The Wrong Side of Love, Part 1

A dangerous love triangle. Overbearing parents. And a bad boy who's really not that bad?

Chapter 1:
She walked into the diner and headed straight to her booth. As she sat a ringing emanated from her purse.
"Where are you?" She said putting the phone to her ear.
"I can't make it."
"What do you mean?"
"My dad found my science test. I'm grounded."
"I thought you said you passed the test?"
"I did, but a C- is the same as failing in my dad's eyes."
"So now I have to have breakfast alone? Great."
"Sorry, Stace."
"Just tell me you'll be ungrounded in time for the party?"
"Unless I fail another test I should still be able to go."
"You better, we've been talking about this for weeks."
"I'll be there even if I have to sneak out."
"Alright talk to you later."
She hung up the phone as a waitress walked up to her.
"Hey, Sug. The usual?"
"Yes, please Lola."
As the woman walked away the entrance bell rang 'causing her to look up. Her eyes widened as they met an all too familiar pair of eyes and she quickly averted her gaze.
The group of boys walked past her and she felt her temperature rise. As she turned to catch a glimpse of them she saw a boy dressed in a uniform exist from the kitchen.
He walked past her and her hand reached out and grabbed his shirt.
"I'm off duty, find someone else."
"No, wait!" She said in a bit of a panic.
He turned to look at her.
"Could you do me a favor?"
He looked at her strangely, "do I know you?"
"No."
"Then why would I help you?"
She didn't answer, so he turned to leave.
"I'll pay you."
He stopped and turned back to her, "go on."
"My ex just walked in with some friends, would you please sit down, so he doesn't think I'm here alone?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Please?"
"How much?"
"$20."
"What kind of cheap w***e do you think I am?" He said raising a hand to his chest in fake offense.
"$30 and I'll buy you something to eat."
"Who's your ex?"
"Back booth, boy in the white button up, with black hair."
He looked in that direction then smiled a tad wickedly.
"Fine, but don't assume this is going anywhere." He said sitting down.
"I'll try my hardest." She said sarcastically.
Lola came back with Stace's order then took the boy's. They sat in silence until she looked up and saw him putting his piercing back in.
"Got a problem with my piercings?"
"No, more like a disgust of needles. How many do you have?"
"Uh, five."
She shuttered.
"Your ears are obviously pierced."
"Yeah, but I was a baby then you willingly chose those."
Lola set his plate in front of him.
"Thanks Lo."
"Yep." She said walking away.
"How long have you worked here?"
"A year. Why?"
"I've never seen you before."
"Probably 'cause I only work nights."
"What are you doing?"
They both looked at the person who stood before them.
"Eating." The boy answered.
The new boy ignored him. "Stace, what are you doing?"
"Eating." She said.
"I can see that, what are you doing with him?"
"Eating Quinn, we're eating." She said as if she was talking to a child.
"I get that you're mad and trying to piss me off-"
"Which is obviously working." The other boy said.
"-but stay away from him." He finished his voice low and angry.
"You have no right to tell me who I can and can't be around."
"Stace-"
"Why do you even care? Why are you even talking to me, aren't your friends going to see?"
"Stace don't be like that."
"Why don't you go worry about Jess and stay out of my life." She said as she stood up to face him.
"Stace-"
"Leave."
He sighed, "you look pretty in that dress." He said as he left.
"I know that." She muttered under her breath, "it's why I wore it."
"He's a catch."
"Yeah, do you guys know each other?"
"He didn't look familiar to me."
"He seemed to know you."
He shrugged.
She glanced at the clock then sighed.
"I should probably go, uh, thanks." She said and pulled $30 out of her purse.
"Hold it." He said, "you're just gonna ditch me? You're not even gonna walk me to my car?" he said sounding insulted, "what am I? Just another pretty face?"
"You seriously want me to walk you to your car?"
"Yep."

She paid, then followed him to his car. As they walked he looked up and saw Quinn eyeing them. They approached his car and she handed him the money.
"Happy now?"
He looked towards Quinn, they're eyes met.
"Not quite."
He pushed her against his car and kissed her.
"Umph." She squeaked.
His lips parted hers. She gave into him and kissed him back. He pulled back and she looked at him in confusion.
"What was that?"
"Think of it as my tip." He said getting in his car.
She watched him drive off before heading to her car. She sat behind the wheel staring off into space. She reached up and touched her lips; the sensation of his kiss still lingered.
The sound of her phone chiming brought her back to reality.
'Mom: Where are you?' She read.
Crap I'm late.
'On my way.' On my way she typed back. Then started her car and left.
She arrived at the boutique and hurried inside.
"There you are." Her mother fumed.
"Sorry, I got distracted."
Her mother lead her towards the back where the seamstress stood by a dress hanging on the wall.
"Isn't it gorgeous?" Her mother beamed, "let's see how it looks."
She shimmied into the dress and the seamstress zipped it up.
"It fits like a glove!" Her mother said, " oh, Anastasia you look so beautiful."
She stared at herself in the mirror.
"You're going to be the prettiest girl there and I can't wait to met the boy you're bringing."
"Me too." Was all she managed to say.

"Stace, I'm sprung!" Beth said charging into the room.
"Yes! For a second I thought I'd have to skip the party."
"Oh, I brought that top you asked for." She said throwing it at her.
Stace made her way to the bathroom.
"Stace?" Beth said from the other room, "can I borrow your red sweater?"
"Sure." She said leaving the bathroom, "what do you think?"
"Super cute, that tank looks good with my crop top."
"That's why I asked for it."
"Are those your new boots?"
"Yes, they are."
"Alright." Beth said slipping the sweater on, "let's go.
Beth pulled up to the house party and they walked in arm and arm.
"So when are you going to tell me about what happened at the diner?" Beth asked.
Stace rolled her eyes, but told her the whole story.
"You didn't get his name?"
"No, I didn't even think about it."
They chose a spot a fair distance from the DJ.
"And he just kissed you out of nowhere?"
"Yeah."
"How was it?"
"Fine."
"Fine?"
"What do you want me to say?"
"Give me something!"
"It was better than Quinn."
"What!? You're kidding?"
"No, Quinn never kissed me like that."
"Speak of the Devil." Beth said looking at the door.
Stace looked up to see Quinn entering with a mutual friend of theirs.
"I thought you said he wasn't coming?" Stace said.
"He wasn't."
Quinn turned and caught her eye. She turned and broke the contact.
"As long as he stays away from me everything should be fine."

"Hey, Stace!" A voice shouted across the room.
She turned to see Phil coming towards her.
"What's up?" She asked.
"I was wondering if you'd do me the honor of performing a song?"
"I guess." She said and walked up to the makeshift stage.
She relayed her song to the DJ and took her place at the mic. "Love Me Like You Mean It" drifted through the speakers.

"You still got it." Phil said as she stepped off the stage.
"Thanks."
That was when she saw him.
"Beth."
"What?"
"It's him."
"What?"
"The guy from the diner."
"Wait! Carson's the guy who kissed you?"
"You know him?"
"We go to school together. He's got a bit of a reputation."
"With girls I'm assuming."
"With everything. He is super good looking though."
"I know, right."
His head turned in their direction and his mouth turned in a devilish smile. Then he headed their way.
"Look who's here. I was wondering if I'd see you again."
"If you were really worried you would have asked for my number."
"True, guess I had a feeling we'd see each other again."
"I bet you say that to all the girls."
"It may have come up before."
"How many of those girls do you actually see again?"
"A few."
"Ahem!" Beth half-heartedly cleared her throat.
"You're Beth right?" Carson asked.
"Yeah.." She said a bit confused.
"We have science together, right?"
"We do, I just didn't know you knew that."
"Anastasia!" Someone shouted over the music.
She turned to see Quinn walking her way.
"What?"
"I need to talk with you, please?"
"Why?"
"Stace, please?"
"You have five minutes." She said following Quinn who gave Carson a glare.
"Wow, he really doesn't like you." Beth stated when the two were out of earshot.
"He doesn't like competition. I'm sure he'd be like that with any guy."
"I don't know, they were together for six months. When he realized she wasn't gonna hop into bed with him he found someone who would."
"Really?"
"Yeah, broke her heart."

"You better have a valuable reason for this."
"Look I'm very aware of how angry you are, but please, I made a terrible mistake-"
"You're not seriously asking for a second chance, are you?"
"Stace, I have been miserable without you and when he kissed you, I broke. I need you-"
"Don't."
"-I love you, Stace."
"You are so full of it." She said with a break in her voice.
"If I could take everything back, I would. Jess, the refusing to tell people we were together. I'll shout it from the rooftops for one more chance, Stace."
She stood there silent and ran a hand through her hair.
"How the hell am I supposed to trust you again?"
"Stace-"
"No, you want me back, you're gonna have to prove it." Then she walked back to Beth.

"Hey." Beth said as Stace rejoined them, "how'd- are you crying? I will f*****g kill that b*****d!"
"Beth stop, I just want to go home, please."
"Of course, babe, I'll get the coats." She said and jogged to the closet.
"I guess now would be a bad time to ask for your number?" Carson asked sheepishly.
She smiled, "but you still did."
"Hey, can't blame a guy for trying."
She reached for her purse and pulled out a pen.
"Give me your hand."
"Okay, Stace." Beth said walking back with their coats.
As they left Carson stared at the writing on his hand.

She sat on her bed going through her Facebook feed when her mother entered.
"Hon, there's a boy on the phone, says his names Quinn?"
"He wants to take to you to the charity ball you mentioned."
"He does!?" She said her head shooting up from her computer.
"He's on line two." She said motioning to the landline then left.
Stace fumbled off her bed to the phone.
"You want to take me to the ball?"
"You told me to prove I really wanted you back. I remember how disappointed you were when I said no, so I thought it would be a good place to start."
"I hope you own pink." Then she hung up.

She and her mother pulled up to the venue.
"Are you excited?" Her mother asked.
"Yeah."
"I can't wait to meet this boyfriend!"
"He's not my boyfriend, mom."
"What?"
"He's not my boyfriend. He was, but we broke up a few weeks ago."
"What? Why?"
"He cheated on me 'cause I wouldn't sleep with him."
"So why is he taking you?"
"To apologize."
"I'm proud of you, honey."
"What for?"
"For not lowering your standards for a boy. If he really loves you he'll wait and won't try to pressure you."
"Thanks."
"Now go show him just how stupid a mistake he made."
She turned towards the entrance and saw Quinn standing outside the doors wearing a pale pink dress shirt and black slacks.
She stepped out of the car and straighter her gown. He caught sight of her and froze for a second before slowly walking up to her.
"Wow."
"Thanks you clean up pretty good yourself."
They hooked their arms together and headed inside.

They sat at a table listening to faculty and sponsor's speeches when she heard her phone buzz.

'Hey, thought maybe I should hit you up before
you worried yourself into a coma.'

'Funny Carson." She replied

'I thought so. So what are you up to?'

'At a charity ball.'

'Yawn. You should ditch and meet me
somewhere. ;)'

'If only I could.'

"Who are you texting?" Quinn asked suspiciously.
"Carson." She said before she could stop herself.
"You gave him your number!"
"Yep."
"Why!?"
"Why not? Quinn we're not back together just because you allowed us to be seen in public together."

'What do you do at charity balls?'

'Auctions, entertainment, dancing. Whatever
will incite stingy men out of their money.'

'Sounds like a riot.'

'You should come with me, got two more
this month.'

'Are you asking me out?'

'Nope, don't really think it's your type
of thing. Gotta wear a tux.'

'You don't think I own a tux?'

'Nope.'

'I don't... So got a date for this one?'

'Yeah, Quinn.'

'Really?'

'Yeah.'

'Why? Are you two back together?'

'No, it was to please my mother.'

'Oh.'

'Why do you care?'

''Cause he's an a*s and you deserve better.'

'Like you?'

'Ha! I said better.'

'And you're not?'

'Nope.'

'So why hit on me?'

'Doesn't hurt to try.'

They texted about random things the rest of the Ball. Making Quinn exceedingly jealous.

As she laid down to retire for the night her phone pinged one last time.

'Sleep well, Anastasia.'

She stared at the message, smiling.

"I can't believe summers almost over?" Beth whined.
"I know and we haven't done anything exciting at all."
"Well, I haven't, but you've been texting Carson for a week and that's pretty exciting."
"Just small talk."
"Oh, please."
"And maybe some harmless flirting."
Beth rolled her eyes, "hey!"
"What?"
"Maybe Carson knows where we could have some fun."
"Are you really that desperate?"
"Yes!"
Stace sighed then picked up her phone.

'Beth would like to know if you have
anything exciting up your sleeve?'

'Is that sexual? Sounds sexual.'

'I meant like underground parties, etc'

'Oh, I knew that... I might, but it might
be out of your comfort zone.'

'How so?'

She stood in the mall dressing room staring at the clothes Carson had picked out for her.
"Are you sure you're not just trying to ogle my body?"
"While that is a plus, this club has a strict dress code and this outfit will get you in. Who says 'ogle' any-more?"
"I do and I look like a prostitute."
"So does Beth but she doesn't care."
"Oh, Stace, just come out."
"Argh! Fine." And she stepped out.
"Damn Stace, I'm straight and I would totally do you." Beth joked.
"Me too." Carson agreed.

Carson pulled up to the club and everybody exited the car. Beth and a friend of Carson's went on ahead.
"Sure you wanna do this?"
"Yeah."
"You know this is an illegal party, right?"
"Yes."
"And you still wanna do this?"
"Yes, but if anybody touches me inappropriately on purpose, I will shove my heel through your eyeball."
"Don't worry." He laughed, "I won't let that happen."
Then he grabbed her hand and lead her inside.

"Wanna dance?" Carson asked.
"I'm not really a dancer."
"You didn't seem to have a problem as Phil's party."
"Well, I was preforming then, there's a difference."
"Beth seems to be having a good time."
"Beth lives for this stuff."
"Are you sure you don't want to dance?"
"I'm good, but if you want to by all means. There's a blonde over there who's had her eye on you for awhile now."
"Yeah?" He said looking in the direction she pointed. "You sure you're fine here?"
"Yep, go have fun."
"Okay, call if you need me, or change your mind."

She sat and watched Beth make a fool of herself for awhile then got up and made her way to the bar.
"Excuse me?" She called to the bartender.
"What can I help you with?"
"Bathroom?
He pointed to a hall and said the first door on the right.
She went to the bathroom then fixed her hair in the mirror. As she went to leave 3 men entered.
"Well, aren't you prettier up close."
"What do you want?" Stupid question, she thought immediately after.
"We just wanna talk. Never seen you here before."
She didn't say anything.
"Come on, baby, don't be rude."
"I should get back to my group." She said trying to move past them.
"Hold on, pretty, we're just getting started."
Then one of them locked the door as the other two backed her into the wall.
"Le-leave me alone."
"We just wanna have some fun." The leader said stroking her face.
"Don't touch me!" She yelled as she smacked his hand away.
He pushed her against the wall and ran a hand up her leg.
"Stop it!" She screamed.
"Nobody's going to hear you, so scream all you like."
He put his lips to her neck.
"Get off me." She yelled as tears fell from her eyes.
His hand ran up her shirt and groped her breast.
"No!" She sobbed and tried to push him off. "Carson!" She screamed her voice breaking, "Carson!" She shouted again.
The man just laughed. His hand moved down her stomach and into her skirt.
"Carson!" She screamed panic enveloping her voice. "Carson."
His fingers toyed with the waist of her panties before moving to her c**t. Then there was a banging on the door.
"Stace?" The voice called.
"Car-" she began, but the man covered her mouth with his free hand.
"Stace!?" He shouted a little more concerned.
She struggled to scream through his hand. Finally the banging stopped and the man went back to fondling her. As he brought his mouth to hers the door fell to the ground and he quickly drew away from her.
"Anastasia!" Carson said as he ran to her.
She threw her arms around him and sobbed into her shoulder.
"Did he touch you?" He whispered in her ear.
She shook her head against his shoulder.
The thug's two accomplices took the chance and ran out of the room followed by their leader.
"Where the hell do you think you're going!?"
He let go of her then turned to the man and drove his fist straight into his jaw. The man fell backward shattering a mirror with his head before falling to the ground.
"You're so dead." The thug said getting up.
They threw punches, kicks, and insults before Carson had him back on the ground. He stood over the thug, grabbed him by the shirt and lifted him closer.
"I should f*****g kill you!"
"Please, don't!" He begged.
"How does it feel to be the victim." He gave him a final knockout punch then walked back to Anastasia. "Can you walk?"
She didn't answer.
"Anastasia." He said lifting her face toward his. "Can you walk?"
She stared at him for a minute before shaking her head no. He put his arms around her and picked her up. "Let's get you out of here."
He walked to the car where Beth and Sam were waiting.
"Oh, my God! What happened?" Beth nearly shrieked.
Carson put Anastasia in the back and told everybody to get in. He dropped Sam off first, then headed toward Beth's, who sat in the back holding Anastasia. As Beth got out of the car she looked at Carson.
"Don't look so guilty."
"Huh?"
"This wasn't your fault."
"Yeah?" He said rolling his eyes.
"Carson-"
"I should get her home."
"No." Stace said. "I can't go home, not tonight, not like this."
"Stace you need to go home." Beth said.
"No!"
Carson looked at Beth.
"As much as I'd love for her to stay, she can't. My parents are super strict; no surprise guests. You live by yourself don't you?" She asked Carson.
"You want me to take her to my apartment?"
"You could always take her to Quinn's and explain the situation."
Carson sighed.
"Bye, babe." Beth said hugging her, then headed up to the house.
Carson looked at her in the mirror, then drove off.

They walked into his small, dirty apartment.
"Sorry, about the mess. Wasn't expecting company." Carson said ushering her in.
She smiled, but stayed silent.
He closed and locked the door behind him.
"Sit, make yourself at home." He said walking to the linen closet I the hall.
She say and looked around. The kitchen was the cleanest room I the house. She assumed it would be because he doesn't seem like the cooking type.
"Here you can sleep in these if you like." He said handing her pink tied-dye pajama pants and a white tank.
"These didn't belong to one of your one night stands did they?"
"No," he laughed, "they're my little sisters."
"You have a little sister?"
"Two actually."
"I'm the youngest in my family and the only girl."
He kneeled in front of her and grabbed her hand.
"I know you probably don't want to talk about it and I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but I have to ask; do you want to go to the police?"
She stared at the intertwined hands.
"Anastasia?"
She stared at him, "n-no." She stuttered.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure." She said sounding more confident.
"The bathrooms at the end of the hall, feel free to take a shower. I have to make a phone call." He said standing up.
He stepped outside as she gather the clothes and headed to the bathroom.
"Hey, Sydney, I need a favor."
"What's that?"
"Is there anyway you can cover me tonight Something came up."
"I don't know, I'm working that catering thing on Tuesday-"
"What if I trade shifts with you?"
"Yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Alright, I'll cover tonight."
"Thanks."
He walked back in and heard the shower turn off in the bathroom. She walked out a few minutes later in the pajamas drying her hair with a towel.
"Are you thirsty?"
"Sure."
"I've got water, juice, milk and soda."
"Water's fine."
He grabbed a bottle out of the fridge.
"That shirt looks good on you."
She looked at the shirt and read the writing across it; Caution: You Might Get Addicted To Me.
"I bet." She said taking the water bottle.
"So, there's not much in the kitchen, but if you get hungry help yourself. I've got to go downstairs and do some laundry, so I'll be out for an hour, or so."
"'Kay." She said as he emerged from a room carrying a bag full of clothes.
She sat on the couch looking around a few minutes after he left when she noticed an iPod dock. She grabbed her purse and pulled out her iPod, and walked to it. Putting in her iPod she choose a playlist and let the music quietly fill the apartment, so as not to disturb his neighbors.
Then she walked to the kitchen and ransacked the cabinets and fridge. After assessing what she had to work with she set to work. She sang to the songs as she cooked temporarily forgetting everything that happened that night.
Carson walked in as the new song started. She swayed and sang along with the song. He set the bag on the couch and quietly shut the door. He stood and watched her move around his kitchen for a couple songs before alerting her to his presence.
"Just in time." She said, "I made omlettes."
"Really?"
"Really." She said putting one on a plate and sliding it across the counter to him.
He picked up the fork and took a bit.
"Well?"
"It's good."
"Then stop making that face."
"What face?"
"The one that looks like I've put poison, or something in it."
"Sorry, it's just been awhile since I've had real food." He laughed. "I've forgotten what it tastes like."
They stood at the counter and ate in silence for the most part until Carson spoke up.
"What are you going to tell your parents?"
"I'm sure Beth has already called them, they were under the impression we were having a movie marathon, so she probably told them I fell asleep."
"They won't question you?"
"No, they trust me."
"Where'd you learn to cook?" He asked changing the subject.
"When I was younger I used to help our chef make meals."
"You have a chef?"
"Yeah."
"Geez, how rich are you?"
"Me? I'm broke, but my parents, woo."
"Hey, when we first started texting you said you were at a charity ball."
"Yeah."
"And you said you had two more this month?"
"Yep."
"Does the next one happen to be on Tuesday?"
"It does." She said suspiciously, "how do you know this?"
He smiled and took a bit of his omelette.
"How?"
"I'll be among the catering staff that night."
"That might make things awkward."
"Why?"
"'Cause Quinn's my date again."
"Why would that be awkward?"
"'Cause he has a huge problem with you."
"That he does."
"You sure you don't know why?"
"No, I have no idea."
He glanced at the clock hanging on the wall.
"It's gotten late, uh, you can take my room and I'll crash on the couch."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, it's not a problem."

She laid in his bed for some time unable to rest. Every time she closed her eyes all she could see was that bathroom. She took a deep breath through her nose inhaling the scent from the pillow. It was a mixture of sweat, sweet and fresh out of the shower. She laid there focusing on the scent and soon drifted off.

Carson was drifting on and off when he sat bolt right on the couch. He listened carefully the. Heard what had woke him. Anastasia was screaming.
He burst into the bedroom.
"Anastasia! Anastasia!" He said running up to her.
He sat on the edge of the bed and shook her. "Anastasia wake up, you're having a nightmare."
Her eyes shot open and she gasped for air.
"Hey, hey. You're okay,." Carson assured her as he held her face in his hands.
Her breathing slowed as she woke up. She blinked a few times the finally saw Carson's face.
"Carson he-"
"You're okay Anastasia. I'm right here, you're safe."
She wrapped her arms around his torso and buried her head against his bare chest. They sat like that for a few minutes before she finally pulled away, the corner of her eyes were wet. He reached up and wiped the tears away.
"Better?" He asked.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm okay." She said running a hand through her hair.
They sat for a few more minutes before Carson moved to leave.
"Wait!" She said grabbing his wrist.
He turned to face her.
"What?"
"Please, don't leave me." She said as she stared up at him with a scared look in her eyes.
"Uh, yeah, okay."
She scooted over and made room on the bed. "Afraid to share a bed with someone you haven't slept with, yet?" She teased.
"Yet? So I have a chance?" He teased back.
"Maybe." She said turning to face the wall.
He laid on his back staring at the ceiling listening to her breathing. After a few minutes it slowed and he knew she was asleep.
After a few hours Anastasia turned over. Her legs tangled with his and her head rested on his chest.
"Anastasia?" He whispered.
When she didn't answer he sighed and awkwardly wrapped his arm around her.
What am I getting myself into? He thought.
The next morning awoke to knocking. Stace was still curled around him. He slowly got up so he didn't disturb her.
"I'm coming." He called as he existed the bedroom.
He opened the door to see Beth standing in the hall.
"Well, hot damn." She smiled, "nice boxers."
"Didn't know you were interested."
"You never asked." She winked as she brushed past him.
"Anastasia's still sleeping, she had a rough night."
"I'll bet." She said looking him up and down.
"We didn't do that." He said.
"Shame, I was hoping she'd be able to give me some dets."
"What do you want to know?"
"Do I need to hose you guys down with cold water?" Anastasia said from the bedroom doorway.
"I thought you guys didn't do 'that'?"
"We didn't." Carson said.
"She just walked out of your bedroom and you're not wearing any clothes. I'm not convinced."
"You caught us Beth." Stace said, "I'll tell you all about it when the right time comes."
"'Kay. By the way I'm supposed to have you to the dress boutique an hour and a half ago." Beth said looking at her watch.
"Oops." Stace said picking up her phone. "Three missed calls."
"Sorry."
"It's fine, it's just a dress fitting."
"Yeah, just a warning, Quinn's gonna be there."
"Why?" Stace's head shot up from her phone.
"I don't know, but the way your mother talks about him she sounds like a lovesick teenager."
"Maybe she should date him." Stace said.
"Gross." Beth shuddered, "I brought you some clothes." She said throwing a bag at her.
"Thanks." Then she headed for the bathroom, "by the way if you two find you can't control yourselves, Beth be sure to leave your car keys on the table and shut the door, much appreciated."
"No promises." Beth called back.
"I feel dirty." Carson said pulling in a shirt.
"Not use ld to being objectified?"
"No."
"Get use me to it. I'm the female version of you."
"They make those?"
"Yep."
"Just so you guys know you'd be terrible together." Stace said coming from the bathroom.
"Whys that?" Beth asked
"He snores."
"I knew Mr. Perfect had a flaw."
"Got a problem with snoring, Beth?"
"Yes, yes, I do."
Just then Stace's phone started ringing.
"Crap, hey, mom."
"Where are you?"
"Sorry, Beth and I overslept and my phone was off."
"You'd better hurry I can't hold the appointment much longer."
"I'm coming, I'm coming." She said then hung up.
"God, she really hates me now doesn't she?" Beth asked.
"Probably, let's go before her head flies off."
Beth left first to warm her car up while Stace thanked Carson.
"Sorry, for imposing."
"You should impose more often."
"Bet you say that to all the girls."
"Maybe." He shrugged.
"Thanks." She said kissing him on the cheek.
"Yeah."
He closed the door as she left then leaned against it.
"I'm in trouble." He sighed.

Beth pulled up to the store. Quinn was standing just outside the doors.
"God, just smite me now." Stace said looking up.
"God had forsaken you!" Beth said in a deep bellowing voice.
"You can say that again. Are you gonna stay?" She asked with a pout.
"I guess I could, but your mom won't like it."
"Oh, well."
They got out of the car and walked to the store.
"You took your time."
"Stace didn't want to leave her new boyfriend."
"Shut up, Beth." She said giving her a friendly shove.
"What?" Quinn said a slight panic in his voice.
"She's joking I don't have a boyfriend, nor do I want one."
"Don't tell Carson that."
"You were with Carson!?"
"Maybe."
"Anastasia-"
"Don't call me that, Quinn."
"Why?"
"'Cause I don't like being called that."
"Anastasia." Her mother said popping her head out, "get in here, please."
"I'm coming."
She followed her mom to the fitting area and saw some dresses hanging on the wall.
"So Quinn and I have taken the liberty of picking some dresses in your size. Which one do you like best?"
She looked over the dresses. One was red with a fairly low neck, the other was skin tight purple sequin and the last was a gold strapless ball gown.
She was pretty sure Quinn picked the first two.
"I like the gold one."
"Great choice." Her mother exclaimed clapping her hands together. "Now let's get you into it and see if it needs to be altered at all."
Stace and Beth took the dress into a changing room.
"Man, this seems like so much fun." Beth said
"What?"
"Dressing up in beautiful dresses, pretending to be a princess."
"Wanna come?"
"Can I?"
"Sure, you'll have to wear one of my old dresses-"
"I'd love to!"
"'Kay, I'll talk to my dad and we'll go through later see which one you like."
"Yay!"
Beth zipped Stace's dress and they existed the dressing room. The seamstress examined the dress before giving her the good to go. She got changed then Beth and her headed back to the car.
"Stace!" Quinn yelled after them.
"What?"
"Some of us are going camping tomorrow night, do you guys want to come?"
"You're inviting me?" Beth asked.
"Yeah, why not?"
"We were never friends."
"Yeah, but you're Stace's best friend and-"
"And you're trying to get on her good side." Beth finished.
"Who's going?"
"Phil, his sister, and some guys from school."
"We'll think about it."
"Stace, come on."
"Fine, but only if Beth wants to go."
"Beth?"
"Can I bring someone?" She asked.
"Yeah, I guess."
"Okay, I'll go."
"Great, see you guys at the usual place tomorrow. On another note, Stace would you be willing to spend the day with me?"
"What?"
"Will you spend the day with me?"
"Uh-"
"Of course she will." Her mother said coming out of the boutique.
"Mom I have plans with Beth."
"Spend the day with the poor boy, Anastasia, you spend every day and night with Beth."
"Fine."
She followed Quinn to his car and reluctantly got in. They spent the first half if the ride in silence before Stace had enough and turned on the radio. After flipping through the stations she decided to put her iPod in the dock.
"D****t." She muttered.
"What?"
"I left my iPod at Cars- Beth's house."
"Wait, what?"
"I left my iPod at Beth's house."
"No, you said Carson."
She said nothing.
"Why were you at Carson's?"
"Because we're friends, Quinn and I can be friends with whoever I choose."
"I'm telling you Stace he's bad news."
"How would you know? He swears he doesn't know you."
"I just do, okay."
She rolled her eyes as she went through his CD's. She chose the one she hate the least and popped it in. She occasionally sang along with a song. They stopped at a park. A short ways away she could see a picnic set up.
"A picnic?"
"You said you wanted us to go on a picnic, so."
He escorted her to the blanket and she sat down.
"Sandwiches, chips, carrots, and Apple cider." She giggled, "wow, you really did listen to me."
"Of course I did." He said as he sat down.
They are and small talked, neither really sure what to say. Beth texted her asking if she could go through her dresses without her. Carson texted about her iPod, she told him she'd stop by later to pick it up.
After the picnic he took her to a movie and an early dinner. As they left the restaurant she asked him to drop her off at Beth's.
"Thanks for today." She said as she got out.
"So you had fun then?"
"I did."
"Good, I'm glad."
She waved as he drove away then rang the doorbell.
"Stace!" Said Beth's mom, "good to see you, Beth's in her room."
She walked I the room to find Beth twirling around in the dress she borrowed.
"I had a feeling you'd pick that one."
"It goes great with these heels I have." She said pulling up the dress an revealing the pumps. "What are you doing here?"
"I need a ride to Carson's."
"Ooh?" She arched her eyebrows.
"I left my iPod there."
"Oh." She said flatly, "okay."
She changed and then drove her to Carson's.

She knocked on the door several times before someone answered. It was a girl a few years younger than her in a pink sundress, with her hair in a fishtail braid.
"Hello?" She said.
"Hi, I'm a friend of Carson's, I left my iPod here earlier."
"Oh, right he said you'd stop by. Anastasia right?"
"Yeah."
"Come in, I'll get it."
She headed into Carson's bedroom then emerged a few minutes later.
"I'm Kelly, Carson's sister by the way."
"Oh, nice to meet you."
"You, too." Kelly said.
"Where's Carson?"
"Someone needed him to cover the last few hours of their shift, so he went to work early."
"Oh, okay. Well, I should probably go. Again nice to meet you."
"Yeah, bye."

Carson walked into his apartment. His sister was watching tv on the couch.
"Why are you up?"
"Your landline rang and woke me up, though I would have been up soon anyway."
"Who called?" He asked looking through the fridge.
"A girl, said her name was Beth. I wrote her message on the notepad."
He walked over the the yellow paper:
She and Stace are going camping/w Quinn
And some other guys. Call her for the rest.
[phone].

"Okay.." He muttered.
He showered and changed before calling Beth.
"It's about time!"
"Hi to you too."
"Listen and listen carefully, you're losing."
"What?"
"He took her on a picnic, and to a movie, and dinner and she had fun and now she's gonna be in the woods alone with him. Are you gonna let that happen?"
"Uh, what?"
"Stace went out with Quinn and had fun. Don't you see what this means!?"
"Not really."
"It means Quinn is going to win her back and you'll be s**t out of luck."
"What does them getting back together have to do with me?"
"You are so dense. If she's with him she's not with you. Don't deny it, I know you like her."
"Beth-"
"Eh, you have to come on this trip tonight."
"I can't."
"Why the hell not?"
"For one I have to work tonight and two I can't just leave my sister alone in my apartment while I trek out into the woods."
"So bring her."
"I still have work."
"Leave that to me. Just promise you'll come."
"Beth-"
"Say you're coming!"
"Fine, I'll go."
"Was that so hard?"
He sighed.
"See you tonight." Then she hung up the phone.
"What was that all about?
"Apparently we're going camping."
"Sweet, I haven't been camping in forever."

He pulled into the campsite and saw Anastasia sitting at a picnic table. As he cut the engine her head turned and she stood.
"Ooh, iPod girl. She's really pretty."
"Yeah." He mindlessly agreed.
"You so love her."
"Do not."
"Do too." Kelly said getting out of the car.
"Do not." He whispered.
"Kelly?" Anastasia said then she saw Carson get out of the car. "Carson? What are you doing here?"
"Beth invited me." He said scratching his head, "that okay?"
"Yeah."she said smiling.
"Where is Beth?"
"She's picking up Sam."
"Looks like they've hit it off. Don't tell her, but Sam's had a bit of a crush on her for a while now."
"Guess it's fate."
"Still here." Kelly chimed in.
"Kelly, you're about 14, right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Let me introduce you to Phil's sister, she's about your age and I think you guys will get along great." Stace lead Kelly over to Phil and his sister.
"What the hell are you doing here!?"
Carson turned to see Quinn glaring at him.
"I was invited."
"By who?"
"Me." Beth said linking arms with him, "problem?"
"Yeah."
"Well, I guess we could leave Carson, but of course Stace would come with us."
"Beth-"
"No Carson, no me, not Stace. Choose wisely Quinn."
He growled and walked away.
They all trekked through the woods a bit 'til they were on the lake shore. They set up the tents the. The boys finished bringing all the supplies from the trucks.
They started a fire as the sun began to set.
"We should go swimming." Beth suggested excitedly.
"I don't have a suit." Kelly said.
"You can borrow mine." Stace said handing her tankini to Kelly.
"What'll you wear?"
Stace looked at Beth then pulled her shirt off revealing a black lace bra then she pulled off her jeans and revealed matching underwear.
"Damn." Carson said a little louder than he intended.
"Stace what are you doing?" Quinn asked.
"Going swimming."
"In your underwear?"
"I was gonna skinny dip, but there are children present."
"I'm so proud of you." Beth said fake crying, "but there is absolutely no way I'm letting you show me up at my own game." Then she stripped off her clothes.
"Red, should've known."
As they wait for the younger girls to change Beth whispered:
"Someone can't take his eyes off you."
She gave a glance expecting to see Quinn ogling her, but instead met eyes with Carson. Suddenly she began to feel slightly self-conscious and her cheeks started to turn read, so she looked away.
"Girl, you are blushing up a storm." Beth gawked.
"Shut up."
"And Carson totally noticed. I think he's blushing, too."
She looked back. His gaze hadn't moved, but he was smiling and indeed blushing.
"I didn't know players had the ability to blush. Way to go Stace."
The other girls came back and they made their way into the lake. After a bit some of the boys joined in.
"Phil." Quinn said quietly.
"Yeah."
"I've got to go pick up some more ice and maybe some soda, keep an eye on him." He said pointing to Carson.
"Yeah, no problem."
Stace got out of the water and headed to her bag.
"I put the clothes you and Beth were wearing in your tent." Said a voice behind her.
"Thanks, Phil."
She picked up her bag and headed towards the tents.
"Done already?" Carson asked.
"Yeah, the waters freezing. I'm surprise I lasted this long."
"Here." He said handing her a towel.
"Thanks."
He continued to stare at her as she wrapped herself with the towel.
"Take a picture it'll last longer."
"Can I?" He asked with a wink.
She shoved his shoulder then entered the tent to change.

Everyone gathered around the campfire. Stories were told and laughs we're shared.
"Hey, where's Quinn?" Stace asked.
"He went to get more ice, but that was like 30 minutes ago."
"Maybe someone should call him."
"On it." Phil said.
"Stace hand me another 'mellow would ya, please?" Beth asked as she snuggled against Sam.
"Yeah, take this." She said handing her an unopened bag.
"Yummy!" Beth squealed.
Phil returned a few minutes later.
"He got a flat and had to call his brother to come help him."
"Why didn't he call one of you to come get him?" Phil's sister asked.
"He didn't want to leave his car on the side of the road."
"Of course he didn't." Stace said rolling her eyes.
"We need more graham crackers." Kelly said.
"I'll get'em." Stace said standing.

"Where are they?" She muttered searching through the food.
"Need some help?" Carson asked.
"Sure, I've already looked through that pile, but feel free to look again."
They both searched for a few minutes before Stace found them.
"Eureka!" Stace shouted.
"About time." Beth said walking up, "I'll take those."
She snatched them from her hand then stalked off.
"We should get back." Stace said.
"Wait." Carson said grabbing her wrist.
"What?"
"Uh, well-" he paused and ran his hand through his hair.
"Carson?"
"Anastasia, I-"
"What is it?"
He sighed and tried to find the right words.
"I don't know how to say it." He said.
"Try."
He moved closer to her and took her face in his hands. His bright eyes bore into hers.
"Car-Carson." She stuttered.
His lips touched hers. They were warm and softer than she remembered. Her hands grabbed his shirt and gently coaxed him forward.
"Anastasia-" He said between breaths. "I think I'm-"
"Carson, Anastasia?" Kelly called, "are you two coming back, or not?"
"Yeah, coming." He shouted back. He looked at Anastasia once more then walked back to the fire.
"Carson?" She whispered to herself.

After a bit Quinn came trekking out of the woods followed by an older boy and they were both carrying bags.
"'Bout time. How's your car?" Phil asked.
"All fixed."
"How are things here?" Quinn asked.
"Well-"
"We'll talk later."
"Did you get more Dr. Pepper?" Stace asked.
"Of course, I know it's your favorite. I think Mike has it."
"Hey, Stace." Mike said as she approached.
"'Sup Mike?"
"Not a lot. Heard you broke up with my brother."
"That I did."
"That sucks, you guys were cute together."
"I thought so, too."
"So what happened?"
"Quinn thought Shyanne was cuter 'cause she took off her clothes when he asked. Dr. Pepper, please."
"Here."
"Thanks."

"Stay the f**k away from her!" Quinn shouted.
"Why don't you make me!" Carson shouted back.
"What is going on?" Anastasia asked climbing out of her tent.
"You two-" Quinn said pointing to her then Carson.
"What about us?"
"-made out last night."
"How do you know that?" Then she saw Phil look away. "You had Phil spy on me!?"
"No, on him."
"You had no right, Quinn! It is non of your Goddamn business who I do, or don't kiss."
"You shouldn't have anything to do with him!"
"What is your problem with him? He says he doesn't even know you."
"Already lying to her." Quinn said to Carson, "why don't you tell her?"
"Tell me what? Carson?"
"Come on old buddy, tell her all about the good 'ol days. Tell her how you got caught getting high in the bathroom, or how you stole the answers to the math test and sold them for drug money, or how you slept with my girlfriend at the time at the birthday party you were throwing me."
"I never slept with Sylvia, even though she begged me to."
"You f*****g prick!" Quinn yelled and threw a punch at Carson's face who barely dodged it.
"Both of you stop it!" Stace screamed.
Phil's rushed in and broke them up.
"I've had enough." She said slipping on her shoes and grabbing her bag. "Beth would you please take me home?"
"Of course, babe, I'll meet you at the car."
Stace made her way through the woods.
"Anastasia, please wait!"
"Why should I?"
"Please."
"What Carson?" She said stopping
"I'm sorry."
"You lied to me."
"I know-"
"We're you ever going to tell me? Or we're you just going to play dumb and charm your way in until you got what you wanted the throw me away like all your other girls?"
"What!? Of course not." He said sounding appalled,
"I didn't want you to know about my past."
"Why? I don't care that you did drugs, or made some stupid mistakes. That doesn't matter to me what matters is that you had several chances to come clean and you kept lying."
"Stace?" Beth said approaching.
"Let's go." She turned and walked through the clearing.
"Anastasia!" Carson called after her, but she didn't answer.

Stace stood in the empty ballroom practicing her song for tomorrow's charity ball.
"Stop, stop the music. Anastasia, hun, what's wrong?"
"What?"
"Your heart is obviously not in the song."
"Sorry."
"What's wrong."
"It's nothing, mom. I promise tonight's performance will be perfect."
"Okay, sweetheart, let's try one more run through."
Halfway through the song Beth came in and sat at a table. 'We should talk.' She mouthed. Stace finished the song then sat with Beth.
"He has been calling me non-stop, just talk to him."
"I don't want to."
"Stace, what are you so mad about?"
"He lied to me."
"Okay, yes, but hun, it's not like he lied about kill a bunch a people, he lied about previously knowing Quinn. It's not like he had to tell you that. There's no reason for you to still be mad."
"Anastasia, we need to get to your hair appointment."
"'Kay mom, see you tonight Beth."
"See ya."

"Thanks for still letting me take you." Quinn said as they mingled.
"Yeah."
"I behaved childish the other day, I'm sorry."
"Yeah."
"Stace, I'm trying."
She scanned the room and spotted Beth at the entrance.
"I'll be back."
She trotted over to Beth.
"Hey, babe, how's it going?"
"After my performance we're leaving."
"What?"
"I can't spend the entire night smiling, arm in arm with Quinn."
"Babe, we can't leave."
"Why?"
"You know why."
"Beth-"
"Listen to me. You're going to pretend you are the happiest person in the world and make it through the night 'cause it'll make your mother happy."
"Grrrh."
"Now go back to Quinn and I'll check in with you later."
"Fine."

"Please, welcome to the stage Miss. Anastasia for her first performance of the night."
She took the stage and gazed out at the crowd. Unsure what she was looking for "til her eyes found him. His unruly hair was nicely combed and he was almost unrecognizable.
He looked back at her then she heard the music start. She had changed out of the ball gown to black skinny jeans, a tank top and black boots for the upbeat song.
Applause rang out as the music died and she left the stage.
"She'll grace us with her voice again later this evening and again to bring our event to a close."
The host continued on, but Stace ignored him and made her way to her mom.
"What is he talking about?"
"What do you mean, hun?"
"I'm only supposed to sing once, not three times."
"The other two performers canceled so I said you'd fill in."
"But I only prepared one song."
"You'll be fine. Now go change."
As she sat back down she noticed a note sticking out from her glass. Unfolding it she read:
'Please, meet with me after this is over' -C
She stared at it a while before writing 'where?' Then she folded it back up and walked over to Beth's table.
"Give this back to him."
"Sure thing, babe."
"I also need your help with my performance outfits."
"I'm there."
"Meet me in the back in a few."

As they combed through the rack of clothes, Beth asked;
"What are all these for?"
"The auction."
"So why are you wearing them?"
"To show them off."
"Huh, what are you singing?"
"No, idea."
"Okay."
Beth looked through a few more racks before pulling out a blue sequined mini dress.
"Really?"
"Yep." She said looking at the shoes. "With these pumps."
"Okay."
"You'll look great."

Stace changed and they left the room. As they walked they heard voiced down the hall.
"Sounds like somebody snuck away for some nasty no-no." Beth said.
"Well, they're about to be interrupted."
They turned the corner and saw Quinn whispering and biting some girl's ear.
"Why am I not surprised?" Stace said.
Quinn quickly moved away from the girl.
"Stace, it's not what it looks like."
"Know what Quinn? I don't care."
"Come on skanky." Beth said to the girl, "this could get ugly.
"Stace, just listen."
"To what? The lies you've been telling me since we met? No, thanks I've already heard them all."
"Stace, please, I really do love you."
"Bull."
He pushed her against the wall and kissed her. His tongue found hers and his hand moved up her leg. Her hands gripped his shirt. She held the grip for a second before pushing him off.
"Who are you trying to convince? 'Cause it isn't me."
"Anastasia-"
She put her hand up and stopped him, she shook her head then continued down the hall.

"Please, welcome back to the stage Miss. Anastasia."
As she walked up the stairs she heard several catcalls and whistles as well as a few gasps. She met eyes with Quinn as he sat down then Hilary Duff's 'Stranger' started.
The song finished and Quinn got up and left.
"She'll be back for her final performance at the end of the event."
She changed back into her gown and went back to her table.
"Hey, sexy." Beth said sitting next to her.
"Hey, anything from Carson?"
"No, actually I haven't seen him since I gave him the note back." She said.
"Maybe, he just busy."
"Yeah, can we go pick out your next outfit?" She asked with a pout.
"Yeah."
They spent the time 'til her next performance searching through and trying on the clothes.
"I love these heels!" Beth beamed.
"So you've said about the last five pairs you put on."
"I can't help it they all make my legs look great."
"So what am I wearing?"
"This!" Beth said throwing clothes at her.

She changed into the leather pants, red crop top, and knee high boots.
"What do you think?"
"Hot, but it needs a little somethin'... Here." She said throwing her a red studded jacket.
"How about now?"
"Sexy as f**k. Break a leg, babe."

She went back to the room to change after her performance.
"No, Carson?" She asked as Beth walked in.
"No, sorry. I couldn't find him either."
"It's fine, thanks."
"Wanna ride home?"
"Yeah."

She sat on her bed listening to her iPod in the dim light of her bedside lamp. Unable to help herself she kept looking at her phone.
"He hasn't texted since you check five minutes ago quit checking." She told herself.
She got off her bed and plugged her phone in on her desk.
'Guess I should got to bed.' She thought as her clock turned to 1:30 a.m. She walked to the doors to her balcony and reached to pull them shut when somebody came over the railing.
"What exactly are you playing at?" The person said as they stood.
"Carson? What are you doing here?"
"Don't answer my question with another question."
"What are you talking about?"
"Everything! You snuggled up to me in my bed, you smiled when I showed up on the camping trip, profusely blushed when you looked at me, then we made out and I thought you were into it, but then I turn around and you're letting your "ex" grope and french you in a hallway." He spat pacing on her balcony.
"You saw that?"
"Yeah, I saw that."
"I'm not playing at anything, Carson."
"Then why do I feel like I'm being strung along and why are you making out with Quinn?"
"Why do you care? This coming from the guy who sleeps with every girl he mets then tosses her aside."
He stopped pacing and they stared at each other.
"Yeah, I let Quinn kiss me, but if you stuck around a little longer you would've seen me push him away and leave."
He stood there silent.
"And maybe I wouldn't feel like such an idiot for telling myself to listen to what you had to say only to be stood up."
"Now I feel like an a*s." He said rubbing the back of his neck.
"Good."
"Look I-"
"You didn't answer my question."
"Huh?"
"Why do you care?"
"Well, I..." He got quiet and looked at his feet.
"You have to actually use words."
"I know."
"Then just say it. What are you so afraid of?
He didn't answer.
"Carson!"
"I've never felt like this before! I've never been happy to see someone before and I can't stop thinking about you-"
"You can't stop thinking about me?"
He chuckled, "yeah."
"And you're happy when you see me?"
"Yeah."
"How do you feel about me, Carson?"
"I, I love you." He said tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"What?"
"I tried to tell you when we were camping, but I lost my nerve."
She couldn't say anything.
"Anastasia?"
She just stared at him.
"Now would be a nice time to say something."
She threw her arms around him and pushed her lips against his. He quickly took control and moved his lips slowly with hers. They moved from the balcony to her room.
"I love you, too." She said when they parted.
"You do?" He said with a cocky grin.
"Yes." She said with a laugh, "yes."
He kissed her again moving his hands along her body.
"Carson?" She said against his lips.
"Yeah?" He said kissing her again.
"Make love to me?"
"N-now?" He stuttered slightly.
"Yeah."
"Uh, I-"
"You can say no if you don't want to."
"It's not that I don't want to, trust me I do, it's just.."
"What?"
"I've never-"
"Slept with a virgin?" She asked
"Yeah."
"What are you so worried about?"
"I just don't want to make you... Uncomfortable."
"Then it can wait 'til you're ready." She teased and walked to her desk.
He shook his head then scooped her up in his arms.
"Ah!" She squeaked.
He placed her on the bed then crawled on top of her.
"Change your mind."
He kissed her.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Then he kissed her neck and slowly removed her top exposing her breasts. He kissed them and she moaned.
"Are you're parents gonna-"
"No, they're on the other side of the house."
His kisses moved down her stomach then he pulled off her shorts.
"Nice underwear." He smirked, "Hello Kitty?"
She slid her hands up his shirt then around to his back grabbing the hem of his shirt and pulling it over his head. Her finger tips traced the outlines of his chest and stomach as he kissed her neck. She moved her hands down and undid his jeans. He pulled them off and thew them on the floor then kissed her again.
"How many girls have you-"
"None."
"What?"
"I've never made love before."
"That's not what I asked and you know it."
"Yeah, but none of them matter now."
She blushed.
His hands moved to her hips and he slid off her underwear.
"You're so beautiful." He said taking in her entirety.
Her cheeks grew brighter.
He took his wallet out of his pants pocket and pulled out the condom. He removed his boxers and rolled on the condom then positioned himself over her.
"Say it again." She said.
"I love you."
"Once more."
"I love you, Anastasia."

END OF PART ONE.

Author's Note

Completed. Fairly detailed *sex scene at the end.

*no sex is actually dipicted just graphic foreplay. I did write full scene comment if you want to tread it

Reviews

[dolphine adhiambo]

the suspense is killing me.... nice job any way...