PART THREE
Chapter One: "Time To Grow"
Chapter Two: "Commit To A Lie"
Chapter Three: "The Goth Mask"

Previously on 'The Caliente Affairs', Cassandra and Darren fell in love and decided to tell Dirk. But Don found out and told Dirk before Darren had the chance. Dirk wasn't happy with his dad's new girlfriend, especially since it was Cassandra Goth. Despite making-up with his dad he silently vowed to do all he could to break him and Cassandra up.

Chapter One: "Time To Grow"

With Dina and Mortimer enjoying their honeymoon, Don and Nina soaked up every moment alone in their house. It was after all the first time the couple had been alone, and boy were they making the most of it...

Until Don had to go to work, the two would spend all of their time together. But with the house empty, they were free to make woohoo wherever...

...And whenever they wanted too!

"What are you thinking about?" Nina asked as she looked at her boyfriend, deep in thought. It was the morning of Mortimer and Dina's return and also Alexander's birthday.
"I'm thinking that as soon as I step out of this bed we're never going to have another second alone ever again!" Don sighed.

"Oh don't be like that, I think it's wonderful that Dina's married."
"But why do they have to live here?" Don moaned.
"Dina said something about it having to do with money.."
"Ah-Ha! I knew she only wanted him for his cash." Don gleed.
"Not Mortimer's money! Dina's money, the money the two have together as man and wife. Apparently it's more economical for them to live here."
"It may be economical but it sure will be a pain in the.."
"Ask Dina about it when she gets home if it bothers you so much." Nina interrupted.
"Maybe I will. Send Mortimer packing back to his precious daughter!" Don laughed.
"I really wish you'd drop this whole grudge you've suddenly got against Cassandra and Darren. I thought if anything you'd be happy she's moved on so soon after you hurt her."
"That's just the problem, it is so soon. It's like what we had meant nothing."
"I thought it did mean nothing."
"Well, you know what I mean. Ugh, I can't take anymore of these relationship conversations. If you need me I'll be in the shower."

As Don cleaned himself, he thought about the time he and Nina had spent together. And whether or not it was enough to rid his heart of Dina. 'Dina' he thought, 'I'll tell you why she's moved her husband in, so she can torment me everyday until I crack and go running back to her'. 'Well that's not going to happen anytime soon', he promised as his thoughts stayed on Nina and his consistant attraction to her as he began to relax under the warm water. He was so relaxed he didn't hear the maid enter the bathroom. It wasn't until he stepped out that he came face to face with the man.

"Argh!"
"Arrrrgh! Don't fire, don't fire!" The man yelped in a mexican accent.
"Who the hell are you?"
"I clean house!" He smiled as he continued to mop around Don's naked body. "Would sir like cleaning too? I shine pole!"
"No! There will be no shining of poles, give me that!" He yelled as he snatached the towel off the maid. "We don't have a maid! You're cleaning the wrong house!"
"Que?" The maid replied in his native tongue.
"'Kay! So you get it, you go before I sue your company."
"Sue? No, Dina. She hire me!" The maid continued to clean the shower.
"Dina? Dina's not..."
"Aren't you gonna welcome me back Don?" Nina said as she stood at the bathroom door and smiled at a half-naked but fully embarrased Don.

"You did buy a gift didn't you Don?" Nina asked as Alexander's party was getting underway.
"Gift, erm. How about this, I paint his bedroom, any colour he wants!" Don said, hiding the fact that Alex's birthday had been the last thing on his mind. No, something else was on his mind. All of the time he and Nina spent together had made him fall crazy in love. And he had to have been crazy, he thought, if he was actually thinking of going through with what he had planned during their time alone.
"Oh no!" Nina said as she looked towards the front door.
"What.. Oh my god!" Don said as he saw Cassandra being greeted by her brother, followed by Darren Dreamer. "Is she serious!" Don said getting ready to walk over to the couple.
"Don no! Please just try and get along, for Alex's sake."
"Alex's sake! What d'you care, he's not your step-son." Don said as he went over to Cassandra.
"What are you doing in my house?"
"Your house! I'm at my father's house celebrating my brother's birthday. Is that a crime?"

"No but last time I checked having an affair was." Don said firmly.
"Are you insane?" Cassandra said laughing at Don.
"I'm not insane, you and that creep were woohooing each other behind my back!"
"Oh my god! You know what Don, I wish we had been because it would have made my time engaged to you a lot more happier." Cassandra felt her face grow red as she realised she'd yelled that last part out loud. Don leaned in towards her,
"I think, for Alex's sake we should just forget what happened and try to enjoy ourselves."
"I know I will, after all I have Darren with me."
"Well try not to let him bore you to death like he did his last girlfriend."
"How dare you Don Lothario! Understand me when I tell you to NEVER speak to Dirk Dreamer again. You've already caused him enough heartache for one week."
"I'm sorry if the truth hurt him, but I figured he should find out what his dad's girlfriend is really like."
"How would you know, you never.." But Cassandra was interupted by Mortimer as he presented Alex with a cake.

"Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday dear Alex.." Mortimer sang as the other guests including Don's work friend chimed in. Alex smiled to his dad and his new family, but inside he wasn't very happy at all. "Happy Birthday to you! Make a wish." Mortimer said as Alex prepared to blow out the thirteen candles. He closed his eyes and made his wish...

'I wish more then anything that this year I can figure out where it is I fit in this new family'.

But as he opened his eyes and surveyed his new teenage body, it looked like Alex was going to have to figure out his place in the Caliente mansion all by himself.

Chapter Two: "Commit To A Lie"

"So brother! What's the first thing you're gonna do as a teenager." Cassandra laughed as she ate with her brother and his new family.
"Oh, probably rebel against society writing poetry about pain and suffering! And get a wicked ass haircut to go with it!" Alex laughed. Mortimer looked at his son confused whilst Cassandra giggled at her childish brother.
"So I take it you're going to take the Goth name literally!"
"Either that or.." But Alex stopped himself, figuring he'd took the joke far enough.
"It must be weird to see him growing up so quickly huh Mortimer?" Nina asked.
"My it sure is, I remember his childhood years like it was yesterday."
"Oh how sweet! I can't wait to experience that!" Nina slipped out. She suddenly looked at Don who had dropped his fork.
"You think about.. those things?" Don asked honestly.
"Well, not now. But of course it's what I want. Hopefully with you." Nina smiled.
"I'm glad." Don said getting out of his chair and pulling Nina into the kitchen.

"Don what are you doing?" Nina asked.
"Everyone, can I have your attention. The last week, I have had the most amazing time of my life. And it's all because of this woman!" Nina blushed as everyone else in the room looked confused, except Dina, who looked a little worried.
"And I realise that after spending all that time together... I never want to spend my time with anyone else." Don said as he nervously got down on one knee and reached into his pocket. Dina's eyes widened as she saw him pull out a small box.
"Don, what are you.."
"Nina Caliente... Will you marry me?" Don asked, presenting his girlfriend with an engagement ring. The whole room was silent but inside Dina's head she was screaming at her sister 'SAY NO'. Nina's face broke into a smile as she choked out one word...

"Yes! Of course I'll marry you, yes!" Nina accepted the engagement and put the ring on her finger. Don picked her up and the two hugged as a liitle applause broke out. It was all staged of course, Alex and Mortimer may have been sincere but Cassandra was humouring Nina whilst Darren didn't really care! And Dina could only feel sick inside as she helplessly watched the man who loved her propose to her sister.

Three unplanned hours later and the birthday-turned-engagement party was looking as if it was finally coming to a halt. With Alexander now a teenager, Mortimer allowed him to have his first taste of alcohol, along with everyone else. And he liked it, he really liked it. So whilst the party was busy upstairs Alex had snuck downstairs to the den to enjoy some stronger spirits with Don and his friend from work Ed Wilson.

"Oh.. Erm, Ed isn't it?" Dina asked as she bumped into Ed on the stairs.
"Yeah, Alright?" Ed said as Dina was shocked to learn Ed was actually British.
"I'm fine! I had no idea you were British." Dina enquired.
"Who?" Ed asked as he lost his footing. Dina reached out to stop him from falling over.
"Are you okay?" Dina said looking into the British man's eyes.
"Na! I need to get home, my flatmate's gonna be doing his nut in," He leaned in towards Dina and she smelt the liquor on his breath, "I don't have a key so he has to let me in. But I can't drive!" Ed said, shouting the last part with passion, frightening Dina a little.
"Well where do you live?"
"Not far by car... Too far by foot." Ed laughed. Dina found herself laughing too. She rushed over to Mortimer.
"Morty my sweet, I have to take Don's work friend home." Mortimer nodded but stopped Dina just as she got to the door.
"You haven't seen Alex have you?" Ed butted in.
"Short fella? Yeah, went upstairs muttering 'bout the rebellion and what not!"

As Dina dropped Ed off she politely asked him if she could just use his bathroom. He agreed but somehow got the wrong end of the stick as halfway through Ed burst in with a bottle of wine and two glasses.
"Oh sorry, you not done?" Dina blushed as she quickly covered herslef up and flushed the toilet.
"What are those?" Dina asked pointing at the glasses.
"Thank you's! For never before 'ave I been escorted home by such a smashing bird." Ed slured trying to sound polite. Dina found herself giggling once again at the charming man. Inside she couldn't help feeling attracted to that strong British accent.
"Thank you but I should get back." Dina said as Ed held out his arms. Dina looked surprised but found herself hugging the man goodnight.

As Ed let go Dina grabbed him back and kissed him hard. She didn't know what she was doing. Amidst the hot passion between the two the most she could figure out was that Don's proposal had gotten to her more then she had thought. Ed broke the kiss as he panted and looked at Dina,
"Aren't you married?" Dina simply looked at Ed and replied,
"Is that a problem." There was barely a second to think before Dina resumed kissing Ed and the two made out in the Wilson's bathroom.

Chapter Three: "The Goth Mask"

"Morning!" Alex waved as Nina yepled and dropped her cereal spoon. Don laughed as Alex, sporting a black & purple shoulder length hair style along with a floor length black coat, sat down and ate as much breakfast as he could stomach after last night's party.
"Where did you get the coat?" Nina asked, intrigued at her nephew's new fashion statement.
"A friend gave it to me for my birthday."
"Who are you friends with the guy from 'The Matrix'?!" Don laughed. Alex rolled his eyes, not replying to his soon-to-be uncle's comment.
"Has Mortimer seen your new... attire?" Nina questioned.
"What my get-up? God no, he'd floor it if he saw me... in more ways then one." Alex replied as he sighed and thought about his aging dad.
"Floor it, Get-up. What kind of english are you speaking?!" Don asked as a moan from the den interupted the conversation.
"Dina, don't over do it!" Nina called to her sister.
"Over do what? Or should I say who!" Alex laughed.

That 'what' was exercising that Dina had announced she was doing every morning now. Nina figured nothing of it but Dina was using the exercise as punishment for her behaviour last night.

She figured if she punished herself enough she'd never cheat on Mortimer again... and get strong muscles at the same time. It was a win-win situation.

'No, I'm not winning. This is punishment, now start acting like it', Dina thought to herself as she moaned in agony once more. Whether or not she liked it, Dina was going to be down there for a long time because no matter how hard she 'punished' herself she couldn't get the thought of Ed Wilson out of her mind... and her heart.

After she had finished, Dina went upstairs and saw Nina dangling upside down.
"What on earth...?"
"Oh! Hi there sis, do you wanna join me? It'll really stop those muscles of yours from aching after that work out!" Nina said as she stretched her limbs into unatural positions.
"Um, no thanks! What's with the Yoga anyway?" Dina asked.

"I'm doing Yoga now so I don't become all stiff and sore when I get older. Plus it's good for the eggs." Nina said as she held her breath and counted in her head.
"Eggs? Are we having omellete's?" Dina asked confused.
"No silly, my eggs!"
"Your eggs?" Dina said, a little startled.
"Sure, it makes them fertile."
"Your fertilising your eggs?" Dina squeaked out as she tried to act normal.
"Well of course I'm not now! But I hope it won't be too long before I am." Nina said as she winked and continued to arch her back.
"Ha-oh, that's nice... I'm just gonna make a call." Dina said as she found herself thinking of Ed again.

"You know you should really think of taking Yoga up Mr. Goth, it'll add years to your life." Nina told her sister's husband, who had done nothing but nap since his morning jog.
"Yes.. I could do with adding a few more years. I doubt this old ticker's got enough juice left in it to stretch into 'those' kind of positions though." Mortimer said as he woke, deciding to get some peace and quiet in his bed.
"I thought you were staying up to talk to Alexander?" Nina asked.
"I'll catch him eventually, from what I can assume he's been avoiding me." Nina laughed softly as she knew exactly why Alex was staying away from his father.

"I can't believe your dad let you go to school wearing that." Alex's friend giggled.
"Well I told him, I said 'Pop's, if you can't deal with who I am then you better disown me now'!"
"You said what?" Mortimer said as he stirred from his sleep.
"Dad! I was just joking with.."
"I hope that was a joke, because it certainly wouldn't be funny if that dye was permenant.. And is that make-up you're wearing." Mortimer surveyed his son.
"Erm dad, can we talk about this later." Alex said as he felt his cheek's growing red from embarrasment.
"No we cannot! I want you to march into that bathroom and scrub that paint off, and I don't want you to stop scrubbing until I say so." Mortimer shouted.
"Look dad. I'm not go.."
"You're not going to?" Mortimer said, shocked at his son answering him back.
"I'm gonna head home Alex. See you tomorrow." Alex's friend rushed off before an arguement broke out between the father and son.
"Hold on, I'll show you out."
"Alex!" Mortimer cried.

Don relaxed after a hard day at work, thinking about his future wife.. And how strange Ed had been acting around him. His thought's were interupted as Alex rushed in and closed the door.
"Oh Don, you're back! I was hoping to hide in your room until dad calmed down.
"So he finally saw you eh?!" Don laughed as Alex sighed and sat down.
"Don, I know were not really that close, but can I talk man-to-man with you?" Don smiled inside. This was the first ever man-to-man talk he'd had were he was giving the advice.
"It's just, I guess you can tell I'm a bit different now I'm older."
"Well everyone goes through changes when they get old."
"Yeah but I hate the changes, that's why I'm wearing this. It's so I can just fit in with my crowd at school and no-one will see that I'm changing."
"They won't notice, they'll be too busy changing themselves."
"I doubt it. It seems everyone knows their place except me."
"You feel different, huh?"
"I am different. The changes, they're not all good, some are.."
"Really confusing?!"

"It is for you and about 95 percent of the other kids' at your age."
"I bet you never went through this." Alex sighed.
"What is it, is it your body?"
"No! I know about all those changes, they teach you that at school."
"They teach that at school now!"
"It's my thoughts that are different. This, this goth look, it's just a mask."
"You're a tad early for halloween!" Don joked.
"It's a mask to hide myself from me, from what I think I might be."
"Might be?" Don said concerned.
"What it is is.. I sometimes don't.. My thoughts.. They're not always about girls', if you know what I mean?" Alex confessed as he looked at the floor, ashamed he'd finally told someone about his new feelings towards the same sex. Don breathed in and thought long before he spoke.

"You know despite how you feel you're not alone. A lot of hormones are flying around at your age, you're walking around one day thinking what'd be like to date 'Grace' and the next day you're thinking about dating 'Will'." Alex smiled as he admired Don for his attempts to understand.
"So, despite how I feel, they'll probably go away."
"They probably will. But if they don't, it's nothing to be ashamed about. I want you to know no matter what that I'll still be here to talk to you, if you ever need me." Don smiled as Alex got up to leave.
"So I can trust you to keep this between us?"
"You can, as long as you promise me to go into that bathroom and take off your mask." Don said as he vowed to keep his friend's secret to himself.

And Alex did just that. In the bathroom he removed his clothes and make-up and took a shower, washing the dye out of his hair.

And when he was fully shed of his former face, he looked at his body in the mirror...

It wasn't pretty, he admitted to himself. The make-up had caused quite a few spots to pop-up and his hair looked stringy now he had washed out the dye. He was weak, and in need of a tan if he were to ever go to the local pool with Meadow.. 'Ah Meadow', Alex thought. Meadow was one of his school friends, but he had lately avoided getting too close with her in case she grew a fonder attraction to him. It's not that he wouldn't mind dating Meadow, but she was one of his closest friends and he couldn't bare to hurt her if in the end it turned out he didn't have romantic feelings for her, or any other girl.

But despite not being ashamed of his naked face, he was still at a loss about what he was to wear. The only clothes he had that weren't all black were some Green pants Don had lent him from when he was younger.
"Green?" Alex said, disgusted at the thought.
"It was a different time back then.. Anyway, what's with the hat. Did the dye not come out?" Don said as he found himself enjoying the time he spent with Alex.
"Oh it came out, but it just made my hair look stupid again. This hat stays on until I come back from the hair-dressers." Alex sighed as he thought about how much of his birthday money he was going to have spend on himself.
"Well how about you get your new 'get-up' on me." Don said as he reached into his pocket and anded Alex some simoleons.
"I can't borrow this." Alex said, knowing that he'd never be able to pay it back, despite being in a great job as a teenager, he made nowhere near enough money to buy stylish clothes.
"Then don't borrow it. Call it a belated birthday gift!" Don smiled.

When Don left, Alex threw on his work uniform. It was the best outfit he had at the moment, and he didn't want to insult Don by not wearing the clothes he had gave him. He picked up the phone and ordered a cab to take him to the local clothes shop.

When he arrived, Alex expected to rush in and out of the hair-dressers and quickly pick out the simplist clothes in the store. But he had a panic attack when he saw Meadow was also out shopping.. And she'd spotted him.
"Alex! I can't believe you're here. You never go shopping." Meadow greeted her friend with a hug.
"Well, I don't exactly have the best fashion sense." Alex sighed.
"Well that's true! Was that you I saw with the purple hair and long black coat? What were you doing hanging out with those people. I thought your dad might have gotten you brain surgery for your birthday, which by the way I was mortified when I heard you had a great time even without me! I'm so sorry I couldn't come." Meadow had a habit of talking without breathing, it was quite the gift.

The two relaxed on a sofa in the store as Meadow devoted her time to helping Alex pick out the most fashionable clothes. Alex could sense once again that Meadow was enjoying his company a little too much, but Alex couldn't, and didn't want to do anything to stop it. He liked Meadow, he really liked Meadow. 'But how could she ever like me?' he thought as he kept glancing in the mirror at his spotty face and greasy hair poking out from underneath the hat. Alex had had to schedule an appointment with the hair-dresser so until then he and Meadow were free to shop, talk.. and maybe do other things too.

"Oh my god! You are so not my friend anymore Alexander Goth." Meadow cried with happiness as she saw the new Alex.
"I'm not?" Alex replied, confused a little at his friend's reaction.
"No, from now on if anyone asks, you're my boyfriend!"

'Oh no, I was right' Alex thought as Meadow began talking without breathing again.

"It'll be fun because you are gonna turn heads when people at school see you looking like that. Every girl is gonna be after you, so you tell them you're with me then we get together and I can advise you on which girl's are the nice ones and which girl's are the ones who are bitches! Plus everyone'll hate me for dating you, which means they actually love me 'cos they wanna be me!" Alex laughed as he calmed down. Meadow didn't want to really be Alex's girlfriend, she actually wanted to pick out a girl for him.

He felt like he was the luckiest guy in the world as he went back home, he had new clothes and a new bedroom painted by Don. But best of all he had a new look, a new look that would hopefully grab him some desperately wanted attention from the opposite sex!

But back at her home Meadow sighed as she wrote in her diary 'Mrs. Meadow Goth'. She got out a red pen and began drawing lots of little hearts around it. She brought the diary close to her and secretly imagined what it would be like to be Alex's girlfriend.