A/N: Based off Lisa Jane Smiths Forbidden Game trilogy. I am only the imagination to what could've been the fourth book. But Jadan is mine;)

Admittedly I wrote this chapter so many times it frazzled my poor noggin. I tried to keep it canon as much as possible with a large dash of maturity thrown into the mix. Ah well, I tried.

Reviews are my muse as well as music.

This chapter was solely created by this song:

Artist: Sarah McLachlan

Song: Fallen


Chapter Two: From the Shadows

One slightly, shaky hand gripped the crystal stem of the glass she held aloft, the sparkling white grape juice gleaming in the dim, fluorescent lighting above. Tan, brushstroke walls. Angelic hand-painted beings adorned with feathery, snow-white wings set the Italian atmosphere. A waxed candle flickered before her with small crystals placed around the fancy centerpiece. In thick, prominent script scrawled across their menus read:

Romona's Restaurant.

As one of the more high class Italian restaurants in San Francisco, it was known for its majestic domed ceilings and renowned paintings that dated back to the time of the Renaissance; Botticelli, Michelangelo, and the infamous Leonardo Da Vinci.

A considered romantic spot to "wine and dine".

The Mona Lisa perched on the opposite wall adjacent to Tom, Jenny found deterring. Her mysterious eyes seemed to stare at Jenny with that eerie, foretelling smile. Jenny grimaced, her gaze shifting across the room where various waitresses and waiters passed gourmet dishes to couples tables scattered across the large expanse. Brass candelabras placed in the corners casted an intimate, warm glow around the room. More serious couples were getting a little too friendly in the secluded sections.

Such as the entangled pair to the left of Tom.

Beneath the oval, ornate table a slight hand gripped the silk napkin draped across Jenny's lap. She knew Tom was clearly aware of the "friendly" interaction taking place behind. But some of the tension in his face seemed to smooth out as a dark, curly haired boy dressed in a crisp suit approached their table.

"Dinner is served." he announced in a thick, Italian voice. He offered Jenny a charming smile. The words: Gustav pinned to his chest flashed in the dim lighting as as he propped down her plate.

Jenny glanced at the creamy bowl of steamed soup. Tom had suggested it after explaining the seasoning they put in the chopped sausages. He knew she loved trying anything remotely Italian. A side of rich crackers were set alongside the garden salad positioned next to a decorative leaf of spinach. She smiled her thanks which the waiter Gustav returned with a bit more affection.

Tom politely cleared his throat as a sign to leave.

Jenny's eyes snapped to his.

Gustav uttered in what sounded a quick apology before he retreated.

Jenny watched him go a split second as she bit into a toasted cracker. Before her gaze swiveled back to Tom. His face had changed, a deep crease formed between both brows. "Thorny are you okay?"

Mentioning the old childhood name Tom had produced in the second grade should have lightened the mood. Instead Jenny felt even more tense. You need to calm down. She had taken her medication. So what was up with her? Here was Tom dressed in a clean, sharp suit. His dark, brown hair looked freshly cut and new bulges of muscle had protruded in places he'd acquired while working. With his bronzed skin and flecked eyes he could've been punched out of high end magazine. Encompassed in candle light, Jenny could see the childish roundness around his face had smoothed to define a strong, masculine jaw with the molded features of a maturing man. It struck her right then.

Tom was growing up.

He had even taken it upon himself, after the earthquake, to get involved in helping with the tragedy. He'd signed on to the summer job as a construction worker to clean up the leftover mess that still littered parts of the town. He'd continue to do so until the fall when his semester at San Francisco University would begin.

"I am fine Tom it's just…" She paused, unable to find the words.

"Jenny," Tom cut in. He curled his fingers around hers, setting her cup down before grasping her hand. The touch though warm and comforting, didn't kill her nerves. "I know, Thorny, that these past few months have been hard on you. As for your birthday, I just wanted to do something nice for you. For us."

Jenny offered up a small smile.

From the moment they had left Pennsylvania, Jenny had noticed a significant difference in him. The once cocky, superior demeanor he'd harbored in their earlier years of high school had changed into a soft spoken man that let star athletes shine, while he encouraged. What once was a boy who flirted for impressions, came a devoted man hell bent on ensuring one girl that she was the only one.

He wasn't some self-assured school boy anymore, this guy her familiar. In truth, he'd been her first of everything. Her "real" kiss that had taken place on the eve of their 8th grade Winter themed dance. First boyfriend. First person she'd fallen in love with. She should've been excited and happy to have this moment. And to have known him this long? Maybe she was just still wound up by Summers strange behavior earlier. "Tom," she responded, eventually, voice soft, "I'm fine I'm just a little strung up.

Toms green-and-gold flecked eyes locked unto hers, his voice even with a depth as he said, "Hey this day I just wanted to make special for you. Okay? After everything you've been through you deserve it, Jenny."

Jenny felt her breath catch, touched by his hidden words.

"So," Tom continued. "lets enjoy this birthday dinner, together."

Seemingly lost in her own thoughts she quickly reemerged slightly breathless as she replied, "Yeah, okay."

Tom raised her hand before his lips brushed the skin. His eyes remained locked on hers for a heartbeat more before he let go and started on his meal.

Jenny picked up another browned, toasted cracker that melted in her mouth with a soft, buttery taste.

"Mmm… whatever they added in this tomato sauce, good choice." Tom scooped up another forkful of risotto holding it out to Jenny. "You want to try a bite?"

Thick, red sauce dripped off the slick noodles.

Jenny shook her head, a spoonful of soup poised before her lips. She failed to note the steam rising steadily off the broth.

"By the way, Thorny, you look... sexy in that dress."

Scalding, hot liquid suddenly sliced a fire down her throat. Water! Jenny's eyes filmed over with tears as she coughed and fumbled for the iced beverage positioned before her.

Tom practically shot over the table as he shoved the glass into her mouth, the flames instantly dissipating. "Better?" Gradually, he sat back down, concern now written all over his face.

"Yeah." Jenny rasped . Her lips immediately smacked shut in burning humiliation, cheeks flushed. You so don't deserve to be in the same vicinity right now. Jenny didn't understand it. She used to dream of a night out like this with Tom. How he would speak of his sincerity and lavish his appreciations on her. This very fantasy had played in her mind countless times in high school. It had helped her see past the typical dates involving a particular food joint known for the popular posse to congregate at. All the while some flirtatious waitress would nabb the lead football star's attention leaving Jenny sitting at a table with melted malts and soggy burgers.

But Tom wasn't that guy anymore. Now he was nothing but kind, supportive and everything good in this world. Especially after what they'd gone through together. Since, his idealized dates had vastly improved. So what was the problem then?

This was maddening!

"I'm sorry, Tom." she whispered seemingly more to herself.

"Jenny look at me." came Toms soft voice.

Slowly, Jenny looked up.

Tom's bronze face glowed through the candlelight, the love in his eyes so clear it almost hurt. "You have nothing to be sorry about." He grasped her hand and kissed it. He kept it securely in his own as his face grew steadier. "I am the one who brought you here because, not only do you deserve the best birthday I could give you, but so much more."

Abrupt sweat collected inside of Jenny's palms.

"Well," he laughed light, reaching up one arm to rub the back of his neck.

He's nervous, she noted.

But why? The only time Tom got nervous was when it was something big. And just like that Jenny's eyes widened like two saucers. No... he knows we're both so young...

"I-I've been thinking about this for awhile now. So now I'm just going to ask you before I have a chance..." Toms voice seemed to trail off as those eyes flickered to the gold necklace strung around her neck.

A flicker of frustration crossed.

But before she could voice this aloud, Tom loudly cleared his throat

"Like I've said before, I'm not even going to try to understand the bond you have with him. I've never wanted to hear about-" He paused then, inhaling sharply for a brief moment before he continued, "I have taken a lot of time to think about it all and I love you, Thorny. I really do and I know I don't want to spend a future any further without this." Tom exhaled deeply as he climbed off his chair and came alongside her. "What I'm trying to ask you, Jenny... Elizabeth... Thornton..."

Jenny hitched in her breath as Tom got down on one knee and produced from out of his pockets a small, velvet box. Without anything further he flipped open the lid. Is this really happening right now?!

Jenny heard herself gasp aloud.

There, nestled in the satin fabric, glittering faucets of diamonds winked back at her, "Will you marry me?"

Jenny simply stared as the tears surfaced. Were these frustrated tears or happy? The diamonds. They were beautiful. Jenny could tell Tom had taken his time to find the right cut and size. In the lighting she could read the small, encrypted words, Forever Yours along the side.

This is what Summer was hinting at?

Her eyes rose up to meet Tom's and it felt like a weight had been dropped in her stomach. Those words, they felt binding. For a moment Jenny couldn't move, couldn't speak until a small, choked out, "Tom... I…" She swallowed, her throat still raw. Coupled with the swell of emotions inside what did she say? She barely knew what she wanted to do in college. How could she know she was completely ready for this next step?

But wasn't what she ever wanted was him?

As Jenny looked into Toms pleading eyes now waiting with bated breath, she could feel herself slowly tilting her head. Hadn't she risked her life for him over and over again for a future?

Hadn't she-

"Yes? Yes?!" Toms voice cut through the tangle of her thoughts with an excited trill. Within that moment he broke into the biggest grin Jenny had ever seen, slipped the ring on her finger, and pulled her into the most passionate kiss.

Wait!

Applause broke out across the room.

Slightly breathless, Jenny pulled back. Faces beamed from around the room every smile showcasing a sickening bright white. Strangers.Three years ago Jenny might have been flattered but not now.

Tom chuckled lightly in her ear as he put his arms her waist. "Now let's get you home, Thorny, before you turn into a pumpkin." With a quick peck on her cheek, Tom deposited a wad of cash on to the table as the rest of their dinner remained untouched.

Jenny remained at a loss for words as Tom guided her with his hand placed on the small of her back. So when her mind caught up the urge to slug Tom grew. This hadn't been what she'd expected. Tom wasn't supposed to be cheekily grinning like that. But who was she to say so? What the hell was wrong with her? Had she really reverted back to high school timid, Jenny Thornton for a brief moment?

Jenny didn't like it.

As Tom opened up the glass door of the restaurant an icy, gust of wind unexpectedly blasted straight into Jenny's face eliciting a shiver down her spine. Then again, maybe I'm overreacting. With that Jenny decided to push her anger aside and huddled closer to him.

Tom noticed and rubbed her bare shoulders. "You cold?"

Jenny, who wasn't about to lie to him nodded, "Sort of."

Tom kissed her temple as a red vested valet approached with the '96 Mercedes. The black, tinted windows peered back at her like hooded eyes. Jenny shivered again unsure whether it was really from the cold.

Tom's hands grew tighter on her shoulders. "Jenny?" he whispered, his breath warm against the nape of her neck.

Jenny looked up at him, the forest green filled with so many unanswered questions reflecting back in his gaze, "Yes?"

Tom reached out and caressed her cheek, pulling a strand of hair caught at the corner of her mouth. Without a word he leaned down and softly pressed his lips against her's. And as if they were alone his kisses churned over from passionate to urgent.

Jenny gasped and broke away slightly embarrassed. "Tom I-"

"Shh," Tom pressed a finger between the creases of her lips, smirking. " I'm just enjoying showing the world my new fiancee."

Jenny looked down as her cheeks warmed fully aware of the audience they had accumulated. "About that, Tom I-"

"I know," Tom cut in, his voice gentle. "I just wanted to kiss you again." He sighed seemingly content. "It has been so long you know. Have I ever told you how soft your lips are?"

Jenny tried to smile at Tom's compliment. The way he'd said it, however, sent a slight twinge through her chest. Tom had no idea just how close those words were to a part of her past. "No, Tom but-"

And before Jenny could even retort, Tom's lips cut into her words as his lips descended upon her's again.


Beep, beep!

Jenny gave one final wave as Tom pulled out of the gravel drive his horn eventually fading off into the distance. They hadn't said much along the way, Jenny too lost in her own thoughts as, seemingly, well as Tom.

It was digging out her house keys thereafter in the darkness which soon became a nuisanced chore. The duplex light wasn't on which signified that Summer was out.

Probably at a house party since school begins soon.

The last party Jenny could remember had been Tom's seventeenth birthday party and it had been the very last she'd attended. Dr. Straus had once asked her what had brought on the panic attack when Jennys mother had handed her a 'harmless' white box. In the process it had freaked out her brother, Joey. In times whenever her breathing started to thin Joey's scream would echo back with a, "Mom she's having a panic attack!" Jenny had remembered feeling humiliated and ridiculous for having such a reaction. She hadn't been able to tell her doctor the truth for fear of questioning her mental health. Or worse, being subjected to a padded cell.

Officially marked 'mentally ill'.

However, for as long as Jenny lived, the horrors she'd gone through had never fully left her. She'd been a teenager when it had all commenced. She was just fortunate those years hadn't turned her completely mad. What had appeared as a plain white box, pegged as 'innocent fun' from the cyber punk she'd encountered in the More Games store,-amidst her escape from trouble-would end up changing her life forever.

That cyber punk would become her very undoing.

When she'd bought the game he'd offered, he'd come off as a little peculiar but nothing out of the ordinary. Beautiful but just strange. That was until his true identity had come to light and involved a historical backtrack stemming from an obsession involving Jenny from the premature age of four. Then had come the introduction to the shadow world where the games would remain for the next year or so of her life. The first game he'd acclaim himself the Hunter with she and her friends the Prey. Made of supernatural powers, he had been able to mold dreams into reality whilst living in the veiled worlds of the Sh—

What was that?

Jenny's whole body instinctively tensed. A low rustle jostled the bushes below the stone steps of their house. Jenny bit the inside of her cheek and closed her eyes as she counted. Dr. Straus had admitted it to being a good calming technique. Okay, Jenny... One... Two... Thre-

A black cat jumped out of the shaven hedges.

A cat, Jenny. Scolding herself, Jenny finally found her keys and jammed them into the lock of their front door. Slamming it behind her she leaned against it, taking deep, steady breaths. She needed to pull herself together.

Just a cat, Jenny for gosh sake!

Remembering the door was still unlocked, Jenny turned and crooked the latch. She flicked on the light switch beside her. Bright, buttery walls greeted her, an observation Summer had once stated spruced peoples happiness auras.

Whatever that meant.

Jenny hung up her purse on the coat rack beside her and slipped off her flats. The cool floorboards were a refreshing change. At this point she was drained and thus dragged herself in a daze to her room. It had seemed just hours ago she'd left as a confused woman from a lifelong relationship on her birthday.

And now engaged.

Lighter yellow walls glared back at her as she entered into her bedroom, the draw erase board the main pinpoint in her perephrial. Chink! She dropped her keys on the nightstand, tugging off the post-its needed for her, apparent, selective memory.

In purple marker was Summers handwriting:

Jenny,

Went to a house party! Should be back around one. Don't wait up for me, I have my own key now so you don't need to keep it unlocked… A yawn escaped her lips as Jenny struggled to keep reading the words… Hope you had fun with Tommy! Dee called earlier today so I wrote down the number to her new cell. They should be beside this note.

Don't stay up too late ;)

-Peace

~Summer

Behind the notes was a purple slip of paper scrawled with the number in blue, splotchy ink. "Summer y-you need a new p...pen." Yawning a second time Jenny set it on the nightstand, falling back on to her pillows exhausted.

The near anxiety attack had pushed her frustration with Tom on the back-burner. It was just something she'd have to deal with later just as she was finding all things lately. Jenny lazily pulled the gold comforter over her in a cocoon, the aroma of fresh sheets engulfing her. A deep sigh of contentment slipped past her lips as the comforting scent lulled her into slumber. As moonlight encompassed the room it illuminated a pair of mystic eyes that watched from the shadows beyond.