The DAY HELL FROZE OVER II

THE DAY HELL FROZE OVER



When I finished High School my ever practical father, a General Contractor, insisted that I learn a trade -- then, and only then, might I consider attending a college or University if I really wanted to. So for four years I muddled my way through an electricians apprenticeship. My fourth year I decided to take evening classes at Sacramento Junior college to try and decide if I was really "college material".

One evening while studying in the cafeteria, before a class, I became aware of a photographer walking around and taking pictures.

"Just general campus pictures for a course catalog", he explained.

I wasn't sure if I really wanted my picture in a course catalog, but the photographer persisted and even seemed to take a little enjoyment in my discomfort.

"How about a picture with you and those girls over there?" he suggested with a wink.

The girls must have overheard the conversation because they turned to listen. They all seemed totally gorgeous and unapproachable to me. Despite my lies to my friends you could say that I was inexperienced with the ladies. The truth was that I was a virgin and I'd never had a real "girlfriend" in High School, or since.

"C'mon." the photographer waved his hand and encouraged me to get up and follow him to the girls table. Since I was uncertain of what to do I followed nervously.

At the table sat four girls. Three of them seemed positively thrilled at the opportunity to have their picture in a school publication. The fourth girl, noticeably shy, shook her head to say "no". .

This brought a big grin to the photographers face and he insisted that I sit alone with the shy girl and pose for a picture. So the other girls got up and I sat down nervously next to the shy girl. She quitely introduced herself as "Maria". I studied her long brown hair, her slim curvy body and her beautiful almost intense eyes and imagined how silly I would look seated next to her.

The photographer had us lean close together and pretend to study a book together. He had us pretend to carry on a conversation. I can't remember what we said, it was.. well it was a little embarrassing... And he even had me put an arm around her and cuddle slightly as she pointed to some interesting imaginary thing across the room.

After the pictures I briefly introduced myself to the girls, then I had to rush off to class. I saw the girls off and on from time to time throughout the rest of the semester but never managed more than a word or two with them. However, I began slowly developing a very intense infatuation for Maria.

Before I knew it Fall semester was over and the catalogs for Spring semester appeared. On the cover, among other campus pictures, was the picture of me with my arm around Maria as she pointed excitedly.

I enthusiastically signed up for Spring classes and rushed to campus the first evening of Spring quarter. But Maria was nowhere to be found. I didn't even know her last name. She looked maybe German or Dutch, but I wasn't sure. I searched the crowds of students but I couldn't even find her friends. I felt a sort of strange vague sense hopelessness. I felt lost -- empty.

Of course my mom immediately spotted my picture on the cover of the course catalog and wanted to know all of the details about my "beautiful secret girlfriend". I reluctantly confessed the truth...

"Richard, why didn't you ask her out and try and get to know her better?" My mom questioned "The worst that could have happened was that she could have said no."

My dad seemed amused by the situation but didn't say much.

"Richard, you know you can meet a lot of nice girls in college." My mom reassured me. "Maybe you should take some of that moldy money you've saved up and go to a good college -- at least for a couple of years. It will be a good experience. And maybe you'll meet another nice girl like Maria."

So off I went to college that following Fall. I don't know how I ended up at a small private University nestled high in a mountain valley in Colorado, but I did. It was certainly different than California. I met a lot of beautiful girls, and even dated a few, but none could measure up to Maria.. Or I should say none could measure up to the Maria of my dreams. However my lies about my sexual conquests continued, and even grew.

I picked electrical engineering as a major and got excellent grades in all of my classes my first year. Probably more a result of my electrical background as an electrician than time spent studying, since I spent most of my time checking out the pretty girls around campus.

----------------------------------------------------

After a long hot summer, in Sacramento, spent working for my dad I returned to the University and the crisp suprisingly cold mountain air. Fall seemed to be trying to become a Winter.

I was bundled up in a new down filled coat and trudging up the hill towards the campus when I saw her. It couldn't be her.. I took a deep breath and the ice cold mountain air filled my lungs and made me stop momentarily to catch my breath.

I anxiously hustled up the hill after her, but I turned away when she looked back my way, and I pretended to study a brick church I'd stopped in front of. Oh my god it seemed to be her..

Nervously I followed... She almost certainly had a boyfriend and I wasn't sure what I'd say to her if I caught up with her. "Hi aren't you my soulmate, Maria?" No, that would sound ridiculous.. But it would sound confident!

"Maria" headed into the Student Union and I followed pretending to study some notices on a job board just inside the door.

"Find any killer jobs?" A cute little blonde asked me.

"Um, I don't know... I um don't know what I'm looking for..." She was cute but I didn't really feel like talking to her. I needed to find "Maria"....

"You know.." She grinned broadly "You're really not bad looking."

"Um uh thanks.." I hadn't expected that.

"Anna...My names Anna! You know.." She started again. "You look a lot like my friends old boyfriend."

I didn't know what to say, and I didn't want to be rude, but if I didn't leave soon I felt sure that I might never find Maria again.

"Look...", Anna took a breath "They broke up... but her parents don't know about it... Would you consider....? Would you consider.. pretending that you are him?"

"Are you crazy!" I blurted out as I started to turn and leave "I have to go meet somebody."

"You don't have to say much." Anna chased after me. "All you have to do is come by and say hi to her parents."

"I don't know." I laughed.. heading down the hall towards the dining area.

"Please.." She begged.

"What do I get out of it?"

"I don't know.." Anna gave me an anxious look. "Do you have a jealous girlfriend or something?"

"No... I mean yeah! Leave me alone.."

I headed into the dining area with Anna still chasing after me.

"You hardly have to do anything. Just call yourself "Rick" and say hi." Anna pleaded.

"Do you mind.." I gave Anna a dirty look.

"There they are." Anna pointed to a group of people seated around a table, at a large booth.

"Hey.. Rick!" A man seated at the table jumped up. "Come on over and say hi!"

"Wha..?"

Anna smirked at me.

The man held up his hand and gestured for me come over to the table.

"Hi..."

The man jumped up and headed my way with an outstretched hand.

"Rick! I'm Maria's father, Bill." He gave me a firm handshake

I felt dizzy and confused.

"Rick, Maria's told us a lot about you. Why don't you sit down with us, and meet the family."

"Okay."

I followed him with such wobbly legs that I could have been drunk.

An older man, perhaps her grandfather, offered me his hand. "It's good to meet you Richard." he smiled.

I shook his hand and then a couple of others.

"So what are you studying here?" Bill asked.

"Electrical engineering."

"An engineer!" Bills wife responded enthusiastically.

"Maria." Bill called over my shoulder.

"Aaaah!"

I turned and saw Maria. Her face was white as a ghost.

"Maria?" Bill frowned at her. "Dad.." Maria took a step in our direction. "Hi.." she said so weakly that I almost couldn't hear her. My heart beat hard, and everybody instinctively scooted over a little so that Maria could sit down next to me.

But Maria just stood there.

Bill gave her a confused look. "Sit down Maria.. It's okay, we've already met."

Slowly, and trembling a little, Maria sat down next to me.

"Rich, we saw your picture on the cover of the course catalog." Her mother smiled.

Maria's little brother snickered, and Maria looked at him crossly.

"Really?" I wasn't sure of what to say.

Maria was teetering on the edge of the seat seemingly afraid to let her body touch mine. I couldn't resist any longer. Bravely I slid a hand behind Maria and snuggled her against me.

"Not a bad picture." I grinned. Maria's body was soft and warm and I could feel myself helplessly growing hard.

Unexpectedly Maria sniffled, and tears ran down her cheek.

"Maria?" I whispered.

"Would you two like to be alone for a second?" Maria's mom asked.

"Yeah.." I nodded. Maria didn't say anything. "Actually I need to get to class."

Maria scooted over and I stood up.

"Well, nice meeting you Rick." Maria's father nodded.


I headed out of the Student Union and Maria followed.

"Rich?" Maria looked at me through teary eyes.

"Yeah?"

Maria handed me a piece of torn paper with a phone number on it. "Thank you."

Maria

Maria's heart was in her throat when she walked back to the table. What were the odds, she wondered. Not only was this whole thing improbable, it was impossible! No. There was no such thing as coincidence. How was she ever going to explain this? Maybe she wouldn't have to. Maybe... Wiping her tears away, she smiled her sunniest smile.

"Well he seems like a very nice young man, Bill," her mother was saying to her dad. "Don't you remember how nervous you were the first time you met my folks?"

Her dad chuckled and nodded. "I spilled Coke all over myself when I missed my mouth."

"Oh, there you are," Maria's mom trilled. "We were just talking about Rick. Nice looking boy. So nice to finally meet him. Why didn't you invite him earlier?"

Maria sighed. "He had a class, mom. I thought I told you that."

Her brother giggled, shaking his head. "Did not."

"Shut up, shrimp!" She growled.

"Well it was a pleasure for the few minutes we had. Don't forget to tell him we said that. And invite him for dinner on Sunday. We won't take no for an answer."

"It's getting late and I... " Maria offered lamely, looking at her watch.

"Right," her father interjected, standing up. "If everyone is finished... "

Maria watched as everyone got up, disconcerted by her grandfather's scrutinizing look. "Umm... Thanks for bringing me back up, dad" she finally managed, raising herself up on tippytoes to kiss him on the cheek.

"Mom." Her mother held her at arm's length then hugged her close. "All couples have lover's spats," she whispered in her daughter's ear. "He does seem genuinely fond of you."

Maria nodded as her mother stepped back. "We love you, Maria. Don't forget. Dinner on Sunday. If he doesn't have a car your father will pick you up."

"Do you want a ride over to the dorm? It's a bit chilly out," her father asked.

"Umm... no. I'll walk back with Anna, if that's okay."

"Don't forget," her mom called back they walked toward the exit.

Although she waved and smiled, Maria just wanted to find a hole in the ground and fall right through. What was it gran had always said? Be careful what you wish for, Maria. You might get it in a way you didn't expect. A truer word was never spoken. Problem was, it wasn't just... a wish.

"Hey! Maria!"

She looked up to see her friend Anna approaching with a huge grin on her face. "Pretty good likeness, huh? Now you don't have to tell your 'rents that you broke off with that guy last year."

Maria nodded.

"Aren't you glad?"

"Not really, Anna. You see... that really was him."

"No way!"

"Way."

"Holy shit. So now what?"

"Now we go back to the dorm and I get working on that paper I have due," she answered with a shrug, trying to appear nonchalant.

"Then? Are you going to see him again? What?"

"I don't know, Anna. Let's just leave it for now, okay?"

"Okay, but you're the one... "

"Don't remind me, Anna. I know."

Rich left the Student Union in a daze.

Maria.. here! And what a character! She'd actually fibbed to her parents that he was her boyfriend. Unbelievable!.

He had a little time so he decided to take the longer route past the arboreteum. Bright scarlet lit the Fall sky and made the small lake within the arboreteum glow a deep red. Rich paused at the wrought iron fence surrounding the graveyard and gazed at the headstones which stood out in the odd light. For a moment he considered climbing the fence and cutting through the graveyard, but then thought better of it. Who would have thought to build a University around the towns graveyard and include it in the arboreteum? Rich laughed. Crazy world!

Rich turned away from the graveyard. Maria... Rich grinned broadly. Maria Maria Maria.... Unbelievable... Absolutely unbelievable!.. Incredibly absolutely unbelievable!!

Did Maria's father suspect the truth? But what was the truth? He hadn't followed her here. And she seemed just as shocked by his appearance. Was it fate? Maybe they really were soulmates? Maybe there really was a god!

Rich breezed through his circuitry class then rushed for his dorm. Hopefully Steve wouldn't be using the phone.

"Hello.. Is Maria there?"

"Hi! Is this Rick?!"

"Yeah, hi Anna. Is Maria there?"

"Yeah... I'll go get her."

"Hi.."

"Maria! How are you?!"

"I'm um.. pretty good..... and you?

"I'm great!" Rich laughed "It was great meeting your family! I never expected... I mean I wonder.. Would you... Would you be interested in going out tonight?"

"Sorry I'm eating with my family tonight..." Maria took a deep breath. "But my mom told me to invite you for dinner on Sunday.. But if you don't want to..."

"Okay... I'll do it.. I mean sure. Yes!"

The cold outside had a bit of a bite to it but the air was crisp and clear and felt good to Rich as he headed towards the arboreteums entrance. He'd been nervous in the past, before a date, but never this nervous. Maria was different, she was special, incredible! But Rich couldn't really explain why.

A gust of wind caught Rich and he shivered despite the soft flannel shirt he was wearing. Winter is coming Rich thought to himself. The sky was starting to darken slightly and suddenly Rich became a little anxious. Why did I arrange to meet Maria at the arboreteum? It's going to get dark pretty soon and Maria's going to be waiting in the dark.. Next time he would pick her up or at least meet somewhere more sensible.

Rich spotted Maria standing close to the graveyard fence in front of the Arboreteum and felt a sense of relief. She was wearing a beige sweater, and looked incredible. The sweater looked soft and Rich wanted very badly to wrap his arms around Maria and cuddle her close.

"Maria!" Rich called.

Maria smiled and waved.

"How ya doin?" Rich found himself smiling back

"Pretty good, and you?"

"Great! It's really good to see you again. Really!"

Maria had incredible eyes. They were just a common brown color but there was an intensity and passion in them that Rich felt he'd never seen before in anyone else.

"Maria, you wanna take a walk then maybe go and get something to eat?"

"Sure."

They headed for the trail that circled the small Arboreteum lake.

"So Maria how did you decide on Logan University?"

"Well Rich, my parents live down in Glenwood Falls, and I love this town and I always wanted to go to school here."

Maria seemed to notice something in Rich's expression. Rich was about to ask a question but before he could she was already explaining.

"My best friend Becky's family moved to Sacramento and they offered to let me stay at their place, check out California, and go to the Junior college near them. Becky's going here now."

"How about you Rich? Why'd you choose Logan University?"

"I don't know.. I guess I just wanted to get out of California and try something different." Rich laughed "I just picked Logan University out of a list of Universities that taught electrical engineering."

"Maria.."

"Yeah?"

"Maria, I didn't expect to see you here... That's not why I came..."

Maria studied Rich curiously with passionate eyes that seemed to express a little sadness.

"What's the matter Maria?" Rich asked reaching an arm around her shoulder.

"Nothing.." Maria said with a distant look in her eyes, but smiled when Rich snuggled her against him.

"That felt good!" Rich laughed leaning against his car catching his breath. "Warm you up a little?"

"A little.." Maria brushed several long stands of hair out of her face revealing eyes that sparkled with amusement.

"Well, it will be warmer in the car once we get moving." Rich opened the door for Maria.

Up until now Maria had been just a fantasy to Rich. She was somebody he'd imagined, somebody he'd longed after, just a memory -- not a real person. His memory of her was strengthened by her picture on the course catalog, but memories have ways of lying. Rich studied her face, her hair, her body, replacing the old imperfect memories with new ones. Deep down he still worried that he might lose her.

"I can't believe how beautiful it is here." Rich looked out the window at the bright reds, oranges and yellows of the deciduous trees that surrounded them and stretched on up the hillsides towards the mountains.

"I love it here." Maria nodded.

And I love being with you too. Rich imagined Maria saying to him.

A definite sense of pride hung over the small college town and showed in the old buildings on Main Street which had been given a recent face lift and probably looked better than when they were new. It was just starting to get dark but the town was still full of life. Main Street bustled with college students; walking together in groups, gathered in coffee shops, seated in front of restaurants on streetside tables, or perusing bookstores that had their doors open to the street.

"It's okay Maria, I wouldn't say that I was in the right place at the wrong time. Maybe the right place -- at the right time! I never imagined I'd meet you here. Never." Rich thought he saw a little doubt creeping into Maria's eyes. "I've wanted you so badly.. I mean I've wanted to see you so badly.. for so long! "

Rich felt himself starting to blush. He felt the warmth coming to his face and he knew that in a second he would be crimson. The words had just sort of slipped out, and Maria had a little bit of a startled look on her face.

"I think I'll get something to drink." Rich said hoarsely. He didn't wait for Maria to answer but rushed off and returned with a pitcher in hand.

"What did you get?" Maria eyed the pitcher.

"Dark beer."

"Real beer!" Maria looked at Rich nervously. "I'm only twenty..."

Rich looked at Maria, then back up at the bar, then back at Maria again.

"It's fine.." Maria said quietly. "Let's eat. And don't worry, you can't do or say anything that would top me today."

"I guess that's true." Rich laughed.

The pizza was still piping hot, and Rich practically burned himself on the cheese when he took a big bite.

"Pretty good, huh?" Maria grinned.

"Very good. Really, very good pizza." Rich nodded and filled himself a glass of beer. "Would you like some?".

"Okay.. but just a little."

Rich filled her three-quarters of a glass.

"So your mom invited me over to dinner?"

"Yep." Maria nodded and ventured a sip of beer.

"Should I dress up?"

"Definitely, but don't wear a suit or anything too formal." Maria took another sip of the beer apparently undecided as to whether she liked the taste or not.

"Slacks and a button down shirt?"

"You've getting the idea." Maria laughed.

"So what do we tell them? Rich downed half of his glass. "We can't tell them the truth. Should we say that we were just friends, and now we're getting more serious?"

"I don't know." Maria frowned "Maybe you shouldn't say much about us and maybe you shouldn't say too much in general."

"Us!" Rich chuckled and downed the rest of his beer "I've known you what? A whole day."

"A whole day.." Maria said with emphasis. "So imaginary boyfriend, am I how you imagined I might be?" She eyed Rich with amusement as she finished her beer.

"It's crazy." Rich laughed. "You're almost exactly the way I imagined you would be." And you're even more beautiful

"Did you say I'm beautiful?"

"No, I don't think so." Rich answered a little confused. "But you are." Even more beautiful than her. Rich's eyes fell on the long legs of a waitress wearing a short skirt, black pantihose, a black lacy blouse, and a witches hat. Halloween was just around the corner.

"Tomorrow's Thursday." Rich smiled "I don't have any classes tomorrow. Why?"

"No reason." Maria shrugged her shoulders casually, but Rich couldn't help but notice a faint smile.

The popular waitress, the one dressed like a witch, was absolutely gorgeous with hips and curves in all the right places, but somehow Rich found her of little interest. There was something about Maria that made just being with her incredibly gratifying, and drew Rich's full attention. It was more than just the proverbial "warm and fuzzy" feeling. Being with Maria seemed to fill a need, a yourning, an essential part of him.

Maria downed her beer quickly, "Whatcha thinking about?"

"What's that!" Rich pointed to his left.

Maria turned her head to see, and Rich snuck a quick kiss on her cheek.

"Oh.. so you think you're tricky." Maria giggled, "Two can play at that game."
Maria threw her arms playfully around Rich and kissed him on the cheek.

"Maria.. Not in public!" Rich feigned indignation, and they laughed together.

"You can't put anything over on me." Maria smirked "I know what you're thinking. I can read your mind!"

"That's 'cause your my soulmate." Rich said raising his eyebrows. Even though he was teasing he halfway believed it. His hand found Maria's thigh under the table and ever so lightly he slid his hand up the inside, stopping mid-thigh.

Maria squealed with laughter, and slapped his hand. "Shame on you! I do know what you're thinking."

"Guilty as charged." Rich grinned mischevously.

"Mister Richard, maybe you've had a little too much to drink." Maria raised her eyebrows and nodded her head in a silly manner.

"Well then Misses Maria, maybe we oughta eat some more pizza."

"I don't think so." Maria said looking at the empty pizza tray. " I'm full. How about we go for a walk instead."

"Alrighty then." Rich wobbled a little as he stood up. He left a tip on the table and offered Maria his hand. "My Lady, Misses Maria."

"Why thank you." Maria took his hand and rose to her feet. "I don't drink often."

"I do." Rich lied

"Yeah right, Mr wobbly on your feet. You're just as drunk as I am."

"Not really drunk."

"But enough." Maria tugged at Rich's hand.

A blast of cold air hit them as they headed outside and Rich snuggled Maria close. Despite the cold Fall air the sidewalks were busy. A small crowd of guys and girls wearing sweatshirts and sweaters emblazoned with Greek symbols stood outside a bar talking excitedly.

"Quite a nightlife here."

"Yes there is." Maria nodded. "It's a college town, for sure."

"I've been here for a year, but it's almost like I'm just discovering it for the first time."

"So... I don't have to worry about any old girlfriends?"

"I've dated before." Rich protested. "They just weren't.."

"Yes? Spit it out."

"Well, they weren't.. They weren't you!"

"Yes, I am me."

"Yes, you are." Rich grinned ear-to-ear as he opened the car door for Maria.

Maria leaned over to Rich and whispered."Wanna see my dorm room?"

"Sure.."

"I'll sneak you in."

Rich had heard it said that the eyes, without speaking, confess the secrets of the heart..

Maria's pupils grew huge as she gazed into Rich's eyes longingly and then into his open arms. The kiss was different than anything Rich had ever experienced before. Lost in the moment, as if in a trance, the only thing that existed was the connection with Maria. He snuggled Maria close to him savoring the touch, the feel of a female body against his own. It filled him with confidence, made him feel great about himself, made him feel like.. a man. He could only imagine how incredible making love would feel.

"You made it" Anna's voice broke the spell.

Maria pulled away before Rich could hide the bulge in his jeans from Anna's amused eyes. Maria blushed and ackwardly introduced Rich, even though he'd already met Anna.

"I've heard so much about you." Anna's eyes flashed with wicked pleasure. "Oh, I don't mean before. I knew she'd never met you before. I meant today. Tonight when she asked me to keep Mrs. Donohue busy."

"I didn't.." Maria looked away from Rich.

"It wasn't what you said, Maria," Anna retorted with a knowing grin. "It's what you didn't say. Well... It was nice, Rich. You won't need my help leaving as Donohue goes to bed early. I'll just leave you two... "

Before either of them could reply, Anna had disappeared into her room, leaving them staring at each other. "That was abrupt," Rich finally said. "That's Anna," Maria replied, the two of them breaking out in peels of quiet laughter as they collapsed onto the small sofa.

"I... never had a boyfriend."

"Well, you do now," Rich replied quietly, slipping his arm around her and pulling her close. "If you want me to be, that is."

"Yes. Please."

With Anna only a room away Rich was afraid to dare a kiss but he found himself unable to resist. "Mmm.." Maria scooted up onto his lap and Rich felt himself helplessly growing hard once again.

Rich heard a scraping sound. Maria jumped off of his lap, ran to the door, and peered through the peephole.

Maria shrugged her shoulders and grinned sheepishly. "Nothing."

"Well, maybe I should be going..."

"How did that get there!" Maria whispered under her breath. She stood frozen, staring at a huge old leather bound book, probably a bible, sitting on a shelf across the room.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

"Mrs. Donohue! Fire escape!"

Maria didn't have to explain further. Operating on adrenaline Rich ran for the window. He had it open... Then he was outside... Then he was climbing down the ladder.. He was trying to hurry, but he was also trying to be quiet at the same time. Down one ladder, across another landing, and down the next. At the bottom, rather than lowering the ladder, he hung down and dropped the remaining six feet or so. He landed behind some shrubbery, pushed through, then ran across some semi-frozen wet grass. He was still running when he hit the icy sidewalk.. He felt his feet going out from under him and landed hard on his hip, and back -- on the concrete!

Rich lay for a while on his back looking up at the street light above him.

"Are you okay?" A girls voice asked.

Rich turned his head to see a group of girls looking at him with concern.

"Yeah, I'm okay." Rich said weakly. The girls watched him as he got back to his feet and brushed himself off. His hip hurt but otherwise he was okay.

"Serves him right. Stupid peeping Tom!" Rich heard one of the girls say as they headed away towards the dorm.

Maria opened the door to find the house mother standing there holding out a blouse. "Anna's," Mrs. Donohue said peremptorily. "She asked me to fix the tear in the sleeve."

"Oh," she said lamely, breathing a sigh of relief that the woman hadn't come to check if they had snuck someone up.

"Hiya, Mrs. D.!" Anna chirruped from behind her. "Thanks. You're the bestest!"

"You're not so bad yourself, girls," Mrs. Donohue retorted with a grin. "Your blouse is fixed and I'm off to bed. See you in the morning."

Maria crumbled onto the couch as Anna closed the door behind them, her eyes twinkling. "So? I guess we did good, huh? Rich is kinda hot."

She looked up at her friend and nodded. "I like him, Anna. I really like him. But I can't help wondering if... "

Anna nodded, plopping down beside her friend. "Whether it was that spell thing or not, huh? Well... How else did he end up here in Logan all the way from California? Did you ask?"

Maria nodded, repeating what Rich had told her earlier. "It fits, Anna. And he likes me, I think. Really likes me."

Anna shrugged and stood. "Maybe so. Enjoy the boyfriend thing while you can, but who knows? It seems more likely that what we did had more to do with his mysterious appearance than him showing up out of coincidence. Anyhow... Early class. I'm going to bed. Night."

She didn't know if Anna meant to plant doubt in her mind, but it seemed that suddenly all the questions she had asked herself earlier were looming large in her mind. What if it was because of that spell? Would it wear off? Then what? Maria tossed and turned for hours considering all the implications of Rich's arrival in her college town and it was nearly dawn before she finally drifted off into a very troubled sleep.


It was Sunday at last! The day that would make or break them, Maria thought as she dressed. Rich would be picking her up in fifteen minutes to drive them to her folks place for dinner. Seeing him again made her stomach flutter but the grilling he was sure to get from her parents made her feel like throwing up. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad. Maybe...

Picking up her coat, she stepped out of her bedroom to see Anna all dolled up. "You have a date?" she asked her friend.

"You betcha. Your 'rents house for dinner. I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Maria's heart sank. There was something inherently wrong about Anna's interest in Rich and "how things worked out" that was really beginning to bother her but she wasn't sure whether Anna was just curious or whether she was going to make a move on him. Cripes! Was she jealous of her own best friend? Anna wouldn't do something like that. Would she? And it wasn't really like she and Rich were a "thing" either. They barely knew each other. She sighed. Then why was it that every time she closed her eyes she saw his face, felt his lips, his hands, his arms around her?

"You okay?" Anna asked, concern showing in her eyes. "You seem to have zoned out there for a minute."

"Yeah, I'm okay. And hey! It's great that you're coming along. Did you ask someone to come with you?"

"Yeah. That guy Damien that I see every now and again but he doesn't do family dinners he said." Anna shrugged. "Maybe we can double up some other time though."

Maria nodded and glanced at her watch. "That would be nice, Anna. We'll talk to Rich and see about setting something up. Anyhow... he'll be here in a couple of minutes. Grab your coat and let's go down to meet him."

And that was another thing, Maria thought as they walked outside the dorm to wait for Rich. That Damien guy kinda gave her the creeps. He was older than they were and pretty heavily into the Craft. Anna said he was the head of the circle that she sometimes attended.

"Hiya hot stuff!"

She looked up to see Rich walking toward them and Anna moving at a not-so-leisurely pace to reach him first. It would serve her right if Rich decided on Anna over her, she thought morbidly. Look at her. Blonde, blue-eyed, a body to die for. Maria smiled wanly. Yep. It would serve her right.

Rich nervously reviewed his mental notes. Car spottlessly cleaned, check. Best shirt and slacks freshly ironed, check. Shoes polished, check. Rich pulled out the dark blue cashmire cardigan his mom had gotten him last Christmas. Almost too good to wear... He put it on and headed for the door nervously.

Rich spotted Maria and Anna coming out of their dorm.

"Hiya hot stuff!" Rich called to Maria.

Anna saw him first, grinned broadly, and hurried in his direction. "Hiya Rick!" Anna threw her arms out and gave Rich a big bear hug.

"Hi Anna" Rich laughed wondering if Anna had misunderstood and thought that he had just called her hot stuff. Maria had a slightly pained look on her face.

"Maria" Rich smiled. Anna let go reluctantly, and Rich put his arms around Maria and pulled her close. "Howya doin?" He kissed her softly on the cheek.

"Okay." Maria answered with troubled eyes.

The ride to Maria's parents place was scenic, and Anna pointed things out and made comments about this and that while Maria rode along quietly.

Anna directed Rich up a steep hill to a modest, but immaculately kept, single story brick house, with an incredible view. Rich parked on the road. "Nice house." Rich looked over at Maria. She looked almost as nervous as she had the day in the Student Union when he'd met her parents. "Yeah, it's nice..."

Anna was out of the car first and Rich and Maria followed. She seemed amused by something about Rich's and Maria's expression. "Relax you guys, the worst is yet to come."

"Thanks Anna" Maria made a face at her.

The front door opened and Maria's little brother Sam poked his head out. Then he turned, left the front door open, and disappeared inside calling "Rich is here! Rich is here! Rich is here!"

"Yep... that's my brother." Maria said dryly.

"Well c'mon," Anna grinned ear-to-ear, set a hand on Rich's back, and pushed gently. "Let's go meet the 'rents."

Maria's father, Bill, met Rich at the door and gave him serious look and a firm handshake. "Good to see you Rich. How was the drive up here?"

"Oh not bad." Rich shrugged and glanced back at Maria for reassurance. But she looked a bit fearful and instead of calming his jitters she made him feel even more uneasy. "It's beautiful country up here." Rich managed

"Yes it is, we like it here." Bill nodded seriously and gestured for them to come inside.

Maybe you shouldn't say much about us and maybe you shouldn't say too much in general. Maria's words played over in Rich's head. Tonight Maria's parents would be checking him out closely, and the idea scared him a little.

"Maria, let me give you a hand." Rich picked up his plate.

"No no, you're the guest."

There it was again.. that look in Maria's eyes. Just when Rich felt she was going to let him close.. her eyes would cloud and she would push him away.

"Relax stud, Maria's got it taken care of." Anna smiled. "So Rick why don't you tell us more about yourself. Didn't you say that you're an electrician?"

Maria's father Bill eyed Rich curiously.

"Um yeah.. I um got into the trade right after I got out of High School. My dad's a general contractor."

"So you must be older than you look.." Anna grinned.

"I'm twenty-three."

"That is sooo old! Maria's only.. what?.. twenty?"

Anna smirked at Bill, but to Rich's relief Bill returned Anna's smirk with a frown.

"So you're an electrician Rich?"

"Yes, I'm a Journeyman."

"Really! Do you know much about outdoor wiring?"

"Sure."

"Well I'm putting in some outdoor lighting."

Bill got up and gestured to Rich to follow.

"We'll just be a minute." Bill told Anna.

Reluctantly, Anna sat back down with a slightly wounded look on her face.

Bill led Rich outside. "I want to run the line for the lights off of this." Bill pointed to an outdoor receptacle. "It's got it's own breaker."

"That would work fine." Rich nodded "You don't have to worry about overloading the circuit with those lights."

"Maybe we could hire you to do the work?"

"Yeah, I'd be interested. You know, it's a beautiful place you've got here."

"Have you seen the view from the park up the road?"

Bill led Rich up the road to a small grassy park on a hillside.

"You know Rich.. I love my daughter Maria.." Bill began nervously. "She's a tremendous girl."

"Yeah?"

"But she has a little bit of a problem with the truth sometimes.."

Rich looked at Bill nervously.

"Well... we were all a bit shocked when you actually showed up at the Student Union the other day...."

"I was a little suprised too.." Rich admitted "I mean... I didn't know Maria was..." Rich caught himself.

Bill looked at Rich incredulously "You didn't know what?"

"I mean I really do have feelings for Maria.. I just didn't.. I didn't know that she was going to Logan."

"So.. are you saying that you didn't really know her before the other day..?"

"No.. no I didn't even know she was going to school here.."

Bill stood studying the valley, smiled slightly and shook his head, "Maria Maria...." Then he turned to Rich. "So you didn't follow her here?"

"No.." Rich shook his head.

"And you didn't date her back in Sacramento?"

"No.. I just posed for that course catalog picture with her.."

"I believe you... I admire your honesty." Bill nodded "Would this next Saturday be a good time for you to do the lights?"

"Yeah, Saturday would be great."

"Sounds good." Bill extended his hand, and Rich gave him a firm handshake.

"Well we might as well be heading back to the house."

Within the darkness further up the hill Damien watched the humans as they walked down the hill and into a house where a young cute female, Anna, greeted them. It was strange, the almost human sort of emotional attachment he felt towards Anna.... and Maria..

Anna had been easy to befriend, she was human after all, but her female friend Maria was different.. Maria was very different. She had done something impossible for a human. She had actually pushed him aside. She had rejected him! What unbelievable untapped power!

"I... " Damien listened carefully as Maria spoke. "I hope so. I mean... Yes, but... "

Her mother wiped her hands on her apron and pulled Maria close. "If it's meant to be... "

Maria nodded. "I know, mom. I know."

Rich slightly regretted having hugged and kissed Maria in front of her family. She had looked a little stressed and he couldn't resist trying to comfort her a little. He had thought that he was being discrete, but when her little brother Sam had voiced his disapproval all eyes had been on them. Rich had sensed a little extra attention from Maria's grampa but he wasn't quiet sure what to make of it.

Rich looked over at Maria, her eyes closed, leaning back in her seat, half asleep. He felt tired too, but a bit relieved that things had gone so smoothly. The drive was peaceful and Anna was even quiet for a change. Rich had never met her boyfriend Damien, but he'd heard about Damien. Damien was best friends with everybody it seemed. Maybe it would be better to have Damien along the next time that Anna wanted to join them, so she wouldn't feel left out.

"We're back!" Rich announced.

Maria looked at Rich longingly "Wanna come up....?"

"I don't know I'm kinda beat."

"Ahh cum'on I'll help out." Anna offered.

"Thanks Anna" Maria gave her a smile of gratitude.

Rich waited outside the front door to the girls dormitory, on a bench, trying to appear nonchalant. Within minutes Maria reappeared.

"Coast is clear" Maria called quietly and waved him in. They passed one girl in the hallway but made it the rest of the way unnoticed.

"Your family is nice."

Rich moved into Maria's open arms and pulled her close. She seemed to melt in his arms and they snuggled into a warm embrace rubbing each other intimately.

CLICK! The door opened.

"I see you two lovebirds made it."

Anna walked in.

"Well I'll leave you two alone..."

Anna started head for the bedroom when a large leather bound book on the floor suddenly caught her attention. "Ooops.." Anna headed over an picked it up.

Maria pushed Rich away suddenly.

"Is that my...?!" Maria gasped

"It's just your grimoire."

"Well... If you're going to borrow it then don't leave it lying around!"

"You're just angry 'cause he's here." Anna gestured towards Rich. ".. and he saw it."

Maria's face tensed. "Give it to me! NOW!"

Anna stuck her tongue. "Fuck You."

Maria attempted to wrestle the book from Anna, but Anna broke free and Maria caught ahold of her blouse.

RIPPPPP! Anna's blouse ripped up the back.

"Let go of me bitch!" Anna swung the book around and clobbered Maria on the side.

"You guys!" Rich moved towards them not sure of what to do. Stupidly he moved in between them as Anna took a second higher swing with the book.

CRACK! The book slammed into Rich's head. He saw a burst of stars then felt himself falling. The next thing he knew he was lying on top of Maria looking up at Anna in her ripped blouse holding the grimoire.

CLICK! The door opened and a middle aged woman in a night gown poked her head into the room

Anna looked over fearfully "Mrs. Donohue.."

Rich turned to Maria in the stairwell "Sorry, that was a disaster."

"Rich, I'm the one that should be apologizing to you.. Sometimes I don't know whether to love Anna.. or hate her."

"Well she did clobber me pretty good." Rich gingerly touched his head. "I'm suprised that Mrs Donahue didn't notice this lump."

"Don't worry, she did." Maria sighed

"So you think she knows?"

"You mean do I think that Mrs Donahue knows that you're not Anna's cousin?"

"Yeah."

"She knows.." Maria rolled her eyes. "Mrs Donahue thinks that Anna and her boyfriend Damien are the greatest thing since well.. I don't know.."

"Maria..." Rich paused at the door. "I'll see you.. at breakfast? Meet at the dining hall?"

"I don't know.. I might not make breakfast. But I'll see you tomorrow." Maria put an arm around Rich's shoulder and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.


---------------------------------------------------------



Back in the dormitory common area Rich found his roommate Steven, playing pool by himself.

"So how did the dinner go?" Steven asked.

"Not bad.." Rich shrugged.

He racked up the balls and Steven took the first shot knocking several balls in.

"A dinner with the family usually means that things are getting serious." Steven lined up a shot and pounded it crisply into the corner pocket.

"I hardly know her.." Rich laughed.

"Yeah right." Steven curved the cue ball around several balls and knocked another ball into a side pocket.

"You've eaten dinner with Sara's parents, haven't you?"

"No." Steven grinned "I haven't even been invited." He finessed a ball towards a side pocket but missed the shot. His attention seemed distracted.

"Damien! What brings you here?"

Rich had heard girls rave about Damiens looks. Damien was about his height but with broader shoulders, long jet black hair tied into a ponytail, and dark mischevious eyes. He had a confidence and swagger about him that Rich immediately envied.

Damien grinned, "I heard your roommate got caught with a couple of cute girls -- in the girls dormitory!"

His voice was deep and masculine.

Steven eyed Rich. "So dinner was just.. not bad?"

"Well..um.." Rich chuckled.

"And one of the girls was my girl Anna!"

"Sorry Damien.. It was sort of a misunderstanding.."

Damien put an arm around Rich's back and pulled him aside. "Don't worry Rich, it's cool. Anna explained everything to me. She said that she told the housemother that you were her cousin. And since you're gay, there's nothing to worry about. It's cool. Do you wanna catch breakfast with Anna and me?"

"Sure."

Damien held out his hand and gave Rich a firm handshake.

"See you at seven?"

"I'll see you there."

Rich headed back over to Steven at the pool table.

"Everythings cool?

"It's cool."



--------------------------------------------------------



"..since you're gay.." Why did Damien say that? What did he mean by that? Rich tried to shrug it off as he lay in bed.

It was a dark moonless night and Rich strained to see as they made their way across the campus..

"I'm not gay." Rich told Damien trying to sound self assured.

"You're sure?"

"I'm sure!"

"Well, in that case.. This one's yours."

Rich caught a glimpse of her under the street light. Medium height, long flowing blonde hair, nice hips. His heart started beating hard as he sprinted towards her. Suddenly she heard him, turned and ran. She was fast , and Rich let her lead a little enjoying the chase. She stumbled and fell then got back up and ran for a building.

Rich could hear her panting for breath as they ran down a hall, into a stairwell and down some stairs. The stairs went down deeper and deeper, with their surroundings beginning to resemble more of a cave than a building. She stumbled again and this time Rich was on her. Her breasts heaved under her breath. Rich tore her blouse and bra off, placed his lips on a nipple for a second, then went for her pants. Instead of fighting back her arms wrapped around him and the next thing he knew he was on top of her quivering body, on the ground. She smiled slightly and pushed hard as his penis slid deep inside her pulsing vagina.

"Ohhhhh..." She gasped, her body shaking, she eyed Rich with a dark penetrating stare.

As the intensity grew her eyes began glowing red. Her fingernails gouged into his back, and wrinkles creased her face. Her mouth opened wide exposing long jagged teeth, and she bit down hard on his cheek.

The pain was intense but Damien nodded his approval..

"Nooo, I won't let you.." Maria's voice sobbed. "Stop it now!"

"It's cool Maria..." Rich reassured her.

Maria stepped into view. Tears streamed down her pained face. "No, it is not cool!" Intensity flashed from her eyes.

"Ahhhhhhhhhh!!" The demon shrieked, barring her teeth like an angry animal. Maria had her by the hair.

The demon lashed her claws at Maria. There was a flash of intense bright white light and the demon was gone.

"Bravo, bravo!" Damien laughed. "Well done Maria. Very well done!"

Maria glared at Damien and took Rich's hand in her own.



----------------------------------------------------



A big group of girls were crowded around a table in the Dining Hall. Damiens head poked up above the crowd and Damien waved Rich over.

The girls said their goodbyes and Damien made room at the table for Rich.

"How are you doing Rick?" Damien smiled infectuously and held out a hand.

"Not too bad." Rich smiled back. ".. but I had some weird dreams last night."

"Well stud, you had a pretty eventful day yesterday." Anna giggled.

"And I probably shouldn't have teased you." Damien grinned. "I know you're not gay!"

A wave of relief washed over Rich. "So, what are you guys up to?"

Anna set a hand softly on Rich's shoulder "Do you know much about magic?"

"You mean like "Harry Potter"?"

"Yeah, sort of." Damien nodded. "Have you ever been to a circle?"

" 'Cause..." Anna budded in ".. you're invited to come to ours tonight Rick. If you're interested..." She rubbed Rich's shoulder tenderly.

"Maria, I don't know what to tell you to make you feel better.." Rich shook his head. " But to be totally honest I don't really believe in magic."

Maria's face was a picture of pained, but stubborn, determination.

"You were actually completely naked at the circle?"

"It was no big deal." Maria answered abruptly. She shrugged "It's supposed to free your consiousness from connections you make when you wear certain clothing."

Yeah right.. I'll bet Damien enjoyed it...

"So you actually got together with a group of people, and you took off all of your clothes -- totally naked!"

"Does it bothers you?" Maria asked weakly. A little shame showed in her eyes. She seemed suprised by the troubled look on Rich's face.

"Maybe a little." Rich mumbled. "Wasn't it weird?"

"Rich... Go to Damiens circle... and you'll see that it's no big deal.."

----------------------------------

The Quad was bustling with activity. Various groups had set up booths advertising their student clubs.

Rich was heading for the Student Union to get some lunch when he spotted Lisa.

Lisa was a cute little girl, who would have been a lot cuter if she didn't wear her hair pulled back so severely, or wore dresses that made her look almost pregnant.

Lisa was positively bent on "converting" Rich to Christianity, never mind that Rich had already explained to her that he was a "Christian". She would ask questions like "How sure are you that you're going to heaven?" and "How was your walk with Jesus today?".

"Rich!" Lisa rushed over to Rich and gave him a weak half-hearted Christian style hug. Grinning ear-to-ear Lisa asked simply. "How are you doin'?"

"Not bad.. And you?"

Lisa was giddy about something.

"Great!" Lisa pointed excitedly "Jenny is teaching Damien about Jesus!!"

Sure enough, there was Jenny, the student head of Campus Christians, talking to Damien and Anna. Rich heard Jenny's voice and caught a few of the words

"--and so Amy's supposed to go out on the stage and bop Joe, who's playing the devil, on the head with this toy plastic bat -- but she grabs the wrong bat -- and she takes this great big swing! --"

Jenny had Damien, Anna, and a couple of her friends laughing so hard they were in tears.

"Rich! So, are you coming to our circle tonight?" Damien called.

"Yeah, I think so." Rich called back.

"Cool, I've got some directions and info about our circle for you." Damien pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket.

"Have you ever been to a circle?" Anna asked Jenny.

Jenny Hamilton

Jenny Hamilton was heaven bent on helping to save as many souls as she could. It was her life's goal and her Christian duty. Despite the efforts of others to see her fall from grace, she neither shied away from her beliefs nor did she fear their devilish ways so it didn't surprise her when Anna asked if she had ever been to a circle.

"No, actually, I haven't," she replied, her eyes seeking out Damien's. There was no denying that she was attracted to him -- most of the girls on campus were. His brooding good looks, his outgoing personality; Jenny had made bringing him into the Shepherd's fold an almost sacrosanct commitment. Besides, if Damien found Jesus then maybe...

Damien reached out and placed his fingers under his chin, lifting her face toward his and staring deeply into her eyes. "I'd like it very much if you would join us this evening, Jenny."

Her knees trembled and other parts of her reacted to his touch as well. It was a trick of the devil himself, Jenny reminded herself, struggling to fight back the sensations. She knew about the ways of a man and a woman, of course... She wasn't completely ignorant. It was just that she knew it was wrong to fornicate and that she would wait for marriage to explore this. In the meantime, she would just have to resist the temptation. In the meantime, she would work all the harder at leading Damien toward the True Path.

Her eyelids flickered as he pressed his lips against her forehead tenderly. "Please join us this evening, Jenny. Please?"

Jenny stared into his eyes and nodded. "You know, I think I will. Just tell me where and when," she said, pulling a small notepad from her purse. Sharing his life experiences could only make it easier for him to accept sharing hers -- and that of their Savior.

"I'll be there," she smiled into his eyes. "But for now I'm off to class."

"I'm looking forward to your thoughts," Damien whispered against her ear. Jenny giggled and nodded, absolutely certain now that he was asking for her help and guidance.