Damsel, not in distress {AJ}

[Rachel Cohen R6]

The large living room smelt of cookies, and vanilla candles, and just a hint of pine. It looked beautiful as well, decked out in Christmas decorations. A large tree set in the far corner, the star that was sitting up on top was dangerously close of brushing the ceiling. And the base was covered with a variety of presents in different colours, shapes, and sizes. In between the top and bottom was tinsel and ornaments that were both store bought and homemade. Some where given by friends of the family whist others had been in the family for decades. This was such a familiar scene to Rachel. It reminded her of her own home, with her own tree, and her own ornaments. Right at the moment the girl wasn’t at home, but rather a friend’s house. They sat in the large seats near the burning fire laughing and talking. On the table between the two held there mugs of cider, or hot coco, the chocolates and of course anything else the felt like eating or drinking. It was a tradition that was started by accident by them, but was honored by the friends anyway. “ … And then Uncle Kenton makes another embarrassing toast causing everyone to blush about its content, and I burst out laughing, I guess I was the only one that thought it was funny.” Her friend was saying laughing still from the previous stories of the families they both came from. They both didn’t say anything for minutes trying to control themselves and laughing even harder. “So … what are you and Kat doing for Christmas dinner?” She asked when they finally settled down. “Oh, you know, the usual Cohen thing, eating together by the tree.” Rachel told her. Only her friend’s mother walked in. She looked flushed as if she had run all the way over to the living room. She toke a few deep breaths before speaking. “Rachel honey, your mother called, she wants you home.” She told her smiling sadly. Rachel laughed again and stood up. “Well thank you for having me, both of you.” She said turning from one woman to the next. “I’ll talk to you after Christmas alright?” She added to her friend and made her way to the exit, she felt both of there eyes on her as she left.

It was no surprise why her mother wanted her home. The evening was dark and there was barely any sun left. It was also freezing. The wind was slapping her in the face leaving a sting. Her hair blew behind her and she narrowed her eyes. One hand on her hat so it wouldn’t blow away, and the other hugging her coat closer to herself, she cursed silently to herself. She should have left earlier, and she knew it, now she had to endure all of this. It wasn’t pleasant, and she could barely see anything. Her house was near here right? It had to be, she wasn’t the type of person to get lost. So she had to take a right on this street, and then she would be a few blocks away from her house right? Yes, that was the way. Except it wasn’t. She had to take a turn on the next street. And though Rachel thought she knew exactly where she was going to be honest, she was lost. But if she thought about it, and saw the street sign she was in fact in familiar territory. Slowly the wind was dying down and the snow wasn’t misbehaving and with the light of the street lamps that just came on she realized where she was, and it wasn’t near her home. “Damn it!” She screamed to thin air in frustration. Katherine was probably getting worried. Except she had no time to dwell on the matter, because some one came out behind a building right at moment, causing her heart to sink. She saw it was one of those punk teenagers that were always mugging people and she knew she was his next target. Great way to end the evening.

“Hey there babe.” He said to her and she couldn’t help rolling her eyes in disgust. “What is that you want, sir?” She asked her voice dripping in sarcasm. No longer a pretty look in her eye, instead replaced by one that held danger. He stepped closer to her in the light and she felt chills run down her back. It was frightening. She felt herself close her eyes and hope for the best. “If you’re going to mug me, I have some advice, don’t.” She told him as he kept taking more steps towards toward her. He made a sound as if he wanted her to continue and continue she did. “I have nothing with me, just myself, so you can head back to the bridge you woke up under this morning.” She heard herself say and knew it wasn’t a smart thing. “What makes you saw I don’t want something else?” He asked her looking instead at her body and it sent more chills down her spine, this was getting scary. And then another person came out from behind the same building. And she shook her head in disbelief, so this was how it was going to end. She looked at the new stranger and her heart began to beat faster, this guy was no stranger. Anything but, he was the sane guy she talked to on the train, the one she knew since she was young. This was not a flattering situation that she wanted to be seen in. Then she was just annoyed.

[AJ Murphy G6]

“Some party, eh?” AJ’s friend Tony asked as they strutted about the streets of London. AJ wasn’t born there, but he had become very popular amongst the muggle high schoolers who lived there. By now, AJ could navigate the streets with ease. He could probably walk home with a blind fold on if he wanted. “It was one of the wildest one’s yet. But it was nothing compared to what my party is going to be like.” AJ’s birthday was coming up, and his mother had finally permitted him to have a house party the day before he returned from holiday break. Of course, she would be upstairs watching the Titanic for the umpteenth time, and she would be checking in on AJ and his friends every so often. But, it was better than nothing. He couldn’t wait for it to happen. “I bet. What are you planning to do about the parent situation?” Tony asked, removing a cigarette from his pocket. He lit it, and AJ grimaced as a large puff of smoke emitted from the small white stick.

“Ugh, put that thing away. You know I hate cigarette smoke.” He said, trying to waft the nasty air away from his clothes. But it was too late. The faint odor of cigarette smoke had already stuck like glue onto his old leather jacket. AJ loved breaking rules. Especially rules set by his parents. But, Emily’s rule on smoking was one AJ wasn’t so keen on breaking. It was because of his father that AJ harbored this attitude against smoking. His father was not only a heavy smoker, but he was also a drug addict as well. AJ and his mother had always believed that Greg Murphy’s addiction to cigarettes was one of the main reasons he became addicted to heroin as well. AJ shuddered at the thought of his dad. “Sorry, mate. I forgot about that. It seems smoking is just about the only thing you won’t do.” He said with a sly grin.

AJ couldn’t help but feel relieved as Tony approached his small old beaten up home. Through the window, AJ could see both his mother and his father passed out on the couch with broken beer bottles crowding the carpeted floor. AJ sighed heavily. Tony’s house and parents blended in well with the environment of his neighborhood. AJ’s house was a bit on the small side, but ever since Leo and his neat-freak kids moved in, it looked pretty decent compared to the rest of the place. “Well, I’d best be going then. See you around, AJ.” AJ waved goodbye to his friend and watched as Tony opened the basement window and climbed inside. AJ stood there in the cold for a while, and after a few moments, he decided he’d better get home before his mother started to worry. It was almost eleven. AJ started to walk toward his home, which was pretty far away from Tony’s. AJ spotted a dark alley in the corner of his eye. He would probably get home a lot quicker if he took this route home.

AJ took a few steps into the alley before he heard voices. Acting on an impulse, he reached into his pocket and grasped his wand. He didn’t take it out, but he held onto it tightly in his pocket. AJ’s expression turned quickly from curiosity to a frown once he saw the situation unfolding before his eyes. Of course, it was just Alex Wallas, trying to advance on yet another unsuspecting poor teenage girl. The boy was tall and strong, but he respected AJ. AJ walked over to stand beside Alex to see who he was trying to kidnap this time. AJ smirked. This was probably not the best time for smirking, but he just couldn’t help himself. The situation was just too funny. He stared into the beautiful green eyes of Rachel Cohen, a girl who he had recently spoken with on the train home from Hogwarts. “Alex, you really must stop this habit. Honestly, some girls I know are scared stiff of even coming near here in fear you’ll attempt to seduce them. May I add you’re trying to kidnap my girlfriend?” AJ watched with amusement as Alex mumbled an apology. “I should have known. You always manage to grab the good ones.” Alex said, the disappointment obvious in his frown. “I know, I know. But here’s a little hint. Girls don’t go for guys who try to nab them in the middle of the night. You might want to ask them their name before you try to take her home with you.” He said with a raised eyebrow. “C’mon Rachel, let’s go back to my place. Wallas here should probably be heading home as well, before someone calls the cops on them.” He said, putting his arm around Rachel and walking away. Once Alex was completely out of sight, AJ laughed. “I knew I’d see you again soon. If you wanted to see me so bad, all you had to do was ask. I would have given you directions.” He said teasingly, not bothering to move his arm.

[Rachel Cohen R6]

Unbelievable, Rachel Cohen was very used to the unbelievable happening to her. Both the good and the bad unbelievable. They said father’s didn’t die when you where that young, but Nolan had and that was the first unbelievable thing that happened, then the next unbelievable thing was when she was younger she was painfully shy. Then one day she woke up not shy anymore. Other things that were just plan horrible bad luck; Rachel was the Queen of bad luck. She always had it. But this, this little meeting in the dark, this toke the cake. She was furious at herself for having horrible luck. If it wasn’t thinking she was going to get jumped, and or mugged, it was seeing the one person she didn’t want to in this situation. How embarrassing, she wasn’t even sure why she cared about the Aj guy so much. But she knew her heart was beating for a different reason then the fact that she was almost kind of kidnapped, and she was hot despite the fact it was freezing outside. She knew it was because of him and it scared her. It wasn’t wise falling for a guy like him, it wasn’t wise falling for anyone right now, and it wasn’t wise falling for him period. Her eyes were on his face and she recognized the smirk regardless of the lighting. So he thought this was amusing. She gave him a smile of her own. Clearly it read that there was nothing funny about this. She was feeling torn, happy to see him, embarrassed, cold, still scared, and oddly she felt like AJ was going to take care of it. But she had it under control right? Oh course she did.

The stood there side by side watching her, and then AJ finally spoke. . “Alex, you really must stop this habit. Honestly, some girls I know are scared stiff of even coming near here in fear you’ll attempt to seduce them. May I add you’re trying to kidnap my girlfriend?” he said smoothly and the guy mumbled out an apology, “I should have known. You always manage to grab the good ones.” He no longer seemed scary only frightened and embarrassed. But on the words that she was his girlfriend, she covered her mouth trying to stifle a laugh. AJ didn’t seem to notice, he was still playing it cool, still talking to the guy who was blushing shamelessly. “I know, I know. But here’s a little hint. Girls don’t go for guys who try to nab them in the middle of the night. You might want to ask them their name before you try to take her home with you.” He was saying Rachel was smirking now. This other guy, Alex, deserved this. He had scared her half to death. “C’mon Rachel, let’s go back to my place. Wallas here should probably be heading home as well, before someone calls the cops on them.” AJ was saying as he wrapped an arm around her, strangely she liked it, she felt her smile even though the situation was still out of her hands. She decided to play along. “Okay hon.” She told AJ putting her lips near his ear as they began to walk away. “Oh …” She said turning to the other guy. “It was nice meeting you, better luck next.” She told him with a perfectly innocent smile, but nothing was innocent about her voice.

The guy was out of there sight and probably out of ear shot as well before Aj began to laugh. He still didn’t move his arm, she didn’t mind. It was keeping her warm. . “I knew I’d see you again soon. If you wanted to see me so bad, all you had to do was ask. I would have given you directions.” She rolled her eyes at how conceited he was. “Ha, very funny, actually if you wanted to see me so bad you didn’t have to arrange that whole thing with your hooligan friend, I feel honored I really do, but that’s a little creepy.” She said mocking his tone. “Just so you know I had things under control.” She told him as an afterthought.

[AJ Murphy G6]

AJ laughed. He was actually surprised that Rachel was willing to play along. He gave her an amused smile and then turned back to Wallas. She was doing it again. She was doing that adorable little smirk thing where she tried to cover her mouth to hide the fact she was laughing. It never worked very well. AJ was surprised at Rachel’s reaction, but then again, he expected it. AJ was the type of person that could get any girl eating out of the palm of his hands. He could always get what he wanted, who he wanted, when he wanted them. It was a matter of persuasion. If he chose his words correctly and did all the right things, he’d have exactly what he asked for every time. That was the trick. AJ didn’t stumble over his words, but spoke them confidently, with the intention of being heard loud and clear. It was all part of his charm. AJ could get any girl he wanted with the snap of his finger. But Rachel was not like other girls. She had said so herself the last time they met, and AJ didn’t dare deny it. He was surprised at how easily she had fallen into AJ’s irresistible charms. He put her under his spell, and she unknowingly did so to him, and there was no way to back out now.

He smiled, leaving Alex Wallas in the dust. As AJ walked away, Rachel’s adorable witty banter began. “AJ Murphy does not need to seek out the things he wants. As it is so obviously shown here, it always comes to him.” He said proudly with a smirk, enjoying the closeness between Rachel and himself. At Rachel’s next comment, AJ laughed. Of course she had to say she had it all under control. She was one of those types who felt they never needed help. Of course, Rachel was independent and could function for herself, and didn’t need the help of a man. AJ loved this about her of course, but the thought was laughable. Both Rachel and AJ knew perfectly well what would have happened to her if AJ had not come to the rescue. Chances are, Rachel would come back from the holidays a completely different person if AJ hadn’t arrived when he did. “Of course you had everything under control. Please, you don’t know Alex Wallas. Trust me, you did not have everything under control. You’re not from around here are you?” He said, trying to remember where her family lived. He didn’t need Rachel to say a word to know the answer.

“Alex Wallas is only one of many. If I hadn’t arrived when I did, you’d probably wake up tomorrow morning in the local junkyard with a massive headache, having no recollection of the night before or why you’re wearing some guy’s boxers and an oversized t-shirt.” He warned. It was a scary thought, and AJ would have murdered Wallas if he had gotten away with it, but it was true. “I know it sounds crazy, but that’s what it’s like around here. It’s not safe for pretty girls like you to be walking around alone in the dead of night, especially not around here. My cousin Cassie lives right down the block, and she has to walk around with pepper spray. This is the part of London that the tourists don’t get to see. Some people here are so poor that the result is just pure chaos. But don’t let me scare you. We’re not all that bad.” He said, his serious tone disappearing completely, being replaced with a good-natured smile. As they approached his small home, AJ dug his key out of his pocket and opened the door with a creek.

As he entered, AJ was welcomed by his entire family. There was his mother, Leo, his little brothers, and regrettably, Angel. AJ managed a smile anyway. “Hey guys, look what I found on my way home.” He said as he and Rachel walked in through the door. His mother was sitting in the corner, snuggled in with Leo on the couch. She was crocheting a large red and green blanket. She looked up and her eyes widened with delight. “Rachel!” She said joyfully, dropping her blanket and walking up to Rachel with outstretched arms. She gave her a large world-famous Emily Murphy-Sheridan hug. She finally let go and held her at arm’s length. “My, my, you’ve gotten so big! What are you doing all the way out here?” Emily asked with an all-knowing side glance toward AJ. The small living room was crowded with tinsel, ribbons, and a small tree stood in the corner of the room. The room smelled of vanilla and sugar cookies and mistletoe hung above each door frame. AJ glanced at Rachel to see her reaction to all this. She hadn’t spoken in ages, which was a first for Rachel.

[Rachel Cohen R6]

His arm still around her she was satisfied. The wind was picking up and was starting up its game of hitting her in her face. She barely felt it. Instead of being cold like most would expect her to be she was warm. He was practically a stranger, and yet here they were. She liked having him by her side, it felt right. She also knew he was smiling, and an involuntary smile slid on her lips. “AJ Murphy does not need to seek out the things he wants. As it is so obviously shown here, it always comes to him.” She looked at his face and saw that smirk and laughed. “And does AJ Murphy always talk in third person about him self?” She asked teasingly, biting her lip and then laughing. “But I still think it was you who came to me.” She told him, it was a nice thing to argue about it, it was nice to have something comforting, and being the typical Ravenclaw a debate was the thing for comfort. It made her feel less strange. He laughed at her next comment, so he thought it was funny? She was sure she had everything under control. She was just the type. She had being taking care of herself for ages. She was always independent, the leader of the group, one of the brightest in her year. The only person she ever really felt like she needed was her mother. That laugh was mockery. “Of course you had everything under control. Please, you don’t know Alex Wallas. Trust me; you did not have everything under control. You’re not from around here are you?” He asked her proving to her that he really didn’t think she had things under control. “I may not know Alex Wallas but I know guys like him, and even if I’m not from around here, that doesn’t mean I don’t know how to protect myself.” She told him her tone leveled with his. She patted her wand in her pocket, if things had taken a turn for the worst she knew what she would have had to resort to.

“Alex Wallas is only one of many. If I hadn’t arrived when I did, you’d probably wake up tomorrow morning in the local junkyard with a massive headache, having no recollection of the night before or why you’re wearing some guy’s boxers and an oversized t-shirt.” He continued to tell her, his tone was like a warning. And she opened her mouth to speak, but stopped herself. She knew he was right. It was no use lying to herself, she was lucky he showed up when he did. “You know your right. I’m sorry for being ungrateful and …” She told him voicing her thoughts, but she didn’t know how to continue so she let it trail off, they continued to walk like this for a little while. . “I know it sounds crazy, but that’s what it’s like around here. It’s not safe for pretty girls like you to be walking around alone in the dead of night, especially not around here. My cousin Cassie lives right down the block, and she has to walk around with pepper spray. This is the part of London that the tourists don’t get to see. Some people here are so poor that the result is just pure chaos. But don’t let me scare you. We’re not all that bad.” He told her starting out serious, dead serious, but ending in his normal fashion. She listened but didn’t say anything, because they were there, at his house. She had been there many times before with her mother, but never alone, and not for any reasons other than to visit Emily. It made her nervous.

They walked through the front door and they where greeted with a warm feeling. She saw Emily, she looked just the same, only happier, she would have to remember to tell her mother that, and the guy with her would be Leo, she was after all at their wedding, and the little boys, Emily’s children and then Angel, they had talked briefly at the wedding. It was a happy family gathering. It looked nice and decorated, and smelt just like her house, and the house of her friends she had just left, maybe it was a British thing. When Emily saw Rachel and walked over to her saying her name with surprise. . “Emily!” Rachel replied as she was given one of those amazing hugs. “My, my, you’ve gotten so big! What are you doing all the way out here?” Emily finally said letting her go. Rachel smiled shyly. “Well, I ran into your son and …” Rachel said trying to think of a way to describe it, “let’s just say he was concerned for my safety.” She told Emily with a laugh, she saw her sneak a glance at AJ, and Rachel did the same. “So AJ, what was it you wanted to show?” She asked unsure why. She was smirking again now.

[AJ Murphy G6]

AJ smirked a bit, seeing Rachel’s nervous glance at his mother’s question. All eyes were on AJ and Rachel, and everyone in the room seemed to be able to put two and two together. Especially Angel. AJ almost rolled his eyes at the thought of her. She was just like a robot, and she was always trying to interfere in AJ’s life, always trying to tell him what to do as if she were his mother. AJ was sure Angel would make a great mother one day, but for now, she was only seventeen. She was a teenager, and she should be living life to the fullest, not dropping out of school to go work her butt off in another country, completely separated from all other human life. But that wasn’t the point. This was a happy time. It was Christmas, and AJ would only have to put up with Angel until Christmas break was over. At least he didn’t have to go to school with her anymore like he used to. She had her moments where she was actually a normal person, but normally she was just a pain. AJ let out a small sigh, and returned from his reverie with his usual smile and an answer to his mother’s question. “Well, let’s just say I had an interesting chat with Alex Wallas this evening.” He said, rolling his eyes. Angel gasped.

“Ugh, I feel so bad! I ran into that kid one day on my way home from the rink. I thought I would never make it home. How did you escape?” Angel asked Rachel with a worried stare. AJ smiled, putting his arm around Rachel again. Out of the corner of his eye, she noticed his mother try to do the same thing Rachel always did. She used her hand to try and cover the fact she was giggling. AJ glanced quickly at Leo, who had his arm around Emily in the same way. He gave AJ a dorky wink that made AJ want to laugh. It was so funny when Leo tried acting cool. “Well, I came to the rescue of course. Someone still insists she could have handled it without me, but hey, that’s women for you.” He said with a shrug. He guided Rachel toward the kitchen, away from his nosy, overbearing family. “Sorry about them.” AJ said to Rchel once they were in the kitchen and out of earshot. Although he could have sworn he noticed a couple pairs of feet standing just outside the door. Of course his brothers were listening. It was their job to be nosy. “They tend to be very…” AJ let his sentence trail off as he motioned towards the door, where about three pairs of little feet could be seen through the crack under the door. “Nosy.” He finished, opening the door on the kids, who scattered once they noticed AJ appear in the doorway.

AJ laughed and closed the door again. He opened the fridge and poked his head inside. He had just returned from a wild house party, so alcohol wasn’t exactly on his mind. After all, tomorrow was Christmas Eve. There had to be something good around this house. This place was stuffed with Christmas freaks. AJ didn’t really care for Christmas much. It was okay, but it wasn’t worth all the trouble people put into it. “So, what do you want to eat? Angel and mum have been baking all day, so we’ve got plenty of cookies and treats lying around the house.” He said, picking up a chocolate chip cookie off a metal cooling rack. It was obviously just baked, because the second AJ bit into it, chocolate seeped out from everywhere, making AJ’s mouth warm. He reached into a cabinet and removed one plate and two glasses. “If milk isn’t your pleasure, I’ve got some good stuff in my private stash up in my room. C’mon, I’ll show you.” He said, piling the freshly baked cookies onto the plate. He left the glasses on the counter. He had some more upstairs.

AJ opened the door and it creaked loudly. AJ was used to this. Every door in the house creaked. However, AJ knew the perfect way to keep every door quiet in case he ever needed to sneak out of the house. But that wasn’t necessary at the moment. AJ flicked on the light and his eyes swiped his ever so familiar room. It was small, but it had everything he needed. His queen sized bed was in the corner of the room, where piles of laundry were scattered both on top of the bed and on the floor. His desktop computer was in another corner, and empty glasses and chocolate bar wrappers crowded around the old gray keyboard. He had two beanbag chairs beside the bed, and a large plasma screen television was attached to the wall. AJ’s father had bought him this television two days before he was admitted into rehab. AJ averted his gaze from the tv, and moved a bean bag chair from its original spot. Under it, was a hidden loose floorboard. He lifted it up and removed a small cooler. An enlargement spell had been placed on the cooler, so it could fit just about a much as the fridge downstairs could, if not more. “Okay, so I’ve got beer, wine, Pepsi, and I think I’ve got some red bull left..” He said, digging through the cooler. “Care for anything?” He asked her, removing a Corona from the cooler and opening it for himself.

[Rachel Cohen R6]

It was going better then she expected. She never thought AJ would be the type to be that close to his family, it was surprising. It was a bit embarrassing but in a nice way. It was usually her to bring the ‘friend’ home with her and her mother would be acting just like AJ’s family was. It was strange to see things from another perspective. Not that she minded. Rachel was only half listening to everyone, sure that he would fill them in on everything, or tell them whatever story he saw fit. No, instead she was looking around taking the scene in, and was very aware of AJ right beside her. All these little things, things that barely ever happened to her, like her heart beating so fast in her chest that she could hear it in her ears and it was making everything sound far away, or that seeing him smile caused her to do the same, and that she felt comfortable with it all. All these things, and more, they barely happened to her, and only if she was really interested in the guy. And never all at once. This was new to her. But she welcomed it. She still found it strange that it was him that caused all this but she didn’t mind. Her mind was picking up pieces of the conversation. Him speaking, Angel asking a question, Emily laughing silently. She wasn’t paying attention but was picking up the basic drift. He placed his arm back around her; an involuntary chill ran down her spine. “Well, I came to the rescue of course. Someone still insists she could have handled it without me, but hey, that’s women for you.” He was saying at the same time, she smiled again. “My hero.” She said sarcastically, but she knew they would know she was only kidding. She then felt herself being lead to another room.

They arrived in the kitchen and the door closed behind them again. He apologized for his family, and she thought it was cute. “No, no, it’s okay. There really nice.” She told him laughing a little. They were speaking as if she had never been here, stood in this kitchen. “I know your family, you must remember that.” She told him. He was still apologizing though, saying they where nosy. She didn’t mind. She glanced under the door and saw feet and found herself laughing. At home it was just Rachel and her mom. If Katherine was curious she would wait till after the company left, and then bombard her with questions. They had a very open and honest relationship, Rachel told her mother everything. As he rummaged looking for something to eat she wondered what her mother would say about his. How would she feel about Rachel being here with him? She didn’t have a clue, but figured her mother would be happy. After all she this family, she trusted and loved this family. She would approve of her best friends son right? There was no defiant answer but it was leaning towards the yes. . “So, what do you want to eat? Angel and mum have been baking all day, so we’ve got plenty of cookies and treats lying around the house.” He asked her, she didn’t want to seem rude but she had eaten already. “Oh, I’m not hungry; I had kind of left a friend’s before I ran into that guy.” She told him looking around and seeming that Emily had been busy baking. Her and her mother needed to do their own baking. “If milk isn’t your pleasure, I’ve got some good stuff in my private stash up in my room. C’mon, I’ll show you.” He told her and she had no time to respond she just followed him to his room.

“Okay, so I’ve got beer, wine, Pepsi, and I think I’ve got some red bull left, Care for anything?” He asked as the walked in. She walked around the room slowly sitting down on the bed as she came to a stop. “Pepsi.” She told him and smiled. This moment should have been when she felt the most nervous, most awkward, but there was nothing nervous, or awkward about it. Perhaps it was strange it that she felt at ease. She kicked of her shoes and sat cross legged on the bed. Looking around she had to laugh. “You know what I’m thinking as I sit here?” She asked him sure that he had no idea. “I’m wondering how many other girls have been here.” She told him. Maybe it was the wrong thing to say, but it was true. She knew she wasn’t the first, and defiantly not the last. She wasn’t even sure where she stood with him. And the same way he didn’t know what she was thinking, she didn’t know what he was thinking. She wasn’t sure what he should have been thinking. Maybe he was wondering when she was going to leave. But even as she thought that she knew it wasn’t true. He wouldn't have invited her to his room if that were true.

[AJ Murphy G6]

“No, no, it’s okay. They’re really nice.” Rachel assured him with a nod. That’s what everyone said. Sure they were nice at first, but there was so much that was hidden behind closed doors, stuffed in the closet so that no one could see. But Rachel had an advantage; she told him so with her next words. “I know your family, you must remember that.” AJ chuckled a bit, tossing one of the glasses in the air and catching it with ease. He tended to do that a lot, which made his mother very angry. They were all made of glass, so they were easily breakable. AJ felt his lips curl into a small smile. He never dropped that glass once. AJ shook himself out of his reverie. “You’re right. I keep forgetting that. You and Kathy are the only two people outside the family who know so much about us. Nonetheless, I apologize once more for their odd behavior.” He said with a smirk, walking up the stairs to his bedroom. It was such a simple thing, really. AJ didn’t really think much of this small action nowadays. It was just so common. Girls treated everything as a sign, and AJ had learned to respect that notion. But, today he forgot. He forgot that taking a girl to his bedroom with him actually did mean something. In truth, AJ just wanted to go upstairs, which was the only place away from his nosy family. His mother would be proud. AJ could just picture the situation that was to come after Rachel left.

AJ would be laying on his bed, watching a horror movie on tv, and his mother would walk in. She would smile knowingly, and AJ would act all cool like it was no big deal. She’d just stand there smiling until AJ said something. He’d probably say something along the lines of “May I help you?” or “the bathroom is next door” and Emily would laugh. She’d continue to stand there, and she’d eventually start shaking her head. AJ would give her a look, and then she’d finally talk. “I knew it. I knew sooner or later you two would be interested in each other. I knew from the moment Kathy gave birth to Rachel this would happen. Well, at least you’ve finally made the right choice kid.” She’d laugh, and then she’d walk away. AJ’s mom was the kind of woman who didn’t beat around the bush. She got to the point and said what was on her mind without playing mind games or holding back words that would cause awkward silences. She’d say whatever was on her mind, no matter the reaction. In her mind, a thought is meant to be heard by the world. AJ admired that about his mom, but of course, it did get quite annoying. Especially when you had to live with the lady for half the year. As AJ approached his room, he noticed a mistletoe glisten in the moonlight. It was hung right above a window. However, Emily had so cleverly placed it right next to the stairs and right across the corridor from her bedroom. AJ raised his eyebrow, but Rachel couldn’t see his line of vision or his facial expression since she was standing right behind him. For this, he was glad.

When AJ asked for Rachel’s choice of drink, Rachel merely asked for a Pepsi. She was a smart girl. Although, he couldn’t blame her. AJ would not want to be the least bit intoxicated with alcohol if he was in her position. She was sitting quite casually on AJ’s bed, giving AJ a charming smile. He shrugged and handed her the small Pepsi can. He sat next to her on the bed and she started to giggle. AJ gave her a questioning stare. “What’s so funny?” He asked, taking a sip of his beer. She continued to laugh, but stopped at AJ’s question. Her answer was quite straightforward, and admittedly very surprising. That comment in fact, reminded him a lot of his mother, who also didn’t hold back when it came to matters of dating, or any other thing for that matter. “You know what I’m thinking as I sit here?” AJ turned and gave her his full attention, looking her straight in her beautiful green eyes. “I’m wondering how many other girls have been here.” She told him. AJ opened his mouth to speak, and then closed it again. “Well, that caught me off guard.” He said with a sigh running his hands through his wavy dirty blonde hair.

“Well, to be honest, I’ve taken plenty of girls up here before. But that doesn’t make you any less important. Those other girls, they were part of an entirely different era, they all fit the same mold. But, you’re different. You’ve said it yourself, Rachel. You are not like the other girls I’ve dated before. You are so much more than that.” He said, with an honest smile, taking her hand in his. Suddenly, the door opened, and AJ rolled his eyes when he saw Angel appear in the doorway. “Ever heard of knocking?” He asked. Angel looked caught off guard. “Well I’m sorry if I ruined a moment or something, but Emily wants to make sure Rachel’s mom knows she’s here. And she wants to know what happened to the cookies that were on the counter, although from what I see here, the answer to both questions is obvious.” She said with an arched eyebrow, her eyes moving from AJ’s hand to the plate of cookies on the ground. She tossed the cordless phone onto the bed and closed the door on them. “Ah, don’t you just love step-sisters?” AJ said sarcastically with a glance at the closed door.

[Rachel Cohen R6]

Rachel closed her eyes breathing for a moment. She wasn’t sure what he’d say. Normally she had the guy figured out; she knew they would tell her exactly what she wanted to hear. Or rather what they thought she wanted to her. On the whole she knew what type of guy they were. She knew what move they would make next. One look could tell her their thoughts, one kiss could tell their intentions, and one smile would show how they felt. She knew every guy was different, in some way. It was up to her to find the variable. There were many types of guys; she usually ended up with the smart, quiet, witty guys. Normally people from her house and year. She did date outside her house and therefore came her information about the other types of guys out there. She figured them out and then … she would date them until she got bored. Sad, pathetic truth, but still the truth. She opened her eyes slowly, the image hadn’t changed. She shouldn’t have expected it to. It was still him, his face, his smile, and the way he was looking at her. It gave her butterflies, it scared her that he had this power over the way she was feeling. Her mind was thinking irrational thoughts, her body was betraying her with the butterflies, and she wasn’t sure what was going on. But she was sure she couldn’t figure him out. He had proven that times before. Everything about him was a variable, she couldn’t make assumptions. She had to look away. She was fine with letting herself get caught up in this situation, she didn’t mind what so ever, but she wasn’t going to make it that easy. She didn’t want it to mean more to her than it did to him, this was new territory for her. It was usually the guy unsure about how she felt. Again she saw things in a new perspective, except she didn’t like this one as much. She opened her Pepsi and toke a drink. It was cold going down her throat and the bubbled tickled her tongue, causing her to smile again. She finally looked back up at him just as he began to speak. “Well, that caught me off guard.” He told her with a sigh, she could see he really was. She had that effect, asking the question that would turn things around, make things weird. She wasn’t one to keep quiet, but it cost her sometimes. She wondered if this would one of the times. She found herself hoping it wasn’t.


“Well, to be honest, I’ve taken plenty of girls up here before. But that doesn’t make you any less important. Those other girls, they were part of an entirely different era, they all fit the same mold. But, you’re different. You’ve said it yourself, Rachel. You are not like the other girls I’ve dated before. You are so much more than that.” He told her with so much honesty that she wanted to believe him, no, she already believed him. How could she not? He looked so open and when he toke her hand in his she knew he had her. Even in the most serious of moments, even one like this she had to say something that would lighten the mood. Her smile turned into a teasing smirk, she was sitting to closer to him now without realizing it. “Dating huh? I wasn’t aware.” She told him just as the door opened. Rachel half expected the whole family to be there but it was only Angel. “Well I’m sorry if I ruined a moment or something, but Emily wants to make sure Rachel’s mom knows she’s here. And she wants to know what happened to the cookies that were on the counter, although from what I see here, the answer to both questions is obvious.” She said and Rachel couldn’t help thinking this wasn’t something she approved of. Her eyes showed that as they darted from the two to the cookies. Rachel laced her fingers with AJ’s making it more obvious. “Oh hello Angel, thanks.” She said as Angel threw the phone, but the girl was already leaving. Rachel looked at the phone. She wasn’t going to call her mother right away and ruin whatever moment they where having.

“Ah, don’t you just love step-sisters?” Aj asked her sarcastically. She smiled, “I wouldn’t know.” Was all she could say. The things he was saying earlier to her in kitchen echoed in her head. “You’re right. I keep forgetting that. You and Kathy are the only two people outside the family who know so much about us. Nonetheless, I apologize once more for their odd behavior.” She had thought nothing of it then, but wondered where they acting different because she was being presented to them differently. She was no longer just Katherine’s daughter; she was involved somewhat with AJ. Was her mother going to act the same way? She had known AJ since he was born, his mother before that. But it was still hard to determine how she would act. She thought back to Emily. Emily seemed like she expected this to happen, perhaps the friends had been talking about their children. Not that that was a bad thing.

[AJ Murphy G6]

“Dating huh? I wasn’t aware.” Rachel said with a smirk. She always did have a way of changing some of the most serious conversations and making them flirty and lighthearted again. AJ thought about what he had just said. Did he mean it? Did he really think Rachel would be the one to end AJ’s flirtatious ways? AJ wasn’t sure. But one thing was for sure. He really did like Rachel, and he knew ever since the train ride home that she felt the same way. He shrugged at her witty remark. Even he hadn’t picked up on the fact that he had referred to them as a couple. Well, he figured they were. After all, there was no denying it. She liked him, he liked her. It was as simple as that.

“Well, why don’t we make it official? Rachel Paige Cohen, will you be my girlfriend?” He said, just as the door opened. He rolled his eyes as Angel so rudely entered the room. She obviously didn’t approve of AJ’s liking of Rachel, and that notion was obvious from her narrowed eyes and suspicious expression. It seemed Angel didn’t approve of AJ dating anyone. Back when he dated those blonde beautiful bimbos, Angel didn’t approve because she thought AJ could do better than that and that his dating standards were too low. And then there were rare times like now when AJ managed to pick someone with a good sensible head on her shoulders. Angel didn’t approve of them either because she thought that AJ would corrupt their pure minds or something. So who did she approve of? Just because Angel’s life was completely dry of any kind of excitement whatsoever didn’t mean that AJ’s life had to be. Angel had to understand that.

But then again, Angel’s life wasn’t always totally devoid of excitement though, was it? There was that criminal guy, what’s-his-face. She dated him for awhile. It was the most un-Angel like thing she could possibly do. The guy was nineteen, and she was only seventeen. It didn’t make sense. Angel shunned all forms of excitement and romance in AJ’s life, but didn’t hesitate to go out with a guy that could very well kill her. After all, he was back in jail now for the same reason he had ended up there the first time. AJ heard that he was caught street fighting again. He couldn’t remember who the other guy was, but that wasn’t important, not now anyway. Neither was unraveling the mystery that was Angelie Sheridan.

“So…where were we?” AJ said with a smirk, looking into Rachel’s beautiful green eyes. Suddenly, he heard the phone ring. He rolled his eyes once more. Couldn’t he get a moment without all these blasted interruptions popping up everywhere? AJ sighed as he heard his mother’s voice ring out throughout the home. As if his mother’s naturally Italian loud wasn’t enough, the walls were paper thin, so every word spoken could be heard throughout the house if one wasn’t careful. “Hey, girl! Guess who just turned up at my house with my son?” Emily’s voice rang out throughout the small old home. “Yes, Rachel is here. She’s upstairs with AJ.” Laughter. “Alright, I’ll call her down.” Emily said. Suddenly, there was a loud crack, and AJ could hear Kathy’s voice as well. He got up and walked Rachel to the door of his room. They stood unser the doorway in silence for a moment, and then AJ looked up with a smile. “Hey Rachel..” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Mistletoe.”

((Eh, a short one. Feel free to god mode AJ in your next post. You know what’s going to happen in the end anyway. ))

[Rachel Cohen R6]

“Well, why don’t we make it official? Rachel Paige Cohen, will you be my girlfriend?” He asked as Angel walked in, shooting those disapproving looks everywhere. Leaving her time to let it sink in. This was what she wanted right? Well not exactly, she wasn’t expecting this at all. Nor had she been planning to be in a relationship. Hadn’t she thought she’d stay single for awhile? But the rest of her obviously had other plans; there was no denying she liked him. She had liked him since the train ride, but had denied it to herself. She wanted this, she knew it now. The idea made her very happy. And she knew her answer was a defiant yes, he did too. She would have been stupid to say no. Angel finally left and it was just the two of them once more. “Are you full naming me, Andrew James Murphy?” She asked with her smirk. Her smirk couldn’t stay on her face though, she was grinning and there was no stopping her now. “Of course I’ll be your girlfriend.” She told him in that aren’t you silly, did you have to ask type of way. She was once again sitting closer to him. “So…where were we?” he was asking with a smirk as the phone rang, not leaving anytime for her to reply. It was frustrating all these interruptions. Emily picked up the phone down stairs and Rachel was listening wondering who it was, not happy at all. It was slowly sinking into her that it was her mother calling. Rachel had forgotten to call her mom. A few minutes later there where two female voices. Emily’s and another more familiar to Rachel, her mother’s. She knew she would have to go home now, it was just her luck. Ruining yet another thing that was going great. Not fair at all. She looked at AJ almost disappointed.

They where going downstairs in silence, holding hands his warm, hers still cold. They stopped in the doorway not quite ready to join the friends and family waiting for the two. Rachel wasn’t ready to go home. Their faces matched their moods, then he smiled. She smiled back unsure precisely why. . “Hey Rachel...” He whispered softly and she followed his gaze upward and realizing just as he whispered “Mistletoe.” She looked back at him laughing silently, taking a step forward, she was closer to him then she had ever been before. Mere inches away from his face. Her heart was pounding in her chest yet again, she wondered if she would always feel like this around him. She leaned in as he was, his lips met hers and she closed her eyes. Smiling through the kiss, but it was short lived interrupted by her mother’s voice calling up. “Rachel, what’s taking you so long?” Katherine was asking as, Rachel pulled away. Emily’s voice called up almost exactly after Katherine’s. “AJ, what are you doing?” She was saying and Rachel knew they where getting impatient, their tones suggested they knew. “I guess I have to go home now.” She whispered softly. Then they both made it down stairs, Rachel was trying to keep from smiling too much.

“Oh hey there mom.” She said casually. Her mother eyed her but then smiled. “Hello daughter.” She said to her back and the two laughed. So her mother wasn’t angry, it was a good thing. She didn’t think she would be, it was always nice to be right. “We have to go home.” She told her and Rachel shook her head yes in response. Then the Cohen’s turned to Emily and smiled. “Thank you again Emily.” Katherine was saying, and she winked. Rachel caught it and wondered what that was all about, not sure of its meaning. “Thank you for having me.” She told her mother’s best friend. “It was lovely seeing you.” She continued this time she was saying to everyone else in the room. She then looked at AJ, “I’ll see you later.” She told him and her mother drug her out of the house. The wind was menacing again, hitting her in the face, they walked in silence. She was still smiling. What a lovely turn of events. It had been a good day.


{[ Eh mine's short too.]}

[AJ Murphy G6]

AJ leaned in for the kiss. Rachel leaned in at the same time. AJ could feel her warm sweet smelling Pepsi breath against his as he enjoyed the warm wonderful kiss. But it was over as quickly as it had started. Kathy Cohen’s voice could be heard calling out Rachel’s name from downstairs. AJ waved goodbye to Rachel and licked his lips, savoring the taste. He smiled. “AJ Murphy has done it again…” he said to himself, his eyes following Rachel down the stairs. Seconds after she was downstairs, he came down himself. Kathy gave him a bright all knowing smile and Emily had given Rachel a smile that matched her friend’s. God, those two were like twins. They did everything together and looked almost exactly alike. AJ remembered hearing stories of all the trouble they used to get into as kids. They were nothing compared to AJ, but they did their fair share of sneaking around behind their parent’s backs as well. AJ remembered hearing his father talk all about it at random Christmas parties and friendly gatherings over the years.

But, now AJ would probably never hear another story about Emily and Kathy’s fun filled past. Greg Murphy was in rehab, and his mother surely wouldn’t start opening her mouth about the trouble she and her friend had gotten into over the years. Emily tried hard to set a good example for AJ, and it was greatly admired even though it never worked. AJ always was and always will be a trouble maker. There was no changing that. But he wasn’t stupid. He was up for a little fun, but he knew when to draw the line. AJ’s eyes darted from his mother to her friend. They had everything in common, including their looks. Both Emily and Katherine had wavy brunette hair. Both of them had beautiful fair skin, and their lips were fairly the same shape. The only difference was their eyes. Emily had bright baby blue eyes, while Kathy had big almond shaped green ones, just like her daughter Rachel. “Bye, Kathy. Come by again soon.” AJ said with a smirk toward Rachel. They exchanged happy glances quickly before Rachel disappeared with a crack. The small farewell was not lost upon Emily, and AJ was sure Kathy picked up on it as well.

“You little dog. I should have known. How long has this been going on?” Emily asked, on the verge of breaking out into a laughing fit. He could see the same little feet sticking out from under a curtain, giggling and whispering. Suddenly, Angel walked silently out of her room and down the steps. She was wearing her training clothes and her white polished figure skates were slung over her shoulder. AJ glanced at the clock as he took a seat on the couch. It was midnight. What was Angel doing going to an ice rink at midnight?

“Angel, I hope you’re not planning on going to the rink at midnight.” She said with a worried look. She obviously looked exhausted. “Well of course I am, Emily. I have to land this jump before my training with the coach tomorrow. She told me I had to have it done by next lesson.” She said, getting ready to apparate out of the room. “Angel, go upstairs please. I’m sure your father wouldn’t approve of this.” Emily said. Angel shrugged and sent her skates flying to the closet, where they were neatly packed back onto a shelf. She then began to skip back upstairs. AJ rolled his eyes. “That girl is crazy.” He said, folding his arms. “Don’t you dare change the subject, mister.” She said, trying to conceal her bright smile. “I knew the second Rachel was born you two were going to date. I knew it from the start. Go ahead AJ, tell me I’m right. How long have you been dating her?” Emily asked amusedly. “About ten minutes, you nosy lady.” He said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. She smiled. “Well, you two have my blessing. Katherine’s too.” AJ smirked. “Of course I do. But we all know I’d be dating her whether I had your blessing or not.” AJ said with a smirk, standing up and heading upstairs. “Thank god you have Rachel. Hopefully she’ll be able to straighten you out.” She said playfully, rolling her eyes. AJ shrugged. “We’ll see…” AJ couldn’t stop smiling as he walked up to his room and threw himself onto his messy med. Rachel’s Pepsi can was sitting on his bedside table. AJ took the last sip of the sweet bubbly liquid inside and turned on his tv. This had been an interesting day. In the end…AJ got what he wanted. But, that was pretty much like everyday though, wasn’t it?

((The end. Might as well end this post formally, eh?))