"Are you kidding?! His eyes are his best feature. I mean when you look into them they're all sparkly and full of life. And the way their almond shape disappears when he smiles. Tell me I'm wrong," dared Alex, Sierra's sister.

Sierra could only sigh when she thought of Adam's gorgeous eyes and the adorable way he smiled. "You're right, but the more I think about it, all of Adam's features are his best. He's just all around gorgeous."

"True."

Just then Adam walked in with Rocky at his side. He was smiling at one of Rocky's bad jokes. The two girls sighed simultaneously when he let out a chuckle. "He's so adorable," they said as thoughts of marital bliss entered each of their minds.

The boys went down on the mats and prepared to spar. Adam, who wore a black sweat suit, began taking off his shirt and then his pants. He had no idea the trouble that he was causing.

"Dear God, I want that man!" exclaimed Sierra as she watched Adam's pants hit the floor.

"You'll have to get past me first," said Alex in a threatening tone.

"What are you talking about? I saw him first. He's mine," argued Sierra.

"Over my dead body is he yours."

"Well that can be arranged. Have you forgotten that I know where you sleep?"

"Yeah, but I'm not the one who falls asleep first."

"Yeah, well... well... are we really fighting over a guy?"

"I think so," said Alex who had never so much as raised her voice in anger to Sierra. "That was weird. Let's not do that again."

"Yeah, but we both want the same guy. What are we gonna do about that?"

"Well we'll both go after him. He'll choose the one he wants."

"Are you sure you wanna do that?" she said fearing that the girl who was not chosen would be jealous.

"Yes. I will never let anything come between us. And if Adam chooses you, I'll be happy for you both as long as you don't throw it in my face."

"I would never do anything to hurt you. You're my sister- my best friend."

"The same goes for me. You mean more to me than anything and if Adam were to pick me I wouldn't rub it in."

"Okay, so we'll have a friendly and fair competition for Adam's affections. Deal?" asked Sierra and put out her hand to seal the agreement.

"Deal," said Alex as she accepted the handshake. "May the luckiest girl win."

"It'll be you and Adam would be the lucky one," Sierra said.

"That's very sweet, but Adam would be luckier to have you."

"No he wouldn't. I mean you have something in common- martial arts."

"Yeah, but you're sweet and funny and absolutely beautiful."

"You're just saying that."

"It's true. Adam's gonna pick you," insisted Alex.

"No he'll pick you."

"No you."

"No you."

"You."

"You...."

"What are you grinning about?" asked Adam in his soft shy voice.

"You."

"Me?" Adam stopped folding his clothes and looked at Rocky. "What did I do?"

"You are the only male that I know that can take off his clothes and be totally oblivious to two of the most gorgeous girls at Angel Grove High ogling him."

"What are you talking about?"

"You know Sierra and Alex Peterson?"

"Ya of course."

"They like you."

"Come on Rocky get a life."

"No look!" Rocky pointed to the table where the girls were. Adam looked over and both girls smiled and turned away, embarrassed. "See. Why don't you ask one of them to Homecoming?"

"I don't know. I wouldn't know which one to choose. They are both so... perfect."

"How about you go out with Sierra and I'll go out with Alex. That way neither of them will feel left out."

Adam nodded at the logic in his friend's words, "Sounds good to me."

Rocky grinned. "Cool. You ready for me to beat your butt at sparring?" Adam only smiled.

Rocky knew that his friend was totally out in the cold with the "Girls think I'm sexy" thing. Rocky had spent most of his high school career in the shadow of Adam. With his friend's self- confidence being so low, he had never noticed. It was all Rocky could do to keep from yelling at the beautiful young ladies who would come up to him and say something along the lines of "Adam is so gorgeous, do you think he would go out with me?" Rocky just smiled at his thoughts and then followed Adam to the mats.

Adam had been watching Sierra for the last ten minutes. It was obvious that she was waiting for Alex because that was what she did each day at this time. A week had gone by since Rocky had enlightened him to her and Alex's infatuation with him and suggested that he ask out one sister so that he could ask the other.

All week he had come to the youth center after school with the purpose of inviting Sierra to the Homecoming dance with him, but all week he had failed to find the courage to do so. Now would be his last chance for he had overheard some boys talking in the locker room and learned that one of them was planning to call Sierra later tonight to ask her out. That would leave him with no one for Rocky was hoping to make Alex his date for the dance. And he would have to do it soon, because Alex would be there any minute and knowing that the both of them liked him, he would feel awkward asking one out in front of the other.

Adam slowly walked over to the spot where she was sitting. "Uh, hi Sierra."

"Hi Adam. How are you?" she said with more enthusiasm than she had wanted.

"Good and you?"

"Good."

There was a long silence. Adam could only stare at his shoes hoping that the strength to ask her out would come to him very quickly.

"Is there anything wrong?"

"Oh, no- well yes- I mean....Sierra I was wondering if you had a date for Homecoming."

Sierra's heart jumped to her throat. He was actually going to ask her to the Homecoming dance. It looked as though she was the lucky one. She only hoped that Alex wouldn't be too upset....

"Hey, sorry I'm late. I had to talk to my Bio teacher after school and he would not shut up."

"It's okay," she said not yet able to look her sister in the face.

"Sierra are you okay?"

"Actually, I'm better than okay. I have some news to tell you-"

"Hey girls," Rocky interrupted.

"Hi Rocky, how's it goin'?"

"Great. Alex, I was wondering if I could talk to you... alone?"

"Um, sure. Sierra do you mind?"

"No, not at all. I'm gonna head home and start on my homework. We'll talk when you get in," she said and gathered her books to leave, relieved that she had a little time before having to tell her sister the news about Adam.

"Okay. I'll be home shortly."

"All right hurry cuz it's your turn to cook."

"Sierra I cook every night."

"I know, so hurry. 'Bye Rocky." And then she was gone.

"So take a load off and tell me what's on your mind," Alex said focusing her full attention on the boy beside her.

"Are you going to the Homecoming dance?"

"Only if I get a date."

"You don't have a date?" he said both shocked and relieved that someone hadn't already beaten him to asking her to the dance.

"Not that I know of."

"I'd have thought that every guy in the school would have asked you by now."

"Not a one."

"Well they probably thought that you already had a date and didn't want you to turn them down."

"That's very sweet even if it is a lie," she laughed. "So are you going?"

"Only if you'll go with me."

"Me?"

"Yeah. I'm a lot of fun. And we can double with Adam and Sierra, so you'll have someone to talk to if I bore you to death."

"Adam and Sierra are going together?" she asked, feeling her heart begin to crack.

"Yeah. Why, did you want him to ask you?"

"Oh, no. It's just that Sierra hadn't said anything to me," she lied hoping that Rocky hadn't seen how badly she hurt.

"If there's someone else you'd rather go with I'll understand."

"Who could be a better date than Rocky DeSantos?" she willed herself to smile. "But how 'bout we go it alone? I hate double dates- we'll only ignore each other."

"Whatever makes you happy."

"Great. I gotta go," she said after looking at the time. "I got homework and dinner."

"How about a ride?"

"That would be great."

Rocky carried her books and opened the car door for her. She seemed as though she couldn't care less about Adam asking Sierra to the dance. Maybe it was him that she had been staring at all those times. Could he actually be this lucky? He dropped her off at her house with the promise that he would call later that night to begin making plans for their date. Then he drove off at top speed to Adam's house.

Alex went inside and went straight to the kitchen to prepare dinner. When she was upset she liked to bake and so she whipped up a batch of oatmeal cookies- Sierra's favorite- for dessert. Sierra was in her room and hadn't known that her roommate had returned home until the smell of Italian herbs wafted into her room. She finished up with her work and hurried downstairs to tell Alex the news. "Hey... how long have you been home?" asked Sierra when she saw the mess in the kitchen that Alex had been cooking for a long time.

"About an hour. Dinner will be ready soon."

"What are we having?"

"Chicken Parmesan."

"Wow, what's the occasion?"

"It's no big deal. Can't I make a nice dinner for my best friend?"

"That was not a complaint. Can I do something?"

"Set the table."

"Sure."

Sierra went to the cabinet and took out the usual place settings. She began setting the table and was strangely quiet. Alex knew that she was more than likely having a hard time finding a way to tell her about Adam. She decided not to let her friend suffer any longer. After all, Adam had chosen Sierra fair and square. Atleast she had a date for Homecoming. Maybe she would fall for Rocky if she tried hard enough.

"So... Adam asked you to Homecoming," Alex said nonchalantly.

"What? How did you know?"

"Rocky told me. He asked me if I would go with him and double with you."

"What did you say?"

"I said I'd go with him. Though I think that he asked me because he felt sorry for me."

"Why is that?"

"Because he knows that we both were waiting for Adam to ask us. He only asked me because he found out that I didn't have a date."

Sierra knew that it wasn't true. Alex was just feeling too sorry for herself to admit that one guy or another had wanted to ask her. She had been too wrapped up in her pursuit of Adam to notice anyone else. She was glad that Rocky had asked her out. Sierra had had a feeling that Rocky had been interested in her sister for a long time.

"So are we doubling?"

"Sie, I am happy that he asked you- really I am- but I don't think I can handle seeing you together just yet." Just then the phone rang. "That's probably Rocky. I'm gonna take it upstairs. Help yourself everything's done," she said and started for the stairs.

"Are you coming back down?"

"I'm not real hungry," she said and was gone.

Sierra was beginning to lose her appetite. She had hurt her best friend. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, Alex was upset over Adam. She knew her sister to be strong, but just how much could she take? Would she get over it as she said she would? Or would it destroy their relationship?

Alex and Rocky talked on the phone for a few hours. She got to know Rocky pretty well- actually Rocky and all of his siblings. She even managed to learn to put names with voices. There was Carlos, Kelly, Maria, Sam, Christopher, and Melody. How did Rocky get screwed with such a bad name? The phone interrupted her thoughts.

"Hello?"

"May I speak to Sierra please?"

"May I ask whose calling please?"

"Adam Park," It was he, the real man of her dreams. God what I wouldn't give to hear him ask to speak to me. She thought. "I'll get her, hold on," Alex put on her bravest smile and went down stairs. "Sierra!" She said in her best actress enthusiasm.

"What is it Alex?"

"Adam is on the phone for you."

"Really?"

"Yep."

Sierra ran up stairs and picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Hi Sierra."

A couple of hours later Sierra came down off of cloud nine and went back to the living room. She noticed that Alex's eyes were red and puffy and she had just about gone through the entire box of tissues. "What's wrong, Hon?"

"Nothing," she said quickly.

"You sure?"

"Yes I'm sure. I was watching The Last Of The Mohicans and was thinking how great it would be to have someone love me as much as Uncas loved Alice. I mean he raced up a mountain, fought a bunch of men and even gave his life for her- it's so...romantic," she gushed.

"Yeah, it is," Sierra knew that she had truly been crying about this Adam thing. She vowed not to date Adam after the dance. She couldn't stand to see her sister like this anymore. Especially over a guy. Even if he was Adam Park.

Rocky hung around Alex every available second and Alex seemed to love the attention that he was showing her. He would bring her flowers or a box of chocolates. And would open doors for her and carry her books. But it didn't matter. She wanted Adam. Sure everything Rocky was doing for her was incredible and she could fall for him if she would only let herself. But to do that she must get over her want of another man.

Adam.

The soft voice that was like a whisper in the wind. A poetic soul. The good looks and shy personality that was him. For Alex he was the forbidden treasure that she had worked so hard to acquire and she lost to her best friend. That was what made it so hard.

Alex knew that she needed to get over this if Sierra was ever to be happy. Her sadness over losing Adam had become apparent to Sierra and Alex knew that she would do anything to remedy it. Even if it meant giving up Adam. Alex could not allow her friend to suffer as she had. She swore to herself that she would either get over Adam or make sure that no one saw her hurt. In order to do that she would need the distraction that Rocky provided. He seemed to genuinely like her, so she would allow herself to accept his feelings and maybe even fall in love. She could only hope.

The night of the Homecoming Dance had finally arrived. Both girls waited in anticipation for the arrival of their dates. Alex wore a blue silk dress. It had spaghetti straps and was low cut to show off her cleavage- of which Alex had plenty. It was even lower cut in the back and tight around her waist then hung loose half way down her thighs. Her hair was in a swirl of curls atop her head and stray curls fell to the sides. Her shoes were the same colour as her dress and made her several inches taller. Sierra was dressed in a red silk dress, which was in the style of a Kimono. Her hair was in an elaborate French braid that hung down her back with small sections taken out and curled so that they framed her face.

There was a knock at the door, which made both girls' hearts thump nervously. "I'll look ," Alex said. Alex went to the door and looked out the peephole. "It's Adam," she whispered excitedly. "Are you ready?"

"I don't know. I'm nervous."

"Me too. Okay, I'm opening it," she said and turned the doorknob. "Hi Adam," she said as she pulled the door open.

"Alex?! Wow, you look... you look great."

Her heart soared. He thought that she looked great. Sierra was lucky to have him and she planned to make sure that nothing came between them- especially her own selfishness.

"Thanks, you look good too. Come in."

"Hello Adam."

"Sierra...." He was speechless.

"I think he means you look gorgeous."

"Stop it Al!" Sierra squealed.

"No, she's right. You look beautiful."

Sierra blushed shyly, "Thank you."

Adam gave her a beautiful corsage to put around her wrist. Alex flashed a picture as he did. "Don't start with the pictures Al," Sierra said through clenched teeth.

"Just one more. Get together."

Adam placed his arm around Sierra's tiny waist and smiled brightly when she returned the gesture. Alex took the picture that finished out the roll of film. She went upstairs to find another one to use at the dance. Rocky had arrived while she was in her room.

Sierra opened the door and was met by an incredible sight. Rocky was dressed in a black suit, white shirt and a red (his signature color) tie. He looked so good that Sierra almost wished that he had asked her to the dance. "Oh my God," was her initial reaction upon seeing him. It was a sight that had never before been seen- much to Rocky's satisfaction. He had once sworn that no one would ever catch him dressed in a suit, trying to impress a girl.

"Oh my God!" was also the reaction of Rocky's best friend who had never seen him dressed in this manner save one occasion.

"Will you guys cut it out. It's not like I've never been in a suit before," he said defensively, feeling a little self-conscious.

"Rocky we've been best friends for life and I've only seen you in a suit on one other occasion and that was our graduation from junior high."

"Well, I wanted to look nice for Alex," he said a slight blush rising to his cheeks.

"Well Rocky, you're definitely gonna impress her. You look great," Sierra said.

"You really think so?"

"Absolutely."

"Okay you guys just a few more pictures and I'll leave you alone for the rest of the night... Rocky! I didn't know you were here yet," Alex said as she descended the stairs. It was his turn to take the Lord's name in vain. "Oh my God!" he said when he caught sight of his date. She looked stunning. He could barely breathe as he watched her make her way down the stairs to greet him.

"Look at you! In a suit and lookin' handsome. You clean up pretty nice Rocko," she said and slid her hand down his lapel.

"Thanks. You look... amazing."

"Thank you."

"Oh, these are for you," he said remembering the bouquet of roses in his hand.

"Oh, wow! Rocky they're beautiful. Thank you- this is so sweet," She said and gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, leaving a lipstick print that she wiped away with her thumb.

"I'm gonna put these in some water and then I'll be ready."

"Okay,"

"We're gonna get going," said Adam.

"Yeah, we'll see you at the dance. And keep that camera away from me Alexius," Sierra warned.

"Ooh. She used the long version. Of course you know this means war?!" she said in a mock southern accent.

"Yes, and I intend to be the victor," Sierra played along.

"We shall see my dear," she said and disappeared down the hallway.

She returned with a single rose that she wanted to keep with her for the night and found Rocky nervously pacing the floor and fidgeting with his tie. God he was so handsome. She had been very stupid in overlooking him for so long. Forget the fact that he wasn't Adam and Rocky was everything she could ever ask for in a man. Perhaps she would get over Adam a lot sooner than she had thought.

" I'm ready."

"All right. Oh, I hope you don't mind, but I promised my mom that we would stop over for pictures. She's really dying to embarrass me."

"Well, one of our parents has to do it and since mine don't live in Angel Grove, your mom is the chosen one. Besides, I need someone to take pictures of me with the hottest guy at AGH," Rocky only blushed as he opened the door for her.

Rocky's family made quite a big deal out of Rocky having a date, wearing a suit, and having such a pretty girlfriend. Alex never corrected anyone when they gave her that title. It gave him hope. His mother took pictures of them in every pose she could think of. His brothers and sisters joined in the pictures as well. Rocky was dying of embarrassment, but when he noticed that Alex seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself he began to relax. She seemed to feel comfortable interacting with his family like she had known them for a long time. Although that could be attributed to all the phone conversations that were interrupted be every member of the DeSantos family.

"Ma, we have to go. The dance already started."

"Oh all right. Have fun and make sure you take pictures."

"Don't you have enough-"

"We will Mrs. DeSantos," Alex said sweetly as Rocky led her outside.

Rocky proudly entered the dance with Alex on his arm, turning heads as they walked by. Neither was sure if they were staring at her or him. He immediately went over to mingle with his group of friends. Tommy and Kim were together- of course- and Billy and Aiesha were dates for the evening. Everyone already knew Alex so introductions were not necessary.

The girls talked about each other's dresses, hairstyles, and Rocky being in a suit. It was annoying to Rocky that it kept coming up, but he understood why. He noticed that Adam and Sierra had secluded themselves from the group and thought that it was a great idea. He asked Alex if she wanted some punch, hoping to steer her away from his friends and get her to himself.

"I'm okay, but I bet you're starving, aren't you."

"Actually I am kinda hungry. Do you mind if we eat?"

"No. As long as you don't over do it, cuz I'll be wanting to dance soon."

Rocky was at a buffet table surrounded by delicious foods and found himself unable to eat. The beat of the music had been so irresistible to Alex that she went to the sidelines to dance by herself for a while. But soon the guys came in swarms wanting to dance with her. Much to his surprise she turned them all down, saving herself for her date. She continued dancing. Nothing big, just moving back and forth to the music. The sexy sway of her hips soon drew him from the table and had him pulling Alex out to the center of the dance floor.

Alex was an incredible dancer and Rocky found it hard to keep up with her at first. By the fourth song though, the Latin in him broke free and he was soon twirling her around the dance floor. They were the center attraction for two more songs. After that Alex needed a rest. Rocky led he to a table were she promptly sat down and kicked off her shoes. She was flushed and sweating and laughing all the while. And she still looked absolutely beautiful to Rocky.

"Are you okay? Do your feet hurt? I can rub them for you."

"I'm okay, but I might take you up on that offer later on though."

"How about some punch?"

"That would be great."

"Okay, I'll be right back."

Upon Rocky's departure, Sierra came over to Alex. She wanted to congratulate her on having such a great time and being the most popular girl at the dance.

"Sie, have you been sniffing Adam too much or what? I am hardly the most popular girl at the dance."

"Well if you're not you certainly rank up there. Everyone is talking about you- and Rocky's being in a suit."

"He looks adorable doesn't he?" she said with a smile as she looked in his direction. He was talking to Adam and both were oblivious to the fact that they were being watched.

Sierra could see something in her friend's eyes that hadn't been there before. She was about to fall head over heels for Rocky and no force on earth could stop it. "He does," Sierra agreed.

"So does Adam. You guys look great together."

"Thanks Al."

"I'm happy for you. I really mean that," she said.

"I know you do and it means the world to me," she said and gave her sister a quick squeeze.

"Does this mean I can take pictures without a fight?"

"Not on your life."

"I will get my pictures."

"Right, right. Here they come. I'm gonna met Adam half way, have fun."

Sierra met Adam and accepted the glass of punch he gave her. "They look so cute together, don't they?" she said looking in the direction of their friends. "Yeah they do, but so do we," said Adam. He got a shy smile from her. "I just realized that we haven't really danced at all tonight. How about it?"

"I'd love to."

The two got on the floor just as a slow song came on. Adam took her gently in his arms and danced her around the floor slowly. "I'm really glad you came with me tonight. I don't think I would have had this much fun with anyone else," Adam said softly.

"I'm glad you asked me."

"I'm glad you said yes," Sierra smiled. "You have a beautiful smile," he said and kissed her softly. Sierra wrapped her arms more tightly around his neck and deepened the kiss. Adam's tongue slipped inside the warmness of her mouth, drinking of its sweetness. It was something that he had wanted to do for a long time. His arms tighten around her waist as they broke the kiss. "Is it too soon to ask you to go steady?" he said half-joking, half-serious.

Sierra smiled and looked over his shoulder at Alex who was laughing heartily with her date. Seeing Al in that state proved to her that her relationship with Adam- whatever became of it- wouldn't be hard on her sister. She had her own man now. "Adam Park, I would love to go steady with you," she said and kissed him again.

Alex caught this kiss and was actually not upset by it. In fact she saw it as her cue to take pictures of her friend without starting a battle. "Check it out," she said, pointing Rocky in their direction. "It's good to see that they're getting along," Rocky observed, delighted that she wasn't angry or upset by the embrace.

"Yeah and it's a definite Kodak moment," she said and removed her camera from it's case. Rocky watched as Alex sneaked closer and snapped several pictures of the kissing couple. She returned to the table with a look of triumph.

"Does this mean you'll stop bugging her for pictures?"

"Are you kidding?! I love bugging her. Besides, if I don't she'll think something's up and I definitely want these to be a surprise," she said with a devilish grin.

Rocky and Alex sat through the next set of songs and talked. Rocky told a few of his stupid jokes and got actual sincere laughs from her. No one had ever really laughed at his jokes before. His friends did either to be nice or because they were so dumb that they couldn't help laughing. But not Alex. She thought he was funny and that stirred him more than he cared to admit.

He found out that Alex was adopted and had a twin sister that she had been separated from at birth. They found each other only a year ago and they felt like they had known each other all of their lives. Nova lived somewhere else at the moment, but Alex hoped that she would soon join her and Sierra- her adopted sister- in Angel Grove. "The three of us together would be a force to be reckoned with," was how she put it.

"So you mean there are two of you?"

"Yeah, but we have our differences. She has a much worse temper than I do."

"That's not necessarily a good thing," he said never actually being on the receiving end of Alex's temper, but having heard stories of it in the locker room. "Are you identical?"

"Yup."

"Wow. I can't imagine anyone being as beautiful as you."

He hadn't meant to say it out loud and wished that he could take it back. She probably thought that he was a complete sap.

"That's sweet, Rocky. Thank you," He blushed.

"Don't be shy Rocky. I really like you," This only made his blush deepen. "And you are really cute when you blush."

Rocky was now a deep crimson and it was all she could do to keep from laughing. Shy had never seen him act so shy before and it appealed to her.

The music for "Ribbon In The Sky" started. It was one of Alex's favorites and she definitely wanted to dance to it with Rocky. "C'mon. Let's dance," she said and pulled him from his chair. They moved onto the crowded dance floor and into each other's arms.

Rocky took her right hand from his, placed it around his neck, and put his arm around her waist. He listened intently to the words of the song and found that they were expressing his feelings for Alex. How perfect that she picked this as their first slow dance.

"I love this song," she said as she rested her head against his chest. "It's so romantic," she sighed.

The words of the song seemed to overpower Rocky. And as the music played on, "Alex... I really like you too. I always have."

She only looked at him, checking for sincerity. Upon getting her answer she pulled Rocky into a passionate kiss. The final words of the song played as she did and everyone watched in awe as they kissed long into the next song.

"Well would you look at that," Adam said when he caught sight of Rocky and Alex's liplock. "I never thought I'd see this happen."

"Me neither. And as Alex would say, "This is a definite Kodak moment," Now where did she put that camera?" Adam watched as Sierra mimicked what Alex had done only minutes ago. Boy would she be in for a surprise when she got these developed! Perhaps she would be nice and allow her sister to take a few pictures of her without complaint. Nah! Then she would think that something was up.

The rest of the night went by in a blur. Both couples were having the time of their lives. The ended up hanging together for a while, both girls grinning like the cat who swallowed the canary. Alex bugged for pictures and Sierra refused. Alex still had no idea why Sierra hated having her picture taken, but was beginning to think that it was just one of many methods of irking her. Sierra did relent to taking group shots. They took bunches of pictures together and with Rocky and Adam's friends. Finally they got in line for professional pictures, Sierra being dragged kicking and screaming all the way. They took poses as couples and as a group. Then Sierra actually suggested a picture of just the girls together- she always softened when it came to taking pictures with her sister. Adam and Rocky decided to do the same, realizing that they never took pictures together anymore- unless it was a shot of the Rangers.

While Sierra and her date were posing for a key chain picture, Alex asked Rocky if he was ready to go. "You wanna go home already? But I thought we were having fun."

"Who said anything about going home?" she smiled. "Maybe we could go for a drive or something. I just want to have you to myself for a while."

"Oh," was all he could say.

"Hey you two, have fun. Rocky and I are gonna jet."

"Aw. You're going home already?" asked Adam.

"Who said anything about going home?" Rocky mimicked Alex, earning a giggle from her. "Alex wants to get me all to herself."

"Oh, so we're not sharing?" Sierra joked.

"Nope. And uh, don't wait up," she said, locking her arm in Rocky's and leading him to the exit, waving good-bye to people on their way.

Rocky and Alex ended up on the beach. It was one of his favorite places and proved to be a very romantic spot at night. They walked in silence enjoying each other's company. Alex slipped her hand in his, to Rocky it seemed a perfect fit. How had he gotten so lucky? It was because of Adam's indecision. For a moment he found himself picturing Adam with Alex, but quickly pushed the thought from his mind. But he couldn't help but wonder how Alex would react if she knew why Adam had asked Sierra to the dance and not her. He figured that he should find out before he got too caught up in being with her.

"Alex, I have a confession."

"You're an ax murderer and you're planning to kill me?"

"No."

"What's wrong?" she said and stopped walking, urging him to do the same.

"The reason why Adam asked Sierra to the dance is because I told him not to ask you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, he couldn't decide between the two of you so I told him to go with Sierra because I wanted you to go with me."

"Really?" she said, a bit amused by the whole thing.

"You aren't upset are you?"

"Why should I be?"

"Because of Adam."

"Was it that obvious that I liked him?"

"Uh, no," he said not quite convincing his own voice with that reply.

"Oh Rocky, you're a terrible liar. And no, I'm not upset. My sister is the happiest I have ever seen her because of Adam. And besides, if you hadn't convinced him to ask her, I might not be here with you."

"You really mean that?"

"Yes. C'mon, let's sit down a while," she said and moved to sit in the sand.

"No, wait!" he stopped her. He removed his jacket and laid it in the sand. "I don't want you to get your dress dirty," he said sweetly as he eased her down onto it.

"When did you get to be so sweet?"

"I don't know," he said and sat beside her. "I guess you bring out the gentleman in me."

Rocky watched as Alex pulled bobby pins from her hair and shook it down, letting it flow over her shoulders. The smell of strawberries invaded his nostrils as she did so. She had a beautiful head of hair that he was just dying to run his fingers through. "I love your hair."

"Really?

"Promise not to hit me, but I like it better straight. I like when it kinda hangs in your face, cuz you have this way of pushing it back that just...and I am saying way too much."

"No, it's okay. Tell me," she said and did exactly what he was talking about.

"Like that. Just like that. You look amazing when you do that. I sound kinda stupid, huh?"

"No. You sound like someone I want to get to know better."

They were quiet for a long time, studying one another when they thought the other wasn't looking. Rocky watched as she rolled her neck in a circle, her hair swinging every which way. She looked like she could use a neck rub so he moved behind her and placed his hands in motion. "Oh Rocky, that feels fantastic," she groaned.

Without realizing it, Rocky's hands moved into her thick mass of curls and began playing in it. It was so soft and silky. He had no idea, but he had found one of Alex's pleasure spots. Her nipples were hardening and soon became very noticeable against the thin fabric of her dress. He moved back down to her neck under her chin. She jumped, giggling.

"What'd I do?"

"I'm ticklish there," she said.

"Oh, sorry."

"It's okay. You know I think I'm ready for that foot massage."

"At your service," he said and positioned himself in front of her. Alex leaned on her elbows, dropping her head back. Rocky took one of her feet, noticing her dress sliding higher on her thigh. He saw that she was wearing thigh highs and garters. Boy did that ever turn him on. He tried to occupy his mind with her foot, but even that made his blood boil- and her moans of pleasure weren't helping one bit.

"Rocky you have amazing hands... Ah!" she squeaked and pulled her foot away.

"Ticklish?" he said with a mischievous grin.

"Rocky no," she said already laughing. He grabbed her foot and began tickling her torturously. She threw her head about, laughing hysterically and trying to save her foot from his fingers' assault. Rocky had hoped that this would ease the fire that had ignited in his groin and it did, but not for long. Her dress was sliding higher up her legs and he could now see that she was wearing a pair of blue thong panties. He let go of her foot and allowed her to fix herself, as her laughter ebbed.

She was smiling at him with those voluptuous lips of hers and wanted he to kiss her so badly, but wanted more of her laughter and the feel of her body straining against his. His devilish grin had returned and Alex knew that she was in for another onslaught of tickling. She unconsciously wrapped her arms around her sides. Rocky saw this and moved in for the kill. "Let's see...where else could Alex be ticklish?!"

"Rocky no-"

It was too late. His fingers broke through the barrier of her arms and tickled her ribs like crazy. Alex was laughing so hard that she could barely breathe and couldn't fight him off. "O...Okay! I- I give!" she laughed. Rocky, who was also laughing, made her beg several more times before ending his torment on her sides. Alex was gasping for air and had a huge smile on her face. Rocky's kiss took her by surprise.

He couldn't take it any longer. She looked absolutely beautiful when she was helpless in his arms. He was having flashbacks from their kiss at the dance and knew he had to have more. His lips crushed against hers so fiercely that she stiffened at first. Then slowly she relaxed and returned the gesture.

Rocky was on top of her- between her legs. His hands moved over her body touching places that he knew that he shouldn't. His hands slid up her dress and inside her meager panties, letting his finger trace the length of her womanhood. She was wet. Rocky's fingers delved deeper, spreading her nether lips. His index finger pushed its way inside her warmth. His thumb found the little button above her opening and began stroking it. Alex moaned against his lips. Her hips pushed against his hand with urgency.

To her disappointment he pulled his hand away to remove her panties. Once they were out of the way his fingers went to his pants, that's when he felt her pushing him away. "Rocky. Rocky," she said as her hands pushed against his chest. The reality of what he had been doing suddenly kicked in and he felt terrible. "Alex I'm sorry! I-I shouldn't have," he said, not able to look at her.

"It's okay," she tried to reassure him, "I was just going to say that Sierra won't be home for hours if you'd like to take me home," she said running a hand through his hair. Rocky looked in her eyes. "Are-"

"Shh," she said placing her lips against his in a quick kiss. She only pulled back far enough to speak. "Don't ask questions. Just do what feels right. That's what I'm doing," she said and kissed him once more.

Rocky grabbed her panties, stuffing them into his pocket, wrapped his jacket around Alex and pulled her into his strong arms, never breaking the kiss. He carried her to his jeep and placed her in the passenger side. They were on their way to the Peterson home in no time.

After Adam and Sierra took pictures, they decided to go for a midnight drive. They went by the beautiful Angel Grove Park. Then they drove on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The moonlight danced upon the water and the stars shone like pinpoints. The tide rose and fell calmly in the fall breeze. Sierra looked to Adam and caught him looking at her from the corner of his eye. He blushed a deep scarlet, the returned his gaze to the road ahead of him.

"Where are we headed?" she asked meekly.

"Do you want me to take you back to your house?"

"No I was just curious."

"I thought we'd go to this romantic little diner up the road. It overlooks the ocean."

Sierra smiled.

They drove to the diner. Sierra looked upon it with historical wonder. It reminded her of the little cafes that they use in the 50's movies. Where the boy would buy them a chocolate shake with two straws and the two lovers would drink from the glass, eyes never wavering from the other's. Then they would reach out and hold one another's' hand.... Sierra quit daydreaming when they entered. Either she was psychic or she was a very good at guessing. The room they entered looked just like her imagination. They sat at a table and he ordered them a chocolate shake. She shook her head as the waitress sporting a teal poodle skirt went away.

"Don't you like chocolate?"

"On no, I love it. I just can't believe this."

"Why?"

"It's like a dream I've had."

"Well I'm glad that I can help indulge your dreams."

They sat in silence and waited for the waitress. Sierra noticed that they were the only ones there. Then the waitress came and dropped off the chocolate milkshake with two straws. Adam put both straws into the glass and they both took a long slurp. Sierra noticed that Adam's nose and cheeks were covered with very light brown freckles. It was precious. Adam got up and went over to the jukebox and put a quarter in, pressed a few numbers and then went back to the table and held his hand out to Sierra. She looked at his grinning face and took his hand. They went to the spot in the room that was reserved for dancing. Adam pulled her close like he had at the dance and swayed as the words were sung.

Sierra loved this song. It was exactly what she felt. Adam held her tight as the chorus rang out.

Adam moved her so that he could see her face and he mouthed the next couple of verses.

Adam returned her to her original position and he swayed with her to the last verses of the song. Adam could tell that she loved this song. She seemed to be the romantic type. The way she acted at the dance and letting him do all of the leading and suggesting led him to believe that she was an old fashioned girl. And that suited him just nicely.

The song ended but the two continued to dance unhindered by the absence of music. Adam and Sierra just listened to the harmonious music that their bodies were making together.

Rocky didn't know how long he had been asleep, but he knew that he had better get dressed and head home. He didn't want to be late getting in and didn't want Adam and Sierra to catch him leaving Alex's bedroom. Reluctantly he left the warmth of his lover's arms and searched for his clothes. He pulled them on quickly, fixing himself as best he could. He looked to the bed to see that Alex had stretched out and had kicked the covers off. She looked beautiful in all of her naked splendor.

Rocky pulled the covers over her and kissed her temple. She emitted a soft sigh. "Alex?" he whispered.

"Hmm?" she answered, only partially awake.

"I have to go."

"Mmm."

"I'll come get you tomorrow. We'll spend the day together, okay?"

"Mm hm," she said with a slight nod.

"I'll see you tomorrow. Sweet dreams," he said and kissed her temple once more. She smiled in her sleep.

Adam returned Sierra to her home a little after three. They had talked about their lives for a long time after their last dance in the cafe. It was obvious to the both of them that they were meant for each other. Adam walked her up to the porch.

"I had a wonderful time tonight," Sierra was finding it hard to meet his gaze.

"So did I. Would you like to do it again?"

"I would like that."

"How about tomorrow for an evening stroll by the beach?"

"That sounds wonderful."

"Good night Sierra."

"Good night Adam." Adam bent over and closed his eyes, pressing his thinner lips lightly against her full pink lips. The kiss was much simpler than the one in the Youth Center but no less passionate. They parted lips, he smiled at her, and she did the same.

"Good night," he left the porch without looking back.

"Good night," she breathed as he was getting into his car. She leaned back on the door and giggled to herself.

Alex awoke the following morning feeling a bit strange. She couldn't believe that she and Rocky had made love. Then she looked beneath the sheets and found the proof that they had indeed lost their virginity the night before. "Great, a stain. I'd better wash these before Sierra sees them. Alex got out of bed and realized for the first time that she was sore between her legs, a reminder of how well endowed her lover was. She put on her robe and tore the sheets from her bed. After gathering all of the evidence she proceeded downstairs to the laundry room and was meet by Sierra.Oh boy, I'd better think of a good one, like bed wetting she thought, not quite ready to reveal her secret.

"Mornin' Al. What are you doing with your sheets?"

"I'm gonna wash them," she said nonchalantly.

"But I just put them on your bed."

"Oh, yeah, well... I had a little accident."

"Oh really?"

"My monthly visitor came a little early and I wasn't exactly prepared."

"That's what you get for sleeping naked," she laughed and headed into the kitchen.

"Well that was easy."

Alex placed her soiled bedding in the wash and went to the kitchen to get some breakfast. Sierra had already made her bagel and creamed cheese with jelly. "Thanks Hon," she said and took a huge bite.

"Hungry?" Sierra laughed.

"A little," Alex answered as she wolfed down the rest of the bagel.

"How was the rest of your night with Rocky?"

Alex was suddenly at a loss for words. Was she ready to tell her that she had had sex with Rocky? No, not now. Later, she told herself. "It was fabulous. Rocky is a fantastic kisser," Sierra smiled. "How about you and Adam?" Sierra's expression became dreamy.

"Oh God. He's the romantic that girls say he is, isn't he?" Sierra nodded. "Well girl, don't just let me wonder."

"Well after the dance he took me to this little diner overlooking the ocean. He ordered us a milkshake with two straws. And then we danced and talked. Adam has the softest lips. They are like kissing an angel. Being with him is like being complete. Do you know how people say that their spouse is their soul mate? Well I think Adam is mine. Even if he was an ugly, stupid country farmer...."

"You've been reading The Good Earth too long."

"Oh shut up," Sierra said playfully. "I guess I would feel the same way about him no matter what- I guess that was the point of my ramblings."

"And what are your feelings dear sister?"

"Love I suppose. Or the closest thing I can feel to it right now with a man I hardly know. Or it could be just infatuation."

"No girl, it's love," Sierra smiled and Alex hugged her.

Alex decided that a celebration was in order- and was in the mood to barbecue- so she suggested that the four of them spend the afternoon together and have a picnic out back. Though it was fall the temperature was supposed to hit eighty-five degrees and would be a perfect day to open the pool. Sierra was very enthusiastic about her friend's idea and rushed to call Adam before taking a shower. Alex, still feeling strange about last night, decided to just wait for Rocky to show up as he had promised.

Alex was lounging by the pool in a red string bikini and a floral print sarong. Her hair was in a long ponytail and dark glasses shaded her eyes. Though seeing her naked was the ultimate viewing pleasure, Alex in a bikini set Rocky's blood on fire. He watched for another second, enjoying the sight of her.

"See something you like?" she said never looking up from her book.

How had she known he was there? He had done nothing to give away his presence. "I'm just good," she said as if she had read his thoughts. She looked up from her book and stared for a moment. Initially, seeing him had her feeling a bit awkward, but as she studied his eyes she saw something there that she thought could possibly be love. Perhaps she was exaggerating some, but there was something there that told her she would never regret giving him her innocence. "Are you gonna get over here and kiss me or what?"

Alex thought she saw a look of relief wash over his face as he walked towards her. Rocky squatted down and rested his weight on the balls of his feet. She held her arms out to him and welcomed his passionate kiss. "Hi," she said with a sweet smile.

"Hi," he smiled back. "I thought we were spending the day together."

"Ah, but we are. Sierra and I have planned a barbecue and you and Adam are our guests."

"Barbecue?" he said with a wide grin.

"I knew you'd like it."

"Rocky likes anything that has to do with food," came the voice of Adam from behind them.

"You know me so well."

"Yup. Come on, we've been put in charge of junk food. And we can stop and pick up our swim suits on the way."

"Cool. I'll be back," he said in a terrible Arnold Schwarzenegger imitation. Then he kissed Alex softly and followed Adam out of the yard.

Alex casually walked passed Sierra in the kitchen after the boys left for the junk food. She took a deep breath and then blurted, "Rocky and I had sex last night."

Sierra dropped the apple she had been taking back to the counter to cut into fruit salad. "What!?"

Alex smiled. "Well, actually, we made love."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Spill it girl," Sierra hopped up onto the counter, her long black hair flopped in her face.

"Well it just sort of happened. We were on the beach and the mood was so... right."

"You did it on the beach?"

"No, we managed to make it back to my bedroom."

"So that's what happened to your sheets."

"Yeah," Alex said with an embarrassed smile.

"So what was it like? Was he good?"

"It was wonderful. He was awesome. His tongue, his hands, his... well you know."

"His tool," Sierra said with a giggle.

"Yeah, that."

"What did it feel like?"

"Sierra!"

"Sorry I'm just curious."

"Well since you are my sister.... It felt great except when he broke my hymen. My God he's huge! I thought he was gonna break me in half. But the rest of the time I felt so good. It was like nothing I've ever felt before. Having his mouth kissing my body and his hands touching me everywhere just felt so right. Like that's how it's supposed to be. Like his body was meant to meld with mine. I don't know. It just felt... incredible."

"I'm glad Rocky makes you feel so good. Do you think I could borrow him sometime?" Sierra smiled as Alex threw a towel at her.

The boys returned with chips, pretzels, dip, sodas and Rocky had stopped by the bakery and bought a chocolate cake. They set the bags in the kitchen for Sierra and followed the smell of barbecued chicken. "Smells good," Rocky said over Alex's shoulder.

"Thank you. It'll be a while before it's done, so why don't you and Adam go change- you did remember your suits, right?"

"Yes. Is it okay if I change in your bedroom?"

"You can do anything you want in my bedroom," she whispered.

Rocky blushed and turned away from her. He caught Adam staring at him with a huge grin on his face. "What are you grinnin' at?"

"You," Adam said and turned towards the house.

"What did I do?" Rocky followed.

When Adam was sure that they were out earshot of the girls, he whispered, "You got me to ask Sierra out on purpose, didn't you?"

"Well, yeah. I was gonna tell you-"

"Ya did good Rock," Adam smiled.

"I did?"

"You oughta know- you look like you're crazy about Alex,"

"I am."

"And I feel the same about Sierra. So, you did good Rock. Thanks man," he said with a friendly pat on the shoulder and then disappeared into the bathroom.

"I did do good," Rocky said with a proud smile.

Alex watched as Rocky and Adam ran around playing a game of pool tag. Adam was "it" and was closing in on his prey. Rocky grabbed Sierra, who was standing at the edge of the pool contemplating getting in. He used her as a shield.

"Hey no fair using my girlfriend as a shield," Adam said, not realizing what he had just done. He had said that Sierra was his girlfriend and it set her heart all aflutter.

"Okay," Rocky said and then tossed her into the pool, causing her to lose her daydreamy feeling.

"Oh, now your gonna get it," Adam said, climbing out of the pool, and took off running after his friend.

Alex laughed at Sierra who looked like a drowned cat when she came up for air, then turned her attention back to the game. Rocky was "it" and in hot pursuit of Adam who dove into the pool to try and escape Rocky's grasp. He jumped into the pool after his fleeing friend and caught him by the foot. Rocky dragged Adam beneath the surface and pounced. This caused them to forget the game and start a dunking contest , which Sierra joined in, dunking the both of them simultaneously. The three were dunking and splashing and spitting water at one another. Alex couldn't believe how lucky she was.

She had Sierra, who was everything to her, sister, friend, confidant. And she was as happy as a lark. Adam was now becoming her friend and was the happiness she saw in her sister's eyes. He looked at his girlfriend with such affection that it made her glad to be the loser of the contest for his affections. Then there was Rocky. She never expected to find so much in him. Her was a friend who made her laugh, a man who made her heart beat out of control, and a lover who set her soul on fire. She was truly falling for him and there was nothing she could do to stop it- not that she wanted to. A song came to her that expressed everything she was feeling for him.

"Alex, help me!" Sierra's voice broke through her reverie. Alex smiled at her friend, who was being double-teamed. She pulled off her sarong and ran to the diving board, ready to join in the fun. She bounced several times then jumped yelling, "Some Native American!" as she cannonballed into the pool, managing to soak everyone.

As the foursome were outside enjoying the warm water and each other, another figure approached the water. "Alex!" Alex turned around at the sound of the voice.

She smiled. "Nova!" She jumped out of the water and hugged her twin.

"Hey I didn't need to be all wet," Nova said playfully.

Everyone got out of the pool quickly except for Sierra who lagged behind Adam. Rocky gaped at the new figure standing next to his beloved. She was a dry Alex. Everything was the same about the two- hair, eyes, even that luscious mouth and sweet voice . Adam looked at Sierra who looked nothing like the pair. She was pale with a blotchy pink skin tone, as opposed to the cedar brown skin that the twins shared. Their lustrous black hair that glistened in the sun was in contrast to the flat chestnut hair that Sierra had. The twins were petite and their figures were perfectly curved, sumptuous, everything that a boy could ask for and more. While Sierra's body was made more for bearing children.

There was one thing that Sierra had that was incomparable to her sisters.

Her jade eyes.

They hid behind her glasses a lot of the time. But they were gorgeous.

Adam could tell Sierra sudden she felt uncomfortable with her body. She started to put clothes over her bikini. Before she could finish Nova came to her and gave her a squeeze. "I've missed you too, Sis," Nova placed Sierra away from her and gave her a once over. "You look good- gained a little weight I see. And you look a lot healthier too. I guess Alex is still doing most of the cooking," she smiled.

Nova had truly meant what she said as a compliment, but she only succeeded in making Sierra feel like an awkward child. Sierra just wrapped her arms around her stomach. Adam grabbed her and wrapped his arms around his loved one and she smiled slightly. Something else was bothering her he noted, but he had no idea what it was.

"This is Adam, Sierra's boyfriend," Alex introduced.

Nova was attracted to him almost immediately. He was handsome and had a gorgeous smile. She could also tell that he only had eyes for Sierra. She wondered if she would be able to turn his head if she made the effort, but quickly pushed the thought away. She was there to spend time with her sister- or sisters- not to get revenge on Sierra for something that she had no control over. "It's nice to meet you Adam. Sierra, he's a real cutie," she whispered for only Sierra's ears.

Sierra gulped. Dear God, please don't let her take him away from me too. she silently prayed.

"And this is Rocky- hands off he's all mine," Alex said and wrapped her arms around her blushing boyfriend.

"How exactly are you all related?" Adam inquired.

"Well Alex was given up for adoption after we were born. Among many American Indians it's an old superstition that two people cannot share the same soul. Twins are always killed so that the soul can fly free. My parents still hold on to many of the traditions- and superstitions- but would never have been able to murder their own children. So they decided to separate us hoping that our soul would split because of the separation and we would we be able to live.

"Since I was the first born they gave Alex up for adoption. I didn't find out about her until two years ago when my parents died. They wanted me to find her and reunite our souls. Both believed that the split had happened and that we would now be able to live together as it should have always been."

"...And luckily my parents gifted me with the knowledge that I had a sister out there and we both searched for each other....together you could say. We found each other last year and have been trying to make up for lost time ever since," Alex finished the story.

"What about Sierra?" asked Rocky. "I mean you guys are all sisters right?"

"Of course, and Sierra was the luckiest of all, because she grew up with a sister, she had Alex to be there for her and share secrets with and to care for her. She was a sickly little thing- she had leukemia- but Alex was determined to make sure that she grew up to be as healthy and happy as herself. God how I envy you," Nova said wistfully.

"You envy me?!" Sierra squealed

"Of course I do. You had everything that I ever wanted. You were so loved and were a part of a great family. And you were the greatest sister in the world to the sister I couldn't be there for. And Alex loves you so much and it doesn't matter that adoption rather than blood relate you two. I'm her blood and we've had all of five minutes of our lifetimes to love each other like sisters should.

"So yes, Sierra Kelly-Peterson-....Wolfe, I do envy you. But in the best of ways,"

The two girls, who were in tears, stared for a moment seeming to be feeling each other out. They then collided in an embrace that had been long awaited by Alex.

Alex, not wanting to break up the beautiful scene, but also not wanting to start blubbering herself, came out with one of her cute little melodramas. "Oh God I feel so loved. I wish I had known that I was this popular; I would have used it to my advantage."

Everyone laughed. Sierra was now feeling more at ease about Nova's being there. Perhaps she had misjudged her all this time. Nova had always come across as not wanting her around when she came to visit. It was like she was trying to push her out of the picture or push her from Alex's life. Sierra couldn't blame the girl for being a bit selfish with Alex, after all she was the same way and she wasn't the long lost twin sister that hadn't known her other half existed until two years ago. I suppose Nova has some right to want Alex to herself for a bit. As long as she doesn't try taking her away from me. Sierra thought.

"You never told me you had leukemia," Adam said softly to his girlfriend.

"It's no big deal. I'm in perfect health thanks to Alex," she said trying to brush the subject off. The night before she had watched a program that had said men want a healthy mate for procreation. This hit her hard. What if Adam decided that he didn't want her anymore, he was very health conscious.

The rest of the evening was kind of bad for Sierra. She still felt intimidated by Nova's presence. Alex alone was enough to make her feel physically inadequate, but Alex never allowed Sierra to have those sort of thoughts. She made her feel good about herself inside and out. But there was still that feeling of being out shined that rested in the back of her mind. It had never ventured out to the open until Nova made her first appearance.

She was every bit as amazing as Alex- obviously- and they had a way of making her feel fat and ugly without meaning to or even knowing that it was happening. Though she always had a sneaking suspicion that Nova knew and did her best to keep it up. It was all she could do to stop herself from giving in to the urge to put a bag over her head, wear big baggy clothes and stay hidden from the aurora of perfect beauty that the twins exuded.

Now all they were talking about was Nova, Nova, Nova, and oh yes, Nova. Nova just had this way of pulling complements from people. Even her Adam had been giving them. She feared that before long, Adam would no longer be her Adam. Her resentment of Nova was coming back in full force, everything that had been said earlier thrown to the wind.

Finally the boys were ready to go. Sierra walked Adam out onto the porch. "Thanks for coming," she said meekly. She looked at Adam. His beauty superseded any other man's. Sierra looked down at her feet and saw that they were ugly and noticed that her stomach stuck out slightly telling her that she was too fat. She suddenly felt unworthy to be Adam's girlfriend. She wanted to shrink out of existence.

She was just...plain.

Nothing special at all. She knew it. It hadn't taken Nova to show her that. She had been bounced from one foster home to another enough times to know that she wasn't special.

"What's wrong?" he said out of the blue. Her head snapped up and looked him in the eyes. She pushed her glasses back upon her nose and pushed her hair out of her face.

"Nothing. I'm just a little tired. That's all. "

Adam didn't buy this. Though he had a good idea that it was something to do with the arrival of her sister's twin, he wouldn't press the issue further. Sierra would tell him in her own time. He pulled her to him and kissed her softly. "Good night."

"Good night," she repeated quietly.

Nova was really intrigued by Adam.

She wanted him.

However, she would leave him alone. She had always liked Sierra, except for the fact that she had been there for her sister for most of their lives, while she was a lonely only child- or so she had thought. Now that she had a chance to have her sister and be one in return, little Miss Sierra wanted to stand in her way. It wasn't as though Nova wanted to take Alex away from her. She only wanted the same chance to get to know her sister that Sierra had had. Just the two of them. And then the three of them would be like one big family that was finally together as they should have always been.

As long as Sierra gave her a chance with Alex, Nova would steer clear of Mr. Park. But if she dared to get in the way, she would go after him, but only to get Sierra to spend more time with him- trying to keep Nova at bay- and less time monopolizing Alex. But then there was still the problem of tearing her sister from her man whom she had in a very passionate embrace.

"Your sister's cute, but not as beautiful as you."

"But she did turn you on."

"What are you talking about? Nova doesn't excite me."

"So I wasn't seeing the bulge in your pants rise when she took off her jacket and crossed her legs?"

"You saw that?"

"Yes, it turned me on even if it was the work of another woman."

"It wasn't another woman really. Looking at Nova's body I thought I was seeing you."

"Nice try. I better not catch you looking at other women or else there won't be any more bulge to "rise" to the occasion," Rocky gulped. "And we wouldn't want that now would we?"

"Not at all," he said.

"Cuz it is such a nice piece of work."

"Can I bring it by tonight after everyone's asleep?" he said sexily. His manhood was throbbing with the anticipation of making love to Alex again.

"I'm still sore from last night."

"I'm sorry."

"It's definitely okay. Tell your Mama she did a good job with making you."

"I'll be sure to run it past her," he chuckled, proud that Alex was impressed with his body. "So will you leave you window open for me?"

"Stop by after midnight, and be sure to bring this with you," she said and grabbed a hold of his member though his pants then kissed him hotly.

Things had quieted down amongst the three girls after hours of giggling, story telling and lots of catching up. Much to Sierra's delight they headed for bed early. There was a big day ahead of them. It would be the beginning of their new life, Nova finally being included on a permanent basis. And boy would there be quite a bit of confusion and even more questions once they brought their other sister to school.

She thought that maybe they could all be friends. They would all be thrust into a new group of friends whom they hoped would accept them. And maybe even find a man for Nova, So she'll keep her claws out of Adam. Sierra thought icily.

Rocky saw that Alex's window was open and waiting for him. He threw his overnight bag on his back and made his way up the trellis and into her room. Tonight he was prepared. He had packed a bag of clothes for school and left a note for his mom stating that he had left for school extra early. His car was parked around the corner so that no one would know he was there, Unless of course I get Alex to scream the way she did the other night. he smiled.

Rocky placed his bag on the chair and pulled off his clothes quietly so as not to wake his lover. He wanted to surprise her. He thought that he had been caught when she sighed his name, but soon found that she was only dreaming....of him. Now he was really excited.

He climbed into bed next to her and studied her features in the moonlight. She was beautiful beyond description, and he was so in love with her. Not complaining, but he didn't see how Adam had a hard time choosing. Sierra was spectacular, but Alex... He guessed that he was biased. He fell in love with her the first moment he laid eyes on her.

It had been the beginning of the second semester sophomore year. Rocky was on his way to his locker when he spied a vision in a plaid skirt and combat boots beating on her stubborn locker. He was too mesmerized by her to even attempt helping. She was flustered and frustrated and her nostrils were flaring in the most adorable way. She looked about ready to lose it when suddenly she stopped, closed her eyes and seemingly put herself in a trance.

As if right on cue, Bulk and Skull came by, fully prepared to pester the beautiful new girl for a date. She never moved or acknowledged their presence until she was ready to come out of her meditation. Then she continued to ignore them, stating that she didn't need help with her locker and opened it without a problem. Bulk- of course- wasn't going to take no for an answer. He continued to bug her, all the while she kept her cool.

When she was through collecting things from her locker she closed it and spun to face Bulk with a look that could stop traffic. Very calmly she said, "Look Dough Boy, I said that I wasn't interested. I'm not gonna go out with you tonight or any other night, because I already have a date," And with that she put a possessive arm around the beautiful dark-haired girl that had only just arrived at the scene.

The girl only smiled and placed her arm around her "friend". "Eat your hearts out boys," she said sweetly and the couple left them gaping at their departure. The feisty one planted a kiss on the other girl's forehead as they walked down the hall arm-in-arm-, which, Rocky learned, was only meant for good measure.

Rocky stared after the two, amused, amazed, and intrigued.

He found out everything he could about the mystery girl. He learned her beautiful name, Alexius Serena Peterson, and everything there was to be found out about her. He never told anyone about his crush, fearing that they would say what he was thinking. A girl that amazing would never go for him. So he kept it to himself, nurturing his crush from afar. He wasn't really sure when it turned into love. Rocky only knew that he was crazy about the beautiful young woman lying beside him and felt privileged to have her as his own. There would be a lot of angry guys at school tomorrow.

Rocky pulled back the covers and revealed her naked body. He didn't remember her being so perfect. He had rushed their first encounter. Had it not been for her stopping him, Rocky would have made love to her in the sand with all of their clothes on. He didn't plan on making that mistake again. Making love to her was going to be nice and slow this time. He wanted to savor every bit of it. Touching her, kissing her, pulling those lustful moans from her throat....

Alex laid on top of him and only stared. "Who would have thought that Rocky DeSantos would not only be an extremely talented lover, but all mine as well."

"You mean that?"

"Rocky, haven't you figured out that I'm crazy about you? I didn't make love to you for the fun of it- well actually it was for the fun of it- but it was hardly meaningless sex."

"This is probably a bad time, but I need to know...how you still fell about Adam."

Alex took a more serious tone, "I'm not gonna lie, I still care for him, but it's nothing compared to the way I feel when you look at me the way you do. Or when you touch me, or when I'm just thinking about you.

"You've got a hold on me that's so strong. I don't know how I ever liked Adam over you. You are everything I have ever dreamed of and so much more that I never imagined.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is, I love you, Rocky."

Rocky only crushed her to his chest and held her there ever so tightly. He had never expected to hear those words come from her mouth. It hit him right in his heart. If he died now he would be smiling. He took her head in his hands and brought it to face his. "God, Alex. All the time that I've known you I've fantasized about you saying those words to me, but I never once dreamed that it could really happen. You have no idea what you've done to me- what you mean to me.

"You stole my heart long ago. And now you've taken all my love. I love you Alex and I swear to you that you will never, ever be without it. I will never let you go and I promise to never make you regret falling in love with me."

"Oh Rocky. I-I..."

"Shh," he kissed the tears that had gathered in the corners of her eyes, "You don't have to say anything, I can feel it," He once again wrapped her in his arms and they drifted off to sleep.

The couple woke up especially early the next morning and experimented with showering together. It was definitely something that they would try again when there was more time for them to play. After dressing, he kissed Alex good-bye, made his exit out the window and promised to pick her up in thirty minutes.

Nova answered the door and found a cheerful Rocky on the other side. "Did you sleep well," she grinned as he entered the house.

"Boy did I ever," he smiled.

"Mornin' babe," Alex said as she came downstairs and greeted her boyfriend with a kiss.

"I don't know why you just didn't let the boy spend the night," Nova grumbled as she watched them.

"Who says I didn't?" she smiled wickedly, "Are you ready?"

Nova only smiled and nodded her head. She grabbed her books and went outside.

"Sierra are you coming with us or is Adam picking you up?" Alex called.

"Go ahead Adam's coming. I'll see you in first period."

"Okay"

She came down the stairs to get breakfast before school. Adam would be there in a few minutes, so Sierra grabbed only an apple. As if on cue Adam drove up on his motorcycle. It was brand new and he couldn't wait to take Sierra out on it.

She went outside, looked, and gasped. "Adam you are going to take me to school on that?"

"That was the plan."

"But..."

"All right it was a cheesy attempt to get you to hold on to me," Sierra smiled and the smile reached her bright jade eyes. She skipped out to him, straddled the bike, and held onto his sides.

"I'm ready."

"Put the helmet on," She did so. "You might want to wrap around a little more tightly," Sierra smiled even brighter. And gripped Adam in a big bear hug. "That's more like it," He stated. Adam smiled his inky black eyes filling with his smile and his love for her.

All day at school Sierra and Alex were questioned about their sister. Where had she come from and why had they never heard about her before. Sierra had a feeling that Nova's being in Angel Grove was going to cause nothing but trouble. At least Adam and Rocky's friends had welcomed them whole-heartedly. It was a different story for all of the girls who had been after their men.

Sierra received dirty looks left and right. Either girls that Adam dated or the ones that had been rejected all had some snide remark about why in the world would he want to go steady with someone like her. By lunchtime a bit of Alex's temper took hold of Sierra.

Sue Phillips had been especially nasty to her all day- she found out that it was because she had asked Adam to go to Homecoming with her, but he had plans to ask Sierra. Sue didn't like being turned down for a girl that was not nearly as pretty as she was. As Sierra was walking by her table, Sue made sure that her venomous comment was heard loud and clear. Sierra stopped in mid stride. She turned and glared at the hateful girl. "It must be really humiliating to be dumped for an ugly little bitch," She then smirked as half of the lunchroom snickered then left Sue staring after her, mouth gaping open.

Pamela Brody had been hearing rumors all day about how Alex Peterson had taken Rocky off the market. "There is no way that little freak snagged Rocky," she gossiped with her friend Liz at their lockers. "People are just saying that because everyone saw how she threw herself at Rocky at the dance. I mean my goodness talk about trampy. Anyway I have eighth period with him and I plan to finally put him out of his misery and ask him out,"

As she was finishing up Pamela noticed the most popular group of boys at AGH, the varsity football team, was coming down the hall. She usually saw them at this time of day and they were always conversing about the latest girl on the "Must-Have" list and the events of the preceding weekend. She and Liz would follow behind them and find out all sorts of useful social information. Today was no different, but the information they got wind of was less than useful. More like heartbreaking.

"Guys, I have some very depressing news," Tim Smith began when he caught up with his friends.

"What's up?"

"I just found out- and this information has been proven to be very true-"

"Spill!"

"Sierra and Alex are no longer available."

"What?!"

"It appears that Adam Park and Rocky DeSantos have beaten out everyone and taken the two most beautiful babes in school for themselves."

Pamela stifled a gasp. It really was true. Alex had stolen Rocky from her.

"That really is depressing news."

"But there's hope. I found out that they have another sister who just transferred in today."

"Yeah, big deal. Another sister."

"She's Alex's identical twin. And they really are identical. I've seen them together and man what a sight!"

"Is she single?"

"Totally and completely unattached,"

"There is a God!"

"Great! Not only has the little freak taken away the only man in the school that I have ever been interested in, now there are two of 'em. Whoever said "these are the best years of our lives" should be hung!" Pamela said through clenched teeth.

Pamela went to her last class and was met by the sight of Rocky blocking the back door. He was whispering in the ear of her nemesis. Everything then began to move in slow motion for Pamela. She watched as he kissed her neck and she squealed his name. He then took her hands and pinned them behind her back, pulling her against him. He kissed he softly and then said something for only Alex's ears. Pamela could have sworn that his lips spoke "I love you".

Alex smiled brightly and responded. She had placed her hand lovingly on his cheek and kissed him again. The warning bell rang and Alex rushed off to her class. Rocky stared after her, biting his lip as he followed the sway of her hips.

The room began to spin and everything was still moving in slow motion for Pamela. It was all she could do to keep from bursting into tears and running down the corridor. Instead she rushed to her seat and hoped that no one noticed how flustered she was.

"Rocky take your seat," Mrs. Appleby's voice pulled him from his trance.

Rocky took his seat and noticed that giggles followed him. He sat down wondering what was so amusing. "And what have we been doing between classes Mr. DeSantos?"

"Huh?" he asked confusedly.

"I think she referring to you wearing lipstick," chuckled Tommy. "It looks about the same shade that Alex wears."

"Yes, and you seem to be wearing Kimberly's shade Mr. Oliver," Mrs. Appleby retorted.

Both boys wiped at their faces as the class erupted with laughter.

After last period Sierra went to retrieve her books from her locker and she saw Nova with a boy. Good, she found another boy to pester. She can leave my Adam alone.'Sierra thought. When she got closer she saw who it was. Adam.

Adam!

Adam was laughing and smiling with Nova. Her Adam. What was she going to do?

Sierra walked over to the pair. As she was approaching she heard Adam say. "Yeah I'm crazy about her. She is everything what I want and more. No one could ever compete with that."

"Yeah and poor Sue found that out the hard way."

"I'm so proud of her for standing up to that witch the way she did."

Okay, I'm confused. Nova obviously wants my boyfriend, but instead of tearing me down she's praising me. Must be a trick. I'd better keep my eye on her.'she thought.

"Man I wish I had a boyfriend that was as great as you."

"Nova you are gorgeous, you won't have any trouble finding someone."

That statement hit Sierra hard. He thought that she was gorgeous. What would be next?

Adam saw Sierra approaching. "Sierra is coming I'm going to take her home. Excuse me," he said sweetly and moved over to Sierra. "Hey hon,"

Sierra smiled weakly. "Hi," As she was holding onto Adam on the way home she wondered just how long she could keep him from leaving her to go with the "gorgeous" Nova. She knew that it was just a matter of time before he would want a prettier girl.

That Saturday they had a date. She knew what she had to do. Make love to Adam. Maybe that would convince him stay with her. She wasn't sure if she was quite ready yet, but if it kept him with her she would do it. She went downstairs and yelled for Alex.

"What Hon?"

"Can I borrow your pink and black dress?"

"Sure, it's in my closet."

"Thanks," Sierra smiled.

Alex knew something was up.

Sierra finally was done getting ready. She studied herself in the full-length mirror. "It will have to do," She said swallowed to herself.

She was wearing Alex's black dress with he pink flowers on it. She had tightly curled her hair and pulled it away from her face in a ponytail. And she had put in contacts. She hoped this would catch his eye. She couldn't do anything more. She saw Adam pull up in his brother's black mustang and she rushed down stairs to greet him.

"Wow," was all he could muster.

"Thank you,"

They had a quiet romantic dinner and then got back into the car. They drove in Angel Grove forest for a while and then he stopped and looked at her. "You look gorgeous tonight."

"Thank you," They leaned in for a kiss and they didn't come up for a while.

"You want to?"

"What?" he asked dumbly.

"You know. 'It'."

"You want to?"

"Yes, but not in the car."

"How about my house? No one is home this weekend," She nodded.

Adam took her to his bedroom. He started to undress her and realized that her muscles were tightening underneath his hands. All of a sudden he got the feeling that she didn't really want to go through with it.

He stopped.

"Why did you stop?"

"Because you don't want to do this."

"Yes I do."

"Sierra, the truth."

"No," she said quietly.

"Then why?"

"I don't want to lose you."

"Why would I leave you?"

"Nova likes you and she's pettier."

"What is up with you and her?"

"I don't know. She and Alex are so pretty and they are blood related. I've always felt so plain around them together. Nova wants you, I just figured that if I gave my innocence to you then you would stay with me no matter what."

"Oh, God girl!! I want you because you are loving, kind, playful, and energetic and those are only some of your good qualities. I want you for you, not your body, or your looks. You are perfect to me. You're beautiful on the outside but even more so on the inside."

"You think so?"

"I know so," he hugged her tightly. " That's why I love you."

"I love you too," He embraced her. She looked up at him. "Would you just cuddle with me tonight?"

"I would love to," He pulled her close to him; they lay down on the bed in the spoon position. She fit perfectly in his arms he realized. He also noted that he loved her and that he wanted to be with her always.

The next morning Sierra found herself in Adam's warm embrace. During the night she had turned to face him and he had accommodated her. She looked up to see if he was awake, he was- and he was smiling.

"Good morning gorgeous," She smiled and snuggled into his chest further.

"Good morning," She mumbled. Adam suddenly got a wild hormone rush when she said that. The vibrations of her voice on his chest were intoxicating. When she started kissing his chest, his body responded with goosebumps. She smiled. Not that he could see it, her face being buried in his chest, but she was smiling broadly.

She then sat up and pushed him onto his back as she lay on top of him. He looked into her eyes and saw an emotion that he had never seen there before. Passion. She picked her body up and firmly planted her lips onto his in the most passionate kiss he had ever felt. She let her tongue explore his beautiful mouth. He enjoyed every minute of this sweet embrace. The kiss lasted a few minutes and then ended as abruptly as it had begun. She looked at him with lustful longing. Then she planted a gentle kiss on the end of his nose. Then she raised herself off of him and started to get dressed.

"Will you take me home? I think Alex is probably worried about me,"

"Sure," He slowly exhaled. His body was on overload. He didn't know that Sierra was capable of being so passionate. He had no idea that her mouth could do that to his body. He imagined what her mouth might feel like on his throbbing member. Oh how wonderful it would feel to have her sucking so hard, her mouth so warm...

Adam stop that! he thought to him self. He got up and got dressed. Sierra smiled as he rose. She saw the bulge in his boxer shorts. She took great pride in the knowledge that she had done that to him. Not Nova. Not Alex. Her. She made him that aroused. In a rush she found a confidence that she had never had before. She liked it.

Sierra kissed Adam before getting out of the car. "Call Me," she yelled as he drove off.

Alex greeted her at the door. "And where have you been Miss Sierra? With Adam?"

"Yes," Sierra said dreamily.

"All night?"

"Yes,"

"So did the two of you do it?"

"Alex!"

"Well, we are supposed to share these things. Besides, I just have to know,"

"Well, nosey, as a matter of fact no we didn't. We just cuddled and I gave him the most passionate kiss that I could muster this morning,"

"Girl I don't understand you,"

"Why what did I do now?"

"You were in bed with a hunk and you just cuddled. No sex. Now that's what I call will power! You're a better woman than me,"

"I'm just old fashioned I guess," with that Sierra smiled and took off for her room. Nova came down as she was going up and noticed that she was practically floating. Nova looked at her twin at the base of the stairs. "What's up with her? She looks like the cat that caught the canary,"

"She cuddled with Adam...all night,"

"And she's that happy?!" Alex nodded just as bewildered as her twin.

On the Citadel on the moon a dark figure stared down at Earth. Lord Zedd, Emperor of all that was evil, made a habit of keeping tabs on his mortal enemies. Namely Tommy, Adam, Kimberly, Billy, Aiesha, and Rocky, the Power Rangers. Things were going way too well for them lately, especially the red and black rangers. There must be something he could do to bring them crashing down from the cloud they were riding. Something that would not only affect them, but the rest of the team and all of the people around them.

He called to his wife, Rita, his lackeys and his servants and ordered them to begin the scheming of a plan that would finally bring those pesky teenagers to their knees. He would focus on Adam and Rocky. For the newest members of the team they seemed to be having the most luck. It was about time that their luck took a turn...for the worse! There had to be a way to turn their good fortune against them. Perhaps their acquiring girlfriends would be just the tools he needed to turn their friends against them...or them against each other.

Rocky and Adam decided to go to the Youth Center and work out. It had been a while since they had brushed up on their martial arts skills except for the occasional putty attack. They ran to the mat like schoolboys.

"Beat you Rocky."

"Shut up skinny." Both boys chuckled. It didn't take them long to get into the frame of mind for working. They took off their shoes and they were ready. They first practiced a flawless kata, and then some advanced kicking combinations. Then they worked on what they loved to do the most, free sparring.

Adam thought he knew his best friend's style pretty well, but today Rocky was in an experimental mood. Instead of throwing the regular front hook kick that he usually did, Rocky did a front ax kick, catching Adam square in the jaw. Adam fell to the floor as Rocky rushed immediately to see if he was all right.

"Sorry man, I thought you had anticipated the kick,"

"No big deal. Just a little bloody lip. I'll be fine. Honestly, no big deal,"

"You sure?"

"Yes I'm sure Rocky, don't worry about it," Rocky helped him up. Adam smiled. "You're good man. I guess I now know the difference between black sash and a second degree black belt,"

Rocky looked at his friend. "What?"

"Stupidity." Rocky looked confused for a brief second then Adam tripped him and he landed on his butt. "Never turn your back on someone who knows Kung Fu," Adam smiled and laughed, as did Rocky.

"That's it! This will be perfect! Putty, get down there and get me a sample of the black ranger's blood."

Finster's latest creation lay asleep upon his worktable. To the unsuspecting person the figure was clearly Adam Park. Every feature was the same from the part in his naturally curly hair, to the shape of his toes. The clone was Adam Park in every way except one- the mind. The mind in this body that looked like Adam was twisted and malevolent. It seethed with spite and rage. Any and all good was blocked out by Rita and Zedd's evil spell.

Finster moved over to his creation and injected something into the body, which caused his eyes to snapped open. He sat up just as gracefully as Adam did but it had a sharpness to it that Adam didn't have. Finster looked at the clone and scanned it one last time. "Perfect. If I do say so myself. You are to go to Earth and destroy the black ranger. You are to target his best friend's girlfriend. Once you finish him off, take care of the other rangers. And destroy anyone who gets in your way. " The clone nodded his head.

Alex spun around at the sound of her name. The voice was familiar, but different. She turned to find Adam standing next to her locker- only it wasn't Adam. Atleast not the Adam she was used to seeing everyday. He was wearing skin tight black jeans, a black T-shirt with the sleeves rolled up to reveal his biceps, and a leather jacket hanging off his arm. His hair looked a little too short and he had on a rather large hoop earring. He looked as thought he had gone shopping in the closet of Eugene Skullovitch.

"Hi... Adam? You look- different. Did you change your hair?" she asked.

"Something like that. Don't you like it?"

"Actually I think it's kinda cute," she said and ran her hand over his head.

"'Kinda cute?' Is that all you think of me?"

"I'm sorry Adam, you look very handsome," she smiled.

"And you look very pretty today."

"Thank you."

"Yeah, good enough to eat," he said in a low voice that didn't sound like Adam at all as he looked her up and down. The look on his face screamed pure lust. What is goin' on here? she thought to herself. Not wanting to delve into whatever was going on in his mind, she changed the subject. "Where's Sierra?"

"I'm not your sister's keeper. That's your job," he said sharply.

"Don't get nasty with me, I'll whip your bootie!" she threatened playfully.

Adam moved in close and whispered, "Promise?" Before she could respond he was gone. Alex stood there, dumbfounded. 'There is no way that my sister's boyfriend was just hitting on me. "Nah. Adam would never do a thing like that," she said out loud.

"Adam would never do what?" asked Nova.

"Promise that this stays between us."

"Promise."

"I have this really crazy feeling that Adam just hit on me. I think sex with Rocky every night this week has finally taken its toll. I need more sleep."

"You could send him over to my room."

"You wish."

For the next several weeks everyone began to notice the same strange behavior from Adam. One minute he was the same old Adam and then another he was hitting on Alex, or being unbelievably mean to Sierra. Alex didn't know what to make of it. She tried to keep her distance, not wanting to give him any reason to make another pass at her. Meanwhile the rangers had Alpha scan him for any signs of a spell.

His friends took Adam to the Command Center. He was in complete confusion about why they suspected him of being under the influence of Rita and Zedd. He hadn't done anything out of the ordinary. He watched as Alpha scanned him and then reported to Billy as if Adam wasn't even there. Like he was just a test subject not a friend and teammate.

"He doesn't appear to be under the influence. I'm not sure why he's acting so funny. Everything revealed in the scan indicated that he is normal. Personality, brain function, everything. There is absolutely no reason, medical or magical, for him to be acting strangely," Adam stood there dumbfounded. He hadn't been acting any different. Billy knew him. Why was he accusing him of such odd things?

The Adam clone was doing his job perfectly. Alex was now completely uncomfortable around him. She avoided him at every turn and was jumpy whenever he was near. She was now keeping secrets from her sister and her boyfriend. Soon it would all come crumbling down. All of the rangers were questioning Adam's loyalty. If he kept up at this rate they would kick Adam off the team and the rangers would fall apart.

The only problem he faced was Alex's other sister, Nova. No matter what he said or did to her and despite all of the stories Alex had told her, she still looked at him with so much love in her eyes. After a while he found himself liking it. After spending a romantic evening alone with her, he realized that there was a part of him that was falling for her. He tried pushing her away, but she would only push harder to get close to him, keeping all of her hurt locked away where no one- not even she- would find it.

"John, you're not doing your job. The rangers haven't kicked Adam off the team and that Alex-girl is still keeping everything to herself. Meanwhile you're off gallivanting with her sister, who shouldn't even be in the picture. What do you have to say for yourself?!" demanded and very angry Zedd.

John, Adam's clone, who had taken Adam's middle name as his own, thought carefully before speaking. "Well my Lord, I have being playing with the emotions of the other sister as part of my plan to turn everyone against Adam. If he breaks her heart everyone will despise him for hurting her and Sierra. No one likes a two-timer."

"That's good to hear, because I was beginning to get the feeling that you like her."

"Like her? Why no my Lord, I feel nothing but contempt for her- for all of them," he lied. The good side of him was beginning to free itself from its dark prison. If the Emperor and Empress found out they would surely destroy him.

"Well, just to be sure-" before John knew it he was enveloped in the beam that spilled forth from his Lord's staff. A dark haze fell over his eyes and any feelings of good that were attempting to come out were pushed back to the far reaches of his mind, trapped.

"Now, go down to Earth and make sure that Alex spills her guts about everything their precious Adam has been doing to her."

Alex was sitting in a lounge chair by the pool. She was trying to do biology homework, but couldn't seem to concentrate on anything but Adam Park. At first she liked all the attention he was paying her, but then she began to feel guilty. Adam was the best friend of her boyfriend and the boyfriend of her sister. How could she encourage or even like his advances?

Then they got worse. He became more crude and down right perverted. She began to avoid him for fear that he might begin to get physical. And she had a sneaking suspicion that he was pulling the same thing on Nova. Only Nova wouldn't spill about it. Alex had a feeling that her sister had fallen in love with her sister's man and that maybe he felt the same about her. What kind of game was he playing? Whatever it was she certainly hadn't expected it from him.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She closed her books and went to answer it. She found Adam standing on her door step and he looked to be in one of his weird moods. "Adam," she said feeling uneasy. "Aren't you supposed to be meeting Sierra at the Youth Center?"

"I have time. I wanted to talk to you for a minute."

Alex didn't like the way he was staring at her, like she was a piece of meat and he was a wild animal that hadn't fed in days. She had to get rid of him. "Um, I'm kinda studying for this monster test and I haven't been doing great in this class."

"Alex you're a straight A student- besides it won't take long, can I come in?" he said and tried to push past Alex.

"Um, Adam, I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Oh, Alex...looks like we're gonna have to do this the hard way."

The look in his eye told her what he was planning. "Oh God!" she cried and turned to run. His arms were around her instantly and they fell to the floor. He kicked the door shut with his foot and flipped her over on her back. "I was really hoping that you wouldn't fight, but then Again, I was really hoping you would,"

"You want a fight? You got one!" she said and head butted him, knocking him off of her. Alex scrambled to her feet and ran for the phone. Adam was right behind her. He threw himself at her, knocking her into the table where the phone sat. The table was overturned and the phone hit the floor. The battery fell out and slid across the floor. "Shit!" she hissed.

All of her martial arts training left her as she failed to calm herself and figure out what to do. He spun her around to face him as his arms close around her in a vise like grip. His mouth descended upon hers in a vicious kiss. She fought to pull away. "C'mon Al, you know you want it."

"Please don't do this to me," she cried, tears running down her face.

"Tears? I never would have expected you to cry."

Alex summoned all of her strength to pull herself together. She managed to lift her knee and slammed it into his groin. Adam let go of her and doubled over in pain. She caught him in the jaw with a right hook and knocked him down. Much to her surprise he got up immediately. Every time she laid in an attack he shook it off like she had never touched him. She on the other hand was being knocked around all too easily.

She made a break for the stairs. Adam tackled her. "No!" she screamed. He grabbed a handful of hair and slammed her head into the railing. "I've had enough of this game!" he growled. Alex was dazed by the blow to her head. All of the fight left her as her mind struggled to keep consciousness. He picked her up as if she were nothing more than a rag doll and carried her to her bedroom.

He tossed her on the bed and began to remove his clothes. She saw this and tried to roll herself off the bed. Adam grabbed her and climbed on the bed, straddling her hips. "This is where Rocky popped your cherry. This is were I want to have you too," He began ripping at her clothes. Alex just lay there and cried silently, hoping that it would be over quickly and that he wouldn't kill her when he was done violating her body.

How would she ever face Rocky or Sierra again? Or anyone for that matter. If she had just told someone, or even told Adam to leave her alone, she wouldn't be in this predicament. It was all her fault that this was happening.

They were both naked and Adam came down on her. She closed her eyes and awaited what was to come.

Sierra was shocked when she came home and found that the house had been ransacked. Her first thought was of Alex who had been home alone studying. She ran through the house screaming for her, but got no response. Sierra began to panic. She ran to her sister' s room and was horrified by what she saw.

Alex was lying on the floor in the fetal position, she was covered in a blanket and had noticeable bruises on her face. "Oh my God! Alex!" she called and ran to her sister's side. Her eyes were wide open and unblinking and she was shaking violently. "Alex, honey, can you hear me?" she got no response. "Alex, please answer me," still nothing.

Sierra pulled her sister into her arms and cradled her. "Sweetheart, tell me what happened?" Alex began to sob. "It's okay, I'm here now," she soothed. "Tell me what happened."

Alex related the story to Sierra, refusing to say who had done this awful thing to her. After crying till the tears would no longer come, Sierra helped her to her own bedroom, not wanting her sister to spend the night alone, then prepared to call the police.

"No!! You can't tell the police- you can't tell anyone!" she screamed.

"Alex you were raped and you know who it was. You have to tell the police so that they can put this bastard behind bars-

"Alex! Sierra! Oh God, are you all right? What happened here?" said a distraught Nova as she burst into the bedroom.

"Alex was attacked."

"What?! Are you okay?" she said and ran to her sister and took her into her arms. Alex said nothing as she held on to her sister.

"She was raped, by someone she knows, and she won't tell the police!"

"Why not?" she said to Alex.

"I have my reasons. This doesn't leave this house. It's between the three of us."

"You're not even going to tell Rocky?"

"No! And neither are you. If he asks, you and I got carried away while sparring."

"But-"

"I don't want him to know about this!"

"Alex, did he do this to you?"

"No. Rocky would never hurt me. He would just take this really hard, and he might go and do something crazy."

"Well who did this to you?"

"I can't tell you."

"That means it was someone we all know."

"Guys please do this for me. Don't ask questions and don't tell anyone about it. Just be here for me."

"Of course we will Al," the three girls enveloped each other in a hug.

"Hey sexy!" Rocky said from behind and planted a kiss on the back on his girlfriend's neck. This caused her to jump, scream and drop her bagel.

"Geez, what's wrong?"

"You scared the shit out of me!"

"Madre de Dios! What happened to your face?" he exclaimed when he saw the big, purple bruise over her eye.

"I, uh, fell out of bed reaching for the alarm clock."

"Poor baby," he said, wrapping his arms around her.

"Ah!" she gasped.

"What?"

"I'm a little sore. Nova kicked my butt sparring the other day."

"Here lemme see," Before she could stop him Rocky lifted her shirt to reveal bruises all along her ribs. "My God Alex, what did she do, beat you with a stick?"

"I was just distracted about that big bio test that's coming up and I guess she got the best of me. I'm okay, I just need to be babied by my man," she lied, hoping that he was buying everything. Rocky left it alone for now, but knew that there was something more that she wasn't saying.

Over the next few weeks he noticed changes in Alex's behavior. She became withdrawn and extremely jumpy. She acted strange when she was around other people- she was always looking over her shoulder and recoiled whenever someone touched her, even him. She was very non- affectionate lately, she would barely kiss him and making love was out of the question. If he didn't know better he'd swear that she had been attacked, maybe even raped. He asked her as much, but she insisted that nothing was wrong and both of her sisters refused to give him any information. Something really bad had happened to her and she was keeping it from him, but why?

Sierra and Nova had been trying to figure out who it was that attacked their sister, but were having no luck. Alex wouldn't talk about it and she was wary around all men. It could have been anyone, even one of their friends. Nova had been tempted more than once to tell Rocky about it, but each time she opened her mouth to do it, she saw the frightened look in her sister's eyes as she begged her to keep the secret and she couldn't go through with telling him. But Rocky wasn't as stupid as people liked to believe and she was sure that he would figure it out sooner or later.

Nova was right about one thing, Rocky knew something was up and he was getting close to putting two and two together. After studying Alex's behavior he noticed that she wasn't just acting strange around people, but around men. Perhaps she had been mugged or something. She did have the terrible habit of going out at night alone no matter how many times he told her not to. Could she have been assaulted? But if so, why would she keep it from him. She had to know that he would never say "I told you so".

When he took a closer look, Rocky saw that she was especially jumpy around Adam. Whenever he was near she was on guard and when she saw him approaching she would get away as quickly as possible, making up some lame excuse. She looked at him strangely, as if she were watching his every move. Like she was afraid that at any moment he would pounce.

Had Adam done something to make her scared of him? He had witnessed- more than once- Adam being overly affectionate with his girlfriend. Did he do something that he shouldn't have? Was Adam after his girlfriend?

Nah. Adam was in love with Sierra and he would never do anything to hurt someone intentionally. But then again he hadn't be acting like the same Adam he had know all of his life. Maybe there was more to his strange behavior than any of them had seen, but what? Was he really capable of attacking Alex? Could it be that Zedd and Rita had done something to him and they just weren't able to detect it? Whatever the case may be he discerned that it would be wise of him to keep a close eye on his friend.

John picked Sierra up for their date as planned. It was supposed to be a quiet, romantic evening, but in her opinion it was one of the worse dates she had ever been on- and she had been on some really bad dates.

Who she thought was Adam had been extremely cold to her lately and he was having terrible mood swings. One minute he was loving her and telling her how perfect she was- how lucky he was to have her- and the next he was telling her that she isn't quite as pretty as Alex and how she needed to loosen up and live a little.

On this particular date they were walking along the beach. The only reason he had agreed was because she had practically begged. He didn't hold her hand, much to her disappointment. He stuffed them in his pockets and pulled his black sunglasses over his eyes. When he pulled off his leather jacket it wasn't to offer it to her, and much to Sierra's dismay she found that he now had a tattoo of a skull with a rose under it on his left bicep. "When did you do that?"

"What?" he asked, not really wanting to speak, but hoping just to get this beach thing over with.

"The tattoo."

"Last week."

"I didn't know you would do something like that."

"Well you know I don't have to fit your little profile of me all of the time. You know, people do have impulses," he said very harshly. It hurt Sierra's feelings and she felt tears burning in the corners of her eyes but kept them from flowing. She knew how to keep a stiff upper lip. It was something she had learned form being bounced from one foster home to another.

"Oh I'm sorry...."

"God Sierra, what aren't you sorry for?! Your sisters are so much nicer than you are. Why do you even bother to show your face in public? Look I'm sick of this nice romantic walk on the beach I'm outta here," With that Adam walked away from the very hurt Sierra.

Sierra sobbed as she realized that she had lost her boyfriend to someone else. She thought of every time someone had done this to her . It had happened to her a lot in her short 17 years. She had been in at least a dozen foster homes before she had come to Alex's home. The last one had been the worst. None of the children liked her and they made fun of her because of her leukemia. She had thought that the parents had liked her until the night she had decided to go downstairs to get a drink of water. She overheard the adults talking, "She'll probably die soon," said the woman.

"Yeah, I doubt anyone will miss her."

After hearing that, she had run upstairs and cried all night. It wasn't long after that when she had been moved to Alex's house. When she had gotten there she looked at Alex, who had been a beautiful child. Alex had taken her up to her new room and she looked at herself in the full-length mirror. She looked almost dead she had no hair to speak of, and she was pale.

She moved all of the furniture over to a corner of the room beside the window and got her stuff together. Alex came in and looked at the spacious room with all of the furniture piled up in a corner of the room. "Why did you bunch up all of the furniture?"

"Cause I've always been told to take as little room as possible,"

That thought brought her to the present. She was sitting on a park bench, her legs were together as far as they would go and her hands were in her lap. She was at the end of the bench trying to take up as little room as possible. She knew that she had to go and confront Adam. She decided that he was probably at the Youth Center. He was probably angry and wanted to work out.

At the Youth Center she saw him on the mat with Tommy. She wanted to cry. He was the man she had dreamed of since she was a child. The man who would actually love her and make her feel as though she was wanted and not like an idiot that God had out on this earth for his mild amusement. The man who would simply... love her.

He was wearing a dewrag on his head and a black short sleeved top and sweat pants. He caught a glimpse of her and went over to her. "Hey girl."

"Hi"

"What's wrong? You look like you've been crying."

"You don't have to pretend anymore," Adam only stared at her, confused. "I know that you don't like me anymore. You said it in so many words this morning at the beach. I don't blame you- I understand. Everyone just pretends to care about me. Why should you be any different. You deserve to be happy and I have no right to take it away from you. I'm sorry for thinking that you really loved me. I was stupid. I hope you and Alex have fun together. I promise I won't interfere or anything, I'll just disappear like I always do," with that she ran out of the Youth Center crying. She didn't see the hurt, confused look on Adam's face as he watched her retreating back.

It was long passed normal school hours and Alex was at her locker, staring at herself in the mirror. Her thoughts were of earlier that morning, of the results of her test. She couldn't believe it. She was pregnant. Her pregnant. She had been feeling pretty weird for a while, but didn't make much of it. Then she began getting sick. And then she missed her period...twice.

She knew that the baby was Rocky's and wondered how it had survived the attack. How was she going tell him? What was she going do? God why were so many things happening to her all at once?

"Hey stranger," said a familiar voice as a pair of arms wrapped around her waist. With a kiya, Alex elbowed him in the stomach and flipped him over her back. Adam landed on his back. "Jesus Alex, what the hell's wrong with you?" he said as he pulled himself off the floor.

"You bastard!" she hissed and slapped him in the face. "Don't you ever touch me again!"

"What?! What's-"

"Stay away from me! Just... stay away," she cried and ran off.

Adam stared after her for a minute, confused as all hell. He decided to go after her and find out why she, along with everyone else, had been treating him so strangely and why his girlfriend had broken up with him. He followed her usual route home and caught up with her after several minutes. She had dropped her books and was doubled over, clutching her middle. "Alex, are you all right?!" he said and ran to her, but was too late. She fell to the ground in a dead faint. He scooped her up in his arms and ran for the parking lot, thanking the Lord that he had driven the car instead of his bike.

Nova walked through the empty house. She was alone again, as usual. Her thoughts kept returning to Adam and the magical night they had spent together. She didn't feel alone when she was with him. 'Get over it girl, he'll never be yours. she thought to herself. "I need to sing. That always makes me feel better," she said out loud to herself and headed for the dining room where the piano sat.

Nova sat down and tinkered at the keys for a minute and then, as if possessed, her fingers began to play the intro to "Run To You". She let the music swirl around her and sang her heart out.

As she sang she saw her and Adam. He stopped to give her a ride and they ended up at the beach. He took her for a walk along the sand and they just talked. He took her hand in his and gave her a sweet smile. He talked to her as if she had been his best friend for years. Nova reveled in his closeness. She knew that she was in love with him. What would she do about it?

They stopped and sat in the sand for a while and continued talking about nothing in particular, but neither of them was ready to leave the other's presence. Then, as if he had been reading her mind, Adam leaned over and kissed her.

The kissed was soft, but deep and spoke volumes about the feelings they shared. Suddenly he pulled away with a look of extreme guilt on his face. Nova knew that he was thinking of Sierra, but said nothing. He had to leave and offered to take her home. She declined stating that she liked the walk. She watched him long after he disappeared into the night, wishing that she could run after him and profess her undying love to him.

"That didn't make me feel better," she sobbed and let the tears come in full force.

Somewhere in the darkness of the house someone was having the same thoughts of love and despair.

The doorbell startled Nova. She checked herself in the mirror before answering the door to be sure that there were no signs of her having been crying. She opened the door and was greeted by Rocky.

"Oh, I was hoping you were Alex."

"Gee that really makes me feel better. Well at least you can tell us apart," She said and stood back, allowing him entry.

"I'm sorry Nova, I didn't mean it that way. Alex was supposed to meet me at the Youth Center after her tutoring session in biology, but she never showed. I'm worried. I mean she has been acting really weird lately."

"I know. She should have been home way before now. Maybe she went for a walk or something."

"Maybe. Do you have any idea what's going on with her? I know there's something wrong, but she won't tell me a thing."

"What makes you think I know something?" she said a little too quickly.

"Well how about the fact that you're her sister and sisters usually can tell each other things that they can't tell others. Or the fact that every time I ask you, you get overly defensive. You always look like there's something that you want to tell me, but then you clam up. What's going on with my girlfriend Nova?"

"Well, there is something that I think you should know, but... "

Before Nova could finish her thought, the phone rang. She hurried to answer it, glad to be out of Rocky's questioning stare and hoping that it was news of Alex. "Hello? Oh, hi Adam, Sierra's not here- Oh My God! What happened? Okay we're on our way."

"What's wrong?" Rocky asked when he saw how Nova had paled at whatever had been said to her.

"We have to get to the hospital. There's something wrong with Alex."

"What?!"

"I don't know! He didn't say. Let's go."

On the way out the door they bumped into Sierra and drug her along to the car, explaining on the way.

"Nova, what's wrong with Alex?" he asked in a serious tone.

"A few weeks ago she was attacked at the house."

"Nova! You promised Alex you wouldn't tell him," scolded Sierra from the back seat.

"Why wouldn't she want me to know."

"Rocky, I don't know how to tell you this."

"Tell me what?"

"Alex was raped," Sierra blurted. "And if you were any kind of boyfriend you would have known!" she added.

"Sierra!"

Rocky felt all of the colour drain from his face. His hands dropped from the steering wheel and the car began to veer off. Nova grabbed the wheel and kept the car steady.

"And people say I have the big mouth! Sierra how could you say that?"

"Raped?" was Rocky's barely audible response.

"She didn't want to upset you."

"But I asked her and she said no."

"No woman wants the man she loves to know that she had been violated. She knew you would go crazy so she made us promise not to say a word."

"That's why she's so nervous all of the time- that's why she won't let me touch or even kiss her. Jesus how could I be so stupid not to figure it out?" he said as tears began forming in the corners of his eyes.

"Rocky calm down. Take the wheel."

He did so. His fingers gripped it so tight that his knuckles turned white. "Who did it?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know or you won't tell me?"

"I don't know- she won't tell us. I think she's afraid of what we'd do if we knew. But we have a suspicion that it's someone we know. Maybe someone from school."

"I can't believe this."

When the trio arrived at the hospital the girls' parents were already there.

"Mom, Dad, what's going on? How's Alex?" asked Sierra as she greeted her adoptive parents with a hug.

"We just got here and they haven't told us anything," answered Carl Peterson.

"Adam what happened?" asked Rocky.

"I-"

"Mr. and Mrs. Peterson?" interrupted a man who was obviously a doctor.

"Yes."

"Hello, I'm doctor Sheuller, I've been taking care of your daughter Alex."

"How is she?" asked Sherri Peterson.

"She fine, though she gave us a bit of a scare. If it hadn't been for this young man getting her here in time she would be a lot worse off," He said referring to Adam.

"What happened?"

"Your daughter was hemorrhaging. She sustained minimal blood loss- again thanks to Adam. We were able to stop the bleeding very quickly. She's stable and resting comfortably."

"Wait. I don't understand. Why would Alex be hemorrhaging?" asked Sherri.

"She began to miscarry."

"Miscarry?" said both parents and Rocky.

"I'm sorry. I take it you weren't aware of you daughter's pregnancy."

"No!" Sherri said almost forcefully.

"Alex had a miscarriage?" asked Sierra.

"No. We were able to save the baby."

"Alex is pregnant?" squeaked Rocky.

"Yes, 9 weeks."

"Aye Dios!" he gasped and sat down just as his knees gave out.

"I'll give you a few minutes to digest all of this," Said the doctor and turned to leave.

"Wait! Um, can I see her?" Rocky asked.

"I'd like to see her again before she has any visitors. I'll send a nurse to let you know when I'm done."

"Rocky, are you okay?" asked Nova as she kneeled before him, rubbing his back.

"I don't think so. This is too much all at once. I find out Alex was raped and five minutes later I'm gonna be a father," He said only loud enough for Nova to hear. "What in the world am I gonna do?"

"You should have thought of that before you got my daughter pregnant," hissed Sherri.

"Huh?"

"You heard me you little bastard. You were so eager to get into her pants that you didn't think about the consequences," She said more loudly.

"Mrs. Peterson, no disrespect intended, but I'm not the only one who didn't think about the consequences."

Sherri slapped Rocky, leaving a handprint on his left cheek. Rocky knew the hit was coming, but didn't try to block it. He only bowed his head. Sherri covered her mouth with both hands after realizing what she had just done. "Oh God I'm sorry," She cried, the tears coming in full force now. "You're right, Alex is at fault too. I had no right to hit you," Her husband took her into his arms, feeling her pain.

"It's okay. If I were you, I'd hit me too."

Just then a nurse arrived stating that Alex was ready to receive visitors. "Rocky you go first. We'll talk about all of this once Alex is home and feeling better."

Rocky only nodded and made his way down the hall to Alex's room. He paused at the door, gathering himself to be strong for his love. She had gone through so much over the past weeks that she had to be a wreck by now. He opened the door a crack and peeked in. Alex was lying on her side facing the window. He almost thought that she was sleeping, but the saw her body shaking. She was crying. And God how he hated to see her cry. "Alex?"

She gasped at the sound of his voice and quickly sat up and turned to see him standing next to her bed. She couldn't read the emotions that ran across his face, but she could tell that he was anything but happy. He must know about the baby.

"Can I hold you?" he asked softly.

She only nodded and opened her arms to receive him. Alex wrapped her arms around Rocky as tight as she could and buried her face in his chest and cried. Rocky kissed the top of her head and cried with her. "Oh Baby, it's gonna be all right."

After a few minutes both the teens had cried themselves out and were laying in the bed wrapped in each other's arms. "Alex?"

"Hm?"

"Why didn't you tell me you were raped?"

She was silent for a long time. So long that he was afraid that she wasn't going to answer him at all.

"Because I felt so ashamed and-and degraded. It was the most horrible thing that has ever happened to me and I didn't want you to see me like that.

"I tried so hard to fight him, but he was like a mad man. I couldn't hurt him or stop-"

"Who did this to you?"

"I can't," she cried.

"Shh. It's okay. We don't have to talk about it right now. We can wait until you're ready. I have to go. Your parents and sisters are waiting to see you. And Mama doesn't know what's happened."

"But you just got here. And... we haven't talked about-"

Rocky covered her lips with his fingers. "I don't know what I'm feeling about this right now. Just give me tonight to sleep on it and we'll talk tomorrow."

"Okay."

"I love you Alex. I'm glad you're still here with me," He said and for the first time in weeks Alex allowed him to kiss her, passionately.

"I love you too Rocky."

That night Rocky went home and told his mother that Alex had collapsed and was taken to the hospital. He said nothing of the baby. He wasn't sure what to say or think. He was barely 18 and now he was going to become a father. Or maybe fatherhood wasn't his only choice. Yes it was. He didn't believe in abortion. Maybe adoption. He didn't know what to think, he only wanted to sleep and escape his problems for a little while. So that's what he did.

The next morning he was at the hospital the minute visiting hours began. He brought her homemade cinnamon buns from his mother, her favorite teddy bear from home and a bouquet of flowers. They talked about everything except the rape or the baby. Neither was ready to cross that bridge just yet. He gave her time with her family when they arrived and promised to return later.

When he returned, Alex was sleeping. Rocky sat above her and held her hand and watched as she mumbled in her sleep something inaudible but obviously disturbing her. She finally woke with a start.

"Hey beautiful."

"Rocky!" her eyes were wild with fright. "I'm so glad you're here. I had the worst dream."

"What about?"

"The rape."

"Oh baby," He leaned over and held her as much as he could without harming her.

"It was all happening all over again in my mind. I saw everything- him...."

"Who did this to you Alex?"

"No I can't"

"Who?!" his eyes were fierce and angry. He wanted to shake it out of her. He had to know who did this to her. He had to know who to be angry at. Rocky was not good with anger. Especially anger he couldn't place with someone.

It was like when his father had been killed in a car accident. He could remember it clearly. He was ten. Someone had just rammed into his father's car head on. Rocky could remember the anger that burned within his stomach. He could remember that the car that had hit his fathers had gotten away free as a bird. He wasn't going to let that happen to his girl.

He looked into her ebony eyes and said once more calmly and softly, almost pleading with her, "Who?" Her defenses broke. She started crying hard.

"Adam," she said softly "Adam did this to me," She said loud enough for him to hear.

His best friend had hurt his girl. Paybacks are going to be hell for Mr. Adam Park. thought Rocky.

He just sat there and stroked Alex's hair until she fell asleep. He had to tell the others. Then he had to go find Adam and let him know how he felt about this little incident.

Rocky was hot. How could Adam do something like that to Alex? He never thought that Adam could hurt anyone but he guessed who he thought was Adam Park was just a facade put on to get close to people.

Rocky went home and discovered that the house was empty. "Perfect," He said aloud. He went to the phone and called all of the other rangers and asked them to all meet at his house, he had some news that they needed to hear right away. About a half-hour later the rangers entered the house.

"What's up Rock?" asked Tommy. He pushed his thick brown hair off of his shoulder.

"It's about Adam."

"Spill it," Billy said quickly.

"He... he raped Alex."

"What?"

"Are you sure?"

"Oh my goodness!"

"Adam?" the teens fired questions at Rocky from all sides. He finally stopped all of their questions with a hand gesture of cutting his throat.

"Guys I have no idea what is going on with him. All I know is that when I find him he better pray to what ever God he believes in that I don't kill him."

"Wait, we still haven't ruled out that he may be under Zedd's control. Perhaps he is and we are unable to detect it," reasoned Billy.

"He better hope to God that he is."

"Well I'm gonna tell Zordon to take him off active duty atleast until we figure out what's going on."

"I agree Tommy. You do whatever you have to."

All of the rangers nodded.

"Since you're all here, there's something else I need to tell you."

"What's up man?"

"Alex is in the hospital."

"Is she all right?" asked Aiesha.

"She will be."

"Well what happened?" questioned Billy.

"She kept the rape to herself for weeks. That's why she's been acting so strange lately. I guess it finally got to her and yesterday, on the way home from school she collapsed. Adam- of all people- found her in time and got her to the hospital," He said.

"There's more, isn't there?" asked Aiesha who was his closest and oldest friend next to Adam.

"Yeah there's more," He said and took a seat in the recliner that he had been standing next to. He knew his knees would give out at any second and decided to beat them to the punch.

"What is it?"

"Alex was-is pregnant. She was so stressed out that she began to miscarry. She began hemorrhaging and almost lost the baby- our baby. She could have died. All because I haven't been there for her. I wasn't there to stop that bastard from hurting her. I... wasn't even there to comfort her," Rocky's tears were unstoppable. He cried like he had when his father had died and Aiesha held him while he did so. The others quietly slipped out. They had no idea of what to say and knew that whatever words they spoke wouldn't be enough to comfort their friend. He was in anguish.

After spending time crying in Aisha's arms, the anger returned stronger than ever. He was gonna find Adam whether or not the others had finished testing for any signs that Zedd had something to do with all of this. He didn't care anymore.

His girlfriend was in more pain than he could ever imagine and he was gonna make sure that the one who caused it would be much worse off than his victim. Rocky was furious. Adam had raped Alex. How dare he even touch her, much less have the audacity to pin her down and flat-out defile her body. He thought he knew Adam. He never thought that Adam would ever do something like that. He was wrong.

He drove to the park and found Adam there practicing a kata. He was very good. Rocky was enraged further at the sight of him. He suddenly wanted to rip his heart from that scrawny chest and pummel his head until he bled to death.

As he approached, Adam stopped, looked at him and smiled. The smile was eerie to Rocky even though it was the same smile that he always gave Rocky. "Hey man," Adam said calmly.

Rocky drew his fist back, and before Adam had time to react Rocky socked Adam in the stomach. Adam doubled over in pain "That's for thinking about Alex," he hissed. Then Rocky hit Adam in the face. "That's for looking at her," Then Rocky kneed Adam in the groin. "That's for touching her," Rocky stormed off to his car and drove off, leaving Adam on the grass, his face covered in blood and crying. He was in pain not just from his physical wounds but from emotional as well.

Rocky drove around for a long time after his run in with Adam. Having settled the physical part of his anger he now wanted answers. How could you know someone all of your life and not really know him at all? He didn't think it was possible.

He almost felt guilty about beating up Adam. He knew Adam. Adam wouldn't swat at a fly, much less rape someone. There were too many inconsistencies in his strange behavior. He wouldn't rest until he got to the bottom of this, for the more he thought about it, the more he believed that he had wrongly accused his "best" friend.

There were other things that needed his immediate attention though. Alex and their child. The realization that he had almost lost them both switched on a light in his mind. He loved Alex more than anything. And having a child with her would not be a punishment for not thinking of consequences. It was a blessing that he would welcome whole-heartedly. He was going to be a father. How amazing was that?!

"Alex!"

"Hey Rocky! Where'd you run off to?"

"That's not important right now. Honey, I've been doing some thinking. This baby is the best thing that has ever happened to us."

"It is?"

"Yes! I mean look at the facts. Odds are it was conceived our first time. Who knew that we would even kiss let alone make love that night? It survived the rape and a near miscarriage.

"Al, this baby was meant to be. We were meant to have this baby right now- well not right now, but- God is protecting our baby so that he or she can be born. I think we should have this baby and raise it with all of our love. I know we can do it as long as we continue to love each other and have faith in that love. We can get married after graduation, I'll open my karate school, and you can go to college. Everything will work out no matter what we have to do. Just tell me that you feel the same as I do."

"Well I don't."

"Y-you... don't?"

"No I don't. What if I don't want to go to college? What if I want to help you with the school? You're not the only one in this family with martial arts skills ya know."

Rocky could only laugh and hug her to him. "We're gonna be a family. I'm gonna be a father."

He was delirious with joy when he left the hospital. The only thing that put a damper on his mood was spotting Adam in the parking lot. He didn't show any signs of the beating that Rocky had given him earlier. He looked quite a bit meaner. And he was talking into his communicator. Rocky moved a little closer to try to hear what Adam was saying. He kept himself hid behind a car.

"Yes my empress. I have distracted the rangers. I raped Alex and now the goody two shoes Adam is paying for it. It will only be a matter of time now before the rangers fall apart."

"Excellent. I want you to start killing them off one by one now. Chose whomever you would like to be your first victim. And when you have finished your mission successfully you shall be rewarded handsomely. I believe you have an interest in the one named Nova- you're in love with her aren't you? She will be yours- as long as you do not fail."

"Yes my empress," He lifted his head from his communicator. "Rocky will be the first to die," Rocky stood up slowly from behind the car.

"I don't think so you son of a bitch."

"Oh so you think just because you can defeat poor, defenseless, wouldn't-harm-a-mouse Adam, you can defeat me? Well you have another think coming Rocky. I know your weaknesses and I'm not afraid to use them against you."

"Sure. Go ahead. Try me," Rocky moved into fighting stance and started at the clone. "Come on you bastard, come and get me," John made the first move and missed Rocky by a mile.

Rocky fought him with pure anger and hatred. Two emotions that he didn't put to use together often. John kicked Rocky in the stomach and Rocky doubled over in pain. He could hear the clone laughing in his ear. Blood dripped from Rocky's nose and mouth from the countless times that he had been hit. Rocky knew exactly where to hurt the clone, he knew Adam's one weakness. His left knee. He had busted it when they were little. It didn't cause him any pain anymore but if it were kicked it would throw him off balance and probably crack. Rocky stood up with effort. He gathered all of his strength and kicked the left knee. The clone fell to the grown screaming in pure agony. Rocky grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and seethed.

"You mess with one you mess with us all," Then his punched the clone in the nose and the clone was out cold.

Rocky spoke into his communicator, "Zordon," he panted, " teleport me to the Command Center- now!"

Sierra was alone in the house. Rocky was with her sister and Nova was God only knows where. Sierra was diligently cleaning the house when there was a knock on the door. She went over and answered it. It was Adam and he had dried blood on his lip. He was crouched like his face wasn't the only thing that got pounded. She gasped. She knew that since she had broken it off with him she wasn't supposed to feel like she should gather him up in her arms and help him but she did anyway.

"Adam?!! What happened?"

"I know you don't love me anymore but would you help me?"

"Of course I will," She sat him down on a stool in the kitchen and started to clean the dried blood off of his face."

"I didn't know who else to come to. No one trusts me anymore. I don't know what I did. I don't understand why you broke up with me, I don't understand why Alex is so jumpy around me, I don't understand why Rocky beet the snot out of me..," he just started crying. Clear tears ran down his tortured face. ... He really doesn't have a clue. she realized. She wrapped her arms around him. He pulled away from her and gathered his composure.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be here. I have no right anymore to come to you for help with my problems," He got up and winced in pain.

"No, you stay right here and let me clean you up," He sat back down and she finished cleaning him up slowly and carefully.

"I thought you loved Alex. That's why I broke it off."

"Why would you think that?"

"When I asked you about the tattoo on your arm..."

"I don't have a tattoo on my arm."

"I saw it remember? Then you yelled at me and told me that my sisters were nicer than

me.""No, I didn't. I would never say something so cruel to you. I love you. And I don't have a tattoo, see," He pulled up both of his selves and sure enough the tattoo she had seen only days before was not there. She looked at him her eyes filled with confusion.

"I don't understand."

"Neither do I. But I bet I know someone who does."

"Who?"

"I can't tell you right now,"

"Oh."

"Don't worry one of these days I'll be able to explain it to you," He slowly got up.

"You can't go you're hurt."

"Don't worry I'll be fine," He started for the door. Sierra stopped him and held his arm.

"Please don't go," She whispered.

"Why?"

"Because if you go I'm afraid that you will never come back," He grabbed her arm and held her chin in his hand.

"I will come back sweetheart, I promise. I will come back to you- I love you too much not to," He kissed her lips and then left.

He arrived at the Command Center just as the clone was finished explaining everything.

"Adam,"

"Rocky. Stay away from me."

"Man I'm sorry about what happened."

"Tell that to my stomach. Zordon what in the world is going on?"

"ADAM, RITA AND ZEDD HAVE MADE A CLONE FROM A SAMPLE OF YOUR BLOOD. HIS MISSION WAS TO DESTROY YOU AN-"

"Well his mission was a success."

"LET ME FINISH. WE WERE ABLE TO BREAK THE SPELL CAST ON HIM. HE IS NOW ON OUR SIDE AND IS TRULY SORRY FOR EVERYTHING THAT HE HAS DONE."

"Adam I'm really sorry. It should have never happened."

"What about what you did to Alex you bastard!" screamed Rocky. Billy and Tommy both grab one of his arms to keep him from launching himself at John.

"What did he do to Alex?" asked Adam, who was still confused about what was going on.

"Go ahead and tell him what you did while pretending to be him," seethed Rocky.

"I don't remember what happened that night-"

"Well how nice for you to forget every vicious deed you committed. Alex has to live with what you did for the rest of her life. She will never forget!"

"Billy, Aiesha, Kim, take him back to the med. room and see if you can calm him down," instructed Tommy.

"What in the world did he do to earn me the ass whupin' I got from Rocky?" demanded Adam.

"He raped Alex," answered Tommy solemnly.

"Jesus. So that's why Alex treated me like I had the plague. Oh my God," Adam was stunned by the news he had just received. He now understood why Rocky beat him up before asking his side of the story. If he had been in that situation and Sierra had been raped, he would have done the same thing. But it still hurt to know that his best friend would believe that he was capable of such an act. "So what is going to happen to you now?" he asked, still dazed from the shock of what his clone had done.

"Well I was hoping that you wouldn't mind me hanging around. I'd like to make a life for myself- a good one."

"Oh yeah sure, ruin my life and then ask to be a part of it. How dumb do you think I am?"

"Adam, I-I...."

"You're what, sorry? Well it doesn't matter now does it? You are very lucky that I managed to smooth things over with Sierra. You were extremely cruel to her. You can mess with me, my body- what ever, but you, never hurt my Sierra. Is that clear?!"

"Yes," John said very calmly.

The other rangers stood there in silence. None of them had ever heard Adam's voice get so loud in anger. But Adam had managed to get his point across. "You just better pray to God that Rocky and Alex can be so forgiving. Even though you were under an evil spell, what you did can never be forgiven or forgotten. So I guess it's up to them whether or not you stay or go. Now get out of my sight for a while. Come back later and I'll discuss with you what needs to be discussed."

"That sounds reasonable."

At the Power Chamber the gang was going over their plans for John. Much to Rocky's disapproval, they were letting him stay in Angel Grove. Billy had invented a device called a neuralizer, which was able to erase a person's memory or basically hypnotize someone so that you could give him or her an entirely new memory.

They had used it on the Parks and given them the memory of having twins. John was stolen from the hospital and has only now found his true parents. Billy made up all of the proper papers needed to pull this off. John Adam Park was born December 12, three minutes after Adam. He had a birth certificate and social security card. Billy also doctored up transcripts so that John could attend school.

Everything was set.

"There's just one problem."

"What are we going to tell the girls? I mean the three of them know something was up."

"Yeah, Sierra is suspicious."

"And John and Nova are in love."

"And let's not forget what Alex is going through. She deserves to know what's going on- they all do."

"I MUST AGREE WITH ROCKY. THEY HAVE ALL HAD EXPERIENCES WITH JOHN AND WILL KNOW THAT SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS IS GOING ON."

"Zordon, are you suggesting that we tell them everything."

"I BELIEVE IT MAY BE THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THIS INCIDENT UNDER WRAPS. I WILL ALLOW YOU TO BRING THE GIRLS HERE AND EXPLAIN EVERYTHING."

"Zordon's right. Rita and Zedd have already done a lot to hurt these girls because of who their boyfriends are. Who's to say they won't do something more," agreed Billy.

"He's right, they need to be prepared to be attacked at any time. Now that Zedd and Rita know how to get to us they'll keep doing it."

"Yeah I mean how many times have they used Tommy and me against each other and the team. And when they find out that Alex is pregnant it's gonna be open season on her," Said Kimberly, remembering the countless times her relationship was used against her.

"BILLY, CONSTRUCT COMMUNICATORS FOR ALL OF THE GIRLS AND ONE FOR JOHN AS WELL. RITA AND ZEDD WILL BE ANGRY WHEN THEY REALIZE THAT WE'VE TURNED JOHN OVER TO THE SIDE OF GOOD. ROCKY, ADAM AND JOHN, TOMORROW YOU WILL BRING THE GIRLS TO THE COMMAND CENTER."

"We understand Zordon."

"Now we have a welcome home party to set up for Alex."

"Thanks a lot guys, this is gonna mean a lot to her."

"It's the least we can do," said Tommy.

"Sierra is waiting for you and I gotta go pick up Alex, so hurry."

"Hey Sexy! Ready to blow this joint... I guess you are," He said when he noticed that she was fully dressed and waiting for him.

"C'mon, get me outta here."

"Not so fast. I ran into the doctor and he wants to talk to us before we leave."

Dr. Sheuller entered the room just as Rocky mentioned his name. He gave Alex her discharge papers and explained her restrictions. She was to stay home from school this week and when she returned she was to take it easy. She was to do no heavy lifting and no strenuous activity for the next month. He wanted to be sure she was a bit further along and there was less chance of miscarriage before she returned to her normal activities.

"Alex do you still have the name of the Obstetrician I gave you?

"Yes, thank you Doctor Sheuller. "

"Well then I wish you kids the best of luck. Maybe I'll see you when you deliver."

"Thanks."

The party surprised Alex. She never thought that she meant anything to Rocky's friends, but found that she was wrong. Everyone greeted her with smiles and hugs. Her parents had come and brought with them a box of baby clothes from her childhood. This meant that they were giving their support, but had still yet to give their blessing or approval.

She spent the entire party on the couch with Rocky clucking over her like a mother hen. She didn't mind the attention. After the gang left Alex and Rocky were left alone with her parents. They couple was anything but happy about becoming grandparents, but wanted to support their daughter.

Mr. Peterson wanted the two to be married before their child was born, but his wife thought the idea was crazy. There were still only teenagers who were still in school and had only been together for a short while. Having a baby together was bad enough.

"Alex I didn't mean it that way."

"There's only one way to meant it mother. You two have made it perfectly clear that you don't want us to be together having this baby- unless of course we're married. I don't need your support."

"Alex-"

"I'm going to bed. Rocky?"

"I'll be up in a minute," He said and watched as she headed upstairs.

"This is all your fault!"

"Oh great we're gonna start that again?"

"You turned our daughter against us," shrieked Sherri.

"The only thing I'm responsible for is getting Alex pregnant. Everything else is between you and her. If you'll excuse me I'm going to make sure she isn't too upset. It isn't good for her or the baby. Goodnight Mr. Peterson."

"Good night Rocky. You take good care of my little girl," He smiled.

"I will."

By the time Rocky reached her bedroom she was fast asleep. She was laying across the bed- the wrong way- and still had her clothes on. Smiling, he repositioned her and took of all of her clothes. Rocky sat and watched her for several minutes. She looked to be at peace finally. Before he learned about the rape she was always on guard, even in her sleep. Now she was the picture of tranquility.

Rocky placed his head on her belly and listened. He thought about his baby and what it was doing, how it was growing. What was it going to be? He was hoping for a girl that was a miniature version of Alex- minus the temper. But he'd be just as happy for a boy. Someone to carry on the DeSantos name. Someone to carry on his father's name. He began to wish that his father was there to be apart of his life and the life of his child.

Rocky placed a kiss on her stomach. "Thanks dad, for protecting my baby. I wish you could be here with me, but I'm glad you're watching over me and the woman I love," With that he started for home to get some rest. He had a big day ahead of him tomorrow. But first he must tell his mama the truth about Alex.

Rocky was up particularly early the next morning. He had a fitful night's sleep filled with distressing dreams of Alex being raped and him not being able to protect her. He could only watch as John had his way with her. He awoke in a pool of sweat before dawn and decided it was better to get up than to see those images again.

He went out to his back yard and practiced a kata to clear his mind and prepare himself for what was to happen today. He couldn't stand the sight of John, how was going to explain that this maniac was going to be allowed into Angel Grove society- into Angel Grove High where she would have to see him daily? Boy was she gonna be mad! And Alex could be very dangerous when she was mad. He only hoped that the safety of their child hampered whatever feelings she had of doing John bodily harm.

Rocky set out to see Alex before school. The group decided that it was best to do it and have done with it. They had all planned to meet at the Power Chamber at seven-thirty and drop the bombshell on the three unsuspecting young women. "... And don't forget we're all going to see Alex after dinner," He recalled his mother's words to him as he left the house.

It had been surprisingly easy to tell his mother about her becoming a grandmother. She claimed that she had known the two were intimately involved for quite some time. She then returned Alex's underwear that he had mistakenly left in his jacket pocket the night of the Homecoming dance. She only gave him a knowing smile.

Maria DeSantos wasn't happy to be becoming an abuela so soon, but she was much more accepting than Mrs. Peterson. In fact once she began to think about it she became excited that there was a new baby coming. She ran to the attic and rummaged through boxes until she came to the one that held Rocky's childhood belongings. They went through them together and talked about the couple's plans to raise their child. She offered all of her love and support. She hoped that the two would move into her home so that she could be of more help to them. She already thought of Alex as a daughter and would think nothing of having her stay with them until the kids were old enough to marry or move out on their own. Whatever decision they made she promised to be there for them no matter what.

John arrived in the music room to hear Nova singing "Run To You". He knew that she came here often before school to sing out her troubles for he sometimes watched from his pocket dimension on the moon. She was so sad and it was all because of him. Why did he have to be made? He was causing nothing but trouble everywhere he went. He made the mistake of falling in love with Nova. No, it wasn't a mistake, but it could never be. He had done awful things to people, including her. And he did an unforgivable thing to her sister. How could she ever look at him with anything but contempt? How could he live in Angel Grove knowing that he couldn't be with her?

He forgot about his thoughts when she broke down and began to cry. He could tell that she needed to cry and let it all out for she had been holding back for far too long. He followed his instincts and went to her. He placed an arm around her shoulder. "Don't cry love. It hurts me too see you so unhappy."

Nova looked up to see the one she was crying for holding her as if he would never let go. She knew that it wouldn't be long before Sierra came to his mind and he hurried off so she took all that she could get for however short amount of time it lasted. "Oh Adam," She cried and threw her arms around him.

"Rocky! What are you doing here?" she said and gifted him with a kiss and tight hug.

"Alex I don't know how to explain this so I'd better just show you. Hold on to me," He said and pressed the teleportation button on his communicator.

"Rockeeeey... "

"I'll meet you at your locker in a few minutes I'm supposed to pick up Alex's assignments."

"Wait... can you do it later? There's something really important I need to talk to you about."

"Sure Hon, what's up?"

"Thanks for holding me, but you'd better go," Nova said after wiping away the last of her tears.

"I can't. I can't let go of you. I love you Nova."

"You... love me?"

"Yes. I have since the first moment I saw you."

"What about Sierra?"

"I don't love her. I never have."

"But-"

"There's a lot more that needs to be explained."

"Okay. I'll listen."

"You will?"

"Yes."

"Great! Um, hold on to me."

Rocky and Alex reformed in the Power Chamber with her clinging to him for dear life.

"Rocky, where are we and how did we get here?"

"ADAM!! Oh my god! What just happened?"

"Sierra?"

"Alex?"

"Whoa! That was cool."

"Nova?" said her sisters simultaneously.

The three girls looked at one another with surprise then turned to their boyfriends.

"What in the world is going on?" asked Alex.

"And where the heck are we?" questioned Sierra.

"ALLOW ME TO EXPLAIN," Came the voice of Zordon from behind them.

"Ahh!"

"Geez!"

"Good Lord in Heaven! Didn't your mother teach you not to sneak up on people?" scolded Alex before she realized who it was she was chastising.

"I AM SORRY. IT WS NOT MY INTENTION TO FRIGHTEN YOU. AND TO ANSWER YOUR NEXT QUESTION, I AM ZORDON, MENTOR AND FRIEND TO THE POWER RANGERS. AND YOU ARE IN THE POWER CHAMBER OUR BASE OF OPERATIONS."

"Power Rangers?"

"That's right. We're the Power Rangers," stated Tommy as he and the others entered the room.

"And you're telling us all this because... ? asked Nova.

"Forget that. Why are there two Adams?" asked Sierra.

When Alex saw this she unconsciously moved behind Rocky.

"That's the reason we've brought you all here... " began Billy.

Nova and Sierra's legs gave out on them and them sat on the floor rather unceremoniously. No one was sure if what had been said had yet to register with Alex.

"... So all of the strange behavior- the haircut and the tattoo were all John?" question Sierra. "And all of the flirting with Alex and Nova wasn't really my Adam?"

"Never once."

"So you're the one that- that... It was never Adam. All this time I've been blaming my friend for what you did. Nova get away form him!" She yelled and pulled Nova roughly away from John.

"Alex no!" Rocky said knowing what was next, but he was too late.

"You bastard!" she screamed and punched John in the nose with all of her might. There was a sickening crack when her fist connected with his face. John fell back and landed hard on the floor. Alex was there to pounce, but Rocky grabbed her just before she did.

"No Alex, no! Think about the baby. You can't do this."

"We almost didn't have a baby because of him. He doesn't deserve to live!" she cried and tried to break free of Rocky's vise-like grip.

"No. No. Listen to me- Alexius Serena Peterson, listen to me!" he yelled and got her attention. "If you do this you will risk losing the baby and you'll never be able to live with yourself.

"But I do live with it. I live with it every time I go to sleep- every day of my life," She cried and fell into his embrace.

"I know, baby. I know," He said and held her to him.

"Wait, what did he do that we don't know about?" asked Nova.

"You do know about it," Rocky said and gave both sisters a knowing glance.

"Oh my God!" Sierra gasped. Adam was there to hold her.

"No," Nova said barely audible. "No," she shook her head not wanting to believe that the man she was in love with was capable of doing what Rocky had implied.

"Nova, I was under Lord Zedd's control. I had no idea what I was doing," he said holding his nose as blood dripped down his hand.

"He doesn't even remember what he was doing most of the time."

"I know it doesn't make it better, but I do remember falling in love with you."

"And I can never forget how my sister looked after you raped her. Billy can you take me out of here please?" she said as tears formed in her eyes.

"Um, su-sure," He said and did as she asked.

"Ya know we need to get to school," Sierra suggested.

"She's right. Let's get going. We'll cover for you Rocky," Said Tommy then he, along with the others, disappeared in a rainbow of colors leaving Rocky and Alex alone in the Power Chamber.

"Let's go home sweetheart," He said softly against her hair. She only nodded her response.

Several months later
It was the holiday season and the Youth Center was celebrating with a dance. Alex sighed as she glided along in Rocky's arms.

"What's wrong sweetheart?" he asked.

"Nothing I guess. We're all happy now, aren't we?"

Rocky took a look around the room. Adam and Sierra were dancing very close to one another. Things had worked out just fine for them. John and Nova were talking at a table together. They were now inseparable. Rocky was still unsure of how Alex managed to tolerate his presence. He guessed that Alex's love for Nova was much stronger than her hate for John.

Everyone had accepted him. Adam's parents were elated to have their son back with them. The team was glad to have a new friend and ally. John was doing his best to redeem himself of his past wrongs. And he made Nova happy as a clam- which was probably the only reason Alex managed to endure him.

Then there was Alex. Besides having to deal with the rape she was the picture of happiness. She was all aglow from her pregnancy. And her love for Rocky was stronger than ever. Things had worked out for the best and everyone was okay.

Then he noticed poor, miserable Billy. He secluded himself in a corner of the room and just watched people make merry while inside he longed to cry. Rocky still couldn't understand how he had given her up, or how she could use and hurt someone as wonderful as Billy. She claimed to love him and yet she threw him away for the love of another. Perhaps things had not worked out for the best. At least not for Billy anyway.

Rocky had a feeling that this was not the end, but the beginning of many things to come.

E-mail: kittiec@starpower.net