Into

A now eighteen year old Gabe Burton just graduated from his public high school in New York and was heading off to college in a few weeks. Gabe had gotten a scholarship to the University of Southern California for football. Place kicking. His parents, Adam and Leslie, have been re-married for several years now. And his girlfriend, Jenifer Lewis, was also going to USC. He was very happy with his life, until today.

Chapter 1: It's Her Again

Wow, my dream of being a place kicker is coming true! I can't wait! And my baby, Jen is coming too! Perfect, crazy huh? Gabe thought as he walked down Central Park. Then he ran into someone and they both fell off their feet onto their butts.

"I'm so sorry. Are you okay?" the girl said as they both got to their feet. Ouch! Who is this girl- wait she looks familiar? Oh no, it's-it's Rosemary Telesco. All of a sudden I was tongue-tied and just nervous. Not this feeling again!

"I'm-I'm good, really! Are you okay?" Gabe stumbled as he glanced quickly at Rosemary. She was holding her nose, with a bit of blood on her finger. When their eyes met they both stopped in their words. Rosemary then broke out into a smile when she realized it was him. Oh great! She knows it's me! Maybe-maybe I could distract her and- and leave! Yeah, great plan Gabe! God, I hate myself! Why'd I come here?

Rosemary smiled and removed her hand from her face to reveal a beautiful, mature face. "Gabe? Is that you? It's me, Rosemary Telesco! You remember me, right?" she urged and took his hand. Gabe was once again tongue-tied, but he managed to spit some words out.

"Yeah- yeah it's me, Gabe. And you're Rosemary Telesco! My friend from-from karate," Gabe stuttered wiggling his hand out of hers. He started laughing nervously and she continued grinning at him.

"Well Gabe, I've missed you! I haven't seen you since I was 11. What are you doing here?" Rosemary asked, rising to her feet. People also in the park were starting to stare at them. Gabe quickly bounced to his feet and continued grinning like an idiot. What am I doing? Why am I nervous? I don't love her anymore! I love Jen, my girlfriend.

"I-I was in the neighborhood. What-what are you doing here?" he babbled, grinning still. Her smile, it's beautiful. Wait, did I say I was in the neighborhood? Rosemary blushed and tried reaching for Gabe's hand again. He quickly stepped backwards and smiled again. She lost her smile, and her eyes started filling with disappointment.

"I just got back from a school in- in California. I've been living there for a-a really long time with my aunt. I got into a much better private school there. I came back to see my parents, sister, and of course Birdie," Rosemary smiled, looking down at her feet. Gabe was nodding and still smiling. "Hey, come with me? To my house?" she added, successfully taking his hand. Why is she doing this to me? She broke my heart seven years ago. Does she think I haven't moved on? Well, I have "Uhh come... uhh sure," Gabe muttered and they walked off, hand and hand.

The two walked to their great penthouse. It was just as amazing as Gabe had remembered it. Rosemary burst into the house into the cheery environment of her old home. "Birdie! I'm back!" she let out. A chunky, cheerful old lady came out smiling.

"Birdie missed you, Child! Come here!" she beckoned opening up her arms. Rosemary laughed and ran into her nanny's warm body. Birdie was grinning, but when she opened her eyes and saw Gabe she full out started cracking up. Why is she laughing?

"Is that the same boy from- then? Man you like him!" Birdie laughed letting go of Rosemary who turned around blushing. Gabe smiled nervously. He felt something in the pit of his stomach, like when he saw Rosemary in the dress. What's going on here? Ahh not again! Not this feeling!

"Come on, let's go to my room," Rosemary motioned for Gabe to follow. He hurried after her almost tripping. Rosemary laughed silently to herself, but Gabe noticed and sighed. Rosemary took his hand again and squeezed it reassuringly. Gabe smiled warmly to her. And they entered the room. I've missed this smell! What is it, strawberry? Yeah, strawberry. Just then his phone started ringing, it was Jenifer. He declined the call on accident. "Oops. It-it was my-my gir-girlfriend," Gabe stuttered heavily. Rosemary's smile went extinct. She sat on her bed and looked at Gabe sadly.

She spoke softly, "A girlfriends? That's... great. I had a boyfriend, but I broke up with him for- for another boy. So what's this girl's name?" Rosemary trailed off. Why does she sound disappointed? Does she like me? Was I that boy she broke up for some dude for? I hate myself even more!

"Jen-Jenifer Lewis. She's going to USC with me in two weeks. I'm going to college there," Gabe said proudly. Rosemary broke out into a grin and announced she was going there too. Jenifer Lewis, the girl I'm in love with and Rosemary Telesco, my first love. Rosemary was smiling bigger than ever and she was scooting closer to Gabe, who just sat down. Gabe fakely smiled and began trying to scoot away. Did this girl not hear me say I had a girlfriend? Jessie, wait? Jenifer! Yeah Jenifer! Why did I forget?

Rosemary started talking again, "So we should hang out at USC. It will be fun. Just me and you..." Why did she trail off? And once again, did she hear me say I had- have! Have a girlfriend!

Gabe looked like he was in pain as she said this, "And Jen. My girlfriend, who is also coming to USC. Hey, maybe you two will be friends!" Gabe shouted impulsively. She scouted away, looking scared. She had a doubtful look on her face, but slowly nodded.

God, she must think I'm an idiot! "So you want to meet her? Jenifer?" Gabe asked slowly. Rosemary smiled, but politely declined. Gabe narrowed his eyes, confused. "I'm meeting Tim Staples. Do you remember him?" she asked after explain. Gabe's mouth dropped. I know where this is all heading! He thought as he pictured her and Tim getting married. But he quickly bounced back into his normal expression and nodded understandingly.

"So what do you wanna-" Rosemary was interrupted by Gabe... kissing her. What! Did! I! Just! Do? He quickly backed away to see her expression. Rosemary's eyes were closed, but a small smile grew on her perfect lips. She leaned back in for another kiss. Gabe let her. Why am I doing this? Her lips just feel so... nice... Rosemary Telesco kissing him back would have been great 7 years ago, although. Gabe continued to kiss her. It was amazing. I hate myself. I hate myself. I hate myself. I hate myself. I hate myself. But I love her...