"Since when do stripes go with plaid Rach?" Kerry asked her friend.
"Well, they have the same colors!" Rachel exclaimed in her own defense as her friends giggled at her.
"I want to go find a t-shirt for when I go to the gym," said Suzy as she began to leave the section. She quickly turned around and asked Kerry where the men's' department was in McCloskey's store.
"Over there by the..holy hot guys!" Kerry replied.
All the girls turned to look at what their friend was drooling over.
"Hey, that's no hot guys! That's my cousin Lance and his friends!" Rachel exclaimed as she bounded across the aisle towards them. She ran up behind the blonde haired guy and jumped on his back as she yelled, "PooFoo!"
She jumped down and the two embraced laughing. Kerry, Amy and Suzy went over to where their friend was enjoying her reunion. Kerry let out a sigh of disgust as she saw Lance's friend Joey, who she had known since they were children. Kerry never liked him because as a kid, he would always dunk her head under the water of the pool, making her cry. She hadn't seen him in at least 5 years and had hoped to keep it that way. As the rest of the group stood around getting aquatinted, Joey came over to Kerry.
"Hey there," he said to her. Without a reply, she walked away and stood next to Rachel.
"Hey ya'll wanna grab a bite to eat with us?" asked Lance.
Rachel and the girls agreed and after paying for their selections, left the store.
They headed towards Applebee's, where they all crammed into a booth.
Kerry leaned over and whispered to Amy, "I can't believe I have to sit next to this goon," motioning over to Joey.
"Common Ker, lighten up. He's not that bad!" Amy replied, hoping to brighten Kerry's spirits.
"Damnit Joe-can't you move over?!? I'm friggin squished with your ass all the way over here!" Kerry yelled, as Joey slid over with an embarrassed look on his face.
As the waitress brought them their food, Kerry found herself having a conversation with Joey.
*Maybe he isn't that bad after all* she thought. It had been a while since she had seen Joey and maybe he had changed. She shuddered at the thought *No, I don't like him. I can't*
After lunch, the group continued strolling through the mall. Kerry and Joey were still having their conversation, which had changed to Shakespeare, whom they shared a common passion for.
"Hey, don't you want to buy flowers for your girlfriend?" a man asked Joey, as they passed a florist shop.
Joey shook his head and said, "No can do. I don't have a girlfriend."
The man looked surprised. "Oh, sorry. I saw you two and I figured.." He trailed off as he saw the look on Kerry's face.
"Me? Date him?!?" she exclaimed with a hint of disgust in her voice. "I would never!" And she sped up to catch up to Amy, as Joey looked after her with hurt in his eyes.

"Kerry! You were so mean to him! Why couldn't you just act civil with him? He's obviously changed!" Rachel yelled at Kerry, once they had returned home.
Kerry flopped down on her bed with a sigh.
"Rach I don't need this right now. Please?" Kerry said, her voice saddened. Rachel never got angry and knowing she had caused it, Kerry felt bad. "Can we please talk about this in the morning?" she said as she switched off her light and rested her head on her pillow. With a yawn, Rachel obliged and they soon fell asleep.
Early the next morning, Suzy ran into Kerry's room and jumped on her bed.
"Ker, common, let's go to Ellis," she said, referring to Lake Ellis. The girls frequently went there because it was a secluded area with a refreshing lake. Kerry looked over and saw Rachel was still deep in her sleep . She agreed to Suzy, hoping to avoid any confrontation with Rachel about the previous night's events.

"Ahh, now this is the life!" Kerry said as she laid out her beach towel, preparing to soak in the sun's rays. Her mood was dampered by the sound of jet skis racing across the water.
"Damn, I hate those things. But we won't let them spoil our day! It's hot, let's go in the water," said Suzy.
Kerry removed her sunglasses and clothes. "Is that a new bathing suit, Ker?" Suzy inquired, pointing to the purple bikini Kerry was wearing. Kerry nodded and Suzy continued, "Damn I wish I could wear it like that," referring to how it showed off Kerry's figure and full breasts.
"Shush your mush Suz. You can and you know it. Now let's get in that water."
The girls splashed around in the water and soon just relaxed, drifting in the current. After a while, Suzy looked up and screamed as she saw the jet skiers heading right towards them. The girls covered their eyes in fear and soon head silence. Kerry opened her eyes first and saw the two jet skiers looking down at them were none other than Justin and Joey.
"You stupid sonofabitch! What the hell is wrong with you?!?" Kerry yelled, while glaring at Joey.
"I'm sorry Kerry," Joey said meekly. Kerry looked over and Suzy whose gaze shot daggers at Kerry and she accepted Joey's apology.
The four made their way up to the beach and began chatting. Kerry soon dried and removed her towel. She began applying tanning oil to her arms and stomach. She looked up and found Joey gawking at her.
"Take a picture, it'll last longer," she said coolly. As soon as she said it, she wished she could take it back. Deep inside she liked Joey and his boyish charm. She smiled at him and began to talk to him about school, Shakespeare and summer.
"Oh my goodness! It's 2:30 already," Justin exclaimed.
Kerry quickly jumped up. "Shit! I work at three today! Suzy, we gotta go!"
The guy helped them pack up their things and carry them to Kerry's car. Before she got in the driver's seat, Joey leaned over and kissed her. Totally taken back by his gesture, she pushed him away. He opened his mouth to say something, but never got the chance. Kerry put her arms around his neck and pulled him into her. The two leaned against Kerry's car and shared a sweet kiss. Suzy tugged at the back of Kerry's shirt from inside the car, which brought her out of the kiss. Still holding him, she smiled and blushed.
"Stop by McCloskey's tonight," she said, referring to the department store she worked in. " I work until 9." With that, she got in the car and drove away, with Joey and Justin watching them.

Leaning on the counter of her register, Kerry softly hummed as she leafed through the store's new catalog. It was 8:30, Joey had yet to show up and Kerry began to lose hope. All night her mind kept returning to the kiss at the lake. When she kissed Joey, she felt something she had never felt before. With that thought, a shadow crept over the book. She looked up to find Joey standing there.
"Hi Joey," was all she could say, all of a sudden feeling shy. He responded by handing her a single red rose.
"I was wondering if maybe you wanted to, ya know, go out after work. We could grab some grub, go to a movie or something," he said, searching her face for a reaction.
*He is so cute* she thought
"Hmm, yeah, sure. I think I can fit that in,"she said with a flirtatious grin. As if on cue, Kerry's boss Taryn walked over and told Kerry she could leave early due to the slow night they were having.
Kerry closed out her register and went in the back to get her bag. When she returned, she took Joey's hand and they left the store.

After deciding to go to a movie and then get something to eat, Kerry and Joey found themselves at the local multiplex. Joey paid for Kerry's ticket and soda at the concession stand, like a gentleman. They then entered the theater and quickly found seats, as the lights began to dim.
"Joey, this movie sucks," Kerry whispered.
"I know, but hold on a little while longer. Maybe it just starts out slow," he said, not taking his gaze from the screen.
Kerry reached over and gently turned Joey's head with her hand. She looked into his eyes, as he smiled at her in the dark. She leaned over and kissed him. Forgetting the movie, the two passionately kissed. Kerry could feel Joey's tongue exploring her mouth and soon his hands were exploring her body. She suddenly sat back and whispered, "I think we should leave. This movie sucks."
Joey was confused, but agreed to take Kerry home. When they got there, they found Justin's and JC's cars in the driveway. They went inside to find everyone sitting around having a good time.
"Hey, nice of you two to join us," said Amy.
Kerry nodded and walked into the kitchen with Joey following. She leaned with her back on the counter and looked up at Joey with sad eyes.
"Joe-thanks for tonight. I had fun, I honestly did. You can stay here a while if you want, since everyone is here," she looked down at her feet as she said, "I'm not in the mood, so I am going to bed." With that she gave him a kiss on the check and left the room.

Joey returned to the living room to find all the happy couples having fun. JC and Rachel were sitting on a couch with Amy and Lance at their feet. Suzy and Justin were on the lve seat, with Chris and a bowl of Doritos in his lap, in the recliner next to them. Everyone looked at Joey and found him with a hurt look on his face.
"Hey guys, I'm gonna be leaving now, so I'll see you when you get home," he said, with his voice cracking.
"Wait, where is Kerry?" JC asked.
"She went to bed," he replied as he walked out the door.
Suzy and Amy looked at each other and then at Rachel. Rachel nodded as she got up to go see Kerry. When she opened the door to Kerry's room, she found her friend on the bed crying. She went over and sat next to her, gently rubbing her back.
"Ker, what's wrong babe? Are you sick?"
Kerry sat up and looked at Rachel through her red, puffy eyes.
"No, I am not sick."
"Okay, are you hurt?"
"No…"
"Then what is wrong?"
"Joey."
"Joey? Did he hurt you? Because if he did…" she was cut off by Kerry shaking her head.
"Oh Rach, I want to and I am trying so hard. I know he likes me and I like him. When he looks at me, when we touch, and when we kiss, it feels so... magical."
"Ker, if it is so wonderful, why do you treat him like that?"
"Like what?"
"You treat him like shit, yelling at him and ridiculing him. But then you go out with him? I don't get it!" Rachel exclaimed.
"Rach! I am trying! I am! It's so hard…" Kerry broke off as she began to cry.
"What's the matter then? Maybe I can help." Kerry shook her head and laid down, pretending to fall asleep. She soon heard Rachel sigh and leave the room. When she heard the door close, Kerry whispered: "Rach, I don't know how to love him."
When Kerry finally opened her eyes, the sun was shining into her room. "Morning sunshine," whispered Rachel from her bed. "Did you sleep well?"
"Ugh," Kerry grunted as she got out of bed and made her way into the bathroom.
"I'll meet you downstairs kiddo," Rachel yelled through the closed bathroom door.
Kerry washed her face and looked into the mirror. Her life was spinning in her head and it reminded her of a song from her favorite Broadway show, Jesus Christ, Superstar:

Kerry ate some breakfast with her friends and soon settled into her recliner to watch television. Rachel joined her and soon grew annoyed when Kerry had gone through all 84 channels twice.
"Ker! Find something damnit! I don't care if it is even a friggin' Britney Spears video, just stop clicking!" Rachel looked over at her friend who was staring off into space. Rachel got up and clapped in front of Kerry's nose, breaking her out of her trance. Grabbing her hand, Rachel pulled Kerry outside and put her into the car.
"Where we going?" Kerry asked, after a few moments.
"I think we need to talk," Rachel said as she drove. "Ker, what is going on? I think I know what it is, but I want to hear it from you."
Kerry stared out the window as a single tear rolled down her cheek.
"Erick, right?" Rachel said softly and Kerry nodded. Kerry had dated Erick for two years in high school. They were inseparable and named "Class Couple" their senior year. A few months into their first semester together at NYU, Erick found out that he had cancer and had little time to live. After months of suffering, he died with Kerry at his side. Kerry grieved for months and soon moved to Florida, with her best friends, hoping to escape the painful memories.
"Ker, I know you loved Erick. He is gone. You need to move on; that is what Erick would want," Rachel said. Kerry nodded and bit her lip.
"So are you okay kid?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Kerry muttered, but inside she knew she wasn't. When the girls returned home after their drive, there was a message for Kerry on their answering machine.
"Kerry, hey, it's Joey. I was just wondering if you wanted to, uh, do something tonight. So, um, just call me later and we'll plan something. Bye."
Kerry looked over at Rachel, who nodded at her, encouraging to call Joey. At 4:30, Kerry found herself torn between two outfits with her hair and makeup perfectly done.
*I can't believe I am primping myself for Joey Fatone, whodathunk?* She thought with a smile.
"I choose the one on the left," Amy said from the doorway. Kerry nodded and laughed as she slipped into her violet tank top and her Capri pants.
Spinning around and modeling for Amy sent both girls into a fit of giggles. They were interrupted by the doorbell. Kerry ran to the door and opened it to find Joey standing there. The two stared at each other, examining their date for the night.
"Hey Joe! Um, common in. I'll just be minute, I have to get my purse," Kerry said letting him in. Once out of sight down the hall, Kerry ran into her room and flopped on her bed.
"Omigosh Amy! He looks soo good tonight! Ack!" Kerry said giggling.
"Well don't keep him waiting! Get out of here and have a good time!" Amy replied, excited for her friend.

The smell of cotton candy and children's laughter floated around Kerry and Joey as they strolled hand in hand through the carnival. They had ridden all of the roller coasters twice and were headed towards the Ferris Wheel, ready to relax. When they got in the cart, Joey held Kerry close. They went around, admiring the night's sky. They soon stopped at the top and Joey leaned over and whispered into Kerry's ear.
"I am having a great night. Let's stop time, so this night never ends," he finished with a kiss. The two sat in the spinning cart, sharing a sweet kiss. They ended and Joey started talking about the stars above. He looked over at Kerry to find her with a sad expression on her face.
"Ker, what's wrong? You look so sad," he said softly.
"Joey, who's sad?" Kerry said forcing a smile. "I was just thinking, that's all."
"About what?"
"About how I'm having a great time with a great guy." Joey looked at Kerry and smiled, but he knew that she wasn't telling the truth, for her bright blue eyes were dimmed with pain. Once off the Ferris Wheel, Kerry and decided to grab some carnival munchies and watch the talent show. They sat with their cotton candy and lemonade, watching the people make fools of themselves. One act, a group of guys called the Backstreet Boys made Kerry laugh so hard that she spilled the lemonade down the front of her. After the shock wore off, Kerry and Joey burst into laughter.
"I guess I should get home and change," Kerry said, gasping for air.
Joey nodded, stilling laughing, and the two left.

"I'll be right out. I'm just going to wash up and change," Kerry said once they got back to her place. Joey sat down on the couch and turned on the television.
"Hey Joe, did you guys have a good time?" yelled Amy, who then appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. Joey smiled, but hesitated before he responded. Amy knew something was on his mind, so she sat down next to him.
"Uh oh Joe, what's up? Did something happen?" she inquired. Joey proceeded in telling her of Kerry's odd behavior, not only that night, but others as well. When he was done, to looked to Amy for her answer.
"I think I know what it is Joe, but I think you should talk to Kerry about it. It isn't my place to tell you," she paused. "It's something you and Kerry needs to work out."
They heard Kerry's door open down the hall. Amy whispered, "Now or never" as she got up and left them alone. Kerry sat next to Joey on the couch. She changed into boxers and a t-shirt and she still looked as good as ever. Joey longed to touch her, to kiss her, but he knew he had to talk to her first.
"Kerry, I need to talk to you…" he started as the phone rang. Kerry answered it, have a quick conversation, and hung up with a worried expression on her face.
"Sorry Joe- but I need to go down to the store. Something happened and I am the only one with a key that is in town," she yelled as she ran to her room for her keys. "If you want, you can wait here, I won't be long!" She leaned over and kissed his cheek as she ran out the door. Joey watched her leave and sat there, still searching for an answer. He got up and walked to Kerry's room. He stepped in, feeling as if he were intruding, but continued to look around. He walked over to her dresser and saw a picture of a guy in the corner of the mirror, and his heart sank. He picked it up and read the back: "To Kerry- All my love always and forever, Erick". Next to the picture was a prayer card. He picked it up and expected to see the name of Kerry's grandmother, whom he knew had passed away when they were 12. Instead, what he saw gave him the answer that his heart had needed to know.

After placing everything back, Joey returned to the living room and watched television, the whole time thinking of Kerry. He laughed in spite of himself, thinking how quickly their relationship had changed. From dunking each other under water to constant name calling to kissing. He had always had a crush on her, but never admitted it, not even to himself, and now he found himself longing for her. His thoughts were interrupted when she walked in the door. The exasperated look left her face and she smiled at him.
"Boy, am I glad you're still here!" she said. Joey got up from the couch and went over to Kerry. He slipped his arms around her waist and softly kissed her lips.
"I think we need to talk," he whispered.
Kerry nodded and her eyes filled with tears - she knew that he wanted to know. She took his hand and led hi to the couch, where they sat in silence. Finally, Kerry looked up at Joey and said, "You found out about Erick, didn't you?"
Her voice was so sad, that as he nodded he felt a lump grow in his throat.
Kerry sighed and began to tell him of her love and loss of Erick. "When Erick died, I promised myself that I would never fall in love again. And now I have you, and... oh Joey, I am so scared," she finished, as she began to weep.
"Oh babe, what are you scared of?"
"Of you leaving. I can't bear the thought of losing someone I love again!" Kerry cried. Joey kissed the top of her head as he took her into his arms. "Don't worry, I am never going to leave you. Never," he whispered.
Kerry looked up into his loving eyes and felt his sincerity.
"Promise?"
Joey smiled and nodded, "I promise." She leaned over and kissed him.
"You better not Fatone, or I'll hafta dunk ya in the pool," she said, playfully sticking out her tongue. Kerry and Joey got up and walked out onto the porch. Holding each other, they gazed at the stars. Kerry saw a shooting star sail by. She smiled to herself, feeling finally at peace within, knowing everything would be okay.