This is a step away from my usual writing. Just a few important points to make. This story takes place when Kate is just 17 and Rick is 28 years old. There is no Alexis. And Meredith and Gina never happened. This fic is dedicated to Purplangel. She threw this idea my way and then she begged me to put pen to paper. I hope it's worth the wait! Luv ya girl!
Kate adds the finishing touches to her mascara and reaches for her tube of dark cherry lipstick and as she leans forward to apply it, she catches sight of her father peering over her shoulder in the mirror.
"Katie, I just wanted to make sure I understand your plans for tonight. Your friend, Monica, is driving correct?" her father inquires.
"Yes, dad, she is driving," Kate responds as she runs her fingers through her hair, fluffing it one last time. Stepping away from the mirror, she twists from side to side to get one final glance over her appearance. Picking up her gold hoop earrings, she turns and faces her father as she slides the first one through the hole.
"And you are going to a poetry reading?"
"Yes, dad, we are going to a poetry reading," she grins back at him as she picks up her clutch and drops her tube of lipstick inside.
"I just don't understand why you didn't want to go to your senior prom? That nice boy, what was his name?"
"Brian, dad. His name is-was Brian," Kate stresses. "We broke up remember? Besides, this will be more fun."
"How so exactly? I mean really, Katie, poetry?" he responds with a hurt look in his eye.
"Oh dad, stop!" Kate muses as she pushes her father gently to the side and trying not to laugh at him. She turns and faces her dad as she hears the horn beeping in the driveway.
"Katie? Katie, honey, your ride is here," her mom yells up the stairs.
"Be right there!" Kate hollers over her shoulder. "Honestly, dad, I don't see the big deal. It's just a dance. This will be so much more fun, hanging out with my friends doing what we want to do. We won't have many more opportunities to just hang out. After I graduate, everything will change."
"You're right, honey, everything will change. I just want to see you embrace these opportunities in your senior year. It's your senior prom after all, but I see you are really excited for your night out. Have fun and be careful," he states as he leans forward and kisses her on the cheek. He steps back and grasps her by the shoulders giving her the once over. You look beautiful, just like your mother looked when she was your age. I remember; I was the one who took her to her prom," he states with a twinkle in his eye. "Even though you are not dressed for a prom dance, you look lovely."
"Thanks, dad," she states softly. "And I promise to be careful. Don't wait up!" She exclaims as she rushes down the stairs even though she knows deep down, he will wait up for her. He always does. She wishes her parents wouldn't worry so much about her. Kate stops and kisses her mom on the cheek as her mom holds the door open for her.
Kate slides into the front seat of the car and turns to her friend as she clicks her seatbelt in place. "I am so excited!"
"I know right?" Monica replies as she pulls out of the driveway.
"I can't believe my dad let me go. He was so disappointed that I wasn't going to the prom. I mean really, this will be so much fun! You know me. I love to people watch."
"Kate, this will be an older crowd. And I, for one, am trolling for a hot guy. You can 'people watch' all you want, but I am looking for a little more than eye candy tonight," Monica replies as she blows a bubble and smacks her gum as she sends Kate a wicked grin over her shoulder.
"Oh God stop!" Kate exclaims as she gently pushes her friend on the shoulder. "I happen to remember the last 'hot guy' you picked up last week when we were out together! Now, what was his name…Oh I remember now, Heath. What parent names their kid, Heath? Besides, as I recall he dropped you cold when he found out your real age."
"Maybe so, but boy could he kiss. I am getting hot just thinking about it! Besides, Kate, you only live once. Let's make a pact. Tonight, we are going to enjoy what comes our way. Promise me." Monica glances over her shoulder and wiggles her eyebrows at Kate.
"Monica, I swear, you and your double entendres," Kate responds as she bursts out laughing.
Kate steps just inside the door of the coffee shop and scans the crowd while her friend parks the car. Just as she turns to open the door for Monica, she catches sight of Suzanne waving frantically at her. Kate nods at her to let her know she sees her.
"Mmmm smell that," Monica states as she steps inside behind Kate.
"I know, it smells wonderful. I love coming here. Come on, I've spotted Suzanne," Kate replies as she pulls her friend out of the doorway. Working their way amongst the tables, Kate scans the crowd looking for anyone else she recognizes. The house is packed tonight. She is glad Suzanne got here in time to save them a good table. They are seated about halfway from the front and slightly off to the side so they have a great view of the presenters and far enough back as to not draw any immediate attention their way.
The first presenter approaches the mic and pulls up the stool. He sits down and adjusts the height of the mic and begins to read; quieting down the crowd.
Suzanne leans over and whispers to Monica, "I don't know about you, but he's a cutie."
Monica stops chatting and looks up at the presenter. He is tall with a lean build. Wearing a tight white graphic t-shirt accenting his well defined biceps. Paired with black cargo pants and black Converse shoes. His wavy blond hair just reaches the collar of his t-shirt. He shakes his head just enough to clear the bangs out of his eyes as he continues to read.
"Careful girl, you're drooling," Suzanne remarks.
"I don't know, Monica, he oozes California dreamin' if you ask me," Kate responds. "Seems just your type."
"And how do you know my type exactly?" Monica asks peeling her eyes away from the guy long enough to raise an eyebrow at Kate.
"Oh come on, Mo, he's blond. All your boyfriends have been blond," Kate states matter of fact as she takes in the big brown eyes of her friend gazing back at her.
"Okay, you're right. What can I say. They draw me in. So what? What's your type Kate? Huh?"
Kate's dated a few guys in high school; nothing serious. She has never connected with any of them. So she can't say she really has a 'type'. Looking back at her friend with her natural curly blond hair and expressive eyes she shrugs her shoulders.
"That's what I thought," Monica grins. She knows all Kate's past boyfriends. They have run the entire gamut in body type and hair color. "At least I know what sets my heart a flutter. And that guy up there definitely does it for me."
"Careful there, Mo," Kate pauses to shake her gold bangle bracelets and looks down at her watch, "It's been 15 minutes since we stepped foot in here; You might have set a new record."
The blond beauty finishes speaking and steps off the stool. Monica watches him as he leaves the spot light and stops by the register to place an order.
Kate nudges her foot against Monica. "There's your chance, go up there and place your order," she states hoping to prod her friend into action.
"Don't mind if I do, can I get you anything while I'm up there?" Monica asks.
"Yeah, the usual for me. Thanks," Kate responds.
"Suzanne, anything for you?" Monica inquires.
"No, I'm good. But you better hurry, California dreamin' is about to step away from the register," Suzanne states as she winks at Monica.
"All right, ladies, wish me luck," Monica huffs as she pushes in her chair.
"Luck? As if you need any," Suzanne laughs at Monica as she heads toward the register and shoots a look back in her direction. "I mean, really, that girl has all the luck. So, Kate, I hear you got into college?"
"Yeah, that's right. I received my letter this week," Kate responds.
"Stanford, correct? How are your folks taking the news?"
"They are so excited."
"Do you know your major already?" Suzanne interrupts.
"Yeah, Pre-Law. My mom is thrilled. She says I am headed in her footsteps."
"I'm happy for you, Kate. It's nice to know where you want to go from here."
"How about you, where do you see yourself after graduation?" Kate asks.
"Dunno, I haven't decided on what career path I want to go toward yet. But I plan to enroll somewhere close to home where I can commute the first year. You know, start the basic classes that all majors require. Hopefully during that time I can decide what direction I want to go," Suzanne responds.
"I think that is truly smart," Kate states as the next guy starts toward the mic.
"So, what did I miss?" Monica asks as she takes her seat next to Kate and sits her coffee in front of her.
"Thanks," Kate says to Monica as she reaches for her cup.
"Kate was just telling me about her entrance into Stanford," Suzanne replies.
"I know, it's great! I am so proud of her, Miss brains and all," Monica concurs as she takes a sip of her coffee.
"So, how'd it go with California?" Suzanne pushes.
"A girl, never kisses and tells-" Monica starts.
"You did not! Already?! Seriously?! God, I need pointers from you," Kate whines.
"Or a great big cup of courage. Drink up Buttercup," Monica urges.
"Stop! Between you and Suzanne, I don't know who is worse. Seriously, Mo, did you?"
"Good God, Kate. I am not that desperate to just grab him at the register," Monica replies with a huff.
"Uh-huh. Oh wait," Kate pauses as she scrutinizes her friend's face for any hint of a suppressed lie. "No, I think you waited until after he placed his order to lay one on him."
"Sweet Jesus, would you look at that," Suzanne states on a long exhale. Drawing the girls' attention to the front of the room.
"Holy cow," Monica whispers as she nudges Kate in the leg. Drawing Kate's attention to the front of the room.
The guy drags the stool closer towards the mic and sits down. He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper. Clearing his throat, he begins to read; the crowd draws quite once again.
A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Kate leans back in her chair; riveted to the spot by the quite timber of his voice. He is not just hot. He is breathtakingly gorgeous. The overhead spot light is showcasing him before her. And boy, is she ever grateful for that bright light. Like a moth to a flame, Kate sits and stares, unashamed, as she continues to observe him from head to toe. Beginning with his full head of silky brown hair. Styled with a part toward the left and with a slight shake of his head, the bangs leave their perfect spot to fall just a touch above his eyebrow. His sideburns just graze the start of a five o'clock shadow which showcases his full lips. Dressed in a red flannel shirt over-top a black Van Halen concert shirt; accentuating his broad chest and bulging biceps, within the confines of the long sleeves. Her gaze travels down to his low waisted, dark acid-wash Levi jeans and finishes with the black Doc Marteens. She can barely breathe as an unfamiliar pull begins to settle low in her abdomen. Her hands begin to tremble so she places them around the cup before her. She takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly as his words cascade over her.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
Monica looks over at Kate and takes in her still form. She looks closer at her just to make sure she is still breathing. Yep, still breathing. She looks down at Kate's hands as they clasp her cup before her; the knuckles are white from the firm grip she has on it.
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.
Kate startles as he stands and folds the paper back into his pocket and walks away from the mic. And away from the light. OhGodOhGodOhGodOhGod! She shakes her head as she brings the room back into focus before her. Holy Hell. What was that? Or rather, WHO was that? She thinks to herself as her heartbeats at a chaotic rhythm inside her chest. She pulls her perspiring hands from her coffee cup and runs them gently over her thighs trying to dry them, as the tightening in her lower abdomen starts to subside. She is beyond affected by him. Yep, she's in trouble. Doomed actually. Because, as of tonight, she will never look at another boy in high school again.