’s yellow happy face boxers, he had on speedos. It was nice to have things back to normal.

THE END

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004