PRT 362- “Fireworks”

I was sitting in my living room watching an episode of ‘South Park’, when my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Mich? Hey, it’s Rocky.”

“Rocky, hey! What’s up?”

“Do you have any plans for tomorrow?”

“July 4^th? Um, no, not yet. Figured I’d hang on Sunset, but no firm plans.” I said.

“OK, then come hang with me.”

“Oh? What are you doing?”

“A bunch of us are going to the lake. It’ll be a blast. Please, it’ll be so much fun…like the old days.”

I smiled, “Hmm.” I gave it some thought, “A bunch of you? Including Adam…which means Mina too?”

Rocky sighed, “Yes, Adam and Mina will be there…but so will Kat and Jason, Ashley and Andros, as well as myself. Please? You don’t have to talk to Mina, just be in the same place as her.”

I thought a little more, finally I sighed in defeat, “Fine, for you.”

“Great! I’ll see you tomorrow then. We’re meeting up around 6, if you want to come by my place and hang for awhile before you can.”

“OK, I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“OK, talk to you then…Love you.”

I smiled, “I love you too Rocky. Bye.”

“Bye.”

I hung up the phone with a smile. I did love Rock and he was always there for me…which was more than could be said for other people in my life.

Anyway, I had just turned ‘South Park’ back on when my phone rang again.

“For Pete’s sake, can’t a girl watch TV around here?” I mumbled as I answered the phone, “Hello?”

“Hey Mich!” Holly’s cheerful voice said on the other side of the receiver.

“Hol, hey! What’s up?”

“Well, I don’t really want to get you involved in anything prior to the holiday, but I do want to give you a heads up if you don’t already know.”

“A heads up on what?”

“The ‘Palisades High’ reunion.”

I paused before I spoke again, “What reunion?”

“Ah, you don’t watch late night TV do you?”

“Not normally. I know I heard some rumbling about Zack going on a show to promote his new TV show, but I forgot to record it. Why?”

“The host of the show is a huge fan of ‘PH’ and he’s trying to get the cast back together for a reunion.”

“That’s all well and good, but Zack will never agree.”

“He did. On-air.”

I blinked in disbelief.

“Are you there?”

“Yeah, sorry. I’m just surprised. OK, so has everyone else agreed?” I asked.

“Almost. Kelly and Sam haven’t agreed yet…and of course you.”

“Of course. Wait, Zack agreed without Kel?”

“Yes, he’s working on it I guess.”

“Ok, I’m so out of the loop. I outta kill Zack for not telling me this himself.”

“My guess is he was going to and just hasn’t had a chance.”

“Either way. Ok, wow, this is a shock.”

“Are you in?”

“I’m not sure.”

“You need to decide and make a statement. The press is starting a buzz.”

“How on Earth did I miss this?”

“It got lost under the Michael headlines, but it’s starting to resurface. You would have heard about it in the next couple of days I’m sure.”

“OK then. I just want to enjoy my holiday tomorrow. I’ll deal with this on the 5^th.”

“OK, sounds good. Just promise me you won’t make a statement before you tell me your decision. I’d like a chance to prepare myself for whatever the buzz will be.”

“Of course. I’ll let you know before I tell the media.”

“Thanks. Have a good 4^th.”

“You too. Bye.”

“Bye.”

I hung up and sighed. A reunion. Wow. I had been wanting to do one for years but Zachary always declined. Then I said a few months back I would not do a reunion because I never wanted to see Sam again after everything he did, including writing that yet-to-be-released tell-all. But I also knew the fans wanted this and…I could think about this later. I wanted to finish ‘South Park’.

Which is exactly what I did. I finished ‘South Park’ and enjoyed the rest of my night in. The next day I got my bikini and other swimming attire then I went to Angel Grove. I arrived at Rocky’s dojo/apartment (he lived in an apartment above the dojo) and knocked. Rocky let me in.

“Mich, it is SO good to see you.” He said hugging me.

I smiled, “It’s good to see you too.”

“So, you ready to have some fun?”

“Oh yeah. Let me change real quick and we’ll head to the lake.”

“OK.”

I went into his bathroom and put on my purple bikini and then I slipped on some Daisy Duke short shorts over the bottoms. I slipped on my purple flip-flops and put my hair in a pony-tail. I grabbed my beach bag and went into the living room. Rocky was waiting. He had on blue swim trunks and a tank top.

“Oh my god, you look amazing.” Rocky said as he looked at me.

I smiled, “Thanks. Are we ready?”

“Yeah, let’s go.”

We took Rocky’s car to the lake and found a table at the lakeside restaurant we would be eating at. We sat and waited for the others.

“Thanks for coming.” Rocky said while we waited.

“Thanks for inviting me. I forgot how much I missed Angel Grove.” I replied as Jason and Kat walked up.

“Mich! You made it!” Kat said.

“Kat, hey! Yeah, Rocky talked me into it.” I said as I hugged her, then Jason.

“It’s good to see you kid.” Jason said.

“You too.” I replied.

We ordered some sodas and sat there talking until Adam and Mina arrived.

“Hey guys!” Kat said.

“Hey!” Adam replied waving.

Mina looked at me and glared, “Adam, you didn’t tell me she’d be here.”

I rolled my eyes, “I was invited.”

“By who? Oh, of course, your fan club president.”

“Mina, that’s enough. Michelle is all of our friend, not just Rocky’s.” Jason said.

“What I am then, chopped liver?” Mina countered.

“No. You’re a friend too. Now you two don’t have to speak, but you have to deal with being around each other. Michelle agreed to that, you can too.”

“Fine.” Mina said as she sat on the side of the table furthest away from me.

“If this is going to be a problem I can go.” I said.

“Not a chance. You’re staying.” Rocky said.

Mina rolled her eyes, “Martyr Michelle strikes again. Always sacrificing for the greater good…or just to make others look bad.”

“Mina, that’s enough, this isn’t the time.” Adam said.

“Fine. I can ignore her.”

I sighed.

Rocky put his arm around me, “It’s ok. Just ignore her.” He whispered.

I nodded and leaded into him.

“Hey guys, we miss anything?” Andros asked as he and Ashley walked up.

“Not really, just the continued drama of Mina vs. Michelle.” Jason said.

“Guys, you two were so close, why can’t you make up?” Ashley asked.

“Um, Ash, just don’t.” Adam said.

Ashley nodded, “Sorry.”

“So who wants to go in the lake?” Andros asked, changing the subject.

“Sounds good to me.” Jason said.

We all headed for the lake. Everyone jumped in, except Kat and I. I slipped off my shorts and put my feet in, but sat on the edge. Kat sat next to me.

“So, how have you been?” Kat asked.

“Eh, ok I guess. I’ve certainly been better.” I replied.

“I’m so sorry about everything.”

“Thanks. I’m ok…really. I’ve been through a lot lately but I’m coming through it.”

“You’re strong. There’s no doubt about that. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

“Thanks. So how is married life?”

Kat smiled, “Absolutely wonderful. Jason is the best husband a woman could ask for…and we’re so much in love.”

“Katherine Scott. I never expected that. But I have to say, you two do seem like the perfect couple.”

“I’m glad you feel that way. I was a little concerned you’d be upset…given your history.”

I laughed, “Jason and I dated for like a few months of freshman, into sophomore year. Whatever was between us ended years ago. He’s like my big brother…and you’re like my big sister. I’m thrilled for you both.”

“Thanks.”

“I have to say, I’m surprised you fell for Jase. You were so into Tommy for so long.”

Kat laughed, “Yeah, I was wasn’t I? And you know, now, I don’t have any idea why. Don’t get me wrong, I like Tommy as a friend, but he’s so flaky sometimes and kinda self-absorbed.”

“Yeah, he kinda can be.” I said thinking of the problem he’d had with Kim.

“Tommy is a dear friend, but Jason is everything I ever wanted.”

“And you two are such a perfect match.”

Kat nodded, “What about you and Rocky? What’s going on there?”

I smiled, “I’m not sure. Rocky and I have a lot of history and…I’m not sure.”

“Do you still love him?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“I know he still loves you.”

“Yeah, I know that too. But after Hunter and then RJ I’m just not sure I want anything exclusive right now.”

“I can understand that…but Rocky is a good guy and he’s been very loyal to you over the years. If you love him don’t let the chance to be with someone like him pass you by.”

I nodded.

“You girls gonna sit up there all day or are you gonna swim?” Rocky called.

Kat laughed, “I’m coming.” She jumped in the water.

“I’m good, thanks.” I said.

“Come on Mich!” Rocky called.

“No, really. I’m fine. I’m enjoying the view.”

Rocky and Jason swam over and got out of the lake.

“Are you ok?” Jason asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine…really.” I said.

“Why don’t you want to get in?” Rocky asked.

“I will later. I’m just enjoying sitting here and relaxing.”

Rocky and Jason looked at each other and nodded then Rocky grabbed my arms and Jason grabbed my feet.

“Guys! No!” I screamed as I squirmed and tried to get free.

“You ready?” Rocky asked.

“You know it. On 3.” Jason said.

“Guys! Stop! Put me down!” I screamed as I laughed.

“1…2…3!” the guys counted as the swung me up in the air and threw me into the lake.

I screamed as I hit the water. I swam to the surface and both guys were standing on the edge of the lake cracking up.

“Ha, ha. So funny.” I said as the guys jumped back in.

Rocky swam over to me and pulled me into his arms, “I love you.”

I turned my head to the side in mock hurt, “Sure you do.”

“Oh you know I do.” He said as he turned my head towards him and kissed me.

I kissed him back, “OK, I forgive you.”

Rocky laughed, “I thought you might.”

“Who’s up for a game of ‘Chicken Fight’?” Ashley asked.

“Sounds good. We have an even number of players.” Kat said.

“Let’s do it.” Andros said as he put Ashley up on his shoulders. Adam got Mina and Jason got Kat of course. Rocky got me up on his shoulders too.

“OK, let’s take ‘em down Mich.” Rocky said.

“You got it babe.” I replied as the game started.

If you’ve never played ‘Chicken Fight’, the concept is this, one player puts his teammate on his shoulders and then each team goes towards the other and the person on top tries to knock the others off the shoulders of their partner by pushing, pulling, grabbing, or any other means, short of actually hurting.

Rocky and I went for Jason and Kat first. I reached for Kat and grabbed her wrist, but she pulled away, almost pulling me off Rock in the process, but I stayed on. She then tried to push me to the side, but I managed to hold my balance. After a little bit of back and forth I finally got a good push in that knocked her off of Jason…after that we turned and noticed Mina already knocked Ashley off Andros so we were the only ones left in the game.

“Um…maybe we should call a draw?” Kat asked.

“Not a chance.” I said.

“I’m winning this.” Mina echoed.

“Mina, I’m not sure this is a good idea.” Adam said.

“I’m with Adam on this.” Rocky said.

“Adam, we’re winning this.” Mina said, “Now move.”

“You too Rocky, let’s win this.” I said.

“Ok, if you say so.” Rocky said hesitantly.

Adam and Rocky headed towards us and Mina and I started reaching for each other. It was semi-friendly at first…but as it went on it got more and more intense until we were grabbing at each other’s hair and scratching each other. Finally we she pushed me and I grabbed her arm and pushed back, this caused us both to crash into the water, resulting in a tie.

We surfaced and started to swim towards each other to keep the fight going, but Rocky grabbed me and Adam grabbed Mina.

“Stop it, both of you.” Adam said.

Mina and I glared at each other then looked away.

“OK, on that note, how about we go eat?” Andros asked.

“Sounds good to me. I’m starved.” Rock said.

I laughed, “You’re always starved.”

We went back to the table and ordered some food. I was having a blast. Mina and I continued to ignore each other, but that was fine. I really was having a great time. I was just me. No lights, cameras, press, or anyone to impress. I was just me and I was with friends. I remembered now why I’d loved Angel Grove so much when I was in high school. This was home.

After we ate Rocky and I went for a walk by the lake. He held my hand and we watched the sunset as we walked.

“Thanks for coming with me.” He said.

“Thanks for inviting me. I’m having a great time.” I replied.

“July 4^th was always one of the most fun days for us.”

I smiled, “We’ve had some good ones.”

“Remember the summer after sophomore year?”

“Yeah, we were both lifeguards and we spent the 4^th working.”

“Yeah, but we were together and the water was cleared in time for fireworks.”

I smiled, “Yeah, and if I recall we made our own fireworks.”

“Yes we did.”

“And the next summer we…well we were here actually. We had a blast.”

“Michelle, I know you want to take it slow, but I want you to know how much I care about you.”

“Rock, I care about you too…so very much.”

Rocky nodded and hugged me.

We went back to the table and waited for the fireworks. When they started it was a brilliant sight. I always did love firework displays.

After the fireworks ended Rocky and I went back to his apartment. We decided it was better for me to stay there instead of going back to LA so late. We went in and I knew what I wanted right away. The second we got in the bedroom I grabbed his hand and pulled him to me. I kissed him as passionately as I’d ever kissed anyone. He returned the kiss.

“Wow, ok…what was that?” Rocky asked when the kiss broke.

I smiled, “You figure it out.”

“I think I can do that.” He said as he reached around me and untied my bikini top. It fell to the ground.

“I like the way you think.” I said as I lifted his tank top over his head and leaned in to kiss him. The feeling of our bare chests touching turned me on to no end. He wrapped his arms around me and carried me to the bed. I reached down and unbuttoned my shorts and slipped them off. He grabbed my bikini bottoms and slid them down my legs. I was so lost in the emotion of the moment and all that existed to me in that moment was he and I. I grabbed his swim trunks and skid them off as he pushed me back on the bed.

“Rocky.” I moaned with anticipation.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to be with you again…how long I wanted this moment.” He whispered as he gazed down at me.

“I’m yours Rocky…all yours.” I replied as I wrapped my arms around his body, trying to force him closer. I wanted to feel his skin on mine…to breathe him in and taste him. I kissed him again and I felt him move closer, joining our bodies. I let out a moan of ecstasy. Rocky and I had so much history and really had come into sexual maturity together. He knew every part of my body and exactly what to do with it. I knew the same with him. Together we moved our bodies in perfect rhythm. Finally I felt a climax wash over my body. I screamed out in pure rapture. Rocky moaned in pleasure.

When we were done we both stayed together as we tried to catch our breath. Finally he rolled over and pulled me into his arms, holding me and kissing my head.

“That was amazing.” I finally said, still breathless.

“That was beyond amazing.” He replied.

“Rocky, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

We stayed silence for several minutes before I spoke again.

“Rocky…” I whispered.

“Yeah?”

“In all the years I’ve known you…you’ve always been here for me. You’re probably one of the only people I’ve always known I could count on. I can’t even begin to thank you for that. There’s been so few people in my life I’ve always known without a doubt I could turn to but I’ve always known I had you.” I said. I was about to cry.

“Oh Mich…and you always will. I love you. Don’t you know that by now?”

I smiled, “Yeah, I do. I love you too.”

Rocky pulled me in close and kissed my head.

I curled up in his arms and fell fast asleep.

The next morning when I woke up I carefully got up and went to the computer. I didn’t want to wake Rock but I needed to check the news. I had clearly not checked the headlines in awhile. I logged in and sure enough one of the major headlines of the moment was ‘Zack Morris Agrees to Reunion’…or some variation thereof. I read a couple of interviews and even watched Zack’s interview where he agreed on the late night show. Admittedly the interview was hilarious…but my brother always had a knack for not taking himself too seriously.

I really needed to decide what to do about the reunion myself. Part of me really was into the idea…but another part of me didn’t want to go there again. I also really hated Samuel with a passion and had no desire to see him ever again…but I did love my brother and the rest of the cast. And then there were fans to consider. I loved my fans and they had been hoping for a reunion for years. Yeah, this is something I needed to be part of. I decided I was in. I knew Holly would want to know, but I decided Zack should be the first to know…plus I wanted to bitch at him for not telling me about this.

I dialed Zachary’s number and he picked up.

“Hello?”

“Thanks for the heads up brother dear.” I said.

“Mich? Hey. What’s going on?”

“Talk about blindsided. Reunion talk? Where have I been? Last I knew you never wanted to do a reunion.”

Zachary laughed, “Oh, that. I’m sorry, I meant to call you. It just kinda came up and I figured it was time. The fans deserve it.”

“That’s my line of thinking as well.”

“So you’re in?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Ok, where have I been? You were the one trying to talk me into a reunion before.”

“I hate Samuel and to be a real reunion he kinda has to be there.”

“Ahh, right.”

“But it’s for the fans. I can deal.”

“OK.”

“I just wanted to let you know before I went to the press…you know…what you should have done when you agreed to this.”

He laughed, “Sorry.”

“It’s ok. I forgive you. We should hang out. I’m going back to LA today, want to have dinner?”

“Sure. Where are you now?”

“Angel Grove. Spent the 4^th with some friends.”

“Oh, cool.”

“Yeah. So meet me at my place at 6 or so.”

“Sounds good. See you then.”

“OK, love you.”

“Love you too, bye.”

After I hung up with Zack I called Holly. She was psyched about the reunion because, as it turns out, she was a huge fan of the show growing up. She immediately started to schedule interviews. This would be fun.

Rocky woke up and came to check on me.

“Hey you, you’re up early.” He said sitting next to me.

“Work to do. Evidently a PH reunion is in the works and no one bothered to inform me.” I said.

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. Everyone except Kel and Samuel are in.”

“You’re in?”

“Yeah, sure. I see no reason not to really.”

“That’s kinda cool.”

“It could be. We’ll see what happens. I have press to do though. Evidently there’s been rumors going on I had no idea about.”

“I thought you were always on the press.”

“Yeah, normally, but recently it’s been so depressing with all the death going around so I’ve been avoiding it. That was a mistake.”

Rocky laughed, “Well, good luck.”

“Thanks. I gotta head back to LA. Thanks for a great 4^th. I really had a blast.”

Rocky smiled, “So did I.”