Happy Days: 20 Years Later

[Bea]

Chapter Thirty One: All Is Calm…For Now?

Location: It’s the next day (Friday) at the beginning of College

Gene and Danni tried to find Allie but they couldn’t find her anywhere yesterday and Eddie wasn’t able to reach her either. Last night all the students of UWM couldn’t sleep easily, wondering what to expect from Ashley X the next day. Every student had witnessed that Ashley X had a side that was terrifying and beyond sinister.

The next day all of the students took one slow step at a time nervously anticipating something disastrous, something horrible for them knowing how powerful Ashley X was. Prof. Jerome's anatomy class finally arrived in the classroom, everyone except for Ashley X. The gang looked toward the clock and thankfully SAL 4000 was still not working. (The campus had to contact technical support for them to come over since the damage was beyond what Hank and the other janitors could repair.)

Eddie saw Allie walk in the classroom slowly and she tried not to look at Eddie’s eyes after what happened after college yesterday. She cursed herself in her mind for being so emotional yesterday and putting a big scene since that wasn’t normally like her. She became slightly embarrassed everytime the other five would look at her wondering if she was alright. She looked at Elvis, she noticed that at least the night’s sleep had somewhat calmed him down but he was struggling to get better from his guilt. She knew that Elvis was already going through enough and her frustration toward him from yesterday melted. Eddie wanted to speak to Allie about yesterday but Prof. Jerome interrupted them.

Prof. Jerome naively called out to the class, (since she and the faculty had not seen Ashley X leave with the men yesterday), "Have any of you heard or seen Ashley X this morning?"

The gang as with the rest of school had no idea where Ashley X was. The gang finally knew the plan of Ashley X after discovering the documents in Ashley X's locker and after Eddie told them Clarkson's view on the issue. The gang, as with the rest of the students, was not looking forward to Ashley X. After what Ashley X had did to them yesterday, all the kids were upset over Ashley X and they were hoping he was not going to show up. Yet in the back of their minds, they had a creeping sense of fear of what Ashley X would unleash.

Ashley C, peeved began, announced "I hope that bratty Ashley X isn't around!"

Rob continued addressing his friend, "Yeah! After all the things he's done to us....I hope he doesn't come back!"

Ashley C tried to reassure his cohort, "Don't worry, my old man's helping me to file a case against the little witch!"

Allie commented to the rest of the gang and whispered, "I actually can agree with Rob and Ashley C...If he comes here, he's gonna have to deal with a face full of fist!"

The hours passed and soon it was time for break yet still Ashley X did not show up. The students were emotionally restless because of the waiting. A combination of anger, fear, frustration, and dread boiled and churned inside of them. The class left except for the gang.

Eddie said to his group, "Today, dudes and dudettes, we're gonna talk with Menlo. Maybe he knows what Ashley X is up to."

Elvis aimlessly and weakly replied, "Yeah….we have to know what he’s gonna do."

The gang carefully arrived at Menlo's desk knowing how irritated he easily gets. Menlo was busy typing away on his computer and glanced up to see Eddie and his friends. Menlo questioned and annoyed by the gang's presence, "What are you people doing here? Why do you people think that I'm not busy..."

Menlo’s attitude ticked Allie off and she hit his desk with her fist and loudly said, "Look, Menlo, we just have one dumb question for you to answer! Why is Ashley X absent?"

Menlo terrified of Allie's bad temper but yet relieved that it was a simple question said, "That's it?!? Okay....let me....look it up.....” Menlo hurriedly typed away on the keyboard searching through the computer system and files on Ashley X’s attendance. He became suddenly quiet after a few mouse clicks and just said, “Wow!"

Danni asked, "What is it?"

Menlo replied, "Well, actually, you dudes and dudettes won't believe it but....it says on the computer records, that Ashley X has withdrawn from UWM."

The gang gasped and could not understand it. Gene asked, "You mean Ashley X has moved to some other college campus in Wisconsin?"

Menlo simply said, "It's confirmed so." The gang let out a nervous sigh of relief. Could it really have been possible for Ashley X to disappear from UWM just like that? Allie hushed the gang.

Allie said, "Yo, Dudes! Wait, it isn't over yet!" The gang looked at each other and puzzled by what Allie was implying. She asked Menlo, "What about Tyler X? Is he still going here?" Suddenly the gang remembered the tall, tough guy who struck fear into each kid after what happened yesterday. The gang's emotions were on edge...listening and focusing on Menlo's every word.

Menlo plainly responded, "Tyler X has withdrawn from UWM also." The gang immediately let out a huge sigh of relief and looked at each other thinking that maybe Ashley X and Tyler X both were gone for good since he was not expected to be at UWM and therefore couldn’t rule Milwaukee anymore.

Eddie smiled in satisfaction, "Dudes, guess what….Ashley X is gone! And if he dares to come back, the student union of UWM will be ready for both of them!"

Elvis elbowed Eddie and asked, "What about those oil wells and the SAL 4000?"

Eddie causally and confidently replied, "Don't worry, Elvis! I know Dean Clarkson and I know he'll take care of it."

They were slowly filled with relief trying to actually believe that Ashley X was gone and that she actually left UWM just like that! They slowly walked down the hallway and opened the College doors. They could see the formidable, towering oil wells that were seven or eight stories high but despite that….inside they felt hope and that it was possible for things to get back the way they were. The gang could close their eyes and envision the city again; that it was a dream that could come true.

Eddie smiled reflecting over it but he noticed Allie on his right side and knew that he had to speak with her about yesterday. Eddie faced the others and said, “Dudes…tell the kids back in the cafeteria, the entertainment room, and everywhere else about the good news! That Ashley X is gone!” The four entered back into the College and into the hallways.

Danni, Gene and Jane were ecstatic to tell the kids in school, but they noticed Elvis still plagued by his guilt. Danni told Gene and Jane, “Dudes, why don’t you get a head start….I’ll talk with Elvis for a bit.”

Elvis’s eyes looked weak and exhausted by his emotional turmoil. Danni walked with Elvis slowly and softly said, “Elvis, you can’t beat yourself up like this! It’s not your fault….”

Elvis looked at Danni with his bedridden sick looking eyes and ashamed broke up saying, “Danni, I fought with Eddie and I didn't trust him. Eddie can forgive me easily but I can’t do that for myself. … I committed something that’s inexcusable….I mean being friends with him for over 15 years and now this?”

Danni put her arm over Elvis and tried to comfort him, “Elvis….there are going to be times where our friendships will be tested. You remember how we all disliked each other after Eddie couldn’t choose a favorite friend? Or how one of us gets off track, for example, how I was foolish in not really observing how the citizens of this city were suffering during the building of Mayor Westlake’s pyramid? The thing is that as long as we are committed to our friendship to one other and value it….things will be okay. It’s just that you did not know the whole story and we never have dealt with a guy as mean as Ashley X. It will be okay, Elvis, trust me, the way how you are feeling shows that you do really care about the friendship.”

Elvis and Danni gradually arrived to each of the rooms where the other students were and told them about Ashley X. Elvis was feeling better from Danni’s words and from seeing the hope and excitement of the kids relieved that Ashley X was not at UWM. Elvis was finally getting a sense of optimism that things were not as damaged as he thought. Elvis felt that this optimism was the distant, solitary lighthouse that could barely be seen but yet it existed in a thick, dark, foggy, midnight darkness of guilt and pessimism.

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After the four went back into the College, Eddie took Allie’s hand and he wanted to speak with her deeply about how she felt. Allie was taken back by Eddie’s warm grip and looked at him strangely.

Allie questioned, “Yo, Eddie, are you okay?”

Eddie turned the question back onto her and asked, “What about you? After what happened yesterday…”

Allie rolled her eyes and knew that Eddie had cornered her. She blushed and nervously said, “Yeah, about that…I’m sorry for not doing more…”

Eddie stopped her and they both sat down on the concrete steps. She knew Eddie was going to say something important and did not continue speaking. The wind was gently blowing and the leaves were racing along the blacktop. He gently spoke, “Allie, when you told me that I deserved a better girlfriend than you…there couldn’t be another who’s better. You’ve done a lot for me, Allie…a lot… I mean just yesterday you were getting ready to fight for my side….I know that you had done everything you could do for me when Ashley X and Tyler X was here. Please don’t worry about it….what’s happened has happened…” He smiled to reassure her that he was not disappointed or upset with her in any way.

Allie felt awkward because usually that’s how she felt toward him; how he was always there for her. She took a few moments and looked around the deserted blacktop and remembered all the events that happened there yesterday. She smiled back at Eddie and said, “Thanks, Eddie….you’re always there for me too….”

Eddie wanted to tell Allie how much he liked her as a girlfriend as well as a friend, but he felt it wasn’t the right time since Allie need to feel better first. Interestingly, Allie wanted to tell Eddie how she felt toward him since his caring, concern behavior reminded her of one of the many reasons why she had a crush on him since First Grade. There was a moment…a pause….between both of them, but they did not feel it was right time to tell each other about how they felt since they were still recovering from the whole Ashley X ordeal.

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

Back at the secretary’s office, Menlo was quickly trying to get his work done and Louise was out in the hallways giving notes to all UWM students and staff mambers. Suddenly and mysteriously, Butch walked in.

Menlo did not even glance up from his computer to see who was there at the doorway but he sighed harshly saying, “What is it Butch? Come to tell another of your ridiculous superstitious tales of the city?”

Butch slyly grinned and knew how to scare Menlo easily. He quietly said, “Not really…I just wanted to state some…uh, conclusions for you.”

Menlo finally moved his head to see Butch and in an annoyed, nasal voice he called out, “What?!? Conclusions?!? That your tall tales are nothing but the superfluous gossip of the city that wastes time and efficiency?!?”

Butch rolled his eyes on how irritating Menlo was and he began in his creepy, cryptic voice, “Well, so Ashley X is gone then right?”

Menlo snapped back, “Of course he is gone! This computer system doesn’t lie like you do!”

Butch cockily spoke, “True…she may be gone from this school….but I don’t think it’s the end of her. You know how Rob and Ashley C are…they don’t back down so easily…. All I wanted to say is that it may be over for us, but seeing what happened on the playground yesterday……it won’t be over for Eddie’s gang.”

Menlo froze up wondering what Butch was talking about or what he was implying, but before he could say anything Butch was already out of the door and the phone rang, preoccupying Menlo from catching him.

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The four (Danni, Jane, Elvis and Gene) spread the word to everyone at lunch break about Ashley X’s withdrawal and soon all the kids were cheering and celebrating. It was a celebration that overflowed throughout all of the activity rooms and the cafeteria. The people of Milwaukee even planned to have a jubilant ceremony for Mayor Westlake's return to the city the next day. Eddie and his friends felt that this entire mess was finally over....after all the danger and drama....finally it seemed that this whole ordeal was all over and things were finally gonna be back to normal at UWM. The gang was finally….finally starting to feel happy.

[Bea]

Chapter Thirty Two: One Last Card To Play

Location: The Malph household, Allie’s Bedroom around evening time.

The gang continued to celebrate and play all throughout the day. Even Dean Clarkson allowed the students, this day only, to bend the rules a little bit because she delighted knowing that finally she would be back in power. As the day approached to night, the hours passed.....and at around 6:45 PM just before Allie was about to watch television she received a phone call in her bedroom.

Allie picked up the phone and answered it, "Hello?"

In a monotone computer voice it mysteriously said, "Hello, Alison Malph!"

Allie was peeved a bit hearing her real first name, but she had no idea who was calling, she harshly asked "What or who are you?!?"

The voice continued, "You think it's over....but it's not! Meet me by the UWM campus at 11:00pm tonight!"

Allie thought it was a prank phone call. She loudly replied, "Look, Eddie or Lawson or whoever you are! I'm not gonna be fallin' for anything." Allie was about to hang up the phone when she caught the voice again.

The voice said, "Uh Uh Uh! If you don't show up tonight, you can expect to wake up in the hospital...that's if your lucky... heh heh heh...remember the bracelet?"

Allie’s mind was flashed with memories over the bracelet and she looked at her wrist. She knew who it could be on the other end of the phone line. She completely forgot that she was still wearing the bracelet Ashley X had given to her. Allie tried to take it off as hard as she could yet she received a stronger shock for each stronger pull. The brown haired teenager knew it was pointless and more painful to take it off.

Allie spoke back, "Fine! I'll meet you there.....Ashley X!"

The voice changed into Ashley X's and continued, "Oh I have Carrie Collins and Nikki Mullett, you know Rob and Ashley C's younger sisters, here with me as well.” Ashley X had kidnapped Carrie and Nikki just after High School today and despite the efforts from the Collins' and Mulletts, they had no luck in finding them. Allie could hear the grunting and struggling sounds of Carrie and Nikki trying to get away. She heard in the background Nikki shouting, “Lemme go, you lousy jerk!” Ashley X turned away from the phone and yelled, “Shut those brats up!”

There was silence in the background…complete silence. Ashley X continued, “So somehow if you don’t show up you can bet that I can make you responsible for whatever harm comes to them because everyone knows you don’t get along with Rob and Ashley C well and you know also that I am….an Ashley of many talents…” Ashley X snickered and went on, “If you tell or bring anyone with you. Don't expect such a great recovery for yourself, Eddie or your other friends!" Then finally there was a click and buzz. Ashley X hung up the phone.

Allie looked at the bracelet and then looked behind her at a picture of her friends. She didn't want to involve her friends in this for fearing over anything bad happening to them and therefore she did not even inform them of the phone call. Allie couldn’t believe how ironic things had turned out; that just yesterday she really wanted to destroy Rob and Ashley C's businesses and now she would be saving their younger sisters. Allie would finally get her chance to go against Ashley X. She yearned and was impatient to get back at Ashley X that it could somehow compensate for her being so passive and inactive toward her back then. Allie knew tonight she had to completely end this mess...once and for all... and that the only way to do so....was to face Ashley X.

[Bea]

Chapter Thirty Three: The Ultimate Confrontation...

Location: At the Malph house, it's about 10:40 PM that Friday

Allie spent all of her time since 9 PM to prepare for the confrontation. She tried to mentally psyche herself over and over again...not knowing what to expect. She put on her black jacket and wore black leather gloves. She turned all the lights off in her room and slowly cracked the door open. She peeked through the crack and looked down the darken hallway to see if her parents were still awake. Her parents were both watching Trapper John, M.D on TV. Allie began to carefully tip-toe down the hallway and down the stairs. Allie told Ralph and Leather that she was going to give Ashley X a piece of her mind and so leaving the house felt like 'Mission Impossible' trying ever so hard not to make a creaking sound as she was going down the stairs. The dark, starry, moonless blue night was the only light that lit up the house and she had to feel her way though the house wherever the midnight blue light did not shine. She slowly took the house keys and soon was out the door and locking it.

As Allie walked down the sidewalk, her mind was filled with uncertainty on what Ashley X would do. Unsurely for herself, the school, and most importantly her friends and Eddie... Everything was coming back to her: Tyler, the fight on the jungle gym, Danni and Ashley X, Ashley X's threats, the bracelet, and more...Allie slowly paced down the sidewalk while the orange street lights created an eerie glow over the darken, unlit houses. The cold, harsh October wind was stripping the colored leaves off the trees and hit Allie’s chest in waves of bitter cold rushes but Allie's determination kept her warm from the cold.

Allie arrived at UWM leaning on the wall of the school looking back and forth for Ashley X. The orange-colored floodlights shining from the entrance of the gym and cafeteria barely illuminated the blacktop and could not penetrate into the dark abyss of the oil well field. The oil wells created an abandon, unmaintained industrial factory atmosphere. The darkness around Allie made her fearful of what could be lurking and hiding in the shadows. The wind would cause the hanging steel pieces of the oil wells to randomly slap against each other creating a rush of adrenaline for Allie every time she heard a slap of metal. Allie could hear nothing for minutes except for the random slamming sounds of metal and the violent cold winds. After a few minutes she finally could hear something from the staff lounge, but the sound was muffled and mumbling. She couldn’t see exactly what was there because of the dimly lit floodlights but she could see two shadowy figures. She slowly and cautiously tried to approach but she suddenly heard footsteps around the corner. Allie whipped her head around and her heart rate accelerated expecting something….but what? After a few tense seconds, the sound came into light.

It was Ashley X. He was dressed similar to Ashley C, Rob and Eddie except his clothes were all made out of black leather and he wore leather, knee-length high boots. Allie's mind was frozen seeing how Ashley X was dressed. It looked as if the clothes of Ashley C, Rob, Eddie and Allie's were mixed together. Allie took a more detailed look than ever before, at Ashley X's hair and features. She looked at Ashley X as if he was Eddie's long lost twin. If it wasn't for the different clothes, no one could tell them apart easily.

Ashley X began in a cold voice, "Well what do you think, Allie?" Allie did not even answer since she was still in shock. Ashley X continued, "I know....it can be so easy for people to confuse us...that's why I dyed my hair light brown after the first day so that people won't confuse me and Eddie. But I knew today, I had to show you who I really am!"

Allie questioned while Ashley X circled around her, "Who in the heck are you?!?"

Ashley X snapped back, "You don't remember? Three years ago....in 10th grade?" Allie raised her eyebrows and was not able to remember who he was. Ashley X continued, "I used to be in the same class as you and your friends, you lousy bitch!" Allie showed Ashley X her fist but Ashley X showed Allie his cell phone as a warning that he could shock Allie again.

Allie remembered and said, "Oh yeah....you were that guy who was always quiet in class. You never really spoke much to anyone after the first couple of months. You were always more quiet than Cornchip Girl."

Ashley X sneered, “Oh, I had a lot to say, but anyways…are you gonna help me or what?”

Allie shifted her head and more confused than ever, questioned, “WHAT?!? Help you?....WHAT?!?” Allie tried to understand what Ashley X meant by ‘help’.

Ashley X did not even reply but he led Allie to the campus gym. Allie was approaching the two shadowy figures she saw earlier and when she was finally able to see them, Allie was taken back by what she saw. Her eyes bulged out and Carrie Collins and Nikki Mullett were both handcuffed to one of the basketball poles while they were muffled by the duct tape placed around their mouths. Nikki and Carrie struggled to shout out and getting freed was impossible without unlocking the handcuffs since their arms were wrapped around the pole behind each of their backs. The chains that hung on the basketball poles hit and rattled against their poles reminding Allie how tightly locked these handcuffs were against Nikki and Carrie.

Nikki and Carrie were just as shocked as Allie to see her there. They were silenced by observing the conversation between Ashley X and Allie and stood there frozen.

Ashley X smirked, “I mean help me in ransoming Nikki Mullett and Carrie Collins…Allie. Right? You always wanted some money and you wanted to get back at Rob and Ashley C….here’s a chance….I’ll give you one-quarter of the ransom money if you help me out….”

Allie was plagued by the memories and flashbacks of remembering her past history with Rob and Ashley C and how Ashley X betrayed all of the city. Ashley X noticed Allie’s face clenched up remembering all of this, and Ashley X slyly commented, “Is this too good of an offer, Allie? I guess, I should say….do you have a choice in all of this? He he he…” Ashley X grabbed his cell phone several times reminding Allie of his power over her.

Allie was torn inside, but in an instant she foxily answered, “Sure, I’ve been waiting for this chance for so many years!” Nikki and Carrie froze up again, and then looked at Allie in deep, bitter anger.

Ashley X delighted that Allie would be working with him and replied, “Now that’s a babe I know of….he he he…” Ashley X turned around, his back facing toward the gym and he walked several steps while talking to his cell phone. Ashley X was getting ready for Big Rob to pick them up and take them to plan out the ransoming. Ashley X smiled and soon began talking seriously about the entire plan.

Allie observed Ashley X talking for several long minutes and she searched in her black, leather jacket for anything. Her fingers stumbled against a hair pin that she had taken with her. Allie was attentive to every move Ashley X made…making sure that he didn’t turn around. Allie caught how Ashley X finally stood still and looked upward into the dark blue night sky during his phone call and that’s when she made her move!

Allie quickly but silently approached Nikki and Carrie and began unlocking each of the two pairs of handcuffs. Nikki and Carrie at first were hesitant to allow Allie to come close to them, but after they saw what she was doing they immediately adjusted themselves to make it easier for Allie to release them. Due to Allie’s experience in unlocking locks, she was able to release both of them within a minute and she was able to carefully rip off the duct tape off of their mouths. Meanwhile, Ashley X was oblivious to all of this as he was arguing over the phone.

Ashley X yelled, “WHAT THE?!? What are you saying, Big Rob?!? Uh huh…WHAT?!? How could you or Tyler let those business brats get a hold of the extra copies?!? THEY’RE DESTROYED!?!?! YOU IDIOTIC SWINE! All of the evidence against these businesses is destroyed and the binder I took with me to school is mysteriously missing?!? So someone just broke through my College locker and took it?!?”

Allie gulped in nervousness, and the blood rushed to her ears focusing on every word, knowing that it was her and her friends that took it.

Ashley X ranted on, “GODDAMNIT! YOU REALLY KNOW HOW TO SCREW EVERYTHING UP, YOU KNOW THAT?!? You’re supposed to be keeping on eye on them all the time!!! And some how these business criminal weasels slipped by, by destroying the evidence secretly?!?”

Back at the basketball poles, Carrie and Nikki were freed and they looked at Allie with worry about her. Carrie began, “You should come with us and leave before he notices…”

Allie kept on looking at Ashley X and didn’t even look at them saying, “Uh….girls, I can’t…remember?” Allie shook her wrist reminding them of the bracelet she still had on and couldn’t take off.

Both the younger girls didn’t have a clue about what the bracelet was about and Nikki nervously and hurriedly asked, “Could you elaborate?”

Allie became frustrated and wanted them to leave quickly before Ashley X could stop them. She grinded her teeth and still kept track of Ashley X’s behavior. In a hushed voice, she said, “Just get out of here, you lousy 10th Graders! Right now!”

Carrie eloquently began, “It wouldn’t be sisterly behavior to leave a another woman in a bad situation. We'll take care of that lame excuse of a man!”

Allie was becoming furious of how stubborn these girls were. She threatened them, “Okay….if you won’t leave…then I’ll beat the heck out of ya! One way or the other, Ashley X or I will beat the tar out of you if you stay! GOT IT?!?”

Carrie and Nikki looked at each other and they got the message. They whispered back to Allie and sincerely spoke, “Thanks…for really helping us…” They left immediately but before they could make a running start, Nikki tripped over the unlocked handcuffs that caught Ashley X’s attention.

Ashley X whipped his head and was instantly infuriated over what he was seeing! His last chance toward gaining any money or blackmailing power was running away with Sarah and Carrie. Ashley X felt that everything he had worked for was falling and crumbling apart all around him. His blackmailing power toward the businesses were vanished Ashley X tried to dash and grab onto one of the girls, but they scurried off like mice into the night. Nikki and Carrie continued running throughout the neighborhood and toward their mansion homes.

Allie just stood near the basketball pole and sighed harshly in a mocking attitude. Allie would have run away also but because of the bracelet and Ashley X’s threat to harm her friends, Allie couldn’t go anywhere.

Ashley X was seething with anger seeing Carrie and Sarah run off into the mysterious darkness of the night and robotically turned toward Allie. Ashley X silently commented to himself, “I should've expected that from Rob or Ashley C!” He walked up to Allie and as angry as Ashley X was, he wasn’t going to give Allie the satisfaction of his frustrations. The cold, dry winds picked up and their ears were red and stinging with the deep, penetrating raw chilliness of the air. Ashley X grinned evilly and harshly said, “Well…you wanted to know why I was so quiet it was because of you and those pals of yours!”

Allie squinted her eyes, in suspicion, over Ashley X. "What are you talkin' about?"

Ashley X was peeved and harshly sighed, "Oh c'mon, Allie! Don't act so stupid! We, being latter day decedents of warriors, are cleverer than that!" Allie just continued to look at Ashley X critically, but Allie was unprepared hearing how Ashley X grouped Rob and Ashley C and themselves together. Ashley X went on, "If I have to spell it out for you! I can't believe you're so ignorant, Allie, about Eddie!"

Allie did not think much beyond her small (from 1st to 7th Grade) crush and what Danni said back at the hospital whenever it came to Eddie. Allie sank further into her confusion, "Eddie? What do you mean? What does he have to do with this?"

Ashley X in disgust said, "Really, Allie....you have to open your eyes more. Haven't you ever noticed how Eddie looks at you? He always seems to be a dream land whenever he looks at you now. Back in 10th grade, I did everything to get his attention from you to money and candy! But no matter how close of a friendship, it would be with him...I could never....NEVER...get him to look at another girl like he does to you, Allie!"

Allie slightly smirked and laughed, "WHAT?!? Eddie?!? A ladykiller? Yeah, right...."

Ashley X angrily yelled, "Okay, back then, it may have not been as strong as it is now.....but you had a puppy love look in you in Elementary School whenever he saw you!" Allie's laughter was settling down and she was observing how angry Ashley X was getting. Allie knew that Ashley X had to be somewhat serious about this.

Ashley X took out his cell phone in front of him and was about to start dialing the shock commands. Ashley X violently said, "I've been waiting 3 years to get back at you!"

Allie noticed Ashley X dialing his phone and kicked the phone away from his right hand. The cell phone flew up in the air and landed 20 feet away from Allie's left side. Ashley X immediately gave Allie a left handed punch to her stomach. Allie held her stomach for a few seconds and quickly focused back on Ashley X. Ashley X tried to give Allie a front left kick, but Allie blocked his kick by counteracting her kick by giving a front right kick. Ashley X's left boot and Allie's right boot both pressed against each other between them. They were trying to lunge their weights forward to bring the other person down. Both of their teeth were clenched up and grinding against each other. Ashley X whipped his hips in a clockwise direction that pushed their feet to Ashley X's right side. Allie turned counterclockwise and Ashley X spun clockwise. They quickly faced each other and were in a fighting stance. Allie gave a boxing stance while Ashley X gave a martial arts stance. They looked into each other's piercing blue eyes not mindful of the coldness around them which was in the lower 40s.

Allie angrily but curiously asked, "And what part do Rob and Ashley C play in this?"

Ashley X gave a bitter, cold stare back, "Those prissy little buttheaded jerks! Rob and Ashley C are always thinking they're better than everyone else! Back then, I didn't wear their styles and so Ashley C teased me and insulted how I gave the name 'Ashley' a bad name. He and Rob continuously pranked on me day after day. Finally, one day when I started dressing better than them they treated me like an outcast. When it was time for picture day, I was dressed up better than anyone of them! But before I could have my picture taken, those two dumped cafeteria trash all over me when I went to the restrooms. I'll never forget that day....I ran out of there and the class took the picture without me...that's why no one remembers me at all." Allie couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Ashley X, but Allie didn't think about it much since she was in the middle of a fight.

Ashley X ran toward Allie and gave a right punch but Allie blocked it. Before Allie could react, Ashley X side kicked her on the right chest and Allie fell down to the asphalt and slid for a few feet. Allie's breasts and stomach were throbbing with intense pain. Allie's spirit made her to get up fast despite the pain and with anger boiling out of her she ran up and gave an upper cut punch to Ashley X. Ashley X fell down forward in pain while he was holding his stomach. Ashley X glanced up while his head was down and noticed Allie coming closer. Ashley X took his left leg, in a ‘hook-like’ position, and spun it completely around himself that made Allie lose her balance right from under him and she fell down backwards. The back of Allie's head hit the hard, merciless asphalt and the pain radiated throughout her skull and backbone. Allie and Ashley X both got up on their feet and faced each other again.

Allie commented, "Dude, seriously, how do you all of these moves?!?"

Ashley X replied, "Ever since I had to lure Eddie away from you....I practiced martial arts for 3 years....isn’t it…scandalous?" Ashley X started to snicker. They both walked in a circle path facing each other with spiteful hatred. Ashley X had his reasons to cream Allie, but the brown haired young woman knew that Ashley X was no friend watching Eddie being beaten up by Tyler and doing nothing.

Allie questioned, "What's with you and Tyler anyways? Who is he really?"

Ashley X furiously admitted, "I knew that you, Allie, would be so easy to fall for a bad boy like Tyler or Eddie. You're so predictable! I had the perfect plan that you would fall for Tyler and that Eddie's heart would finally fade away from your soul after seeing how happy you were with my brother!"

Allie was even more upset and shocked, "Predictable?!? ME?!? Yeah, so I admire tough guys...so what? Even if I ever was to fall for anyone, it would be more than just the same interests!" Allie shut her mouth and couldn't believe the words coming out of it, she would have never spoken to anyone about her love life much less to any man. Allie realized that her emotions took over her whenever she yelled back to Ashley X about Eddie. Allie quickly tried to change the topic, "What even made you to come to UWM anyway?"

Ashley X smirked teasingly about how Allie just talked about falling for someone. Ashley X tried to not make it noticeable and answered back, "My stupid Uncle constantly wanted me to go to a campus college in Midwest America. He kept pressuring my parents to make me attend this college...He's such an idiot or, as your dad called Eddie's dad, a 'Potsie'! Just because he was fired from this trash hole in the late 50s, he wanted to know what was happening at UWM."

Allie was standing thinking about who would be fired from UWM. She mockingly said, "I'm sure the guy deserved it...looking at the family tree."

Ashley X could care less about what Spinelli was saying to his uncle. He corrected Allie and tried to brush the issue off, "Science Professor actually..."

Allie stood there frozen, "SCIENCE PROFESSOR?!? WHAT DO YOU MEAN, SCIENCE PROFESSOR?"

Ashley X was getting tired of explaining his uncle to Allie. Ashley X sighed and rudely said, "My uncle was the one of the greatest scinentists here....Prof. Hector Con Carne. Hello! Allie!" Ashley X commented silently, "Such a fool!"

Allie couldn't believe it. The young man she was fighting was the nephew of the insane man her parents and their friends fought against in the summer of 1961. Allie loudly but slowly questioned since she found it hard to believe, "HECTOR CON CARNE IS.....YOUR UNCLE?!? You mean, the madman that took over this campus, built a lab in the auditorium, wanted to end break times and summer vacation....IN THE SUMMER OF 1961?!?"

Ashley X relaxed from his fighting position and sighed, "Yeah, Allie. That's him! Are you gonna act all stupid or something?!? It's so boring hearing about my uncle all the time. He was such a 'Potsie'! He planned to build a base in the middle of suburbia and tried to get rid of class breaks. He was so stupid in his planning! Sure, there was gonna be opposition. He didn't know how to befriend anyone. At least, I knew how to befriend and win over people, back in the campus, but if it wasn't for Eddie and you, Allie, that had to take you away from Tyler! EVERYTHING WOULD HAVE BEEN PERFECT, YOU LITTLE...." Ashley X enraged, with all of his energy and with his scorching hatred that lasted for 3 years, charged toward Allie. Before Allie could snap out of her shock, of what Ashley X was admitting, Ashley X punched Allie's cheek and her head twisted to the other side while blood came flinging out of her mouth.

Allie was knocked out for a second or two and tasted the salty, thick running flow of blood from inside her mouth. Allie's injuries reminded her of what Eddie must have faced when Tyler beat him up. She soon thought about how Ashley X threatened her friends earlier that night, and she knew she had to beat the heck out of Ashley X in order to stop him. To not only stop Ashley X to protect himself, but to protect the city, friends and Eddie. Allie was now overwhelmed with rage toward Ashley X, much much more so than their earlier fight, not because her life was in danger but because Ashley X was threatening the friends he cared about so deeply. Allie got up and as Ashley X tried approaching her again it felt like time stood still. Each of their emotions were completely over taking their minds and senses. Allie lying down on the blacktop kicked Ashley X on the right thigh. When Ashley X tried to hold on to it, Allie took her left boot and clamped it around Ashley X's left foot. Allie moved her legs quickly to the side and made Ashley X to lose balance and fall on his back. They both crawled toward each other and grabbed each other hands as tightly as they did in the last fight. They rolled around trying to put the other below them so they could hurt the other more easily.

Ashley X grunted, "I guess all of us UWM students are all the same......we can be deceitful, manipulative, and cunning..."

Allie did not give much thought to it, but replied, "Yeah...whatever..."

Ashley X finished, "But we're always stubborn and fighting for what we want....and we never self-doubt ourselves."

Allie was finally starting to think about what Ashley X was saying. Allie’s mind was thinking back to how Rob and Ashley C tricked Eddie into entering the Mr UWM beauty pageant last year, how they jinxed Jane, and more. Allie then related to how she easily became frustrated and angry just like Rob and Ashley C; when she became volatile before making her ‘blacktop masterpiece’ when she lost a basketball game and how annoyed Ashley C was in 7th Grade when she finally started going steady with Edmund Warren Weber a.ka. 'Eddie'. Allie also remembered how sneaky she was when she tried to plan with Elvis on getting the Jefferson High Treasure before everyone else. Allie then refocused her mind on the events around her and began looking deeply into Ashley X's face again and it looked like he was almost fighting a mirror image of herself and it creeped her out. As Allie's mind was wondering of the similarities of not only between Eddie and Ashley X, but with Rob and Ashely C and any of the other dark haired college students on the campus, Ashley X kicked Allie off of him and Allie fell back on the blacktop while Ashley X got up. Allie landed on her tailbone and it was hurting badly. Ashley X saw this as an opportunity to get his cell phone and ran toward it. Allie got up with her anger despite the overbearing pain of her stomach, chest, backbone, skull, and bleeding mouth she ran to tackle Ashley X down before Ashley X could reach it. Ashley X quickly slid out from Allie's grip and stood up. Ashley X took all of her weight into his right heel of her boot and brutally forced it down on Allie's right thigh. Allie yelled in pain…a scream that pierced the dead, cold, dark night silence of the neighborhood. Allie's right thigh bone was broken...

Allie tried to get up and fight but it was useless...She felt like a helpless animal that was crawling back away from Ashley X as Ashley X continued to pace closer and closer toward her. Allie was up against the wall of the gym and was cornered by Ashley X. Every single breath and move Allie made, intensified the already excruciating pain. Allie was spitting and coughing up blood and the blood was already running down past her cheeks, past the neck, and staining her red blouse. As badly as she was hurt and as pointless and even detrimental to continue, Allie was not going to back down....she wouldn't!

Ashley X looked at Allie's thrashed and beaten up body but mostly into the still Amazon warrior-courageous eyes of Allie. Ashley X threw off Allie's red 'UWM' cap and grabbed her brown hair with his left hand. Ashley X held it tightly as if he was going to rip off Allie’s hair. He slipped off a diamond gold bracelet off of her right hand and ‘weaved’ it between his fingers. He then took this hand with the bracelet, and formed a fist with it. His right hand squeezed the bracelet painstakingly tight between his fingers because he wanted Allie to feel the wrath and animosity he held for 4 years and with everything that had gone wrong so quickly. Ashley X was about to do the unthinkable as he used the bracelet as a brass knuckle to smash Allie’s face with...and silently said to her, "You pathetic loud-mouthed bitch! When will you ever learn to never mess with an Ashley....especially one that can..."

Out of the silent darkness, they heard a voice. A voice that caused them to immediately stop and freeze whatever they were doing. The voice was soft and caring, but yet familiar. The voice was calling out for someone. The cold, skin penetrating wind and loud metal sounds made the voice unclear. Ashley X wanted to continue beating up Allie but the voice rang throughout her body. Allie was groggy, but still knew what was going on and the voice rang throughout her body too. They both looked at Ashley X's right side from where the voice was coming from. It was an anticipation of something they knew that was heart-warming....yet they could not put a face or name to it...

Out of the darkness and into the barely lit blacktop a figure appeared. It was the size of a determind young man. The figure accidentally stepped on and smashed Ashley X's cell phone in the distance but neither the figure, Ashley X or Allie noticed. Ashley X and Allie stared at it wondering what has made them to stop everything and completely shatter their hatred focus toward each other. The figure approached and it was......

....Eddie Weber. Ashley X and Allie could not believe that Eddie had such a powerful affect on them. As Eddie approached even closer, he could see Allie and Ashley X clearly, and was mortified. Eddie's eyes were looking all around in panic and rushed to ask, "WHAT'S GOING ON HERE?!?" Eddie saw both Ashley X and Allie bruised up badly in several shades of purple. He saw Allie's front side of her neck covered in blood. Ashley X was still holding onto Allie's hair tightly and the two still stared at Eddie. Eddie saw that Ashley X was beating up a woman, Allie even. Eddie's was suddenly filled with anger seeing how Ashley X had relentlessly beaten up Allie and being reminded of how Ashley X threatened to harm Allie. Ashley X finally was back to his senses and ran away from Allie and toward the other side (the rope corner) of the Gym. Eddie saw Ashley X escape into the darkness but he knew he could not go after Ashley X because of Allie's condition.

Eddie's immense anger emotionally polarized into extreme worry and sadness seeing Allie beaten up. He rushed behind Allie to support Allie's head and back. It seemed like and felt like deja vu all over again for Eddie, seeing Allie injured and helpless. His heart seemed to fall endlessly in an endless tidal wave of emotions seeing how Allie was.

Allie trying to catch her breath and hacking on the blood softly said, "Eddie, what are you doing here?"

Eddie rushed to pick up Allie and knew that she needed medical help badly. Eddie noticed Allie's broken leg. He tried to calm her down, "Allie, don't worry about it now. You need help right now!" Eddie carefully helped Allie up and slowly tried to help her walk on her good leg while Eddie supported her on her other side. Allie's home was about 3 blocks away but he saw Allie's condition and knew that he could not give up on her. Eddie heard a car start in the direction of where Ashley X had ran to and he saw Ashley X with Big Rob speed away in the car into the dark night. Eddie quickly tried to attend to Allie's injuries as best as he could while his emotions rushed on endlessly.

Allie noticed Eddie doing everything to help her and tried to reassure him, "Eddie, I can take care of myself....I've had worse..."

Eddie worriedly replied, "Allie, your body's bruised, your leg's broken and your mouth's bleeding! I gotta do something!"

Eddie and Allie soon walked out of UWM and Eddie was always careful of Allie taking each step. Allie was more observant about Eddie's caring behavior. Allie hadn't really noticed Eddie's behavior toward her but what Ashley X said about it earlier stuck out in Allie's mind. Allie noticed how worried, caring, good natured, thoughtful, and concerned Eddie was toward her. Allie decided to gradually open her 'steel wall' of emotions, which she would normally always keep hidden, and through his soft, warm touch she could feel his overflowing tender kindness. She hesitated to go beyond the surface of Eddie's feelings and immediately stopped because she worried about being open and vulnerable to feelings she never experienced. Allie looked into Eddie's eyes and, in an instant, knew exactly what Ashley X was saying. Allie understood that Eddie was deeply caring about her injuries more so than if one of their other friends were injured. A feeling of comfort and caring that Allie knew went beyond friendship...

As they continued to walk down towards Allie's house, Eddie gave another look of deep concern and warm affection. The look seemed familiar, but she could not pinpoint it. Allie closed her eyes for a few seconds and it came flooding into her mind. Eddie's eyes now reminded her vividly of what happened in the last fight with Ashley X during the storm. Allie closed her eyes again for a few seconds and visualized that stormy day....the cold drenching rain, the gushy mud of the ground, and the pain of the lightning... Allie made her mind press on. She realized, while visualizing, how Eddie caught her and how close and intimate Eddie was that day. She was a bit hesitant to go on, but she had to find out the truth. She visualized how weak Eddie was and how he sacrificed himself to make sure she was okay. She then heard the soft, spiritually touching words that would forever change any doubt she had on having a crush on Eddie until Middle School......her mind continued and she remembered him say, 'Allie, you just gotta be strong! You're one of the strongest ones among us! We all need you in our lives, Allie! Please don't go and leave us! I don't know if I could I ever live without you, Allie....I love you...'

The last 3 words echoed in her mind while she was still concentrating. 'I Love You'.....Allie's mind was paralyzed in disbelief, everything what Ashley X and Danni said was absolutely right. Before Allie could notice her surroundings, Eddie and Allie arrived at her home.

Eddie was about to take Allie's house keys to open the door and tell Leather and Ralph to take her to the hospital, but Allie gently grabbed Eddie's arm to stop him. Eddie wondered what Allie was doing but waited for Allie to speak. There was a moment between them where they were absorbed looking into each other. They both knew something was going to happen and they stood still for a few seconds. They felt the cold, brutal wind rushed into their jackets now and then but they were somewhat desensitized to the weather…to their surroundings….Desensitized and not aware that their ears and nose were bright red from the harsh icy cold. Eddie was eager to get Allie inside since she was bleeding and in unimaginable pain but he knew something powerful was going to happen. They both could feel the rushing and beating of their hearts over the anticipation…

Allie reflected on that stormy day, what happened tonight, and put together all other events of how warm, caring, thoughtful, and affectionate Eddie was. Allie looked up from the outside stairs and faced Eddie. She looked into his eyes again and she summoned all of her energy on what she was going to say.

Allie softly and slowly began, "Eddie, I don't know how to say this but...." She sighed and she was fearful of what to say....she was always tough but this was something she never had dealt with before.......emotions. Allie began again, "Eddie,....I want to say thanks truly for always being there for me.....I mean you've always there to help my reputation, if I'm in a fight, if I need help, anything...." Allie didn't know what else to say as she was breathing hard because of the emotions. She added, "I'm more thankful than you'll ever know...." Allie gave Eddie a really passionate and then tried to run (even with her broken leg) inside to get her parents. Eddie couldn't understand or believe what had just happened, the tough girl he knew since kindergarten gave him a kiss. It was a natural, heart-felt kiss that was not pressured or embarrassing like when Danni conducted the experiment between him and Allie. Eddie just stood outside the front door thinking about it. The kiss may have been only a second, but the impression on Eddie would last much, much longer....

[Bea]

Reflective Recollections After A Weekend (A Conclusion):

Allie's Thoughts:

My folks took me to the hospital soon after I woke them up. My mom, of course, screamed in horror and fright seeing me bruised up and bloody...hehe...then again she never really saw me after a real cat fight! Hey! How come I got all bloody in a small fight but on TV fighting they don’t lose a drop of blood after slamming and creaming each other? Hmm…

Anyways, Eddie was with me all the way that night...through the ride, at the hospital, the X-rays, making the cast.....my parents finally took him home at around 3 AM. He was right by my side....I never saw him so concerned before... The next day, Eddie came right to my home as soon as he could in the morning even though I told him I could manage. Eddie helped me with daily activities like getting up, getting food, you know...that type of stuff. That weekend, our friendship became closer where we began to open ourselves a bit more. We shared and talked about some personal problems and worries, but we also had a lot of fun watching our favorite sitcoms, listening to music, whatever I could do with my broken leg. As worried as I was about opening myself a little to Eddie, it weirdly felt more comfortable. I mean he's the man I can always trust, but it's kind of weird to explain...

As for Ashley X....No one at UWM ever heard from him after that fight Friday. I never thought I would see an Ashley like him....ever. I didn't tell Eddie or the rest of the gang what Ashley X said that night about her being related to Hector Con Carne, how us Midwestern college students are the same, his entire plan about trying to get Eddie away from me, and there was no way I was gonna tell them about what Ashley X said about Eddie liking me as more than a 'friend'! Though I did explain to Eddie that there was nothing going on between Tyler X and me. Every Ashley I have ever known until Ashley X came was prissy, uptight, you know like Ashley C and Rob at UWM. I never thought that Ashley C or Rob and I could have similar personalities, as Ashley X pointed out, we both can be sneaky and pull pranks but this was an Ashley who was beyond pranks. He was way too sneaky...probably sneakier and more manipulative than any guy I ever know. I mean the way how he used Elvis, Gene, Jane, Eddie, the city, …and even me… crap!

Speaking of which, Elvis is almost back to his own…well, almost cool self I guess. (Allie lightly giggles.) Gene and Jane are feeling better now. I think we all knew how….well….”unique” Ashley X was and all six of us decided to put this all behind us. Good thing too because there was no way I was going to allow Ashley X’s mess to destroy all of us from being great friends!

Both Rob and Ashley C were somewhat…thankful…if you can believe that! For saving their younger sisters… and they gave me and the gang season tickets for any movie events that come by in town! But just when you thought they were nice, in a few days….huh…they were back to their own prissy selves again.

I don’t know exactly why Ashley X just moved to a new college so quickly, but Rob told me how they're trying to find where Ashley X is so they can begin a court trial! Crudorama! I guess he must be on the run or something…

Hey! Whoa! I didn't know I was still wearing this bracelet Ashley X gave me. (Allie immediately takes the bracelet off.) This stupid bracelet reminds me of Ashley X and all of those mean things he did. Dude! I wish my fist could see his face again! (Allie is about to throw it out in the trash, but stops.) Well...if it wasn't for Ashley X and this whole thing....would I have ever known or been open to Eddie's feelings for me? I can’t believe how much Eddie cares for me…and that I care for him the same way. (Allie thinks deeply.) It’s weird…Ashley X was so determined to destroy Eddie and me but it ended up strengthening what we had for each other. Whoa! Oh man! (Allie starts shaking her head to shake off the emotional sensations throughout her body.) I guess all of this… made Eddie and I more aware of how we felt toward each other… Whoa….

(Allie loses track of the bracelet and it ends up near her backyard fence. Around midnight, when everyone sleeps…the bracelet mysteriously jumps and shakes around while making a silent buzzing sound…but then it stops permanently…)

Eddie's Thoughts:

Okay! Okay, Dudes and dudettes! (Eddie laughs.) So it wasn't the most romantic ending you grownups were wanting! (Eddie thinks about how many movies have had a kissing romantic scene in the end.) But hey! I'm still in college! Ay carumba! I never thought last Friday I'd see Allie so beaten up before! Something told me to check on Allie that night and I tried climbing on her backyard tree to see her, but she wasn't there. So I was just frantically running and calling for her around the neighborhood and finally checked the college.

Later on, I asked Allie about what she and Ashley X were doing and why they fought. But, knowing how Allie is, she just brushed it aside and never really told me anything about it. I tried to call and find Ashley X about it but I had no luck. It looks like that night was the last of him. I hope so…

That same night with the fight, Butch said…. Yeah, Butch…(Eddie sighs) said there was a group of guys that tore down several locker doors trying to find something important. Something that was really important…hmmm…could it have been the binder? I guess it explains why everyone in school was surprised seeing a lot of the lockers doors broken off on Monday. As for that binder…the one that could destroy the world…we burned the binder in the college furnace. I think we all knew that this was something bigger than any of us could decide, even Danni didn’t know what to do with it, because…well, it could destroy the world…and so many lives…

Dean Clarkson kept his word in changing the campus back and Mayor Westlake did the same with the city. The townsfolk removed the oil wells and put everything back to normal. The Pfhister Library, Joe's Bowling Alley, Becky's Jazz Bar, Virgil's Makeover Shack, and yeah.....even Pfhister Courthouse (Eddie smiles that things are back to normal.) The SAL 4000, the entertainment room, and the other rooms for the students were taken apart because it was too much money to maintain without the oil. So, yeah! Everything is back to normal in UWM! Prof. Dinkleburg and Denim are still trying to catch us causing trouble and Rob and Ashley C are…well, being such Potsies as Allie's dad used to tell my dad… (Eddie laughs a bit.) Ben is back at Arnold's and the people there couldn't be any happier to have our old Milwaukee back!

Well...hee hee hee...everything is back to normal except between Allie and I. Allie surprises me sometimes how different she can be, like, when she took care of me after I fought against Tyler X and of course that kiss! I never expected that before! I knew, before Ashley X came, that I had had a bit of a fling with Allie but after all this I had no idea of how big my feelings were for her. (Eddie teasingly giggles) Is this normal for a 19 year old college student? Ay carumba! Is Butch right about boys kissing girls and girls kissing boys? (Eddie sighs and thinks deeply) It's just seeing Allie so hurt those two times really shook me up about everything I felt for her. I never knew that I felt that way for her before...

Both of their (Eddie and Allie) feelings for each other for each other had turned into something far, far deeper than what they could grasp or conceive for each other. Their relationship and feelings would take on a whole, new dimension of emotions…and there would be no turning back on where their young hearts wanted to take the naive two…

The End

[Race's Girl]

Awesome fic, Bea, has anyone concidered turing that into a movie or a book?