By Trynia Merin

Disclaimer: The members of KISS are real persons, and their makeup and albums are property of their organization and kiss Catalogue. However the characters in this story are based on their lives, for fan fiction reasons only. No harm is intended. This is an alternate fictional account of how Paul and Gene got together as a pair of musicians, so certain liberties have been taken. But other facts remain to make this a convincing story. Other characters involved not based on real persons are property of the author. Thanks to Eisencookie for help with developing and suggesting story ideas!

Ray mumbled and turned over, blinking in strange confusion. Slowly she blinked, and reached for Gene, only to find him gone. Momentarily she panicked, then it registered that the bathrooms light was turned on, the sound of the fan running in the small-enclosed space. Curious as to what he would do, Ray closed her eyes and curled up in the same position she had occupied before. She felt the mattress vibrating from heavy footsteps and then the lurch of the bed as he sat down on it. Cool air hit her side when the sheets were drawn aside, and a warm body slid in next to hers, totally devoid of clothing. Soft intermittent kisses rained on her ear, and Raina sighed deeply as she felt his tongue trace over her lips teasingly. She slowly blinked up into his face leaned over hers, Gene lying on one side tracing his finger over her features.

"You know it's good when the most beautiful thing you wake up to is the person next to you," he whispered. A stab of warmth and sadness hit her in the heart, and she blinked up with a glad smile.

"Aww you big softie," she laughed, kissing him. Gene leaned down and wrapped her in his arms, lips poised for a kiss. She opened her eyes a moment for a change, as his kiss intensified and his tongue snaked past her lips. Capturing it in her teeth she sucked on it lightly, eliciting a moan from Gene. It caressed the back of her throat.

"Shall we make up for last night?" he winked. She smiled warmly and sighed as he climbed overtop of her and rubbed himself down her belly.

"Gene," she groaned as he teased her around the edges, not slipping inside but taking his sweet time to work her up to the same level of arousal he had reached. He slipped himself against her most sensitive spot, causing her to arch her back and muffle a shriek of sheer pleasure.

"Wait a minute," he urged, pulling back and hunting for something in the dim light of morning. For a moment he slid his hand under the pillow and pulled out what he was looking for. Then Gene prepared himself and gently grabbed her hips, continuing his merciless teasing. She shrieked and grasped for him, but he gently pinned her arms beside her head with his handed, rocking on his knees. Then he shifted partway into her, moving his hips in a side to side motion that stunned her with the difference in pleasure she felt from times before. Her mind wanted to question where he had learned this new trick, and for a sad moment she wondered if he had learned it from some other woman.

Gene turned her over on her stomach, rearing up behind her as he ran his hand down her front. He turned her around so they both faced the dresser mirror and she could see him and herself as they made love. Kissing her shoulder he caressed her breasts from behind, taking them in his handed and urging her to look at what he was doing in the mirror. Ray gasped at the sight of her fully nude in the morning shadows, on Gene’s knees as he spread her legs and got behind her to take her from behind.

"Gene what are you… oho god," she whimpered.

"Look at us, just look at us and what we’re doing…" he whispered. "It’s a turn on, isn’t it?"

"I’ve never… wow," she gasped, watching him rear up from behind and set his teeth into her shoulder as he pounded up into her. She could see her pale freckled body a contrast nestled into his darker toned one, hips worked hard as he pushed harder and harder, his handed on her chest and shoulders. She was on all fours, sweat pouring from her forehead and gasping with Gene overtop her, his muscular chest brushing and slapping against her sensitive back. Driven to a fast furious orgasm Ray saw her twin in the mirror watching with wide eyes, her lips parted to scream loudly as the man behind her watched with a self satisfied grin at what he was doing. They were voyeurs on themselves, watching their sexual escapades, and Ray couldn’t help but scream and laugh in gasping pants. Gene smiled and stopped for a moment, pulling out of her and sitting with his back to the mirror, facing her. He lay down across the bed, and pulled her knees onto his shoulders, urging her to lie back and come to meet him as he held her hips with his handed. Having positioned her, he reared up on his arms and bucked into her, and Ray gasped as this new position gave new pleasures.

"I’m going to give you the screw of your life," he laughed.

"I want… to please you," she gasped.

"This is my time to show you how damn good I can make you feel Ray," he said in that soft velvet voice that shivered her from head to tingling toe. Now he was a master of seduction, and it both titillated and awed her at how much power his voice had over her emotions.

"Oh god you sneaky son of a bitch!" she laughed and screamed again. Clearly he was enjoying her reactions as much as he was enjoying the sex, and it somehow gladdened her to know he took delight in her pleasure as much as his own. Ray reared up, surprising herself with her flexibility, and then pulled her knees off of Gene’s shoulders, switching them to his hips and he sensed what she wanted. He was precariously close to his own climax, experimenting with how long he could hold off before he exploded in hot delight. For a second she opened her eyes to glimpse Gene’s final grimace, matching the sudden last desperate thrust below that told her where he was. She could not resist catching his lips with her own and sealing her overwhelming feeling of love in a deep kiss. They finished together, joined at the hips with Ray in his lap, arms locking around each other’s bodies in a death grip.

Having given each other everything they had, they sat there for a while, simply enjoying the closeness. Safe and secure in his lap and in his strong arms, she sighed deeply as he kissed her softly n the cheeks and lips.

"Would it ruin the mood if I said I loved you?" she panted as Gene echoed her sigh of satisfaction.

"Not at all sweetheart," Gene smiled, fondly letting go of her with one arm to trace his finger down her nose. "Especially since I know it’s true."

"I also know it might ruin to mood to hear you say it too," she blushed as he still held her.

"I know how you feel, and how hard it is for you to say…"

"You understand?" Gene looked at her with a hard questioning gaze that melted into astonishment.

"I do," she choked back tears in this moment of naked clarity.

"I do… love you Ray," he said awkwardly, biting his lip. "I hoped you would understand… that I can’t show you in the same ways that you…"

"Yes, Gene," she whispered, putting a finger over his lips. "And it means everything. You’ve given me what you can of your heart, and I will always know that."

"Whatever happens Ray…" Gene choked. "I will always be your friend. You’re mine, and I’m yours. And its up to us to figure out what that means from now on. But my band, my dreams, they may always come first… but you won’t be far behind… this I promise to you. If you EVER need anything I’ll be here…in any way I can."

"I will always love you," she choked. "You have my heart."

"You’ll always be part of me," Gene whispered. "Nobody can take that away from you. And I’ll always be part of you. Carry that with you always."

Both of them smiled shyly, parting from their erotic embrace as if they had first made love. Gene kissed her hand and sighed as he lay down, pulling Ray alongside to hug her. They kissed again, tongue entwining and bodies aching as they sealed their love. Ray fell into a deep sleep again, breathing in his arms.

*********************************************

When again they woke, Gene had already showered and gotten dressed in his jeans and T-shirt, and returned to find Ray climbing out of the shower. He carried a tray with coffee and donuts from the small hotel café and set it down on the table.

"Hey lover," she smiled as Gene leaned over and kissed her sweetly.

"I’ve got raspberry jelly filled, powdered sugar, and old fashioned. They had a whole variety of these tempting treats… so I took a half dozen of any of them."

"God I feel good," she sighed, stretching as Gene put her coffee before her. It was fixed just the way she liked it, and she felt odd in her improvised towel sarong.

"So do I, thanks to the lovely woman in front of me," Gene winked, sipping his coffee and biting into a jelly donut. The jelly ran down his lips and Ray burst out laughing.

"You look like you’re spitting blood!" she giggled.

"Very funny," Gene laughed, licking his lips and wiping off his face with a napkin.

"I suppose we should call Stan and see if he’s doing ok," Ray suggested.

"Mmm, if you want. We’re going to have to check out in a few… so if you don’t mind getting yourself together… I could call up his parents."

"Thanks love," she smiled, eating another donut. "But I was just realizing we have no change of clothes."

"If you want you can take my shirt," Gene offered, holding up his dress shirt for her.

"But that leaves you…"

"I’m a guy, I can take living in the same clothes for a day or more," he winked.

"Good for you," she smiled. Gene walked over and picked up the hotel phone, and then put it down.

"I forgot, using the hotel phone costs a fortune. I think I’ll wait till we get a pay phone. You almost ready honey?"

"Yes, dear," she chuckled, retrieving her clothes and putting them on. She buttoned Gene’s shirt up and pulled her jeans on from the night before. He grabbed his coat and pulled it on over his sweatshirt. She added her sweater overtop Gene’s loose shirt and saw Gene folding her other shirt neatly.

"All right," Gene said, glancing around for the rest of their belongings, of which there were none. Ray pulled on her socks and shoes, and Gene opened the front door to their room. They tromped down to the lobby to return their key and call a cab to take them home.

An hour or so later they returned to the apartment, and eagerly entered the familiar space. Ray chuckled as Gene kissed her once they walked through the door, pulling her into his arms and kicking the door shut. They exchanged a look and grinned, realizing they had spent little time in this place that weekend. To Ray it seemed an eternity she had been there, and felt strange to realize this was where she now lived, where she called home.

"Wait a minute," Gene said, locking the door and turning to his desk. He reached into a locked drawer and pulled out an envelope. Ray wondered what it was till he pulled out a twenty-dollar bill and handed it to her.

"What’s this for?"

"To repay you for the cab ride and the hotel room," he blushed. "Since I borrowed money from you…"

"Aww Gene you don’t need to do that," she sighed.

"Take it," he urged. "Please."

Sighing she took the twenty, and put it into her purse. Gene smiled and walked over to toss the mail on the table, sorting it as he sat on the sofa. He leafed through the various bills and chuckled when his eyes landed on a few paper flier ads and the newspaper. Ray moved over and pulled of her coat, hanging it up. Gene handed her his coat, and she took it from him to hang it up while he continued riffling through envelopes. Soon she sat next to him, peering at the various ads. Taking the paper she pulled out the coupons and asked for a pair of scissors. Gene handed them to her with an amused smile, watching her clip coupons.

"Crap, bills, crap… sweepstake… crap," he mumbled, tossing the junk mail into a pile, and then the bills into another.

"How do you want to handle the bills?" she asked him. "Fifty-fifty?"

"Sounds good," Gene nodded, ripping open envelopes to check his utilities. "Rent’s due the first of the month, and it’s two hundred. But this month’s on me…"

"You sure?" she asked, reaching for her checkbook. "I want to pay you in advance…"

"If you insist," Gene said as she wrote him a check for one hundred dollars. She placed it down next to the stack of bills, and he picked it up, taking the pile of bills and the check to file on his desk.

She started up as she heard a knock at the door, and Gene glanced at her. "I’ll get it," she offered, rising to cross over to the door and peer through the peephole. Her eyes widened when she saw who was behind it.

"Who is it?" Gene asked.

"Guess…" she mumbled, opening the door on Stanley Eisen, who stood forlornly with his handed stuffed into his pockets.

"Hi Ray… Gene… is this a bad time?" he asked sheepishly.

"Stanley…" Ray said. "You look like hell…"

"I feel like it," he sniffled.

"Shit kid, what happened?" Gene asked, walking over and standing behind Ray. A glance took in his immediate situation; Stanley’s eyes were red as if from crying, and his hair was bedraggled as well as h is clothes, which were the same as the night before.

"Can I come in?" he asked. "I really need to talk to both of you right now… if you don’t mind…"

"Gene," Ray said. "We can’t just leave him out there…"

"If it’s a bad time," Stanley said.

"All right," Gene said, glancing at Ray who nodded vigorously. "Come on in and tell us what brings you here at this time on a Sunday."

"Damn," Stanley sighed. "Where do I start…"

"Come in," Ray said, motioning to him. He walked through the door, his shoulders slumped and his posture less then erect. Gene moved aside to let him pass, and indicated the sofa. Stanley miserably plopped down on the recliner instead, glancing at Gene and Ray with an apologetic look for interrupting their domestic scene.

"I’ll take your coat," Gene said firmly. Stanley sighed and stood up, taking off his coat and handing it to Gene. He hung it up in the closet and turned back to Stanley, who sat down again, looking down at his boots miserably. He sat down on the sofa, folding his long legs and regarded his band mate with a questioning glance.

"Want something to drink?" Ray asked. "We have some coke…"

"I wish I had something stronger," Stanley sniffled.

"Get the kid a coke," Gene said, leaning back in the sofa. "So Stanley, what is going on?"

"Shit," Stan sighed, wiping away tears and struggling not to cry in front of Gene. "All sorts of shit… most of it bad…"

"How bad?" Gene asked. "Is it something to do with Marcia?"

"Yeah," Stan bit his lip as Ray returned and handed him a glass of coke with ice in it. Sighing he took the glass and sipped it, then held it between his shaking handed.

"Oh god," Ray said, sitting down next to Gene. "Is it something to do with her parents?"

"Please tell me you used protection," Gene said.

"That’s the least of my damn worries," Stan sniffled. "Shit… it’s like this… I got us a hotel room, and then took her home this morning… and well… her parents were there…"

"What happened?" Gene asked, guessing the answer.

"Her old man was there, frowning at the front door as he answered it…" Stan said, swirling his coke in the glass. "And he had a look in his face that would kill."

"Damn," Ray sighed. "I’m sorry…"

"He took one look at me, and Marcia, and told her to go RIGHT to her room. She started to say something but he told her to be quiet, and he said he and I needed to talk. She went upstairs crying really hard…" Stan continued, then hesitated.

"And then…" Gene urged him.

"I got up, and left, with him cursing and yelling at me. I didn’t know what to do… and I didn’t want to go home and tell my parents, because they would be mad, so I came here," Stanley sniffed, anger burning in his dark eyes. Ray and Gene clasped handed, Ray wiping away her tears. For the first time she saw Gene’s expression turn to genuine sympathy for this young man, and knew that Gene truly cared for him at that moment as more then a band mate and fellow musician, but as a possible friend who had been deeply hurt and insulted.

"Damn kid, I’m sorry," Gene sighed.

"Stan," Ray choked. "Is there anything we can do?"

"There’s nothing I can do," Stanley sighed, wiping away his angry tears. "And I don’t even DARE offer to help if she’s… she’s…."

At these words his face crumbled and he struggled bravely not to cry. Gene grabbed the box of tissues and tossed it to Stan, startling him. Taking one he wiped his eyes and blew his nose, burying his head in his handed. His body quivered with his angry sobs, and Stanley sat there, doubled over in his agony. Unable to think of anything to say, Gene squirmed in his chair and Ray patted his hand, getting up to stand beside Stanley. She put her hand on his shoulder and patted it, stroking his hair. Looking up at her he said, "I’m sorry to come apart like this Gene… Ray… but I don’t know what to do…"

Gene said nothing, but let Ray put her arm around Stanley and hug him as he cried into her chest. She patted his back and stroked his hair, shushing him as he began to sob bitterly. Finally Gene sighed and cleared his throat, getting up and standing on Stanley’s other side. He said, "Kid, you don’t need to put up with that asshole’s bullshit…"

"Gene," he sniffled, glancing up at him. "I…"

"He doesn’t know jack about you, Stanley…" Gene continued, tentatively putting a hand on Stan’s shoulder. Stanley flinched a bit at Gene’s touch, staring up at him with questioning dark eyes filled with tears.

"I guess he doesn’t," Stan sighed, wiping away another tear with a tissue Ray handed him.

"You know Gene is right," Ray nodded, brushing Stanley’s hair from his face. "You don’t need some asshole pushing you around…"

"No you don’t. She doesn’t deserve you. And you don’t need the emotional crap. I don’t think you should see her again…"

"I love her Gene…"

"Do you?" Gene asked. "Or is the little guy talking?"

"Gene," Stanley gritted. "Come on…"

"You’re a teenager," Gene said. "Look, I know how it is to have intense sex with a girl, especially when you pop her cherry… but look at this realistically. Do you really want this girl hanging around you when she’s not even responsible for her own actions? She’s barely legal for crying out loud. And she’s been nothing but trouble…"

"Gene.... I can't...shit...I can't just DUMP her." he wailed.

"You can, and you will,' Gene said.

"What the hell is she going to THINK? I don't care?"

"You can't see her," Gene sighed.

"Stan, I can get word to her." Ray said quietly, "Tell her not to wait.'

"Damn how are you even going to get in touch?"

"We can make plans," he said grumpily, wiping his eyes.

"What plans?" Gene sighed. "Don't TELL me you're going to damn run away!"

"Until WHAT?" Ray cried. "He put you in jail?"

"He's a judge, and he can put you away!" Gene warned him. Stan sighed, face in his handed.

"Or...wouldn't surprise me any with his connections if he couldn't get you sent to Vietnam after all." Ray said. "Hell, paperwork can be doctored."

"It can," Gene said angrily.

"I don't want to go to jail." Stan said.

"Or even if he got you sent there and back, it would scare the HELL out of you, not to mention your parents." Ray said.

"I can't do that." Stan sobbed. "I just can't."

"You can't do that to them, can you?" Gene asks, patting his shoulder.

"I'll talk to her, Stan. I'll call her and tell her you tried." Ray offered patting Stan’s hand.

"You need to let her go," Gene said softly. "Get on with your life and let her get back to hers."

"Yeah. Please." he said, miserably

"And who knows.... Some day when you're older... stranger things have happened." Ray said, rubbing his back a bit.

"You're just too young... and so is she," Gene said. "There will be other women... as cold hearted as it sounds."

"And it's not like you were really in love with her. Not REALLY." Ray adds quietly Stan said nothing but shakes his head.

"It was hormones," Gene said. "She and you were good. But you don't really think you can have any future with her do you?"

"She doesn't understand your passions or dreams. There are so many things you have to learn about the world and yourself first," Gene said.

"And how are you going to tour with her by your side? She's a bit CLINGY, don't you think? How nuts is she going to get, the first groupie who winks at you?"

Stan smiled a bit, "Somehow I can't see me as groupie bait, but I see where you're getting at."

"You are groupie bait," Gene laughed. "You’re the pretty mug in my band remember?"

"It hurts when someone makes you feel worthless, not good enough, doesn't it?" Ray said, softly

"Yeah, I think that's the worst thing." he shakes his head, "Like I'm not fucking WORTHY."

"That's what old man Greenburg sees you as. And he's fucking wrong." Gene shook his head, and Stan rubbed his eyes a bit. "Someday you'll be filthy rich and eat his ass for breakfast. Nobody will TOUCH you."

"And sometimes sacrifices have to be made when you're in a band." Ray said, winking at Gene. She was attempting to pump him up a bit.

"You have to put your dreams first Stanley," Gene said fiercely. "And work your ass off. To prove you are worthy to the world. And do it on your own terms."

"Because the right woman is very important, with a job like that. You need someone independent, who can live without you." she continued.

"She's right. You don't want to have a woman holding you back, kid."

"I'm never going to have a decent relationship, am I?" he said, looking at Gene seriously a moment.

"I'm never going to have someone like my mom."

"You will," Gene said. "But it's not Marcia."

"Someone will want to look after you. And will enjoy your company." Ray said.

"You need a woman who will understand you, and not be afraid when you go up onstage. And will not ask you where you're going and when you'll be home. And you need more experience before you even THINK of settling down."

"So.... What do I do? Obviously, she's not going to see me again. If she wanted to...she'd challenge him," he said glumly.

"Oh for Christ’s sake," Gene sighed. "She's a KID, she can't defy her daddy... without her being sent away or something. And even if you did run away he'd hunt you down."

"He's a real prick." he said, "If I'm not good enough for his daughter, then screw him." he said, a bit of anger flashing in his eyes.

"Gene knows PLENTY of girls, don' t you, Gene?" Ray said.

"Exactly," said Gene.

"Maybe what you two need is a night out."

"And I’ll help you find someone who can make you get over this," Gene said. "Brooke has a girl who has a sister."

"I don't know if I want to meet anyone else." he said, "this is all a pain in the ass."

"Welcome to reality." Ray mumbled.

"Well you can at least go out. I think I can get some tickets to a concert," Gene said. Stan looks at him a bit. "We'll do research for a band... our band and see what makes a so called hot and up and coming band work..."

"That would be alright, I suppose. I'm not just ready to jump on in, Gene. It's not that EASY," he said, still a bit sad.

"It isn't, but you can at least have a good time critiquing bands with me," he laughs. "Get used to going out a lot. WE need to do research."

"Stan, you and Marcia wouldn't have made it." Ray said, " Unfortunately that's a reality."

He looked at her a moment and sighed. "I'd like to go out...toss a few down, if I can get away with It.," he said. "And check out the competition."

"You can," Gene smiled. "I think that New York Dolls concert is in order. I want to see what the hell is so hype about these clowns."

Gene slugged Stan on the back, "So what do you say? I think on Thursday night i can get tickets... depending on what I see through the local Village Voice..."

"Yeah, Thursday night's OK." he said, perking up a bit. "And we'll take notes, all professional, find out what we need to improve on."

Ray smiled at Gene. "Exactly," Gene nodded, helping Stan up from the chair. "So why don't you get yourself together, and just go home and have a nice dinner with mom and dad?"

"They're going to want to know what's wrong." he said, "I guess I'll have to lie."

"Tell them that she went away to school," Gene said. "And that you won't be seeing her anymore..."

"I'll try. My mom will know something’s up," he said.

"Well, just say that she didn't understand your music career,' Gene sighed.

"You don't have to tell them everything. You're a rocker now, after all. There's PLENTY for them not to know." Ray teased gently.

"And that she prefers boys who aren't running around rock scenes? Nah, bad idea... Just tell them you think you should see other girls and focus on your music." Gene suggested.

"I like that." Ray added.

"Hell, it can't be any worse than what my sister's putting them through." he said, rising a bit.

"I'm sorry I came over and interrupted your Sunday," he said, looking at them. "But for some strange reason, I do feel better."

"Well, we'll forgive you for now," Gene laughs, slugging him on the back. "Now get out of here and go get some home cooking."

Stan put on his coat slowly, "Leave a message about what time the show is." he said quietly, giving Gene a look of gratitude.

"Sure kid," Gene said, shaking his hand and walking him to the door. "See you around."

They heard the alarm clock's shrilling ring and Gene reached over and slap the button to turn it off. It was one of those old-fashioned wind-ups with a clapper and bell. Ray sat up for a moment, rubbing her eyes.

"Damn alarm," Gene mumbled. He leaned over and kissed Ray on the lips softly, wishing her a good morning.

"We don't REALLY have to go in." she groaned. "Do we?"

"Well, I would love to spend the rest of the day making mad love to you," Gene purred. "Lovely lady like you, it would be a sin not to."

She kissed him again, and Gene smiled. "Despite your gruff demeanor sometimes, you are entirely sweet to me," she said, softly rubbing his beard stubble.

"I try," he laughed. "Well by my calculations we have an hour to get showered, dressed and ready for the next bus..."

"Even though you'd NEVER admit it, would you?"

"I don't think I would," he laughed, climbing out and stretching. She groaned and made no move to get out of bed. He smiled and leaned down to kiss her again.

"I still have papers to grade," she moaned. "And it's all your fault." she teases.

"I know, and for that you get dibs on the shower first... I'll go start coffee and breakfast, and then we'll switch off..." He threw on his robe and then tossed her robe at her, silk and pink lace.

She stretched one final time, then pushed herself out of bed. Gene reached his hand to help her stand. As she walked by him, she casually smacked his rear with one hand, running her fingers through her hair to smooth it. Gene smiled and grabbed her by the waist, pulling her into a hug and a kiss.

He wandered out into the kitchen to start making coffee and figure out what to have for breakfast. 'You feel a little bit better about.... This," she called out to him.

"I do, love!" he called. "What do you want for breakfast?"

She grumbled, "Cereal...dry cereal and toast...."

Gene grabbed the box of her favorite sugar cereal and put it by a bowl and plate, then pops two pieces of bread in the toaster. He started the percolator for coffee, and then grabs a frying pan and struggled to make himself an omelet. Cursing a bit and fussing over the pan, he managed only to make scrambled eggs and some bacon. Gene put out the milk, and some orange juice and a mug of coffee for her.

Ray meanwhile subjected herself to the full blast of the hot shower trying to wake up. After she came out of the shower, she put her wet hair up as best she can and throws her robe back on to pad out to the kitchen. The table was set for her, with a bowl, plate and her favorite coffee mug. He stood with his back to the table, scraping eggs out of the pan onto a plate for himself. His unruly hair frizzed out a bit, and his stubble indicated he badly needed a shave.

"Eggs don't smell half bad." she smiled, admiring the sight of him making breakfast.

"You want some?" he asked her, putting the plate down cattycorner to her, and turning to get the coffeepot.

"I'm almost impressed," she laughed. Gene smiled and poured her and him steaming mugs of coffee.

"I made FAR too much," he said, pulling out his chair and sitting down. Alongside the eggs lay four pieces of crisp bacon. Toast popped up, and Gene rose to grab two pieces and put it on a plate for her. He slid a bagel into the toaster and then returned to sit down.

"Hmmm, maybe a spoonful, love." She smiled, pouring herself some sugar cereal.

Gene leaned over to grab the bottle of Tabasco sauce off the counter. Ray’s eyes widened when he opened it and poured a good amount on his eggs, followed by black pepper.

"You looking to breathe fire?" she said, looking at the Tabasco bottle, "Damn, Gene."

"I'm Hungarian," he winked. "I like it spicy."

"My mother hates this stuff. Said only people use it when they want to mask the taste of the food. Like ketchup." she chuckled.

"Umm," Gene said, gobbling down a few spoonfuls and washing it down with coffee. He put a spoonful on her toast plate for her to try.

"Damn, I need a shave..." he mumbled, rubbing his hand over his face.

"I thought about growing a beard... but i doubt the damn school board would warm up to me..."

She looked at him, "I like the rough look. It becomes you, you know." she said, waving her fork at him.

"Hmm," he laughed.

"Makes you look.... Sort of... DANGEROUS." she said, studying him.

"I like dangerous," he laughed.

"Like someone in a rock band, and not a teacher."

"Hmm, you’re onto something there..." he said, retrieving his now toasted bagel from the toaster and dropping it onto a plate quickly, shaking his hand. He smeared cream cheese and jelly on it, tossing his knife into the jelly. Ray winced and watched him gobble the bagel down ravenously, along with his eggs and bacon concoction.

He's watching her as she chews, as if admiring her. She took another spoonful of eggs, for now ignoring her cereal. Gene tossed a piece of bacon on her plate.

"You...umm.... Heard from Stanley any more?" she looked at him a moment.

"Mm, no," Gene mumbled. "I’m worried about that kid... considering what he went through yesterday..."

"I'm assuming he's still in....the band, that is?"

"He's in the band," Gene waved his hand.

"Too bad he's not a few years older. You could help him find a place. I think maybe that would help him grow up a bit...maybe."

"I just get the idea that mom and dad have made a career out of pampering him."

"I agree," Gene nodded, pushing his plate toward her. "Want the rest of these? I have to go shave and shower in the next ten minutes..."

She sucked on her fork a bit. "Yes, I think I do."

"Good,' Gene smiled, squeezing her shoulder."Breakfast is delicious." she whispered.

"Thanks," he whispered back, kissing her cheek as he rushed off to the bathroom. Soon she heard the sound of the shower running and Gene’s loud singing of a Jon Lennon Song, Imagine. She finished the eggs quickly, smiling, as she tasted the tang of the Tabasco sauce. It did improve the flavor considerably, far better then cold cereal.

Five minutes later she heard the shower turn off and heard the thump and clank of what sounded like the medicine cabinet opening. She saw Gene through the door of the bathroom, which he had left open. He stepped out and she saw him pull out a can of shaving cream and lather it into his handed. For a moment she watched him slather it over his face and pull out a razor. He began to shave, and she chuckled at how interesting the whole scene seemed something so mundane as his shaving slowly endeared him to her all the more.

"Son of a bitch," he curses as he nicked himself.She meandered into the room and threw open the closet, sighing as she decided what to wear. Gene mumbled and rinsed his face. He slapped aftershave on his face, wincing as it stung.

Ray picks out a skirt and top, muttering to herself. She threw them on the bed and began to change. "I wish I could tell you I'm looking forward to this." she called to Gene, "When all I really want to do is be with you."

"I know," he mumbled, through a mouthful of toothpaste. Ray chuckled, shimmying into her underclothes quickly. Gene padded into the room dressed in only a towel slung around his hips as he rubbed his hair with another towel. Walking past her he starts digging through the bottom drawers to get socks, underwear and an undershirt. Grabbing her hairbrush he started brushing his hair, smelling of aftershave.

"You seen those corduroys?" he asked her, shedding his towel for underclothes. "The really square looking ones that change me into the damn model school teacher?"

She looked at him, grinning. "Haven't worn them lately, Gene. I'd check your closet."

He got up from the bed, and reached in to push her clothes out of the way. Tossing a shirt and the pants onto the bed, he sat down once again to pull his pants on one leg at a time. He motioned for Ray to grab him a belt, and she did so, handing it to him quickly.

"I guess its more battles with Mr. Fisher today." she said, "That man brings new meaning to the word "prick."

"I heard," gene mumbled, buttoning his shirt and stuffing it into his pants. He straightened out his collar, and then hunted on the back of the closet door for the right tie.

"He's absolutely refuses to share lab supplies with us, without a fight. Every time I try to work with him, he makes it harder and harder.""Too bad we aren't in the same school sweetheart... Stupid son of a bitch," Gene cursed. "I'd walk into that earth science lab and give him a piece of my mind for you... but I don't think he'd take kindly to someone at the local middle school busting into his act..."

"And last week he accused one of my students of breaking some of the slides. With no proof at all. It just HAD to be one of MY students." she fussed.

"Yeah," Gene mumbled, knotting the tie and struggling to slip it up.

"Here I go into the hangman's noose again."

"And when I complain, all I hear is, "You two will need to work it out. The school can not AFFORD additional equipment." she seethes.

"They say I need to adopt the damn curriculum as it stands. No additional recreational reading," Gene bitched. "Those damn students don't care if I speak in Spanish or English... I MIGHT as well teach the damn class in Spanish."

Again he dipped into the closet and pulled down a blazer that was also corduroy, but a shade of tan, with decorative patches over the elbows and a matching collar in brown. They coordinated well with his pants and the brown necktie.

"Freakin' MONDAYS." she growled, with some humor."Too many Mondays," Gene laughed."Do you ever feel like this is for nothing?" she asked quietly, buttoning her shirt."Hell yeah," he sighed. "I'd rather be working for a magazine."

"There are days I'd rather be anywhere but here. Well, not HERE...you know what I mean."

Gene starts singing something under his breath, "Too many Mondays in my life... too many mornings passing me by…"

"If I had a little bit of money and a whole lot of guts, I'd try to get into another school system. You saw that rich neighborhood Marcia lives in. Those kids have to go SOMEWHERE, right?"

"I know, 'he said, selecting a pair of dress shoes and making sure they were polished. "I hate wearing ties."

"Yes," Ray sighed.

"Sounds like a plan," gene sighed, walking out into the main room to stuff papers into his briefcase."Or would that just be running away?" she asked as she pulled out some panty hose."No honey. I wonder why I even BOTHER teaching period..." Gene called from the living room, grabbing lunch money from the small envelope in his desk drawer and counting it. He put the money into his wallet and thrust it into his front pants pocket. "Like those kids CARE who the hell is teaching them."

"Because we've got bills to pay." she said, looking at him. "And it's not like anyone ever REALLY makes a living at music."

"I could make just as much typing articles," he said.

"Not in the real world," Ray sighed as she put her own shoes on. "It's a nice dream.... And if anyone can do it, you can, but you have to be prepared for...what if it doesn't...."

"Make my own world then," Gene answered, buckling up his briefcase. "It will happen, It has to. No is not an option for me."

"You’re so sure," she sighed.

"Which coat you want Ray?" he asked, looking at her with briefcase in hand. She got up from the bed and went past him to open the close and grab her long blue coat.

"This one...I guess.' she said, still dreading the day. Gene sighed and put down his briefcase.

"Anything I can do to help you?" he winked at her a bit lasciviously.

"Tell me I don't have to go in." she said, putting on her coat. He pulled her over to him and presses her front to his.

"Fix all my damn problems at the school. Make Fisher get screwed. Make my students want to learn. Make.... Awww, hell… Make me not miss you all day."

He stared deep into her eyes, rubbing her back sensually, "Hey... baby, you know where to find me... for lunch..."

"Gene, I would love to… but seriously…"

"Our fav deli... unless you want me to hike over and meet you at your school..." he winked, gently squeezing her backside."I'd better meet you there." she said."All right," he whispered, guessing her reason."But I'll be counting the hours," she whispered, as she leaned up to kiss him. Gene caught her lips her up in warm close kisses, arms wrapping securely around her. He deepened their gesture of affection into a passionate one, handed running up and down over her back. Ray sighed through the kiss, letting Gene’s soft lips work their magic and banish her fears for a minute of precious time.

With a sigh he glanced at his watch, "Damn... we had better get going..."

She groaned a bit, taking his hand. Gene sighed and unlocked the door, then picked up his briefcase. She let go of his other hand while he locked up, and then took his hand again to follow him down the stairs.

She looked at him and grinned, "You do like cute, Gene, in a professorial way."

"So do you, Miss," he winked, opening the front door to the apartment and walking her down to the bus stop. Already a line of people waited for the next bus expectantly, change in their handed. Soon the morning bus pulled up, loaded with the silhouettes of people already.

"Sort of a scholarly sexy, as opposed to your rock band sexy on weekends. Damn, it’s crowded," she sighed.

"Still room on board,’ Gene said, taking her hand and helping her get up onto the steep steps."I play a lot of roles, dear lady," he laughs, as the bus door hisses open.

"Strange, isn't it, how one person can have all these different sides and they can ALL turn you on."

"Hmm, do tell," he purred into her ear as he dropped bus fare for both of them, and they struggled to find a place to ride. There was no seats open, so Gene grabbed a stirrup on the high pole. People in dresses, suits and other work clothes all pushed together. Ray held onto a stirrup as well, the other hand holding on lightly to Gene. Tucking his briefcase between his legs he put his other arm around her waist securely as the bus lurched off. She sensed it was as if he wanted to keep her close to him as long as possible before they pull up to his school first.

On all sides the people pushed harder, jamming as many onto the bus as possible as it went through the maze of stops. Gene kept her closely pressed to him, and smiled down at her occasionally as she winced at the shouts and loud conversation bustling around them. At long last the bus pulled up to his school and she knew it was time for them to part.

"Lunch time, RIGHT?" she said brightly, trying to hide the sadness of leaving him and going to a situation she didn't care for.

"Yes," he said, kissing her deeply again before he has to pry himself away and get off.

"I can't wait." she mouthed as Gene worked his way off the bus and waved to her from the street.

He mouthed back, "Love you."

*********************************************************************************

"There you are!" Gloria panted, trying to keep pace with Ray as the reach the front doors of the school.

"Yeah, unfortunately, here I am." she grumbled.

"Monday huh?" she said. "So are you and Gene doing well I trust?"

"Gene's not the problem." she said, "Or maybe he is. Damn, Glor, the more time I spend with him, the more I feel like it's RIGHT, do you know what I mean?"

"I know girl," she sighed, walking into the school with Gloria close behind. They passed the other teachers as they walked to their classroom and opened the locked door.

"And...I want more, when I'm not sure he can give it to me."

"But can't you just enjoy it while it lasts?"

"I suppose," Ray sniffled."Besides, not to rain on your parade, but I got a call from your parents yesterday..."

"Oh god," Ray groaned.

"You knew it was coming." Gloria said quietly.

"Yes I did, but i really didn't plan for it well did I?" Ray admitted sheepishly. They continued down the hall to the office, still well in advance of the high school students, which would come all too soon. Both headed to the faculty lounge where their mailboxes were.

"So now that it's here...what are you going to say?" Gloria asked, opening the door to the lounge and walking over to the coffee percolator. "She demanded to talk to you. I told her you weren't home."

"Damn, I'm sorry i mixed you up in this," Ray sighed, glancing up at the staff bulletin board. Already other teachers were getting coffee and helping themselves to items out of the vending machines to wake up and prepare for the morning’s work.

"Hey, I can handle it. I just told her you were at the library, helping some students. She didn't seem happy, though, I've got to tell you."

"I really blew it," Ray mumbled, helping herself to a Styrofoam cup of coffee and dumping half-and-half and sugar into it. She gulped it down and winced with how bad it tasted.

"She mumbled something about how you COULD have told her you were doing it. She thinks you're hiding something." Gloria looked at her for a moment.

"i don't want to get Gene fired," she sighed. "I mean my dad is the principle of his school…"

"Why does this all matter so much, Ray? You're a big girl, with your own job. I know they're not going to like Gene, but that's life, isn't it?" Gloria asked, walking over to the mailboxes to check for any last minutes notes. Some of the teachers even had personal mail delivered there.

"Maybe I'm just being stupid," she mumbled.

"And there are other school systems, right? Gene could go somewhere else. Granted, he's a bit unconventional, but someone would be interested, I'd think."

"Yes," she sighed. "I shouldn't have involved you in this..."

"But you had to involve SOMEONE, right?" she smiled. "I just hate to see your mom make you run scared."

"I know… but you see she and dad are very high handed," Ray mumbled. "They did pay for my college… and I feel like I owe them something…"

"Bull, they can’t send that back can they? But I understand if you need time. This isn't going to be an easy pill to swallow....both you living in sin, and the fact that he's a bit...well....Jewish."

"I wonder WHY i can't just spit it out..." Ray mumbled, ashamed as she extracted her pile of mail and took it over to a table to sort it. Gloria followed, sitting opposite her.

"I feel ASHAMED of that I do... why are my parents so stupid."

"Because they hate what they don't understand. We killed CHRIST, for God's sake. At least that's what they'll tell you." she sighed. "We're used to it, Ray. Doesn't mean we have to tolerate it, though."

"I don't like to tolerate it," Ray mumbled.

"I just don't want to see you and Gene suffer. It's between the two of you, but when it starts interfering in your relationship....that's the time to stop it, Ray."

"Yes," she nodded.

"And it's never easy to tell our folks to bug off, but unfortunately, sometimes it's necessary."

"Even if it hurts?" Ray asked, ripping the plastic off her newest edition of Fantastic Four, which had come in the mail. Good break time readings. She had started having comic books delivered to her work by mail, in an effort to free herself from the mundanely of a teaching day.

"Yes, even then," she said, leaning across the table to hug Ray. She smiled and continued to sort her mail, putting her comic book carefully into her briefcase for later. Her eyes fell upon a card-sized envelope addressed to her, and she recognized the handwriting with a familiar chill.

"In the meantime, I'll keep lying for you." she winks. "Sort of does my heart good, knowing I'm pulling something over on them."

"I know," she laughed. "But I bet she'll want to come over for dinner..."

She tears open the envelope and quickly scanned the note, wincing. It made her stomach churn just reading Mark’s demands of why she wasn’t returning his calls or notes. Not something she wanted to deal with at this point on top of everything else. She mumbled, "Shit..."

"Bad news?"

"Stupid Mark. He said he's coming out of the hospital and wants a DATE!"

Gloria smirked a bit in surprise, "Just like that? He's asking you out in a NOTE? What a putz."

"Well I'm going to tell him I'm not interested and I'm seeing someone else!" She snorted, putting the letter down. "He was the one who gave me that watch... and he's asking HERE why I sent it back!"

"Maybe he needs to open his eyes and accept what's going on. Looks to me like you are TAKEN." she smiled.

"Yeah, he'll get over it when I fix him up with Mindy," she laughed.

"That secretary in the office... Besides that whole freemasons thing he's in freaks me out."

"He's BORING, Ray. How can he ever dream to hold a candle to Gene? How could ANYONE for that matter? Gene's a bit...unique." she smiled.

"That he is," Ray smiled. "That he is, and I don't want to be separated from him..."

"I don’t think he wants that to happen either…" Gloria smiled, patting her hand. Just then the first bell rang, and the teachers rose in a flurry to get to their first classes. Introspection time was clearly over. Smiling, Ray crumpled the note and threw it into the trash. She followed Gloria out of the faculty lounge, feeling much relieved.

************************************************************

Thursday night, the trio of Stanley, Gene and Ray strolled downtown into the Village amidst the color and glare of the funky in set. In full force the music and culture spilled onto the streets manifest in the art vendors and people milling about. Gene chuckled to himself as he examined the funky clothes, bell bottoms, mini skirts, high boots and other fashions like leather.

"Get a load at that," he grinned and nudges Ray, pointing to a girl in floral bell-bottoms that are enormous that walked past them.

"She's...uhhhh...different." Ray chuckled.

"Very,' Gene laughed. "I wonder Ray, will I stand out for a change?"

"Bet she's into all kinds of pills, lotions, and lots of freeeeeeeeee love." she mocked.

"My favorite kind," Gene grinned.

"You ALWAYS stand out, love." she said, patting his butt. Stan gaped around, a bit in awe at the scene. Finding the right location, they walked into the club, called the Imperial downs, and checked out the local patrons filing in and out. Smoky, dark and close, the club was a mix of eclectic and a level just above sleazy.

"Mm," he laughed.

"This is your place kiddo, you fit RIGHT in," Gene nudged Stan. He pulled out a cigarette and played with it a bit.

"Go ahead and light up and kill a few lung cells," Gene laughed.

"I'm checking out the sound system." he said after awhile, "Trying to figure out how we could blow the fuck off this room."

"Hmm a few Marshall amps," Gene said.

"Would blow the roof off this place."

"Looks like the owner didn't exactly break the bank on this place, did he?" Stan said, looking at the ceiling, and put the cig in his mouth.

"I can see the cracks in the ceiling," Gene mumbled. The first band was already performing, its sounds loud and funky, like Cream.

"Shall we find a table kids?" Gene asked. The lead singer is dressed like a hood, an Elvis wannabe, with long hair and sweat. The others sit around in tinted glasses, floral shirts and other strange clothes. The only unifying element was the tall platform boots on each member’s feet.

"Brats?" Gene mumbled. "Hmm, not bad... but they need more cohesive sound."

"We'd blow them away.... When we get it together, that is." Stan said, puffing on his cigarette.

"If this starts to bother you...." Ray whispered.

"Well I like the platform shoes," Gene laughed. He pulled out a chair for Ray at the table he selected, and she sat down first. Taking the chair next to her he also sat down in the place that afforded the best view of the stage at the small table. Stanley settled down in a chair alongside Gene and opposite Ray, lighting up another cigarette to blend into the crowd.

"You'd fall on your ass." Stan laughed, clearly enjoying himself for the first time since Marcia.

"Umm," Gene mumbled.

"But on second thought, maybe that would be damn comical to see," Stan laughed. He continued to examine the band, critically shaking his head.

"They have the sound, but their look is a bit generic..." Gene nodded with the same mindset. "Not a bad opening act though. Wonder what Salvation Army they got their clothes from."

"You notice the chicks are into it," Stan said to Gene, "Their sound blows, but the girls.... Man...."

"They love the long hair and the style, very Glam... that's what they call it Ray," Gene leaned over and explained to her. "It’s looks as well as sound…"

"KLEIN, you scamp you're here already?" Brooke suddenly said, walking up to their table. Two pretty women, both flanked him similar in features with mini skirts and loose low cut blouses under their jean jackets. Although not twins the girls were clearly sisters, for they moved and smiled in very familial similarity.

"Hey Ostrander," Gene waved to his friend. "Come on over here... and bring those lovely girls here..."

"Hi Ray, and Stan..." he waves to them. Stan looked at the newcomers a bit, then looked back at Ray with suspicion. She smiled at him.

"Brooke...hey." Stan said warily.

"This is my girl Shirl," he pointed to the blonde with long straight hair.

"And this is her sister Steph... Steph, Stan's a bit alone. Can you show him a good time?"

Steph had honey brown hair and blue eyes, and she was tall and thin.

She wore a short brown skirt, boots and a pink flora peasant blouse with a jean jacket. Stan looked at Brooke a bit, narrowing his eyes. Ray stifled a laugh.

"Hey Stan, is it?" Steph asked, sitting next to him. "Can I get a light?"

"Yeah.... I’m Stan," he said, looking at her with dark eyes. He handed her his lighter and watched her. She took his package of cigarettes and put one in her lips, lighting it.

"You don't have to hang out with me, if you don't want." he said slowly, "I'm perfectly capable of sitting here and watching the band."

Ray kicked him under the table. "I'm just watching the band too," she winked. "And this seat isn't taken..."

Brooke sat near Gene, and put his girl on his lap. Shirl smiled and put her arm around Brooke's neck. They settled down to watch the band. Steph and Shirl exchanged a look and smiled.

"Girls, you want drinks?" Brooke asked.

"No....I guess it's not," Stan said, still a bit brisk with her, but secretly letting his eyes wander.

"Would you RELAX?" Ray hissed.

"I'll have a beer," Steph said. "You Stan?"

"Get him a beer," Gene said. "And a sprite for me..."

"Sure," he smiled, nudging Shirl off his lap and kissing her.

"You?"

"I'll have a beer also," she said as she patted Brooke's ass and he walked off to get drinks.

"Sure, I'll take a beer." Stan said, finally smiling at her.

She smiled back. Shirl sat down in the seat Brooke had occupied and started talking to Ray, "Hey I heard you moved in with Gene here..."

"Good news travels fast." she smiled

"You are one lucky girl," Shirl whispered to her. "He’s one HELL of a lover or so Brooke has said... not that HE has first hand proof himself..."

She watched Shirl a bit, flushing. "I can't complain," she said, " now that the word is out."

"You lucky girl," Shirl sighed. Ray felt a sad twinge hearing about Gene's conquests.

"We're taking it as it comes." she said

"But enough about that. How did you manage to get him?" Shirl whispered, patting her arm. "You hang onto him."

"We.... I guess I give him space, and he extends the same favor. Plus we have lots of things in common."

"You like comic books?" she laughed, nudging Ray. "He is lucky."

"I love comics." she smiled, watching as Steph smiled and watched Stan out of the corner of her eye. "Not quite my thing, but hey, if it floats your boat."

He's watching the band, pretending not to notice her. Smoking his cigarette a bit nervously. Steph laughs and pretends not to notice him. "Your friend there... she has an eye for Stan?" Ray smiled.

"She sure does. She thinks he's one hell of a guy. She’s my sister," said Shirl. "She thinks he has the cutest ass."

"You know what is scary?" she whispered to Ray.

"What?"

"Gene and Stan... they look like brothers." Shirl whispered with a giggle.

Ray examinee at them. "They do, don't they? Act like it sometimes too."

"I heard they hated each other at first." Shirl whispered.

"Well, Gene likes to espouse wisdom.... And sometimes Stan doesn't like to hear it." Ray laughed.

"That's Gene," Shirl giggled.

"You come to see these guys much?" Stan finally said, leaning over to Steph.

"The brats are ok, but the dolls are the thing," Steph said.

"Oh...so you hang out with them?" Stan asked, and it was clear he had labeled her ‘groupie’ in his mind already.

"Sort of," she said, guessing what he was thinking, clearly ahead of the game. "I dated one. But they're too wild and crazy for my scene."

He flicked his ashes into the ashtray as she admitted, "I'm an exotic dancer... They come to the club I dance at..."

"Huh. Never met an exotic dancer before," he said, watching her.

"Does it shock you?" she asked judging his reaction.

"No. Just hard to be too exotic when you live in the armpit of New York." he chuckled.

"Shirl's a dancer too," she whispered. "We do an act together."

"But if you like doing it...you don't need MY permission," he said, glancing at the band more then her.

"I don't sleep with them, I just take my clothes off," she shrugged.

He looked at her a bit in surprise at how forthcoming she was. Clearly he was dealing with a woman who had a strong sense of self; not insecure like the last two he had dated. Stan didn’t know how to take this openness at all.

Brooke returned with a tray loaded with drinks, placing beer and soda before each person before sitting down. Stanley turned his head to glance at Stephanie. "You've got to be careful. A girl like you in a place like this." He said, taking a drink.

"I get well paid," she said.

"People might get the wrong idea," said Stan. Gene sipped his sprite, and looked to the stage, but he was listening intently to their exchange despite his aloofness.

"They know better. If they try something they are out on their asses," she said, blowing smoke in Stan's face. "Plus I wear stiletto heels for a reason."

He looked at her a bit in admiration, coughing and waving the smoke away as she continued, "It makes a hell of a weapon for an aggressive guy."

"I get the hint," he chuckled, enjoying the sparring with her. "I know when to shut the hell up."

She sips her drink and laughs. Brooke sat next to Shirl, and kisses her hand. Arm around her he watches the band finish up. Gene put his hand out and took Ray's. The band finished their set and walked offstage, club lights dimming around them. An announcer emerged onstage, lit in a single spot that blared on his paisley and bluejeaned figure.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer said, coming on the stage. "GET READY for the HOTTEST ACT this side of the village... You love them, you demanded them..."

Stan began to rub his legs a bit in nervousness, trying to act older than he was. Trying to act cool. Steph rose out of her chair as the announcement was finalized, "Ladies and gents the New York DOLLS!"

"Fuck the hottest act" Stan mumbled, "They ain't seen nothing yet."

"YEAHHHH!" Steph and Shirl whooped. Everyone screamed and hollered as the lights blared on, and the band jarred into action. The lead singer wore high platforms and heavy Glam makeup, long hair. When he started to sing loud and intensely, and the girls scream. The music was primal, loud and wild. All of them were in thick makeup, long hair, and platform boots with flamboyant clothes that had a feminine touch.

"Damn, he's so HOTT!" Shirl screamed. She took off her bra and threw it up onstage. Brook groaned. Taking it, the lead singer blew her a kiss and hung it on his guitar. Stan watched the girls raving, feeling a hint of jealousy as he watches Steph sway back and forth. They like the other female contingent stood up and sang along. Gene laughed. Stan turned back to make eye contact at Gene and shakes his head as if to say, "We're going to be better than they are."

"Are these clowns for real... " Gene smiled. "Do they call THAT impressive? I think I could do better..."

"You KNOW you could do better. Other than the funky look, I personally think their sound isn't worth shit." Stan said.

"They suck," Gene said.

"For someone who's supposed to be the next big thing, I'm not impressed." Stan nodded. "Girls like 'em, though. You notice that?"

"Neither am I," Gene grinned. "They have the look. I bet if you put on makeup and a dress you'd give these girls wet dreams, kid."

Gene pulls out the small sketch ray did of him and glances at it a moment. Stan pointed out, "Nah, not me. In case you haven't noticed, I'm the only one here without a GIRL."

"You do, you idiot," Gene shook his head. "Do I have to connect the DOTS for you?"

Mumbling he stuffed the sketch into his pocket again. Stanley rolled his eyes and whispered fiercely, "She's a freaking STRIPPER, Gene. And a groupie to boot. She's only talking to me because Brooke told her to."

Gene took a cocktail napkin and a pen and starts to scribble on it. He draws a dollar bill sign and scribbles a moneybag around it, and then he starts to sketch a rock star with some sort of mask or helmet.

"Beggars can't be choosers," he said simply. "Just cause she is a stripper doesn’t mean she isn’t a human being like you. She’s not trash on the street, she’s a real live lovely woman."

"Like she and I have ANYTHING in common?" he snorted.

"Aww shit, just stop thinking and just shut up and enjoy yourself," Gene slapped his forehead.

"If she wants to talk to me, she can." he mumbled, "Otherwise, I'll let her just enjoy the view of that idiot's dick." he said, gesturing to the lead singer.

Steph looked to Shirl and shakes her head. Shirl mouthed, "Sit down."

She did so, and took a drink, lighting another smoke.

"Lighten up, man," Brooke nudged Stan.

"I'm just watching the show, Os." Stan scowled, "Like I need you to watch out for me."

"Excuse the hell me,' Brooke muttered. "C'mon Shirl let's let the baby sulk."

Shirl looked to Steph, shrugging as she said, "We're going outside for a minute. See u soon sis."

Hand in hand they leave the table. Stan looked at Steph for a moment, scowling. Angry, she grabbed her purse. She stood up, her drink in hand as she snapped, "Well, excuse me for ruining your fun, cowboy."

"I hope you didn't feel like you have to talk to me just because they sent you over here." he said sullenly, dark eyes staring at her in anger.

"Screw you," she said.

"You're NOT.... Ruining my fun," he said, stumbling over his words a bit. Angrily Steph dumped her beer into his lap and folded her arms, disgusted.

"Crap!" he jumped dripping wet with beer.

"You don't talk to me like that, sulky boy," she snapped.

"Oh, for GOD's sake! Why the hell do you do THAT?" he cried, pawing beer off his lap and patting his pants front with a napkin. Gene stifled a laugh, and Ray winced in agony.

"Because you're being an ass," she snorted.

"Screw you." he fumes, "Who the hell are YOU?"

"I'm a girl who THOUGHT you were someone worth my time!" she yelled back, and turned to walk away.

"You guys, just...relax, OK?" Ray said, looking urgently at Gene.

"Stanley shut the hell up," Gene scowled. "Sit DOWN both of you."

"Maybe I would be if you were actually interested in ME, rather than just someone up and coming," Stan snorted, pride wounded as Steph plopped down next to him, sullenly.

"I am fucking interested in you, you dumb ass!" she yelled at him.

"Another...." he continues, but stopped abruptly as Ray glared daggers at him.

"And if you'd take the Time to fucking THINK instead of acting like a jealous butt head..." she continued, yelling into his ear.

"Then why did you spill your goddamn drink on me?" he said, calming a bit.

"Because, you looked so damn sulky," she said angrily. "Feeling sorry for yourself."

"I'm not JEALOUS of..." he starts again, but looks at Ray furiously glaring him down. She grabbed a towel and sponges him off.

"Look...my pants are all wet..." he started. He gasped at the feel of her hand pressing the towels and napkins on his lap fiercely.

"You're such a baby," she chided, sponging him off. "Sheesh, you are fussing for nothing."

"I can handle it," he said, a smile forming on his lips as he watched her. "But if you are enjoying yourself...."

"I would if you would stop being such a drag," she scolded. She patted the towel higher. "Damn, I ought to tell you you might actually look pretty if you smiled once in a while."

"Are you going to give me a reason to?" he said, raising his eyebrow.

"I might," she said, moving her chair closer to him. Her hand rubbed the inside of his thigh and squeezed the towel to the wettest part.

"So far you've cost me a light and a drink...and a pair of wet pants. I hope to hell you're done," he said, beginning to flirt with her.

"I'm not even started," she winked. She flagged down a waiter and asked for a beer. Gene had watched the whole scene with interest, urging Ray to not get involved. Stanley had to fight this one on his own.

"I'm impressed." Ray whispered to him, "Got your boy to eat crow, even."

"Yes," he chuckled in appreciation.

"You didn't even ask me what kind I drink." Stan winked. "Maybe I am.... Picky..."

"I got you what I have. You look like a bud man," she laughed, nudging Stan. "And if you don't like it, buy another. What is the harm in trying a new drink?"

The waiter brought them each a Budweiser, setting each beer before them with a smile. Reaching into her embroidered purse, Steph quickly paid for the drinks. Stan watched her with amusement.

"I'd pay you back, but I think my money is all wet." he smiled.

"I'm sorry babe," she apologized.

"How will you ever make it up to me?" he flirted.

"I really DID want to meet you. Brooke mentioned you... and well you sounded interesting."

"Now, we're getting smooth." Ray whispered to Gene. He grinned, and settled down to watch the action.

"So, what you're saying is, if I ask you out..." Stan asked.

"Hmm." she smiled, putting her hand on his thigh and rubbing it with a fresh napkin.

"Hell, you probably have hundreds of guys asking you out." he blushed for a minute.

"I'm legal, and there are no parents to get in the way..." She smiled smoothly, lighting yet another smoke. "They live in Long Island. I share a place with my sister."

"You have no idea how good that sounds." he laughed.

"I know," she laughed back, rubbing a bit higher on his leg.

"Let me ask you something..." Stan said, smiling at her.

"What, Hon?" she asked.

"What do you think of this band? The lead singer, in particular."

"He's pretty to look at, but he's a real swinger." She said mildly.

"And frankly he's all looks but I've heard better music."

"So...you've been with a bunch of guys from different bands?" he inquired, picking his cigarette back up again.

"Not really. I have dated a few, but not as many as you'd think. Actually most guys are scared to ask me out. They think I have a host of men hanging on me," she said. "Just cause I strip doesn’t' mean I put out a lot."

"No, I don't suppose it does." he said, studying her. "Do you ever let your boyfriends come to your show?"

"Yes, and some of them enjoy watching me work." She sipped her beer thoughtfully. "Others are jealous as hell. I've only had four steady boyfriends..."

"That's not a bad thing." he said. "Not like you have to play around, like you said."

"Right," she nodded. "Guy like you must have had a few girls in his time."

"A few." he said, shifting uncomfortably in his chair.

"But enough about past love lives..." she waved her hand away to dismiss all the previous experiences both awkward and not. "Tonight is what I'm focusing on."

"I sort of like what I'm focusing on." he said as he winked at her.

"So do I," she smiled, brushing her hand over his cheek. "You have the nicest eyebrows... Just like Paul McCartney you know?"

"I'm hardly Paul McCartney, sweets." he said, grabbing her hand lightly

"So?" she smiled, pushing hair out of his face and fingering his ear.

"You're pretty, and cute... and you have a GREAT ass."

He jumped a bit as she touched him. "What's with this PRETTY again?" he said, pouting. "Pretty is freaking Marilyn Monroe or something."

"Pretty, as in cute... but I would correct myself... your are one handsome mother of a man." She breathed into his ear and kissed it. "Thought about getting that pierced?"

"Hmmm, yeah I have." he said, enjoying her attention.

"Good," she said, breathing into his other ear and nibbling on it. It was his deaf ear, and she paid it no more mind then any other ear, normal.

"You could do it for me," he said.

"I could," she smiled.

"We'd have to go back to your place." he whispered, "Don't think we'd want to do it here." he said, rubbing his hand on her leg. She smiled and kissed his cheek, then licked his neck. He chuckled and pulls her close. He was feeling a bit out of his league, but definitely enjoying the attention. She scooted her chair over till their legs touched. Then she leaned over, putting her hand on his knee and gave him a slow kiss on his lips only before pulling away.

"First you get my pants wet, now you're looking to make them tighter than hell. You're quite the vixen." he chuckled.

"I try," she chuckled. "But it’s for a good cause. You are one handsome cat."

"You.... Umm...have your own place, I guess?" he said, sipping his beer.

"Yes, with my sister. She's going to be with Brooke tonight though."

"Oh." he said, a little disappointed. "I guess she runs and tells mom everything."

"Hell no!" she laughed. "Mom doesn't hear anything about us. Except that we make good money. We are our OWN women."

"You're quite pretty yourself, in case I didn't mention It." he said shyly, "I could see why people would pay to see you strip.... If that's not rude to say."

"Not at all," she winked.

Gene looked at Ray, chuckling, "Look at Mr. Speed."

"There's a fine line between interested and desperate." Ray chuckled, "She doesn't seem to mind, though."

"She doesn't," he laughed. "And what is the harm?"

"None. Maybe a good night of sex would do the boy wonders," she winked at Gene, rubbing his thigh.

"I agree..." he nodded, settling down to watch the band again.

"So.... What do you like to do, besides this?" Stan said, watching her with dark eyes. He was desperately trying to think of date conversation.

"I like to paint," she smiled. "Watercolors."

"I love art. Actually that's what I'm best at, even though I prefer music. I'm going to art school."

"That's cool," she smiled. "I would love to see your sketches sometimes. I could pose for you as your model."

"You mean... Yeah, I guess you wouldn't mind that." he said, then blushed. "I didn't mean it THAT way.... Shit, Stan."

He took another drink of beer, and she laughed, "No. It's okay, dark eyes."

He grinned happily at her. "So.... If a guy wanted to take you out on a date..." he began. "What would this guy have to do?"

"Hmm. well he would have to ask first," she smiled.

"And then..."

"And then pick a fun and intriguing place to take me..." she added.

"Any suggestions? Places you like to go."

"Which wasn't necessarily expensive..." she smiled. "Maybe the art museum... Modern art..."

He mopped his face comically with a napkin and said, "WHEW!"

She laughed, "I can be a cheap date. And I pay my own way. The first time."

"What would happen if perhaps this guy didn't have his own place?" he said, looking at her.

"He could come to mine," she winked.

"If everything went well, right?"

"I have my own room..."

"That's promising." he smiled. She winked back, and sipped her beer.

"Any...hem...chance you'd want to date a guy like me? Or more specifically...ME."

"Are you asking me?" she asked, eyes twinkling in amusement.

"I am," he said, smiling as he played with his cigarette.

"Good," she smiled.

"Assuming you don't douse me any more, I'd love to take you out."

"I'd love to go," she smiled.

"You...uh.... You fascinate me." He stammered. She reached for a napkin and scribbled her phone number down on it, slipping it into the pocket of his coat.

"This real number?" he winked, as he patted his pocket.

"Yes," she smiled leaning over and kissing him again. Her tongue darted into his mouth playfully. He teasingly slipped his tongue in as well.

She chuckled through the kiss, pulling him close.

"I'm off next weekend, if you want. Unless you date during the week." he whispered in her ear. "I date whenever there is time. I do work... but I assume you do as well."

"I can get next weekend off..." she whispered.

"Yeah, luckily its first shift even. But I hate it." He said, nuzzling her.

"I work most nights during the week..."

"I was afraid of that," he sighed.

"And mostly Saturday nights... but we can always go during the day or the week..."

"But I could always pick you up after work and make sure you get home safely." he said.

"I would like that," she smiled. "Club closes at one am on Fridays."

"Buy you a pizza on the way home. Make sure you go to bed full and happy." He smiled at her.

"And also, it's closed on Mondays and Tuesdays."

"So...this Monday is out of the question.... Or not." he said, pulling back to admire her.

"It's perfect," she smiled. "And I can come and find YOU after work..." she tweaked his nose. "This weekend."

"The museum, then, and something good to eat."

"Something to do on a Saturday... early," she smiled, nodding. "The museum, Saturday. I'll ask for a night off."

"Umm, well, obviously you like music, so maybe something with that."

"Yes," she smiled.

"I sort of like hanging out at music stores on Saturdays sometimes, leafing through sheet music. Talking about who's good and who's not."

"That sounds fun," she smiled. "Want company?"

"Absolutely, if it doesn't bore you."

"Not at all," she smiled sweetly, rubbing his chest lightly. He pulled his wallet from his back pocket and opened it.

"Let me buy you another beer." he said, secretly hoping to be able to work something out tonight.

"You should keep that wallet in your front pocket," she whispered.

"It's safer that way... and it's sweet of you to buy me a drink."

Gene looked at Ray, and took her hand. "Let's leave the kids alone," he winked. Smiling, she rose up and followed him out to leave them be.

"I want to. Besides, I think I owe you one. And if I get you NICE and drunk, I just might jump onstage later during open mic hour, and let you laugh at me." he teased as he kissed her.

"I would like that," she whispered, kissing him back. She playfully got up and sat in his lap.

"Or.... If you wanted, we could go...somewhere else." he said, looking at her.

"How about my place?" she whispered. He began to rub her leg.

"But I don't want to go too fast, if you don't want to."

"WE can talk... I have eight tracks and a stereo." She smiled.

"That sounds unbelievable, and I can take these damn boots off."

"Mm, you have nice thighs," she whispered. She noticed Gene and Ray were gone.

"So do you," he said. He contemplated saying something else, but bit his tongue.

"So, here or my place?" she asked.

"If you're giving me a choice, I'll pick your place every time." he said, boldly rubbing the back of her jeans. She smiled and kissed his cheek lightly, and slowly got up holding out her hand. He stood up as well, and took her hand, smiling at her.

"Lead the way. I've got a car." he smiled, hoping she wouldn’t figure out its moms. She walked out with him, putting her hand around his waist and tucking her hand into his back pocket.

"Mmmm," he moaned lightly, "You are simply sinful."

"You make it sound like it's a bad thing," she laughed. They walk out past Brooke and Shirl, and she gave Shirl thumbs up.

"No, it's most definitely NOT, unless I have to think of a way to temporarily abstain, if you know what I mean." he said, chuckling. They walked out to find his car.

'It's not much." he mumbled, "But it gets me there and back . . .suppose..."

"You should see my car," she laughed. "1965. I may make a decent paycheck, but my sister and I share the car... it's only to get us there and back... She's using it with Brooke tonight. Most of our pay goes to our rent."

"Some day I'll have a nice car." he said, "Soon as we sell a record, I'm buying me some sweet wheels.'

"Get a Mercedes," she smiled.

"I plan to." he smiled, "At least one."

She grinned and let him open the car door for her. He shut the door when she gets in, then runs around to his door. She unlocked it for him. "You comfortable, Hon?" he said, looking at her, "I can work with that seat belt if you need me too. It's tight as hell sometimes."

"Thank you," she smiled.

"You hungry? I can drive by somewhere if you want."

"I have food back at the apartment," she laughed. "Unless you have a good idea for a bite to eat."

"Up to you, love. I'm but your mere servant." he teased.

****************************************

They took their deli sandwiches and bit into them as they sat in Stan’s car in the parking lot. She smiled as he put in an eight track of the Yardbirds, and settled down to eat her chili cheesesteak. It was nice to see a girl not worried about what she ate, in lieu of keeping her figure. Perhaps she was the sort who could put anything away and not gain a pound.

"This is GOOD," she mumbled through a mouthful of food. "Best place in town…"

"I work there," he blushed. "I got it cheaper cause of that…"

"Hey, no problems. If you make a sandwich THIS good…" she winked, wiping ketchup off Stan’s lip. He eagerly bit into his burger with extra onions and pickles, shivering at her touch.

"Want some of my fries?" he asked. She sneaked a few and nibbled them, sipping her coke and sighing with pleasure at a full stomach.

"Thanks babe," she smiled. "What do you say to taking this upstairs? My apartment building is more comfortable then a car…"

"Um well I don’t’ want to push you," he fumbled.

"Push away, Stan," she laughed. "I don’t bite… hard…"

"Mmm, sounds interesting," he laughed. They finished the remains of their meal, and he bagged the trash. He got out of the car after he turned it off, and rushed over to open her door. She smiled in amusement as he let her out of the passenger side and took her hand, as if this was new to her. Winking at him, she took out her keys and waited for him to lock the car before leading him into her apartment building. It was a high rise with security code that she keyed in, and he held the door as it buzzed them in. They walked through a pleasant lobby and into the elevator leading up. Stanley shivered as she put her arm around his waist and pulled him close. Letting his hand wander down the small of her back he tried squeezing her ass. She winked and pulled him around to press her hips to his, and seize him in a passionate kiss. Stanley gasped, moaning as her hands worked down his spine to squeeze his ass this time through his coat and jeans.

"My floor," she said as the elevator dinged, and opened up on the 12^th floor. He gasped at the nice carpet and well-lit hallways, guessing this was a nicer place then he had imagined. Instead of dingy corridors and chipped paint it was well maintained. She led him to apartment 1201 and unlocked the door, not letting go of his hand. She fussed with the door, which stuck, and Stan shouldered it open into darkness.

She flipped on the light, and he gasped at the interior. Shag carpet decorated the nicely sized loft space, with mod green furniture, track lighting and large modern art paintings decorating the walls. She closed the door behind him, and walked inside, pulling his hand to urge him inside. The kitchen was set off with a small bar with three stools, and wood paneling under the paintings to the height of the mid wall. Glass bricks comprised the bottom of the bar, and he saw three doors off a small hallway to their left.

"Damn," he whispered, glancing at the console television with a Betamax tape player. How much did she and her sister make, he wondered, and was he only one of a string of men she had brought here?

"Why don’t’ you make yourself comfortable and I’ll just put some music on…"

"Mmm, can I hang your coat up?" he asked shyly. She grinned and pulled off her jacket as he pulled off his coat and showed him where the closet was. He watched as she kissed him and drew back to wander over and check the contents of the fridge.

"Want a drink?" she asked. "I have some fine German wine…"

"Sure," Stan said, wandering over to her hi fi and checking out her turntable. He gasped as he saw British invasion music, and flipped through the records in envy.

"Put on anything you like, Stan," she smiled, calling from the kitchen. He saw the fridge light shine into the subdued-lit room, complete with lava lamps and a dartboard in one corner. Selecting some Animals, he cued the record up with some Who and the Yard Birds next.

When she returned with two glasses of wine, he sat on the sofa, legs parted with both arms spread, his feet propped up on her hassock. She smiled and sat down, handing him one glass of wine and taking the other for herself. Suddenly feeling out of his league again he stammered, "What do we toast to?"

"Us, and your fledgling music career," she smiled, patting his knee. He sighed and clinked glasses, twining his wrist around hers, and she grinned and sipped from his glass as he from hers.

"Mmm," he whispered. "Nice digs…"

"Not as nice without the right company," she added, lips close to his. Stanley sipped more wine, and put his glass down. Was she expecting him to make the first move? Poised on the roller coaster, he wasn’t sure of what to do next, so he took her wine and put it next to his. Slowly he reached to touch her face and caress her cheek. She smiled and put her hand on his thigh, rubbing it. Leaning forwards he tipped her chin and pressed his lips to hers.

"mm," she moaned, as his tongue darted past her lips and she rubbed the back of his neck. He parted, panting hard as she rubbed his chest, and started to unbutton his shirt slowly. A smile formed on her lips, and he wasn’t about to stop the momentum he gained. She wanted sex pure and simple, and somehow he felt the same need that made his pants uncomfortably tight.

"am I going too fast…"

"You’re fine," she whispered, putting a finger on his lips and unbuttoning his shirt the rest of the way. He gasped as she ran her fingers through his chest hair and smiled.

"Damn," he sighed, closing his eyes. She kissed his ear, breathing into it as she nibbled down to his neck and pushed his shirt down his arms. He reached down to pull on her shirt, and she smiled, lifting her arms to let him pull it off. He feasted his eyes on her shapely breasts clothed in a black silk bra. Lightly he traced his shaking finger over them, and she put his hand squarely on her breast, inviting him to touch.

"Don’t be scared to touch me. I won’t break… this is what you want, and I’m willing to do whatever you want, Stan," she smiled. "just forget about what happened before, and relax…"

"Are you sure?"

"Would I have brought you up here if I wasn’t?" she laughed through lidded eyes, rubbing his chest and slowly kissing his shoulder, then rubbing his chest. "Damn you are handsome… I love men with hairy chests… it’s a turn on…"

"Damn," he whispered, lightly rubbing her nipples through the silk of her bra. She smiled as he watched how they rose to hard peaks under his touch. He slipped his finger up to her strap and slid it down, and she nodded her encouragement. Gasping he pulled her close, kissing her firmly. Moaning she lay down, pressing him to the sofa as she rubbed her body to his, her hip rubbing his groin.

"mm, you’re doing fine," she whispered, pulling his hand to her ass and laying on top of him. He reached around and fumblingly undid her bra. She reared up and straddled his waist, letting it fall as she reached down to unbutton her skirt and guide his hand to unzip it. He gasped as she tugged it up and showed a garter belt and stockings beneath with lacey panties that matched her bra.

"Can I touch you?" he asked.

"that’s the idea," she laughed. He reached up and touched her small perky breasts, feeling their softness as she reached down under her and bucked against his hardening passion. He moaned, rubbing her nipples and cupping her breasts. Leaning down she kissed him, rocking against him through his jeans. It was harder and harder to resist. Gasping he flipped her over and she smiled , nodding her encouragement with a come hither look in her soft twinkling eyes.

"Oh god you’re so beautiful," he whispered, nibbling her ear as she had done to him. She felt so nice under his chest and she ran her hands up and down his back with light feather touches.

"Shall we go to someplace more comfortable?" she whispered. Stanley nodded, gasping like a deer in headlights as she pushed him up off her, and stood up. He took her hand and stood next to her, pulling her close and kissing her with more passion. She crooked her leg up h is thigh and kissed him, her tongue snaking and twining with his as she rubbed up urgently into him. Did she want him to pick her up, he wondered. Reaching down he pulled her butt to his, and she crooked both legs around his waist. He held her there in his arms, realizing she didn’t’ weigh all that much, and slowly walked toward the bedroom as she kissed his cheeks and nuzzled his ears.

With his arms full of woman, he went to where she directed him, the second door on the left. He kicked the door open, and she flipped on the light. He carried her to the queen sized bed set with a tiger bedspread and put her gently down on it. She crooked her finger and directed him to stand before her as she unbuckled his belt and unzipped his fly, pulling his jeans down. He gasped and groaned wanting to join her, but she pushed him away, guiding him to stand before her. He groaned as she tugged down his underwear and slowly teased him with her tongue.

"I can’t hold it.." he gasped.

"You can, and will, I will show you how," she whispered, going down on his hot length. He moaned and gritted his teeth, twining fingers in her hair as she worked and teased him to a hard shaft, massaging his balls and gripping his bare ass in her hands. Whimpering he let her work him to a frenzy, before she leaned down and helped him off with his jeans and turned him to sit as she pulled off his boots and socks. For a moment she looked at his body, smiling and stroking it and its muscles as she feasted on him with her eyes. She stripped off her garter and stockings, till she was as nude as he. He gasped at her shaved areas, realizing he had not seen a woman without any bodily hair till now.

He reached for her and she leaned down to kiss him, pulling him onto the bed. He gasped as their bodies met, and she reached down to finger him. He slipped his fingers into her and she smiled and watched him struggle to work her to an orgasm. When he found her spot she smiled and he lay her down, putting her legs on his shoulders so he could slip his tongue up her thighs. She gasped, as he plunged in his tongue and found her pleasure bud, stroking it. Her whimpers and moans were loud and strong to his ears, her inside contracting around his face as he worked her to her first orgasm.

"Very well done," she smiled, as he gasped and tasted her sweet love juices.

"I don’t have… protection…" he gasped.

"I do," she whispered, reaching to the bedside drawer and pulling out a condom. Ripping it open she put it into her mouth and reached down to roll it on him with her mouth. He moaned as he lay down, and pressed her into the bed. She smiled and flipped him over, then slowly climbed onto him, lowering herself onto his hard shaft.

"Oh god," he gasped as she slipped him into her heat, and began to slid up and down on him. He bucked up, trying to match her pace. She moaned and rode him, breasts boning as she tossed her ahead, hair flying back and forth.

"Fuck me hard!" she commanded as he pushed harder and harder. She was in control of his penetration, taking in his whole length without difficulty. He gasped and flipped her over, pushing and pounding into her with reckless abandon. She hooked her legs over his shoulders and raked her nails over his chest, whispering him on.

"Damn, you feel so so fucking good," he gasped.

"Tell me what you’re going to do…" she whispered. "Is it good, am I making you HOT and hard?"

"Damn… I want to make you cum!" he cried.

"Fuck me then," she whispered, as if he wasn’t even trying to please her. "Rock from side to side… touch me, tease me…"

He fingered her breasts, licking each nipple as she hissed with pleasure, and hooked her legs around his back. Bucking into him, she braced on her arms so he could rub against her pleasure center as he rocked harder and harder. Groaning he couldn’t hold off his orgasm any longer, and begged her, "Please cum with me…"

"Gladly," she laughed, and he pushed one last time into her, hard and deep. She screamed loudly, her cry mingling with his as he exploded, and her muscles squeezed him at the same time. Gasping, he collapsed on her.

Slowly he sniffled, kissing her breasts in worship and tribute, and she held him, stroking his hair and cooing to him softly, "Well done, Stan, you are one HELL of a lover you know that?"

"Am I?"

"Yes… and I hope you can do it again… soon…"

"Really?"

"Yes," she whispered. For a time they lay there together, Steph kissing and cuddling him as he caressed and held her. She slowly got up and walked over, nude to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"To get our wine and something to eat. You have to keep up your strength, you know. We have all night," she laughed.

He laughed and hugged himself, grinning with a smile from ear to ear. She returned with some cheese and wine, and put it next to the bed. Reaching up she fed him some brie and crackers, followed by grapes as he hungrily ate. They washed it down with wine, and she pulled back the covers so they could get into bed together.

"This is nice," she whispered. "some men don’t have your sensitivity…"

"Really?"

"Yes," she smiled as he held her gently and kissed her softly. "You’re a rare treat. Don’t’ forget the importance of holding and touching… it will get you far…"

"Man, you’re one hell of a chick," he whispered.

"Thank you… and I hope you’ll be ready for act two soon…" she smiled, pulling him down into a hard kiss.

How Stanley moaned as Steph took his hand and led him into the bathroom. The terrycloth robe seemed all too thin to prevent her from seeing his excitement as she walked barely clothed in a short robe next to him. He had fallen asleep since their last lovemaking, and the night was still young, only being 12 am. Awakening to her soft kisses, she said she had a surprise for him.

"Get comfortable," she smiled, letting go of his hand. He gasped as he saw a small whirlpool tub with bubbling jets in the large bathroom, candles lit all about the tiled place. A large mirror fogged up from the steam that arose from the hot tub bubbling away with scented herbs and beads.

"Damn what is this?" he laughed, nervously.

"Act two," she smiled. "Bathing with a beauty…"

She let her robe fall, with but a tug of her sash, revealing her body in its nude glory before him. Stanley swallowed hard as she pushed him away and slowly stride towards the hot tub on her long legs. His eyes glued to her body, appreciating its beauty as she stepped on foot into the tub and slowly and teasingly lowered herself into it little by little till she sat covered to her breasts in hot foam.

"Come on in, the water’s fine," she urged. Stanley smiled shyly.

"I’m shy," he chuckled, playfully.

"How shy?" she asked with amusement, her honey blonde hair damp and curling into waves as she soaked it into the tub momentarily leaning back. Her legs floated, blurring her features under the swirling surface. Gathering his courage, Stanley bit his tongue and slowly walked toward her on muscular legs, her eyes riveted to his body and movements. He began to sway his hips to the music she had put on; the song was Break on Through by the Doors.

Reaching down with shaking hands he untied his sash, and turned around, slowly letting the robe fall off his back. She gasped in appreciation as she saw his marvelously sculpted ass and back exposed as he slipped it onto his arms and it puddled around his feet on the floor. He blushed as she whistled in appreciation, and she said, "Turn around and let me see you…"

"I’m shy," he flushed.

"Turn around big boy," she urged in a sultry tone. He did so, and she smiled warmly when she saw him fully nude before her.

"Well, do I pass inspection?" he chuckled nervously.

"Are you kidding, come on over here… Adonis," she smiled, crooking one finger and beckoning him to join her. "Just walk VERY slowly… so I can see each muscle of that glorious body in action…"

Stanley mumbled to himself as he took tentative steps, painfully slowly. Her eyes slatted by dark lashes as she moved up and leaned on the tub, chin on her arms to watch him walk toward her. A sultry smile crossed her features, clearly enjoying him as he reached her, and put one foot into the hot steaming bath. Her hand held up told him to stop, and he did so, anxious and skin crawling to join her.

"Wait," she said, and lay on her back, slowly rubbing her breasts. "Watch this…"

"What are you…" he gasped as she began to finger herself, slowly rubbing her breasts before him. Her tongue licked her lips, and she watched his reaction intently as she began to pleasure herself, sitting up out of the water.

It was impossible for him to stop his body’s reaction as he felt his groin tighten, and he gritted his teeth. As he tried to come forward her foot raised up out of the water, bracing against his leg to stop him, as she shook her finger no. She wanted to see his erection in full action, and he froze in fear and worry he wouldn’t’ measure up.

"Don’t’ be nervous… I want to tease you, and seduce you," she licked her lips. "The chase is half the fun…"

"But…"

"Don’t compare yourself to the men I’ve seen before. Because you are one HELL of a man…"

"How… do I measure up?" he gasped.

"You’re the tallest I’ve seen," she winked.

"I take it you don’t mean… my height…"

"Not just THAT height," she said, pointing to his groin, and he flushed profusely.

"Oh man," he chuckled awkwardly, with a sheepish grin.

"You have a lovely smile," she said, crooking her finger and motioning for him to sit by her.

"Nah, me handsome?"

"I’m not bullshitting you, Stan," she said, patting the step under the water. "Sit down…"

He lowered himself into the water and sighed as his skin slid under the foaming steam. How decadent it felt on his body. She smiled and caressed his cheek, and then slowly sat on his lap, his stiffness prodding her hip. She leaned forward and traced his lips with her tongue, pulling back before he could kiss her. Steph slowly sat on his lap, straddling him but staying right of reach of his erectness.

"Best seat in the house," she sighed, rubbing his chest and wetting his hair. He gasped as she began to lather up some soap and rub his chest with it, and then poured water over his head to moisten it. Moaning he let her wash his hair with floral shampoo luxuriously, and then work all over his back.

"God, I want to be inside you," he moaned.

"Do you?" she whispered.

"I do… but… I don’t…"

"I’m protected, and I’m clean," she whispered. "If that’s what you’re worried about. I am on the pill…"

"Thank God," he moaned.

"I hope you’re clean. If you’re not, I’ll pay for the bill," she whispered. "Don’t be shy…"

Stanley suddenly grabbed her hips and pulled her onto him. She laughed and sighed as she settled onto him, feeling his hot length buried into her. He stayed still, a hint of a teasing smile on his face as he enjoyed skin on skin in the hot water around them. She grinned and said, "You tease…"

"You didn’t’ tell me HOW or when to start," he twisted his grin.

"Mmm, I like that. You’re a natural… let’s see how long you can hold it…"

"How do I…"

"Just stay still… you can get Mr. Happy to stay as long as you want. It takes practice," she laughed.

"Where do I touch you…"

"Around the edges…" she said. "And the spot you did before… and the neck… the breasts… I would love it if you…"

She whispered into his ear where she wanted to be touched, and he did so, seizing her nipple in his teeth and nibbling on it as he thrust slowly this time. She moaned softly and tossed her head, and he put his arms around her to finger her back and continue. Slow and sure he bucked under her and she rocked her hips, controlling his depth of penetration.

"Slowly… easy… it’s better to go slow sometimes… and let the woman… oh god. Right THERE…"

"Oh god," he moaned.

"Hold it…" she whispered. "Just don’t’ loose it… try… oh god yes… side to side… yes…"

Stan did so, and she pulled off him a bit to rock back and forth in a circular motion that baffled him. She whispered din his ear how a woman was sensitive in certain key spots, and it blew his mind. A strange secret wisdom was being passed on, and he did as she asked, feeling pride in her soft moans. Struggling to keep erect he fought the madness in his mind, begging his body for the control she wanted.

"Stan, oh god, perfect… o damn…" she screamed as she came a second and a third time. He panted, gasping with his weariness as she wrung a fourth orgasm and begged him to kiss her.

"I can’t hold it… AHHHHH!" he screamed, in a loud lusty shout. She moaned and bit his shoulder as she raked his nails with her back and begged him to get up out of the tub.

"But…"

"Hurry," she whispered, climbing up around his waist and begging him to remain inside as he carried her quickly to the bed. Hurrying he carried her and she grabbed a towel, gasping for him to lay her on the floor as she threw it down.

"I can’t hold it… oh god…"

"Shhh, now finish it hard and fast…" she whispered as he pushed her down and started to hammer into her.

Stanley did just that, hammering into her, and she bucked against him, slowing him down to a painfully slow thrust and pistoning in and out. He groaned as she fell into perfect unison, his hot slick flesh pounding into her soft firm heat. Then and there he realized that he could fit right into her, burying his length to the hilt in her. Were women made differently as men were? Marcia couldn’t’ fit him and neither could Cassie.

"Now!" she gasped. Stanley closed the switch in his mind and let himself explode as she screamed a fifth orgasm, and let go. His hot seed spurted into her and she moaned as he cried out again.

"Oh GOD, YEAAAAHHHHHH!" he screamed, in a rasping war cry that shivered them both. Totally spent he lay on her, whimpering.

"Stanley, dear, that was incredible…" she urged, kissing him as he tried to fight tears. "Shh… it’s okay… sh…."

"Steph…" he stammered, kissing her breasts and wiping his eyes as she gently caressed him and kissed him.

"Hold me," she whispered, and curled up in his arms, pulling him close. "C’mere you hot lover…"

"I…" he whispered. "Thank you… so tired…"

"Rest now," she whispered, helping him to stand up on shaky legs. He did so and she guided him into the warm bed. Sighing she leaned up against him and curled up in his arms.

"Can I stay?"

"Of course," she whispered, as she lay her head on his chest and played with his chest hair. Completely exhausted he fell asleep in her arms as she rubbed his hair soothingly. In her arms he slept soundly, forgetting Marcia and the broken heart he nursed.

Next morning they ate breakfast in her apartment, and Stanley bid a farewell to her, promising to call her for Saturday. She blew him a kiss as she saw him off in the morning, smiling to himself with a grin he’d wear the rest of the year. Tucked into his pocket was her phone number. He would be glad to see her again, and she knew she would be glad to see him when next they met.

*****************************************************************************

Friday morning came soon enough. Ray had reached her fifth period, just before lunch, and still the students were paying attention with fifteen minutes to go. Not bad, she smiled. See Mr. Fisher top THAT in his arrogance, she added mentally for good measure. The last week he had become simply unbearable, and rather then tell Gene, she had hid his constant criticisms to secret, dreading each new lecture on how she was failing to meet his expectations. While Gloria was Ray’s mentor, since she taught physics and chemistry, which fell under his jurisdiction, while Gloria was earth science and biology.

"Is it true that cosmic rays can mutate people?" one student raised his hand.

"To some extent yes, but the full dangers of exposure to radiation in space flight have proven the effects aren't as disastrous. Still there is a need to protect humans who travel in space," Ray cleared her throat as she started to write the equations on the board. "E equals h times the speed of light over lambda, which is energy equaling plank’s constant times the speed of light divided by its wavelength. I know we have read in Fantastic Four where Reed Richards and the others gained their powers by exposure to cosmic rays… but in reality space flight has not shown people to gain super powers by exposure to cosmic rays…"

"So you can’t get super powers?" the kid asked.

"No, but they have done studies to show mutations in plants and other animals exposed to ultra violet and cosmic rays. And our atmosphere protects us from many of those harmful rays, by the ozone layer. But you see fiction was right about untold dangers in space flight. However you recall Reed and his party pressed on, in the hope to further scientific knowledge…"

"So why do it if it’s dangerous?" asked a girl.

"Because knowledge is a risk," Ray said. "But responsible science starts with careful experimentation. And sometimes the biggest accidents can ultimately help human kind learn and help. Reed and the fantastic four used their powers to help mankind. And this can be a metaphor for science…"

"Cool," the girl and boy gasped. She smiled as she held up her latest issue.

"And in this issue we can discover the effects of pollution on sea life. The sub mariner thought that perhaps humans were responsible for polluting the water. He is in effect correct, for human kind must take responsibility for protecting the ocean life…"

"I remember that issue!" one boy said. "But that was three years ago…"

"But as you recall, the sub mariner DOES return and helps to fight against a common foe!" another boy argued. "And if Reed hadn’t teamed up, Sue and Lady Dorma would have bought it!"

"But what does this have to do with science?" the girl moaned.

"Back to the issue of cosmic rays and pollution…" Ray said. "There is a layer in the atmosphere that protects us against cosmic rays and ultraviolet radiation. However, pollution in the atmosphere, especially CFCS have been shown to break down ozone… that is generated by lightening but not replaced fast enough. Such degradation of the atmosphere will allow harmful rays t pass through and cause hazards effects. Granted we don’t gain super powers like the Fantastic Four, but they can cause harmful side effects…"

The class was rived, most of them to her lecture. Mostly boys took physics, and they had listened all that week when she had brought up the Fantastic Four as an example of cosmic rays. The week before she had shown clips of Frankenstein to teach electricity, even bringing in a Jacob’s ladder to show them what electricity and magnetism really did. They had listened carefully; asking many questions based on the movies they had seen that week.

"Okay that does it for radiation. Read pages 101 through 110 and answer the questions for next time," ray said. "And any of you who need after school help with your problem sets, see me…"

"Goodbye Miss MacLaren!" they chorused as the bell rang.

"Way to go Miss Mac," one male student said, holding up his hand. She high fived him and grinned as he walked out and handed her his paper.

"You’re doing better Jose," she smiled.

"Why can’t Mr. Fisher’s class be this good?" he laughed. He looked at the comic book longingly, and Ray held it out.

"You missing the latest issue?"

"Yeah, they were all sold out…"

"Here you go," she smiled, handing it to him. Grinning, Jose put the comic book in his bag and walked off into the hallway with the other students.

"Miss Mac," Lucia Alvarez asked. "I was wondering… could I meet you before our test… I can’t get the whole thin about energy… I mean… it’s really confusing…"

"Stop by before class tomorrow and I’ll go over it with you, and if you need help during the week just call me and we can meet in the public library…" she offered, writing down her schedule for Lucia. Smiling, the girl took Ray’s phone number and walked off with the rest of the students filing out for lunch. Sighing, Ray stacked her papers and smiled in satisfaction. More students had gotten As this last test in Physics then before, and already the students were caring about what they learned.

"Miss MacLaren," said a sharp voice from the class next door. She winced and turned to see Mr. Fisher standing there, tapping his foot as he held his yardstick. Slowly he tapped it on his palm, and paced a half circle around her. She put away her slide rule and looked at him nervously.

"Yes, Mr. Fisher?" she asked. "Is there a problem?"

"I need to speak to you about the last series of lectures. It has come to my attention you’ve been using unconventional methods again…"

"Well considering the shortage of lab materials, can you blame me?" she asked angrily. "You refuse to spend any extra money to give us new science books or the latest in maps and slides. I need to use what I have. The grades are up, and my students are happy. Isn’t that the point of teaching?"

"Using THIS?" he asked, holding up a copy of Frankenstein, from the school’s movie archives. "This isn’t horror 101, this is SCIENCE…"

"They listened, about the responsibility of scientists for their work," she said. "If Dr. Frankenstein had taken time to think of the consequences of his actions… "

"This isn’t sociology, we deal in FACTS."

"If these students don’t’ learn the relevance of science through its mis-portrayal in popular culture, what hope do they have of learning anything?" she demanded, stuffing papers into her brief case.

"It’s just like a woman to turn into some bleeding heart about this… and I’m alarmed you’re teaching such liberal mindsets as environmentalism. I heard your stab at industry, saying that it is responsible for such far fetched things as the greenhouse effect… which isn’t proven…"

"The greenhouse effect is a theory," she said. "And we teach theories and facts in science…"

"You teach according to a curriculum," he snapped. "And I gave you that curriculum. Either stick to it, or you could be in BIG trouble!"

"I was told by Ms. Steinmetz I had latitude in planning that curriculum and implementing it!" Ray snapped back. "And what is the harm in teaching students to be responsible for protecting the environment?"

"We don’t want radical ideas such as tree hugging and free love in here!" he snapped. "This isn’t’ Woodstock, Miss MacLaren, this is New York public schools. You teach them about environmentalism and next god knows WHAT else they think they can get away with!"

"I’m not espousing free love!" Ray snapped, biting her lip as Mr. Fisher tapped his yardstick against his palm impatiently.

"You are clearly being too free in your use of popular garbage… honestly using a COMIC book?" he snapped, cracking his ruler down hard on the lab counter, making Ray jump back. "I don’t know what disruptive elements you’ve been exposed to, but it is clear to me that you’re going too far. Our school district has already had problems with ONE teacher in the middle school across the street and comic books. They are destructive influences on today’s youth… teaching negative values…"

"You read Seduction of the Innocent too?" she asked angrily. "It’s that narrow thinking that is ruining a good art form! Batman and Robin Are NOT gay! Such craziness is against the right of free speech in the first amendment!"

"I’m not here to discuss politics, Miss. MacLaren. I am here to give you a warning. It is precisely because of your nature to be inflammatory and unruly that I am warning you any further outbursts will possibly go on your permanent record. Why the science department allows women to teach science is beyond me…"

"How DARE you say such a thing!" she cried. "That’s discrimination, and I won’t take it! A woman can teach science as well as a man, and such gender bias is contrary to civil rights!"

"That may be so, but this is NOT a political arena, and it won’t help your case," Mr. Fisher snapped. "You will NOT deviate from the curriculum again… or I could have you fired…"

"You do that and I’m file a charge of discrimination against you," she threatened.

"Miss MacLaren, you can hardly expect them to believe you over me," he snorted. "Either you will do as I direct or you wont’ teach anywhere again…"

"You can’t do this," she snapped.

"I can, and I will…" he said, cracking his ruler down and pinning her up against the lab counter. "You can’t afford to go against me. You know that it was only because you were recommended by Ms. Steinmetz that you even are here…"

"Is that why you’re forcing her to stick to lower level earth science instead of physics and chemistry?"

"I would watch my tongue if I were you," Mr. Fisher hissed into her face, getting very close as he pinned her to the lab counter. She twisted and tried to push him away.

"You get away from me," she cried.

"What is going on here?" asked a firm voice. Mr. Fisher turned to see a tall man in brown corduroy suit glaring at him with dark eyes.

"G… Mr. Klein," Ray gasped. "I…"

"Step away from Miss MacLaren," he said angrily, grabbing Mr. Fisher and pulling him away from Ray. "Are you threatening her?"

"Miss MacLaren and I were having a private discussion," he said, struggling in the grasp of the man he recognized from the middle school. "And I might ask you what you’re doing out of your school during school hours… aren’t you supposed to be teaching English, Mr. Klein?"

"I was, but I thought I’d come over here and observe another English class at high school, because my department head suggested it. And I don’t think it’s customary for a teacher to assault another by threatening her with a yardstick and physically assaulting her during a conference," Gene said coldly, glaring into Mr. Fisher’s eyes. "And I plan to take this to your supervisor…"

"You… nothing happened," he denied.

"I was walking by when I heard you yelling at Miss MacLaren," Gene said angrily. "And I think that you had better back off, or else I’ll write you up for threatening Miss MacLaren…"

"It’s… not necessary," she whispered.

"Bullcrap," Gene gritted. "You leave her alone, or else you answer to me…"

"What is going on here?" Gloria asked, standing in the door.

"This jerk was assaulting Miss MacLaren," Gene said to Ms. Steinmetz.

"Is that so, Ray?" Gloria asked stalking in as Gene took hold of Mr. Fisher’s arm and twisted it behind his back.

"It’s not true… I…"

"He did assault me," she said angrily. "And he threatened me and he also said some sexually defamatory remarks… like how women should not be teaching science…"

"Is that so?" Gloria asked, getting right into Mr. Fisher’s face.

"I…"

"You listen to me, Mr. Fisher," Gloria snapped. "One more word like THAT out of you, and you’ll be selling ice cream to Eskimos, got it? Miss MacLaren is my student teacher, and you have no right to say such things. So don’t’ even OPEN your damn mouth if you want to know what is good for you…"

"I have nothing to say," he stammered.

"Let him go, Mr. Klein," Gloria told Gene. "I’ll talk to his supervisor…"

"You can’t prove anything," he snapped.

"Watch me," Gloria snapped at him. "Miss MacLaren, go home, right now until I call you. I’m taking your classes the rest of the day…"

"But…"

"Go, I’ll handle him…" she said as Mr. Fisher took one look at Gene and bolted down the hall.

"Let’s get out of here, Ray," Gene said as she struggled to hold back her tears.

"But your class," she gasped.

"I’ll tell them I got sick," he said. "We have to see the principle about this, right Gloria?"

"Right. Take her home Gene," she said softly.

Ray burst into tears, and Gene took her arm gently, picking up her briefcase as he walked her out of the room and down the hall the back way. They exited the building, Gene holding her hand. When they were out of line of sight of the building they reached the corner where there was a public park, and Ray started to shake and sob.

"Easy, it’s okay," Gene whispered, holding his arms out to her. Ray sobbed, burying her head in his chest as he held her close and rocked her.

"That son of a bitch…" she sobbed into his shirt, soaking it through with her tears.

"He wont’ bother you anymore," Gene whispered. "Leave it to Gloria… why didn’t you tell me he was threatening you?"

"What were you supposed to do?" she cried. "You’re at another school…"

"I’m just down the street… I was coming over to see if you were free for lunch since it was Friday… damn good thing I did come…"

She sighed loudly and exhaled angrily. "Why don’t we get some lunch and talk about this," Gene suggested.

"All right," she relented. She let him walk her to their favorite deli, and kept quiet as he found a table and ordered them both some hot coffee.

"What do you want, love?" he asked when the waiter came by to take their order.

"I guess a tuna melt," she sighed.

"Tuna melt for the lady and pastrami on rye for me," Gene told the waiter who moved off to get their orders in.

"I'm sorry if I made things worse," Gene apologized, sipping his coffee black as he customarily did.

"No....no, you didn't." she said, calming a bit as she sipped her own coffee loaded with cream and sugar.

"Was this the first time he physically assaulted you?" Gene asked.

"This is the first time he's come after me like that, yes, but as far as threatening me, pushing me, it's almost daily. Nothing is easy when it comes to him."

"Damn," Gene mumbled, putting down his coffee cup. "That is NOT right."

"His students come FIRST and mine get the leftovers." She mumbled.

"Is that so?" Gene asked.

"It’s the way it is," Raina mumbled. She said little else; simply crying as Gene reached across the table to hold her hand till their sandwiches came.

"You have any witnesses?" Gene asked, picking up half his pastrami on rye.

"No," she said angrily, "Just people who maybe saw it in passing, and would take it as bickering over supplies. A turf war."

"Terrific," Gene mumbled, biting into his sandwich.

"I am just SO sick of this." she gritted her teeth.

"Well, Gloria believes you, and I witnessed it," Gene said. "And I'll speak for you."

"But for WHAT, Gene? What good is it going to do me?" she said, exasperated. "Do you think he's going to STOP? He'll just find another way to torment me."

"Well if he does, you stand up to him." He said, through a mouthful of sandwich. "Don't let him back you down. He's an asshole and you can fight him."

"Or he'll accuse me of using my father to get what I want...a SPOILED rich girl." she said, sarcastically.

"Fuck him. Transfer." Gene said angrily. He threw down his sandwich and growled angrily.

"If it were that easy…" she rolled her eyes, poking at her tuna melt.

"Sorry about that," he apologized. "I guess it’s easier said then done?"

"Why am I like this?" she sighed, "I never used to hate this job like I do now. WHY is it all I want to do is be with you? Gene, I can't live my LIFE like this.... Can I?"

"Darling," Gene sighed, picking up his sandwich again. "I wish I could help you... it kills me to see you like this..."

She sighed and falls quiet. "Am I making it worse?" he whispers, taking her hand.

"I remember you said something once about having the guts to follow your dreams. If my dreams are here... something’s going seriously wrong."

"Maybe this isn't your dream," he said. "Forgive me for saying this... but maybe you should be looking elsewhere." He bit his lip, thinking about the letters that he'd been getting, and sighed. He didn’t have the nerve to tell her about the pressure he had been under.

"But Gene, I don't even...I don't even have a plan. Like my damn dream can pay the BILLS," she said, eyes watering. Gene sighed and got up, taking the seat next to her in the booth. He draped his arm around her and hugged her close.

"I don't even have the courage to tell my parents where I’m living, and you want me to be a risk taker?"

"I'm sorry I'm making this so hard," he sighed. "I never intended this to make you miserable... I just... want you with me..."

"I want that too, Gene." she said.

"But how I can make it easier for you, I just don’t' know," he sighed, stroking her cheek. "I filled out an application to work at the Puerto Rican agency the other day... in case this teaching falls through."

"Solve all my problems." she said, smiling faintly at him, "Only I know there's no one that can do that."

"You haven't touched your food," he said softly. "You need to eat."

"It doesn't taste right," she said, looking down. Gene sighed.

"Now you know that is crap. I think you're worried. You don’t' eat when you're worried."

"Besides...I'll be fine." she said, looking at him, "I don't want to get YOU in trouble."

"I think that it might be high time i quit this crap. If it will help you. I have already been thinking about it anyway. Did i tell you I almost became a rabbi?"

She looked at him for a moment. "No....and for some reason, it doesn't surprise me."

The waiter comes over and asked if they want their sandwiches wrapped. Gene nods and speaks to the man in Spanish. He nodded and takes their plates and returns with the sandwiches bagged. Sighing, Gene paid the bill, and walked her out of the restaurant onto the street.

"Gene, this isn't a summer job at the YMCA. I went four years of college to do this. Can I really turn my back on it and not look like a fool? Can YOU?"

"I can, but maybe you can't. You really reached those students," he said, putting her arm into his. "You're good at this, I'm not. I heard part of that lecture. You were DAMN good."

"I love.... The kids aren't the problem. I just get so damn sick of the bureaucracy."

"Well then, fight it," he said simply, walking her back towards the high school. She looked at him, rolling her eyes a bit.

"I can't even fight my own parents," she said sadly.

"Ray, stop it," gene sighed. "Stop beating yourself up."

"I can't admit to anyone who I am or what I want...not even myself."

"Ray..." he sighed. "I don’t' know what to do or say to help you love..."

"I know." she said, throwing up her hands. "I need this job. I just need to go back and deal."

"What happened to that strong woman I admire... you've got so much strength and talent... You can do anything..." he sighed, both of them reaching the front steps leading inside her building.

"And if my some stratospheric chance that John and Paul call me, wanting to add a female keyboards to their little group, well, I'll tell the school to get stuffed. But until then...it's the usual."

"That's my girl," Gene said, pulling her into a kiss.

"Do you want me to take you back inside, in case Gloria wants you to talk to the department head? I'll go in and talk to them for you," he suggested. "I can have the secretary from your school call my replacement."

She looked at him, some tears still in her eyes. "I can handle it. I don't want you in any more trouble than you already are."

"It's okay. I can take it," he smiled, handing her the bag of food. She looked at the school, knowing what she must do. He kissed her and holds her tight to him.

"Strange...it just doesn't seem worth the fight sometimes." she mutters to herself. He sighed and watched her leave, then went on to his own school.

Gene reached the middle school, quickly walking in to see if he had been missed at all. He reached his classroom, only to see that a substitute was already teaching the class when he poked his nose in. Seeing gene, she said, "Mr. Klein, I’ve been asked to tell you that you need to report to the office immediately. I’ll need your lesson plans and gradebook."

"Is there a problem?"

"I’ve been asked to take over your class till you speak to them," she said.

"What is this about?"

"I don’t’ think it looked good, but I need to have your grade book and lesson plans." she said with a sorry glance at him.

"Am I on suspension?" he asked.

"Yes," she said. "Pending the conference with your department head…"

"Here," Gene said, handing the older teacher his book, lesson plans and the entire stack of papers he’d been grading. Mumbling Gene stormed off to the office; his gut telling him that this was the day he’d been dreading.

He came into the office, where the secretary stood up, and waved him over. "Mr. Klein, we’ve been expecting you," she said. "The principle and others will see you now…"

"It would have been nice if I’ve had some notice,’ Gene mumbled, and the secretary quailed at the expression on his face. Even though he knew well enough not to shoot the messenger, he couldn’t control his outward emotions that boiled to the surface. Like a pressure cooker they had been building over the past six months, ready to erupt.

"Right this way," she said, opening the door on the principle’s office, where he saw several suited figures assembled. Behind the desk sat Principle MacLaren, his salt and pepper hairstyle and neat small mustache reminding Gene of J. Jonah Jameson from Spiderman, ironically.

Mrs. Owens, the head of English also sat there with Mr. Jones, and another teacher he realized who were right next door to him.

"Have a seat, Mr. Klein," said the Principle.

"I think I know what this is about," Gene said sternly. "I prefer to stand and get this over with…"

"Sit down now," Mrs. Owens urged Gene. He sat down in the chair reserved for him, half expecting there to be hot nails imbedded in it.

"I’m sitting. Now kindly explain what this is about and get on with it…" Gene mumbled, folding his long legs as he folded his arms across his chest.

"Certain matters have come to my attention regarding your conduct at this school," Mr. MacLaren said sternly. "Despite letters from our department and reprimands you have failed to perform to the expectations of this department…"

"If this is about the comic book," Gene said.

"That and more. It has come to my attention that you are a disruptive influence on some of the younger teachers, and also it has come to my attention that another teacher in another school in this district has caught onto your methods. In addition, your refusal to present a professional appearance is also disturbing."

"So, just because I don’t shave my head I’m some sort of a rebel, is that what you’re insinuating? And what does the actions of some teacher not even IN this school have to do with my decisions?" Gene challenged.

"We have standards that must be upheld," Mrs. Owens said. "I have told you time and again…"

"Yeah, I know, but does the way I cut my hair really matter in the grand scheme of things?" Gene asked with a smirk. "Honestly, the kids don’t give a care what I look like, or any teacher. I doubt cutting my hair more often will make one heap of difference in the student’s grade point average… and as for the use of a comic book as a teaching aid, stranger fiction has been used and banned that is far worse then what goes on in the pulps… the kids don’t CARE about what you have on the reading list…"

"No doubt due to your encouragement of them to read comic books. They are a disruptive influence…" Mr. Jones said.

"We will not stand for such open defiance," Mr. MacLaren added.

"Just because you read a book called Seduction of the Innocent you think all comics are bad. Do you even take the time to READ the comics you so denounce?" Gene asked them. "Hasn’t it ever occurred to anyone there is a COMICS CODE now that regulates what is printed? Just like any other publication it has standards it must adhere to. And I doubt that good fighting evil is something that should be suppressed," Gene shook his head, trying not to laugh at the absurdity of this all.

"That may be the case, but comic books and such other recreational reading are not educationally sound," Mr. MacLaren said crisply. "And your attitude is another factor in this decision…"

"You have one slight chance we can rescind this," Mrs. Owens said. "If you put in for transfer, and amend your curriculum you can still hope to rebuilt your career…"

"In other words ship me off before I can do more harm is that it?" Gene asked.

"Mr. Klein… I warn you," Mr. MacLaren said sternly. "This is not to be taken lightly. Your future career in New York schools is at stake. Can you not see the gravity of your predicament?"

"My predicament is my affair," Gene said. "And I am not responsible for the small mindedness of this or any other school. Obviously you care more about following rules then you do educating students…"

"With that attitude I doubt you would be able to fit him in anywhere," Mr. Jones sighed, shaking his head. "If you send him off to another school he’ll just do the same thing…"

"You don’t know that…"

"If you’ve stopped talking about me like I’m not here," Gene said angrily, blood boiling.

"He’s impossible!" Mr. Jones threw up his hands. "You can see that now!"

"You stop kissing ass," Gene hissed at him.

"Mr. Klein, Mr. Jones ENOUGH!" the principle snapped. "I think I can see this is a waste of time. Mr. Klein, having seen your behavior here today… I think it’s safe to assume you don’t’ care about following any rules… and because of that… It is with regret that we have come to the decision that you must be terminated."

"You can’t fire me," Gene said angrily. "I quit…"

"Mr. Klein, sit down!" Mrs. Owens cried.

"I suggest if you want to teach elsewhere you get right back into this office now…" Mr. MacLaren started.

"Save your breath. I’m through with teaching period," Gene shot back.

He rose up from his chair to the surprise of everyone present and their voices of protest and calls of his name fell on deaf ears as Gene stormed out. Not looking back he strode out of the middle school, loosening his tie as he went. Even though his teaching career had gone up in flames, he never felt freer in his life. Strange thing that, he inwardly observed as he laughed and tossed his books into the dumpster and walked away towards Ray’s school. However if that was Ray’s old man, he felt a chill of foreboding that things were about to get worse. Better to cut the ties that could sabotage her, and perhaps them. No this was better, because now they would have nothing to condemn her with, save when they found out Daddy’s little girl was living with the disruptive influence they sought to expunge.

He waited till Ray's school dismissed, and the students poured out of the building towards the waiting buses. As he rounded to the faculty entrance he saw Raina and Gloria walking out together, Ray still frowning. At sight of him a small smiled formed on her lips.

"Hello," he smiled, holding his brief case and his coat over his arm. She took his arm discreetly and led him away from the school.

"Let's get OUT of here please." she whispered.

"Sure," he smiled, letting her lead the way to the bus. As they climbed onto the bus together, he wondered just how he would tell her that he just quit.

"Ray, how did it go?" he asked her.

"It went. I told my side. He told his. We were told to try to get along. He smiled and said he would. Same old shit." she said.

"Uh huh," he laughed.

"Gloria asked if I wanted to file a formal complaint. I told her I didn't know."

"You do it," Gene said. "What do you have to lose? Make those bastards see what a shit head Fisher is… go in for the kill I say…"

"Gene I can’t just do that… I mean they’ll believe him over me every time…"

"Shit," Gene sighed as they rode along. He said little else as Ray clung to him and they came to their apartment building an hour later. Pensively they walked up the flight of stairs, Gene only stopping to open his mailbox and grab the stack of letters and magazines contained within.

"How was your day?" she said, looking at him.

"Hmm," he said, as they walked upstairs. Flipping the mail through his hands, he scanned eagerly for some letter he had been anticipating. Seeing he was caught up in this and evading her question, Ray unlocked the door and opened it for them both.

"Not much of an answer." she said, holding the door. "You get in trouble for being gone so long, coming to my aid?"

"Mm, not really," he said vaguely, dropping the mail onto his desk, and his brief case next to it. He pulled off his coat and walked over to hang it up, and pull off his necktie. Returning to his mail pile he saw the letter he had waited for, and tore it open quickly. Nodding he put it along with several other bills.

"Gene… why are you being so elusive…" Ray demanded, hanging up her cat.

"Well if I did, would it matter?" he asked, crossing over to the sofa with the letter in his hand.

"It would matter if somehow it bothered you, or made things worse. I know you're no happier with your situation than I am," she said, walking over to stand by him impatiently. "So if it bothers you, then yes."

"Well, lets just say I had a confrontation with my department head," he said. "We went back and forth... and well..."

"A letter." she said, watching him tap the note in his palm.

"Gene, this doesn't sound good." she said, putting her hands on her hips.

"I told them that i quit," he said quickly.

"God..." she sighed, face falling as she turned a shade of gray.

"It's all right Ray," he said, standing up and handing her his acceptance letter. "I just got this today..."

She looked at it for a minute, her eyes widening as she read the acceptance letter from the Bureau of Puerto Rican affairs congratulating him for a job as a clerk. It stunned her, and she felt her blood run cold. Totally flabbergasted she gasped, "But, teaching...are you SURE? Gene, how... Can you just WALK away from what you degreed in?"

"Well I took time off to interview. They need someone who had language skills. I'd probably be the only non Hispanic working there..." he explained judging her reaction. "And well, it's a start... at something else... The pay's not great, but it's not too much less then what I make now."

"And you didn't even tell me you were interviewing? Or that you had been written up?" she gasped, glaring at him in worry.

"I didn't want you to worry," he sighed. She turned her back to him and slowly put her purse down. She put her arms around herself and sits in silence.

"I take it you're pissed at me," Gene said, reaching a hand toward her but afraid to touch her shoulder.

"I'm scared," she said, regarding him with wide eyes, shivering in fear.

"Ray, why?" he asked. "Look if you are angry I'm sorry I didn’t' tell you..."

"You have.... What about your band?" she stammered, feeling hot tears well up in her eyes. The world seemed to have gone mad, turned upside down by this news. She had always thought his threats to quit were the mere griping of a man trying to get through a tough first semester. If she had a dime for every time she said a cross word she’d have a 100-dollar bonus easily.

"They are going to be fine," he said. "I have a job, that's all that matters," Gene said, touching her shoulder. "And if this one doesn’t' work out, there is always another one to be had..."

'But it's not like you're a poodle groomer, sweetheart. You're a TEACHER. Four years of school... and this?" she said, shaking off his grasp.

"Ray are you angry with me?" he asked annoyed. "Look, this is different but I know I can hack it. It's a nine to five desk job, and I speak Spanish. Hell they can use me."

"It's like you're not THINKING. You're being impulsive." She cried, smacking her thigh. "What ARE you doing?"

"Dammit Ray," he snapped, rising up from the sofa in anger. "This is my life!"

She sighed deeply and looked at him, and deep inside the scientific part of her hated this irrational decision. Had he taken leave of his senses? Blowing out a long breath Gene folded his arms across his chest, wandering over to the desk. He picked up a legal pad and started to scribble on it, sitting with his back to ray in the swivel chair.

"There are other schools," she said, after a moment, "Other places where you could make a fresh start."

"I don't want to make a fresh start. I'm not cut out for teaching,’ Gene whirled his chair around. "I hate their crap. I'm not going to put up with it. And that's because of me, not because of you."

She looked at him in disbelief, "Gene what are you saying…"

"A person should be a teacher if they want to impart knowledge. I only thought of it as an option because i wanted a damn audience. Well i can do THAT singing. It's not the right reason..."

"It's your call," she said quietly after awhile, "If that's your decision, then, we'll have to cut back a bit."

"I can cut back. I did before you moved in," he mumbled, getting up and pacing.

"Do you want me gone?" she said, tear-reddened eyes glancing up at him in sorrow.

"No damn it I didn't mean that!" he snapped. "That’s not what I…"

Ray shied as if he had hit her, and huddled there, wiping at her eyes with a tissue. Gene’s face crumpled in anger and hurt, realizing that the last thing he wanted was to make her feel badly. Sitting next to her on the sofa he sighed again.

"I'm sorry Ray..." he started hesitantly. "Sorry I didn't tell you..."

Sitting down again he put his head in his hands, looking miserable like he let her down. His walls were crumbling and he hated it, fighting back angry tears as he turned away. Gene had NEVER cried in front of anyone, except his mother.

"You think I'm disappointed in you, and I swear to God I'm not." she whispered to him as she moved closer.

"I can't do what you're doing," he mumbled into his hands, still turned away. "I have to follow this vision i have... no matter what."

"It's just... you're talking to a woman who's been ingrained with the idea of being a teacher since she was 5 years old. The idea of changing...of REALLY doing it... shit..." Ray sighed, patting his shoulder. "I wish I had your guts."

He looked up at her, hiding his moist eyes. Taking a tissue she handed him he said, "Something’s got in my eye."

She looked at him, then looked away, giving him his space. He closed his eyes, sighing deeply as he wrestles for self-control. Dabbing at his eyes he cursed, "God damn I hate this."

"I'll be at that school forever." she said, "And you'll be following your dream. And what are we going to do when those trains collide? Because eventually you're going to fly away," she said, beginning to sniffle as the chasm seemed to widen between them. A cruel twist of fate began to work the wedge to separate them Ray sensed, and she had feared that the day he quit teaching would mark the beginning of a new era, and the end of the comfortable world they’d created together. Such a haven eroded in the next few seconds and her heart stopped. Gene sensed her distance, and her fears, for they mirrored his own. Why could she not share his vision? Was he asking too much of her to travel the road he now walked? Granted she had the talent, but her lack of self-belief would not carry her far enough where he was about to tread.

"I want to enjoy it while it's still alive." she whispered. "Before you have to go."

Realizing this, Gene buried his head in his hands, loosing control for the first time in years. He made no noise as he cried, simply heaving in and out with large rasping breaths. As much as he had pushed away the reality of his feelings, they reared up like demons and circled in his brain, mocking him. Ray put her arm around him tightly, gently laying her head on his back and sobbing slightly. He grabs her hand and buries his head into her chest, crying bitterly.

"Please don’t' leave me," he pleaded softly.

"Not...now, Gene. Not now," she soothed.

"I need you I need..." he gasped, then buried his head into her shoulder, hugging her to him as if she will leave him that moment.

"I'll...I'll do the best I can...." she said, her voice breaking.

"I've never FELT like this about anyone," he whispered. "Nobody... It terrifies me Ray..."

"I know it does." she said, "And it scares me too."

He lifts his head up to look at her, eyes red with crying. IT pained Ray deeply to see him broken before her, far more then she had ever though possible, and she hated and blamed herself for what she had said, even if her gut had told her it was the truth. As long as he had his dreams of stardom, they would be incompatible with the world she knew.

"Then what do we do about it?" he asked her, fingering her cheek.

"It's all just ticking time until your band takes off, isn't it?" she said. Another revelation crashed in, and Gene knew it but hated it.

"How are you so smart," he whispered. "Dammit I wish you weren’t… it is only making it that much harder… for you and for me…"

"Hold on until we can't anymore." she said, half questioning. Gene grabbed her and held her close in a fierce hug as if trying to capture the memory and the moment. She hugged him back tightly, tears in her eyes that blurred her vision.

"I will always love you," he whispered.

"And I you." she whispers back. She suddenly thought of Mark's letter and her blood runs cold. He tilted her chin to his as he pulled back and kisses her hard rocking her in his arms. It shivers him to know how perceptive she is, and he feels guilty as hell.

"Some day I'll come see you when you make it big." she whispers in his ear, "And we'll order really expensive room service and get fat and happy."

"Ray, do you want to live your life by other people's terms?" he asked her. "You have more talent then I have..."

She paused a moment. "That's a question I can't answer, Gene."

"Then maybe... I'll have to let you go... and find out when the day comes," he started to tear up again. "And I hate the thought of that day."

"I do too.... Do you think we can maybe pretend it won't?" she said, rubbing his hair, "for just a little while longer?"

"Yes," he whispered. "And who is to say what will happen in five years?"

"I would like that." she smiled.

"Maybe you'll be making it big and I'll be struggling still."

"And you'll be my groupie love slave." She laughed through her tears.

"I would love that," he laughed. "Just don’t' go off and marry some idiot just cause he offers you a place to stay because it's the only game in town..."

She shivered again at this eerie forecast, and held him tight. "I have no plans to leave this comfortable place," she said quietly

"If there was anyone... I would... I would chose you... I thought fate and stuff like that only mattered to me. But I suppose in some crazy way, we're somehow meant to be together in some weird form," he stammered, laying his fears and dreams bare before her as he had never done before. "Even if it means you become some world famous scientist and I’m some filthy rich rock star."

"Gene," she sighed, holding him close. They kissed each other hard; both commiserating in wonder and sorrow that they soon knew something would tear them apart. Was it just the nerves of the day, or something far greater, that fate would soon fling them into bigger circles apart as they struggled to hold onto each other? For the time being they would hold on, but just how long was beyond their knowing as they struggled to find comfort in each other’s presence against a world that had grown uncomfortably alien and larger.

Saturday afternoon she had spent with Gloria, not knowing where Gene had gone. He had said he had band business the whole day, and she had elected no to go with him, figuring she would get in the way. Besides he wanted to give her space for what she was about to do. Encouraging her with a kiss, he smiled and said goodbye when he walked her to the bus.

Ray sighed as she got off the bus, knowing the step she had to take. For Gene’s sake and her own she would confront the issue then and there. Gene had said he had to go practice with the band, and she hoped that it wouldn’t be impossible for her to take this next step.

As she walked to the front door, she knocked on it, and her mother answered it. Tears in her eyes, she gasped, "My god, RAY!"

"Mother," she smiled, holding out her arms. "I meant to tell you…"

"Come in… we have been worried SICK!" her mother cried, holding Ray in her arms. "How have you been, why haven’t you called…"

"Mom, there is something we need to talk about," Ray said grimly. "Is Dad home…"

"He is off playing bridge," she said slowly.

"Without you?" Ray asked as her mother ushered her into the familiar space of their home.

"Ray, why on EARTH didn’t you tell us you were moving out! You had us worried sick…" she fussed.

"I thought it was easier… but mom I’m so sorry," Ray began to cry.

"Ray… I love you… the last thing on earth I want to do is drive a wall between us," Mrs. MacLaren cried. "If you had just told me you were living with Gloria…"

"I am sorry…" Ray wiped her eyes. "Can you forgive me…"

"Honey, you’re here now, that’s all that matters," Mrs. MacLaren sobbed, hugging her as she bustled Ray into the living room and had her sit down. Not letting go of her daughter’s hands she sniffled as Ray began to cry. Mother and daughter embraced, sobbing on each other’s shoulders.

"I got scared… I…"

"Just tell me where you’re living and what the phone number is. I really must meet Gloria… and your father…"

"Mom," she sighed. "I guess you haven’t heard about…"

"Mr. Fisher… your father found out. He’s going to make sure Mr. Fisher doesn’t bother you anymore…"

"Mother… there is no need…"

"Why didn’t you TELL us he was harassing you?" her mother cried. "My god ray, we’re your parents, we need to know if you’re in trouble…"

"I wanted to face my own problems," Ray bit her lip. "Not make you think that you and dad had to rescue me…"

"That is what parents are for," she sighed. "Is THAT why you ran away? Oh honey…"

"Yes," Ray sobbed, not bothering to tell the truth. She would work around to it eventually.

"Honey, you know you can tell me anything…" her mother sighed. "You’re too important to keep us in the dark… here… let me get you some tea…"

Ray sighed as her mother insisted she sit as she brought tea and scones with strawberry jam. This was an open invitation for her to confess all her activities of the past month, and she was terrified. However her mother’s sweet smile and squeezing of her hand melted her resolve. Her mother had been the more rational of her parents when keeping an open mind.

"So Ray… is Gloria all right?"

"She’s so nice. And I love living on my own," Ray said slowly.

"We simply must meet in your new place for dinner…" Ray’s mother said. "My little girl living on her own…"

"It’s a mess… it will wait…"

"And my goodness, Mark has been calling worried SICK. When you didn’t return his letters…"

"Mom, Mark doesn’t have to worry about me," she sighed.

"He is a good man," she said. "And you should be touched he is so worried about you. I think he likes you if you know what I mean…"

"Mom, Mark is nice but he’s not my type!" she groaned.

"Not your type, Ray he’s a teacher he’s witty, he’s funny… what’s not to like?"

"I’m not in love with him," Ray sighed.

"Is there someone else?" her mother asked. "Harold? He’s all the way in Vietnam honey… you might have told me if…"

"Not Harold… there is a man… his name is Gene… and I am in love with him, not Mark or Harold…"

"Gene?" she asked. "I haven’t heard of him before…"

"He’s someone I met teaching," she said. "He’s at another school, and mom, he’s so nice to me…"

"Really…" her mother smiled. "Then why haven’t you brought him over to meet us… we would LOVE to see this new beau of yours… Ray. You really HAVE to stop hiding your life from us just because…"

"Mom, I don’t know if Dad would approve of him…"

"But you LOVE this man?" her mother asked.

"Yes… more then anything else," Ray admitted. "And well…"

"Something else you’re not telling me Ray… I want to help you, I’m your mother… you can’t think that I would…"

"You might be angry…"

"I’m more angry that you’re not telling me what is hurting you so bad, honey," Mrs. MacLaren shook her head. "Please… you can tell me anything… you didn’t used to hide things from me before… why has that changed…"

"It’s because he’s Jewish mom," she said. "And you know how Dad gets…"

"OH…" she said slowly. "I… suppose… you have your reasons. But… are you SURE you’re in love with him…"

"I know he’s not like us… but he’s a good man and he loves me…"

"Ray… you should have told me…" she sighed.

Just then they heard the door open and the sounds of male laughter exchanged. Ray tensed visibly, her stomach churning as she heard her father’s voice. He strode in, calling, "Honey, I’m home…"

"Oh god," Ray gasped.

"You’ll never guess who is here, dear! Ray is home!"

"Good god, Raina!" her father cried, rushing in. "Where on EARTH have you been young lady? Your mother and I were worried sick!"

"Dear she was scared because of Mr. Fisher and she didn’t’ want to tell us that was why she moved out… because she didn’t want you to worry…"

"Ray, you should have told me…" her father sighed. "Why did you run away… was it that or something else?"

"Dear…"

"Was it the fact that you were dating someone you thought we wouldn’t approve of?" he asked.

"Dad…"

"Someone who isn’t like us?" he asked, his gaze turning to an accusatory one.

"Dad," Ray said, wondering if he knew. "I can explain…"

"It’s become very clear now," he said, looking at her eyes and reading her expression. "You have been seeing someone, and you didn’t’ want your mother and I to know about it… because he’s in fact someone you probably would get into trouble with…"

"What do you mean," Ray shook her head.

"I heard about you and Mr. Klein… dating. That you were seen in the company of each other. It was all too convenient that he just happened to be there… to stand up for you when Mr. Fisher had assaulted you… care to explain what he was doing at the high school when he was supposed to be working?"

"Honey stop," Mrs. MacLaren begged.

"Dad, Mr. Klein and I… we are seeing each other," she said taking a deep breath.

"Then it’s true. What has he done… are you two SLEEPING together. Did he somehow coerce you into doing something you shouldn’t? Are you two engaged in some activity you shouldn’t be?"

"I love him, and what happens between two adults is their business alone!" Ray snapped. "Is it the fact that he’s JEWISH the problem?"

"So it’s true, then," Mr. MacLaren said coldly. "You ARE involved with him… what were you THINKING young lady!"

"I was thinking I was in LOVE, Dad," Ray cried hotly. "And I was thinking how WRONG it is for you to pass judgement on a man you hardly know!"

"My GOD ray, he’s a troublemaker!" Mr. MacLaren shouted. "I expected BETER of you!"

"Harold, stop!" Mrs. MacLaren begged. "She loves him…"

"Dammit I expect you to understand where I’m coming from! He’s no good! Why on EARTH can’t you find a good man like…"

"One who is Protestant, Scottish and white?" Ray snapped. "Is that what you’re going to say?"

"Ray, Mr. Klein is not like us," her mother sighed. "Maybe you’re just…"

"NOT LIKE US!" Ray screamed. "How DARE YOU! I love him!"

"You love him?" Mr. MacLaren cried, his blood pulsing in the vein in his neck as he flushed hotly. "You hear that? After all I’ve done you throw your life away on a hood like him?"

"God help me if you say any more," Ray cried. "I won’t be responsible for the consequences! I think I need to leave now before I say anything else…"

"Young lady you will NOT walk out on me!" Mr. MacLaren cried. "I will put a STOP to this… till you come to your senses…"

"You can’t stop her, she’s 22, she’s our baby… please stop her!" Mrs. MacLaren sobbed.

"Mom, Dad, I can’t live in the same house as you when you can’t understand my feelings," Ray sobbed. "And I’m truly sorry…"

Turning her back she strode out, sobbing as she heard her father’s angry shouts and her mother’s wailing. Her heart tore in two as she left behind the home she had come to know, and its sanctuary that had turned into a den of that which she had come to loathe. Never before had she almost hated her own father for who he was, and what he had tried to make her in his own image.

"Young LADY, if you walk out…"

"HAROLD STOP! Ray… my baby GIRL don’t leave! Not like this… oh please don’t throw her out…" sobbed her mother as Ray slammed the door and fought the tears in her eyes as she walked down her street.

For hours Ray wandered aimlessly around Greenwich Village, not really wanting to go home and tell Gene the reception she had gotten from her parents. The slow decay of her world had set in, and she dreaded telling him what had gone down. Sighing she ate dinner in a deli, wondering if she should wait and try to let Gene get home and get settled before she broke the news to him. Her whole support system was crumbling, and she wondered what mood he’d been in when he got home.

Finally she struck up the courage to return home, and rode the bus in the growing hours of night to return to the apartment building she shared with Gene. Slowly she walked up the steps and unlocked the door, opening it up. Her eyes fell upon the disarray, and for a moment she shocked.

They had been robbed! Panic arose her as she saw the boxes riffled through, and his bass and guitar missing, along with his amplifier. As she raced through trying to account for everything, she saw the bed and dresser were still intact, along with most of her clothes. They had been left unmolested, and she surveyed her jewelry box. Gasping she noticed Gene’s comic books were nowhere to be found, along with all his clothes.

She raced out to see his desk, only to find that it was gone, a patch of dust along the wall to indicate it had been there. Also too, the stereo was missing along with all his records. Gasping she saw the boxes of his books and notes were also vanished, along with all his musical compositions.

A strange sense of forbidding fell on Ray and she rushed to the room again, pulling open the last two drawers that were empty. Not a stitch of his clothes remained. Even the picture of his mother and father, along with all other traces were gone. It was as if the room and apartment had been emptied of any trace of Gene.

"Good god." she gasped, glancing around. Only the bed, dresser and sofa were there, with the kitchen table and a bookcase and the television. Everything else was only hers, her posters and her comic books untouched; nothing left out of place where she put it. Fresh tears in her eyes, she desperately searched for any sign of him before her eyes fell on the envelope placed neatly on her side of the bed.

Fingers shaking she tore open the envelope and read the letter inside:

My love,

By the time you read this I will have gone. Someone has made life very difficult for me right now, and as much as I care for you, I can't let this jeopardize your life and career. It is easier if I disappear quietly from your life as I came into it.

I realize now that teaching is not for me. I can't stand the middle school students, and I can't fight a system that doesn't give a crap about my ideas. There is only one thing I can be, and be happy. And that is with my own band, where I don't have to answer to anyone else or owe anyone any explanation. You know I don't kiss anyone's ass. I never have, and I never will.

Raina, we have shared so much in such a short time. There are so many things that will remain unsaid. You let me come into your life, and made me realize how special music is to me. I will always thank you for that, and for accepting me as I am, and not expecting me to be anyone else then who I am. I hope that you will never compromise, and you will have the courage to follow your dreams as I have.

Don't try to find me now. I know that it will be very hard not to, but I promise you that you will see me again, when I have made it. You'll know who I am by the songs I sing. I am sorry that it has to be this way, because of small-minded individuals. But I don’t want to ruin your life for my account. I don't think I could ever provide the sort of life you need with the path I've chosen now. I cannot commit to a relationship that you need right now, and I can't expect you to change for my sake.

I will always treasure the weeks we shared. You have given me so much I can't put it into words in one letter. Please find the courage one-day to be whom you want, and not what others expect of you. Your music and your talent deserve to be known to the world as mine are now. Please remember that I will always love you. And when you see me again, if you ever need me, I will be there.

Love always

Gene

Stammering she dropped to her knees and let the letter fall form her hand. The entire world seemed to spin as she held inside the sobs and cries, her body numb with shock. A scream erupted from her lips, and the back of her mind wondered how she could sound so loud.

"GEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEE, NOOOOOOOOOOO!" she wailed, and felt her strength desert her. The next thing she knew was merciful blackness as she passed out headlong on the floor.