Hi guys,

Wow, I haven't written a fanfic in so long! I might be a little rusty here and there so I apoligize for that.

I want to thank Jacynthe for the introduction of this fanfic challenge! I had a great time continuing her story. I also had a great time researching more on the Independence Day topic and I'm glad to bring what I've learned into this story.

I also want to note that I didn't read anyone else's story because I wanted to get the ideas for myself. If I happen to copy someone's event or anything similar into this story, I apologize! I have this story all typed and finished, and because of that, I can be able to read other's challenge fanfics!

Well, here it goes and I hope you enjoy this.
~Regina

Everything in Between
G



[This story continues from Jacynthe's introduction]

Sue could see the hurt look in Howie’s eyes. “Howie, I’m sorry. Even if I did leave, I would have at least found you and said goodbye. I would never have left without letting you know. I couldn’t do that.”

“Thanks for your kind words, Sue. But next time, let me know immediately if anything changes. I don’t want to be the one who is clueless from the rest of the group.”

Myles mouthed to Bobby. “’Rest of the group?’”

Sue nodded an agreement. “Don’t worry. I will.”

“Okay.” Howie looked at Otis’s watch. “Oh, would you look at the time. Otis and I are driving down to Florida for the 4th of July. Lots of hotties down there! Well, take care ya’ll.”

Everyone said their goodbyes and the two men left. Just as they turned the corner conversations started up again. Sue looked up at Jack. “You want to go on a walk now?”

Jack clapped his hands together. “Why not?”

+ + + + + + + +

Outside was humid and bright. Since the weather was good more people traveled by foot than by vehicle. Deciding they had a while till they can go back to the Bullpen, Jack and Sue headed towards Constitution Avenue to the Washington Monument.

“I haven’t asked you yet, What will YOU be doing for Independence Day?”

Jack shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. The usual I guess.”

Sue pursed her lips to the side of her face. “What is your ‘usual’?”

Jack spoke moving his hands that went along what he was saying. “Sleep in late. Watch any Independence Day related films. Burn my steak. Go to a park for fireworks. You know, the usual.”

Sue smiled big and nodded. “Oh that usual.”

Right in front of them a big poster in red, white, and blue designs appeared on the entrance sign to the Washington Monument park.

“Look here…”

Sue pointed to the poster as they came closer to it. They read:

“Celebrate Independence Day at the Washington Monument!

The following activities are:
1. A water fight at 3:00.
2. A Talent Show at 4:30.
3. Fireworks at 8:00

Tryouts for the Talent Show:
All is welcomed. Note: Those participating in the talent show will have a reserved place in the park.

Tryouts to be the announcer for the 2005 Talent Show is Saturday, July 2nd at 6:00 at the Washington Monument.

Hope to see you there!”

Sue turned to Jack. “Suppose I get Tara and Lucy to do the talent show with me. Maybe we can have a reserved spot in the park?”

“That is a possibility. If we decide to come here, it’ll give you an excuse not to wash your hair.”

Sue rolled her eyes and glanced at the poster one last time.


+ + + + + + + +

“Oh come on Myles. It’ll be fun to have a party at your house.”

Lucy will not give up until she can find a place to have party and it has been bugging Myles down to his nerves. “Have you seen my neighbor or even communicated with him? Unless if you want a miserable Independence Day go right on ahead.”

“Our problems may be solved.” Jack hollered out loud for everyone to hear. It was mostly just to get Myles and Lucy to stop their daily nagging. All eyes glued to Jack and Sue who just entered the room.

“Jack and I were walking near the Washington Monument and we found out that the field around the Monument will be used for the 4th of July. But the only way it sounds like for us to reserve a spot on the field is have…” Sue peered over to Lucy and Tara. “… both Tara and Lucy join me in the talent show?”

Tara and Lucy looked at each other and nodded excitedly.

Jack was the next to speak. “We’ve also been talking that we could go around D.C. to get the spirit of Independence Day just before we head over to the park.”

“How does that sound?” Sue looked around to get everyone’s answer.

Bobby slapped his hand and sat at the edge of his desk. “Sounds like Jack and Sue are planning the 4th of July for us.”

Myles groaned.

D. tried to convince Myles to enjoy this Independence Day. “Besides Myles, how could celebrations like this loose the spirit of Independence Day? This holiday was always celebrated by dancing, singing, and shooting off cannons since the very beginning. What is the difference?”

Sue tried to help out. “Oh and Myles, you can tryout to be the announcer for the talent show. If you think the 4th of July is going to be ruined, you as an announcer can change that.”

Myles shifted his eyes between every person in the Bullpen. It was so quiet a pin could be heard if it was dropped. He couldn’t stand the tension. “Fine… I’ll do it.”

Mmm... I think it is The Kisses, but I don't remember, it was 7 months ago!

Well, here is chapter 2!



Chapter 2.

On July 2nd, he took proud and important steps towards the Washington Monument. Once he got there, he was surprised to see only about fifteen people want to try out to be the announcer for the talent show. The inside of him gleamed with joy for there was a better chance for him to get the part.

A girl about thirteen years old with blonde hair up to her chin and baggy clothes came up to him. “Excuse me, are you trying out to be the announcer?” Her voice sounded monotone as she spoke.

“Uh, yes I am.”

She got out a name tag sticker and a pen. “What is your name?”

He wanted to sound as professional as possible so he spoke with a buff voice. “Myles Leland III.”

The girl froze and looked up at him in an abnormal way. Slightly shaking her head, she quickly put down his name and handed him his name tag. Before placing the name tag on his shirt, he read his name as “Miles Lee. Land the 3rd.” He scoffed and went ahead and stuck his name tag on.

Ten minutes have passed and Myles was already getting impatient. He looked around and motioned the young teen on the other side of the monument to come to him. The girl sighed and slowly made her way to him.

“When am I going to tryout? I don’t have all night you know.”

She shrugged her shoulders like she had no care in the world. “I don’t know.”

“Well do you think I can squeeze in…”

“Miles Lee. Land the 3rd?”

Myles stopped his words and perked his head up and saw a woman holding a clipboard. He raised his hand signaling that he was the one she was looking for.

“Come on Myles, we don’t have all night.”

Myles sighed and followed the woman who led him to a table that sat two men. He ended up standing in front of the table twenty feet away. The first man spoke. “What is your name?”

Myles stood up straight and tall. “Myles Leland III.”

The teen girl rolled her eyes. The second man spoke. “Why do you want to be the announcer for this year’s talent show?”

Myles’s eyes gave a sly look. “Because for years the spirit of Independence Day is being lost due to people with lack of respect and love of our founding fathers who gave us this wonderful country. I want to change that and give people the spirit they need for this important holiday.”

The two men turned to each other and whispered up a small conversation. Finally the first man looked up and said, “Okay.”

Myles looked confused. “Okay meaning…”

The second man finished his sentence. “Meaning that you got the part to be the announcer for the 2005 Independence Day Talent Show.”

Myles was shocked. That was easy. He looked at the two men and thanked them. He left the Monument feeling accomplished.

I hope I'm not boring anyone with this story yet....



Lol. Yeah it was. I'm thinking about continuing that someday...


Okay starting from chapter 3 from here on out is when the "real" story starts. The previous chapters were to get it started.

Enjoy!



Chapter 3

9:00 Monday morning on July 4th, everyone arrived at Sue and Lucy’s apartment. Instead of wearing their daily, formal, business apparel, they all wore shorts, t-shirts, and sunglasses to prepare for a hot, sunny day. They sat down in the living room while Lucy and Sue stood to give the instructions for the day.

“Okay we got the whole day planned out. Just leave it up to me and Jack who will be driving all of us around.”

Lucy fiddled with her camera. “I’m going to be the photographer today so be prepared for pictures being taken. After the fireworks tonight, we will all meet here and watch the slideshow.”

Sue clapped her hands together. “So let’s go!”

+ + + + + + + +

All of the guys went in Jack’s car and the girls in Sue’s car. The first stop was actually sending Levi to Charlie to care of. Leaving from Charlie’s store and after a few minutes of driving, Jack and Sue parked their cars and everyone stepped out and observed the area they arrived first, the White House.

The team got on the property and grouped together. Lucy handed someone the camera and a group picture was taken.

At the front door of the White House, they met their tour guide, Marisa. “Welcome to the White House, the home of every President of the United States, except for George Washington. The White House covers eighteen acres of land around it with beautiful and well taken care of landscape. The building itself is mostly made of white sandstone. The inside has 132 rooms altogether. Let’s go inside and I’ll take you in several rooms.”

Marisa took them into the Blue Room, East Room, Green Room, Red Room, and the State Dining Room. Each room has marvelous, famous art work and furnishing. While moving room to room, Lucy kept herself busy with the camera.

When the tour ended, the team ended up outside again. “Where to next, Sheila?” Bobby placed his arm on Lucy’s shoulder.

“Follow Jack and Sue. They are the drivers.” She winked back at him and they all went back to their assigned vehicles.

+ + + + + + + +

Their next stop is the Jefferson Memorial. The team walked up the white steps when Lucy decided to get another group picture. After the picture was taken, the team walked in circles admiring the tall, white Memorial. Lucy still took random pictures of things around her.

Bobby stood inside looking at the statue of Thomas Jefferson. Tara came up besides him and looked up too. “You know the statue is nineteen feet tall?”

Bobby looked down on her. “You are just full of fact, aren’t you?”

She smiled and agreed. “And the dome itself is ninety-five feet and eight inches.”

Bobby shook his head. “You need a new hobby.”

Jack stood on top of one of the steps and view outward towards the river. Sue came near and stood besides him, also looking out to the river.

“Does the Potomac River remind you of anything, Sparky?”

Jack looked at Sue who gave him a teasing smile. Lucy approached them with a camera ready in her hand. “Guys, can you pose for the camera?”

Both Jack and Sue raised their eyebrows. “What kind of pose?”

“Oh anything… a funny picture, a serious picture…” Lucy covered her mouth with her camera so Sue wouldn’t see, “… a kiss.”

Jack looked sternly at Lucy.

Jack and Sue decided to do both a serious and funny picture. The first one Jack had his hand behind Sue’s back and smiled nicely. The next picture Sue stepped on Jack’s foot which Jack made a fake “ouch” from that.

Lucy looked up. “Thanks guys!”

After a while, everyone came together and went back into the cars for the next stop.

+ + + + + + + +

The next and final stop before heading to the Washington Monument is the Lincoln Memorial. The Lincoln Memorial was similar to the Jefferson Memorial but it didn’t have a dome and it was dedicated to Abraham Lincoln.

Lucy decided to have another group picture, again.

Myles and Tara looked up at the tall Memorial. Bobby came by and asked Tara, “So smart woman, do you know how many columns this has?”

“I don’t know? Let’s find out!”

Bobby and Tara took off running in opposite directions all the way around the Memorial. When they saw each other, out of breath, they shouted “Thirty-six!”

Myles approached the two of them. “You guys are strange by making yourself silly in public running around in circles on a Memorial!”

He walked off and Bobby whispered to Tara. “He is making himself silly by not participating with us!”

Sue stood inside of the Lincoln Memorial. Jack and Lucy joined her.

When Sue saw Lucy and Jack approach her, she got their attention. “Hey guys, read this…”

She pointed them to the words behind the statue of Abraham Lincoln. She spoke as she read. “In this temple as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the union the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever.”

Jack nodded as he reread the words again.

“Lincoln was a great man.”

Lucy answered her back. “Yes he was.”

After a few more moments looking around the Memorial and walking around it, the group decided to head to the Washington Monument where they will spend the rest of their day at.

And going on three!



Well, I'm posting the next chapter before bed... Here it is.


Chapter 4

At 3:10, Jack and Sue parked their cars a block away from the Monument since all other parking spaces were full. Everyone gathered around Jack’s trunk to pick up their things to take to the field. The girls decided to go find a place to settle down so they left the men and walked down to the park.

The men gathered blankets and coolers and got to the east side of the park. Bobby halted at the entrance and skimmed through the poster of listed events for the day. “Hey, looks like they are having a water fight right now.” Not really caring, the men walked down the field to find the girls and their location for the day. When they got to the area where everyone was setting up their things, they skimmed through the park. The stage for the Talent Show was already set up and decorated in its best 4th of July decorations. They looked around for the girls and spotted them across the grass, standing in a blank, empty area. They motioned the boys to put their stuff where they stood and to meet them in the back of the park.

They did just that.

As they walked to the back of the park, they discovered where the water fight was held. But it was no small, simple water fight. When the poster mentioned a water fight was going to be held, it wasn’t kidding. A fire hydrant on the curb on the far side of the park was sprouting off water like crazy.

Water was everywhere. Little kids grabbed a hold to cups of all shapes and sizes so they can be a part of this exciting water fight. Dads gripped onto their young ones and soaked them from head to toe. High screams of girls were heard after getting splashed. Out of nowhere water balloons were thrown in the air and landed wherever it was thrown at. The three men stood side by side shocked at the scene they were witnessing. After a few long moments, their dry shirts were soon dripping from water splashed from behind them. Their heads dropped with their arms and shoulders raised in the air. They turned around and found the ones guilty for them getting wet: Sue, Tara, and Lucy - each holding a small bucket. Myles, Bobby, and Jack immediately changed their expressions to grinning and revenge. The girls squealed and took off running across the park.

Ya, a lot of things can happen in a park...

Here is the next chapter!




Chapter 5

Bobby grabbed the closest and biggest bucket he could find and ran over to the fire hydrant. He held onto the bucket with all his strength because the water’s force was stronger. With the bucket almost full, he eyed for one of the girls. Where are they? He gripped onto the bucket a little tighter. He had to be prepared for anything anytime.

A faint scream became louder and louder from behind him. He spun around and saw Lucy up close with the same bucket she has previously before. Without thinking, Bobby splashed the water on Lucy and she did likewise. It was a draw.

Bobby and Lucy grabbed their stomachs that ached from laughter. Slowly they got closer so they were an arm length away.

“Had enough water yet?”

Bobby looked around himself to find any dry spots. He couldn’t find any. “Yep.”

“Want to call it truce?” Lucy let out her hand.

Bobby looked at her hand then back at her, “Sure.” He brought out his hand and shook her hand. Still smiling and dripping, the two of them left the scene to set up their things on the east side of the park.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +


“I’ll get you!”

Myles ran like no other and tackled Tara down to the ground. Startled, Tara took a moment and slowly rose to her knees. That was the perfect position for Myles. He hurried and picked up Tara over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. He tried not to loose grip of her vigorous movement and rushed to the fire hydrant.

“What are you doing?” Tara tried to squirm out from Myles’s shoulder, but she was laughing too hard.

“Getting what you deserve!”

“No!” She knew what he is going to do. “Myles please, no!”

It was too late. He carefully but quickly put Tara down right on the water where it was shooting out from the fire hydrant. Tara’s screech was so high that no piano has that high note on the keyboard. Tara rolled herself away from the water and stepped onto her feet.

Myles looked straight at Tara. “And THAT is why you don’t mess with the Lelands!”

He proudly walked the other way. His shoes lost grip of the wet grass so he fell back on the wet ground.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

With no hearing to depend on, Sue kept running as fast as her legs will allow. Her pace slowed when she saw something yellow on the ground: a healthy water balloon. She stopped and picked it up and clamped both of her hands on it for protection. Suspiciously, she shot her eyes around for any guys that were after her. She waited… but there was no one around. Disappointed, she released the balloon into her right hand and headed back to the fire hydrant.

Soon she was startled to find that the balloon in her hand had gone over to Jack’s hand in front of her.

“There you are! Give me back my water balloon.” She held out her hand signaling him to give it to her.

Jack looked in her hand and shook his head. “No.”

Sue stepped forward trying to get the balloon but Jack stepped back, putting the balloon behind his back supporting it with both of his hands. Sue smiled and scoffed. “Come on Jack. You can get another one.”

“I don’t want another one. I want this one. Besides, how do I know that you won’t throw this balloon to me if I get another one?”

“I won’t.” Sue lunged forward but Jack stepped back.

“I don’t trust you.”

Sue pierced her lips to the side of her mouth and quickly grabbed a hold of Jack’s right arm. Jack tried to pull away but she grabbed his left arm. Jack still had the balloon behind his back.

Without thinking, Sue slid her arms through his arms and had her hands on top of his hands. They wrestled with one another for the need of the water balloon. Laughter and smiles were shared then the wrestling came to a stop. She looked in his eyes and he did the same. Their faces were only a few inches apart. Sue realized what she was doing. Her arms were through his practically hugging him. Thinking that Jack was probably uncomfortable for her to be that close to him, she backed away.

“Sorry.”

Jack can see her embarrassment. He brought his hands in front of him holding yellow pieces of material. “You popped my balloon.”

Relieved, Sue smiled. With a few more seconds of awkward silence and glances, they finally moved their feet to go find the rest of the group.

Well, I have this story already typed up and finished so I am planning on doing quick postings. But not too quick!

Hope you like this next chapter.



Chapter 6

Walking side-by-side, Jack and Sue traveled across the green, wet patch of grass to the other side of the park where it was dry and all set up with blankets and lawn chairs. They found the rest of the group started getting their stuff up and ready.

“What took you guys so long to get here? You aren’t even that wet compare to us!” Bobby pointed out. Jack and Sue just smiled and didn’t bother responding back to him.

Each individual did their part in setting up the area they claimed. After a while or so, Tara, Lucy, Sue, and Myles left to get ready for the Talent Show, which left Jack and Bobby to do the rest.

By the time the two soul mates had the lawn chairs laid out, coolers filled with ice and food, and blankets laid out, the park started to get crowded and noisy. But the noise didn’t bother Jack. He simply rested himself on the long lawn chair that reached from his head to toe.

Bobby came by and plopped himself next to Jack on the blanket. “How are you mate?”

Jack turned his head towards his Australian friend. “Why does that question always have to be a conversation starter?”

Bobby shrugged his shoulders and reached for a can of root beer. “I don’t know. Guess there is nothing better to say.”

“Do you have something better to say?”

The pop can opened and frizzled. “Mmm… nope!”

Jack grinned and steered his head forward. The Talent Show was going to start.

+ + + + + + + + + + +
Chapter 7

“Ladies and Gentlemen may I have your attention please?” Myles, dressed in this red, white and blue suit that stood out from everyone else, paused for a moment for everyone to settle down. “Welcome to the 4th of July celebration where we celebrate the 229th birthday of our dear country.”

Applauses and hoots were heard.

“For years, citizens would celebrate the birth of our country by singing, dancing, and fireworks which will be shown and done here tonight. So may I like to introduce the Washington D.C. Talent Show!”

Myles stepped aside while the curtain opened to the first performer who sang the National Anthem to get the Talent Show started. The crowd rose to their feet and put their right hand over their heart to show respect for the singer and the country.

“… And the home…. of the… BRAVE.”

Roaring shouts and applauses flooded the park. The singer smiled and walked backstage just before the next performer came up.

Ten girls in red, white, and blue shiny costumes took the stage. When music was sounded, the girls danced their whole heart out. Leaps, turns, and smiles shocked the crowd. When the music ended, the dancers left the stage like professionals.

Myles stepped up to the microphone. “Wow! Those girls have some neat talent! Great job! Now we will hear from three-year-old Eli who will be reciting a part of the Declaration of Independence.

Girls awed when Eli walked on stage with his loose overalls and blue hat. Individuals surrounding him were helping him come up to the front of the stage. When the microphone was handed to him, he pressed his lips against it and spoke as loud as possible in it which made the audience plug their ears.

“WE HOLD THESE TOOTHS TO BE SELF-ELEPHANT THAT ALL MEN ARE CREWAITED EQUAL. THAT THEY ARE DOWED BY THEIR BROTHER WITH… CERTAIN ALIEN RIGHTS… that…a MOM THESE ARE WIFE, WIBERTY, and… happiness.”

Tears of laughter escaped from everyone who was drawn by three-year-old Eli. Myles came up again, chuckling, and retrieved the microphone. “Aren’t little kids cute. Next we will hear from, and see, from the most beautiful women in Washington D.C. Give it up for Sue, Tara, and Lucy!”

The girls came on stage in a line. They all wore unison white t-shirts and jeans. Tara and Lucy took stage right while Sue took stage left. When instrumental music was played, the audience calmed down a bit. Soon, the whole park was filled with Tara and Lucy’s voice singing “America the Beautiful.” Sue, on the other hand, filled the park with her hands moving in the air. All eyes were drawn to her, especially Jack.

Sign Language… what a beautiful language! Beautiful just like you, Sue. You have so many talents to attract a guy… a guy like me. You go through life without hearing what is out there everyday. I don’t know how you can do it, Sue.

Jack’s eyes are getting heavy. Sue… And he fell asleep.

Hi guys,

Here is the next chapter. It's a little short but...



Chapter 8

After a few more numbers of the Talent Show have been performed, Bobby left his sleeping friend to cruise around the area.

Bobby found himself surrounded by street sales people. Different kinds of flags, desserts, t-shirts and more were being held up for advertisement. Uninterested, he tried to not make any eye-contact with the sales people or he will find himself almost buying the product.

“Pens! Get your pens here!”

Bobby’s ears perked up like a dog when its name gets called. Immediately he was drawn to a table where pens were mounted all over. He scuba-dived into the pile until he finally saw what he wanted to see. He held up a box of Loony Tunes pens. I can give these pens to Tara and my debt will be repaid! Bobby paid the sales person and went on a hunt to find Tara.

Bobby headed to the assigned spot on the park. He soon found Tara organizing the area around her by throwing away trash and aligned the lawn chairs. Bobby came up behind Tara and called her by name.

Tara turned around and saw Bobby’s classic smirk. “Yeah?” Bobby got out the pens from his pocket which made Tara gasp.

“I owe you pens, remember?” He handed her the pens.

Tara glanced down and found Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Road Runner, and the Tasmanian Devil pen. Her smile grew and looked back at Bobby. “I’ll never say the word ‘pen’ again, deal?”

Bobby let out his adorable laugh. “Deal.”

Tara looked at the pens again. “ I want to use them but there is no paper…” She glanced around and saw Jack asleep on the lawn chair. “But why use paper? It’ll be a waste.”

Bobby looked over his right shoulder and saw Jack sleeping and turned back to Tara, grinning. Tara handed him a pen and went to work.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

Thanks Tiffany.


Here is the next chapter...



Chapter 9

A soccer ball flew in the air and landed on the sleeping man on the lawn chair which, of course, woke him up. A ten-year-old boy ran up to him and picked up his soccer ball. He looked at Jack who has drawings of an American flag, fireworks, and different designs on his face. He apologized to him and left in a hurry. Jack got up and placed his feet on the ground. He felt something between his feet and discovered Looney Tunes pens were there. Who’s are they and where did they come from?

Figuring someone would claim them later, he stood up and stretched. How long have I been sleeping? He looked at his watch and found it was 7:15. He scanned around the area for anyone from the group. All of a sudden he felt someone tackle him from behind and saw that it was Davey. He moaned and rubbed his sunburned arms. “I knew I shouldn’t sleep in the sun. How are you Davey! Where is the rest of the family?”

Davey pointed to the backside of the park and found D. and his family nearing them. By the time they arrived, Jack greeted each of the family members.

“Where is the rest of the group?” D. asked.

“I don’t know. I was sleeping. I guess they are around here somewhere.”

Donna observed his face. “Seems like you had quite the day today.”

He nodded. “Yeah we have.” Jack looked down at Davey. “Oh Davey, how was your essay presentation?”

“Fine I guess…”

“It was excellent Davey. We are very proud of you.” Donna interrupted him with encouraging words.

Bobby finally showed up. “Hey Sparky, how was your sleep?” Bobby grinned as he looked at his and Tara’s masterwork on his face.

“Let’s just say I’m going to be wide awake for the fireworks tonight.”

Tanya approached Bobby. “Remember last time? You owe me a game of cards.” Tanya held out a deck of cards.

“And this time I’m going to beat you Sheila.”

Bobby and Tanya found a place on the blanket and got the game started. Donna and D. rested themselves on the lawn chairs next to each other. Davey approached D. “Dad, I need to go the bathroom.”

“I’m already standing, I’ll take him.”

Jack took Davey’s hand and scurried to the back part of the park where the public bathrooms were at. Davey went in the bathroom while Jack leaned against one of the trees to wait. He glanced at the scene around the Washington Monument. The sun was peaking over the tips of the hills in the west before setting down to darkness. The trees and buildings had a bright, orange glow on them that shimmered. The people around him were just settling down before the fireworks start to begin in a few minutes.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

The three girls with KFC drinks and food in the bag finally arrived and joined the rest of the group. They pulled out food from the bag and handed everyone paper plates.

“Righto, food!” Bobby was the first to claim the grub.

“Hi D.! Nice to see you and your family here.” Lucy beamed as she and Tara sat down besides Donna.

“Yeah, glad we could make it too.”

Tara asked Donna. “Oh, how did Davey’s presentation go?”

Donna turned to the two girls. “It went fine. Davey is a little upset because he stumbled on a few words and had stage freight but I thought it went well.”

“Oh that isn‘t so bad.”

The girls continued chatting but Sue was still standing. She took a moment and absorbed the scene around her into her. She loved how everyone came together to spend a wonderful holiday together. The weather was nice; not too hot, not too cold. The wind barely blew. It was perfect.

She glanced around some more and in the far back of the park she spotted Jack leaning against a tree. Deciding that he should come join the rest of the group and eat before the fireworks begin, she headed towards him.

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

I'm glad you guys are liking this so far. And yes Tiffany, that made sense.

Here is the latest; the moment you all have been waiting for...



Chapter 10

Jack looked back to see if Davey came out. “Hi Jack.” He turned his head around to find Sue standing next to him.

“Oh hi.” Jack put his hands in his pockets.

“Are you going to watch the fireworks?”

Jack looked behind him again. “Yeah, I’m just waiting for Davey to get out of the bathroom.”

“Oh.” She nodded.

He shrugged his shoulders. “Yeah well… Oh I wanted to tell you that you did a great job in the Talent Show earlier.”

“Thanks. It’s not like I’ve never signed in front of people before.” Sue observed Jack’s face. “When did you decorate your face?”

“What?”

Sue pointed to certain spots on his face while she spoke. “There is an American flag here… and fireworks, I think, right here, and everything else… I don’t know.”

Jack was SO confused. He brushed his cheek with his right hand and looked down on it. There were mixes of red, purple, and blue ink on his hand. “Great. I got colored on. Thank you Bobby and Tara.” He shook his head in grief.

“Actually you look pretty normal from what I’ve seen today.” Sue gave him a joking yet charming smile which calmed him down a little bit.

“Thanks.” Now with ink all over his hands, he sat down against the tree and tried to wipe off the ink on the damp grass. Sue sat down next to him. “You know… you just happening to show up by this tree where I took Davey to the bathroom… some might call that a ‘chance encounter'.” Jack grinned as he spoke.

Sue felt defeated. “Very funny. I just came here because I thought you didn’t want to watch the fireworks so I came to get you. I didn’t know Davey was with you.”

“I‘m back!”

Davey tackled Jack but he grabbed him before he let Jack fall on the ground.

“Great! Now you can go back to your dad.”

Davey got up from Jack and rushed across the field and finally found the group.

“Hi Davey. Nice to see you again!” Lucy mentioned as Davey sat down on the lawn chair Jack was just on.

“Where is Jack?” Tara asked Davey.

“He is with Sue back there.”

Tara leaned closer to Donna. “Bobby and I had a little bit of fun this afternoon. Jack was sleeping on this chair so he and I colored his face with these pens!”

Tara brought out the Looney Tunes pens besides the lawn chair and showed them to Donna. “I don’t think he knows yet…”

“That’s the best part!” Lucy snickered.

Myles came to the microphone. “It is so very nice to see all of you here tonight at the Washington Monument. Just as we are finishing up the day today, let us not forget how very special the holiday is we are now celebrating. Now… let the fireworks begin!”

+ + + + + + + + + + + +
Jack and Sue eyed Davey as he ran down the field until he was with his dad. Jack continued rubbing his face. “Gosh, does this ink ever come off?”

Sue reached into her pocket and pulled out several moist towelettes. “Here are some towelettes.” She handed him a few.

He looked confused as he opened one. “Do you randomly carry towelettes with you everywhere?”

She chuckled at his remark. “No, I got some from KFC.”

He vigorously rubbed hard all over his face until he felt like it was all rubbed off. He stopped the rubbing and turned his face to Sue. “Is it all off?”

Traces of ink were still around the edges of his face, eyes, and nose. Sue opened a fresh towelette. “No. Here, let me help you.”

Myles’s voice could be heard in the distance. “Let the fireworks begin!”

Sue gently held his face in her left hand while she rubbed off the remaining ink off his face. First the forehead, then his eyebrows, then his eyes, then his mouth. No one said a word during it. When she was finished Jack whispered, “Thank you.”

Although Sue couldn’t hear his voice become quiet, she could tell by his eyes and the way he said it. Neither of them was afraid to look away from this heart-beating moment. And then…

I have a little twist going on, so I hope you like it.



Chapter 11

Streams of colorful lights flashed in the sky. After each boom and a crackle, it was followed by ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs.’ Everyone seemed to have their eyes glued to the night sky except Lucy who was focusing on her camera. With no light to see, she laid her camera on her lap and turned to Tara.

“Tara.”

Tara’s smiling face turned to Lucy and leaned closer to hear her over the loud fireworks.

“Do you want to go to the car with me? My batteries are running low and I need to get more or my camera is not going to last.”

“Sure.” Both Lucy and Tara stood up from the ground and tried not to disturb others around them from the show. Bobby eyed the girls until they nearly passed him. “Why is it that girls always go in packs, whether it is to the bathroom or in this case, to the car?”

Lucy and Tara grinned for they don’t know why girls do it either. It is just a girl thing.

Quietly the two girls dodged out of everyone’s way to get to the back side of the park. Lucy kept alert to her surroundings. She kept down low and finally arrived on the opened area of grass. A huge flash of white light lit the whole area which she was able to see what was in front of her twenty feet away. She stood shocked and amazed. Tara was amused at the fireworks above her that she ended up bumping into Lucy in front of her.

“Something wrong?”

Lucy pointed to a tree. “Look there.”

Tara looked hard but it was until the next flash of light exploded from the sky she was able to see what Lucy meant. Her eyes widened. “Oh my. It‘s like a…” She tried to find the right words. “… a different set of fireworks.”

Lucy looked down at her camera then back up at Tara. “Should I?”

“Be my guest.” Innocently, Tara shrugged her shoulders and stepped aside for Lucy to quickly get a picture of something they thought they’d never see in a lifetime.

FLASH.

You asked for what you want and now you are going to get it.

Note: This is the last chapter. Sorry if it sounds rushed or unfluent but I tried to do the best I could. I twisted it, again, and I hope you guys like it.

Thanks for the reviews. I enjoyed writing this story and I enjoyed your reviews.

The last chapter...



Chapter 12

A few minutes into the fireworks, Jack and Sue returned to the group. Not long afterwards, Tara and Lucy arrived with thier secret smiles and new batteries in their camera. The fireworks continued its screeching and wonderful sky patterns. This kept going until the big finale at the end when every single firework has been lit that made the night sky become bright as day.

After the big applauses from those who enjoyed the eventful day, Lucy shouted, “Back to the apartment!”

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

Although it was 11:00 at night, everyone was wide awake. D.’s family went back home to prepare the kids for school the next day. Everyone else made themselves comfortable in the living room in Lucy and Sue’s apartment while Lucy installed her camera into her computer. The pictures were set to automatic transitions for ten seconds and will be shown on the white wall in front of them.

“Ready guys?”

The lights dimmed but stayed bright enough for Sue to pick out conversations. Lucy started the slide show.

[Group picture of the team in front of the White House.]

Laughter let out.

[Several pictures shown from inside the White House.]

“Nice smile there Bobby!” Myles teased from across the room.

“I’ll take that as a compliment!”

[More pictures are shown. The one with Jack and Sue at Jefferson Memorial appear.]

Tara and Lucy sighed and awed out loud. Jack rolled his eyes and Sue shyly smiled.

[A few more pictures are shown and one with Bobby and Tara running near the Lincoln Memorial columns appear.]

Giggles were shared. Tara pointed out, “And how many columns were there?”

“Thirty-six!” Bobby chuckled at the memory.

[Several pictures are pass and then the water fight is shown.]

Myles sighed and leaned back against the couch. “And those were the times, wasn’t it Tara?”

Tara shot back at him. “For you it was until you slid and fell on the ground!”

Myles was silent.

[Pictures of Myles being the announcer.]

Sue shouted, “Go Myles!”

Myles turned to Sue. “Thank you Sue. The only one considerate here in this room.”

Everyone else shook their head.

[Several slides later it goes to Tara and Bobby decorating Jack’s face while he was sleeping.]

“Well looks like I found the ones guilty for my colorful face!”

Jack glared at Bobby and Tara while they hi-fived each other.

[A picture of Dimitrius’s family appears. One picture shows Davey’s full smiling face, Donna and D. sitting on the lawn chairs, and Tanya playing cards with Bobby.]

Bobby shouts “Cheers for D.’s family!”

Every cheered.

[An unfamiliar picture appears.]

Confused looks were given.

“What picture is that?" Myles announced.

Tara and Lucy immediately gasped and held their breath. Lucy's heart felt like it was pierced with a thousand needles, forgetting to delete the picture when she came home.

Bobby raised his body when he realized he knew what he saw. “Wait… is that… Jack and Sue… kissing?”

We’re dead, Lucy and Tara thought.

Jack and Sue did a double-take at the picture. Their faces turned a deep, cherry red from embarrassment.

Myles couldn’t help but notice this all happening. “So it WAS you guys kissing?"

Jack couldn’t find a way out of this. He lowered his voice and covered his mouth with his hand. “Yes.”

Bobby leaned closer to Jack with a smirk on his face. “Was was that?”

Jack looked at Sue. They were both in the same boat of pure embarrassment. He raised his voice. “Yes! I did kiss Sue! There, you satisfied?”

“Yes, very much.”

[The slideshow ended.]

Feeling that she owed Sue back big time for all that humiliation, Lucy stopped Bobby and Myles’s teasing and reminded them that it was getting late and they had to go back to work first thing tomorrow morning. It took ten minutes to get Bobby and Myles out of the apartment. Tara threatened to use the “p” word to Bobby if he didn’t leave right then, and that did the trick.

With Bobby and Myles gone, Lucy and Tara lowered their head and apologized to Jack and Sue.

Lucy went first. “Jack, Sue, I’m sorry I took the picture. I mean, it startled me and I wanted to take the picture because I didn’t believe what I was seeing.”

Jack and Sue looked at each other awkwardly then back at them.

Tara was next. “ I know it sounds stupid, but we are really sorry.”

Jack took it cool, “Don’t worry about it.”

“Both Tara and I will owe you big time.”

“It is no big deal Lucy. It’s alright. We all make crazy decisions.” Sue mentioned.

“No, we have to work this out. But… I need to go. We’ll talk about it at work tomorrow.” Tara apologized one more time for their embarrassment, took her purse and left the apartment.

“I need to go too.” Jack added.

“I’ll go with you to your car.” Sue suggested and left with Jack to his car.

Jack got out his keys and put it in the key hole. Sue blurted out before he stepped into his car. “Jack. I’m sorry for not saying anything upstairs. I hated for you to be in the spotlight.”

Jack grinned. “It’s alright. Actually we were both on the spotlight but I understood why you didn’t say anything.”

“Would taking you to dinner tomorrow make that up?”

Jack thought for a moment. “Sure. But aren‘t you going to wash your hair?”

“I will before going to dinner.”

Jack opened his car door. “Then it’s a date!”

Jack got into the car before Sue had a chance to say anything. He pulled out of the curb, waved goodbye to Sue, and took off. Sue stood there shocked. A date… with Jack? Sue stepped to the entrance of her apartment. She smiled. I’m going on a date with Jack! She opened the entrance door and left the scene.

The End!



~Regina

Aw......Such a sweet ending. Aw........

Awww!! That's a great ending!!
I loved the slide show of all the pictures, kind of like a flashback through what happened in your story. And it was a great story! I loved it!!
Great job!!
cm21

I had a grin on my face and now it's even bigger, and it won't come off, Thankew!


Thankew Thankew Thankew

I loved this story from beginning to end. I might not have loved the suspense and pure torture that you mde...LoLx, but I did love the warm and fuzzies!!!


Chocolate:

Thank you guys for your kind words.

Now with this fanfic finished, I'll get back to the fanfic I started with and start posting that!

What a sweet little story! Great job!

That was great! Very realistic and so much fun! That's a fourth of july they will never foget!

gREAT story, loved it som much!

laura

You're darn right you owe them big time!!! Maybe they can pull a Lucy and have a personal servant for a while....

THis was all cute beginning to end....nicely done.

glad they all had fun
aww jack and sue kissed.