Invitation to a Better Life- Prologue (standard:drama, 11233 words)
Author: Siobhan	Added: Sep 24 2002	Views/Reads: 3305/2738	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Everything is going ok for Jessica, she is surviving her dad leaving her and her mom, schools out and she's got the boy of her dreams, that is until her mom elopes with a stranger to change their lives forever.

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

move.  But what?  Tell him that she liked the way his clothes looked on 
him, but she wanted to know what she looked like in them?  That was 
cheesy, and she didn't want to have sex with him.  Well, she wouldn't 
have sex with him. 

“Hello?  Are you there?  Or did my dumbass phone hang up?” Anna's voice
sounded annoyed and irritated and quickly brought Jessica back to 
reality.  She would never get anywhere if she just thought about what 
could happen.  That had been all she had been doing for the last three 
years. . .imagining what could be.  She should make a move. 

“Hey, Anna, I need to let you go, I have a phone call I need to make,”
she announced without thinking about it.  If she thought about it, she 
would chicken out.  She would never call him, and never say what she 
needed to.  She had to do it now or never! 

“But we just started talking,” Anna whined briefly but then said,
crabbily, “Oh fine, talk to you later.”  Her friend hung up the phone 
and Jessica quickly dialed in Elijah's number.  She was having trouble 
breathing, it felt as if someone were sitting upon her stomach.  But 
she ignored it, she couldn't think about anything.  Elijah answered, 
his voice somewhat deep, but very sexy nevertheless. 

“Hello,” he gruffly announced, his voice sounding as if he had been
asleep.  She felt a slight twinge of guilt until she looked over at the 
clock which announced 3:36 in the afternoon.  What a lazy bum!  She 
never got to take naps, and if she were sleeping in, well to say the 
least, she never slept in till ten much less three. 

“Hey Eli, sounds like I woke you up,” she chuckled throatily, turning on
her charm full vamp.  She would flirt a little, draw him in, before 
going through with it.  She wondered if he were sitting on his bed in 
nothing but his boxers, his hair every which way and his hand stifling 
a yawn.  Or maybe he was in the kitchen by now, while talking to her, 
rummaging through the cupboards for something to stifle his insatiable 
hunger.  That was a bad line of thinking to do because she began to 
wonder what it would be like to wake up with him by her side. 

“Yeah, I was just catching a bit of sleep,” he yawned audibly and then
cursed as he ran into something, “What's up?”  Sometimes he dawdled 
around, in no hurry to get the conversation over, but today was 
obviously not one of those days.  She took a deep breath, she had to do 
it.  She squeezed her eyes shut and ignored the nervous trembling in 
her hands and body. 

“You want to go catch a movie on Monday?” she wanted to know.  Today was
Monday, but she knew he wasn't free until next Monday.  He had to work 
for most of the nights but Friday and Saturday, he was playing the 
drums with his band.  They were playing at an “end of the school” 
party, which Jessica wouldn't miss for the world. 

“Yeah, sounds great,” he yawned again and she could hear him scratching
his face by the phone.  She loved the sounds he made, even if they were 
such simple sounds as his yawn or a sniffle.  She wondered if she 
bordered upon obsessive crazy with him.  He completely made her world.  
She wondered what life would be without him. 

“Um, one more thing, I was thinking it wouldn't be just a friendly
flick, you know?” she couldn't put what she wanted to say into words.  
It was so difficult.  At least she hadn't stuttered, or switched words, 
or called him a jerk in a moment of inattentiveness.  She could speak 
to him no problem when she wasn't confessing what she wanted, but now 
that she was, it was weird how she couldn't quite find the words. 

“What do you mean?” he didn't sound like he was rejecting her, but he
did sound genuinely puzzled.  Her confidence wavered, and she wondered 
if Ian was just playing a cruel joke or if Anna was making things up in 
order to nudge her in the right decision. 

“Um, maybe something like a date... unless of course, you want to go as
friends, and only friends.   That's fine with me too,” she smiled 
weakly and she could imagine his eyes lighting up.  He had, in her 
mind, been waiting for this moment, and now that he had, he wouldn't 
abuse it.  Or, he was looking disturbed, uncomfortable.  He couldn't 
believe she had just suggested that.  She was like a sister to him, it 
would be so weird dating her.  It seemed as if the seconds before he 
responded were minutes, and she was sure that she had made a mistake. 

And finally, he answered, “Sounds great, too.  The date thing, not the
just going as friends,”  There was that wicked humor in his voice that 
drew her in so much, and her heart fluttered with excitement.  Ian 
hadn't been lying and neither had Anna, he was interested, and she had 
done the right thing.  She felt like screaming she was so excited.  She 
didn't know what to say, couldn't think of any words to express her 
gratitude.  But luckily her wit kicked in and saved face for her. 

“Well, that's definitely a good thing, I mean, why would I want to be
friends with you?  Gosh, I would so totally not dig the friend thing,” 
she had her most obnoxious valley girl tone going and she heard him 
sigh in an exasperated annoyance.  He would be using the sigh as a way 
to buy time for him to respond.  She knew how he worked, she'd been 
around him far too much, and she didn't mind that.  She wanted to be 
with him even more, and now she might have a chance at achieving that 
wish. 

“Oh, really, and what makes you think I would want to be friends with
you?” he replied, “I mean, it's not like you're exactly smart or 
anything.”  She laughed at that, he had once told her that she was one 
of the only girls he could hold a decent conversation with.  It had 
made her feel special and she had treasured his words with all of her 
heart. 

“Puh-lease, you're the boy, I'm the girl.  You've got brawn, I've got
brain.  There is no two ways about it,” she chuckled and she heard him 
a give mock gasp of offense.  She loved talking to him, it was either 
very fun or very close.  Either way, she was very happy.  The rest of 
their conversation, their whole two and a half hour conversation, made 
her day spectacular.  It would have gone on even longer too if her mom 
hadn't knocked on the bathroom door. 

“Jessie, I need the phone,” she called.  Jessica moaned in protest, she
had so much to say to him, and she could feel he did too.  They always 
had something to talk about, and even when it was silent, the silence 
was okay.  It was warm and full, rather than uncomfortable and awkward. 
 She didn't want to get off yet but since her mom was leaving for a 
business trip later on tonight, she knew she'd better give it up 
without a fight. 

“Gotta go, talk to you later, Eli,” she announced and she heard him sigh
in disappointment.  He never wanted to let her go, not like she did him 
either, but it still thrilled her so much when he was sad cause she had 
to go.  She always felt loved, she wondered if that was what a healthy 
relationship was like?  Or if, maybe that was how her mom and dad 
started out, only to one day find the love had faded? 

“If you must, don't forget about our date.  You'll break my heart if you
do,” and he hung up the phone before she could respond.  She knew it, 
he had truly verified it now, he liked her.  He liked her a lot.  It 
wasn't just a “maybe more than a friendship could work” date, it was a 
“friendship is totally not enough” thing.  Ooh, she was so excited!!!  
Wait until she told Anna, she would totally freak out. 

She walked out, and dreamily handed her mom the phone.  She was
completely walking on air, she couldn't be happier if she tried.  It 
seemed as if life were showing her the golden side, allowing her a 
glimpse of everything that was good.  The day had been perfect, and 
even though her mom was leaving, she knew it would remain so.  She went 
into her room and began to play “Untouchables” by KORN, one of her most 
favorite bands.  She lay on her back, her eyes closed, pleasurably 
going through memories that were composed entirely of Elijah. 

When her mom knocked later, she got no response for Jessica had got one
of those naps she envied Elijah for.  Her mom walked in and saw her red 
headed daughter asleep, a smile of contentment upon her lips.  She was 
so naïve and blissfully unaware of the changes that were going to take 
part in her life.  And though, she didn't believe that Jessica would 
really disapprove of what she was going to do, she had still kept it a 
secret.  She heard the taxi pull up in the driveway and she kissed her 
sleeping baby on the forehead.  Then, without waking her, she left for 
something that would completely disrupt everything in Jessica's life, 
including her. 

Jessica awoke, the cool night light bathing her room by means of her
open window.  She blinked and looked around, trying to get a grasp upon 
where she was.  Something didn't feel right, and then she remembered.  
Her mom was leaving for her business trip, she should already be there. 
 What if she had missed her flight?  Or even worse, what if something 
had happened to her mom, her only mom?  This last thought made her bolt 
out of her bed and out into the stairwell.  She staggered down the 
stairs, trying to be quick but sleep still hindering her movements.  
She needn't have worried, for right upon the banister, a note was 
taped.  It stated that she had left while Jessica was sleeping and 
hadn't wanted to wake her.  She would be back in a few days, possibly a 
week.  She would call tomorrow.  These words comforted Jessica, even 
though at the same time, it bothered her that her mom hadn't awakened 
her. 

She swaggered into the kitchen, and her face registered supprize.  It
was already around nine at night, how had that happened?  Had she 
really slept that long?  Now, she couldn't even pick on sexy Elijah.  
She felt the pang of hunger in her stomach and it rumbled to let her 
know she should reach the refrigerator, and soon.  She did so, and 
pulled out a couple of pieces of left over pepperoni pizza.  She 
settled herself in front of the tv, and nestled into the big, comfy 
couch.  She began to flip through channels, enjoying her cold pizza and 
the empty house.  As images flickered in the darkness, she nearly had a 
heart attack, when Go Go, their cat, leapt demandingly into her lap.  
She purred audibly and tried desperately to get a bite in of the pizza. 


Jessica took that as a sign and polished off the rest of her pizza in
practically one bite.  She scooped up the heavy, cream colored ball of 
fur that demanded dinner and strode into the kitchen again.  This time, 
it was a meal for sweet Go Go that she prepared.  She set the bowl of 
mixed dry and wet cat food and went back into the living room, where 
she again began the search for the perfect show.  She didn't even 
remember what she had been watching when she drifted to sleep.  But, 
when she awoke at two in the morning with the tv still on and Go Go 
curled up on her lap, she knew that she had been up too late.  She 
pushed Go Go off her lap, who protested with a pitiful mewl and took 
off into the darkness, and stumbled over to the tv, and turned it off.  
She then decided that she was too tired to climb the stairs to her 
bedroom so she collapsed yet again on the couch.  It was a comfortable 
couch. 

The next morning, her internal alarm awoke her and she stretched lazily.
 She was still in her clothes from the previous night and needed a 
shower.  Go Go was laying on the arm of the couch, by her head, her 
eyes open in tiny slits so she could watch Jessica.  She sat up and 
gently stoked her cat's head behind the ears before standing up.  She 
practically crawled up the stairs, yawning the entire way, and made it 
to her bathroom.  She took a nice, cold shower to wake her up and it 
did it's job very well.    She only stayed in it for about ten minutes 
before she hopped out, her teeth chattering violently.  She brushed her 
teeth and then walked into her bedroom, the towel wrapped tight around 
her body to give the maximum warmth.  She got dressed in a cute little 
outfit and then hurried downstairs.  She ate a bowl of cereal and fed 
Go Go, then hurried out the door.  She hopped in her truck and drove to 
school, prepared for the two finals she had to take in class. 

It was finals week, the most dreaded week of every school child's
career.  Though, since they were doing finals, they only did two 
classes a day and then everyone could leave after that.  She had taken 
her first and third hour finals yesterday, feeling good about both of 
them.  Today would be harder, she was taking second hour's final, which 
was math and fifth hour's final, which chanced to be science.  Both 
were her worse subjects.  But, she was sure that she would do okay.  As 
long as she didn't think about it beforehand and start stressing 
prematurely. 

When she finally slid into class, Anna pounced upon her.  Anna was in
four out of her six classes and so they knew everything about each 
other practically from the hours spent together.    Anna was very 
petite, she was only five feet and weighed about ninety pounds if that. 
 She had short bobbed blonde hair that was always perfect, shining like 
a golden halo around her pretty face.  She had fairylike features, very 
delicate bone work, which was accented perfectly with her pouty lips 
and glittering blue eyes.  She was always smiling, and though not 
popular, there wasn't anybody who didn't like her.  Though Jessica did 
have to wonder, how such a tiny girl could have a rep of being able to 
handle anything and take care of herself. 

And, facing her in class, it was apparent that Anna wanted info, “Okay,
who did you call?  And why do I think it was Elijah?” Her friend's eyes 
dared her to deny the phone call, pretend that is was something else 
less interesting.  But Jessica didn't even bother, she was so excited 
she had to tell someone or burst.  She hadn't even got to tell her mom 
because she had already left when she woke up.  Her stomach twisted 
inside at the thought of going on a real date with Elijah, it was so 
incredible that he was interested in her too.  It was like a fairytale 
come true, or at the very least, one of her greatest wishes. 

“It was Elijah, and you're not going to believe this.  I, as in me, got
a date with him on Monday.  A real, honest to God, date.  I get all 
weird feeling when I think about it,” she giggled, feeling like a 
million dollars.  Anna gave a little squeal and hugged her friend in 
her excitement.  Jessica still couldn't believe it, she had Elijah 
going on a date with her.  But she shouldn't count her chickens just 
yet, the date hadn't occurred and they may both decide afterwards that 
only being friends was a good idea.  She prayed that didn't happen, she 
really enjoyed being with him.  He was close to her in about every way 
possible and she couldn't bear the idea of only being charged with the 
title of friend. 

“I knew it.  I told you so, Ian won't be surprised either.  He's been
waiting for one of you two to make a move.  You guys have both been so 
chicken, but see what happens when you get some balls?” Anna teased and 
Jessica blushed profusely.  It was true, she had been cowardly until 
yesterday.  If she had made a move earlier, she could have already 
found out if her and Elijah were compatible in the romance world.  Now, 
she would have to wait until Monday. 

Her teacher walked in and told everyone to have a seat.  Jessica felt
butterflies rise in her stomach that were entirely different than what 
she felt with Elijah.  She was nervous now and she swallowed a couple 
of times.  She looked over to Anna who gave her a thumbs up.  It was 
great having friends with one, especially when one was scared, and 
little things like that made all the difference in the world.   She 
fought her way through the jumble of numbers that filled the pages of 
the final.  But when she was the fifth person done, she felt good about 
her work.  She was sure that she had passed, and she was guessing at 
about a C+/B-.  She doodled absently on paper for the rest of the hour, 
along with more than half the class. 

After class was over, Anna and her began to walk to their fifth hour. 
Though they each had a different fifth hour, their classes were on the 
same wing of the school, so they always walked together.  They were 
only about halfway there when Jessica caught sight of the one person 
who made her heart seem to skip beats.  Elijah leaned up against a 
wall, a smirk on his face, as Ian chattered away.  Even from where 
Jessica stood, she could see the brilliance of his green eyes so full 
of intelligence and mischief.  Anna looked to where she was gazing and 
a devilish grin lit up her face. 

“Let's go talk to them,” she announced and grabbed Jessica by the elbow.
 Jessica froze as if glued to the ground.  She didn't know why but she 
couldn't imagine talking to him now, not after she asked him on a date 
last night.  There was no way, and she knew it was silly, considering 
she had talked to him a thousand times before, but still she just 
couldn't. 

“We've got to get to class,” she protested, but Anna would not be
deterred.  She dragged Jessica, against her will, over to the smiling 
duo and stopped right in front of them.  Jessica smiled, what else 
could she do, and she was pleased to see Elijah's whole face light up 
as he looked at her.  He grabbed her hand and pulled over to him, where 
he snuggly laid his arm across her shoulders. 

“See this cute chick here?” he questioned to Ian, who immediately nodded
his head, “This girl here is not only my date for Monday, but she's 
going to be my groupie on Friday and Saturday.  Right?” He looked at 
her with that wicked gleam in his eyes, and she felt as if she were 
melting.  She laughed, part a nervous laugh and part, an amused laugh.  
She nodded her head, how could she refuse?  She was being invited to go 
to his gigs, and hang with him.  She knew she wouldn't have to really 
do what groupies do, but she would get to go backstage with him and 
that was way cool. 

“Wait a minute, a groupie?  Now, you listen here Eli, Jessie, is a good
girl.  If you corrupt her in any way, you'll have to answer to me,”  
Anna put on her most intimidating voice and glared at him.  He did a 
mock shiver of terror then burst into laughter.  She couldn't help it, 
she began to laugh too.  And then the bell rang, declaring they had one 
minute to get to class.  They all looked at each other with shock 
written all to clearly on their faces.  Then they waved good-bye and 
bolted for their classes.  Jessica made it a second before the late 
bell rang. 

She flung herself into the desk, and sat there panting.  Terri, one of
her friends, laughed and gave her this “could've been here without 
running” look, that made Jessica shake her head.  If she had not 
stopped to talk to Elijah, she might have not been invited to the gigs 
on the weekend.  There was no way in the world she would've given that 
up for walking to class.  But, before she could explain, her teacher 
began the instructions upon the final.  She felt that sinking feeling 
in the pit of her belly that told her she was in trouble.  She wasn't 
going to have an easy time on this final either.  She was right too, 
because five minutes before the bell rang to release them, she handed 
in the test.  She had been struggling nonstop and she didn't feel too 
good about it.   She had the despairing idea that she may have got 
towards the lower spectrum of the D range. 

She walked out to her truck, slowly, pondering how much that would
affect her grade.  She decided that even if it dragged her down to a D 
in the class, that it was okay.  Her mom understood her problem, they 
were the same way.  It had been her father who had been the technical 
one and it had frustrated him that she wasn't.  She was glad it 
wouldn't be him receiving the final results of her classes.  She almost 
forgot, she was meeting her group at McDonald's for lunch.  She 
wondered if Elijah would be there, but she figured, probably not.  He 
wasn't one of her group, but he was someone just as special. 

She reached McDonald's and strode into  see the entire school, well
maybe not the entire school there.  It was like a starving mass of 
human flesh, pushing for a place closer to the counter.  She looked 
around for any sign of her friends and was flagged down by Donnie.  He 
smiled and pointed to the three tables they had occupied.  Some had the 
cheeseburgers in their hands and others, McFlurries.  She smiled, 
grateful they were here before her.  She wiggled her way into an empty 
chair in the corner and Anna waved at her. 

“Did you see Elijah?” she called over, a chunk of meat sitting in the
cheek of her mouth.  Jessica felt her stomach turn over at the rather 
gruesome sight, but she managed to keep looking at Anna.  That was one 
thing about her, she seemed sometimes as if she had no manners.  Anna 
had once told her that she reserved them only for special occasions.  
That had left her forever wondering, what qualified as a special 
occasion? 

“No, I was hoping I might see him here, but he probably avoided this
place,” Jessica looked around at the loud, obnoxious teenagers.  Anna 
nodded her head in agreement and took a gigantic bite out of her nearly 
gone hamburger.  She chewed it quickly before taking  a long sip of her 
drink.  She then let out a large belch that made the boys high five 
her.  Jessica only laughed, it was so much fun to be with these guys, 
but she wished that Elijah and Ian had made it. 

Donnie, squished in beside her and handed her a M&M McFlurry.  He smiled
his warm smile and began to eat his french fries.  She was grateful and 
began to savor the vanilla ice cream and tiny chocolate candies.  
Veronica and Micheal were sitting across from her, gulping down huge 
sips of root beer and then trying to out burp the other.  Jessica had 
to laugh, Veronica was creaming Micheal.  Anna was cheering her on and 
Sean, Anna's boyfriend, was rooting for Micheal. 

“Come on, she's a girl.  You can take her,” Sean yelled, whooping in
excitement. Gina turned and made a bet supporting Veronica with Kellin. 
 It was funny, how even though it was obvious who was winning, the boys 
still had to support Micheal.  Carolyn also added money to the bet, for 
Veronica.  Sean protested violently and cast in a few dollars for his 
choice.  Jessica laughed and dug in her pocket and found a couple bucks 
which she too put on, for her girl.  Donnie sputtered and put in five 
dollars.  Micheal was beat red as he desperately tried to beat the 
goofy brunette sitting in front of him, but each burp became more and 
more pathetic. 

Suddenly, a straw wrapper shot Jessica in the side of the face, and she
jumped visibly.  Cleo began to laugh hysterically and Jessica arched 
her eyebrows warningly.  She had just been challenged.  She crumbled up 
the little piece of paper into a tight wad and chucked it at Cleo.  It 
bounced off her forehead and into Chuck's ice cream.  He glared at them 
as he fished it out and threw it on the table.  He put a hand 
protectively over the opening and they cracked up. 

Veronica won and they divided the money up.  All the girls who had bet
got five dollars each, including Veronica, and because she had won, she 
got was left over.  The girls all yelled out in triumph while all the 
boys pouted.  After Jessica finished her McFlurry and had talked with 
her friends a  little more, she left for home.  She didn't want miss 
any phone calls from her mom.  She had told her she would home after 
about a couple of hours, and she had already been there for an hour and 
a half.  She hugged her friends good-bye and drove home.  She checked 
the message machine, of course, no one had called. 

She thought about calling Elijah but he might not be home yet and she
got all twisted up when she thought of talking to him again. He was so 
cute!  She settled upon playing on the computer and beautiful, sweet Go 
Go curled up in her lap and began to sleep.  She was on for about an 
hour when the phone rang.  She leapt up and threw Go Go on the ground.  
She tripped over her shoes and cursed loudly.  She finally reached the 
phone. 

“Hello,” she answered, trying to ignore the throbbing pain in her toe. 
She was always doing klutzy things like that.  Her and Elijah at least 
had that in common. 

“Hi, Jessica, how is everything?” her mother's voice responded and
immediately she knew something was up.  Her mom only called her Jessica 
when she was mad at her or had something serious to say.  She wanted to 
immediately press the issue but she had a feeling that her mom would 
reveal herself when she felt the moment was right. 

“Oh fine, I have a date with Elijah on Monday and he wants me to come
see him play on Friday and Saturday,” there she had done it, she had 
told her mom about Elijah.  She was so excited that the thought of 
being with him sent gooseflesh across her body.  She wanted to tell him 
exactly how she felt, but the only problem was she could not find the 
words to accurately describe it.  Not to mention, what if he did not 
feel the same way. 

“Oh, well, um I hope that you will still be able to go,” her mother's
voice trembled and Jessica felt  as if she had been kicked.  What did 
her mom mean by that?  Of course she would be able to still go, she 
hadn't got in trouble, and school was over so it didn't matter how late 
she stayed.  She had a feeling that it had to do with whatever her mom 
needed to say and she willed her to explain herself.  But, after a few 
seconds of stunned silence, she knew she was going to have to pry it 
out of her. 

“What do you mean?” she asked.  Yeah, it better be a good explanation or
else her mom was going to hear about it.  She didn't usually argue with 
her mom but when the fight needed to be fought, she was willing to 
charge in headfirst. 

“Well, see I haven't been telling you everything.  Um, I know you're
going to be mad at me, very mad at me.  Those business meetings were, 
well, a cover up.  I've been dating this guy, Steven, for the last 
three months.  He's a wonderful guy and well, one thing lead to 
another, and we're in love.  Last night, please don't hate me, we 
eloped.  That was why we left.  I was afraid to tell you, I didn't want 
you to hate him before you even met him,” her mom stammered out every 
word and now Jessica felt truly ill.  Her mom had got married?  Without 
telling her?  She leaned heavily against the wall, she couldn't think.  
It wasn't fair, surely her mom didn't expect her to accept a new dad 
like that, especially one that she had never met before. 

“You married someone, and you only thought to tell me, after you married
him?  How could you?  We tell each other everything,” she was fighting 
back hysterics, never before had anything like this happened before.  
Her mom had to be kidding her, just playing a cruel, nasty joke, but 
that sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach told her otherwise.  Her 
mom had done the unthinkable, she had betrayed their trust.  She had 
brought someone into their little world, and had not told Jessica.  She 
had destroyed the bond between them and Jessica wasn't sure she was 
going to be able to handle it.  It was just too much. 

“I'm sorry, I just, I don't know.  I did it and I'm happy and I want you
to be happy for me too,” she gushed all of a sudden and she felt as if 
she were going to puke.  How could she be happy?  Her life had just 
been invaded by a man she had never met.  There was no way she could be 
happy for her mom, in fact, she was pretty angry.  She couldn't believe 
her mom would really do that to her.  She thought she had mattered 
more, she wouldn't have been angry with her mom for dating.  Chances 
are, even the marriage wouldn't have really bothered her, but she 
wanted to be included. . . to be a part of the scene.  Her mom had 
taken that away from her. 

“What does this have to do with my going out with Elijah now?” she
suddenly asked, for it made no sense that she couldn't do anything just 
cause her mom had tied the knot.  Something else was going on and 
somehow it was worse than the news that had just been delivered. 

“Well, we discussed it,” her mom hesitated and she could hear her
swallow before she continued, “well, Steven's family is in Arizona and 
he owns a company down there.  He, we, were thinking it would be best 
if we moved there to be closer to his, our family, and to his 
business.”  Now the world really did tilt and Jessica had to sit down.  
She skidded down the wall to the floor and she felt her head pounding 
with a headache.  Arizona?  She had friends who had moved from there 
and they had told her it was nothing but heat and snakes.  Why would 
they leave beautiful, cool Colorado for a desolate desert? 

“Why?” she stuttered, “He's been perfectly happy here till now.  Why
would we move?  And, once again what does this have to do with my going 
out on the date?”  She was clutching the phone too tightly, her hand 
hurt from the grip but she couldn't release it even a little bit.  She 
really did not feel good.  She wanted to go sleep and hope that when 
she awoke, this horrible call would have just been a dream.  She'd wake 
up and her mom would be on her business trip, only a business trip, and 
there would be no talk of eloping or moving.  None whatsoever, but she 
knew that if she slept, she would wake up and it would still be the 
same. 

“Well, Steven came up here for a business trip but he ended up staying
for me.  He really needs to get back to his company.  And he wants to 
be out of here by next Wednesday at the latest,” her mom blurted and 
Jessica choked loudly.  Next Wednesday?  Why, that was a little more 
than a week.  That wasn't enough time for anything.  They would have to 
pack and sell the house.  There was no way they could be out of here by 
next Wednesday.  The guy must be nutts. 

“Wednesday?  Mom, what is he thinking?  There's far too much to do.  He
can live if we don't leave for a while, plus, I don't want to go.  I'll 
stay with Anna for a while or something,” she was shaking and she 
hadn't realized it but she was also crying.  Tears rolled down her 
cheeks, a lot of tears, and their existence proved that she was more 
upset than she was letting on.  She didn't want to leave here, it was 
her home.  Everyone she loved lived around her.  Anna was only two 
houses down and Elijah was four houses down and across the street.  She 
didn't want to go anywhere, and she wanted to graduate with her 
friends, not in a brand new school, alone, a stranger.  It wasn't fair, 
they couldn't do this to her.  She deserved a little better. 

“Nope, we can do it and you're not staying here.  You're part of the
family,” she started but anger flared in Jessica's body.  Part of the 
family, she was the family, her and her mom.  Steven was an intruder 
and to include him was a sin, one that she was not going to stand for. 

“He's not part of the family.  I don't care that you're married, he's
not a part of it and he never will be.  He should not be part of this, 
and I hate him for trying to be one of us,” Jessica shouted, blinded by 
her rage.  She was shaking like a leaf and Go Go, who had been inching 
forward with an expression of love on her face, streaked into the 
kitchen at the sound of Jessica's raised voice. 

“Now Jessica, Jessie, please be an adult about this.  Please,” she
begged but Jessica would not hear anymore.  Her mom had completely 
destroyed the bond and the trust between them and she was not going to 
forgive her for those transgressions soon.  How could she marry a 
complete stranger who she had been dating behind her back and then 
expect her to pick up and move?  It just wasn't logical.  She didn't 
even bother to say good-bye, just hung up the phone. 

It rang again, and she answered it just in case it was Elijah or Anna,
but when it turned out to be her mother again, she put it back into the 
receiver.  She felt completely sick and she put her head against her 
knees.  Go Go wandered over and mewled at her with pity so she began to 
stroke her little head without thinking.  At least her cat would never 
be able to pull such a maneuver as her mother had.  She began to cry, 
not softly like a girl her age should have, but full blown wails of 
anguish and injustice.  She would never be able to understand how her 
mom could do that to her. 

The phone rang yet again and Jessica answered it, hiccuping and
sniffling, “Hello?”  She blinked several times  in an attempt to reign 
in the barrage of tears, but it was of no use, they still streamed down 
her face.  She hoped whoever was on the other end of the phone was not 
Elijah, she didn't want him to hear her crying.  He had before, but 
somehow it seemed different now. 

“Jessica, what's wrong?” Anna cried out.  Her concern only made Jessica
cry again, she couldn't stop it.  She really wanted to stop the tears 
but they kept flowing and she was hysterical.  She knew that but it 
still wasn't enough to make her regain control.  Her life was ruined as 
she knew it, she wouldn't be able to run over to Anna's house and baby 
sit her little brother for her, she wouldn't be able to see Elijah 
play, no more McDonald ventures, no cold, snowy Colorado winters for 
her anymore.  It was all her mom's fault, how could she do that to her. 
Anna hung up the phone and a few minutes later, the doorbell rang. 

She stood up and drug herself over to the door.  She opened it and Anna
stood there, her face overflowing with concern.  She threw her arms 
around her and Jessica burst into even more vicious tears.  She didn't 
want to leave her friends, not a one of them.  She wasn't ready for it 
and it wasn't right for her mom to be forcing her to.  She could stay 
with Anna and that would satisfy most of their needs.  Anna didn't ask 
what was wrong, but instead, shut the door and lead her to the couch.  
They sat down and she hugged Jessica, rocking her back and forth, until 
her sobs began to gradually subside. 

“Okay, Jessie, I need you to tell me what's wrong.  Maybe I can help,”
Anna announced, trying to sound confident but only sounding desperate.  
She knew the situation was bad but she didn't even have a clue.  
Jessica didn't want to admit what was wrong because once she explained, 
it would be finalized.  It would mean that it was real and not some 
cruel prank set up by her mom.  But she did know it was real and she 
knew that she needed to share it with her friends and quick. 

“My mom eloped with a complete stranger and we're moving in a week,” she
wailed and began to cry again.  Hiccups wracked her body and she 
couldn't see through the film of tears.  When she finally managed to 
clear the tears a little bit, Anna's flabbergasted face and silence 
were enough to prove that the news had hit her equally as hard.  They 
had known each other forever, since they were little.  They had always 
been together through anything and it was impossible to imagine life 
without the other. 

She wished that she could tell her mom exactly what she thought of her
and this “Steven” but she knew that even if she did find the words to 
express what she was feeling, her mom would never listen.  If she 
didn't bother checking in with her before the marriage, she certainly 
wouldn't care about her opinion after it.    She also desired a time 
machine so she could go back before her mother's lover was born and she 
would kill him or even maybe his mother.  But she knew if that were 
possible, she wouldn't have the heart to do it.  Well, maybe Steven, at 
least at the way she was feeling now.  She was so angry and out of 
control feeling.  She just couldn't get over the fact that her mom had 
gone behind her back. 

“You're leaving me?  In a week?  How is that possible?  How could you
not know?  Your mom tells you everything, surely there must be some 
kind of mistake.  She can't really mean it, can she?” her words were 
like a non ending flood and Jessica felt a bit overwhelmed.  She wanted 
to respond to everything but her mind was so full that it only got the 
last question.  She nodded miserably, of course her mother would betray 
her, she just had.  She had married mystery man, number one, and she 
expected everything to go quietly and smoothly.  She didn't believe 
though, that her mother really thought she would just give in like 
that.  She was going to let Steven know exactly how she felt about him. 
He was obviously not a good person either, considering he had to have 
known about her.  Surely he didn't think it was okay to get married 
without including the kids.  It was wrong to not even let them know the 
marriage was occurring.  Anna didn't or couldn't say another word for a 
while so they just sat there, each other crying now softly, unable to 
deal with the despised flow of emotions. 

Jessica wished that she had an impenetrable shied around her that
allowed no love out, and no love in.  She would be so much better, in a 
world without teasing nor rejection.  In a world, where eloping made 
one unacceptable to society.  But she knew that was all a fantasy of 
hers and that it would never be satisfied. 

“In a week, we will be gone.  My mom's such a bitch for doing this to
me, us.  I, I hate her and that bastard, Steven,” she growled back in 
her throat and Anna burst into tears, which of course sent Jessica into 
a waterfall of her own.  It was unbelievable that she was loosing her 
best friend, her hometown, and Elijah.  It wasn't fair, she had worked 
so hard and long for him and now her mother had taken him away in a 
moment of irresponsibility. 

By the time Anna left, it was late and Jessica was exhausted.  She had
cried her eyes out, more than she ever had since she was a little kid.  
She stumbled up the stairs, she was sleeping in her comfy bed tonight.  
The couch was far too uncomfortable to spend another night upon it.  Go 
Go hurried after her, mewling the whole time cause she wanted to be 
picked up and carried.  Jessica ignored her until she collapsed in bed, 
then Go Go landed with force on her stomach and began eagerly licking 
her face, especially her lips. 

Jessica laughed and squeezed her beautiful cat to her, at least she
could never betray Jessica.  She began to scratch behind her kitty's 
ears and the loud rumble of her purr filled the room. 

The next morning, she had the last of her finals, but they were easy as
compared to what else was going on in  her life.  She breezed through 
them and when she was done, she skipped meeting her friends for lunch.  
She knew she should have taken advantage of being with them for what 
may possibly be the last time, but she just couldn't deal with their 
silliness right now.  She felt pressured and overwhelmed, it was too 
much to take, and as much as she enjoyed their company, she was afraid 
they might push her over the edge. 

The house, which was thankfully empty, stood like a mourner, calling to
her to come comfort it.  It wouldn't be long before she no longer was 
able to sleep in her room or invite her friends over to it to play 
video games.  It depressed her and angered her that her mom had felt 
the right to do this to her.  It was one of the crappiest things she 
had ever done to her, and her mom would definitely have to pay for this 
one.  She had never held a grudge against her mother before, but she 
felt she could change.  As she looked around the house, she knew things 
could radically change. 

The next day, she didn't have to go to school due to the fact that all
their finals were done.  Even if she went, she knew that none of her 
friends were going so it would be a lonely day for her.  So, she did 
the logical thing, she slept in.  But, at about ten ‘o' clock, she 
wished that she were in school for that was when her mother and her new 
husband arrived home, ready to begin packing. 

“Jessie, darling, we're home,” a familiar voice crooned into her ear. 
She leapt up with a start and Go Go went flying across the room, 
hissing her indignation.  Jessica looked into the face of her mother, 
which had changed dramatically.  She looked younger, more buoyant, and 
the change stabbed her in the heart like daggers.  She hadn't been able 
to affect her mom like that, her mom had to seek elsewhere.  She had 
been inadequate to provide her mom with what she had needed.  Now the 
results were a strange man as her step-dad. 

“Oh joy,” she spat and stepped haughtily out of bed.  She went around
her mom without even looking at her, she wouldn't look at her. She 
wasn't supposed to change like that.  It was wrong.  And she wasn't 
supposed to be so exhilarated.  She was supposed to be nervous about 
presenting her new man, not so jubilant.  It made her mad!!! 

“Jessie, please don't be that way.  This is a good thing, not one to be
crabby about,” she begged, trying to push through her daughter's shell. 
 Jessica turned and glared at her.  What the hell was she thinking?  A 
good thing?  She had betrayed her, had forgotten to include her in one 
of the biggest life choices that was going to affect them all.  How did 
her mom really expect her not to be crabby?  It was impossible. 

“You're kidding me right?  You bring some jerk home as my step-dad
without having us meet before and you expect me to be happy?  Get a 
clue,” she snarled and turned around to stalk off to the restroom.  
When she came out, a large blonde man was clomping up the stairs.  He 
was looking at his feet to make sure he didn't misplace a step, and 
when he looked up, his bright blue eyes took her in. 

Jessica recoiled visibly from him, this was what her mother had married?
 He looked more like a surfing bum than a husband.  He had tan skin 
that was weathered and rough looking and his nose looked as if it had 
been broken a few times.  And when he broke into a broad grin, his 
perfect, sparkling white teeth seemed to glow out of his face.  He was 
too much and Jessica just gave him a dirty look.  See if she would 
approve of him! 

“You must be Jessie, I'm Steven,” he extended a hand with false
happiness.  Jessica looked at as if it were a disease.  There was no 
way she was touching him, not only was way too much for her mother in 
appearances, he was oozing false friendliness.  His eyes held no warmth 
in them and his smile seemed forced, strained.  She wasn't going to 
even bother to extend the effort that he was, she was going to make her 
dislike plain and obvious. 

“It's Jessica, not Jessie.  Only my mom and dad can call me that,” she
turned and walked away.  When she strode into her room, she chanced a 
look back and he was still standing there.  Though now his hand was 
back at his side and it was his turn to be giving dirty looks.  She 
smirked and proceeded into her room.  Her mom had since left and she 
was alone to be in her own thoughts. 

She couldn't' believe her mother had married that man.  He was totally
gross.  There appeared to be nothing pleasant about him, except for 
what he was trying to appear as.  He needed to look more like a native 
than a tourist from the beach part of California.  She was so 
disappointed in her mom, she had at least thought she had good taste.  
How could she have been so wrong? 

“Jessie, I'd really appreciate it if you could try to be nice to him. 
You know, make a small effort,” her mother slipped in without knocking. 
 Jessica couldn't help the cynical laugh that barked out of her.  Be 
nice to him?  To that asshole?  What a joke, he needed to be ran out of 
town, to a place far away so that her mother wouldn't be able to be 
stupid enough to find him again. 

“Mom, why should I?  He's unwelcome and unwanted, and I can't believe
you married him.  I thought you had better taste, but obviously, I 
don't know you very well,” she was seething.  Her mom was so unfair and 
evil.  She wished that she would just go away.  She wished the phone 
would ring and it would be Anna or Elijah asking her to come hang out 
with them.  She would leave, regardless of what her mother said, since 
there wasn't really anything her mom could do to punish her more than 
what she already had.  But for some reason, things never seemed to go 
the way she wanted. 

“Jessie,” her mom whined, straining desperately to reach her daughter,
“Someday you'll understand.  I love him too, and he is willing to love 
me back.”  She was appalled by her mother's words, she made it sound as 
if it were an honor to be loved by that fake pig.  Her mother had been 
so independent, so strong, what the hell had happened?  She had been 
under the impression that the two of them were perfect without her 
father around, but now, she had been slapped in the face by the 
information that her mother was not satisfied.  It hurt.  And it 
enraged her too.  She had tried to make their lives livable and at the 
very least, a hundred times better than when her dad were there but, it 
had all been for no purpose.  It wasn't fair. 

“There's one more thing, he insists we get rid of Go Go, and there are
going to be no arguments on this.  We'll give her to Anna,” her mom 
threw out and Jessica really felt lost.  She was the only one in the 
family who had not betrayed her.  She did not want to get rid of her.  
She was her cat, but she saw the way her mom looked and knew there were 
no fights over this one.  Only vengeance for Steven, he would suffer 
for that one. 

They began to pack their things up, but Jessica stuck true to her
feelings.  She only began to pack up her things, hell if she was going 
to help them.  At one point, Steven left to get everyone lunch but when 
he brought back the McDonalds, she only felt anger towards him.  That 
was her friends hangout and he was taking her away from them.  She 
hated him!!!  She felt as if each thing she were putting in the box was 
tearing a piece out of her and it sucked.  At about dinner time, Anna 
came over. 

When Jessica let her in, her eyes widened with horrified supprize.  The
boxes meant it for real.  They were moving.  She hugged her friend with 
a ferociousness that broke their hearts.  They had been best friends 
forever, they couldn't imagine being separated so far.  It was 
absolutely terrible. 

Jessica's mom walked in and announced warmly, “Hi Anna, how have you
been?”  But Anna did not respond, both girls looked at her as if she 
were the biggest evil in the universe,  “Anna, don't do this too.  I'm 
sorry but it's for the best.”  It was a pitiful try and they all knew 
it.  It wasn't for the best, it was to satisfy the wants of Steven and 
no one else. 

“I'm sorry too, you know we have been best friends since we can
remember, we're closer than sisters.  And yet, you don't mind tearing 
us apart,” Anna replied firmly, her voice barely shaking and her eyes 
piercing.  There was so much pain in those eyes, in Jessica's eyes too. 
 Jessica felt like cheering her pal but she knew it would make no 
difference.  Her mom just didn't give a damn, and she was right.  She 
didn't even bother to respond, just turned around and walked out, her 
walk more of a stalk with righteous anger.  And when Anna left, she 
took Go Go with her.  Jessica bawled harder over the loss of her cat 
than she had her dad. 

When Jessica called Elijah and told him that chances were she wouldn't
make the date, she heard him sigh his brokenheartness.  He didn't 
respond for the longest time and when he did, his voice was filled with 
hurt, “Jessie, no matter what happens, keep in mind that there are 
people back here that love you more than they love themselves.”  His 
words touched something in her and she began to bawl as hard as she 
could.  It was too much, she knew what he was saying and she was 
loosing him.  Oh god, it hurt so much, she felt sick.  They got off the 
phone and she staggered to her half bare room.  She knew at the speed 
they were going, they would be done Saturday or Sunday, not in time for 
her date. 

Ten minutes later, there was a quiet tapping on her window.  She jumped
up, startled that anyone would climb up to her second story bedroom 
more than anything.  She walked over and looked out to see Elijah's 
brilliant green eyes holding hers.  She opened the window and he 
reached in, pulled her to him, and kissed her.  She felt as if she were 
saved and nothing could get to her, and everything seemed to focus in 
upon him.  For the moment, she forgot all her worries and when they 
broke apart, she felt peaceful. 

“Come on, come with me for a while,” he whispered, his fingers playing
in her hair.  She wished that he had said “come run away with me” but 
she could settle for just leaving with him for a little bit.  She 
nodded her head and he backed down the ladder he had propped against 
the side of the house.  She looked around her room briefly before 
climbing out onto the ladder.  They hurried down and ran sneakily 
across her yard and down the street to his house.  They hopped in his 
67' corvette, his baby.  He took off with a squeal of tires and they 
zipped down the street.  They reached the park they had spent most of 
their youth playing in. 

They got out and walked over to the old climbing gym.  Jessica climbed
up to the top of the monkey bars and he followed suite.  They sat there 
facing each other, not saying a word just enjoying each other's 
company, for the longest time.  It was special, she felt as if she 
could stay like this with him forever, they didn't even have to say 
anything, and they still connected.  He reached over and held her hand 
in his, rubbing his thumb gently over the top of her hand. 

“What am I going to do without you?” he whispered, his voice sending
chills down her back.  She wanted him suddenly more than she ever had.  
She didn't second guess her feelings but rather leaned over and he 
opened his mouth to receive her advances.  His hand went around the 
back of her head, pressing him tighter to him, and his other hand went 
to the small of her back.  She wrapped her hands around his neck, 
savoring every little bit of him.  The feel of him underneath and 
against her skin made her burn with fire.  She wanted him so bad. 

They broke apart long enough to climb onto one of the platforms rather
than the monkey bars, and then they were kissing again with more heat 
than she had ever felt.  Suddenly his hand was underneath her shirt, 
unsnapping her bra but she didn't fight him.   She wanted him to touch 
her, she wanted him to love her like she couldn't be by anyone else she 
knew.  She needed him to protect her with his love.  He slipped his 
hand around front and began to caress her as they kissed.  She moaned 
softly in her throat and began to tug his shirt off.  He pulled away 
from her long enough to pull it over his head and to get her top and 
bra off her.  He crushed her against his chest as he kissed her with 
even more intensity. 

He stopped kissing her long enough to croon in her ear, “I love you
Jessica, I have for as long as I can remember.”  She felt as if the 
world were falling out from underneath her, that was all she needed to 
hear.  She loved him too and she needed him.  She couldn't live without 
him but she didn't think about the future, she just savored the 
moments, the precious moments she was spending with him.  His hand 
unbuttoned her pants, and somehow they continued to gently caress the 
other with fervor but still got their pants off.  She was giving 
herself fully to him, for probably the only time, but she still wasn't 
even hesitating. 

But he did, he was poised above her, but suddenly he pulled back and
looked at her with such compassion in his face, “I can't do this to 
you.”  And with that he rolled over, onto his back, his chest heaving 
and glistening under the moon with sweat.  He closed his eyes and as 
she watched, tears trickled out of the corners.  She didn't understand, 
 didn't he know she wanted him to, she needed him to?  She sat up and 
laid her fingers softly upon his chest.  He grabbed her hand and 
brought it to his lips, rubbing his lips delicately against her finger 
tips, sending wild chills through her body. 

“I want you to,” she breathed into his ear and trailed a stray finger
down his stomach but he didn't allow her to get far before he clutched 
that hand too in his firm grip.  He opened his eyes and gazed at her, 
and she was shocked at the pain and turmoil in his eyes.  She wanted to 
make it all go away, make him forget his problems, but she decided what 
she wanted to do was causing him grief. 

“I can't, I love you too much.  I know if you did this tonight, and you
were never able to be with me again, that you wouldn't necessarily 
regret it, but you wouldn't be happy with it,” he sat up and caressed 
her hair fondly.  She knew he was right but it still made her mad.  
That should have been her decision, he shouldn't be trying to make the 
choice for her.  But as she stared into his eyes, she knew he had done 
it rightly.  He did love her too much and he wasn't going to take her 
virginity away for a one night time only.  If he ever got her, he 
wanted it to be for good and they both knew it. 

“Damn it Eli,” she groaned and hung her head, “I'm never going to have
this chance with you again.  I want you, I really do...” she would have 
said more but he put a finger against her lips, releasing her hands.  
He leaned over, wrapped his arms around her, and just held her to him.  
No words needed to be shared, the intimacy was far greater than if they 
had sex, and she knew he was the one for her.  And that hurt worse than 
anything she had ever known, cause she also knew she was loosing him. 

They got dressed but still stayed, holding each other, well aware there
might never again be the opportunity.  She fell asleep in his arms, and 
when she woke up, the suns rays were peering through the sky.  She 
looked over at him and realized how beautiful he was.  She had always 
known him to be handsome, but the intelligence and compassion in him 
made him absolutely breathtaking.  She couldn't help it, she reached 
over and touched his hair daintily, as if to make sure he was real.  
That light touch was all it took to awaken him, and he opened his eyes 
and smiled softly at her.  That was the way she wanted to wake up every 
morning, with him beside her, a smile on his lips. 

They watched the sun rise together and then he drove her home.  He
kissed her at the base of the ladder, a kiss that portrayed everything 
they felt.  They knew it would be their last, perhaps even the last 
time they saw each other. It revealed the intensity of their feelings 
and it was a kiss that burned a mark into her soul.  She would never 
love another in the way that she had loved him, she would never have 
that connection again.  When she finally climbed up the ladder, she 
looked back upon him with the deepest sadness in her heart.  He looked 
back up at her with his feelings so clearly expressed and mouthed, “I 
love you”.  She smiled and mouthed it back, and then disappeared into 
her room without looking back. 

They moved on Sunday, two large moving vans came and they filled them
with all of their belongings.  Anna came over and they sobbed upon each 
other's shoulders, lamenting the inevitable separation.  They both 
swore that they would keep in touch but Jessica didn't have much faith. 
 Neither one of them were big writers and the phone bills would break 
them.  And then she climbed in her truck to drive over to Arizona and 
as she pulled past Elijah's house, she saw him standing in the window, 
watching her go.  He put his palm to the window and she waved softly at 
him, she blinked back tears and saw he was crying.  And then he was 
gone, everything she knew and loved was gone.  Nothing would ever be 
the same. 


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