Say it isn't so!

A few days had gone by and nothing was happening on the Dotty front so John felt that maybe he was safe after all. He had seen her at the mall and Dotty had ignored him all together. Ellie was thrilled to hear that when she had come home from one of her clinic treatments because John told her immediately when she had gotten home. That also led to them spending a few hours together before he had to go off to rehearsal.

“So she didn’t even bother to say hi to you either?” Ellie asked him surprised.

“Nope and I wasn’t going over to her and ask why either.” John replied smugly.

“So how many shops did you apply too?” she asked him.

“Argh. Five, Strawberry Records, um Ralph's Sporting Goods, Kinney Shoe’s, Carter’s Gift’s and Lowe’s Family Market. I think I got writer’ cramp.” He told her as he was giving her the eye while he was rubbing his wrist.

“Really John? With all the writing you do writing songs writing out job applications should be a breeze.” She told him rolling her eyes. 

“Oh come on don’t I get a little sympathy Baby?” he asked her making the pouty face on her.

“Oh don’t you dare do that to me you big baby!” she said to him hitting him on the shoulder as she laughed at him.

“Hey that hurt.” He said again making the pouty face. And moved over to her and put his head on her shoulder.

“You do know you’re crazy right?” she told him as he started to nibble on her neck.

“Hey cut that out. Marsha is just inside with the kids you big kid. What if she comes out here?” she asked him.

Whispering in her ear, “Then she’ll walk into a surprise won’t she.” He told her as he continued what he was doing. She tried to push him away but he was stronger than she was but she wasn’t trying really that hard anyway. She loved the feel of him up next to her. The warmth he gave her. The security that he gave her.

“John, John! Don't you have rehearsal to go to in a little while?” she asked as she took a deep breath.

“Crap yes. What time is it?” he asked her.

“I don’t know I can’t see straight thanks to you.” She told him staring off into another world.

Smiling he looked at his watched, “Shit I only have an hour to get my things together Babe. Your still coming tomorrow right?” he asked her.

“Yeah it’s been all arranged I’ll meet you there ok. They’re letting me take the car so I’ll be there before you take the stage I just have to baby sit then I can go.” She told him.

“Great I can’t wait for you to be there I’ll put you on the list so you won’t have to pay you’ll be my guest so make sure you tell them you’re with me and any guy that walks up to you ok?” he was very adamant about that with her.

“Oh you mean I really get to say I’m with the singer? Cool.” She told him giggling.

“Ellie I mean it. I don’t know if you realize what kind of guys hang out in these joints. Now I’ll have a table set for you and once you get there don’t leave ok? I mean it.” He told her seriously.

She looked at him not knowing whether if she should be angry with him or if she should be happy that he gave a damn. “John I’m sorry I do take it seriously I really do and when I get there I’ll go right over to the table and sit ok? And if anyone starts to bother me I’ll just tell them that I’m taken and if they keep it up I’ll just tell them to go talk to my boyfriend the lead singer ok? Anything else?” she asked him grinning at him.

“Yes kiss me before I leave will ya.” He told her as he walked over to her and kissed her like he wasn’t going to see her again for a awhile. “Okay I’ll see you in the wait the afternoon okay sleep tight Baby Love You.” He told her and left for The Fast Lane.

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

Saturday afternoon came and John woke up finally as he didn’t come in until late as the show ran late and the guys went out afterward. He took a shower and then got dressed and went down into the kitchen to see what his Mom left for him. There he got what was left of the coffee and when he was done he went next door to see Ellie. She was watching the kids outside when this guy in shorts and an Aerosmith T-shirt came walking in the back yard. Tommy spotted John first.

“Ellie! Iss John!” he said and ran over to him. John grabbed him and he picked him up and threw him in the air.

“Hey little guy how are you doing?” John asked him.

“Fine how you doing?” he asked him back.

“I’m doing okay. Hey what do you say we go over and see how the girls are okay?” John asked him. Tommy just shrugged his shoulders. Walking over to them Katie just dug her face into Ellie’s stomach.

“Well I see you have a fan in her.” Ellie told him.

“Gee thanks Babe. How are you? Did you sleep good?” he asked her.

“Yeah I did you?” she replied.

“Like a baby Baby. So came here.” He asked her giving her one of those sultry smiles of his.

She walked over to him wearily and before she could ask why he took her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly. But before they could finish all of a sudden the heard giggling coming from behind them.

Turning around they saw two little faces giggling and pointing at them. “Ok you two what’s so funny huh?” Ellie asked them.

“Yous two.” Tommy said to her.

“Yeah yous two yous look like Mommy and Daddy do when theys do that.” Katie said still giggling. “Are yous and John gettn married Ellie?” Katie wanted to know.

The two of them stood there in shock at the little girl’s question.  “Um no um Katie were just…dating yeah that’s it dating like your parents did before they you know. Married I guess.” She stammered as John all of a sudden elbowed her in the ribs. She looked at him as to say ‘What the hell!’

“Oh okay them. Can Tommy and me have a snack?” she asked her.

Ellie just looked relived that they had changed the subject. “Sure sweetie just give a minute.” Swallowing hard she turned to John. “Oh crap um look I’ll be right back but then we need to talk.” she told him as she then walked off with the kids into the house. John just thought to himself that was close. He loved Ellie but why did those kids mention marriage? They were too young for marriage. Was it always this hot today? Ellie was only gone for about ten minutes because she wanted to make sure that they would be okay for a few moments while she went out back to talk to John.

“Hey can I ask you a question?” she asked him confused a little.

“Yeah sure Babe what about?” he responded oblivious to what she was about to ask him.

“What was the overreaction about being married? I mean I’m not too keen about it either but the look and reaction on your face was priceless.” She told him semi amused.

“What do you mean? I wasn’t upset about it I was just taken aback by it that’s all. Plus we are too young to get married don’t you think?” he asked her hoping that she would say yes.

“Of course I do. In fact I don’t know if I ever want to get married or even have kids for that matter. Don't even know if I can have kids so…really haven’t even thought about it to be truthful. “She explained to him.

John thought about it for a few seconds and then asked her, “Really you never ever thought about getting married, to anyone?” he wanted to know.

“Well I don’t think that Donny Osmond or Shaun Cassidy counts.” She told him sarcastically.

“Oh very funny now can we get serious here for a moment.” He asked her annoyed.

“I am being serious. You’ve never been a twelve year old girl with a huge crush on one of your idols now have you? Believe me it hurts like hell. I told you how I felt when Elvis died. Well nothing will ever touch me like that again and I know things will come close but my other idols well I love them just the same and I’m loyal! We just won’t get into my family family because well they don’t count and neither do you. Those feelings are well tucked in here (pointing to her heart) deep inside and like Elvis will leave a huge hole in my heart if something ever happens to any of you.” She was done wanted to change the subject didn’t like talking about this subject so John wanted to too.

“Ok sorry I implied that. So you know what to do tonight right?” he asked her for the thousandth time.

“Oh My God John yes I do. So don’t worry about me please. I’ll see you tonight at seven forty-five okay?” she told him as she gave him a kiss on the lips.

“Hey your cousins might be watching again.” He said thru the kiss.

“Let them Michael needs to worry about somebody more than me you know.” She said as she started to giggle now.

Breaking from the kiss John said, “Great and why do I feel like I’ll be to blame for that too?” Laughing at him even more now she pushed him away and started to run from him which peeked his interest. So he started after her as she was squealing around the backyard. The kids heard her and came out of the house and saw them running around and thought they were playing so they took off after them also squealing. John was finally able to catch her and they tumbled to the ground but he wasn’t able to do what he wanted which was to kiss her as the kid’s pigged pile on top of them. They all laughed as they were getting up; when John was up he was able to whisper in her ear, “Next time you’re going to get punished so I hope you’re up for a good old fashion spanking Ms. Anderson.” His hot breath skimmed over her ear and the chills it caused stunned her quite a bit. But she had to keep her composure not just for herself but in front of the kid’s as well.

So she whispered back, “You think so Bongiovi? Well I don’t because you’ll have to really catch me for sure and when I have something at stake well…you don’t really know me.” She said smiling back at him.

Chuckling, “That’s bull not only will I catch you but I’ll bet you everything you’ll love it.” As he said that he had this evil grin on his face that sent shivers down her spine.

Crap she knew she was in trouble. “Don't you have some where to go?” she asked him all flustered.

Chuckling at her he kiss her on the cheek and said, “Actually Baby I do I need to run a few errands then get down to The Fast Lane. Jack wants to run a few new songs by before tonight’s gig so I better be going. I can’t wait for you to be there Baby.” He said proudly.

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

John was a little frustrated again at the set list but still didn’t want to say anything yet to Jack. He was still the newbie in the group. He was helping setting up the equipment as the rest of the guys were doing as the crowd was starting to come in. He was getting really excited now as it was getting near the time when Ellie was going to be showing up soon.

“Hey Bongiovi will you stop looking at the damn doors. She not going to get here any faster you know.” Tommy told him laughing at him now.

“Oh shut the fuck up will you. I haven’t been staring at them for that long.” He shot back at him annoyed.

“Oh yeah you have. For the past half hour I believe. Didn’t you tell her about eight and it’s only ten past seven so yeah you’ve been staring at them for a while now. She still has a while so loosen up kid will ya.” Jack told him as he too was laughing.

“You guys suck you know that?” John told them while giving them the finger or the Jersey salute as they called it there.

Once they got things set up they went to get a drink. John still couldn’t drink alcohol but right now his stomach couldn’t take it anyway seeing he was nervous about Ellie showing up and he didn’t want to get sick. He never got really this nervous before playing in front of anybody but for some reason with Ellie he just was. While waiting for her and playing a few girls came up to them and talked and well hitting on them. John just ignored them all together and finally told the guys he needed to go for a walk.

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

“Marsha I know how to get there John drove me several times so I wouldn’t get lost. Oh My God you guys are worse than he is. I’ll be fine I was taught by the best. My Dad is a professional truck driver and Mom isn’t any slouch either. So give me a break will you I won’t wreck the car. If Daddy trusts me in driving his Caddy then I think you can trust me in driving your Ford.” Ellie told her confidently.

They both looked at each other and smiled then agreed that she knew what she was doing that wasn’t the problem. Going to the bar alone was and they had to explain that to her again. Ellie tried to explain that she was going to meet John the second that she got there so there wouldn’t be anything to worry about. Once they realized that and she did tell them that she would be home by one a.m. as promised they felt a little bit better. She was dressed in a cute short sleeve purple blouse and a pair of jeans that John loved on her with a cute pair of white studded sandals that Marsha had loaned her. Also a small hand pocket book so she could keep some money, I.D. and just some pain pills in the little tin that looked like she had cough drops in so nobody would know what they were.

She pulled in the parking lot of The Fast Lane and there seemed to be a crowd. Getting out of the car and locking it she walked over to the front and got in line. She stood there nervously only because she wanted to look nice for John. The line was moving rather quickly when someone bumped into her and then did it again.

“Sweetie, Sweetie you here alone?” she heard coming from behind her. Trying hard to ignore him this time he tapped her on her shoulder. “Hey I’m trying to talk to you? What are you too good for me or something?”

Ellie just wanted now to get inside and find John. But she felt she had better answer him before this got out of hand so turning around, “ Can I help you with something?” she asked him trying not to show him that she was nervous.

“Yeah I asked you if you were too good for me so are you there Miss Prissy?” he asked trying to intimate her.

“Would it matter what I say you seem to be looking for a fight.” She told him outright.

“You know I like you. You’re straight forward. How about when we get in there I’ll buy you a drink?” he asked her.

“I don’t drink.” She told him smiling back.

“You don’t drink? Then why the hell are you here at a bar then Darling?” he wanted to know.

“I’m meeting my boyfriend here. That’s why.” She said as they moved up the line.

“Boyfriend? Really now. Tell me then, why in the hell would he leave you in line all by yourself now?” he wanted to know as he started to run his hand up and down her arm. 

“Maybe because he works here and I’m to meet him inside how’s that. Now get your hands off.” She told him.

“Boyfriend so who’s your boyfriend?” he asked her not taking his hand off her.

“He’s the lead singer of the band that’s playing here.” She told him.

“Oh My God you mean that skinny kid with the long hair who looks like a girl? That’s too funny.” He started laughing.

“Well I’m glad you think it’s funny because if you touch me again it’s rape because I’m underage you jerk and I can scream really loud you got that. “she whispered to him. He just looked at her as his eyes went wide but before he could say anything the Bouncer yelled “NEXT”

“Hi I’m supposed to tell you I’m here for John Bongiovi my name is Ellie Anderson.” She told him. He checked the list of approved guest and she was one.

“Oh here you are Ellie; John put you on your all set. Go right on in and see a Jim and he’ll take you to your seat. Just go to the bar ok and ask for him. Oh and my notes say no stops.” He told her chuckling. Ellie just smiled at him and shook her head.

She walked in and looked around. When she saw the bar she walked over to the bar and asked the bartender for Jim. He told her just a minute. While she was waiting she could see the stage from where she was standing. She could see John up there singing and playing. Her heart was getting huge and hers was starting to beat even faster now. She was feeling so proud of him and she hadn’t even seen him play yet. If it was anything like the private shows he had given her already she knew he was going to be a star.

“Excuse me but you must be Ellie.” Jim said as he walked up to her.

Turning around and facing Jim she answered him smiling, “Yes I am and you must be Jim Hello.” She said as she took his hand.

“Well John has told me so much about you and he was right you’re very pretty. Well why don’t you come with me and we’ll get you settled and then I’ll tell him you’re here so he’ll calm the hell down.” He said laughing.

“He’s upset?” she asked him curious.

“Well let’s just say he’s nervous as hell and now that you’re here he’ll calm down.” He told her winking at her.

Jim sent a waitress over to her and told her to give her anything she wanted and that it was on the house. He then went backstage to see his lead singer and to let him know that his girlfriend was here and to calm the hell down now.

The guys were putting on the last on what they were going to wear and tuning up their instruments when Jim walked backed stage. He saw John in the corner double checking his guitar and getting the last of his outfit together when Jim walked over to him.

“Hey John I just met Ellie where the Hell did you get a girl like that? You went from Dorothea to her?”
 he said to John as the other guys were listening and couldn’t understand what the hell Jim meant by that.

“She’s here? When did she get here? How long has she been here? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” John started to babble.

“John you’re babbling. I put her at the table like you asked me to and told Patty to give her anything she wants on the house ok? But you didn’t tell me she was that cute or nice. Nothing like Dorothea. Oh by the way she’s here too.” Jim told him.

You could see the color draining out of John’s face at first then the anger came in. “I told her never to show her damn face around me again! “ John said angrily.

“What did his broad do to you?” Jim asked him.

“Enough but the worst part was she had her little goons corner Ellie in the Ladies Room of this restaurant that they showed up at that we were at not too long ago.” John told them.

The guys couldn’t believe what they were hearing but then again it was Dorothea. She was a little weird when it came to John. Apparently her sister Colleen had the same problem in college with a boy who it took her parents quite bit of money to pay them off to forget the incident. Luckily for them their son Donald hasn’t had any incidents with woman or anything of the sorts. 

John went to the stage and looked out of the curtains and there she was sitting at the table he had booked for her. God she looked beautiful he thought to himself.

“So that’s Ellie huh? Cute. You sure she likes you? She couldn’t go for someone more worldly huh?” Jack asked him.

John turned around and looked him straight in the eye, “Nuh huh. She’s mine so hands off Ponti.” He told him dead seriously.

“Hey I was only joking Bongiovi okay. You ready?” he asked as he went and got the rest of the guys.

Ellie saw the lights go down and the curtains open and the band started playing when John jumped out and started singing. During the show he played to her for during half of it and she just blushed and Ponti had to bump into him several times to remind him that there was more of an audience than one. John really didn’t care tonight because he really was playing for one. His one. But the regulars knew that too and some of the other girls didn’t quite like it either and wanted to know who this girl was. And there was one there that was glad to tell them who she was. The guys had gotten thru their first set and John just jumped off the stage as he couldn’t wait to see her.

Kissing her as he had reached the table and then finally parting, “Hey Baby how did you like the show so far?” he asked her smiling from ear to ear as he was soaked in sweat.

Smiling herself and excited, “You were great John just great. You know you have a wonderful voice.” She told him staring at him lovingly.

“Nah your just prejudice. So did you get anything to drink or eat?’ he asked her.

“Yes John I did.” She told him smiling.

“Oh okay then I just want to make sure that your taken care of that’s all.” He told her before he leaned in and kissed her.

Separating again, “I know that. But um do all your guests get this kind of treatment?” she wanted to know.

“No just the really special ones though.” He said before the guys came and sat with them.

“So this is Ellie well how are you doing Beautiful?”  Jack said taking her hand in his.

A little shocked Ellie responded, “Well thank you and well by the way.” she told him.

“PONTI!” John growled.

“Oh let up Bongiovi we won’t hurt her will we guys?” Jack said smiling.

As they were talking someone walked up to the table dressed in a black leather mini skirt and a teal green baby doll top with a white cardigan and black high heel pumps. “Well, well, well look what we have here you guys have your own groupie good for you.” They all looked up from the table but John knew that voice anywhere.

“What the Hell do you want Dotty I thought I told you that you weren’t wanted here.” He said with venom.

“I got your point Johnny I just came here with some friends were in the back. You know you don’t run this place its public. Anyone can come here especially tonight. It is under twenty-one you know.” She told him smiling.

“I know that Dotty so bug off will you this is private here.” He told her.

“Oh am I interrupting something? I’m so sorry I just wanted to let you know that I was late this month about a week and half ago but luckily for you I got my period the day before yesterday so you’re out of the woods. We really almost blew it you know.” She told him as all the blood ran out of his face when reality set in. The guys in the band also just looked at John and didn’t know what to say especially when they realized Ellie was sitting there too.

“Well I just thought I’d let you know why should I be the only one worry over that one right?” she said and started to turn around and leave when John jumped up and grabbed her.

“How could you! How the hell could you do this to me and to Ellie!” he whispered to her when he heard, “John?” he turned around and saw Ellie standing there with a very concerned and tearful look on her face.

Never Say Goodbye

   

  The two weeks had passed by fast and now it was time to say goodbye again. But this time Ellie had something to look forward going back to so that help immensely thou it still hurt to leave her family again. They all made their good byes and Dad took her to the airport where she left for Sayreville and to her John.  It didn’t take long and when she got there she grabbed her bag and looked for Michael. But instead she got the surprise of her life when standing by the rest of the awaiting group of people to pick up their loved ones was a really cute guy with his hair in a ponytail with a limo cap on and holding a sign saying ‘Ellie Anderson’ on it with smiley faces on it. She stood there smiling herself before dropping everything and running into his arms.

Kissing her hard for about a minute while others were watching on and off he finally part them and said to her out of breath, “So I take it your happy then that I came to get you.”

Ruffling her nose and mouth, “No not really why would you think that?” she told him trying to keep a straight face.

“Oh no reason, so you kiss all your male friends like this then?” he asked her staring at her.

“No only because I don’t have any male friends but when I get some I’ll let you know.” She said smiling.

“You are such a pain in the ass you know that?” he told her smiling.

“Yeah but you knew that and love me anyway.” She told him back. He just laughed and kissed her again. He put her bags in his car and drove her back to Marsha’s and Michael’s where they were waiting for her. The kids were so happy to see her again as Marsha put her bags back in her room. They all talked for a while and then John took her out for dinner so they could be alone. John had saved up some money so they could go to this cute little restaurant in town that wasn’t too expensive but was a nice place. They enjoyed a nice dinner where they talked about what he was doing with The Rest and how he was enjoying the new gig. He told her how Jack was teaching him how to structure his songs and how to make set lists fit the night if the mood strikes him. John was also telling her how he disagrees with him that he really doesn’t care for Jack’s set lists but hasn’t told him yet. She wanted to know why he hasn’t told him yet but John doesn’t feel it’s his place yet. She didn’t want to push him into telling him that he should tell him seeing that she didn’t know her place in his life yet so she felt that she would wait and see. She would push him where she felt he needed to be pushed. After dinner John wanted to surprise her so when they left the got in his car and just drove.

“So where are we going now?” she asked hi curious.

“You’ll see.” He said mysteriously.

Finally John drove down to the beach where he parked. He looked over to Ellie, “So do you feel like going for a walk?” he asked her.

“I guess but isn’t getting kind of late? I mean it’s going to be dark soon.” She told him hoping that he’d rather go someplace else than on that sandy beach which she really wasn’t keen on.

“It’s ok I’ll hold your hand, plus I have a blanket in the car we can take with us.” He told her smiling. She looked at him just grinning and saying to herself ‘Oh goody.’ She really didn’t like the beach whether it was day or night. She just wasn’t a fan of it. She hated the sand, the fish and crap swimming in the water and the salt water she’d rather be swimming in a pool that is clear and can be skimmed out by a skimmer. He came back with the blanket and took her hand and they started walking towards the beach. They walked about a quarter of a mile down the beach to this little alcove where they would be out of eye site and he spread the blanket down on the sand. “Come sit with me.” He asked her as he helped her down on to the blanket. Looking into her eyes, “You know I missed you so much?” he told her lovingly.

“I missed you too John.” She told him smiling.

“Ellie I need to ask you something and well I don’t want you to think I’m rushing you or anything because I love you I really love you and with you being away these last two weeks just made me realize that even more. But I so want to show you just how much I love you and if you let me I promise I won’t let you down and you’ll be my one and only girl I promise you that.” He told her as he held her hand as he rubbed her hand in his.

Ellie just looked at him nervously knowing what he was talking about. But was she ready to take their relationship to the next level. “I really love you to John. But I’m not going to lie I know what you’re talking about and I am scared. But that’s because I think too much. It’s not because of you. I trust you I really do it’s just oh God you’re going to think I stupid.” She told him as she looked down at their hands.

Smiling he took his one hand and cupped her cheek and said, “I don’t think you’re stupid. Now what were you going to say?” he asked her as he caressed her cheek with the back of his hand.

“It’s stupid I told you.” She said uncomfortably.

“Will you just tell me please.” He said now as he really needed to know.

“Fine! I just feel that my parents know everything that I’m doing! OK! For some stupid reason they know they just know and if we do it they’ll know especially if I talk to them they’ll know by the tone in my voice or something.” She told him. Well that just set John off and he couldn’t stop laughing. He didn’t mean too but he just couldn’t stop. Ellie just sat there and watched him for a second or two and then she didn’t know why but the tears just started flowing. 

John saw that she was crying as she had turned her head. She didn’t want him to see that she was crying and she tried to wipe the tears from her face. “Ellie? Oh Baby I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you cry. Ellie? Ah shit. Baby please look at me.” He told her as he now felt like crap. “Baby look at me please.” He said again as he reached out to her trying to get her to turn around.

She finally turned around as her face was wet with tears so she tried to wipe them away from crying. “I’m sorry John I really didn’t mean to cry I don’t know why I am it just seemed to hit me like a ton of bricks.” She told him.

“No Ellie I’m sorry I shouldn’t of laughed like that but I just got this picture in my head and…well I can be an asshole sometimes and I’m sorry and I should have told you about that.” He tried to explain to her.

Sniffing, “Explain to me about what? I don’t understand John.” She asked him confused.

Chuckling, “You know I love you. That I can be an asshole that’s what.” He said smiling.

“Oh well ok well I can be a real bitch when I want to so we’re even.” She told him back.

Now John just sat there a little shocked. “Wait what do you mean you can be a bitch? I mean I saw you handle Dotty and her squad of terror which was great but I really can’t see you as a bitch.” He told her surprised.

“Well you haven’t talked to my siblings have you? Or anyone who has ever tried to hurt them. Trust me don’t ever piss me off about people I love or about Elvis and we’ll be fine just fine.” She said smiling.

“Well I’ll remember that beautiful.” He told her as he leaned in and took her by the back of her head with one hand and started to kiss her passionately.  After about a minute or two he laid her on the blanket but she got nervous whether it was because they were out in the open or because she wasn’t ready but she pushed him away. John looked down at her in a confused look. “Is everything ok Ellie?” he asked her concerned.

“Um I think we need to talk John.” She told him.

Sitting up, “Ok what’s wrong?” he wanted to know.

“Well don’t you think this is um kind of well you know out in the open?” she asked him as she was looking around concerned that someone might stumble upon them.

Smiling and thanking God that was the only thing that she was worried about he told her, “Is that all you’re worried about Honey? Oh thank God because I thought that you might of changed your mind about us.” He told her.

“Oh no God no John I told you I love you I just think that making out or well you know out in the open like this just isn’t right.” She told him.

Then it dawn on him, “Oh God Ellie no making out yes but I wouldn’t ask you to make love out in the open like this and especially your first time as it was. Oh no I have special plans for you and I when you’re ready. So don’t worry ok.” He told her scooping her up in his arms and laying her on his chest as her back was resting on it and looking up at the sky.   

“So you’re ok with it then?” she asked him.

“Of course I am. I just want you to be comfortable and ready ok. I don’t want you to regret anything.” He told her.

Smiling, “Believe me I won’t regret anything I promise you. Being away from you I realized just how much I missed you. But even more how much I love you. I also noticed that you got upset that Herbie was over while I was home. Now what I’m about to tell you can you act like an adult or are you going to blow up like a baby?” she asked him.

He furrowed his brow and looked down at her wondering what the hell happened when she went home. So for that brief second a surge of jealous went thru him. But then he actually heard what she said and decided to hear her out. “Ok Baby I’ll act like an adult so tell me what happened?” he asked her as he was about to hold his breath.

“Well I was finally able to get closure for me and Herbie. I don’t think he liked it but I really needed it you know? I even told Joey kind of off for getting in the way.” She told him.

“Getting in the way?” John asked.

“I told you on how Joe thinks he’s my big brother when he’s actually a year younger than me. I think he did it because I’m sick when I’m the one who always took care of them but since he’s gotten taller he thinks now he is the older one.” She explained.

“Yeah I get that because he’s the older boy Hon. Give him some slack ok.” John told her.

“I did but Hon you have to understand I had this really bad crush on Herbie and I thought he had one on me too. But I don’t know I mean he did like me it’s just that well when Joe told him hands off and meant hands off I guess that well if he wasn’t going to get it from me well he was going to get it from someone else and he did. But I told you I wasn’t going to put out right away and you didn’t say well too bad and tell me goodbye and go looking for someone who would. You’re still with me waiting.” She told him looking lovingly into his blue eyes as he smiled and caressed her cheeks again.

“That’s because you are so worth the wait Baby. Herbie is definitely a fool. But I’d so liked to thank him for that because if he wasn’t then I wouldn’t have you then. His stupid mistake is definitely my gain. The greatest day will be when you’re ready for me to show you just how much I love you Ellie. I know it sounds corny but I really do mean it. Not because I just want to get physical with you. I don’t know what it is about you Ellie but from the moment I met you I just knew that I wanted to be with you.” he told her from the bottom of his heart as she listened as her heart melted.

“John nobody has ever said those things to me before.” She told him trying to hold back her tears. “I tried so hard not to like you I really did only because I didn’t want to be hurt. I always get hurt by people who I end up trusting. At least the new people in my life you don’t get it. You see you needed to grow up with me to understand what I’ve been thru to understand or at least that’s how I always felt. Um anyway then I met you and you just didn’t go away. I never understood why and I still don’t but I don’t care all I know is that I love you more than anything and for right now I just want to be with you so if you’ll have me never let me go ok?” she asked him as he smiled ear to ear.

“Ellie I have no plans to let you go right now as long as you have no plans to let me go?” he asked her. She just shooked her head no because right now she couldn’t talk as the tears started to roll down her face and she was a little choked up. “Hey I hope those are happy tears. Come here.” He said and took her in his arms and kissed her like there was no tomorrow. He laid her back down and they stayed there for a while making out with each other and cuddling. 

When it started getting dark John grabbed the blanket and then took Ellie’s hand and they headed back to his car. They both were walking on cloud nine. They decided they wanted to grab a quick bite so they were going to stop off at the local pizza joint before going home. On the way Ellie asked him, “John so were in agreement then right?” she asked him nervously.

“Baby of course we are and it will be ok I told you that I’ll make all the arrangements. The only thing we’ll have to worry about is getting you out of the house for the weekend that’s all. If this goes ok because I usually go on this annual camping trip with some friends of mine and their girlfriends and we’ve been doing it for the last four years since high school. Seeing that we’ve just graduated I know my folks will be ok about it now all we have to do is get Marsha and Michael to ok it once we do we’ll split from them ok?” he told her putting his and on her knee and squeezing. “Now let’s just go eat something before my stomach growls too loud ok?” he said laughing.

They drove up at the pizza restaurant and walked inside and grabbed a booth. John ordered half pepperoni and half cheese. They were sitting next to each other enjoying each other’s company when of course Dorothea and her group walked in. When John noticed he nearly choked on his pizza.

“John are you ok. Quick sip some of your soda.” Ellie told him.

John shooked his head and did what he was told as Dot and the girls walked over and Ellie looked up and rolled her eyes. “Well hello there I see your little girlfriend is back from wherever she went.” Dorothea smugly said.

“Hello Dorothea what do you want?” Ellie asked her.

“Just to say hello is there anything wrong with that?” she asked Ellie.

“Depends in what you mean by it?” Ellie asked. John finally found his voice back.

“Dot do you mind but we’re trying to eat in peace.” He said thru gritted teeth.

“Oh I don’t mind I wanted to know if you of anything new that’s happened. Have you John?” she asked him sneering.

“NO. And if I did why would I tell you?” he again said thru gritted teeth. As they were talking back and forth Ellie was watching the banter and couldn’t understand what was going on. But then again it was with Dorothea and she didn’t understand half of anything she did.

“Well I do like to stay abreast on this you know how it is right Ellie?” she asked her smiling.

“No not really Dorothea I’m not a gossip.” She told her outright.

“Dot like I was saying we’re trying to eat so just leave so we can enjoy our meal.” John told her.

“Fine I’ll leave but you do know how gossip gets around John that’s all I just wanted to let you know that. You two have a good night.” She told them and gave John a wink then walked off to a table with her girls.

Ellie just looked at John with a weird look on her face. “John what the hell was all that about?” she asked him.

“Baby if I knew what goes on in her head I think I could make a million dollars. I don’t know I’d probably still be with her you know? She’s just plain nuts don’t worry about ok. Let’s just finish eating and get the hell out of here.” He told her plus he didn’t want to be anywhere near her just in case she decided to spill the beans and God only knew what he would do to her. They finished up and lefted as Dot stared at them the whole time. John gave her the eye back as if she said anything he would finish her right then and there.

Ellie was getting tired so John decided to take her home. They pulled up in the driveway and he turned off the car. “So do you want to come in with me?” Ellie asked him.

“What do you think?” John told her. “But do you think Michael will be ok with it?” he asked her.

“Well he better or I’ll call my parents and see if they’ll talk to him. I mean it’s not that late.” Ellie told him.

“Well we can find out let’s see.” John told her.

They walked up to the front door and Ellie opened it and Michael and Marsha were in the living room watching a movie.

“Hi did you guys have fun?” Marsha asked them.

“Yeah we did. Are the kids in bed?” Ellie asked.

“Yeah we put them down a while ago. Do you guys want anything?” Marsha asked them.

“Um no if you don’t mind I could get them on the way to the den thou?” she asked them nervously.

“Sure Honey you know where everything is.” Marsha told her while Michael listened as he was also trying to watch the movie.

“Oh thanks ok then we’ll be just watching a movie then.” She told them and they walked in the kitchen to grab some drinks.

Marsha looked over to her husband and said to him, “I thought that was cute of her didn’t you?”

Michael turned to her and asked, “What was cute?”

“You’re dense you know that. She was nervous about John and being alone with him in the den. She was asking us if it was ok for him to stay you moron.” Marsha told him.

“Oh that yeah so they know not to do anything because he knows that I’d kill him. Maybe that’s why they seemed nervous Hon. So tell me why is that a bad thing?” he asked his wife grinning.

“You are impossible Michael!” she told him smiling. “Are you going to be this bad with Katie?” she asked him.

“Worse!” he said smiling. Marsha just sat back shaking her head.

In the den Ellie turned on the t.v. but before she knew it John came from behind her and wrapped his arms around her as she did her best not to squeal. “John!” she tried to yelp very quietly.

“Ha ha ha Gotcha.” He told her and started to nibble on her neck. Ellie was giggling like crazy and then he turned her in his arms and started to kiss her like he’s known her his entire life. When they parted he just stared into her hazel blue eyes like they were his life line and she was sure she could feel his heart beating.

“Hey that’s not fair.” she told him wrapping her arms around his neck.

“What’s not fair?” He asked her as he gave her butterfly kisses on her lips and nose.

“This! Now stop will ya you’re driving me nuts.” She told him giggling.

“Hmm it’s gonna cost ya.” He told her as he moved to her ear lobe which almost made her lose her footing.

“Ok I give what’s it going to cost me?” she asked him glaring at him.

He just stood there smiling from ear to ear. She furrowed her brow because she was trying to understand what the hell he was trying to tell her. Moving some hair off her face to the side he was still smiling at her when she realized what he meant. “JOHN!” she said quietly but meaningful.

“I know it will come in time but that time is sooo coming up Baby.” He told her kissing her.

They watched a movie and he noticed that she was dozing off and on during the movie. Finally he told her that was enough and he was just getting tired watching her. He told her to go to bed and that he would see her in the morning. So she walked him out as they said goodnight.

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

Went he entered his house John Sr. and Carol were watching t.v. themselves as he walked in.

“Hello John I see your home early so I take it that you were out with Ellie?” his dad asked.

“Yeah she got home today and I picked her up at the airport.” He told his parents.

“Really so you’ve been with her all day?” he asked.

“Huh, Yeah I have.” He told them as he started to head to the kitchen.

“How is she John?” Carol asked her son.

Stopping, “She’s doing great why?” he asked them.

“No reason Honey we’re just asking. It’s just that well I was out with the girls and well I just heard this yesterday so I hadn’t had the chance to talk to you about this.” Carol started to tell him.

“Tell me what Mom?” he asked annoyed.

“Well that you were with Dotty now. Her Mother Dorothea was telling me at the Garden club that you two were back together. I told her I didn’t think so and that Ellie was just visiting her family and that she would be back soon but she seemed to know what she was talking about.” She told her son who looked shell shocked.

“Mom are you sure she said that to you?” he asked her panicked.

“I’m sure dear she was very adamant about it in fact.” She told him.

“Well it’s nothing to worry about Mom it’s just Dotty playing games that’s all. I’ve got it handled.” He told them and went into the kitchen angry as hell that Dotty broke her promise and at least told her mother that she was back with him and God only knows what else she told her or anyone else. He had to find out and fast before Ellie did.  

Something For The Pain

A few days have gone by now and Ellie still hasn’t heard from John. She had convinced herself that he was just busy and that maybe he had gotten that day job that his parents wanted him to get to so that could be the reason why he hasn’t been able to call again. Didn’t matter anyway she had been busy too. She had gotten her license and then her family had thrown her a seventeenth birthday party. Her parents always went big for their children on birthdays and Christmas. Just something that their Dad never had as a child so he always makes sure his children gets. The best thing was the weekend was starting tomorrow and they were going over her Aunts and Uncles to see them and they were having another party for her but all she cared about was seeing her Uncle Chick who was Mom’s younger brother and who grew up with her. Grandma and him lived with them up until he moved out to get his own place after Grandma had passed away. By this time Mom and Dad already had Me and Joe and Chickie was on the way. He was her favorite Uncle and they had just had a baby, Tommy. The five of them swore they weren’t going to do what their cousins did to them growing up. They were going to treat Tommy like a little brother.

Ellie was having a great time being home when Sunday came around and then Mom and Dad were up and her siblings were getting up one by one. The party was a blast and they all had fun but what Ellie didn’t tell anyone was that her head was starting to hurt. She had gotten her period that day and by the afternoon the headache was slowly creeping in. She took her meds before they left but by the time they had gotten home she felt like she wanted to die. She made up some excuse that she was really tired and wanted to go to bed so by noon time when her Mom realized that she wasn’t up yet Cecelia knew something was up. She told her husband and he agreed for her to go check on her so she did.

Cecelia walked into her bedroom and sat on her bed. “Sweetheart wake up. Are you all right?” she asked her daughter. Ellie rolled over and Cecelia could tell right away that she was having an attack as she was pale as a ghost. “Oh Honey how bad is it?” she asked her.

Ellie looked up at her Mom, “Bad Mommy I feel like I want to throw up too.” She told her in pain.

“Ok let me go tell Daddy and we’ll have Joey take care of the kids.” Cecelia told her.

Ellie really didn’t want to spend any of her time at the hospital during her stay but she really didn’t have any say in it right now. She needed a shot and fast. So her parents got the kids set up so they could get Ellie to the hospital. Unfortunately they had to wait for quite a while before someone came out from the ER to see her but Paul was getting pissed and he wanted her doctor to look at her and didn’t care that it was a Sunday. So he demanded that he get his ass in there as soon as possible or he was going to the press and pulling the plug on this whole thing. He felt that his daughter was gone for four months and what was she showing for all her troubles. Nothing! Well that got the doctor moving and Ellie got her shot and an hour later she was going home with her parents. The doctor wanted to do a few more test but Paul wouldn’t have it. He felt she was thru enough for one night and that they would speak in the morning when he was less upset.

Meanwhile as she was at the hospital John had called to see how everything was going and he had gotten Chick that had answered the phone. “Hello?” Chick asked.

“Um yes is Ellie there please.” John asked.

“No she had to go to the hospital with our parents.” Chickie told him.

Nervous now he asked him, “Why? Is she ok?”

“No she got one of her bad headaches and Mommy and Daddy had to take her for a shot.” Chickie told him.

“A shot? She’s that bad?” John asked her brother.

“Yep whose’s this? Is this her boyfriend she talks about?” Chickie asked him.

“She talks about me?” John wanted to know.

“Yeah she does, well kinda of. You’re the boy she met and likes so you’re her boyfriend right?” Chickie asked him again.

“Yeah, yeah I am. Who is this?” he asked.

“I’m Chickie.” He said.                                            

“Well Chickie can you do me a really big favor?” John asked him.

“Yeah ok what?” Chick asked him.

“Give your sister a message for me that I called and that I’ll call her tomorrow around noon time ok?” John asked him.

“Ok.” Chick told him and hung up.

John just looked at the phone and smiled as the younger boy just hung up the phone on him. He also hoped that he would give Ellie his message and that she would be around when he called her tomorrow. He really needed to hear her voice again. This whole thing with Dorothea was weighing on him badly. Dorothea just kept on calling the house wanting to talk to him and he still wasn’t ready to talk to her. He couldn’t believe that he cheated on Ellie with her of all people. The more he thought about it the more it made him sick. Sick in so many ways because he really thought he could hold out until she got back. Because he loved her and not Dorothea. He really couldn’t understand what made him do what he did. Or why his Mother was trying to get him to talk to her. She didn’t know what had happen but was pushing him to find out why she was calling so much and what was her problem. He told her that she was just playing games with him and not to bother with her but Carol was being a pest about it so he told her that he would think about it and to leave him alone. Carol just smiled to herself as she had walked away.

John had to get ready to get to The Fast Lane and meet up with the guys so he ran upstairs to grab his stuff and then ran out the door. It didn’t take him long to get there where he and Jack went over the set list for tonight’s gig. John didn’t want to make wave’s as of yet so he let go a couple of the song’s that Jack had put down for tonight’s performance but he felt in the next few weeks he still felt the same way he was going to speak up to see that he had to sing these songs. Joe came over and had asked how things were coming and Jack told him that everything was good and that John was a great fit to the band. Joe was relieved to hear this only because all he was hearing in the last few weeks was how Jack was moaning about how their keyboard player was making mistakes at doing the singing and trying to play at the same time. They had set everything up and were getting ready to play when John had spotted at one of the tables Dotty and her girlfriends.

That’s all he needed tonight he thought. So he walked over to Joe and asked him, “Joe question for you. See those girls over there?” John pointed out to him.

“Oh yeah they’re really cute. You have a thing for one of them?” he asked him smirking.

“Oh God no! What if I tell you that they have fake I.D.’s and that one of them is only here to make my life miserable?” John told him pissed off.

“Ok let me get this straight, one of them has it out for? Or she has the hot’s for you which is it Bongiovi because I really don’t see a down side in this. Just fuck her brains out then dump her.” He told him.

“I’ve already done that and she still won’t go away. Look I have this really great girlfriend and that one with the long brown hair and the half shirt well she’s my ex and just won’t fucking go away can you just do something?” he asked him almost begging.

“Now I get it you don’t want the other one to know about her fine but look John she has a fake I.D. right? She got in with it and so did her friends. Now you you’re her age I take it?” he asked him as John shooked his head yes. “Just great then well I can’t do a damn thing then because she knows you’re under age and that I hired you. Which means if I throw her out she can call the cops on me and not only get you arrested but me closed down. And possibly thrown in jail too. So I’m not gonna risk it. And neither are you so keep your mouth shut or your outta here got that!” as he read John the riot act.

“Yeah I got it.” John said back to him not to happy.

“Good now get that little ass of your’s up on that stage and do your thing got it!” Jim told him and went back to do what he was doing which was hitting on a few of the easier class of women in the place.

John wasn’t too happy with him at the moment but he wasn’t going to show it to the other guys either afraid he would get the same reaction. He went on just as planned and he rocked it despite not being crazy about the set list. As they were ready for their break he ran to the men’s room and when he came back sitting at the table by the exit sign was Dorothea.

“Hey John looks like you got your stalker waiting for you.” Jack said to him.

“It’s not his stalker Jack it’s his ex Dorothea. Oh wait a minute she would be your stalker then wouldn’t she?” Tommy started to laugh.

“Oh you guys are just a laugh a minute aren’t you?” John shot back not happy.

Dorothea saw them and started waving for him to come to her and sit with her. John just looked at the guys and with his left hand behind him gave them the finger as he walked over to her.

“Hey Dotty what are you doing here?” he asked her not happy.

“Well I came to see you silly come and sit with me and have a drink.” she told him smiling a little evilly.

Against his better judgement he sat down across form her. He didn’t want to sit next to her or near her. “Ok Dotty what do you want?” he asked annoyed.

“What’s wrong with you? I came here to see you perform again which by the way you were awesome. I just want to talk with you that’s all.” She said to him.

“I told you I don’t want to talk about it Dotty and I want you to keep your big mouth shut about it also do you understand me.” He told her out right.

“Wait just a minute. What the hell does that mean John? You want to keep what happened between us like it never happened?” she asked shocked.

“You catch on fast Dotty; Yes I want you to forget that ever happened. I never meant that to happen and I never meant to hurt you either but you know I’m involved with Ellie and that I care for her very much. So you have to promise me that you won’t say anything to anyone what happened between us and especially to Ellie you got that.” He said excitedly.

This is what Dotty wanted and now she had him where she wanted him. “Really John you think that low of me. Well first of all it’s too late my girlfriend’s already know about what happened between us that night. I guess I thought that we were back together seeing that we had made love that night and you told me that you loved me. Well I guess I’m the fool. So she’s going to find when she gets back the little virgin. Of course I can stop it if you just tell her that you just want to call the whole thing off with her and that you decided that you had made a mistake and that you decided that you want me back. I’ll just let you break it off with her or I’ll do it for you. You decide.” She explained to him as he was seeing red.

“You fucking Bitch! There’s no way I’m getting back with you. Even if you tell her I’m not getting back with you. You know I can start so many rumors about you but my parents didn’t raise me that way Baby.” He spat at her.

“Boy you’re so different when you’re drunk you know that. Does she know that? Does she know what’s she getting into? Maybe I should have a little heart to heart with her.” She told him as she laugh.

“You go near her and it will be the last thing you do you got that!” he said as he grabbed her arm.

“Tsk, tsk Johnny Boy you better let go of me we’re drawing a crowd.” She told him happily. John let her go but he wasn’t happy.

“You know Dotty one of these days you’re going to go up against the wrong guy and you’ll be sorry.” He told her. Just then Tommy yelled for him that they’re break was over and he needed to get ready for their next set. “Don't be here when I get off the stage you got that.” He told her as he left. She sat there for a few minutes and tried to figure out how she was going to explain to Mrs. B. that she blew it.

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

Ellie had gotten back with her parents from the hospital a few hours later and was in no mood for anything. She felt like she had been hit by a truck. All she wanted to do was to go to bed. Beth and Sean were watching t.v. with Chickie when they walked in. They were used to her going so they knew to leave her alone when she got home. Paul and Cecelia wonder where Joe was. They asked Chickie and he told them he was down stairs. Luckily Ellie slept thru the night and had woken up around noon time the next day. When she came downstairs Mom was sitting at the kitchen table.

“Hey Sweetheart how are you feeling today?” she asked her daughter.

“Like a mac truck hit me that’s how.” She told her Mom. “Can I have some tea please?”

“Sure, would you like me to make you your eggs?” Cecelia asked her.

“Please?” she said as only her Mom could make her.

“Oh Sarah call I told her what happened and that you wouldn’t be up to anything today and that you would call her later is that ok?” her Mom asked her.

“That’s fine Mom. Um did anyone else call?” she asked her.

“No not that I know.” Her Mom smiled.

“Oh ok.” She said disappointed.

“Were you hoping that a certain boy was going to call you?” her Mom asked.

Making a face at her, “Stop Mom, what do you think. I know he said there might be lapses when he calls me but still you know my heart jumps even when he doesn’t call me.” She told her even thou she knew it sounded sad.

“Honey it’s ok to feel this way about him. But just do me a favor and try not to get too involved into him only because you’re not going to be there long enough to start a real relationship with him. You’ll be coming home probably sooner now than later if your Father has anything to say about it only because he feels that the clinic isn’t helping you any and he wants you home.” She told her daughter.

“Really? I thought that you and Daddy really wanted this for me?” she told her Mom.

“Well we did but we feel that they’re not keeping their end of the bargain. They have a lot to prove right now and until they do in the coming months your Father will pull you and fast.” She told her.

Just then Chickie came in the kitchen wanting to know if they could go swimming. “Mom Beth and Sean want to go swimming to so can they go with me or do they need to wait for you?” he asked antsy.

“I’ll go put my bathing suit on and I’ll be right out ok?” she told him.

“Good because they are driving me nuts.” He told her. “El are you coming out too?” he asked her.

“No Chick the sun will hurt my eyes if I go out right now but thanks.” She told him.

“Oh ok, oh by the way your boyfriend called last night said he was going to call you sometime around now so he’ll be calling I guess. Come on Mom!” Chick told her as she sat there ready to pounce on him for not saying anything last night.

“He WHAT! Why didn’t you tell me he called last night!” she yelled at him.

“Well I forgot plus you went to bed and you don’t like anybody bothering you when you don’t feel good.” He told her.

“Fine! But next time Chick if he calls it’s ok to bother me.” She told him.

“Girls!” he said and left.

It wasn’t that much longer about fifteen minutes when the phone rang and Ellie screamed she got it. As her dad just walked in himself and was about to answer the phone. He just looked at her like she lost her mind.

“Hello?” she said hoping to hear his voice on the other end.

“Well hello to you to beautiful.” He said back to her.

“John? Hi how are you?” she asked him.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” he asked her concerned.

“Oh yeah so you know about that huh?” she said. “My brother finally told me that you called me. Sorry but it wasn’t until this morning thou.” She told him.

“Yeah well I guess I’m glad that he just told you. When we were talking he just hung up on me so I’m lucky you even got my message.” He said chuckling. “So how are you really?” he asked wanting to know.

“Well like I told my Mom I feel like I got hit by a truck. But better thanks. So how are you?” she wanted to know.

“Missing you. I didn’t get a chance to tell but I got that gig with that band. The Rest I’m their new lead singer. It’s lead by a guy named Jack Ponti and I can’t wait for you to hear us and they’re having an underage night in a couple of weeks so you’ll be able to come and hear me sing that is if you want to.” He said to her hoping that she would want to go.

“Well of course I want to go why wouldn’t I. I’ll talk to Mom and Dad so they’ll talk to Marsha and Mike so they’ll let me go ok. That way there won’t be any trouble of me going.” She told happily.

“Great Babe I can’t wait til you get back here you know? It’s only been a little over a week and I can’t believe how much I miss you. I can’t believe that I’m actually telling you this I’m usually not this needy when it comes to the opposite sex.” He told her.

She thought for a moment then asked him, “Is that bad then?” she wanted to know.

“Well yeah it actually is especially where I’m trying to get where I want to go.” He told her.

“And where’s that John?” she wanted to know even thou she had a feeling and that she thought he could handle both.

“Fame and to get the hell out of here. I have to make the right connections Babe I just have to and once I do that there won’t be anything that you’ll ever have to want again I promise.” He told her from his heart.

“You know if you or anyone else told me that about six months ago I wouldn’t have believed you. But now I do with all my heart.” She told him. He just smiled as he sat there listening to her but if she ever knew what happened between him and Dorothea he knew that she wouldn’t be with him anymore.

“I know if anyone told me the same thing well you know. So did you like your gifts? I think I forgot to ask you.” He asked her having a feeling of what she got.

“Yeah I did. I showed everyone what you got me. Of course they all teased me.” She told him giggling.

“How come?” he asked her curious.

“Really? Because you knew right off to get me something Elvis and we only known each other for a few months my family thought that was hysterical. They thought I would be shyer around you because you’re a boy and you would need a crowbar to get info out of me.” She told him again giggling.

“Really? You’re that bad huh? Then why were you more belligerent with me then?” he wanted to know.

“I don’t know I was the same way with Herbie. I just feel if I am then I guess you guys will back off.” She said quietly and not really wanting to tell him. 

“Hey did I hit a sensitive subject?” he asked her.

“I just don’t want to talk about it over the phone ok? You asked me what I got for my birthday and yes I got some Elvis things. Records and t-shirts oh and my parents got me a key chain of him and a guitar too with keys to the house and cars.” She told him.

“That’s great Babe. Maybe if you’re a good little girl I’ll even let you drive my car.” He told her.

“A good little girl? Oh you just wait til I get back pal!” she told him when her Mom walked into the kitchen. “Hey we have to cool it ok my Mom just walked in.” she told him.

“What we’re not talking dirty.” He told her.

“Yeah I know but it’s close enough I think and she‘s not used to me having a boyfriend in the first place you know.” She told him.

“Are you ashamed of me?” he asked her confused.

“Of course not where did that come from?” she asked him confused herself.

“You! You basically just said it Ellie.” He told her really annoyed.

“Look my Mom is really old fashioned and I’ve been housed bound since forever so don’t start but I told her about us and she’s getting used to the idea about you and me and when I told her all about you and how you treat me she really liked that. But she hasn’t heard us talking and really seen us together so when she does I know she’ll fall in love with you but you’ll have to respect my parents and go slowly so they’ll get used to the idea that the one they never thought would ever get off that couch and get a life would ok?” she explained to him straight out.

He listened to her and how she meant every word she said. No one ever said anything like that to him before and meant it. “I’m sorry Ellie I shouldn’t of doubt you. It’s just that no one’s ever well ever cared about me like you do that’s all.” He told her.

“I understand John I feel the same way. Well my family has but never someone like you. You know I love you right?” she asked him hopeful.

“Baby you know I do I love you more everyday and I can’t wait til you get back. Never doubt that.” He told her with every being in his body. Now he had to do everything in his power to make sure that she would never know what happened that night.   

Betrayal

Ellie landed at Logan and was looking around until she saw her Dad and ran up to him almost running him down.

“Whoa Honey I’m glad to see you too, so how’s my girl doing?” he asked her as she finally let go of him. When she did he noticed that she was crying. “Ellie Honey what’s this?” he asked concerned.

“Oh Daddy it’s nothing I’m just glad to be home that’s all. I missed you guys so much.” She told him as the tears couldn’t stop coming.

“Well I’ll tell you a little secret your Mom’s been tearing up too so you’re not the only one. Come on I have a house full of people that can’t wait to see you.” He told her smiling and secretly was tearing up before she landed.  Traffic wasn’t bad for that time of night so it only took them a little over a half an hour to get home. As soon as they drove up Sean came running out of the house because Cecilia couldn’t contain him any longer.  He ran right to her wrapping his arms around her waist.

“Hey Sean Sean how are you Honey?” she asked him as he hugged the hell out of her.

“Ok Sean come on let’s get inside.” Paul said as he took her bag.

It was like that as soon as she walked in the back door one by one everyone grabbed her and hugged the hell out of her especially Mom who took her time letting go. Ellie touched base about Marsha, Michael and the kids and how she gets along with them and how she has her own room. She told her parents that she would get into the clinic and more tomorrow but that she was really tired and that she really would like to go to bed if that was alright. Her parents told her of course so Joey brought up her bag so she could change and go to bed. She just hoped that she would dream of John and maybe that it would give her some insight in how to tell her parents that she liked a boy that lived next door to her cousins. Yeah this is so going to go over well.

Morning came and her parents let her sleep late and she came down around noon time. Her Mom made her breakfast and her Mom was just getting her caught up on the latest gossip in the neighborhood and family. It was now a little after one O’clock when she saw a car pull up in the driveway and nearly died when she saw that it was Herbie getting out of the car. “Oh crap Mar Herbie’s here I’ll be upstairs changing I can’t let him see me like this.” she told her mother as she ran upstairs to change.

Herbie knocked on the door and asked Mrs. A if Joe was around. She said yes and told him that he was downstairs in his room. So Herbie went down there to see him. It didn’t take long for Ellie to change and come back downstairs. “Mom where did he go?” she asked.

“He went downstairs to see your brother.” She said.       

“Oh ok well I’ll be in the den watching t.v.” Ellie told her. Ellie was flipping thru the channels not really watching anything when the phone rang. Her mother picked up the phone and then walked into the den a bit surprised when she had to interrupt her.

“Ellie the phone call is for you. It’s a young man. Do you want me to tell him you’re busy?” her mother asked her.

Ellie just looked at her Mom and smiled, “No, no I’ll talk to him.” she told her as her Mom just smiled backed. Talking the phone and sitting on the stairs that lead to the upstairs she answers, “Hello?” she asks.

“Hey Baby I see you made it ok.” John said to her.

“Hi to you to. Yeah I made ok. How are you?” she asked him excitedly.

“Missing you already. I hope its ok that I called you already but I just wanted to hear your voice.” He told her hung over from last night and feeling guilty about an incident that happen.

“Is everything ok? How did everything go last night? Did you get the job?” she asked him but wasn’t able to find out because just then Joe and Herbie came up from out of the basement. That’s where Joe’s bedroom was.

“Well we can ask her…oh here she is now.” Joe said as they walked into the hall where she was sitting on the stairs talking to John. He also could hear male voices in the background. “Hey when you get off the phone you feel like going out with us? Plus Herbie wants to talk to you.” Joe said loud enough so John could hear. Needless to say he wasn’t too happy.

“I don’t know when I’ll be getting off the phone so no and can I later.” She told them.

“Yeah sure ok we’ll see you later then.” Joe said as they left.

“I’m sorry about that John so how did it go at the Fast lane?” she asked him again.

There was a pause then he asked her, “Is that the guy that you had the crush on? And was supposed to take you to the prom?” he asked her.

“Um yeah Joe and him are going out I guess why?” she asked him innocently.

“But didn’t they just asked you to go with them?” he asked her in a mono tone voice.

“Yeah but as you heard I said no I was talking to you.” She told him flatly.

“But would you have if you weren’t talking to me?” he wanted to know.

“Probably not John what the hell! What are you accusing me of?” she wanted to know.

“I’m sorry it’s just that your there and I’m here, I’m just being stupid letting people put ideas in my head.” He told her.

“John what’s going on? What happened last night?” she asked him.

He thought long and hard if he should tell her the truth or to give her a little white lie version. So he gave her the little white lie version which she bought and he seemed very good at telling it. She did tell him that now thou she has to explain to her Mom and Dad when he gets home from seeing his Mother who the boy is that called her. He laughed but she said that she was going to tell them that it was the same one Michael freaked out over and that he is her boyfriend. He told her thanks for the warning. Plus she told him thanks for being up front with her about last night and how Dorothea came on to you. He told her that he loved her and that he had to go. She told him that she loved him too and too call her soon and that she really didn’t want to call his house because of his Mom and that she never knew when he was going to be home. He told her that he would call her soon. They hung up and he ran his hands thru his hair and face.

He thought about last night and if he could he would backtrack the later part of the night where he celebrated his good fortune. The night was going good he had arrived at the Fast Lane early and Tommy had introduced him to Jack Ponti the leader of the group. Jack and John got off to a great start. They talked about who were their favorite bands and were Jack wanted to take the band. But better yet Jack wanted a writing partner and John was so willing because he really wanted to write his own songs and Jack was willing to show John how. They played a couple of songs “Jumping Jack Flash, Hound Dog, and Dizzie Miss Lizzie.” After they’re mini jam session Jack was satisfied that John was the one that he wanted as their new lead singer. He asked John if he could start tonight or if he didn’t think he could handle the job on such short notice he could find someone else. John told him that he could handle it as John was arrogant enough to take the task. Now the only problem was that John still was under age so Jim Giantonio who ran The Fast Lane also managed The Rest so he let it go that John was only seventeen as long as in between brakes that he stayed closed to the back exit signs just in case and if he was drinking too always have a soda with him and ditch the beer if the cops raided the place.  

They went on stage at eight O’clock and played til two a.m. and all this time he was being watched. In between breaks there were drinks being sent over to the guys and they were enjoying it and teasing John as someone kept sending him over as anonymous with lip stick kisses on the napkins that accompanied the drinks. But that didn’t stop him from drinking them. He wasn’t going to show them that he was a wuss and couldn’t hold his liquor which he was pretty good at to a point. And this person knew that. So when they finished he was buzzing yes but when the guys hit the beach to celebrate and a few more he was starting to feel no pain and that was when she decided to strike.

John was surrounded by Jack, Tommy, Dave R. and Snake and their girlfriends when Dorothea walked up to them. She knew Dave’s and Snake’s girlfriends seeing see went to school with them so they introduced her to Jack’s and Tommy’s. John just sat there and rolled his eyes and Dorothea walked over to him and very casually asked him, “Hi John I saw you tonight at The Fast Lane you were really good.”

John just looked at her and as slurring a little, “Ho…how. Your seventeen too so how thee hell did you git in? umm?” he asked her.

Smiling, “Well you have heard of the fake I.D. right? Maybe you should get one Sweetie. No but really John you were really good tonight and you looked great up there I just wanted to tell you that.” She told him giving him an overly sweet smile and then. “Well you have a great night.” She said and started to turn away when John got a case of the guilt’s and got up to stop her. 

“Dot…Dotty wait will ya.” He yelled and tripped on his way to stop her. Rebalancing himself he walked over to her to tell her, “Dotty thank youuu for that.”

Giggling, “John do you have a ride home because there is no way you can drive yourself you know that right?”

“Yes Davey was going to takes me homes.” He told her trying to stand steady but couldn’t.

“Well Davey can’t drive either and I think April can take him home. So what do you say I drive you home before you fall down for good.” She told him.

“Dotty I’s a big boy and I’s can get home alls by my self oks?” John said standing his ground.

“Johnny I know you’re a big boy but right now you’re a little compromised and I just don’t want to see you get hurt and if you drive you will and your Mother will kill me if she should ever know I knew you were like this understand?” she explained to him.

Laughing now, “You mean you’re more afraid of my Mom than me getting hurt.”

“Oh Lord John no I’m not you idiot. Come on before I smack you.” She took him by the collar of his t-shirt and started to drag him along the beach as he was just giggling like a loon. They got to her car and she got him inside and she got in also. But before she started the car she turned to him. “John I want to tell you that I’m sorry about how I have acted this summer so far. I guess you were right I was just jealous when I saw you with another girl and it well set me off. So I want to apologize for that.” She told him as he sat there staring at her not knowing what to say to her.

“Well thanks Dot I appreciate that but you really need to apologize to Ellie she was to one you were really mean to you know.” He told her as he was trying to stay awake.

“Oh well I’ll try John you know that doesn’t come easy for me to say that to another girl. But for you I’ll try ok?” she told him as she was now getting closer to him.

John could see that she was inching her way over to him but he was going to see what she was going to pull. She stopped when she got close enough that they were touching legs and then they were just talking. Dorothea started the conversation on when they met in school, that day they met in the hallway then when she caught him cheating off her test paper. That was how she got him laughing again and just talking about normal things and taking his mind off of Ellie and even them dating at first. So a half hour went by and then she had brought up the first time John had asked her out and that seemed to get him in a reminiscing mood. Then as they were talking she oh so remembered that she had forgotten that she had some drinks in the back of her car and if he wanted one. He told her that would be great and she grabbed him a beer that was oh so neatly in her cooler that was back there. After about the second one he downed he was again getting to the point of feeling no pain but still keeping his senses to a certain point where she wanted them especially where he would remember them in the morning. And as they were talking the car was steaming up as it does sometimes and she finally told him how hot she was getting. So she took off her tee shirt and was just now sitting there in her bra and jeans.

“Oh John I hope this doesn’t bother you but hey you’ve seen me in a lot less right?” she told him trying to keep a straight face.

Looking at her and trying not to let it bother him he told her, “Um no go right ahead it’s fine by me and it’s your car right?” he said gulping hard and trying for it not too bother him physically.

“You know you might want to do the same thing it is awfully hot in here John.” She told him as she took her finger and started to slowly go up and down his bear arm with it.

“Nah I’m fine really.” He told her sweating really hard now.

“Well maybe I should open your window a little.” She said as she leaned over him so she could roll down his window manually. As she was basically now laying over his lap she could feel the start of his arousal. That was all she needed to know that she had him. He was gulping really hard now and was squinting his eyes to try and quell the urge to well anything. But it was getting harder and harder not just physically. She slowly got up but not before rubbing her breasts on his chest as she was getting up and her face closely grazing his. His hardness was now aching so bad that he couldn’t stand it so just before she sat down John grabbed her and kissed her hard on her lips. She then grabbed the back of his head so he couldn’t pull apart and she climbed on his lap and started to grind into him. He couldn’t stand it anymore.

Finally releasing him she asked him breathlessly if he wanted to get in the back seat of her car. He so was not thinking at this point as his head was spinning that he agreed and they went in the backseat and started to make out but Dorothea knew what he needed and was going to give John exactly that. She went for his belt and undid that and then started for his jeans all the while John was doing the same on her. She always kept a blanket in the corner of the back of the window and she pulled that down just in case. John wasn’t easy with her he needed relief and he needed it now and she didn’t mind only because she was the one that was going to give it to him. So she even got on her knees to start him off and when he told her that he was ready she went into her purse and grabbed the box of condoms and put one on him seeing that he couldn’t do it in the condition he was in. He threw her down on the back seat and just pounded into her as his frustration was pouring out but that didn’t seem to bother her. She was just thrilled that she got him to be making love to him as she seemed to have convinced herself. It didn’t take him long for him to cum and to seem satisfied at the act. Once done he pulled out and tied off the condom and relaxed as he just put his head back. Dorothea cuddled up with him and put her head on his chest as he put his arm around her but what happened next she wasn’t prepared for.

“That was awesome Baby. I’m just sorry it was fast but that’s because we waited so long.” He said huffing and puffing. At first Dorothea didn’t catch on to what he was talking about but then it was just thrown in her face. “Ellie Baby next time I promise it will be so much more romantic you deserve to be treated like the Princess you are.” Well that cut Dorothea like a knife. He thought it was Ellie that he was making love too not her. What the HELL!

 She sat up and just stared at him with a hurt look on her face. But she knew what she was getting into when she took this on. So taking his face in her hand she move it so he could look at her, “John, Johnny it’s me Dotty not Ellie. Please John please tell me you can tell the difference.” She asked him and she knew that she had to guilt trip him now.

John looked at her but all he could see was his Ellie. He was refocusing his eyes as he could hear her say that she wasn’t Ellie but the girl in front of him looked like her but was telling him that she wasn’t. Dorothea could see he was having trouble understanding what was happening so she kept shaking him trying to get him to realize that it was her and not that bitch. John just kept squinting and now his head was starting to really hurt. So Dorothea hit him across the face hard to see if that would help.

“Ellie what the fuck!” he yelled but when he turned to look at her that’s when he got the surprise of his life. There sitting next to him was his ex Dorothea. Staring at her for what felt like a life time he said, “Oh Jesus Dot? What the hell did I just do?” he asked her shocked.

“Well Johnny we made love don’t you remember?” she asked him looking hurt as best she could.

“No, no, no! Shit! How? Why?” he just babbled.

“What do you mean? We were talking and having a great conversation then you came on to me and told me how much you missed me, how beautiful I was and started to caress me and how much of a mistake you made with you know who and then we started to make out then things just went from there.” She told him with a straight face.

He sat there thinking and listening to her and just couldn’t believe he would do that with her or say that about Ellie. He knew he wouldn’t cheat on Ellie. He was looking forward to the day when they were going to make love for the first time and he wasn’t going to let anything spoil that. So how the hell did he just ruin the best thing that’s ever happen to him in a long time?  

“Dotty can I ask you something please.” He wanted to know.

“Sure John what?” she asked him hoping that it would be something about them.

“How the hell did I get in your car?” he wanted to know.

“You don’t remember?” she at least thought he would remember that much.

“No I don’t. I remember being at the party but that’s it. I thought I was with Ellie for some reason which I don’t get because she’s home right?” he asked her.

“Yeah I guess otherwise she would have been with you right?” she asked him.

“No the Levine’s wouldn’t of let her near a bar I don’t think.” He said.

“Oh so then I probably would of met you out here anyway.” She told him smiling.

“So then again Dot how did I get here in your car?” he asked her a little bit more strongly.

“You walked here with me John like I told you. You wanted to come with me whether you want to believe me or not. I’m sorry John but this was your idea. I don’t like being treated like you’re whore. Just because you’re seeing a virgin and can’t get it from her but think ‘Oh I know I’ll just call up good old Dotty she’ll give it to me’ well guess what you can forget it! This is the last time Johnny Boy. I’m not going to service you everytime you get horny.” She told him hoping that would get him feeling guilty enough that maybe he would stay with her.

He was still feeling fuzzy thou but knew he screwed up real bad. “Dotty could you please just take me home. I really don’t feel that great.” He said as he was getting dressed.

“Sure John but we still need to talk about this you know?” she said to him as she finished putting on her shirt.

“Yeah but not right now my head is killing me and I feel like I’m going to hurl.” He said as he put back his head and closed his eyes and hoped that somehow he would die somewhere along the way.

She pulled up in front of the house and went to say something but he stopped her saying that he still didn’t want to talk about it right now and just left her sitting in her car. She smiled as he left and then just drove off thinking that it had gone better than she had hoped.

Lying back thinking about last night he just cringed at what happened. He was really hoping that it was all just a nightmare and that when he woke he could breathe a sigh of relief. But unfortunately that wasn’t the case. Now how could he look Ellie in the eye knowing what he did. Plus he still had to talk with Dorothea and tell her that there was nothing between them and that he loved Ellie and that he was sorry that things got that far last night. He didn’t mean for that to happen. He can’t explain why it did and hopes that she accepts his apology and to never tell Ellie what happened. This was going to be a long day.

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Back in Auburn Ellie was swimming with her sibling’s and her girlfriend Sarah. Finally she and Sarah got out and up on the deck drinking their lemonade and talking.

“So tell me all about this John will ya.” Sarah wanted to know.

“What do you want to know?” Ellie asked beaming from ear to ear.

“Oh my God you know is he cute?” Sarah asked scooting over to her.

“Ya he’s cute in fact he’s gorgeous. He has the bluest eyes ever and his smile could melt ice. He has long sandy blonde hair that goes down to his shoulders, oh and he’s in a band so he can sing and play guitar.” She told her.

“Who can?” Joey asked as they walked in from the front of the house.

Ellie and Sarah just looked up and cringed at the guys walking in the back yard as Ellie tried to cover up. “Just this guy I met. He lives next door to Marsha and Michael.” She told them.

“Oh I know who he is I heard Mom and Dad talking about him. Herbie this is the guy she got caught with overnight.” Joe told on her. Herbie just stood there and stared at her because he couldn’t believe what he just heard. “They weren’t too happy about that you know El.” He told her.

“You did what” Sarah asked.

Ellie gave her the eye to shut up and we’ll talk later. “I already talked to them about that. We were stuck in a storm and couldn’t get home. We weren’t going to chance it so we stayed at a friend’s house til the storm was over which basically was the morning and then he drove us home. No Big Deal! So drop it ok.” She told him annoyed at both of them now.

“Fine.” Joe said. “But you like this guy don’t you? Well what about Herbie here?” Joe wanted to know as Herbie looked on.

“Really? You two are something you know that! What about Bernadette huh? You know I’ve liked Herbie for how long? And Herbie you’ve liked me too so why couldn’t you ask me out? Why because you’re afraid of Joey? Well John wouldn’t be I can tell you that! We’ve been going around in circles so let’s stop ok?” she told them.

Herbie just looked at her hurt. “Ellie I’m sorry that I’ve hurt you. I really didn’t mean too honest. I shouldn’t have listened to Joe and just gone with my gut but he’s my best friend and well it was either hurt him by betraying him and dating you against his wishes or hurting you by not. So I lose either way and for that I’m very sorry.” He explained to her sadly.

Ellie got up and walked over to him. “It’s ok Herbie it worked out for the best. I wouldn’t want you to betray Joey and lose him as a friend and we still can be friends just don’t bring her around I don’t need her rubbing it in my face ok?” she asked him. They sat around for a little while longer but it was still uncomfortable for the two of them. And Sarah was dying to know more about John but didn’t want to ask her in front of Herbie. So as soon as their Mom came out to watch Beth and Sean in the pool (Rules of the pool: the little ones could not be in there without an adult or older sibling) Ellie and Sarah went up to her room.

“God I thought they’d never leave. So El I take it that you’ve kissed him?” Sarah wanted to know.

“Oh my God Sarah…oh course I’ve kissed him.” She told her then started laughing.

“Well so…is he a good kisser?” Sarah inquired.

Blushing like hell now, “Well yeah and I hate to say this but he’s had lots of practice. I mean look here’s a picture of him you tell me that he hasn’t been around. I mean girl’s fall at his feet Sar.” Ellen told her.

Sarah took the picture and looked at it and nearly fell over. “Wow El he’s gorgeous. How the hell did you get him?” she asked her best friend.

Ellie just made a face at her. “Gee thanks Sar I really appreciate that.” She said sarcastically.

“No, no I didn’t mean it that way.” Sarah told her giggling. “I just meant how the hell did you meet him and well you know?” she asked.

“I know what you mean and the funny thing is I asked him the same thing. He gets mad at me when I ask him why he chose me when all these good looking girls fall all over him and then here’s me who is well full figured so to speak but he says he’d rather be with me.” She explained to her.

“Oh I didn’t mean your looks dummy! And I certainly don’t mean your health either so don’t throw that one in either ok? I just meant our luck doesn’t work this way you know that. We don’t get this lucky Ellie we just don’t. God smiled down on you and for some reason he’s giving you this boy as a present for all the crap that’s he’s put you thru so enjoy and be happy please?” Sarah told her. Ellie was thinking it over and smiled she knew she was lucky she loved John but as she told Sarah how could she stay with him when she didn’t know how long she was going to be in New Jersey. Sarah told her to just go with it and don’t think so  much and that you two we’ll figure out a way when the time comes. And if not then you had a great experience and try to leave it as friends. You both went into this knowing that it may not last a life time plus your just kids so come on don’t you want to date some before you settle down?  Sarah just couldn’t understand why her friend would want to settle down now when there were so many guys out there to sample before being stuck with one for the rest of their lives.

“You know Sarah he has never asked me to marry him you big dope! He even hasn’t asked me to go steady. I’m just going day by day that’s all. Besides he wants to be a rockstar so he’ll probably leave me in the dirt for that.” She told Sarah chuckling.

“Do you want to hang out tomorrow?” she asked Ellie.

“What you forgot already? I’m getting my license tomorrow then you’re supposed to come by later for my birthday party Mom and Dad are throwing for me.” Ellie reminder her laughing.

“Oh yeah sorry I forgot. I’ll be over then in the afternoon then. Oh is Mom making your homemade chocolate cake?” Sarah asked.

“Yes she is.” Ellie said. “Oh wait a sec I want to show you what John got me.” She went to her bureau and pulled out the gift John had gotten her. “Look isn’t it great!” she told Sarah.

“Oh my God he knows? How long after you met him did you tell him? And was he scared?” Sarah asked her trying to keep a straight face.

“You’re a shit head you know that? He asked me who did I like as an artist and well you know.” She said smiling.

“And you talked his ear off for what a day?” Sarah said smartly to her.

“I’m not talking to you anymore.” Ellie said with a pouty face.

“Ok I’m sorry and I take it he’s a fan then.” Sarah asked her.

“Yes.” She told her still making the pouty face.

“I said I was sorry. I should know better to tease you about Elvis. Did you tell him because you’re a baby about him?” She asked as Ellie shooked her head yes. “Well good because I’d hate to see you beat him up.” She said. They talked some more then Sarah went home.

It was finally getting late and Ellie was curled up on the couch watching t.v when the phone rang. Her head immediately shot towards the kitchen as she heard her Mom answer it. Then Cecelia called for Joe from downstairs to come answer it. It was past nine p.m. and maybe he was playing at one of the clubs with the new band which he hadn’t gotten around to tell her the name yet which she found strange. He told her that he was going to call her; she just hoped that nothing happened that he couldn’t.