Forever ~ Chapter One

          Autumn always seems to sneak up behind us, slowly taking away our summers and turning the countryside into a great canvas for Mother Nature to display her art. Children returned to the hustle of September activities for autumn had set in, and school had begun.
          Julian Monet sat alone. Working through the afternoon in the musty apartment, he paused only to sip his drink or glance out the window, admiring the view of the pond and surrounding countryside. As he studied, his fingers absently stroked the thick curls of his raven black hair, which fell softly to his shoulders. His blue eyes searched the files, looking for any information that would help. Finally, Julian stood and stretched his tired muscles, wondering if he had sufficient evidence to build his case.
          Holding his drink, Julian stood and watched out the window. It was good to be back in his familiar room, standing at the windowsill as the warm rays shone through, illuminating his desk. It felt like home, and Julian had not felt at home for a long time.
          That was one thing Julian liked about this crazy University, this was the only place he had ever felt security. Nothing ever changed at college. Same apartment, same class load, same view… It was here that Julian felt respected, secure. How ironic that after twenty two years, Julian would find his haven here, in the hills of Pennsylvania.
          A movement below caught his eye, as Julian's gaze came to rest on a figure walking across the campus lawn. It was a young girl with dark hair and a nice figure, even from this distance Julian thought she looked beautiful.
          He stood at the window, captivated by her presence, until she had moved out of sight. He wouldn't mind meeting her, Julian thought to himself. He doubted, however, that they would ever meet. Julian's luck did not usually run that way.

          It was almost as if fate was working on his side for once, because the very next morning Julian found himself strolling towards her as he walked across campus. Up close, she was even more stunning than Julian had first conceived. She had dark brown hair that flowed passed her shoulders in spiraling curls, and a pretty face with dark eyes and a fair complexion. Not to mention she was tall with the longest legs Julian had ever seen.
          Maneuvering himself so that he was walking directly towards her, Julian deliberately brushed her arm as they passed, causing her to turn back towards him.
          “Oh I’m sorry,” she quipped, rather rudely in fact, “Is this a private sidewalk?” Her voice was heavily lined with sarcasm as she hurled the insult at him.
          “You know, I would be a fool if I didn’t stop and tell you Good morning.” He told her, turning around to face her. Caught of guard, she managed only to stammer the same in return. “Good morning.”
          "What's a pretty girl like you doing out here alone at this ungodly time of day?" Julian asked her, smiling generously.
          “What? Do inquiring minds want to know?" she snapped.
          "You're new to our fine campus, aren't you?"
          "Boy, you don't miss a beat," she answered. "Name’s Jessica, and you are?"
          "Wondering if you would accompany me to breakfast."
          "Well, Mr. "Wondering", she teased. "Unfortunately I'm on my way to class, so I'll have to take a rain check. See you ‘round the water cooler." With that she placed two fingers to her temple in a salute and then continued on her way towards the student center.
          "It's Julian Monet!" he called after her, grinning euphorically.

 

          Following his morning classes, Julian met Brian Daniels in the University Library to do research on their debate topic. Besides being best friends, they were also Political Science Majors, and competed in Debate at the College Level. Brian and Julian had been partners since high school; in fact, it was almost as if the two were inseparable. Brian was about the same height as Julian and had blonde hair with blue eyes. He always dressed as though he were about to enter a yacht race. Julian didn’t understand why Brian cared so much about designer clothing. Julian was always happy in jeans and his leather jacket. But not Brian. He was quite the poster boy for the rich and beautiful of America. He had been born in Germany, raised there in fact, but was determined to become the All-American kid. Like Julian, he had lost his accent at an early age and worked hard to conceal the fact that he was an immigrant to the States. He even went so far as to change his name from Baron VonDeinen to a more Americanized version. They both understood at an early age that money alone would not secure either of them a future within the elite infrastructure of American Society unless they appeared just as “WASPy” as the rest of them. Perhaps it was a result of this that gave them such a love for both Politics & Government, a pure desire for the debate.
          "Julian, you're not paying attention to me. We need to discuss this year’s Topic. We need to decide which value is most important and which constitutional right. Otherwise we’ll waste half the year just trying to get started."
          Julian sifted through his copy of the Constitution reading over the Second Amendment carefully. "Look, it says here that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. This also goes along with the Fourth Amendment, which grants protection against illegal search and seizure. Not to mention it's also the denial of personal liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What they have asked for is clearly against not only the U.S. Constitution but American beliefs as well."
          Brian leaned over and glanced at the passage Julian had pointed out. "So, let me see if I understand where you’re coming from. You feel that the protection of Human Liberties and our U.S. Constitution is the most important Constitutional Right, and the Value we should concentrate on is the Value of Personal Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Am I right?"
          "Exactly! So now we have our Value and we can start building our case.” Leaning back in his chair, Julian stretched and placed his arms in back of his head. “Hey, I don't know about you, but I'm "George Bushed"! Want to grab a burger, or something?"
          Gathering up his paperwork, Brian began shoving legal pads and magazines back into his briefcase. "Didn’t you say Dean Miller’s party is tonight?”
          “Yeah, why? Did you want to go?”
          “I’m always up for a good fight. As for now, if we hurry we can make it to the lecture on occupational welding!"
          "Oh, that's a real gem!” Gathering up the last of his things, Julian rose to follow Brian and the two sauntered coolly towards the exit. "I've got it! How about a nice game of tackle football?"
          "Julian, the day you learn to play a nice game of tackle football is the day I swallow my goldfish!"
          Julian pushed open the Library door, allowing Brian to step in front. "I think I just might take you up on that offer." Then, quickly he shoved Brian's briefcase out of his hands and onto the steps below, scattering its contents.
          Bending down, Brian scooped the paperwork back where it belonged. “You’re a dead man,” he announced, his tone full of mock anger.
          “Only if you can catch me!” Julian breezed past him, bounding down the steps and across the lawn towards his apartment. 

 

 

       As the sun began to sink lower over the campus, Julian found himself behind the wheel of his beat up primer gray Corvette. He and Brian had decided to go to Dean’s party after all, and it was Julian’s turn to drive.
          “You really need to get a new car,” Brian complained for the third time that evening. “Why do you insist on driving this rusted out piece of s**t?”
          “It has charm,” Julian replied, “and it doesn’t draw attention.”
          “No, just fleas.”
          “Come on, she’s not that bad. Sure, she could use a new stereo, a paint job, some body work…among other things, but under the hood she purrs like a kitten.”
          “A new car would purr and look good,” Brian stressed.
          “Yes, but this car makes my Parents crazy. A Corvette is bad enough – an unpainted, old Corvette is positively unnerving. Every time I drive it up to their mansion or the office I make sure to park it right out in front. My Father nearly comes unglued! Try doing that with your Mercedes.”
          “You love torturing them, don’t you?”
          “Payback’s a b***h,” Julian smiled. “Oh look, we’re here,” and he pulled the car into a spot in front of the house.
          No sooner had Julian reached the front steps, when Dean opened the door to greet them. He looked pretty much the same as Julian remembered, except for the fact that his head had recently been shaved. He still wore his black leather jacket, torn jeans and combat boots, and balanced a cigarette over his left ear.
          “Julian!” he exclaimed, as the two saluted one another with a series of handshakes. “Where did you disappear to all summer?”
          “I was in Paris with the family,” he explained. “Apparently they needed someone to baby-sit the flat.”
          “Well I’m glad you found your way back. I would hate for you to miss my final summer party on the Hill.”
          “Oh really?” Julian asked, intrigued. “I was wondering when your parents were going to boot your freeloading butt to the curb.”
          “You’ve just got to come see my new place,” Dean said, pulling the cigarette down from his ear and twirling it around in his fingers. “It’s close to the city center, and it’s the ultimate bachelor pad. Next time you want to party in Philly just give me a call.” Replacing the cigarette to its perch above his ear, Dean looked over Julian’s shoulder. “Oh, I see you brought frat boy with you. Can’t you go anywhere without him?” he frowned.
          Laughing, Julian shook his head. “Not generally.”
          “Well, I did invite all willing members of Penn U, so please make yourselves at home.” Nodding his chin in Brian’s direction, Dean mumbled a greeting. “Brian....”
          “Dean...” Brian responded through clenched teeth.
          “Come on,” Julian urged, stepping inside. “We’ve got a lot of drinking to do, so let’s not waste our time out here. You two just need to chill the f**k out.”
          “Of course,” Brian smiled magnanimously. “After all, somebody has to be the adult.”

 

 

          Julian headed immediately for the upstairs bar, which was located in the corner of the living room. Mixing himself a drink, he surveyed the crowd of fellow students. This was a typical "Dean Party” - you name it, it was going on! He was about to go downstairs, when a familiar face caught his eye.
          There, sitting on the sofa was the lovely Jessica. She was dressed in a light blue sweater and jeans, and her long hair hung loose framing her porcelain skin and dark eyes. She was certainly under-dressed for one of Dean’s parties, but still was easily the most beautiful girl in the room. Julian was impressed that she would have such self-confidence that she wouldn’t bother to dress up for a party.

          Jessica Taylor sat nursing a soda and listening to the mind numbing conversation of the two blondes seated across from her. She was beginning to wonder if they had gone to school on cheerleading scholarships and allowed herself to fantasize a gruesome fate befalling them. Perhaps exploding breast implants, or toxic hair bleach. When she could no longer stomach the compelling conversation of briefs vs. boxers, Jessica grabbed her empty glass and was about to leave when a familiar face caught her attention. It was the guy who had assaulted her this morning with cornball lines and compliments. Jessica had been caught off guard by his sudden attention, but had to admit, it had been rather flattering. She was not accustomed to being hit on in the first place, let alone by a stranger while walking to class.
          He appeared to be coming towards her, and Jessica couldn’t help but allow her eyes to linger. He was now wearing black leather pants and a white shirt, and his hair hung loose and curled around his neck. He was at least six feet tall, and was thin without being skinny. Through the white shirt he wore, she couldn’t help but notice that he had nicely shaped biceps and pecs. She also noticed he had the bluest eyes she had ever seen. In fact, Jessica thought she could get lost in those eyes if she looked too deeply. He looked stunning, like a young Jim Morrison back from the dead. Jessica had to admit she was not only interested but also a little excited by this new suitor.
          “Well, if it isn’t Mr. Wondering,” she smiled up at him.
          “You can call me Julian,” he answered, “If I can call you mine.”
           Laughing Jessica scooted over and motioned for him to join her on the couch. “Come on, have a seat, It’s embarrassing to see you trying so hard.”
          "So, are you enjoying the party?" He asked, taking a sip of his drink.
          "Like a caffeine enema,” her response made Julian chuckle, but her tone was so dry he wondered if briefly if she were serious. She had appeared to be having fun, anyway.
          “Do you come to these parties often?” Julian cringed. He was trying so hard to start a conversation without sounding corny but he was failing miserably.
          "Actually, no" Jessica confessed. "I’m sort of new to the Campus, remember?”
          "Ah, yes. Isn't it funny how we keep running into each other today?" Julian sat his glass down on the table, noticing her empty one. "Would you like me to get you a glass of rum or something?" He asked.
          "No thanks, I don t drink."
          Julian stood up, reaching out for her hand. "Why don't you come with me anyway, there is someone I would like to introduce you to."

          As the night wore on Julian and Jessica became better acquainted as they sat out on the back lawn talking.
          “So, Jess.... If I can call you that?” he asked.
          “Most everyone does.”
          “So, anyway Jess, I was just wondering what you were studying here at the University.”
          “And to think I almost got through the evening without hearing ‘what’s your major’…” Jessica rolled her eyes.
          “I’m serious,” Julian protested. “I really do want to know.”
          “Corporate Law.”
          “Wow!” Julian exclaimed, impressed. “I’m a Poli-Sci Major myself. I guess we have more in common than I thought. Hey, after graduation, if we’re still friends, I should get you an internship at The Sunrose Corporation, after all I do have the connections.”
          “Wait a minute...” she stammered. “The Sunrose Corporation? The multinational conglomerate worth over several billion dollars? You’re not related to Maison Monet are you?”
          “Well yes, that would be my Father.”
          “Your Father! That means you are part of one of the wealthiest families in America today. In Pennsylvania alone, the only other family to rival your wealth is the Buchannon family from Llanview. Well, I’ll be damned. You don’t look like an heir to a billion dollar empire.”
          “Thank you,” Julian smiled, and quickly changed the subject. All too soon however, Julian's drinks began to take toll. He found himself arguing with her, practically begging her into a fight.
          "Julian, I think maybe you've had enough to drink for tonight. Why don't you hold off, okay?" Jessica told him, clearly annoyed by his sudden change in behavior.
          "Sorry Babe,” he answered angrily. “But I decide whether or not I've had enough!" Julian hated it when people tried to tell him when to stop drinking. He knew when to stop!
          "I'm not going to tell you what to do, Julian. But, if you want to hang around me anymore this evening, then you are going to have to sober up!"
          "I don't need you to Mother me. I can tell when I’m drunk, and I haven't had enough to effect me yet."
          "Yeah, and when's enough, Julian? When you puke or pass out? Which comes first? You know, you can be a real jerk when you're drunk!" And with that Jessica got up and stormed off towards the house.
          "Just great," Julian thought. "That's all I need." Julian grabbed his bottle of Jack Daniels and proceeded to drink as he stumbled back into the party.

          It was then that he spotted another familiar face from across the room – none other than Miss Stefanie LaFlur. Julian and Stefanie had known each other practically their entire lives, and had even dated throughout high school. But following graduation she moved to New York to become a model while he stayed in Pennsylvania to attend school. He had seen her off and on since then, but their relationship now was one of casual sex. They were smart to remain friends, as he would always be tied to Stefanie, whether he wanted to be or not. Her Father, Jacque LaFlur was his Father’s best friend and the Co-Owner of Sunrose Corporation. Jacque and Maison has started the company, originally named “Fleur de Soilel” in France about thirty years ago, and had built in from nothing into one of the largest Corporations in the world. They had their hands in everything, and their investments, purchases and products paid off. During childhood, Julian and Stefanie had always been good friends, and when they started high school they naturally began dating. Julian and Stefanie had quite the history together.
          She turned to look at him, her platinum blond hair, once long, now reached just to her shoulders. She flashed a brilliant smile. Stefanie was what most men considered to be the perfect woman; tall, thin, blonde and extraordinarily beautiful. (Not to mention full breasts and an a*s so tight you could bounce a quarter off it!) Everyone had envied their relationship, and had assumed that the two of them would marry someday. But their relationship was a superficial as their image. Nothing ever worked out between them, and no matter how beautiful she was on the outside, it didn’t change the person she was on the inside. It was that Stefanie that Julian had a problem with. But, in times of trouble or impending blue balls, she could always be counted on for a guaranteed romp between the bedsheets. She was nothing if not predictable.
          "Stefanie!" he called, making his way over to her.
          "Bon Soir, Julian. How was your summer with the family?" Flipping open a slim silver cigarette case, she slowly drew one out and sensually placed it to her lips, deliberately adding dramatic pause as she lit it and exhaled the smoke.
          “Drastically boring as usual, how was New York?”
          “Fabulous. So, are you just going to stand there, or do I get a hug already?”
          Reaching his arms around her waist he hugged her tightly. Then, leaning down, he nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear.
          "Oh Stefanie, I've missed you so much. What do you say we find a nice quiet spot and catch up on old times." He suggested, stroking her cheek with his finger.
          "Old times?” She laughed, pushing herself away from the embrace. “You're either horny as hell or you’ve had a lot to drink tonight. Which is it, Julian?"
          "Stefanie, please, don’t be mean. I’m sorry I didn’t call you this summer, but everything was just crazy. You know how the family is. That doesn’t mean I don’t love you. I still care about you."
          "So why didn't you ever call? Why didn't you write all summer? It's not that hard Julian, if you really cared about me you would have."
          "Let me make it up to you, for old times sake. This time will be different, I promise."

 

 

          Soon Stefanie and Julian were back at the apartment, and indeed it was like old times. Julian was drunk and Stefanie was lonely. It was always the same. They would make love, fight, and go home only to do it again. It got so common and ritual they even stopped referring of it as "making love" and turned to the reality that they were merely having sex.
          Julian was grateful this time for the distraction, that little b***h Jessica turned out to be just like everyone else. Nobody had ever given a damn about him except for Stefanie, and he had always gotten what he'd wanted from her. Releasing himself, Julian dismounted and immediately fell to her side upon the bed. He didn’t even bother to tell her goodnight before rolling over and surrendered himself to sleep.

          The next morning Julian awoke to find himself sprawled naked and alone atop the jumbled covers. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he pulled on a pair of boxers. What a hangover he had! That must have been one hell of a night, Julian thought. The bedroom window was open, however the morning air was particularly crisp today so Julian rose and walked over to shut it.
          As he did so, he caught the figure of Jessica once again walking past down below. Quickly he ran out the door, flying down the stairs trying to catch her, unaware that he was dressed only in boxers.
          "Jessica, wait!” he called, and she turned to look at him. He caught up to her, panting heavily and leaning forward on his thighs as he attempted to catch his breath. “Look, I'm really sorry about the way I acted last night. I'm a total jerk after a few drinks. I'm sorry if I upset you."
          "This would normally be about the time I tell you to take a hike,” she began, her eyes looking him up and down. “But then, I’ve never had anyone apologize to me in their underwear before. You are a strange one Julian Monet."
          “Does this mean you forgive me?” he asked.
          "Don't worry about it, okay? Just don't let it happen again.” Jessica stood there for a moment feeling awkward, then glanced at her watch. “I’m sorry, I have to go. I’m going to be late for work.”
          Julian hurried back to his apartment, walking on air. Even his hangover didn't feel so bad anymore.
          Then he remembered about Stefanie.

 

 

          Four hours later, Julian was awakened by the sound of pounding at the front door. Still half asleep, Julian rolled off the couch and stumbled over to answer it. Brian breezed past him, carrying a sack of groceries and a stack of books. Setting everything on the counter he looked around. "I've brought my secret medicine to help your hangover and a stack of books to get us through the afternoon.”
          "What?" Julian asked, still reeling from his entrance. He staggered back over to the couch and sat with his head in his hands.
          "You didn't think I'd let my best friend sleep all weekend did you?"
          "The thought did cross my mind."
          Shrugging, Brian simply walked into the kitchen and began searching through Julian's refrigerator, pulling out a can of coke and a carton of milk. "Do you have any Tylenol?” He asked, pouring the milk and coke into a blender.
          "What are you so chipper about?” Julian asked, tossing him a bottle of Aspirin. "Here, will these do?"
          "Sure thing. Don't worry, I'll have you up and around in no time." Brian then proceeded to stir in spoonfuls of dry coffee crystals with the Aspirins. He mixed it all up in the blender and then poured the concoction into a glass. Joining Julian on the couch he handed him the mixture. "Here, this will help you feel better and give you some pep."
          Julian shotgunned the drink as fast as he could, grimacing as it went down. "God, that tastes like s**t."
          "Yeah, but it works. Hey, after you bailed on me last night, some girl came in looking for you. I told her that you weren’t feeling well and had decided to go home."
          "Thanks man, I owe you one."
          "So where did you go?"
          "Here. But I wasn’t alone. I ran into Stefanie last night. I guess I was more than just a little fucked up.”
          "Julian, I thought you had given up on Stefanie. You know, one of these days that tramp is going to find herself with a kid. Watch yourself Julian, or it will be yours and then you'll be stuck with her."
          “Yeah, whatever, thanks mom,” Julian groaned, getting up and heading for the bedroom. “Give me a sec to get dressed and then we’ll get started.”

          The two of them worked most of the afternoon but soon most of the wind had been taken out of their sails. It wasn’t long before they found themselves lying back against the couch, beer bottles in hand and a bag of chips between them as a football game played on the TV.
          "Julian, I just had the best idea! Why don't we invite some girls over for dinner next Friday? That way we won’t waste the entire weekend studying."
          Sitting up, and turning away from the TV, Julian looked interested. "Like out to dinner, or make a dinner?"
          "We could make one. I’m not that inept in the kitchen," Brian told him, grabbing for the phone. "I'll call up Britt, and ask her. Why don't you call that girl from the party? She was pretty hot. Besides, any girl is better than Stefanie!"

 

 

          The next morning Julian decided to go for a stroll around the Student Center. He was hoping to run into Jessica again. The last two times he had seen her, he hadn’t bothered to get her phone number, and for some reason he couldn’t seem to remember if she had told him her last name. Julian wanted to ask her out to the dinner that he and Brian had been planning, and hoped that the other night’s fiasco had not blown his chances. Since it was Sunday, classes were closed for the day, but the commons area and shops were still open to the students. There was a large group of people hanging out around the coffee shop, so Julian decided to stop in and get a drink.
          Sitting down at the counter, he picked up a local newspaper and began flipping through the articles while he waited for his order to be taken. Once again, it seemed that fate was on his side, for it was Jessica who had come over to wait on him. She had her eyes on her notepad, so she hadn’t noticed yet that it was him. “What can I get for you?” she asked, pulling a pen from behind her ear.
          “How about a 20oz Latte with a double shot of espesso, a full shot of Hazelnut flavoring and your phone number.”
          “What?” she laughed, looking up. Shaking her head, she smiled back at him. “Oh, Hi, Julian.”
          “What are you doing here?” he asked.
          “Some of us get to work for a living,” she teased. “Not everyone gets a trust fund for their eighteenth birthday.”
          “I’m just surprised that I haven’t seen you in here before,” he defended. “You know, this is the third time this weekend we’ve run into each other. Four, in fact, if you count yesterday morning. Why, fate must be trying to tell us something.”
          “Oh yeah, and what do you think that could be?”
          “That we are meant to be together.”
          “That’s a rather broad interpretation,” turning she headed back towards the espresso machines. “Let me get your Latte. Was that whole or skim milk?”
          “Whole milk please.”
          Finishing up his order, Jessica brought over his coffee. “Will this be everything?”
          “One more thing.”
          “And what would that be?”
          “I just want to know if you’d like to come over for dinner on Friday night.”
          Leaning over the counter, Jessica rested her chin in her hand and stared at Julian thoughtfully. After a moment she stood up and smiled at him. “Okay,” tearing off a piece of her notepad, she wrote down her phone number, handing it to him. “I’ll be off at six.”
          Julian looked over the note, and then folded it, placing it in his back pocket. “Okay I’ll talk to you then,” he told her as he rose to leave.
          “Oh and Julian, one more thing....”
          “Yes?” he asked, anxiously.
          “That will be $4.50 for the Latte.”
          “Oh sorry!” He exclaimed, throwing down a five-dollar bill. “Keep the change.”
          “My, aren’t we the last of the Big Spenders,” she commented, picking it up from the counter. “Come on Rich Boy, you can afford it. Cough up some dough.”
          “Uh, okay….” Julian reached for his wallet, clearly confused.
          “Julian, stop!” She laughed, reaching out for his shoulder. “I was kidding.” Shaking her head she rolled her eyes at him. “Men!”