Crush

Written by Denitta

Chapter 1

"Your best friend's an idiot."

"Oh, Salene, don't talk about yourself that way; I'm sure whatever you've done can't be that bad," he smirked.

"Not me, stupid! What is it, catching? I meant the big, blonde God's-gift-to-Salene, bonehead, Jay."

"Oh."

"Yes, 'oh.'" Salene rolled her eyes.

"What's he done now?"

"Well, let's see, we were supposed to go to the movies on Saturday night. He bailed on me to go play pool with his football buddies. Then on Sunday, he shows up at my house as if nothing happened, no apology, nothing, and watches 10 hours of football with my dad on the big screen in the den. And today in AP Physics, when Amber asked us if we were going to her party this Friday, he said yes for the both of us! Like I don't have a mind and plans of my own? I had planned to go see the movie I didn't get to see last weekend and hang out with the girls on Friday.

"Jay treats me like a doormat, Ram, a freakin' doormat! He takes me for granted. He has never had to fight for me. One day I looked at him and he wasn't "just Jay" anymore; he was this blonde Adonis who I could not stop thinking about. Why did you let me go, Ram? If you had not have been so understanding and gallant about it, we probably would not have gotten together and I wouldn't have this problem."

Ram wrapped his right arm around Salene as she rested her head with its short, spiky, maroon-colored hair on his shoulder. "Aw, poor baby; but if I had not let you go, both you and Jay would be completely miserable. You and I were never the great romance of the century." He stroked his hand up and down Salene's right arm in a comforting manner. "The only reason we went out in the first place was proximity. I mean, our parents being best friends and neighbors, and us growing up together, it just seemed to follow that we would date. And we were comfortable with that until you fell for Jay, and I well I..."

"You what?" Salene lifted her head off Ram's shoulder and pulled back to look into his clear green eyes.

Unable to hold Salene's direct stare and unwilling to discuss his feelings which were in such disarray over her, Ram ducked his head then looked up with his trademark grin locked in place. "We weren't talking about me; we were talking about you and blonde-boy there. What are you going to do?"

Salene recognized her friend's ploy for what it was, but decided now wasn't the time to discuss it. "I'm going to the movies of course," she responded. "Dee and Ruby say that I've been neglecting them dreadfully. We plan some serious girl-fun: manicures, pedicures, shopping, dinner then a movie. We will probably see something mushy. With a teacher planning half-day on Friday, we aim to take full advantage." She ticked off the planned activities on her fingers as she listed them.

"And what about yourself, Mr. President, will your many activities and crack-head class schedule allow you to take a breather on Friday?" Salene looked at Ram in inquiry.

"Well actually, I do have a debate team meeting that afternoon..." Ram admitted, sheepishly.

"You slave-driver you; just cause you're an insanely driven overachiever doesn't mean that the rest of the team doesn't want to enjoy their time off." Her voice rose as she defended the debates team time off.

"Wait a minute! We have a meet on Saturday, against Bahia Bay, and they came close to defeating us last year. I just want to do some fine-tuning to make sure we're ready. Besides, it will be a short meeting. They will only miss an hour or so of their precious free time."

Salene grinned; it was fun watching Ram get irritated at her needling him about his drive to excel. Normally composed and levelheaded in all situations, he rose to the bait beautifully whenever she teased him about his Type-A personality.

Seeing Salene's grin, the exasperated expression on his face slipped into a self-mocking smile, his full lips curling up on one side. "You got me again. I don't know why I keep letting you wind me up." He reached out to tickle her in retaliation.

But she had anticipated this and slipped out of his reach, grabbing her backpack as she stood up. Laughing, she backed away. "You let me because it keeps you human; it brings you down to the level of us mere mortals. Plus, you love me." With this parting comment, she turned and walked off from the vestibule down a long hallway lined with lockers.

Ram shook his head, smiling absently. He really did love Salene, but like a sister, strange as it seemed. For years, they had played and grown up together, from the sandbox to giving each other their first kisses, to another "first." Because of the closeness of their families and they themselves, it had been all too natural to slip from friendship to couple-hood. They knew each other's deepest secrets, their greatest fears and their greatest dreams. It was due to this closeness that Ram had seen, even before Salene herself had fully realized, the attraction she felt for Jay and he for her.

Playing matchmaker for his two best friends had been fun. Recalling the fight both had put up against their feelings made him smile. They had tried to be strong and not hurt him. But he turned the tables on them. He arranged for Jay and Salene to be locked in a room at Dee's folks' hotel, with a note for each of them giving them his blessing; and that they wouldn't be let out until they admitted to each other how they really felt They had been together ever since.

Now if only he could find a matchmaker of his own, sighed Ram, then she would be his. Shaking his head to clear such fanciful thoughts, he stood and headed off to class himself.

Chapter 2

"Okay, to recap, we need to set up donation boxes in high-traffic areas around the school to collect clothes for Camillus House. Ruby you'll be in charge of that. KC, we have a finance meeting with the drama club on Tuesday; they want more money for the fall musical. Finally, on Thursday, I will be sitting down with Principal Thompson to over our goals for this year. Java, I need you to sit in on this one with me. I have a packed schedule this year and as Vice-President, you need to know where we are going this year to keep the ball rolling and step in necessary." At her nod of assent, Ram continued, "That's it. This week's student government meeting is adjourned."

All around Ram the executive board and senate members shuffled papers, talked amongst themselves and put away papers as they left the auditorium. He took no notice of the surrounding activity however; he only had eyes for her. He couldn't get enough of her caramel-colored skin, the black, purple and white braids, and those hazel eyes. Whenever she directed her gaze to him, it took all that he had to concentrate and follow what she was saying. Between the eyes and her full lips, he found himself trembling at the knees when they spoke. He had to look at the middle of her forehead, or that delectable beauty mark just above her lips just to be able to complete a conversation with her. He watched as she gathered her papers, put them in her bag and walk out the door. He was so mesmerized by the rhythmic sway of her walk encased in tight hip-hugger jeans that he didn't see Jay approach him.

"You better watch that you don't get accused of sexual harassment by the females in the room there, buddy. Not to mention the ass-kicking you would get from the lady herself for watching her derriere like it was a steak and you were a starving man." Jay clapped Ram on the shoulder, causing him to jump and look around quickly. Jay laughed and said, "No worries, man, your secret's safe"

Ram flushed deeply and hurriedly put his papers in his bag. Slinging it over his shoulder, he matched Jay's stride as they walked out the auditorium. "So how is the great romance progressing? Does she know that you're interested? Is she interested? Have you even asked her out?"

"It's not, no, I don't know, and no way! I can't just ask her out. As far as I can tell, she is still dealing with the fall-out from her break-up with that ass, Mega. Can you believe he cheated on her with Trudy, of all people? She's had more traffic in her bed than I-95! Java didn't deserve that; if I ever get my hands on that little weasel..."

Jay opened the door that exited to the student parking lot. "What would you do, beat him up? How would that look, Mr. Student Body President and Captain of the Debate Team pounding on the captain of the basketball team? Yeah, that would go over really well. And when they ask you why, you can tell them you were defending the honor and pride of your Vice-President, even though you have no personal claims on her and she didn't ask for you help. That'll impress her"

Annoyed with Jay's logic, Ram stopped as they arrived at his car, a black Toyota Camry. Looking over the roof of the car and Jay he said, "You should talk. I hear you'll be partying solo this Friday night. Seems your girl found a better way to spend the night. She went on about an unappreciative boyfriend with a chauvinistic attitude." Ram smirked as he opened his door and slid behind the wheel. A moment or two later Jay did the same on the passenger side.

"Did I mention that I don't like you very much? What did Salene say?" Jay turned to face his friend with an anxious expression on his face.

Ram fastened his seat belt and Jay absently followed as Ram started up the car, backed out of the spot and then pulled out of the lot. One arm on the wheel, the other on the gearshift, Ram glanced to his right, and then answered. "She said you cancelled on her last weekend, didn't apologize and ignored when you came over on Sunday, then you spoke for her in Physics class. Sal feels you take her for granted, that you've never fought for her. Plus, she feels a little guilty because she's been neglecting her friends to be with you. As it stands, this Friday for definite, and possibly Fridays to come will be spent "with the girls" unless you can show her that you care, and be impressive."

"Be impressive, you say. You know, I think I may know just the thing..." Jay's focus drifted off, his voice thoughtful.

"What are you planning Jay, the last time you had a great idea I ended up on a stage wearing coconut shells and a grass skirt, with girls shoving bills down my pants. Whatever it is, just count me out."

"Oh stop whining. More than one girl came up to me wanting to know more about my friend who was not afraid to make a fool of himself for a good cause. You brought in the most amount of money for the battered-women's shelter that night. Don't tell me you didn't enjoy it."

"I'm glad for the contribution to the shelter, but I could have done without all that groping." Ram shuddered at the unpleasant memory. "There are only one woman's hands that I want on me, and she's giving off 'Don't-Touch-Me' signals like nobody's business. I tell you, if Mega comes back to school..."His knuckles whitened as he unconsciously tightened his grip on the steering wheel.

"Cool down there, Ramjet, just remember what I said. Java wouldn't thank you for it. I'm sure she's just trying to get that whole situation behind her. And you parents would kill you if you did anything to damage that sparkling reputation of yours. If Mega is willing to go after sloppy thirtieths, then what he gets is what he deserves. Let the universe deal with him. What you need to focus on is what you are going to do to attract the attention of the delectable Ms. Java Collins, just as I need to get back into the good graces of my lady. And for your information, I don't plan to ask you for any help."

With this last comment Jay leaned back in his seat, facing forward as he mentally worked out the details of his plan. He took no notice of the half-acre manicured lawns, majestic sabal palms and mini-mansions of the affluent suburb in which they lived. In fact, he did not come out of his reverie until Ram tapped him on the shoulder and told him that he was home. Shaking his head to clear the cobwebs of thought, Jay released his seatbelt, grabbed his back and exited the car. Sticking his head back in before he went in to his house, he thanked Ram for the ride and told him he would see him tomorrow.

Waving his hand in assent and farewell, Ram reversed out of the circular drive and drove home. Now that he was alone in his car, he pressed play on his in-dash CD player. As the jazzy tune flowed over him, he thought of his own lovely lady...

Crazy, how it feels tonight
Crazy, how you make it all alright, love
Crush me with the things you do
And I'll do for you, anything, too, oh
Sitting, smoking, feeling high,
And in this moment, oh, it feels so right

Lovely lady, I am at your feet
Oh God, I want you so badly
And I wonder this, could tomorrow be
So wondrous as you there, sleeping?

Let's go -- drive 'til morning comes,
Watch the sun rise and fill our souls up
Drink some wine til we get drunk, yeah

It's crazy, I'm thinking, just knowing that the world is round,
And here I'm dancing on the ground
Am I right-side-up or upside-down,
And is this real or am I dreaming?

Lovely lady, let me drink you, please
Won't spill a drop, no, I promise you
Laying under this spell you cast on me,
Each moment, the more I love you
Crush me, come on, oh yeah

It's crazy, I'm thinking, just knowing that the world is round,
And here I'm dancing on the ground
Am I right-side-up or upside-down,
Is this real or am I dreaming?

Lovely lady, I will treat you sweetly, oh
I adore you, I mean, you crush me
And it's times like these when my faith, I feel it
I know, how I love you
Come on, come on, baby

It's crazy, I'm thinking, just as long as you're around,
And here I'll be dancing on the ground
Am I right-side-up or upside-down?
To each other we'll be facing, my love, my love
We'll beat back the pain we've found
You know, I mean to tell you all the things I've been thinking deep inside
My friend,
Each moment, the more I love you

Crush me, come on, baby
So much you have given, love,
That I would give you back again and again
Oh love, meaning I'll hold you, but please,
Please, just let me always

Chapter 3

It was 3 o'clock on Thursday and Ram was headed to the football field with Salene. He did not know what Jay had planned to impress her with his feelings, but he expected it to be memorable; Jay's stunts always were. As it was, he still got catcalls and whistles from random girls in the hallways in regards to his "dance" for charity. He walked in companionable silence with Salene. She looked particularly attractive today in a cropped sweater vest in multiple blue hues over a white long-sleeved button-down shirt. This she paired with a black leather miniskirt and knee-length black boots, maximizing the effect of her long legs. Ram figured she planned to torture Jay when he saw her from the field.

When they arrived at the field, they saw the plays running plays. Jay had just had the ball handed to him and was running backwards, looking for an open player. He remained calm even in the face to the two huge linebackers that were heading his way. Seconds before being hit, he threw the ball downfield, where it landed squarely in the hands of the receiver. Despite her resolve to be aloof and alluring, Salene gasped and covered her open mouth when Jay was brought down then cheered when she saw him get up unharmed.

Hearing the applause, Jay looked over and saw Salene and Ram. He grinned, and waved, before crouching back down into position to receive the ball. "Blue 63, blue 63, hike!" he called out. He received the ball and backed up, arm raised to fire another missile. However, he was the only player in a recognizable position. The other players instead of scrambling all over in the usual way, had instead come together in three rows and were facing Jay. Then they turned and faced where Salene and Ram were. In unison, they placed their hands upon their chests and broke into song and dance.

You never close your eyes anymore when I kiss your lips.
And there's no tenderness like before in your fingertips.
You're trying hard not to show it, (baby).
But baby, baby I know it...

Ram laughed out loud. Trust Jay to think of something so unusual, and so corny. Salene had no choice but to respond to this. Top Gun was one of her favorite movies, and she loved cheesy moments like this. He looked at her and saw that he was right. She stood mouth hanging open and a blush flooding her face, neck and even her ears. Her eyes welled up and a single tear slipped from the corner of her right eye; she absently wiped it away, unwilling to miss one moment of the spectacle.

Jay stepped in front of his "backup singers" and dropped to his knees. Pantomiming a microphone in his hand, he crooned:

You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling,
You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Now it's gone...gone...gone...wooooooh.

The towel boy came out and dropped a towel over his shoulders as Jay shuddered on the ground. Then he stood and threw the towel off his shoulders as he belted out.

Now there's no welcome look in your eyes when I reach for you.
And now your're starting to criticize little things I do.
It makes me just feel like crying, (baby).
'Cause baby, something in you is dying.

He ran off the field, leaving this "singers" to come in on the chorus as they clapped and stepped side to side.

You lost that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling,
You've lost that lovin' feeling,
Now it's gone...gone...gone...woooooah

Jay ran back unto the field and grabbed his imaginary microphone again, and dropped to his knees again. With one arm raised in the air he sang

Baby, baby, I get down on my knees for you.
If you would only love me like you used to do, yeah.
We had a love...a love...a love you don't find everyday.
So don't...don't...don't...don't let it slip away.

Baby (baby), baby (baby),
I beg of you please...please,
I need your love (I need your love), I need your love (I need your love),
So bring it on back (So bring it on back), Bring it on back (so bring it on back).

The backups chimed in again, continuing their side-to-side shuffle.

Bring back that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling
Bring back that lovin' feeling,
'Cause it's gone...gone...gone,
and I can't go on,
noooo...

Bring back that lovin' feeling,
Whoa, that lovin' feeling
Bring back that lovin' feeling,
'Cause it's gone...gone...

At this, Jay dropped his arms and his head to the ground. The towel boy once again jumped into action, dropping a towel over Jay's prone body then ran off the field.

He remained in this position until he was grabbed and pulled up by Salene, who had run to his side as the ended. Before he had a chance to say a word, she threw her arms around his neck and planted her lips on his. Stumbling back a little at the force with which Salene had come at him; Jay wrapped his arms around her, his hands gripping her hips as he pulled her close and settled into the kiss. Salene's hands slid from Jay's neck to beneath the hem of his jersey as his hands gripped her a.ss and lifted her up. She put her arms around Jay's neck again to gain her balance and wrapped her legs around him as she ran her hands through his hair. Long, deep open-mouthed kisses continued; the pair oblivious to Ram, and whistles and applause from Jay's teammates.

A blast came from the whistle of Coach Guardini, causing them to separate their lips and once again become aware of the outside world. Salene unwrapped her legs from around Jay's body as her allowed her to slide to her feet. Jay continued to hold Salene however, as she ducked her head below his chin in embarrassment.

Salene couldn't believe she'd just done that. She had not only made out with Jay in front of the whole football team, she had been ready to go further if Coach hadn't blown his whistle. She was so flustered, she had to hold on to Jay for a moment more, just until her breathing calmed down, and her face stopped looking like a tomato. Jay needed a moment too, to re-direct the blood flow back towards the head on his shoulders.

All the while that they stood there, the team continued to whistle and applaud and shout things like, "Aye Mami." When Jay was back in control, he stepped back from Salene and turned to his teammates. "Cut it out, guys. Try to pretend that you are a men and not animals." This set off a fresh round a catcalls and laughter. Salene gripped Jay and ducked her head again.

Seeing Salene's distress, and knowing Jay couldn't leave the field until practice was over, Ram walked over to the couple. Meeting Jay's eyes and his non-verbal message, Ram nodded. Again, Jay stepped back from Salene. "Sal, sweetie, I know you're really embarrassed right now, but look, here's Ram. He is going to take you home." Salene looked up, now noticing that Ram was there. "Come on, Tinkerbell, let's go home," he said, using a childhood nickname. He took one of Salene's hands in his and walked with her off the field and to the parking lot.

Ram knew Salene had ridden to school with Jay that morning, so her steered her towards his car and opened the door for her. They rode in silence, Salene looked to be a million miles away. Ram left her to her thoughts as he turned up the volume on his radio. The intro to a song they both knew and loved began to play.

Pick me up from the bottom
Up to the top love everyday
Pay no mind to taunts or advances
I take my chances on everyday
Left to right, up and down love
I push up love love everyday
Jump in the mud
Get your hands dirty with
Love it up everyday

All you need is
All you want is
All you need is love
Everyday

Pick me up love from the bottom
Up onto the top love everyday
Pay no mind to taunts or advances
I'm gonna take my chances everyday
Left to right, up and up and inside out right
Good love fight for everyday
Jump in the mud mud
Get my hands filthy love
Give it up love
Everyday

What you've got, lay it down on me
Lift me up love up from the bottom
Up onto the top love everyday
Pick me up love
Lift me up love
To the top love
Everyday

Without thought, both had started singing along. They let the uplifting melody wash over them. Salene took Ram's right hand in hers, saying "Thanks, for everything. You're the best friend a girl could ask for."

Ram turned to Salene for a moment, and then looked forward again. "Don't mention it Tinkerbell. No matter how our relationships with other people change, I will always be your friend, everyday."

Chapter 4

Ram walked down the hall towards the debate room. All around him kids were slamming lockers, yelling out to one another, and otherwise enjoying being free for the weekend. Papers were on the ground and flying in the air and teachers were standing outside their classrooms, shooing students out the door. Ram nodded to them as he passed; he'd interacted with most of them on some level in his four years at North Beach High.

He entered the debate room and paused at the entrance. No one noticed him at first. Ebony was talking animatedly to Amber, flicking a long braid behind her. His cousin Pride was arguing with Tai-San about recycling or greenhouse gases, or some environmental thing. All around the room his team members were hanging out and having fun. Ah well, time to end all that.

"This meeting is now called to order!" Ram banged his gavel on the frame of the doorway then walked over to the desk at the front of the room. He smiled as Ebony jumped and turned her head, her swinging braids catching Amber in the face.

"Alright folks, I know you want to get out of here as soon as possible, so I will make this brief." He pulled his notes out of his backpack.

"Ebony, for your individual debate, you need to slow down a little. You get excited when you get into the meat of your argument and you speak faster as you near the end. Wait half a beat between your points. You might even want to make eye contact with the judges before you speak again."

"Will do Cap'n," Ebony responded with a smile and a wink. The room laughed.

"Cody, in the morning I need for you to get the latest figures for the how many millions Microsoft stands to make in China if they can get the government to enforce their intellectual property rights and how much they are currently losing." Ram looked over at the youngest person in room, a 12 year-old sophomore who was a child prodigy and the official fact checker for the team.

Cody smirked. "Sure, I can find out how many billions Microsoft is projected to make in the People's Republic."

"Cool it there genius-boy; enough with the attitude," Ram grinned.

"Pride, Amber, Tai-San, I know that you will deliver the same level of excellence that you always give and I don't need to say more. I will see you all tomorrow at 9 am sharp. We will figure out the driving arrangements then. Keep that in mind at Amber's party tonight. Have fun, but I expect clear heads for this meet. Bahia Bay will be determined to defeat us this year. Any questions?" Silence met this query.

"Good, this meeting is adjourned. See you lot in the morning." Ram banged his gavel.

Most team members grabbed up their bags and things and left the room. Ebony, however, walked over to Ram.

"So bro, how does the great romance go?" She wrapped an arm around Ram's waist as they walked out door.

"Not well, li'l sis." Ram hung an arm over Ebony's shoulder. "Your sister just doesn't see me in that light. At student government meetings it's all I can do not to jump her and she just looks right through me."

Ebony gave Ram a sympathetic squeeze. "Hang in there. This thing with Mega really threw her for a loop. She just needs time to re-group. Believe me; she won't be able to resist your sensational self for long."

Ram grinned down at the tiny girl by his side. "You managed to resist me. I don't see you lining up to go out with me."

Ebony looked up at Ram with a sparkle in her eyes. "That's 'cause once I laid eyes on your gorgeous cousin Pride, I saw no one else. Besides, you were going out with Salene then. I couldn't look at you that way."

"Admit it. You never wanted to look at me that way. You only saw me as a means to get close to Pride. It's a good thing I love you like a sister and not a boyfriend. You would have stomped all over my poor little heart."

"You exaggerate. I would have let you down gently. Couldn't have you telling bad tales about me to your cousin." Ebony grinned.

"Speaking of which, how does that romance go?" Ram asked sympathetically.

"Not good, I'm afraid." Ebony looked down at the floor. "Pride still sees me as a kid, like your little sister.

Ebony looked up again, a fiendish gleam in her eye. "I have plans to change that though. Tonight I plan to make him notice me. When I'm done with him, he's going to beg to take me out."

Ram stepped back from Ebony, dropping his arm from her shoulder. "What are you going to do my cousin? Never mind, I don't want to know. I'm just going to sit back and watch the show."

As the pair approached an open door, they heard rock music playing rather loudly. Ram glanced inside and kept going. Walking past, Ram glanced inside. He stopped, did a double take, and then stood in the doorway, transfixed.

Inside the dance room, a lone figure fought demons. Her braids gathered into a bun on top of her head, her form clothed in a black spaghetti-strapped leotard and a floaty ballerina skirt; she flew from one side of the room to the other. She aimed a high kick at an imaginary opponent; spinning she followed the movement through. She came back with a left jab to the torso, followed by a right uppercut. The dance/battle was perfectly complemented by the music blaring from the room's speakers.

And I'm here
To remind you
Of the mess you left
When you went away

It's not fair
To deny me
Of the cross I bear
That you gave to me

You, you, you oughtta know...

At Ebony's touch on his shoulder, Ram jumped, finally coming back to himself. He shook his head and turned away from the doorway; again walking towards the exit.

"Well that's it then," he said dejectedly, his eyes on the floor in front of him. "Java is obviously still not over Mega. Look at how much anger she still carries."

"Exactly." Ebony grabbed Ram's shoulder, spinning him around to face her as they again stopped in the hallway. "Look how much she hates Mega; she won't get together with him now. Those moves she was doing, she must have learned them from Siva; they would have taken Mega out."

"You're making my point. For Java to hate Mega so much, she must still care, still be hurting. And you know what they say, hate is other side of the coin as love. It's clear to me that she still loves him," Ram said plaintively.

"I think you're wrong. Java is not in love with Mega; not after what he did with the ho-bag Trudy."

"Why don't you ask me how I feel about Mega?"

Java's clear hazel eyes took in Ebony and Ram looking at her in shock, their mouths hanging open, Ram white as a sheet.

Chapter 5

"Didn't anyone ever tell you that if you want accurate information, go to the source?" Java stood, arms akimbo, gym bag forgotten at her feet.

Ram gulped, finally closing his mouth as a blush raced up his neck to flood his face with color. "Java, I... we... uh..." He looked from sister to sister, not knowing what to do or what to say.

"Such eloquence. I can see why you're captain of the debate team," Java smirked.

Ebony looked at him as if to say, don't look at me, you're on your own. Turning to Java, she smiled brightly. "Well I can see you both have lots to talk about. I have to set about blowing the mind of a certain tree-hugging sex-bomb, so I'll leave you to it!" With this statement she spun on her heel, braids swinging and sauntered down the hall.

"Looks like you've been abandoned. Wouldn't be the first time my little sister's left some guy in hot water." Java raised an eyebrow at Ram.

Finally regaining his composure, Ram leered at Java. "And am I in hot water?"

Java pierced him with her hazel eyes. "Yes you are. What's the big idea talking about me with my sister? If want to know about me and Mega, you should have asked me!" This last was accompanied by a poke to Ram's chest.

Ram stepped back from the diminutive woman, throwing up his hands in surrender. "I didn't think I could. I... I mean, we don't have that kind of relationship; we don't discuss our personal lives. We usually just say 'Hi' in passing in the hallway or talk business at SG meetings."

Java advanced on Ram, backing him up into the lockers. "And now? Did you want to ask me a question?"

Ram's mind raced, the moment of truth had come and he didn't know what to say. He opened his mouth and the words flew out, "Java, what's the deal with Mega? I know he hurt you with Trudy; do you still love him? It seemed like you were still pretty ticked at him. Do you ever think about me in that way? Do you know how amazing you are? So many times in SG I've wanted to just..."

Java placed a finger on Ram's full lips, silencing him. "This?" she said before reaching up on tiptoes and replacing her finger with her lips.

At first Ram was stunned. Java was kissing him! After all this time, his dreams were coming true. Then all thoughts ceased. Java reached up and put her arms around his neck and he reached down and gripped her hips, lifting her up a little. Java ran her tongue along Ram's bottom lip before slipping inside to dance with Ram's. Their tongues dueled in a fight for control that neither wanted to end. The kiss continued, until ultimately, they had to come up for air.

Java pulled back, laying her head on Ram's chest as he placed his chin on the top of it. Both gasped for air as they tried to bring their breathing under control.

When their pulses had slowed down and they could breathe instead of gulping air, Java stepped back, dropping her arms from around Ram's neck. He released the grip on her hips he hadn't known he'd been holding and let her retreat from his arms. She turned, picked up her bag and made for the exit.

"Java wait..." Ram started after her.

"No, Ram. Don't follow me." She turned walking backwards. "I can't think right now. I need time. I - I'll call you, I promise." She spun again and ran down the hall and out the door.

Ram stood there, not quite believing what had just happened to him. Java had kissed him and it had been the sweetest, hottest kiss ever. But then she just...left. Where did that leave them now?

So lost in was he that he didn't hear Principal Raymond speaking to him at first. "Ram, are you okay?" the adult put his hand on the young man's shoulder.

Ram shook his head as if to clear it. "Yes, I'm fine, Principal Raymond." He smiled at the kindly principal.

Principal Raymond clapped him on the shoulder. "Well then get out of here. You're young, go enjoy your weekend."

"Will do." Ram walked down the hall and out the door.

Chapter 6

"Hey man, you want a beer?" Jay inquired as he headed towards the kitchen.

"Yeah, a Heineken if they have it."

"I'm sure they will. Amber thinks domestic beer sucks," Jay laughed walking out of the room.

Ram sat in Amber's living room on a beige leather couch that had been shoved to the perimeter of the room to leave an open space for dancing. On the sofa next to the couch, Tai-San and Lex were making out like he was a sailor on shore leave who was going to be shipped out at any moment. He glanced over at them then quickly looked away, not wanting to be caught staring.

Looking over at the dance floor, Ram had to smile. Ebony had been as good as her word. His cousin was well on his way to having his mind blown if the dazed expression on his face was anything to go by. Ebony was dancing in front of him wearing a sparkly blue tube top, pleated mini-skirt and 4-inch stiletto sandals with straps wrapping around her calves. As she gyrated against Pride, her belly-button ring periodically flashed, reflecting the light from the disco ball twirling from the ceiling. If was not mistaken, it seemed that Pride had stopped looking at Ebony as a kid, but as a woman. He almost felt sorry for him. Maybe he should warn Pride. Then again, maybe not, nobody had warned him.

*******

Ram had gotten home from school. He had entered his house, yelled a greeting to his mom and then headed straight up to his room. He immediately went over to his answering machine to see if he had any messages. There was just one, from Jay asking Ram if he wanted to go with him to Amber's party. Ram had absently erased the message then plopped down on his bed, arm slung over his eyes.

What was Java going to say when she called? Did she think it was a big mistake? Was the kiss just a ploy to prove to herself that she was over Mega? This last thought had made Ram cringe. He couldn't be able to stand it if Java was using him to get over Mega. He was no rebound guy. He had feelings dammit! She should be as crazy for him as he was for her. Why hadn't she called? She said she would call. He wanted to hear her husky voice whispering sweet nothings to him.

Sweet nothings? Oh my god, I'm turning in a woman, Ram had thought. Disgusted with himself, he had jumped up from his bed. He was not going to sit around moping and waiting for the phone to ring. He was going out and hanging with his boys, Jay and Pride. They would shoot a few rounds of pool and then head over to Amber's party. There they would drink a few beers and ogle women. Well he and Pride would ogle women. Since Jay had gotten together with Salene, he wasn't really interested anymore.

*******

"Here you go, dude." Jay handed Ram a green beer bottle and dropped unto the couch next to him.

Ram shook off his memories. "Thanks." He grasped the bottle and took a swig, his full lips enveloping the mouth of the bottle.

Jay nudged Ram in the side with the arm holding his own bottle. "Check out the action on the dance floor. It looks like Ebony is going to get her man."

Ram looked at the center of the room again. Ebony was now attached to Pride from chest to hip as they swayed to the music that was playing. Her arms were around his neck and his were around her waist. His face was the color of a tomato as he listened to Ebony, who up on her toes, was whispering in his ear.

"Going, going..." Jay murmured.

Pride's eyes widened at some particularly provocative thing Ebony had said, as she smiled slyly. He stepped back from her, removed her arms from around his neck and pulled her behind him out the door.

"Gone!" Jay laughed.

No longer able to take so much togetherness when he felt so very alone, Ram stood up. "Dude, I'm outta here. I've got a meet in the morning."

Jay looked up at Ram, deducing the true reason for his friend's need to leave. Normally the brunette could close down a bar on South Beach and still be able to win debates the next day. "Alright, man. I'll probably head out soon myself. These things aren't as fun without Sal."

Ram took his bottle to the kitchen, where he threw it out, told Amber he was leaving, then he left for home.

*******

Ebony leaned back in the passenger seat of Pride's Prius. Her pulse raced as the blood pounded through her veins. Her left hand was on Pride's thigh, sliding up and down, ever closer, and then backing away. She felt the muscles tensing and heard the catch in his breath as she played her dangerous game. Then her hand was caught; enclosed in Pride's much larger one as he brought it to his lips and then to the gearshift between them.

No words were spoken. None were needed between them. Ebony had said it all back on the dance floor, where she had promised all manner of naughty things until Pride's control had snapped and he had dragged her from the party and now presumably back to his place. Occasionally she would look over at him, see the jaw line tense as Pride gritted his teeth, his Adam's apple bobbing as he tried to swallow.

The sky raced past the windows as he sped through the night, until finally, they had arrived.

Pulling into the driveway, Pride turned off the car, released both his and Ebony's seatbelts, and dragged her into his lap, capturing her lips with his. Hungrily they slanted their mouths against each other as their tongues danced. Then Pride pulled back, breathing hard. "We...have...to...stop," he gasped. "Go...inside."

Ebony sat, straddling him, her back against the steering wheel, equally breathless. "So what ...are we waiting...for?"

"For me to be able to...aaah...don't!" Ebony had shifted on his lap.

"You like that do you?" Ebony said smugly, smiling as she grinded on him again.

"Agh...yes I do." Pride grabbed Ebony's hips and lifted her off of him onto the passenger seat. "So much that this evening would have ended earlier than you would like. Naughty girl." A smack to Ebony's drum-tight ass.

"Ouch. I didn't know you were into spanking, Pride," Ebony looked at him speculatively, one eyebrow arched.

"That's not all I'm into." He opened his door, lifting out one leg and turning to step out of the car. "You coming?" He looked over his shoulder at Ebony.

"Not yet, but I plan to!" She opened her door and followed him into his house and up to his room.

Chapter 7

"You guys were great! Thanks everyone for giving us a great meet. Ebony, Pride your arguments today were positively inspired. Whatever you did to prepare for today, keep it up!"

Ram's words were met with a conspiratory look between the two. Pride visually sent a message to Ebony to the effect of, Oh yeah; I'll keep it up. Equally silent, she responded, And I'll keep putting it down.

Unaware of the unspoken conversation that was going on, Ram continued. "Tai-San, Amber, and even you Cody, did a fantastic job today. In honor of this, there will be no meeting on Monday, instead, if you so choose, you can join me at Dave & Buster's at the usual time for eats and games on me."

Everyone cheered. "Can we bring dates?" Tai-San asked. The group looked at Ram expectantly.

"Sure, why not? You guys deserve it. Tai-San, you can bring Lex, Amber, you invite whoever it is this week, Pride, you can bring your dance partner, you too Ebony." The pair smirked, looking at each other. "Oh and Cody, you can bring Mink, or Musk, whatever her name is."

"It's Melissa, I told you," Cody shot an irritated look at Ram, "Her nickname is Mouse, but you don't have to call her that."

Ram grinned, clapping an arm on Cody's shoulder. "I know that my boy, it's just that you rise to the bait so well whenever I 'forget' her name."

"And what about you, fearless leader, who are you bringing? Her perhaps?" Ebony pointed past Ram's shoulder.

Ram let go of Cody and whipped around, wondering whom Ebony was talking about.

Across the parking lot, standing hesitantly next to her car, stood Java. Ram drank in the sight of her. Her black, purple and white braids hung around her shoulders from ponytail on top of her head. She wore a v-necked lime-green baby tee that declared her to be a "Diva," paired with a darker green mini-skirt and some kind of strappy green sandals. She stood there biting her lower lip and looking so uncertain that Ram knew he had to go to her now, right this instant and make whatever it was all better.

Without thought he began to walk over to where she was. He had completely forgotten about his team members in his all-consuming need to be close to her. He didn't notice or hear when Ebony stated "Alright folks, as you can see, Ram has other things on his mind right now. We've all done a great job, we'll have great fun Monday, on our captain, and I'm sure there are so many other things we could be doing right now. If you need clarification, that means, 'You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here,' so get going people."

At this, the other team members dispersed, heading off to the vehicles they had arrived in. Amber and Tai-San went over to Amber's Jetta, and Ebony walked with Pride towards his Prius. Cody stood, not knowing where to go, as he had arrived with Ram. Noticing this, after turning at the sigh the young boy had made, Ebony called out to the two girls, "Amber, Tai-San, can Cody ride home with you guys? Pride is taking me home and it's in the opposite direction."

Cody looked in the direction of the pair, his expression hopeful. The girls looked back at Cody, then at Ebony. Having both seen Ebony and Pride in action the night before, they were well aware of why they didn't want a third party with them right now, as Cody's house was only ten blocks away from Ebony's. After an extended moment, and an arched eyebrow from Tai-San, Amber agreed, with a nod of her head, allowing Ebony to exhale the breath she hadn't known she'd been holding.

Cody bounded over to the two girls, climbing into the back seat as Tai-San got into the passenger seat. Amber paused, one leg in the vehicle, the other on the ground as Ebony said, "thanks guys, I owe you one." Turning back to the couple, she called out, "I'll hold you to that!" as she entered the car fully, and proceeded to drive away.

*******

The pair stood there in the parking lot. They made a striking couple, about a foot apart staring into each other's eyes. The tall chestnut-haired young man mesmerized by the petite young woman in front of him. Hesitant hazel eyes met a seeking green gaze until she was no longer able to. She looked down guiltily, breaking eye contact and the spell that had come over them.

"Ca...can we go get a cup of coffee or something?" Java asked tremulously.

Eager for any opportunity to spend more time with his love, Ram quickly agreed. He walked behind Java to her car until she turned.

"Um, didn't you drive here? You can't just leave your car."

He flushed, ducking his head. "Oh yeah, I forgot." Looking back up at Java, he asked, "So where should we meet?"

"The diner."

"Alright, the diner it is," Ram responded, naming a popular student hangout. "I'll meet you there." He turned and walked to his car as Java continued on to her own.

*******

"Okay folks, one half-skim mocha latté for the lady and a Vanilla Coke for the gentleman." The pretty, young waitress placed their drinks in front of the pair seated in one of the booths at the rear of the room.

"Thanks, Sarah." Ram said, flashing her a quick smile. She was a favorite of the regulars to the diner, with her long brown hair, tanned skin, smiling brown eyes, and wicked sense of humor.

"Thank you." Java echoed, less enthusiastically.

Sarah was also astute enough to know when her customers wanted a bit of privacy, so with an "It's my pleasure. Just holler if you need anything," she walked away to service a neighboring table.

The pair sat, neither saying a word. Java toyed with her stirrer and Ram took a big gulp of his soda.

"Ram, I want to explain..."

"Java, I'm so sorry..."

Both had started speaking at the same time.

"You go first," Ram said.

"No, you go ahead."

"Oh no, I insist, you go first." Ram drank more of his soft drink.

Java unconsciously licked her lips, drawing Ram's gaze to their lushness. She continued to toy with the wooden stirrer, and then lifted the cup, taking a sip. Again she licked her lips, cleaning off the foam that had clung to them.

Ram internally groaned at the innocently alluring gesture. His mind wandered, and he shook his head to clear it as Java's words began to sink in.

"...You and Ebony were wondering if I still had feelings for Mega. I don't. What he did hurt me, yes, but not because I was still in love with him. It hurt that he didn't respect me enough to tell me that he wanted to end things between us and that he wanted to be with Trudy. We had been together long enough, that I was due this courtesy. We had been drifting apart for some time, and were still a couple at that point mostly out of habit."

Internally, Ram's spirits were soaring. Java did not love Mega. He had a chance, if their kiss was anything to go by. She couldn't possibly have responded to him as strongly as she had and not have felt anything for him.

"However, I'm just not ready right now to jump into another serious relationship. At one point, Mega and I had felt that we were soul mates. It turned out that we were wrong. I can't trust my judgment right now. I can't begin another relationship right now. It is too soon. I need to stand on my own and know what I need and what I want. I need time."

Ram's face fell. His house of dreams had come crashing down. Java did not want to be with him.

Chapter 8

"You know, they're going kick you out soon; you're really bringing down the mood of the place." Ebony perched herself on the stool next to Ram in the corner of the D & B's.

Ram looked at Ebony, smiling slightly, but the smile did not reach his eyes. He knew they were all there to celebrate, but he just could not get into a celebratory frame of mind. Java didn't want him and it hurt so much. He almost hadn't gone to D & B's, but that wouldn't have been fair to his teammates. They deserved this opportunity to relax and have fun. They had worked hard and had done an excellent job this past weekend. He didn't want to bring down the buoyant mood. Maybe he should just leave Ebony with his credit card. Ram reached for his wallet to do just that when the stool on the other side of him became occupied.

"Hey stranger, buy a thirsty gal a drink?" Salene dropped an arm around Ram's neck and nodded to Ebony.

"Salene, hey. What are you doing here? How did the girly day go?" Ram grinned and signaled the bartender with one arm as he hugged Salene with the other.

Seeing that Ram was otherwise occupied, and in a much better frame of mind, Ebony took off to accept Pride's challenge for a game of pool. Winner got to choose the couple's activities for the upcoming weekend. Pride played well, but Ram had taught Ebony and she now won most of the games she played against him. She smiled a secret smile as she thought of the plans she had for Pride. The fur-lined handcuffs for sure, and if he was really good, the nipple clamps.

*******

"Thank you," Salene said to the bartender as she took a sip of her fruity concoction. Turning to Ram she spoke, "In answer to your questions, I wanted to talk to you and your mom told me you were here, and my 'girly day' was fantastic. Ruby, Dee and I should do it more often. As a matter of fact, we could be going out again this weekend, if that blonde bimbo you call a friend continues the way he's been going."

"Not again. I thought you guys had made up. I mean, he showed you and the entire football team, if I'm not mistaken, just how much he cared about you. And you got to spend time with your girls Friday, leaving him to go stag to Amber's party. You've never seen anyone look as pitiful as he did that night." Ram fiddled with his straw.

"Well he may have been pitiful when you saw, but he obviously got some consoling after you left. In the arms of Amber, that skank; he spent the night at her house. She's been chasing after him for as long as I've known her and now she's had him." Salene slapped the counter.

Ram stopped playing with the straw and took Salene's hands in his, looking her in the eyes. "You've got to be kidding me? You don't honestly believe Jay and Amber? I thought you two had resolved this."

Salene pulled her hands away from Ram, wrapping her arms around herself as she spoke. "I thought we had too. But then why else would he spend the night at her house?" Salene's eyes moistened. "I guess I should have seen this coming. I mean they known each other since they were kids. Their families are like best friends. And they even look better together; like Barbie and Ken! I knew that I couldn't compete with her. Oh God!" Salene sobbed, breaking down.

Ram slid off his stool and gathered Salene in his arms, just letting her cry for a moment as he slid an arm up and down her back. "Sal, don't cry. You don't need to cry. Jay loves you. He cares about you. There has to be a reasonable explanation for why he spent the night at Amber's house."

Salene hiccupped, laying her head on Ram's shoulder. "Yeah, she jumped him and let her... 'cause I ignored him for my friends. I - I should have gone to the stupid party!"

Ram made soothing sounds as he continued to rub Salene's back. "Come on Salene, think! Yes, Jay and Amber have known each other forever and yes she's been chasing him just as long, but he's never allowed himself to be caught. Jay is not now, nor has he ever been interested in Amber. For one, he's never enjoyed being in a member of a herd, for another, he's had eyes for no one but you since before you two got together."

Ram stepped back from Salene as her sobs quieted, though the occasional tear would slip from the corner of her eye. He placed his hands on her cheeks, looking into her eyes as he spoke. "Jay. Loves. You. He's over the moon for you. At the party, he moped then only laughed a little when he saw Ebony turning Pride inside out. He missed you and wasn't really enjoying himself. If he ended up staying the night at Amber's, then something must have happened, and I'm sure it had nothing to do with Amber." Ram placed his hands on Salene's shoulders, shaking her slightly. "You got that?"

Salene nodded, beginning to smile as she wiped her red-rimmed eyes. "Yes sir, whatever you say sir! Sorry I blubbered like a baby all over your shirt, sir!"

"Hey, it's not the first time, and it probably won't be the last. Remember in second grade when Tai-San called you the Jolly Green Giant when you wore that green outfit? You soaked my favorite Power Ranger shirt. I loved that shirt. The Rangers were so cool."

"You're kidding right? That was like one of the worst shows ever. I don't know how you could stand to watch it. The fights were so fake. The dialogue was beyond horrible, and they had a male stunt double for the yellow ranger!"

"Yeah, but the second yellow ranger was totally hot, with those braids and the nicely rounded a-"

"Finish that statement and I will clout you," Salene threatened with a laugh as she raised an arm.

"What? I was gonna say that Aisha the yellow ranger had a nicely rounded aura. What's so objectionable about that?" Ram asked innocently.

Salene hit Ram on the shoulder. "You doofus." She giggled. "At least you're consistent. You still go for braids and a nicely rounded...aura. What? What did I say? Oh no, are things not going well with Java? Me and my big mouth."

Ram had backed away from Salene, the light gone from his green eyes. He went back to his stool and waved to the bartender for another soda. She walked over to the counter, once again sitting beside Ram as she put an arm around his shoulders.

"Do you want to talk about it? I'm always willing to listen."

For a moment, Ram didn't say anything. He just sat there, stirring his soft drink. Then with a thick voice, "She doesn't want me Sal. I laid my heart at her feet and she stomped all over it."

"What happened?"

Haltingly Ram related his last conversation with Java, including the conclusion where Java had run out of the diner in tears when Ram had sat in the booth like a stone, no longer responding to anything Java said. When he finished speaking, he dropped his head to the counter and banged it down repeatedly.

"Ram sweetie, stop doing that. Did you hear what you just said? Java did not say that she didn't want you; she said that she needed time. Sounds like she wanted to close the door on her relationship with Mega and sort herself out before she started something with you. Don't you see, you still have a chance; that is if you haven't screwed things up with how you left things with her at the diner. I think you have some serious making up to do."

Chapter 9

"You hustler, you. I still can't believe you beat me at pool." Pride looked down at Ebony, tucking a braid behind her ear. His other arm was braced on the lockers that she was leaning against as she looked up at him.

"I'm no hustler; I just know how to handle a ...stick." Ebony's tongue slipped out, moistening her lips. "And there's just something about controlling the destiny of so many balls. That's always appealed to me about the game of pool."

Pride shifted his stance and placed his other hand on the lockers, effectively enclosing Ebony and creating a cocoon for the two of them. "Why is it that you can always make an innocent activity sound so...naughty?"

"I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about," Ebony said breezily. "You have a dirty mind if you found something naughty in the game of pool. Pool's a game of geometry and strategy. Now if you want naughty, think about what we are going to do this weekend. Keep in mind, handcuffs and nipple clamps."

Upon saying this, Ebony ducked beneath Pride's arm and walked off down the hallway. Pride bent his arms, dropping his head onto the lockers in front of him. Handcuffs and nipple clamps! That girl is going to be the death of me. Needing a moment more to collect himself, he held this position even after the bell had rung, and then loped off to English class.

*******

"...The Vice-President, then the Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, then the Secretary of State...Yes, can I help you?" Mrs. Black turned to the brown-uniformed man with a long rectangular box that had interrupted her American Government class.

"I'm sorry to intrude Ma'am, but I have a package for a Java Collins, to this classroom at this time. Is she here?"

Java looked up at the mention of her name, as the whole class turned to look at her. "I-I'm Java," she walked to the front of the room, looking at the deliveryman quizzically.

"Miss, this is for you. I just need you to sign here." He handed the little machine to Java.

Distractedly, Java scrawled her name with the stylus then took the box, wondering what it was and whom it was from.

"Well open it up dear," said Mrs. Black. "You've got us all curious now."

Cheeks burning, Java lifted the lid on the box. Nestled inside was a bunch of purple flowers, the blooms still mostly buds.

"Ah, purple hyacinths, the flowers of apology," Mrs. Black declared with a smile at Java. It seems some young man is trying to atone, hmm? He must really care, or have truly messed to use the old language of flowers?" The woman arched her brows at the young girl. "Or maybe a little of both?"

"Something like that," Java mumbled, face aflame.

"Enjoy them my dear, but right now we have a lesson to get through, so please go back to your seat." Turning back to the class at large, she began "Focus, focus, now back to the presidential succession. It was, President, Vice-President..."

Java walked back to her seat, head down and noticed for the first time that there was a note included with the flowers. Sitting, she pulled out the card, putting the box down next to her seat.

I know that roses would have been the conventional way to go, but my feelings for you are not conventional. And although this particular bloom signifies apology, which I am expressing to you now for shutting you out and I hope you will forgive me, the purple also symbolizes the passion I feel for you and for this relationship. I hope each time you smell these flowers that you will think of me and how much I care about you.

As Java read the note she was overcome with emotion. She tried to hold it together. Her throat tightened as she swallowed, trying to clear the lump that had formed there. As she fought for control, a single tear slipped out of the corner of her eye.

Unbeknownst to Java, she was being observed. At the back of the room, Jay had noted the arrival of the package, Java's reaction the meaning of those particular blooms and the tear as she read the note.

*******

"Hey man, excellent touch with the flowers in Government today. All I have to say is one tear." Jay leaned a shoulder on his locker as Ram went through his own.

"Hunh? What are you talking about?" Ram pulled his head and a folded note marked Ram on the front from inside his locker.

"Never mind. A love letter, I see. I guess that's why Java packed up and raced out of class so quickly. To deliver you sweet nothings." Jay clapped his hand on Ram's shoulder as the brunette closed his locker, holding the note in his hand.

"Whatever, man."

The pair walked off down the hallway towards the cafeteria, Ram tucking the note into his back pocket.

"So blonde-boy, what the hell were you doing spending the night at Amber's after the party?" Ram mock-punched Jay in the side. "Salene is all torn up, thinking you and Amber have something going."

Jay stopped, incredulous. "You're kidding right? You set her straight, right?" There is no way on God's green earth that I would ever dream of getting something going with Amber. Salene's the only girl for me."

Ram started walking again, as they had only forty minutes for lunch. "Yes I told her there could be nothing between you guys; and I was pretty convincing if I do say so myself. You have to talk to her yourself though; she needs to hear from you what really happened. So-what really happened?"

"Well after you left, I got to playing Vice City with Blake and Patch. We played until about two or three, and then I just crashed out in one of the guest rooms. The only time I saw Amber was when she was stumbling to her bedroom with some guy and she came to Blake's room by mistake.

"When I woke up in the morning, I helped Blake clean up before their parents woke up, then I went home. I tried to call Sal all weekend, but she wouldn't answer my calls; and when I went over to her house, her parents said she didn't want to talk to me."

"She wants to talk to you now, though. She needs some reassurance."

Jay stopped walking again, backing away from Ram. "I think I'll go do that right now. I want to talk to her too. It's time we settled this issue once and for all. She needs to trust me and she needs to let go of this Amber thing." Jay's expression was grim as he turned and walked away.

Chapter 10

Ram, thank you for the flowers, they were lovely. They were unnecessary though. You have nothing to apologize for. As you sat with me at the diner, I could feel your excitement and though it pained me to do so, I had to kill that excitement. If our roles had been reversed, I wouldn't want to talk to me either. So don't feel guilty. You were being honest in your emotions, and that's all I can ask for.

Java.

Ram read the note from his locker as he walked to his car. He had meant to read it earlier, but he couldn't get a moment to himself. In the caf, Pride had cornered him so that he could rant about Ebony and how she was driving him crazy. That had made him smile, though he had to hide it. It was funny to see his normally confident, controlled cousin turned inside out by a girl. But if anyone could have done it, Ebony was definitely the girl.

He was feeling pretty inside out himself. Java wasn't exactly giving him an invitation to pursue her. She wasn't really giving him anything. She had been very careful not to give any indication of how she felt about him. Sure, she'd said it hurt her to hurt him, but his mom used to say the same thing when he got spanked as a child. It didn't really mean anything.

She had said she liked the flowers though. That was something. Maybe if he took it to the next level...

*******

"Ebony, I've been trying to talk to you all day, but your head's been in a cloud." Java called to her little sister as she approached her in their driveway.

"Hmm? Oh hey Java. What's up?"

"Um, have you talked to Ram today?" The older girl bit her lip.

"No actually, why? Have you changed your mind about going out with him?" The pair of girls walked up the circular drive to the front door of their home.

Java opened the door and they walked through the foyer and up the stairs. "Not exactly, I'm still not ready to jump into another relationship."

They both walked into Ebony's bedroom, the younger girl dropping her bag and climbing into the center of her bed while her sister curled up a leg at the foot of the bed.

"I understand that you're still reeling a little from the whole situation with Mega, but you can't punish Ram for that. He's a great guy and a great friend and as much as I love to see him lose his cool now and again, he is totally ripped up about you."

Java picked up a large Winnie the Pooh bear from Ebony's bed, wrapping her arms around it as she rested her chin on its head. "I know, I know, but I just-can't right now, not yet."

Ebony crawled down her bed, putting a soothing arm around Java. "And you don't have to, sweetie. I'm sorry for pushing. I love you both and I don't want either of you to be hurt. I just want you to be happy."

Java straightened up, pulling away from Ebony's arm to look the younger girl in the face. "You mean like you and Pride? I heard about the two of you at Amber's party and you didn't come home that night until four in the morning."

"Yeah Ebs, what's up with you and PETA boy?" Another braided girl called from the doorway.

"Siva! You're home. How was your session? And don't call Pride PETA boy. He doesn't even like them, he thinks they're hypocritical zealots."

Siva walked over and sat down on the other side of the bed, next to Java. "Ooh, so what else does Pride think about anything? I didn't know you two, you know...talked."

Ebony threw a pillow at the middle sister. "We're not d.amned rabbits you know. We do spend time talking and doing stuff couples do."

"Does that mean that you two are a couple?" Java asked.

"I wouldn't exactly call us that. We-have fun."

"Good for you, sis. Lord knows I could use a little "fun" in my life. Getting ready to test for my black belt has really taken up so much time and energy that I've forgotten what "fun" feels like."

"Come, on Siva. I know you've been working hard in you karate classes, but no one forgets what "fun" feels like. You just need to spend some quality time with your Jack and it'll all come back to you." Ebony grinned.

Siva grinned back, "Ebs, you know, that's not a half-bad idea." Her eyes unfocused as she thought, "Jack's been really understanding through all this. He deserves a reward... I'll go call him right now." Siva hopped off the bed and bounded to the door, tossing over her shoulder as she left the room, "Cover for me with the 'rents. Call me if you need me, but only if it's an emergency!"

Java stood up from Ebony's bed. "Well, I need to get started on reading for Government. I have no idea what Mrs. Black said today. I was totally distracted by a delivery of flowers that I received in the middle of class."

"From Ram?"

The older girl paused in the doorway. "Yeah, purple hyacinths, the flowers of apology." She smiled absently.

"You know, a girl could do a lot worse than to be chased after by him. There's just something about his eyes that make you just want to take him to bed..."

"Hands off, sister." Java's voice was unusually sharp.

"Whoa there, I wasn't planning on touching him. I was just saying he's a good catch."

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you. I-I really need to start on my reading." Java practically ran towards her bedroom.

"That girl cares so much. If only she would see it. Oh well, I've done all I can do today. Time for me to work on my own love life" Ebony picked up her cordless and pressed a speed dial button. "Pride, it's Ebony. So...what are you wearing?"

Chapter 11

"Excuse me, sorry to interrupt, but I have a delivery for a Ms. Java Collins. Is she here?"

Java experienced a feeling of déjà vu. Hadn't she been through this before, like two weeks ago in Government class? This time the brown-uniformed man was interrupting an SG meeting. She looked up at Ram to see his expression and realized for the first time that everyone in the room was looking at her, including the delivery guy.

"Uh... I'm Java." She said, standing up and walking over to the man. Quickly she signed her name before accepting the basketball-sized square box and walking back to her seat with it.

"Well, aren't you gonna open it?" KC asked.

Java glanced at Ram for some clue, but he was looking back with a don't-ask-me-I-don't-know expression on his face. She looked around the room and everyone was looking at her expectantly. So she tore into the brown Kraft paper to reveal a familiar gold foil box.

"Ooh chocolates. Isn't that sweet?" Ruby declared.

"Would you like some, would anyone like some?" Java lifted the lid and held the box out as she turned in a semi-circle.

"I'll take a piece or two," KC volunteered, taking the box from Java. He took a couple of pieces then passed the box around the room.

Ruby held the box out Ram, offering him some of the chocolate.

"I don't want any, I don't like chocolate," He gritted out.

"You don't like chocolate?" She gave Ram a confused look.

He gave her an irritated look.

She looked at Ram, then at Java, then back at Ram.

"Oooh, right. What was I thinking? Of course you don't like chocolate."

Ruby handed the box of chocolates to Java who closed it and put it away.

"Okay folks, let's get back to work. We have two more items on the agenda before this meeting is over," Ram said brusquely.

The other people in the room looked at him, surprised at his tone then settled down once more.

Java looked around the room then at her papers, anywhere but at Ram. She had screwed up again. Ram had sent her a big box of Godiva chocolates and she had given them away, and right in front of him! He was going to think that the chocolates had meant nothing to her, but that wasn't at all true. She loved chocolates. Almost as much as Ram did himself. But it would have been rude to keep the box to herself when she had unwrapped it in front of SG. She hoped he would understand.

*******

Ram quietly seethed in his chair for the rest of the SG meeting. Sure, he spoke at all the right times and seemed to be running the meeting with almost his normal aplomb and efficiency, but internally he was a ticking time-bomb. She had given away the chocolates. How could she, he had spent an hour picking out just the right mix for her to show how much he cared. He knew Java loved chocolate; that was just one of the many things they had in common. Why couldn't she see that? God, he needed to get out of here.

*******

"Hmm, what time are your folks supposed to be home again?" Jay planted another kiss to Salene's neck.

"Late, like after ten. They're playing bridge with Ram's parents at the country club." Salene pulled back from Jay, leaning into the cushions on the sofa. "Why, do you have an idea for how we could spend the time between now and then?" She asked playfully, bending forward to suck on Jay's sulky lower lip.

"Well," he said, kissing Salene's left eyebrow. "I did have some ideas," right eyebrow. "I got from," nose. "This book," chin. "From Borders." Jay kissed Salene on the mouth, long and deep kisses that left them both breathless, gasping for air.

Salene pulled back again, breathing heavily. "What book?"

Jay had returned his attentions to Salene's neck, kissing and sucking on it before he replied, "The Joy of Sex. It had pictures and everything. They're one or two things I wanted to try out."

"Oh really?" Salene bent her head, giving Jay more access to her neck.

"Yes, really." Jay pulled back, looking Salene in the eyes. "You up for that?"

"I'm not the one that has to worry about being up for anything. That's your department. But I can handle anything you or your book might want to throw at me." Her eyes twinkled ash she slid her hands up Jay's thighs, stopping right before reaching the juncture of the two.

Jay groaned, grabbing and holding Salene's hands. "You're playing with fire and you know what they say about playing with fire..."

"Yeah I do," Salene said standing up from the sofa and pulling Jay up by the grip he still had on her hands. "And I'm counting on you to make me burn."

She walked backwards through the living room, pulling Jay along, until they reached the staircase. There, she freed her left had from his as she turned and walked with him up the stairs.

Chapter 12

"So you don't like chocolate, huh?" Salene sat down next to Ram in the cafeteria. He wasn't eating, just sitting in the corner looking angry at the world. "I guess then that you don't want this Snickers bar?" She waved a candy bar in front of his face.

"Gimme that." Ram grabbed the bar out of Salene's hand. He unwrapped the bar and took a big bite, chewing slowly as he savored the taste.

"And where have you been? Or should I ask what made you and Jay finally come up for air?"

Salene hit Ram on the back of the head, causing a coughing fit as he tried to swallow the mouthful of chocolate. "That's none of your business. And we were not talking about me. We were talking about you at the SG meeting last week and your sudden 'aversion' to chocolate. I heard you rejected chocolate offered by Java, just because she gave the chocolate you gave her to everyone at the meeting. That sounds like the behavior of a sulking child to me."

Ram swallowed the wad of candy bar. "I wasn't sulking. It took me an hour to find the right box and she just gave them away. He took another huge bite.

"Well, what else was she supposed to do? She couldn't just have that big box in that room full of people and not offer them any. That would have been beyond rude."

Ram chewed more slowly, considering Salene's words. But she had only begun. As she warmed to her topic, she continued. "You have no one but yourself to blame. If you weren't so in love with making grand gestures, you wouldn't be in this fix. Like the time when it was my thirteenth birthday and you had your mom bring it that huge cake for me, for us to enjoy with our friends. When I gave some to the rest of the class, you were so mad. But I couldn't not share with the whole class. That would have been rude and mean."

"You loved to be the big gift-giver, the grand bestower. If you had sent the chocolates to Java's home, this whole situation could have been avoided. Instead, you wanted a public display of gratitude from Java and envy from everyone else. You the emperor, with your little subjects dancing to your tune. Well, life doesn't work like that. We don't work like that.We need to know that wee mean more than your need to be the benevolent gift-giver. We don't need grand gestures, unless they come from an uncontrollable impulse from the heart. You have to humble yourself and really dig deep. You have to act from a place of pure emotion. The love that you feel for Java. Forget the ego, the games and all that. Show her your emotional center. Then you might dig yourself out of this hole you have dropped yourself into. Then you might have a chance."

Salene got up from the table, patting Ram on the back before walking away, out of the cafeteria.

Ram sat there, absorbing what Salene had just said to him. He wasn't some benevolent dictator. She had him all wrong. Just cause she had been his best friend since they were toddlers did not mean that she knew him. So he liked to give big presents. So what? Salene's thirteenth had been a big deal and he wanted to show that to all their friends. And the chocolates for Java, well he knew that she loved them. He had just wanted to see the look on her face when she got them. He wanted everyone to know that a claim had been staked on Java.

A claim staked. Oh, sh.it, Salene was right. He was acting like some emperor with Java as his property. Oh what an a.ss he had been. The flowers, the chocolates; yes he was giving a gift to Java, but he was also sending a message to everyone else that she was taken, even if people didn't know by whom. He had been going about this all wrong. He had to reach from the heart. He really did love Java and it was time he showed her, honestly and without ego. No grand gestures, just honest emotion.

Chapter 13

"People, people, we haven't got a lot of time. I have an SG meeting after this meeting. Dee, where are we with arrangements for the Winter White Ball?" Java sat down and looked towards the fuchsia-haired girl.

"Okay, we have a location, the Mandarin Oriental on Biscayne Bay. DJ Don Hot will be spinning all night long. The Mandarin will handle food and clean up. Amber, myself, Patch and Salene will be handling decorations. We need everyone on the committee to help in selling tickets, both on their person and at the table in front of the office. Java, you said you would work on promoting the dance, so I think that's everything. Oh, wait; you and I need to set a time for when we can have a tasting of items for the menu.

Dee finished checking off items from her list and sat down, looking up at Java, who had once again stood up to speak.

"Thanks Dee, it looks like you have everything well in hand. I will be getting posters made and appearing on the morning announcements, and who knows, maybe the spirit squad will get in on the act. Like Dee said, we need everyone's help to sell tickets. Once they are printed, everyone will have to carry tickets, to be able to sell them at any time. Also, before you go, sign up for a turn at the table. Any questions?

No one raised a hand or spoke.

"That's it then. See you all in a week or when the tickets come in if it's earlier." Java and the other committee members packed up and left.

*******

"Pride, can I ask you a question? Ebony looked up at the dark-haired boy from the circle of his arms.

Pride lifted his head away from the attention he was giving to Ebony's neck. "What is it?" He looked into the petite girls green eyes, caught by her serious tone.

Ebony swallowed, ducking her head, before once more capturing Pride's eyes with her own. "Will...Will you go to the Winter White Ball with me?" She let out a small smile at the stunned expression on his face.

"Why you little..." Pride pushed Ebony away from him, his hands on her shoulders. "You don't do that to a person, let them think you're going to ask them something serious, like 'Can I have your baby?' then ask them to the school dance. That's just not right." Pride shot Ebony a disgruntled look.

Ebony look back at him, eyes laughing. "Don't blame me for that, tree-hugger. It's not my fault you have an overactive imagination. If you ask me, you're just upset that I beat you to the punch and asked you to the dance first."

"Am not." Pride shook Ebony playfully.

"Are too." The braided girl stuck out her tongue at him.

"That's it." Pride move to grab Ebony at the waist, but the petite girl glided out of his fingers and ran out of his reach, giggling.

"Ha! Those creaky bones of yours can't catch me. I'm younger and faster." Ebony ran from the cabana out towards Pride's house.

The tall boy gave chase, slamming into Ebony as they reached the house, but quickly spun, so that the impact slammed him into the wall and not the smaller, more fragile girl.

"Gotcha. I may be older, but I'm definitely faster." He captured Ebony's eyes with his own, and the pair stood for an endless moment, lost in each other.

"You never answered my question." Ebony whispered, the moment incapable of bearing normal speech.

"What question?" Pride gasped out quietly, his face so close to Ebony's that she inhaled his question.

Unable to bear the tension, Ebony reached up on her toes, grabbing Pride's mouth with her own.

Long minutes later the pair pulled apart. Ebony spoke, "Pride, will...you...go...to...the...dance...with...me?" She punctuated each word with a kiss to a different part of his face, ending with a lingering kiss to his mouth.

Pride grinned. "Oh I don't know, I think I may need some convincing. I mean, think of my reputation. How would it look for me a senior to take you a mere sophomore to the dance? Ow!" Pride rubbed the spot where Ebony had just pinched him.

Her eyes were all innocence as she said, "Oh Pride, I'm so sorry. There was a mosquito there, and I think pinching them is ever-so-much-more effective than a slap. Don't you?"

Pride threw her a disgruntled look as he continued to rub the sensitive area.

"Aw poor baby. Does that bite still hurt? Come on upstairs, where I can make it all better...and work on my persuasion techniques."

Chapter 14

"Man, what is that?" Jay pointed to the single white rose in a bud vase that sat upon a shelf in Ram's locker.

"I didn't know you had vision problems, Jay?" Ram closed his locker and the pair walked off to English class. "I hope the North Miami Pioneers don't hear about it or they will take you apart during our final regular season game this Friday," Ram smirked.

"Ha ha, very funny." Jay made to cuff Ram over the head, but the dark-haired boy ducked in time, avoiding the blow. "Why do you have a rose in your locker? Don't tell me it's another gift for Java?"

Ram began walking backwards ahead of Jay. "All right I won't tell you." He grinned before turning and walking into their AP English class, making his way to the back of the room.

Jay followed him to the back of the room, taking his customary seat in the row to Ram's right. "You're a regular comedian. What is the rose for now? You've already given Java flowers, then chocolates, now a rose, and a single white one? What are trying to do, make us other guys look bad?"

"Don't tell me he's at it again?!?" Jack turned around in his seat to join the conversation.

"Aw man, Ram Dee is beginning to hint that maybe she should break up with me so that I can woo her like you're wooing Java. Stop already. You are making the girls expect too much."

Ram looked around at his friends. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He turned to his cousin, "Don't you want to join in with the guys, make this betrayal complete?"

Pride looked over nonchalantly. "Nope. I don't have a girlfriend. Ebony and I do not have that kind of relationship; we just have fun. Although now that you mention it, why doesn't she expect this kind of thing from me? Aren't I good enough to be a boyfriend?" Pride turned away from the other young men, deep in thought.

Ram turned back to the others. "Yes I do have another gift for Java. I'm asking her to the dance and I need all the help I can get. If that's a problem for you guys, tough. I love her and I need her to know it. If you can't step up for your own girls, then that's your problem, don't blame me." With that, he faced forward again, beginning to take notes on the current reading, Things Fall Apart, by Chinua Achebe.

*******

Ram walked towards the dance classroom. That's where Ebony had said Java would be. He couldn't recall ever being so nervous in his life. Not before his first debate, not even the time when Java had caught him and Ebony talking about her and Mega. He held the rose lightly in his hand, not wanting to crush the delicate flower.

As he entered the room, he stopped in the doorway, frozen in place as he heard an oh-so-familiar tune and watched Java glide gracefully around the room.

Crazy, how it feels tonight
Crazy, how you make it all alright, love
Crush me with the things you do
And I'll do for you, anything, too, oh
Sitting, smoking, feeling high,
And in this moment, oh, it feels so right

Lovely lady, I am at your feet
Oh God, I want you so badly
And I wonder this, could tomorrow be
So wondrous as you there, sleeping?

Let's go -- drive 'til morning comes,
Watch the sun rise and fill our souls up
Drink some wine til we get drunk, yeah

It's crazy, I'm thinking, just knowing that the world is round,
And here I'm dancing on the ground
Am I right-side-up or upside-down,
And is this real or am I dreaming?

Lovely lady, let me drink you, please
Won't spill a drop, no, I promise you
Laying under this spell you cast on me,
Each moment, the more I love you
Crush me, come on, oh yeah

It's crazy, I'm thinking, just knowing that the world is round,
And here I'm dancing on the ground
Am I right-side-up or upside-down,
Is this real or am I dreaming?

Lovely lady, I will treat you sweetly, oh
I adore you, I mean, you crush me
And it's times like these when my faith, I feel it
I know, how I love you
Come on, come on, baby

It's crazy, I'm thinking, just as long as you're around,
And here I'll be dancing on the ground
Am I right-side-up or upside-down?
To each other we'll be facing, my love, my love
We'll beat back the pain we've found
You know, I mean to tell you all the things I've been thinking deep inside
My friend,
Each moment, the more I love you

Crush me, come on, baby
So much you have given, love,
That I would give you back again and again
Oh love, meaning I'll hold you, but please,
Please, just let me always

From her collapsed position on the floor, Java's head jerked up when she heard the applause. In the doorway stood Ram, a single white rose clenched gently in his teeth as he clapped his hands together.

He walked into the room, towards her, took the rose out of his mouth and extended an arm to pull her to her feet. Java stood, caught in Ram's crystalline green gaze. "I didn't know you were a fan of DMB," he said.

For a moment, Java couldn't respond. That was not what she had expected him to say. Then her brain began working again. "No reason why you should have known. They are my favorite band, and there's just something about this song. He wrote it for his wife, you know." Oh God, was she babbling, why was she babbling?

"Yes, I did know. They're my favorite band too. And that song. I can totally understand how he felt writing that song. To be crushed by the lady he loves."

Ram held both of Java's hands in his, inconspicuously slipping the rose into her hand. Looking into her eyes, his heart open and seeking, he spoke. "Java, I know that I've messed up with you more than once. I knew that you wanted more time to resolve this thing about Mega. I don't want to rush you, but I need you to know how I feel. I love you Java. When I wake in the morning, you're the first thing I think of. I wonder if today is going to be the day that you'll mine. In SG meetings, I can't watch you speak, it ruins my concentration. You are my everything and you would make me the happiest man alive if you would go the Winter White Ball with me."

Java looked into Ram's eyes, seeing the truth and humility there. And the love for her. She looked away unable to take it. "Ram I...I...can't." As she said the words, she felt tears well up in her eyes. She pulled her hands from Ram's and turned from her, wiping her eyes with the heels of her palms.

"Well Java, you've made yourself quite clear. I won't be bothering you again." Ram's voice was dead, devoid of emotion, except for the ring of finality. Then there was only silence and the sound of sobs after he had walked out the door.

Chapter 15

"You guys, have you seen Ram lately, he's like a man possessed. In the past week, he's gone out five out of seven nights, and each night with a different girl," Salene looked around at the other occupants of the back booth of the diner. Jay sat next to her, momentarily distracted by her words from playing with the sugar packets, while Pride and Ebony sat across the table.

Salene continued, "We are all his friends here, and we care about his well-being. We have to do something." She turned to the braided girl whose arm was being stroked by Pride. "Ebony, I know that Java is your sister and I would never dream of interrupting the bonds of sisterly love, but at this time, I need the sisterly you feel for Ram"

"Ebony pulled away from Pride's arm and leaned across the table, speaking to Salene. "There's no need to push the sisterly love button. Although if push came to shove, I would have to side with Java over Ram, in this instance I think helping Ram will help Java as well. She didn't set out to hurt Ram she just needed some time. And his current self-destructive man-whore kick is hurting her as well.

"What can I get you folks today?" Sarah, their favorite waitress, smiled brightly at the two couples.

"I'll have a Diet Coke. What?" Jay responded to the incredulous looks he was receiving. "I'm still in training. We have regionals coming up, then state if all goes well."

"Congratulations." Sarah flicked a long brown strand of hair over her shoulder. "We had a group of your teammates in here earlier celebrating the shellacking you gave the Pioneers."

At the mention of Jay's teammates, Salene pinkened, almost matching the color of her hair. "Um, I'll have a berry lemonade slushie," she said, looking down at the table.

"And you two?" Sarah's eyes twinkled at Ebony and Pride. "I'll have a medium hazelnut latte with whipped cream and caramel drizzle, and he'll have a large iced green tea with honey." The petite girl stated with authority, accompanied by a nod from the tall, dark-haired boy.

"Okay then, your drinks will be right up, and I'll be back for your food order." The toasted almond complexioned girl walked off towards the diner's kitchen-order window.

"First things first, how about we split a pizza? Only tofu-boy here is going to insist on partially veggie toppings." Eyes laughing, Ebony playfully poked Pride in the ribs.

"But jock-boy here is not going to want pizza as he's still in training." Biting her lip to hold back a smile, Salene thumbed her finger in Jay's direction.

Ebony leaned forward again. "How's about this then, a grilled chicken salad for Jay, the apple-walnut spring salad for Pride, and a medium pizza for you and me, half meat-lovers, half spinach Alfredo."

"Sounds like a plan." Salene stuck out a hand to Ebony and the younger girl shook it, causing the two males at the table to mock-shudder at the thought of these two pairing up. They looked at each other in silent communication. Ram and Java might as well set a date, because with these women in cahoots, the star-crossed pair could very well find themselves married.

*******

"Thanks Ram, I really had a great time tonight." The girl flicked a long pink pigtail out of her face as she fluttered her lashes up at the dark-haired boy.

They were at her front door, but in a little alcove, where they not visible from the street. The girl placed a hand on Ram's chest, breathily asking. "Wow, do you work out?"

He looked down at her and wondered what the hell he was doing here. He didn't love this girl; hell, he didn't even like her. And at this moment he could not figure out why he went out with what was it, Kooki? Kandi? in the first place.

"Do you want to come in for a drink or something...else? My parents won't be back until next week?" More lash fluttering as she dragged a nail across he right pec.

Hell no! Ram thought. He had to leave now. "Uh, I can't. I have an early meeting in the morning, before classes, with Principal Thompson. I kind of have to turn in early." An early meeting with the principal? That didn't even sound convincing to him!

"Wow, you have a meeting with the Principal? Oh, right I forgot you were President of SG, well I guess I'll see at school tomorrow. Good night!" She reached up and pressed a kiss to Ram's lips then went inside.

Not if I see you first! Ram was incredulous. She'd believed him. He walked back to his car absently, lost in thought. What a Mensa candidate! That was it! He was done with these girls. None of them was the one he wanted, so he'd just be alone.

He unlocked his car and slid inside, pulling out of the driveway and heading home.

One last kiss one only
Then I'll let you go
Hard for you
I've fallen
But you can't break my fall
I'm broken don't break me
When I hit the ground

Some devil some angel
Has got me to the bones
You said always and forever
Now I believe you baby
You said always and forever
Is such a long and lonely time

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