Chapter 11

Julian and Jenny sat on the couch next to each other, not too close though. It reminded her of her dream but she didn't dare let Julian know about it. "So Jenny, would you like to play a game?" Jenny looked at Julian shocked, he laughed and then continued, "Like checkers or monopoly?" Jenny smacked his arm and he just laughed more. Jenny shook her head, "No thanks. No offense but I never want to play any kind of game with you ever again." Julian shrugged, "None taken. So what would you like to do? As much as I enjoy just sitting here with you I cant imagine your not starting to get bored." Jenny thought for a second, "Would you want to tell me more about yourself?" Julian nodded and turned himself so he was facing Jenny, she did the same. "Ask away." He said. "First of all, who was that guy you were talking to earlier?" Julian leaned his back against the arm rest, "His name is Kale. He's the second youngest shadow man, well youngest now I suppose. We were made around the same time so the others always referred to us as brothers." Jenny nodded then asked, "Why did he come here? Just to warn you about the ring? And what did he mean about the others not being as lenient with you?" Julian sighed and took Jenny's left hand looking at the ring.

"The others don't know I'm alive and he says he wont tell them but I don't know how long he can keep it to himself. We don't want to find out what will happen if they see me as a human, especially with you. They've wanted to get their hands on you for a long time. A long time ago Kale and I were really like brothers, he's the only shadow man who hasn't turned hideous so we had that in common. He says it was just a friendly visit but he can't be trusted." Jenny nodded and looked down at the hand Julian was holding. He began tracing circles on her palm with his thumb, electricity following in its wake.

"Julian?" He looked at her, so perfect, "Why haven't you tried to… kiss me? I mean not that I'm asking you to or anything, I'm just wondering. Because in the games it seemed like you were always trying to kiss me and since you've been back you really haven't, but I don't mind-" Oh…Her ranting was cut short by Julian's lips pressing to hers so sweetly, innocently. Jenny was kissing him back and it felt so good. She forgot. There was no way to remember what its like to kiss someone like Julian. Julian wrapped his arms around Jenny, one hand in her hair. Their kisses grew more passionate, more loving. Jenny never wanted it to end, and it didn't have to. There was no game to be played, no Tom to worry about, there was nothing but Jenny and Julian enjoying each others company as equals. But unfortunately there was a phone. The ring made Jenny jump, completely taken out of the trance. Julian picked the phone out of its cradle and handed it to Jenny who clicked it on.

"Hello," she asked.

"Jenny, honey its dad. How's everything going?"

Jenny felt her cheeks burn and got up from the couch needing to be turned away from Julian. It was just her luck that she'd have to talk to her parents after a make out session like that one.

"Everything's great dad. How's Lisa? And mom?"

"Lisa is in the same condition but your mother is getting better and coming to terms. We will be home tomorrow night, so if anything is broken try to fix it so your mother doesn't notice right away."

Jenny froze, tomorrow night? What about Julian? "Ok dad, I love you, travel safe."

"We love you too dear, see you soon."

Jenny hung up the phone and turned to Julian who was standing right behind her. When she turned he kissed her cheek, very sweetly. "To answer your question about not trying to kiss you, I decided to try to take things slower this time. And maybe after you had warmed up to me a little I would take your advice and just ask you." Jenny was stunned. How could he be so perfect? Loving, protective but in a good way, sweet, considerate… True he had some anger issues but that was in his nature right? Jenny was confused. She spent so long fighting Julian that even though she wanted to just give in she had a hard time picturing herself doing it. But that had to wait because now they had a problem.