Thanks for the reviews even if some of you found the previous chapter too sad and I am really sorry for that. I just want to point out that I am trying to play with the triangular love story. I am also not against Kylanda but the story will ultimately be a Kessie one coz Jessie is my favourite character. I am also at loss of how to deal with the problem of Latnok so please bear with me… though I have some ideas.

Kyle continued watching Jessie in disbelief until she was out of sight. After a few seconds he snapped out of his shock and the consequences of his actions started to sink in. When Amanda turned towards him she was met with his ashen face and anguished eyes. She tentatively touched his shoulder and asked in a concerned voice.

"Are you sick Kyle? You look a bit shaken up." Kyle looked at her and mumbled painfully mostly to himself.

"How could I have been such a jerk to her? She will never forgive me. I have…hurt her so much."

Amanda had a nagging doubt that his reaction was caused by Jessie but nevertheless she felt a rush of annoyance and hurt at his anguished voice. Does he care for her that much? She thought bitterly. She tried to reassure herself that he had taken her defence earlier but nevertheless she was slightly scared. She snapped out of her depressing thoughts and said in a slightly irritating voice.

"Don't worry about her…Kyle. She will come around and we are getting a bit late. Shall we go?"

But Kyle continued remaining ashen-faced and did not seem to hear her. Amanda tried to keep her anger in check and waited for his answer. Not getting one she took his arm and started leading him towards The Rack. On reaching there she chose a secluded corner and tried to make small talk but to her annoyance Kyle continued to remain silent. Finally she snapped and the little patience she had disappeared completely.

"So are you just going to ignore me and worry about Jessie?"

Kyle looked at her with surprise and momentarily frowned at the bitterness in her voice. He tried not to show his annoyance and chose his words carefully.

"In case you are forgetting Amanda she happens to be my …friend and in a way I am responsible for her."

Amanda just stared at him with disbelief and annoyance and then asked in a harsh whisper so as not give in and yell at him.

"Are you blaming me? She is the one to refuse my friendship. Have you forgotten her harsh words towards me?"

Kyle sighed wearily and wondered morosely if all guys faced this particular predicament in their lives. He really hated the fact that two girls were fighting for his attention. He answered her in a slightly irritated tone.

"Of course I am not blaming you. But the fact remains that I have spoken a bit too harshly to her. I should not have said those terrible things. I have never wanted to hurt her." He was now speaking in a remorseful tone and this angered Amanda more than anything.

"Stop blaming yourself Kyle. Jessie is also partly to be blamed. She really had no right to talk to us in that way" she said resentfully.

"Yeah but she had passed through a lot…more than me. We can't really blame her." He retorted with mild frustration.

Amanda took a deep breath and forced herself not to say anything else. Jessie was seriously starting to infuriate her beyond tolerance. But she could see Kyle's protectiveness towards the brunette and if she had to win him over she must not jeopardise their relationship. She just took a sip from her coffee and found Kyle's one untouched. Great he is now also renouncing from food and drink just because of Jessie. She thought dejectedly. Both remained silent until they were joined by Lori and Declan. They were both relieved inwardly. The silence had been thick with tension and awkwardness. Within minutes Amanda started talking with her friends but did not miss the fact that Kyle was barely taking a part in the conversation. If the other two noticed Kyle's strange behaviour they did not comment so.

Kyle thought about his earlier treatment towards Jessie and inwardly groaned with remorseful bitterness. Since the night he had confronted Cassidy and had nearly killed him he feared he was losing his calm and today was an example. Even Amanda's presence could not calm him as it usually did. He closed his eyes with frustration and ran a tired hand through his hair. Immediately Jessie's angry and painful words came to mind and he wanted to kick himself for hurting her. Every thing is so messed up.

xxxxxx

Jessie made her way towards the Tragers with reluctance. It was already late afternoon. She had cried until she had thought there won't be any more tears left. She cautiously opened the front door in hope of avoiding anyone. But to her distress Stephen noticed her.

"Hey Jessie. Where have you been? How was your..." he stopped in mid-sentence upon noticing her red-rimmed eyes from crying. He immediately became concerned and asked her in a gentle but bewildered voice.

"Are you alright? It seems you have been crying"

Jessie just looked at him with an unconvincing slight smile and said in a small voice.

"Of course not. Something just went into my eyes. I have been out for a stroll."

Stephen just looked at her in exasperation knowing fully well she was lying. He decided not to pry but his gaze softened on seeing her fragile state. He impulsively gave her a small but affectionate hug and said in a soothing voice.

"Don't worry everything will become alright. We are all there for you."

Jessie's eyes watered at his fatherly warm tone and felt a bit better by the hug and his reassurance. She gratefully returned his hug and gave him a small but earnest smile.

On her way to her room she came across Nicole who gave her a questioning glance on seeing her tears stains but did not comment. Jessie gave her a self-conscious smile. Nicole patted her arm and said in an understanding voice.

"Why don't you go up and rest a bit. I will send up your dinner." With that she patted Jessie on the back with a warm smile and made her way towards the kitchen. She then paused and turned towards Jessie.

"Jessie if you want to talk, don't forget I am here." She said in friendly tone. Jessie just nodded and entered her room. She would always be grateful to Stephen and Nicole. Their comforting behaviour had made her feel better but she wished Kyle was there for her. Shaking these depressing thoughts away she took a bath and promptly fell asleep. Her last lingering thought was about Kyle and his warm smile.

xxxxx

Kyle was gentleman enough to escort Amanda to her home. Amanda stood in front the door and smiled at Kyle. Kyle attempted to smile though he was feeling a bit bad for his earlier treatment towards her.

"Listen Amanda I am sorry for having ruined you day." He started awkwardly.

Amanda just smiled and shook her head though inwardly she agreed with him. She answered in a pacifying tone.

"It's ok Kyle. It was not really your fault. I had a good time; just being with you was enough." Kyle shifted awkwardly on his feet upon hearing this.

"It was my fault. It's just that I was really worried about Jessie." He tried to explain but Amanda interrupted him. The mention of Jessie was enough to worsen her mood.

"Can we please just forget about Jessie for a bit? Kyle raised his eyebrow at that but she continued "I just want to tell you that I will always be there for you. You are truly special for me Kyle."

She quickly kissed Kyle on the cheek and said goodnight. Kyle could only nod in reply and made his way towards his house. He thought about the kiss and wondered with a sinking feeling how will he face Jessie. He sighed with relief when he sensed her presence. At least she is back home with us and that is comforting enough for me.

xxxxxx