Brooke sat in her car, the motor still running. She looked down at the dashboard clock and saw that it was 10:38. In the closed confine of the car, she could smell Deacons cologne on her clothes. Opening her purse, she sprayed herself liberally with the perfume she had there. Digging out her compact, with shaking hands, she quickly checked to see if Deacon had left any marks on neck. Thankfully, he hadnt. Her lips were slightly swollen, but hopefully, Thorne wouldnt notice. Deciding that there was nothing to be gained hiding out in the car; Brooke turned the engine off, got out of her car and walked to her front door. She was filled with so much apprehension that her hands shaking when she inserted the key in the lock.

Brooke walked into the dark house. At first she thought she had gotten lucky and Thorne had gone to bed after deciding not to wait up for her. Just as she started up the stairs, the living room was flooded with light, causing Brooke to nearly drop her purse in shock. Turning quickly, she saw Thorne sitting on the couch.

"TThorne!" Brooke said overloud. "You frightened me sweetheart." She was trying hard to appear as if nothing happened.

Forcing a smile to her lips, Brooke walked over to where Thorne stoically sat on the couch. Leaning over, she kissed him lightly on his right cheek, praying that perfume had done the trick and he would not notice the smell of Deacons cologne. Now standing before her husband, the guilt was almost palpable, she felt sure Thorne would hear her heart beating.

"Oh, youre still up?" Brooke said unnecessarily.

"Did you expect me to go to bed without knowing where my wife was?" Thorne asked quietly.

"II guess not." Brooke stammered. "Im so sorry, Thorne. I know I should have called"

"Yes, you should have." Thorne interrupted forcefully. "Where were you?"

Brooke signed deeply. Nervously putting her hair behind her ear. "I decided at the last minute to go and talk with Deacon Sharpe." Brooke confessed.

Thorne felt the color drain from his face. The anger he had been fighting all evening came rushing out. "I cant believe that youd do something so goddamn stupid, Brooke." Thorne shouted. "Doesn't this guy work in some bar? You could have been raped, you could have been killed, and here I am waiting for you like an idiot!"

Brooke couldnt recall a time when she had seen Thorne angrier. She thought it was no less than she deserved, but she shuddered to think what he would do if he knew about the kisses she had shared with Deacon Sharpe.

"Sweetheart, I was perfectly safe. There were other people around, Deacon and I were not alone." Brooke lied, telling herself that it was best that Thorne didnt know about the potential intimate surroundings of Deacons office.

"The fact remains that for several hours I had no idea where you were, Brooke. I come home and Katie is sitting here, but she didnt know where you were either. Do you have any idea how that made me feel?"

"Im sorry, Thorne. I should have called you." Brooke nervously said again.

"Yes, we have already established that you should have called me." Thorne said coldly. He got up from the couch, suddenly unable to sit still. When he thought of Brooke at some bar with a stranger, it not only angered him, but it made him sick to his stomach.

Brooke could see that Thorne was hurt. He had his back to her and she walked up behind him and put her arms around him. She loved her husband and tonight was an aberration, something that would never happen again.

"I am so sorry, Thorne. Youre right. I should never have gone to that club alone." Brooke laid her head on Thornes strong back, while her hands were clasped around his waist.

Thorne felt the anger seeping out of him. Turning in Brookes arms, he cupped her face in his hands, looking deeply into her eyes. He could see the love she had for him there.

"Brooke, II just love you so much, sweetheart." Thorne stammered "I was worried and the thought" Thorne stopped, his body racked with a shuddered at the thought of what might have happened to Brooke tonight. He held Brooke in his arms, almost afraid to let her go.

"Come on, lets sit down." Thorne suggested, leading Brooke to the couch. Once they were seated, Thorne took Brooke back into his arms. "Brooke, Im your husband and I love you more than life itself. Dont shut me out of your life. Your problems are my problems too."

Brooke, her head resting easily on Thornes shoulder, felt the tears form in her eyes and slowly fall. She couldnt believe that shed let a stranger kiss her when she had Thorne in her life. Her best friend, her lover.

Turning in his arms, she looked up into his dark eyes. "Youll never know how sorry I am for what happened tonight, Thorne." Brooke said, although she felt sure that Thorne thought she was apologizing for not calling or for going to the bar alone, which wasnt the case. "It was just an impulse to go and see this guy right away. I wanted to make him understand that there will be no money in exchange for little Eric."

"And what was his response." Thorne asked, squeezing her shoulders when he thought of what some people would do for money and here was his wife telling this man that he wasnt going to get a million bucks after all!

"He laughed and said any deal he had was with Eric and Rick. Oh, Thorne." Brooke cried. "Im so scared of what this could do to Rick. If Deacon decided to go to the police with this, my son could be in trouble."

"Shhhhh. Deacon wont go to the police, sweetheart. Believe me, this man is willing to sell his child, he would be getting himself into trouble too and losing a million dollars to boot." Thorne said, trying to reassure his wife.

"I guess you do have a point. In any case, this may all be moot. Deacon may not be little Erics father."

"What! You mean theres a chance that this Deacon may not be little Eric's father? What was my father thinking, offering this guy a million bucks and he doesnt even know if hes the father? Unbelievable!"

"Not to defend Eric, but it doesnt sound like him. I think your mother, Amber, and Rick pressured him. Hes thinks by going along with this, hes helping Rick."

"You could be right. I know he has always felt guilty because he didnt spend much time with Rick and Bridget." Thorne was quiet for a moment. "I still cant believe that none of them know for sure if Sharpe is the father."

"I talked to Joe Rolland today and he agreed to do a paternity test for me. I gave Deacon Joes card and told him to get the test done." Brooke felt a shiver pass through her when she remembered that her telling Deacon to get the test is what prompted him into grabbing her and ultimately, kissing her.

Thorne felt the shivers go through Brooke, and he thought she was reacting to the situation that Eric had created. "When will you know the results of the test?" He asked.

"Joe promised me that it would be as soon as possible. Eric is meeting with Deacon on Thursday, essentially to pay him the money. Hopefully, Joe will have the results before then." Brooke didnt want to tell Thorne about her other plans for little Eric.

"Well, if dad thinks we will sit idly by while he breaks the law, he can think again. Regardless of the test results, there will be no baby sold." Thorne stated forcibly.

Brooke turned her face up to Thorne. In the instant, she loved him more than she had ever loved anyone else. "Thank you, darling." She said quietly.

"For what?"

"For just being my husband. I love you Thorne."

"And I love you, Brooke." Thorne leaned over and until his lips were touching Brookes. His kiss was a light as gossamer, the sweetest kiss that Brooke could ever remember receiving. She silently vowed to never again jeopardize her marriage and to keep as far away from Deacon Sharpe as possible.



Bridget sat at the top of the stairs, tears rolling freely down her face. She had heard the shouting and came out of her room to see what was going on. She wasnt naive enough to think that one argument would end their marriage, but she was hopeful that this would turn into something that might cause problems for her mother and Thorne.

To her disappointment, it hadnt. Wiping her face with the back of her hands, Bridget quietly stood up and walked back to her room. Closing and locking her bedroom door, she threw herself on her bed and cried, her body shaking with the power of her sobs.
_______

Christy Barlow stepped out of the shower, drying herself quickly. Bristling with nervous excitement, she dried her long blond hair, leaving it to fall in a natural wave almost to her waist. Walking naked back into her bedroom, she sprayed herself liberally with Givenchys Organza, paying special attention to her pulse points at her wrist and behind her knees. She also applied the Organza body lotion, leaving shimmering bits of gold dust over her slightly tanned skin.

Deciding not to bother with underwear, Christy put on a lavender halter lounging gown made of a stretch nylon that felt and looked like satin. The gown had a plunging neckline and a thigh-high side slit. Looking at herself in the mirror, Christy was glad she decided to forgo the underwear. The dress clung to her body, showing all the curves to their best advantage. The side slit allowed her long leg to peak out each time she took a step.

Looking at the bedside clock, she realized that she had to hurry. She didnt have much time before Ridge would be there and she wanted everything perfect tonight.
________

"I cant believe that you have to go back out tonight, Ridge." Taylor said, more than a little perturbed at Ridge at the moment.

"Taylor, what do you want me to do? I left the drawing at the office and I have to finish it tonight. Brooke wants to see it first thing in the morning" Ridge lied, knowing that Taylor would never ask Brooke about it.

"Why cant you just get the drawing and bring it back here to work on." It was hard, but Taylor was trying to reasonable.

"That doesnt make sense, Taylor. By the time I got back home, it would be late. Besides, I can work better at the office. Theres less interruption." Ridge couldnt quite meet Taylors eyes. He had almost decided not to go out tonight, but he needed to be with Christy in a way that he didnt fully understand. Even though they had that importune encounter in his office earlier, the thought of what lay ahead was too much to resist.

"Are you calling our kids interruptions?" Taylor demanded.

"Of course not, darling. Itsits just that its quiet there, especially at night." Ridge stammered.

"Ridge, I"

"Sweetheart, I know that I have been extremely busy and Im not here that much, but I promise, it wont go on forever." Ridge said, feeling the guilt eat him alive. "After the showing, you, me and the kids will go somewhere for a vacation, just the three of us. Ok?"

Taylor knew she was being appeased, but she had her own reasons for not wanting to force answers from Ridge. She may not like the answers, and frankly, that scared the shit out of her. In her heart of hearts, she knew Ridge wasnt cheating on her, but something was going on. Something shed rather not face at the moment.

"Ok, Ridge. But, no more nights away from home, please. Bring your work home if you have to. The kids miss you and so do I."

"I promise, no more nights at the office. Now, dont wait up for me tonight. Since there wont be any more late nights, I think Ill try to get through most of the drawings tonight."

"Ok, sweetheart. Ill see you in the morning." Taylor raised her lips to Ridge for a kiss. Ridge looked down at his wife and he knew all the love he had ever felt for Taylor was still there. He just found that he needed Christy in his life too.

Kissing Taylor on the cheek, Ridge grabbed his portfolio and walked quickly out of the house while Taylor watched with a hint of sadness in her eyes.
_______

Deacon lay naked on the bed watching as Brea Anderson sexily stripped her clothes off. When she stood before him wearing only a matching bra and panties, she moved closer to the bed.

"Hey, why did you stop, baby?" Deacon asked, his smokers voice husky, his eyes moving up and down Breas body, appreciating her lush breast, the narrow waist, and the long slim legs.

"I thought maybe youd like to remove the rest yourself." She said suggestively.

Grabbing her arm, Deacon pulled her forward until she was on the bed, lying across him. Reaching up, he moved his large hands through her short blond curls.

"How did you know I needed this tonight?" He asked huskily. Brea was one of the few women he slept with that he felt close to. They developed a friendship outside of the bedroom. Occasionally, when they were both free of any entanglement, they would sleep together. Brea was known to refer to Deacon as her "f(ck" buddy.

"Hummm. This sounds serious, honey. Anything you want to tell me about?" Brea asked with real concerned.

A picture of Brooke flashed into Deacons mind. He saw again how she looked after he kissed her. The black camisole lowered to her waist and her puckered breasts revealed before his eyes, still wet from when he had kissed them. Her lips were slightly swollen from his kisses; her eyes were a dark green, so dark in fact that they looked black.

"No, nothings wrong baby." He answered. "I just needed to relax tonight and I cant think of a better person to do that with." He finished.

"Mmmmm. Me too! I love our time together. Now, where were we?" Brea lowered her head until their lips touched.

Deacon raised his head and captured her mouth, dominating her tongue. She loved the way he kissed, so sensually. She could feel her response between her legs, the throbbing already starting there with just a kiss.

Lowering his hands to her bra, Deacon expertly unclasped the bra and removed it. Brea moaned into his mouth as he brought his hands to her breast, caressing her, his fingers playing with the pointed nipple.

Moving his hands down her back while continuing the kiss, Deacon removed her panties, leaving her completely nude.

Deacon rolled over until Brea was beneath him, continuing to make love to her mouth. She could feel the heaviness of his manhood as it pressed up against her. Neither felt the need to prolong the moment before they were united as man and woman, Deacon lowered his hand beneath her buttocks, raising her to him. Unable to hold back any longer, Deacon thrust deeply into Brea, causing her to scream out in pure rapture at his entrance. He seemed to go on forever, thrusting forward, widening her body to accept his engorged manhood. Once he was completely in her, he starting moving, back and forth. Soon, the bed was shaking with their movements, both headed head long into blissful release.

_______

Ridge let himself into the apartment. Putting the key in his pant pocket, he looked around the living room. A small lamp on a table near the chair provided the only light source in the room. He saw the wine and the glasses that had been placed on the coffee table. Thinking of her doing this for him brought a smile to his mouth. Every time they were together, she made him feel special.

Christy heard the front door open and it took all that she could do to control herself and not run into the living room, and throw her arms around his neck. Walking sedately into the living room, she stopped and just looked at him. She wasnt sure how he felt about her, but every time she was with him, she fell a little bit more in love with him.

Standing across the room from him, she was suddenly struck speechless and unable to move. She watched as he turned to look and her and it felt as if her heart were in her throat.

Ridge took in the lovely picture she made standing there before him. He loved how her golden blond hair fell practically to her waist. He loved to bury his face in her hair when they made love, and he loved seeing it spread out on the pillow while she slept. He loved her beautiful hazel eyes; and how once she was aroused, they would become a dark emerald green color. He looked down her body, loving her small waist, the flair of her womans hips and the long length of her legs; legs that would surround him and hold him tightly when he made love to her.

Saying nothing, Ridge walked toward Christy. He pulled her into his arms, her body close to his own. First, pushing his fingers through her hair, he leaned forward and buried his face into the soft tresses, inhaling deeply.

"I have missed you, baby" He whispered; though it had only been hours when he last made love to her in his office.

Christy could feel his erection pressing into her stomach as he held her close. "How long can you stay?" She asked anxiously.

"We got time, baby. But, if I dont make love to right now, I think I will lose my mind." Ridge said sexily.

"Well, we cant have that now can we?" Christy said as she led her lover to the bed they had been sharing for the last three months. The bedroom was alight with candles of all assorted sizes, place haphazardly around the room.

Christy reached up and started unbuttoning Ridges shirt, the top of her head level with his chin, even though she was barefooted. Once the shirt was unbuttoned, she slid it off his shoulders, exposing his well-defined chest and stomach. Next, her hands went to the front of his pants to his zipper and button. Once his pants were opened, she put her hands inside them, and lovingly cupped his aroused manhood.

Ridge groaned, the pleasure shooting through him. He stood still while her hands followed the shape of his **** through his shorts, paying special attention to the head and the little beads of moisture that had gathered there.

Deciding that she was having too much fun, Ridge pulled her close again, letting her feel the erection that was stronger and bigger than before. Christy moaned deeply in her throat, her body already anticipating when he would join with her.

Moving his hands up and down the gown she wore, happily discovering that she wore nothing underneath, Ridge suddenly stepped away from Christy. He quickly kicked his shoes off, and in one movement, he removed his pants and shorts.

Gathering the dress in his fist, Ridge slowly lifted the gown until it was completely off. He moved fast and pulled her once again into his arms, his large hands cupped her bottom, pulling her hard against his enormous erection.

Lowering his head, Ridge kissed her deeply, the taste and scent of her filling his mouth and nostrils. Christy kissed him back just as passionately, her arms holding him close to her. This was how he loved he; wild, eager, filled with the same insatiable hunger that gripped him whenever he was near her.

Breaking the kiss, Ridge lowered her slowly to the bed. He was ready to feast on her. Christy lay back, her body laid bare for him, nothing to hid, no where to hide. Ridge also got on the bed, lying on top of her he kissed her again, moving his mouth quickly to her throat. Next he moved to her breast, sucking first one rosy tipped breast, then the other. Ridge could have sworn that he could taste the very sweetness of her through her extended nipples.

Moving down, he kissed and licked her torso, nipping her teasingly along the way. When his lips touched the start of her damp curls that hid her secret treasure, Christys body nearly jackknifed off the bed in anticipation.

Moving further down on her, Ridge was not surprised to find her wet and ready for him. He opened her tenderly and bent his head forward to kiss her passionately.

Christy cried out with pleasure. Her fingers tangled in his dark hair, holding his head in place as her hips moved back and forth against his mouth. "Oh God, yes!" She cried out to her lover.

He could feel her body throbbing in response, just as he could hear the sounds she made while he continued to feast on her. He felt the moment she reached her first orgasm of the night. Her body tightened, she shuddered, her body riding the wave of her orgasm.

Moving until he could press his lips to hers, Ridge quickly plunged deeply into her, enjoying the feel of her nails as they dug deeply into his back. Her silken legs moved high around his waist, locking him place.

Closing his eyes tightly, Ridge plunged deeper and deeper into her, moving his hands down to clasp her bottom in his hands, holding her still to receive his thrusts. He could feel as internally her body tightened around his, seemingly never wanting to let him go. The pull and drag of his body into hers was too much for both and soon, they both let out loud cries of completion, once again achieving oneness together.
_________


Thursday Morning

"So, Eric what does this mean?" Stephanie asked.

Eric and Stephanie sat at the table having breakfast. Eric told Stephanie about his conversation with Brooke, and Brookes declaration that there would be no money given in exchange for the baby.

"It means just what I said, Stephanie. Brooke has involved herself in this now and I am afraid that any plans we had for little Eric are put on hold."

Stephanie placed her coffee cup back on the table with a decisive thump. "How dare she? What makes her think that she can just waltz into the middle of this and start giving orders?" Stephanie snapped out.

"She is Ricks mother, Stephanie. Quite frankly, Im inclined to agree with her about the whole mess. I wished I had said no to Rick in the first place."

"Now, why isnt that a surprise?" Stephanie asked with derision. "One way or another, you always agree with that woman."

Eric wasnt surprised at Stephanies outburst. Despite having walked Brooke down the isle and outwardly accepting her marriage to Thorne, it was clear that Stephanie had not changed her opinion of Brooke.

It was also clear that despite his having remarried her and the fact that he loved her, Stephanie still resented that Brooke was the mother of two of his children. Oh, no one could deny that she loved both Rick and Bridget, but he wasnt fooling himself either. He knew she resented whenever he would go and visit Bridget at Brookes or when he took his youngest daughter somewhere special for dinner. Even this thing with Amber and Rick had Eric seriously wondering how much of it was about wanting to help Rick and Amber out and how much of it was sticking it to Brooke.

"It is immoral, Stephanie, and on top of that, its against the law. Jonathan tried talking us out of this."

"What does that woman know about morals? So, what are you going to tell your son? Hes expecting you to pay that man off." Stephanie said.

"Deacon may not be little Erics father, Stephanie." Eric admitted. Although he arranged for Helen to take the baby to the doctor that Brooke said would do the paternity test, he hadnt heard the results. He assumed that hed hear along with everyone else this evening.

"Thats ridiculous, Eric. Of course that disgusting creature is the babys father. Why would he claim other wise?"

"I think the million dollars had something to do with that." Eric said sarcastically.

"Humph! We shall see. Brooke can come here tonight because I can't stop her, but she wont be dictating anything in my home!"

Eric sighed, ignoring Stephanies outburst, he got up from the table, murmuring that he would be late for work if he didnt leave now.

Stephanie watched as Eric left. She really had a hard time remembering why she loved the man for as many years as she did. He disappointed her at every turn. "Not this time," Stephanie thought. She had promised Amber that she would help her with little Eric and Rick and she would. Brooke could go to hell as far as she was concerned and if Eric didnt like it, he could take a trip there too.
_______

Amber watched as Rick slept next to her. She smiled when she thought of all that he had done to prove his love to her. After confessing that Eric wasnt his son, that their son had died, Amber felt sure that she and Rick would never be close again. That all changed when Becky died and she and CJ became close.

Amber would have married CJ if she had to, but she knew in the end, despite him not being his son, Rick would never let Eric be raised by anyone else. Thinking of CJ brought a momentary hint of sadness to her. It was too bad that he was hurt, but it worked out for the best really. She and Rick were together again and between her and Stephanies efforts, they would be married soon. Once again, Amber gave a silent prayer of thanks for her son. Lying back in the bed next to Rick, Amber nearly purred with contentment.
_______

Bridget walked downstairs, not knowing what to expect. Every time she turned a corner in the house, shed find her mother and Thorne locked in a kiss. It made her angry when she saw them in a clench.

Walking into the kitchen, Bridget was peeved to see that Thorne was there alone, standing near the sink sipping coffee. Before she could walk out again, Thorne stopped her.

"Good morning, Budge." Thorne called out.

Bridgets body stiffened at the use of Ricks pet name for her. "Dont call me that. My brother is the only one allowed to call me that," The fourteen year old said.

Thorne put down his coffee cup. Brooke had an early morning meeting, so he found himself alone with Bridget. He didnt want to force the issue with her, but in all honestly, he was growing a little tired of the attitude she gave him.

"I am your brother, Bridget." He said quietly.

Under her breath Bridget muttered, "No youre not." She was busied herself by pouring a cup of coffee, something her mother didnt allow her to have, and she quickly toasted a bagel. Rolling her eyes, Bridget took her coffee and a bagel to the table and sat down.

"What did you say?" Thorne asked, sure that she muttered something derogatory.

"Nothing," Bridget snapped.

Deciding to try another tact with Bridget, Thorne sat down at the table across from her.

"So, how is everything in school? Youre in the 9th grade, right?" Thorne asked.

Taking a bite of her bagel, Bridget tried to ignore Thorne, but she could feel his eyes on her. Picking up a part of the newspaper that was on the table, she pretended to read.

"Im not going anywhere, sweetheart." Thorne said quietly. "If you think that ignoring me will make me go away, it wont. Your mother and I are married and we love each other."

Bridget, who was just about to take a bite of her bagel, threw the bagel to the table. She felt hot tears falling from her eyes. "You dont belong with my mother and you dont belong here!" With that, Bridget quickly ran out of the kitchen, stopping only long enough to grab her book bag that she had left near the bottom of the stairs before going in the kitchen.

Thorne was stunned at Bridgets outburst. He knew the teenager never wanted he and Brooke to marry, but he did not realize that her resentment went so deep. He and Brooke had a problem on their hands; a problem that had to be handled as soon as possible if Thorne was ever going to salvage his relationship with Bridget.
_______

Brooke was engrossed in the paperwork on her desk, so engrossed in fact that the sound of the telephone nearly had her jumping out of her chair. Cursing softly under her breath at the interruption, she answered it.

"Brooke Logan" she snapped.

"Well, Brooke Logan. Its nice to hear your voice again."

Brooke didnt recognize the voice at first, but something clicked in her mind. She knew where she heard that husky voice before.

"What do you want, Mr. Sharpe." She asked, ignoring the memories that assailed her.

"Ah, so you remember my voice, huh?" He asked sexily.

"Look Mr. Sharpe. I dont have time to play games with you. What do you want?"

"You Brooke. I want you." His voice was even throatier than before, seemingly touching something deep inside Brooke.

Brooke was unable to speak for a moment, her body reacting to his words. Her fingers gripped the receiver so tightly that they were turning white. "That will never happen, Mr. Sharp!" Brooke tried saying coldly, but she was afraid that it came huskily.

"I bet you thought last night would never happen either, didnt you? " This was softly spoken.

"If this is your idea of a joke Mr. Sharpe, then youre"

"Deacon. Call me Deacon." Deacon said, interrupting Brookes tirade. "I want to taste you again. I want to touch and kiss those beautiful breast until you almost come." His voice was very low, and very sexy, Brooke thought.

Swallowing deeply, Brooke slammed the receiver down. She could have sworn she heard soft laughter before the call was disconnected.

_______

Ashley Delaney walked down the hall with her best friend Bridget. Bridget had been quiet all day, and no matter what Ashley said or did, she couldnt get Bridget to talk. About to give up in sheer frustration, Ashley was instead suddenly ready to do battle for her friend.

Walking towards Ashley and Bridget were Kirsten Mavens and five other girls. The clique was widely known at the exclusive Beverly Hills academy, and even among the children of the rich and famous, Kirsten and her friends were the crème de la crème of the school.

In a school filled with the offspring of famous actresses, actors, athletics, producers, and others, Kirsten Mavens father produced a string of very successful television shows. Her mother, who had already won two Academy Awards in the nineties, was considered the one to beat for the golden statue again this year.

Ashley looked over at her friend to see if she had noticed the group walking towards them. She had. For reason unbeknownst to them, Kirsten had decided to make Bridgets life a living hell this year. She teased Bridget incessantly and while Bridget would just as soon pull her tongue out than cry in front of the others, Ashley knew that the barbs thrown at her hurt and often left Bridget near tears.

Ashley watched as Kirsten whispered something to the girl nearest her and they both laughed loudly. She looked at the beautiful blue eyed brunette and she hated her. Michelle Galen, the girl Kirsten had whispered to, walked ahead of her clique towards Ashley and Bridget. When they were close enough to touch, Michelle reached out her hand and grabbed Bridgets backpack off her arm, hurting her in the process.

"Ouch!" Bridget cried out in pain, grabbing her arm. Ashley looked around the hall and of course, there were no teachers, only other students milling around between classes and turning to watch what was happening.

Michelle held up Bridgets backpack with two fingers, as if it were contaminated and then dropped it to the floor. Ashley felt the heat of anger come over her. Looking at Bridget, who was still rubbing her arm, she could see the sheen of tears in her eyes. Michelle had hurt her when she jerked her backpack off her arm.

"You stupid bitch!" Ashley said between clenched teeth. "Cant you see that you hurt her arm?"

Michelle laughed as did Kirsten and the other girls who had finally caught up with their friend.

"Oh, is poor little Bridget hurt? Maybe she can get her father to help." Michelle said uncaringly.

"Bridget, do you want me to call your father, oh, I mean your brotheror do I mean your father You know what. Im so confused. Is he your father or your brother?" Kirsten asked cruelly.

Bridget said nothing, but made a grab for her book bag with her unhurt arm, only to watch as Michelle picked it up and threw it to one of the other girls in their group. Deciding that she had had enough, Ashley walked up to Kirsten and got in her face.

"Why are you always messin with her, Kirsten?"Ashley demanded.

"Because I can, Ashley." The ninth grader answered with saccharine sweetness. "Im suddenly bored with you." She stated nastily, feigning a yawn. "Bridget, I hope you dont go marrying your brother or your uncle when you grow up. Speaking of brothers, dont you have one thats like twelve and married? Can we say, hillbilly!"

Dropping the backpack, Michelle, Kirsten and the others walked away, their laughter ringing in Bridgets ear. She picked up her backpack and ran towards the front door of the school. Ashley, still seething from the encounter, ran after her friend, frustrated because she didnt know how to help her.