Disclaimer: Don't know, don't own, don't sue.

Chapter 1

"Hey guys, guys? Could you hold on a sec? Each year, the Florida Culinary Institute has students who go on tour with a band and cook them food. Based on these form, we will assign students to the band. The students who do this will have all expenses paid as they tour with the band. They usually sleep on the bus with the band and receive cash that they use to buy food and supplies for the band. You can earn credits and, um, does anyone want one?"

Polly shuffled through the crowd of kids leaving. Why not? She didn't fit the true culinary type and kind of needed a vacation.

"I'll have one, Mr. Meyers."

"Oh good, I'm glad you decided to fill one out. This seems right up your alley. I really do hope you get chosen."

"Thanks, Mr. Meyers."

She walked out of the classroom and found Evie standing against the janitor's door. She looked so out of place with kids running around her to get to class while she just stood there filing her nails. Suddenly the door behind her opened and she fell backwards into the janitor.

"Uh, sorry. I didn't realize this school had janitors. I honestly thought this was a room where weird kids had sex. I'm really sorry, Rosa." Evie was saying all of this, not realizing that Rosa spoke no English. Rosa just stared up at Evie and blinked every so often.

"Ok, ok, gracias," said Rosa as she pushed her way past Evie.

"Smooth job, ex-lax."

"How was I supposed to know that people actually worked in there? Do you think she understood what I said?"

"Well, since she always responds with 'Ok, ok, gracias,' no. Let's go before you attack anymore poor old women."

"Haha, real funny. What's that?" Evie pointed to the paper in Polly's hand.

"Oh, it's basically like an internship with a band. You tour with them and make them food."

"Sounds cool."

"I know right. I probably won't make it though. You know the school has a vendetta against me."

"Ya, or if you do make it, you'll probably get some old bluegrass band who always wants pork-n-beans. Oh and that vendetta thing, when you call your math teacher, what were your exact words? Oh yes, 'A lying sack of shit who smells like a drunk's vomit,' they tend to not like you."

"That still is ridiculous. They totally pulled that out of proportion. If you put what I said in with the proper context then you would understand."

"Ok, whatever. Just fill out the form and invite me on tour if you make it."

"Ya right, I would make you my personal assistant. No, I would make you my slave."

"You would. See you after class."

"Bye," said Polly as she headed to class. She filled out the form during class and put it in Mr. Meyers box before she went back to the dorms.

Chapter 2

"Hello. Hello? Is anyone there?" Evie was shouting in the phone with oreos in her mouth. "Ya, hold on, I'll get her. Polly, it's for you," bits of oreo splattered out of her mouth.

"Who is it?"

"I don't know. Do I look like the phone operator?"

"No, but you do look like a slob with oreo on your chin. Hello."

"Did you just say that I was a slob?" said the voice on the other end of the phone.

"What? Oh no, I was yelling at my roommate. Who is this?"

"Um, ok. Uh, I manage the band My Chemical Romance. I understand that you filled out a form to be the cook for bands with the Florida Culinary Institute. We would like you to be our cook."

Polly looked at Evie to see if she showed any signs of weakness. Nope, she was eating with her mouth open and watching TRL. Evie had no involvement in this.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes. Listen if you don't want to do this there are 200 other prospects out there. Do you or do you not accept our offer?"

"Heck yes!" Polly shouted. Evie started choking on her oreo.

"Great. I will send you a packet of information and please be ready to go in a month. I will call you back later on with more info. Thanks again, Patty."

"Uh, my name is Polly " The line went dead.

"Who was that?" asked Evie.

"You will not believe me if I tell you. That was the manager of My something Romance. They want me to be their cook."

"Are you serious?"

"Yes." Polly started jumping up and down in excitement.

"I hate you." Although Evie said that, she started hugging Polly. She was so excited for Polly. "What did you say their name was?"

"Ummm, My something Romance, I think."

"Do you even know who they are?"

"No, but I promise I will invite you on once things get going."

"You better! Wait, what I'm supposed to do without you here?"

"Do what you usually do: eat oreos and watch TV, and occasionally go to class."

"You know me too well!"

Chapter 3

"This is the last boarding call for all passengers going to Newark, New Jersey. Last boarding call." The flight attendant was shouting into the microphone as it echoed to all the surrounding areas in the airport.

"I think that might be you," said Evie. She had a death grip on Polly's body as she "hugged" her goodbye.

"Thanks, I almost got onto the one to Nebraska. Thank God you were hugging me or I would have rushed the gates. I am going to miss you. I will keep my promise, I promise."

"You better, you chicken shit. Now get on that plane and make me proud!"

"Oh, I will!" Polly backed away from Evie, just barely missing falling over someone's luggage. She turned around and let a tear fall as she made the final stretch onto the plane. She picked a spot in the emergence aisle, put on her sunglasses and fell asleep.

Chapter 4

"Miss, excuse me? Miss, we're here," said the blonde flight attendant with a Texas accent as she shook Polly awake.

"What? We're already here?" The flight attendant backed away suddenly, and Polly realized her breath might be the problem. "Oh, sorry. Ok, I'm going." Polly leaned down and picked up her bag. She found her sunglass down there. Apparently they slipped off her head. She climbed out of her seat and realized that she was in some uncomfortable pain. Sitting slouched over for 3 hours on a plane can do that to some people. She shuffled off the plane and headed for the nearest bathroom.

"Sweet Jesus! I look like shit." Polly stared into the mirror and noticed the beast before her eyes. Her eyes were swollen and black from crying and then going straight to sleep. She had sleep lines on her face which made her look like she had huge battle scars running from hairline to her collar bone. Her hair looked like a train wreck. She had a huge dent on her left side and was definitely sporting a semi-fro on the other. She wiped off her make-up and decided to start from a clean slate. She applied some eyeliner and mascara. She pulled her hair back but let some bangs fall forward to cover her sleep lines. She put in a stick of gum, and then decided to put in another.

"Poop. I still look bad." Polly shrugged but picked up her bag and left the bathroom. She found her way past security and into the baggage claim area. She got her bags and sat at the nearest bench that she could haul her stuff to. She suddenly realized that she had no idea who was supposed to pick her up. She got a little panicked and looked outside to watch the cars in order to calm herself. She noticed a guy looking at her. He was tall and had a fro. She laughed to herself. He was white and had this kick-ass fro. He kept staring at her and she kept his gaze. He was staring at the most beautiful women he had ever seen. She had her long black hair pulled back and cute bangs that she kept trying to push behind her ears. Her black tank top was tight against her body and he liked that he could see her bright pink bra straps. Her jeans sat right on her hips and no matter how much she pulled down her shirt, he could still see the olive skin color of her lower stomach. Her body had curves at all the right places and he loved it. She looked at the people he was standing with. There were 3 guys with black hair smoking and another guy with a little red beard talking on his cell. One of the guys smoking was wearing glasses, another had tattoos on all of the skin that he was showing (besides his face) and the last looked like a ghost with his long hair and pale skin. She tried to find the paper that had the manager's number on it when she looked up and saw them walking in through the sliding doors. Her hair blew into her face with the incoming wind and the paper she finally found blew out of her hand. It landed on the guy with the long hair's left shoulder. She immediately raced after it and didn't notice that the guy with the fro was in her way. She ran into him and started falling back, he grabbed hold of her arms and wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Woh there lassy," said the man who had her paper in his hands. She was staring into the fro-man's eyes as he gazed into her's. She had the most beautiful eyes he had ever seen. They were the most unique shade of green and were surrounded by the most elegant, dark, long eyelashes.

"Release Ray," said tattoo boy.

"Ohhh, sorry," said this Ray boy as he let her go.

"No, no, it was my bad. I just need that paper. It has my boss's name and number on it. I think he was supposed to pick me up but I just realized that he and I don't know what the other looks like and we made no plans incase I couldn't find him. Could I have my paper, please?" Polly scooted around Ray and stuck out her hand to the long-haired guy. He was staring at the paper.

"Are you Polly?" he asked.

"Yes, why? Who are you?" Polly wanted to cry in panic and realized that she needed to take another one of her pills.

"Wait, your Polly from the Florida culinary school?" asked the guy with the long hair again.

"Are you deaf? Yes, I'm Polly. How did you know my name?" She was getting a little agitated and realized it was the lack of her medicine talking.

"She's feisty," chirped the kid with the glasses. "I like her."

"We are My Chemical Romance and you're our cook!" said the guy with the long hair.

"What? Really? Imagine that," Polly was totally surprised that these were the people she would be cooking for and living with for the next 4 months.

"Ummm, ok. Well, I'm Gerard and the nerd with the glasses is my brother, Mikey."

"I'm Frank and I have to say that you are one of the cutest things I have seen lately and may I say you have got the biggest " said the guy with the tattoos before he was interrupted by afro boy.

"I'm Ray, Ray Toro. It's really nice to meet you."

"Likewise," said Polly as she put down her head to hide her terribly red cheeks. She hadn't blushed since she was in like 3rd grade. Idiot.

"That is Bob. Sorry, he is in a little bit of a tizzy with his girlfriend. He'll come around soon," said Gerard.

"That's cool. So, I guess I am going to be your cook," said Polly who kept stealing glances at Ray.

"Ya, its going to be awesome. You can learn all of our favorite dishes and be at our beckon call. I can't wait for you to meet my mom. I told her about you and begged her to teach you some of her recipes," said Gerard.

"Calm down, Sparky. Let's not scare her off until we can find another replacement. I'm just kidding, I know you will love us and I know we will love you," said Frank who made an obvious wink at Ray.

Ray looked real quick at Polly to see if she noticed and sure enough she did. He coughed and then said, "Well, we better get going. Are these your bags?" Polly kept staring at Ray and didn't even realize people were waiting for her response.

"Ehhhh, Polly, are those your bags?" said Mikey as he elbowed her.

"Oh, ya," said Polly suddenly as she snapped out of her trance.

"Great, than let's hit the road. Ray's mom is waiting for us," said Gerard. OMG, thought Polly. I have made a complete dork of myself. I just have to stop staring at him. No, I can't even look at him. If I look at him, I know I will like him and that cannot happen. She grabbed one of her bags and followed Gerard to their car, making no eye contact except with the back of Gerard's head.

Chapter 5

"So what do you think of the bus?" asked Gerard.

"Ummm, it's nice. It will feel just like home." Polly had never lied that much in her life. It looked like a tornado just went through it and the sad thing is that they had just moved their stuff in and hadn't even lived in it yet.

"You suck at lying," said Gerard who suddenly stopped laughing and looked angry. "Hey, I'm just joking. You suck at lying but I know you are going to love this place. This is your bed. We thought we would be nice and give you the bed farthest away from the bathroom. It tends to get a little ripe sometimes. Frankie is on top off you, not literally but "

"I got it."

"Right, sorry, I have a very dirty mind. Um, Bob is the closest to the bathroom since he is usually the source of the smell. And Mikey is on top off him since, well, since he is the smallest. Ray and I are right across from you and I am on top."

"Awkward but thanks for the consideration and I promise to make you some of the best cooking you have ever had."

"We'll see. Now let's get your bags in and you can unpack but I think you might have to leave at least one of your bags of clothes behind."

"What?" said Polly who looked stunned. Gerard just stared blankly at her, obviously not getting her joke. "Hey, take it easy Gerard, I'm just joking! I'll just leave them here. Can I leave them in one of your houses because I don't think I'll have time to mail it back to myself since we are leaving at freaking 4 in the morning?"

"I know right? I will barely be conscious tomorrow but ya, you can leave them here. Actually you can leave them at Ray's since we are at his house." This is exactly what Polly did not want to hear. She wanted to get down on her knees and beg that she could leave her clothes at his house. She felt such an intense feeling for Ray, she had never felt that for anyone. She wanted to push him to the ground and make-out with him every time she saw him. She had to stop this.

"Oh, ok."

Gerard saw right through her facade. "You like Ray, don't you?"

"What? No. Maybe. Please don't tell him," pleaded Polly.

"I knew it. Don't worry I won't. I'm just going to make your lives seriously uncomfortable until you two get together. K?" At that, Gerard ran off the bus and back into Ray's house. Ray's mother invited us over for dinner and she realized how much she missed her mother. It had been four years since her mother had died. His mother made a Puerto Rican dish that her mother used to make before she passed. She really liked Ray's mother and almost gushed everything to her as they were drying the dishes. She restrained herself just before she told about the worst childhood a person could have.

Chapter 6

"So how is living the rock star life?" asked Evie.

"I don't live a rock star life for the hundredth time. But since you asked, it is a lot of fun. I never thought I could have this much fun without you."

"I don't know what to say to that since I'm sitting inside the room watching 'The Notebook' and sipping red wine in the dark."

"What? You promised you wouldn't do that without me! I know it seems like I am having a really good time, and I am, but I really miss you. It isn't the same without you."

"Are you in love with me?"

"What?"

"I'm just kidding. I miss you but I am happy that you are having such a good time. You of all people deserve it. After all the shit that Walt put you through, you deserve it."

"Don't say his name."

"Sorry. Um, on a lighter note. I found out when my next brake is. It's in about 3 weeks and I actually get off for 2 weeks!"

"Are you serious? OMG, I can't wait for you to come up. I have to ask the guys but I'm sure they will be fine with it. Ahhhhh, I am going to pee my pants with excitement. I have to go."

"I already did! Just kidding. Well, call me later and you better get this all straightened out so I can met this Ray fellow."

"Oh, no, honey, I want you to meet Frankie. He is just the one for you. Sick, twisted, demented, funny, disgusting ."

"Ok, I am hanging up now. I miss you and I love you. Bye!" With that, their conversation was over. Polly had been spilling her guts out about the boys, more importantly, Ray. The akwardness was getting stronger each day. She bit her lip so hard that it bleed one day when Ray was talking to her. She was biting it to keep from attacking his face with kisses. Evie couldn't stop laughing when she heard this. Each day he revealed more of himself to her but she kept closing herself off from him. She didn't want to hurt him like she hurt the others. Once they found out about Walt, they decided they couldn't handle her. She was too much emotional stress for them. The only person that could handle Polly's past was Evie and Polly owed everything to Evie for helping her get through everything. Suddenly Gerard ran into the bus. He was completely out of breath and his hair was soaked with sweat. What was really odd was that he was carrying a gel insole for a shoe.

"Polly hide me he is after me I can't let him find me he'll kill me."

"What? Who is going to kill you? Calm down. Do you need some water? What are you holding? What did you do?"

"I hit Ray in the face with this," he said as he held up the insole.

"What? Why?" Polly couldn't help but to laugh as she heard this.

"I don't know why, I just got the urge to hit him. He started chasing me but I lost him near the port-a-potties."

"So you just hit him in the face for no reason?"

"Ya, pretty much. It was like the time Frank hit him in the face with his guitar. God, that still makes me laugh."

"Oh ya, that's real funny. Listen, I knew I was going to be a cook but I never thought I would have to baby sit you guys."

"Wait, do you hear breathing? He's here." With that, Gerard pulled Polly up and blocked himself behind her.

"Polly where is Gerard ohhh come out here you little shit I'm not blind I can see you Gerard," Ray started walking toward Gerard. Gerard wrapped his arm around Polly's waist and pulled her back with him farther into the bus.

"Ray, I'm sure that Gerard is sorry for hitting you in the face with that foot pad thing. Aren't you Gerard?"

"No, not really but good try Polly." At that, Ray lunged forward and grabbed Gerard but left Polly in between them. He was looking right at Polly and she started to bite her lip again. Ray let go of Gerard and put his hands on Polly's face. Her skin was so soft. He could smell her shampoo and it was intoxicating him. He was just about to lean in when Gerard hit him in the head again with the gel insole and then ran off the bus.

"I'm going to get you, you little fucker," said Ray as he let go off Polly's face and ran after Gerard. Polly was left standing there. Her face was burning and her lip was about to bleed again. She wanted Ray so bad and could feel tears forming. Ever since Walt had died, she would cry on a pin drop so she took anti-depressants. She walked to the sink to get some water so she could take her pills. Luckily, no one had found about her past or that she took pills. After she downed them, she slipped the bottle of pills in a drawer underneath her underwear next to her brass knuckle. She would keep that thing until the day she died. It was her weapon of choice against Walt and that meant everything to her.

Chapter 7

He punched her in the face, right below her eye. She started to run with the blood running down her face but he grabbed her hair and yanked her back. "Where are you going? Did I say you could leave? No, I don't think so. I'm going to have to punish you for that. Do you understand me?" He held her bloody face in his hand. When she didn't respond he pushed her face to the left and spun her around so her back faced him. He pushed her over a chair and pulled off her pants. She tried to get away again but he punched her right in the spine and she cried out in pain. She passed out right onto the chair from the pain in her back before he started but in her mind she saw it all happening in slow motion. Suddenly, Polly woke up and screamed out loud. Everyone moved around in their beds and she heard someone yell at Mikey. Ray jumped out of his bed and made the two steps over to Polly's bed.

"Polly, are you okay? You are sweating buckets. What's wrong? Why are you crying? Everything is alright, I'm here." As Ray said those words, Polly looked right into his eyes and wrapped her arms around him. She was holding onto him so tight as the tears were just streaming down her face and onto his shirt. She could hear his heart beat and that calmed her down. Soon, they were on the same beat and Polly was asleep on Ray's shoulder. He laid her down on her pillow and just watched her sleep. Her mouth was shaped like a little dark red heart and was slightly opened. Her skin was glowing in the light and it reminded him of a luminous pearl. Her hair was spread out all around her and it made a little pillow for her. He was about to lean down and smell a strand when Frank said, "Dude, go to sleep. She likes you, just give her time. She'll come to you when she is ready."

"I know, I just want her so bad. Ok, I'm going to bed. Nite." Ray's words were to deaf ears since Frank was already sound asleep and snoring.

Chapter 8

Polly woke up early that morning ( 9 in the morning) and decided to go to the grocery store. She pulled on a pair of jeans and a black Fender sweatshirt. She was about to walk outside when she realized she wasn't even wearing any shoes. She ran back to her bed and slipped on some black tennis shoes and cuffed up her jeans to show a little leg. When she opened the door, she knew this was going to be a hard day for her. It was raining outside and the rain always made her think of her mother. Her mother loved the rain. When her mother was in the hospital, she would sit with her and watch the rain through the window. She pulled on her hood and ran to the van. While she was at the store she got her usual list of items for the boys and got whatever things she would need to make them their meals. While she was shoving in the soda, she pulled back her head too fast and hit it on the roof of the car.

"Ow, that hurt," said Polly as she rubbed the back of her head. She was staring at the puddle on top of car when she started to feel dizzy and saw spots. She passed out and hit her forehead on the van. She fell and landed on her back. While she was passed out, the nightmares started coming again. Only this time, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't wake up. He was holding onto her arms and yelling in her face. He was calling her horrible names as he shook her. He let go of her right arm and slapped her in the face. She accidentally bit her tongue and could taste the blood in her mouth. She spit the blood in his face. He punched her in stomach and she started to fall but he wouldn't let go of her. Her body was limp in his hands as he pulled her to the backroom, leaving a trail of blood as they went.

"Shit! Oh my God. Are you alright?" The cart boy found her lying next to the van. He was pulling her up so that he could put her in the dry van. He laid her down in the van and started to shake her. She started moaning and opened up her eyes to see a skinny sixteen year old boy with acne looking at her. He was drenched and was dripping water on her face.

"What happened to you?" he asked.

"I have no idea. Where am I?"

"You're in the Safeway's parking lot. I think you passed out or something. Wow! That is a huge welt on your head!"

"What?" Polly put her hand on her head and cried out in agony. It felt like someone hit her in the head with a brick. She definitely hit her head on something.

"Ya, that looks like it hurts. Umm, do you want me to call someone to come pick you up? I'm no doctor but I think you need to go the hospital."

"Sure, I have a cell phone but I don't know if it works." She pulled her cell out of her front pocket in her sweater and prayed that it wasn't too wet.

"Who do you want me to call?"

"Ummm, you pick."

"Ok, how about Ray, that's my dad's name. He's an ass though, my dad that is. Oh, its ringing. Hello, my name is Andy and I work at Safeway. I think your friend hit her head on her van and she needs someone to pick her up. Can you come pick her up?" What the hell? Was he dreaming? He looked over to Polly's bed and noticed that she was gone.

"Do you mean Polly?" He heard Andy talking to Polly and answered, "Ya that's her name."

"She hit her head? Whatever, I will be there as soon as I can." Ray scrambled out of bed and threw on a pair of cons and started to wake up Gerard. "Gerard, get up. Polly had an accident." Instead of getting a response from Gerard, he got one from Frankie, "What? What happened to Polly?"

"She hit her head on the van and we need to pick her up and take her to a doctor."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" said Gerard who had pushed the covers off himself and was surprisingly in the clothes he was wearing yesterday including his shoes.

Ray, Gerard and Frankie ran into the other van and raced to the nearest Safeway. They found the other van and climbed out to see Polly.

"You look like shit," blurted out Ray.

"You should talk," said Polly. She was talking about the fact that Ray was still in his Spiderman pjs and his hair was plastered to his face from the rain.

"There's my girl," said Gerard.

"Oh thank God! You're alive!" said Frank as he rushed forward to her and held onto her wet body.

"Get off of me! It's your fault this happened. I was loading your stupid Mountain Dew into the van when I hit the back of my head. While I was rubbing my head, I passed out and hit my forehead on the van. All for you!"

Ray slapped Frank on the head as hard as he could. "Come on, lets get you to a hospital," he said as he wrapped his arm around Polly's waist and led her to the other van.

"Ok, so I guess we will take the van back and just see you two when you get back," said Gerard who was shouting to Polly and Ray but they were paying him no attention. "Great job, dipshit. For your punishment, you will drive us back as I sleep." He tossed Frank the keys and got into the passenger seat and snuggled against the closed door.

Chapter 9

"Ok, just have her fill this out and turn it in when your finished and I will have the doctor see you as soon as he can," said the chubby nurse with flushed cheeks. Ray walked back to Polly and started filling out the paperwork for her.

"I know this is kind of weird but what is you full name?" asked Ray.

"What? Oh, I thought you asked me what my bull's name is. Umm, it's kind of ethnic. It's Hipolita (ee-pole-ee-ta) Reina Rodriguez Gutierrez."

"Wow, can you spell those out for me. I might be Puerto Rican but I didn't even get passed your first name." Polly spelled out her name and Ray just kind of chuckled at her.

"What? Why are you laughing?" Polly took the ice pack off her head and was staring at him.

"I like your name, I like it a lot. It seems like there is so much in it. It's not just a name, it's you."

"Did you hit your head too? That was probably the weirdest thing anyone has ever said to me." Ray looked down and started to blush, he felt stupid. She lifted his head with her fingers and looked him straight in the eyes. "Thank you. You have no idea what that means to me." She looked away very fast and Ray could have sworn he saw a tear fall. She loved her name because it was her parents, her parents who fled Puerto Rico for their love for each other. It reminded her of the time before she met Walt, before he left his mark on her forever.

"Ms. Gutierrez?" A nurse called out Polly's name. She didn't realize that Ray had already filled out her form. Wow, she thought, he didn't even ask me any other questions. Does he really know that much about me?

"Polly, that's you. She's right here," said Ray. He was helping her up because Polly zoned out again.

"Oh, sorry, I'm right here," said Polly as she followed the nurse back to the check-up room. Ray was tailing right behind her. Polly got a sudden urge: she turned around and picked up Ray's hand and held onto it. She smiled and continued to follow the nurse.

"Right in here. The doctor will be here in just a few moments," said the nurse as she ushered them into the room and then closed the door behind her as she left.

"Polly?"

"Yes, Ray."

"Um, I think you might already know this but I really, really like you. It started that day at the airport. I must have been watching for 5 minutes before you even noticed me. Polly, I loved you from the moment I saw you. Do you understand me?"

Polly just stared at Ray. This was the happiest moment of her life and yet she couldn't even force a smile. Ray looked like he was about to cry.

"Ray, I love you too but there is so much about me that you don't know. I know on the surface I look fine but I have some shit underneath. I have already driven away so many people when I told them about what happened to me and the last thing I want to do is drive you away. Do you understand me? I want you Ray but I just need a little time. Just give me time and I will be yours forever." At this Polly placed her hand on the side of Ray's face. She leaned up and kissed Ray on the mouth. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back. She was just opening up her mouth to let his tongue slip in when the doctor barged in.

"Well, well, well, what have we here? Don't worry son, she isn't going to die." Polly leaned back and looked at the doctor. She noticed that all the female nurses were crowded around the door and that they had been listening to everything. Polly started to laugh and Ray joined in, then all the nurses started clapping.

"Ladies, ladies, please. We have to at least look professional, so get back to work. I'll take care of Romeo and Juliet and tell you all the details later." All of the nurses squealed as he shut the door.

Chapter 10

"What the hell happened to your head? You look like that kid from 'Mask.'"

"Thanks a lot Evie. You're such a sweetheart. You know, I was expecting something like 'I've missed you so much, you are the best friend ever, I can't survive without you, yada, yada, yada."

"I like your shoes. Now where is my ride?"

"Oh, well, I'm sorry your majesty. They're bringing your carriage around as we speak. Get your ass outside and look for a white van as I get your bags."

"Thanks. White you said?" she said through the sliding doors as she was waiting on the edge of the sidewalk. Polly was struggling with Evie's bags but knew it was worth it.

"Wow, is that her? There is Polly, I recognize her butt. Is that her friend? Woh, she is hot." Frank couldn't believe his eyes. Standing next to Polly was Evie, in her tight jeans and John Deer t-shirt. She had long brown hair and big bangs that covered her left eye. She was inhaling a cigarette when the van pulled up. Frank pushed past Mikey to get out and meet her.

"Hi, I'm Frank."

"Eat shit and die," Evie said as she puffed out the smoke in Frank's face.

"Evelyn!" shouted Polly as she smacked Evie in the arm.

"You can call me Evie," said Evie who was taking another drag from her cigarette and looking at her right hand nails. He had met his match. She was not going to be easy, but he was willing to risk it all for her.

As Evie was helping Polly make dinner that night (testing everything for poison), Polly told her of what was happening between her and Ray. Lately they were spending more and more time with each other. He would go with her to the store and she started opening up to him. She told him about her parents. Her mother's name was Isabel and her father's name was Gabriel and they were both from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Isabel's father was part of the government in Puerto Rico and she was to marry one of his colleagues' sons. She met Gabriel who was a peasant and they fell in love. Her father said he would have Gabriel killed if he did not leave Isabel alone. They were secretly married and then they fled the country together on a small raft one night to Miami. They ended up in New York, but went back to Miami for better work opportunities. Gabriel supported Isabel since she was 18 and had never been trained to work. Anything that Isabel had learned was of no use to her in America. They had Polly but seven years later Gabriel died. He was killed in a freak accident at their home and died in Isabel's arms. Isabel realized she couldn't make it if she didn't work so she became a maid during the day and a waitress at night. Isabel re-married when Polly was twelve but she died when Polly was fourteen. That was as far as Polly would tell Ray. She had to gain the confidence to tell him. She had to accept the fact that he might not want anything to do with her after she told him about Walt. That scared her the most, losing Ray because of Walt. Polly broke down into tears.

"Oh no Polly, don't cry. You have cried too much because of him. You have to pick up the pieces and move on. Don't let him control you even after he is dead."

I'm sorry, it's just that I am so scared of losing Ray."

"I know, I know but you have to tell him. He has to know and once he does know, he will love you even more for you trusting him. Tell him."

"I will, eventually."

"Have you been taking your pills lately?"

"I've been trying to wean myself off of them but it just makes my outbursts worse. Plus, I'm starting to have nightmares of him, of Walt."

"You need to see a doctor. I don't want you to take the pills but I also don't want you to have nightmares of him either."

"I will. Thank God you are here. I've missed you. You are the only one who hasn't turned away from me."

"And I never will. You're my little Polly Anna, I can't." At that, they hugged each other and both cried. They didn't realize that Gerard had been standing at the door, he had heard everything.

Chapter 11

Polly decided to go look for Ray. She left Evie watching Crank Yankers, shouting "I got mail, yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" She found him sitting on the ground by himself, playing his guitar. She sat down next to him and listened to him play. He was playing 'Blue Moon' and she rested her head on his shoulder.

She started to sing:

Blue moon, you saw me standin' alone

Without a dream in my heart, without a love of my own

Blue moon, you knew just what I was there for

You heard me sayin' a prayer forp> Someone I really could care for

And then there suddenly appeared before me

The only one my arms will hold

I heard somebody whisper "please adore me"

And when I looked, the moon had turned to gold

Blue moon, now I'm no longer alone

Without a dream in my heart

Without a love of my own

"Wow, Polly, you sing great!"

"Thanks. I would sing it to my mom when she was in the hospital."

"I bet she liked that."

"Ya, I think she did. I'm sure it reminded her of my dad." Ray was playing with the grass and he plucked out a flower, actually it was a weed flower. He spun it in it his hand a little bit and then looked at Polly. She was playing with a vein in her foot.

"Look at me." Polly was a little stunned but looked at Ray. He stuck the flower behind her ear and kissed her check. He whispered in her ear, "You are the only one that my arms will hold." At that, she kissed him on the lips. She kissed him as sweetly as she could imagine and slipped her tongue into his mouth. Just to tease him, she bit his bottom lip and ran back to the bus.

"That's not nice Hipolita. You can't do that to a guy and just run off."

"Don't worry, you'll get more later!" shouted Polly as she raced to find Evie. Finally she felt in love and she had to tell Evie ASAP. When she got into the bus, she couldn't believe her eyes.

"Oh snap!" said Polly. Evie and Frank were having a full on make-out session on the kitchen table. His shirt was off and he was trying to take off her pants.

"This better be important Polly. I'm kind of in the middle of something," said Evie as she tossed Frank his shirt and start to button up her pants.

"I love Ray!" shouted Polly.

"Thanks for the news brief Katie Couric but we all knew that," said Evie as she ate some of Polly's lasagna.

"I know but now I really know I love him. Evelyn, stop eating the lasagna! At least use a fork." Polly was on cloud nine.

"I need a drink," said Frank who was just sitting on the ground, holding his t-shirt. Polly went into one of her drawers and pulled out a bottle of Jack Daniels. She had started collecting shot glasses since they were on the road and she pulled out three of them.

"Let's have a toast! To Polly, for finally finding someone she can trust and love for the rest of her life. For Frank, who might get lucky tonight. And to me, that I take pity on Frank!" said Evie as they downed their shots. They enjoyed the first one so they had six more. By the time the other guys came back, they were three sheets to the wind.

"I'm happy you have kept yourself entertained. How many shots did you have?" said Gerard.

"Two," said Polly

"Try seven," said Evie.

"Great, now you are all drunk," said Gerard as he pushed past them to the bathroom.

"At least I made dinner!" shouted Polly.

"Um, you mean that?" said Mikey who was pointing to an empty dish sitting on the stove top. Apparently, the three decided to have some lasagna while they waited for the others to return. They accidentally ate all of it though.

"Sorry," said Frank who had the hiccups for the last 15 minutes.

"Evie and I will take you all out to dinner," said Polly.

"What?" asked Evie.

"Yes, we are going to take them out for dinner in appreciation for letting you come with us, aren't we Evie?"

"Ya, dinner," said Evie who started speaking very loud all of a sudden.

"Great, I'm starving," said Bob who Polly noticed only spoke when it concerned food. So off they went to dinner at a local restaurant and that is when Polly's life became a little hectic.

Chapter 12

"I'll have the cheeseburger with thousand island, onions, tomatoes and mustard. I basically want the meat warm and I would appreciate it if the buns were toasted," said Mikey. All of a sudden Evie started choking on the complimentary chips and salsa.

"OMG, Polly do you remember who always got that same order?" said Evie who was still speaking in a very loud voice from her intoxication.

"I'm trying to forget," said Polly who started looking around the restaurant.

"Who, who?" squealed Frank.

"Evie, if you have any decency left, you will not say his name," pleaded Polly.

"Polly, you know he loved you," said Evie who applied her mischievous smile in a matter of seconds.

"Evie, please," said Polly, who's face had turned bright red.

"Just give me a hint and then I'll guess," said Gerard who wanted to get all of Polly's secrets out in the open very fast.

"Ok, this is a guy who knew Polly for all of her life. There, have a whack at it," said Evie.

"Um, Walt?!" replied Gerard with an arched eyebrow. Evie immediately looked to Polly who already had tears forming in her eyes.

"Polly, what's wrong, tell me what's " said Ray.

"You bitch! How could you tell him? You are the only one who hasn't turned away from me and then you go and tell him!" shouted Polly to Evie.

"No, Polly, it wasn't me," pleaded Evie. Evie started to breathe extremely hard and sweat profusely.

"Shut up Evelyn. Just explain to me why? Why him?"

"Polly, I didn't tell him. I wouldn't tell him. I would never betray you like that!" Evie started to cry and shake.

"What the fuck is going on here?" asked Bob.

"I'm confused," said Mikey.

"Gerard, what the fuck did you do?" yelled Frank.

"You bastard!" shouted Ray as he lounged across the table and started to strangle Gerard.

"Look at what you did, Evie! Was it worth it? You ruined my life and broke up the band," screamed Polly. But Evie didn't hear anything Polly said. She was hearing a ringing noise in her ears as she fell face first to the ground.

"Evie!" screamed Frank. Polly just stared at Evie shaking on the ground. Tears streamed Polly's face but nothing clicked in her head. Bob had pulled Ray off of Gerard and now Ray was shaking her.

"Polly, look at me! Polly, listen to me. There is something wrong with Evie and I know you know how to help her. Tell me Polly, how do we help her?" said Ray.

"Polly, she never told me. Evie never told me about Walt, I overheard your discussion. I'm sorry, Polly. I never meant for this to happen," said Gerard as tears were now falling down his cheeks as well.

"You sonofabitch," screamed Frank as he charged Gerard. Ray was pulling Frank off of Gerard when it hit Polly. She suddenly realized that her best friend was dying on the floor.

"FRANK, get off of him! She needs her pills. Look in her purse for her pills," said Polly who was now down on the floor with Evie.

"You heard her Mikey, look in Evie's purse for her pills," said Frank who also took his post by Evie's side.

"Right," said Mikey as he began rummaging through the purse. "Gross," shouted Mikey as he threw a tampon. It ended up hitting Bob in the head while he was dialing 911.

"I got 'em," screamed Mikey. Polly grabbed the bottle out of his hands and ripped off the cap with her teeth. She dropped a pill in Evie's mouth and watched as it dissolved on her tongue.

"Ok, she should be fine but she needs to calm down. She has a heart condition where her heart beats too fast, we need her to calm down," explained Polly.

Frank began to sing:

I don't want a lot for Christmas

There's just one thing I need

I don't care about the presents

Underneath the Christmas tree

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true baby

All I want for Christmas

Is you...

The rest of the boys joined in:

I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just one thing I need

I don't care about presents

Underneath the Christmas tree

I don't need to hang my stocking

There upon the fireplace

Santa Claus won't make me happy

With a toy on Christmas day

I just want you for my own

More than you could ever know

Make my wish come true

Baby all I want for Christmas

Is you...

"What the hell?" said the paramedic as he rushed into the restaurant.

"She has Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia and we were trying to calm her down. I got her to swallow on of her p "

"Is she going to be ok?" asked Frank who was now crying like a baby.

"She should, just back up and give us some room to work," said the paramedic. They ended up taking her to the hospital. Polly let Frank go with Evie in the ambulance as she followed with the boys in the van to the hospital. Polly and Gerard sobbed the entire way.

Chapter 13

"Polly, what's wrong? Tell me what's wrong? I can't stand to see you like this. Please, Polly, you're killing me. Whatever it is, I don't care, just tell me. Let me comfort you." Ray was pleading with Polly but she just shook her head.

"I can't...everyone I have told has turned away from me and now I'm killing Evie she was the one who didn't tell and I yelled at her and now she is fighting for her life I'm afraid Ray I don't want to lose you that's why I don't want to tell you I'm afraid you will leave just like the rest." Polly was sobbing in Ray's arms. He just held her and rocked her back in forth in the hospital chairs as some people started to stare. Ray didn't care what they looked like. No matter what Polly told him, he wouldn't leave her. She would be the only person his arms would hold.

"Polly, I know that something really, really bad happened to you but bad stuff happens to all of us. You just have to put it behind and move on. That's what people do, move on. I want to be with you as you move on. No matter what you say, I won't leave you."

"I killed someone! There does that make you happy Ray? I killed Walt! Walt was my step-dad. He set up a perfect trap and my mom and I were his forever. He started hitting my mom 3 fucking days after they got married! He did all sorts of shit to her. Do you remember how I said my mother died, he killed her. He hit her so hard with a pair of brass knuckles that he killed her! I visited her every day for three months as she wasted away. The hospital is the only place where we could be mother and daughter. Walt wasn't there. One day he punched me in the face and that is when it hit me, 'If I don't kill him, he'll kill me.' So I stole his brass knuckles and punched him the same way he punched my mom. He fell back into a glass table and died. I killed him! I take 4 fucking anti-depressants a day! I still have the brass knuckles with his blood dried on them!" Now everyone was looking at them. Ray stood his ground and just looked Polly straight in the eyes. She was shaking and could feel bile rising. She ran to the nearest bathroom and vomited what felt like her entire stomach. She felt Ray come up behind her and pull back her hair. He held it in his hand as he rubbed her back and wiped the sweat off her forehead. When she was finished, she looked at Ray.

"I didn't think you would still be here," said Polly.

"Why wouldn't I be?" asked Ray.

"Because I just admitted that I killed someone, kept the weapon and that I am severely addicted to anti-depressants."

"That's it? It would take a hell of a lot more to get me to leave you Hipolita," said Ray as he leaned down to kiss Polly. She pulled away from him before he could plant his lips on her's.

"Gross, I just threw-up."

"I told you I loved you."

"If you say so," said Polly as she pulled Ray in for the best kiss of her life. Suddenly, a woman with a large gash to her right arm walked in.

"Um, get out of here you loser!" said Polly as she shoved Ray away. Ray smiled and shuffled out of the bathroom, muttering something that sounded like a sorry.

"Young love," said the woman who was smiling at Polly. Polly blushed and went to the sink. She wanted to wash out her mouth before Ray kissed her again.

"Nice bed-head," said Mikey as he and Ray left to get coffee.

"Right back at ya," said Polly. Since they had been at the hospital for the past 5 hours, Evie's condition had gotten better and she was constantly coming in and out of consciousness so Frank stayed by her side. That news meant nothing to Gerard who was sitting in a corner by himself. He looked terrible. Polly sat down in the chair next to him.

"Gerard, it's not your fault."

"Yes it is. If I hadn't been eavesdropping, then I wouldn't have blurted out Walt's name, and you wouldn't have yelled at Evie and she wouldn't have almost died. I almost killed Evie!" He started crying again. Polly pulled his face up and wiped away his tears.

"Stop it Gerard. You didn't almost kill Evie. You were protecting Ray. You knew I needed to tell him. You did us a favor and I know Evie understands that. I know she does!"

"I was trying to protect Ray, honestly! I would never want to hurt you or Evelyn. Please believe me!" Gerard had grabbed Polly's hands.

"Gerard, I believe you and so does Evie. Now, do you believe me?"

"Yes!" screamed Gerard as he pulled Polly into an intense hug.

"Jesus, Gerard, you're like a fucking girl! Pull yourself together man!" said Polly as she was pushing Gerard off of her.

"You have got to do something with that hair, girlfriend!"

"Gerard!" said Polly as she hit him in the arm.

"What, I thought we were having girl talk?" said Gerard with a smile. "Come here, let me do it. I used to go drag in art school so I can do a mean fish tail." Polly turned around and Gerard got to work.

"What is this in you hair?" asked Gerard.

"Um, I don't think you want to know."

"Ok." said Gerard as he shrugged and got back to work and sure enough he did a kick-ass braid by the time Mikey and Ray got back. "Oh thank God!" said Gerard who rushed toward the coffee. The guys started talking so Polly decided to go see Evie.

Chapter 14

"Evelyn!" said Polly in half surprise, half disgust. Frank was on top of Evie in the hospital bed. He was naked and Evie's hospital gown was hanging from her IV drip.

"Oh thank God, its just you," said Evie.

"What? Frank get the hell off of her before you give her a heart attack and Evelyn, cover yourself up," said Polly as she threw her gown to her.

"Do you mind?" asked Frank. He wanted Polly to turn around as he dressed.

"You have got to be kidding me! You are having sex in a public area and you worry about me seeing you naked? This is ridiculous!" said Polly but she turned around.

"I guess I'll go walk around," said Frank as he kissed Evie on the forehead. He walked out but they could see he found a wheelchair to amuse himself with.

"Evie, I'm so "

"Stop. I understand and I don't want an apology."

"What? Really?"

"Yes, now get me some ice!" shouted Evie. Polly left the room in search of ice and was chuckling to herself when she felt someone lightly pull on her braid. She turned around and saw Ray. He greeted her with a gentle kiss. She took it up a notch and pushed her entire body against him. They were up against the wall before Ray pulled away.

"We need to find any empty room, now!" Ray searched and on the third try he found an empty room.

"I guess the third time is the charm," said Polly.

"I hope so!"

"Oh, it will be, believe you me!" said Polly who was already ripping off Ray's t-shirt. She started kissing his collar bone and as he placed his hands on her back underneath her shirt. He took over the kissing and was going down her neck and onto her chest. He took of her shirt and she took the liberty of unhooking her own bra. He took her hands in his and placed them above her head. He was kissing the side of her breast and left a nice little reminder of himself there. Polly got goose bumps and Ray started to chuckle. He straightened up and Polly could feel how hard he was. Polly started to unbutton his pants as he went for her jeans, they ended up hitting heads instead.

"Ouch," said Ray.

"I know, right? Let's do our own and then we can get started!"

"Sweet," said Ray who was racing to get off his pants. Polly wasn't going too slow either and soon they stood face to face. Ray put his hands on the sides of Polly's face. He leaned down and gave her a kiss. He swept his tongue in and started to suck her bottom lip. He suddenly grabbed Polly underneath her buttocks and pulled her up against him. She wrapped her legs around his waist and he placed himself inside her as she gasped in pure pleasure. She dug her nails in his back as he moved back in forth inside her. Ray started to grunt with each thrust as he came closer to his climax. Polly started to bite her lip and gripped Ray's shoulders since she felt like she was going to explode with ecstasy. She let out a soft moan when they both came. He slowly let down Polly but her legs were shaking and her knees buckled. He pulled her into his arms and held her. He brought up her chin when he felt tears on his chest. She looked beautiful with tears streaming down her face and her bright red lips from the blood after biting her lip too hard.

Suddenly there was a crash at the door as Frank pushed Evie in on a wheelchair.

"Oh snap!" yelled Frank.

"Frank, shut the door you idiot!" said Ray. He was shielding Polly's body as he yelled at Frank.

"What are you doing Evie? You should be in bed," said Polly who was searching the entire room for her bra.

"I said I wanted ice," replied Evie as she was laughing at Polly.

"Looking for something?" said Frank who was twirling Polly's black bra around his finger. Ray snatched it out of his hands and softly punched Frank in the nose. Frank's nose started to bleed anyways so Evie and Frank left to find some tissue. Polly and Ray began the search to find their articles of clothing which took longer than expected because a nurse suddenly came barging in.

"What the hell are you doing in here?" she shouted at Ray who had all his clothing except his pants. "Get the hell out of here before I call security!" Polly and Ray (with out his pants) ran out while hysterically laughing. Ray waited in the bathroom as Polly found him a pair of scrubs. Evie was released early in the morning and they all went back to the bus where Polly made all that she could, Cheerios.

Chapter 15

"Hey honey! It's me."

"Ray! Oh my gosh, it's so good to hear your voice. I have missed you so much!"

"I've missed you too and that's why I know you are going to be completely psyched out when you hear what I have to say."

"What is it? You cut your hair?"

"You wish, no, I'm coming to visit you in exactly in two weeks!"

"Listen, I'm sorry about the hair thing but don't joke with me that you are coming."

"So you do you like my hair?"

"Ray, are you or are you not coming?"

"Do you like my hair?"

"I love it!"

"Then tell Evie to find somewhere else to stay when I come in."

"Ray! I can't believe you're coming in. I miss you so much and I will count the seconds until you get here. I'll kick Evie out a week before you get here so everything can be clean!"

"I heard that," said Evie who was in her usually position in front of the TV.

"Well, I have to go but I just wanted to tell you," said Ray.

"I can't wait and I love you Ray," said Polly who started to get teary eyed because she was so excited to Ray.

"I love you too Polly. Bye!"

"Wait Ray, can you bring the bag that I left at your house with you?"

"Sure will babe, love you!"

"I love you too " With that, Ray had hung up and Polly was left standing with the phone in her hand and a tears running down her face.

"Ah Christ, who died?" asked Evie.

"No one. Ray is coming in two weeks!"

"Seriously? You lucky bitch! I doubt that thought would ever occur to Frank."

"Ok, we have to start cleaning."

"Right now? He isn't coming for two fucking weeks!"

"Heck yes, you destroyed this place while I was gone.",

"True," sighed Evie. Since the tour had ended, Polly would talk to Ray at least once a day. She would stay home from things just so she could hear his voice. She had stopped talking the anti-depressants but still had the brass knuckle. Life wasn't satisfying at school anymore but she knew she had Ray.

Chapter 16

"Evie, goddammit, wake-up! We're late!"

"What?" said Evie who was hidden somewhere underneath her sheets.

"It is already 10, Ray landed 15 minutes ago! Get up!" Polly was shoving on the first clothes she could find which were black gaucho pants and a green tank top. Evie had rolled out of bed and just stared at Polly.

"Since I have to go, can I just wear this?" said Evie who was wearing her green flannel pajamas.

"I don't care, just hurry-up," shouted Polly from the bathroom as she was brushing her teeth. She didn't even notice what Evie was wearing, all of her thoughts were on Ray.

"Fine then! I'm ready to go," said Evie as she slipped on her elephant slippers and her sunglasses.

"That's a great look for you," said Polly as she slipped on a pair of black flip-flops.

"I know, right? It's Ralph Lauren's sleep collection." Polly drove like a bat out of hell as Evie said something about the positives of using her blinkers. They were at the airport and looking for Ray ten minutes later. They were checking the monitors for Ray's flight information when someone from behind them said, "The luggage from flight 195 from Newark, New Jersey is on carousel 1." Polly turned around and saw Ray smiling. She jumped up right into his arms and began to kiss him all over his face.

"God, I've missed you!" she said in between the kisses. Ray grabbed her faces in his hands, "I love you Polly."

"I love you too Ray," said Polly who had the biggest smile on her face.

"Get a room." Polly looked around and saw Gerard and Mikey. Mikey was cleaning his glasses and Gerard was smiling at her. She jumped off of Ray and began to hug Gerard and Mikey. She then realized that she couldn't find Evie, or Frank, when she heard a kid's voice: "Gross, look at those two!" She turned around and found Evie sitting on top of Frank while they made-out.

"Evelyn, we are in public!" said Polly as she pulled Evie off of Frank. She had already managed to get his tie off and his pants unbuckled.

"Where's Bob?" said Evie who was acting like nothing happened. Ray just pointed to Bob. He was just this object hauling all of their luggage over.

"Thanks, chief," said Gerard as he flipped him a quarter. They all grabbed some bags and went to the car. Since Polly wasn't expecting all of the other guys to be there, she had brought her little VW jeta. They ended up making two trips to get the guys and their luggage and at half past two, Polly and Ray found themselves alone in Polly's room. She decided to unpack her bag that Ray had brought her as he lay asleep on her bed. She was about two-thirds off the way through when she found a little black box. Polly had no idea what it was.

"Polly." Ray's voice startled her. She turned around and he walked towards her. He bent down on one knee. Polly couldn't believe what was happening. All of the room was spinning around her, except for Ray. He grabbed the box from Polly and opened it and started at it. He looked up at her.

"Polly, you know how much I love you. Now, let me prove it to you. Marry me and I will take care of you for the rest of our lives. Polly, will you marry me?" Polly couldn't believe this was happening to her. A year ago she was a depressed college student, now she was deep in love and had a man who wanted to marry her.

"Yes," said Polly as she sank down on to the ground with Ray. She held his hands that were still holding the box. The ring was princess cut diamond with a thin platinum band. Tears ran off her face onto their hands and the ring. She looked up at Ray who was also shedding a few tears. He was pulling the ring out of the box as she wiped away his tears. He slipped the ring on her finger and she pulled his face in for a kiss. Polly gently gave Ray sweet kisses filled with salty tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck and nestled her hands in his hair. He smiled as she gently sucked on his bottom lip. His hands found their way to the area right underneath her buttocks and she could feel him pull her legs out from underneath her. Her legs were wrapped around him and he placed her body ever so tenderly down on the ground as if she would shatter at any moment. He was kneeling above her as he pulled of his shirt. He knelt down and kissed her forehead and then the tip of her nose when the door burst open.

"Raymond!" screamed Evie. She was on her tiptoes behind Gerard and Bob but she had a perfect view of what was going to happen.

"Oh my God, can we please get a little privacy!" said Ray who had rolled off Polly and was handing Polly her pants while scanning the room for his shirt.

"I know, I know but retard over here let it slip about the ring and Evie insisted that we come over," said Gerard as he shoved Mikey in the chest.

"Ouch, my ocular cavity! Sorry, Ray, I tried to keep it a secret but it slipped," said Mikey who was cleaning his glasses again.

"I'm confused," said Polly.

"Polly, you're engaged!" screamed Evie as she pushed through the boys and threw herself on Polly. They hugged each other and giggled on the ground.

"I have to get in on this!" said Gerard who also jumped in.

Chapter 17

Six months later

"Polly, what's wrong?" asked Evie. Polly was rocking back and forth on the bed. She had mascara running down her face as she cried.

"I'm nervous!"

"What?"

"I'm scared. I'm scared that something will go wrong and half way during the ceremony Ray will look at me and say that he doesn't want to marry me and I'm not worth it and he doesn't love me and " Polly started to cry even harder and lost her breath.

"Polly, calm the hell down! Don't you remember me the night before Frank and I got married, I was practically suicidal! You calmed me down and re-assured me that everything was going to be fine. Ray loves you and wants to marry you! Do you know how lucky you, we, are? We have two guys who love us and want to spend the rest of their lives with us! You are marrying the man of your dreams tomorrow and you fucking deserve it!" shouted Evie. She was holding Polly's face but pushing the tears off her face with her thumbs. Polly just started to laugh and they hugged each other. Evie and Frank got married a month before in New Jersey but decided to spend their honeymoon in Puerto Rico to "help" with the wedding.

Polly and Ray got married at the same church her parents did in Puerto Rico. They had the ceremony at a hidden chapel underneath the church. It was dark and it had no electricity so all the light came from candles. On the side of each pew were small bouquets of black red roses with black ribbon that touched the floor. The carpet to the altar was crimson red and on either side of the altar were tall candelabras. Behind the altar was an iron gate wall with little tea candles all along it. The bridesmaids wore crimson red satin dresses that were strapless, tight-fitting and went right below their knee. Their hair was pushed back into low, messy buns and they all had dramatic side bangs. They had black red rose bouquets. The groom and groomsmen wore black, velvet tuxedos with a black shirt and crimson red ties. Polly even let Ray wear his beloved Chuck Taylors. Polly wore an ivory satin dress that was low-cut in the front and back. It was tight-fitting on top but was loose towards the bottom. Her hair was the same as the bridesmaids but she had a full bloom, black red rose above her left ear to match her black red rose bouquet. Evie was Polly's matron of honor and Frank was Ray's best man. Gerard walked Polly down the aisle but took his place with the groomsmen once he gave Polly to Ray. Ray's mother was in hysterics as Ray and Polly did Puerto Rican matrimonial traditions. Gerard started to cry when Ray kissed the bride and Bob handed him a handkerchief. Rumor has that Mikey wiped a tear from underneath his glasses.

The reception was outside but it had a thin covering of cloth that allowed for people to still see the night sky outside. Each table had disposal cameras so guests could remember their own special moments of the night. Ray's relatives made all of the food and his cousin's band played. Without Ray or Polly noticing, the guys got up to the stage and suddenly started to play 'Blue Moon.' The rest of the people trickled off the dance floor before Gerard had even started to sing. Polly and Ray danced in the middle of the floor and sang into each others ears as people took pictures all around them. The night was theirs.

Three months later

"Polly, let me in!" yelled Ray from the other side of the door.

"Ray, calm down, these things take time!" shouted Polly.

"Polly, you're killing me! What does is it say?" screamed Ray who was pounding his head on the bathroom door. Polly opened the door and he fell forward slightly.

"Congratulations, pops!" smiled Polly. Ray's entire face lit up and he picked Polly up in his arms. He smiled as her hair fell lightly in his face and he was intoxicated with her again.

"You guys are so cheesy!" yelled Evie as she threw popcorn at them. She was also pregnant and had the appetite to prove it. All of the guys were over at Polly and Ray's house and they soon started taking bets on the sex of the baby. Polly and Ray walked off into the kitchen and Ray placed his hand on Polly's belly.

"We are going to be a real family now," said Ray.

"You have always been my family, I just haven't met you until now," said Polly.

"Thank God, because I missed you before we even met," said Ray. Polly smiled and pulled down Ray's face for a kiss.