I looked at the silver handheld video camera. Should I use it? Of course I used it but I was wary of recording something private and risk Eric overhearing.

But there was a note stuck to it in nice handwriting.

Melissa, you need to watch this. Tonight.

A single heart was next to my name and I wondered if just for a second Jackson had written this. He could have secretly, you never knew with someone like him and that was what I clung to but then I remembered Daley's words.

We have an honors system. Nobody should watch anyone's tape. They were private and I hated myself right now for itching to open it and press play once the tape was inside.

I did and sat back to watch as the screen cracked and fuzzed as the tape came into clear view.

Jackson came on and smiled at the camera. He spoke to me and only me and I felt my cheeks redden as I imagined him making this video. It was for me because whether I was aware of doing it, not sleeping well, Jackson certainly was and he was trying to help me.

I was touched and smiled to myself.

"I love you." Jackson said and I choked on my fruit I had decided to eat by the tree where I was sitting.

He had said he loved me! Jackson loves me!

I tried to keep myself together as he talked quietly as always but I was able to feel myself relax against the tree and settle down into the sand.

"Goodnight." Jackson said kissing the face of the camera as he had done twice before. I was dreaming about us. Kissing and doing other things for real. I was so lost in Jackson's beautiful voice that I didn't realize that I had in fact fallen asleep, lulled by his voice which was waking me up now calling me out of the clouds.

"Melissa… Melissa…"

I gently woke up to find Jackson looking down at me wondering why I was like I was.

"Jackson. Sorry. I was-"

"Sleeping? You tired Mel?" He smiled and said "I don't blame you what with all the work you have been doing but it's dark out now and you should come inside where it's warm. I don't want to go to sleep without you."

"What?"

"I have a surprise for you Mel."

I followed him into the empty plane and Jackson sat across from me with his guitar in his lap. He sang a song.

I don't know why

but I can't sleep at night

without you here.

I was stunned when he swung the guitar over onto his back and gave me a kiss. He sang another group of lyrics before I could register what happened.

I can't seem

to walk away

from your face.

Jackson laughed and I kissed him this time. Straight on without hesitation.

It was true.

"I can't stay away from you Jackson. But don't we have to here?"

"I only said that because I was afraid. Melissa I have never felt like this before. Ever. And I'm really glad that you were my first girlfriend."

"Girlfriend really?"

"Yes. You said you'd always be there for Cody Jackson and I was wondering if you meant this way too."

"I mean that anyway you want me to be Jackson. I'll be your girlfriend."

"Good." He kissed me again.

I was sleepy but also happy which is just what Jackson wanted.