Mmkay, so here's chapter 2. And before I start, to clear things up a bit, this story takes place 5 years after the movie, so the characters in here are all around 16 or 17 assuming they were probably 11 or 12 in the movie. And I'm open to any suggestions as this goes on.

And I'm warning you now, there will be some rough spots so the rating may go up, but I'm not sure at the moment. Plus I apologize for the somewhat unorthodox beginning. Thankyou for your wonderful reviews! :D

I flinched a bit when you put the cold cloth on my face, but held it there like you told me to as you dabbed my eye with a tissue. Your eyes were red and puffy from your previous outburst, and my shirt was still wet, but I couldn't help but feel there was something more. There had to be something more I could do to help.

"So you guys must throw killer parties, eh?" I said, attempting to lighten the mood even a little. Then realized it was the wrong choice of words. I had a habit of doing that.

"Please don't."

"Sorry." I looked down at the table in silence.

"You can take the cloth off your face now if you want." You were speaking in monotone.

I laid it on the table as you went to the sink for something. I decided this called for desperate measures.

"Aw c'mon Jonesy! Pull a happy face!" Using my fingers I pulled my mouth into a parody of a smile. "See, like this!" I said in an upbeat tone.

You only looked at me for a split second before a look of horror appeared on your face. "Stop it! Don't ever do that again!"

"Jeeze...sorry.." I said. You looked like you were about ready to burst into tears again. A few seconds passed before you regained your composure.

"No. Don't be. You wouldn't understand. Just don't do that anymore. Sorry for yelling."

I looked down at the table again as you dabbed my face in random spots with the cloth. And then I couldn't take it anymore.

"It's not your fault you know."

You stopped and stared into space for a few seconds. "How long had you known....about you know..."

"Long enough." I said.

"Is that why-"

"Yes," I replied before you could continue. I thought about earlier when I had held your hand after school. Up until today, you hadn't really been yourself.

"Everything will be okay. I promise."

"Okay? I don't understand."

"Just trust me." I squeezed your hand quickly before I noticed John approaching us.

"Oh no." you said.

"He looks mad..." I started.

"I broke up with him last night..." you said in a feeble voice.

The look on his face was one of rage. I had long since figured out what kind of relationship you two shared, and a siren was going off in my head.

"Run"

"You're above all of that, you know." I said, still staring at the table. Five bloody years, and I still couldn't look you in the eyes without stuttering.

"I guess..." you started, but didn't finish. That was enough for me.

"No I'm serious!" I said rather angrily. I was looking you dead in the eyes now, and surprisingly still thinking with some clarity. "You deserve so much better! You're the greatest person I've ever met! You don't talk bad about me like most of the other kids and you're nice and sweet and pretty!! And I- And I-" Moment of clarity gone. I was drawing a blank again. Damn.

You smiled a bit at my struggle with grammar.

"It's okay Wybourne. I get it. You can let go of my hands now..."

I looked down out of embarassement and surprise, unaware that I had stood up and grabbed your hands during my rant.

"Sorry. I got a little carried away..."

"It's okay." You studied your handy work on my injuries. "You know, you should put some ice on that when you get home."

"Point taken. I'll see ya later Jonesy!" I said as I headed for the door.

"Wait!"

I turned toward you. "What is it Jonesy?"

"Thanks."

I smiled sheepishly and left.

As I walked down the front steps I once again remembered John's words. You tell her she has made a very, very big mistake...

No she didn't.

I looked up towards your apartment and reflected on my earlier beating. If that was what it took then....

"Coraline Jones, I will protect you until the day I die."

End of 2nd chapter. :D

That was cute, eh? Just remember that things are going to get a bit rough in the coming chapters! R&R!! THANKS!!! :D