I sat in class the next day, awkwardly writing in my notebook and avoiding Cynthia's eyes.

After last night, Cynthia left the club in tears. I didn't blame her. I felt completely bad about it and had nothing to do with it. John chased after her, but returned to the club feeling even worse. Although to much of mine and Stu's luck, John admitted he was wrong and we made ammends. He even came back to ours and spent the night after getting drunk out of his mind.

I was surprised when Cyn showed up to classes this morning. She didn't even talk to John or me. I needed to let her know I didn't feel anything for John. That even if he and I were single, I wasn't interested. Even Stuart knew I had no feelings for Lennon. That's what I loved about him. He just knew my love and loyalty to him was true.

The bell rang, making everyone get up and head to their next class. I stood up and caught Cyn before she could leave out the door.

"Cynthia w...wait. Please hear me out." I begged.

She turned to me and looked completely torn. "Why should I?? John obviously knows who he wants."

I sighed and pulled her aside. "I have no feelings for Lennon. I love... look at me."

Her eyes looked at mine from the floor.

"I love Stuart. Believe me. John's just upset because you're driving him crazy. It's obvious he wants you back. Men do this when they can't get the girl they want. You're playing hard to get. He sees Stuart's relationship to me and how commited we are. I think he just wants that for himself."

"And what makes you the expert on men all of a sudden?" She crossed her arms.

I looked down the now empty halls as we stood alone. "I wasn't always a good girl. I'll admit it. I was the girl at clubs who fucked around with other guys and went to gigs in the hopes of screwing a musician. An abusive relationship later I...I lost all hope in true love. I was used to being pushed around and treated badly. To me, that was love. George was my best friend and when he took me to a party one night...I met Stuart and...I fell in love. Real love. I will never let it go or lose him for anyone or anything."

She stayed silent and took all of this in. "George was your best friend?"

I looked at her. "Is. He is my best friend. Look Cynthia just know, I would never try to take John. Believe me."

We stood silently, just looking at one another. Her eyes scanning mine for the truth. After thinking and wiping her eyes, she nodded.

"I believe you. I just...I love John so much he just doesn't see it." She sniffled. I pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back.

"Then show him." I pulled away.

"How?" She asked. I grabbed her hand and pulled her into the ladies room. She stood silently as I lit a cigarette and put it between my lips. I climbed onto a counter and popped open the window all the way. She looked at me strangely as I looked down.

"We'll make a soft landing."

"Wha...what!? Molly this is crazy!"

"Shhhh. I have a plan. You want John back don't you??"

She bit her lip and nodded. "Yes."

"Okay then. Come on toss me your bag."

She threw it up at me along with mine. I tossed them out the window and looked at her.

"I'm going to jump down. You follow after alright? I'll catch you."

"Molly there has to be another way.."

"Cynthia!" I whispered loudly. She groaned and nodded. I climbed out the window and jumped out, giving a small squeak as I landed on the hard grass. I looked up to see Cyn give a small prayer and jump, landing on top of me. I groaned as we landed on our backs.

"Oow."

"Oh I'm sorry!" She apologized sweetly, helping me up. we grabbed our bags and soon ran across the street to the telephone booth. She looked around as I dialed and waited for a pick up.

"Liverpool college of Art. Can I help you with anything?" The front lady spoke. I took a breath and did an accent.

"Yes this is John's aunt calling. There's been a family emergency and I would greatly appreciate it if you can let him out of classes? I wouldn't be so abrupt if it wasn't serious."

"Of course! Right away! We'll call him down right away." She said quickly.

"Thank you."

We hung up and began giggling.

"That was amazing Molly! You were so believable!" Cyn beamed.

"Thanks. When the bell rings, I'll pop back in and you go with John. Explain everything to him okay?"

"You won't be staying out?" She asked.

I shook my head. "Stuart's still in there. I need to be with him."

She smiled and kissed my cheek. "You're a sweetheart Molly. Thank you."

"You're welcome Cynthia." I smiled.

We looked over to see John walk down the steps, hurriedly walking down the street.

"You que." I said, nudging her. She nodded and gave one last smile before running after him. I watched as she grabbed his arm and spoke. He listened and looked over at me as she pointed, then back at her and nodded. A smile on his lips, then soon, they kissed. I smiled to myself as they held hands and made their way down the opposite way. He looked back at me and gave a small nod of appreciation. I waved and crossed the street, back into the building as the bell rang.
...

"Lunch wench at your service." Tiffany giggled, making her way into the art room after classes. She carried fish n chips in her hands, handing them to us. I sat on the floor, Stu on his stool, finishing his latest work.

"You get in alright?" I asked as I took a bite.

"Yeah. Not a bother. You two alright?" She sat beside me, eating as well.

"Just getting some extra work done. Already I have a test coming up soon I need to study for. Stu's invited me over so we could both get some work done."

She nodded and swallowed the food in her mouth. "I quit the diner."

I raised my eyebrows and nearly choked on my fish. "W..what!?"

"Well not completely yet. Soon though. I found work somewhere else that pays twice what I get at the diner."

"Where?? I'd like to get in on it." I smiled.

"It's um...at a strip club."

My smiled faded as I started at her. This even caught Stu's attention.

"What??" He asked.

She sighed. "Mom's moving back to America in a few months. I don't know exactly when. She found herself a job and...I don't want to leave this place. So I told her I could get my own and save up for an apartment until then. I can't get the money I need from the diner. I went around and I found out strippers get twice the pay every day."

"Tiffany...don't do this. Please. You know how those girls are treated. You'll gain a reputation and guys are pigs. You're better than that."

"I have no choice. I don't want to leave with my mom to Texas. I'm not exactly one of those girls that'll fit in there. Besides, that'd mean leaving Paul. And you. You've become my bestfriend. I'd miss you so much." She looked down.

I held her hand tightly. About to speak, Stu interrupted.

"Move in with us."

We looked at him in shock.

"What??" She asked.

"Move in with Molly and I. It's not much but, I can see you mean a great deal to Molly. She loves you like mad. Besides, knowing you're out there, could end up winding up in a relationship like Molly's past ones really make my skin crawl. Especially if I know I could've done somethin about it."

Tiffany wiped her eyes stood up, hugging Stuart in an instant. He tilted out of his seat a little but caught himself, chuckling.

"Alright well, let's not get too rash.."

"Thank you so much! You have no idea how happy you've made me! Of course I won't move in right away. Just until mom leaves. I love you!" She kissed his cheek and ruffled his hair. He shut his eyes and just let her over excited state just go on.

I giggled and stood up, hugging him from behind. "Thank you baby for being such a sweetheart."

Tiffany finally sitting down and taking a drink from her cup. Stu smiled and looked at me.

"You're welcome. But really I just can't let a lady spend her life with regrets and doing something she's not comfortable with. I see you two really love each other and...I know you'd do the same for me if one of me mates were in a bad situation."

I gave him another hug and gave him a long kiss. "I love you. And I promise you won't regret this decision at all."
...

It was late in the evening as Stuart and I laid in bed, kissing and fooling around. Our clothes disappearing as we were englufed under the thick blankets.

I moaned softly, tugging on his hair as he kissed my breasts. His hands caressing my skin, moving down my body. I shivered excitedly and opened my legs, letting his fingers slowly rub my clit.

"Aah."

His lips found mine and soon he removed his hand, guiding himself into me. I shut my eyes and moaned even more as he thrust in an out at a steady pace. I squeezed his hips and soon we rolled over, my body moving sensually on his. He rested a hand on my waist, watching me please him.

He seemed to be really getting close until he rested a hand on his forehead and gasped in pain. I breathed heavily as I slowed down, resting my hand on the side of his face.

"Are you okay baby?" I whispered.

He shut his eyes with his hand and breathed. "Just a sharp pain."

"Your head hurt again?" I asked, coming to a stop and getting off. He sighed.

"It'll pass. It always does." He opened his eyes and turned to me. "I'm sorry."

I kissed the top of his head and played with his hair. He moved into my arms.

"It's alright. Let's just get some rest. Maybe that'll help." I yawned, holding him tight.

He just nodded and trailed his fingers up and down my warm skin as I stared at our reflection in the mirror across the room.
.........