Disaster Vacation

Arrival - Episode 5 - Part II

2009-07-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

Barry still hadn’t shown up and the awkward silences were getting lengthier and lengthier. Paige felt that she needed to back her corner.

“I’m sorry.” She said. Everyone else looked up at her surprised. “Barry told me that you all knew I was coming. I had no idea that you would be clueless as to my arrival. Barry and I have been getting along great in the short time we have known each other and I would rather not pass up on this opportunity to get to know his friends.”

“Wait until you get to know the real Barry.” Kevin snorted. “Come on; let’s get all this stuff in the car.”

Emilie walked up to Paige with a sympathetic look on her face. “I have no idea what’s going on with everyone – they wouldn’t normally act like this around one of Barry’s girlfriends. Just ignore them, you’ll be travelling with Ben, Barry and I.”
Paige forced a smile. Ben gave her a sly wink.

Once the entirety of the luggage had been forced into the boot of Kevin’s car, he and Leona sat in the driver and passenger seats respectively.

Emilie, Ben and Paige sat in Ben’s car and waited for Barry to arrive so that they could load the drink into the car and get going.

Finally, after a fair few minutes of waiting, Barry’s car appeared on the horizon.

Ben and Kevin jumped out of the cars to help Barry unload his own.

Barry and Kevin’s eyes met awkwardly and Kevin threw him a disgusted look before turning to walk away.
“Er… Kevin?”
Kevin span back around, surprised.

“It’ll be safe to leave my car here won’t it?” Barry asked looking pointedly at the car park.
“I leave my car here all the time don’t I?” Kevin answered with his nose in the air.

“What did he say?” Leona asked cautiously when Kevin had sat back in the driver’s seat.
“Oh, nothing important. Can you believe he brought a girl that none of us know on holiday? This is supposed to be a friend thing.” He snarled, shrugging his shoulders.
Leona looked out of the window and said nothing.

“Are we going anytime today?” Kevin roared banging his palms against the steering wheel. “Ah, Finally!” He yelled as the car in front began to slowly lurch forwards.

Paige leaned over in the back seat and snarled in Barry’s ear so that Ben and Emilie could not hear.
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell your friends I was coming.”

Barry just gave her an apologetic look. “I didn’t know how.”
Paige folded her arms and looked out of the window.

“You know, I’ve been thinking…” Leona began. “I think I recognise Barry’s new girlfriend from somewhere. In fact, I know I’ve seen her before.” She added as if saying it aloud confirmed her suspicion.

“I think you’re talking rubbish.” Kevin replied as he indicated and pulled into a different lane.
“Kevin, I’m being serious. I know her from somewhere.”
“If you know her then surely I know her?” He asked.
“Exactly.”“Well, I don’t.” He replied. “Know her, I mean. I’ve never seen her before.”

“I think your jealousy is blinding you, Kevin.”

Kevin’s head spun around so fast that Leona was surprised his neck didn’t snap.“Jealousy?!” He asked incredulously. “What jealousy? Of Paige?” He guffawed.
Leona nodded. “It’s understandable, you know, it’s natural that you would want to have some time to get to know Barry again, maybe form a relationship.”
Kevin grunted.

“You’re going the wrong way.” Emilie’s sing song voice rang out.“No I’m not Emilie, and, if I am, it’s your fault; you’re the one with the map.”
“And I’m telling you you’re going the wrong way, and, since I’m the one with the map you should trust me.” She reached up and nibbled his ear. The car swerved, but Ben managed to control it and set it back on its path.
“Oh, wait, we are going the right way. I had the map the wrong way.” She let out a long, low giggle.

“I seriously hope we are going to get there soon.” Barry mumbled from the back seat. “I don’t know how much more of these two I can take. It’s fine in the open, but this is such a confined space. And I’d rather have less of the near death experiences too.” He added, raising his voice at the end.

Paige refused to laugh, still annoyed at him for letting her walk into an ambush.

They arrived at the cottage as the sun hung low in the sky, its brilliant pink and orange light poking through the tops of the trees.

“Jesus Christ Kevin! I know we had a cottage but I had no idea it would be as amazing as this at such short notice!”
“Makes you wonder why it wasn’t snapped up doesn’t it?” Kevin asked eerily.
Leona gave him a light dig in the arm. “You always need to find something wrong don’t you?”

Kevin got out of the car and walked around to the back and began to unload everybody’s luggage onto the damp grass, which had been, surprisingly, cut back and the grounds were very well taken care of.

Ben and Barry got out of the car and stretched their legs out and quickly began unloading the drink and the rest of the luggage.

The girls were already up at the front door, looking up at excitedly as it towered over them, although the trees loomed even higher.

“Welcome.” A voice said. “My name is Bella and I am caretaker of the house and grounds. I live in the little annex at the back of the house; so, if you need anything don’t hesitate to call me. I’m sure you will enjoy your stay here.” She dug her hand into her pocket. “I guess all that is left to say is; here is the key, take care of it for two weeks. Enjoy.”

Leona forced the key into the lock, her hand shaking with excitement; she couldn’t wait to see what it looked like on the inside. The door opened and everyone gasped – the house was lavishly decorated throughout. The centrepiece of it all was the main stairwell which wound up the left side of the living room and over the arch which led to the kitchen.

Barry headed straight for the kitchen, which was directly in front of them through the door under the main stairwell, to dump the bags of alcohol onto the counter. He was quickly followed by Emilie who began to unpack them and stock up the fridge while cracking open a bottle of Smirnoff Vodka.

“Who wants a drink?” She called out.

2 hours later…

Paige was sat on Barry’s knee, all of her annoyances clearly washed away by the amount of alcohol she had consumed. She had her head resting on his shoulder and kept leaning up to nibble on his earlobe which seemed to make him stiffen and become rather uncomfortable, Kevin noticed.

Kevin was sitting in an armchair just a little out of the way of everyone else; his eyes were fixed on Barry, his drink in his hand rarely moving to his lips. He furrowed his eyebrows as Paige took Barry’s hand and began to run her fingers along his palm. Barry glanced up quickly, his eyes met Kevin’s, and pulled his hand away before standing up.

“I’m going to get some more drinks, anybody want one?” He asked looking at Kevin pointedly.
“I’ll help you.” Kevin said in reply standing up awkwardly and getting everyone’s orders.

They walked to the kitchen together.

Barry turned to Kevin as soon as they were out of earshot. “Look, Kevin, you can’t keep doing this.”
“Doing what?” Kevin replied innocently, puffing out his chest and leaning in.
“Oh, great, you’re drunk. Look, you’re making me uncomfortable when you keep looking at me like that.”

Kevin laughed. “Seems to me that it was Paige who was making you uncomfortable.”
“Only because you kept staring.” Barry fumed. “I’m with Paige now Kevin, so you need to get over whatever fantasy it is that you have. I can’t be with you, I’m sorry for that, and I’m sorry if I have given you reason to believe that something could happen. It can’t. I couldn’t hurt Paige like that.”

“Why are you deluding yourself?” Kevin blurted out. “You can have me right now. I’m yours. You’ve only known Paige a few days; you aren’t anything serious; I’m sure she would understand.”

Kevin clutched his stomach. “Ohmigod, I think I’m going to be sick.” He gasped.

Meanwhile…

“I take it Barry and Kevin have a bit of history.” Paige asked as they waited on their drinks.

Leona snorted. “History, I think, would be a bit of an understatement.”

“Yeah.” Emilie interrupted. “Barry bullied Kevin in high school.”
Leona laughed out loud now. “And as if that was the end of it!”

Ben looked at Leona confused but quickly looked at Paige and saw the same look he expressed on her face.

He patted her on the shoulder.
“Best not to dwell on it.” He slurred. “It’s probably nothing.” He leaned on her and inhaled her gorgeous smell. “Your hair is really beautiful.”
“Thanks.” Paige replied, embarrassed, pulling her hair back away from him and eyeing Emilie cautiously.

“Guys, I need your help. Kevin just threw up all over me and passed out.” Barry called as he came back into the room.
“Looks like someone had too much to drink!” Ben laughed as he quickly got up and went to help Barry carry Kevin up to bed.

When they were gone Paige leaned forward to talk to Leona while Emilie fiddled with the CD player, pretending not to be listening.
“What did you mean? What went on between Barry and Kevin? Does it explain Kevin’s hostility towards me?”

Leona laughed hysterically. “I would think so! You see – hold on, did Kevin just pass out?”
“Er, yeah.” Paige replied her eyebrows rose slightly.
“I’d best get up and lie with him.”

“Ew!” Emilie interrupted. “He will smell of sick!”“Emilie, he’s my best friend. Wouldn’t you do the same for Ben?” She paused.

“Actually don’t answer that.” She added, getting up from the floor.

When she reached the landing Ben was just going back down the stairs. “I think it’s time we all went to bed.” He said. Leona nodded.

Leona was just about to go into Kevin’s room when she heard the muffled voices of Kevin and Barry.

She turned around to go to her own room when the door was pulled open and Barry was stood there startled by her presence.
“I can’t do it anymore Leona, he is unbelievable!” He said angrily.

“He is wasted Barry. Can’t you two just make up in the morning?”
“Leona. I need your help. Can we talk?”

“Just one more song!” Emilie whined. “I don’t want to go to bed yet.”

“You shouldn’t be this difficult Emilie; you haven’t even had a drop to drink.”
She shrugged her shoulders. “I’m having fun, besides it was nice of you to help me not drink.” She added sarcastically. She quickly turned the music up full blast.

“Right, I’m going up to bed.” Paige shouted over the music. “See you tomorrow.”

“Goodnight Paige.” Ben said leaning over and kissing her on the cheek.

He received a glare from Emilie for that.

Kevin sat up in bed. The loud thumping music had awoken him. How long had he been asleep? He didn’t even remember getting into bed.

He put his feet on the floor, the room was spinning.

He opened the door and his eyes stung as they adjusted to the light.
When he was able to focus, he got the biggest shock of his life. Leona was stood outside her bedroom door in her pyjamas… in the arms of a shirtless Barry.

Kevin’s eyes flew in the direction of the stairs where a red head just peeked out over the top step, completely still.

Departure - Episode 5 - Part I

2009-05-20T18:09:00.000-07:00

BANG!

Kevin woke with a start. “What was that?” he thought groggily, his eyes still full of sleep.

BANG!

He pushed himself out of the bed ready to fight the burglar, if it was a burglar they were pretty rubbish… robbing a house in broad daylight, who’d have thought it?

He opened his bedroom door, just a crack, there was no-one there. He hurried over to the fire and picked up a poker from the companion set, ready to attack if someone burst out on him.

BANG! Kevin nearly jumped out of his skin and swung the poker around wildly. “Who’s there?” He called out. BANG! Suddenly he realised, the sound was not coming from inside his apartment but from the one next door, Leona’s.

He hurried out into the hallway, the poker still in his hand, terrified as he was, if Leona was being robbed while he could stop it he would never forgive himself.

He stood outside the door and listened, there was a lot of shuffling about. He knocked and there was a pause. BANG! And silence.

The door opened and a red faced, puffed out Leona was stood there smiling at him.
“Sorry, did I wake you?” She asked.

Kevin walked inside. “Yeah you did, I thought you had a burglar… well I thought I had a burglar. What were you doing?”
Leona shrugged. “Nothing.”
“You have a guy here don’t you?” Kevin laughed.
“Don’t be absurd, Kevin! Of course I don’t. I was just… packing.”

Kevin walked in further and had a look around. “Do you mind if I go in here?” He asked, pointing to her bedroom.
“No.” She replied simply.
“Ok, so he isn’t in your bedroom… perhaps he is in the bathroom? Is he cute?” Kevin teased.

“Kevin! There’s no guy here.” Leona said, hitting him playfully on the arm. “I was trying to get my suitcase out by the front but it’s too heavy to move by myself. Do you want to help me?”

“You really want to get going don’t you?” Kevin said, holding one end of the suitcase. He waited for Leona to get the other end. “Leona… I’m helping you not doing it for you!”
“Oh right!” Leona quickly hurried round and held the other end.

“Ready? One, two, three… lift.” They both lifted the case and began to carry it over to the door. “Bloody hell, Leona! What do you have in here?” Kevin gasped as he heaved his end as fast as he could over to the door.
“Just… stuff…” She replied breathlessly with her face screwed up from exertion.

“I have something to confess.” She said as they were almost to the door. “I phoned your parents last night.” Kevin dropped the suitcase on his foot and howled in pain. “I told them where we were going and I gave them the phone number of the cottage in case of an emergency.”

“Any emergency they have is no concern of mine.” Kevin replied coldly. “I can’t believe you did that Leona. You know how I feel about my parents and you know, exactly, how they feel about me and my… sexuality.”

Leona bit her bottom lip. “I know Kevin, but there might not be any emergency and then you have nothing to worry about. You might change your mind if something were to happen… now let’s just get this suitcase by the door.”

“Get it there by yourself.” Kevin snapped, walking away from her.
“Kevin!” Leona whined. “I know I shouldn’t interfere with your family affairs, but your mum wants to get to know you. She told me on the phone that she regrets what happened, so I told her what we were doing. I’m sorry Kevin.”
Kevin spun around. “My mother has been calling you?”

“Yes.” Leona nodded. “All the time, to make sure you are Ok and to catch up on what you are doing.”

Kevin picked up the suitcase and carried it, awkwardly, to the door by himself.
“Thanks Kevin.” Leona said. She quickly hugged him. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you about it before, but she didn’t want you to know until you were ready to forgive her and go home.”
“I’m not going home.” Kevin said stiffly. “I’m going on vacation with you.”
“I know, Kevin.” Leona said softly. “Do you want me to help you with your bag now?”
“No thanks, I want to be alone.” He answered, pulling away. “Just get ready and I’ll meet you out front in an hour.”

Barry knocked on Lynn’s bedroom door. “Lynn, are you awake? I want to talk with you.”
There was a groan and then some muffled footsteps and the door opened. “Barry it’s far too early, go back to sleep.”
Barry stood there defiantly making sure she didn’t close the door on him.
“Oh all right, come in.”

“Lynn you’re the only one who knows about what went on between me and Kevin in High school…”

“You mean I’m the only one who knows that you’re gay? Yeah, so why are you bringing girls home?” She enquired.

“I’m not gay Lynn.” Barry said folding his arms and not meeting her eyes.

“You’re still denying it? You let Kevin touch you where only you have touched. You told me that you had never had a girl do it to you before so why are you still lying to yourself? Dump that redhead and find Kevin. I bet he hasn’t forgotten it.” She laughed aloud.
“Lynn, could you keep your voice down a bit? I don’t want anyone to hear what we’re talking about. I’m not in denial, I want to get married and have children…”

“That’s just you being brainwashed by the ideals of society; you can have all of those things even if you are gay, you know?”
“I can’t have biological children Lynn, they won’t be mine.”

“It’s not the blood that runs in their veins that decides that Barry, it’s the love that is shared between the parent and the child. And being gay isn’t a choice… you were born this way. There is nothing you can do about it anyway. You aren’t worried about what mum and dad will say are you? You know they would accept you for who you are; they always have. And your friends won’t mind – they’re friends with Kevin aren’t they?”

“That’s different.” Barry replied shaking his head with tears in his eyes.
Lynn moved closer when she noticed that her older brother was crying. “How is it different?” She asked softly.

“Kevin has always been gay; he has always been ‘out’ to everyone. There was no secrecy…” he looked at her sideways. “…about being curious.”

Lynn shook her head.
Barry got up. “I have some things to do, thanks for the chat Lynn.” He left the room, and Lynn covered herself back up and went to sleep.

Ben looked across at his beautiful girlfriend as they cuddled up on the sofa. “You know I love you don’t you?” He asked her, looking into her beautiful blue eyes.
“Yes, and you know I love you.” She replied kissing him.

“Oh!” She cried, clutching her stomach.
“What is it?” Ben asked standing up with a panicked look in his eyes.
“I think I’m going to be sick!” Emilie said running to the bathroom.

“Well that was romantic.” Ben said when she came back. “Was it the love talk? Or the kiss that did it?” He asked coldly.
“Ben, it was morning sickness!” Emilie said desperately.

He let out a laugh. “Had you going there didn’t I?” He tickled her and pulled her into a hug.

Paige awoke and stretched out expecting Barry’s warm body to be lying next to her, but the sheets were cold. She sat up confused. It was normal for the guy not to be there the next morning if it were in her house, but not in his own.

She left his room and went into the hallway dressed only in her underwear. There were voices downstairs, but only those of Barry’s parents. She went over to Lynn’s bedroom door and knocked.

“Yes?” Lynn asked when she had opened the door and had finished looking Paige up and down.
“Do you know where Barry is?” Paige asked. “I woke up and can’t find him.”

“He said he had to do some stuff, maybe he left you a note or a message with my parents or something…” Lynn shrugged. “But, if you’re going to speak to my parents I’d get dressed, they’re a couple of prudes.” Lynn shut the door.

Kevin was in his bedroom shoving things angrily into his bag. His mother was calling Leona to find out more about him… what had Leona told her? Why wasn’t his mother calling him instead? If she wanted him to forgive her she was going to have to make more of an effort.

He dumped his bag by the front door and scribbled a letter of complaint to the landlord about the central heating still not being fixed, put it in an envelope, picked up his bag and went downstairs to post his letter.

He put his bag in the car and waited for everyone else to come down and for Barry to turn up.

Paige left the bedroom, dressed, and went downstairs into the living room where Eve and John were sitting. She was watching the television and he was reading a book.
“Hi.” Paige announced herself scratching the back of her neck. “Barry didn’t happen to say where he was going did he?” She asked.

Eve looked up at her and smiled. “He said he forgot to pick up the alcohol for the vacation and that you’re just to head to the meeting point yourself and he’ll meet you there. You look nice.”
“Ok, thanks, Mrs. Ryder. I’ll head there now, I’ll see you sometime…”
“Yes, it was lovely to meet you Paige.”

Paige left the house muttering under her breath. Why had Barry not taken her with him? What an embarrassing morning. She would be having words.

“Trust Barry to be late.” Leona said, her arms folded as she paced up and down the sidewalk. “I mean, we leave him to get the alcohol and he turns up late… that’s if he turns up at all…” She said with a snort.

“He’ll be here Leona, don’t worry.” Ben said. “He’s probably just been held up by something at home. I trust Barry – besides he wants to go on this vacation more than you know.”

Emilie was sat on a suitcase outside Kevin’s car, she was sighing exasperatedly. “You do know that I would like to get to the cottage at some point today? If Barry isn’t here in five minutes we should just leave without him.”
A couple of people walked by, looking at the group of friends with interest.

“Who is that?” Ben asked, clearly impressed with what he was seeing.
They all looked up, a girl; a redhead pulling a suitcase behind her was approaching them.
“I have no idea…” Kevin said craning his neck to get a better view.

Paige fixed a smile on her face as she saw that all eyes were on her. Barry wasn’t there yet, just typical. Well, at least they all knew she was coming.

“Have you ever seen her before?” Emilie asked.

“Perhaps she’s Barry’s sister, just come to drop of his luggage while he deals with whatever he has to deal with?” Leona added reasonably.

“Or maybe, she is coming with us.” Ben said enthusiastically.

Kevin slammed the car door, clearly annoyed. “Well, it looks like we have an extra one.” He sighed as the smiling girl came into clear sight.

Paige watched them all stand up as she approached and she picked up her pace – she felt uneasy with them all watching her.

She held up her hand and waved. They all slowly waved back at her. “Thank God.” She thought. “They were expecting me.”

“Hi.” She said when she reached them. “I’m Paige, but you must already know that.” She added with a giggle. “You must be Ben.” She said pointing at Ben, who nodded. “And you must be Leona?”
Leona frowned. “Yes.” She snapped.
“And Emilie?”
Emilie nodded.
“And… oh, I never could remember – Barry has told me a hundred times… ah, Kevin!” She finished eagerly.
“That’s right!” Kevin said patronisingly.

She looked around at them all again, Ben was looking at her eagerly, which she found a little weird but charming at the same time.

Emilie just looked a little surprised to see her.

Leona, well she just seemed to be frowning in confusion.

And Kevin was giving her the worst look she had ever been given.

The she realised, Barry hadn’t told them.

The Promise - Episode 4

2009-04-02T10:04:00.000-07:00

After Ben had left Kevin sat on his couch mulling over everything he had advised Ben to do – all things that he, himself, would never have the courage to say to anyone, least of all Barry. That was why he was still single and the reason he and Barry were having such an awkward time of it.
“You’re such a hypocrite.” He told himself. Well, at least the vacation was cancelled now and he could stop worrying about Barry; maybe he would never see him again, again.

He stood up and turned the radiator on to see if the central heating was fixed, nope.

He went into the bedroom to put on some warmer clothes. On the floor were his notes from his unfinished essay, and a pile of dirty clothes. He picked up the clothes and dumped them into a basket before pulling the wardrobe open and picking out an outfit.

Once in warmer clothes he contemplated on calling his mother, he hadn’t spoken to her in a long time and thought that perhaps she ought to know where he was in case there was an emergency. He shrugged it off and went to light the fire.

Ben went straight back across to his and Emilie’s apartment, she wasn’t back yet. Well, he would wait for her.
“And like it or not.” He told himself. “If she wants to get rid of it, I will accept it; I love her and it’s her body and her life.”

He heard the key scratching against the lock as the key turned, the door squeaked open and Emilie walked in.

She took one look at him, scrunched up her face and made a “hurrump” sound, before dumping her keys onto the kitchen counter and going into the bedroom.

“Emilie, wait.” Ben called after her and followed her into the bedroom. She looked up at him while she fluffed the pillows with her eyebrows raised.
“What?”

“I’m sorry, Emilie.” He saw her bottom lip tremble, by the looks of things she had been crying the whole morning. He had not wanted her to feel this way. “I was wrong to treat you the way I did – I should have told you I knew as soon as I found out.”
“Ben, I…”

“Emilie, will you let me finish? I know that this baby wasn’t planned or anything, I know that it could ruin your schoolwork, and I know that we are too young to be parents.” He took a breath. “But even so, I think we could do this.” He shook his head as she raised her eyebrows. “I’m not going to force you to do anything that you don’t want, it’s your body. I just want you to know that I want what you want.”

“Ben, it’s me who should be sorry – I should have told you that I was pregnant. It’s not something a couple should keep from one another. I want us to go back to normal; I want us to be happy again. Can you forgive me?”

Ben grinned. “Only if you can forgive me…” He placed a comforting hand on her shoulder to which she did not flinch or push him away. She was delicate.

Emilie lifted her chin up and looked into his eyes. “Kiss me, Ben.” And tears fell from her eyes as their lips met.

Ben pulled away. “I love you Emilie.”

Emilie pulled him back to her and they collapsed onto the bed sobbing and laughing and kissing.

Paige pushed open the door excitedly. “Mum, are you home?”
“Yes dear, we’re in the kitchen.”

“Ok, I’ll be down in a minute – I’m just going to get dressed, I have so much to tell you!” Paige dashed up the stairs and into her bedroom, pulled on some jeans and a t-shirt, pulled her hair up and dashed back down the stairs into the kitchen.

Paige’s mum, Liz, was stood over the cooker making pancakes for the little boy who was sat on the chair swinging his legs.

He caught sight of Paige and flew out of the chair to give her a hug.

“You’re home!” His eyes screwed up tight as if he didn’t want to let go.
“Alright little man, you can let go now.” She looked up at her mothers back and sat down.

“Mum can you make me some of those as well?”
“Sure darling, I have enough pancake mixture. Mitch requested I do a larger mix.” Her mother said not moving an inch.
“So, guess what?”
“What?” Mitch asked, his legs still swinging under the table.

“I have been invited to go on vacation for two weeks with some friends. We leave tomorrow.”

Mitch’s eyes fell and the smile dropped from his face. His legs even stopped swinging.

Liz turned around and dropped some pancakes onto his plate; he picked up his fork half-heartedly and began to eat.

Liz raised her eyebrows at her daughter and scolded her without saying a word.

“It’s Okay Mitch; it’ll only be two weeks. And, if you like, I’ll come home early.”

Mitch smiled and started swinging his legs again and began chomping on his pancakes while Liz shook her head, she knew her daughter would not come home early and would only disappoint him again.

Mitch was a good boy, but Paige was a liar when it came to him. She truly did not understand how to treat children. Giving them false hope would not make them any happier.

Emilie got out of bed and pulled some clothes on. Ben opened his eyes groggily and grinned at her.
“Where are you going?” He asked sleepily.

“Me and Leona had a fight, I’m going to apologise. It was stupid.”

Ben sat up. “D’you want me to come with you?”

“Don’t be silly Ben.” Emilie replied pulling on a shoe. “I can handle my sister, if I didn’t push her too far this time… anyway, be back a bit later.” She blew him a kiss and hurried out of the bedroom.

Leona had scrubbed her face furiously to get rid of her red eyes, and got dressed ready to go over to Kevin’s for a chat. She was furious with Emilie, how could she say those things to her after everything they had been through with each other?

Emilie knocked tentatively once on Leona’s door and then again much louder. The door was quickly pulled open. Leona gave her a sneer and went to slam the door in her face. Emilie instinctively put her hand out to stop the door.
“Leona, I’m sorry!”

“You think sorry is going to make everything better? I could have any guy I wanted if I made an effort. Men are not my life Emilie and you have known me long enough to know that! Everything you said to me earlier made me feel sick to my stomach. It showed me how different we are. I am not like you, and thank goodness for that, since you are pregnant and I’m not. No matter what you do about this baby, you’ll always have something that you’ll wish you had done differently to see how your life turned out!” Leona tried to close the door again, but Emilie stopped it again.

“You’re right Lee. You’re right.” Emilie said, pushing her way into the apartment.

“If I were more like you I wouldn’t be knocked up and considering abortion… if I were like you I would be doing really well on my chosen university course. But I’m not and that’s what makes us great sisters, don’t you think?” Emilie stepped forwards. “I nearly lost Ben today. But I almost nearly lost you… and that was worse. I need my sister more than anyone in the whole world. Everything you told me this morning has gone in, I am going to take this vacation to give us time to think about it.”

Emilie cocked her head to one side. “Please come with us.”

Paige was in her bedroom packing two weeks worth of clothes into a bag while Liz stood behind her trying to stop her from leaving.

“Paige, you can’t just go on vacation because you were invited, you have responsibilities! I cannot keep doing everything for you. If you leave to go on that vacation I would prefer it if you did not come back at all. You are breaking that poor boy’s heart with all of your antics.”

“Mum, listen.” Paige said, turning around. “I met this really amazing guy last night; I am just going on this vacation to get to know him better. When I come home that’ll be it. No more parties for me. I will spend time with Mitch. I promise.”

Liz shook her head. “Your promises don’t work with me like they work with him Paige. I’m your mother."

"If you take one step out of that front door, you won’t be coming back; you’ll never see him again.”

Paige scoffed. “I’d like to see you try and stop me.” She forcefully zipped up the bag.

“I’m going to stay at Barry’s tonight; I’ll be back in two weeks. I’m going to say goodbye to Mitch and then I’m leaving.”

Paige dumped the bag at the foot of her bed before heading over the hall where Mitch was playing with his toys in his room.

“Right, Mitch. Stop playing; I want you to listen to me okay? I’m going away for two weeks and I want you to be a very good boy alright? I’ll be home soon and I’ll phone every night. I love you.” Paige pulled him into a hug.

“I don’t want you to go.” Mitch sobbed into her shoulder. “Why can’t you stay?”
“I’m sorry Mitch, but this’ll be the last time okay.” Paige choked; her tears were stinging her eyes. “When I get home I will spend every day with you, I promise. Okay? I promise.”

“Okay, mummy.”

“Make sure you tell grandma to make you pancakes every morning until I come home.”
Mitch grinned.

Paige left his room and ran straight into her mother who held her bag. Paige took it from her.
“Thanks mum. See you in two weeks.”
She received a glare, a glare which, had she been a few years younger, she would have been terrified of.
“I warned you Paige, you take one step out of that door and you’ll…”

“Save it mum. He’s my son. You think you’ll be able to keep me away from him?” Paige rolled her eyes. “I’ll be home in two weeks, and I’ll be spending time with my son.”

Liz held her arms apart. “Why in two weeks? What will happen during these two weeks that will make you want to spend more time with your son? You never want to spend time with him. What will make things change?”

“Because… I promised him!”

“Oh, you promised him? You promise him a lot of things. Never do your promises mean anything – I will protect him from you Paige. You’ll break his heart. He’ll never trust anyone if you keep treating him this way.” Liz folded her arms as her daughter stepped menacingly forward.

“I’m his mother. I’ll get a lawyer… If you try to keep me from my son, I’ll get a lawyer.”

Paige turned her back on her mother and left the house.

Kevin looked away from his pc screen as Leona burst into his bedroom.
“Oh good, you’re not asleep. Come on, we’re all in the living room waiting for you. Emilie found a cottage.”

Kevin blinked. “How did you get in?”

“I opened the door and stepped inside. Now get off that darned computer and come and chat with us!” She pulled him up off the seat.
“We’re still going on this vacation?”

“Err, d’uh! Of course we are still going, what on earth would have made you think otherwise.”
Kevin knotted his eyebrows.

“Never mind.” He said while shaking his head.

“Right, so.” Emilie began when they were all sat down. “I’ve found a really nice cottage just by the sea…”
“Sorry to interrupt, Emilie.” Kevin said “But I have already booked a cottage. I know, it’s totally wrong of me and I should have asked you first.” He continued, hanging his head.

“Too right it was wrong of you! What if none of us like it?” Emilie spat angrily.

“Well, I couldn’t sleep last night so I got busy arranging things… and then, this morning when I found out you and Ben had had an argument… I assumed that the vacation was cancelled. So I didn’t tell anyone. I didn’t have time to cancel the booking yet. I still can, only if you want to leave tomorrow it’s unlikely anyone will take a booking today. I was surprised I managed to book last night.” He finished looking warily around at everybody.

Leona patted him on the back. “Nice one Kevin.” She turned to Emilie and Ben smiling. “Look at it this way; we definitely have a place to stay. There’s no last minute rushing around and finding the best of the worst places at the last minute.”

“I guess, well we had better get packing the bags.” Ben said. “You gave Barry the list of drink didn’t you Leona?”

Leona rolled her eyes. “You know I did, but I’m not sure Barry can read.”
They all laughed.

Paige knocked loudly on the door. She had composed herself on the walk over. Her mother was not going to ruin her chances with Barry on this vacation.

Eve heard the knock on the door and waited for another member of the family to answer it. Lynn was upstairs with the tv blasting... watching LOST or some other show like that. James was sat in the living room with a book. And Barry was in his room doing... whatever it was 22 year old boys do. So when no-one came rushing she wasn't surprised and went to open it herself.

A beautiful young girl she had never seen before was stood there waiting, smiling. Eve shook her hand.

"Hello there, can I help you?"

Paige smiled wider. "Hi, I'm Paige. I'm sure Barry has told you all about me?" She asked.

"You're here for Barry?" Eve asked. "One second." She turned around and cupped her hands to her mouth. "BARRY! THERE'S A GIRL AT THE DOOR FOR YOU."

Paige winced.

"Sorry, Paige, Barry doesn't talk to us about his... well about anything really. I daren't ask him anything - too scared of what I might find."

Paige laughed politely.

Barry came out of his bedroom and looked down into the hall, his mum was chatting to Paige. Oh how embarrassing. He started down the stairs.

Paige looked up as he made his way down and smiled.

"Hi, Paige, I wasn't expecting you."

"I'm sorry I didn't call to let you know I was coming over..."

"Paige, what are you doing here?"

"Well, I thought I would stay over and get to know you a little bit better before we went on vacation together. I would feel awkward if I didn't know anybody. I haven't met any of your friends before."

Barry raised his eyebrows.

"Oh, wait, is this a bad time. It's Ok, I can go. I just didn't want to feel like a third wheel. Do they know I'm coming?"

"Who?"

"Your friends, you know, Emilie, Leona, Ben and what's-his-name?"

"...Kevin."

"Yeah, do they know?"

"Er, yeah... they know." Barry replied scratching the back of his neck nervously.

"Great!" Paige stood there awkwardly.

"Well, if you're staying you should meet the parents. They don't like me having people stay over if they don't know them."

Barry walked into the living room where his parents were stood. His father was quite red in the face and looked rather stern, as if he had been shouting.

"Hi dad, mum. This is Paige, she's staying over tonight so we can meet the others early tomorrow morning."

"Pleased to meet you Paige." James said gruffly.

"We've already met." Eve said smiling, after turning around. "You are very welcome to stay over. It's not often Barry brings girls home."

"Mum!"

"Well it isn't." Eve pulled a face at Paige, grinning. "Just don't disturb your sister, she's watching that show. LOST, or something."

"She has the next episode? Why didn't she tell me?" Barry asked. Eve shrugged. "Well, we'll be going upstairs now."

Barry and Paige were just about to go into his bedroom when Lynn came out of her room. The music that played during the ending credits burst forth until she closed the door behind her.

"Jesus Lynn! Do you have to have that on so loud?" Barry scolded. "I think I'm deaf."

Lynn caught sight of Paige. "So Barry, bringing girls home now? Who's your new girlfriend?"

Barry shot Paige a look and quickly ushered Paige into his room.

"Don't say anything." He said and shut the door behind him.

Cancelled - Episode 3

2009-03-20T16:01:00.000-07:00

Barry opened his eyes which stung with the harsh light that pierced through the windows. He moaned in pain as his hand flew up and clasped his forehead – last night must have been good, his head was pounding.

He sat up, still clutching his forehead and felt himself gag.

He ran to the toilet to throw up.

When he came back into his bedroom he found someone lying in his bed, and it wasn’t him.

She had this dazzling red hair that was cascaded all over his pillow and her naked body encased in the bed sheets. She looked so serene and he didn’t want to wake her but he didn’t even know who she was.

He shook her lightly and her eyes flickered open – those eyes! They were dark and all consuming… this woman was a beauty, but where had he found her? He looked into her eyes again and he remembered.

“Hi, I’m Paige.” She said shaking his hand.
“Barry.” He replied without even glancing in her direction, he had lost his usual cockiness and had forgotten to tell her to call him Baz.
“What are you drinking?” She asked politely, in an obvious attempt to get the conversation going.
“Vodka.”

“So, Barry, what’s got you so down in the dumps?” She was innocent, he liked that.
“Nothing worth talking about.” He replied, smiling, and took a look at her. She was gorgeous; her red hair framing that beautiful face and those eyes. The eyes that looked like they went on for miles. “You have beautiful eyes.” He said.
“Sorry, but obvious attempts at flattery don’t get you into my bed.” She giggled, before looking away and ordering a drink.

“How about my bed then?” Barry asked.
“I don’t sleep with people on a first date.” She replied quickly.
“But for me you’d make an exception, right? Besides we’re not even on a date.” He grinned sideways at her and she blushed.

“I suppose you’re right… I’ll get my jacket.”

And he had brought her back here. But had they managed to do anything? Had he shagged her brains out? He hoped he had shown her that he was all man… hopefully he hadn’t had Kevin on his mind.

“Hi, Barry.” She smiled. “Last night was amazing.” She held the covers up above her chest as she sat up.
“Paige, last night was… I wasn’t feeling myself so if anything was a bit… off, then that’s why.” Barry said nervously scratching the back of his neck.“Barry, everything was totally on.” Paige giggled.

Barry sat down on the bed beside her. “So, when is this trip, the holiday in the cottage with you and your friends?”
“Er next week… Monday next week… if we find a cottage. Why?”
“Well I need to get ready.” Paige rested her head on Barry’s shoulder and looked up at him.

“Paige, what are you talking about?” Barry asked, moving away from her.

“You invited me to come with you last night, don’t you remember? We were both sat on the end of your bed and you started talking about how awkward it was going to be since you weren’t all friends and then you asked me if I wanted to come along as well.” Paige curled her knees up under her and looking at him intensely hoping he hadn’t changed his mind, or worse, didn’t remember inviting her in the first place.
“Look, Paige… it’s…”

“It’s Ok.” Paige interrupted. “You were probably out of line inviting me when they’re your friends.” Paige got out of bed and began to pick her clothes up from the floor – what little there were. Barry watched her; he had completely embarrassed her. Guilt flooded his stomach.

“Paige, look, you can come if you want. I mean, I want you to come. I’ll just let Emilie know now so that everyone is prepared Ok?” Barry asked, hoping she would say yes, but also hoping she would say no – things were weird enough as it was.

“Thanks, Barry. Of course I’ll come. If you give me your number I’ll call you Sunday night to confirm times and meeting places.”

Emilie woke up to find herself in bed with Ben. How she got there she didn’t know, she was still in her bathrobe and was lying as far away from his sleeping form as she could without falling out of the bed.

She slowly lifted the covers and gently swung her legs over the side of the bed and got out without waking him. She picked up some clothes that she had left draped over the chair and exited the room quietly, closing the door behind her with the faintest click.

She let out a deep breath once she was in the safety of the living room, pulled her clothes on and raked her fingers through her hair.

Then she quickly and quietly left the apartment and crossed over the hall to Leona’s.

Leona’s eyes shot open to a loud banging on her door. She inhaled deeply, blinking profusely before bringing her hand to her face to rub the sleep from her eyes.

The loud banging ensued. What time was it? Early, and that was all she could tell. More banging.

“Alright, I’m coming!” She yelled as she threw herself out of the warm and comfortable bed, placing her feet on the cold floor. Was it the landlord? She hadn’t received a notice. Pulling her bathrobe around her she stumbled to the front door and looked out of the peep hole.

What did Emilie want at this time of the morning?
Leona unlocked the door and opened it.
“Em, what on earth are you doing here?” She groaned. “I was sleeping.”
“Sorry, Leona, but it’s better than me coming in at half one in the morning last night isn’t it?” Emilie’s eyes were still red and puffy from where she had been crying.

“Why, what happened?”

Emilie sat down and didn’t say anything.

“Em, tell me. If it’s that jerk again I am going to have to say something this time. I’m sorry but it’s just not acceptable behaviour!”
“Leona, I’m pregnant.” Emilie said. Leona stood with her mouth agape.
“I’ll make some coffee.”

Kevin sat at the table drinking a coffee. He heard the loud banging from next door but after poking his head around the door and seeing Emilie looking so upset, decided it was best if he didn’t get involved. The hot coffee burned his throat as he took a larger swig than he expected.

Coughing, her got up and poured the rest of the coffee down the sink – he was only drinking it because he didn’t get much sleep. The sink gurgled as he watched the dark coffee swirl down the drain. His eyes drooped, but there was a light tap on the door.

Kevin opened the door, expecting Emilie and Leona to be standing there, but it was Ben. “Hey, Kevin, sorry to bother you so early in the morning… can I come in?”

Kevin opened the door wider and stood back so Ben could get by.

“Me and Emilie… we had a fight last night.”
“Yeah, I gathered that – saw her going to Leona’s early this morning.” Kevin replied.

“Do you mind if I talk to you about it?”

Kevin’s initial though was ‘yes I do mind,’ hearing about other people’s relationship problems were really not his favourite thing to listen to. Even though they have the perfect thing someone always has to turn around and ruin it.

“Sure, have a seat. Do you want some coffee? I’ve already made some.”
“No. Thanks.” Ben mustered a smile. “I think it would send me to sleep. I’ve been tossing and turning all night.”

Kevin sat down next to him, and watched him intently.
“I found out she was pregnant…”
“Emilie’s pregnant?” Kevin gasped. He had not been expecting that.

“Well, I found the test last week, waited for her to tell me… hoped that she would tell me. I told her last night that I knew, and she… she wants to get rid of it. I don’t know if I can let her… I know it’ll ruin her school but it’s a baby. You know?” Ben inhaled deeply. “I went off on one at her. What if she doesn’t forgive me?”

Kevin sat in silence; he honestly had no idea what to say.

“I get it, Kevin. You are better friends with Emilie than you are with me, you’re naturally going to side with her, and I just had to tell somebody. Thanks for, you know… listening.” Ben got up and slowly headed to the door with his head down.

“Yeah… no! Ben. I’m not siding with anybody.”

Ben turned around.

“This isn’t about sides, it’s about a life. You need to talk to Emilie – without shouting, without fighting – about this; she needs to know how you feel about it. If you think that you can bring this baby up together… then tell her you think so. You have to make sure that she doesn’t have to sacrifice her schooling – you know how important it is to her.”

Ben nodded as if considering something.

“Thanks Kevin, you’ve been helpful.”
“It’s no trouble.” Kevin waved an airy hand. “I guess this means the trip is off, huh?” He joked.
“I’ll let you know.” Ben answered, smiling. He pulled Kevin into a quick hug and turned around to leave.

“Ben?”

Ben turned again to face Kevin.

“Just let her know you love her.”

Leona finished her coffee and put her mug down on the table.
“So you want to get rid of it and he doesn’t?”

“I don’t know what he wants.” Emilie answered exasperatedly. “He hasn’t been speaking to me.”

Leona caressed the edge of her mug with her fingers.

“Well, at least we know why he has been being a jerk… but you really should have told him Emilie.”

Emilie hung her head.
“I know.” She banged a fist onto the table. “I know. But what if he makes me keep it? Leona I have the rest of my life to think about here!”

Leona looked up, she couldn’t believe she was going to try and persuade her sister to have a baby. “You have the baby’s whole life to think about too…”

Emilie eyes narrowed and she stood up angrily.
“I’m not saying you should definitely have it, Emilie.” Leona said quickly. “I’m just saying you should think about this seriously, it’s not a decision you can make lightly.”

Emilie flew around.

“Don’t you think I know that? Do you think I’m fucking stupid? I am well aware, thank you very much, of the seriousness of my situation. What do you know about it anyway? You’ve never been in a relationship. The closest you’ve come to being with a guy is hugging Kevin, and he’s gay!”

Leona’s eyes burned as her cheeks flushed red.

“Well… thanks Em, t-thanks for telling me exactly what you think of me.”

“Looks like the trip is off doesn’t it?” Emilie spat.
“Sure does. Can you leave now please? I need to get dressed.”

Emilie stormed out of the apartment slamming the door behind her while Leona ran into her bedroom and collapsed on the bed in floods of tears.

Crying - Episode 2

2009-03-09T14:33:00.001-07:00

“Right.” Ben said, standing up and stretching his legs out. “I’m going to go back across the hall and help Emilie. Feel free to have a look yourself too.” He said waving as he made his way to the door. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Leona leaned back on the sofa and looked back.
“Yeah, I’m so excited!”

“Me too, right I’ll be off then.” Ben still stood in front of the door not even reaching for the handle; it looked like he was trying to decide something.
“Alright see you later I’m going to help Kevin clean up.” Leona replied, turning back around as Kevin stood up to stoke the fire once more.

“See you Kevin.”
“Yeah, bye Ben.” Kevin said as he pushed the poker into the glowing embers and threw on another log.

“So?” Leona asked as Kevin sat down next to her.
“So what?” Kevin avoided her gaze.

“So it’s not going to be a bad trip after all is it? We all got on great then. Besides, Barry likes you.”
Kevin snorted.

“Don’t be silly Leona, if he liked me he would’ve spoken to me after I… whatever. I don’t care I’m not interested anyway.” He said folding his arms defensively.

“So, you won’t mind if me and him hook up on this vacation?”
Kevin’s neck cracked as his head spun round to look at her his eyes widened in shock.
“Leona, you hate him… How are you supposed to hook up?”

“At least I know it makes you jealous!” She grinned flashing her sparkling white teeth.
“Jealous? I’m not jealous!” Kevin scoffed. “Do what you want, I don’t care.”

Leona grabbed Kevin’s hand and dragged him off of the couch.
“What’re you doing?!” He asked as he was pulled to his feet.
“We are going to look for a decent cottage. Should be easy!”
“But isn’t that Emilie’s job?”
“We all have to stay there.” Leona said simply, tugging on his arm. “Come on, the sooner we find a place the sooner we can get going.”

Kevin wrenched his arm free from her grip.
“I can’t. You can use my PC but I have a report due in… remember?” He watched Leona’s shoulders rise up and then fall back down again as she shrugged. “Leave it. It’s the end of the semester and you don’t need to do the extra work.” She insisted waving an airy hand.
“No, but I want to get it over with instead of worrying about it when we get back.”
Leona let her bottom lip tremble. “Come on Kevin; allow yourself this one little indulgence. You’re always analysing things trying to do the right thing. So let’s have a bit of fun and you can work on your report later.”

“Oh all right, let’s take a look at these cottages then.”
Leona pulled him by the wrist into the bedroom.

“Ooh Ben, I’ve found a cottage! Come here and tell me what you think of this!” Emilie called from her seat in front of the computer screen.
“Just print it off and we’ll all discuss it together as a group. Print off all the ones you see that are nice.” Ben replied from the kitchen.
“Why can’t you just come and see it now; is it really too much to ask for you to come and look at the pc screen?” Emilie asked exasperated.

“Yes, it is. I’m making a sandwich.” Ben replied simply. “Just print it off. Why is that so difficult for you?”

“Er, because we don’t have a printer.” Emilie grumbled before bookmarking the page.

Barry sat at the bar; he was annoyed that he was going to have to spend a whole two weeks in Kevin’s company. After what happened he felt guilty for not calling him and even took to ignoring him. Seems really pathetic now; why hadn’t he just told Kevin that he was curious and wanted to experiment with his sexuality rather than lead the poor boy on?

His drink, a shot of vodka, was set down in front of him and he downed it immediately. He was going to get totally steaming drunk and then, when he woke up tomorrow morning he wouldn’t remember a thing. He ordered another.

Kevin sat in front of his computer screen in the dark; he was flicking between writing an essay he had assigned for himself and a gay forum; most of his time spent on the forum. He was far too distracted, having seen Barry earlier today, and he wanted to find out what other people’s opinions would be on the situation.He didn’t get anything of value, mostly people mocking him for starting up another ridiculous thread about a “straight” guy. The red cross in the top right hand corner flashed as he closed the page, he tried to continue his essay but it was too hard to concentrate – seeing Barry again had really thrown him off.

Instead, he picked up a book and sat on his bed trying to read.

Leona stepped out of the bathroom, a small towel wrapped in her hair and a larger one around her soaking body. Her bare feet danced across the blue carpet to a song that only she could hear, leaving small wet footprints behind her.

She slumped down on the sofa and flicked on the television, namely the news. But, sure enough, nothing interesting going on there – just more about the economic nosedive. Depressing, depressing, depressing.

As she sat there ignoring the news something wild popped into her head which almost made her cry out loud. She remembered glancing at his chest earlier that day but why would she think about it now?

Getting up, she decided that she was far too tired and this is what had caused Barry’s chest to appear in her minds’ eye. She headed to the bedroom to fall asleep.

Emilie was just going to bed after a hard day of sitting on that chair looking for cottages; she had narrowed the choice down to three. Her back was sore and her eyelids were heavy. She pulled back the sheets, Ben was already in bed, and, by the sounds of it he was already asleep.

The bed was nice and warm as she clambered in, she wrapped an arm around sleeping Ben but he shrugged it off. Emilie switched on the bedside light.

“Ben, wake up.” She whispered shaking him lightly. Ben breathed in heavily through his nose before his eyes flickered open.
“What?” he mumbled, still full of sleep.
“Ben, what have I done?” Emilie sat on the edge of the bed and twiddled the bed sheet between her fingers.

“What are you talking about? What time is it?” Ben asked trying to adjust his eyes to the dim light as he looked at the clock.

“You’ve been off with me for at least a week; at least have the courtesy to tell me what I’ve done wrong.” Emilie snapped.

“So you know you’ve done something wrong?” Ben asked shortly, raising his eyebrows, and turning over to go back to sleep.
“I’ll say that, in your eyes, I’ve done something wrong, sure. I don’t know what it is though.” Emilie sat with her back to him as he rolled back over to face her.
“Well, you must be feeling guilty about something.” He grunted.
“Ben, I really have no idea what you’re talking about!” Emilie said standing up and pulling on her bathrobe.

“I know, Emilie.” Ben said coldly, not taking his eyes off of her as she paced the bedroom.
“You know what?” Emilie asked, Ben stayed silent just watching her. “Ben, answer me.” She added exasperatedly.

“I know that you’re fucking pregnant! I found your pregnancy test last week. Why didn’t you tell me?” Ben roared, his cheeks flushed a deep red and his eyes were raw – Emilie could not tell whether that was from tiredness or him being upset.
“So this is why you haven’t been speaking to me.” Emilie said with relish.

“Well you haven’t been speaking to me either!”

Emilie lifted her hands to her face and began to sob. “So, why didn’t you tell me?” Ben asked, his throat was clogging as the tears threatened to pour from his eyes “Emilie! For fucks sake answer me!”

Emilie hiccupped, and dropped her hands from her tear stricken face. “I didn’t tell you because… because I hadn’t decided what to do about it yet! I’m still at university Ben; I can’t give all that up for a baby we didn’t plan.” She crumpled and sat on the end of the bed her back heaving as more sobs escaped her.
“So you’re going to abort it just like that?” Ben asked coldly.
“I don’t know Ben, but I might not even be pregnant – you know those tests aren’t one hundred percent accurate.” Emilie pleaded.

“Don’t bullshit me Emilie, you’re pregnant and you’re going to abort it. You don’t have to lie to me anymore. I know.”

Ben flicked the bedside light off and climbed back into bed, leaving Emilie sitting in the dark.

Pilot - Episode 1

2009-03-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

The birds twittered as they flew on overhead and the smell of the flowers that adorned the outside of the apartment building was not strong enough to overpower the stench of the city.
Barry walked by, not even noticing the birds or the flowers; having lived in the city his entire life he didn’t appreciate any of these things and besides, he was way too excited looking forward to the next few weeks.
He reached the iron gates that were locked, looked about for the buzzer and called up to flat three.
“Hello?”
“Hey, it’s Baz. Wanna let me in?” Barry always called himself Baz – it was an image thing.
“Sure Barry, I’ll let Ben know you’re on your way up.” The voice replied as the gates unlocked. Barry pushed them open, they squeaked loudly; in need of an oil.
“Thanks Emilie, see you in a second.”

Barry walked up to the second floor and found number three. He hesitated before knocking.“She’s your best friends’ girl.” he told himself. “Your best friends’ girl.” He continued to mutter under his breath.
He lifted his hand and rapped his knuckles against the door three times. There was a scuffling from inside the apartment.

“Come on, Ben. Go and get the door. He’s your friend.”
“Emilie, don’t make a big deal out of it; I’m watching something on the box. You’re already on your feet.”
“Oh this is ridiculous.” Emilie said, Barry heard her voice getting louder as she approached the door. “Anyone would think you don’t want him to come on this vacation with us!” She pulled the door open and there she was, a blonde angel, standing in front of him. What he would give to just rip her clothes off right then and there.

“Barry!” Emilie scolded while still smiling. “I’m up here.” She pointed to her face and Barry noticed that he had been looking somewhere inappropriate.
“Sorry Emilie, just got a bit distracted there; it has been a long time since I seen you.” Emilie continued to smile and planted a big kiss on Barry’s cheek and received one herself.
“It’s quite alright; it’s nice to see you too.” She held him at arms length. “Come and see Ben.”

They walked over to where Ben was sat in front of the television.
“The sooner we go on vacation and away from that bloody thing the better!” Emilie joked.
“So, have we decided where we’re going yet? I mean we’re leaving in a couple of days. We should probably get a move on right?” Barry scratched his hairless chest which was on show with his shirt that was unbuttoned quite a way down.
“Well that’s why we’ve invited you today.” Ben replied not taking his eyes from the television screen. The football was on.
“If I was with you, I wouldn’t be watching the football.” Barry whispered to Emilie who giggled.
“We are going to Kevin’s place to discuss the trip. Did you have an idea of where you want to go?” Emilie asked.
Barry stood there gawping. Kevin? Kevin was coming on the trip with them?
“Emilie, you never told me that Kevin was coming with us.”
“What? This whole trip was his idea. He didn’t actually invite you along but he doesn’t mind… why, is it a problem if he comes too?”
Barry shook his head and quickly cleared his throat.

“No, course not.”
“Barry, Kevin’s gay. He’s not some mass rapist you know?” Emilie fixed a smile on her face; she didn’t like homophobia in any sense of the word.
“Yeah, I know. He just, makes me uncomfortable.”
Emilie turned away from him.

“Shall we get going then, he lives just across the hall; not far.”
“Emilie, I’m watching the game. Can we wait till it’s finished?” Ben said not moving an inch. Emilie stood in front of the screen blocking his view.
“Yeah, let’s wait for the game to finish.” Barry agreed dropping down onto the couch next to Ben.
“Guys! Let’s go. We shouldn’t keep them waiting. This is our trip too, remember? Do you want them to decide where we’re going without us?”

“Thank God that semester’s over!” Leona said slumping down onto the couch. “I don’t think I could bear coming back next year. At least we have this holiday to look forward to.”
Kevin stoked the fire, the heating was off in the apartment block and he hadn’t called the landlord to come and fix it yet.
“Yeah, but why on earth did your sister have to invite Barry along with us? I thought she didn’t even like him?”

Leona sat up and patted the empty seat next to her. Kevin sat down.
“I know he gave you a hard time in high school, but it has been two years since you last saw each other. Can’t you look past all of that shit that happened back then? I think Emilie does like him; he’s far too charming. Plus he distracts her from Ben, who, may I say is being a total jerk lately.”

Kevin sighed. “It’s not that he was a dick to me in high school… stuff happened back then…”

“Between you and Barry? Oh my God! No way!” Leona giggled in shock; she could hardly believe what she was hearing. “But Barry is way too much of a ladies man!”

“So you’re saying I’m lying?”
“No! I’m just shocked that’s all… things are going to be awkward huh? Things were awkward enough with Em going off with Ben for make out sessions. You never know maybe something will happen between you two on this trip. He’s not that bad, you know?”
“Nothing is going to happen on this trip. He never spoke to me again, I… did stuff to him and he has ignored me since.” Kevin bowed his head. “It would be so much easier and far more relaxing if it was just you and me, you know?”

The hallway was bare and unattractive thanks to the grey walls and grey floor. The temperature was a lot colder than it was outside where the sun was shining.
“So which door is it?” Barry joked before rapping his knuckles on number two directly opposite Emily and Ben’s apartment. “This must be cosy living directly across from your sister and her gay best friend.”
“Leona doesn’t live with Kevin, Baz; she lives next door to him.” Emilie laughed.
“Still, you don’t get much time away from each other then?”
“Baz what are you on about? Leona’s always with Kevin and I’m always with Ben. I hardly ever see her.”

“Not that it bothers you I expect.” Barry joked. “How did she become your sister again? Who’s the adopted one?”
Emilie looked shocked and quickly punched Barry on the arm.
“She’s adopted, but she’s still my sister.”
“I know, I know. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Barry apologised.

Leona and Kevin were still sat on the couch gossiping when they heard the door knock.
“That’ll be Em, Ben and Barry.” Leona said twisting her neck to look at her best friend. “Don’t worry it won’t be as bad as you think.”

Kevin just looked at her.

“You know this isn’t going to be good Leona. Stop pretending.” He got up to open the door and let the others in.

A few minutes later and everyone was sat down, either on the couch or on the floor, except for Barry who was rooting through the refrigerator for something to eat.
Emilie, who was sat on the floor, was the first to speak regarding the ideas for the trip.
“So, Kevin, since this was your idea do you have an idea where you want to go?”
Kevin looked taken aback.

“Er, no. I didn’t want to decide where we should go; I thought it should be a group decision.”
“And you would be right, Kevin.” Ben said patting him on the knee. “Since we are all going on this trip we should all have some say in where we want to go; even if nobody agrees.”
“Well, alright then, Ben. Where do you want to go?” Emilie asked, clearly irritated. It was the first thing he had said all day that was actually rational and it annoyed her more than anything else he could have said.

“I know where he wants to go.” Barry said through a mouthful of chips dragging one of the kitchen chairs with him and sitting on it. “He wants to go somewhere warm and sunny where we can laze about on the beach all day and watch girls in their skimpy bikini’s walking by. And I agree with that one so there’s two votes.”

Leona laughed and turned her head away before rolling her eyes. “As much as I like surfing, Barry…”
“Baz, with a ‘zed.’” Barry corrected.
“Alright… Baz. I couldn’t help but think that that was your idea of a vacation and not Ben’s. I mean, when he has my sister he has no reason to want to look at girls in skimpy bikini’s… besides her of course.”
Barry continued to munch on his chips and didn’t say anything else.

“Thanks, Leona. You’re right, I’d rather have a vacation where we all stay together the entire time; make it a trip to remember.” Ben said.

Leona smiled; she’d just thought of something brilliant.
“I agree. What if…” She continued, getting excited. “…we rented a cottage somewhere and had a really great time there. Drinking, messing about – don’t forget we can go for walks in the hills and whatever. It would be an amazing trip.”

Kevin, who was still sat next to her let a small smile play across his lips – that was exactly what he had been hoping they would decide to do the entire time.

Emilie actually grinned, quickly brushing her golden hair out of her eyes.

“I like it! I’m going to get looking for cottages straight away. This is so exciting!” It was apparently so exciting that she forgot all of her annoyances with Ben. “Thanks Ben that was such a good idea. This summer is going to be unforgettable.”
“You got that right.” Barry mumbled from behind her. “Unforgettable because it was such a boring vacation.”

“Right so we need a cottage for five of us, that’ll be four bedrooms.” He winked at Emilie. “Unless anyone has someone extra they want to bring along?” Nobody said anything so he continued. “Can you look for the perfect place Em?”
“Sure, it should be easy!” She grinned.
“Good, and we need somebody to get all the booze and somebody to do the driving. The way I see it we have two drivers, so two cars. That’ll make travelling easier. And means that one car can carry the booze and the other can carry our things. I’ll drive one of them, Kevin do you want to drive the other?”
“Yeah, shouldn’t be a problem. If Barry and Emilie go in your car, I can take Leona and push the back seats down to fit all of our gear in and then you can take the drink?” Kevin replied leaning forward.
“Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. So now we have all that sorted it’s all down to you Emilie to book the perfect cottage.”
“I’m on it.” Emilie stood up quickly said goodbye and ran across the hall to browse on the internet.

“Right.” Barry said, standing up from his chair. “Now that we have this lame vacation sorted I have some things I need to be getting on with.”
Leona looked up at him, trying to ignore his exposed chest.

“Nobody is forcing you to come with us Barry. You know you can always back out if you want to.”
Barry’s eyes darted to Kevin and then back to Leona.

“No, I’m in. Perhaps it could turn out to be more fun than it sounds.”
“Good. Because you’re getting the booze! We’ll give you a list of the stuff we like and the money. You are responsible. Don’t screw us over. This stuff has to last two weeks.”
Barry snorted as Leona pulled out a piece of paper and a pen and began to scribble things down. “Sounds like you don’t trust me.”
Leona just looked up at him with her eyebrows raised.