It had been two weeks since I last spoke to Mike and Sarah, at least they weren't calling anymore.  I think they'd given up on there ever being a friendship again between us.  Lucas, Marcel and I hung out together a lot but Lucas and I were inseparable.  My mind had nearly forgotten all about Sarah, I still missed her, just not as much as I used to.  I've also admitted to myself I'm bisexual, but I don't call myself that because I hate labels.  I'm in love with Lucas, that's it plain and simple, he just doesn't love me, at least not like that.  I'm not going to ruin this friendship so I guess the love is going to be a one way thing but that's fine with me.

The lunchroom was pretty busy today, did everybody forget to bring their lunches?? My mom always made the best lunch and that was the problem, it tended to be eaten by everyone else before I got a look in.  Mom always packed a little extra in case my lunch did get eaten, usually by Marcel, but with Lucas wanting to get in on the action there wasn’t much left for me. Marcel would always buy me lunch instead though so I wasn’t too fussy, after all I got to eat Moms food the rest of the time anyway.

I could see in the corner of my eye Mike and Sarah sitting by themselves, just sitting, not talking or anything.  I felt the tension and couldn't help thinking that part of it was because of me, they'd tried to move on but I think they still felt bad.  I thought this was my chance to be a bigger person, who am I to stand in the way of love. Besides I really did miss being friends with both of them, and the hurt didn’t seem half as bad anymore. I decided I’d try and patch things up, you can never have enough friends right?

"Hi" I said.  Mike and Sarah both looked at me in a bit of shock.  I managed to put together a little friendly smile to try and ease their tension.

"Storm" Mike and Sarah both said at the same time.   Followed by surprised 'uhh hi' s

"Uh so how are you guys doin'?" I asked.

"We're well ok I guess" Mike replied.

"May I sit down." I asked.

"Sure, please, sit down" Mike said.  Sarah couldn't look me in the eye, I started to think I had been a prick in all this, they hadn't really done anything to hurt me on purpose.  Why should I cause them any grief.

"Look Storm I .." Mike said.  I just waved him to be quiet.  I had to say what I was going to say and then let them be.

"Just let me say what I have to say, I don't hate you guys ok and I'm not going to do anything to come between you.  I'm ok with you two being together, yeah it's still hard seeing you and don't expect me to watch you make out or anything but umm well" I choked up "I want you to be happy" there I said it, it wasn't easy but I did it.  Sarah started crying a little, Mike held her, that's when I knew for sure that I'd lost her. But, I confess, it looked like the better man had won. Mike seemed better for Sarah then I ever was.

"Storm, I’m sorry for hurting you, and ruining our friendship, and yours and Mikes, I mean you guys were best friends and now look at you"  I knew she was right, a lot had changed, Mike and I were so far away from best friends it wasn't funny, and the long talks with Sarah were non existent.  I figured telling them I wanted them to be happy wasn't going to be enough, not being friends anymore is what was the real problem.  Gee they don't ask for much do they, they want to have the cake and eat it too.  There was only one thing to do.  A little tear managed to escape me, I knew I was doing what was right and good but I felt like total sap.  What am I going to get out of all this.  I got out of my chair and stood up, Mike looked at me thinking I was still angry and going to walk away again or something.   I'm so sick of being angry, it's time to put an end to all of this.

Mike stood up, I don't think he really knew why, he just did.  Sarah looked at us with apprehension worried we were going to fight again, how wrong she was.  I did the only thing I could do, I extended my hand to Mike.  Mike looked shocked, this isn't what he expected. I grinned at him.  Sarah smiled at me and I knew I was doing the right thing.  Mike and I shook hands and it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, we could all finally be friends again.  Mike hugged me and thanked me, I felt really good now, everything was going to be ok.

"Well it's about damn time!" Marcel yelled.  I looked at them in surprise, I hadn’t even realized Marcel and Lucas were standing there. Lucas and Marcel both cheered and clapped on as Mike, Sarah and I put all our differences behind us.

"I feel a group hug coming on!!" Marcel said.  We all just looked at him and started laughing. Trust Marcel to say something as corny as that.

"You know what you can go do with that group hug aye .." I said. 

Everything felt as if it were back to normal.  The tension had gone. We all sat down and started talking like it was yesterday.  It was amazing, all it took was a handshake and everything was back to normal.

Sarah leaned over and whispered in my ear "Thank you" and I smiled back at her.  The pack was back together, I hadn't been this happy in ages.

* * * * * * *

Well it didn't take long for things to get back to normal, a week later my house was a railway station again and Sarah and I had resumed our hour long talks.  The more I talked to her the more I realized what a good friend she was, I could tell her anything and not have to feel uncomfortable or worry about it spreading all over the school.  That's when I decided she might as well be the first person to know to know about me. I had to tell someone or I would burst. 

I waited for Sarah in the tree-house, it used to be 'our' place, this is where we shared our first kiss.  But that isn't why she was here today, I needed to talk to someone before I exploded.  She came in and smiled at me, she really was a beautiful person, Mike was lucky, and I really was happy for them now.  She sat down next to me, luckily the 'guys' were all in the house trying to be the best of the best on Smash Brothers so hopefully we wouldn't be interrupted.

"You know I haven't been up here for a long time" Sarah said looking around.

"I know" I said

"This is where we first kissed" she said smiling.  I nearly blushed, surprised and happy she remembered something like that. "So what is it you want to talk to me about Storm?"

"Well, umm I'm not sure how to say this but I’ll get straight to it .... I'm, I think I'm in love..." I said.  She didn't look as surprised as I thought she would, maybe she could read me better than I expected.   "with .... a guy"

"Whoa, what is this coming out week or something??" she said.  I looked at her shocked.  Who else could be? Who else has been talking to her?

"WHAT?? WHO?" I said.

"uhh well  .." she paused for a moment.  My brain was going a hundred miles an hour trying to work out who it was, could it be Lucas, did he want her to tell me to let me know he loves me too.  The butterflies in my stomach were on overdrive and my heart took a leap thinking about the possibilities. Lucas loves me, he really loves me.

"it's Marcel" she said.   Well that just threw me right off track, everything came crashing back down to reality, of course it's Marcel it was so obvious, Lucas isn't like that.  I was hoping too much. I flopped back on the cushions and sighed, too good to be true I know.

"Well, it's him you're in love with isn't it? He’s in love with you .." Sarah said matter of factly.  I looked at her and laughed.   She had a look of horror on her face like she'd screwed up, she thought it was Marcel and had just spilled he was gay.

"Marcel?? Me? in love with Marcel HaHAHA" I couldn't help laughing, the very thought was so far from the truth it wasn't funny.

"I take that as a no" She said flatly.  After I'd finished laughing I thought about what she'd said, I already had an idea Marcel was gay, but not that he liked me.

"Marcel is in love with me?? this is too weird.  Is he gay or bi?"   I said, then I thought about it some more, this is how I was reacting to Marcel liking me, is this how I can expect Lucas to react too?

"Well he likes guys, but I think he likes girls a bit too, I'm not sure, what about you?" she said.  I don't think of myself as gay or bi, I'm just in love with Lucas, so what does that make me, I've liked girls the rest of the time and Lucas is the only guy I've fallen for.  Before I even had a chance to answer her question Sarah cut me off.

"Oh my god, it's Lucas isn't it, you're in love with Lucas! why didn't I see it, it's so obvious" she said.  what do you mean so obvious I thought to myself, it can't be that obvious.

"I mean, you treat him the same way you used to treat me.   And you guys already act like a couple, where ever we find one of you the other isn't far away.   You guys are always together, and you're always touching each other somehow, I'm surprised you aren't already 'official' " she continued.  No fair, , she knows me, she has an inside advantage, well hopefully it wasn't as obvious to anyone else.  I sat there awestruck at everything that was coming out of her mouth, on top of the fact she was totally cool with me being in love with a guy.

"He is pretty damn spunky isn't he, and a really nice guy to go with it." she said.  Sarah was just blowing me away with her coolness. "Well aren't you going to say anything" she continued.

"uhh yeah, you rule" I said smiling.

"Well, that's a start I guess, and you don't have to tell me what I already know" she said.  I grinned at her and shook my head.

"So you don’t hate me or anything?" I asked. I wanted to be sure she didn’t resent me. I think me having doubts in my head in the first place pissed her off more than anything. She rolled her eyes at me "Hate you? For what? Liking a guy, puh lease, this is the 90s Storm." She said. "Besides, I think it’s cute."

I couldn’t help myself, I had to give her a hug. I hugged her close "I love you man" I said. She held me for a while and I couldn’t stop smiling, at last I didn’t have to bottle my feelings up anymore. Someone else understood.

"Ok this is the fun part, I want you to tell me why you like him, E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G OK!" She grinned. She was going to enjoy this. I sat there trying to find the best way to describe how I felt about Lucas. It wasn’t hard, there were so many reasons.

I sat there for what seemed like forever telling her about all the different reasons I was in love with Lucas. She seemed to enjoy listening to me pouring my heart out about it. I could have gone on forever.

"So what are you going to do about it?" Sarah asked.   I thought about what I should do and still I came up with the same answer.

"Absolutely nothing" I said.  She looked at me with a 'half pissed half are you crazy' face.

"What? Why the hell not?" she asked.

"Because he's not like me or Marcel, he's totally straight, straighter than a ruler even and I'm not going to lose his friendship, it's too important, I'm happy with that." I replied. 

"How do you know? Have you asked him? You're not being fair to yourself, you should tell him and see what he says or live in denial for the rest of your life."  She said

"Then I choose denial. I won't put him through it, it'll just confuse him and if he did do anything it'd be because he felt sorry for me.  I don't wanna do that to him. And I don’t need to ask him, I just know. " I said hazily.

Sarah looked at me puzzled "You're one in a million you know that Storm" she said.

"I thought it was one in ten?" I said laughing.  She hit me with a cushion and told me I was crazy.  I think she's right.

* * * * * * *

The next day I told Lucas I wasn't walking home with him because I had to go somewhere, he wanted to know where but I couldn't tell him.  He said he'd call me when I got home and to not go finding any other friends without him.    Sure knew how to make me feel special, damn straight nice guys.  I knew I had to talk to Marcel and sort everything out, I asked him to meet me after school down by the park by himself but I wouldn't say why.  He seemed quite happy, I realized how badly I treat him, he's always a good friend but he's always last on my list.  And what do I get for treating him like shit, his love, hmm what a screwed world.

"Hey Marcel" I said waving.  Marcel smiled back at me and I sat down next to him.

"Well what's the big surprise?? come on I'm dying to know, are we planning Dades b’day party or something" he asked.  OH shit Dades birthday, I'd forgotten my own brothers birthday.  Well it was still a ways away so I was ok for now.

"No that's not why I wanted to talk to you." I replied.   He looked at me confused, We spent a lot of time together, but just not by ourselves together, that's why he found this so weird.

"Then why?" he asked.  I tried to be as cool as I could be about it but it wasn't going to be easy.

"Sarah told me everything." I replied.  Marcel looked like he was going to cry, he tried to turn away and hide.  I turned his face back towards and looked at him, I felt so sorry for him, he deserved a lot better. On the outside he was good looking and strong but on the inside he was easily hurt and vulnerable.

"It's ok Marcel, we can work it out" I said.  I thought to myself thinking about how I had no chance in hell with Lucas but I still long for him and here was this beautiful, caring guy throwing himself at me.  What if I just took what I could get and let Lucas be, Marcel isn't a step down by any means. 

"Marcel, you remember last summer holiday when all of us went camping. I was awake. Why did you do that?" I asked. I didn’t have to say what he did, he already knew.

"Because, I wanted to touch you, I love you Storm. I wanted to know what touching you would feel like, even if it was just your hair." He replied. In the back of my head I knew that’s why he did it but I was in too much denial.

"Marcel, I don't know what to say, I've never thought of you that way before.   You've always been my bud." I said.

"Storm, why do you think I hang out with you so much, why do you think I always want to be near you, why do you think I get jealous of Lucas.   Yeah you are my friend, my best friend whether you like it or not, but I am head over heels in love with you and I can't change that.  And even if I could I wouldn't want to." he said. Marcel spoke with a determination I hadn't heard in him before.

What can you say to that, what do you do.  I wanted to love him but I couldn't, my heart already belonged to someone else.  I really wanted to be somewhere else right now.  I felt like I was breaking his heart and I probably was, but I couldn't give him something I didn't have.

"Marcel I ..." I started saying.  Marcel looked like he already knew what I was going to say.

"Look I'm sorry, I'm sorry ok.  I never ever wanted you to know in the first place." he said still crying.  How much he sounded like me, it was like he was going through what I was going through, I knew what he was going through.

"Marcel ... I love you too .. but not like that" I said.   Marcel looked at me and wasn't sure what to do. 

"I already know that, why do you think I wouldn't have bothered telling you.   Storm I know you don't want to be with me and we can forget all about this, I'll be ok don't worry but can I please, I need to feel once ... what it's like to kiss you .. just once please."

I could deal with that, it's only a kiss, it's the least I can do.   I said nothing but simply nodded yes. He picked up my hand, held it in his own, looked me in the eye and told me he loved me more than anyone else in the world.  He slowly moved closer to me and gently pressed his lips against mine and we kissed, it was the most sensuous kiss I have ever had.   So why did I feel like I was cheating on someone?

Call it screwed up or whatever but after that everything was fine.   Marcel never mentioned anything and it was like he had totally moved on, in fact he was the happiest I'd seen him in ages.  We actually became closer friends after that and he began telling me about all the guys he thought were cute.  I never told him about myself though, nothing was going to happen between me and Lucas so there was no point.  Marcel and I were so much better friends that Sarah started to think we were 'together' but I soon set her straight.  Lucas and Marcel started getting along a lot better too, which was great.  I didn't really have much to complain about these days, except for my unrequited love of course, but it didn't seem to feel as unrequited with all the good friends I had.

* * * * * * *

Lucas slowly moved his fingers across my stomach causing me to quiver.  I lay there in anticipation.  He continued up to my chest and rubbed my left nipple gently sending me into a erotic daze.  Lucas then began to move his face closer to mine, I raised my head up to meet him halfway.  I could feel his breath upon me, Our lips finally ...

I woke up in a cold sweat 'DAMN' I thought to myself.    Another dream, I'd never had dreams like this before.  I couldn't stop thinking about Lucas at all now, he was always in my head somewhere.  At first I thought it was just hormones, but now I know it's something more, I just don't know what to do about it.  I couldn't go back to sleep so I decided I'd just get up extra early instead.  I could fit in some extra training this morning while I wait for Lucas, see there he is again, I can't help myself.

Lucas was here right on time as usual, just when everyone was having breakfast, man this guy could eat.  I sat there and watched him eat, same as usual, it was like a routine we'd gotten into.  He didn't know I was looking at him of course, usually I did it without even myself realizing what I was doing.  My mom didn't mind him coming over so often either, I think she would be surprised if he didn't.    Lucas treated me like I was the center of the universe, he was always giving me little presents, picking me up when I was down, putting his arm around me and not even thinking twice about it, remembering all the little things.  I was glad we'd become such close friends but it ate at me on the inside, it was like someone was saying 'look Storm but don't touch, this is what you will never have'.

Lucas was getting really popular in school, all my friends had taken a shine to him and he was a built in member of the 'circle'.  Everybody wanted to be his friend and I was cool with that because no matter how many friends he had I was still his best.  Lucas had joined the football team and made me go to watch all his games, not that I wouldn't have anyway, you'd think I would've been jealous it was like he had taken my place in school but it didn't matter to me.  He came to all my Karate meets and was always cheering me on whether I won or lost, I'm pleased to say I won more than I lost but then it's not really whether you win or lose it's how you play the game right? argh whoever made up that piece of crap has got to be a few sandwiches short of a picnic.

We would do everything together, well maybe not everything, but if we weren't together we were calling the other person.  My mom would ask us jokingly when we were getting married, we both laughed it off, yeah laughing on the outside crying on the inside mother.  I was getting really comfortable and it was like we were together just without any of the really intimate stuff, so I was happy.  Or at least I thought I was.

Eventually it became too much to handle, I couldn’t be with him anymore. It was too painful, I thought I could handle just having the friendship but I was fooling myself. I tried to cut down the amount of time I spent with Lucas, it was really hard because he always wanted to hang out. And when I said no he got all hurt, I tried to make up excuses but they didn’t work. He was so persistent with me that I just couldn’t win, and he kept being so nice to me it just made it that much harder. He seemed confused as to why I was going distant all of a sudden but he wouldn’t give up on me, so I resigned myself to the fact that I was stuck with this torture and there was nothing I could do about it. I did manage to score one class where I played up and got myself sent to the front for the rest of the semester, so the teacher could keep an eye on me. I had to pay more attention to class but at least I had a small victory in my self imposed quest to free myself from Lucas. I think he had an idea I played up on purpose though because he would stare at me all confused during that class, well at least he could still talk to Marcel, I had the class geek to share my time with. Still it was my own doing, I’m not sure it helped any though but oh well, it’s a start.

* * * * * * *

‘DUDE!’ Lucas yelled. I turned to see where he was, I could recognize that face from anywhere. He was sitting down with a bunch of our friends including the ‘Pack’.

I walked over and sat down next to everyone ‘Hey Dude’ I said to Lucas. Lucas slapped me a high 5 and started telling everyone about how I won my division in the local meet. He sounded like he was proud of me, I just smiled at all the ‘oh cools’ I got from the group. Lucas started going into all the details and I told him to shut up, I hate being the center of attention. He told me I should be more proud of my achievements. I poked tongues at him and tried to change the subject.

"So what’s everyone doing this weekend?" I asked.

A few murmurs traveled around the group, by the sounds of it not much. Oh well at least the subject changed.

"Party, Let’s have a Party" Marcel said. Everyone seemed to like that idea, whenever Marcel had a party it was a big one, he was rich, had a lush house, and his parents didn’t give a damn what he did.

"Are you sure Marcel?" Sarah asked. Because Marcel has such awesome parties they tend to get crashed a lot by people who don’t get invited so Sarah must have been worried about that.

"Yeah it’ll be ok, I’ll get some chaperones and security this time. Come on we haven’t had a party in ages, we need it to lighten up a little. What do you say guys?" Marcel asked.

Didn’t take long for everyone to shout their agreement to the idea. We started to organize all the arrangements and decide who was invited and who wasn’t. Knowing Marcel he’d probably invite everyone, and their best friend and their dog trainer.

* * * * * * *

I stood in the mirror making the final adjustments to my hair, I wanted to look my best tonight for some reason. Maybe I’d meet someone to take my mind off Lucas. I rubbed the mousse through my hair and looked it over again, yes, perfect. I looked the rest of myself over and adjusted my shirt again. I was wearing a pair of cream colored Calvin Klein Sports pants, leaving the top of my boxers showing through. I also wore a blue silk shirt with the top button and bottom three buttons open so the top of my boxers and my abs were exposed. I don’t usually go through so much trouble to look good but damn I wanted to have fun tonight, too much stress lately. I decided I was ready, dressed to kill, watch out people, Storms on the hunt.

"Woo Hoo, somebody’s looking fine tonight." I got taken by surprise to hear Lucas voice, I didn’t even hear him come in.

"Oh hey Lucas." I said. I’d all but given up on Lucas, that’s why I was so intent on getting someones attention tonight. I can’t pine over him forever. He stood there looking me over. "So I look ok?" I asked.

Lucas smiled at me and nodded "Dude you look awesome, so who’s the lucky girl?" he asked.

"No one. I just wanted to dress up." I replied. "You’re looking pretty good yourself, who’s your target?" Even asking the question killed me a little inside, I didn’t want to know who he was after but it just seemed like the thing to say at the time.

"You know Claire Carlyle, the girl in Mr Simmons biology class, well her, she is soooo hot. Marcel is going to hook us up tonight." He replied.

Ok so I am going to kill Marcel tonight. My spirits took a dive to ten below zero, all of a sudden I didn’t feel like going. But I knew I’d only get hassled if I didn’t, maybe watching Lucas make out with someone else would give me the jolt treatment I needed to move on. "Oh, that’s great man. Good luck." I said. I didn’t mean it to come out as depressed as it did but I really felt like crying. I’ve always known I didn’t have a chance, now it was just a lot more certain.

"Dude what’s wrong?" Lucas asked. I couldn’t hide much from him.

"Nothing man, can we just go now please. We’re already late" I rushed through the door and ran downstairs yelling out to Mom that I was ready to go. Lucas came down eventually and kept looking at me funny. I hope he doesn’t know, he can’t know, not from just that. And I knew I was looking good tonight, I could get someone. Yup, tonight is my night, look out world!

* * * * * * *

Marcel stood at the door waiting for more guests to arrive, this was an invitation only party and we wanted to be there to say hi to everyone as they walked in. This way he could see all the babes and make a mental note of who was hot and who was not. It also meant everyone would know he was the man of the party.

"Damn Sarah, what part of heaven did you fall out of?" Marcel said as Sarah and Mike walked through the door. Sarah smiled back at Marcel "Oh stop flirting Mister."

Marcel looked Mike over, everyone seemed to be looking hot tonight Marcel thought to himself. Couldn’t let Mike know that though. "Mike, you’re looking terrible as always." Marcel grinned. Mike slapped Marcel on the back of the head and smiled at him. They carried on walking through and Marcel was left to greet more faces he’d never met before. He wondered where Storm and Lucas were, they were supposed to be here an hour ago.

Marcel was about to go and join in the party when he turned and saw one of the hottest specimens he’d seen that evening walking up to him. Marcel started smiling then blinked and looked again.

"Holy Shit Storm" Marcel yelled. Marcel hadn’t even recognized Storm, Storm was dressed with S E X written all over him. Marcel hadn’t seen Storm so sexy before, he knew Storm was sexy but he’d never dressed up much before.

"Hey Marcel, sorry we’re late, I couldn’t decide what to wear." Storm said. Marcel regained himself and said hello to Lucas, who was looking pretty damn hot himself. Marcel held Storm back as Lucas went on to the party. "Storm, you look AWESOME. I knew you were sexy, but DAMN." Marcel said.

Storm leant into Marcel and whispered "I’m trying to get laid" Marcel looked at him a little shocked, this was a totally new side of Storm. "I’m kidding. I’m trying to find a girlfriend, lame huh"

"If you don’t find one, you’re coming up to my room and I’m ripping the rest of that shirt off you. Deal?" Marcel said. Marcel took the chance to slip his hand under Storms shirt and rest it on Storms stomach.

"Deal." Storm replied laughing. "Now would you stop damn flirting with me, I’m getting a hard on bad enough as it is. I’m gonna go say hello to Mike and Sarah now, don’t shoot in your pants ok" Storm said as he walked off.

Marcel stood in awe watching Storm walk off. To Marcel, Storm was the coolest guy on the planet, he always seemed to be in control. And he had never seen Storm look so hot before, he’d have to take him out more often. But Marcel couldn’t figure out why Storm wanted to hang out with Lucas so much instead of him. To Marcel, Lucas was a dumb surfie punk who didn’t deserve Storm but Marcel put up with him because he’s Storms friend. Marcel decided tonight he’d set Lucas up with Claire so Storm would have more time for Marcel. Yes that was tonights mission, lose Lucas, get back Storm and maybe find himself a babe or two.

* * * * * * *

"Who’s Storm trying to impress?" Sarah asked Lucas.

Lucas looked at Storm puzzled. "I have no clue at all. He’s been really weird tonight though, I think he’s trying to hide something from me. I’m going to find out what though." He replied.

Sarah looked at Storm, there was a new side to Storm tonight, the majorly sexy side she hadn’t seen before. She figured he must be trying to impress someone else to take his mind off things. In particular to take his mind off Lucas she thought. Well she’s a friend, if she can help set him up with someone that’s what she’d do, Sarah thought her mission tonight would be to find Storm a partner.

Sarah went to start talking to some of her friends to see who was available to partner off. She went through the list of girls and decided none of them were good enough for Storm. ‘He said Lucas is the only guy he liked, he liked girls otherwise’ she remembered, so setting him up with another guy wasn’t an option. Who could Storm like, who’s good enough for Storm, no sluts or dumb blondes Sarah thought. Sarah was deep in thought wondering what to do when she was interrupted by someone she hadn’t met before. "Hi, are you Sarah Leo?" the voice asked.

Sarah turned around and looked at the girl who’d asked who she was. ‘Perfect!’ Sarah thought to herself, the girl was about 5’7, had medium length dark brown hair and green eyes. It was the new girl everyone was talking about, and there wasn’t any surprise why. Sarah didn’t like girls in that way but she knew this girl was a knock out. She looked like a younger version of that Claire Forlani lady off ‘Meet Joe Black’, a sure fire hit for Storm. "Yeah that’s me" Sarah replied.

"Hi I’m Claire Carlyle. I’ve heard a lot about you, I just moved here and thought I’d introduce myself." She said.

‘yes you’ll do just fine’ Sarah thought to herself. "Hi Claire, welcome to Merlow, so do you know many people here yet?" Sarah asked.

"Uhh no not really, a few people but haven’t made many friends yet." Claire replied.

"Good, stick with me tonight, I’ll introduce you to everyone. We’re going to get along great I can tell" Sarah couldn’t have been more pleased, she’d found the perfect candidate.

Sarah took Claire around introducing her to all the rest of her female friends, because the only male she’s going to be introduced to would be Storm. Sarah found out a lot about Claire, she had brains to go with her looks, and she was cool to go with it. The noise in the place was deafening and Sarah had to move Claire to the edge of the room so she could hear her. And they also had the perfect view of Storm, now it was time to act.

"Hey Claire, can you see that guy over there in the blue shirt dancing?" Sarah asked. Claire popped her head up to get a better view, she finally spotted him. "Oh yeah I see him, wow he’s pretty hot, is he your boyfriend?" Claire asked.

"No. he’s not my boyfriend, I’m already taken. But that guys name is Storm, he’s really cool, why don’t you go and dance with him?" Sarah asked confidently. She knew the only reason this girl wouldn’t want to dance with Storm would be if she were a lesbian. "Storm, wow that’s a cool name, do you think he’ll mind? What about that girl he’s dancing with now?" Claire asked.

Sarah looked at the girl Storm was dancing with, she recognized the girl as Stacey Peters. No threat to Claire, Sarah thought. "Oh forget her she’ll be gone by the end of the song, just go!" Sarah pulled Claire over to where everyone was dancing and got Storms attention. She had to use hand gestures to try and introduce Storm and Claire, but she managed to make out the words ‘you’ ‘dance’ her’ ‘now’. And before she knew it the two were dancing away. They both seemed to be really getting into it. Sarah was happy with herself, another day another good deed she thought.

Sarah finally found Mike sitting down with some of his other mates, she filled him in on her little mission and Mike shook his head at her laughing. "Who named you Cupid?" Mike asked. Sarah pointed to herself and smiled, she leaned in close to Mike and hugged him. She kissed him softly on the lips "I love you" she said. Mike mouthed the words back to her silently and they started making out.

"What the Hell!" Marcel yelled in surprise.

Sarah stopped kissing Mike and turned to see what the fuss was about. "What?" she asked.

"Why the hell is Storm dancing with her?" Marcel asked.

Sarah looked at him puzzled. "Who Claire? I introduced them, Why? She’s ok" Sarah replied.

Marcel looked at her frustrated, she was dancing with the wrong guy. Mike leaned towards Marcel smiling wickedly "Why big boy? Are ya jealous?"

"Oh shut up you" Marcel retorted. "He’s not supposed to be dancing with her, I’m supposed to set her up with Lucas, he’s waiting for me now." Marcel was getting agitated, his plan was totally backfiring. If Storm got with Claire it’d be a massive disaster.

"What? Is there a competition for Cupid tonight or something?" Mike said laughing. He stopped laughing soon enough because the looks he was getting from Marcel and Sarah weren’t very amused. Marcel looked on at Storm in panic, while Sarah sat there bewildered. They’d gotten themselves into a bit of a pickle this time.

* * * * * * *

I couldn’t believe what a great time I was having, not only was I having a great time, I’d forgotten all about Lucas. Come to think of it I haven’t seen him nearly all night, I better check on him later. I was also dancing with a total babe, I didn’t know her name but hey did it matter, I was having a blast. And by the looks of it she was too. Our body language was extremely suggestive, we weren’t leaving much to the imagination that’s for sure. We’d been dancing for what must have been a good half hour. In that time she’d managed to unbutton my shirt fully and had no qualms putting her hands all over me. I thought I’d finally done it, I’d gotten over him. Eventually we both were getting tired so I grabbed her hand and led her outside.

On our way out I noticed Marcel and Sarah looking at me in shock, I have no idea why, oh well. I grabbed both of us a drink and we polished them off rather quickly. She was pretty forward, as soon as the drinks were finished her hands were back on me again. We leaned against the deck railing and she started kissing my neck, her kisses were so soft they were driving me wild. I managed to get a bit better control of myself and eased her back, I at least wanted to know her name before I started making out with her. "You’re a great dancer" I said.

"You’re not so bad yourself, by the way I love your name, it’s so cool." She said moving back in for the kill.

"Speaking of names, what’s yours?" I asked. I wanted desperately to know what this beautiful girls name was.

"Claire, Claire Carlyle." She replied. ‘bang’ I knew It was too good to be true. Why does this always happen to me, no wonder Marcel was staring at me wide eyed. What would Lucas think if he found out, he’d think I was moving in on his girl. I had to put a stop to this right now.

"Uhh I have to go, sorry" I said not looking back as I ran back inside. I felt pretty bad, she probably didn’t even know what was going on.

"What? What did I say!" She yelled after me. My heart was racing, I was in a state of panic. I grabbed Marcel and pulled him after me. I ran all the way upstairs to Marcels room, Marcel being pulled along asking me what was going on. We got in the room and I slammed the door behind us.

"Marcel, Marcel why the hell didn’t you warn me that was Claire, I know you’re supposed to set her up with Lucas. What happened?" I asked in a rush.

"Sarah happened, she wanted to try and set you up, she didn’t know I was going to set her up with Lucas, and by the time I found out it was too late." Marcel was speaking as quick as I was, we were both in a panic. I prayed that Lucas hadn’t seen us dancing together, I had to think of something.

"Where’s Lucas now?" I asked.

"He’s still outside waiting for me" Marcel replied.

"Ok you have to go out and find out if he saw anything, if he didn’t then go and find Claire and introduce them. You have to make it work Marcel. GO. NOW! Hurry!" I yelled, I was so tense and worked up. Marcel ran out of the room as fast as he could and went down to Lucas. That was it, my night had just been killed. So much for the night of Storm.

I lay on Marcels bed and buried my head in his pillows and screamed as loud as I could. Luckily the music was so loud nobody would have noticed. "WHY ME!" I screamed. This just couldn’t be happening. I’m cursed, that’s it, I’m destined to live my life single. I lay there sobbing quietly, the throbbing vibration of the music slowly lulling me to sleep. Yes sleep, that was the one place left my dreams could come true.

* * * * * * *

Marcel ran downstairs as fast as he could, Storm was in distress and only he could help him. Marcel worried about how worked up Storm was, maybe he’d had too much to drink. Nah not Storm, he’s not like that, he must just be worried about Lucas. Marcel sure was worried about Storm though, Marcel hated seeing him like this, he wanted Storm to be happy no matter who it was with. But who could it be with, that was the question.

Marcel looked everywhere for Claire and couldn’t find her. He searched the dance floor, the bedrooms, the deck, everywhere and he couldn’t find her. He resigned himself to the fact that she must have left already and carried on to the garage to find Lucas. When he got there he found Lucas slumped against the wall with a bunch of empty bottles next to him. Marcel looked on in horror, something wasn’t right here. "Where the fuck have you been" Lucas yelled.

Marcel knew Lucas was drunk now and he moved forward slowly "Lucas, what’s wrong?"

Lucas looked at Marcel with strained eyes "What’s wrong? What’s fucking wrong? You wanna know what the fuck is wrong with me?? I don’t know what’s wrong with me, My best friend is avoiding me for some reason and I can’t even get a girl. I waited for you to come but you didn’t so I went out to find you." Lucas drunk down some more beer " And I found her, I found Claire, I didn’t even say anything and she ran out. And I haven’t been able to find Storm all night. Where the hell is he??"

Marcel wasn’t sure what to do, he’d never seen Lucas like this before. "He’s in my room"

Lucas got up and stumbled towards the door "I’m going to go and see what the hell his problem is, right now damnit"

Marcel didn’t think Lucas was in the right frame of mind to talk to Storm. Lucas also looked pretty angry and Marcel didn’t want Lucas trying to take his anger out on Storm, he’d have to get through Marcel first. Marcel stood in front of the doorway and blocked Lucas.

"You’re not going anywhere Lucas, and if you think I’m backing down, you better think again. If you want a piece of Storm you’re going to have to get through me first. And trust me, you’ll lose" Marcel was determined, he knew Storm was as distressed as Lucas and wouldn’t be able to think straight if things got heated. And there was no way in hell he’d let anything happen to Storm as long there was something he could do about it. Marcel stood with his fists clenched tightly ready to take out Lucas at the first sign of trouble.

Lucas turned to Marcel with a hurt look on his face "You.. you think I want to hurt Storm?" Lucas began tearing up "Does he think that too? Is that why he’s avoiding me? oh my god. I don’t want to hurt Storm, that’s the last thing I want to do. I just want to know why he’s pushing me away. And he thinks I want to hurt him…..." Lucas began crying profusely.

Marcel wasn’t sure what do now, Lucas looked hurt and defeated. Marcel felt a hand on his shoulder "Let them talk Marcel, nothing bad will happen" it was Sarah "They need to sort a few things out, it’ll be ok."

Marcel didn’t want to let Lucas through, he still thought Lucas was going to hurt Storm somehow. "NO. I’m not going to let him hurt Storm. Storms too good for that piece of shit anyway, why the hell does he want to hang out with the loser, look at him. He’s a drunk fool." Marcel was defiant in his reply.

Sarah put her hands on Marcels shoulders and eased him away gently "Marcel, I promise you, everything will be ok, please let him go" Sarah tried to turn his face away from Lucas and towards her own "Marcel, I know Storm appreciates what you’re willing to do for him, but it’s not necessary. Trust me on this one will you? Please"

Marcel finally backed down slowly, he was really heated up, ready to strike Lucas down in an instant. Marcels true feelings towards Lucas had been revealed and he didn’t care who knew now. If it weren’t for Sarah he wasn’t sure whether he would have let Lucas walk out conscious.

Sarah looked down at Lucas, still looking defeated, and now he knew what Marcel really thought of him. "Go. Now. Hurry up" she yelled. No time for niceties here. Lucas pulled himself up and stumbled through the door, Mike helping him along. Sarah looked at Marcel who’s eyes were fixed with anger, she pulled his head down and rested it on her shoulder. She knew why else Marcel resented Lucas so much, he had always been there for Storm and still Storm chose Lucas. She held him for a few minutes while he quietly let a few tears escape him.

* * * * * * *

"Storm, Storm, wake up. Please Storm. Wake up. I need to talk to you" I felt my leg being shaken. I slowly pulled myself from my slumber, I couldn’t believe I’d fallen asleep. Can’t have been for too long the music was still loud. I turned around to see who was talking to me. It was Lucas, he looked like he’d been crying and his face was a bit red. He was sitting at the end of the bed, I sat myself up and sat on the other side of the bed away from him. He looked hurt.

"What are you doing here Lucas?." I asked. I was even more confused then before. I don’t know what he was thinking. I could smell the alcohol and knew right away he was drunk. "What’s wrong with me?" he asked.

I was confused, what’s wrong with him? I don’t get it, is this a trick question. "There’s nothing wrong with you Lucas."

"Then why are you pushing me away? What did I do? Marcel says I’m not good enough for you and he thinks I want to hurt you but I don’t I promise. I could never hurt you Storm." He said softly. I couldn’t face him, I turned away, how do I say ‘your problem is your too awesome’. "Lucas, there is nothing wrong with you, you are a fantastic guy, a great friend and you’re gonna make some girl real happy one day."

"I don’t care about that, you still haven’t told me why you’re pushing me away." He said. I wasn’t sure how to answer that one either, part of that was my fault. "I… I can’t tell you why Lucas."

Lucas turned me around to face him and he looked me in the eye, both of our eyes were teary. He held my face against his and pulled me closer to hug me. "I need you Storm, I can’t make it without you, you’re my best friend.   Why don't you love me?" I couldn’t hold back the tears anymore. It always ended like that ‘I love you Storm …. As a friend’ that’s all it ever was. "I love you Lucas, more than you’ll ever know."

We leaned our heads against each others and let the tears flow for a while. I was holding him now and it felt so strange, but it felt right. I noticed things changed a bit when he’d stopped crying and he looked me in the eye. "Do you really love me?" he asked.

"Look in my eyes, can you see how much?" I said. We sat there side by side, holding each other, and all of a sudden Lucas began moving his face closer to mine. We leaned our foreheads against each other and looked one another in the eye. We held the gaze for an eternity, I couldn’t move, it was as if we were peering into one another souls. At that moment I felt love, I could feel him pouring it into my soul and filling it as if it were an empty well. "Storm, I love you."

I could feel his breath against me now, his eyes still fixed on me never waivering. Our lips inches apart, moving ever so slowly together. This is it, the moment I’ve been waiting for, my dream was coming true. I finally felt his lips barely touching mine, I was in heaven, our lips had barely touched and I was already on cloud nine. And then it happened ..

Lucas passed out. He’d hit the dreamscape. I couldn’t believe it, it was too unbelievable. I was soooo close and then this happens. I should have known, he was drunk, he would have done anything. I let his head rest against my shoulder, I was shaken but I was getting so used to being teased and having everything taken away from me that I had to laugh. It was just too much, I sat there and laughed, how demented is that. Here I am about to finally kiss the person I am crazy for, and he passes out. Ten bucks he wouldn’t remember in the morning either.

This is what my life is doomed to be. Still I had to see the humor in it. I decided I’d had enough partying for one night and I laid Lucas down on Marcels bed. If I wanted to I could have had my way with him, but I don’t want it like that. When I get it, I want it to be for real. I covered him up with the blanket and remembered the first day I met Lucas almost three months ago and he’d fallen off to sleep on my bed. Things had changed so much, he was an integral part of my life now, I couldn’t live without him whether I liked it or not. I watched him sleep, chest rising, sighing peacefully. I leant down and kissed him on the forehead. "I love you Lucas" I whispered into his ear.

I quietly left the room and told Marcel that Lucas was asleep in his bed and for him to be nice. I’d be back in the morning to help clean up the mess. I don’t think Marcel wanted me to leave but I really needed to get home and sleep in my own bed. I was actually feeling on top of the world, I had never been so close before. And even if he wakes up and never remembers anything I’ll be happy. I caught a cab home and tiptoed up to my room hoping not to disturb anyone. "How was your night honey?" my mom yelled from her room.

‘damn’ she must have super hearing. "Just great Mom." I replied. No point in tiptoeing now I guess.

"Where’s Lucas? How come he didn’t come back with you?" Mom asked. Hmm this was going to be fun answering.

"He’s staying at Marcels tonight, I’m going back to help clean up in the morning. Night Mom" I yelled. Oh well, I wasn’t lying was I.

I lay in bed smiling, it’s just so ironic how can I not smile. You have to see the demented humor here. So close yet so far, always the way with me. You’d think I’d have learnt my lesson by now but noo Storm comes back for thirds. Still, tonights episode should hold me over for another six months.

* * * * * * *

I woke up the next morning still grinning, geez I am so dysfunctional. I shot out of bed and ran to the shower, I was full of energy for some reason today. I barely managed to get my shirt on before I was running out the door. I got to Marcus house and boy was it messy, beer cans everywhere and rubbish galore. I went upstairs to Marcels room stepping over a stray body who didn’t quite make it home to bed. I opened the door and stepped inside, the sight before me was definitely a kodak moment. Mike, Sarah, Marcel and Lucas all squashed onto Marcels double bed. Geez what I’d give for a camera right now, and wouldn’t you know Marcel just happened to have one. I picked it up off his dresser and focused it properly, getting ready to savor the next moment. "CHEEEEESSSEEEE!!" I yelled.

‘click’. They all started coming around moaning about me being so loud. "Hey I know you guys are great friends and all, but come on, this is just not natural, I’m appalled at you!" I tried to put on my best serious face. Apparently they all thought it was funny too and started putting their hands all over each other teasing me. "Hey no fun without me you hear!" I leapt onto the bed and started wrestling with everyone.

"Storm you dork, get the hell off me!" Sarah yelled at me. "And Marcel get your damn hand off my tits"

"Uhh if his hands are on your tits, whose hand is holding my penis?" Lucas laughed.

"My goodness, we truly are a demented bunch" Mike said as he hopped out of bed. "And it was my hand" Mike winked. Lucas carried on laughing. Oh boy we all needed serious help.

"ooooooooh my head" Lucas moaned. "What the hell happened last night?"

See I knew it, I knew he’d forget, but I didn’t care, I was still happy. I knew it was the alcohol talking last night too, making his feelings seem bigger than they really were. I had to make light of the situation "Lucas, last night you and Marcel had hot nasty sex."

Lucas rolled over to Marcel "So was it as good for you as it was for me?" Lucas said seductively.

Marcel was loving this even more, he started rubbing his hands on Lucas chest "Even better baby" he replied.

"Well that’s great because it’ll never happen again" Lucas yelled jumping out of bed. At least we could still laugh, it seemed as if everyone had blocked out last night or couldn’t remember through the alcohol. Which is why I don’t like to drink much.

We all went downstairs and the four of them washed up, we decided to kick out all the vagabonds first. Then we split up and started getting the house back into shape. Lucas and I hung out as if nothing had happened, which is probably what he thought. We spent a lot of time joking around and it was about the most fun I’ve ever had cleaning up before. When we finally finished Marcel made us all Lunch and we scoffed it down like a bunch of pigs. I told everyone I had to go and help my Mom with some stuff and made a quick exit. Lucas came out after me asking what my hurry was.

"Oh nothing, I just wanna get home that’s all, what are you doing now?" I asked.

Lucas shrugged his shoulders at me. "I suppose I better go home and get changed, but can I come over later on?" He definitely must have forgotten, I’m glad though because it’d only confuse him, he was out of his head not thinking straight. I can’t hold him to anything like that. Besides nothing happened, we just told each other we loved each other, that’s what good friends do.

"Hey, Mi Casa Su Casa. Comprende" I said waving goodbye and running off. I really was in a hurry, I have no idea why.

* * * * * * *

I went back home and slept for what must have been a long time because it was getting dark outside when I woke up. I shook my hair about and stood in the mirror looking at myself, I was feeling pretty confident today, must have been all that attention at the party. I headed downstairs to see what was for dinner wearing nothing but boxers, I did that a lot. I opened up the fridge to take a swig of Orange Juice and saw a note on it.

‘Honey

Dade and I have gone shopping and to see a movie, we will be back later on tonight about 11. Dinner is in the oven. A few calls for you today, Mike rang to see if you wanted to go fishing tomorrow, Some girl rang to talk to you, she didn’t leave her name, is there someone you’re not telling me about Son? And Lucas rang quite a few times, sounded important but he said not to wake you. There’s enough dinner in case some of your friends come over.

Love you,

Mom

P.S KEEP THE HOUSE TIDY!!

Uh oh what was going on here, the girl must have been Claire, how did she get my phone number? What did Lucas want? important but didn’t want to wake me. Shit, what if he remembered. I tried not to worry about it, I went to get my dinner out of the oven and noticed the light in my tree house was on. Someone was up there, who? Not a robber I hope. I went outside and quietly climbed up the side not using the ladder, I knew the tree house inside out and could get up and in without anyone noticing. I popped my head and saw it was Lucas, what the hell was he doing here?

"Uhh Hi Lucas, what ya up to?" I asked. I climbed in and sat down next to him, he didn’t seem all that there today, as if something were on his mind.

"Why didn’t you tell me?" he asked. I wasn’t sure what he meant, I couldn’t be sure.

"About what?" I asked in reply. I was starting to get nervous, he was either remembering ‘us’ or the girl, either way it was bad.

"About last night, why didn’t you tell me about last night." He said. I still wasn’t sure what he was talking about. "Look I can’t remember everything but I know something happened, you’re keeping something from me and I want to know what?"

I gulped, I was getting a better idea of what he wanted to know. The only way I could get out of it now was to tell him the truth, that I was in love with him. If he didn’t remember from last night, he sure would remember now.