*some sexual references
Disclaimer: OK, I’ve never tried anything this racy before with these characters that aren’t mine. Hopefully Zap will post it anyway. And I might as well say here and now, I don’t ever see myself writing a story where Trixie ends up with anyone but Jim. Anyway, I hope you enjoy my third attempt at fanfic!
Love on the Rocks
By Karen C.
The hot August sun beat down on the small red convertible as it sped along Interstate 37 towards Corpus Christi, Texas. From Corpus, the car would follow Highway 181 until it ended at Aransas Pass, then travel across the ferry to Port Aransas, one of the most popular stops on the Texas coast. The final destination: the Sea Sands condominiums.
Trixie Belden, Honey Wheeler, and Diana Lynch couldn’t believe their luck. Lifelong friends, the girls were attending college at different universities: Diana at NYU, Trixie at Northwestern, and Honey at Syracuse. Honey and Di were able to occasionally get together for a weekend, but Trixie was usually only able to join them at holidays. So when Trixie’s brother Mart, who was attending Texas A&M, called her one night with the offer of a week at his roommate’s favorite hangout, she had accepted with gusto and eagerly passed on the invite to the other two girls. Attending summer school had not been high on anyone’s list of priorities, but all wanted to try to get through school as quickly as possible, and so they had chosen to remain at their respective schools throughout the summer. However, with summer school over and the fall semester beginning soon, all the Bob-Whites, Brian, Jim, and Dan included, had seen the need and the opportunity for a little R&R before the long haul of the fall set in.
"When were the boys supposed to arrive, Trix?" asked Honey as she tried to keep the wind from messing up her honey-blonde hair. "Why did we rent a convertible again?" she queried rather irritably.
"They should already be there. Mart drove down with Ron, his roommate, last night, and the other guys were supposed to fly out of Kennedy this morning. And we rented a convertible because that’s all they had left," Trixie answered, her eyes twinkling. Trixie’s own hair was up in a clip to keep it together, and she was beginning to think that maybe, just maybe, she’d like to see her hair long. It would definitely accentuate the differences between my ‘almost-twin’ and me, she thought wryly.
Dark-haired Diana adjusted her sunglasses, listened to the other girls bantering and hid a smile. She’d been elected to drive because, Honey had pointed out, she’d slept on the plane and would theoretically be more alert and awake. I’m awake, all right, thought Di, but mostly because it feels so gross out here! I know one thing, that condo had better have air conditioning! What heat could be worse than Texas in August? Still, she had to admit she was so excited she’d barely remembered to pack a bathing suit. It’s going to be so great having everyone together, if only for a little while, she mused contentedly. Just like old times.
"Well, guys, I guess this is the line for the ferry…" Diana’s voice trailed off unbelievingly.
"Wait for the ferry from this point is approximately one hour," read Honey from the sign by the roadway. "Well, I guess we didn’t need to be in that big a hurry after all," she sighed.
"Don’t be ridiculous. You realize what this means, don’t you?" asked Trixie, with a mischievous grin.
"What, Trix? That we’re going to get even more sunburned than we’d planned because we can’t figure out how to get the top back up?" retorted Honey.
"No, silly. This means that we actually have a chance to talk about what each one of us wants to happen on this trip. You know what I mean," said Trixie, a little forcefully.
Diana threw her head back and laughed out loud. "You’ve been dying to talk about that, haven’t you Trix? Well, okay, then, you get to go first. What do you hope will happen?"
Trixie grinned slyly. "Well, since you just had to ask..."
"When are the girls supposed to get here? I’m ready to hit the beach now!" said Dan. "Did you see some of the girls out there? Man, you sure don’t see anything like that at NYU!"
"OK, Dan, we know you’re on the prowl, but show a little decorum," Mart laughed. "Remember, that we’ll be in the company of three women most of the time, so it won’t do to have your tongue hanging out."
"Yeah, but the only one of us who actually has to be good is Jim," chuckled Brian. "His fair maiden is prone to fits of jealousy every now and then."
"How do you know that, Brian?" asked Jim curiously.
"Oh, please. I only grew up with the girl and had to watch her moon about the house every time you even mentioned another girl’s name!" Brian had to fight to retain control. He was exaggerating, of course, but Jim didn’t need to know that. Usually the sensitive one of the bunch, Brian nonetheless realized the deep feelings that existed between his sister and his best friend, and as such, he took it upon himself to tease mercilessly whenever the occasion called for it.
"All I can say is, it’s been way too long since we’ve all been together. Who knows when we’re going to get this chance again?" Dan broke in, hoping to change the subject before Jim’s face matched his fiery red hair.
"Yeah, Mart, be sure and thank Ron for us again. I thought you said he was going to join us," Jim said.
"He was, until he got the call this morning that his brother was getting leave from Germany after all and decided to drive to his house in Alice instead," Mart replied. "But he said that we were more than welcome to stay for the week anyway. I just have to give him the keys back when I get back to school."
"So anyway, since it’s just us then..." Dan had a gleam in his eyes that the others knew only too well.
"Oh, no. What is it now, Dan? Our ultimate fantasy? Pamela Anderson covered in chocolate syrup?" Brian groaned. He knew exactly where Dan was headed.
"I was just wondering, you know, since this will probably be our last vacation together for a good long while, if any of you cared to share what you wanted to happen on this trip." Dan had a knack for getting the others to admit what they really wanted-no wonder he was majoring in criminal psychology.
"OK, then, I’ll start…." Everyone looked surprised. Jim was usually the most reluctant to talk about his secret thoughts and feelings. "But don’t say I didn’t warn you..."
"Trixie Belden! Are you serious? Remember that’s my brother you’re talking about!" Honey sounded shocked, but the twinkle in her eyes suggested otherwise. "I didn’t realize things had gone that far between you and Jim. I mean, I’ve always known that the feelings were there, but, oh gosh…" she trailed off.
"Di? Do you think I’m absolutely terrible?" Trixie inquired of the most experienced member of the group.
"No, I don’t. Not at all. After all, Trixie, you and Jim are in love. You’ve finally admitted that, both to each other and everyone else, and you both have the same goals for your future, most importantly to be together no matter what. It’s only natural to think about the ‘next step’," Di explained gently. "I’m glad to hear that you’re absolutely sure. That way, there won’t be any regrets," she added sadly.
"Di, what happened with that guy? The one you were so crazy for? Mark, wasn’t that his name?" Honey asked softly, not wanting to bring up bad memories.
"I thought he was the one. He wasn’t. That’s all. He wanted to see how far he could get with Edward Lynch’s daughter. Unfortunately, he got what he wanted," she remarked scornfully. "But that’s old news. I’m ready, willing, and able to make a new start, believe me!"
"Well, I just know that even if things do go horribly wrong later on, I want my first time to be with Jim--I love him," said Trixie simply. "And Di, don’t waste your time having regrets. What you went through with Mark has made you a stronger person."
"I have to confess how envious I am of you two," said Honey. "I’ve never cared that much about anyone to be ready enough to take that step."
"Not even Brian?" asked Trixie.
"No, it was clear to both of us from the beginning that we made much better friends than anything else. In fact, he’s the one I call to commiserate with over our dating woes," Honey giggled.
"Anyway, now that you know my big secret, you have to make sure that you leave Jim and I alone sometime this week…" Trixie wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Wait, Di, you’re supposed to turn here."
"Yes, there it is, up ahead on the left," replied Di. "Here we are, ready for a week of fun and sun!"
As Di carefully maneuvered the red Mustang in between a Suburban and an Expedition, Trixie caught sight of a familiar face. "Mart!" she shouted joyfully, waving her arms.
Mart hurried over to the car. "Hey, I’m glad you’re finally here. Everyone’s been champing at the bit. Did everything go okay on the way down?" He began to take the girls’ suitcases out of the trunk after Di released the latch.
"Just peachy keen, jellybean…didn’t it girls?" Honey elbowed Trixie and gave her a knowing look. Mart noticed the interaction but decided to let it pass…for now. Knowing what Jim had just confessed inside gave him some clue as to what the girls had probably been discussing. He smiled inwardly.
"We’re up the stairs on the left," Mart directed. Go on up, Honey, Di. Trix and I can get these."
"Why thank you, dear twin," Trixie commented sarcastically as Honey and Di departed for cooler temperatures. "Don’t think I don’t know that you just want to grill me about something."
"We’ve always been able to read each other’s minds, you know that, Trix," replied Mart with a smirk. "I just want to ask if you’re sure about what you want to happen this weekend."
Trixie gaped, openmouthed. "How did you…"
"I have my ways, little sister. I have my ways…"
The waves crashed against the sandy beach as Mart, Dan, and Brian raced to see who would get drenched first. Honey and Di, conducting themselves with a tad more dignity, took their time to find a place on the sand that wasn’t sprinkled with tar, set down their bags, and laughingly splashed the boys as they, too, sprinted into the salty waves.
Trixie spread out the maroon and white beach towel she’d borrowed from Mart and lazed contentedly as Jim gently massaged the SPF 45 sunscreen onto her back and shoulders. "I really ought to be doing that for you, Jim. You’re much fairer-complected than I am."
"Oh, don’t worry, Trix. I intend to see that you take your turn at that...among other things," Jim said with a knowing grin.
Trixie’s heart fluttered in her chest. "I’m sure I don’t know what you mean, sir," she answered, playing the coy Scarlett O’Hara to Jim’s Rhett Butler.
"You will, my darling Trixie, you will…" he promised.
Later that night, the Bob-Whites drove down the road to Sharky’s. "Ron said it looks horrible from the outside, but they play some really cool music. Be prepared for a big biker crowd, though," Mart informed them.
They walked in and managed to find an empty pool table. "Anybody up for a challenge?" Brian asked. "Anyone? Anyone at all?" Brian and Dan were the alternating pool champs of the Bob-Whites, and liked to prove it time and again.
"You’re on…..let’s play teams. Me and you against Dan and Mart," suggested Di.
"Hey, what’s the big idea, slapping me with a handicap like that," yelped Dan as Mart waved a pool stick menacingly at him. They tromped through the smoky haze to claim their table for the evening.
"I don’t think I’ll be competing tonight. Trix? Honey? Do you want to find a table and sit down while I get us some drinks?" Jim asked solicitously.
"Actually, Jim, I think I’ll go watch the game. Who knows, Di may pull a tendon and need an emergency replacement," Honey said, stifling a laugh as she followed Brian and Di toward the pool table.
"Well, Trix, I guess it’s just you and me, then," Jim said happily.
Trixie blushed. This was a moment she’d waited for since she’d first found out about the trip. "Did you see that jetty outside, Jim? My roommate Amy told me she used to come down here on vacation with her parents, and one of her favorite things to do was to sit on the big granite rocks that surround the jetty and just listen to the waves roll in. There’s a beautiful moon out tonight, too…" her voice trailed off hopefully.
Jim’s eyes softened. He knew what she was suggesting. He had never loved her more than that moment. "I think that’s a great idea. Shall we?" He gallantly offered his arm to her.
The Bob-Whites’ eyes followed Trixie and Jim as they left the dingy bar. Their thoughts raced as they all concluded what was about to happen.
Diana: Trixie, I am so happy for you and Jim. You make each other so happy. Don’t screw it up like I did with Mark.
Honey: My best friend and my brother. They’d better be together forever now, because otherwise I’ll be between a rock and a hard place.
Brian: Blood is thicker than water. You’d better not hurt my little sister, Jim…ever.
Mart: Now I feel really behind….I’m the only Belden left who hasn’t!
Dan: That’ll be me a little later on, once I find that brunette I ran into today. It’s about time I was happy, too!
Trixie and Jim didn’t notice their stares as they gazed into each other’s eyes. They wouldn’t have cared if they did.
Trixie had had the presence of mind to throw a blanket in the back of the Mustang, and so when she met back up with Jim, who had gone to get something out of the boys’ rented Suburban, she had to laugh. Jim was carrying an identical blue and white checked blanket.
"I guess we’re on the same wavelength," Jim chuckled, as they walked along and finally found a smooth flat boulder big enough for both of them. "You know how much I love you, Trixie, and that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I need to know that you are absolutely sure about this."
"Jim, I’ve loved you for six years, ever since the day I stumbled upon you sleeping in your uncle’s house. There has never been anyone else for me, nor will there ever be. I love you more than anything in this world," Trixie replied emphatically.
"I love you too, Trixie. Let me show you how much…" Jim whispered as they sank down onto the blanket.
"Trixie! Trixie! You’d better wake up right now and tell us everything, or I’ll never speak to you again!" Honey was shaking Trixie painfully awake.
"Mmmph?" Trixie mumbled dreamily.
"Oh, Honey, leave her alone. She’ll tell us in good time, she always does," Di laughed. "Besides, it’s bound to be too weird for her to tell you something like that about your own brother."
Trixie pulled herself up and stretched lazily. "Actually, if you’ll let me get dressed first, Jim and I have something we want to tell all of you together."
"What are you talking about?" Honey and Di chimed in unison. Both looked extremely puzzled.
"You’ll see," Trixie replied enigmatically, marching off to the shower.
"Well, the reason we’ve gathered you all here today….." Jim began, putting his arm around Trixie, "is to fill you all in on something very special."
"Oh, Jim, we don’t want to hear about it! She’s my sister, for crying out loud!" Brian yelled.
"Not that, Brian, although that isn’t any of your business either," Trixie told him pertly. "Let Jim finish, please."
"Sorry," Brian mumbled, his face flushed.
"As I was saying, last night was a very special one for me and Trix. You see, before we flew down here, unbeknownst to her, I asked her father to take her diamond ring out of the safe deposit box and send it to me. Now, it has some very special additions to it, because last night, Trixie agreed to become my wife after we finish school."
"WHAT??? OH MY GOSH!!!!" the Bob-Whites yelled collectively.
"Jim, you’ve outdone yourself! I love the addition of a ruby and an emerald on either side of the diamond," exclaimed Diana.
"Thanks, Di. As you’ve probably figured, the ruby is my birthstone and the emerald is Trixie’s. Now I’ve just got to come up with a spectacular wedding band!" Jim grinned.
"In a million years, I never expected this to happen right now, but man, I am so psyched!" added Dan.
"Congratulations, you two. I’ve always known it was meant to be, and now you’ve made it official. Just think, Trixie, now we’ll be really and truly sisters!" Honey said, brushing away a few stray tears.
"Jim, there’s no one else I’d rather welcome to the family. Congratulations," said Brian gruffly, trying to hide the deep emotion that threatened to overcome him.
"Yeah, Jim, thanks for making an honest woman out of her," Mart cracked, and that served to break the emotion that threatened to turn everyone into crying, babbling messes.
As the Bob-Whites continued to celebrate, Jim and Trixie stood hand in hand, beaming at each other. "I love you, Trixie," Jim whispered softly, as he bent down to kiss his new fiancée.
"I love you, Jim," Trixie answered back. "You know, Honey and Di wanted to know what I wanted to happen most on this trip, and what I told them did happen, but you’ve never made me happier. I hope I’ll always make you as happy."
"You already do, Trix. You already do."
The End