~*~The Road Not Taken~*~ Chapter 1 (Kaguel/Chadresa/more)
by Faith81
 

Chapter One
 

The Road Not Taken

He stood staring at the town in front of him. The town was called Harmony, and he prayed he would find the answers that would give him true ‘harmony’ in his own life there. He had parents, parents he had never met and he was going to find them. The two people that made him lived in the small town and he had no plans on leaving until he found them.

~*~*~*~

Theresa Lopez-Fitzgerald let out a giggle as she grabbed her best friend by the hand. “Ethan Crane is in Harmony.” She squealed. “Whit, he’s here in town and I’m going to find him. This is it, what I’ve been waiting for my whole entire life. I’m going to be with him Whit, I can just feel it.”

Whitney Russell rolled her eyes, “You’re seventeen years old, how can you be thinking about marrying some guy you’ve never met?”

“Oh but I have met him Whit, in my heart I’ve known Ethan for years.” Theresa cooed.

“Theresa, don’t say that so loud, if people hear you they’ll think you’re crazy.” Whitney frowned. “Honestly girl, Ethan Crane is not going to want you. He has a girlfriend, why would he want some high school kid?”

“Because, we belong together. Its fate.” Theresa giggled in a dreamy voice. “Fate brought Ethan here so I could meet him and we can fall in love. You’ll see Whit.”

“I worry about you Theresa.” Whitney frowned. “These crazy ideas you get, the really freak me out. You’re the housekeeper’s daughter that is how Ethan Crane will see you. Just because you’re popular at school, and you love fancy things, that won’t matter to him.”

“Oh no Whit, Ethan’s not like that. He’s a kind decent man, and he’d never treat me like that.”

“You just said it Theresa, he’s a man.” Whitney sighed. “A man that won’t want some school girl with a crush.”

“Its not a crush, its love.”

“Please.” Whitney groaned. “Don’t start Theresa. I don’t want to hear how you’re in love with some guy you’ve never met.”

“But Whitney I am.” Theresa pouted.

“I’m not going to fight you on this Theresa. You’re hopeless, and if your not careful your dreams are going to blow up in your face.”

“Oh Whit.” Theresa sighed. “I’m not hopeless I’m in love.”

_______________________________________________

A bowl of popcorn sat on one side of the bed, a bag of chips on the other. In the floor candy bar wrappers were crumbled everywhere, as Kay Bennett finished the final chocolate bar. “I never thought homework could be so hard for a person.” She muttered watching as Miguel crumbled yet another piece of paper and tossed it next to a pile of other paper balls.

“Don’t start with me Kay, I’ve watched you do math. You’d rather have a root canal.”

“You’ve got me there.” She laughed. “But I’ve always hated math, its just too stupid.”

“I hate school Kay, I hate it all.” Miguel frowned sitting the notebook down.

“No, you love baseball, and football, and basketball.” She rattled watching as a smile appeared on his face. “And you love History, why you love History I have no idea.”

“Its easy.” He shrugged looking over at his clock. “So do you think Simone and Reese will be mad at us for not showing up?” He questioned.

“I don’t know about them, but I’m sure Jessica is jumping for joy. Less people means more alone time with Reese.” Kay giggled. “She’s so into him.”

“Reese things she’s sweet, but she can’t date yet so he thinks they’re best being friends.”

Kay smirked. “Daddy would kill her if she tried to date at fourteen. I’m almost sixteen and he’s still way too strict on me.”

“But he will let you date now right? I mean in case someone was to ask me.” Miguel questioned his face becoming red.

“Why would someone ask you?” Kay questioned.

“All the guys know you’re my best friend and all. That’s what I mean.” He muttered staring down at the floor.

Kay smiled, “Has any of the guys said anything about me?”

“Um, well.” Miguel paused. “Well no.”

“Oh.” She frowned. “Didn’t think so.”

“Kay.” Miguel sighed watching as she moved off his bed and walked over to the window. “Those guys are all stupid anyway. Plus I think they’re scared of you, I mean you’re so much better at baseball than they are.”

“That’s true.” She laughed. “They’re all wimps anyway.” She shrugged.

Standing Miguel walked over to stand beside Kay. “So do you like anyone?”

Looking up at him Kay smirked. “I don’t know, I might.”

“You do.” Miguel smiled. “Who is he?”

“I’m not telling.” She laughed. “What about you? Who do you want this week?”

Miguel ran his fingers through his dark hair, his hazel eyes stared down at her. “You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.” He blushed. “And since you want tell me who you want, I’m not telling you either.” He huffed.

“Oh that’s mature.” Kay pouted.

“You started it.” He teased. “I asked a simple question.”

“And I chose to ignore it.” Kay grinned.

Miguel let out a sigh, “We’re best friends, you should tell me when you like some guy. I mean I know way more about the guys at school than you do. I can tell you if he’s a jerk or not.”

Patting Miguel on the cheek Kay giggled. “My hero. Always trying to protect me huh Miggs?”

“Well someone has to protect you from yourself.”

“Oh that’s rich.” Kay frowned. “We won’t talk about all the bimbos you’ve liked over the years. So I’ve liked a few bad boys, nothing bad has happened has it?” She questioned placing her hands on her hips.

“Not yet.” Miguel admitted. “But you deserve better than some bad boy Kay. You deserve someone kind, someone that understands you and would never do anything to hurt you.”

“Wow Miggs.” Kay spoke with a smile. “The only guy I know like that is you.”

"Then maybe, I’m the only guy for you." Miguel spoke before he could stop himself.

"Miggs? What are you saying?" Kay questioned her eyes becoming big as she stepped up to him. "What do you mean by that?"

“I, well I, oh man I have such a big mouth.” He stammered. “Kay, don’t make this any harder on me than it already is.” He swallowed.

“Ok, not you’re confusing me.” Kay spoke taking a deep breath. “Just spit it out Miggs, I hate it when people drag things out.”

Shaking his head Miguel stared over at Kay, “Fine, you want me to stop dragging things out? How’s this for explaining?” He questioned, surprising her as he pulled her to him, letting his lips touch hers before she even knew what was happening. Stunned Kay found herself enjoying the kiss, and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer to him.

When Miguel finally pulled away, he looked at his stunned best friend. “Need me to explain anything else?” He questioned.

“Whoa.” She muttered. “Um no, I don’t think so.” Looking at him a smile slipped on her lips. “That was, wow it was better than it is in my dreams.”

Miguel arched an eyebrow, “You’ve dreamed about me kissing you?” He asked with a cocky grin. “Care to share those dreams with me?”

“No way.” She smiled. “Miggs what did that kiss mean? I mean to you?”

“It means.” He spoke taking her hand, “That I want to kiss you again. It means that I don’t want to be just your best friend Kay. I want to be more.”

“Thank God!” She suddenly spoke wrapping her arms around his neck. “I’ve been waiting for two years for you to say that to me.”

“You what? Huh?” Miguel questioned. “You mean, you want the same thing.”

Kay rolled her eyes, “Yes Miguel. When I told you I liked someone, I was talking about you.” She laughed.

Miguel’s smile could’ve lit the room up. He stared into Kay’s sparkling blue eyes, amazed at how the deep blue seemed to dance as she smiled at him. “So does this mean you wanta go out sometime?”

“Yeah, totally.” Kay nodded.

“Cool.” Miguel smiled. “Very cool.” Feeling sure of himself, he moved closer to Kay and kissed her again. This time, the kiss was less nervous, as she relaxed against him.

“Miguel Lopez-Fitzgerald, Kathleen Elizabeth Bennett, just what do you think you’re doing?” A male voice suddenly boomed into the room as the two jumped away from each other.

Looking around Miguel frowned. “Luis, um we were studying.” He tried watching as Kay blushed.

“Each other?” Luis yelled. “Alone in this house, in your bedroom? Both of you sit down now we have a lot to talk about!”

_________________________________________________________
 

Simone Russell took a bite of her cotton candy and turned to look at the boy by her side. “So do you think Miguel and Kay will regret missing the carnival tonight?”

“Miguel studying over having fun, I’m still trying to comprehend that one myself.” Reese Durkee laughed.

“Well I’m glad they decided not to show.” Jessica Bennett chimed flashing a smile over at Reese. “Kay gets on my nerves.”

“That’s just because she’s your sister.” Simone laughed. “Kay’s awesome.”

“Totally.” Reese agreed.

“Yeah, I guess.” Jessica frowned. “Reese, what do you wanta ride? There’s tons of rides here.” Jessica smiled.

“Actually,” Reese spoke adjusting his glasses; “most of the rides make me quite nauseous. I come for the games, I love beating them by using science as my weapon.” He smirked.

Shrugging her shoulders, Simone looked at him, “I thought the point was just to aim the little dart and throw it.”

“Oh Simone you have so much to learn.” Reese chuckled. “Science is a beautiful tool. It can be used in almost anything.”

“Well.” Simone smirked. “Use your knowledge of science and go get us a few cokes, this cotton candy is choking me.”

“As you wish my lady.” Reese joked leaving the girls as he walked off.

“Oh my gosh he’s so cute tonight.” Jessica shrieked turning to look at Simone. “I’m so glad Kay’s not here, she would have so ruined the night for me.”

“Kay is with Miguel, I’m sure she’s very happy just to be alone with him.” Simone laughed. “You really like Reese don’t ya?”

“Totally do.” Jessica giggled. “He’s just so cute in that brainy kind of way.” She cooed. “And he has the prettiest eyes, and his smile, have you looked at his smile?”

“Um, not really.” Simone admitted. “Reese isn’t my type.”

Jessica slapped her hand over her mouth and pointed at Reese. “Oh my gosh look.” She spoke her eyes becoming large. “Reese is going to run right in that blonde if he’s not careful.”

“Oh dear, typical Reese.” Simone muttered watching as Reese did just what Jessica predicted, spilling all three drinks on the pale blonde. “Uh oh.” Simone frowned trying not to laugh. “Let’s hope blondie doesn’t have a temper, or else Reese is about to get smacked!”
 

__________
 

“Oh man I’m so sorry.” Reese frowned looking at the girl. “I didn’t see you, honest.”

“Its ok.” She sighed. “I ran into you.”

“No, it was my fault.” Reese spoke. “I wasn’t paying attention. “Oh man I’m so sorry.”

The girl smiled. “Honestly its ok, we ran into each other.”

“Look if the shirt is ruined, I’ll buy you another one. I’m such a klutz.”

With a shy smile the girl looked at him, “So am I.”

“So I’m not the only one?” Reese chuckled. Looking at her smile, he felt his heart flutter. “I’m Reese by the way. Reese Durkee.”

“I’m Charity.” She blushed. “Charity Standish.”

“Charity, that’s a pretty name. You’re not from here are you?” Reese asked.

“Actually I just moved here.” Charity smiled.

“Oh?” Reese spoke his voice rising. “That’s so cool, you’ll love it here, Harmony is awesome.”

“Yeah, it seems nice. It was nice to bump into you Reese.” Charity laughed shyly. “But I really should go clean up.” She frowned looking down at her stained shirt.

“Of course.” Reese nodded nervously. “Again I’m so sorry about the shirt.”

“Again, it was my fault too.” Charity spoke as she walked off leaving Reese speechless.

“Wow.” He muttered under his breath.

“And he’s strikes again.” Simone’s voice laughed from behind him. “Nice going Reese.”

Turning to look at Simone he smiled. “Yeah, but at least this time I didn’t run into one of the football players.”

“No, you ran into some little twit.” Jessica piped up. “Where’s she from anyway?”

“She just moved here.” Reese grinned. “Her name is Charity, and she’s wonderful.”

“I didn’t see anything wonderful about her.” Jessica muttered forcing Simone to elbow her. “Well I didn’t.”

“I did.” Reese spoke his eyes dancing. “I have to see that girl again, there’s something about her, I don’t know what it is, but there’s something very special about her.”

__________________________________________________________

Beth Wallace stood looking at the young man in front of her. “So your name is Chad?” She questioned.

“Chad Harris.” He nodded. “I saw the sign in the window.” He spoke. “You need help, and I need a job.”

Beth looked at the young man and smiled. “Can you mop floors? Wipe off tables?” She questioned. “Pour coffee and carry on conversation?”

“I can do anything you need me to do.” Chad smiled. “I just need work.”

“And I’m desperate.” Beth chuckled. “The boy that worked for me just walked out today. Be here tomorrow morning at eight, and you’ve got yourself a job Mr. Harris.”

“You won’t regret this!” Chad laughed.

“I better not.”

___________________________________________________

Ethan Crane frowned looking over at his girlfriend. “Gwen, I can’t believe you dragged me here.” He complained. “The Harmony carnival?”

Gwen Hotchkiss rolled her eyes as she grabbed her boyfriend’s hand. “I thought it might be fun Ethan. You have heard of fun right?”

“Yes I’ve heard of fun.” Ethan frowned. “But this doesn’t look like fun. I can’t believe you would want to be here Gwen.”

“It’s a change Ethan, and we need a change.” She shrugged. “We do the same things, day after day and it gets tiresome.”

“So now you want cotton candy and a stuffed bear?” Ethan laughed. “Really Gwen, I can buy those anywhere.”

“I seriously doubt you could win one.” Gwen smiled. “I just want to try to have fun Ethan.”

“What about the country club? We have fun there.” Ethan frowned.

“Fun? Ethan I’m so tired of golf with our parent’s friends. I want something new.” Gwen sighed her eyes looking around. “Look over there Ethan.” She smiled pointing. “See those girls, how they’re laughing and enjoying themselves, we’ve never had fun like that.”

Ethan couldn’t help but look at the two girls Gwen had spoke of. His eyes simply refused to leave the raven beauty whose chocolate eyes seemed to light up the whole place. “Yeah.” Ethan nodded. “They do look like they’re having fun.” He agreed.

“Ethan.” Gwen spoke grabbing his hand. “I have a wonderful idea!”

“You do?” Ethan groaned. “What now?”

“Lets ask those two girls to show us around. They could tell us what the best rides are.”

“Rides? You’re not getting me on any of these rides. Gwen, those girls they are not the kind of people we associate with.”

“Exactly Ethan, they’re having fun and we’re not!”

With a loud sigh Ethan let his girlfriend drag him toward the two girls. He wished he was at home, watching his favorite show on his big screen TV while the chief whipped up his favorite meal. No, instead he was at some sort of town carnival with all the common people of Harmony. If his friends ever found out, well they just couldn’t find out.

“Excuse me.” Gwen spoke to the two girls.

They turned around, both holding chilidogs and nachos. The girl whose big brown eyes had caught Ethan’s attention earlier stared up at him. “Oh my gosh.” She gasped as her eyes became wide and her food slipped from her hands and hit the ground.

Her best friend looked at her, and swallowed as she peered back up at Ethan.

“Theresa! Theresa!” Her best friend yelled watching in horror as the girl turned pale and fainted, falling to the ground with a loud thud. “Oh dear Theresa.” Whitney Russell muttered. “You’ve really done it this time.”