It was about 5 PM one late March day. AJ pulled up to a light blue house and parked his car next to the curb and then went up to the door. He rang the doorbell and Tomi's mom answered the door. "Hey Moms, is Tomi ready?" asked AJ.
"She's still upstairs in her room. Can you go check up there and see if she's still alive? She's been marching back and forth in her room ever since she's gotten up..." said Tomi's mother.
"Sure..." said AJ, getting a little worried. He walked up and knocked on Tomi's door. There was music pounding through the door.
"Come in!" said Tomi's muffled voice. AJ openned the door and the music hit him with such force that it almost knocked him down.
"Hey Tomi!!" he shouted AJ, "Turn down the music!!" But all Tomi kept doing was walking in circles and mumbling some of her lines for the play. AJ walked up to the stereo and stopped the music. "Tomi...Tomi....TOMI!!!"
"WHAT AJ??" said Tomi, who acknowledged him but kept walking in circles and mumbling lines.
"Girl you are trippin'....STOP IT!! You're gonna do fine in the play so just calm down and sit for a second!!" said AJ.
Tomi finally stopped but almost fell over so AJ caught her and sat her down on her bed. "I can't do this AJ," she said frantically.
"Oh don't even start this....why not?" asked AJ, "You have your lines memorized perfectly, you were born to play Juliet, now what's your problem??"
"The tiny little detail that I'll have to kiss Nick," said Tomi.
"Do you not like him THAT much?" asked AJ.
"If I didn't like him as a friend I wouldn't be this worried! What is Misty gonna think?" asked Tomi.
"Oh please!! And since when do you care about Misty so much?? Tomi, it's acting anyways! You don't have anything to worry about. You're the only one trippin', everyone else is fine. Now come on, calm down. I promise everything will be cool, just calm down girl," said AJ, trying to calm Tomi down.
Tomi took a deep breath. "I guess you're right. Everything will be fine," she tried to convince herself.
"There you go. Now come on and get your stuff, we gotta go," said AJ.
"Alright. Thanks AJ," said Tomi, starting to gather her things.
"It's no problem Tomi. I know I didn't help with my earlier remarks...but I promise, everything will be cool," said AJ.
Tomi smiled, "I know you didn't mean any harm. Come on, let's go." Tomi got all of her stuff together and then they headed off to Nick's house and picked him up. They then went down to the school into the little theater where people were starting to gather. Tomi started to panic again. Nick and her got away without having to kiss at the practices but there was no way they were gonna get away with it tonight. Although it'd only be a stage kiss, she was nervous. Nick was a bit nervous as well, but he wasn't as worried. Tomi started her pacing again but AJ quickly stopped her.
"You can't be doing this right now. We're on soon!" warned AJ, "Tomi just sit. If you need to recite your lines, sit and do it."
"Alright, alright," said Tomi, sitting.
"Are you going to be okay?" asked Nick.
"You have no idea," said Tomi.
"....Do you not want to kiss me that much?" asked Nick.
Tomi turned at him in disbelief. "Don't you start that too! Nick it's not you! God I have over half the school after me because I get to do a kiss scene with you. It's just kissing anyone...in front of all those people."
"Would it be easier if it was someone else?" asked Nick.
"Wha? NO!! It's just hard for me period," said Tomi. Although she actually was thinking it'd be easier if it wasn't Nick.
"Well, I don't know if this helps any or not, but, I don't mind kissing you in front of all those people. I'm actually glad it's someone I know," said Nick, walking off to greet Brian, and Howie who just walked in. Nick's comment didn't help too much but it did make her think. It actually surprised her. No matter what, there was no getting out of it. The whole class, the whole school was looking forward to a good play. She wasn't going to let them down.
Finally, 7PM came around. People were gathering into the little theater. Behind the curtains, everyone was making the last minute preparations. Finally, before Tomi or Nick had another chance to think about what they were about to do, the curtains openned and the play started. All of the boys were natural actors. Everything went smoothly until... the first meeting of Romeo and Juliet. The two paused a little longer than needed then finally, Nick read his lines. Tomi replied with hers. She then made a mistake by looking into the audience. Misty was in the first row glaring right at her, making her forget her lines. Nick realized this and made a quick recovery, without any other warnings, he grabbed Tomi by the arms and kissed her on the lips before she could react. This took Misty by surprise but Tomi even more by surprise, actually Tomi was shocked out of her mind. But all she did was close her eyes. Behind the curtains on the side of the stage AJ, Howie, and Brian were watching. "Oh my god he actually did it," said AJ.
"Good save, she totally forgot her lines there," said Brian.
"Now as long as Tomi doesn't beat the crap out of Nick," said Howie, getting a little worried, "Everything will be cool."
The crowd continued to cheer-besides Misty- and finally the two pulled apart. Nick then whispered, "I'm sorry about that. You can beat me up or whatever later, just keep going with the play for now."
Tomi nodded and continued with her lines the best that she could. The play went smoothly all the way through. No one made any mistakes and the acting was all very good. Tomi and Nick managed through the other kiss scenes somewhat. By the end of the play, the cast was given a huge round of applause. The curtains lowered as the bowed and then Nick started to think of a way to apoligize to Tomi. The way he kissed her was very rude and he knew she was nervous enough. This time it was him doing the pacing and then he felt a tap on his shoulder and almost jumped out of his skin. He turned around, it was AJ.
"You don't know how much you just scared me," said Nick, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Oh, were you expecting Tomi? Well she's right here," said AJ, as Tomi walked up to the two. Nick froze.
"Good show you guys," said Tomi, with her usual smile.
Nick took a chance and asked, "Tomi...are you mad at me?"
"Mad? Why would I be mad at you Nickolas Gene Carter?" she said.
"Yep she's mad..." said AJ.
"Shut up AJ," said Nick and Tomi in unison.
"Alright, alright I know when I'm not wanted. I already got killed once tonight I don't want it to happen again. I'm gonna go hunt down Howie and Brian. Meet you out there," said AJ, walking off.*
"Come on, let's go find the guys," said Tomi.
Nick still didn't feel right. When Tomi turned around he finally got enough courage to say, "Tomi..."
She turned around, "Yeah?"
"I'm sorry I did that...I knew how nervous you were about that scene and I panicked too...so...I..I just wanted to say I'm sorry that I did it like that," said Nick, expecting the worst.
But all Tomi did was smile. "It's alright Nick. If you didn't do that the play would have been screwed up by me right then and there. You did what you had to do. It's all good Nick," she said, "But I highly doubt Misty is gonna feel the same way."
Nick felt a huge weight lift off of him. "Well I'm not worried about Misty right now, I'll worry about her later. Come on, let's go find the others."
Tomi and Nick leapt off the stage and found the other guys including Kevin and Angel. "I see Nick is still alive," said Brian.
"For now," said Tomi.
"Hey..." said Nick, getting worried again.
"I'm just kidding," said Tomi.
"Good job you guys. It was a very nice show," said Angel.
"Thanks Angel," they all said in unison.
"Very nice job of dying AJ," said Kevin.
"I did do a pretty good job huh? I'm good at playing a very angry dying man," said AJ.
"So how does it feel to be the only character left living Howie?" asked Kevin.
"Sort of sad, I was looking forward to using some of that cool fake blood," said Howie.
"You're wierd sometimes D," said AJ.
"Come on guys, let's go out and celebrate on a good show. It's on me," said Kevin.
"Alright! But hold on, let me just find Misty," said Nick.
"You won't have to look far," said a voice behind him. He turned around and there stood Misty with a very angry face.
"Misty.... hey how'd you like the show?" asked Nick, knowing the answer very well.
"How'd I like it? I'll show you how I liked it," said Misty, going up to Tomi and slapping her in the face.
"MISTY!" shouted Nick.
Brian and Nick quickly got Misty away from Tomi. AJ checked to see if Tomi was alright and held her just in case she was going to go after Misty. "Don't you EVER lay a finger on her again!" said Brian.
"What are you gonna do if I do?" asked Misty.
"I won't have to do anything, Tomi can take care of herself," said Brian.
"Let's just go," said Tomi, who started to walk out.
"I'll be right out there," said Nick. The others also left leaving Misty and Nick alone. "Don't you ever touch my best friend again. If you do, we're over," said Nick, seriously.
"Oh so now you're in charge," said Misty.
"It's about time don't you think?" he said as he walked off.
Misty saw that he was totally serious and shouted, "NICK!!" But he didn't respond.
Nick quickly ran outside to Tomi and the rest of the group. "Tomi, are you alright? I'm so sorry," he said.
"I'm fine," said Tomi, "And you have nothing to be sorry about so don't worry about it. Now come on, let's go. Kev's treating us to dinner remember?"
"Oh yeah, almost forgot that part," said Brian.
"So where are we going to go eat?" asked Howie.
"McDonalds?" asked AJ.
"NO!" said the rest in unison.
"Okay...okay..jeez. Just a thought," said AJ.
"How bout that one italian resturant? The really expensive one?" asked Kevin.
"Kev...you feeling okay? The really expensive one?" asked Brian.
"Yeah that one, let's go," said Kevin. They all got into either Brian, AJ's or Angel's cars and drove off. They met at a very expensive italian resturant.
"Don't you need reservations to eat at this place?" asked Nick.
"Yep, and I already have one for us," said Kevin, "Now come on, let's go."
They all walked into the resturant in two lines. They all looked around the resturant in amazement and excitement. For most of them it was the first time they've been to a resturant this fancy. They were seated in two booths right next to each other. Kevin, Angel, Brian, and Howie took one while AJ, Nick, and Tomi took the other. Although it was Kevin's treat, the group tried their best to order the cheapest thing they could find in the menu. Kevin ordered a bottle of champagne and AJ wouldn't keep his eyes off of it. Once they were all done eating, Kevin stood up and cleared his throat. "Can I get your attention please?" he asked, "I have an announcement to make." All eyes turn toward Kevin. He reached into his pocket and took out a small box and got down on one knee in front of Angel. Everyone froze especially Angel. "Angel Marie Mitchell, will you marry me?" Everyone was in shock, not even Brian had a clue about this. Angel openned the little box and inside was a beautiful diamond ring.
"Oh my gosh..." said Angel, her eyes starting to water. She looked up at Kevin and smiled, "Yes," she said softly. She hugged Kevin and started to cry.
"Woohoo!!" yelled the group. Kevin and Angel kissed and the group got louder.
"Congratulations Kevin and Angel!" said Brian.
"Thanks Bri," said Kevin, openning up the bottle of champagne. AJ gave Kevin the sad puppy dog face. "What do you want?"
"Aw now that's just cold," said AJ.
"Alright, alright, just one drink," said Kevin, pouring AJ some champagne in a glass.
"Um Kevin... I wouldn't do that," said Howie.
"Aw come on, lighten up Howie," said Kevin, "It's time for a celebration."
"You're gonna get more than a celebration Kev..." said Nick.
"You haven't seen him drunk before have you?" asked Howie.
"No...it's only a little bit of champagne anyways," said Kevin.
"Kevin I advise you to get the check now before we get kicked ...." said Tomi, who was interupted by a very loud noise.
The very loud noise being AJ yelling, "WOOHOO~~!!" at the top of his lungs, "LET THE PARTY BEGIN!!" He took his shirt off and jumped onto his table. Nick grabbed AJ's shirt while Howie and Tomi pulled him off the table and Nick wrapped AJ's shirt around AJ's face to shut him up and they rushed him out of the resturant. Kevin and Angel remained to talk a little and pay the bill. Outside the resturant, they watched AJ dance around in the empty street.
Nick chased him around, trying to get control of him before they got in trouble while Tomi, Brian, and Howie sat on the curb and watched. "Come on you guys, help!" said Nick.
"I'll start worrying when he starts taking off his pants," said Brian.
Finally AJ himself got exhausted and collapsed on the sidewalk. Nick took a second to catch his breath. "Look at him, sleeping like a little baby," said Tomi. AJ laid topless on the sidewalk fast asleep. Howie took off his coat and covered AJ up.
"He looks so cute, sweet and innocent when he's asleep....nothin like when he's awake," said Brian.
"That's not true...you all are cute most of the time," said Tomi. Silence.
"You sure AJ's the only one that had anything to drink? You feeling okay?" asked Brian, feeling Tomi's forehead.
"Get off of me," said Tomi.
"Yeah she's fine," said Nick.
"But I'm serious.... you guys have always been cute...cute little boys and you'll always be cute little boys," said Tomi.
"I'm trying to figure out if I should take that as a compliment," said Howie.
"It's a compliment Howie," said Tomi with a smile. They heard a little beeping noise. It was Nick's pager. Nick took it out and looked at it. "Is it Misty?" asked Tomi.
"....Yeah. Don't worry about it," said Nick, putting his pager back in his pocket and turning it off.
Kevin and Angel stepped out a few minutes later. They all stood up and Nick said, "Hey Kevin and Angel, sorry about AJ."
"It's no problem," said Kevin.
"You guys are never a problem," said Angel sweetly.
"Who's gonna carry Rip Van Winkle to the car?" asked Brian.
All eyes turned toward Nick. "Aw man..." said Nick, picking AJ up and carrying him on his back.
"Kevin and Angel, thanks for the meal and congratulations!" said Tomi.
"You're welcome Tomi," said Kevin.
"Thanks sweetie," said Angel, giving Tomi a hug.
"Alright well, I'm gonna drive AJ's car and drop off AJ, Tomi and Nick. See you guys later. Once again, congratulations Kevin and Angel," said Howie.
"Good night you guys, thanks," said Kevin.
"Nitey nite," said Tomi.
"We're playing at least one more game of basketball before you leave Howie," said Brian.
"You're on," said Howie.
"Laters," said Nick. Tomi, Nick and AJ hopped into AJ's car and Howie took the keys from AJ's pocket. On the way home, Nick asked, "Hey Howie."
"Yeah?" asked Howie back.
"...You ready to go to Puerto Rico next week?" asked Nick.
Howie was silent for a little bit but then replied, "Yeah I guess. I mean, I guess it's worth a try right?"
"Yeah, and as AJ said, we can always party down there," said Tomi.
Howie smiled, "Yeah I guess. I want to thank you guys again for coming with me."
"It's no problem. What a friends for?" asked Nick.
"Yeah I know. Hey is sleepy head awake yet?" asked Howie.
"Still sleeping like a baby," replied Tomi. AJ who was sitting upright sleeping in his seat, slid to the right and his head fell onto Tomi's shoulder. "ACK!" she said startled.
"Shhhh!!" said Nick, "You don't want to wake him up do you?"
Tomi sighed. Nick had a point. It was either AJ being quiet sleeping against her shoulder or him screaming in her ear. "I will shoot the next person that EVER gives him any alcohol, understood?"
"Yeah yeah," said Howie.
Howie was becoming more uncertain than ever as his trip to Puerto Rico got closer. He didn't know what to expect. He was about to see a man that was called his father, a father he hasn't seen once in his eighteen years of life.
*For those of you who don't know the play of "Romeo and Juliet", AJ's character Mercutio gets killed. Just a little footnote just in case.