I'm back! Hope you enjoy this chapter. By the way, I know there is some confusion about what Jen does – all will be revealed in due time. Thanks for your patience!

CHAPTER 9

Jen was dressed and ready to go for 6. However, just as Ben arrived, so did her parents, who were coming home early from work. Jen saw her parents chatting with Ben, before the three of them came to the front door. "Ben's here," her mother said, as Ben and her father followed closely behind.

"I know. Ben and I are going to a concert," she said as she picked up her purse. "We shouldn't be gone too long." Please Dad, don't ask questions, Jen silently prayed, avoiding her parents' eyes.

Her prayers were answered. "I'm going into my study. Have a good time, you two," he said, and did as he said.

"Well, I probably should get dinner on the table," her mother said, shooting her daughter a nervous glance. "Enjoy yourselves."

"Are your parents generally nervous people?" Ben asked Jen as they walked to his car.

"Sometimes. Why?"

He shrugged. "I get the sense that they weren't thrilled with the idea of the concert."

Jen shrugged. "They have learned to let me live my life." Ben wished she'd say more, but she didn't, and Ben didn't want to pry. But he knew that there was something going on in the family, some sort of secret that was being kept from him. The rest of the time they spent catching up on their days, life, work, and hobbies.

They both had a fantastic time at the concert. Jen was able to get lost in the music, and Ben enjoyed watching her – how she was able to relax and enjoy herself, and just let herself be. He knew she was often anxious, for whatever the reason, and it was nice to see a more relaxed side.

After the concert, Ben and Jen went to the Promenade to grab a bite to eat before he was going to take her home. It was quiet; there weren't many people around. Ben loved spending time with her, and their conversations were warm and interesting. The only difficulty Ben really had was discussing anything about her past – I mean, there were a few things, like living with her parents, but she mostly talked about college and her current profession, and her hobbies. Ben knew Jen was hiding a deep secret, but couldn't understand why she wouldn't open up. He knew she liked him.

Finally, he couldn't contain himself any longer. "Jen," he said finally, "Why are you so afraid to really open up to me? I know it's only our second date, but I feel close to you. I want you to be able to trust me."

Jen, in turn, could no longer contain herself; huge tears began to spill down her cheeks. "I'll tell you." She took a deep breath. "I had a sister," she whispered. "We were close, my sister, parents and I. She was younger. She…she died when I was sixteen years old. She…she was fourteen."

"Some kind of medical condition or disease?" Ben asked gently.

Jen shook her head. "Car accident." It took her a moment. Ben knew it was upsetting for her to discuss, and knew that she'd open up more if he let her.

He took her hand. "I'm sorry," he said quietly.

"Thank you. It's been years, but…I still…I feel as if it happened yesterday." She looked down at her food. "She and I were really close. She was my best friend. I…I let her drive the car. I knew it was wrong, I was a new driver myself, but I just wanted her to have the experience. We hit a pole. She was killed instantly."

Ben didn't say anything. He waited for Jen to continue. "My relationship with my parents was never quite the same after that. I know they blame me for the accident, even though they say they don't. Even so, I feel guilty, and I know that I will carry that burden for the rest of my life."

"That's a lot to swallow at sixteen and to live with for the rest of your life."

"Yeah. After I was released from the hospital and was able to be mobile again, I dropped out of school, got my GED, and went to college. I haven't been back to Glen Oak in years."

"So why now?"

She sighed. "It was time. I'd been avoiding this for so long. I need to see Sarah, to talk to her, and to say I'm sorry."

"And your parents?"

"I need them to know, too, how sorry I am." She began to cry again. "I was just a kid. I didn't know any better. For years after, I was afraid to drive. It was only a few months ago, before this trip, that I was ready to face my fears and get behind the wheel again. Once I managed that, I knew I needed to face the fear of seeing my parents again…and visiting Sarah. I spoke with them on the phone, wrote letters, and they wanted to come out and see me, but I wouldn't…I wouldn't let them. I know I've hurt them. They lost Sarah…and for years, it felt like they lost me, too."

"I'm proud of you."

Jen looked up at Ben. "Really?"

"Yeah. You're trying to get up again. You made a mistake, but you are trying to work with what you have."

"Thank you," she whispered, "That means a lot."

Ben took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I'm here for you." And he realized it was true: he wanted to help her in every way he could, help her get back out there and face her parents and sister.

Jen stood up. "I think we should go."

Ben nodded, and stood up in agreement. "Come on, I'll take you home."

The car ride was silent. Neither of them spoke; neither of them needed to. They both knew that a huge barrier had been broken, and they were committed to helping and being there for each other.

END CHAPTER 9