Life at AJ's and Alyssa's had grown very cold indeed. They spent most of their time trying to avoid each other around the house, for neither of them could deny the tension that surrounded any of their encounters. The problem was, A.J was so consumed by his own growing concerns for Amanda that he didn't realize that Alyssa's behavior was just as off as his own. Things had only gotten worse for him after he called Amanda at her parent's place. No one was home, so he had no choice but to leave a message. It was starting to appear as though the more he searched for answers, the less he found. As for Alyssa, she was so confused over whether or not she should feel guilty about going to see J.C behind her boyfriend's back that she just simply stayed out of A.J's way altogether. She figured that the less she saw him, the less she would have to think about how he'd react if ever he found out.
Fortunately, today seemed to be running rather smoothly. As a cover-up for Justin's party, Alyssa had told A.J that she was to attend a get-together for an old school friend's birthday that evening. As a friendly gesture, A.J offered to take her shopping, and seeing as how she had no legitimate reason to turn him down, the two had spent the entire day maxing out A.J's Mastercard in some of Orlando's swankiest boutiques.
By the time they got back home, it was already pitch black out. They entered the house huffing and puffing under the weight of their loot.
"I better get dressed" breathed Alyssa, pushing up one of the bags with her knee as to keep it from falling.
Nodding, A.J deposited the rest of their purchases on the kitchen counter and reached for the telephone. "What do you want to eat?" he asked.
Checking the clock, Alyssa shook her head "I won't have the time, so order whatever you like".
"Nah, I'm not really hungry anyway" said A.J, putting the phone back down.
"Alright" Alyssa smiled feebly.
With great difficulty, she turned around and started to make her way upstairs.
"Need help?"
Alyssa stopped and peered over her shoulder. A.J was standing at the foot of the staircase, looking awkward. A sincere grin curled at her lips "No, I'm fine" she assured him.
"Ok" went A.J, avoiding eye-contact. He was about to turn back when she spoke again.
"A.J… Thank you".
Looking up, A.J caught her eye and nodded, "Any time".
Thankful their day had gone so well, the two quickly carried on with their business.
At first, A.J figured that a bit of TV would help soothe his nerves, but after aimlessly skimming the channels for at least five minutes, he realized that he was far too restless to just sit there and let his brain fry. Getting to his feet, he strode over to the liquor cabinet to prepare himself a drink when inspiration struck. Dropping his glass, he tore across the room and rummaged around for a pen in paper.
Tongue between teeth, he jotted down the lines that were bubbling up in his head as fast as he could.
**20 Minutes Later**
Alyssa grinned approvingly at her reflection as she surveyed herself one final time in the mirror. Her new outfit fit her flawlessly and hugged all the right curves. Not that she had anyone to impress…
After spraying herself with perfume, she tossed her favorite lipstick and compact in her purse and made her way to the living room.
Upon finding A.J pouring over a stack of papers, Alyssa decided it might be best not to disturb him and instead made a quick U-turn into the kitchen. She opened the cupboard in hopes of finding a snack, but found nothing more than empty dinner plates. "I'm sure I saw a bag of chips or something around here somewhere…" she mumbled incoherently to herself as she searched through every nook and crevice. "Ah ha" she exclaimed, finally spotting a sack of Pretzels she had blindly overlooked laying open on the countertop.
Lifting the bag, she pulled out a fistful of pretzels and started feeding herself when the blinking red light of the answering machine caught her attention.
Alyssa absentmindedly pressed 'play'. She half-listened to the messages which were mostly drowned out by the crunching sound of her eating.
After stomaching about four messages from hysterical fans, she let out a sigh loud enough to carry through the rest of the house. "Ugh, A.J, how on earth do you put up with all this…"
She hit delete and was about to do the same again when her hand froze. She quickly swallowed, despite the fact that the food in her mouth was only partly chewed, and replayed the message- this time, with rapt attention.
"Alex, this is Catherine Lewis, Amanda's mother. I'm calling in response to the message you left us about Amanda… I'm sorry, but we haven't seen or heard from her in months either! We're all extremely worried, so please, if you receive any news… anything… please… please- let us know right away…"
"What is it?" came A.J's voice as he casually strutted into the kitchen, oblivious to what had just happened. "You called?"
Alyssa's face was livid. "You've been trying to reach Amanda?" she shrieked at the top of her lungs.
A.J was speechless. The last thing he ever expected to hear leave Alyssa's lips was Amanda's name.
Eyes narrowed, Alyssa placed one hand on her hip and hit 'repeat' with the other. Gaping, A.J could hardly bring himself to believe his misfortune.
"I can't believe you!" she shouted, storming out of the room.
"It's not what you think…" A.J babbled hopelessly as he chased after her, "I've only been trying to get together with her since we've been back…"
Alyssa wheeled around with her mouth hanging open.
"No!" A.J exclaimed, waving his arms in panic "No, that's not what I meant…"
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Alyssa eyed him sharply and raised a threatening finger "I'm not through with you" she seethed before marching to the front door. A.J swallowed hard.
Still fuming, Alyssa threw the door open and gasped, "Eli?"
Drenched from head to toe, Felicity stood dejectedly in front of her.
"What are you doing here?"
It took me a second to realize that coming here was perhaps not the best idea. Alyssa was all dressed up, and from the looks of it, was clearly planning on going some place nice.
"Come in, come in" Alyssa said quickly, grabbing Eli and pulling her inside "It's not still raining, is it?"
Shivering, I gently put down my luggage and shook my head "No, it stopped a while ago." Looking up, I saw A.J standing nearby with a puzzled look on his face.
"I shouldn't have come" I said, snatching back my belongings "I'm obviously in the way. I'll just go…"
But Alyssa ripped my bags out of my hand and blocked my way "Out of the question" she said firmly.
"Well aren't you going out?" I reasoned, following her as she walked towards the living room. "Honestly, I can leave if…"
But Alyssa simply wouldn't hear of it. "Don't be silly" she told me kindly, gesturing for me to sit down.
"I'll get you some hot chocolate…" A.J offered, ducking in to the kitchen, while silently blessing Eli's unannounced visit as it had so conveniently derailed Alyssa's ranting.
Meanwhile, Alyssa was trying as best she could to get Felicity to fess up.
"So what's wrong?" she asked delicately, "Why aren't you with Nick?"
My features turned to stone at the mere mention of his name.
Based on Eli's reaction alone, Alyssa could tell straight away that something had definitely upset her. "Listen Eli" she started sweetly "If there's anything you need to talk about… there's nothing keeping me from staying home tonight…"
"No, no" I said firmly, "I'll be fine. I am fine"
"You sure?" Alyssa asked, apparently still unconvinced.
Smiling, I patted her assuredly on the knee "Yeah"
"Why don't you go with her?"
Felicity and Alyssa both looked over at A.J, who had just reappeared.
Alyssa frowned. "Weren't you getting her hot chocolate!" she exclaimed sharply.
A.J chose to ignore her, "I think that a night out would do you some good, Eli. You should go with Lyss."
Felicity turned to Alyssa, who was scowling at A.J. "Well if you want me to…" she trailed tentatively.
Alyssa pursed her lips. The last thing she wanted was to agree with anything AJ had to say, but there was just no escaping the fact that he was on to something. "You're more than welcome to come" she muttered through gritted teeth.
"Well where are you going, anyway?" Eli asked.
Alyssa came very close to blurting 'Justin's', but thankfully caught herself right as her mouth opened, "My friend's birthday party" she answered briskly.
"Ok, Alyssa, why don't you give Eli something to put on?" AJ suggested brightly.
Alyssa shot AJ a very nasty glare which immediately wiped the boastful smirk off his face.
"Come, I've got something I think would fit you brilliantly" Alyssa said softly, as she rose from her seat and led Eli towards the staircase. As they walked passed A.J, he tried yet again in vain to grin at his girlfriend, only to have her reply quite crudely; "Bog off, you twonk." she spat, without so much as glancing at him.
A.J gulped. He sat down in his favorite recliner, a feeling of great foreboding growing in his chest. 'Hell hath no fury like Alyssa scorned' he thought miserably, realizing just how much trouble he was in.
He continued to wait silently, keeping his mind off things by biting his already chewed up nails. After close to 20 minutes, he heard the loud pitter-patter of high heals over his head, and knew that the girls were finally ready.
Alyssa stomped down the stairs loudly, followed by Eli. Felicity was now garbed in an extremely flattering pair of black dress pants, elegant high heals and a v-neck lime green sleeveless top.
"We're leaving" Alyssa said loudly, grabbing her coat.
AJ stood up, "I'll give you a lift" he said, as he walked towards them, searching his pockets for his keys.
"Don't bother" Alyssa replied venomously.
A.J suddenly became quite annoyed with her attitude. He removed his own jacket roughly from the coat rack and reached for his hat "I'm going to drive you" he told her aggressively.
"No" she objected angrily, her eyes bulging.
"Yes" A.J exclaimed, in an equally cross manner.
Alyssa's eyes were blazing with fury now. "I said no!"
"And I said yes!"
"No!!"
"Too bad!" AJ growled, the finality in his tone so clear that even Alyssa dared not defy it.
Both girls trooped outside. Alyssa tossed her hair indignantly as she past AJ, who was waiting to lock the door behind them.
"What's the address?" AJ asked, as he backed out of the driveway.
Alyssa, whose arms had been crossed menacingly over her chest the moment she got in the car, suddenly raised her hands to her face and mouthed a few panicked words. Realizing that she couldn't very well give him Justin's home address, she quickly racked her brain for a solution.
"Well?" AJ pressed, peering at her through the visor.
"I… I don't know" she answered confidently, "But I know how to get there. I'll guide you"
The ride over was quiet for the most part, the silence only broken from time to time when Alyssa had to speak up to give directions. Neither of them was in a very chatty mood.
"Left" Alyssa said hotly.
Gripping the steering wheel firmly, AJ obliged wordlessly.
"Left" Alyssa went again, five minutes later.
They were cruising along a strip of some of Orlando's priciest homes, and all three, though well off in their own regard, couldn't help but ogle at the wealth around them.
AJ was unable to keep his tongue, "You never told me your friend was loaded…" he uttered.
Alyssa said nothing. She didn't speak up for at least another minute or two when she abruptly shouted, "Stop!".
AJ slammed on the brakes, making all the passengers jerk forward violently.
"The place looks empty" he said as he peered out the window.
"It's a surprise party" Alyssa replied hotly. "Come on, Eli"
Eli gently slipped out of her seat, "Thanks, Aje" she said sweetly.
AJ nodded then winced when he felt the car quake from the force with which Alyssa had slammed the door.
Nose high in the air, she marched onto the sidewalk and crossed her arms just as she had before. "You can go now" she told him aggressively.
AJ peeked at the black house again, then to Alyssa "You don't want me to wait for you to get in?"
"No" she replied plainly.
Rolling his eyes, AJ placed his right hand over the gear and was about to back away when he his gut held him back.
"Alyssa?"
"What now?"
"I trust you"
Surprised by his words, Alyssa looked down at AJ and stared.
AJ stared right back, "I trust you" he repeated.
Still taken aback, Alyssa watched mutely as AJ made a U-turn and drove out of sight.
It took a few seconds before she returned to her senses. She looked around and spotted Eli making her way towards the vacant looking house.
"Where are you going?" she yelled after her.
Stopping as she reached the gate, Eli turned back and shot Alyssa a curious look. "Isn't this the place?".
"Lord no" went Alyssa, gesturing for Eli to follow her "There is no surprise party. We're going to Justin's- I'm going to see JC"
Eli raised her eyebrows in shock "What?"
"Justin lives 15 minutes from here. Come. I'll explain on the way" Alyssa told her, as the two set off down the murky street.
**Back at Kristy's**
Gagged and handcuffed, Kristy was forced to pay attention to every word Brice had been saying over the last half hour. But after he had finished explaining himself, Kristy felt certain that even if she had been free to move or speak, she would have been unable to do so. Brice's story had left her completely dumbstruck.
His tale went as follows…
He- Brice- was a huge fan of 'Reflection'. As luck so had it, his journalism professor had sent him off to write concert reviews so that he would have some credible work to include in his dossier. Brice of course ceased this opportunity as it was the perfect excuse for him to follow his favorite group cross-country.
"From the second I saw you…" he explained earnestly to Kristy, "You simply took my breath away. I developed a crush on you- nothing sick, or pervie in any way, shape or form. Just an innocent crush. So I decided to send you a rose. Just a plain flower. I figured you got them all the time, being in the public eye and all." He laughed meekly, "I thought you'd think it was from a secret admirer- which it was. Me. I never expected for you to believe them to be from some stalker!! After we met, I continued to send you flowers, thinking I'd surprise you one special evening by revealing that your secret admire was in fact me." He stopped a moment, and fixed her very seriously "Kristy, you've got to believe me when I say that I never meant for any of this to happen! When you called the cops the other night I… I panicked! I was so worried that you wouldn't believe me, and that you'd just think I was some psychopath. I just needed you to hear me out. You've got to believe me, Kris. I did send you those anonymous cards and flowers- but I never meant for you to freak out like this. They were harmless. Honest." He paused, and took in a deep breath "I'm going to let you go now", he said nervously.
He reached forward, and removed the handkerchief from her mouth before unlocking the handcuffs.
Kristy felt as though her head might explode from all the wild ideas that were coursing through her brain. She licked her lips- should she make a run for it? Brice had been dishonest with her from the get go, so why would he be any more trustworthy now? But as she caressed her soar wrists, what seemed like the least pertinent query burst out.
"What about the handcuffs?"
Certain that he had heard incorrectly, Brice gave her a politely puzzled look. "What do you mean?"
"The handcuffs…" Kristy went on, unamused "If what you told me is the truth, what did you need them for? Most people that walk around with handcuffs in their pockets usually don't have very honorable intentions, unless they're planning to arrest someone."
Brice had a rather unexpected reaction to this. His ears went very pink, and a sheepish smile plaid involuntarily at his lips. "Well…" he began, apparently very embarrassed "I, um- I thought that tonight we might, you know-"
"Oh God, please stop there!" Kristy exclaimed, stuffing her fingers in her ears. The last thing she wanted to think about now was Brice's kinky fantasies.
"Sorry" mumbled Brice.
Shifting so that she'd be sitting Indian-style, Kristy let out a low, calming breath and ran her fingers through her hair. This was quite an unexpected turn of events. First she believed that she had a deranged stalker on her hands. Then, with Brice tying her up an all, she thought for sure that he was the deranged stalker. But if Brice was telling the truth, that meant that she didn't even have a deranged stalker to begin with, and this whole ordeal had just been one monumental misunderstanding.
After a few long minutes of silence, she finally spoke. "I can't think clearly right now" she said heavy-heartedly.
Getting to her feet, she walked to the door and opened it. She didn't have to say anything for Brice to understand what this meant. Trying hard not to look overly disappointed, he followed her lead.
"I just want you to know" said Kristy, as he crossed the threshold "That I believe you. At least, I think I do"
Brice nodded, but said nothing in return.
Kristy looked as though what she was doing was causing her considerable pain. "I just need time. Time to think. You understand that, don't you?"
That said, she closed the door. Sighing heavily, Kristy rested her head against the wall and thought, miserably, that this wasn't going to be an easy decision to make.
**At the Party**
"Try not to look so constipated, bro" Justin hollered over the blaring music as he clasped JC jovially on the back. "Here, have a drink"
Shaking his head, JC pushed away the cocktail Justin was brandishing in his face and continued to scan the room for any sign of Alyssa. His insides were writhing with nerves, and he felt certain that ingesting any sort of fluid would only aggravate his already upset stomach.
Justin laughed and chugged the drink himself. "I dunno what you're so worried about, dude. Tonight's the night!"
JC snorted.
"Bro, trust me" chuckled Justin, radiating self-confidence "Everything's gonna run as smooth as silk. You and Alyssa are gonna hook up tonight, if it's the last thing I do. No woman has ever denied me what I've wanted, and what I want most is for you to get laid. Now…" he said brightly, rubbing his hands excitedly together and tossing his head over J.C's shoulder "Go get em'"
J.C looked around and gaped. Alyssa stood before him in a shimmery gold tube top and skintight low-rise jeans. She looked absolutely exquisite, and JC's heart couldn't help but skip a beat at the way her long auburn hair so impeccably framed her beautiful face.
Words escaped him, but Justin managed to convey his exact thoughts by letting out a loud cat call.
"Hi guys" Alyssa smiled.
JC somehow managed to find his voice, "You look really nice" he said.
"Thanks" Alyssa replied vaguely, appearing preoccupied. "Umm" she went, now rounding on Justin, "I brought Felicity, I hope you don't mind"
But far from minding, Justin looked positively delighted "Really now? Well then, I guess I'll leave you two to get… reacquainted… If you'll excuse me" and bowing slightly, he shrunk back into the crowd.
JC smiled at Alyssa, which did little good, as she was too distracted to even notice. Clearing his throat, he opened his mouth to speak, only to have Alyssa beat him to it.
"I think I'll have a drink". And with that, she, like Justin, disappeared amongst the guests.
"Well that went well" mumbled JC unhappily.
**Meanwhile**
Laughing airily, Sheridan's eyes continued to dart around the room in hopes of spotting a diversion. For the last 10 minutes, she'd been trying to shake off some irritating b-list celebrity that had managed to corner her near the punch bowl.
"So as I was saying…" the man went on self-importantly, "I told my publicist that…"
"Oh my god"
The man furrowed his brow "Pardon me?" he said stupidly.
Sheridan watched as Alyssa strutted over to one of the many liquor tables. She hesitated, debating whether she should say hello, despite the fact that they hardly knew each other, or stay here and continue to let this aspiring b-list nobody send her into a stupor.
It didn't take much deliberation.
"Later" she said quickly, dashing away from him.
"Alyssa!" she shouted, making her way towards her, "Alyssa, hey"
Upon hearing her name, Alyssa looked over, and, surprised to see Sheridan, smiled politely.
"Long time no see"
"Yes, well" Sheridan went breathlessly.
"Have you seen Felicity?" queried Alyssa, looking around.
"Felicity?" Sheridan repeated, dropping all pretences. "Felicity's here?"
Alyssa nodded, "Yeah" she said, sighing "I probably shouldn't have brought her. She just showed up at my doorstep and- oh, nevermind"
"No, go on" Sheridan insisted. Somehow the thought of getting any dirt on Felicity made her feel rather elated.
Under normal circumstances, Alyssa would never consider discussing a friend's private affairs with a practical stranger, but with all the drama her brain was currently struggling to process, she felt that her head might simply explode if she didn't open up.
"I can't be sure… These are only my suspicions…"
"Yes? Yes?" Sheridan breathed eagerly.
"It just seems to me that things between Nick and Eli have gone, well, askew. Nick has changed. A lot. And Eli has become- distant. It's probably just my crazy imagination, but when Eli came over today, I was sure that Nick had-"
"Hit her?"
Alyssa gave a start, then stared. Somehow the words sounded a lot more brutal spoken aloud. Snickering, she took a sip from her cup "No, I know that can't be it" she said assuredly, "I'm just being my usual drama-queen self."
Sheridan, however, could hardly believe her ears. Although Alyssa seemed to believe that her theory about Nick and Eli was absurd, Sheridan knew better. Recalling her last encounter with Nick, how could it not be? Nick had been drinking, and that in itself was enough to explain everything.
Just then, Sheridan felt a hand place itself on her shoulder. JC poked his head between the two, "Sorry to interrupt" he said untruthfully, "Lyss, do you have a minute?"
"Of course" went Alyssa curiously. Then, turning back to Sheridan said, "It was nice seeing you again. If you see Eli, tell her I've been looking for her"
Sheridan nodded courteously and watched as the pair walked away. Still deep in thought, she didn't notice Justin approaching her.
"What were you two talking about?" he whispered abruptly in her ear.
Sheridan tilted her head to look at him. "Nick and Felicity" she answered plainly.
"Oh?" went Justin, raising an eyebrow, "Interesting. Trouble in paradise?"
"You could say that" Sheridan snorted gleefully "Between you and me, I'd say their time will be up soon. That is, unless Felicity's a masochist."
"What d'you mean?" Justin asked with intrigue.
"Well" said Sheridan, with an expression of utter satisfaction "I've known Nick for a very long time, and I know how he can get… So if I'm right… reading through the lines… from what I can tell… and mostly because he's been drinking… I'd consider it safe to say that Nick's been smacking his precious girlfriend around."
Justin's mouth opened ever so slightly out of shock.
Sheridan smiled at him, "I know"
"Thank you!" Justin exclaimed, grabbing Sheridan and kissing her hard on the lips. "I need to find JC"
**Soon After**
J.C kept trying to sneak in a private word with Lyss, but to no avail. Much to his dismay, all Alyssa seemed willing to discuss was A.J. On and on she ranted, leaving J.C to wonder whether she'd ever come up for air. Eventually Alyssa appeared to realize what she was doing, and excused herself "Ugh, forgive me" she said, rolling her eyes at herself "I'll stop now. You wanted to ask me something, didn't you?"
"Not 'ask', per se" said J.C twitchily, "But I did want to talk. Alyssa… Lyss- I don't exactly know how to put this, so I'm just going to come out and say it"
"What is it?" Alyssa said softly, searching his eyes for answers.
"I…"
"I'm sorry you two"
J.C whipped around, eyes blazing. "Justin, you twat! I'm busy!" he growled.
But Justin ignored him, "Sorry Lyss" he said, grabbing J.C firmly by the arm "J and I need to fetch some more beers from storage. Won't be long"
**~~**
Having nothing better to do, Sheridan figured she might aswell make herself useful and bring up some more cups and whatnot from storage. Once in the basement, she was surprised to find that the lights were on. As she got closer to the coolroom, she heard a pair of familiar voices.
"This better be fucking important" JC barked, making Sheridan duck behind the open door.
"Oh, it is!" Justin answered. Lowering his voice a notch, he went on "It's fucking perfect, bro. Not only is Angel-Eli-Felicity whatsherface here, she and that dickwad of a boyfriend of hers are on the verge of breaking up! She's totally vulnerable, bro. I'll be able to bang her, no sweat"
Sheridan's stomach lurched.
"What the fuck do I care?" J.C shouted.
"Well shit, I thought you'd be happy for me, that's all. You know how long I've been waiting to fuck her."
"Good for you. Can I go now?"
"Yo" Justin said seriously, "A friendly piece of advice. Alyssa sounds very upset with McLean… who can blame her… So you've got your window of opportunity. Be there for her. This is your chance"
There was a pause before JC answered with a very reluctant "Right"
The two walked out of the room, and Sheridan, still in shock, stepped out in front of them. "You're planning to cheat on me tonight?!" she shouted, the corner of her eyes burning.
Justin let out a grunt. J.C snickered "I'm out of here", and left.
"Get out of my way" Justin said shortly.
"If you think I'm just gonna let you waltz out of here and…"
"Oh, shut up!" Justin exclaimed, his patience dangling by a string "You got what you wanted, didn't you? You got away from those asses… got some ass… What more do you want?"
"I want my boyfriend to stay loyal to me, that's what!" Sheridan retorted furiously.
"Boyfriend?!" Justin repeated, chuckling "What the fuck have you been smocking? I was never your boyfriend. The only reason I ever consorted with you was for sex and to get closer to Lyss and Felicity- a pair of real women. Now if you'll excuse me."
Feeling as though she'd just been punched in the stomach, Sheridan said nothing as Justin walked away from her. Before long however, her every nerve began to fill with vile hatred. Enraged, she stormed back upstairs.
**5-10 Minutes Later**
Despite the cool weather, Felicity had been standing alone on the outside patio almost from the moment she and Lyss had arrived. She just couldn't bare the thought of being locked in a smock and noise filled house. The only times she'd been inside was to get drinks, which, oddly enough, she felt compelled to have. If ever she needed to use booze as a refuge, this was the time. She was on her forth glass, and was starting to feel rather tipsy, when the patio door slid open with a bang.
"Sheridan?" she gasped.
Sheridan marched forward, one hand balled into a fist, the other clutching a wineglass. She was positively fuming. "So this is where you've been hiding!"
"Hiding?" repeated Felicity.
Sheridan had searched high and low for her, and it was only when she had overheard that someone was out on that patio that she thought of coming out here. "That's right!" she raged on, "You tramp"
Felicity's' eyes grew large, "What?"
"You heard me" Sheridan said bitterly, "You don't fool me for a minute. You're nothing but a gold-digging whore! First Brian, then Nick, now this?"
"What…"
"Don't. Play. Dumb. With. Me" she seethed, "And as for what's happening between you and Nick..."
Felicity gasped. "How did you…"
"I just thought you ought to know that you brought it on yourself. His behavior is entirely your fault! I don't care if he beats you senseless! You're a good-for-nothing parasite! Burn in hell!"
She shouted those last words, and without so much as blinking, poured her drink over Eli's head before storming off once more.
