Lovejoy: Eric's Big Date

[Race's Girl]

Chapter 1

"So, who are you taking to the dance since Ross stood you up?" a brunette asked walking next to a brown haired girl through an isle of outfits.

"I don't think I'm going." Vicky Lovejoy, the brown haired girl, answered looking at a pink blouse and then placed it back on the rack.

"May I ask why?" her brunette friend Sarah asked, her voice heavy with sarcasm.

"Well, it's on Friday night and I ain't got a date." Vicky said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"Vicky, do I have to spell it out. You ain't got a date, your dad's been asking his cute sidekick Eric Catchpole to take you. I heard you think he's sexy and all, you both love heavy metal, I can't think of a better couple." Sarah said picking up a black short sleeved blouse and looking it over.

"Are you nuts? I can't go with a bloke about 10 years older than me." Vicky exclaimed dropping a blue polo top.

"Why not? You two make a perfect couple. What are you, scared?" Sarah asked picking up a red V-neck jumper.

"I just can't. Look even if I felt about Eric Catchpole that way, he don't. It'd ruin our lives." Vicky said quickly looking around the store trying not to care about the conversation.

"Who are you trying to convince, me or you? And don't play that " I don't think about him that way" card. I've seen the way you look at him when we were in your dad's store. class. Vicky, you fancy him. Pure and simple." Sarah said handing Vicky a yellow T-shirt.

"I'll think about it." Vicky whispered walking towards the changing room.

Sarah smiled; the first part of her plan was done, now onto phase two. Before Vicky could finish changing, Sarah bought her outfit and left hoping to find Eric. Sarah wondered around the shopping centre looking for Eric in every place she could think of. Sarah turned a corner and gasped. Vicky was walking straight towards her. Sarah quickly walked into the nearest store and picked up a random book and shoved her face into it. Vicky walked by without noticing Sarah. Sarah allowed herself to breathe again. Sarah looked at the book and immediately closed her eyes and placed it back on the self. She looked at the title which read "The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock 'n' Roll". Sarah couldn't believe that was a real book but decided not to push the subject.

Sarah walked out of the book store and continued her hunt for Eric. Sarah found Eric in the one place she never looked. The music store. Eric looked sad looking for a replacement for his guitar with his boss Lovejoy. Sarah summoned all her courage and walked up to Eric. Eric didn't notice Sarah until she stood in front of him.

"Hey, Sarah." Lovejoy said smiling at Sarah.

"Hey yourself, Lovejoy, what's up with Eric?" Sarah asked hoping to start this horrible conversation on a high note.

"Nothing." Eric said flatly.

"Cool…cool…Listen, we need to talk." Sarah sais looking Eric in the eyes.

"This ain't another intervention, is it? 'Cause I got band practise at 3:00pm this afternoon." Eric said, his fear of the thought of another intervention mounting. He still had bad memories from the last one where Charlie Gimbert had smashed his old guitar against Lovejoy's garage wall for being played too loud.

"No, it's about your boss's daughter Vicky." Sarah said not taking her eyes off Eric.

"What about her?" Eric asked sweat rolling down his head.

"Look, your boss and me want you to take Vicky to the Student Union Dance this Friday 'cause her boyfriend stood her up." Sarah said grinning at Eric.

"Oh….my….God, my boss's daughter fancies me." Eric whispered looking away.

"You don't know that. And your about to lose your chance to find out." Sarah said adding some fake drama to her voice.

"How?" Eric asked worried.

"My ex-boyfriend Johnny Paris is gonna ask her to the dance." Sarah said trying not to laugh.

"Wait, my Vicky. He wants MY Vicky." Eric said, his voice both full of anger and shock.

"Yes, YOUR Vicky. So, don't just sit here, go and find her. I think she's at the Punkyfish Clothes Shop right now. Go get her." Sarah said hoping to stir his heart.

Without another word, Eric left Lovejoy and Sarah and ran across the shopping centre.

Sarah and Lovejoy watched Eric run off thanking Vicky for having a crush on her father's sexy apprentice. With no time to lose, Sarah left the music store and set off to find Vicky. If her plan was to work, Vicky had to think she could lose Eric to the girl at the counter. Sarah knew that lying was wrong but they couldn't get together without a little push in the right direction. Sarah laughed knowing this was more like a shove or a tackle to get them started. Sarah knew she wouldn't find Vicky before Eric reached the Punkyfish Clothes Shop. Sarah reached into her handbag, pulled her mobile phone and dialed Vicky.

"Hello?" Vicky answered.

"Vicky, listen I just talk to Eric and…" Sarah began but was cut off by Vicky.

"Where are you? You left me back at the store." Vicky said annoyed at Sarah.

"I went to find him but that's not important. Eric's gonna ask Hayley at the counter out!" Sarah said trying to sound shocked.

"WHAT? HAYLEY? ERIC?..." Vicky trailed off not knowing what to say.

"He said that he fancies you too but never returned the feelings so he's given up." Sarah said trying not to laugh.

"But…but…no. That's not supposed to happen. Eric's supposed to be with me…" Vicky said sounding shaky.

"Don't just stand there, go get him. He's meeting Hayley at the Punkyfish Clothes Shop. Hurry, and Vicky?" Sarah said filling her voice with emotion.

"Yeah?" Vicky said rapidly.

"Don't give him a chance to explain, just get him." Sarah said smiling widely.

"Okay, I'll get him. I'm gonna have Eric, not Hayley." Vicky said before hanging up her phone.

Vicky raced through the shopping centre causing most people to get out of her way.

How could he ask that cow Hayley out? I thought he loved me, not her. Not that it matters, once I find him, I'll show him I care. Then he'’ll have to be with me. Vicky thought as she ran into the Punkyfish Clothes Shop surveying the store for Eric. Vicky spotted Eric talking with her classmate Josh Stone. Probably asking where Hayley was.

"So….you weren't gonna ask her out?" Eric asked confused as hell.

"Yeah, Vicky's cute and all but she's just not my type. What made you think I was gonna?" Josh asked, his curiosity peaked.

"Well…Vicky's mate Sarah said you were gonna. And Sarah's…well, Sarah." Eric said feeling very foolish.

"No argument there, anyway I gotta go. See ya later, Mate." Johh said waving his hand to indicate he was leaving. Eric turned around, hoping to find Sarah so she could explain this mix up. Eric walked no more than five feet when someone bumped into him.

"Oi…" Eric trailed off after seeing that it was Vicky he had pumped into.

Viky looked at Eric and without thinking, grabbed the back of his head and placed her lips on his. Eric almost fell over from shock but managed to steady himself by placing his hands on Vicky's shoulder. Although Eric had placed his arms on Vicky to steady himself, Vicky interpreted it as a sigh he wanted her closer. Vicky moved closer to Eric moving her hands to his waist. Eric finally recovered from his initial shock and started to kiss Vicky back. Eric moved his hands to Vicky back and pulled her a close as possible. Vicky pulled her lips away from Eric's but left her hands on his waist. Eric looked at Vicky his eyes glazed over. Vicky looked back, her face blushing madly. After staring at Vicky for seconds, Eric noticed that the store was completely quiet. Eric looked around feeling his face burning. Everyone in the whole store was staring at them with a look of shock on their face.

"GOOD GOING, ERIC!" Lovejoy yelled from the crowd as he entered Punkyfish Clothes Shop.

With Lovejoy's shout, the crowd erupted in a cheer. Everyone clapped and whistled for the new couple. Eric looked back at Vicky who was blushing madly. Eric smiled at her and she smiled back.

"I love you." Eric said, his voice barley heard above the cheer of the crowd.

"I didn't hear what you said…" Vicky lied. "Express your thought in a different way."

Eric laughed and leaned his face towards Vicky's. Vicky smiled and closed her eyes losing her self in her first kiss with Eric as his girlfriend….

[Race's Girl]

Chapter 2

Eric heard the crowd in the Punkyfish Clothes Shop cheer loudly as he kissed Vicky again. Vicky laughed against Eric's lips as Josh shouted his approval again. Suddenly, Eric reached his hands to Vicky's waist and lifted her several inches off the ground. Vicky gasped at Eric's action but didn't dare pull her lips away from Eric's. While Vicky was in the air, Eric spun around twice and then set Vicky on the ground. As soon as Vicky was safe back on the ground, Eric moved his lips off of Vicky's but kept his hands around her waist.

"Vicky?" Eric asked as the cheering began to quiet down.

"Yeah?" Vicky asked laughing at what Eric had just done to her.

"Can I take you to your student union dance this Friday?" Eric asked letting go of Vicky's waist.

Vicky felt her heart skip a beat. Vicky began to open her mouth to say "yes" but no sound came out. Great, the one question I've been dying to answer and I’m too nervous to talk. Vicky thought as her mind raced with the possibilities of what could happen. After a second of thinking, Vicky's mind settled on the most pleasing way of answering. Vicky wrapped her arms around Eric's neck and pulled his lips to hers. Eric's eyes widened for a second but he soon recovered and started to kiss Vicky back. Eric could feel Vicky's tongue moving around inside his mouth and soon, he returned the favor. After several long minutes, Vicky pulled away from Eric with her eyes glazed over.

"So, is that a yes?" Eric asked with a smirk.

"You bet it is." Vicky said smirking back.

"VICKY!" someone yelled. Vicky looked in the direction of the shout and saw Sarah running towards her. Sarah was running fast and almost ran into a couple of kids trying to get to Vicky and Eric.

"Oh my God, what happened?" Sarah asked breathlessly.

"Guess." Vicky said smiling and hugging Eric at the same time.

"So you two already…?" Sarah asked breathlessly while looking at Vicky, then at Eric and back to Vicky.

"Yep." Vicky said happily.

"With the lips….?" Sarah asked still looking at Eric, then at Vicky and back to Eric.

"Yeah." Eric laughed while pulling away from Vicky who was inadvertently squeezing the air out of him.

"And I missed it?" Sarah asked looking somewhat sad.

"Afraid so.." Vicky answered feeling some pity for Sarah.

"Okay…well, you two are together and that what's important." Sarah said perking up some.

"So, what are you wearing?" Eric asked looking at a black Goth-style top on the rack.

"Well, I'm wearing all black." Sarah said proudly holding up her shopping bag.

"I'm thinking about that cute pink T-shirt I found with my blue jeans, checked blouse and black combat boots." Vicky said trying to find the pink T-shirt on the rack.

"This one?" Eric asked holding up the pink T-shirt.

"Yeah, that's the one." Vicky said looking the costume over carefully.

"Okay, then I guess I might choose my own outfit too." Eric said walking over towards the dressing rooms.

"Matching costumes. He's so sweet." Sarah said smiling at Vicky.

"I know I love him so much. And, Sarah?" Vicky said turning to face her.

"Yeah?" Sarah asked.

"Thanks." Vicky said simply.

"No problem." Sarah said embracing Vicky in a hug.

"Are you joking? What you did was great; you got me and Eric Catchpole together." Vicky said in disbelief.

"Well, you weren't gonna get together on your own so I just gave you a little push." Sarah laughed.

"Yeah…A little push." Vicky said smiling and then started to laugh with Sarah.

"Come on, let's go buy hat T-shirt." Sarah laughed.

"Sure." Vicky said smiling some. Vicky and Sarah walked over to where Vicky had found the pink T-shirt. After searching for a minute or so, Vicky found her pink T-shirt. Vicky was amazed at how similar it was to her yellow one. Vicky found her mind was racing with thoughts and images of how she and Eric would look in their dance outfits. Vicky bought her T-shirt and walked with Sarah to the front of the store to wait for Eric.

"Well, well, looks like Vicky Lovejoy's got a new boyfriend." someone said behind Vicky.

Vicky spun on her heel already knowing who she would find behind her. Vicky was sad but not at all surprised to find her redheaded arch rival Melissa Fox standing behind her looking bitchier than ever.

"What do you want, Melissa?" Vicky snapped hoping to avoid the whole conversation.

"Just to see if the rumors are true." Melissa said with a calm smile on her face.

"What rumors?" Vicky asked confused.

"Well, rumor one say you've got a crush on your dad's hunky junior partner. Is that true?" Melissa said keeping her smile.

"Yeah." Vicky said surprised. Wasn't that supposed to be the last rumor?

"I always found that one easy to believe. But the last rumor's harder to believe." Melissa said with a smirk.

"What's that?" Vicky asked not really wanting to know what the rumor is.

"You and your dad's sexy young sidekick are going to the student union dance at the Irish Centre on a date. Now I know that's not true. No sensible girl'd go with a guy about 10 years older than her to the dance. She'd have to know that everyone'd just laugh at her." Melissa said on the verge of laughing.

"What are you saying? Vicky and her dad's cute trainee are the biggest thing around." Sarah said starring angrily at Melissa. She had not worked hard to help Vicky just to have Melissa try to ruin her work.

"Yeah, sure." Melissa said sarcastically.

"What, you don't believe me?" Sarah said hoping to trap Melissa.

"No!" Melissa snapped.

"Watch and learn, Melissa…" Sarah said springing her trap. "…EVERYONE'S HAPPY FOR VICKY AND ERIC, ISN'T THAT RIGHT, GUYS?"

When Sarah was finished yelling, the whole store with the exception of Melissa roared their approval of Vicky and Eric. Soon the whole store was chanting "Vicky, Eric" over and over.

"See?" Sarah asked proudly.

"It seems I over stayed my welcome." Melissa said turning red.

"You never were welcome." Sarah said coldly.

"See you at the dance unless you're scared to bring a cradle snatcher." Melissa said and then walked out of the store as fast as she could.

"I'll be there!" Vicky yelled, her face red with anger. Nobody called Eric a cradle snatcher.

"Why did everyone start to yell?" Eric asked walking up to Vicky and Sarah smiling at them both. Eric looked at Vicky and cringed some. Vicky's face was a deep red; her ears had steam flowing out of them and she was grinding her teeth together.

"What happened?" Eric asked worried about Vicky.

"Melissa Kent." Sarah said simply.

"What magnitude?" Eric asked trying to get a clear image of what happened.

"Eight point five." Sarah said laughing some.

"Whoa, that's heavy. Will she be okay?" Eric asked even more worried about Vicky.

"Someday. But if I were you, I'd do everything in my power to cheer her up." Lovejoy whispered to Eric so Sarah and Vicky couldn't hear him.

Without warning, Vicky spun on her heels to face Eric and Lovejoy. Both men jumped at Vicky's speed but stood their ground. Vicky moved with inhuman speed covering the ground between her and Eric in seconds. Before Eric could react, Vicky already had her lips on his. Eric almost fell backwards but Lovjoy managed to keep him balanced. Before Eric could kiss Vicky back, Vicky pulled away. Eric opened his mouth but stopped when Vicky placed a finger on his lips.

"We're gonna make this dance the best dance ever." Vicky said simply looking at Sarah who walked over to her.

"As good as done." Sarah said understanding Vicky's look. Without saying anything more, Sarah ran off while pulling her mobile phone out off her handbag and dialing a number.

"But…how…what…I'm confused." Eric said scratching his head.

"Girl talk, don't worry about it. Now let's get going. We've got a dance to prepare for." Vicky said taking Eric hand and leading him out of the store.

"But the dance is on Friday." Eric said in disbelief.

"I know, we ain't got much time." Vicky said and then took off into a run with Eric close behind her. The two of them ran out of the shopping centre, hopped into Eric's motorbike and sped towards Lovejoy's cottage.

[Race's Girl]

Chapter 3

"Tinker, we're home." Lovejoy shouted as he walked in the front door with Eric and Vicky close behind him.

"Hello there, Lovejoy, Eric. Did you two have a nice time at the shopping centre?" Lovejoy's barker, Tinker Dill asked as he walked into the kitchen.

"Yeah, it was pretty cool." Vicky said looking over at Eric. Eric winkes at Vicky who laughed a little. Both Eric and Vicky had deiceded not to tell Tinker until they had talked about their new relationship. The last thing Eric wanted was limitations to her relationship that he had started that day and Vicky was sure her mother would set strict limitations for her and Vicky. Lovejoy looked to his only daughter and then lokked back at Eric and winked at him while Eric just giggled back. Vicky felt her heart skip a beat; Did her father know already? What if she told her mother Susan.

Would she be angry that I didn't tell her personally? Vicky thought as she stared at her father in shock. Without saying anything, Lovejoy turned and walked into the kitchen but no before giving Eric that "We'll talk later" look.

"What was that all about?" Vicky asked looking at Eric who was just staring in space.

"I ain't sure…" Eric said still trying to gather his thoughts.

"Well, since you brought me here, how about we try out outfits on?" Vicky asked looking down at the pink T-shirt she had bought.

"Sounds like a plan." Eric said smiling at Vicky who smiled back.

"C'mon, Vicky, it's been like….twenty minutes." Eric groaned looking at his watch.

"Almost done." Vicky called from the bathroom while changing into her dance outfit.

"You said that ten minutes ago." Eric called back but knew that it made no difference to tell her this.

A few second later, Vicky stepped out of the bathroom. Eric looked at Vicky who had managed to sneak open the bathroom door without making any noise. She was wearing a pink checked blouse which was unbuttoned, blue jeans, brown ankle length combat botts and the pink T-shirt she had bought fro the Punkyfish Clothes shop.

"You look great." Eric purred close to Vicky's ear and then kissed her lightly on the cheek.

"I really don't mind. And I'm sure Sarah or Melissa would like it if they had someone as cute as you." Vicky said and then walked into Eric's room.

"Ready, Vicky?" Eric called from the hallway.

"For the eight-billionth time. Yes." Vicky said getting annoyed that Eric hadn't shown her his dance outfit.

"Well, okay….are you sure you're ready?" Eric hesitantly asked.

"Just walk in and show me." Vicky commanded.

Eric slowly opened the door and walked in. He was about to run out when he heard Vicky gasp but the look on her face made him stay. Vicky was staring at Eric with her mouth hung wide open. Eric was wearing a light blue shirt, a navy blue blazer, blue jeans and his usual black ankle boots as well as the silver earring in his left ear.

"Well?" Eric asked after several long and uncomfortable minutes of Vicky staring at him.

"Well what?" Vicky asked shaking her head to clear her head of thoughts.

"How do I look?" Eric asked amused at Vicky's lack of coherent thought.

"You look….." Vicky trailed off not able to find the words.

"Hunky, great?" Eric asked knowing that weren't the words she would use.

"Sexy. You look very sexy. I really wanna rock your world right now." Vicky said trying to fake a rock chick accent.

"What?" Eric asked confused but liking the way this conversation was heading.

"Come into my arms." Vicky said standing up from Eric's desk and pulling her blouse off her shoulders.

Vicky moved swiftly and quietly. In a few seconds, she was in front of Eric who jumped at her sudden movement. Vicky wrapped one arm around Eric's shoulder and gently grabbed his head with the other. Eric giggled some and let Vicky have her fun. Vicky moved her lips to Eric's neck but instead of biting, she gently kissed him. To Eric, this felt like a gift from heaven and he didn't want to stop any time soon. Vicky continued to kiss Eric's neck slowly moving up his neck drawing closer to his lips. Vicky was enjoying herself; Eric's neck was soft and felt warm against her lips. Eric, for his part was going crazy. Vicky's playful kisses made him want to kiss her back but he didn't dare to stop her kissing his neck. When the feeling of her lips against his finally came, Eric reacted instantly. He wrapped his arms around her neck and swiftly moved his tongue into her mouth. Vicky smiled against Eric's lips and soon returned the favor. If the two of them hadn't been so busy kissing each other senseless, they might have heard foot steps of the stairs.

"You think what now?" Tinker asked Lovejoy as they walked up the stairs.

"I think my daughter Vicky is in love with Eric." Lovejoy said for the third time.

"What makes you think that?" Tinker asked unable to believe his employer's was in love

"Trust me. I'm her father." Lovejoy said as if was the most obvious thing in the world.

"And you should speak to her mother and I haven't noticed anything." Tinker said vaguely hearing whispers coming from Eric's room. Lovejoy also heard the whispers and silently moved past Tinker and walked in front of Eric's door. He peaked inside and turned away smiling at his barker.

“Really? Well, I've noticed." Lovejoy said with a smirk. Tinker walked next to him and looked into Eric's room. Eric had his hands around Vicky's neck and Vicky had her hands around his waist. Normally, Tinker would say they were just hugging but Eric and Vicky's lips were together. From the way the two were moving their lips, he could tell that it wasn't just a "friendship" kiss.

"I've got to stop them." Tinker said reaching for the doorknob.

"Calm down, Tinker, that's my Vicky he's with, not some bubbly blonde girl." Lovejoy whispered placing a hand on Tinker's own.

"But he…" Tinker began unable to find the words.

"Vicky." Lovejoy said firmly.

"But she might…." Tinker began but trailed off again.

"Vicky." Lovejoy said in the same voice.

"I know and I trust her." Tinker sighed finally coming to terms with the fact Vicky loved Eric and that this was only a one-off date.

"I do to and I'm not worried right now." Lovejoy whispered.

"I hope you tell your ex-wife Susan to have a talk with her." Tinker said firmly.

"Nothing was going to stop that. And I should talk to Eric at a more convenient time." Lovejoy said walking off. Tinker lingered for another moment and then followed his employer.

"So, I guess I'll see you on Friday?" Vicky asked breathless from the make-out session.

"Yeah." Eric said equally breathless.

"Pick me up at six from my mum's place. And, Eric?" Vicky said looking into Eric's beautiful blue eyes.

"Yeah?" Eric asked concerned for a second.

"You look great." Vicky said smiling and then left Eric's room.

"You look really cute yourself." Eric said as he heard the front door open and close. Eric walked over to his wardrobe and change into his pajamas and hung up his dance outfit on a empty coat hanger. Eric walked to his bed and threw himself onto it. Before he fell asleep, Eric thought about how wonderful the dance on Friday at the Irish Centre was going to be and how great this new relationship with Vicky was…..

[Race's Girl]

Chapter 4

Eric wiped his hand across his forehead as he approached Vicky's home that Friday night. Although he had seen Vicky's house countless times before, this time was different; this time, he was here to pick Vicky up for a date. Eric nervously knocked on the door and waited. After several long seconds the door opened. Eric was surprised but not at all relived to see Susan Lovejoy standing in the door way realising that he had been asked by her ex-husband Lovejoy to take Vicky out.

"Hey, Susan, innit, is Vicky ready to go?" Eric asked trying to start on a high note.

"Not yet," Susan said gesturing that Eric should enter. "You must my ex-husband's apprentice Eric Catchpole, eh? Lovejoy's told me so much about you. I love Vicky more than anything in the world and I know you love her too. Becuase you work for Lovejoy, I'm going to allow you two to go on dates unsupervised." Susan said staring at Eric.

"Thanks, Susan." was all Eric could manage to say.

"And, like any sensible mother, I'm going to set a curfew for my little girl. Each date will have a different curfew depending on where you're going, who else is going and what kind of mood I'm in. Tonight, the curfew is 10:30pm. And, believe me; I know how bad a curfew is and I'm willing to allow some leeway. You can get back at five past but any later than that….and I'll break your legs." Susan said with a hint of a smile.

"Okay…that's understandable." Eric said weakly.

"I knew you'd agree. Know, let's move on to trust. I DO trust you to be with Vicky alone on romantic dates but I also trust you not to over step any boundaries regarding….well, hell, regarding sex." Susan said with any hint of a smile leaving.

"I would nev…." Eric said but stopped when he saw Susan's gaze.

"Eric, I was Vicky's age, remember that. Yes, Lovejoy told me you're always sleeping around with women a few years older than Vicky and I'm pretty sure that Vicky would agree with that when she's ready but if and this is a big IF you do eventually sleep with my daughter, I'd like you to play it safe. We both know that that would be in Vicky's best interest." Susan said with his evil smile returning.

"Susan, I agree with you ten hundred percent." Eric said holding out his hand.

"Thanks, Eric. And be careful with my daughter. And nice outfit." Susan said hugging Eric like his own mother often did.

As if on cue, Vicky walked down the stairs wearing her dance outfit. Eric looked at Vicky much in the same way he had before with the same thoughts. Eric quickly erased all thought from his head knowing that Susan would kill him if he slept with Vicky in front of her.

"How do I look?" Vicky asked striking a modeling pose.

"Well, you pretty much look the same as you did yesterday." Eric said laughing some.

"Well, that's good to know." Vicky laughed and motioned that they should leave.

"Bye, Vicky. Bye, Eric." Susan called to the two of them.

Eric and Vicky sped off to the Irish Centre on Eric's motorbike. As they rode there, Eric and Vicky watched all the kids in Suffork running around in costumes. Pirates, Ninjas, Pixies, Princesses were just a few of the costumes that the kids were wearing. Eric and Vicky both laughed at how simple life was for kids tonight as it was Halloween night. Tonight, their whole lives revolved around gathering as much candy as possible and eating it all in seconds. But the whole time, neither Eric or Vicky spoke. As the seconds ticked into minutes, both Eric and Vicky became more aware of the defining silence. After a while, Vicky couldn't stand it. She had to say something, anything.

"So, what did my mum talk to you about?" Vicky asked curiously.

"Well….you know…curfews…and other stuff." Eric said nervously.

"Doing it?" Vicky asked simply.

"Pretty much." Eric said feeling some of his nervousness dissipate.

"So, what did you decide?" Vicky asked obviously enjoying questioning Eric.

"Well….not 'til you'rre ready." Eric said trying to avoid as much of the issue as possible.

"Well, it's good to know that you and my parents are comfortable with telling me when I can sleep with a bloke." Vicky said a little too harshly.

"That's not what I meant and you know it." Eric said firmly.

"I know, I'm just teasing you." Vicky said as if it was nothing.

"No you're not. You feel pretty strongly about this. And I agree with you. You should've been part of that conversation." Eric said feeling guilty.

"See? That's why I love you. You know me so well. Congratulations." Vicky said as if it was all a test and finished it with a kiss on the cheek.

Vicky and Eric arrived at the Irish Centre just as other started to show up. Vicky noticed Sarah in an all black Goth-syle outfit and her date was in the same sort of outfit. Josh was dressed in a blue shirt, blue jeans, a blue denim jacket and black boots and Brick was a red polo top, green combat trousers, a black leather jacket and brown combat boots. The only person Vicky didn't see was Melissa and Vicky knew why. To confirm her suspicions, Vicky heard that familiar spoiled voice behind her.

"I'm surprised you actually showed up. And in rock style outfits…how cute." Melissa sneered. Vicky spun on her heels to find Melissa dressed in a green V-neck jumper, black leather trousers, a black leather jacket and black boots.

"Hi, Melissa. I see you dressed as Suzi Quatro…how fitting." Vicky sneered back.

"Watch it, Lovejoy. You're looking at the future winner of the Queen of the Halloween Dance." Melissa said with a cold edge in her voice.

"Where? I don't see her, all I see is you and that can't possibly mean…." Eric said looking around but was stopped by Melissa interrupting.

"Very funny. Just wait and see." Melissa said as she pushed past Vicky almost knocking her to the ground.

"That cow! I swear, if there was just one person in this world I could just punch in the face, it would be her." Vicky said with clenched teeth.

"WHOA! Whoa. Cool it, Vicky. Remember, we're here to have a good time, not to start a fight." Eric said placing both hands on Vicky's shoulders.

"Can't we do both at the same time?" Vicky asked with an evil smile.

"Later." Eric said returning the smile. With that, Eric and Vicky entered the Irish Centre to start the good times. As soon as they entered, Eric and Vicky both spotted the place to go first. Vicky saw Sarah talking with the DJ; Eric, however, saw a bar.

"I'm gonna get some drinks? Want one?" Eric asked not taking his eyes off his prize.

"Sure." Vicky answered and was surprised when she felt Eric's lips gently touch her cheek. Vicky felt her face burning but never the less, approved of Eric's action. Without saying anything else, Eric took off towards the bar as Vicky walked off to get a social update from Sarah.

"Hey, Vicky, what's up?" Sarah asked noticing Vicky approaching her.

"On my first date with my dad's apprentice." Vicky said cheerfully.

"I noticed. So, what've you got planned for him tonight?" Sarah asked with a gleam in her eye.

"Not on the first date. Not even if it's my dad's sexy sidekick. I'm not gonna rush into bed just 'cause it's Eric Catchpole. We're gonna take it slow and carefully." Vicky said smiling slightly.

"You can go as slow as you want, just enjoy it." Sarah said smiling wickedly.

"Okay, I get it. So did you plan for this dance?" Vicky asked eager to change the subject.

"Well……" Sarah began.

"Hey, Eric. How's it hanging?" a voice from the bar asked Eric.

"Hey, Lorna. Two cokes please." Eric said ordering or himself and Vicky.

"Coming right up." the blonde barkeeper said reaching for two bottles of coke.

"Thanks, Lorna. I gotta go talk to my one-off date Vicky Lovejoy, my boss's daughter, about doing some dancing. See ya later." Eric said as he saw Vicky approaching the table he allowed them to sit at.

"Oi, Vicky! How about a dance later?" Eric asked over the noise of the loud techno music pounding out of the speakers.

"Sure." Vicky said looking at Sarah.

"I'm on it." Sarah said as she ran off towards the DJ.

"Where's she going?" Eric asked.

"To…take care of something. Now come on, let's dance." Vicky said taking Eric by the hand.

"Wanna wait for a slower song like the theme from Purple Rain?" Eric asked. As soon as he was done talking, the techno stopped and all eyes turned to the DJ.

"Okay, Everyone. Time for a slow song. So grab that special someone and let's get started."

"Hey…Vicky?" Eric asked looking both nervous and embarrassed.

"It's okay, Eric. C'mon….let's dance." Vicky said leading Eric onto the dance floor.

"How cute. Vicky's leading her dad's cute junior partner." Melissa said trying to get a rise out of the crowd.

"Melissa, look, we're all sorry that you boyfriend's the dominate one in your relationship so just shut your sodding face." Vicky said enjoying Melissa's enraged face.

As Vicky and Eric walked onto the dance floor, Prince's 'Purple Rain' started to play. Eric placed his hands on Vicky's waist and Vicky wrapped her arms around his neck. Vicky smiled to herself; this position was becoming very common with them. Vicky and Eric swayed gently to the music as did every other couple. Everyone seemed to move out of their way making room for Eric and Vicky to dance freely. After several minutes of dancing, Vicky rested her head on Eric's shoulder. Eric, for his part, wrapped his arms all the way around her waist.

Vicky and Eric were to busy dancing to notice that the song had ended some time ago. Vicky and Eric were the only two still dancing.

"Vicky, the dance is over. You can stop pretending to be having a good time." Melissa said but was disappointed when neither Eric nor Vicky noticed.

"Hey now. None of that, if they want to dance to a slow song, then we play a slow song. DJ!" Sarah said motioning to the DJ to play another song…

Vicky and Eric let out a long sigh as they sat down on the plastic chairs. They had danced through three songs without knowing it. Sarah had even asked them to stop dancing so they could play a faster song. Vicky felt really embarrassed knowing she had been so caught up in her moment with Eric that she hadn't notice three songs had ended.

"LADIES AND GENTLEMAN. IT'S TIME FOR THE KING AND QUEEN OF THE IRISH CENTRE DANCE CONTEST!" the DJ shouted stopping the music. Eric's friend, Mark Taylor, walked onto stage with an envelope in his hands. Before the start of the dance, every student who wanted to voted on who they thought looked the best and during the dance, the votes had been counted and a winner selected. Vicky could feel the tension building up in the room.

"Nervous?" Vicky asked noticing how sweaty Eric's hands were.

"Like a porcupine in a balloon factory." Eric answered

"I know what you mean." Vicky said while her heart started to beat faster.

"How about a kiss for good luck?" Eric asked looking at Vicky and smiling.

"Sure…" Vicky said pecking Eric gently on the cheek.

"Not really what I had in mind." Eric said smiling devilishly. Vicky looked at Eric wondering what he was talking about. Eric, noticing Vicky's look, licked his lips and winked at Vicky. Vicky felt her face turn bright red but she couldn't help approving of this action. With a small giggle, Vicky wrapped her arms around Eric's neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss. Eric placed both hands on Vicky's back and pulled her closer massaging her at the same time. Vicky groaned in pleasure as Eric moved his tongue into her mouth.

"And the winner is…." Mark said opening the envelope and reading the names on the sheet. "….Vicky Lovejoy and Eric Catchpole!"

The crowd, with the exception of Melissa, roared their approval. A spotlight swept madly over the crowd searching for Vicky and Eric. After passing over the crowd a few times, the spotlight settled on Vicky and Eric who were in the back of the crowd. The whole crowd, including Mark, gasped when the saw that Eric and Vicky hadn't noticed the light on them. Vicky and Eric were stilling kissing each other senseless.

"Hey…Vicky, Eric….care to come up here?" Mark asked causing Vicky and Eric to pull away from each with their faces bright red. As Eric and Vicky walked towards the stage holding hands, they were complemented by almost every one else at the centre with the exception of……

"Way to go, Vicky." Melissa sneered as Vicky and Eric walked by.

"Thanks, Melissa, innit? And congratulations on winning the contest." Eric said waving at Melissa.

"What are you talking about? I didn't win the contest………." Melissa trailed off feeling like an idiot for falling for Eric's little joke. Muttering curses under her breath, Melissa spun on her heel felling sick just thinking about Eric and Vicky winning. Melissa stormed past the crowd and slammed the door if the Irish Centre as loud as she could.

"Here they are, you two." Mark announced as Vicky and Eric walked onto the stage. The crowd, who hadn't noticed Melissa's little scene, continued to roar their approval of the choice.

"How about a dance?" Sarah called from the crowd. Soon, the whole crowd was chanting "Dance" over and over. Both Vicky and Eric's faces where bright red but they still walked onto the dance floor enjoying the idea of another dance. The spotlight continued to follow the two as they walked to the floor. The DJ, having noticed Eric and Vicky's need to dance for a long time choose Take That's "A Million Love Songs" for the two to dance to.

As the music started, Vicky and Eric started to sway similar to before. But this time, Vicky started with her head resting against his shoulder. Eric, however, laid his hands on Vicky's hips as they dance. Vicky didn't mind this new position, in fact, she preferred it to the old one. Vicky amiled against Eric's shoulder as they continued to dance into the night oblivious to all around them………..

THE END