Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 6 (continued)

"Alright. Lizzy, what five books would you spend any amount of money on to obtain the last known copy on earth?"

"Wow. Nothing like a doozy to start the interview off right. Let's see, hmm... Okay. The complete works of Shakespeare, Jane Austen, (okay sorry for the blatant plug) umm... The complete and unabridged works of A.A. Milne... gosh... this is getting difficult. Hmm... oh I got it... the complete set of the Left Behind series. Those are so cool. Oh, one more, huh? Gosh... don't know... um... oh... And the complete works of Emilie Barnes."

"And you, Will?"

"Well, this will be an easy task... The complete works of Shakespeare, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, the complete set of Calvin and Hobbes books and the complete works of Emilie Barnes."

This last was spoken so low that George just barely heard. But she did hear and a small look of accomplishment crossed over her features. "Okay, next question. If you could give one present to anyone in the world, what would it be and to whom. You first, this time Will."

"One gift, huh to anyone? Wow, you sure know how to pick them George. I would have to say Mom's engagement ring. That ring has been in the family only a few years, since mom and dad married. It is not huge and ostentatious, or small or anything. But what is symbolizes to me is the perfect love that they found in each other. I would only give it to the woman who would share with me that perfect love that our parents had, George."

At this declaration, Lizzy felt her eyes misting up. George was openly tearing up and even Will seemed to be wanting to rub his eyes, but thinking too much of himself to do so.

"Man, that is so heartfelt and touching. I do not think my answer will even be close to that one on the tearjerker scale." Realizing that this statement could be taken the wrong way, she quickly added, "I mean that was so beautiful, I doubt I will even compare. Okay, I know... open mouth and insert foot. Well, if you will pardon me for an instant, I will attempt to remove my foot. Okay, now, I think I can start again without the need of a veterinarian."

Knowing that Lizzy was trying to lighten the mood, George let forth a hearty giggle, "Alright, Lizzy. I forgive you. Shall we continue?"

"Yup. Okay my gift is a little more on the odd side. I love to gather fresh flowers from other people's gardens. I know it sounds odd. But it is so fun to go up to the door and ask the owner of the garden if it would be alright. They tend to say yes, mostly and are more that eager to help me out, as well. They love to talk about their green thumbs and share any knowledge that they have. That is itself is a gift to give... sitting and listening and then the bonus is usually a great, big, huge bouquet of these fresh and natural flowers. They more often than not end up on the desk of my neighbor kids school teacher's desk... that too is a gift. So, I don't know if that really counts... Although it is my favorite gift to give. That of time and beauty." Lizzy sighed almost audibly at the end of her answer.

Darcy thought he had never heard anything so wonderful in his life.

George silently yelled "SCORE!!!!" in her mind.

The PWNotion was getting a little ticked off. But it knew that this was only the beginning.

"Next Question. Lizzy you first. What qualities do you admire in others?"

"Honesty. That would be near the top of my list. Faith. That is another important one. The ability to let go.... All-important as far as I am concerned. The........ um...... flexibility, to be able to deal with all that life is gonna dish out to you and not break under the pressure and sway with the, well you know not break in the winds of change. Ummmmmm ohh, a strong faith in the Creator. Hmmm.......this is not easy, oh yeah, eccentricity is always fun. I don't know... there are more, I am sure but those are the only ones I can come up with now."

"What about strength of character? What about self discipline? What about integrity?" Will blurted out after Lizzy had finished. He was starting to get a little tense. What he admired was definitely not what Lizzy admired.

Without a second thought, Lizzy replied, "Most of those things come to one who have that faith I mentioned."

George, wanting to diffuse the situation before it got any more tense, spoke out, "Will, your turn."

"Well, strength of character, self discipline, integrity, honesty, idealism, and a firm foundation. Those are the qualities I admire in others." Will was starting to get a little agitated.

George breathed a sigh of relief. I am glad that question is out of the way, she thought to herself. She perused the list of the remaining queries and thought she ought to lighten the mood a little. However she was rescued from that job by Blotto bringing out the sandwiches that George had ordered.

"Dig in. We can continue this while we eat, or after. It's up to you."

As Lizzy received her grinder and Dr. Pepper, she was thinking about the man who was sitting next to her. Playfully she grabbed her straw, carefully pulled off a small piece of the wrapper, put her lips to the end and blew. The wrapper flew off the end of the straw and landed quite gracefully on top of Will's head. George started to snort and then broke into hysterics. Never had she seen her brother so utterly undignified. It was hysterical, and contagious. Next thing, Lizzy is joining in on the fun she started.

Will had watched her as she played with her straw. He had only one thing on his mind at the time...... He wished he was the straw. The thought of contact with her lips, had swept him into a place where no one had ever gone before. The sound of his sister and Lizzy giggling brought him abruptly back to the reality the three of them shared. Finally, the giggles subsided. He began to eat when he noticed the girls staring at him intently with some very amusing, and somewhat guilty looks. "WHAT?"

Lizzy and George looked quickly down at their food. They had a common and uncommunicated notion to observe Will until he realized that there was something on his head.

Unfortunately for the girls, Blotto realized what was going on and removed the offending wrapper, much their chagrin.

"Blotto," George whined, "you ruined our fun."

"Knock it off, young lady. You will have another chance at it..." Blotto walked casually away wrapping the straw paper amusedly in his fingers.

Their food garnered much approval, as evidenced by the groans, mmmmmmm's and other various sounds one can only make while eating. Thus the interview was put on hold until the last bites of their grinders were consumed.

When at last that was the case, George slowly got the wandering minds back to the task at hand.

"Shall we continue? Ok. Next question. Let's see, whose turn is it? Oh yeah... Lizzy, who was the most influential person in your life, and why."

"That would have to be my dad. He taught me to read when I was only 4. He loved books and learning. He taught me that you could escape in a book. Although, my mom absolutely hated that. When she thought I should be out looking pretty, and trying to attract men, like my younger sister Linda, I could usually be found in the tree house hiding and reading. My dad is an instructor at the high school down the street. Literature is his passion. He tries to pass that passion on to his students. I know he accomplished that with me."

"Will?"

"Funny that we should agree on the father bit, Lizzy. My father was the most influential person in my life as well. He taught me, in the little time that I was willing to listen, that you can be a strong and wise man, and still be an old softy. He taught me how to handle the family business and still have the family. He taught me that there is no other reason to marry but for love."

George, again, had to look away from this reference to her dad. He had been gone so long it seemed. She quickly wiped her face with her napkin and dove headfirst again into the questions.

"Okey dokey. Next. Will, who was the first person you kissed?"

Will blushed an alarming shade of red. "I thought you said this was .... That is a little personal, don't you think?"

He waited for a reply from George. But when the only response he got was a snicker above the rim of her Coke glass, he hesitated, then jumped right in. "That would have had to be Marsha Willard, in the third grade."

George almost pulled a Lizzy on that answer. It took her so completely by surprise during a sip of Coke, that she was in danger of it making a hasty exit from her person through her nose.

Once she recovered, she sat there with a silly little grin on her face. "And you, Lizzy?"

"You don't really expect me to answer that, do you?" Lizzy was faced with the same look as George had given her brother, not too long ago. "Oh, all right... It was James Willoughby at this wacky frat party I was dragged to. WHAT?"

George and Will both gave her a look that was bordering on disbelief. Neither sibling could actually believe that Lizzy had waited till college to kiss someone of the opposite flavor.

"You have got to be kidding me?" George blurted out without thinking.

Darcy was thinking the same thing, but had just a little more tact than his little sister at that moment. That is not to say he wasn't supremely curious, just had more tact. He turned and gave a warning smirk to his sister, then shifted in his seat to give his full attention to the beauty sitting beside him. She is incredibly full of surprises, he thought to himself.

"You two... All right. I went to the party to help my roommate with her conquest of her guy-du-jour. Dumb move on my part. The idiot who forced himself on me was the same guy that my roommate was trying to impress. Needless to say, she was not my roommate for long after that incident. I felt so bad, I did not encourage the jerk; he was drunk and would not take no for an answer to his request for a goodnight kiss and my phone number. He just came up to me and kissed me. The number I gave him was to some all-night diaper service or something. It was pretty funny watching him try to write down the number on his hand. Most people knew what that number was for and were snickering in the background."

George, was trying hard to concentrate on the business at hand, but Lizzy's description of her first kiss was too much for her. She burst out laughing, and soon had the whole Grotto looking their way. Which was a pretty hard thing to do, since they were ensconced in an out of the way corner.

"I am so sorry." George said, as she regained control of her giggling. "Ok... Ok... Lizzy, who was the last person you kissed?"

Lizzy responded without so much as a seconds hesitation, "James Willoughby, same night. My first and last kiss. Kinda depressing, Huh? Am I just a loser or what, when it comes to guys???"

Will had formed a definite opinion to the contrary of Lizzy's last statement and was beginning to long for the opportunity to show her, when George brought him back out his little flight of fancy.

"Will???"

"Oh.. well... ahem. This is a little embarrassing, but it was Caroline Bingley."

George let out a heartfelt squeal of disgust. "EEEEEEEWWWWWWWWWWWWW !!!!!!!!! That is so GROSS!"

Lizzy wondered how awful this Caroline Bingley was. Little did she know that Caroline would become her greatest opponent in the war of hearts.

Will finally decided to put George out of her misery. She had been making gagging noises since he had mentioned that name. "It was just a goodnight peck on the cheek. Besides I was doing Charley a favor. He needed another couple to double with on his first day with Jane."

Realization hit Lizzy like a Mac truck full of bricks. She was stunned. "That was YOU???" (of course the gentle reader realizes the fact that Jane and Lizzy are sisters and Charley and Will are best friends, so I will not bore you with the sordid details.) "You were the one who was there that night? You? I thought I had seen you before. Now I can place you. That is so weird....." Lizzy trailed off in her revelation. (please forgive your humble author, she went off on a tangent, but it worked.)

Lizzy sat in her stunned silence for a moment or two. Will and George looked on in amusement and concern. Finally Lizzy partially awoke from her state and stare, and motioned for George to continue.

"Finally we are at the fun part. What is your favorite color? Lizzy, your turn."

"White........did I just say that? No, I meant to say Burgundy. The color of the mulberry scented candles. I don't know why, I guess it is just a really elegant color in my opinion."

Will was slightly taken aback by Lizzy's faux pas. White was the color of his t-shirt, he thought, not a little confused.

"Will?" George seemed to be making a concerted effort to pull Will back into the conversation. She was doing this way too much, and it was a marvelous thing.

"UH, hmm... I would have to say the color of a clear sky at night, when it is so dark blue that it is almost black. It makes the stars stand out so much better."

"Hmmmmm. I never knew that Will." George answered her brother. "Now for the really fun stuff... I will say two things and you have to repeat the things that you prefer. Got IT????? OK. Dogs or cats?"

Lizzy: "Dogs."

Will: "Dogs."

"OK. Boxers or briefs?"

Lizzy: "Boxers, definitely."

Will: "Ditto."

"Hmmmmm Oreo's or Tollhouse?"

Lizzy: "Tollhouse, especially when they are hot from the oven."

Will: "Oreo's."

"Strawberry or Chocolate?"

Lizzy: "CHOCOLATE most definitely."

Will: "Agreed, Chocolate."

"Summer or Winter?"

Lizzy: "Winter."

Will: "Summer."

"Coffee or tea?"

Lizzy: "Tea."

Will: "Tea."

"Okay this one is tricky... Godiva or Ghiradelli?"

Lizzy: "Definitely Ghiradelli, I cannot usually afford Godiva."

Will: "Godiva."

"Crunchy or smooth peanut butter?"

Lizzy: "CRUNCHY!!! Super chunky rules!"

Will: "Smooth."

"Snowball fights or puddle jumping?"

Lizzy: "Snowball fights."

Will: "Puddle jumping."

"Candles or moonlight?"

Lizzy: "Moonlight."

Will: "Definitely moonlight."

"Okay, last one... roses or wildflowers?"

Lizzy: "Wildflowers without a doubt."

Will: "Roses."

While this playful interrogation was going on, the thoughts of our hero and heroine, were strikingly dissimilar. Lizzy was thinking, He is just not as romantic as I had him pegged for. While Darcy was thinking, Wow... we have so much in common.

While these two were occupied, George slipped out to use the little girl's room. (Do not laugh gentle reader, for that is what the sign on the door said. Yet another attribute to the eccentric owner himself, Blotto.) She realized in horror, when she got to the little girls room, that she had left her notebook wide open on the table. Neither party had noticed that she did not take any notes through the whole interview. She desperately hoped that they would not notice now... She heaved a huge sigh of relief that this part of the day was over and quickly made her way back to the table. After of course washing her hands.

She did not know what to expect. But what she saw was truly shocking. Not to mention delightful.

Chapter 7

As soon as George had left the table and there was no more input from her, the PWNotion attacked with a vengeance that had never been beheld before.

"What in the name of Sam Hill do you think you are doing here? SOOOOoooooooo what if she has a few of the same measly interests as you do? Is she anything like me? NNNNnnnoooooooooooooooooooooooooo... I DON'T THINK SO! So what that she likes some of the same books and authors as you do. There are much more important things to think about. Like, for instance, does she have my legs; you know the ones that don't quit? Hmmm Nope. She is so short that she only comes up to your chest. Does she have the beautiful blonde hair like I do? Let me see..... Nope! It can best be described as the color of mud after a rain... Nah that doesn't do it justice... Maybe...hmmmmm.... Ahhhh, the color of a cow pie after a rain... Yup, that is it... The color of cow flop after a rain. Isn't that a nice analogy...? Well, one thing is for certain, this chick has got to go. She will only do you wrong.... Can't you see that???? She is only after you for your money. Ooopppsss, did I say that so you could hear me???? Well, never mind, she is not what you want. You want someone who will look good on your arm. Some one who will never challenge you. Someone who will always be at your beck and call. Someone who will know how to act in the level of society in which we belong... Someone who will be able to bring class and taste to your lovely mansion, I mean home and well, you need... Some one like...ME!"

All the while this one-sided skirmish was going on, Darcy just sat there with his head in his hands as his elbows rested on the table. He looked completely and utterly despaired.

Lizzy, being the kind and sensitive soul that she is, not knowing what else to do, put her arm around his shoulders and asked him what was wrong.

Darcy, electrified by Lizzy's caring touch, just about broke into a fit of sobbing. His head hurt with all of the tormenting and abuse that he had just received. His head also hurt with all of the tormenting and abuse that the stupid notion had just heaped upon the woman of his dreams. How could he actually let her know what was going on inside his head without lying to her or suffering an aneurysm? He was not quite sure what to do, so he did the next best thing. He fibbed, not really, just not the entire truth. After all what would Lizzy think if her told her the absolute and honest truth...Heh, just so you don't worry, I am having an internal battle over my feelings for you. I want to like you and get to know you, but my internalized notion of a perfect woman is not allowing me to do so. Criminy, she would think me a complete imbecile! No, I will just tell her that I am suffering from an acute and incurable head disorder. That should do the trick. Yeah right, she is smart enough to get out of here right quick if I tell her the truth.

"I am sorry to alarm you, but I seem to be having a severe headache. I think it has to do with a situation that I am dealing with." Darcy seemed to be pleased with his answer to her query about himself. Considering he had not actually vocalized the thoughts he had just been having, he considered this act as a major accomplishment. With all that was going on in his brain at this time, he was not sure how much longer he could go on without revealing his inner conflicts. He was sure that at one point or another he would actually yell, out loud, his acerbic responses to his PWNotion, that nasty creation that was now the bane of his existence, not to mention a real pain in the nether regions.

Lizzy was a little taken aback by his answer. Not too much as to prompt her to remove her arm. She was aware of the delight she was feeling in so casual a contact with this very intriguing man. So, she left her arm where it was and asked him the next logical question. "Is there anything that I could get you for your immediate relief?"

Realizing that George had reappeared at the table, Darcy quickly straightened up and requested an aspirin. Darcy did not want his baby sister, whom he was beginning to realize was not so much of a baby anymore, to see him in this vulnerable state. As he straightened up, he was aware of the sensation of Lizzy's arm being removed from around his shoulders and was immediately regretful of that action. So in an effort to maintain contact, he made a surreptitious grab for her hand under the table.

Lizzy was pleasantly surprised by the clandestine grope for her hand, and willingly allowed it to be held under the table. However, it was not the nicey, nicey romantic kind of handholding. (You know, the caresses and the little movement of the fingers and all) She began to realize that is was more of a desperate grip on the reality of her person. Not knowing exactly what to do, she gripped his hand with the same force as he had hers. She knew that she would have to let go in order to get Darcy the aspirin he had requested, but was not in a hurry to do so.

Eventually it was Darcy who broke contact first. His head was beginning to throb most annoyingly at this point and he made a pleasant second request for aspirin.

Lizzy responded quickly and gave him some of the aspirin that she had stashed in her backpack. Darcy swallowed them with a quick drink and replaced his hand in hers under the table. This time the grip was a little less threatening, more of a grip of relief, than of lost reality...

George had witnessed all of this clandestine carrying on and decided she had better excuse herself from this situation in some way. "I just remembered, I have a special session with my music tutor. If I don't leave now I will be late and you know how Maestro Williams gets when you are late, don't you Will?" George gathered her things and beat a hasty retreat out of Blotto's Grotto, leaving Will and Lizzy in a state of confusion.

George was ecstatic! She could not believe the progress that had been made so far. She knew that there were more battles to come, but this huge hurdle of getting them properly introduced had been a major triumph for her. As she left, she did not care who saw her do her happy dance right in the middle of the street. She did not give a flying leap! She had succeeded in her plot to get the two most important people in her life to communicate. "Yeeeeeehhhhaaaaaaawwwww!" Oops, was that out loud??? She danced down the street humming and occasionally singing the words to the B-52's song, 'C O M M U N I C A T E'.*

Lizzy was left with Will at the table. She did not know exactly what to do... she was still quivering inside a little from the digital contact she maintained with Will. Finally, realizing that she had to do something, in order to ensure that she would see this man again, she repeated her invitation to her commencement ceremonies to will. Gathering her wits, as well as her intestinal fortitude, she spoke out, "I do not know if George informed you, but I graduate from the University this weekend. I asked George if she could come, and she got pretty excited about it. She also mentioned that you would probably have to take her...do you mind doing that? I would love to have you there as well. My father will be there, but my mom and younger sisters will be at a Roller Derby match. Go Figure. Anyway, I think I am rambling now, but the invitation still stands..."
Lizzy realized that she, indeed, was rambling, not something she usually did. Must be the effect of the digital contact she had with Will under the table. She was hoping that she did not sound too much like the air-headed girls that she despised so much.

What astonished her was the fact that Will's face literally lit up. "I think that would be a wonderful idea. George really looks up to you and wants to be like you. She has told me that herself. I, personally, would love to go. Then we will all go out together after the ceremonies and get a bite to eat or something." Darcy surprised himself with the blunt invitation he had just given. Not that going out with Lizzy, her father and George after the ceremony would be bad, just that he was not the kind of guy to act on the spur of the moment. But he just had and it felt kinda good.

Not knowing what the week would bring, and if Lizzy would contact him with the particulars of the graduation, Will mustered up what was left of his mind and courage and said, "Lizzy, please do not think me too forward, but in order to get the information for the graduation ceremonies, I will most likely need your telephone number." There, I did it, thinks Will. Hoping for the best, but fearing the worst, Will sat there and awaited Lizzy's response.

Lizzy, knowing that this is what she wanted as well, slowly dug through her ever-present backpack and found one of the old fashioned calling cards she still had. (Jane and Lizzy thought they were too cool a number of years back and ordered a set of 100 a-piece. Lizzy still had a majority of them left, and always carried some in her backpack for emergencies and contingencies such as this one.) She presented Will with the calling card and gave him a smile that would have you bouncing off the walls, it was so sweet.

Will graciously and almost reverently took the card from her hand and thanked her with the "Look." Lizzy almost melted off her naugahyde seat and slopped onto the floor.

Somewhere in the distance was heard the line from the immortal movie CASABLANCA "...this looks like the beginning of a beautiful friendship..."

· *B-52's COMMUNICATE from Bouncing Off Satellites

Chapter 8

Graduation...

Today was Lizzy's college commencement ceremonies. She had been out of school and out of work for the last week and was not sure of her future at all. Will and George had accepted her invitation to be present at her graduation; this had made her extremely pleased. Her father was also to be in attendance, but her sisters and her mother were not to be there. It happened that her two youngest sisters had an "all important" roller derby meet and her mother, having always like them best, was to be in the stands screeching her encouragement. (Imagine if you will, dear reader ROLLER DERBY. In this day and age... that in itself should have indicated to all that the younger sisters of Lizzy were, indeed a lost cause.) Lizzy was not in the least bit upset about this, due to the fact that Will and George and her father were to be there. These 3 people were of the 4 most important people in her life. The 4th person, Jane, was fulfilling her lifelong dream of touring Europe on foot. The last postcard Lizzy had received from Jane had stated succinctly... "..Am having a wonderful time... met a great guy ... think I am in love... am heartsick at missing your graduation...I love you and miss you so much...your Jane."

Lizzy knew that Jane meant what she said about not being here for graduation, but was slightly puzzled by the rest of the terse missive. Oh well, she figured Jane was a big girl and could take care of herself. Jane was not one to fall in and out of love at the drop of a hat. Lizzy knew that once Jane said she was in love, it was probably forever. She pondered this for a few moments and finally centered herself on the task in front of her.

Lizzy figured she had better get ready, so she picked out her clothing carefully. She wanted to look good even if her outfit would be covered by that nasty cap and gown getup that she had to wear. (It was after all a nasty maroon type color and she really hated maroon) Lizzy dressed and dug the cap and gown ensemble out of her closet and shrugged. In a fit of lunacy, she yanked out her mortarboard and taped the words, "Hi Will" on the top in thin masking tape. She was not entirely sure how Will would react, but she felt that with the recognition, he would.

As she was getting dressed, she reflected on the week that had just passed. She thought about the 'interview' that George had recently admitted was a sham. George had admitted to trying to play matchmaker, with somewhat pleasing results. Lizzy was glad that George thought enough of her and her brother to try and get them together. Lizzy also appreciated the effort. Although she had been out of school and work for the past week, she was by no means idle. She and Will, and sometimes George, had been out to lunch once or twice. Will had also taken her to the movies (George tagged along so it was not a date exactly, but a beginning.) There was also the nasty task of trying to find another meaningful job.

Lizzy knew that her money was going to run out soon. She was starting to get a mite on the desperate side. This week alone she had been to 10 job interviews and filled out numerous more applications. She had been to the local copy shop so many times to make copies of her resume that the guys and gals in there actually knew her by name. Lizzy knew that her situation was not one where there was no silver lining. She knew that at the drop of a hat, she could have a job in any 'service' industry position that was to be had. She, however, had no desire to go back into that line of work. (and personally the humble author has no reason to disagree with her...) There was the perfect job out there waiting for her, she just had to find it. There was really no hope of it to just fall from the sky and into her lap. Feeling that she had dwelt too long on this line of thought for the day of graduation, she focused her mind on other more pleasant things. (like what Will had been wearing the night he took her to the movie...... gads he had looked incredible in that black turtleneck shirt and black jeans.............(she could hardly keep the drool from oozing out of the corners of her mouth, even in the dark theatre)..... ) (here the humble author wishes to thank Julie for her input....and what a thought it was....)

Lizzy began to analyze her feelings for Will. He was gorgeous, to be sure, and she was physically attracted to him. Who wouldn't be? What with the height and the breadth and, well the whole package was simply marvelous. She sat in blissful concentration of the attributes that a fine set of pecs would cause in most women. She felt a strong connection with Will. They shared a few similar interests, and those points they did not agree on would always be a good thing to remember when the conversation waned. But, and this was a big but, he had barely opened up to her. Lizzy had shared with him some of her interests. She had not really opened wide the door to her mind and her heart, but she was sure she had done more than Will had.

She knew that a week was very little time to come to the realization that one was totally head over heals in love with another. .....But then again, she remembered one of the lines in one of the books by her favorite author...

"It is not time or opportunity that is to determine intimacy, it is disposition alone. Seven years would be insufficient to make some people acquainted with each other and seven days are more than enough for others." *

At the precise moment that Lizzy was reminiscing about this quote our hero was in his own bedroom engaged in a similar line of thought.

Will was excited about the commencement ceremony that he was to attend. He wanted to meet the man in Lizzy's life that most influenced her. He also was nervous. Just exactly how is one supposed to act as the 'particular friend' of the graduating party? He knew that Lizzy wanted him there, but was not entirely sure that her father would welcome him.

He began to analyze the 'relationship' he had with Lizzy. Hmmmm, those eyes got him every time. She was attractive enough, to be sure, but she also had that accomplished look and feel about her. Yes, he did find her physically attractive, what with the height (or lack thereof) and the proportions.... (okay... he is now getting into dangerous territory and it is the humble author's duty to save him from it...) Sure, he wanted to get to know her better. Sure, he wanted to open up and let her know all about him. Sure, he wanted to actually ask her out on a 'real date'. But, he was not sure he could handle the fallout from that nasty, icky thing in his subconscious mind that kept rearing its ugly head at the least opportune times. His heart knew, that the beautiful (yes, that is now what he thought of her) young woman who possessed those incredible eyes was the one he would eventually end up spending the rest of his life with. His heart also knew that the path to such lasting and wonderful bliss would not be an easy one.

His mind, (that part not occupied by the PWNotion) figured that this somewhat pretty woman with the intriguing eyes, was worth a second, third and maybe even a fourth look. After that his mind knew that it would be over and she would be his. (The humble author wishes to point out here that Mr. Darcy's mind is a little off track... thinking that after a few looks she would be his... I am so sure...... well at least we know his heart is in the right place.)

However the part occupied by the PWNotion was not going to stand for this at all.....

"THE NERVE OF THAT STREET URCHIN ASKING YOU TO ATTEND HER GRADUATION!!! WHY, SHE ISN'T EVEN GRADUATING FROM A REPUTABLE INSTITUTION LIKE ME.... I GRADUATED FROM VASSAR!!!! I WAS EVEN NEAR THE TOP OF MY CLASS!!! HOW CAN YOU EVEN BEGIN TO CONSIDER GIVING THIS TROLLOP A SECOND THOUGHT??? YOU, WHO ARE SO MUCH ABOVE HER. YOU, WHO ARE WORTHY OF ROYALTY. YOU, WHO ARE MORE DESERVING OF SOMEONE, SOMEONE WITTY, INTELLIGENT, GRACEFUL, BLUE-BLOODED, ...... WELL COME TO THINK OF IT, SOMEONE, ... HECK SOMEONE LIKE ME!!!!! YOU KNOW THAT I WOULD LOOK SO VERY GOOD HANGING ON YOUR ARM AS WELL AS HANGING ON YOUR EVERY WORD... I COULD MAKE YOU HAPPY... YOU DON'T NEED A WOMAN LIKE HER, YOU NEED ME.........."

Will sat reeling after this tirade. He was feeling the full effects of this one-sided skirmish immensely. Knowing he had very little time to get to Lizzy's graduation, he made a quick detour to the medicine cabinet in his private bathroom and opened one of the myriad bottles of headache medicine. He began to wonder if his company owned any stock in any of the companies that manufactured his sustenance, and decided first thing Monday morning to find out. After all if he did own any one of those particular stocks, all the better. And if he didn't, he was sure to make that a priority. Shaking himself loose from the holds of these thoughts, he began to realize that his time was running out. He did not want to make a lousy impression on the father of his future wife, by showing up late to her graduation. Then his mind wandered to a more pleasant thought, the graduation present he was seriously thinking of giving her.

See, George wanted to spend the summer in Europe. And being of the mind that this would broaden her horizons, Will was in total agreement, not to mention compliance with George's desire. However, he had long been despairing of finding a suitable traveling companion to send with her. That is, until now. Will knew that Lizzy would make a wonderful travel companion for George. Now, the only problem was how to present this 'present' to Lizzy in a way that she would be willing and happy to accept.

Seeing that time was growing slimmer, Will hollered at George to meet him at the front door and then they left, to attend the graduation of a very, very special friend.

authors note... I have only been to 2 college graduations... my sisters in the spring of 1984 and my husbands in December of 1992.... So please bear with me in my description of Lizzy's graduation ceremony...

Will and George finally met up with Lizzy and Mr. Bennet outside the auditorium. Will wondered quietly about the way her father was dressed. Mr. Bennet was clad in a pair of blue jeans, a t-shirt underneath a black sport coat, topped off by a large dark trench coat.

Lizzy noticed the constricted look on Will's face and made a quick mental note to keep him away from her younger sisters. It would not do to have those two floozies waltzing in and parading around. (don't get me wrong fair reader, Lizzy loved her sisters, well, because she had to....but, that did not mean that she exposed her friends to their unseemly behavior. Lizzy loved her dad dearly, and her mom as well, but her younger sisters left much to be desired.

Lizzy soon left the happy little group to join up with her fellow graduates. Mr. Bennet, Will and George were left to enter the auditorium and find their seats. Mr. Bennet led them up to a far corner, where the sounds of the music echoed and their line of sight was unhindered. He knew that Lizzy would be able to spot them. They were barely seated when the strains of Pomp and Circumstance coloured the air. your humble author will never again be able to listen to the wonderful music of Pomp and Circumstance without images of Donald Duck playing Noah from Fantasia 2000, courtesy of Disney! ( in extremely sarcastic tone of voice) As the graduates filed in, Will was surprised to see the missive taped to the top of Lizzy's mortarboard. There were other small messages on the other mortarboards, but Will was extremely pleased and, okay, flattered by the mere thought that went to the one on Lizzy's head. Mr. Bennet caught Will's small smile and figured he better get to know the man who had usurped his own position as favorite male in his favorite daughters, life a little better.

Commencement ceremonies being what they are, the speakers droned on about life after college and entering "the real world" and the like, with no one really paying any attention until it was time to start handing out the diploma's. As it is with most graduations, the masters and doctorate degrees were awarded first. This is the time when Will was completely shocked and surprised. It seemed as if they had waited for hours before Lizzy's name was called out. (when in all actuality it had only been less than ten minutes, because as we all know Bennet begins with B and that IS the second letter of the alphabet.)

When Lizzy's name was called out, Will, as stated before, was surprised and shocked... Lizzy was receiving her masters' degree in (trite, I know) business management. What happened next would leave Will and George speechless, not to mention deaf, for quite a while... As soon as Lizzy had received her diploma, Mr. Bennet pulled from his trench coat a small air horn and let off two long blasts. Now sitting where they were, sound carried and carried and echoed and echoed....you get the point. Lizzy looked up at the origin of that incredibly loud blast and found her dad waving frantically... as soon as he saw that she was watching, along with the rest of the crowd, he whipped open the sport coat and bared his t-shirt which bore the saying WAY TO GO LIZZY!!!, in bright letters. Once Lizzy saw this, instead of hiding in shame, she made a long and theatrical bow to her father and her guests. Then, with her head held high, she made her way off the stage and out of the auditorium.

Meanwhile up in the ramparts, the security guards finally made their way, huffing and puffing to where Mr. Bennet and his guests sat. Mr. Bennet was elated at the response to his outpouring of pride for his daughter. Will and George sat in stunned, not to mention deaf, silence. The security guards, upon reaching Mr. Bennet, found him to be willing to comply with their orders to remove him from the premises. Will and George, mindlessly followed along. Once outside, they met up with Lizzy, who ran into her father's arms with tears in her eyes. (tears of joy, you ask????, no, she was laughing so hard she was crying.....) Mr. Bennet enveloped her in a great bear hug and twirled with her around the courtyard where they had been banished. Will and George still hung back in stunned, and might I add still deaf, silence. When finally the shock of the whole situation wore off, George was the first one to act. She ran up to Lizzy and gave her a great big hug, whispering in her ear that she was very proud of Lizzy. (she was whispering, because she still doubted that she would be able to speak in a normal way after being so close to the origin of the air horn blast....she was playing it safe...) Will, patiently waited his turn to congratulate Lizzy. He offered his hand to shake hers and when he spoke, he failed to remember his proximity to the blast and ended up shouting his heartfelt praises.

Lizzy, calmly placed her arms around his neck and gave him a big hug as well. This shocked and pleased Will beyond belief. To have her so close and actually willingly touching him, well, there were no words to describe his elation. However, that elation was extremely short lived. Enter, again, that haranguing PWNOTION.

"DID YOU GET A GLIMPSE OF THE IMPROPRIETY OF HER FAMILY??? WELL... DID YOU?????? HER FATHER MADE A PUBLIC SPECTACLE OF HIMSELF! HE WAS ESCORTED FROM THE BUILDING BY THOSE GREASY RENT-A-COP TYPES!!!!! AND YOU... YOU LET YOURSELF BE ESCORTED OUT AS WELL!!! HOW CAN I LIVE WITH YOU AFTER THAT??? YOU HAVE NOT ONLY HUMILIATED ME... YOU HAVE HUMILIATED YOURSELF AS WELL!!!

AND "THOSE EYES"...WHICH YOU NOW CALL.....IT PUTS A BAD TASTE IN MY MOUTH EVEN TO SAY THE NAME........LIZZY.........UGH! PTWTHAT!!!! I FEEL LIKE SOMEONE PUT LITTLE WOOLLY SOCKS ON MY TEETH AFTER SAYING THAT NAME!!!!! YUCK!!!! (I CAN'T BELIEVE I JUST SAID THAT!)....DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE DECENCY OR POISE TO EVEN PRETEND SHE WAS EMBARRASSED! SHE EVEN TOOK A BOW!!! HOW CAN YOU EVEN STAND TO LET HER TOUCH YOU?????????"

Here the PWNOTION was gripped with the ugly realization that she was losing her grip on Will's mind. It frightened her and caused her to let out a string of obscenities (which for the sake of the humble authors ears and eyes will not be related here) that shocked the PWNOTION herself into silence.

Now, having the PWNOTION shocked into silence was a very good thing. You see, when Will was struck by this latest assault, his grip on Lizzy had tightened. Meaning, his body had tensed during the onslaught. When the silence echoed in his brain, Will was suddenly thrust back into the reality that most normal people seem to occupy and realized the impropriety of his prolonged and rather tight hug. Finding himself the object of both Mr. Bennet's and George's stares he quickly released his hold on Lizzy and stammered and mumbled his way through what should have been a short apology.

"Lizzy, I uh... um.... sorry , about um that....uh...I guess I um got um...how to say...kinda.. um uh...lost in the um the uh... moment. Sorry."

Both Lizzy and George, who had witnessed these rifts in Will's reality, were not too shocked. But Mr. Bennet, who had not the privilege of witnessing these lapses before now, sort of glared at him in that protective way that fathers have...

"How dare you take that kind of liberty with my daughter," Mr. Bennet blurted out. "Poppa, calm down," Lizzy whispered in his ear once she had regained her composure. "He is just having another one of his headaches. I have seen it before. They come upon him at the most unusual times. I hope nothing is seriously wrong with him."

Mr. Bennet seemed to accept Lizzy's explanation. Lizzy inwardly sighed with relief.

"So where shall we all go for a celebratory dinner?" Lizzy asked, breaking the silence of the group. "I feel like, hmmmm, celebrating!!! After all, there are not many Master's degree graduates who are as young, and talented and marketable as I am right now!!! Let's go someplace fun! Hmmmm, I know... Let's do lunch at __________ and then go to the Fun Park!!!!! That sounds absolutely FABU!!!"

Lizzy's enthusiasm spread like wildfire to her father and George. Will, however, was having second thoughts. How would he be able to suggest his trip/present to all of them in a noisy crowded restaurant, let alone, in an amusement park? Well, it was only lunchtime. Maybe he could convince the Bennet duo to join himself and George for a nice quiet, reserved dinner. But, he, judging from the enthusiastic way the trio before him were heading for the cars, began to doubt that anything having to do with the father and daughter would ever be quiet and reserved.......

Lizzy, noticing that Will was lagging far behind, turned back and shouted, "Hurry up slow poke!!!"

Will, realizing that he was holding up this motley procession broke into a jog and finally caught up with them at Lizzy's car.

Seeing no logic in taking three separate cars, Will suggested that he would be willing to pick all of them up at their respective homes within an hour. With some hemming and hawing, on the side of Mr. Bennet, all finally agreed to this scheme and split up to their own cars.

Will and George sped home to change. Will, never having been to an amusement park before in his life, stopped George at the door of her room... "What does one wear to a fun park????" George actually thought he was kidding, and started to laugh. When she saw that he wasn't she suggested comfort. "Wear jeans and a t-shirt. It's gonna be fun. Don't worry."

When the siblings had changed and were finally underway, Will brought up the suggestion of a nice quiet dinner celebration for the four of them, to George. He wanted George to be the one to suggest it to the Bennets and she reluctantly agreed. She was more interested in how to get Lizzy and Will together, alone.

The siblings picked up Lizzy and with her guidance made their way to her parent's house. Will was surprised at the sight of where Lizzy grew up. It wasn't a large house, but it was roomy and comfortable looking. Lizzy told Will to honk the horn twice that was she and her father's special signal. (Thus the correlation with the air horn blasts at graduation) Will did as he was told and shortly thereafter her father came bounding out of the house with the enthusiasm and excitement of a ten-year-old on his first trip to Disney World.

As soon as Mr. Bennet got settled in the car, Lizzy cried "Off to Mickey D's!!!"

Chapter 9

Lizzy was asking each person what they wanted to eat. Knowing her father well enough she went ahead and ordered for him. "let's see. We'll have a #2 and 2 #6's and , hey Will, what do you want?" "Wait. I want 2 chicken mcnugget happy meals, with coke. Take off the 2 # 6's. And then, whatever he wants." This last being said with a point in Will's general vicinity.

"I'll have a #2 as well." Will felt that there was not much that a person could do to sabotage a cheeseburger. (ahh.... If only he really knew...) As the cashier repeated their order, Will and Mr. Bennet pulled out their wallets, simultaneously. With a sidelong glance at Will, Mr. Bennet proceeded to pay the tab and went to get his drink. The girls had already gotten theirs and were looking for a table where they all could sit.

Will waited at the counter for the food, by the time it was ready, he had scanned the restaurant to locate the rest of his party. They were laughing and joking together. It made Will feel like part of a family again, albeit a strange one, but a family nonetheless. As soon as he set the tray down on the table, Lizzy began doling out the food.

"Ahh... man.... No bar b cue sauce.... Need mayo and salt too." Lizzy whined. George, knowing how much Lizzy needed and wanted her goo mixture with her fries and nuggets, volunteered to go back up to the counter to get the condiments. In her absence, Mr. Bennet commented on how neat a kid George was and how he wished that his youngest two were more like her. Lizzy added her two cents worth along the same lines and then quickly stopped when George sat back down at the table....

Will, hearing the compliments from Lizzy and her dad, was, shall we say, just a little puffed up. Will had tried his best to raise George as well as he could, being both mother and father to her when the needs arose. He had done a good job, in his own opinion and was really rather gratified to hear someone other than Mrs. Reynolds say so. Their meal was progressing nicely when Will started to get that all too familiar headache once again.
He put his head in his hands and began to wish that he were alone in his room, so he could groan and yell loudly. As it was, he was not even sure he was not groaning aloud.

"HOW CAN YOU EVEN CONDESCEND TO EAT THIS GARBAGE THAT 'THOSE EYES' CALLS FOOD. AND HER FATHER.... I MEAN REALLY, COMPLIMENTING YOUR SISTER AND THEN COMPARING HER WITH HIS OWN DAUGHTERS... THERE IS NO COMPARISON. I MEAN GEORGE IS A SWEET GIRL AND ALL, BUT SHE IS RATHER TOO SHY. SHE WILL NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GIVE HER TO MAKE HER MORE COMFORTABLE AMONGST OUR OWN KIND. AND SPEAKING OF OUR OWN KIND... WHAT IN THE NAME OF BLUE BLAZES DO YOU THINK YOU ARE DOING BACK HERE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU HAVE ACTUALLY LOWERED YOURSELF TO BE SEEN AMONG THE COMMON FOLK... IF THAT IS WHAT THEY MIGHT BE CALLED. AND 'THOSE EYES', HAVE YOU SEEN THAT SHE IS EATING WITH HER FINGERS????? AND SHE IS EATING A CHILD'S MEAL. AND THAT DISGUSTING GOO... YUCK... WHAT IS IT ANYWAY THAT 'THOSE EYES' IS DIPPING HER MOLDED CHICKEN THINGY INTO ANYWAY???? THAT IS JUST PLAIN DISGUSTING!!! YOU NEED TO GET OUT OF HERE! AND BY THE WAY... WHAT IS THIS I HEARD ABOUT YOU ALL GOING TO SOME SORT OF "fun park"????? JUST WHAT IS A "fun park" ANYWAY????? IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING THAT THE LOWER CLASSES DO SINCE THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO FLY OFF TO HAWAII OR BERMUDA.............HMMMMMMM DOESN'T THAT SOUND LOVELY.. HAWAII OR BERMUDA... YOU AND ME.... ALL ALONE.... LYING ON THE BEACH.........ON OUR HONEYMOON.........WHAT??? DON'T YOU LEAVE ME NOW... WHEN WE WERE DOING SO WELL...... I TELL YOU, YOU DON'T DESERVE TRAILER TRASH LIKE HER, WHEN I AM SO READY AND WILLING TO MAKE YOU THE HAPPIEST MAN ON EARTH!!!!!!!!" (where did that come from??!?!?!??!?!?!?)

All through the latest onslaught from his PWNotion, Will had been aware of a hand on his arm and one kind of gently rubbing the back of his neck. But with this last statement from the PWNotion, he could not but help to shudder in revulsion. Lizzy dropped her hand as soon as she felt the shudder. She could not help but wonder if that shudder was directed at her.

When Will felt the fingers leave his neck, he quickly looked to Lizzy and apologized and said with a rather shaky voice, "It was not you, just a very scary mental image." He was having a tremendously difficult time removing the image of a beach and his PWNotion and all... from his tormented mind. (who wouldn't be riled out of their wits, what with the PWNOTION in a swimsuit on a beach.... Wow what a way to ruin a perfectly good beach scene... and a marriage, with that harpy????? Unthinkable!!!!!) It would be just like that blasted notion to go and ruin his day by planting a subliminal picture like that.

Will had made it back from his momentary lapse of reality and was watching George and Lizzy eat. They were dipping their fries and nuggets in a mixture that just by looking at it, made him feel queasy. Lizzy noticed his gaze and invited him to try it. "Working here, the selection gets really old after a while, so you experiment and make new things... thus my sauce... It really is very good. My dad even likes it.... And usually his attitude is, IF IT ISN'T RANCH, IT DON'T GET ET." This elicited a slight snicker from both her dad and George. Will just blankly stared at Lizzy. "Go on, try it."

Will grabbed one of his rapidly cooling fries and dipped into Lizzy's concoction. After putting it into his mouth, and wishing all the while that it was Lizzy doing the feeding and not just himself, he came to the conclusion that the sauce concoction of Lizzy's was actually very good. He smiled as he swallowed and asked Lizzy, "Mind if I have some more?"

Lizzy was shocked. George was flabbergasted and Mr. Bennet just shook with silent laughter. George was the first to finally find her tongue. "You mean you liked that Will?"

"Yeah, what is the problem with that? I mean, I know that I usually do not try a lot of new things, but this is actually quite good. Yes, I do like it." Will responded.

Lizzy, whose tastes ran more along the lines of Hamburger Helper and the like, was starting to giggle. George, who was more often than not in quiet awe of her brother, looked quite aghast at Will. Lizzy could not help but giggle.

As soon as they had all calmed down, and Mr. Bennet had stopped shaking, they finished their meal. Then, Lizzy announced it was time to get moving. "Daylights a'wastin!" she lost no time clearing the table and tossing the garbage out. Then she retrieved her cup and refilled it with the ambrosia from the gods. (Dr. Pepper) As she was starting out the door, (remember, she was just slightly excited) she realized the rest of her group was still seated around the table with no sign of being ready to leave. She turned on her heel and stalked over to four of the five most important people in her life, and said, "Alright you slowpokes, let's get the lead out! I am not getting any younger or more patient. I do want to get to the park before it closes."

Finally with a snicker from all still seated, they began, with painstaking and exaggerated slowness, to rise from the table and move towards the doors. Lizzy finally realized that they were just funning with her and punched her dad good-naturedly on the arm. "What was that for?" he asked, "It wasn't my idea this time. So there."

Not entirely sure whose idea it was, after the usual prankster had been ruled out, she glanced at the two remaining people in her group. Both George and Will were just about choking on their laughter. Lizzy, knowing she had been defeated and deflated, sorta, threw up her hands in resignation and stalked out to the car. Mr. Bennet congratulated both Will and George. "Lizzy is not usually stumped in a prank like this. She usually knows that is me, being the prankster. You did a very good job." With this statement, he high fives George and tries to do the same to Will, (one must remember Will's very sober upbringing...) only to find him absolutely clueless about the whole procedure. This sets both George and Mr. Bennet off into another round of riotous laughter. By this time the whole restaurant is looking at this trio standing near the doors.

Will figures if he is to save any last shred of dignity that he might have remaining, a hasty retreat to the car is in order. He walks out the door. Mr. Bennet and George are still giggling inside and finally regain control of themselves and exit Mickey D's and proceed to the car. Will was thinking to himself that he had finally lost IT. Not that he ever knew that he needed IT, just that now he was aware that IT was something that he could not find. Not even sure what IT was, he wasn't even sure what he was looking for.... This train of thought left him with nothing to do but laugh at himself, which he promptly and vivaciously did.

After making sure that everyone was settled in the car, George and Lizzy in the back and Mr. Bennet in the shotgun seat, which he had very loudly called from the exit of Mickey D's, Will asked directions to the fun park . These instructions were duly given by Mr. Bennet and then duly followed by Will.

Not knowing what to expect from a "fun park", and wanting to start some conversation, Will asked what could he expect to find at this destination. Lizzy was the first to speak up. "William Q. Darcy, you have never been to a fun park before? And you are how old??????" Lizzy could hardly stifle her giggles. It was only by biting her tongue that she managed to keep silent.

Will mumbled, "Thirty", into his hand and exclaimed (without his hand in the way), "How on earth did you come up with that middle initial?" His face had taken on a pinkish hue that Lizzy could see in the rear view mirror. By this time the whole car had erupted into uncontrollable laughter. Mr. Bennet, himself having been to the park numerous times with his two eldest daughters, was laughing so hard he was crying. George, who had been initiated into the clandestine world of fun parks by Lizzy herself, and knew that Q actually was Will's middle initial, was giggling so hard she had to roll down the window for a breeze to cool herself off. Lizzy, not knowing that she had hit the nail on the head, so to say, was practically rolling around the back seat.

Lizzy remembered that pink hue that Will's face had turned and thought to herself, 'hmmmmmmm... he can be humbled...intimidated... and embarrassed??????? This is a good thing to remember...' (Little did she know how humbled, intimidated and embarrassed he would become.....)

By the time they reached the parking lot of the amusement park, the laughter had subsided just a bit. Once into their parking space, they all tumbled (literally) out of the car and stood holding their sides, where they were beginning to get cramps from laughing so much. Our intrepid thrill seekers finally made their way to the gates. Will pulled out his wallet and stood in the ticket line, while the others walked slowly to the gates.

Will wondered how much he would have to lay out in order to get the park to stay open late and let no other adventurers in. The thought was a good one... but held a fatal flaw... how to get all the others in the park out ????? He asked. He was given an answer of an ungodly amount of money. His next question however was a little more practical...how much to keep the park open for an extra hour or two with only his group in attendance? This answer was a little less ungodly, and therefore stood a better chance than the first. So will dug deeper into his wallet and forked over (yeah, I know... Will would never FORK over anything... just humor me....) the required payment...(okay... it is a little far-fetched, but this is my story and he will need the extra time..... just wait and humor me some more...)

Will handed out the tickets to his merry little party. They did not know about the extra benefits they would receive from our extra generous Mr. Darcy, but they were about to find out.

The young person taking tickets, looked at the slips of paper he had been handed and was at a loss as to what to do. "I haven't seen these since the last time the owner had a private party!", he exclaimed, "Have a great time!!!"

Lizzy, George and Mr. Bennet were a little taken aback at the ticket takers outburst. Having absolutely no clue as to what it meant, they merrily went along their way...

Once inside the fun park, Lizzy and George began speaking excitedly to one another regarding which ride to go on first. George had it in her mind to throw, (literally, in some instances,) Will and Lizzy together as much as possible. She knew that she would have to play her cards close in order for this scheme to work out to her desired conclusion...so she decided that the so-called "barf rides" would have to wait awhile. Unfortunately, this was not to be so.

Lizzy wanted to ride the roller coaster. Mr. Bennet was not opposed to this, neither was George, however, Will began to show some trepidation. "Don't tell me, 'Mr. I have seen the world', that you have never been on a roller coaster?" Lizzy could barely hold in her shock and amusement. (after all this is an amusement park) "you are 30 and you have never experienced the thrill of a roller coaster?" Will humbly acknowledged the fact that he had led a rather unfulfilled life up until this moment and wondered what he could expect from the marvel of modern technology that Lizzy stood in awe of. "No, I have never been on a roller coaster in my life, and to own the truth, I am a bit on the nervous side." Will admitted his fears. (in my never to be humble opinion, that is the first step towards a relatively healthy relationship)

Lizzy sidled up to him, put her arm through his and started leading him to the line in front of the most twisted and mangled looking structure of metal pipe work and steel frames that he had ever seen. As they were walking towards the "Behemoth", Lizzy kept talking in soothing tones and words to Will, trying to calm him down and assuage his, in her opinion irrational, fears. Little did Will know the experience would change his life forever.......

The wonderful tickets that Will had so thoughtfully purchased for our intrepid band, would end up reaching up and biting him in the bum. The tickets would enable the bearer to forge to the head of any ride line and be seated first. (it is my story......) So to the head of the line they forged. ( Now, one must understand the mechanics of the "Behemoth". It is known as a suspension coaster. That is the kind where you are suspended beneath the track and your legs end up flying free... like the sparkles from a sparkler. Also, it is not , in reality, based on any roller coaster in existence....) When our group passed through the turnstile, to be seated on the ride, Will's eyes grew very wide in horror and the anticipation of horror. Let's face it, he was scared out of his skivvies. But wanting to be a 'man', he would not let it show. He gulped quickly and looked around to see if anyone noticed his lack of composure. He let out an almost inaudible sigh, and took his place between Lizzy and George. Lizzy, heard the sigh and spoke as soothingly as she could when she said, "It will all be over before you know it."

Well, those were not the words he wanted to hear. In fact, they actually frightened him so bad, he was sure that he had wet his pants. Lizzy, realizing her faux paux, quickly responded to his look of pure fear with, "That is not what I meant, I meant the ride only lasts about 3 and a half minutes. It, the ride, will be over before you can catch your breath."

Seeing that Will was not in the least bit comforted, Lizzy reached out her hand and covered Will's knuckles, that were already a deathly shade of white, on the hand bar of the overhead harness. Surprisingly, she felt him relax a little, and then the horror of "The Behemoth" began.

Will's first feeling, was of having the ground drop out from under him, which is exactly what happened, as the car was catapulted out of the gatehouse. Then, as the car began to climb to the top of the initial hill, he grabbed Lizzy's hand in a death grip. After all he did feel like he was going to die.

Lizzy shouted to him that it was almost time to open his eyes, and like a petulant child, he responded with an adamant "NO!" Lizzy began giggling as the car shot down the hill and into the first of many twists and turns. She could hear George and her dad laughing like crazy and shouting with the excitement of the ride. She turned her head as best she could and shot a concerned look at Will. This look was totally lost on him, as his eyes looked like they were cemented shut. She began to laugh. Here he was, a man who dealt with the world of big business like it was child's play, and could not even deal with something that was actually, in her mind, child's play. And as she thought about it, she realized she had been given a glimpse into his innermost being, even though his eyes were closed.

At the very moment that she realized this, they were flying upside down, around the only outside loop. The force of gravity had already loosened her shoelaces, so she curled her toes, so as not to lose the entire shoe. However, she forgot to remind Will about this little hint, and watched as his left shoe went flying heavenward, most likely never to be heard from or seen again. This amused Lizzy to no end, and she began to shake with her silent laughter. She again snuck a peek at Will, and realized that he was looking quite 'kermit'. (please forgive your humble author, the term Kermit refers to green. A very good friend is pregnant and would get queasy at the mention of the word green...) 'This could mean trouble', she thought to herself. And she would have to be ready to help him, after all, wasn't she the one who put him in this situation?????

The ride on the "Behemoth" was rapidly drawing to a close, and Lizzy had yet to hear anything from Will. He had not made a sound the entire journey. Not a scream. Not a giggle. Not a peep. Not a groan. Not a whimper. This made her nervous. She began to wonder if he was the kind who would wait until the ride was over and then break out into tears and hysterics. She almost did not want to find out. But as she was the first one into the car, she would be the absolute last one out. As the car, rolled into the station, the first sound to be heard was a very low groan. Will looked like he was coming to after a bout of unconsciousness. He sounded like it too.

Will was aware that the ride had slowed down. He hoped against hope that this was the end. He felt as if the wind were playing with his sock. He also wondered why his left foot was cold. He heard himself groan and tried to pry open his eyes. At least he had not been hit in the head with a bird, but without knowing that sensation, he doubted it would be any more nasty than the feelings he was now dealing with.

His stomach, which was usually situated in its' own little cubby down below the diaphragm muscle in his chest, felt like it was knocking on the door of his palette. It was and entirely new sensation for him. It was a sensation that, besides the obvious discomfort, was not entirely distasteful. 'What am I thinking?!?!?!?!?!?!' He was slowly becoming aware of his surroundings.... He remembered that his last actual cognitive feeling was having the ground drop out from under him. He realized now that the ground was back where it should be.... Under his feet. He also upon closer examination, realized that his left shoe was missing. 'Where the heck had that shoe got to...', he wondered silently, all the while fighting the rushing of the French fries in his stomach, which we all will remember was not in the place that it should be....

He also became vaguely aware of the feel of someone holding his hand. He looked to where his hands felt sweat welded to the 'sissy bar' and saw that Lizzy's hand was locked in his. This was the first good feeling that he had, since the start of the ride three minutes ago....and the last good feeling he would have for a while....

Soon it was time to disembark, and he knew it would take all of his strength to be able to walk out of the ride on his own power. So, he gathered up what little dignity he felt he had left and walked out of the gatehouse and into the bright sunlight of the afternoon. Will felt sure that he would make it to the bench where he saw George and Mr. Bennet waiting for him.

"Will, are you okay?" He could hear George ask. He looked over to where she was sitting and became instantly alarmed when he saw, not one but, two of everyone sitting on the bench.

"No.", came the weak and juicy reply. He noticed the garbage can next to the bench and lunged towards it. Shoving the lid off of the can, he was faintly aware that everything was spinning around him. 'I am not going to make it', he thought to himself. He knew that ralphing in front of Lizzy and her father was not going to make a good impression, but he had no choice.

All of the sudden, he felt a hand on his back pushing him towards the garbage can. At the very moment he turned to see who was pushing him, his lunch came back to haunt him in a very unappetizing way.

Lizzy jumped back as Will began to expel the contents of his stomach. Unfortunately, she was not quick enough to miss being hit. Now, Lizzy was of a very strong constitution and was not (unlike your humble author)at all likely to begin her own expulsion, but she felt the familiar twinge of nausea begin to creep upon her person. She quickly excused herself to the nearest restroom and began cleaning herself as best she could.

Meanwhile, George had jumped up to aid her brother. Mr. Bennet had gone to the nearest snack bar to get a cup of water. When all was said and done, Will felt much better. He was sure that he had completely and totally shattered his carefully coiffed image, in the eyes of George, Mr. Bennet, and most importantly, Lizzy.

When Lizzy returned from the ladies room, she found the group at another bench in the same general area as they had been when she left. She had tried to remove all vestiges of Will's lunch from her shirt and shoes without success. " I think I will have to buy a different shirt and some flip-flops or something in order to get through the rest of our tour here....and I think you should get something to cover up that sock.....", she said to no one in particular.

Will groaned. He could say nothing more, although there was a bundle he wanted to say. But at that very moment, a very familiar and extremely unwelcome feeling came over him....

"WHAT IN THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY WAS THAT??????????? YOU ARE A GROWN MAN OF TRACEABLE LINEAGE, AND YOU SUBJECTED YOURSELF TO THE DISCOMFORTS OF THAT MONSTROSITY FOR THE SAKE OF 'THOSE EYES'??????? WHAT THE BLAZES WERE YOU THINKING????? LET ME GUESS, YOU WEREN'T THINKING.... DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT WENT ON UP HERE WHILE YOU WERE FLYING OVER THE GROUND IN A GLORIFIED TRUSS?????? EVERYTHING IS IN SHAMBLES... THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON OR ORDER AT ALL UP HERE!!!!!!! YOU PUT ME THROUGH SHEAR TORTURE, WITH ALL OF THE TWISTING AND TURNING AND FLYING AROUND UPSIDE DOWN AND THOUGHTS OF DEATH AND DYING!!! I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT...YOU HAD NO RIGHT TO GET ON THAT CONTRAPTION WITHOUT MY PERMISSION, HOW DARE YOU PUT YOUR PWNOTION THROUGH THAT!!!! THAT WAS INCONSIDERATE AND THOUGHTLESS AND JUST PLAIN MEAN..... I ..... I ..... I..... I THINK I AM GOING TO BE SICK................"

Just when he thought he had no more strength, Will initiated his own attack on that nasty heathen that dwelt in his conscious.... "I HAVE NO NEED TO ASK YOU FOR PERMISSION FOR ANYTHING... YOU SHOULD KNOW THAT BY NOW. I DO NOT LIVE MY LIFE FOR YOUR OWN PRIVATE AMUSEMENT, AND NOTHING THAT I DO, WILL EVER TAKE INTO ACCOUNT YOUR WANTS, NEEDS OR WELLBEING. NO ONE AND NOTHING (and that includes you, you wretched thing of my own deluded creation) WILL EVER STOP ME FROM MY ASSOCIATION WITH ,as you so crassly put it, 'THOSE EYES'. IN FACT, I INTEND TO SEE AS MUCH OF THE PERSON THAT BELONGS TO 'THOSE EYES' AS IS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. SO IF YOU HAD ANY SMARTS IN YOU AT ALL, and I am not sure I took any time on that aspect of you, I WOULD STAY THE H E double hockey sticks OUT OF MY WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AND BY THE WAY... YOUR TIMING REALLY ISN'T AS GOOD AS YOU MIGHT THINK IT IS............."

The PWNOTION slunk back to her corner not to be heard from for quite awhile. It would not soon recover from the silent tongue-lashing that it had, for the first time since it's inception, received. Thankfully for Will, the recovery of his PWNOTION would take quite some time...and would not have the option to ruin his day any more than he already had, or so he thought...

Lizzy had recognized the now familiar and somewhat worrisome, to her anyway, look that came over Will's face. Still stinking of his lunch, she went over and put an arm across his shoulders and began to absently play with the slight curls that adorned the back of his neck.

Will felt, with relief, the cherished arm across his shoulders, but that was not what brought him back to reality. The stench that was emanating from the beauty that sat next to him on the bench, slammed him back to reality like a punch to his already uneasy stomach.

"Lizzy, I am so sorry. I had no idea that I had gotten you so completely. Your shirt and shoes are ruined! I am so sorry... I am so sorry. I feel so completely humiliated. What can I do to help you out????" Will looked almost pitiful when he began to speak and finished looking like a repentant 3 year old.

Lizzy giggled and replied in a very offhand and carefree way, trying to make light of the subject, "You can just get me my souvenir t-shirt and stuff a little early. I had thought to take advantage of your generosity and make you take me shopping on the way out of the park, but it will just have to be done now instead. I think, however, I will feel rather awkward and stick out if I get one of those touristy t-shirts with the name of the park plastered on the front, so..... I think you will have to take me to the shop that sells the Hawaiian print shirts...I think we can also get us both a pair of flip-flops.... You do seem ." Lizzy hoped he would not take this as a gold-digging approach to their 'relationship', so she began to take out her cash and count it.

Will, as dashing and gallant as he could be after literally loosing his lunch, realized she was playing, hoping it was flirting, but knowing that it wasn't to be, readily accepted her suggestion. "After all, it was I who so unwittingly shared my lunch with you, I should have to clean up the after effects as well."

"Shared your lunch," George shook with laughter at the scene unfolding before her, "I should say, you shared more than that!!!" Mr. Bennet, who could see humor in almost anything, began to laugh as well. And as you all know, laughter is contagious. Soon the rest of our intrepid band was laughing as well.

Lizzy took the initiative, since the heat was starting to make her reek, and offered her arm to the still, somewhat green looking Will and led the way to the shops. After finding her size and a color she liked, she took it along with a pair of slip on shoes to the counter and summoned her bankroll. She did not truly think of him this way, it was just that she was feeling a little cocky and really wanted to get out of her smelly shirt. To her purchases will added a pair of flip-flops, as he had seen that this is what they were called, and dug out his wallet, and actually enjoyed paying the tab....

After finding a place to get a cool drink, and hearing Lizzy whine when they did not have Dr. Pepper, the foursome found spot to sit, in order to plan out the rest of their stay. Lizzy figured with the barfing out of the way, the only direction for the rest of the day , was up. George and Lizzy wanted to ride some more rides, Mr. Bennet wanted to get to know Will a bit and Will was willing to let the girls go, just so long as he did not have to get up and get onto anything that moved.

So, as the girls sauntered away towards another ride, guaranteed to make the weak of stomach heave, Mr. Bennet and Will sat making small talk. As soon as the girls were out of earshot, Will began his apology to Mr. Bennet.

"I am extremely sorry to have ruined this trip to the fun park for you and your daughter. Throwing up all over Lizzy was not the image I had intended to portray to you. At this point, I know that you are embarrassed for her and I hope that one day you will forgive me for this incident," Will began. "I had hoped that this would be a pleasant and fun time for all of us and I had also hoped that we could get to know each other better." (sappy, I know, but need I remind you this is my story?.....) Will felt he was grasping at straws here and did not know where else to go with his dialogue, because he certainly felt that this was not the kind of conversation he had wanted to have with the most important man in Lizzy's' life.

Mr. Bennet sat back in his chair for a moment, sipped his soda, and started to shake.

'This is not a good sign,' Will thought to himself.

Mr. Bennet continued his shaking and then started to verbalize it. He was laughing. And he was not about to stop.

"My dear boy," began Mr. Bennet, "would you just relax????? I am not going to bite your head off. I have never done that to anyone, why would I start now? I have never had reason to think ill of a man for loosing his lunch on a roller coaster, and I do not think that will start now. The first time Lizzy made me ride that thing, I did almost the same thing, and I was probably 15 years older than you are now. However, my aim was much better. I did not miss the garbage can." This last statement brought another round of laughter to the speaker and a look of immense relief to the one listening.

Now that the ice was broken, the two conversed about all sorts of things. The state of the world, education, the environmental debate, and those subjects that no one in their right mind would touch during a first conversation, especially one with a prospective and future father-in-law ( at least that was the hope on the part of the younger participant)...religion and politics. After all those topics were pretty much exhausted, the two sat back and sipped their drinks in companionable silence, watching the rest of the world go by...

It finally came to Will, that he should broach the subject of the trip to Europe with Mr. Bennet. Not entirely sure how to proceed, he asked, "Do you know of any plans that Lizzy might have this summer?"

"That was certainly out of the blue Will, why, I don't really know. I know she had talked of cashing in her savings bonds, and trying to go to Europe for a few weeks with George, but other than that, I am not sure." Mr. Bennet sat back and scratched his chin, thoughtfully. "Why?"

'This is going to be easier than I thought.' Will smiled. "Well, I have been kind of worried about sending George to Europe alone. I mean, I know she has wanted to do this for a few years, but my businesses will not allow me to take an extended amount of time off. So...." And here there was a very pregnant pause. "I was wondering what you would think of allowing me to pay for Lizzy's trip to Europe as a companion and such for George. All expenses would be taken care of by me. She would not need to bring any money, other than what she would want for souvenirs. What do you think?"

Mr. Bennet sat back again in his chair, and looked pensive for a few moments. "Have you told Lizzy or George about any of this yet?"

"No, sir, I did not think it would be right for me to set this up without first running it by you." Will replied in the most respectful tone he could muster.

"Well my boy, I do think that was the right thing to do. I think it is a wonderful idea. But, and this is a big BUT, what do you expect to get out of this whole scheme? I do know Lizzy to be a very independent young woman, and she would want to know the same." Mr. Bennet looked Will right in the eyes as he asked this question.

"I expect nothing in return. Wait, I know that this sounds ridiculous, but I don't. I think it would be wonderful for my sister to get to know a strong woman, other than my obnoxious aunt, who wants nothing more than to turn George into an idiot on display. I believe it would be a mutually beneficial arrangement for the both of them. I believe George needs some guidance that I cannot give her. I believe that this guidance can only come from a woman. You see, our mother died when George was only four. I have been raising her for the last twelve years. I have done my best, but I cannot be a mother to her. She remembers very little about our mother. I do not want your daughter to take on the responsibility of being George's mother, I just, I think.... I want them to be good friends. I want for George some one she can trust with the secrets that she can't share with an older brother. I want for George, a healthy, adult to be a friend." Realizing that Mr. Bennet was not going to give up, (Will could see it in Mr. Bennet's eyes that only the truth was going to be accepted, not that he had said anything but the truth, ) he began anew. "Okay, if we are going to be blunt, and that is what I think you want, I have a few things to say about your daughter. I like her. A lot. She is not like any woman I have ever met before. She is strong and vivacious and not afraid to start a verbal sparring match with anyone who is interested. She is smart and intelligent and well read. She is also the most beautiful woman I have ever had the honor to meet. She is beautiful both inside and out. She is also full of surprises. I think she is the most wonderful woman I have ever met, and I believe I am falling in love with her."

As soon as this last bit was said, Mr. Bennet looked up and over Will's head to see George and Lizzy standing there. Will, not knowing that he had been overheard, followed his companions' gaze to where it rested. Mr. Bennet could not have timed this whole thing better himself, and was very pleased to see this young man, honest and humbled, not to mention discombobulated, at the sight of his daughter.

Will had no idea how much Lizzy and his sister had heard. But he figured out that they had heard almost all of it by the look on Lizzy's face. The look was one of astonishment, reality, truth, pain, distrust, and humiliation all rolled into one. Will could understand the first three feelings but could not fathom the last three. He was unsure of what to do, so he did the most courteous thing he could think of and got up and offered Lizzy his chair.

George was just as shocked as Lizzy... she did not think she could ever remember her brother being this eloquent in her life. She fell into the chair that Mr. Bennet had offered her.

Lizzy also fell into the seat that was offered to her and sat there, wondering what would happen or be said next. She was not at all sure of what she had just overheard, and a little indignant to boot. Before anyone could say anything else. Mr. Bennet suggested that he and George go and get the rest of them something to eat. All except Will, that is. Mr. Bennet was not about to chance a repeat performance of that afternoon.

"We'll just get will something bubbly to make him burp. That should also help to settle his stomach." Mr. Bennet said to George as he helped her out of her chair. To Will, he gave a look that could not be misunderstood, 'TIME TO TELL HER!'

Will, not knowing where to begin, starts by saying, "Your father and I were just wondering what plans you had made for this summer. He had mentioned that you were going to cash in your savings bonds and try to go with George to Europe for a while."

Lizzy responded, "And just what is it that intrigues you so much about my plans for my summer?" she was just a little indignant.

Will began to get a little defensive. "It was not my plan to make you upset. It is within my power to be able to send you to Europe with George , all expenses paid. If you are not interested, you just need to let me know......"

Lizzy was taken aback by two things. First, there was the attitude with which Will portrayed his idea and second, the actual offer. She was unsure of how to respond. So, she did the next best thing, she sat there with her jaw drooping in astonishment at the attitude and the offer.

"I think I must apologize," Will began again. "By the way, you are starting to drool. I will not buy you another shirt to cover up that stain. Anyway, I am sorry if I got defensive. I did not know how you would receive my offer, and your response sort of set me off. Truly, I would love to be able to finance your trip to Europe. I think George would love to have you along as a travel companion. She needs a friend and confidant. I think you are just the person for that. Just think, this is a chance of a lifetime for you. You would be able to see whatever you want to in Europe, go where ever the two of you wanted to go, and never have to worry about how much anything costs or whether or not you could afford it.... I am not trying to say that you have carte blanche, but, well, the sky is pretty much the limit." Will realized that he had probably said all the wrong things to get her to consider the offer. He also knew what was coming next.....

Lizzy sat there for a moment letting all the info he had just imparted, not in his usual eloquent and sparse way. Then it came to her, 'what is in this for Will?'

"Tell me something Will, just exactly what is in this for you??????????"

Will took a deep breath and launched again into the explanation he had, not five minutes ago, given her father. All about the nasty Aunt Catherine, and her plans for George, the fact that George needed a woman confidant, and finally , and with bated breath, the added bonus that he would do anything for Lizzy.

This last statement caught Lizzy a bit off-guard. (not like she wasn't on the far side of frazzled with all that had happened and been discussed within the last thirty minutes or so....) And, before she had a chance to respond, George and her father showed up with the food.

"We got you the chicken sandwich and a coke, Lizzy. I hope you do not mind. And Will, we got you a sprite. Mr. B said you would probably not like to tempt fate three times in one day." George was just about giddy. Mr. B ( as he had said George could call him) had told her all about her brothers plan to finance Lizzy's trip to Europe with her this summer.

"Well, Lizzy have you thought about what my brother wants to do????? Isn't it just at dream come true??? I cannot wait... this is gonna be so totally awesome... just think... you and me turned loose on Europe.!!! What a thought??!!!" George's enthusiasm was infectious and like a yawn, or a giggle in this foursome's case, was contagious. All four of our intrepid band were discussing the things that they would like to do and see in Europe. Paris, London, Geneva, and Rome... all the major cities were included, up to and not excluding Athens and Istanbul. Mr. B wanted to encourage the girls to take the roads less traveled. Will told them it would be fun to take a bike tour of some of the smaller Bavarian towns. Lizzy sat there in wonder at the enthusiasm that threatened to make up her mind right then and there.

"In case you have all forgotten, I have yet to accept or decline." Lizzy stated this as matter-of-factly as she possibly could, considering the circumstances. No one seemed to notice or if they did, they did not acknowledge it.

Mr. B finally spoke up, "Will, my boy, I do believe that the park is closing. We have been sitting here talking for almost 2 hours since the girls rejoined us. I must apologize for the fact that we did not make very good use of the special passes that you purchased for us."

Will countered with, "It was really nothing, and please do not worry. I have come to the realization of many things sitting here with this special pass in my pocket. I do believe that this afternoon, well, come to think of it, this whole day has been priceless to me."

Finally, with tired minds and bodies, our fearless group, makes their way out to the parking lot and the car. Not remembering where they had parked the car, it took them a little while, and about two tram rides around the parking lot to finally discover the location of their car. Once everyone got settled, it was a quiet and subdued bunch that made their way home.

Will, wanting to spend as much time as possible with Lizzy, takes George home first. (after all, she was asleep in the back seat) Then when he dropped off Mr. B, he accompanied him to the front door.

"Mr. Bennet, I just wanted to thank you for the conversation and the advice you gave me this afternoon. It has been a very long time since I have had a...", here Will stumbled over and around the words he wanted to say. "I guess I want to say, father figure, to talk things over with and just converse with. I wanted to say that I appreciate the time you spent with me."

Mr. B responded with, "Will, my boy, I truly enjoyed myself as well. I have no sons and appreciated the time we spent together as well. I do believe that it is I who should be thanking you. Thank you for a great afternoon." With that said, he shook Will's hand and said, "Now, take my daughter home, and behave yourself, she is more fragile than she looks."

Will thoughtfully considered the last statement of Mr. B. 'How can she be fragile? She is the most wonderful person I know. She is strong and invincible. How can she be fragile?????'

He gets back in the car, and finds Lizzy asleep in the front seat. 'She looks so beautiful when she is sleeping, I can almost see the fragility in her at this moment.' Will, careful not to wake her, drives to her apartment.

Being a gentleman, Will wakes Lizzy tenderly by pushing her out the door of his car....no..no...noo.... he wakes her gently by nudging her, careful not to let the contact last too long.... He does not know how long he could cope with his hand on her arm..... (okay... I am not that good at writing mush.... So here is my first and sorry shot at it.....) .........

When she finally awakens, Lizzy , self-consciously wipes the drool from the corners of her mouth and thanks him for the wonderful day.

Will, being the gentleman, (I believe we already established that fact...) gets out of the car and goes around to open the door for Lizzy. They walk in relative silence to her front door, when Lizzy stops dead in her tracks, causing Will to run into her from behind.

Lizzy turns to Will and asks him point-blank, "Did you really mean what you said to my pop when you didn't know I was listening?????"

Will quickly thinks back to the soul-revealing and agonizing moment that afternoon and quickly becomes extremely flustered. Will shifted his weight back and forth, from one foot to the other and kind of gritted his teeth and sighed. Without actually saying anything, Lizzy felt he admitted everything.

Lizzy took a step closer to Will, reached out her hand and began caressing his hair, and running her hand down his cheek, (slightly reminiscent of the scene in Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" where the beast finally turns back into the prince, only without all the lighting effects and the fireworks, I am not saying there were no fireworks, just not like in that movie..... after all, we must remember that the two of them are standing under the light on Lizzy's front porch....) and finally, softly says, "Thank you for today. I had an absolutely wonderful time." Then Lizzy does something completely out of character and gives him a very gentle, very soft kiss on the cheek.

Lizzy gave Will a quick hug, and while he was still basking in the afterglow of that kiss, says a quiet goodnight and beats a hasty retreat to the relative safety of her apartment. After closing the door on the man of her dreams, that she is beginning to think is too good to be true, she leans against her front door and slouches down it until she is sitting on the floor, trying to regain her senses.

Meanwhile, Will is practically floating on air. He floated down the sidewalk to his car. He felt that the wheels of his car barely touched the ground as he drove back to his house. He floated into the house, floated upstairs to check on George and then floated to his room, all the while day-dreaming about white picket fences, two-car garages, mini-vans and the like......

It isn't until his head finally touches his pillow that he is rudely and violently grappled back to earth, by his nasty, nagging nemesis... the PWNOTION.........

Chapter 10

As Lizzy sat there on the floor leaning against her front door, she wondered whatever possessed her to give that man a kiss. It was not like it had been a very romantic kiss.... She only pecked him on the cheek, but by the look on his face, it was evident that it meant something much more to him. It was just a kiss to say thanks for the wonderful time she had after graduation. She would give the same kind of kiss to any other good male friend who had made her day special. Or would she? She sat there rubbing her finger over her lips, wondering what it would be like to actually kiss this man on the lips. Or anywhere else for that matter. She sat there for a long time, just daydreaming...or shall we say evening-dreaming... about the first and ONLY kiss she had ever received. It was not like she had a lot to compare this last peck to ...okay.... She remembered the one kiss many years ago.... but she never kissed back.....and it was an episode in her life she never wanted to remember... okay... it wasn't as bad as you may believe... just a nasty kiss from that nasty James Willoughby.... A frat party.... Remember????. But she sat there and overanalyzed the whole five minute interlude, until her backside and butt became numb...

Meanwhile back at the Darcy residence... the PWNOTION started to rant in a whole new and terrifying way....

What the sam-hill did you think you were doing, letting that kiss affect you the way it did????? With all of your daydreaming on the way home, you could have gotten us killed by wrapping your car around a telephone pole or something!!! And then, where would that have left us????? You'd be dead or in a coma or in seriously bad shape and I would be left sitting here with nothing to do..... AND LETTING HER TOUCH YOU LIKE THAT.... I SAT HERE IN SHOCK UNTIL YOUR BRAIN STARTED TO FUNCTION AGAIN... WHAT IS ALL THIS NONSENSE ABOUT WHITE PICKET FENCES AND MINI-VANS AND ALL THAT ROT COMING FROM??????????... CERTAINLY NOT FROM ME... I WANT A PENTHOUSE AND A BMW AND FOR THAT MATTER A VILLA ON THE SOUTHERN COAST OF FRANCE.... WHAT ROT AND FIDDLE FADDLE ABOUT A HOUSE.... WHY SETTLE FOR A HOUSE WHEN YOU COULD HAVE A MANSION????? WHY SETTLE FOR A MINI-VAN...UGH EVEN SAYING THAT WORD MAKES ME WANT TO WRETCH...WHEN YOU COULD HAVE A BMW?????? WHY SETTLE FOR THAT girl...AND I USE THAT TERM LOOSELY, WHEN YOU COULD HAVE .......ME???????????? AREN'T I WHAT YOU ALWAYS WANTED??? AREN'T I THE PICTURE OF THE PERFECT WOMAN???? DON'T I HAVE THE SOCIAL GRACES THAT YOU WOULD NEED IN YOUR POSITION???? WOULDN'T I BE ABLE TO HOST THE BEST AND MOST WONDERFUL PARTIES FOR YOUR CLIENTS, BUSINESS ASSOCIATES AND FRIENDS????? WHAT COULD SHE DO?????? YOU MIGHT END UP EMBARRASSED OUT OF BUSINESS THE FIRST TIME SHE HOST ONE OF YOUR PARTIES AND BRINGS OUT HER BANJO OR THE WASHBOARD FOR MUSIC!!!!!! OH MY GOSH I CRACK MYSELF UP..... SNORT... CAN YOU JUST IMAGINE THAT....... SHE BRINGS OUT HER BACKWOODS FAMILY MEMBERS AND FORM S A BAND REMINISCENT OF THE ONE ON .... OH WHAT'S THAT SHOW CALLED.... OH..... OH YEAH... THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES..... OH THAT WOULD BE RICH!!!!! I CAN JUST SEE THE LOOKS ON THE FACES OF YOUR CONTEMPORARIES..... LAUGHING YOU OUT OF BUSINESS!!!! OH .... OH......(she's sitting in his brain laughing her patoot off..... not even sure if she knows she has a patoot.....) I CAN HARDLY CATCH MY BREATH I AM GOING TO SUFFOCATE... OH I CRACK MYSELF UP...... ............ ARE YOU SURE THAT THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT???? THIS LOWBORN CRICKBOTTOM WAIF WITH THE FINE EYES.... IF THAT IS ALL SHE HAS TO RECOMMEND HERSELF... I SUGGEST YOU THINK LONG AND HARD ABOUT YOUR FUTURE WITH HER.... AND HER FAMILY.... HER FATHER.... DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON HIM.... HE IS AS BASE AS THEY COME.... A JOKESTER... AND INVOLVED IN POLITICS AND RELIGION??? WHAT DID HE THINK HE WAS DOING, TALKING TO YOU ABOUT THE TWO MOST TABOO SUBJECTS TO TALK ABOUT...... HE MUST BE INSANE!!!!! AND WHERE WAS HER MOTHER , DURING GRADUATION????? HMMMMMMMM????? WASN'T SOMETHING SAID ABOUT UGH... ROLLERDERBY?????? MY GOODNESS, ISN'T THAT REFRESHING....... ROLLER DERBY..... ISN'T THAT THE SPORT OF KINGS..... OF THE BOWLING ALLEYS MAYBE......SNORT..... OH I AM GOOD ... I CRACK MYSELF UP!!! AND THE REST OF HER FAMILY... WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM... REMEMBER WHEN YOU EVER DECIDE TO MARRY... YOU DO NOT ONLY MARRY THE GIRL... YOU MARRY THE FAMILY AS WELL... AND ARE YOU PREPARED TO DEAL WITH THAT.... I DON'T THINK SO.... SO JUST STOP BEING SO SILLY!!!!!!!! OH AND WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS ABOUT SENDING HER TO EUROPE????? HOW CAN YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT SPENDING THAT MUCH MONEY ON HER??? NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT I PERSONALLY DO NOT THINK THAT "THOSE EYES" ARE A GOOD INFLUENCE FOR GEORGE...

And with that rant... the PWNOTION fell silent....

Continued in Next Section