The Beginning, Section II

Chapter 1

Posted on Monday, 4 June 2001

Meryton, 1957

"Earth Angel! Earth Angel! Will you be mine?...hum hmm mm" she hummed softly, as she left the soda shop. It never failed that she always went home with the last song played on the jukebox planted in her mind.

Lizzy Bennet walked on; trying to think of another song, but Earth Angel kept intruding. She finally broke down and began to sing aloud the song. In mid chorus, she was interrupted by loud noises erupting from behind her.

Lizzy watched as several motorcycles roared up the street and past her, with George Wickham in his black leather jacket, leading the pack. Her cousin, Lydia was plastered to his back in an unladylike position, holding on for dear life. Lydia flashed a quick wave, grabbed back around his waist and was soon out of sight.

Lizzy waved back. How she wished that Lydia was not involved with George. She was so blind! She couldn't see that he treated all girls the same, leading them on and then leaving them. But Lydia felt that she was different and that George's declarations of unfeigned love would hold true and that he would never leave her.

But no one girl had ever been able to do that, though many had tried. Most girls had been overwhelmed with George's good looks and apparent good nature, but Lizzy knew the truth. That he would, as in the past, treat Lydia the same way he had treated Jane and every other girl he had ever dated. When someone new came along, he would dump her for another.

Lizzy began walking home again. It was possible that she was the only girl at Meryton High that had not been able to catch George's eye. She wrinkled her brow at sudden thought. The only look he ever gave her way was when he began his pursuit of Jane and after meeting Lydia at a family picnic, dropped Jane within a week.

Lizzy shrugged her shoulders. Oh well, Jane was better off and soon Lydia would see the light. She started to turn the corner towards her house, when the sound of her best friend's voice halted her.

"Lizzy! Lizzy!"

She stopped and turned around as her friend caught up to her. Charlotte Ann looked off in the distance, following the disappearing sound of the motorcycles. "Was that George?"

"Yes, it was." She replied, nonchalantly.

"Oh! He is so cute! I hope that I can at least get to dance with him once. I've never been able to. Billy is always around. Wait a minute! I have an idea. Maybe you could be dancing with Billy and then I could wander over to where he was...." Her friend took a deep breath "Do you know if he is going to the dance with Lydia or not?"

"Why would he not?" asked Lizzy, puzzled.

"Well, I just wondered." replied Charlotte Ann. "You know how he is about new girls."

"Ah! You mean the new girl in history class?" answered Lizzy.

"Yes. I saw him talking to her after class."

"Already?" cried Lizzy. "I just saw him with Lydia!"

"Has another girl ever stopped George?" smirked Charlotte Ann. "Oh well, anyway, did he ask you?"

"Oh you mean Charlie? Uh, no." shrugged Lizzy. "The dance is in two weeks and he still treating me like we're best friends. He talks to me all the time, he's always coming by our house and sitting in our front porch swing, he's even ate dinner with us, but he never even mentions going out!"

Charlotte Ann nervously kicked at an imaginary rock.

Lizzy noticed this. "What's wrong with you? I can tell! You know something!"

Charlotte Ann twisted her mouth to one side. "I think I may know why he never asks you out."

She pulled her friend back to the front of the shop. Lizzy, tripping over her own feet, stumbled to the window.

"See!" she cried, pointing.

Lizzy peered in. There sat Charlie with her sister, Jane. She could see that her sister was blushing. Lizzy watched for a moment and although she was disappointed, she couldn't help but smile. It was as though someone had opened a window. It was all making sense now. Of course, it was not she that he was interested in, it was Jane all along. He was just trying to get close to Jane the only way he knew how. Lizzy left her friend and began her walk home again.

Charlotte Ann called after her. "Wait a minute! You're not mad?"

Lizzy stopped. "Why should I be?"

"After all the work you've put into it?"

"You make it sound as though it was a war conquest, Charlotte Ann!"

"But I don't understand! I thought he was the one for you!" Charlotte Ann, mockingly put her hands on her hips. "He's so dreamy, you said! I have to go to the dance with him! I'll just die if I don't! And you not even mad? What happened?"

"I admit that I'm disappointed but for some reason, I don't feel that bad. Besides, Jane deserves this after what George put her through. You know, I should have seen this, but I was so determined that I didn't even recognize that it was Jane and not I. Oh, when I think back to all those visits....what a fool I made of myself!"

The door to the soda shop swung open wide. "Charlotte Ann, are you out here?" A large man stood in the doorway.

"Yes, Daddy. I'm right here."

"Well, get back in here. I need you to clean the tables. You can talk to Lizzy at school tomorrow."

"Alright, I'm on my way!"

"Now!" her father bellowed, before going back in.

Oh well....you better get back in there and don't worry about me. Its still two weeks until the dance, surely, there's somebody that doesn't have a date and if there's not, I'll just go....stag!"

"No, you can go along with Billy and myself. We would love you for company. At any rate, there's plenty of guys that like you, so I seriously doubt that you'll have to go alone." Charlotte Ann shrugged.

"Maybe." Lizzy walked on, turned the corner and headed toward home. "Earth Angel! Earth Angel! Will you be mine?...hum hmm mm"

After dinner, Lizzy went upstairs to her bedroom. Jane soon followed her. While Jane lay across the bed listening to records, Lizzy sat at her desk, doing her homework. Jane walked over to the desk.

"Lizzy?"

Lizzy continued to work and didn't look up. "What?"

"What do you think of Charlie?"

At this, Lizzy looked up. "What do I think of Charlie? Well, let's see, I think that he's a nice guy. And you couldn't get one better looking. He has great curly blond hair and outstanding green eyes. He drives a cool car although I don't particular like the color, but I love Buicks. Green has never really done anything for me. I prefer red or black...."

"Lizzy!" Jane interrupted. "You're rambling."

"Sorry.." Lizzy smiled. "What do you want to know?"

Jane sat back down on the bed. "Do you think I can trust him?"

The next day found Lizzy at her locker at Meryton Comprehensive High School. All the school was abuzz with the coming dance. Only Lizzy avoided the subject. She quickly gathered her books and closed her locker, only to find Billy Collins standing there.

"Hi Lizzy!" he smiled.

Lizzy exhaled slowly. "Hi Billy."

"Charlotte Ann tells me that you might be going to the dance with us." He smirked.

"Well, I'm not sure..."

"I hope that you do." he interrupted, stepping closer. "It will give me a good reason to dance with you. You know I've always wanted to."

"What makes you think I would dance with you?"

Billy leaned forward with his hand on the locker. "Because of Charlotte Ann. You wouldn't hurt her feelings for anything, so you won't turn me down. In fact, she won't like you sitting there alone, so she will insist that I dance with you!"

Lizzy felt a sharp pang in the pit of her stomach. Billy Collins was not her favorite person, in fact, she couldn't stand him, but for Charlotte Ann's sake, she tolerated him. And he was right, she wouldn't hurt Charlotte Ann.

"Well, you know, Billy, I hope to have a date for that night. Even if I don't, I can go with my sister and Charlie."

"Ah, yes! The infamous Charlie Bingley! And where did your admiration for him get you? No where! He going to the dance with your sister!"

Lizzy was getting more furious with every word. Apparently Charlotte Ann has told Billy everything.

"You know, Billy, your past with girls is not great either. Remember Mary King? How about Ann DeBourg? Ha! You should consider Charlotte Ann a saint for having anything to do with you."

"What does this conversation have to do with Charlotte Ann? I'm talking about you and me. I know that you're available and when you're available, I'm always available. I would drop Charlotte Ann in a second." Billy snapped his stubby fingers and reached in his pocket. He combed his greasy hair back and leaned even closer.

"Who said I'm available?" retorted Lizzy, sneering at him.

Billy raised back and tapped his index finger against his temple. "Well, let me see! You don't have a date for the dance and per Charlotte Ann, you're not seeing anyone right now. George Wickham has all but passed you up. So I would say that... you're available.

"But you forget Billy, with you, I am never available!" she seethed.

Billy stalked off. She was going to have to find a date soon or she would be spending her evening fighting off that jerk! She shook her head slowly and turned around. Charlie Bingley stood in front of her.

"Hi Lizzy!" he grinned, shyly.

"Oh, Hi Charlie!" she smiled.

"How have you been?" he asked, turning to walk her down the hall.

"Just fine. And you?"

"Um...fine." Nervously, Charlie leaned closer to her. "Listen, about what's been going on. I need to ...."

"Charlie, you don't have to explain." she stated.

"But I owe you an apology!" he blurts.

"For what?" she exclaimed. "You're taking my sister to the dance and you've made her happy, which is something she has not been in a long time. And you're happy, I can tell. Besides, nothing was set between us. Its alright!"

"Honest?" he smiled.

"Honest!" Lizzy returned, holding up the boy scout promise. "Look, here comes Jane!"

Charlie quickly leaned forward and whispered. "Still friends?"

"Still friends!" she replied quickly.

"Hi Lizzy! Hi Charlie!" Jane stopped beside them. "Lizzy, please tell me that what everybody is talking about, is not true."

"I'll try. What?"

Jane looked around in the crowd and whispered. "I heard that you are going to the dance with Charlotte Ann and Billy! Is it true? Do you not have a date?"

Charlie looked away. Lizzy exhaled slowly. She knew that Billy was out bragging and spreading this stupid lie, probably telling everyone that he had two dates! He truly did not care if he hurt Charlotte Ann or not.

Lizzy began walking on down the hall. "I told Charlotte Ann that if I did not find a date, I would "maybe" go with them. But its going to be hard to find anyone that I would consider going with at this late date. Every one I know already has one."

Jane hugged her sister around the shoulders. "Don't worry, Lizzy. Someone will come along."

"Maybe." Lizzy shrugged her shoulders and walked into history class.

Chapter 2

Posted on Sunday, 10 June 2001

"Lizzy! Telephone!" bellowed her mother up the stairs.

"Who is it?" returned Lizzy.

"Its Lydia!"

Lizzy sighed heavily, and came down the stairs. The last thing she wanted to do was talk to Lydia this early in the morning. She was calling no doubt to brag about her motorcycle ride with George. Lydia had this wild notion that Lizzy was jealous of her, but jealousy was not the emotion she felt.

"Don't talk too long. Breakfast is almost ready." Her mother warned as she handed the phone to her.

Lizzy took the phone. "Hello?"

"Hi Lizzy! Its Lydia!"

"Hello Lydia. What do you want?" asked Lizzy, impatiently.

Lydia huffed on the other end. "Well, that's a fine way to treat family!"

Lizzy clenched her teeth. "That's what I said when you broke up Jane and George!"

"I did not break them up. George just grew tired of her."

"Right!" exclaimed Lizzy. "And when someone new comes along, he'll grow tired of you, too. Just like he grew tired of Louise Hurst, Marie Lucas and our cousin, Mary."

"Oh, no!" replied Lydia, angrily. "George and I are in love. He will never leave me!"

"Whatever you say." sighed Lizzy, "So, why are you calling?"

"Well, I need you to do something for me."

"What is it?"

Lydia began whispering. "Promise me that you won't tell anyone that you saw me on the motorcycle yesterday with George. I'm not supposed to be on it. Daddy told me not to ride it because it was dangerous and unbecoming to a young lady."

Lizzy's mind flashed back to yesterday. "Well, why were you on it when you were told not to be?"

"Because George said that they wouldn't find out and we wouldn't get hurt." She replied. "But I didn't expect to see you, so please don't tell...ok?"

"Didn't expect to see me? You know everybody goes to Buck's Grill after school. Anyone could have seen you."

"Yes, but George was driving and I didn't know which way he was going to go."

"And you still don't! Honestly, Lydia, George is going to get you in trouble if you keep listening to him." Lizzy sighed. But, I won't tell...." She heard relief in Lydia, "..unless I'm asked. Only for you, but I refused to cover for him."

"Well, I guess I just have to pray that no one asks!" growled Lydia. "I don't understand you, Elizabeth Bennet. You act as though you hate me!"

"I don't hate you. I hate what you do for him! He doesn't deserve it and you're so blind that you can't see how he is."

"Lizzy, George loves me!" spouted Lydia.

Lizzy laughed. "Yes, he does!"

"Stop mocking me! He does and you'll just have to accept it."

"I don't have to accept anything that concerns George Wickham and you'll have to accept that!"

"Good grief, Lizzy! You are so jealous! The only thing I need is your promise not to tell...unless you're asked." stated Lydia, sarcastically.

"And that's all you're going to get." replied Lizzy. "By the way, have you met the new girl in history?"

"No. Why?" answered Lydia. "Have you?

"No. I haven't talked to her yet. The only thing I know is that her name is Carolyn and that she's pretty and has nice clothes. All the guys are really noticing her. I just don't know anything about her." Lizzy smiled to herself. "Ask George for me, will you?"

Lizzy hung up the phone, amid protests from Lydia, and went in the kitchen.

She finished tying her saddle oxfords and pulled up her socks one more time for good measure. And running out of the room, grabbed her books and was down the stairs.

"Alright, Jane! I'm ready. Lets go!" cried Lizzy.

Her sister came out of the kitchen with her mother. "Gosh, you take a long time getting ready. We're just barely going to make it." Jane reached for the door and swung it open. Charlie stood on the other side.

"Oh..." Jane breathed. "Hi Charlie."

"Hi Jane." Charlie smiled, standing in the doorway. "Want a ride to school?"

"Sure!" Jane replied, turning around. "Mom?"

Her mother nodded her consent. Jane whirled back around and walked out the door. Suddenly she remembered her sister.

"Oh Lizzy!" Jane stopped with Charlie on the steps. "You can ride with us if you want."

Lizzy followed them out on the front porch. "That's alright. I'll walk down here and meet Charlotte Ann."

"Okay." Jane called back.

Lizzy watched as Charlie helped Jane into the car and drove away. She felt a small twinge of jealousy, but it passed as quickly as it came on.

She waved goodbye to her mother and started down the street. She dreaded this walk because in order to get to Charlotte Ann's house, she would have to go past Lydia's. If Lydia were to catch sight of her, who knows what might happen.

Turning the corner, she soon saw Charlotte Ann's house come into sight. As she got closer, she saw George waiting in his car. Lizzy slowed down, hoping that Lydia would come out before she got there.

As she approached the car, she noticed George staring at her. He got out of the car, combed his jet black hair back, shoved his hands in his jacket and leaned back against the car.

Lizzy approached cautiously. 'He definitely was very good looking!' she thought to herself. 'Lydia only got him based on her reputation. George was no fool.'

She stopped in front of his car. She knew how he was and she could not let him have control of the conversation, and decided she would speak first. "Hello George! Waiting on Lydia?"

"Hi Lizzy. I've been waiting forever!" he replied, shaking his head.

"Well, women are like that, you know."

George laughed. "Trust me, I know."

Lizzy shuffled her feet. Why was she so nervous? "So, are you going to the dance?" She regretted this as soon as she said it.

George stood up straighter, never breaking eye contact with her. "Yes. Are you? No, wait, I heard that you're going with Billy Collins, right?"

Lizzy smiled and rolled her eyes. Now Billy's lie didn't even include Charlotte Ann.

"No, wrong! If I go it will be with Billy and Charlotte Ann, who Billy asked to go with him. It's not just me and him. I don't know why he's doing this. Charlotte Ann may like him but I wouldn't be caught dead with him!" she replied, a little louder than she meant to.

George laughed and moved over onto the sidewalk, in front of her. "I don't blame you. You can't trust a toad like him!"

You're one to talk... Lizzy laughed along with him. "No, I'm not sure whom I'm going to go with. I may go with my sister or I may go with Charlotte Ann or I may not go!"

George looked toward Lydia's house and then back to her. "Jane's going with Charlie Bingley, I assume?"

"Yes. How did you know?" asked Lizzy.

"Well, I kinda put two and two together. I just saw them drive by." he smiled, slightly. "She looked happy."

"She is. Charlie's a great guy." stated Lizzy.

As quickly as she said it, she saw George get a strange look in his eye. He stepped closer to her. She unconsciously took a step back. "I'm a great guy, too, you know!" he whispered.

She desperately tried to change the subject. "You're going with Lydia to the dance, right?"

"For now..." he trailed off, continuing his steps. "I have an idea. Why don't you and me...."

The slamming of the door startled both of them.

"Hi George! Sorry to keep you waiting so long." Lydia stomped down the steps, noticing her cousin. "Lizzy Bennett! What are you doing here?"

"Well, I was.." began Lizzy.

"I know what you doing!" cried Lydia. "Can you be more obvious? You're after George!"

Lizzy's mouth flew open. George stared at her, grinning slightly. Lydia's eyes blazed.

"I am not!" Lizzy retorted.

"Oh yes you are! I can see it in your eyes. You planned this little walk because you knew that George would be out here waiting for me. You saw your chance to talk to him!"

"Lydia, that's crazy!" exclaimed Lizzy. "I was walking by here on my way to Charlotte Ann's house. We are walking to school together."

"So, have you forgotten that she rides to school with Billy?"

Lizzy shook her head. She had forgotten. Now Lydia has every reason to believe that she planned this meeting on purpose.

"Well, yes I did, but I didn't come this way because I wanted to meet George. I wastruly on my way to Charlotte Ann's. I had no idea that you rode to school together."

"That's no excuse!" Lydia was almost screaming in her face. "You planned this!"

"Lydia Phillips, get out of my face, before I go in your house and have a talk with your father!" cried Lizzy. "I did not plan this. I am not interested in George. Now that's all there is to it. So if you value your secret, I suggest you get in the car and leave."

"Lizzy, I hate you! Leave us alone! Can't you let me be happy?" Lydia did not move. George took her by the arms and put her in the car. He shoved her crinoline skirt in and closed the door in mid scream. He turned back to Lizzy.

"I don't know what she's talking about, do you?" winked George, walking around to the other side of the car.

Lizzy watched as he pulled away from the curb. Besides the argument with Lydia, what had just happened here? Lizzy began to walk again, not noticing where she was going. Was George Wickham flirting with her? Was he about to suggest that they go to the dance together?

Lizzy finally arrived at school and walked into history class. After the fight with her cousin, her courage was on the rise. She made her way over to the new girl.

"Hi! I'm Lizzy! Sorry I've not got around to speaking to you yet. Your name is Carolyn, right?"

"Yes." she replied. "Carolyn Hurst."

"Oh...Hurst? Are you any relation to Louise?" Lizzy asked, sitting down beside her.

"We're cousins."

Lizzy shook her head. "So, how do you like Meryton?"

Carolyn smoothed out her skirt and adjusted her sweater. "I think it's boring!"

"What?" blurted Lizzy.

"Well, maybe I should say that it's just not Netherville, which is the town I come from. I miss my friends."

"I'm sure you do." offered Lizzy. "But Meryton has its good points."

"In its own way, I'm sure. But at Netherville, there was always something to do. Football games, parties and dances. I've not seen anything here that would make me want to stay. But I don't have any choice. My father works here now and until my boyfriend and I get married, I'll have to stay here."

"So, you're engaged?" asked Lizzy, searching for a ring.

"Well, lets just say that it's an understanding." she replied. "Not really official yet."

Lizzy got up upon the teacher's appearance. "Hey, would you want to go to Buck's Grill with me after school? You know, you could see a little more of the town and meet some of the others?"

Carolyn smiled and looked pleased. "That would be great!"

Lizzy smiled in return and made her way over to her desk. Lydia came barreling in and stopped in front of her.

"I am never speaking to you again, Lizzy Bennett!"

Chapter 3

Posted Tuesday, 26 June 2001

"So, what was all that about in history today? Who's the hysterical girl?" asked Carolyn, turning the corner towards the Grill.

"Oh, you mean Lydia?" replied Lizzy. "She has this idea that I'm after her boyfriend and I have no interest in him whatsoever."

"Who is her boyfriend? Is it someone at school?"

"She's dating George Wickham." said Lizzy, pulling open the door of the grill.

Carolyn gasped and whispered. "George Wickham? I can't believe it."

"Oh yes! For about a month now." answered Lizzy.

"He said that he wasn't dating anyone! He practically asked me to the dance. He lied!"

"That's George! He's never dating anyone!" smiled Lizzy, glancing toward their normal table. "Good! everyone's here, come on over."

Carolyn followed and they plopped down in the booth. "Hey guys, this is Carolyn Hurst, she's new to Meryton." Everyone smiled. " Carolyn, this is my sister Jane and her boyfriend, Charlie Bingley, and this is my best friend, Charlotte Ann Lucas. She dating Billy Collins."

Carolyn batted her eyes. "Oh! Really?"

Charlotte Ann grinned. "I know, I know, but he's a real nice guy."

Lizzy bit her tongue to keep from telling her about Billy. Instead, she leaned forward and began telling her friends about her encounter with Lydia, knowing that they would hear it sooner or later from someone in the history class.

"I can't believe it, Lizzy. She did that in front of the teacher?"

Lizzy smiled. "Yes, but you know, of course, that old Mr. Jensen is about deaf, so he didn't hear a word of it."

They all laughed loudly. Lizzy turned her attention back to their new friend. "When will you see your boyfriend again? Is he coming here for the dance?"

"As a matter of fact, I just found out that Daddy talked to him yesterday, he and Daddy worked together in Netherville, and he said that he's coming to stay with a friend of his this week and he's going to look for a job, if he finds one, he'll be staying here. He's supposed to talk to his friend and make sure everything's still alright, but yes, we are going to the dance."

"He talked to your Dad but not to you?" asked Charlotte Ann.

"Yes, but its alright. He and my Dad have a good friendship."

All the while Carolyn was talking, Charlie looked puzzled. "By chance, is your boyfriend William Darcy?"

Carolyn smiled. "Yes, do you know him?"

"I'll say. I'm the friend that he's staying with." replied Charlie. "I known William all my life. We used to live beside each other."

"What a coincidence!" Carolyn exclaimed. " Well, it certainly is a small world!"

"Have you know William long?" ventured Charlie.

"About a year. I met him last year at Daddy's company picnic and he introduced us. Oh, my!" replied Carolyn, nervously glancing at her watch. "Where has the time gone? I have to go. Daddy will be home soon and I have to cook dinner."

Lizzy watched her leave the soda shop, shrugged her shoulders and turned her attention back to her friends. "So, what do you guys think? I like her. I didn't at first but the more we talk, the more I like her."

Charlotte Ann smiled. "So do I. She seems to be so in love with William, kinda like me and Billy. I think that's sweet. I can't wait to meet him!"

"Oh, me too!" replied Jane.

Charlie continued to look bewildered. Jane noticed that he had not said anything and feared that she might have upset him. "What's wrong Charlie?"

Charlie leaned back against the booth. "You know, I talk to William almost every week."

"And?" replied Lizzy.

"And, he's never mentioned her."

"Well, that could be because he's embarrassed." offered Charlotte Ann.

"Of what?" questioned Charlie.

Charlotte Ann searched for the right words. "Of ... dating a girl. Some guys have a hard time talking to other guys about girls. Maybe he's afraid you'll tease him about it."

"William? Not him. He's never had a problem with girls." smiled Charlie. "William always had a date for the prom or the dance or whatever came up. He's never had to look for someone to date. They always seem to be just around the corner. Kinda like waiting in line, you might say. He says that sometimes he gets tired of all the girls."

"He gets tired of all the girls?" exclaimed Charlotte Ann. "Oh my! He must be very good looking."

"Well, I'm no judge of a guy's looks, but I think ..." started Charlie.

"Good grief! How arrogant!" cried Lizzy.

"What's arrogant about that?" asked Charlie.

"Not you, but him. He gets tired of all the girls!" cried Lizzy, in mocking sadness. "What do the "just around the corner" girls do? Stand patiently in line, waiting for their turn to be dumped? He sounds like a jerk!"

"Why do you say that?" retorted Charlie.

"Well, obviously he leads them on making them wonder which one he is going to ask. Whose turn is next! I can just see the catfight now when he dumps a girl."

"And that makes him a jerk? He didn't promise them anything. They did that on their own."

"Well, anyway." replied Lizzy, tiring of the subject. "Be that as it may, the problem here and now is that someone is lying. Either she is or he is."

"Well, " spoke up Charlie for his friend. "I don't think it could possibly be William. He always tell the absolute truth."

"So, you're saying that Carolyn is?" blurted Charlotte Ann.

"No, that's not what I saying. I only know that William would not lie about a girl."

"Well, Charlie, I know he's your friend, but I have to say that I am already decided against him." stated Lizzy. "Because I feel like he is leading Carolyn on. I personally don't feel like my friend would lie. But I guess we'll know the answer to this question soon enough. When does he get here?"

Charlie sighed. "He arrives tomorrow on the 3:00 pm bus from Derbyshire."

"Well, we'll just have to meet at Buck's after school as usual and Charlie will bring him here. OK, Charlie?" asked Lizzy.

"Okay, but I wished you guys would like him a little better."

"I like him, Charlie." replied Charlotte Ann, smiling.

"Well, I speak as I find, Charlie, and I think that I'm a pretty good judge of character and from what I have heard I don't even have to meet your friend to already say that I don't think that I'm going to like him."

"Lizzy! That's not nice!" exclaimed Jane.

"Listen Janie! I'm not saying this to hurt anyone's feelings but until I know better I'm just going to side with Carolyn. I know her."

"Lizzy, you just met her today!" said Jane

"Well," began Lizzy. "there's something about her that makes me believe her. But I don't know for sure, so I could be wrong."

Jane began to respond to her sister when something caught her eye. She stopped and leaned back against Charlie.

Lizzy watched her and leaned forward. "What's wrong?"

Jane's eyes darted up and then back to her sister. Lizzy felt someone sitting down beside her.

"Hi Lizzy!"

Lizzy swallowed hard. "Hhh ... Hello George."

"I'm sorry that our conversation was interrupted this morning. I was hoping for a chance to finish it." He smiled and looked around the table. "Oh, Hi Jane!"

Jane defensively grabbed Charlie's arm and stared. "Hi George."

George glanced at Charlie. "Hi Charlie."

"Wickham." replied Charlie, in a huff. "Well, suddenly, we have to go. Are you ready, Jane?"

"Ready." Jane replied, grabbing Charlie's hand and never cutting her stare from George.

The two soon hurried out of the shop. George turned back to Lizzy and then looked past her.

"Hello Charlotte Ann!"

Charlotte Ann giggled stupidly. "Oh! Hi George!"

Lizzy started to speak when she heard the jukebox. Earth Angel! Earth Angel! Will you be mine ... 'Oh, no!' she thought. 'Not this song again!'

George stood up. "Would you like to dance?"

Lizzy turned to Charlotte Ann for help, but found her mouthing the word Go! Lizzy got up and walked to the dance floor.

George took her in his arms and held her close. So close that Lizzy was embarrassed and turn red.

"Lizzy, what's wrong?" grinned George. "Never danced before?"

Lizzy exhaled slowly. She knew what George was trying to do. She saw it when he first saw Lydia.

"Why, yes, George. Several times!" she replied. "Now, what conversation could we possibly have had that we did not finish?"

He led Lizzy over to the back of the group dancing and pulled her even closer. "The one we started this morning."

"You mean at Lydia's house, your girlfriend?" responded Lizzy, sarcastically.

"Yes, that one." replied George, ignoring her comment. "I wanted to ask you something."

"And what was that?"

"Well, I just wanted to say that I like you and I want to see you and I want to take you to the dance. Will you go with me?"

Lizzy batted her eyes furiously. "Well, that's straight to the point. Did you think about this long?"

"Yes, as matter of fact, I've been thinking about it for some time."

Lizzy's fury rose. "And what would Lydia, your girlfriend, say about me going to the dance with you?"

George whirled her around to the ending of the song. "What girlfriend? I don't have a girlfriend."

Lizzy walked back to the booth, where Charlotte Ann was and sat down.

"Oh ... my ... God!" she drawled. "Lizzy! I can't believe what I just saw. I think he likes you."

"So he says." Lizzy replied, quietly.

"Oh my God! I knew it!" cried Charlotte Ann, eagerly. "Tell me everything!"

Lizzy leaned close and whispered. "Well, he said that he liked me and wanted to date me and wanted to take me to the dance."

"Yeah!" yelled Charlotte Ann, then suddenly remembering where she was. "Oh, sorry! Wait a minute! How could he ask you to the dance, what about Lydia?"

"He claims to not have a girlfriend now ..." sighed Lizzy. "But I don't know if I believe him and I know for sure that I can't trust him. Charlotte Ann, I don't what to do. I want to go to the dance and I don't want to go alone, but I don't want to go with him. I agree he's cute, but in his case, looks are not everything. You and I both know how he treats girls. Look what's he done to Lydia. Poor stupid Lydia. No one could tell her though!"

"What did you say to him?"

"He wouldn't let me answer. He told me to think about it and that he would come by my house on Sunday."

"Can I spend the night at your house on Sunday?" grinned Charlotte Ann.

"Carolyn, hurry!" cried Lizzy. "We have a surprise for you!"

"I am, as fast as I can." replied Carolyn, reaching the door to the Grill. "What is this surprise?"

"Come in and you'll see." smiled Lizzy.

Carolyn came through the door and followed Lizzy to their table. Carolyn stopped suddenly. "William?"

He turned around. "Carolyn?"

Lizzy stopped in her tracks. So this was William. Now she knew why all the girls were standing in line.

Chapter 4

Posted Saturday, 4 August 2001

She caught herself staring at him, looking up and down. His dark hair was combed back, but not even combing would hide the curls. She did not break her gaze even when the shuffling of feet behind her proved to be Charlotte Ann, who promptly elbowed her in the ribs.

"Lizzy!" she whispered. "He's gorgeous!"

"Yes ... ssshhhhh!" she shushed.

"Carolyn!" William reached and hugged her. "It's so good to see you! How have you been?"

"Just fine, William, still missing my friends though."

"I'm sure." He replied. "How's your dad?"

"He's fine, too. He likes his new job." replied Carolyn.

"That's good. I hope they still have openings."

Billy Collins walked slowly down the street. How things had changed in the last few days for him. Just a week ago, he had asked Charlotte Ann to go to the dance with him, to which she had accepted and if that wasn't enough, her best friend, being dateless, was to join them. His luck had finally changed and now he would be the envy of all the other guys when he walked into the dance with two girls on his arms. Man, were they going to hate him!

He turned the corner and made his way to the grill. George Wickham reached the door at almost the same time.

"Hey George." waved Billy Collins, opening the door. "How's it going?"

George followed Billy into the grill. "Just fine. How 'bout you?"

Billy and George walked down to the stools at the end of the bar. "I can't complain."

"Well, that's good." replied George, sitting down.

Billy looked at him and waited until he could contain himself no longer. "George, I know you want to know. So go ahead and ask me."

George arched his brow. "Ask you what?"

"About the dance. I know there are lots of rumors, but its ok. I'll tell you everything."

George leaned back and shook his head. "I would ask you if I knew what you were talking about."

"Haven't you heard?" replied Billy, ready to brag.

"Heard what?"

"All about me! I, Billy Collins, have a date for the biggest dance of the year." Billy poked his stubby finger in George's chest. George immediately looked down at it. "Oops, sorry George. Anyway, I'm going with Charlotte Ann and now her best friend, the cutest girl in school, who doesn't have a date, will be going with us. So, suddenly I go from being the doofus of the school to being the most envied guy there! Tell me that things are falling my way!"

'Doofus? That's not the word I would use.' George smiled. "Oh, I take it that you're referring to Lizzy?"

Billy winked at George. "The one and the only!"

George smiled. "Well, I heard through the grapevine that now she's possibly going with someone."

Billy spun around. "Who?" George continued to grin and remained silent. "Well, I'll just go ask Charlotte Ann. She's in that booth up front. She'll tell me anything." Billy started to get up.

"Wait! Wait! Don't go over there and make a fool of yourself." whispered George, grabbing Billy's jacket and pulling him back on the stool. "I'll tell you." He paused and looked around. "Well, I just broke up with Lydia and ..."

"Let me introduce you, William. Charlie you know, of course, but this is Jane, his girlfriend. And back here is Charlotte Ann and Lizzy. She and Jane are sisters. They've all been very nice to me."

"That's great! I'm glad that you've made some friends. I was worried about you when you left Netherville." William looked all around and greeted each one. "Hello, you're ...Lizzy? Did she say? That's short for Elizabeth, I assume?"

"You assume correctly." She replied. "But I beg you not to call me that. Only my mother does and it usually means that I'm in trouble."

Everyone laughed and slid into the booth. Carolyn was placed next to William. Charlotte Ann slid in ahead of Jane and Charlie, leaving Lizzy no other alternative but to sit beside him. She took a deep breath and sat down.

"So guys, what's it going to be?" smiled Buck, approaching the table. "As if I didn't know!"

"Hey Daddy! This is William, Charlie's best friend." replied Charlotte Ann, pointing to their new friend. "William, this is my dad!"

"How do you do, Sir." stated William, respectfully.

"Well, I'm doing fine, young man, but if you plan to eat at the grill, but you better call me Buck like all the other kids." Buck grinned. "Respect kinda gives me the big head, ya know!"

William blushed and everyone laughed.

"So, what do you think she will say on Sunday?" asked Billy.

"What does any girl say when I ask them out?" boasted George.

"Man!" pouted Billy. "I was so looking forward to having at least one dance with Lizzy."

"Oh, well." smiled George. "Sometimes we just don't get what we want."

"So, how do you and Charlie know each other?" asked Jane.

"I grew up living beside William and his family in Derbytown until my Dad got transferred to Meryton. Then William had to move away to Netherville and we didn't see each other much then, but we never lost track of each other."

"Right." replied William, wistfully. "It was a hard time for me, but things got better and soon I met Mr. Hurst and Carolyn. He helped me get my first job at the plant."

Lizzy watched as Carolyn smiled largely. What was he doing? Why was he not acting like she had expected? She was so sure that he would come in and try to sweep them all off their feet and flatter them. But he wasn't and she didn't like it. She had expected a different side of him. Everything that Charlie had said had led her to believe that he was conceited and self-centered. But here he was! Not being arrogant and not being conceited! She had prided herself on being able to determine people's characters and had been so steadfast to not like him that he was proving her wrong. He was actually being very nice. Where was the "stuck up" guy that had the girls falling all over him?

"Anyway ..." continued William. "Here I am."

"Yes!" grinned Charlotte Ann. "Here you are!"

Embarrassed, Lizzy cleared her throat loudly. "So, William, what do your parents think about you moving to Meryton?"

"They passed away in a automobile accident about six years ago. Since then, I've went back and forth between my Aunt Catherine and my Uncle Jim, each time staying for no longer than six months. They were all very nice to me but neither one of them couldn't afford their own family, much less having me around. So, when the offer came from Charlie's parents, I jumped at the chance. I want to make my own way and not have to put out others."

"You're going to live with Charlie?" asked Lizzy.

He paused a moment before answering. "Well, kinda. They have an apartment downstairs that I'm going to use."

Charlie spoke up. "Yeah, my grandmother use to live there but she had to move back upstairs with us. It was sitting empty, so my parents offered it to William."

George watched the activity in the front booth. "Hey, who's the guy? I've never saw him before."

Billy looked up from his hamburger and swallowed hard. "His name is William Darcy and he's a friend of Charlie's."

"How do you know?"

"Charlotte Ann." smiled Billy.

"He's just visiting, I guess." offered George.

"No. He's going to live here. He's good friends with the new girl, Carolyn." replied Billy. " And he's looking for a job here. I don't know if I like him or not. Word has it, he was pretty popular in Netherville and never without a girlfriend."

"Now, who told you ... wait a minute! Charlotte Ann?" asked George, already sure of the answer.

Billy nodded and took another bite of his hamburger.

"So, enough about me, what about this dance? When is it anyway?" smiled William.

"Next Saturday." replied Charlie.

"Well, what's wrong? Aren't you guys excited about it?"

Lizzy exhaled and looked the other way. "Oh yes! Just so very excited."

"Well, I am!" bellowed Charlotte Ann. "I can't wait! I've bought my dress, and my shoes, and, by the way, I'm going with Billy Collins, but I'll be sure and save you a dance."

William looked at her and then at the others. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No, its just her." responded Charlotte Ann. "Lizzy's upset that she doesn't have a date for the dance yet! She's been asked but ..."

"Charlotte Ann!" cried Lizzy, casting a hard gaze at her friend, mouthed, Shut up!!

"They did? Who asked you?" asked Jane, leaning forward.

Embarrassed, Lizzy looked around the table and then back to her sister. "It doesn't matter, it's not anyone that I would consider going with anyway."

Jane nodded and Lizzy shook her head in return.

"Lizzy, you are more than welcome to go with Carolyn and myself, right?" he said turning to Carolyn.

Carolyn eyes glistened and she shifted in her seat. "Sure, if she wants to."

Lizzy smiled, thinking this a strange statement. "Thanks anyway, but if I go, I'll go with Charlotte Ann or my sister. I'm not really even in the mood anymore."

"Love me tender, Love me sweet ..." Elvis Presley's smooth voice floated over the gather group. Everyone perked up.

"Oh, I love this song!" cried Jane, grabbing Charlie's hand and dragging him out to the dance floor.

"Alright! Alright" he cried.

Lizzy rose up and moved over to the side with Charlotte Ann. "There, now you can join them."

William looked at her strange. "Join them? Aren't you going to dance?"

This comment struck Lizzy funny and she laughed. "Not unless Charlotte Ann's going to ask me."

"Had you rather dance with Charlotte Ann?" He replied, quickly.

"No, it's just a joke. I said that because it would only be us, after the two of you left." replied Lizzy, still laughing.

William looked puzzled and leaned forward. "The two of us?? But I was ..."

She looked at her friend, who turned her face toward the window. She saw a tear fall and added, "But I really don't want to. I'm don't really like Elvis Presley that much anyway."

"Oh, good grief! I'll dance with you, William!" cried Charlotte Ann, practically pushing Lizzy out of the booth. "Lizzy, can't you take a hint?" She whispered and grabbed William's hand.

"Oh, man!" replied Billy, slurping down the last remnants of his soda. "This is Charlotte Ann's favorite song and I'll have to go dance with her. We never dance to it except with each other.

George smiled. "Well, you better hurry. Looks like she's forgot about you!"

Billy spun around on his stool. "See that William guy! He's already started on my woman!"

When they were out of earshot, Lizzy whispered to her friend. "Carolyn?"

"What?" she uttered low, wiping away a stray tear.

"What's wrong?"

Carolyn looked at her. "Other than the obvious? That he's dancing with another girl! That he practically asked you to dance and never even thought of me? That he hasn't even looked twice at me!"

Lizzy reached across to her hand and smiled. "I don't understand, Carolyn. Perhaps he was just being nice."

Carolyn broke down and sobbed. "Oh, Lizzy, I love him so much!"

Lizzy thought to cheer her friend up and laughed. "I kinda figured that. You're supposed to be marrying the guy, for Pete's sake!"

Carolyn looked at her, eyes filled with tears. "I can't stand it anymore. Tell him that I'll see him tonight at dinner."

"Sure. Are you going to be alright?"

"I'll be fine. See you tomorrow." replied Carolyn, wiping away the tears.

Lizzy watched her friend leave the grill and then turned to see Charlotte Ann and William on the dance floor. He hadn't even noticed that Carolyn had left. Why was he doing this? He was intentionally hurting her friend. Lizzy began to think. He knows that Carolyn cares so much for him that she'll do anything or put up with anything before she breaks up with him. Lizzy had seen these kind of guys before and William Darcy was no different. She was right all along. He was an arrogant, self-centered jerk that had no concern for the feelings of others.

Lizzy plopped back down in the booth. She was tired of watching the spectacle on the dance floor. The more she thought about it the madder she got. That William Darcy sure had a lot of nerve alright!

Lizzy was so lost in her thoughts that she was not paying attention to what was happening around her.

"Hello Lizzy!"

Lizzy stared. "Hi George."

"Hey Darcy!" the angry voice bellowed.

William looked startled and turned back to Charlotte Ann. "Who's that?"

"My boyfriend."

William arched his brow. "Really?"

"I know. I know." smiled Charlotte Ann.

"Hey! Let go of my girlfriend and find one of your own!" shouted Billy, reaching the bewildered couple.

"Well, she asked me to dance!" replied William, in defense.

"Sure she did. You just go back to Netherville, where you belong!" responded Billy, taking Charlotte Ann in his arms. "I know what you're trying to do. I'm not an idiot!"

William stood and watched Billy lead Charlotte Ann to the other side of the dance floor. "Well, the jury's still out on that one!" he replied to himself, and headed back to the booth.

"I can't believe it. Why did you break up with her?" asked Lizzy.

"I told you that I was going to." he answered.

"I know but I guess I didn't think you were serious." she replied. "I hope you didn't do this because of me. I haven't give you an answer yet."

George leaned forward. "You don't have to. Besides, you know that I have to move on sometimes."

"Yeah, like you did with my sister." She retorted. "You know, I shouldn't even be talking to you."

"But you want to. I can see it in your eyes. You want to know what every other girl already knows." He smiled.

"Congratulations!! You're the second most proud man that I have met today."

"Lizzy, I just tell the truth, so why don't you just save yourself the time and effort and agree to go with me. Because eventually you will."

"George, there's something real strange about this. How come you're all of the sudden so interested in me?"

"Lets just say that I try to save the best for last." he smiled.

"And that's supposed to make me feel better. No ... I think you like a challenge." she replied. "You heard that I didn't have a date for the dance and you couldn't stand it. Here was a chance for you to make another conquest. So, now you've broken Lydia's heart all for the my sake, just so I'll go to the dance with you. How am I supposed to face her?"

"She'll be alright in a couple days." George stated.

"She already hates me, George." replied Lizzy.

"Lizzy, you worry too much." he replied, noticing William walking toward them. "Well, here comes your new friend. Don't get too friendly with him. I'll see you on Sunday. I'll be thinking of you!"

Lizzy nodded without looking up. George slid out of the booth and brushed past William. He sat down across from Lizzy. She saw him and smiled.

"Hello William! Billy catch you with his girlfriend?"

Chapter 5

Posted Wednesday, 8 August 2001

"Ok, now tell me!" prodded Jane, closing the door to their bedroom. "Who asked you to the dance? And why haven't you told me before now?

Lizzy flopped down on the bed. "I just haven't, that's why."

"Let me guess." Jane sat down beside her. "It was George, wasn't it?"

"How did you know?"

"I just did." Jane sighed. "I saw him talking to you at the grill this afternoon and then the other day, when he came over to our booth. It's all making sense now."

"I don't know what to do." cried Lizzy, sitting up. "He's coming here on Sunday for an answer. He's already broke up with Lydia and everything. He's just assuming that I'll go."

"Do you want to go?"

"I don't know."

"Well, I can't tell you what to do, because you know how he is and you know that he can't be trusted." stated Jane.

"I know. But I don't want to go to the dance with you and Charlie. And heaven forbid, if I have to go with Charlotte Ann and Billy." exclaimed Lizzy. "I don't want to go alone."

"Lizzy, I don't want to see him hurt you the way he did me. You know he's just trying to take advantage of the situation. He's makes you think he's a knight in shining armor, come to rescue you, when actually it's all just a game to him."

"Well, Charlotte Ann thinks I should go." offered Lizzy.

"Do you want to go to the dance that bad, Lizzy? That you would stoop down to his level?" asked Jane, getting up.

Lizzy rose up. "Jane, if it comes down to it, I can handle him. Besides its would just be one date."

"Its never just one date!" Jane shook her head and walked to the door. "I don't understand you. Don't say that I didn't warn you."

Lizzy sat back down on the bed and turned on the radio. She leaned back on the pillows and closed her eyes.

Well, I'm the type of guy, who will never settle down. Where pretty girls are, well, you know that I'm around. I kiss 'em and I love 'em, cause to me, they're all the same. I hug 'em and I squeeze 'em, and they don't even know my name. They call me the wanderer ...

"Wow! This is bigger than I expected." exclaimed William. "Are you sure that the furniture goes with it? I mean, not that I have any, but don't leave it down here if you guys need it."

Charlie sat down on the sofa. "No, we have all we need. The only thing that we took upstairs is her television, but you can come up and watch anytime you want."

"With a full time job, I probably won't have much time for television." William put his suitcase down and walked over to the window. "I really do appreciate your family doing this for me."

Charlie smiled. "You're like a brother to me, William. Why wouldn't I try to help you out?"

William came back and sat down in a rocking chair. "Well, it couldn't have come at a better time. Oh, by the way, Aunt Catherine says for me not to eat too much and Uncle Jim says to tell you that I'm a fine young man, very capable of doing things around the house."

Charlie laughed. "Well, don't take seconds tonight at dinner and cut the grass for me on Saturday!"

William grinned and saluted. "Yes sir!"

Charlie leaned forward. "Hey! What's with you and Carolyn?"

Lizzy walked down the hall, amid the whispers of classmates that saw her yesterday at the grill, talking to George. The news of his and Lydia's break-up was getting around and all were assuming that she was the next in line. If she could just reach her locker and get in to class without running into Lydia. Her locker was just a few steps ahead when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She stopped whirled around.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?"

"Just on my way to class, Billy." She replied, continuing to walk on.

He moved ahead of her and leaned against her locker. "So, you're going to the dance with George, huh?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"Well, you better. You may never get another offer."

She stopped and placed her hands on her hips. "Why do you say that? Do people think that I won't be able to find anyone if I don't agree to go with George?"

"You haven't found anyone so far, have you?" he grinned and stepped closer. "Personally, I hope that you don't go with him, so you can go back to our original arrangement. If you want, I could get rid Charlotte Ann, and it could be just me and you."

"You'd like that, wouldn't you?" she stared and then took a step forward. "Billy, for the last time, get this through your thick skull, if you were the last man on earth, there would still never be a me and you!! Understand??"

"Well, suit yourself, Lizzy Bennet! But you just passed up a good thing!" bellowed Billy, walking down the hall.

"You forget, I've talked to Charlotte Ann and that's questionable!" she growled after him.

Lizzy went back to her locker and began getting her books out. She ran to her next class. She was anxious to talk to Carolyn this morning and find out what happened last night.

"Hi Guys!" greeted Lizzy, sitting down in the booth. They all responded, except Jane, who's greeting was less enthusiastic than the others. Lizzy smiled at her and her sister finally returned it.

"Lizzy, Lydia's in here." whispered Charlotte Ann.

Lizzy's eyes darted in search. They landed on her at the booth in the back. "Was she looking for me?"

"We don't know. She didn't say anything to us." answered Jane. "But she was giving us the evil eye. She's in the back now telling everyone how you broke up her and George."

"Great!" sighed Lizzy. "Now I have to worry about George and Lydia."

'What's going on?" asked Charlie, confused.

"Go on and tell him, Lizzy." said Jane.

Lizzy leaned across the booth. "Well, Charlie, its like this, Lydia was dating George, then out of the blue, George decided he likes me, so he broke up with Lydia and asked me to the dance. He's coming over to my house on Sunday for an answer."

"So, that's why he kept coming over here." replied Charlie. "What are you going to say?"

"I'm not sure..." She sighed.

"You know how I feel about him, Lizzy. I wouldn't let my Grandmother go to the dance with George. You're not seriously considering it, are you?"

"To be honest, I would like to go to the dance." She replied. "Besides, it would only be one date, no matter how much George wants to make out of it."

"Yeah!" yelled Charlotte Ann, waving her hands in the air. "I'm glad you're going with him, no offense Jane. But its not like you're going to be his girlfriend or anything."

"I still considering it, Charlotte Ann." replied Lizzy.

"I'm just shocked that you're even thinking about doing this." Jane replied, sliding out of the booth.

"Oh Jane, you're over-reacting!" cried Charlotte Ann. "You've got Charlie now. Why are you so worried about it? Lydia doesn't look any different."

Jane sighed. "Let's go, okay?"

Charlie stood up and then leaned back over the table. "Oh yeah, have you guys seen Carolyn today?"

"No, I was just about to ask the same thing." Answered Charlotte Ann. "She wasn't in math today. Have you talked to her, Lizzy?"

Lizzy leaned back. "No, I haven't. I called her last night, but she couldn't talk. She said that she would call me back, but she didn't."

"Well, I talked to William..." started Charlie.

"And ..." asked Jane.

"And they're not dating." whispered Charlie. "Its some fantasy of hers."

The gathered group gasped and before Charlie could explain, something moving toward them caught his eye.

"There you are, Lizzy! How dare you show your face in here!"

Now, wait a minute, Lydia. I haven't done anything." responded Lizzy.

"You haven't done anything??" exclaimed Lydia. "How can you say that? You know you broke us up."

"And you didn't break us up?" inserted Jane, angrily.

Lydia looked hard at Jane. "You stay out of this, Jane. It doesn't concern you."

"Lizzy's my sister, and if it concerns her, then it concerns me." replied Jane. "You're finally getting a taste of your own medicine. How's does it feel?"

Charlie backed off from the discussion and walked over to the bar and sat down.

"How does it feel?" snapped Lydia. "Jane, you're just as bad as Lizzy. You shouldn't defend her like that. I doubt Lizzy defended me, when George broke up with you."

"Why would she? We all know how you are. Everyone knows how you got George, anyway." replied Jane. "It was just a matter of time before he figured it out and had it not been Lizzy, it would have been someone else, it could have been anybody, even Charlotte Ann."

Charlotte Ann jumped at the mention of her name. "Don't drag me into this."

"But it's not ... it's Lizzy. My cousin! Family!"

"Lydia, don't use that argument." exclaimed Lizzy. "It doesn't work. You think that you can do anything and not have to account for it. When George and Jane broke up, you avoided Jane."

"Yes, Lydia. You know he broke my heart and you didn't even care." cried Jane.

"Well, now its back in your face and you can't stand it. Turn about is fair play, Lydia!"

"Somehow I doubt that!" she said, harshly. "Well, you can tell George that I'm not sitting around pining over him. I can move on, too!"

With the last parting comment, Lydia pushed her way out the door. Jane eased back down in the booth. She looked around for Charlie, but he was gone. She sighed and looked at her sister.

Lizzy smiled. "Thanks."

"I'm telling you, William." Said Charlie. "She's still in love with him."

William shook his head. "I'm beginning to hate this guy. What is it about him, anyway?"

"I don't know, but all the girls like him." sighed Charlie. "But you know, it makes me mad the way Jane acted."

"What did she say?" asked William.

"She yelled at Lydia for breaking up her and George."

"That doesn't mean anything." replied William. "She was just mad!"

"Its sounded as though she regretted breaking up, kinda like they would still be together had not Lydia come into the picture."

"It sounds like Lydia's a hussy anyway, so Jane probably does feel like it was a slap in the face." replied William.

"William, she told Lydia that George broke her heart!" countered Charlie. "If she doesn't still have feelings for him, why was she so adamant about it?"

"I think she was just sticking up for her sister. Jane just got caught up in the moment and got to tell Lydia what was on her mind. Perhaps this was her first time to finally tell Lydia how it made her feel." replied William. "Jane needed closure. Don't get too worked up over it. You like her, don't you?"

"Of course, I do." exclaimed Charlie. "Like nobody ever before."

"Then fight for her." shrugged William. "Do you really think Lizzy likes George?"

"Its weird, you know. Sometimes I think she does, then again, I don't know." said Charlie. "Why?"

William got up and walked over to the window. "I was just curious."

Charlie followed. "Do you like her?"

"I just met her.."

"Do you like her?" repeated Charlie.

"I don't know her." answered William, turning to his friend.

Charlie smirked. "But I know you, William Darcy, and something's up!"

Chapter 6

Posted Friday, 17 August 2001

Charlie stopped at her locker and taped the envelope to the front. He saw her approaching, but she had not yet caught sight of him. He quickly slipped into the crowd.

"So, you haven't heard from Charlie since yesterday?" asked Charlotte Ann, walking with Jane.

"No." she sighed. "I can't believe how stupid I was to say all those things in front of him."

"But he knows that you like him, doesn't he?" asked Charlotte Ann.

"Does he? After telling Lydia that George had broke my heart, he must surely think I still care for him. He probably hates me."

"Not Charlie. I don't think he could hate anybody."

"Then why did he leave?" asked Jane.

Charlotte Ann shrugged. "I don't know."

"I guess its over." said Jane, defeatedly.

Charlotte Ann looked ahead and she pointed to the locker. "I wouldn't be so sure. Why don't you read that first."

Jane pulled the envelope down and opened it.

Jane,

We need to talk. Please meet me at Pemberley Falls after school.

Charlie

Jane quickly folded the letter and slipped it into her purse. Charlotte Ann watched her.

"Well? What does it say?"

"He wants to talk." She replied, softly.

"Well, that's a start." stated Charlotte Ann. "Don't worry, Jane. Everything will be all right. You guys are just like Billy and me. We always make up."

"You mean make out!" laughed Lizzy, behind them. "What's going on?"

"Well, Jane just got a letter from Charlie and he wants to talk." answered Charlotte Ann.

"Is that right, Janie? asked Lizzy and Jane nodded. "Well, that's great, isn't it?"

Jane smiled and walked down the hall. She would have to wait until this afternoon to talk to him. It would be a long day.

Later that afternoon, William sat down in the swing on the front porch. He knew that Mr. Hurst would still be at work, so he made himself at home. Carolyn would be coming home soon from school, and he was determined to talk to her now and straighten out this mess she had created. She was nice and all but she just was not his type. Besides they had tried dating but she got too serious too fast. He was so lost in thought that the voice startled him.

"Hi William!" smiled Carolyn, coming up the steps. "Why are you here?"

He looked at his watch. "You're early."

She sat down in the swing beside him. "Well, I didn't go to school today."

"Oh? Were you sick?"

Carolyn leaned back. "No. I just didn't, that's all."

"Carolyn, what are you doing?" he asked. "It's not like you to miss school."

"I just have a lot on my mind," She sighed. "with the dance and all. I just wish it was over."

"Speaking of the dance, we are still going, right?" William asked.

Carolyn perked up. "Of course, William. Do you still want to?"

"I made a promise to you and I mean to keep it." William moved into the chair across from her. "But we need to talk about what you've been telling everyone."

"But William ..." she started.

"Why are you telling them that we're engaged?" he blurted.

Carolyn looked down. "I didn't know what to do. I was new here and I didn't have any friends."

"So you tell them that you're engaged?" William exclaimed. "How does that get you friends?"

"William, you don't understand.." she replied.

"Then explain it to me." he replied, bluntly.

"I thought that if I told them that we were engaged, it would make it easier to accept me if they thought I already had a boyfriend. I didn't expect you to know anyone here."

"And when we didn't get married," he paused. "What were you going to tell them then?"

Carolyn went pale. She searched for words but none would come.

William started again. "Carolyn, you know that we're not getting married! We've talked about this before."

She got up quickly. "But William, you know I love you."

"I know you think you do. We tried this, but it's not right, not for either of us. We just don't mix."

Carolyn looked desperate. "William, I would do anything for you."

"Carolyn, stop it! It's over. Whatever there was between us is over. I don't love you and if you would try and think this out, you'll realize that you don't love me."

Carolyn began to cry. "But William ..."

William sighed and put his arms around her. "Now don't cry. You'll find someone.

"But I want it to be you. Why can't you love me?" she sobbed.

William broke away and started down the steps. "Carolyn, this is ridiculous. You need to take some time to think about this. It would not make either of us happy and you know it."

Carolyn moved quickly to the steps. "Please William!"

He stopped on the walk. "Carolyn! Stop it! You're making a fool out of yourself!"

"Oh, I am, am I?" she replied. "I know. You have someone else, don't you?"

William huffed and turned away. "No, I do not." not yet ...

Jane made her way down the wooded path. She saw Charlie on the bench ahead of her, watching her walk toward him. Nervously, she stumbled on a root. She smiled quickly.

"Hi Jane! How are you?"

"I'm fine, Charlie." replied Jane, sitting down beside him. "You know, I need to go ahead and explain myself first before you say anything."

Charlie looked down and Jane continued.

" I know what you must think of me, but I can assure you that I do not feel anything for George and I don't care what Lydia might say. I had to tell her what he had done. She just makes me so mad that I got carried away and said a lot of things that maybe I shouldn't have. I really care about you and I'm so sorry if I hurt you. Please forgive me."

Charlie looked up at Jane and smiled. "That's all I needed to hear. Don't worry so. I think that it was very brave of you to stand up to Lydia like you did. I can't imagine what they must have put you through."

"So my dress is blue with a powder blue crinoline. I have gloves to match and a purse, too!" smiled Charlotte Ann. "Do you have your dress?"

Lizzy took a sip of her soda. "Yes. We bought one a while back. Its lavender and I have the shoes to match. Jane's is like mine, only in yellow. You know how our mother is."

"Oh, yeah." replied Charlotte Ann. "Well, I had to beg and plead to get what I did."

Lizzy laughed at her friend. "Hey! Get your Dad to come over here. I want to get some fries."

Charlotte Ann stood up and motioned to her dad. He saw her and waved back. She flopped back down. "He's coming."

Lizzy turned to the approaching figure and was stunned by what she saw. She turned to Charlotte Ann, who was just as puzzled as she.

"What are you doing? Do you work here?"

"So, you still want to go to the dance?"

"Absolutely!" Charlie grinned. "I can't wait."

"Neither can I." She replied. "But I think that I must warn you, it appears that Lizzy is bound and determined to go with George, which has made Lydia, furious. She called our house three times last night. My Mom finally told her that if she called again, she would tell her Dad."

"How's Lizzy doing?" Charlie asked.

"Fine, I guess." Jane replied. "She's keeping quiet about it."

Sunday arrived all too quickly for Lizzy. She had stayed in her room all day, hardly going downstairs except to eat, of which she did little. She was nervous and had no appetite.

That afternoon, she stared out the window. He would be there anytime and she was still not sure of her answer. So caught up was she, that she hadn't noticed the door opening to her room and had not seen her sister come in.

She gasped as she saw his car pulled up to the curb. He got out and combed his hair. He straightened his jacket and headed up the walk.

When Lizzy turned to go downstairs, she saw Jane.

"So, are you going or not?"

Chapter 7

Posted Wednesday, 11 September 2002

Lizzy walked to the door. "Hi George."

"Hi Lizzy!" he smiled. "May I come in?"

Lizzy looked back at her sister, who was at the bottom of the stairs. She turned back to George. "Why don't we just stay out here?"

George nodded and closed the door behind her. She walked to the swing and he followed.

"Now," he grinned, sitting down. "What time should I pick you up?"

"You don't waste any time, do you, George?" she replied.

"Why should we?" he said, confidently, putting his arm behind her. "We both know that you're going to say yes, so why not just cut to the chase?"

"Alright..." she paused, glancing at the shadow near the window. "I'll go with you, but its just one date."

"Good." He smiled, leaning forward. "Now, what time do I pick you up?"

Lizzy shook her head. "I'll meet you at the dance."

"But, I'll be glad to pick you up." He smirked.

"No...." she returned, getting up quickly. "Not here. We'll meet at the grill, everyone meets there anyway and then we'll walk to the gym."

"Alright, fine." He stood up. "So, how about we go to the grill now?"

Lizzy walked to the door. "Geez, George! I just finished saying that it was only one date!"

"Okay, Okay..." George smiled as he went down the steps. "But Lizzy, its never just one date!"

Lizzy closed the door and watched through the curtains as George got in his car and drove off. She started up the stairs, but her sister's voice stopped her.

"So you told him that you would go?" asked Jane, stunned.

"Were you listening?" asked Lizzy.

"You know that I was." replied Jane. "You saw me through the window. I can't believe you would agree to go with him. Don't you remember everything that he's done?"

"Yes, I do. How could I forget!" answered Lizzy. "Don't worry so, it will be alright. I know how to handle him."

As was normal, the next afternoon the group was found at Buck's in their usual place. All but Lizzy was accounted for.

"Oh well, Jane." said Charlotte Ann. "I'm sure Lizzy knows what she's doing."

"I know she does, but I just don't like the idea of her being alone with him." replied Jane, casting a quick glance toward Charlie.

The waiter approached their table. "Are you guys ready to order?"

"Not yet, William, we're still waiting on Lizzy." answered Charlie. "So, how do you like your job?"

"I like it." He replied. "The work's hard, especially in the afternoons, but Buck's good to work for."

Carolyn smiled slightly. "I'm sorry that there were no openings at the plant."

William shrugged. "That's ok. They told me that if something came open they would let me know."

"Oh, there's Lizzy!" pointed Charlotte Ann.

Everyone looked and William turned toward her. As he watched her walk in, a funny feeling came over him. He felt nervous and his hands were suddenly clammy. Unconsciously, he rubbed them on his apron. As she breezed past him, he could smell her perfume. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. Lizzy sat down beside Carolyn. He continued to look at her as they all greeted her. She smiled at him.

"Hi William!"

"Hi ... Lizzy." He replied, digging in his pockets. "Are you guys ready to order now?"

"Yeah, everyone's here..." replied Charlotte Ann, looking puzzled at William.

Charlie, too, stared at William, watching as he became more frustrated. "What are you looking for?"

"My pencil!! I can't find my pencil!" he blurted, exasperated.

Everyone snickered as Lizzy stood up. "Is this it?" she replied, pulling the pencil from behind his ear.

Their eyes locked as he slowly drew the pencil from her hand. "Yeah, thanks."

She sat back down, finally breaking her gaze. "No problem." She replied, relieved that the awkward moment had passed.

William, too, exhaled slowly and began taking everyone's order. The exchange with Lizzy was not lost on Carolyn, but she passed it off. William soon left and chatter began around the table.

"Hey!" said Charlotte Ann. "Today is my Dad's birthday and the guys here are giving him a surprise party after work. It's going to be a lot of fun. Can you guys come back for it tonight?"

Charlie shrugged. "Well, we can't. Jane and I have a study date. We both have a history test tomorrow that we have to pass."

"Yeah, I can't either." responded Carolyn. "When my Dad gets home tonight, we have to go to my aunt's house for dinner."

Charlotte Ann huffed loudly. "So then, no one is coming?"

Lizzy smiled. "Well, you didn't give me a chance to answer you."

Charlotte Ann let the door of the grill close. The girls turned the corner and headed toward home.

"So you stopped dating?" Lizzy asked.

"Yeah. Things just didn't work out." Carolyn eyes moistened.

"You could've have told us that." replied Lizzy.

"I know." She answered. "It was stupid of me. I thought that because I was new, I would be easier accepted if you thought that I already had a boyfriend. The engaged part just sorta came out."

"So, are you guys still going to the dance?" asked Charlotte Ann.

Lizzy huffed. "Is that all you think about?"

After leaving Carolyn, Charlotte Ann and Lizzy walked on. Her friend continued to blabber on and on about the dance until Lizzy could take no more.

"Charlotte Ann, lets talk about something else. I heard enough about the dance for today."

Charlotte Ann huffed and stopped walking. "Well! I'm just excited, that's all. Perhaps you would prefer to walk on alone. I don't want to bother you."

Lizzy stopped. "You're not bothering me and I would gladly talk about the dance, it's just that I have something on my mind."

They walked on. "Well, what is it?" asked her friend.

"I'm trying to sort this out about Carolyn and William. I know that they used to date."

Lizzy stopped, reaching the front of her house, and sat down on the steps. "But if they're broken up, why does William continue to go out with her?"

"What do you mean? Because he's going to the dance with her?"

"Well, not necessarily, it just seems that he knows how she feels about him, and yet he still agrees to go out with her."

"I think he's just being nice and feels an obligation to her Dad. After all, he did helped William get his first job at the plant."

"But he can't keep doing it forever just because he's grateful to her Dad." replied Lizzy.

"I think he's just in a position that he doesn't know how to get out of." answered Charlotte Ann. "Why are you so worried about it?"

"I'm not worried. I just concerned that he's leading Carolyn on. She is my friend, you know. It just seems wasted. He doesn't like her!" responded Lizzy.

"Well, sometimes you just have to do things you don't want to." answered Charlotte Ann, standing up and facing Lizzy. "I'm still going to the dance with Billy and I don't like...."

Suddenly, her friend stopped in mid-sentence as a look of horror came creeping over her face.

Lizzy jumped up quickly. "What did you say?"

Charlotte Ann turned to walk away.

"No, no, you don't!" cried Lizzy, running in front of her friend and stopping her. "What were you going to say?"

Charlotte Ann's eyes darted nervously, as she tried to push pass her. "Nothing!"

"Oh yes, you were. You were going to say that you don't like Billy, weren't you?"

Charlotte Ann stopped resisting, and sat back down. "Yes, but you better not tell a soul!"

Lizzy sat down beside her. "When did this happened? I thought you were madly in love with Billy."

"Just recently....like Friday!" answered Charlotte Ann. "But I had already told Billy that I would go, so now I'm just like William, stuck with someone I don't want to be with!!"

Lizzy whispered to her friend. "Who is it?"

Charlotte Ann stood up again. "Dickie Fitzwilliam."

Chapter 8

Posted Wednesday, 11 September 2002

Lizzy pulled the grill door open wide and walked in. The party was already well under way and almost immediately Charlotte Ann was at her side.

"Oh Lizzy! I'm so glad that you came." She whispered, glancing across the room.

Lizzy spoke and followed her gaze. "You know that I wouldn't miss...wait a minute! Is that Dickie? He doesn't work here."

Charlotte Ann walked ahead, while looking over at the tall, lanky teenager. "He does now! Daddy just hired him this afternoon."

"Well, how convenient!" smiled Lizzy, following her friend. She glanced across the room and threw a quick wave in William's direction. "But don't you think you're taking an awful chance of Billy finding out?"

Charlotte Ann and Lizzy sat down at the bar. "If you're meaning that he might come by here, I hope he does, besides that, I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm sitting with you and he's over there with William!"

Lizzy glanced over and replied softly. "Oh, yeah, I guess so!"

"What did you say?"

"I said.." replied Lizzy, quickly turning back. "yeah, I guess so!" .

"Oh." said Charlotte Ann. "But, anyway, the dance is over this Saturday and so is everything else, including me and Billy!"

"Yeah, the same goes for George." Lizzy laughed. "Is Dickie going to the dance?"

Charlotte Ann wrinkled her nose as if she had inhaled a rancid odor. "Yeah, but only because he had already asked Mary Phillips, and he's too much of a gentleman to break it off now."

"Mary Phillips?!" asked Lizzy, surprised. "Really?"

"Scouts honor!" her friend replied.

Charlotte Ann whirled around on her stool and Lizzy followed suit. She propped her elbows on the bar behind her.

"You know, Lizzy, I don't know when I've ever been happier."

Lizzy shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah, I've heard that before!"

"Happy Birthday, Buck!" smiled William, shaking his hand.

"Thanks! William. I appreciate everything that you and the guys did."

"Glad to do it! Hope you have many more." He replied.

"So do I!" replied Buck, scanning the grill. "Everything looks great! You know, I couldn't figure out why Charlotte Ann was so insistent that we come back to the grill. She said that she had left her purse behind the counter! But I was almost certain that she had it in her hand when we got home." Buck laughed loudly. "And you know women! Their whole life is in their purse!"

William nodded and laughed with his boss.

"Oh, there's Denny! I need to catch him before he leaves." He turned to walk away, then called back. "Thanks again, William."

William watched as Buck made his way across the room, then leaned back, reclaiming his position against the wall. From there, he saw that Lizzy still sat at the bar with Charlotte Ann. He watched her and smiled at how her eyes danced when she laughed.

Why did she have to be involved with George?

"William sure stares at you a lot, Lizzy!"

"He does not!" Lizzy replied, dumbfounded.

"Yes, he does!" retorted Charlotte Ann. "He's doing it right now!"

"No, he's not! Not at me!" Lizzy turned around and made eye contact with him. She smiled quickly and whirled back around.

Charlotte Ann laughed. "Oh my God, Lizzy! You're blushing!"

"I am not!" replied Lizzy.

"I think he likes you." smiled Charlotte Ann.

"You do?"

"Why don't you go and ask her to dance?"

"Who?" asked William, quickly.

"You know....Lizzy!" shrugged Dickie. "Cause if you don't, you're gonna to stare a hole through her."

"I don't know what you're talking about, besides, Lizzy wouldn't give me the time of day!" spouted William. "She's dating George Wickham."

"No, no, you've got it all wrong. Its just one date! I mean, ...at least that's what I heard." Dickie paused, "Hey! I know what, I'll drop a dime in the jukebox, and we'll go and ask them. Whaddya say?"

"I say, why are you so willing to do this? You hardly know me."

Dickie smiled sheepishly. "Well, anything to help a fellow. And because I can tell you got it bad for her, and.I'm not opposed to dancing with Charlotte Ann. I mean, she's a nice girl.

"You know, Lizzy," sighed Charlotte Ann. "Its too bad that William's already going to the dance with Carolyn. He's such a dreamboat! I can almost see you two as a couple."

"In your dreams, Charlotte Ann! You know I'd never hurt Carolyn!" answered Lizzy, shaking her head. "You should have seen the look in her eyes last week when you danced with him!"

"But remember what Charlie said, he doesn't love her and they're not engaged. Its a two way street, you know. I know you Lizzy! You like him."

"It doesn't matter if I do or not..." started Lizzy.

"But, you do like him! I knew it! I just knew it!" blurted Charlotte Ann, leaning toward her friend. "Lizzy, don't be stupid! Don't let a friendship with someone you've known for two weeks come between you and a hunk like that!"

"Come between me and...??? Now, wait a minute! Just last week, you said for me to go to the dance with George and now that I'm going with him, you're throwing William in my face! What do you want me to do?"

"Its simple. Dump George. Go to the dance with William and find a new friend." smiled Charlotte Ann.

"Charlotte Ann, put yourself in her shoes. How would you like it if she suddenly went after Dickie?" Charlotte Ann's face drooped and she continued. "I just can't do that to her. William and I are just friends and that's all.no matter how much I wish it were different."

Charlotte Ann looked past her. "Well, don't look now, but here comes your friend!"

"Do you think Buck was surprised?"

"I think so. You should've seen the look on his face." replied William, grinning.

Lizzy smiled. "So, are you excited about the dance?"

William swallowed hard. "To be honest, no. I wish it was over."

"Oh, me, too!" agreed Lizzy. "I dread it. But, there'll be a lot of our friends around, so it won't be too bad."

"Right! That's probably the best part. I don't do well at social stuff. I'm pretty much a wallflower."

"Well, at least you'll have Carolyn to talk to. I don't even want to talk to George, if I can help it."

"Then why go if you dislike him so much? You could've went with me us, or your sister or even Charlotte Ann."

"Yeah, right! Nothing like a third wheel being around. I'm sure everyone would've had a good time with me tagging along. Like I said before, I'll stay at home before I go alone."

"Then I would've stayed at home, Lizzy. I hope you know what you're doing." muttered William.

"Why does everyone keep saying that?" exclaimed Lizzy. "Doesn't anyone trust my judgment?"

"I'm just afraid that you settled for him out of desperation. You know how he is."

"For Pete's sake, William!" She spouted. "Its just one date! Why are you so concerned anyway? What am I supposed to do? I wish it were different. You know, I turned down offers because I was waiting on Charlie, who I was sure was going to ask me, only to find out that he was infatuated with my sister. And at the last minute, after much pressure from George, I decided to go with him, he, who had broke up with my cousin, just to go to the dance with me and now you come along, and I would gladly go with you, but you are going with my friend, who I will never hurt. So, no matter how much I want to, I can never date you! So, now you know the whole story. Happy?"

Lizzy turned and stormed away.

William blinked his eyes. "Me?"

Continued In Next Section