Janie was still carrying the helmet as she stormed through JAA on her way to the principal's office. Her classmates were glaring at her but it didn't even make her flinch as she reached the office. She could hear Jared inside as she took a step back and kicked the door open.

Jared was sitting behind the desk as the principal stood next to him anxiously. They both jumped at her entrance and she didn't pause as she pulled back her arm and threw the bike helmet across the room at Pullman.

"You arrogant, man-child! You won't speak to me but you'll try to kick me out of school!" Jared recovered from the blow of the helmet hitting his chest and jumped to his feet.

"I'm not speaking to you!"

"Well I've got something to say so you better be ready to listen, Pullman." Janie and Jared face each other across the desk. He looked torn, then angry for second before he walked casually around the desk and then took off at a sprint out of the room.

"No!"

"Ya! Are you five?" Janie ran after him through the crowd of students that had gathered in the main entrance. Pushing past the other students Janie was falling behind Jared as he ran through the courtyard and towards the main gates. He rounded the corner and Janie was finally catching up when she heard him cry out.

Stepping onto the sidewalk outside the gates Janie was shocked to see Jared sprawled out on his back at the feet of a woman laughing over him.

"Where are you running to like a little kid?" The woman was smiling and it was only when she looked at Janie that she saw the resemblance between them. The woman stepped over Jared and walked hand outstretched in greeting towards her. "You must be Janie, I'm Helen. Helen Kipling. Formerly Helen Pullman."

Janie took her hand and shook it. "Nice to meet you." She was still in shock as Helen smiled down at her. She was as tall as Jared and looked like a model. Her hair was chopped short in a pixie cut and she was wearing crisp blue jeans under a leather jacket.

"Don't talk to her." Jared was climbing to his feet and glaring at his sister who was laughing again.

"Don't tell me what to do little brother. We both know that won't end well for you."

"Stop it Helen, you don't know what's going on." Helen smiled and looked from Jared to Janie who was trying to quell her blush.

"You know what Jared, you are so right." Helen looped her arm casually around Janie's shoulder to Jared's apparent shock. "C'mon Janie, let's get breakfast." Helen began dragging Janie away towards a bright yellow sports car sitting on the curb.

"Um, that's really nice but I have class."

"Nonsense. You're still technically kicked out so we'll grab breakfast and then sort this out when we get back." Janie was still in awe at Helen's forwardness so she went with her and climbed into the passenger seat of her car.

Left on the curb, Jared was still fuming. It was just like his sister to show up out of nowhere and stick her nose in where it didn't belong. As he thought about it watching Helen drive away with Janie in tow it occurred to him that it wasn't a random visit at all.

"Can we talk?" Jackson was standing by the gate holding his helmet in the crook of his arm. Jared didn't look at him. He walked past Jackson like he wasn't there and returned to the school building prepared to hide out in the F4 club room until his sister and Janie were no longer a presence at the school.


Janie's fork hovered over her omelette as she watched Helen shovel food into her mouth and nod at all the information that Janie had just provided to her.

"So let me sum up just to make sure I understand." Helen paused and put down her fork as she took a long swig of her cup of coffee. "You got a full academic scholarship and came to JAA at the beginning of the year. My brother, as usual, was a complete dick to you. Jackson was nice and you kinda liked him until you found out about Celeste and he left. Jared took you out on a lame date, which is partially my fault I do apologize for that, and then some crazy bitch tricked Jared into thinking you had slept with someone and tricking you into thinking you were raped but everything got worked out and then Jackson came back suddenly and acting differently towards you. In a final stroke of desperation my brother kidnapped you and your friend and whisked you away to California where he finally made a good impression and then Jackson kissed you in front of him and now everything is just royally messed up."

Janie nodded. "When you say it like that it seems very dramatic."

"I'll say. I know my brother is a moron, but good God, he really has done his finest in the last couple months." Janie wasn't sure what to say so she took a sip of tea as Helen watched her. "There is one thing you've left out Janie Doe. You didn't say how you felt about him."

Her mug froze at her lips as Helen stared her down. The strange feeling in her chest had returned and she shook her head as she set the mug down. "I'm guess I'm still not sure how I feel."

Helen remained fixed on Janie waiting for more but Janie kept her mouth shut until she sighed and waved for a waiter. "I get it you know. My brother is very prickly. You can't really blame him though. He didn't have very many good influences outside his little group of friends. I didn't really see much of him either, I got sent to boarding school when I was 14 and he was still a kid then. My parents were never really around either and when they were, it was sometimes worse."

"Yeah, he told me about his dad." Helen looked surprised.

"Really? See that's a big deal. He never talks about Dad. I can't believe he told you about him."

"Well, I mean it wasn't a lot. Just about how he said they'd go stargazing and stuff. It was pretty depressing." Helen took another long sip of coffee.

"Yeah, unfortunately that's the theme of our childhood. What I'm really trying to say is, you may not completely believe it right now but I think that my moron brother really, honestly, likes you."

"Not anymore." Janie slide her plate forward knocking into her mug loudly. Helen was smiling slightly as she watched her sit with a disgruntled huff.

"Well then, first things first. Let's get you back to school."


There was no sound coming from the office as Janie waited impatiently outside the doors. She wasn't sure if Helen was just better at keeping her voice low or if they were just having a stare down inside. Either way, Helen had ordered her to wait so she crouched down next to the door and resting her head forward over her knees. She didn't hear anyone approach but when she looked up next Jackson was next to her appearing indifferent.

Neither of them spoke but they didn't have to because in the next second Helen was out the door and smiling at both of them. Jackson and Janie both stood and Janie was about to ask Helen what had happened but Helen simply walked past them.

They followed after her and it became apparent that they were heading to the F4 clubroom. Without hesitation Helen threw open the door and walked in. Before Janie and Jackson even dared cross the threshold they could hear Jared yelling from inside the room.

"What the hell, Helen?! Get out!"

"Would if I could brother but sadly, like always, I need to clean up your mess." There was a heavy silence while no doubt the two siblings were facing off. "What are you two waiting for? Get in here!" Reluctantly, Janie entered the room with Jackson on her heels.

Sure enough Jared was glaring at Helen who seemed unperturbed as she waited for Janie and Jackson to join the group which included Benny and Ian watching the scene unfold. Without skipping a beat Helen pushed Jared next to Janie with Jackson on her other side and Helen facing the three of them.

"Now you three need to work this out. I think the most important thing is to get everything out in the open." Janie stiffened but fortunately Helen was directing her attention elsewhere. "Jackson, is there anything you want to tell Jared."

"I don't want to hear it."

"Jared, do you think I care whether you want to hear it? Pipe down." Jared was still fuming but silenced under Helen's scrutiny until Jackson finally turned to him and spoke over Janie's head.

"Janie didn't kiss me, I kissed her. It wasn't her fault so you shouldn't blame her." Jared crossed his arms firmly.

"She could have stopped you."

"Ya!" The group jumped at Janie's sudden outburst but she ignored them as she faced Jared herself. "I couldn't stop you from kidnapping me on multiple occasions. Do you really think I could stop someone from kissing me?" It looked like he would speak but in the end Jared kept his mouth shut and looked back towards Helen.

"Very interesting, now then, the present issue is that you're not speaking to Jackson and have essentially kicked him out of F4 and you have tried to remove Janie from school. The latter has been resolved by yours truly so we need to-"

"It's not resolved."

"Yes it is baby brother."

"No, it's not. You can't stay here forever and I guarantee that once you're gone, so is she." Janie felt her hands clench.

"You petty bastard. I don't care if you want to shun me but you know I need this school."

"I don't have anything to say to you." The fire in her dissipated at the coldness in his voice and she turned and left the room. Helen called after her but she left at a run, leaving the building and returning to the subway. If Jared was still determined to kick her out of school there was no point trying to remain in class. Janie decided to home and hoped that when she got there things would be different, but she seriously doubted it.


Jared and Jackson were staring at each other and Jackson was just thankful that they finally had a chance to speak. Unfortunately they'd been alone together for half an hour and Jared hadn't said anything, he had only glared and waited.

"I'm sorry." Jackson hated speaking first. It didn't even make a difference. Jared said nothing. "I know I broke our agreement but you understand how hard it was to watch her with you. Watch her thinking of you when I was right in front of her."

"You cheated."

"I did."

"And you called my sister, didn't you?" Jackson said nothing but Jared saw the truth written on his face. "How can I trust you again?" Jackson thought hard. Trust was hard to earn with Jared, and even harder to get back. There was a reason he only had three friends he trusted outside his sister. When everyone was trying to be your friend for money and society benefits it was hard to let people get close. Now that Jackson wasn't clouded by jealousy he could see how badly he had messed up.

"I can't go back on what happened but let me back in F4, trust me again, and I promise that if Janie is not interested in me I won't pursue her anymore."

"What do you mean if?" Jackson felt a glimmer of humor cross his face as Jared waited for his explanation.

"I mean, let's even the playing field and let her choose." Nodding slowly and then leaning forward quickly Jared clapped his hands sharply.

"Deal. What's the plan?"


Janie had ignored the knock on the door like she had ignored her family's questions. She had retreated under her comforter in her room when Su-wan forbade her from going to the roof. True, the current flurries didn't make the weather ideal for outdoor thinking but Janie still wished she was on the roof in the crisp air.

Her door creaked open and Janie peaked out from under her cover as one of the twins came to her bedside. Once he leaned over she recognized Darren's face by his crooked grin as he pulled at her cover.

"Come out Janie, you have a visitor." Darren didn't wait for her to answer. The coy smile said that something silly was happening and that fed Janie's curiosity enough to get her to emerge from under the cover.

She was expecting Helen to be there, instead it was Jared. He was standing by the door with his arms crossed still looking angry as well as concerned. Janie didn't care. She immediately turned and shook off Darren's small arm before retreating into her room.

"Come back here!" Janie hesitated and looked at Jared coldly.

"I have nothing to say to you." Anger flickered across his face but she slammed the door and crawled back under the cover. Hardly a second had passed before the door flew open again and she knew it was Jared barging in.

"Don't walk away from me!"

"If you can, so can I!" Janie yelled from under the cover as she held it tight around her body. She felt Jared tugging at the cover and cursing as she refused to relinquish her grip.

"Would you just-god damnit-would you just listen!?" They struggled for a few seconds until the cover was finally pulled back and Janie became aware of Jared's position. At some point he had simply climbed onto the bed and had ended up straddling her. Her heart began racing and Jared too looked flustered.

"I think you should talk in the common area." Su-wan's voice awakened Janie's strength and she pushed Jared off causing him to crash to the floor. Su-wan had already walked away and Janie quickly followed as Jared pulled himself off the floor.

When Jared finally was back in the living room Su-wan and Janie we're already seated next to each other by the coffee table. The other kids were absent, sent to the boys' bedroom. Jared sat down and glanced at Janie who was still pink from blushing. Su-wan spoke quietly to Janie in Korean and Janie nodded in response several times.

"What's she saying?" Janie glanced from Jared to her mother who nodded sharply.

"You don't want to know."

"Was it about me?" Janie cringed but didn't answer.

"Ignorant child. Disrespects my home, disrespects my daughter and accuses me of not understanding. He is not the good man I thought he was. Tell him why I won't speak."

"She does. She just doesn't want to talk to you. She says you disrespected us. That you're not who she thought." Jared looked angry.

"This isn't a good." He sat deep in thought as Su-wan continued to talk to Janie in words he didn't understand. After a few moments he held up his hands and Su-wan stopped. "I'm sorry. Just, in general." Janie was staring at him but he continued. "I'm sorry for trying to kick Janie out of school, I'm sorry for disrespecting her. I'm sorry for not listening." He stared at Janie as he spoke his last words and she saw his sincerity and discomfort he felt from saying sorry so many times.

"Talk." Su-wan left the table and joined the other kids in the bedroom swatting them away from the door.

"She said we could talk." Jared nodded and was about to speak when she continued. "Why should I forgive you Pullman?"

"Because I mean it." She smiled sadly.

"That's not always enough. What do you want?"

"I spoke with Jackson and he explained things. We agreed on a way to settle who would be allowed to date you."

Janie folded her arms across her chest. "Who says I want to date either of you."

"Pursue you then. We agreed on a test, although now it doesn't seem fair since your mom doesn't like me anymore." Lost in his thoughts, Jared looked incredibly concerned.

Her curiosity won out again. "What's the test?" Jared continued to look concerned before slamming his fist against the floor. "What the hell is it?!"

"Dinner with your family." He spoke softly, already looking defeated. "We agreed to let them decide who they liked better." Janie felt guilty later, but in the moment she laughed. It was shameful but the irony of Jared coming over to propose a family challenge and insulting her mother who had previously liked him in the process was just too much. He was so lost in his own thoughts he didn't yell at her.

Once he was done sulking and she was done having her fit of laughter he explained the terms better. Janie wasn't allowed to attend the dinners, they had agreed that her presence would influence her siblings too much. Also, Jackson had insisted that the dinners take place at the apartment. In that way, money couldn't be thrown around and affect the family's decision making. Lastly, the boys had to bring the food. The date decided on was next week. Friday, Jackson would come over, Jared was due Saturday and Sunday would hopefully be a date for whomever came out on top.

After Jared finished explaining the plan Janie reluctantly agreed and began walking him to the door. She followed him down the stairs planning on stopping into the Laundromat to call Gail. In the cold Janie gave Jared a curt nod before walking towards the Laundromat entrance. She thought she was in the clear until she felt his hand grab her arm.

He faced her breathless and serious, trying to convey so much more than the words he was about to speak. "I know you mom said more than what you said she did. She doesn't like me now and that's okay. I'm gonna change her mind."

"How do you know you can?" Jared smiled broadly and released her arm.

"I changed yours didn't I?" And he was gone. He climbed into his waiting car and watched Janie's still form on the sidewalk staring at his car as he drove away.

Her mother would surely be reluctant at first, despite her 17 years in the United States her Korean sensibilities were still her greatest influence on her mothering and her opinion of Jared was completely ruined. Still, Janie was unsure of where her heart was pulling her and she was relieved that she could leave the decision to her family.

She had spoken to Gail for ages on the phone agonizing on her decision to agree with Jared and Jackson's ridiculous plan.

"It's like some kind of competition to them. Like their fighting for my hand or something."

"Well they kind of are Janie. But are you sure you want to leave it to that? What if the one who wins isn't the one you want?"

"I guess I don't think it matters. I'm not sure how I feel about either of them anymore." A heavy silence followed, Janie could tell Gail was thinking and she could picture her hands held anxiously against her chest weighing her response.

"I guess this would be a bad time to tell you I have a boyfriend."

"Gail, I could strangle you." Janie heard Gail laughing at her quick response.

"Tell you what, once you decide on your future prospects we'll go on a double date."

"Don't change the subject! Who is this boy?"

"I'll tell you more at work tomorrow. I have to go. Bye!"

"Bye." Janie heard Gail laugh again at her halfhearted good bye but she couldn't mask it. She had more to say. There was too much going on for Gail to hang up. Hanging up the phone Janie lingered in the Laundromat. Maybe that was her problem. She was always leaving her decisions to others, even now. For some reason, the harder the decision the weaker her conviction. Small things, like defending a friend or confronting an enemy came so naturally that she didn't have a chance to think them over. Big life changing decisions, she was weak. Even when applying to JAA it had taken two years for her to commit to sending in her application. She had agonized through two years of high school with Gail before her constant badgering, as well as her familiy's encouragement finally enabled her to follow through. It had been the right decision and the one she wanted to make but on her own, she probably wouldn't have made it.

Of all the weaknesses for her to have, this was probably the most devastating for her. Especially now. She couldn't rely on others to choose her love life. Her mother hadn't left Korea for nothing. No matter who won her family's favor, if she didn't approve then she wouldn't follow through. Feeling reinvigorated with her decision she returned to her apartment to explain the situation to her family. Not surprising, her mother was skeptical and her siblings were thrilled. Her brothers were suddenly men and her sister kept saying how romantic it was. Janie was dreading it, it didn't matter who won, either way she would have to face her feelings, for both of them.

She agonized all week and neither Jared or Jackson approached her. Even the other students were avoiding her, like they knew what was happening. They must have because they were avoiding Jackson as well, clearly siding with Jared no matter what happened.

In their absence Helen had been visiting Janie often. She had even stopped by the bakery and spent the night helping to bake and clean with Eve. It was no surprise to Janie when she saw Helen's bright car parked by her apartment Thursday night. Approaching the vehicle she was ready to knock on the glass when she saw Helen sitting inside, on the phone, in tears. Janie couldn't hear what was being said but Helen was clearly emotional and once she noticed Janie she quickly hung up the phone and beckoned her into the car.

"I can't stay, our mother found out I was in town and spoke with my husband. I have to fly back tonight." Helen was wiping the tears away as she spoke and Janie waited. "I just wanted to have one last chat with you before leaving."

Janie nodded and Helen smiled at her inquisitive look. "I know you're wondering, it's okay. It's our family secret but since, despite everything, I'm rooting for my brother and I wanted you to know that he's a better man then he lets on." She was still smiling but Janie saw the lie in it and waited patiently for her to continue. "I'm not what I seem. I'm a liar, a cheater and even at my age I can't stand up to my mother."

"You don't seem so bad to me."

"You're sweet Janie, if I didn't know you liked my brother I'd probably put the moves on you." Janie froze and stared at Helen. "I'm gay."

"Oh, well that's okay. But aren't you married?"

"That's the shame. My mother, the bitch, couldn't support me and demanded that I not only tell no one but marry for our companies benefit. I thought she was full of it but she proved what she was capable of and I buckled and agreed. Don't look so heartbroken Janie, I can take it." She quickly tried to look passive but she couldn't hide what she felt.

"It's really not so bad, my husband is fully aware of my status and we're actually good friends. He's comfortable with our show marriage and neither of us minds the others indiscretions. He's dating some poor thing and I was dating a really great girl, Meg, but she's gone now." Helen stared down at her phone, her grip tightening as new tears rolled. "Jared promised me, the night I told him he promised me that as soon as he was in charge of our company I could marry whoever I wanted. He promised me, and I promised her. But she couldn't wait forever. That's what she said." Helen took a moment, breathing deeply and swiping away the new tears. "That's who my brother is, he said it didn't matter at all and hated our mother even more. He meant it too, he really will let me do what I dream. Live how I want to live. Which is what I wanted to tell you. He may be an idiot and jealous and completely clueless but at his core, he's a good man and better then both of our parents."

Janie felt shocked. She felt such sympathy for Helen who seemed so happy and put together and felt something completely new for Jared that she was trying not to linger on.

"I also wanted to warn you." All warmth had left Helen's face as she spoke. "If you date my brother my mother will come after you and she won't stop until you're beaten."

"If dating your brother would be so much trouble, then why bother. If she'll just stop us, then what's the point?" Helen smiled and climbed out of the car. Janie followed suit and met her at the trunk which Helen had opened.

"That's something you need to figure out for yourself. Here," Helen handed Janie a duffle bag that was so stuffed Janie could barely hold it. "These are some old coats I don't need anymore. You'll probably have to hem them cause you're pretty short but share them with your mom and sister, I think they'll suit you." Reaching over the bag Helen gave Janie a brief hug before returning to the driver side of the car. "Good bye Janie Doe. No matter what you decide make sure it's what you want. Ciao."

Helen drove away quickly and left Janie standing in shock on in front of the shop. Helen smiled and pulled out her phone, quickly dialing Jared.

"Hey brother."

"I heard you're leaving."

"The witch found out. Meg's said she's done. It's over." Jared didn't say anything and let the silence speak for him for a moment.

"I'm gonna fix this someday."

"I know."

"Did you give her the coats?" Helen smirked.

"Oh you were serious?"

'Helen you-"

"Relax, I handed them over and she'll look fabulous and won't freeze to death."

She could imagine the smile on her brother's face as he quietly thanked her before starting to ask her advice about the dinner for tomorrow.

"I told you brother, just be yourself. But the nicer version."

"No, that'll never work. Her mom hates me now. I need to say or do something special. Jackson is always saying the right thing."

"No matter what happens I'm really proud of you and I'll be rooting for you from across the pond."

"Thanks Helen. I'll see you next time." He hung up quickly after that and Helen did too. She waited until she was close to the airport. She had a half hour before the driver her mother was sending would arrive to pick up the car. Driving to a secluded area she parked the car and once again, cried. She let her anger and sadness spill out as she beat her fists against the steering wheel and when the time came she handed the car over to the driver without a single tear. She may have been heartbroken but she would persevere. She may not have had her mother or father but she had her brother and she hoped that Janie realized just how special it was to have him on your side.


Gail sat anxiously in the coffee shop trying to focus on the school book in front of her but it was no good. Any second Ian would arrive and Gail felt so jumpy waiting for him. It was her own fault, she had called him early in the day and asked him to meet her. The whole dinner competition between Jared and Jackson was so strange and Gail didn't approve at all. She was hoping that Ian, like her, was on Jackson's side and she could persuade him to give him a hand. Still it felt stupid, why had she needed to meet him? She could have called him. Gail pulled out her phone and was trying to find his number when the chair next to her pulled back.

"You look incredibly nervous." Ian sat down smoothly and removed his coat as Gail sat frozen clutching her phone. "Where's your drink?"

Gail stammered at Ian's composure and knowing smirk. "Oh, I uh, I didn't get one." He smiled happily and stood up again.

"I'll get the drinks then, my treat."

"That's okay!" By the time Gail got the words out Ian was already at the counter ordering for her. She put away her book and returned to sitting anxiously and clutching her hands against her chest. She watched him pick up his order and return to the table. He set some type of coffee frappe with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle in front of her while he kept a plain black coffee for himself.

"You seemed like the super sweet coffee kinda girl." She smiled and nodded as she took the warm cup in her hands.

"And you seem like the black coffee kinda guy." He chuckled as she took a sip from her drink and then quickly wiped the whipped cream off her nose.

"So to what do I owe the pleasure of your company. I got the impression we weren't getting on so well."

Gail pushed the cup away and faced Ian directly. "That's true, I'm not very fond of you but I think we agree about what's best for our friends." Ian continued to watch her inquisitively while he sipped his drink slowly. "I know you don't think Jared dating Janie is a good idea and I agree. Maybe we could both just, you know, nudge them in the right direction?"

She waited while Ian looked thoughtful. He placed his drink down and leaned forward. "And you really needed to see me in person to ask me this?" Gail jumped to her feet as he laughed and grabbed her arm, pulling her back into his seat. "It's fine, it's fine. I don't mind. And you're right, I agree. Jackson would have a much more pleasant and less complicated relationship with Janie and I have been doing my best to support him. I'll keep doing my best and you do the same." She relaxed a little and Ian sat back as well. They sat in silence for a few moments as they drank the coffee slowly.

"So, have you ever modeled before?" Gail choked on her coffee and Ian laughed as he patted her back. "Sorry, I guess I should have waited for you to finish drinking." Once Gail had cleared her throat Ian handed her a napkin and she took a few deep breaths before looking at him.

"Are you serious?" he nodded, still smiling at her shock.

"Yeah, you have good coloring and I've been looking for new inspiration for a painting of mine. I just want to give it a try. I'll pay you." Gail still looked skeptical.

"This isn't some dating ploy is it because I'm dating someone now." Ian looked genuinely surprised.

"Really? That must be new and exciting." She nodded. "To be honest it sometimes is, but not in this case. Just think about it, okay?"

Ian stood up quickly and grabbed his coat. "You're leaving?"

"Yep, better get home and give Jackson a pep talk. Good luck with your sabotage and I'll call you about the modeling." She nodded once and thanked him for the coffee once more. Outside the shop he smiled to himself. Walking past the coffee shop windows he glanced in for one last look of Gail sitting by herself, gently holding her drink with both hands. He smiled once before moving on, wondering what type of man had snatched up the easily startled Gail so quickly and efficiently.


She knew it was unseemly and immature but Janie was having a fit. She was in the Laundromat, again, waiting for the dinner that Jared was having with her family to be over. With her mother upstairs she was folding clothes for the drop-off service and watching the patrons but she had hardly gotten anything done between her pacing and running into the back to rant to herself.

By the time Jared came downstairs and entered the small Laundromat Janie practically pounced on him.

"What the hell happened?" Jared shook his head and sat down by the counter where she was folding. Janie almost attacked him for his silence by Jackson had arrived and entered as well, smiling at Janie before taking a seat next to Jared and giving him a comforting pat.

Frustrated by both of them she returned to folding angrily and waiting for May to come down to relieve Janie and let the three of them return upstairs to get the family decision. After what felt like a century, May finally came downstairs carrying Jimmy on her hip. She smiled at them and told them to go upstairs.

Once they were seated at the coffee table, Janie next to Su-wan with Jared and Jackson across from them (and the boys standing and doing their best to look older), Su-wan began speaking to Janie in Korean. While Su-wan spoke Janie nodded and glanced at Jackson, and then Jared, blushing occasionally at the words the others didn't understand.

Once she was done, Su-wan smiled at Jared and Jackson who both shifted under her gaze. "I'm sorry for the secrecy but I was just explaining our conversations to Janie. For everyone's benefit I'll be brief. We talked, all of us, and although we didn't agree we reached our decision."

"What was the split?" Janie was looking down but Su-wan simply took her hand.

"Later. The point is we decided and that we prefer Jackson." Jared hung his head in defeat momentarily, than slamming his fist against the table he left the room in a rage. The awkwardness remained until Su-wan led the boys out of the Laundromat and left them alone.

Bridging the space between them, Jackson reached across the table and took Janie's hand. She stared at him. "Janie, would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow." He smiled at her, leaning forward slightly.

She smiled too. "Yeah."

Later, Janie was restless. She paced the apartment, she paced the roof and she got kicked out of the Laundromat because once she had finished telling Gail her mother had grown tired of her pacing. Eventually she started walking around the block briskly reveling in the new coat courtesy of Helen. In the duffle there had been 3 pea coats and 1 leather jacket. All the coats were too large for them but Su-wan had altered them quickly with the industrial sewing machine in the Laundromat. Janie had refused to keep them all for herself but both May and her mother insisted that she get first pick and the leather jacket. In the end she chose the dark grey pea coat with double breasted buttons and deep pockets. May had gleefully laid claim to a short purple one while her mother took the remaining black one.

Even better than having such quality wool coats was the fact that they now could return the other coats early and have a little money set aside in case of emergency. Janie gripped the coat tighter as she rounded the block, returning to her home street. From a distance she saw a figure leaning against the empty storefront next to the Laundromat. Her heart skipped a beat as she drew closer.

"Jared, what are you doing here?" His hands were shoved deep in his pockets but he was staring at the ground.

"I'm cheating."

Janie looked around, the street was empty except for the two of them. She stepped closer. "Just go home Jared. You and Jackson are the worst at promises but I'm not. We said we'd let my family pick and they did so just, go home already."

"But you still have the final word." He fidgeted but still kept his eyes down. "I wasn't wrong. I know you like me. If you say it now I'll call Jackson myself. He'll understand."

"We both know that's not fair to him. Look, I'm sorry that you think you like me but –"

"Shut up." Jared was suddenly towering over her as she avoided his fervent stare. "I don't think I do, I know I do. I promise that no one will ever love you as much as I do right now. Besides, you still haven't said how you feel. Not once."

Her heart pounded under his gaze. She took a step back. "I don't have to answer to you." She meant to leave quickly but as soon as she turned to walk away Jared enveloped her in a tight grip from behind. His arms were wrapped firmly around her shoulders and she froze.

"Say it," he spoke softly and held her against him. "Say you like me and I promise everything will be okay." Janie remained calm as placed her hands over Jared's and gently pulled them off. She held them as she spun out of his grip slowly and then returned them to his side.

"No Jared. I don't."

"Do you know what you're saying right now?" She nodded and something snapped inside him. In her mind, he went into a rage. Punching the walls and shaking her, demanding the truth until she finally gave it against her will. But he didn't do anything like that, he stared at her defeated and she fled before he could speak another word.

She entered the stairwell to her apartment and slammed the door shut, bracing it with her back so that even if he tried to get in, he couldn't. "Don't regret it Janie, you can't take it back." Even as she spoke the words to comfort herself tears formed and fell down her checks. She slid to the floor and covered her face.

"Don't regret it, don't you dare."


Another chapter complete! The more I write, the more I think I may have bitten off more then I can chew. This fic is gonna end up being very long. I hope you all don't mind sticking around for it because I have no plans on stopping. Also, I hope you don't mind the change to Helen's character. I just wanted her to have a more endearing back story. Next chapter coming soon!

Please review! Thank ya! :D