Hello everyone, I'm sorry I've been gone for so long, but my second book is doing better than I ever expected it to do. With that said, I've been doing A LOT of book signings in A LOT of different places over the past year so; thank you for understanding. As always this is a fictional story so, remember; anything can, and usually does happen in a fictional tale. I hope you enjoy it. God Bless,

MoogPlayer

~~~~~~

Hi, my name is Thomas Jackson Blake Jr., Tommy, or these days, just plain old, Tom, to my friends. I stand six feet, two inches tall, and weigh around two hundred and twenty-five pounds. I have dark hair and eyes like my Dad; and while I'm in my mid fifties now, what I'm about to tell you happened right after my eighteenth birthday. My mother had been killed in a terrible car wreck when I was twelve. She was on her way home from having her hair done, when these two assholes that had just held up a convenience store and were being chased by the police, ran a red-light and plowed directly into Mom's car on the driver's side, killing her and the guy in the passenger seat of the other car.

I was an emotional wreck over it for a while, not to mention Dad; and I can't even begin to comprehend, nor could I ever imagine the toll that Mom's death had taken on him. Still though, he never once neglected his fatherly duties, and was very good to me in every way. He was there to chase away the nightmares I'd had, and stayed with me until I went back to sleep. It's not only correct, but a fact to state that my Dad is the best and strongest man I've ever known, who did more than just set a good example for me to follow; he did it by following the same standards as well.

You see, Mom was a concert pianist who gave up a very promising career when she met my father. I asked her about it one time during one of the many piano lessons she gave me, insisting even as a child that I learn to play piano; and with a beautiful smile she told me, that by following one's heart, it would bring that person pure and total fulfillment, hence the reason she married Dad.

Dad, on the other hand, who went by Jack, was in the Marine Corps and had fought in the war in Vietnam, which, thank God, had just ended when this all took place. Still though, he had taught me how to defend myself as well as how to fight, from the time I was a small boy until I was ten. He then he put me in a dojo to study under a friend of his, where I excelled and earned my black belt in only a little over two and a half years, due to, and because of the previous and intensive instruction my father had given me.

~~~~~~

Chapter One

About two years after Mom died, I was seventeen at the time, and Dad began dating. At first he went out on a few dates, none of which were successful, until he met a woman named Linda Hanson. He began to spend more weekends out with her, and after they had been dating for about six months, or so, he brought her home to meet me.

She weighed somewhere in the neighborhood of one hundred and twenty pounds, I'd say, and stood about five feet, six inches tall. She long shoulder length blonde hair, and very pretty blue eyes. Her measurements fit her height and weight, and she was as nice as she was pretty.

"It's very nice to meet you, Tommy," she gently smiled, "Your father has told me so many wonderful things about you."

"Oh, is that a fact?" I playfully teased, "Well if Dad said something good about me then you can be fairly sure that it's a load of horse manure."

"Oh my goodness," she giggled, making not only her pretty face light up, but the entire room as well, "That was too funny."

"Jeez," Dad smiled, "Don't make his head any bigger than it already is."

"Oh, come now, Jack," Linda grinned, placing her arm around my waist, making me blush, "That could never happen to such a handsome boy...especially this one."

Still though, I could tell that Linda made Dad happy and that's what was most important to me. I mean, hell, I hadn't seen him smiling like that since way before Mom died, and he most definitely needed it so, that's all that mattered to me.

~~~~~~

The house that we, me and Dad, lived in back then was nothing to write home about. Don't get me wrong, we didn't live in a hovel either; it was just an ordinary three bedroom house in an American middle class neighborhood.

Dad was an Architect whom, after Mom died, poured himself into his work, making partner eighteen months after that. My father made sure that I was well fed, nicely clothed, and while my car wasn't necessarily brand new, I still had a nice car, a used, mint condition, 1958 Corvette Stingray.

I had painted it a beautiful shade of deep blue, and then once that was done; Dad and I took it down to Guadalajara Mexico to give it a brand new white leather interior that was tucked and rolled. The really cool part about it was that for my eighteenth birthday, Dad's partners at his work all pitched in and bought me a complete set of Classic Mag Wheels, which was basically the proverbial icing-on-the-cake. Of course Dad had a Blaupunkt™ stereo installed that had a cassette player, as opposed to an eight-track tape player. With the pre-amp mounted in the glove compartment, and after the speakers had been put in; it felt like I was in a concert hall when the music played.

The girls loved my car, and I always had a date on the weekend, but because I was such a painfully shy kid, I remained a virgin till almost the end of my high school career. The girls always seemed willing enough, but, to tell the truth, I hadn't the foggiest idea, at the time, how to navigate my way around a female body; and therefore, for fear of failure, I never tried.

All-in-all my car was very cool looking according not only to my set of standards, but almost all of the kids of whom I'd made friends and attended Thomas Jefferson High School with. My school was one of very few in the area which had not only your normal and standard high school sports teams, but also a Karate Team. I was one of only two Black Belts on the whole team, the other one being our coach and instructor, Mister Larry Timmons, who, he himself was a Sensei, or teacher, as that's what the word "Sensei" means.

Because of the rarity of the sport at that time, even moreso having a team in a high school back then, it meant that we were forced to compete on the collegiate levels, against junior colleges and some smaller universities, while still closely adhering to the N.C.A.A. rules and regulations.

I was asked to join the Karate Team when I was a sophomore, and once that happened, every black belt who was on whatever opposing team we faced, seemed to be after my hide. But, we still persevered, and, through all the bull-shit, managed to make a good showing whenever, as well as wherever we competed.

~~~~~~

I knew that Dad and Linda were getting serious when I came home one evening after practice to find Linda and her daughter, whom I hadn't met yet, at the house to greet me. Linda's daughter, who I found out was named, Melissa, was absolutely breathtaking as she was so beautiful.

She had long dark hair, the same color and length as mine; but that's where the similarities between us ended. She had bright blue eyes and was built like the proverbial brick-shit house. I'd say she weighed around one hundred and fifteen pounds, stood five feet, seven inches tall, and although it was difficult to tell her bust size when we first met; I'd say she had C-cup sized breasts; but like I said, it was difficult to tell at the time.

~~~~~~

I tried to be as polite as I knew how, but she acted like a bitch from the very beginning. She was very rude, or so I though; and she refused to be engaged in any type of conversation with me, barely speaking to Dad, and that was only if he asked her a direct question.

"Man" I silently thought to myself, "What a bitch!"

As I had been expecting for some time now, Dad broke the news to Melissa and I that he and Linda were getting married. I was ecstatic over the news, and was genuinely happy for the both of them. However, Melissa sat there and silently sulked...and after receiving a scalding glare from Linda, asked to use the telephone.

I thought her behavior rather strange until a bright yellow taxi came and picked her up from our house, taking her home, according to what Linda told us after Melissa was gone.

~~~~~~

"I'm sorry if I upset her," Dad said, to Linda, "I didn't think that she...."

"No, sweetheart," Linda gently interrupted him, "It's about time she got a good dose of reality and started dealing with the fact that she can't have everything she wants, whenever she wants it, and I'm really sorry for her behavior."

"Linda, honey," Dad soothed, taking her into his arms and kissing her, "There's no need for you to apologize...for anything."

"That's right," I smiled, hugging them both, "For anything."

"I love you guys...very much," she sniffled smiling.

"We love you, too," I grinned, receiving an affirmative nod from Dad, "We love you very much."

~~~~~~

Dad and I spent the rest of the summer packing everything and getting ready for the move to a new home, and as Dad called it; a new start. Granted, I was ecstatic over the fact that my father had found happiness again; but I was dreading having to spend my Senior Year of high school in a new school.

I remembered how the people at my school had treated the new students, and I was certainly not looking forward to being treated the same way...especially knowing that Melissa would be there as well. "Oh, well, I guess that having to put up with shit like this is part of life, and I guess that I'll just have to deal with it," I thought to myself.

"Look at it this way, man," my friends, Jake Collins and Mark Howard, teased me when I told them about it, "It's not like you don't know how to handle yourself, now, is it?"

"I don't know," I said, "I mean, I'm glad that my Dad is happy, but...."

"Come on, Tommy," Jake grinned, "You and I both know that all the girls at Warner High School are hot Hell, bro, I even heard that most of them are real sweet, too."

"Not all of them," I said, "But hey, I'll still be close enough that I can come visit you guys, right?"

"We'll have to see about that," Mark laughed, "Especially if one of those Warner girls gets her hooks into you."

"Come on, dude," I playfully groaned, "Gimme a break, man, damn."

~~~~~~

Linda's late husband was a Corporate Attorney who got killed in a plane crash. And because he was in a company plane, not to mention the humongous life insurance policy he taken out on himself; he'd left her extremely well off.

And because of that, we moved out of our house into hers. It was located on the other side of town, which meant that I would be spending my senior year at a new school, and because the rumors that I'd heard about the place, I was going into it with mixed emotions. I had a feeling that this up-coming year was going to be different from any, as well as every thing I'd ever seen or experienced in my life...well, at least up to this point anyway.

~~~~~~

Dad and Linda opted for a courthouse wedding as opposed to a church wedding. I was Dad's best man and Melissa stood up with her mother. I wasn't expecting Melissa to say more than two words to me after the ceremony, and I was right, she didn't say anything. She simply signed Dad and Linda's marriage license as a witness, and then she turned and walked away. I could tell that Melissa's behavior had truly hurt Linda, but I was not about to let a very happy occasion turn sour.

So, after I signed the other witness line on the marriage license, I turned to Dad and Linda, and kissing Linda on the cheek, said, "I want to let you know how happy you've made not only my father, but me as well, and I will always love you for that. Welcome to our family, Linda; I wish you and Dad all the happiness in the world."

"What a sweet thing to say," she happily sniffled, "Thank you, Tommy, and I love you, too, sweetie."

"Is that so?" I teased, "Then I say you should've waited till I graduated high school and was old enough before you married Dad."

"Shut up," Dad laughed, "Smart ass kid."

"Oh my goodness, no," Linda giggled, "He's a silver tongue devil...just like his father."

~~~~~~

Dad and Linda spent five days in the Florida Keys for their honeymoon, and when they returned, I could tell that they had truly enjoyed themselves; forming the bond that the honeymoon gives to couples in love.

~~~~~~

Then the day came that we had to move. While Dad had made previous arrangements for some, not all, of our furniture to be put in storage, I'd already packed up my belongings and put them on the truck that was going to our new home. And when I got to the new house, well, new to me anyway, Dad and Linda were there to greet me the moment I pulled into the driveway of one of the most beautiful, most spacious homes I'd ever seen.

We've got your new room ready," Linda cheerfully smiled, hugging me the moment I got out of my car, "I hope you like it, sweetie."

"Thank you," I sweetly replied, returning her hug, "I'm sure everything will be just fine."

~~~~~~

My "new room" as Linda called it, turned out to be the entire basement floor of the house. She and Dad had taken my workout gear, i.e. mats, punching bags, practice weapons, etc. and placed them in a strategic location on one side of the room; while placing my musical gear, electric piano, Hammond B-3 Organ, synthesizers and amps on the other side of the room with my bed strategically placed somewhere in the middle of it all. Man, it was very cool, even if I say so myself, and I knew that I was going to be very comfortable here.

I thought they did an excellent job and thanked them both profusely, telling Linda, "Thank you for allowing me into your home, and I'll do my very best not to make you sorry that you did."

"Oh, Tommy," she tenderly replied, while gently hugging me, "This is your home, too, now, sweetheart; and it will always be your home...for as long as you want it to be."

"Thank you very much," I smiled, "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Needless to say, Melissa was nowhere to be found, and to be totally honest, I really didn't miss her one bit either. She had been a total bitch from the very first moment I met her. I would've been able to tolerate her disrespect toward me, but she'd also been disrespectful to both Dad and Linda for no reason whatsoever; and that, I wasn't going to tolerate...not in the least, the little bitch...I didn't give a shit how good looking I thought she was. Damn, did I just say that?

~~~~~~

One good thing about living in Linda's house was the fact that there was a nice sized pool in the back yard, of which I volunteered to keep it clean as one of my chores. Not only did it have a diving board, but it was long enough that I could swim laps and still get a good workout.

The whole house sat on two acres of land, all of which had been sodden in Bermuda grass upon its construction, making it look like something you would see depicted in a "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine pictorial so; to say that it was nice would be an understatement.

~~~~~~

The first day of school was a week away when I finally saw Melissa since Dad and I had been moved in, well, actually it was because I saw her Mustang convertible parked in the driveway, and I could hear her and her mother going at it upstairs.

"Would you care to tell me where you've been for the past week?" Linda firmly asked, "I can't begin to tell you how bad you made yourself look in front of Jack and Tommy."

The next thing I heard was Melissa screaming something unintelligible and then I heard what sounded like something made of glass, crashing against the wall and breaking on the floor. I dashed up the stairs at light speed in case someone had been hurt.

~~~~~~

I arrived upstairs on the main floor (remember my bedroom was the basement) and followed the sound of two females yelling at each other into the living room, where I found Melissa and Linda locked in verbal combat; and it wasn't until I heard Melissa call her mother a selfish bitch that I intervened.

"KNOCK IT OFF!!!" I yelled, silencing the both of them.

"Now," I evenly said, "Would someone like to calmly tell me what the hell is going on in here?"

"My daughter is being extremely disrespectful," Linda told me, "And I'm sick and tired of it."

Before I could comment, Melissa hatefully spat, "I'm not being disrespectful, Mom's just being a bitch, and I'm not...."

"Whoa, wait a minute," I sharply interrupted her, "I don't care what it is. You have no right to call your mother a bitch in her own house under any circumstances."

"Fuck you," she again hatefully replied, taking a swing at me with her fist, "And you don't belong here either, motherfucker."

The moment she swung at me, I simply blocked and deflected her punch, angering her enough to take another swing, until I finally got her arm locked behind her in a gentle but firm grip and calmly said, "We can do this all day, but I don't want to have to do this to you, nor do I want you to do this to yourself. Do you understand me?"

"Fuck you," she said, beginning to cry, "Let me go."

"I'm going to let you go," I warned, "But you'd better not try to hit me again, okay?"

"Okay," she cried, "Just let go of me, you asshole," and then I released the hold I had on her.

"You'll pay for that, you fucker," she openly cried, and then she ran down the hall to her room, slamming the bedroom door behind her.

"I'm really sorry about that," I told Linda, "I didn't hurt her, I swear; but she left me no choice, please tell me that you understand."

"You have nothing to worry about, Tommy," Linda smiled, "I think the only thing you hurt was her pride, which means that you didn't really hurt her at all."

"You can tell me that it's none of my business," I said, "But why does she act like that? I mean, I haven't done a single thing to her, and yet she treats me like a disease."

"It's not your fault," Linda sadly smiled, "She wasn't the same after her father died, and according to her, I was defiling her father's memory when I began dating again. I've tried to talk to her but she won't let me in."

"Maybe I can try again," I reassured her, "But we're going to have to give her some time to get over this though."

"That would be great, sweetie," Linda hopefully replied, "I'm willing to try anything at this point."

"Good," I grinned, "But let's see how things go from here, first."

~~~~~~

Melissa refused to have dinner with us for the rest of that week, waiting until she thought everyone was asleep, and then she would sneak into the kitchen and eat whatever was left over. Her movements on the ground floor above me woke me every time she came into the kitchen; and once I'd brought it to her mother's attention, Linda began leaving a full plate of food in the refrigerator for her daughter after supper was over with.

~~~~~~

The first day of school finally arrived, and with it came a bundle of nerves that had decided to take up residence in my stomach. Still though, I wasn't afraid, no, it was more apprehension than anything else, and I knew that I would eventually be alright once I got into the swing of things.

~~~~~~

The moment I pulled my car into the parking lot and got out of it, two girls, who were very pretty I might add, approached me with smiles on each of their faces while I was locking my door. One was a blonde and the other was a brunette, both of whom had blue eyes, and both of which were built very nicely.
"You must be new here," said the blonde, taking my hand and shaking it, "Hi, my name is Sherilyn Hawkins, "then nodding towards the brunette, continued, "And her name is Jenny Rodgers...what's your name?"

"My name is Tommy Blake," I genuinely smiled, "And it's nice to meet the both of you."

Sherilyn had one hand, while Jenny took the other one, and pulling me along with them, smiled and said, "Come on, we'll show you where the office is."

~~~~~~

These two girls were very pretty and both of them were built extremely well, and save for the tight jeans they were both wearing, accenting the succulence of their asses, I was having not too difficult of a time staying focused on what they were saying to me.

"Where are you from?" Sherilyn asked, "And what school did you go to?"

"Actually, I grew up right here and went to Jefferson, across town," I replied, "But when my Dad remarried, we moved over here."

"Who did he marry?" Jenny asked, "Is it anyone we know?"

And when I mentioned Linda's name, Sherilyn looked at Jenny with a knowing smile, and then back at me, and said, "So, you're Melissa Hanson's new step-brother that we've all heard about, oh, my!"

"Ooo, and she was right, girl," Jenny giggled, "He really is a hunk."

"Mmm, Hmm," Sherilyn grinned, then giggled, "Come on, Tommy, you handsome thing, let's get you to the office so that you can get registered," with Jenny giggling on the other side of me.

~~~~~~

"Welcome to Warner High," smiled Mrs. Powers, the school secretary, handing me my class schedule, "I hope you enjoy it here."

"Thank you, Ma'am," I politely replied, "I'm sure I will."

~~~~~~

"I'm going to be late to class," Jenny smiled, as she and Sherilyn escorted me out of the office, "You've got this period free, Sher; why don't you show handsome, here, to his first class?"

"Oh, you can count on it," Sherilyn giggled, "Bye."

Then she turned to me, and taking my hand, said, "Come on, cutie. You've got first period Creative Writing, with Miss Matthews."

~~~~~~

Everything had gone well that morning, and I was beginning to feel a little better about being in a new school. It was lunchtime and Jenny and Sherilyn had not left my side except to go to their own classes, which, it turned out that I had at least one class, History, with the both of them.

But at the time I was sitting there having lunch with them when suddenly, this really big guy stood at my table wanting to know what I was doing messing with his girlfriends.

"We're not your girlfriends, Johnny Banks," Jenny angrily said, "We never have been so; quit picking on him just because he's new."

"What's the matter, punk," he growled at me, "Are you too chicken-shit to talk for your self, you gotta let these bitches do all your talking for you?"

"You're real brave aren't you?" I laughed, standing up, "Does it make you feel like a bad-ass picking on a couple of girls?"

"How about I just pound your ass right here, huh?" he replied, trying to shove me, but instead, I grabbed him in a thumb lock and flipped him over the table and onto his back.

"I'll kill you," he spat, rushing toward me, only to receive a hard front kick to the groin, accompanied by a spinning back fist to the face, which knocked him to the floor, unconscious.

About that time a male teacher, Mr. Morris Green, appeared, wanting to know what was going on, as well as who started the fracas that had just occurred. Both Sherilyn and Jenny stood up in my defense, telling him what had happened, and that it wasn't my fault as I was simply defending myself.

"Well, Mister Blake," he asked me, "Is what they're saying the truth?"

"Yes, sir," I replied, pointing at Johnny, who was lying in the floor holding his balls, "He came walking to our table talking trash on the way over, and then tried to assault me. I didn't want to do this, but he forced my hand, I swear."

"I can see that," he began to laugh, helping a still foggy minded Banks up off of the floor. "Come with me, Mister Banks," he chuckled, "It's only the first day of school and already you're in trouble. Let's see what Ms. Carter (the principal) has to say about this." Then looking at Sherilyn, Jenny and me, he smiled and told us, "She'll probably want to talk to the three of you as well so; you'd better come along, too."

I didn't think any of this strange until, from out of the corner of my eye, I saw Melissa sitting with her girl friends, who, like her, were every single one, laughing like the evil bitches that I perceived them to be. And it was then that I knew she had set this whole thing up.

~~~~~~

"Mister Banks," Ms. Carter said, once we were all in her office, "You haven't even been here a whole day and you're already starting trouble. Go sit in detention until I decide what to do with you."

"Yes, ma'am," he sulked, and on the way out, he looked at me and said, "I'm really sorry, man, but Mel...."

Don't worry about it, bro," I politely interrupted him, standing to shake his hand, "I know who put you up to this, and it'll be alright, I promise."

"You know what?" he smiled, shaking my hand, "You're an alright guy...I thought you should know that."

"Thanks," I smiled, "I really appreciate that," and then Mr. Green escorted Johnny out of Ms. Carter's office.

"Is there something I should know, Mister Blake?" Ms. Carter suspiciously asked, "You and Mister Banks got real chummy, real quickly just now...what gives?"

It was then that I explained to her about Melissa and everything that had taken place between us at home before the school year had started. I also told her that the reason that things were the way they were between Melissa and I, was because she hated the fact that my father was married to her mother.

However, once I was finished, I also, as humbly as possible, pleaded with her not to do anything to Johnny Banks; assuring her that I would take full responsibility, and therefore would willingly suffer the consequences, for anything Banks might do for the rest of that school year.

"You're a very forgiving young man," she smiled, "And I don't know why I'm doing this, but I'm going to grant your request provided that you keep him out of trouble, do you understand me, Mister Blake?"

"Yes, ma'am," I graciously smiled, "Thank you, again, Ms. Carter. God's going to bless you for this..."

"You're welcome, young man," she pleasantly smiled, "I think you need to go to class for now, and I'll handle things where Mister Banks is concerned. Is that good enough?"

"Yes, ma'am," I grinned, "Bye," and then I took off to go to class."

~~~~~~

Chapter Two

"Holy shit," Sherilyn gasped smiling, "That was the wildest thing I've ever seen."

"I know," Jenny giggled, "Where did you learn to fight like that, Tommy?"

"Look, you two," I politely replied, "I really rather not talk about it if it's all the same to you."

"But that was absolutely amazing," Sherilyn smiled, "You ought to be proud."

"I'm not," I solemnly replied, "Hurting someone is not something to be proud of."

"I think I understand," Jenny quietly said, "My father said the same thing, and acted the same way when he came back from serving over in Vietnam. Come on, Tommy," and then she took me by the hand, "I'm in your next class."

~~~~~~

The rest of the day was spent learning what would be required of me to graduate. Hell, I wasn't really worried about it, because I had always made straight "A's" in all of my classes ever since first grade.

~~~~~~

I came home to an empty house, as both Dad and Linda were still at work and wouldn't be home until after five o'clock. So; in order to keep up, I took the few homework assignments to my room and got them finished in a matter of about an hour.

After that I changed my clothes and started my workout; and it felt damn good to be able to work out the day's frustrations on my kick-bags and wooden training dummy. With every punch and kick that I delivered, I imagined Melissa's face on my respective gear. I know it sounds wrong, and although I have never, and would never hit a woman, it made me feel better to deal with the situation that way instead.

"Jeez, what a bitch," I silently said to myself, punching and kicking my bag as hard as I possibly could; so much that I eventually wore myself out.

~~~~~~

That night at dinner, Melissa, as usual, was nowhere to be seen. However, I'd heard her come in earlier that afternoon not too long after I got home. Little did either of us realize that there would come a reckoning one day soon, and that we would both be forced to face it?

~~~~~~

That night after supper, and once I'd waited enough time for my food to digest, I decided to swim some laps in the pool so that I would sleep well. I had swum about five laps when I saw my father standing at the edge of the pool.

"Can you spare a few minutes?" he asked, "I need to talk to you, son."

"Sure," I smiled, "Let me get out of the water and dry off first."

~~~~~~

"Okay, Dad," I said, taking a seat opposite him at the patio table, "What can I do for you?"

"It's about your sister," he replied, "And the fact that you two don't get along."

"First of all, she's not my sister," I pointedly told him, "And secondly, I've tried to get along with her, Dad; I swear I have, but she won't let me."

"Are you sure that you've put forth an honest effort to try and get along with her?" Dad asked, "I mean, she's not that bad, is she?"

"Come on, Dad," I said, "She sent one of her goons to kick my ass at school today. I'll bet you didn't know that, did you?"

"As a matter of fact, I did," he laughed, "Linda called me at work after your principal called her to tell her what took place today at school."

"Well," I said, "If you already know what happened then why are we having this conversation?"

Look, Tommy," Dad began, "You have to understand how she feels after losing her father the way she did."

"Hell, Dad, if anyone understands, I understand completely, I really do," I explained, "But I've already tried to talk to her and she's treated me like total shit so; no, I don't have to do anything where that...girl...is concerned. I'm going to try and stay out of her way until I graduate and go to college. Then I won't have to deal with her anymore...end of story," and then I rose from my seat, walked over to the edge of the pool and dove back in to finish swimming my laps.

I hated the fact that I had just spoken to, as well as treated my father the way I had, but I'd had enough of Melissa and her infantile bullshit, and I wasn't going to put up with it anymore. I know that it didn't sit well with the parents, but that's just the way it was back then, case closed.

~~~~~~

The next day at school, Sherilyn and Jenny were both waiting for me in the senior parking lot when I pulled into school. And from the way they were acting, one would've thought that I was some kind of celebrity or something.

"Good morning, handsome," Sherilyn cooed, kissing me on the cheek, "How're you this morning?"

But before I could answer, Jenny threw her arms around my neck, kissing my lips, then, with a smile, said, "Hi, sweetheart how is our boyfriend today?"

"Our boyfriend" I asked, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's like this," Sherilyn giggled, as she began, "Last night Jenny and I had a long talk, and we've decided that we both want you to be our boyfriend, but you can't date one of us without making the other one jealous so; we've decided to share you with one another."

"Yeah," Jenny softly replied, as she snuggled under my right arm, while Sherilyn took the left, "We're going to share you...I hope that's okay."

"Do I have a say in this?" I asked grinning.

"No," giggled the both of them at the same time, then Sherilyn added, "If you go out with one of us, you're going to have to take the both of us along with you on a date."

"What if I don't want to go out with either one of you?" I teased, "Then what?"

"Oh, Tommy," Jenny suddenly pouted, "That is so mean."

"I can't believe you just said that," Sherilyn replied, turning to walk away, "If that's the case then you don't deserve either one of us. Come on, Jen."

"Whoa, wait a minute," I grinned pulling them back toward me, "I was only teasing...I'd be proud to be seen with either one of you anywhere, okay?"

"That's better," Jenny giggled, smacking me on the butt, "You're such a brat."

"Definitely a brat," Sherilyn smiled, her arm around my waist, "Come on, baby, let's get you to class."

~~~~~~

When I got to my first class that next morning, and after kissing both of my girls, you could've heard a pin drop when I walked into the class room. All of the guys in class were giving me dirty looks, and all of the girls in the room gazed at me with unfamiliar looks on their faces and in their eyes.

Still though, I thought nothing of it at the time and kept to myself for the entire first period. But the funny thing about it was that I was treated the same way in every single one of my classes that morning, and for the life of me, I couldn't understand why until lunch break came.

~~~~~~

I was sitting at a table in the cafeteria with Jenny on one side of me and Sherilyn on the other side, minding my own business. All of a sudden I looked up to find none other than Johnny Banks standing at our table with a silly grin plastered across his face as the whole cafeteria went silent.

"Hey, Tommy," Johnny grinned, extending his hand in friendship, "How're ya doin today, buddy?"

"Oh, hey, Johnny," I smiled, standing up and shaking his hand, "I'm doing real well. Please, join us for lunch if you don't have any other plans."

"I'd love to," he chuckled, taking a seat across the table from us, "I don't know if you know this, or not, but your sister is spreading some pretty fucked up rumors about you around school."

"Oh, really," I said, my curiosity piqued, "First of all, she's not my sister. Her Mom and my Dad are married, and secondly, what rumors?"

"Well, it's like this, he began, "She told the guys on the football team that you were a fag, and the only reason that you're hanging out with these two (referring to Sherilyn and Jenny) is to put up a smoke screen to try and fool everyone."

"Is that right?" I laughed, "Well, as you can plainly see, it's not true, and you can tell the guys on the football team that if any of them have a problem with me, or my two girlfriends, then they can come and see me about it, okay?"

"I wouldn't worry too much about any of them," he chuckled, "After the thrashing that you gave me yesterday, which I truly deserved, I don't think that they want to mess with you; but I would still watch my back anyway if I were you."

"Thanks, brother," I grinned, "I really appreciate the heads up."

"No problem," he smiled, "You're a good dude, and once again, I'm really sorry about what happened yesterday, as well as the fucked up things I said to you."

"There's nothing for you to be sorry about," I told him, "If anything, I should be apologizing to you."

"You apologizing to me?" he said, "I don't think I understand that one."

"I should've tried to talk my way out of it," I replied, "Instead; I used violence when I shouldn't have."

"How about this," Johnny grinned, "How about if we become friends and just forget about it?"

"I'm' sorry, but that's impossible," I told him.

"Oh, really," he angrily replied, "And why is it impossible?"

"Because," I teased, "We already are friends."

"You're a smart ass," he laughed, "But like I already said, you're also a good guy, and hell yes, you can be my friend for as long as you want."

"Cool," I grinned, "That's going to be forever then."

~~~~~~

That afternoon when I got home from school, I was sitting in the breakfast nook enjoying an afternoon snack when none other than Melissa came in and sat down across the table from me.

"Hi," I smiled at her, "How're you this afternoon?"

"Just who in the hell do you think you are, God dammit?" she angrily asked, "You need to have your ass whipped, you stupid dickhead."

"Look," I quickly replied, "I don't know what it is that you think I've done to you, but whatever it is; I'm sorry, Melissa."

"Fuck you," she spat, "You're such an asshole...and the really sad thing about it is, that you're too fucking stupid to see it...you dickhead."

"What's the matter with you?" I asked her, "I haven't done a single thing to you, and you damn well know it."

"You don't have a clue," she angrily said, "Because you're too fucking stupid to see it."

"Is that right? Well, then try this on for size," I sneered, "You think you're only one who knows what it feels like to lose someone that you love? You're not. I lost my mother when these two assholes ran into her on the driver's side of her car, doing seventy-five miles and hour. Yeah, it hurt me, too, and I was messed up for a while..."

"...But then I realized that all of the hate and anger in the world wasn't going to bring her back, and that the best way to deal with it...for me, anyway...was to live my life to honor her, because if I know for a fact, that if she was alive and saw me acting the way I did, she would've kicked my ass..."

"...So, why don't you think about that the next time you want to be a shitty, hateful, bitch to me, or anyone else for that matter. In the mean time, I'll stay as far the fuck away from you as I can; but you'd better damn well stay the hell away from me until you decide that it's time for you to grow up...you make me sick to my stomach. Oh, and one more thing, you better start treating your mother better, because as soon as you turn eighteen, she can legally throw your hateful ass out of here, and I wouldn't blame her one bit if she did."

"Oh yeah?" she growled, "Well, fuck you, and go to hell you...." and then I turned and walked away, leaving her still ranting and raving like a lunatic, casually stopping at the refrigerator to grab another snack and a soda on my way to the basement....my refuge.

"Crazy bitch," I chuckled to myself, as I locked my door behind me once I was downstairs.

~~~~~~

To this day I still don't know if I had anything to do with it; but you can only imagine my shock, a pleasant kind of shock, but shock none the less, as I sat down that night to eat dinner, and Melissa appeared and joined us at the table, giving us all a very wonderful surprise, especially Linda. By reason of her action, I began to consciously consider that perhaps Melissa was to "Extend the first Olive Branch" so to speak, and I gave a second consideration to maybe trying again to at least befriend her.

However, from the first time I met her, yes I thought she was hot, but pushing all of that aside; I sensed it ran deeper than just her father's death, and that I felt something darker, more sinister had been at work. The more I thought about it, the more I grew aware of something far worse than I'd originally thought. But then suddenly it hit me like a ton of bricks, someone close to Melissa had deeply hurt her, who it was I don't know, and again, I don't know how, but I knew just as sure as I knew my own name that it had nothing to do with her father's death, that much was certain. This was something way different, something that I feared for reasons I didn't know, but it still concerned me, regardless.

And I also now knew that I could never again be angry with her, ever so; I chose instead, to pray for her. I asked God to take away the demons that some yet to be discovered, evil degenerate had left behind to purposefully haunt her; making her feel like she needed to take all her pain, anger, and frustration out on not only those around her, but more importantly, those who loved and cared for her the most.

~~~~~~

The next day, Melissa began to join us for meals, and although she didn't have a lot to say to anyone, especially me, I was still grateful to God that she at least gave my Dad the opportunity to see her more often. I also hope that perhaps he might get the chance to at least try and get to know her a little better, regardless of the fact that whenever he would speak to her, she only gave either a grunt, or one-to-two word responses to his questions.
Still though, definite progress was being made when it came to her relationship with my father, and like I said before, in my deepest and most humble gratitude, I was very thankful to God for that.

~~~~~~

The rest of the week went very smoothly not only at school, but also at home. Melissa was joining the rest of the family for every meal now. And while she was still giving me the silent treatment, she was opening up to Linda, as well as Dad.

I could see the happiness written all over his face, erasing the pain of Mom's death, only to be replaced by Linda's, and seemingly slowly, but still there none-the-less, Melissa's love as well. However, for reasons unknown to me at the time, somewhere deep down inside of me, I longed to hear Melissa talking to me, and even moreso the opportunity to gaze into her beautifully deep, hypnotic, blue eyes.

And even though I felt like she hated me, Melissa caught me, on more then a few occasions, dreamily staring at her when I thought she wasn't looking and/or paying attention. There's no doubt about her beauty, none whatsoever; but, she never realized, not until a few years ago, how truly beautiful she really is...but I'm getting ahead of myself.

~~~~~~

That Friday morning at school, Sherilyn and Jenny informed me that a party was being held at one of our fellow classmate's family home that night. The classmate who was throwing the party, was a guy named Jason Clark who, and this is so cool, just happened to be my lab partner in my Science class, which was also one of my two favorite classes. And when he gave me an invitation to his party that afternoon in Science class, I asked him if it was alright if I brought both Sherilyn and Jenny with me.

He grinned at me, and quietly laughing, said, "Damn, Tommy, you're my hero, brother. Hell yes, you better bring your girlfriends to the party, otherwise you're gonna get hit on by the entire female populous of both the junior and senior classes."

"Nah," I grinned, "That's your job, bro."

"Yeah, right," Jason chuckled, "I only wish that that's the way it was."

That was when I began to formulate a plan in my head. Granted, I was going to need the help of "My Girls", as I now affectionately called Sherilyn and Jenny. But if they could help me out, which I knew they would, or at least I hoped so, then my friend, Jason Clark, who also was a great guy, would never lack for true and genuine companionship ever again, god bless his kind heart.

~~~~~~

That afternoon before I left to meet Sherilyn and Jenny, I was going to follow them in Jenny's car to the party, plus, they were bringing along a friend of theirs named, Tara, whom incidentally, had been wanting to meet Jason for quite some time it seemed, but was too shy to say anything to him.

I told Dad and Linda where I was going, and that I would more than likely be late coming home. They had no problem with my going to Jason's house, because not only did they know his parents, Bob and Katherine, they also knew that they would both be there and would make certain that everyone acted responsibly, and that no one underage would be permitted to take part when it came to the drinking of alcohol, as the legal drinking age was eighteen back then.

"I trust you, son," Dad told me, "But don't forget what I told you about drinking and driving?"

"You can relax, Dad," I smiled, "I don't drink, remember?"

"I know," Dad nervously smiled, "I just wanted to make sure that you remembered."

"Which reminds me," I quietly asked, "How did you know that you were in love with Linda?"

"That one is kind of difficult to explain," Dad grinned, "I guess I just knew, well, sort of, like I said, it's hard to explain."

~~~~~~

"Hi, baby," Sherilyn said, when I got out of my car, "Don't you look hot?"

Then leaning over and kissing my lips, Jenny giggled, "Are you ready for us, Handsome?"

When I looked at the girls, I noticed that not only had their make-up been flawlessly applied, but they were both wearing the same one-piece dress, which beautifully defined their figures without being obscene; Jenny's was white, while Sherilyn's was black.

I don't know who designed these dresses, but whoever it was must've had the same fetish for beautiful female cleavage, as well as hot legs, topped by nice tight asses as I did. They both wore black, patent leather shoes, with two and a half inch heels, which is what was making their legs look so hot. All I cold say was, "Damn, girls, you two look so scrumptious, I can't stand it, Mmm..."

"Relax, Tiger," Jenny purred, as she gently palmed my ass, "The night is still young."

"Come on, Tommy," Sherilyn smiled, as she and Jenny each took a hand, leading me inside, "It's time for you to shine."

Oh, I almost forgot to mention my Sherilyn and Jenny's friend Tara, she was a cute, petite little Redhead with a tiny, but definitely female, figure; and the blue jeans she was wearing looked as if they'd been spray-painted on her body. She, too, wore shoes that were similar to what Sherilyn and Jenny were wearing, and she had on a white, long sleeved, with the sleeves rolled up, cotton shirt, and unbuttoned enough to reveal a dark blue tube top, which held a surprisingly nice sized set of tits. And once we introduced her to Jason, the two of them happily disappeared toward the kitchen; I think they said something about getting something to eat.

~~~~~~

We'd been at the party for about an hour, and Sherilyn and Jenny introduced me to a few people, girls mostly, but all of them had nothing but nice things to say to me; and I was beginning to feel like I finally fit in somewhere until I heard Jenny say, "Uh-oh, Tommy...your sister just walked through the door."

"Aw man," I said, turning around to see, "She's not my sis...." and I was undeniably dumbstruck by what I saw standing before me.

Melissa looked like something out of a fairytale book; however, while she was only wearing a simple button up short sleeved white cotton shirt, with a miniskirt and pumps, there was suddenly something so beautiful about her that it rocked me to the core. And while I thought that I had done my very best at hiding what I was feeling at the moment, both Sherilyn and Jenny instantly picked up on it.

But when Melissa turned and looked my way, she suddenly got a look on her face that I'd never seen before. It was a look that made Sherilyn get Jenny's attention while urgently telling her, "Uh-oh, Jen, I think it's time to take Tommy out to the back yard where the keg is, so that you and I can get a beer and he can get a coke."

I guess it's a female thing because an exchange took place between Sherilyn, Jenny, and Melissa, that I was happily ignorant of at the time, making me follow wherever they led me. I did, however, catch the appreciative glance that Melissa had given me right before we left the room, but I was quite certain she unintentionally let her guard down, whether it was momentary, or not.

~~~~~~

It was around eight in the evening when Ms. Katherine, Jason's Mom, came out to where I sat with Sherilyn and Jenny. Initially Bob and Katherine had been friends with Linda and her late husband, Melissa's father. However, when they met Dad, they welcomed him into the fold as though they'd always been friends with him, hence the reason that Jason and I were friends...And because we were lab partners in Science, a bond was formed there, too.

"You must be, Tommy," smiled, Ms. Katherine, taking a seat across from us while Sherilyn momentarily excused herself to go use the restroom, "My name is Katherine, and I must say; Linda wasn't lying when she told me what a handsome young man you were. It's so nice to meet you, sweetie."

"Thank you, Ms. Katherine," I politely replied, my face blushing bright red, "It's nice to meet you, too, ma'am."

"Oh, my goodness," she giggled, "You're using words like Ms., and Ma'am. Do I look that old to you, sweetie?"

"No ma'am, err, I mean, no, not at all," I uncomfortably stammered, much to the delight of Katherine, with Sherilyn just returning from the restroom, she and Jenny began giggling right alongside of her, "I was just trying to be polite and respectful, I mean, this is your house."

"I know, sweetheart, and I appreciate it," Katherine sweetly replied, leaning in and kissing me on the cheek, making me blush again, "I happen to think you're one of the prettiest boys I've ever seen," and then she stood up and sauntered away, while almost every young male eye in the house stayed glued to her butt as it temptingly swayed back and forth, encased in skin-tight white denim pants.

~~~~~~

Chapter Three

Unbeknownst to me, Bob and Katherine left the house around Ten O'clock, to make another run to the grocery store. And unbeknownst to them, in their wake were a bunch of half drunk, horny teenagers who'd been left to their own devices. And almost immediately, the volume of the music got turned up as some of the female guests began removing their tops, exposing their bare breasts to whoever might look their way.

"Holy shit," I lecherously grinned, "I didn't expect this."

"You look all you want to," Sherilyn sensually breathed into my ear, as she and Jenny took turns rubbing my cock through my pants, "We want this cock to be nice and hard for later when the three of us are all alone."

"Really?" I excitedly asked, "And what's going to happen later when the three of us are all alone?"

"We're going to suck you, and then fuck your cock, Tommy," Jenny quietly spoke, lightly tickling my ear with the tip of her tongue, sending chills down the back of my spine, "Mmm, baby, it's going to be so good."

"Oh, my God," I exhaled, as my seven and a half-inch cock grew iron hard in my pants, as a result of both Sherilyn's and Jenny's covert ministrations, "I can't believe this is really happening, oh yessss..."

"Believe it, baby," Jenny hotly replied, "I can't wait to sit on your big cock and shove it up my tight little pussy."

"Oh, shit," Sherilyn told Jenny, as the two of them began maneuvering me into a dark corner, "I've just got to suck his cock...and I want to suck it now, oh fuck," and then the next thing I knew was that I was in a dark corner behind the stereo feeling my pants being unzipped.

However, just as one of the girls, I don't know which, stuck her hand into my pants, fishing for my cock, and I thought I was finally going to lose my virginity, when suddenly I heard an unmistakable female voice screaming ,"NOOOO...GET OFF OF ME NOOOOWWWW, OH MY GOD, NOOOOO, UNNGGHH!!!!"

~~~~~~

I knew that the voice belonged to Melissa; and from the sound of things, she was in trouble. So, as I followed the voice upstairs, zipping my pants up on the way, I went down to the room at the end of the hall, and what I saw almost sickened me.

Melissa's clothes had been ripped almost completely away from her body, and I saw these two assholes standing around the bed with their cocks out, while another had climbed between her legs and was getting ready to stick his tiny, almost non-existent dick into her body. She was barely talking but I could understand her enough to know that she was telling them "No" and that was all it took for me to react.

I wasted no time in removing this slime ball from off of her; and in doing so, broke his tail bone with the hard kick I delivered right to his balls from behind. When he landed on the floor, two of the others tried to jump me from behind.

I was glad that I had chosen to wear my Justin® Ropers that night; as wearing boots came in handy when I stomped on the instep of the guy to my right, while my left fist made contact with the balls of the guy on my left. Needless to say, the commotion caused Jason, accompanied by Tara, to come running up the stairs to see what was happening.

~~~~~~

I was in the process of covering Melissa's naked and bruised body with a sheet while Jason called the police. Once I made sure that she was completely covered up, I carried Melissa, in my arms down to my car, and than ever-so-gently placed her in the passenger seat, and waited for the police to arrive.

~~~~~~

I'd also made sure that Jason had called Dad and Linda, too, because I wanted them both to be present when the police and ambulance arrived, so as to not only be there if the police wanted to question Melissa, but also for Linda to be there in order to make any and all decisions where Melissa's health and well being was concerned.

~~~~~~

"Oh, my God," Linda cried, when she saw the shape that her daughter was in, "My poor, baby."

It was obvious that someone had slipped something into Melissa's drink by the behavior she was exhibiting. I got Sherilyn and Jenny to stay with Dad, Linda, and Melissa, until the police arrived. Then Jason and I marched back upstairs to find the three assholes who'd tried to rape Melissa, just coming to from where I knocked their asses out.

I used their own belts to restrain them until the police could take them into custody, because there was no doubt whatsoever that attempted rape charges were gong to be filed against these dickheads, and in the rare event that they were set free, I would be more than happy to deal with them myself.

~~~~~~

"If you want to press charges against these guys, she's going to have to go to the hospital for a rape exam," the responding policeman told Dad and Linda, "Unless you have an eyewitness, which doesn't seem to be the case."

"Excuse me, officer," I spoke up, "With the exception seeing those idiots slipping something into her drink, which they did, I saw them trying to rape her."

"Is that a fact?" he asked, as I nodded my head, "And who might you be?"

"He is my step-son," Linda pointedly explained, "And the victim is his step-sister, and if he told you that he witnessed this atrocity, you can take his word to the bank, I assure you, officer."

"I still think it's wise to have her examined by a doctor, honey," Dad told Linda, "That way we'll at least have indisputable evidence that she was drugged, won't you agree?"

""I'm sorry, you're right, sweetheart," Linda wearily replied, leaning against Dad's chest, "Thank you, Jack."

So, after I gave the police my eyewitness account of what I saw, they agreed to hold the three assholes for at least seventy-two hours, and then if Melissa was well enough to testify against them, they would be formally charged. But even if they were able to post bail, because of the nature of the crime, they still were going to be confined to their homes by way of an electronic ankle leash, as that is the law in my home state.

~~~~~~

I followed the ambulance that took Melissa to the hospital, with Dad and Linda following closely behind me; and the moment we got there, Dad and I parked our cars while Linda went inside with Melissa.

The attending Physician thoroughly examined her, reaffirming that penetration had not yet been achieved, and that I had gotten there just in time. He also did a toxicology screen and found sizeable trace amounts of Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, or, what is commonly known as GHB. Not only were the laws of the state that I lived in very harsh on drug offenders, they were even harsher on sex offenders, especially this particular kind of offense.

You can bet that Linda, Dad, and I, and especially Melissa, all took satisfaction in knowing that the three assholes who'd tried to have their way with her would never be able to do this to anyone else ever again.

~~~~~~

After being administered a shot of NAR-CAN™, an opium and narcotic blocker, Melissa slowly began to come around. Dad and I were out in the waiting room while Linda was in the back with her, and after a few moments, Linda came out into the waiting room looking at me with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes, and said, "She wants to see you, Tommy."

"Really," I asked dumfounded, "Why?"

"What's matter with you, boy?" Dad scolded, wearing a silly grin, "Get your ass up and go in there and see her."

~~~~~~

Linda took me back to the small cubicle Melissa had been placed in, while the E.R. doctors had examined her, and at the time, they were in the process of determining her prognosis when I stepped in to see her.

When I saw her, she was wearing a hospital gown as opposed to the sheet that I had initially wrapped her up in. She looked alright with the exception of her right eye, which was beginning to darken where one of those assholes had apparently hit her with his fist. Other than that, she looked like she'd come through the ordeal with most of her faculties in tact, or at least I sure hoped she did.

"Hi," I said, gently touching her hand, "How're you feeling?"

"Oh, Tommy," she loudly cried, suddenly sitting up in her bed and throwing her arms tightly around my neck, "I'm so sorry...so very sorry for everything. Oh, my God, can you ever forgive me?"

"Shh," I soothed her, sitting down on the bed next to her while she held her arms very securely around my neck, "There's nothing for you to be sorry for...okay? Will you do a favor for me?"

"I'll do anything you ask," she replied sniffling, her voice muffled from where she'd tucked her face into my chest, "Just name it."

However, before I could reply, the attending physician, Doctor Samantha Kingsley, or just plain old Dr. Sam, as she preferred that we all called her, walked into Melissa's cubicle with a smile on her face and said, "You're going to be alright, Melissa; but I would like you to stay here with us tonight for what we Doctors call observation and evaluation."

"Will you stay here...with me?" Melissa asked me, with fear plainly in her eyes, "Please, Tommy, I'd feel a lot safer with you here?"

"Of, course," I smiled, softly, but ever so gently and slightly, tightening my grip as she held my hand, "I'll be right here."

~~~~~~

After Dad and Linda went home, Melissa began to relax once she'd been assigned a room; and in doing so, she smiled at me and said, "You never did tell me the favor you wanted me to do for you."

"That's right," I softly chuckled, "I never did, did I?"

"So," she giggled, "Are you going to tell me, or not."

I rose from the chair I was sitting in and walked over to her bed. She scooted over, patting the mattress beside her, indicating that she wanted me to sit next to her so; I did. Then I took her hand and softly told her, "Would you tell me what I did that made you so angry with me when I first moved into the house, because for whatever it is...I'm really sorry, Melissa, and it's killing me that you're mad at me. I never wanted that," and then for reasons I still don't know, a single tear began to silently roll down my cheek.

Before I could wipe my face, two soft hands gently grabbed my head and tenderly forced me to look up to find the most beautiful deep blue eyes that I'd ever seen staring a hole through me, and then Melissa dropped the queen mother of all bombs on me.

"You're going to think that I've lost my mind when I tell you this, Tommy," she began, having some difficulty, too, "But the reason that I've been acting like I have is because..." and then all at once her eyes began to swiftly fill with tears, "...I fell for you the very first time I laid eyes on you, and there's nothing I can do about it...now you probably think I'm sick for even suggesting such a thing," and then the floodgates broke, and she leaned into my arms and cried her heart out.

While I silently held on to her, I discovered that it really hurt me to see her in such emotional discontent, and if the truth were truly known, that was the day that I, too, fell for this beautiful creature who had just bravely opened her heart to me, showing me her vulnerability, and was weeping in my arms.

We weren't blood related, and we were both of legal age, but still, there would be some major mountains to cross if we were to pursue a relationship, but then again, you know what they say, you can't help who you love. But......I still wasn't sure whether it was love, or just a simple case of infatuation because of her beauty, and I do mean beauty with a capitol "B".
Once she began to settle down, I gently laid her back into her bed, asking," "Are you going to be alright?"

"Yeah," she wearily smiled, caressing my face with the palm of her hand, "I am now, Tommy," followed by a sleepy yawn.

"I think you ought to try and get some rest," I softly told her, "Okay?"

"Alright," she grinned, "But would you do something for me?"

"Sure," I grinned, "What is it?"

"This," she softly replied, and then she quickly grabbed the back of my head and pulled me down until our lips softly met. It was only for a few seconds, but I felt it all the way down into my soul, none the less. Then she released me and softly said, "I never said thank you for saving my life so; thank you, Tommy."

"You're welcome," I smiled, trying to regain my breath as I made my way back to my chair, "I'll be right here when you wake up so, please try and get some rest, for me, please?"

"Okay, Tommy," she sweetly replied, "Good night, sweetie."

"Good night, pretty girl..."

~~~~~~

When I was certain that Melissa was asleep, I took the opportunity to call Sherilyn and Jenny, not only to let them know what had happened, but also how Melissa was doing as well. As I dialed Sherilyn's telephone number, I felt a sense of guilt coming over me, and the funny thing was, is that I knew I had nothing to feel guilty about.

"Hello," Sherilyn answered.

"Hi," I said, "It's me."

"Tommy? Oh my God," she gasped, "Are you alright? How's Melissa, is she okay?"

"I'm fine," I said, "Melissa is okay, she's spending the night at the hospital, and I'm here with her."

"Oh, I see," she replied, with a tone of voice I'd never heard her use before, "Well, I'll call Jenny and let her know, thanks a lot and goodnight, Tommy," and then she hung up the phone before I could reply.

"What the hell was her problem" I thought, but deep down inside I knew. My own feelings had betrayed me when I spoke of Melissa, and there's no doubt that Sherilyn had picked up on it straight away. Then it dawned on me...the tone of voice that Sherilyn had used was one of jealousy. Damn, what was it with the women in my life? Jeez!"

~~~~~~

It was around six-thirty the next morning when I heard Melissa begin to stir, slowly coming out of her sleep.

"Tommy," I heard her call in the dark, "Where are you?"

"I'm right here," I smiled, reaching over and turning on the small lamp on her bedside table, "Good morning, how do you feel this morning?"

"I'm a little sore, and my head hurts a little," she told me, "But other than that, I feel alright."

"Glad to hear it," I smiled, "The Doctor is going to send you home today, and I'm sure your Mom can't wait to spoil you rotten when you get there."

Suddenly she began to cry again, and because it really upsets me to see her like that, I quickly hopped out of my chair, and was sitting next to her holding her against me in a matter of milliseconds.

"Shh," I softly told her, "It's going to be okay, I promise."

"I've been such a bitch, Tommy," she wept, "I've treated so many people like shit that I don't know what to do...will you help me?"

"I can't tell you what to do," I softly told her, "But I can promise to be there for you...any time you need me."

"I'm so afraid," she cried, "What if I need you around me all the time?"

"Don't worry," I playfully grinned, "I'm sure we can work that out, too, okay?"

"Okay," she replied, beginning to calm down, "I trust you, and I know you'll do the right thing."

~~~~~~

"It looks like you're going to be just fine, young lady," smiled Dr. Sam, after examining Melissa, "I'll sign your release papers so that you can get out of here and go home. The nurse will be by here in a few minutes to get you to sign some paperwork, and then after that; you're free to leave whenever you're ready, take care now."

"Thanks, Doctor Sam," Melissa smiled, "I appreciate it."

"You're welcome, sweetie," Dr. Sam gently replied, withdrawing a business card from her pocket and handing it to me," If you guys ever need me, just give me a call, okay?"

"We will," I politely said, shaking the Doctor's hand, "Thank you for everything you've done. I can't begin to tell you how grateful we are."

Then she leaned in so that only I could hear her and said, "You take care of her, okay? She loves you," and then after seeing the perplexed look on my face, Dr. Sam giggled and told me, "Remember that I'm a girl, too, so; don't think that I can't see what she sees in you, okay, handsome?"

"Okay," I smiled, my face turning bright red, as my heart warmed at the simple thought of such a thing, "Thanks, Doc."

~~~~~~

Doctor Sam hadn't been gone for more than a couple of minutes when we heard a knock on the door, followed by Dad and Linda. Both of them wore bright smiles on their faces, as Linda made her way to Melissa's bed.

"Hi, baby," Linda sweetly smiled, "How's my girl today?"

"I love you, Mom," Melissa cried again, only this time she was shedding tears of happiness, "And I'm so sorry for the way I've been acting."

"That's okay, my angel," Linda sniffled, "We're going to take you home now, and everything is going to be fine, I promise you, sweetheart."

Then Melissa looked at Dad and said, "I also wanted to apologize to you, Mister Blake, for the way I've treated you."

"Please...call me, Jack," Dad happily replied, kissing her on the forehead, "And there's nothing to apologize for, okay, pretty girl?"

"Pretty girl, me?" Melissa giggled, "I look like hell."

"No, you don't," Dad grinned, "At least not to us anyway."

"Is he always like that?" Melissa sweetly teased Linda, "Gosh, Mom, you did pretty well, if you don't mind my saying so."

"You can say anything you want, Baby," Linda joyfully sniffled, "I'm just glad I've got my little girl back."

And then producing an overnight bag, Linda looked at her daughter and said, "I brought you some clean clothes to wear home instead of that awful hospital gown, and before you ask, yes, I brought your make-up bag, too."

"I love you, Mom," Melissa began to weep again, "You're the best," and taking my hand, she looked at me and told her mother, "And now that I've got such a handsome guy to protect me, what else could a girl ask for?"

"Me and Dad are going down to the cafeteria to get some coffee while you get dressed," I smiled, gently squeezing her hand, "We'll be back in about twenty minutes, or so, okay?"

"Okay, Tommy," she tenderly smiled, "We'll see you two shortly then."

~~~~~~

"Gosh," Melissa sighed, as we walked through the front door of the house, "It's so good to be home."

"It's good to have you back, baby girl," Linda cheerfully replied, "Is there anything you want or need?"

"No, Mom," Melissa softly answered, "I'm alright for now."

"Good," Linda smiled, "I want you to relax and try to get some rest. It's eleven o'clock in the morning now, and that will give me plenty of time."

"Time for what, Mom?" Melissa giggled.

"Time for me to clean up the mess after I'm done cooking," Linda sweetly smiled, "Because I'm making your favorite dish for supper tonight."

"You're making Chicken Cacciatore?" Melissa excitedly grinned, as Linda nodded her head, "Oh, Mom, I haven't had any since before Dad passed away...thank you so much, Mom...I love you," tears clouding her eyes again.

"I love you, too, baby," Linda giggled, patting Melissa on the butt, like all Moms have done to their daughters for centuries, "And nothing will ever change that...now go get some rest. I'll call you when it's ready, baby."

"Okay, Mom," Melissa chirped, then happily made her way down the hall to her bedroom.

~~~~~~

Once her daughter was gone from the room and Linda made sure that her door was closed, she looked at me with tears beginning to silently run down her cheeks, and after pulling me tightly into her arms, Linda softly cried, "Thank you, Tommy. Thank you so much for being there to protect Melissa. I don't know what I would've done if something had happened to her."

"You'll never have to worry about that again," I told her, gently returning the hug she was giving me, "Nobody will ever bother her ever again, I promise you that."

"I'm so glad that you're in her life," Linda replied, with a knowing look written all over her face, "I'll rest easier now, and not worry about her like I used to."

"In the mean time," Dad grinned, "You look like you could use some rest yourself so; why don't you go take a nap while Linda and I get supper going, okay, son?"

"Okay," I wearily smiled, "Now that you mention it, a nap doesn't sound like a bad idea after all," and then I went down to the basement and what Linda and Dad also teasingly called, "My Lair."

~~~~~~

Once I was gone, Linda pulled Dad into her arms, and after sweetly kissing his lips, said, "I want to talk to you about our children, Jack."

"What's wrong?" Dad asked, his voice slightly panicked, "Is everything alright?"

"What? Oh, yes, they're wonderful," she giggled, "I just wanted to tell you, if you can't already tell, that I think they're falling in love with one another."

"Oh, hell no," Dad firmly replied, about head to the basement, "I'll put a stop to this shit right now, and nip it in the bud."

"Thomas Jackson Blake, you stop right there," Linda told him, making him freeze in his tracks, "I didn't say that I had a problem with it, now, did I?"

"Well, no," he said, "But I..."

"If I don't have a problem with it," Linda gently smiled, "Then you shouldn't either, alright?"

"But what will people think?" he asked, "And God only knows what they're going to say."

"People are going to talk, regardless of what we say or do, but look at it this way," she told him, "They're not blood related, they're both of legal age; and I can't think of anyone I'd rather see my daughter with than Tommy. Besides, if I know anything, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that Tommy will protect Melissa with his own life, if necessary...And, I have a feeling that one of these days those two are going to give us some beautiful grand babies to spoil."

"I still don't know about this, Linda," Dad sighed, taking a seat in the living room, "What kind of life will they have together once the word gets out, especially with the way society is these days?"

"As long as they're both happy, then that's all you should worry about, honey," Linda sweetly, but pointedly replied. And then leaning down and hugging Dad from behind, she leaned in and whispered, "Besides, if Tommy is anything like his father, I know that my daughter will be a very happy woman when it comes to certain things," as she lightly placed her hand on the crotch of his pants, and giggled, "Do you know what I mean, sexy?"

"You incorrigible," Dad teased, pulling Linda into his lap, gently pinching her butt and eliciting a delightful squeal from her, "And if Melissa is anything like her mother, then poor Tommy is going to need all the rest he can get."

"I love you, Jack." Linda breathed, her eyes filled with loving tears, "And I'll always love you, no matter what."

"I love you, too," Dad tenderly replied, kissing her lips, "I love you with all my heart."

~~~~~~

Chapter Four

I had been asleep for a few hours when all at once I felt a pair of soft lips upon my cheek in the darkness.

"Who's there?" I asked, alarmed.

"It's only me, Tommy," giggled a now familiar female voice I now knew as Melissa's, "Mom wanted me to come down here and wake you up, because dinner is almost ready."

I reached over and turned on the light, waiting for my temporary blindness from the sudden onslaught of light to dissipate; and then once my vision returned, I looked intro the most beautiful pair of blue eyes that I'd ever seen, as I felt her heart beating in time with my own.

"Hi," I softly said, "How're you feeling?"

"Mmm," she sweetly purred, lying down beside me on my bed, "I feel good, thanks to you."

"I'm glad to hear that," I smiled, "I was worried about you."

Then she sat up on the bed and looked me in the eyes and said, "I don't understand why, especially after the way I've treated you."

"I don't know," I teased, "Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment."

"No, that's not it," she giggled, "It's because you're a silly boy."

"Oh really," I chuckled, "You think so?"

"No," she whispered, leaning down until we were face to face, then softly breathed, "I know so...and I hope that you can forgive me."

"Come on now, Melissa," I softly replied, "I already told you that there was nothing to forgive, didn't I?"

"I suppose so," she began to softly weep, as she laid her head on my chest looking up at me, "But I still feel so badly, Tommy."

"Please, don't," I gently spoke, "I understand how you're feeling, as well as why you were acting the way you were more than you think, Melissa.

"Would you please tell me?" she sniffled, "Because I sure as hell don't understand myself," and then she began to softly weep again."

"Shh," I told her, "Do you remember what said to you about when I lost my Mom?"

"Yes," she softly replied, nodding her head, "I remember."

"Well, then," I smiled, "When was the last time you told your Mom that you loved her?"

She suddenly rose from lying against me, and with a bright smile plastered across her beautiful face; she pulled my hand, indicating that she wanted me to stand up.

The moment I was standing she pulled me closer until I was right next to her, and then she ever so gently leaned in and quickly but softly kissed my lips, and said, "Thank you, Tommy...you're the best," and then she dashed upstairs, leave a trail of happy laughter in her wake.

~~~~~~

"Hello there, sleepyhead," Linda grinned, the moment I appeared upstairs and in the dining room, "Did you get enough rest?"

"I think so," I smiled, "It sure smells good in here."

"Well, then," Linda giggled, kissing me in the cheek, "Sit down and eat, handsome."

~~~~~~

To say that the meal that Linda cooked was great would be an understatement. Yes indeed, it was most certainly delicious, but the love with which it was not only made, but served as well, far surpassed anything I've ever felt in my life, save for the love of my own mother.

Linda had this way of looking at me that made me feel like I could tell her all my secrets and still not be chastised for would be considered not right, or perhaps even improper. However, it was a feeling of comfort and peace that she gave me, and I don't know how I knew this, but I somehow just knew that this same feeling would help me in a time of fear and indecision that hadn't yet appeared on the horizon, but was still coming none-the-less.

~~~~~~

We had just finished eating when Melissa suddenly hopped up and began gathering the dirty dishes off of the table to take them to the kitchen.

"And just what do you think you're doing, young lady?" Lind gently giggled, "I made this for you, baby girl, and that also means that I do the dishes, too."

"I know, Mom," Melissa sweetly replied, "But I wanted to help you so that I could be near you," and she began to sniffle, "I Love you, Mom...and I've missed you so."

"It's alright, sweetheart," Linda tenderly replied, standing and taking her daughter into her arms, with joyful tears silently raining down her face, "And I want you to know that I love you more than you'll ever know. You're my one and only daughter, Melissa; which means that you're also a part of me and I'll never love anyone the way that I love you. Do you understand me now, baby?"

"I'm beginning to, Mom," Melissa sniffled, "I'm sorry for not even giving you a chance before."

The exchange that was taking place between the two women was one which had needed to take place for a long time. And in knowing this, Dad gave me a silent signal which I knew meant he and I needed to give Linda and Melissa some also much needed space so; we both quietly left the two of them to talk.

~~~~~~

I'd gone back to my room, and was taking a last minute look at the homework I'd prepared to turn in that next morning at school, when I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in," I said, "The door's open."

I should've known something was amiss with Dad, the moment he walked through the door, not to mention by the look on his face.

"What's up, Dad?" I asked.

"I need to talk to you, son," he firmly said, "And it's very important so, I want your undivided attention."

"Okay," I said, placing my homework on my desk, "I'm listening."

When I looked at his face my blood ran cold. It was the same look I remembered him having the day he told me about my mother's death, as he began, "I don't know where to start so; I'm just going to say it, Tommy. This...whatever it is that you have going on with Melissa has got to stop, it just has to. It isn't right, and besides; she's your sister for fuck's sake, and I forbid it my house. Do you understand me?"

The more he'd gone on about it, the angrier he had become so; by the time he finished speaking to me, his face was a red as a fire engine. However, I felt that what he'd said was wrong, and whatever it was that I had going on with Melissa was none of his business to begin with.

So, as calmly as I possibly could, I looked him in the eye, and firmly standing my own ground, said, "I'm not trying to be disrespectful in any way by what I'm about to say. And before I do, I want you to know that I love you, and I'm proud to have had you as a father thus far in my life, and I pray for many long years with you to come...."

"...But I need to point out a couple of things to you before you go laying down any laws around here. Number one, Melissa and I are not, I repeat not blood related in any way shape, or form. Her mother just happens to be married to my father, no more, no less. And number two, this is not your house, it belongs to Linda; and last, but most certainly not least; I've worked very hard to become an exemplary student, worker, and an overall good person, and my personal life is just that...personal and none of your business."

"You wait a minute, boy," Dad said, his temper beginning to show, "Don't you dare talk to me that way."

"NO," Linda angrily told Dad, suddenly appearing from the stairwell, "You wait a minute, Jack."

"But you didn't hear what he just said," Dad pointed out, "He will not talk to me the way he just did."

"I heard every word that was said," Linda replied, "I wasn't eavesdropping, I was on my way down here to invite you two up for some ice-cream when I overheard the whole thing."

Then placing her arm around my father's waist, she sweetly continued, "Sweetie, I'm not trying to come between you and your son, but I agree with Tommy. He and Melissa are both grown adults; and what they do is their business."

"Can't you understand?" Dad pleaded, "I just don't want the two of them to have to deal with all the shit they're going to catch when their relationship goes public."

"And just what relationship would that be, Jack?" Melissa pointedly asked, suddenly appearing beside her mother.

Then suddenly looking bewilderedly among the three of us, Dad said, "But I thought that you...he...aw, hell, I don't know. Damn, don't pay any attention to me. I guess I must be getting old."

"No you're not," Melissa sweetly giggled, placing her arms around Dad's neck and kissing him on the cheek, "You're just getting sweeter."

~~~~~~

That night after everyone had gone to bed was when I decided to take a midnight swim. I only had one pair of swimming trunks and I had grown out of them what now seemed like ages ago. However, because I thought everyone else had gone to sleep, I decided to go naked. I mean, it wasn't like anyone was going to see me, or so I thought. So, after pealing my shorts and underwear, I jumped into the pool in my birthday suit.

The water felt exquisite on my naked flesh as I leisurely swam. I went underwater to see how far I could swim on one breath. I did fairly well, being able to swim the length of the pool before I popped my head above the water to take a breath. Imagine my surprise/shock at seeing Melissa standing there holding my towel in one hand, and my clothes in the other.
"Missing something?" she giggled, as my face turned a bright shade of red.

"I thought you were asleep," I squeaked, embarrassed to no end, "It's not nice to spy on people ya know."

"I wasn't spying," she softly replied, "I was on my way to the refrigerator when I saw that you were out were. I didn't know that you were naked though.

"Would you mind turning your back" I asked, "So I can at least wrap a towel around myself?"

"Sure," she giggled, turning her back with my towel still in her hand, and me not realizing that she could see my full reflection in the glass door that led to the living room.

After I climbed out of the pool, I took my towel from her and then wrapped it around my naked body; then I sat down in one of the patio chairs and said, "Okay, you can look now."

"Aw sucks," she giggled, teasing me, "I guess I should've come out here a lot sooner than I did."

"Yeah, right," I chuckled.

"Tommy, I need to ask you something," she told me, "And you can tell me it's none of my business if you want to, I promise not to get mad about it."

"Sure," I happily replied, "Ask me anything you want."

"Are you seriously dating Sherilyn Hawkins and Jenny Rodgers?" she quietly asked, "I don't know Jenny at all, but, I need to warn you about Sherilyn. She's trouble with a capitol "T".

"Why do you say that," I unknowingly asked, "She's not that bad, is she?"

"Please believe me, Tommy," Melissa told, almost sounding as if she were afraid of her, "She's headed for trouble, and if you don't stop seeing her, she'll end up taking you down with her."

"I'm not trying to say that I don't believe you," I reassured her, "But I'm going to need an explanation before I make any hasty decisions, okay?"

"Alright then, here it is," she began, "Last year she was suspended from school for a whole two weeks for her association with a guy that was supposedly selling marijuana on school grounds, but that isn't the worst of it. That same guy, who was supposedly her boyfriend, went to jail because of her and her bullshit. She lied to the police and made it look like he was the one who was selling the pot, when everybody knew that she was the one who was really the one who was doing the dealing...she basically set him up."

"Why didn't someone speak up for him?" I candidly asked her, "Surely the police knew better, didn't they?"

"Of course they did," Melissa explained, "But they had no proof, and like I said before, she set him up...and nobody knows for sure, but rumor has it that she was the one who called the cops on him, but that's only a rumor."

"She sounds like bad news to me," I replied, "I guess I'd best figure out a way to break up with them."

"Them?" Melissa giggled, "Jeez, Tommy, you sound like Hugh Hefner, or somebody like that."

"Huh," I stupidly chuckled, "What do you mean, I sound like Hugh Hefner?"

"You know," she continued to giggle, "The Playboy bunnies...all the girls."

"Yeah, Yeah," I teasingly mocked her, "Gimme a break, why don't you?"

"You're very good looking, and you're very sweetly charming," she impishly replied, "But you're not that charming."

"You really think I'm good looking?"

"Of course," she sweetly smiled, "I thought you were gorgeous the first time I saw you."

"And I thought you were the most beautiful girl I've ever seen," I replied, "As a matter-of-fact, I still think so."

"Do you really?" she wistfully asked, placing her soft palm against my cheek.

"Yes," I told her, "Hasn't anyone ever told you that before?"

"Yes," she sadly replied, her face cast down, "But only from guys that were trying to get into my panties."

"I'm really sorry about that," I said, gently placing my hand upon hers, "Not all guys are like that, Melissa...at least I'm not anyway."

"I know you're not, Tommy," she softly smiled, "Actually, you're a really sweet guy, one of the sweetest, if not the sweetest guy I've ever known."

"I come by it honestly," I quietly replied, "Dad says that I get it from my Mom, not to mention that I look like her, too. She was as beautiful as she was sweet, and I loved her very much."

"If you look like her then she was definitely very beautiful," Melissa sweetly smiled, "But tell me, Tommy, what was she like?"

"Well, let's see," I began smiling, "She was drop dead gorgeous pretty, like you," making Melissa endearingly smile at me and rest her hand on mine, leaving it there as I continued, "She was very smart, a genius with a one-sixty-seven I.Q. yet, she was as down to earth as they come; and when I began studying martial arts, it was Mom that always reminded me to be gentle and kind to everyone, using my skills only as a last, and I do mean a very last resort...I really miss her."

Suddenly I felt a soft hand tenderly wiping the tears from my cheeks that I hadn't even realized were there. And then as she dreamily gazed into my eyes, Melissa sweetly smiled at me and said, "There is so much I can learn from you if only you'll teach me. Would you, Tommy....teach me how to be more like you, I mean?"

I took her hand into mine, and after gently kissing the back of it, I smiled and told, "The only person who can be me is me, but I'll teach you how to let go of the torment that I can see in your eyes."

Suddenly and for no reason whatsoever, she began to cry, and said, "I wish I could, let go, I mean..."

"It's not as difficult as you think, Melissa," I gently replied, returning the favor and wiping the tears from her cheek, "All you have to do is try."

"Yeah, well, sometimes it's easier said than done," she sniffled, "Besides, I was deeply hurt by someone I trusted, and it still hurts," and then she began to bitterly weep again.

I did the only thing I knew to do, and that was to pull her into my arms and hold her as closely as was humanly possible.

"Shh," I quietly said, "It's going to be okay, sweetie, I promise."

It started with me giving her a simple kiss on the forehead, and then before I knew it, our lips were joined, and shortly thereafter our tongues began the dance that was older than time itself.

"Oh, Tommy," she breathed, kissing me again, "Hold me and never let go," and then continued to kiss me.

And by the time I realized what was happening between us, I no longer cared as I kissed her in earnest and with everything I had. However, she pulled away from me briefly, and looking into my eyes, said, "What're we doing? We're not supposed to be kissing..."

"I don't care," I said, holding onto her tightly now, the both of us no longer giving a shit about what Dad had said earlier, or, for that matter, what anyone thought.

"I don't care anymore either, Tommy," she softly replied, "I think I'm falling in love with you."

"I'm not real sure about what I'm feeling," I told her, "But I don't care anymore either, Melissa. I can't live without you."

"Oh, Tommy," she sniffled, "What're we going to do now?"

"I don't know yet," I smiled, "But we'll figure something out, I swear we will."

~~~~~~

I stood up from where we'd been sitting, and while I still had the towel wrapped around me, it did not, nor could it hide the excitement that Melissa's kisses had brought forth from me, as was evident in the fact that I could no longer hide the hard on that was showing itself loud and clear.

"Ooo, Tommy," Melissa giggled, "Somebody else doesn't care either."

"Oh, hush," I replied, embarrassed to no end, "That's not nice."

"Yes it is," she purred, hotly breathing into my ear, pulling me tightly against her, front-to-front, "I love you, my sweet."

~~~~~~

I might've gone to sleep that night with a smile on my face, but the ache in my heart, because sooner or later, I was going to have to face not only Dad, but Linda, too, once our secret eventually revealed itself to the rest of the world, wouldn't let me rest. However, little did I know that it wasn't going to be as bad as I thought?

~~~~~~

Chapter Five

On my way to school the next day I was dreading the fact that I was going to have to face Sherilyn and Jenny and tell them that I no longer wanted to see them on an intimate basis, because of what Melissa had warned me about the night before.

~~~~~~

"Hi, baby," Sherilyn said, as she and Jenny were waiting for me in the senior parking lot at school, "We missed you, and why didn't you call us?"

"Look, we need to talk," I told them, as I got out of my car, "This thing between us has got to stop."

"Why?" Sherilyn asked, "What have we done?"

"It's nothing either one of you have done," I gently replied, trying to be as nice as was possible, "It's just that I don't feel comfortable with the way things are."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sherilyn snapped, almost growling, "So, what, are you breaking up with us? Is that it?"

This whole time Jenny hadn't said a single word until she told Sherilyn, "You're making it sound a whole lot worse than it really is, Sher, maybe he just doesn't..."

"Shut up, bitch," Sherilyn hatefully spat, interrupting her, "Nobody asked you, now, did they?"

"That's enough," I suddenly and firmly replied, "If you're going to act like a child, then I believe that this conversation is over with," and then I turned and walked away.

"This isn't over with, Tommy," she ranted, "You wait and see, asshole."

The very first thing I did when I got into the school building was to find Melissa. I knew that she was already there because I knew that she'd left earlier than me, because she had an errand to run before school, otherwise she would've ridden with me.

"Hey," I smiled, as soon as I found her, "I need your help."

"Let me guess," she giggled, "Sherilyn Hawkins and Jenny Rodgers weren't too thrilled about you breaking up with them."

"Actually, Jenny didn't seem to have a problem with it," I chuckled, "Sherilyn, on the other hand, went completely off, and told me, or I should say that she warned me that it wasn't over, and that I should wait and see."

"I don't think we're going to have to worry about her anymore, Tommy."

"But what about that guy that you said she set up," I asked, "And didn't you tell me last night that Sherilyn was nothing but trouble?"

"That was before I spoke to a friend of mine's father, who just happens to be a judge, and he told me not be worried about anything where Sherilyn was concerned," she giggled, and then because of the questioning look on my face, "That's the errand I needed to run this morning."

"But why," I tenderly smiled, "Why would you do that?"

Because we were standing where no one could see us, she leaned over and quickly but softly kissed my lips and said, "I did this because I love you," as she gently touched my hand, "Besides, I take care of my guy."

"Oh, so, now I'm your guy, now?" I teased.

"Yeah," she delightfully giggled, "And don't ever forget it."

~~~~~~

Although Melissa had reassured me that everything would be fine, I still sat on pins and needles, waiting for the axe to fall at any moment. Surprisingly, I saw neither Sherilyn, nor Jenny for the rest of that day, which thoroughly surprised me, to say the very least. And neither of them showed up for the one class that we all three shared, either. I felt that something bad was about to happen, but I wasn't quite sure

The best part of that whole day was when I came home to find Melissa waiting for me at the front door with open arms and the most beautiful smile that I'd ever seen. And that was also the day that I finally admitted to myself that I loved her...and there would never be another, as far as I was concerned...not ever. However, before she could speak, I swept her into my arms, deeply kissing her, feeling her soul become a part of mine the moment the front door was closed...

~~~~~~

"Oh, my God, Tommy," she beautifully smiled, once the kiss was broken, "What brought that on?"

"I love you, Melissa," I said, drowning in the depths of her soul, no longer caring whether I lived or died, "And I don't care who knows it either."

"Is that right?" she smiled, beginning to cry, "Well, it's about time..."

As opposed to kissing me, she laid her palm to my cheek, and then after locking the front door, softly said, "We've got at least an hour and a half before the parents get here..." then she began to giggle, "You and I aren't blood related, but it sounds so naughty to say that, doesn't it?"

"I think you've got a naughty side to you that nobody knows about," I replied laughing.

"Oh, you hush your mouth," she giggled, her face turning a bright color of pink, "That's not a very nice thing to say to your woman."

"Maybe not," I teased, "But I can tell that I was right by the blush on your cheeks."

"You're such a shit," she giggled, "Come, kiss me, my love," and I proceeded to do just that.

~~~~~~

Melissa and I walked on into the den and sat down together on the couch, where we simply looked at each other silently holding hands. I guess for me, it was because that I'd never encountered a girl as beautiful as her, and to be honest; I was somewhat dumbfounded at first.

I didn't find out until later that for Melissa, it was the very first time ever in her life that she felt completely safe. It was then that I realized that I could never let this girl go, and that she and I were soul mates; God, how I love her.

"There's something I need to tell you before this goes any further, Tommy," she began, "And I don't know how you're going to react to this once I tell you."

"It can't be that bad," I softly replied, kissing her hands as I held them in mine, "Now, can it?"

Before she spoke I witnessed a form of pain in her eyes that I'd never seen before in a human being, and tears began to pour down her cheeks, as she began, "When I was fifteen I went to stay with my paternal grandparents for the summer; where I met this boy that lived down the road from Nana and Poppy. We became good friends and I trusted him completely. Then the night before I was to leave to come back home, I suck out of the house to meet him so that I could tell him goodbye."

I saw this one coming as she further explained, "I thought that we were just good friends, but he thought that we were boyfriend and girlfriend. And when he tried to kiss me, I fought him off for a while until he forced me down onto the ground," and then she began to violently weep.

And when I tried to hold her, Melissa gently pushed me away and said, "Please, Tommy, sweetie, this is the part that you really need to hear. He tore my dress and ripped my panties off of me, then raped me, but he came as soon as he got his tiny dick into me. He broke my hymen on the way in so, when we do make love, I want you to know why I'm not a virgin."

"I don't care whether or not you're a virgin, Melissa," I tenderly told her, pulling her to me, and holding her closely, "All I care about is you...just as you are."

"Really," she wistfully asked, "You mean, you don't think of me as damaged goods?"

"Why would I ever think that?" I softly asked her, "I love you, and I'll never stop...and that's all that will ever matter to me."

"Oh, Tommy," she softly wept into my chest, "I don't deserve to have a guy like you."

"Are you nuts?" I chuckled, "It's me that doesn't deserve you."

"Now, why on earth would you think that?" she lifted her head and asked, looking me in the eyes, "You're handsome, built great, and last but not least, you're the gentlest, sweetest, and the kindest boy I've ever known," and the she giggled and said, "And you've got the cutest ass I've seen," continuing to giggle as she tried to pinch my ass.

"See," I laughed, hugging her tightly, "I told you that you had a naughty side to you that nobody knows about, didn't I?"

"Now you know," she softly whispered, "But it's you and only you, baby."

"I love you, Melissa Hanson," I softly replied, "I love you with all my heart."

"And I love you, Tommy Blake," she hotly breathed into my ear, "Until my heart beats its last beat..."

~~~~~~

Melissa decided that she wanted to start dinner for us so that it would be ready to eat when Dad and Linda got home. So, knowing we needed to go to the store; and after begging me to let her drive, I handed Melissa the keys to my car, and off we went.

We acted just like a couple while we were there, and to the people that we, well, Melissa actually, knew and had run into at the store, nothing was out of place in their eyes. I guess what I'm trying to say is, no one gave us grief for openly displaying our affection for one another, almost like our dating one another had been predetermined and that it was expected of us to do so.

At first it felt kind of weird, because it was common knowledge that Melissa's mother was married to my father, but then when we ran into two of Melissa's friends that I'd not yet had the opportunity to meet, a beautiful green eyed, blonde haired girl, named Daphne Morris, and another, also beautiful, blonde haired girl, but with blue eyes, named, Gabriella Laponte; they both gave Melissa the "High Five" and smiling, told her, "Way to go, girl. You finally got him."

But before she could introduce me to her friends, I looked at Melissa grinning, and asked, "Am I missing something here, my love?"

"I guess it's time to confess," she giggled, turning red around her ears and neck, "Please promise me that you won't get mad at me, Tommy, please?"

"Alright," I cautiously agreed, "I promise that I won't get mad, but this had better be good."

"Let's pay for the groceries and load them into the car," she quietly said, "There's a coffee shop next door, and we'll talk about it there where we can sit down, okay, Tommy?"

"I hope you two don't mind, girl," Gabriella said to Melissa, "But I don't want to miss this."

"I'm with you, Gabs," Daphne giggled, "I don't want to miss it either."

"Wait a minute," I began to say...

"It's okay, Tommy," Melissa soothed, "We can trust them to keep their mouths shut," then she began to giggle, too, and said, "They just don't want to miss the chance to see me eating crow, that's all.

"Uh huh," I suspiciously chuckled, "We'll see, won't we?"

Melissa just winked at me as we made our way to the front of the store to check out.

~~~~~~

After loading the few groceries e needed to make dinner that night, me, and Melissa, accompanied by Daphne, with Gabriella tagging along, all managed to get a table at the quaint little coffee shop.

"Okay," I said, smiling at Melissa, pretty much already knowing what she was gong to say, "Out with it...and I want the truth."

Alright, Tommy," Melissa smiled, "When I met you at Mom's and Jack's wedding, I thought you were the most beautiful boy I'd ever seen, but I knew that I couldn't have you and it pissed me off to no end."

"Yeah," Gabriella giggled, "And you should've heard the language that she was using, too."

"I know, Gabi," Daphne giggled right along with her, "She was doing some serious cussing, wasn't she?"

"Be quiet, you two," Melissa grinned, "Let me finish...The funny thing about it, was Mom already knew how I felt about you before I did. Tommy, do you remember that night when I was being a terrible bitch to you, and you lit into me for it?"

I simply nodded my head, smiling, and said, "How could ever I forget?"

"Well," she continued, "Mom came into my room when she got home from work that night, and for the fist time since my father died, we really talked; and you know what?"

"No," I smiled, "What?"

"She told me that it was okay to love you," my beautiful Melissa smiled, "And that's when I told these two," referring to Daphne and Gabriella, "About my plan to get you to fall in love with me."

"So what," I derisively asked, "You lied to me then?"

"NO, baby," she quickly replied, "I've never once lied to you; and I'm not about to start now. Everything I told you about Sherilyn Hawkins was the truth...tell him, girls."
"That's true," Daphne said, "Sherilyn Hawkins has always been trouble for the whole time we've all known her."

"Yes," Gabriella added, "And that goes all the way back to the third grade."

"Every time she gets involved with a guy," Daphne said, "The guy is the one that gets into serious trouble."

"That's right," Gabriella viciously growled, "And that bitch always walks away from it looking squeaky clean and as free as a bird."

"Seriously, I don't know how she does it," Melissa replied, holding my hand, "She's always had an affinity for stepping in shit; and then coming out of it smelling like a rose."

"I don't know how I know this," Gabriella mischievously giggled, "But I have a feeling that her luck is about to run out."

"Oh, man," Melissa hopefully grinned, "Wouldn't that be great?"

"I don't know," I replied, remembering my last encounter with Sherilyn, "She was on some different shit the last time I saw her...she was acting a little scary."

"She'd better leave my man alone," Melissa strongly growled, protectively throwing both arms around me from behind, "I'll get Tommy to teach me how to kick her ass. You two do know that he holds a Black Belt in Karate, don't you?"

"No," both girls simultaneously answered.

"That is so cool," Daphne gasped, patting my hand and looking at me as if I were some kind of rock star, or something.

"Yes, it is," Gabriella purred, rubbing my shoulder, "A girl would feel very safe around a man like you, Tommy."

"Hey," Melissa loudly announced, "You two bitches need to take your dick skinners off of my man this instant."

"Oh, my," Gabriella teased, "If I didn't know better, I'd say she was jealous. What do you think, Daph?"

"Most definitely," Daphne played along, "She's looking like the "Green-Eyed Monster" alright."

"Bullshit," Melissa giggled, "You two are the ones who're jealous, not me."

"Shit," Daphne giggled, "It looks like she's got us there, Gabi. It's time to head out..."

"You're right, "Gabriella teased, as she stood up, "These two love-birds need their space."

Before they left, though, both girls made it a point to tell me how much they approved of mine and Melissa's relationship, and especially how happy they were that Melissa had found a guy like me, whatever that meant."

~~~~~~

That night when Dad and Linda came home from work, they were pleased to be able to sit down to a meal of fresh, Filleted, Pan-Fried, Yellow-Tail Snapper, homemade Hush-Puppies, and last, but certainly not least, Fresh Tomatoes, stuffed with a homemade Bay Shrimp Salad. All in all it was quite tasty, but the best part came when Melissa brought out the Key Lime pie, which she'd made from scratch, for dessert.

"Goodness," Linda contentedly smiled, once she'd finished eating, "This has to be one of the best meals I've had in a long time. You two did a great job, and I'm so very proud of the both of you."

"Don't look at me, all I did was drive her to the store," I chuckled, "The rest was all Melissa's doing."

"I believe you," Dad laughed, "Because I know for a fact that you can't cook this good."

"Don't let him fool you," Melissa sweetly purred, placing her hand atop of mine, and in front of Linda and Dad, too, "Tommy helped me with everything, and he was just much a part of preparing this meal as I was," and then she leaned over and openly kissed me in front of her mother and my father."

"Is there something you two would like to tell us?" Linda knowingly smiled, "Because it's okay if so."

"Yes," Melissa finally told them, "I love Tommy very much, and I know that he loves me," and then she began to giggle, "He's just afraid that you two will get mad at him if he admits it."

"Tommy, sweetie, if you two are in love with one another, it's fine by me," Linda smiled, "Because I can't think of a better man for my daughter than you...isn't that right, Jack?"

"Yeah," Dad chuckled, totally shocking the hell out of me, "But forgive me for taking a while to get used to it." Then he looked at me and firmly added, "Do I make myself clear, Tommy?"

"Yes sir," I respectfully replied, "Crystal clear."

"Good," Dad said, "Then the four of us need to sit down and have a nice long talk before this goes any further."

~~~~~~

We went into the den to have our coffee, as well as "our long talk" that Dad wanted to have. Melissa sat next to me with a proud and happy smile on her face, and the fingers of her left hand intertwined with the fingers of my right hand, with our palms clasped tightly together.

"Okay," Dad began, "Linda and I have talked about this at length, and this is what we've come up with. It seems that you two are bound and determined to go through with this so; if you want to be together and live in this house, there are a few rules that we expect you to follow. Number one: you both will, at all times, treat one another with nothing but the utmost respect."

"Puh-leez, that's easy," Melissa playfully giggled, making Dad grin, "Come on, Jack, give us something more difficult."

"Okay, you asked for it, Miss Smarty Pants," Dad chuckled, then turned serious, and to me, said, "Number two: you two will not have sex in this house...and I'm not kidding either."

When I heard Melissa quietly say "We'll just have to see about that," under her breath, I knew that that rule would be either ignored or abolished, I'd just have to wait and see how things turned out.

"And last, but most certainly not least," Dad continued, "If you want to ask Melissa out on a date, Tommy, you will have to ask for either mine, or Linda's permission first, okay?"

"That's another easy one Dad," I grinned at him, then turned to Linda, "Linda, can I have your permission to take Melissa out every weekend until we both go to college?"

"Of course, handsome," Linda sweetly replied, kissing me on the cheek, "You have my permission to take my daughter out any time you want."

"Smart assed kid," Dad laughed, shaking his head, "What am I going to do with you, boy?"

"That's easy," I seriously replied, looking him right in the eyes, "I want you to be as happy for me for having a beautiful girlfriend, as I am for you, for having such a beautiful wife...because one day, Melissa will be my wife... that is, if she'll have me."

Suddenly I heard Melissa sniffling beside me, and the moment I turned my head, she softly placed her lips against mine, openly kissing me, then with happy tears in her eyes, she sniffled again, and then tenderly told me, "I love you, Tommy Blake."

"I love you, too," I gently replied, "With all my heart."

~~~~~~

So, that's how things came to begin. We, Melissa and I, came to an understanding with Linda and Dad that night, and after Dad and Linda had retired to bed, we sat upon the couch and watched a little T.V.; me with my head in Melissa's lap, while she gently wrapped her fingers in my hair and played with it, while every so often, she would lean down and tenderly kiss me, usually followed by an "I love you.".

~~~~~~

"Can I ride with you today, Tommy," Melissa sweetly asked me, the next morning before school.

"You know that you can," I laughed, "And I suppose you'll want to drive, too."

"Well, now that you mention it, that would be nice of you, my love," she giggled, kissing my lips, as I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, brushing my hair.

~~~~~~

As opposed to parking where I normally did, Melissa drove us to where she and her friends parked, and needless to say, "Gabriella and Daphne were there, waiting for us the moment we pulled in off.

"Hey, you two," Daphne grinned, as Melissa took my car out of gear, and then turned it off, "How's it going this morning?"

"We're just fine," Melissa happily replied, after we'd gotten out of, and locked the car, "And getting better all the time."

All of a sudden I heard a male voice behind me calling my name. However, before I could turn around to see who it was, I felt a couple of arms quickly wrapping around me and lifting my body completely off the ground before gently setting me back down.

I turned around to find Johnny Banks standing there with another guy, a friend I assumed, and both of them grinning and laughing, as Johnny firmly patted me on the arm.

"How are ya, man?" Johnny grinned, "You're making it a habit."

"What habit," I chuckled," What're you talking about?"

"I'm talking about that habit you've got of saving my ass...again," he gently smiled, extending his hand, "Ms. Carter told me what you said to get me out of detention, and I'm damn grateful, dude."

"Hell, Johnny," I smiled, shaking his hand, "Think nothing of it, bro."

Then he turned to the guy that had been standing there, and to me, said, "Tommy, I'd like you to meet my friend, Rick Sanders," and then, to Rick, Johnny grinned and said, "This is the dude I've been telling you about."

"Hell, yeah," Rick heartily smiled, greeting me with a warm handshake, "It's great to meet the guy that whipped Johnny Banks' ass. He's been needing to come down off that high horse of his for a while now."

"Aw, come on, Rick," Johnny chuckled, "Quit bustin my balls, man."

"Ricky Sanders is right," Gabriella suddenly spoke up, "You've needed your whipped for some time, now."

"What is this?" Johnny harshly asked, "Fuck with Johnny Banks day?"

"It's okay, Johnny," Melissa said, taking his arm, which calmed him down, "The reason Gabi said that is because she's had a crush on you ever since the end of sophomore year."

"MELISSA!!" Gabriella screeched, "I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU SAID THAT," and then she quickly took off to class, her face red with embarrassment.

"What're you doing, Johnny?" Melissa urged him smiling, "Go after her, now," and then Johnny was gone, hot on Gabi's heels.

"Damn, Melissa, you ought to be ashamed of yourself," I told her laughing, "You embarrassed that poor girl to death."

"Bull shit," Daphne giggled, "All we've heard for the past two and-a-half years is, "Johnny Banks did this, or Johnny Banks did that," and we're sick to death of it. I hope he catches her so she can finally get some."

Rick and I simply laughed and shook our heads, while I took Melissa's hand as we walked to class, the first morning bell beginning to ring.

~~~~~~

Chapter Six

The whole morning passed and I hadn't seen hide or hair of neither Sherilyn, nor Jenny; and after Sherilyn's last comment to me when I "broke up with her and Jenny"; I was beginning to get a little concerned. Then when the lunch bell rang and I was on my way to the parking lot to meet Melissa at my car, with Johnny and Gabriella walking with me, Jenny suddenly appeared in the hallway, and meekly asked, "Tommy, I'm not trying to cause you any trouble, but can I talk to you, please? You can bring your friends along if that will make you feel more comfortable."

~~~~~~

"Okay, Jenny," I informed her, once we were all away from prying eyes, as it were, "I'm listening, what is it that you want to talk to me about?"

"It's Sherilyn," Jenny fearfully replied, "She's crazy, and I think she's going to try to hurt either you, Melissa, or God forbid, both of you. I just thought you should know, Tommy."

"Oh, really," I suspiciously asked her, "If that's the case, then why would you put yourself at risk by being seen talking to me?"

"No shit," she agreed, and then she agitatedly added, "Jeez, guys can be so thick headed sometimes," and then she turned to walk away, before I gently grabbed her arm, making her stop to turn back and look at me.

"Thanks, Jenny," I sincerely told her, "You don't know how much I really appreciate this."

She very sweetly smiled at me, and then after placing her hand upon my shoulder, she softly replied, "Melissa is a very beautiful girl. You deserve someone like her, and vice versa...good luck, Tommy," and then she stood on her tip-toes, gave me a quick kiss on the cheek, and the turned and walked away without looking back, leaving me with an ominous feeling of something dark on the not so distant horizon..

"Hmph," Melissa hatefully spat, "I wouldn't trust that bitch as far as I could throw her skinny ass."

"I don't know, sweetheart," I suspiciously replied, "I've got a bad feeling about Sherilyn, all of a sudden."

"Baby, you don't need to feel bad about anything," she softly told me, gently kissing my lips, "If Sherilyn Hawkins comes anywhere near you, I'll thrash her ass; and she knows it!"

"I hope she doesn't put you to the test," I warned her, taking her hand, "Come on, we're going to be late for class."

~~~~~~

"Well, good morning, Mister Blake," Miss Sarah Matthews, smiled, when I arrived late to class, just after the second, or tardy, bell, "We're glad you could join us."

"I'm sorry I'm late, ma'am," I respectfully replied, "It won't happen again."

"It better not," she told me, in a gentle tone of voice, but with a look in her eyes that indicated that she meant what she'd said, "Take a seat and get out your notebook."

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, "Thank you."

~~~~~~

Lunch time came and it was apparent that Johnny must've finally caught up with Gabriella earlier that morning, because they were definitely making goo-goo eyes at one another all through out lunch.

"Good for Johnny," I told Melissa and Daphne, as we ate, "I think they look good together."

"She'll be good for him," Melissa smiled, "He's a good guy, he just needs direction in his life, that's all......speaking of which, I'm sorry about sending him to pick a fight with you that day, Tommy."

"Forget about it, sweetie," I smiled, kissing her lips, "I already have."

"Damn," Daphne complained to Melissa, "I wish there were more guys like him around, Lys."

"Sorry about that," Melissa possessively teased, "He's mine so; hands off, bitch."

"Yeah, right," Daphne grinned, "Like I stand a chance to begin with."

"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself," I said, "You're as pretty as you can be, and don't ever let anyone even try to tell you otherwise, Daphne. You just need to stop looking, that's all."

"Oh really," she asked, as I nodded my head, "You want to explain it to me, then?"

"Sure," I told her, "My Mom told ma a long time ago, before she died, that when you're looking for love, you don't, and most of the time, won't find it. She said that it was when you weren't looking for love, was when it would usually sneak up on you and bite you in the ass when you least expect it."

"Hmm," she seductively, giggled, "I like that part about being bitten on the ass."

"Jeez, don't listen to her, Tommy," Melissa teased, "She's a kinky bitch, and she always has been."

"Oh, you shut up, Lys," Daphne giggled, "You've got a lot of room to talk. Hey, Tommy, has Melissa shown you her lingerie collection, yet?"

"Huh?" I asked, not having paid attention to their conversation.

"Never mind, baby," Melissa quickly interjected, blushing slightly, "She's just be facetious. Shut up, Daphne..."

~~~~~~

My last class that afternoon government class, the one that I shared with both Jenny and Sherilyn, turned into a confrontation the moment I walked into the room. I had just crossed the threshold of the door when I was met with a hard and blinding punch, which, after knocking me senseless, left me lying on the floor, unconscious.

~~~~~~

When I next opened my eyes, I was lying on a cot in the nurse's station, with an ice-pack over my left eye.

"Where am I?" I asked, after having just come to, "What's going on?"

"Take it easy, baby," I heard Melissa's voice say, then I felt her touching my right hand, "You got sucker punched when Garrett Martin blindsided you, and knocked you out."

"What," I asked, my head killing me, and my vision blurred, "Who in the hell is Garrett Martin?"

"He's a local guy, a wannabe badass that is a chicken-shit coward, as you can plainly see," she told me, "And he's also Sherilyn Hawkins' new boyfriend."

"Damn," I laughed, albeit painfully, "She changes boyfriends like I change underwear."

"How can that be?" Melissa quietly giggled, "You don't wear underwear."

"Oh, yeah," I arrogantly asked, my face still blushing a bright red color, "And just how would you know that?"

"I know a lot more about you than you think I do, Thomas Jackson Blake, Junior," she teased, kissing me, "So; I'd be careful if I were you."

"Is that a threat?" I chuckled

"Nope," she giggled, kissing me again, "It's a warning, buster," and then she reached down, making sure she wouldn't be seen, and lightly rubbed her hand across my crotch, eliciting a quiet moan, which emanated from deep within me.

"See what I mean," she wantonly whispered, into my ear, "I want you inside me as soon as you're better, okay, baby?"

"Mmm, hmm," I quietly responded.

However, Nurse Cora Bracket, our school nurse, must've heard me, because she immediately came over to where I lay, Melissa sitting in a chair beside me, and said, "Well, well, Mister Blake, you look like you're feeling better."

"Yes, Ma'am," I replied, attempting to sit up in the cot, until my head began to spin like a top, the moment I sat up. Melissa could tell that I wasn't quite right, but still, God love her, she looked at Nurse Bracket, and smiling, said, "He looks okay to me. I can drive him home."

"How do you feel, Tommy?" the nurse asked me.

"I'm fine," I lied, "I'll be okay once I get home."

"Okay, you wait here for a minute," she replied, "I've got some paperwork that needs Miss Hanson's signature if you want me to release her to you."

~~~~~~

"Are you sure you're alright, Tommy," Melissa worriedly asked, the moment Nurse Bracket was out of sight, "Maybe you ought to see a doctor."

"I'll be alright," I told her, "Just get me to my room. I've got something there that is better that anything a doctor could ever give me."

"I don't know, baby," she fearfully replied, "I love you, and I don't want to see anything bad happen to you."

"I know you love me, and I love you, too," I smiled, trying to put her at ease, "If you love me, then I'm asking you to blindly trust me, okay?"

"Well...okay," she finally relented, "But you'd better be right."

"Trust me, baby," I smiled...

~~~~~~

The moment we got back home, Daphne had followed us, I sent Melissa downstairs, into the medicine cabinet in my bathroom; where she retrieved a brown, pint-sized bottled, labeled; "PsuedoGensing Root".

"What're you going to do with this?" she frightfully asked, "Are you going to smoke it?"

After slowly reaching over and gently patting her beautiful tight ass, something I'd not done up until now, I looked deeply into those beautiful blue eyes of hers, and smiling, softly told her, "You said you trusted me, remember?"

"Yes," she weakly agreed, "But I'm still afraid for you, Tommy."

"Don't worry, my love," I replied smiling, kissing her soft lips, "Everything's going to be alright, I promise."

I reached into the cabinet where I knew Linda kept, for the purpose of freshly grinding up her spices, a mortar and pestle. I then took a nice sized piece of the dried up root out of the bottle, dropped into the mortar with a small piece of Japanese Peppermint, and then proceeded to grind it all into a coarse powder not too dissimilar to coffee grounds.

Once that was done, I took the powder and dumped it into a perforated metal brewing cup, keeping it there until the small pot of water that I had set on the stove, when I'd sent Melissa downstairs, was ready to boil.

After the water came to a boil, I set the metal brewing cup into the water raising and lowering it back and forth into the boiling water until the root began to brew. I gave it six minutes to boil, and then dumped it into a small hard plastic Tupperware™ pitcher, with the metal cup to finish brewing in the kitchen window, while cooling it down enough to drink in a few minutes.

"I'm going to change clothes," I told Melissa and Daphne, "I'll be back in a few minutes," and then I disappeared downstairs.
~~~~~~

"Damn, girl," Daphne giggled to Melissa, fanning her face with her own hand, "That boy is as fine as he is hot. How in the hell did you get him?"

"I don't know," Melissa smiled, looking through the kitchen window off into an imaginary distance, "But I swear, I'm not going to lose him, and I don't care what I have to do to keep him either."

"Oh, I don't think you'll ever have to worry about that," Daphne knowingly grinned, placing her arm around Melissa's shoulder, "That boy is in love with you, no doubt. You should see what I see when I look at the two of you."

"And what do you see, Miss Know-it-all?" Melissa teased.

"Love," Daphne sighed, "I see love in its purest form," and by the time she finished speaking, she had tears silently raining down her face by the bucketfuls.

"Oh, hey," Melissa said, turning to her friend, "Why all the tears, Daph? You should be happy for me."

"That's just it," Daphne sniffled giggling, "I'm very happy for you, and don't worry about me, hell, I cry over birthday cards."

"Yeah, you do," Melissa giggled, hugging her friend, "But you're still my best friend so; I'm supposed to worry about you, okay sweetie?"

"I love you, Lys," Daphne sniffled, "We've known each other all our lives."

"Yes, we have," Melissa now began to sniffle, "And I love you, too, Daph."

~~~~~~

I had gone down to my room and changed out of my bloody shirt and pants, into a pair of cut-off blue jean shorts and a tee shirt, stopping to look at my face in my bathroom mirror before I went back upstairs. I was pissed off when I first discovered that the whole right side of my face was black and blue, especially around the eye socket.

"That son-of-bitch, Garrett Martin," I silently growled to myself, "Why, I ought to...."

"No, you idiot," I chastised myself, "That dumb ass ain't worth it...however, if he attacks first, then that's a different story. Still though, I wasn't going to go looking for that coward either...except for over my shoulder, maybe when my back was turned.

~~~~~~

When I got back upstairs, I found Melissa and Daphne sitting on the couch, quietly talking amongst themselves. The tea had cooled down enough for me to drink so; after I poured myself a cup, I was soon sitting on the couch, next to my beautiful Melissa.

As I drank the tea, I could feel the potency of the natural analgesic qualities of the root, making its way toward the injured places on my body, soothing the pain, taking the edge off it, bringing it to a more manageable level.

"How does that stuff taste?" Daphne asked me, "Does it really work?"

"Yes, it's working fine," I said, handing her my cup, "Here, try it for yourself."

"Oh, yummy, this tastes so good," Daphne smiled, and then handed the cup to Melissa who also took a taste, "Isn't that good, Lys?"

"Oh, my God," Melissa gasped smiling, "Can we have some more, Tommy?"

Of course I ended up brewing all of what I had in my supply. I mean, it's good for you, even if there's nothing wrong with you. However, not only does PsuedoGensing Root make a good analgesic when you're in pain, but it's been known to act as an aphrodisiac on some women, and I hear that the number of women which it affects that way is very high. Check it out for yourself if you don't believe me.

~~~~~~

"Oh, my God," Tommy," Linda gasped when she first saw me that evening, "Are you alright, sweetheart?"

"That looks like it hurts, son," Dad commented, "I assume that whoever did this has paid dearly for it."

"That's the thing, Dad," I explained, "I got blindsided with a sucker-punch, and the son-of-a-bitch was gone when I woke up."

"Do you know who did it?" he inquired, "Tell that you at least got his name."

"Don't worry, Dad," I knowingly reassured him, "I know who did this...trust me, I'll take care of it."

"Come on, Tommy," Dad warned, "You know how the laws in this state are, when it comes to the deadly use of martial arts."

"Who said anything about deadly, Dad?" I defiantly asked him, "Look at my face. I owe this prick at least one punch to the jaw."

"Tommy," Melissa fearfully said, "Don't do this baby...please, for me?" I knew she had me right then and there, when she asked me not to move on Garrett Martin for her sake.

"Alright, I won't go looking for him...but I promise you, I won't back down if he tries anything else, nor will I back off either," I firmly replied, looking at everyone in the room, "Do we all understand one another?"

"Just be careful," Melissa told me, holding me tightly, "I'm not going to lose you, Tommy Blake, do you understand? I love you, and I'm not going to lose you..."

~~~~~~

Dad grilled some steaks, New York Strip, outside while Melissa and Linda pulled together in the kitchen to help put the rest of the meal on the table, baked potatoes, green beans, with a nice grilled chicken salad as an appetizer.

I tried to do my part, but every time I tried to help someone, I was told to go back and sit down and rest. Don't get me wrong, everyone was wonderfully kind to me, especially in the way they spoke to me; but I still felt like I was being treated like an invalid.

~~~~~~

Once we were finished eating, and the kitchen had been cleaned up, we sat around the outside patio drinking coffee and talking.

"Melissa told me what happened today," Dad said to me, "She also told who it was that did that to you, as well as why."

"I still don't know why he hit me," I replied, "But I do intend on finding out, though."

"I know why he hit you," Melissa angrily said, "It was because of that bitch, Sherilyn Hawkins."

"Is that right," Linda asked, "But why would she want to hurt Tommy?"

"Because he doesn't want anything to do with her nasty ass," Melissa spat, "God, what a slut."

When Dad began to laugh I looked at him and said, "I don't see anything funny about any of this, Dad."

"I do," Dad continued laughing, "This reminds me of those two girls that got into a fight over you when you were in the eighth grade."

"Oh, really?" Melissa mischievously asked, with an impish grin plastered across her beautiful face, "Do tell, Jack, and I want to hear all the juicy details."

~~~~~~

After Dad had relayed to Linda and Melissa, all of the quirky ups and downs I went through when I was younger, I knew that I was not going to be able to live it down, not for a while at least. But seriously, I didn't really mind at all.

Dad was back to his old self again, as was I, and it looked like the days of being broken hearted over my mother's sudden death were coming to an end. It also was then that I came to realize how deep I had truly come to love Melissa, which built a peace within me that I never thought I'd ever know.

~~~~~~

Later that night after everyone was asleep and I was in the beginnings of finally dozing off myself; I heard an all too familiar female voice whispering my name.

"Tommy," Melissa whispered, slightly shaking me, "Wake up, baby."

"What're you doing in here," I asked, turning on my bedside lamp, "Are you trying to get us in trouble?"

"No," she smiled, "Mom and Jack are upstairs sleeping like logs. Besides, I wanted to see you. I hope you're not mad at me."

After my eyesight had adjusted, I almost lost my breath when I saw how Melissa was dress. All she had on was a long, and very sheer, robe that showed off her entire body. And needles to say, I was hard inside of three seconds.

"At least someone is happy to see me," she giggled, pointing to the tent that my cock had made of the sheet I was covered with, "Scoot over, hot stuff; I'm climbing in with you."

After she was in bed with me, she laid back, and after opening the robe to show me her beautiful bare breasts, with the nicest, largest nipples I'd ever seen; she breathed, "Suck my tits, baby,...please, Tommy, please suck my tits, baby."

Of course I obliged her, and the moment my mouth was upon her, I felt her hands holding my head, while she twined her fingers into my hair.

It wasn't long before the robe she was wearing was off of her body and lying in the floor beside my bed. And because I sleep naked, Melissa wasted not time in rolling over to lay on top of me with the head of my cock just barely inside her vaginal entrance.

"I want you to make love to me, baby," she breathed, "I can't wait any longer."

"But what about what my Dad and your mom said about no sex in the house?" I asked her, "We could get into big trouble for this."

"I wouldn't worry about it, too much," she softly groaned, as she began slowly lowering her body down onto my eight inches of hard cock, "Mom already told me that she would keep your Dad off of our backs...God, that feels so good," as she bottomed out, my cock now buried deeply within her hot, tight, pussy."

I couldn't argue with her at that point, I mean, hell, she literally had me by the cock. But it was in a manner that even if I did try to push her off of me, I could no longer remember the reasons why I would want to do such a thing anyway.

~~~~~~

Chapter Seven

"Oh, my God, Tommy, I love you so damn much," Melissa moaned, as her hips bounced her hot pussy up and down on my cock, and her beautiful tits dangled mere inches in front of my face, as I latched onto one with my lips, making her hiss, Ohhh, yessss, suck that fucking tit, baby, oh, fuck me, baby, oh, God, yes, fuck me."

"I love you, Melissa," I groaned, quickly, but gently rolling her over so that I was on top of her, "And I'll never stop loving you."

"Yes, that's it," she said, as I began to rapidly move my cock in and out of her, "Fuck me harder, faster, OH, YES, YES, OH GOD, OH GOD, YES, BABY, FUCK MEEEEE, I'M CUMMING, OH GOD, YEEEEEESSSS!"

And then before I could pull out, she held me inside of her with not only her hands on my waist, but also by locking her legs tightly around my waist. "I want you to cum inside of me, baby, yes, cum in my pussy now,' she hotly breathed into my ear; and then all at once I released several volleys of scalding hot sperm, deeply within the recesses of her tight little pussy, drenching the walls of her womb with my seed.

~~~~~~

As we lay together basking in the afterglow of our love making, I turned to look into Melissa's eyes, and with a tender smile, said, "We're a part of one another now, I hope you realize that."

"Mmm," she purred, "Gladly, baby."

"Oh, before I forget," I suddenly asked, "Are you on the pill, because I didn't use any protect...."

"Shh," she giggled, interrupting me by placing her index finger upon my lips, "Mom put me on the pill three years ago to help regulate my period so, we're safe."

"Whew," I breathed, making Melissa giggled again, "Not that I was worried, but I thought I'd mention it to you, just in case."

"In case of what?" she asked smiling, "And what if you had gotten me pregnant, what would you have done then?"

"That's easy," I grinned, playfully tweaking her beautiful nipple, "I would've married you."

"Oh, Tommy," she smiled, her eyes clouding with tears, "I really do love you ya know."

"I know," I replied, gently kissing her lips, "I love you, too..."

~~~~~~

The next morning at breakfast, Linda glanced across the table at me with a knowing look in her eyes, and lightly giggling, asked me, "So, Tommy, how did you sleep last night?"

"Who, me?" I asked, as she nodded her head, "I slept great. How about you, Linda, how did you sleep?"

"Oh, I slept great," she knowingly giggled, "Especially once the noise I heard coming from downstairs quieted down."

Needless to say, my face turned the same bright red color it always does when I'm either embarrassed, or after I've been caught doing something I'm not supposed to be doing.

Because of my injuries from being attacked the day before, Dad told me that he'd feel better if I stayed home, and that perhaps maybe Melissa wouldn't mind bringing me any assignments I might be missing that day.

"I don't mind at all, Jack," Melissa sweetly told Dad, hugging his neck, "I'd be happy to bring Tommy his homework," while she winked at me.

"Thanks, sweetie," Dad told her, then turned to Linda and said, "Don't you think you ought to get ready so that I'm not late dropping you off for work, sweetheart?"

"Oh, that's okay, Jack," I called in while you were in the shower, and I'm going to stay home with Tommy so that someone will be here look after him today, okay honey?"

"I think that's a good idea," he replied smiling, kissing Linda, and then he stood up and put on his jacket, "Thanks, honey. Call me at the office if you need me. Have a good day, everybody," and then he was off, and out the front door a few seconds later.

~~~~~~

I could tell that Linda wanted to talk to me once the house was empty and everyone else was gone so; I kissed Melissa and walked her to the front door, and handing her my car keys, I said, "I really enjoyed making love to you last night, it was really special."

"Yes, it was," she sweetly replied, and then right before she left, she looked at me and said, "I love you, Tommy, with all my heart."

"I love you, too," I grinned, lightly smacking her on the butt, "Have a nice day, and I'll see you this afternoon."

"Hmm," she seductively smiled, "You might see me a lot sooner than you think,' and then she was gone, leaving a trail of girlish giggles in her wake.

~~~~~~

"Can I help you clean up, Linda?" I asked, after I came back into the kitchen, from see Melissa off.

"No," she sweetly smiled, "But you can have a seat at the table, and we can talk while I'm cleaning things up."

"Jeez," I just took a lick to the head," I laughed, "You'd think I lost an arm, or something."

"Quit being silly," Linda giggled, bringing the both of us a cup of coffee and sitting down next to me at the table, "May I ask you a question, Tommy...a very serious question.?"

"Of course you can," I smiled, gently taking her hand into mine, "Linda, please, don't ever be afraid to ask me anything, okay?"

Alright, here goes," she smiled, "Where do you see yourself in ten years, Tommy? And I want you to seriously think about it before you answer me."

"Come on, Linda, that's a no-brainer," I chuckled, "In ten years I see myself married to Melissa, with at least one child."

"What about a job and a house?" she asked, "How would you provide for Melissa and a child."

"That's easy, too," I grinned, "We'll both study hard while we're in college so that we can both get good jobs ten years from now..."

Linda suddenly smiled very brightly as she leaned over and gave me a chaste kiss on my cheek near my lips, and then while she was gently hugging me, I heard her sniffle and say, "I love you very much, baby boy; and that's why I have no problem with you and my daughter being together."

"Thank you Linda, and I love you very much, too," I smiled, "You brought my father out of the darkness, and back to his old self again. And, if I have my way about it, you'll also be my mother-in-law in a couple of years, or so."

"Oh, really," she conspiratorially grinned, "And am I supposed to keep that bit of knowledge to myself, sweetie?"

"If you want to," I laughed, leaning over and kissing her on her temple, near her eye, "It's not going to matter before too much longer anyway."

"Oh, really," Linda impishly smiled, "So; you're going to ask my daughter to marry you when?"

"Huh? Oh, that," I chuckled, "I was thinking about the weekend following graduation...and I'd like you to keep that bit of information to yourself, if you would, please."

"No problem, sweetie," she happily replied, "Besides, I just love getting the drop on Melissa every once in a while."

"Uh-huh," I laughed, "What if it pisses her off again?"

"Again, no problem," Linda teased, "I've got you here to run interference for me."

"Oh, yeah?" I asked, "I'm glad you have such a strong faith in my abilities of being able to handle Melissa."

"After the, noises, I heard coming from the basement last night, it sounded like you, uh, handled Melissa just fine to me," Linda haughtily laughed, lightly smacking me on the ass, and then laughing again.

~~~~~~

Around lunchtime I got a pleasant surprise. I was in my room listening to some music, when I looked up and there stood Melissa with a beautiful smile on her face.

"Hi, baby," she smiled, climbing into the bed beside me, and then leaning over to softly kiss me on the lips, "I missed you."

"Hello there, beautiful, I missed you, too," I grinned, "What're you doing out of school, don't you have classes this afternoon?"

"Yeah, but I'm not missing out on anything that I can't make up," she giggled, "Besides; I wanted to come home and be with you. Is that okay?"

"Of course it is," I chuckled, placing my arms around her, pulling her closely to me and then softly kissing her lips, "I love you."

"Oh, Tommy," she quietly replied, running her fingers through my hair, "I love you more than I've ever loved anything in my life."

"Hey, you two," Linda said, suddenly appearing in my room, "I need to run to the store to get the stuff to make dinner tonight. Can I get either of you anything?"

"I'm good," I smiled, "Maybe Melissa might want something though."

"No, that's okay; Mom," she sweetly replied, "But thanks for asking."

"Alright, then," Linda giggled, "I'll leave you two lovebirds alone...be back in a little while," and then she turned around and went back upstairs.

"I saw Sherilyn Hawkins today," Melissa informed me, "She asked me about you, and you want to know what I told her?"

"Ooo, tell me," I chuckled, "I'm all ears."

"Well, it's like this," she began, "I told her that you and I were together; and that's she'd better damn well leave you alone, or other wise I was going to kick her ass."

My good mood suddenly disappeared, and in doing so, I looked at Melissa and firmly replied, "Look, Melissa, I love you with all my heart, you know I do, but that crazy bitch is dangerous."

"You don't have to get all pissed off about it," she said, "Besides; I'm not afraid of her, not one bit."

"I know you're not afraid," I replied, trying to make her understand me, "But you have to understand that she's crazy, and she'll use you to try to get to me...because when it boils right down to it, I'm the one she's pissed off at."

"I know that, Tommy," she began to cry, "And I don't want to lose you, can you understand that?"

"Of course I can," I told her, kissing her lips and then hugging her tightly to me, "But I don't even want to take the risk of something happening to you; especially now that we're together. All I'm asking you is not to provoke that crazy bitch, please?"

"Okay, baby," she smiled, laying her head on my chest as she snuggled up next to me, "I love you."

"I love you, too..."

~~~~~~

For the rest of the afternoon, Melissa and I lay in the bed together, talking and loving on one another, and talked of our dreams of the future, not to mention where we wanted to go to college together.

Not only was there a major university in our home state, but because of the fact that we lived in the same city as the university, it meant that we wouldn't have to stay in the dorms our freshman years. We also talked about living together, but out of respect for her Mom and my Dad we wanted it to be with their help and approval. If not, we decided we would figure out a way to do it on our own, we loved each other that strongly and even more deeply. I knew it just as certain as I knew my own name, as did Melissa also.

Still though, when it came right down to it, we knew that Linda was all for us being together; and that Dad was slowly warming up to the idea. But I also believe that God makes everything happen for a reason; and if we were truly meant to be together, then there would also be a way for us to be able to stay together. People call me crazy for thinking that way, but it's what I believe, and I haven't been let down yet.
~~~~~~

That night after dinner, Dad informed us that he and Linda were going to be gone for the rest of that week until the end of that coming weekend (they worked for the same company, that's how they met) for a company seminar that involved all the department heads, which both Dad and Linda were, just different departments.

He also knowingly grinned when he told us that the "No Sex in the House" rule was no longer in effect. He did say, however, that he expected us to be responsible about it, and I understood where he was coming from.

Although Melissa was on the pill, the one thing she didn't know yet, and I was going to tell her this coming weekend, that I was a virgin and that she was the first, and as far as I was concerned, the only woman I'd ever had, or would have, sex with, and that I loved more than life itself. I only hoped that she wouldn't be upset with me for waiting so long to tell her.

~~~~~~

"Hi, baby," Melissa said, when she came downstairs into my room after dinner that night, "Whatcha doin?"

"I was thinking about you," I tenderly replied, "And about how much I love you."

"Aw, Tommy," she sweetly cooed, climbing onto my bed and lying next to me, her arms around me, "I love you, too, baby."

"I need to tell you something, Melissa," I suddenly told her, "And I don't want you to be upset with me."

"I could never be upset with you," she warmly replied, "Now what is it you wanted to tell me."

"Well," I began, "I wanted you to know that I was a virgin when we met, and that not only are you my first, but I want you to be my last...I love you,. Melissa, and I'm going to marry you one day, I thought you should know that."

"Oh, Tommy," she began to cry, burying her face in my neck, "I don't deserve you, I really don't."

"That's where you're wrong, my love," I smiled, pulling her head up so that I could look at her beautiful face.

"How do you figure that, baby?" she sniffled.

"I'll tell you how," I smiled, wiping the tears from her eyes with my hands, "For as far back as I can remember, I've dreamed about having a girl as beautiful as you to spend the rest of my life with; and now you're here. You are living proof that God answers prayers, baby girl."

"I want you to know that from this moment forward, Tommy," she smiled, "I will love you my whole life, you and no other."

"I hope so," I mischievously teased, "Because now you're going to have to kill me to get rid of me."

"Oh yeah?" she giggled, "Well that'll never happen so; I guess you're stuck with me...forever."

"Gladly, baby," I warmly kissed her, "Very, very gladly."

Melissa ended up spending the night in my room with me, no sex, just the two of us simply wrapped in one another's arms throughout the night, on until morning. But the best part of all, though, was when Linda came down to wake me up that next morning. She told us that it warmed her heart, God love her, when she saw Melissa and I asleep, holding one another closely with smiles on our faces.

~~~~~~

The next day at school was a day that I'll remember for the rest of my life. It started off very nicely, Melissa and I rode to school together in her BMW this time, and she even let me drive. She was returning the favor for me letting her drive my car, she said. When we pulled into the parking lot, Daphne, Gabi, and now her boyfriend, Johnny Banks were waiting for us, and all three of them wearing smiles on their faces.

"Hey, you two," Daphne smiled, as we got out of the car, "How are ya'll to day, and how're you feeling, Tommy?"

"I'm doing just fine, "I grinned, "Thanks for asking, Daphne," and then teasing Gabriella, I winked at her and snickered, "It looks like Johnny finally caught up with you after all, Gabi."

"Yes, he did, thank-you-very-much," she condescendingly giggled, making us all chuckle.

"Well good," Melissa teased, "Now maybe you'll quit being such a bitch."

"Me, a bitch? I don't think so, Miss Thing," Gabi, giggled, "Oh; does Tommy know that you sometimes still wear "Minnie Mouse" panties?"

"No," she nonchalantly replied, "Because I quit wearing panties altogether when I met him, and yes, we sleep together every night."

"Bull shit," Daphne laughed, "I don't believe it for one second."

Melissa simply gave me a knowing smile, and said, "Ask Tommy if you don't believe me."

"She's not lying," I smiled, taking Melissa's hand and kissing it, "I feel very blessed to have such great parents."

"You lucky shit-asses," Gabriella complained, "My Mom would kill me if I tried something like that, not to mention what my Dad would do, damn."

"Hell, Gabi," Johnny began to laugh, "Is it safe for me to come to your house?"

"Oh, shut up," she giggled, kissing his cheek, "My parents adore you, and you know it."

"Yeah," Johnny grinned, hugging Gabriella to him, "Your Mom and Dad are really cool people, and I like them a lot."

~~~~~~

First and Second periods both went well, and my thoughts had only been of school and Melissa, until, as I was walking into my third period classroom, I saw it coming this time.

Garrett Martin was waiting just inside the door, trying to give me another one of his chicken-shit sucker punches.

My Third Period Class just happened to be Calculus so; as opposed to letting that idiot hit me in the face again, I simply stepped aside, but still holding my Calculus Textbook, which was as thick as two encyclopedias, and every bit as solid, firmly against my shoulder.

Garrett broke his hand when his fist connected with my textbook, and the second he drew his now broken hand away, I took that same textbook and smashed him in the face with it as hard as I could. Needless to say his ass lay out cold on the floor, when our teacher, Mrs. Thompson got to the classroom.

"Alright, class," Mrs. Thompson inquired, "Who is responsible for this?"

Surprisingly, Jenny Rodgers, who happened to have that class with me, raised her hand; and when called on, pointed at Garrett Martin, who now lay in the floor, semiconscious and bleeding profusely from the nose, which was also broken, and said, "He's responsible for this all on his own."

"Come now, young lady," Mrs. Thompson authoritatively replied, "I know he didn't hit himself in the face, like apparently someone has. Tell me what happened, right now."

I stood up, and not wanting for anyone to take the heat from something I'd done, I raised my hand and said, "I hit him, and I'm responsible."

"Well, well, Mister Blake," she snottily quipped, then arrogantly announced "This is something we need to bring to the principal's attention, now, isn't it?"

"Whatever," I sighed, "I know the way and I'll meet you there," and then took off walking with out her, headed to Ms. Carter's office.

~~~~~~

"You did what?" Ms. Carter incredulously asked, once I told her what had happened.

"I was only defending myself," I replied, reiterating what I'd just said, "You can ask anyone who was there. Everyone saw what happened, and it went down just like I told you, I swear Ms. Carter."

"It's not that I don't believe you, Tommy," Ms. Carter said, "But when this type of incident occurs, school policy dictates that an investigation must be made.

"Go right ahead," I adamantly replied, "You'll for yourself that I'm telling you the truth."

"Rest assured I will," she replied, "In the mean time, I want you to go home and have your parents call me."

"I would love to do that," I said, "But they're gone out of town to company seminar gone until Monday of next week."

"So, let me get this straight," she suspiciously replied, "If I were to call their company, they won't be there, is that correct?"

"Look, Ms. Carter," I calmly and respectfully said, "Go ahead and call them if you wish, but you'll find out that I'm not in the habit of lying, period; just as you will see once you complete your investigation. I'm going home for now so that everything will settle down once Garrett Martin wakes up...but I'll be back tomorrow."

"I think that is a wise decision, Mister Blake," she smiled, "And for what it's worth, I believe you, I'm just doing my job."

"And a fine job it is," I grinned, kissing her hand, and making her blush, "I understand, and thank you, Ms. Carter."

"Get out of here," she giggled, still blushing, "You silver tongued devil."

~~~~~~

"Jesus, Tommy," Melissa said, meeting me outside the principal's office, "What the hell happened to Garrett Martin, they just took him to the hospital in an ambulance."

"Good," I said, "It couldn't have happened to a nicer guy."

"Please tell me that you didn't do that to him," Melissa worriedly said.

"I promised you that I would never lie to you," I told her, looking directly into her deep, beautiful blue eyes, "And I'm not about to start now, either."

"No baby, you don't understand," she began to cry, "Sherilyn Hawkins said, and I quote, "All of the Karate in China won't save Tommy Blake's ass from a fucking bullet, because nobody is that good, not even that motherfucker."

"Is that right?" I laughed, "You can relax; hell, that crazy bitch doesn't have the balls to even pull a gun on me, much less actually take a shot at me."

"I don't know, Tommy," she forebodingly replied, "She was on some different shit when she said that. I don't trust her...I don't trust her at all."

"Come on, baby," I said, placing my arm around her shoulders, "We're going home. I'm not going to let anything happen, okay?"

~~~~~~

Chapter Eight

"I think we ought to call Mom and Jack," Melissa said, once we were home and safe, "They need to know what's going on."

"And make your Mom worry needlessly?" I pointedly said, "I'm sorry, my love, but it's not really necessary, please, think about it for a minute...as long as we're here, we're safe, I promise."

"Okay, baby," she breathed, relieved, "If you say so, then I believe you."

"Good," I smiled, "Let's go get in the big bathtub upstairs...sound good?"

"Mmm," she seductively purred, gently rubbing her beautiful, tasty ass against my groin, "That's the best idea I've heard all day."

~~~~~~

Every time I watch my beautiful Melissa getting undressed, it always stirs my blood; and this day was most certainly no exception. Once the water in the tub had been drawn, I wasted no time in taking my clothes off and getting in.

However, watching Melissa as she disrobed was even more beautiful than anything I could ever imagine. She slowly unbuttoned her shirt, revealing her 38C tits, encased in an almost sheer silk bra, the tops of her beautiful tits, jiggling softly with every move she made.

Then she slowly pulled off her tight jeans to show her matching silk panties, revealing her mound as the light reflected off of her panties to show her pudenda as it protruded at the front of her crotch. As she reached behind her and undid her bra, her tits were high with nice big juicy nipples that were now twisted into raspberry colored knots.

And when she finally slid her panties down her legs, not only did she do it with her back to me so that I could gaze at the most succulent ass known to man. And then when she turned around, I could hear my own breath leaving my chest as I saw her neatly trimmed bush, with dark black hair, practically drooling at me.

"Do you see something you like, baby?" she giggled, sitting down in the water with her back to me, as she purposefully wedged my iron hard cock between the cheeks of that beautiful ass, "I think somebody is very happy to see me."

"Have I told you that I love you," I asked her, gently wrapping my arms around her naked body, "And that I think you're the most beautiful woman in the world?"

"All the time, baby," she sweetly giggled, "But I still like hearing you say it anyway."

"I love you so much that I would die for you," I breathed, "As opposed to have to live one minute without you."

"I love you, Tommy," she said, as a lone silent tear slowly mad its way down her cheek, "I'll love you forever, I swear I will."

"I know," I smiled, softly kissing her lips, "Always remember that my love for you will never die...even after I'm gone from this place."

"Don't talk like that, Baby, please?" she quietly said, her bottom lips beginning to quiver, "I don't even want to think about you being gone. After all, I just found you."

"Alright, sweetheart," I replied, gently running a soapy washcloth down her back, "No more talk about dying."

We spent another thirty minutes surrounded by not only the warm water, but the love we had for one another, as well; finishing the later part of the day together after having made slow, tender, and gentle love. To be able to gaze into Melissa's beautiful eyes as I reached my climax was what I considered to be akin to total and absolute fulfillment in every way.

~~~~~~

That afternoon after school, Daphne and Gabriella showed up at the house wanting to know what was happening, but moreso to let us know that they were both concerned about us. I personally thought that it was very sweet that those two, well, three, counting Johnny, but he sent his regards through Gabi, as he was at football practice, even thought about us like they did.

"Are you two alright?" Daphne asked, "We've been worried to death."

"We're okay," Melissa grinned, snuggling into me as we sat together on the couch in the den, "I've got Tommy to protect me so; I'm not worried about a thing."

"Maybe so," Gabi warned, "But you should've heard the threats that Sherilyn Hawkins was making in the girls locker room earlier this afternoon. She was talking about getting a gun, Tommy."

"She's full of shit," I laughed, "Like I told Melissa, that stupid bitch doesn't have the balls to pull a gun on me, much less use it."

"I don't know," Daphne said, "She had this wild look in her eyes, like she was on something."

"It's like I said," I laughed, "Pay her crazy ass no mind. I'm telling you now that she won't follow through on an empty threat."

"You know that she has a juvenile record," Melissa asked me, "Don't you?"

"Yeah, I heard," I replied, "But wasn't it drug related, or something like that?"

"Yes it was," Daphne told us, "And that alone should at least make you nervous."

"Nervous about what," I chuckled, "Some dumb ass dope-head bitch? Please, that dopey assed girl doesn't bother me one bit."

"Maybe not you," Gabriella fearfully replied, "But she scares the hell out of me. My older brother told me that dope heads are very unstable people."

"That's all the more reason to ignore her stupidity," I told the three of them, "I'm telling you that nothing is going to happen so; relax, okay?"

Alight, then," Daphne said, Gabi agreeing with her, "If you say so, Tommy, then we believe you, but please, for mine all three of our sakes, don't let anything happen to you, okay?"

"Okay," I relented, understanding that, because of never having had to deal with this kind of thing, it was common in my old high school, these girls were afraid so; to help them relax, I told them, "I promise that I won't let anything happen to me, is that better?"

"Much better," Melissa smiled, kissing me on the lips.

"Can we hug him, Lys?" Daphne meekly asked.

"You two had better come over here and hug him," she sweetly giggled, "Because when you're done, you can both tell me what good taste I have in men."

"Silly bitch," Gabi giggled, "And she always has been, Tommy."

"She really has," Daphne giggled along, "but we love her anyway so; you better be good to her," and then the next thing I knew was that I was surrounded by pretty females, all three of them affectionately hugging me, but none more affectionately than my beautiful Melissa.

~~~~~~

After her friends had gone home, Melissa looked at me and asked, "What would you like to eat for dinner?"

"I don't know," I chuckled, "I don't feel like cooking anything so; how about we order a pizza, and then snuggle up on the couch and watch TV?"

"Okay," Melissa softly smiled, "That sounds like a good idea. I think there's John Wayne movie on tonight, The Green Berets."

"Oh, hell yeah," I chuckled, "Are you sure you want to watch it?"

"You betch yer ass, there, Pilgrim," she said, trying to do an imitation of the actor, and of course I fell into stitches, I was laughing so hard.

"I sure do love you," she began to laugh, as she softly pounced on me on the couch. She softly kissed my lips, and then with a soft whisper, told me, "One of these days I'm going to marry you. I hope you know that, my love."

"Of course I know," I teased, tenderly kissing her lips, "Who do you think said it first?"

"You did," she softly giggled, "But I was just letting you know what I was going to say whenever you do decide to ask me to marry you, okay?"

"I love you..."

~~~~~~

That night as I lay in my bed, Melissa lying safely beside me, I began to wonder about Sherilyn Hawkins, and was there any way possible of her following through with the threats that she's allegedly been heard making towards me. Was she crazy enough to follow through with it? Hell, I wasn't taking any chances, and therefore I can to the realization that it was time for my to arm myself for my own self defense, as well as to guarantee the safety of those whom I held dearest.

~~~~~~

The next morning before I was about to leave for school, I received a phone call from Ms. Carter, informing me that her investigation was not yet over, and that for mine and Melissa's personal safety, it would be better if we remained at home until I heard from her personally, and that she would make sure that for any work that we missed, we would be allowed to make up when we returned.

"I hope this doesn't take too long," I told her, "My parents will be real upset if they found out that I was being illegally suspended from school."

"No one is being suspended, period, Tommy so; please don't make an issue out of this," she very nicely explained, "I just need a little more time to conclude this whole business, and just so that you know, I did find out that you were telling the truth; but there's the matter of the threats Sherilyn Hawkins has made against not only you, but Melissa as well. Everyone in school knows about it, including the faculty so; the reason I want you and Melissa to stay home has nothing to do with suspension, it has to do with your own safety, okay?"

"Okay," I replied, "But if it's something that serious, shouldn't the police be notified."

"Yes, and that's already been done," she told me, "But because your lives have been threatened, they also asked that I advise you to stay at home so that they can post a cruiser outside of your house and watch over you so; that's what I'm attempting to do at the moment. Now do you understand, Tommy?"

"Perfectly," I grinned, "Thank you, Ms. Carter."

"For what?" she asked, I didn't really do anything special."

"Yes, you did," I chuckled, "You're looking out for our asses and I appreciate it."

"Yeah, well," she quietly giggled, "You two make sure make sure that your asses stay out of sight until you hear from me, okay?"

"Yes, ma'am..."

~~~~~~

"Who was that on the phone, baby?" Melissa smiled, snuggling up next to me, and hugging me where we both stood.

I told her of the conversation that I'd just finished having with Ms. Carter, as well as about the threats that Sherilyn Hawkins had made against us. I also reassured her that we were going to be perfectly fine.

"What if that crazy bitch comes over here, Tommy?" she asked, with fear written all over her face, "I don't trust her as far as I can throw her skinny ass."

"That's not going to happen," I reassured her, gently kissing her lips, "If I'm not mistaken, a police cruiser should be here at any moment."

And no sooner had I mentioned it, than the doorbell sounded not two seconds after I had mentioned the police. "Speak of the devil," I laughed, and then went to answer the door.
~~~~~~

"Good morning," I said, to the two police officers standing on the doorstep, "Please, come on in."

~~~~~~

The two police officers who would be watching over the house during the day were both female. They were both about the same height and build, but one was an extremely pretty blue eyed Blonde and the other was an Auburn haired beauty, with raven dark eyes. I would say that both of their ages were probably somewhere around twenty-nine, to thirty-two, at the very most, but I thought that both of them were still stunning, regardless of their age.

"I'm Officer Kelly McTeague," the Auburn-haired officer professionally announced, "And my partner's name is Officer Jayne Sanderson. We'll be watching the house during the day shift until six in the evening; and then two different Officers will take the evening shift. They, too, will check in with you just like we're doing now once they've relieved us."

I myself thought it was very cool that these two beauties who, at Melissa's insistence, were sitting at the breakfast table with us were cops, and Melissa, God love her beautiful heart, was just absolutely ecstatic.

"Oh, wow," she excitedly grinned, "I am so glad to see women doing jobs that used to be dominated by men."

"We trained right along side of the men when we were both in the academy," Officer McTeague proudly smiled, "And we had to qualify exactly the same as the men did."

"That is so cool," Melissa grinned, "I can't wait to tell my friends, Daphne and Gabriella, they'll be so excited to hear about it."

"Speaking of friends," I asked, "Will we be allowed to have them over here?"

"Of course," Officer Sanderson gently giggled, "This isn't prison ya know."

And when I thought about it I began to laugh and said, "No, I guess it isn't, is it?"

"No," she smiled, "It's not."

~~~~~~

Once the two police officers were back in their car, which was parked outside, in front of the house, Melissa wrapped both of her arms around my waist, and teasing me, said, "I think that Officer Sanderson has a little crush on you," and then she began to giggle.

"No, she doesn't," I laughed, "You're being silly."

"No, I'm not," she chuckled, "She was definitely checking you out, I saw her looking at both your ass and your crotch."

"Is that a fact?" I grinned, teasing her as well, "You're just jealous, that's all."

"No baby, I'm not jealous at all," she seductively purred, subtly grinding her pubic bone against my hip, "It let's me know that I have good taste in men when I see other women checking out my man," and then she let out a deep groan, as she added, "It also makes me horny, too; and because we don't have to go to school today, I want you to take me downstairs to your bedroom and fuck me."

"Follow me, my love," I told her, making a bee-line to the door in that led downstairs to the basement...my underground lair.

~~~~~~

The moment we reached my bedroom, Melissa had us both naked in a matter of seconds. And then after pushing me backward onto my bed, we swallowed one another's essence, in slow, gentle, but excruciating 69.

~~~~~~

"Oh, my God, baby," Melissa whispered, as we lay naked, sated for the moment, in one another's arms, "That was the best yet. I love you so much, Tommy, that it almost hurts."

"Aw, baby girl," I tenderly replied, "Love isn't supposed to hurt."

"I never said it did, silly," she softly giggled, "I said it almost hurts."

"Now I'm confused," I replied, scratching my head, "Almost hurts...is that a good thing, or a bad thing?"

"Mmm," she purred again, rubbing her bare, wet pussy against my leg, "It's a good thing...a very good thing."

We spent the rest of the morning in bed, making love, and yes, exploring one another as well, but what I enjoyed just as much as the sex, maybe even more, was simply talking. Melissa is a very smart woman and I'm always dazzled by her brilliance; but I can't begin to explain how much it thrilled me in those days, but now when we talk, it's like....Ooops, I'm getting ahead of myself.

~~~~~~

That afternoon around two o'clock, Daphne and Gabriella show up at the house, curious as to why neither of us had been at school that day. After I filled them in on what was going on, Daphne looked at Melissa and said, "Sherilyn Hawkins has done nothing but cause trouble ever since she started coming to this school our sophomore year."

"I know," Melissa spat, "But you can rest assured that I'm not afraid of that crazy bitch."

"You all had better be," I warned, "The police have been brought in on this, and as far as I'm concerned, that nutty bitch is a menace to society. I still don't know why she's gone bat assed crazy all of sudden."

"Surely you're not that blind, Tommy," Daphne laughed, with Melissa and Gabriella giggling alongside of her.

"I guess I'm a dumb ass then," I flatly said, "So," I stared at Daphne, "Why don't you tell me what wrong with this picture?"

"Damn, Tommy," Daphne giggled, "She's pissed off at you for breaking up with her and that other dumb assed girl, Jenny Rodgers."

"Jenny's not a dumb ass, trust me," I nicely told her, "She was the one that warned me to watch out for Sherilyn to start with, and she was really very nice about it when I told them that I didn't want to be their boyfriend anymore so; please, leave her out of all of this."

"Wow, I didn't know that, Tommy," Daphne said, "I'm really sorry about what I said."

"I didn't know that either, baby," Melissa shamefully replied, "Damn, I've been being mean to her, and have been even harder on her in person...I feel so ashamed of myself...I'm going to make it up to her one of these days."

"At the moment, there's only one thing we need to do," I told her, "And that is to stay here, until we no longer have a police car parked outside in front of the house; do you understand what I'm trying to tell you?"

"I sure do, sweetheart," Melissa suddenly sniffled, softly kissing me, making Daphne and Gabriella simultaneously say, "Awww," while Melissa continued, "You're telling me that you love me, aren't you?"

"I guess I...Yes, I am," I stumbled smiling, "But we still have to..."

"Tell me one thing, Tommy, please, "Melissa gently interrupted, as I nodded my head to acknowledge her question, "When did you first fall in love with me?"

"The first moment I saw you," I humbly grinned, "Now will you listen to me?"

"It was the same for me with you," Melissa sweetly giggled, throwing her arms around my neck, hugging me, "What is it that you want me to listen to, baby?"

"Come on, sweetie," I chuckled, "Have you not heard what we were just talking about, why we're having to stay home from school...you know, Sherilyn Hawkins, the threats against our lives?"

"Oh, Tommy, she playfully grumbled, "I'm not worried about anyone hurting me, because I know that you'll kick their asses."

"One-on-one, even three-on-one, I can take em," I told her, "But when someone makes a threat with a gun, it's a different story."

"Look, Tommy," Melissa replied, now looking into my eyes, "The police are out there and no one is going to get past them so; relax, baby."

"I'll relax when they catch that lunatic broad," I chuckled, "But that doesn't mean we still can't have a good time."

"Hey, I know," Melissa excitedly said, "Let's grill some burgers and dogs out back. We can even take some out front to Kelly and Jayne."

"Who?" Gabriella said.

"Oh, I see," I laughed, "So, now it's Kelly and Jayne instead of Officer McTeague, and Officer Sanderson, is it?"

"It sure is," she playfully snapped, then stuck her tongue out at me, making me laugh, and then said, "Go light the grill, baby, please?"

"Alright," I replied, still laughing at her childish antics, while opening the patio door, "I'll be right back."

~~~~~~

"Once I came back in the house from lighting the grill, I found Daphne, Gabriella, and of course, Melissa, all gathered in the kitchen preparing the meat to be put on the grill. And then, in a matter of a very few moments later, I was being handed a plate full of hamburger patties, hot dogs, and four nice sized top sirloin steaks."

Of course the steaks weren't going to take too long, as everyone one of us wanted ours cooked medium-rare. And once I had the steaks on the grill, I utilized the remaining area of the grill to strategically place the burger patties and hot dogs; so as to try and get them to properly cook them so as to have them ready to come off of the grill at the same time as the steaks.



I was very surprised to discovered that it didn't take near as long as I thought it would to cook everything, and in a matter of about ten minutes, or so. However, the moment the meat came off of the grill; it was then delivered into the kitchen, steaming hot and ready to serve. The girls were on the ball when it came to having everything ready, because all of the fixings required for such a feast were all prepared and waiting on the table, ready to serve.

"Wow," I smiled, "This looks great, ladies, good job."

"Why, thank you, kind sir," Melissa smiled, coming up to hug me on the right side, kissing my lips.

"Yes, thank you, kind sir," Daphne giggled, coming up to hug me on the left side, kissing me on the left cheek.

"Oh, she's right, thank you kind sir," Gabriella loudly laughed, coming up to hug me from the front, kissing my right cheek; with the three of them wildly laughing and giggling.

"You girls are nuts," I laughed, hugging them all, "Now let me go, I'm hungry."

"Hmph," Daphne teased me smiling, "Leave it to a man to think with his stomach when he's surrounded by three beautiful women."

"Yeah, yeah," I playfully groaned, "Melissa held me captive all morning long so; that's why I'm hungry. She drained me of my energy."

"Tommy," Melissa giggled, blushing, "You don't need to tell everything you know, sweetie."

"Why not," I continued teasing, "I didn't say it wasn't good, did I?"

By this time both Daphne and Gabriella were almost in tears, because they were laughing so hard; and in doing so, Daphne made her way to where Melissa was standing, wearing a big smile on her face and said, "I like him, Lys, you need to keep him around a while,"

"Ya think?" Melissa giggled, with a wild look in her eyes that I'd never seen before, "I'm not letting this one go anywhere...not ever."

"Ooo, Gabi," Daphne suddenly announced, "Look in her eyes, damn, she's got it bad."

"What're you talking about now?" Melissa laughed, denying it, "You bitches are crazy...both of you."

"Now I can see it, Daph," Gabriella teased, giggling, "And she's got it real bad, too."

"Would one of you like to tell me just what the hell is going on?" Melissa demanded.

"You're in love, girl," Daphne laughed, "And there's no denying it, because it's written all over your face."

"And your problem with that is?" Melissa slyly grinned.

"Not a thing, sis," Daphne sniffled, suddenly hugging Melissa, then cried, "I'm so happy for you, sweetie. You don't know how much."

"Me, too," Gabi began to cry, now hugging Melissa and Daphne, who, by that time, were both crying, for reasons I was still too young to know.

"Jeez, am I going to need a pair of waders to get to the table?" I groaned, "The food is getting cold."

"Shut up, Tommy," they all three giggled in unison, sniffling while I simply laughed and shook my head

~~~~~~

Chapter Nine

Melissa had taken two plates of burgers, also loaded with all kinds of other good stuff, out to Officer Kelly McTeague and Officer Jayne Sanderson, who both expressed their thanks, as Melissa told us later.

I had no problem with sending food out to those nice women; after all, they were both professionals who'd been given the thankless task of having to stake-out the house by sitting in front of it.

I mean, damn, that kind of job had to be boring as hell. I'll tell you what though, I know that if it were me out there, I would openly welcome any, and all forms and expressions of appreciation from any of the citizens that I'd been assigned to protect; that much was certain.

~~~~~~

The second shift cruiser had arrived and was now sitting out in front of the house; only, these two police officers had yet to come in to identify themselves, and that made me wonder a little bit, until I heard the doorbell ring.

"Hello officers," I warmly greeted these two guys, which were clearly both rookies. I could tell by not only the way they were dressed, but also was the fact that they didn't look much older than me, "Please come in, gentlemen."

The moment they saw Melissa, Daphne, and Gabriella, they more or less, cast me aside and walked right on in.

"Hi, I'm Officer James Grant, this is my partner, Officer Paul Adams," the first officer flirtingly said to Melissa, "What would your name be, beautiful?"

"I believe you already have that information," I angrily, or should I say, jealously replied, "And if you don't stop flirting with my girlfriend, I'm going to report you to your superiors, cop!"

"Is that right?" he suddenly snarled, making an aggressive move towards me, "And who are you, punk?"

"I'm one of the people who live here," I dialed, picking up the phone, "And I'm going to report your ass, right this instant, asshole."

Suddenly he took out his nightstick and knocked the phone out of my hand, and then tried to take me down. All of a sudden something inside of me told that that these two idiots weren't cops.

To this day I still don't know why I did what I did next. When the alleged cop with the nightstick suddenly charged at me, I kicked him in the face as hard as I could with a spinning wheel kick, knocking him to the floor, unconscious.

Then in the confusion, I grabbed his weapon off of his belt, and then while I held it drawn on his partner, I instructed the man to remove all of his weapons and throw them on the floor, if not, I told him that I would shoot him.

"Tommy," Melissa gasped in horror, "What are you doing, are you crazy?"

"Call nine, one, one," I told her, "Do it right now... I'm asking you to please trust me, baby."

"Okay, Tommy," she said, picking the phone up from where it had been knocked out of my hand and into the floor, "I'm on it."

~~~~~~

Officer Kelly McTeague and Officer Jayne Sanderson were back at our house in less than three minutes later, arresting the two idiots who, come to find out, were friends of Sherilyn Hawkins, and had been sent to "take care of us", they later told the authorities.

"Tommy, I'm scared," Melissa began to cry, holding on to me for dear life, "What're we going to do?"

"Don't be afraid," Officer McTeague said smiling, "Another cruiser is on the way, and Jayne and I are going to be staying in the house with you guys tonight."

"Really," Melissa suddenly smiled, letting go of me, "How cool, did you hear that, Tommy?"

"Great," I teased, "That's all I need is more women in the house to gang up on me."

"Oh, be quiet," Melissa giggled, quickly kissing my lips, "You love this, and you know you do so, quit your whining."

~~~~~~

The way things worked out with the two Police Officers in the house, who insisted that we now call them simply Kelly and Jayne, each pulled six hour watches on the inside of the house while Melissa and I slept.

It was a pleasure to wake up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee every morning while they were there. But best of all, once Melissa and I got to know Kelly and Jayne, not only did we discover that they were both damn good at their jobs, but they were both also just downright nice women...what I call good girls, just like Melissa, Daphne and Gabriella.

~~~~~~

Oh, I almost forget, the guys that finally got there to pull the six at night to six in the morning shift were both also very nice men. The older of the two who clearly was the senior officer between them, smile when he introduced himself. His name was Sergeant Dick Ross, and his partner's name was Officer David Timms, and he didn't look much older than me."

"Excuse me Officer Timms," I politely asked, "But how long have you been a Police Officer?"

"He just graduated from the academy last week," Sergeant Ross proudly replied, "This is his first assignment, but you can be sure he'll do a good job."

"Congratulations on making it through the Police Academy," I humbly told Officer Timms, extending my hand in friendship, "I know that it wasn't easy, and I'll bet the members of your family are all very proud."

"It's just my Mom, Dad, and my sister," Officer Timms grinned, as he firmly shook my hand smiling, "But yes, they're all very proud, thank you...and you can call me Dave, Mister Blake."

"Mister Blake is my father, I chuckled, "You can call me Tommy, Dave."

"In that case, Tommy," Dave smiled, "It's really great to meet you, and thank you, friend."

"Anytime, brother," I warmly welcomed him, "Anytime at all."

~~~~~~

The next day was uneventful, but still, Melissa and I took that time to sit and talk, sharing our hopes, fears, and dreams, but ever aware that somewhere out there someone was most certainly laying in wait to try and catch us off-guard in order to slither into our makeshift fortress and assault both Melissa and I, or God forbid, something worse.

That night Melissa and I lay in bed together, me with my left arm wrapped around her, keeping her safely around me body, and her with her head lying on my chest and her hand draped across my chest, with her leg wrapped around and across the front of my groin. What a way to sleep, huh? Lol

I can still recall the dream I was having that night, as it was about me and Melissa. She was walking down the beach away from me, smiling and beckoning me to come with her; and I remembered trying to run to catch her; but the harder I tried to run, the further away from me she became, and the last thing I remembered right before she began to disappear from sight, was hearing the blood curdling sound of her screaming."

"Ah," I suddenly gasped, inhaling sharply as my eyes instantly snapped open from being disturbingly jarred awake by the God-awful nightmare I was just having. As I looked over beside me, I silently thanked the good lord that I didn't wake Melissa up in the process. So, after easing out of bed, softly kissing my contentedly sleeping beautiful love as I did, I slipped on a pair of sweatpants, and then quietly made my way up the stairs to the kitchen, where I could get something to drink, and perhaps a little midnight snack.

~~~~~~

"Hello, Tommy," Jayne Sanderson quietly smiled, as I walked into the kitchen, "What're you doing awake at this hour, sweetie?"

"I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep," I convincingly lied, "I thought I might come up and get something to drink," as I reached into the refrigerator, withdrawing a soft drink and opening it.

"If you're going to drink that, then sit down here and talk to me," she giggled, "I could use the company."

"I can do that," I happily replied, taking the seat directly across from her, "Can I ask you something without making you angry...please?"

"Of course you can," Jayne sweetly smiled, "Although I think I already know what you're gong to ask me."

"I was just curious," I began, "But how long have you wanted to be a police officer?"

"Well, that's not what I was expecting," she softly laughed, "But in answer to your question; I wanted to be a cop ever since I was a little girl and my father would take me for rides in his patrol car."

"That's cool," I told her, suddenly discovering a new found respect for this nice and very pretty lady, "But what did you think I was going to ask you?"

"Oh, you know," she distastefully replied, "The usual stupid questions that most men have a tendency to ask when they meet female police officer that look like Kelly and I."

"I don't know," I said, "I mean, yes, you're both very beautiful women, but what does that have to do with being a police officer?"
"How old did you say you were?" Jayne sweetly said, reaching across the table and patting my hand, "You're going to be one of the good ones, and I want you to tell Melissa that I said to hang to you with both hands."

"Come on, now," I uncomfortably squirmed, my face turning bright red.

"I'm a woman, too, Tommy," she said, "You think I don't see what she sees in you? I can tell by the way that Melissa looks at you, that she loves you more than anything, herself included."

"Yeah," I replied, smiling at just the mere thought of her, "She's the best..."

"You love her, too," Jayne grinned, "And don't you dare say that you don't, Mister Blake, or I will have to arrest you, hand cuff you, and then I'll give the key to Melissa."

"You drive a hard bargain, lady," I chuckled, and then softly said, "But yes, I love her so much that I would die for her, as well as die were something to ever happen to her."

"She's a very beautiful young woman," she sweetly replied, "How did the two of you meet?"

I explained to her about how everything came to be, omitting nothing. I made certain that she understood that we had broken no laws, because Melissa and I were not blood related. However, and certainly not meaning to, I a little overzealously reinforced the fact that we were also both eighteen years of age, and that we were now considered to be adults, and we expected to be treated as such.

"Whoa, slow down, Tiger," Jayne softly giggled, holding my hand, "I'm on your side, remember?"

I also remember that it was at that moment when I discovered that there most certainly something very special about Jayne, and in doing so, I looked at her and softly asked, "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"No, sweetie," she almost sadly replied, "I don't."

"I'm sorry, Jayne," I smiled, "I think that you deserve the best that life has to offer."

"Oh, you do, do you?" Jayne giggled, "If I were fifteen years younger, Melissa would have a fight on her hands."

"Thank you," I yawned, "That was very sweet of you."

"You're welcome, handsome," she gently replied, "But if I were you, I'd go back to bed...it's still very early."

"I think you're right," I wearily smiled, "I'll see you later, Jayne, goodnight."

"Goodnight, cutie," she grinned, "Sweet dreams."

~~~~~~

"Hi, baby," Melissa softly smiled, as I eased back into bed, "I missed you, where were you?"

"I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep," I told her, "So, I went upstairs and talked to Jayne for little while."

"You mean, the lady that has the crush on you," Melissa teased, "Hmmm."

"Oh, hush," I grinned, "She's a nice lady."

"And the fact that she's model beautiful doesn't have a thing to do with it," she giggled, "Now, does it?"

"No," I teased, "But she did tell me that if she was fifteen years younger, that you'd have a fight on your hands."

"Mmm," she seductively purred, grinding her pubis against me, "I told you that she had a crush on you...make love to me this morning, Tommy," and I proceeded to do just that.

~~~~~~

I awoke the next morning to an empty bed; and as I made my upstairs, I was smiling at the sound of female laughter that I heard stirring in the kitchen.

"Mmm, good morning, handsome," Melissa smiled, hugging me as she handed me a cup of coffee, "Did you sleep well?"

"Of course, I slept well," I grinned, taking a sip of my coffee, "I always sleep well when I'm lying next you."

"Awww, how sweet," both Jayne and Kelly said, grinning from ear-to-ear.

"Come on, you guys," I said, my face turning bright red.

"Ooo, look at him blush," Kelly giggled, "That's so cute."

"I know," Jayne softly replied smiling, "I think he's adorable."

~~~~~~

Kelly and Jayne informed us that they had now been assigned to stay in the house with us full time now, since the recent attempt on our lives by the henchmen who'd been posing as cops. Dad and Linda, whom the police had notified and been made aware of the situation, were now on their way home and would be here the next day.

Our two guardians made sure that we, both Melissa and I, were under constant watch, and anything we needed, or wanted would be brought to us. They, Kelly and Jayne, were two of the nicest people that you would ever want to meet, and to tell the truth, seeing them in civilian clothing made them even more beautiful than I originally thought when I first saw them in uniform. They were both damn hot then so; you can only imagine what they looked like in regular clothes.

~~~~~~

"It's hot," Melissa complained, that afternoon, "I'm going swimming, you girls want to come?"

"That water looks great," Kelly said, "But we didn't bring our suits,"

"I've got several," Melissa smiled, "Why don't you two come to my room and check it out?"

"I don't know," Kelly hesitantly replied, looking at her partner, "What do you think, Jayne."

"Why not?" Jayne grinned, "As long as we keep our weapons within reach it'll be alright. Besides, that pool looks too good to pass up."

"Then come on," Melissa conspiratorially giggled, "I just a new bikini that I can't wait to show off to Tommy."

~~~~~~

I was down in my room playing some music, when I heard Melissa's voice yell to me from upstairs, "HEY TOMMY, CAN YOU COME UP HERE AND HELP FOR A MINUTE, PLEASE?"

"I'LL BE RIGHT THERE," I yelled back, answering her.

~~~~~~

"Holy shit," was all I could say when I first laid eyes on the smorgasbord of female flesh on display.

Melissa sauntered up next to where I was standing, and after sweetly kissing my lips, she giggled, "Close your mouth, baby, you're going to catch flies."

~~~~~~

After a little coaxing from the three beauties that were now laid out on chaise loungers around the pool deck, I relented and went back inside to put on a pair of gym shorts, as that was all that I had at the time.

~~~~~~

We were lying out in the sun, having a good time, when suddenly, from the side of the house, Sherilyn appeared with an automatic weapon in her hands that was drawn, being held at waist level...and aimed at the four of us.

"Don't move motherfuckers," she growled, moving the firing safety to the "on" position, "It's time for you to pay, Tommy, you son-of-a-bitch."

"Take it easy Sherilyn," I calmly said, "You don't want to hurt anyone. I know you don't."

"Then you don't know dick," she viciously laughed, I want you to disarm the two lady cops, as I'm sure their guns are very near them right now."

"No," I told her, "If you're so fucking brave, then you do it."

"I don't believe you understand me, asshole," she spat, suddenly jamming the muzzle of her weapon under Melissa's chin, "Either you collect their weapons, or this slut dies. Do I make myself clear?"

"Alright, alright, take it easy, "I said, "I'll do as you ask, just please don't hurt her, okay?"

"I'm not going to hurt her," Sherilyn evilly hissed, "I'm going to kill her right after I kill you. Now, give me their guns...right now God dammit," and then I did as I was told, laying the two pistols belonging to Kelly and Jayne at Sherilyn's feet.

Now," Sherilyn viciously growled, "I want the four of you to stand up and put your backs to the wall, facing me."

What that dumb bitch forgot to take into account was that I had to walk near her to get to the where she wanted us to stand. So; as I slowly moved within hands reach of that crazy whore's assault rifle, I quickly grabbed the muzzle, aiming it up and away from everyone while simultaneously punching Sherilyn right between the eyes as hard as I could.

She immediately lost control of her weapon, but was still able to reach down and grab a hold of Kelly's .357 Magnum pistol, that was lying at her feet. However, before she even had a chance to draw it, four single and consecutive shots rang out from somewhere on the other side of me, making Sherilyn's chest seemingly explode right before she dropped dead in front of us.

~~~~~~

Once the smoke had cleared, I saw Jenny Rodgers standing there with her Colt .45 still at the ready.

"Whew," Kelly chuckled, "Great shot, Jen. You had us a little worried for a minute there."

"What the hell is going on here?" I demanded, "Do you two know each other?"

"Yes, Tommy, we do," Jenny replied, lowering her weapon and withdrawing a detective's badge and the proper ID, confirming that she, too, was a cop.

"I've been undercover all year long trying to catch Sherilyn Hawkins, "Jenny told me, "I'm really sorry if I did anything that offended you, but I couldn't blow my cover, I hope you understand."

"I guess I do," I smiled, pulling a very shaken up Melissa into my arms. "Come on, sweetie," I told her, "Let's get you in the house and dressed while the police take Sherilyn's body out of here."

~~~~~~

After all of the dust had settled and everything was back to normal, Melissa and I returned to school, and was the main topic of everyone's discussion for the next week

I asked Melissa to marry me in front of Dad, Linda, Kelly and Jayne, as well as Daphne, Gabriella, and leave us not forget Johnny Banks. We were all at the house where Dad and Linda threw us a graduation party; and after she finished crying her beautiful eyes out, she giggled and said, "Yes, of course I will, silly."

~~~~~~

It's been thirty something years since all of that took place, and we've been married for twenty-five. We had four daughters, all of which are very beautiful like not only their mother, but both of their grandmothers as well...my only regret is that my own mother was not around to meet her grand daughters, but Linda and Dad spoil them rotten, regardless.

THE END