"Jill, it'th theven o' thikth! Get up."

I awoke to Cody's lisp. Very reluctantly, I sat up, rubbing my eyes. My vision cleared little by little and I could see Cody standing in front of the mirror, fixing his hair, all dressed up already.

"Dude, what's the deal?" I asked, my voice very croaky. "Why are you all dressed up?"

He looked at me in the mirror, incredulous. "Haven for Children, remember? We got charity to do today!"

I palmed my face. "Oh, crap! Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" I said, hurriedly shoving the covers off of me and getting up.

He sighed. "Now it's my fault again," he mumbled in almost a sing-song manner as I hurriedly stepped into the bathroom.

"Wait for me and don't you go out without me!" I shouted real quickly and shut the door. I'd always been kinda so dependent on Cody for almost my entire life. But I think the reason why I'd told him not to leave without me was because I was feeling really uncomfortable today. It was like I couldn't go out there and face many people.

And then I realized it was because of everything that had happened last night.

Jon. I stepped into the shower and let the warm water steep me. I was in a crushed state today. Jon hadn't called me or whatsoever after last night.

He doesn't believe me. Nope, he didn't. Who would believe me anyway? The way Nick and I "cheated" the kiss was so darn good that it didn't look cheated at all! I should've just told him. Or I shouldn't have changed plans at all. I was in a really bad mood. All these things are circulating in my head as I showered. I was mad. Jon frustrated me. Dealing with him could be so frustrating. I was mad at him. No, I was just hurt. It hurt so bad because he wouldn't believe me. But it was my fault. Therefore, I was mad at myself. Stupid!

I must have looked so mad when I emerged from the bathroom that Cody was looking at me like I was retarded.

"CanInoshowthecharitytoday," I said emotionlessly.

He stomped his way to me and slapped the back of my head.

"HEY!" I bellowed, rubbing my head.

"Are you nuts?" He questioned, his lisp very audible. "Those are deprived kids there who have the chance to see us for just a day and you're gonna make them sad by not meeting them? What's wrong with you?"

I closed my eyes and breathed as I stopped rubbing my head. He was right. He was an idiot and my head hurt because of him but Cody was right. I mean, of course I knew that. I was not really serious when I asked him if I could no-show the event. I mean, I have a heart for the needy. I would love to grant those good kids their wishes. I just kind of uncontrollably said it because I was frustrated; I was letting things affect me so much.

"You're right. Sorry," I said as I walked to the mirror and started combing my hair. "I was just kidding." My tone was really dull.

I heard him sigh. I watched him in the mirror as he walked up to me. "Can you please just, stop thinking about him today? Just this once?"

The teeth of my comb caught up in the strands of my hair and suddenly it was just stuck there because it was gangster like that.

Actually, I was fairly astonished because Cody brought Jon up.

Sighing, I dropped my comb and rubbed my eyes with frustration. "I'm trying, okay? Thanks for bringing him up."

"He talked to us last night."

I eyed him evilly in the mirror, half because I was mad at him for still talking about Jon and half because I was intrigued by what he said. What could he have told D-Bry and Cody?

I tsked, frustrated. "Dude, I thought you don't want me to – "

"No, actually… you know what? I should tell you about it now so that you can focus on the charity work later." He turned me to face him. "He fixed things with Nick last night. Then he talked to Bryan and I, telling us how truly sorry he was. And Jill, he was pretty sorry."

So him and Nick are cool now? Am I really hearing this?

AND DID HE WANT TO SAY ANYTHING TO ME?

Secretly trying to control the rapid beating of my heart, I forced an uncaring look and rolled my eyes. "So what did he want?" I asked, trying to sound uninterested.

"He wants to apologize."

I chuckled bitterly. "Right, that's why he came to see you guys and not me. Right."

Now Cody was rolling his eyes. "He asked where you were but you were already sleeping that time."

"And how sure are you that he's sorry?" I questioned, ignoring what Cody said. "If he was so sorry he would've believed everything I told him last night."

"Jill," Cody stressed, because he could probably now see how stubborn I was being. "I'm sure, I know it 'cause I'm a guy too all right? And just because – "

"And he's cool with Nick now?!" My voice was bitter as heck. "Wow! Nick took a punch and Jon apologized to him and everything was suddenly okay overnight? While I had to go through his tantrums the entire night?! If he really wanted to apologize to me why was he talking to you guys and not – "

"You were already sleeping last night!"

"He could've called me or something! A text message! Is that so hard to do?! Sheesh!"

Cody slapped his gigantic palm across my forehead causing me to throw my head back.

"Freakin'… jerk! You're too much!" I yelled angrily and prepared to give him a left hook but when I lunged my fist, he caught it quickly.

"Will you stop your little drama?" He tightened his grip. "You're being an idiot!" He released me by almost throwing me like a rag doll.

"You demon," I said when I was looking at him again.

"All right, listen. I understand why you did what you did last night. But you do realize that your biggest mistake was not telling Jon, right?" He raised an eyebrow. I hated when Cody got authoritative over me. He was like this strict father scolding his daughter.

I nodded, impassive. After a few moments, I finally sighed and buried my face in my hands. When I looked at Cody with the most solid frustration in my eyes, I asked, "What should I do? I already apologized to him… explained everything to him. He just wouldn't believe me."

"Just don't worry anymore. He finally realized everything. Trust me." He gave me this reassuring smirk. It was annoying. "All you have to do is be cool today."

I stared at him, impassive again. "I don't know what I'll do if I see him – which is I will definitely see him at charity later. I… I can't face him."

"Well?" His tongue was sticking out as he stressed the L. "Talk to him when he approaches you and don't be a chicken."

"But – "

"You need to drop your pride! Now let's go, we're gonna be late." Without letting me say another word he pulled me violently as we walked out of our hotel room.

This is crazy. Last night was just such a freaking mess that I felt like I didn't have any guts to show up to people today. I was feeling like an alien and I almost didn't want to leave Cody's side. Yes, Cody's, 'cause D-Bry would definitely be with Brie the entire day. I didn't get why things had to be so awkward (for me at least) this day.

I was gonna see Jon, but had to forget that fact for the sake of working and making the needy children's day bright. I had to focus. But with Jon being there too and with all this issue surrounding us, it would definitely be a challenge.

Whatever will be, will be.

The spirits of all the Superstars and Divas continued to become "lifted" while inside this average-size shelter housing not more than 15 kids, aged 7-12, who had been abused and neglected. These were innocent little ones who were just so happy to see us. And that surge that washed over us when we saw how happy the kids were about seeing us – it was unexplainable. Overwhelming.

I'd thought it was only me, Cody, D-Bry, Cena, The Shield, AJ, Kaitlyn, Nattie, and the twins that were gonna be here – which was why I was kinda surprised to see that Fandango (good Johnny boy), Punk, Kofi, Naomi (we called her Trinity), Aksana, and Layla were here, too.

Melissa, the tall, middle-aged brunette who was one of the people in-charge of the Haven for Children, was assisting us today. To be honest, this whole day didn't require too much of our energy. It just required some heart, which we were all able to give.

I'd like to describe this day as "school day". What we had to do was very simple – join the children in learning new things. We basically just had to teach them like how teachers taught their pupils at school. We went over the basic school subjects like English, Science, and Math, which I hated the most. It was fun, nonetheless.

I was so satisfied that I'd been able to focus fairly on the work that we had to do today. Well, it wasn't actually something that we considered 'work' – this was giving-back-day to our fans. And I was able to stay focused, thanks a lot to Cody, whose side I never left the entire time. I was just kinda scared and uncomfortable to interact with anybody today. But yeah, the heartwarming presence of the kids helped me get through it.

Everyone was scattered – busy spending time with the children and giving them gifts. And then my eyes fell on Jon, who was sporting The Shield's latest t-shirt. Him, Colby, and Joe were talking to two blonde boys. Jon was laughing, so were the others. I wasn't sure what they were cracking up about because they were pretty far from me, but my heart could melt at the sight of him laughing like that. My gaze stayed on him for a while, but I made it real quick just to make sure that he didn't catch me looking at him.

"…and I'm sorry if I plan on being the first guy to take the honor of being your first kiss!"

His words from last night rang in my head.

I wanted to walk up to him, say hi, and laugh with him too… but I remembered we were not okay today. I sighed. I shook the feeling off and walked back to Cody who was talking to a boy named Charles about comic books.

The three of us were in the middle of a conversation about the silver surfer when Punk suddenly popped behind me like a mushroom.

"Hi, Jill." I whirled around and was met by Punk's smirk. While Cody focused on Charles, I shifted my attention to Punk.

"Hey," I said really lifelessly, because as I've said, I was really not feeling okay with interacting with anybody but Cody and D-Bry today. Plus, the smirk wouldn't wear off from his face and it made everything seem much more awkward for me. It was like he was planning to embarrass me or something with that smirk.

"You two talked yet?" His eyebrow wagged wickedly.

I was supposed to roll my eyes, but controlled myself. "No," I said, pretending to be busy with my phone.

"Are you avoiding him?" He crossed his arms over his chest, giving me this authoritative look like he was my employer.

I allowed myself to give him an incredulous look for about two seconds. "Me?! Avoiding him?! Why don't you ask him if he's avoiding me?" I tried to be aware of my voice again so as to avoid making others hear our discussion.

Punk smiled coolly. "I think both of you are doing the same thing."

"Can you get off my butt?" I said, irritated.

"Whoa. Easy."

"Don't 'easy' me!" I almost shouted, if it were not for the Haven for Children peeps. "The way you talk to me is like you weren't there last night when everything happened."

He raised his hands in defense. "Okay, I'm sorry." He chuckled. "It's just that… I think you two should fix this soon. It won't go well especially because you work together."

Was he thinking I didn't realize that? If there was anyone who understood how true Punk's statement was, it was me! "I know that full-well. But I don't know how to deal with him. He won't talk to me."

He patted my arm softly. "It's gonna be all right." He winked and smiled, tight-lipped.

I simply shrugged, because I knew I couldn't just believe what he'd said. No, it wasn't gonna be all right that easy. And I just didn't understand why everyone wouldn't leave me alone about this issue, like why was everyone "so concerned" about what was going on between Jon and I? Didn't they realize how uncomfortable it was for me and him that everyone kind of knew everything? Sheesh.

Minutes later, Melissa walked to the center as all Superstars and Divas along with the children formed one big circle around her. She began explaining to all of us that we were down to our last "class" for today – P.E.

"Kids, we can't do outdoor games today because of the weather," Melissa announced. "But today we'll try to learn something new… something different from the rest of our P.E. activities – social dance!"

Social dance?

The kids and Superstars clapped. Mentally, I sighed and even chuckled. Social dance. I don't know, the idea must've just sounded really funny to me. I clapped along because it didn't affect me. We listened as Melissa carried on.

"Now, to make sure that all of you learn and enjoy this activity, we're gonna have the WWE Superstars demonstrate the steps to us!" Melissa flashed this big, bright smile to the sweet little children, and they clapped again – kids and team WWE.

I clapped along, because again, it didn't affect me. I was sure as heck they'd get good-Johnny-boy-Fandango and probably Layla from team WWE to demonstrate the dance. After all they were the only really good ones who could pull off any daahhnce, as Fandango would say.

"For this activity, we're gonna have special teachers… Fandango and Layla!" Melissa then pulled Johnny and Layla to the center, turning my assumptions from moments ago into reality. We all clapped. Of course. I knew it. My clap was louder and more indifferent. Johnny and Layla were now standing beside Melissa, arms casually linked to one another as both flashed a genuinely eager smile. Even in their most casual clothes, they still looked like professional dancers. I was sure that Johnny didn't daahnce in real life but he somehow still carried that aura in him anytime, anywhere.

"Now kids, I want each of you to find a partner!"

The excited, happy children quickly followed, forming a new circle in pairs now.

"But of course" – Melissa's voice went a bit high in an enthusiastic manner – "it'll be more fun if we can see more of our WWE Superstars and Divas dance with us, right?"

The room erupted with multifarious noises – ranging from massive 'ooohhh's and raucous laughs to hopeless 'oh geez's and sorry chuckles. The idea was absurd. But I didn't worry because I wasn't affected. I wasn't affected because I was just somehow confident I wouldn't have to go to that dance floor. No way. So I clapped and laughed and squealed along.

"Maybe we need just… four more pairs to join Fandango and Layla," Melissa announced with excitement as she clapped her hands.

Watching from the small crowd of wrestlers surrounding, I playfully nudged Cody. "Go ahead, Cody. I know you wanna be the newest YouTube-dancing-sensation." He made a face and I laughed.

"So how about… we draw lots!" Melissa grabbed this glass bowl from another woman and shook it in her hands, as the folded slips of paper jiggled inside.

Of course the names of the WWE Superstars and Divas were written in those!

Suddenly, the laugh from my face and the indifferent clapping of my hands subsided. Because it was beginning, to, slightly, affect me now. What if I get called on? NO. It wasn't gonna happen. That would be disaster. Me, slow-dancing? That was hell on earth!

Melissa had said four pairs. So that was eight people. Minus Fandango and Layla, there were only 16 of us left – and eight of us with the embarrassing chance of being called on. I hoped to God I wasn't gonna be one of them!

I was smiling, trying to hide the slight surge of nervousness that had gone through me now. Not that they'd notice, but. Ugh.

With an unfading grin, Melissa leisurely dipped her hand into the bowl and pulled out one paper. I gripped the hem of my shirt so tight.

I watched as Melissa unfolded the paper, everybody silently awaiting for her announcement.

"Natalya!"

Everybody clapped. I slowly let out a deep breath. Nattie, like the usual, put on this big smile as she joined Fandango and Layla in the middle. Now it was time for Melissa to get another slip… I held my breath again.

"Naomi!"

Everyone clapped. Yeap, it was just right for Trinity to be there. Perfect dancer. I was feeling strangely so tense that I didn't realize D-Bry had walked up behind me.

"Let's make a bet," D-Bry whispered right next to my ear that I felt his disgusting beard touching my neck and shoulder. I whirled around, tsking at him. "You're gonna be called," he sneered, because he knew I hated it.

"Nope," I said dismissively. "You are."

"We'll see about that."

I arrogantly chuckled before turning back around and focusing on Melissa as she now read the third name.

"Kofi Kingston!"

Kofi casually joined the other Superstars in the middle of the room. I allowed myself a moment of relief before looking back at D-Bry to stick my tongue out at him. "You're next."

Melissa picked a fourth name. "Oh…" she drew her mouth into this big O shape like she was amazed. "Mr. John Cena!" She shouted with joy, probably because Cena was her favorite Superstar or something. Everybody applauded as John walked to the middle and put an arm on Kofi's shoulders.

Four down, four more to go.

"Just wait, Jill," D-Bry mockingly whispered to my ear again. Creepy and annoying.

Melissa pulled out the fifth slip of paper. There was no way D-Bry could win the bet. Her eyes roamed over where Nikki and Brie were, which made me feel safe.

"Brie Bella!"

Brie let out a sweet 'Yaaay!' as she walked to the middle of the room. Now it would make so much sense if D-Bry got called next.

I clasped my hands together as Melissa unfolded the sixth slip. I watched with fear as she settled her gaze between D-Bry and I… NO.

Melissa's smile grew wider. "Jill Oliveira!"

Punk, Cody, and D-Bry who were all surrounding me began making these mocking noises as I lost all hope in the world. Pressing my lips together and trying to smile, I shyly walked to the middle of the room where all the other wrestlers had gathered. When I turned to look at my idiotic friends, the three of them were high-fiving one another as they continued the mockery. Jerks.

Desperately trying to smile, I stood next to Brie, who gave my arm a light squeeze. It was embarrassing. How could I even be standing here? It was such a joke. But I couldn't do anything. I was called. Goat-face had won the bet. And now I stood hopelessly in these sneakers and ripped jeans wondering what the heck did I have to do with social dance.

I was so busy living in my own hopeless world for seconds that I didn't realize Melissa had taken another slip of paper from the bowl.

"Daniel Bryan!"

I perked up real quickly and let out an animalistic laugh because of sheer, vindictive joy. That's what you get! I then led the entire room into chanting, "Yes! Yes! Yes!"

I eyed D-Bry evilly as he walked to where we were, shaking his head but laughing to himself. He softly slapped his whole palm against my forehead before walking past me. I felt so happy that I got my revenge… so happy, that the evil grin and the yes chants of mine just wouldn't die.

Until the very last name was called…

"And last but not the least…" Melissa's eyes scanned over the entire room. I was still laughing atrociously at D-Bry when she excitedly added, "Oh! A Shield member!"

I think my heart stopped. Every other Superstar and Diva went, "Ooooh…" Okay. It would be really awkward if… if…

"Dean Ambrose!"

"YEAH!" All of them yelled and clapped at once.

I looked over to Jon, who was in his white polo shirt and jeans. Colby and Joe were fooling around and laughing at him, as Jon started walking to where all seven of us stood.

I couldn't believe how absurd this whole thing was getting. I mean, really! It was just preposterous. A social dance? With me in it? And to make things merrier, Jonathan Good had just also been called. I never do slow dancing! And I could never imagine Jon dancing! Why was I here? Why was he here? Coincidence? I didn't even think heels were supposed to be doing this kind of thing! Great. Just great.

My mind was reacting violently because I was really affected by this ridiculous social dance now.

Because there was a chance that Jon and I would be paired and of course that would have to be awkward for the both of us since we had issues and what was even more annoying was that every other wrestler with us now knew what was going on and they were going to tease the two of us and crap.

No. I tried to ignore my thoughts. Bryan Danielson, my boy D-Bry, was here. He wouldn't let me down and he would decide to be my partner.

Wait… but Brie… OH. SH. SUGAR.

"Okay, WWE Superstars and Divas… find a partner!"

My palms were sweating, legs slightly shaking. It was so weird that I was feeling this way while we were simply just doing charity. I couldn't move from my place. I saw Kofi walk up to Trinity with a warm smile, as they both casually held hands. Okay, there's pair one.

Everyone was moving and everything was happening so slow yet so fast.

It's either D-Bry or Cena. D-Bry or Cena. I needed to have D-Bry before it was too late!

I shot a menacing stare at D-Bry, forcing my eyes to widen more – my signal for him to pick me. He'd better pick me!

Bryan Danielson. Pick me. Be my partner.

He looked at me with a smile. It wasn't endearing at all.

Come on, D-Bry. Don't you screw me like this. My eyes pleaded for him desperately. My eyeballs would jerk out of my sockets. Pick me Bryan Danielson!

"You know what to do, Bryan!" I heard Punk laugh.

JERK. JERK! I was so doomed.

It wasn't any longer before D-Bry walked past me and walked to Brie. Pair effin' two. D-Bry always screwed me, which was why it was always scary whenever Cody wasn't by my side. I shut my eyes in such a way that the kids and Melissa and the entire room wouldn't notice. I was so defeated.

But then I caught a glimpse of Cena! The only hope! The only way out!

My lips curved into a soft, inviting smile as Cena and I locked gazes… and he was actually walking towards me now! YES! My partner was fruity pebbles! John walked some more, as his steps seemed to be in slow-motion. Come on, John. Hurry now and be my partner, I yelled in my mind, because I was slightly desperate. I just couldn't be partnered with Jonathan Good now. I didn't think I was gonna handle the awkwardness. Finally, Mr. Cena was just two footsteps away from me.

"Hey, John!" Nattie suddenly intervened into the whole frame, her arms snaking around Cena's neck in a friendly manner. "Don't worry, Nicole trusts me!" She laughed and then linked arms with him as she pulled him away. NOOOO! PAIR NUMBER THREE!

HOW COULD I HAVE FORGOTTEN ABOUT NATTIE?! She just stole Cena!

This only meant… pair number four… was…

I looked up and saw Jon a few feet across from me, standing alone. Just like me. I looked around and saw everybody with partners. Fandango and Layla. Kofi and Trin. D-Bry and Brie. Cena and Nattie. And then I could hear Punk and Cody snickering behind. How could we even be doing a social dance with casual clothes on? I made a violent argument in my head, because I couldn't believe how completely preposterous this whole thing had become. The connivance of my idiotic friends, the stealing of partners…and the imminent, awkward pairing and the imminent teasing… Flying freak!

But there was no other choice.

His head bowed down and a bashful expression on his face, Jon started walking to where I awkwardly stood. My heart picked up its pace. It was going to happen. There was no escape. But how were we supposed to do this lame dance thing when we were not okay? I didn't know "professionalism" extended to charity work!

DEAR DEITIES!

I sucked my breath in sharply as Jon stood right in front of me. Of course, there was the teasing spearheaded by Punk and Cody. And just like that, the last pair of this crappy event was formed.

I wasn't looking at him. But I could kinda see that his eyes were on me. I swallowed, trying to look around.

Now what? What are we supposed to do?

Neither of us was saying a word to the other. It was probably the most awkward situation I'd ever been in.

Melissa let Fandango and Layla 'take it away.'

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls," good-Johnny said in that airy voice, causing everyone to laugh. Except for me. I was still feeling awkward. "You will simply have to follow what my lovely partner here" – he gestured to Layla – "and I will do."

And so it began.

"First… check your partner," John-Dango announced in the same funny tone. "You wanna make sure they're okay, alive, and breathing right? So go, look them in their eyes…" But what he was saying wasn't funny at all.

Look him in his eyes? You're kidding me.

Everybody around us started fooling around and doing this eye-ogling thing with each other to the most exaggerated level and I couldn't freaking do it with Jon.

"Jill!" Johnny called. "Is there something… wrong?" He actually announced, and all the wrestlers began laughing and sneering. Oh great.

"Nothing," I answered, embarrassed.

"Well check your partnerrrr," he prolonged. "Make sure he's okay… aliiiiive…. And breathinggggg." They laughed harder. Not sure if at Fandango's accent or at Jon and I. "Come on. Look at him."

I scratched the back of my head and made a quick eye contact with Jon, just enough for me to look at those blue eyes again. I looked away. "He's okay," I yelled to Johnny so he'd stop.

"Ambrose," he now called Jon. "Is your partner okay… aliiiive… and – "

"She's all right," Jon answered coolly, but I wasn't looking at him.

And then I made a mental note that Jon and I should follow everything John-Dango would say so that he wouldn't tease the two of us like that again.

Johnny continued. "Okay, moving on. Let's start. First, the man's left hand should hold the woman's right hand. Gently."

Must. Follow. Fandango. To avoid. Embarrassment.

I swallowed. Very hesitantly, I started raising my right hand. I don't know if Jon had noticed how timid I was being, but he probably had, because he gently took my hand himself and held it up. And just like that, our hands were in each other's grasp. His large hand practically ate my small hand. It felt warm.

He was silent as he held my hand. Memories of when we held hands flashed in my head, sending me all the fuzzy feels. I wanted so bad to cast another longing look on his eyes but was afraid to take the risk. I just couldn't do it. All I did was return his silence and feel more awkward. Being his partner today was such a horrible idea, but I didn't have a choice, did I?

"Now," Johnny spoke again, "boys, hold your partner's waist."

The innocent little ones followed and suddenly every little boy's hand was on their partner's waist. They were adorable. And every Superstar had their hand on their partner's waist. How casual they were to one another. I wish I could be that casual now.

My eyes were just roaming all over the ground when Jon finally, very slowly, placed his right hand on my waist, his wrist slipping under my arm as he did this and our skins were slightly brushing. His touch was warm. My heart was beating fast.

"The woman should place her left arm on her partner's shoulder."

I carefully raised my left hand. It was supposed to be on his shoulder but since Jon was too tall, my hand only made it to his biceps.

Annoyingly, a few laughs from our fellow wrestlers on the dance floor sounded. Then, dance leader-Johnny made a follow-up instruction, "Boys, if your partner is too short and they can't reach your shoulder, try placing your hand on their mid or upper back to pull them a bit closer."

What the actual fudge. I felt heat rushing immediately to my cheeks and the best I could do was bow down a little to hide from everyone!

And then I had a feeling that this was some sick kind of game Jon and I were in, and that everybody's eyes were on us. This was ridiculous. Of course the other divas were either tall or of average height and their partners didn't have to do Johnny's last instruction. I was clearly the only small diva in here whose partner was a little too tall for her and of course everybody was enjoying teasing the two of us. The awkwardness was so great I couldn't even…

I suddenly felt Jon's hand leave the left side of my waist, slowly gliding its way to my lower back and subsequently pulling my body much closer to him. Also, my left hand had finally made it to his shoulder. Almost.

My heart raced. He was holding me close. All I knew now was that, I missed him. Even though the whole misunderstanding problem only happened last night. It made me miss him more because pain was involved. Pain because he wouldn't believe me when everything I told him was true. My eyes could only stay glued on our clasped hands, setting my heart on fire.

Look at him. I couldn't. Just risk a glance. You miss him.

Following what my subconscious told me, I very carefully risked what should have been just a glance at Jon, but as I did, his eyes were already on me and my heart pounded louder through my chest when our gazes locked.

He was gazing down at me through the dirty blonde curls falling over his piercing blue eyes. His expression was unreadable. Don't look away. That would only make things more awkward. Deal with the stare. With a look of uncertainty on my face, I kept staring back at him as blood rushed quickly through my veins and circulated faster all over my body. Should I say something? What am I gonna say?

To my surprise, Jon gave me an uncertain and small smile; his lips pressed together and his dimple showing (of course). Still stunned at what he did, I returned his smile with a tad and shy one of my own, slightly nodding as I did it before smoothly glancing away pretending to look around.

Whew. That wasn't so hard. I think I was actually starting to feel a bit better.

Maybe… we were a bit okay already?

It wasn't any longer that all of us were already swaying and stepping and doing all that slow dance work. The kids were having fun and amazing. Also, it turned out that having Jon as my dance partner wasn't so much of a difficulty like how I'd expected. Everything went smooth. Finally, the activity was over and we had to let go of our partners.

My left hand slowly slipped off his shoulder, but when my right hand started to do the same, his grip tightened. I paused to look up at him, my gaze inquisitive.

"Can we talk?" Jon asked, his hand not letting mine go. His question startled me too much and scattered my thoughts a little bit.

"I don't think – "

Before I could say that I thought it wasn't the right time or place, Jon had pulled me and we squeezed through the crowd of our prying co-wrestlers who kept giggling as we acted like confused newlyweds shopping for nursery items.

He's gonna apologize. But this isn't the right time or place! I kinda wished he wouldn't have to do it in the middle of charity work. We're gonna talk and he's gonna apologize to me. Yeah I think he will. Perhaps I should apologize too. But I've said sorry too many times already!

What in the world is happening – or is gonna happen, was all I could ask in my head repeatedly.

If there was one thing I should be thankful for, it's that he quite found us an isolated space away from the rest of the people where I wouldn't have to worry about making a scene if he ever threw tantrums again or something. We jerked to a halt in a corner in the house where boxes of Mattel wrestling figures were located. Perfectly romantic. Though we had isolated ourselves from the all the other guys, I still felt mocked by the very lifelike appearance of the Punk, Cody, and D-Bry toys, who all had such stoic yet passionate expressions as they all rested inside their boxes.

"Okay," Jon breathed, and my attention was quickly on him. He mindlessly brushed his hair away from his eyes. Then he fiddled with the buttons of his shirt. Then with his collar.

"So…" I prompted when he still didn't say another word.

He cleared his throat. "I'm… I'm sorry."

I raised a brow and crossed my arms. "Hmm…"

"Can I ask you a question?"

I simply nodded.

He opened his mouth and closed it again, shook his head, and paused. "Are you mad at me?" He did look worried.

I chewed the inside of my cheek. "I was…"

He inhaled and exhaled. "Okay. Are you still mad at me?"

I shook my head. "Nope."

"So… you accept my apology?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Really."

His lips slowly formed a shy smile. "So can we forget about everything that happened last night and move on?"

"Definitely." I returned his smile.

"So... we cool now?"

"Yes, sir." I raised my hand, inviting him for a high five. He slapped his palm against mine.

Well, that was a quick one. Last night I was almost dying of frustration because he wouldn't come to his senses and we couldn't settle things straight. But seeing him humble himself now, I couldn't help but feel my heart melt so fast. We were okay. WE WERE OKAY AND BACK TO NORMAL! And yes, I don't care – We were already okay and that was all that mattered. I didn't want to stand another day of not talking to him. I couldn't anymore.

When we were as cool as Big Diesel, his expression, although still a happy one, shifted into something more serious…

"Now," he said suddenly, his voice low. "Are you ready to hear my question?"

Didn't you just ask if I was mad at you?

I stood there dumbfounded, slowly being pulled in by his compelling stare as I awaited his question.

A/N: *IMPORTANT* Hello everyone. This is the SECOND TO THE LAST chapter.

Extremely Sorry Author's Note: ALL RIGHT. ALL RIGHT. I KNOW.

Here I am, on my knees... asking for the forgiveness of every single one of you, my faithful, loyal, ever supportive readers. *tears*

I apologize. For kinda leaving all of you hanging. I know - IT'S BEEN 4 LONG MONTHS. Four long months since I last updated this story. I am completely, sincerely sorry. :'(

I know that nobody has to know this, but I have gone through some tough cinder blocks in my life. I had certain people and situations hold my heart and I felt it slip from their hands as it shattered to the ground. I have just... been really crushed these past months and it was really hard for me to feel inspired again, and I wish it didn't have to be that hard. It really made me feel bad that my problems had to affect me drastically, that it even got to the point where I just couldn't write; it didn't feel wholehearted and I didn't wanna give you guys something that was done halfheartedly.

I know, I left you. I failed you. All of you. I'm truly sorry. And I just hope that posting this chapter up can help me make it up to you.

And so. Yes. I am back. Please pray that I never go away again. I love it here, there's nothing like fanfiction baybay!

P.S. PLEASE DO LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS CHAPTER. Violent reactions, predictions, suggestions, expectations, lay them all out 'cause it's been 4 depressing months and I have been dying to read what all of you beautiful and amazing readers are going to say! Your words fuel me like no other, remember that! AND I'M FOREVER GRATEFUL FOR YOUR EXISTENCE!

One last thing! So... if we didn't hear about Jon's "question" in this chapter, you can hear me ask you all a question instead:

Does a sequel sound good to you guys?

ONE FINAL THING (PROMISE!) One last one: Do follow me on Twitter please: my handle is "at" orangecuddles (they wouldn't let me display the "at" sign; just go to Twitter and go to /orangecuddles) And let's tweet one another :3