Before & After
      Fate
 

  
Danny - The Present



The night passed slowly. Minutes seemed like hours and the hours were infinite. Try as he might he couldn't fall asleep again. He watched TV and even attempted the New York Times Crossword Puzzle to pass the time. Life moved slowly when you were anticipating something and for Danny things had never been slower. He watched the gold rimmed clock on the bedside table as the second hand made the rounds. He tossed and turned and finally he gave up.

He walked into the Fitness Center which was basically empty at that time of night. In the far corner he could see someone on one of the treadmills. Making his way to the dressing he quickly put on a pair of black swim trunks. The attendant on duty didn't seem surprised to see someone at the late hour. In fact, he acknowledged Danny's presence with a nod and asked if he could be of any help. He thanked the young man and walked to the waters edge. Diving expertly into the cool water he began to swim furiously. With strong strokes he propelled himself through the water and it seemed that with each kick visions of his past flashed before his eyes...




Danny - The Past


Danny lay on his bed his face buried in a pillow. His mind filled with images of Michelle. He could hear her laughter as if she were right there in his room. He thought about her laying next to him in his queen sized water bed, his hands lost in the long strands of her curly hair. Glancing at the clock he saw that it was only a quarter past nine. The door to his room opened. He sat up quickly to see who it was.

"Hey Man," Mick said as he walked towards the entertainment center and began searching through the cd's. "

"Hey." He sunk back into the pillows and grabbed the remote off his nightstand. The television came on and he switched through the channels.

"Where the hell is it?" He heard Mick mumble and watched him make a bigger mess than there already was.

"What are you looking for?" Danny asked angrily as he saw his cd's slide to the floor.

"Guns and Roses. AHA! Here we go." Mick stopped in front of the bed and took in Danny sprawled across the covers.

"What?" Danny asked.

"Nothing." He shook his head.

"Whaaaat?"

"Are you planning on spending Friday night in bed?"

"Yeah. And?" Danny upped the volume on the TV.

Mick laughed. "You're playing with fire."

He lowered the volume. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means that we both know you are going out tonight and who you'll be with."

He turned the volume on the TV up again and ignored him.

"Listen, All I'm saying is that you might be getting in too deep."

Danny stared at his brother.

"Fine." He got up to leave. "You know pretty soon you're going to have to make a decision. Or are you planning on playing this little game with her forever?" He was at the door preparing to leave.

"Mick?" He called to his brother and then found he didn't know what to say.

Mick wasn't a person Danny had ever felt he could confide in. As brothers they were as different as night and day. Mick relished becoming a part of their father's business and he walked in Miguel Santos shadow as if he belonged there. And he did not doubt that one day Mick's shadow would be the one people would follow. Danny was never certain about where he wanted to be in the future. He knew what his father had planned for his two sons and at times he too felt the pull to be the son Miguel Santos wanted. It filled him with pride to see how important his father was. It also shamed him to read the headlines about the family. Mick was just like his father...

"Yeah?"

"Nothing." He said suddenly embarassed he had thought of confiding in Mick.

"Hey! Why don't you get off your fuckin' ass and go out with me tonight?"

"Nah...I...I've got plans."

"If you stick to your routine, you know, the out the window at around midnight-back in bed before sunrise, you can go out with me and the guys and still see her."

Danny laughed. It did sound ridiculous.

"You're whipped."

"She's incredible." Danny wished he could take the words back after he'd said them.

"Why?"

"What?" Danny sat up a bit. Mick's seriousness caught him by surprise.

"Why is she incredible?," Mick asked.

"I don't know. Forget it." He rolled over and groaned into his pillow.

"Is she good in bed? Does she... you know..."

"Ahh! There it is! The Mick we all know and love." Danny threw the pillow and hit Mick square in the face with it.

"What? You're laying there telling me this girls amazing with this dreamy look on your face. It's sad Danny. Sad."

"Get out of here!"

"Shit! She's got you bad." Mick laughed. "Get dressed and let's go."

Danny considered the offer.

"Stop thinking about it! We'll play some pool. Maybe get your mind off that chick..."

He slid off the bed and walked towards the shower. As he waited for the water to get hot he thought about the little that Mick had said... Maybe he's right...



Michelle - The Past


M.,

I was here last night...Next time I'm waking you up..

D.


Michelle lay on her bed day dreaming about Danny when the door to her bedroom burst open. She quickly hid the note beneath her pillow.

"Get dressed!," Lauren excalimed as she walked to Michelle's closet and began to rummage through the clothes. She tossed Michelle's favorite black pants on the bed.

"What?" Michelle sat up and gaped at them.

Melissa laughed. "We've come to rescue you from your summer boredom. Get up! Get dressed! We are going out!"

"I really don't feel like going out!" She protested.

"Nope! No excuses. Get your ass off that bed and get dressed." Lauren, the boldest of them all, commanded as she added a held up shirts to the pants. "Are you feeling red or yellow?"

"I don't feel any color. I'm not going out with you." She got up and grabbed the shirts from Lauren's hands and took them back to the closet.

"I told you it was pointless," said Melissa.

"You know Michelle. You've been ignoring us and frankly it's getting annoying!" Lauren held her hands on her hips and leaned against Michelle's dresser.

"I have n-"

"Oh don't give me any excuses. We've been friends for too long. I'm worried about you. We both are."

"Worried?" Michelle asked surprised.

"Yes! You never go out any more. You haven't been to Duffy's in weeks. Steve told John, who told Betsy, You do know Betsy and John are together again, don't you?" Michelle thought Melissa would die from lack of oxygen if she didn't take a breath of air.

"Anyway," She continued. Betsy told Maria who then told me that Bill is very depressed. Did you dump him? After all this time?" Actually I haven't had a chance to do that yet...

"Ummmm..." Michelle stared flabbergasted at her friend.

"Oh Nevermind that! YOU are going out!" Lauren said as she put an arm around Michelle's shoulder.

"I don't know."

"Okay. That's it! I want to know who he is!"

"He?" Michelle's eyes opened wide.

"Oh please! It's written all over your face. So you've dumped all-star Bill for who?"

"It's no one." Michelle protested in vain.

"You know if it weren't so obvious, I'd be tempted to believe you." As usual Lauren was relentless and Michelle wouldn't expect anything less from her.

"I---I..." She laughed nervously.

"Don't worry Michelle. The night is young. You can tell us all about him later! Get dressed!"

"Ohhh. All right!" She gave in to Lauren's pleas. Truth be told she did miss her friends.

After a quick shower, she applied lip gloss and a bit of eyeliner. Opting to let her hair dry naturally, she chose a tiger printed headband to hold back her unruly curls. She put on her black pants and chose a black halter top instead of the choices Lauren had made for her. Slipping into her black three inch sandals she stood before the mirror. She was surprised to find herself excited about this evening. Maybe it's because you're not sneaking out the window...

"So where are we going anyway," She asked as they walked to Lauren's car.

"Duffy's of course!"

The three of them walked into the the pub together. The place was packed with people. The same band that had played at Bill's party was holding center stage. They said hello to a number of friends along the way. Pretty soon she was dancing with Mark Peters, an old friend. He was a great dancer and Michelle had never missed an opportunity on the dance floor with him. She was soon dirty dancing with him, a group of their friends formed a circle and applauded their efforts. Michelle was relishing it all. Lauren claimed him almost immediately afterward. She passed through the throng of people and met up with Melissa. They people-watched for awhile. Commenting on the clothes and dancing abilities of their not so favorite people. Michelle felt more and more relaxed.

"See aren't you glad you came?" Melissa asked.

"Yeah. I am!" Michelle shouted over the loud music.

"I've missed you so much!" They hugged.

"I've missed you too!" They danced around.

"Hey you two!" Both girls turned their attention to the voice behind them.

"Hi Steve." Melissa said as she nervously touched her hair. Michelle rolled her eyes. What Melissa saw in Steve was beyond her.

"Hi Steve."

"What are you doing?"

"Nothing much." Michelle peered over his shoulder to see if Bill was close behind.

Steve was putting on all his charm for Melissa's benefit and she was eating it up.

"Why don't you two come to the back. Some of us are playing pool."

The back room was clouded with cigarette smoke. She waved hello to some friends from school. Soon a group of them decided to find an available table in the back. They were all talking and laughing. The group made its way around the pool tables to the far corner of the room. She was surrounded by familiar faces and sounds. She felt comfortable here with them. Glancing around her she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

He was leaning against the wall holding a pool stick. She was five feet from him. For a moment she forgot to breathe. He was wearing jeans. His black t-shirt was untucked. He was talking to someone and laughing. She watched as he reached under his shirt and rubbed his stomach. A rush of adrenaline flowed through her. He hadn't looked up. The music was loud , she felt the wood floor beneath her vibrating to the sound. It was as if the room had emptied out and only they were there. Fate...

"Hey slow poke. Come on!," she heard Lauren calling to her. She couldn't find her voice. He ran his hand through his hair and she was captivated by him.

"Michelle? MICHELLE!," Lauren shouted.

He responded to her name by looking up. She could see the surprise on his face. Lauren tugged on her arm and suddenly she was being pushed from behind as she was swallowed up by their group trying to move past her. She was propelled forward and into him. Her head fell against his chest. His hands gripped her arms. She lay her weight against him. She felt him pull her closer. A shot of electricity ran through her. She could hear the laughter around her. Slowly she lifted her eyes.

"Hi!" She laughed.

In a deep voice she found sexier than ever he said, "Hi. Nice of you to drop in."

She laughed and smiled brilliantly. His hand was at the small of her back. "It was my pleasure."

"Noooo...it's all mine. Believe me." He inclined his head and whispered in her ear.

"Michelle! Oh my God! Are you okay?" It was Lauren. She extricated herself, reluctantly, from Danny's arms. He held her hand as she spun around to face Lauren.

"I'm fine."

She felt his thumb move in circles in her palm. She gulped. "Ummmm...I'm fine!" Lauren watched as an odd look came over Michelle's face.

He let go of her and settled against the wall again. She moved to his side.

"Oh my what a speciman..." Lauren whispered in her ear as she walked by.

"So, do you come here often?" She asked over the noise of the crowd.

Michelle was shocked she was talking to him. But it felt so good to play this game. He shifted nervously. She controlled her laughter.

"Yeah..." His eyes were filled with questions.

"I've never seen you here before." She said.

"Does that mean you've been looking for me?" His mouth curled up and he peered at her. His long eyelashes cast a shadow on his cheek as he winked. Delicious...

He chuckled and lifted a beer to his mouth. She watched his tongue flicker over his lips. I'm supposed to resist this...

Lauren and the others were gathered around in a circle. None of them appeared to be paying attention to her. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear, "All my life..." She heard the intake of his breath. He shook his head and bit his bottom lip.

The lights dimmed and a roar was heard through the crowd. A low rumble from the speakers and suddenly Billy Idol's "Mony Mony" began." People were going every which way. Red and Green lights flashed throughout the pub. It was chaotic, but it was pure DUFFY'S...

"...Get laid...Get Fucked!" the crowd sang.

Suddenly Lauren was back at her side. "WHeeeeeeeeee! Here she comes now..." She pulled Michelle towards the group. They were in a huddle singing. In the center Mark was dancing as the others chanted. "Hey Mother fucker..get laid..get fucked..." Michelle eased her way out of the melee only to be caught in the middle of another groups fun. Someone had a hold on her arm. She was being led through a door. The door slammed behind them. She was nervous. He gripped her from behind and turned her in arms. "Hey!" She placed her hands against the persons chest. Her body was being pulled against his.

"Shhhhh...." Familiar lips covered her own... Her legs buckled.



Michelle - The Present

Her legs buckled beneath her. Michelle slowed to a walk. She was exhausted. She switched off the machine and reached for her water bottle. The fresh, cold water felt wonderful as it poured down her throat. She was sweating profusely. Grabbing the towel off the treadmill she wiped at her brow. She stepped down from the machine. She walked around in circles trying to get her legs back. "So much for getting him off your mind Michelle."

She had been laying on the bed staring at the ceiling feeling skittish and full of energy. Usually a good workout would help her sleep. So at that late hour she had gone to Fitness Center. The state of the art equipment was a challenge she was willing to take on. She glanced at her watch..."Forty five minutes on that damn machine..."

She wondered what Danny was doing. She sat down against the wall and put the towel over her face.

Hoping the physical exertion would give her perspective had been a long shot. Bill...what are you going to do about Bill? She felt the familiar burn at the back of her throat as the tears began to fall from her eyes. She was confused and scared. Where's the control Michelle? It hasn't been twenty four hours and already Danny has managed to screw with your life...Why didn't I expect it?





Danny - The Past


"Does that mean you've been looking for me?" He took a sip from his beer trying to gauge her reaction. He smiled when he saw the effect his question had made. He was positive he had the upper hand here and he was dying to hear her response.

The wind was sucked from him when he felt her warm breath on his neck as she whispered, "All my life..." And then she was gone. The crowd was too big and the room was suddenly too small and he couldn't see her. He was stunned.

Ray came towards him. "She went that way." he pointed with his finger. As he moved to go after her he felt the tip of a cue stick in his stomach. He looked up and found Mick. "Your turn."

"Game over." Danny pushed the stick out of the way and left to find Michelle. He heard Mick calling, but ignored him.

He pushed his way through the crowd. The flashing lights blinded him. People were yelling and laughing and dancing around him. What the hell are you doing? he asked himself as his eyes scanned the room. Standing against a wall he waited for Duffy's nightly free for all to come to an end. Then he saw her. He grabbed her and pulled her through the door immediately to his right.

"Shhhh...." His lips covered hers and then she slowly gave in and melted into his arms. His body was on fire as her hands came up to cup his face. He leaned back onto the door for support. Their kiss was desperate and clingy. His hand ran down her back . She pressed up against him. He thought he'd died and gone to heaven when he heard her moan in his mouth. His tongue explored the now familiar territory. He loved the taste of her.

"You didn't think I'd let you get away with that, did you?" He asked quietly as their lips met again.

"Never..." She breathed.

"You taste so damn good..." His hand cupped her neck and he pulled her head back to look into her eyes.

"Hmmmm..." she sighed as his lips claimed her neck.

"You can't keep doing this to me..." he whispered in her ear as he pulled on her earlobe with his teeth.

"You're the one doing..."

"You look incredible..." His eyes ran over her body.

"I got your note. You should have woken me up.." She complained as her fingers played with the hair at his neck.

"Next time..."

Their lips met in a frenzy. His tongue pressed inside her mouth and met her own. He wanted to devour her. He wanted so much...

"Let's get out of here." He suggested.

"You mean leave the confines of this wonderfully romantic place? The Men's room at Duffy's..." She laughed and threw her head back exposing her neck to him.

"It's your fault..." He began to suck on her shoulder. "I had to improvise...short notice..."

"Danny..."

"Come on..." He held her hand and opened the door. They made their way through the bar. Suddenly he stopped. He felt Michelle bump into him. He let go of her hand....




Danny - The Present



He swam furiously as he reached the pool wall he came up for air. He shook his head and wiped the water from his eyes. He was breathing heavily. His arms felt heavy. He threw his head back and floated. Damn it Michelle...it's like you're here right now. Pulling himself from the water he grabbed his towel. He tried to control the rhytmn of his breathing. I can't wait anymore...I have to see her...tomorrow... He walked with purpose to the locker room. As he passed through the door he smiled.




Bill - The Past

Bill entered Duffy's precisely at ten fifteen PM. As he opened the door, the siren went off and "Mony, Mony" came spewing from the speakers. He watched the crowd go crazy. The bar had emptied out with the first cords of the song. Taking a seat he ordered a beer. Sam, Steve's older brother, smirked at him. Bill handed him a ten dollar Bill and got his beer. After asking about Steve, Sam told him to check the back room. Threading through the mess of people was a job in and of itself. He finally made it to the back and saw his friends. He headed their way and looked up when someone bumped into him.

"Santos! He held out his hand.

"Hey Lewis."

"What's up man? I haven't seen you around."

"Nothing much."

"See ya..."

"Yeah...see ya..." Bill moved around him to continue. Mick is the man for the party stuff... Turning back suddenly he said, "Hey is your brother ...? " Danny stopped and turned towards him.

"Michelle!" The surprise in Bill's voice was more than obvious.

"Hi Bill!" It seemed to him Michelle's "Hello" was a bit too enthusiastic.

"It's good to see you." Bill leaned in and kissed her.

"Yeah, you too." She moved her head so the kiss landed on her cheek.

"Mick's in the back.," Danny said as he turned to leave. Is he looking at Michelle? Do they know each other?

"What brings you to Duffy's?" He asked as Danny disappeared into the crowd.

"I'm leaving actually!" She smiled at him. Her hands were clasped in front of her and she seemed anxious.

"Why are you so nervous?"

"Nervous? ME?"

"Yeah, you look funny."

"Please!" She laughed. Something's definitely up with her...

The siren went off startling them both.

"Well, I gotta go! Have a good time! She ran off in the direction of the exit.

Bill stared after her...

Bill - The Present



Bill paced from one end of the apartment to another. Where are you Michelle? He was angry. It was late and Michelle hadn't been see or heard from since she'd hopped into that cab. He had grown tired of calling her cellular phone. She wasn't answering. On impulse, he had called her office, the hospital, and all of her friends. Reaching for the phone again he dialed a number that hadn't changed once since he'd memorized it.

"Abby? Hey! How are you?" His words came fast. He had spent the night nursing a bottle of whiskey. Something the son of Billy Lewis knew how to do well.

"Bill? Is everything all right? Is Michelle okay?" Her voice filled with concern.

Damn it! she hasn't called home... "She's fine Abby. I actually ummm...I dialed your number by mistake. I'm sorry I know it's late."

"Oh! Well don't worry about it. Rick just came home from the hospital, so I was up."

"I'm glad I didn't wake you. Say hi to Rick for me."

" Wait Bill! Is Michelle there? I Might as well take advantage of the mistake you know!" Abby said with laughter in her voice.

"Sorry Abby. She's sleeping! Well, I'd better go. Goodnight!" He hung up before hearing Abby's good-bye.

"Damn her!" He combed his memory thinking back to the past few weeks. Had Michelle been playing him for the fool all this time? At the bar he refreshed his drink. He had spent the night nursing a bottle of whiskey. Something the son of Billy Lewis knew how to do well. He needed to exorcise the memories of that time from his mind. The last thing he needed was to spend the night thinking of the past.

He laughed miserably. To think he had figured it all out. He saw his briefcase sitting by his desk. The contents inside should have been given to Michelle after dinner. Now everything had changed. He had to know about Santos. He wasn't going to let her do anything that would make him look like a fool. Michelle would never belong to Danny Santos...



Michelle - The Present



She stood under the hot water hoping the pounding against her skin would somehow beat the pain and anxiety from her body. She felt better. The crying had given her release and now the water was soothing. As the water worked it's magic on her tense muscles she resolved to set things straight with Bill the following morning. No more hiding out. Their marriage had been over for a while and it was time to end their mutual misery. Michelle knew now that there was no escaping the truth in it all. She was going to see Danny and she wasn't going to lie about it to Bill. She was too tired for games and secrets... "Secrets..." She had to smile remembering how fun it had been back then. How easy it was to forget that the world did not revolve aroung Michelle and Danny...



Michelle - The Past

Danny stopped suddenly and she bumped into him. He let go of her hand. She was getting ready to look over his shoulder when she recognized someone else's voice.

"Santos!" BILL!

"Hey Lewis!" Bill and Danny know eachother?

The noise in the bar kept her from hearing their conversation. She moved with Danny as he obviously tried blocking her from Bill's view. She turned with Danny to leave when she heard Bill say, "Michelle!" Oh my God! Hello! Say Hello ...

"Hi Bill!" Too much energy...

"It's good to see you."

"Yeah, you too." Instinctively she moved her face. She didn't want his lips to touch hers. Not after Danny's...

"Mick's in the back.," Danny said as he turned to leave. She hoped Danny's gaze meant he'd be waiting for her outside. This is too much...but I feel so alive! She tried to keep from laughing.

The rest of their conversation had made little sense to her. She wanted to leave. She wanted to be with Danny. When the siren went off she had taken advantage of the opportunity... Outside she saw Danny waiting for her in his car. She ran laughing the whole way. He drove them away from the pub into their own world.

As she settled in her seat she said, "You owe me a sunset."

"I do?" They were on one of the country rodes that led to the lake. Michelle released her seatbelt and climbed into Danny's lap. He pulled the car over to the side of the rode and under a huge elm tree.

"You do..."

She could feel him straining against his pants beneath her as their mouths met. Her tongue traced his lips. Her hands found their way under his t-shirt and she glided her fingers over his stomach. He hit the button on the side of his seat and it began to move back giving them more room, as he nibbled on her bottom lip. His hand travelled the contour of her hip.

"From the bathroom at Duffy's to the front seat of your car...tsk..." Their laughter filled the night air.

"Promise me it'll always be this way with us..."

"I promise..." And his lips claimed hers again...