Chapter Three: Twilight of the Dawn

Twilight n, n, uncountable – 1. faint light before sunrise or sunset, meeting of darkness and light 2. (fig) remote period about which little is known, uncertainty.

Charlie left the Shark beach house and headed down to the water's edge. She loved and hated how Nate made her feel, but there were time like this where she had no idea what to feel. Ever since the incident last year when he'd been kidnapped he was there in the back of her mind. For now it was comforting but what if something between them changed and he was no longer a part of her life?

In a few weeks she would start her final year at the academy and Nate would being heading off to MIT to start his master's in computer science. Who knew what might happen between them… The future seemed so uncertain, she had chosen a path that would lead her into danger, so was it fair to take Nate along for the trip?

Stopping when the water lapped at her toes, she looked up at the stars. This world was so full of variables that she couldn't control and Nate was one of those. He had come into her life and turned it upside down, but he could easily exit, destroying it. She knew deep down if Nate ever left her she would never allow anyone close again. It would hurt too much, if this moment was an indication.

There were so many things that could go wrong between them. Long distance relationships rarely worked. Then he'd be gone like so many other people in her life.

Arms wrapped around her waist. "Penny for your thoughts."

Charlie didn't look at him. "They're not worth it."

Laughing, Nate turned her to face him."I could hear your negative thoughts from across the beach. Did you know that you're shouting?" She shook her head and Nate leaned in close rubbing his nose against hers. "Stop brooding. "

Charlie chose not to answer but instead managed to toss him over her hip into the sand. Nate laughed and locked onto her ankles knocking her off her feet.

They both lay in the sand and Nate asked, "We're too weird – every time we talk, it's a spar. Is this really how you want to say goodbye?"

Doing a flip like move she landed on her feet. "You should know by now that I hate goodbyes. I'd rather say hello." Then she gave him an almost playful Neo wave of her fingers. "How else will you remember me once you're surrounded by all those debutant college girls."

Doing his own move Nate landed on his feet, just as she threw the first punch. "You seem to have forgotten I'm studying computer science, there won't be any girls and if there are, they probably won't be debutants. Think more geek than sheik."

Charlie laughed. "They will find you, they always do. Pretty girls flock to you like flies to honey. Just give it a week and you'll see what I mean."

Nate dropped his guard and allowed one of her punches to strike him in the face, even as he stepped closer.

"What are you doing?" Charlie demanded as he invaded her personal space.

"I'm stopping this right now." Charlie looked away, but Nate didn't let her retreat. "Hey, I love you and nothing or no one is going to change that… when are you going to believe me?"

Charlie opened her mouth to speak wondering what he but no words came out. How could she explain or make him understand that everything about him terrified her. He made her feel things she thought would never feel because she hated everything, including herself at times. Then there was the connection between them, it was unlike anything she'd ever experienced. The two of them were so close, sometimes they even shared feelings as well as thoughts.

Every fibre in her body told her to flee, to get out of here before he hurt her, but she forced herself to stay, to face these feelings head on, because a small part of her hoped that someday she would be worthy of a man like Nate.

"I know we did this awhile ago and you said no, but I told you I was going to ask you again and hopefully do it better this time."

Charlie tried to say something but he cut her off. Reaching out he took her hand as he dropped down to one knee in the sand. "You have intrigued, beguiled and mesmerized me from the moment I met you. I knew from the first time we met that one day we'd reach this point, this moment. I want to live out our lives together for such a long time and me leaving won't change that. Ariel Charlotte Kawalsky, I love you so much and I want you to be my wife. Please say yes this time." Then he opened the box to reveal the second kanzashi. "Can we reunite these two?"

Charlie stared down at the kanzashi, she knew what it meant and there was a part of her that still wanted to flee, but she reverently touched up the hairpin before closing the box. "I think I love you but I can't say yes, just yet. I am still not sure who I am. I thought I knew what I wanted out of life, but now…" She touched his face. "Can you give me more time, just a little more."

Getting to his feet Nate tucked the box away again and cupped her cheek. "Charlie, I'm not trying to pressure you into something you're not ready for. I love you and I will take you any way I can. Now let's go get changed and enjoy that dinner I had planned."

Cassie stepped from the shower and towel dried her hair, knowing there wasn't much time if she wanted this night to be perfect. Jon had left a few minutes ago to pick up their pizza. She'd gone over this plan many times since she'd heard Sam was leaving.

At first she thought she'd made a snap decision, and it had been fear motivating her, but the more she debated the more things became clear. Life was precious no matter what you believe and if she waited too long she might lose everything.

Now dry she pulled the silky sheath over her body. It fit much better than the last time she'd worn it all those years ago. It seemed like another lifetime and another Cassie, so much had happened since then to her and Jon.

She played with her hair for a few moments before letting it fall and deciding to leave it down. Running a brush quickly through the long strands before adding some subtle makeup. Glancing at her watch, she noticed that Jon should be back any moment and then the back door opened.

"Cassie, food here!" She heard Jon come inside and move through the house.

Taking one last look at herself she decided she was ready to face the music and she hoped Jon was too.

Jon placed the pizza box on the table wondering where Cassie was. Then he heard a slight rustle of fabric as she materialized from the dimness looking ethereal. He swallowed recognizing exactly what she was wearing. He could tell from the determined look on her face that this time she wouldn't be taking a no for an answer.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, Cassie kissed him the peach silk slithered under his fingers as he held on to her waist enjoying the moment, yet knowing he had to ask her the question that was on his mind.

Pulling away slightly he rested his forehead against hers. "Are you sure about this? I mean it when I say there is no going back after this moment."

He felt Cassie shiver as his hands ran up her back. "I love you, Jon and I will love you until my last breath. I want to spend my life with you. So this is just the next step; are you ready to take it with me?"

Jon tangled his hands in her hair. "Cassie, you are like a ray of sunshine filling my life. I love you, and let's do this together." Then he kissed her hard enough to curl her toes before he scooped her up into his arms and carried her off toward her bedroom kicking the door closed behind him.

Dinner would just have to wait.

Cassie woke the next morning with Jon's arm wrapped around her. From where she lay she could just see Janet's pinoir dangling off the chair where Jon had tossed it the night before.

Lazy sunbeams filtered through the window as her stomach rumbled. They never did eat the pizza from last night, but Cassie didn't move.

Instead her fingers traced the delicate embroidery that her real mother's hands had created and wondered what Jon would think if he knew by Hanka's law they were married. After all they had slept in a bridal bed after making promises to each other.

Jon stirred pulling her closer as he buried his face in her hair, finding his way to her neck.

Cassie turned to face him. "As much as I'd like to do that again, I'm starving, but I'm not opposed to a snack and then…we'll see."

"I'd like that a lot but we have places to go today. Remember we have to be at Sam's house. If we don't show they will come looking for us and that could get very embarrassing."

"Fine but I get the shower first." Cassie slipped out of bed and headed for the shower. "Don't you ever forget that I love you."

Then she was gone and Jon was left grinning. After all his life was just where he wanted it.