Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 15:22:24 +1200
From: Enzed Writer <enzed_writer@hotmail.com>
Subject: A night to remember 3

The following story contains themes, languages and content that is
considered to be adult. If you are not of legal age please be aware of
the actions you are taking and the consequences that could occur for
reading such material. With that said I hope you enjoy the story. "A
night to remember" and "Roam" are both properties of the author
and under international law is bound by copyright. If you have any
queries regarding distribution or republishing this story please
contact me via email enzed_writer@hotmail.com

I'd like to dedicate this story to anyone who had a close
friend but lost contact with them over time. It's never too
late to pick up the phone or send an email.


A night to remember

In late 2002 I started writing a story called Roam. It
was about three friends whose friendship had carried on
from high school to adulthood. It also covers issues that
trouble the character Blair Mclean and to a lesser extent
Victoria (Tor) and Nick.

A night to remember is a short story giving you an
insight to the root of the friendship between Victoria, Nick
and Blair and also a glimpse at the relationship of Blair
and Andrew. Hopefully it will fill in some gaps that may
appear from reading Roam and help you to get to know
the characters a bit better. A night to remember is set in
year 12 or Sixth form back in high school in 1999.

Part Three

Blair

As per usual Nick, Tor and I met at the back of the
science block to walk home. I admit I felt a bit
apprehensive leaving the school grounds but knowing that
the "idiots" were suspended gave me the courage to keep
going. As we all turned the corner we noticed that none of
the goons were there. I audibly sighed in relief. We were
idly chitchatting on the way home when Tor brought up a
point.

"Blair, what happened with you and Andrew today?"

"Yeah, you never did say what he wanted" nick
added.

"Well maybe I didn't say anything because there's
nothing to say." I grinned.

"Oh no you don't mister! I know that smile,
something definitely is going on" Tor raised her eyebrow
expectantly at me. I turned to Nick on my other side and
he too had a raised eyebrow.

"Ok, ok. Well you guys will never believe this.
Andrew asked me to the ball!"

"Oh my god really?" Tor asked.

Nick looked at me like I was an alien. "You can't be
serious Blair. Why would you want to go with him?"

I looked at him annoyed.

"What do you mean? Why wouldn't I want to go with
him?" I said defensively.

"Well how can you go from hating him one minute to
going to a ball the next?" Nick asked incredulously. I could
see where he was coming from.

"Look Nick, if I'm ever going to get on with the guy I
have to bury the hatchet and put whatever has happened
between us in the past. Plus you should have seen how he
was when asking me. He was a nervous wreck and
seemed so sincere."

Nick didn't look too pleased but accepted my way of
thinking. "Okay dude, but Tor and I are still going to be
there, just in case!"

I had to laugh "Of course! I mean we're all still going
together right?"

"Damn straight! But since you've got a date Blair,
looks like Nick's going to be my unofficial date... for public
viewing and even number purposes only of course" she
grinned. Nick rolled his eyes and both Tor and I laughed.

"Have you guys got your outfits sorted yet?" I asked.

Tor grinned. "I have, I'd tell you about it... but it's a
surprise"

"I'm going in a suit, no biggie. I mean the theme is
Mother Nature, what am I going to go as? A tree?"

Tor looked surprised. "Oh bull, there are plenty of
things you can go as!"

"Exactly! Nick this is a themed ball, its not the same
if everyone just turns up in a suit!" I said.

"Well I don't DO costumes okay?" He said sounding
defensive.

"Oh get of your high-horse boy, if you're going to be
my date you are so wearing a costume or at least
something that resembles effort!" Nick sighed audibly. Tor
and I had won this time. Though that thought had got me
thinking, what on earth was Andrew wearing?


***

Andrew

I was pacing around the room thinking to myself.
'4pm? Is it too early to call him now? I mean school only
finished at 3:20. Of course it's too early you idiot! He's
probably doing something with Nick and Tor. '

I sat down and tapped on the arm of the living room
chair. I had the phone in one hand and kept glancing at
the clock. I couldn't believe Blair said yes! But what time
would he want me to call? Maybe I'll call now! I dialled his
number on to the phone and waited.

Ring-ring.

Ring-ring.

Ring-ring.

Ring-ring... CLICK

An adult female voice came over the phone.

"Hi you've reached the McLean residence, we can't
take your call so leave a detailed message after the tone...
bye!"

I sat there not knowing what to say. I was about to
leave a message when dad walked through the door. I
quickly hung up and put the phone down. Dad looked at
me funny.

"What are you up to? You look like you've just stolen
a cookie or something!"

I smiled and shoved my hand in his face. "Blair gave
me his number!" I said excitedly.

"Oh I see," he said grinning. "So why the guilty
look?"

I blushed. "Well I err... He told me to call him but
didn't give a time. What should I do?"

Dad just cracked up laughing. "Oh my god son!
You're acting like a little schoolgirl with a crush. Come to
think of it, I've never seen you fuss over someone
before!" I put my hands on my hips as if to look defiant
but he just laughed even more.

"Now you look like a mother!" he hooted.

"Yeah ha ha ha dad. Blair said yes to going to the
ball and now I'm nervous! I've never been on a date with
a guy before! And what am I going to wear?" Dad just
laughed even more.

"Son, you wear a suit to a Ball. It's going to be okay,
you'll see! And as for calling this friend of yours, perhaps
waiting till around 5pm. You don't want to seem too eager
now do you?"

I sighed and embraced dad in a shoulder hug.
"Thanks dad, you're the greatest" Dad just shrugged it
off.

"So how was school son?" He started making himself
a cup of coffee.

"Oh it was okay. Hey, David and John got
suspended!"

Dad stopped what he was doing and looked at me.
"How did this happen?"

"Well some students saw what happened yesterday
and reported it. I didn't even know until Blair told me
today at lunch"

Dad resumed making his coffee "Son, I think you
may need to be a bit careful"

"What do you mean dad?"

He came and sat down by me with his coffee "These
guys probably weren't expecting to get suspended and
regardless of who's to blame, you and Blair will probably
bare the brunt of it son."

I never really thought of that. Dad was right and
especially with the ball on Saturday, we'd have to be extra
careful. David did say they were planning something.
Damn... things just have to get more complicated.

***

The Ball


Victoria (Tor)

Nick and I arrived before Blair and Andrew. Those
two had rented a limo of their own while Nick and I went
halves on our own stretch limousine. The ball was at the
Duxton hotel opposite the Wellington harbour. The ball
was inside one of the function venues at the top of the
Hotel.

When we arrived there was a small jazz quartet
playing music while ushers were taking people to their
seats. The principal, head boy and head girl were waiting
at the entrance shaking everyone's hand. Nick and I
shuffled quickly through and were ushered to a seat.

The room was decorated to match the Mother Nature
theme. There was a giant painting of a woman with long
flowing hair that was coloured like a river. It was like a
centrepiece and along the room different images were
pasted along the wall in the same vain of Mother Nature
including some traditional Maori mythology pieces. It was
quite spectacular. In front of the centrepiece was a stage
set up for a band while next to the stage was the small
Jazz quartet. There was an area in front of the stage set
up for dancing and the tables were set around it.

I was tugging a little at my outfit when I turned to
Nick "Do I look okay?" I asked. I was wearing a turquoise
coloured dress that had little patterned sequence vines on
it. My hair was tied in to little twists and held together
with vine type hair ties.

"Girl, the room stops in awe of your presence. You
are breath-taking tonight" Nick replied making me blush.
Nick didn't look half bad either. I managed to get mum to
make him a shirt out of the same material my dress was
so we matched quite well. He had a dark black leather
jacket on over the shirt and black slacks.

"I wonder where Blair and Andrew are?" I asked.

"They shouldn't be long. They left shortly after we
did."

We didn't have to wait long for their arrival. The
room seemed to stop on seeing two guys walking in
together side by side.

Andrew wasn't dressed in the spirit of Mother Nature
but he wasn't dressed horribly either. He was wearing a
dark black suit with a grey tie and had his usually moppy
hair swept back. He oozed sex appeal but there was
something about him that didn't quite register with me.

Blair was a totally different story. He was wearing a
short sleaved button up shirt with a collar with a nature
scene printed on the material. It was a picture of a
waterfall but it looked like it was woven rather than
printed. His hair was also coloured a dark blue and I think
he was wearing deep blue contacts. His pants were black
silk looking which seemed to glow and he was wearing a
pair of boots. He also had a rather stylish dark green see-
through PVC jacket which seemed to round off his outfit
well.

Blair looked across the room and noticed us. He
pulled Andrew over by the arm and sat down.

"Girl you are looking hot! And you two Nick. If I
didn't know any better I'd say you actually look like a
couple!" Blair gushed.

"Hehe thanks B but you aren't exactly lacking either.
Damn boy your outfit looks hot. And your suit looks great
Andrew." Andrew nodded but Blair grinned.

I was getting this weird Vibe from Andrew though,
something I couldn't quite fathom. I looked at Nick to see
what he thought and he seemed to nod in agreement. I
took another glance around the room and noticed
someone staring at us. I looked closer and realised it was
John hanging on to some bimbo! He wasn't alone either;
David was also there with a slag of his own while the
goons were all sitting around the table. What the hell was
he doing here? This wasn't good at all. I didn't want to
alert Blair just yet but something was afoot tonight and I
was determined to find out!

I was mentally trying to get Nick's attention but he
was chatting away. I kicked his foot under the table and
he sharply looked in my direction. Using my eyes I
gestured towards where John and David were. It took him
a second to catch on but Nick turned and noticed too. He
visibly frowned but looked at me as if to say "not now".
Blair and Andrew were busy chatting away but Andrew
seemed to glance sideways every now and then keeping
an eye on John's group.

The Jazz band stopped playing and the Head girl was
standing in front of the stage with a microphone.

"Hey guys how's everyone doing tonight?"

Everyone cheered loudly in reply.

"Well from the sound of it thing's are going fantastic!
Coz you sure as hell look it!"

That brought another round of applause from
everyone.

"First of all I'd like to welcome you all to the Hutt
Valley High annual end of year Ball. We've got some
awards to give away tonight but that will be after dinner."

A person crudely called out "Are you desert?" causing
a wave of laughter.

"Honey, If your momma taught you manners you'd
know that is no way to talk to a lady" she replied which
resulted in a few catcalls and laughs.

"But I'd like you to give a round of applause to 'a
taste of jazz' who have been providing us with the
wonderful jazz arrangements tonight" Everyone clapped
and the group bowed graciously.

"But now its time to really get this party going. We're
going to have a bit of a boogie for the next hour then we
will break for dinner. Then after that we'll present some
awards and then the floor will be open until midnight. How
does that sound?" Everyone clapped in appreciation.

"Great, well as you know tonight we have a fantastic
live band. They've been together for a while now and have
built quite a reputation here in Wellington. So please, put
your hands together for the PHAT KATS!"

Everyone clapped as the band all appeared on stage.
There must have been over eight people on stage and two
of them were vocalists. They started off with that Cher
song Believe. It sounded a bit weird with a live band but it
was a good dance opener.

"Would you like to dance my dear?" Nick asked in a
sarcastic tone.

"How can I refuse such a tempting offer?" I grinned.

"Excuse us Andrew and Blair, I have an appointment
to attend to," I said as Nick took my hand and lead me to
the dance floor. Nick and I started bumping and grinding
back and forth, laughing and joking about.

"I saw John and his crew back there," He shouted
over the music.

"I know! What the hell is he doing here?" I replied.
Nick just shrugged.

"We've got to keep an eye on them, did you see how
he was looking at us while we were at the table?" It was a
bit tedious having to shout over the music but I'd rather
we had this conversation without having to worry Blair
about it.

"Yeah I know! They're definitely up to something.
Don't worry I'll keep an eye on them If I see something
suspicious I'll let you know" Nick shouted. I nodded in
agreement and kept dancing. The song finished and faded
in to one of Britney Spears' songs. Nick and I kept
dancing. After a few songs had passed I noticed my heel
was a bit sore so I gestured to Nick to sit this one out.
When we returned to the table there was only Blair there.

"Where's Andrew gone?" Nick asked.

"He's just popped out to the loo" Blair replied. He
seemed to be drumming his hand against the table to the
music.

"Their pretty good, don't you think?" Blair asked. I
nodded while Nick seemed to be tapping me with his shoe
I looked at him and he rolled his eyes towards John's
group. I looked and noticed that He and David weren't
there. I looked at the dance floor and noticed they weren't
there either. I gave Nick a worried look and he seemed to
catch on.

"I'll be back guys, I've got to go to the loo!" Nick said
as he got up.

"Cool, tell that Andrew to hurry up! I want to dance!"
Blair said.

"Come on then, come dance with me while we're
waiting for him!" Blair smiled and took my hand as we
made our way to the dance floor.


***

Nick

I walked out to the foyer of the function room but
neither David, John or Andrew was in sight. I saw a few
people from school and nodded while heading for the
toilets. I opened the door slightly and could hear voices
talking. I couldn't see who they were though as they were
talking around the corner of the stalls. I slipped discreetly
in to one of the cubicles without being seen and shut the
door. I listened closely and could tell that there were 3
guys there. Under closer eavesdropping I could make out
without a doubt that one of the voices was Andrew. The
other two must have been David and John. What the hell
was going on? I listened in to their conversation.

"Dude what the fuck is up with you and that fag?"
Said a voice that sounded like John.

"Yeah man, I never knew you were a fucking fairy!"
the other voice said. That must have been David.

"Fuck up dude I ain't a fairy!" I heard Andrew snap.
"Besides, don't you know that faggots give the best
head?"

"Dude that's whack, you can't be serious!" David said
sounding a bit sceptical.

"It's true dude. Guys give the best head. Think about
it, it takes a guy to know how to please one and Blair
seems hot for it!"

"So your not a fag?" David asked.

"Fuck no, and getting some head from another guy
don't make you a fairy either!"

"So what your saying is your getting close to him so
you can have your personal cock sucker?" John asked.

"Damn straight! And if you guys lay low and stop
hassling him I'll seal the deal and once I gain his trust I'd
be more than happy to share the love around."

What the fuck? I knew that Andrew was a shady guy.

"Wait a minute, you seriously think you could get
Blair to agree to that?" David asked.

"Have you seen the way that pansy looks at me?
He's crazy for me and will do anything I ask for as long as
I feed him some of this!" Andrew replied. I felt sick. This
guy was a total two-faced asshole!

"So what your saying is if we back off, you'll let us in
on some of the action?" John asked.

"Sure man, what are friends for?" Andrew replied.

"Then what was with you punching me outside of
school man. That's not exactly kosher!"

"All part of the act dude! Just back off otherwise
everything will be fucked. I promise! After tonight Blair
will be my personal bitch and will do anything I ask him
to."

The other two seemed to pause for a second then
spoke.
"Sweet dude, we'll play along... as long as you keep
your end of the bargain! I could go for some lip service if
it's as good as you say" I heard David say.

"Sure thing and trust me it will be worth it." Andrew
replied. I heard them all laugh and congratulate Andrew.

"Catch you later man!" Andrew called out as I heard
footsteps and the men's room door shut. I decided to
make myself known and opened the cubicle door. Andrew
turned around shocked as he noticed em there. I was
fuming and must as looked as angry as I felt.

"Nick dude, I can explain everything!" he said
holding his hands up.

I shoved him against the wall "Shut the Fuck up!"

I grabbed his shirt and held him against the wall
forcefully "What the hell was that about huh? You know
Andrew I don't know you very well and I never trusted
your sorry ass from the start so you better have a good
explanation as to why I shouldn't kick it!"

"Okay! Just let me go man!" I reluctantly let go of his
shirt as he recoiled against the wall.

"I came to the bathroom and those two followed me.
They were asking me why I brought Blair and were
threatening me man and I told them to back off!"

"Do I have stupid written on my forehead? You were
preparing to pimp off Blair to your dimwit friends there.
Shit you must have some screws loose in that damn head
of yours!"

The colour from Andrew's face seemed to drain. "It
was all a lie dude to get him to back off, I wouldn't think
of" before he could finish I backhanded and his face
smacked against the wall.

"That's right bitch you didn't think! You've got a sick
mind if you think I'm going to believe that was for the
greater good you fool! I know what I heard and I'm telling
you now, if you even try anything on Blair like that and I
will break your face!"

"I don't know what you mean!" Andrew replied
dumbly.

"Wrong answer!" I shouted as I shoved him against
the wall again. "Look, my best friend LIKES you. And
considering I don't know you well, I'm going to give you
the benefit of the doubt. But let me warn you, I'm giving
you notice Barclay." I lifted him by the shirt and shoved
him against the wall and got right in his face "If I hear
something is up, one hint that something's off, even if you
breath incorrectly or if your stupid hair is parted wrong
and I will come down on you like a ton of bricks, you got
that shit head?"

He swallowed and nodded.

"No one fucks with my friends Andrew, not John, not
David and definitely not you, got it?"

"Yeah I got it." He said breathing a sigh of relief as I
let him go "But can't you see where I'm coming from! I
couldn't do something like that to Blair, I really do like
them and shit, they promised to back off!" He said
defensively.

I thrust my finger in to the middle of his chest "In
some kind of sick way I can see where you're coming from
but you just don't do that Andrew. You don't go pimping
your prospective boyfriends even if it's to save his ass.
I'm giving you a chance to make it right. You better be
the model Freulein Maria from now on, or else"

Andrew nodded.

"Don't make me regret my decision Andrew! And sort
yourself out you look like shit. Your date wants to dance
with you." I didn't even bother to look at him and
slammed the men's room door as I walked out.


***

Blair

Tor and I had been dancing away to Boom Boom
Boom Boom by The Vengaboys when someone tapped me
on the shoulder. I turned and saw that it was Nick.

"Did you find him?" I shouted over the music.

"Yeah he's coming shortly, he was having problems...
you know... runs" He replied.

Nick joined in with Tor and I and we danced as a
Trio. I couldn't help laughing seeing other people attempt
to dance. Especially the teachers! They had some kind of
geriatric running-man going on which was entertaining yet
disturbing. While we were dancing Andrew appeared and
he joined in. His face seemed to be flushed but that must
have been from the runs. Andrew started to move
rhythmically to the fast beat of the song and was doing
pretty good!

"Hey I never knew you could dance!" I shouted.

"Yeah I'm just like John Travolta! I'll put my black
shoes and flairs and do the hustle if you like?" He shouted
back. The song faded out in to a slow song but I didn't
exactly feel comfortable slow dancing with another guy.

"Can we sit this one out?" I asked. I may be out at
the ball with a guy but these people would definitely be
irked with me slow dancing with Blair.

"Sure how about we go get some photos? There's a
photographer in the foyer!" Andrew said.

"Sure thing lets go!" I replied. I told Nick what we
were doing and they decided to keep dancing.

"Did I tell you Blair that you look beautiful tonight?"
Andrew said as we made our way to the photographer. His
comment made me blush. I gave him a quizzical look.

"Its true Blair, you look great!" He said honestly.

"Well gee, thanks." I replied. The photographer was
a young woman who seemed very nice.

"Oh my gosh are you two a couple?" She asked
smiling. I was about to reply but Andrew interrupted me.

"Yes, we are!" I gave Andrew a questioning look but
he just smiled. He wrapped his arms around my waist and
pulled me close.

"Aw aren't you two just adorable, now smile!" We
both smiled and she started clicking away. I noticed a few
people looking at us but Andrew didn't seem to mind at
all.

"Ok we're done here guys." She said as she fiddled
around with her camera. As we both walked away she
stopped us.

"I think what you two are doing is so brave, good on
you guys!"

"Thankyou, that means a lot!" I replied. That
comment made me feel warm inside and a bit more
spirited.

"That's okay, we got to look out for our family and
I'm glad you two are representing," She winked while
holding my hand. I smiled and walked away with Andrew
in tow.

"Andrew do you know what she meant by family?"

"Hehe yeah, it mean's she's gay too!" He chuckled.

"Really?" I asked and Andrew nodded.

I had never heard that term before but it sounded
quite apt.

***

Andrew

I kept going over what happened with David and
John in my head. I mean surely it was to protect Blair
right? I would never do something like that to him
purposely. I'd never lay a hand on him.

As Blair and I entered the ballroom Nick and Tor
were at our table waiting for us.  From the nasty glare
that Tor gave me, I gathered Nick had told her what had
happened. With all the tension that was buzzing around
the three of us Blair seemed quite blind to the fact that
something was amiss and I don't even think he noticed
that John and David were at the ball unless he was
purposely ignoring them.

Nick wasn't looking at me directly. He seemed to
have a slight scowl on his face.

"They've started queuing for dinner now, Blair why
don't we go get some food for us and our dates" Nick
asked.

"Uh sure, be right back Andrew" Blair replied and
they both got up and queued. Tor remained silent but
kept looking at me. She was beginning to creep me out a
little.

"What?" I asked.

"You bastard!" She hissed. "Nick told me all about
your little speech before. I'm not impressed"

"But I didn't mean any of it! How else was I
supposed to get them to back away? It was the first thing
that popped in to my mind! I mean they followed me!"

"Look... YOU! I thought you liked Blair!" she snapped.

"I do like him!"

"Well you've sure got a funny way of showing it. You
have to tell him what happened."

"What! He'll hate me for sure!"

"Well that's not my fault Andrew is it? You should
have thought about the repercussions before you opened
your stupid mouth. What if John and David start spreading
the word huh?"

I didn't say anything because I had nothing to say. I
never really thought that part out. Oh shit I really fucked
up.

"You either tell him, or I will!" Tor said angrily.

"You can't do that!"

"Look Andrew the way I see it is you've got to be
open about it. If you're ever going to stand a chance with
him you've got to be honest and if Nick and I can't trust
you to do the right thing then you aren't even worth the
paper you wipe your ass with."

"But..."

"Do it Andrew! Don't you know how much this night
means to him? He's put so much effort in and he's the
happiest I've seen him in a while. If word of what you said
gets around it will crush him and I won't stand for that.
You've got the rest of tonight otherwise I'll tell him first
thing tomorrow!"

I was going to say something but Nick and Blair had
returned.

"I didn't know what you would want so I got you a
bit of everything!" Blair smiled as he handed me the plate.
Tor was right, this is the happiest I've ever seen him.

Good going dick head, now what are you going to
do?

***



To be concluded in part 4






Hey there people! Sorry that it's a bit delayed but better
late than never right? I know that I told some of you this
was only going to be a 3 part series but there was just too
much going on in this part for it to be all contained in one
episode.

Some of you are probably going to be angry at what's
happened regarding Andrew but please bear with me. I
wouldn't intentionally write something to turn all the
readers off. It all connects up in the end.

I love reading email and receiving feedback so let me
know what you think guys! I take the good the bad and
the ugly! enzed_writer@hotmail.com

Until next time!