Series: Friends & Enemies
Title: Crush Life
Author: Melanie M./Shai/Misty AKA SailorFireStarr@aol.com/SSailorUranuss@aol.com
Archive: please ASK if you want to archive it.
Pairing: J/K & another not so surprising couple as well
Rating: Probably R. No sex, no bad language, just mild affection between beautiful girls.
Disclaimers: I don't own Once & Again or anything attached to the show/characters and I'm making absolutely nothing off of this fic. Well, accept for maybe feedback.
Comments: I need feedback. Remember, FEED ME! Shout outs to Crystal (piper_c22) & my buddy David (DavedeShark) as well as many others who gave me input.
Crush Life
"So, you doing anything later? Jess and I are going to the movies and we wanted to know if you wanted to come."
"Are you gonna actually watch the movie this time or is it gonna be another smooch fest? And I'd love to go."
Katie smiled. "Actually, we're seeing Resident Evil so we'll be watching it this time," she giggled.
"Well, I have to get home. Have some homework to do before I go with you and Jessie."
"Ok, cool. I'll pick you up around 6, k?"
"Sure." Sarah smiled then headed home. Things had been great lately. Seeing Jessie with Katie didn't hurt her anymore. It actually got her thinking that maybe there was somebody out there for her.
She did have somebody in mind but that was just a fantasy. She'd never be able to go anywhere with this girl and she knew it but for some reason she couldn't stop herself from falling.
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"Eli, can I come in?"
"Uh, sure Grace. What's up?"
"Well, there's this thing. A problem. My friend's got a major crush on somebody but she doesn't know how to tell them."
"You're joking right? You're asking me how she should tell him? Grace, what's really going on?"
"Ugh, men! Forget it!" Grace huffed, storming out of the garage. Marching to Jessie's door she tapped lightly.
"Come in."
Grace walked in and sat on the bed next to Jessie. "Can I talk to you?"
"Sure," Jessie replied, setting her homework aside.
"Don't laugh, ok?"
"Ok."
"I have this friend and she's got a crush but she's not sure about how to tell this person. She really needs some help so, do you have any advise?"
"Well, if she really likes this person she should tell them. If other stuff makes it complicated, then go the safe route."
"Safe route?"
"Yeah. Letters are the best way of communicating in this kinda case. I think you, um, your friend should send her crush a note."
"What kind of note?"
"Something sweet, something that says how your friend feels. Then she has to decide whether or not she'll sign it with her name or keep her identity a mystery."
"The secret admirer game? How did you get so good at this?"
Jessie smirked. "First hand experience."
"Yeah? Hey Jess, thanks," Grace whispered, kissing Jessie on the forehead before leaving to type a letter out on the nearest PC.
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Katie giggled as the credits went up on the screen. "I guess she was really tired," she sighed.
"Or the movie bored her to death but that's not likely. Thankfully we decided to hit the drive in instead of a theater," Sarah replied with a smile as she watched Jessie snuggle warmly to Katie whom she'd fallen asleep on. A moment of silence caused both girls to feel slightly uneasy. This was kinda weird. Sarah sighed, then decided it was now or never. "Katie, can I talk to you? I mean, away from Jessie? I know she's asleep but you know, I just. . .it's kinda strange."
"Sure. I totally get the strangeness," Katie replied, slowly slipping away from Jessie. She met her best friend behind the car and stared at her silently. She could tell this was something that meant a lot to her ex and she hoped she would be able to help.
"This girl I know has a crush on somebody and she doesn't know what to do. Got any ideas?"
"Well, I think your friend should send her crush a letter. If you, I mean she, wants to she can sign it with her name or play the secret admirer game. Just tell her not to be vulgar and stuff. That kinda turns a person off, ya know?"
"Yeah. Katie, thanks," Sarah replied, hugging Katie tightly.
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Sarah sighed as she opened her locker. She raised a brow as she took out a typed letter and a rose. She hadn't put it there and apparently somebody knew her combination but right now that didn't seem to matter. She smiled to herself, put her books in her locker and headed over to the bleachers where she was suppose to meet up with Jessie and Katie. Approaching them she realized the note and the rose were still firmly in her hand but she ignored it for now and sat next to Jessie on the bench.
"Hey Sarah!" Katie squeaked, hugging her friend gently. She winced and backed away when she felt a sharp pinch on her arm. She saw the rose and smiled. "Who's it from? C'mon, spill!"
"Um. . .I don't know. I haven't read it yet," Sarah admitted, blushing slightly.
"Read it!" Jessie screamed anxiously.
Sarah blushed more as she opened the letter. Reading it over her cheeks began burning red as ripe strawberries. Looking at Jessie and Katie she ducked her head shyly.
"What's it say?" Jessie squealed excitedly.
Before Sarah could say a word Katie grabbed the letter and opened it. Clearing her throat she began to read it. "To Sarah, dark angel of my heart. No words I could write would describe what I feel for you. You make sunshine of my rain. You forge passion in my dreams of sorrow. I see but I'm blind. I'm in a whirlwind. Thoughts of you take me away. I feel for what seems like the first time but when I open my eyes the mirage fades away. I want more than a mirage but fear seizes me, paralyzes me. What I need to say is that I like you. Professions of love may come but I'll only state what I know to be true. You haunt every moment I live, every breath I take. That I know is true. This rose is a symbol of you. Sweet, beautiful and perfect in my eyes. Hold this to your heart and you just might see me. I'll write more soon. Kisses and roses, your secret admirer."
Jessie smiled brightly. "Hey Sarah, looks like you've got a secret admirer and they really dig you."
Sarah turned several shades of red before snatching the letter from Katie's hand and shoving it in her pocket. She gazed at the gorgeous blooming red rose, letting a girlish grin spread freely across her lips. Bringing the rose to her heart she saw a glowing image in her mind and smiled as the other two watched her.
"Soooo. . .what are you gonna do?" Katie whispered.
"Wait."
"WAIT!" both Jessie and Katie roared.
"Yeah. It's not like I know who it is."
Jessie nodded. She had an idea but she couldn't tell at this point. Anything was possible.
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"You wanna see Boys Don't Cry with Katie and me tonight?"
"Sure," Grace answered hurriedly as she rushed into her room, not really realizing she'd agreed to see the movie.
Grace sat on her bed, eyeing the pink piece of paper. Opening it for the first time she read what is said. "To Grace, my white knight. My heart fell when I met you. I didn't know what it was at first but now I know it's something even I can't capture with words. I can't say it's love just yet but I'm falling, falling deep. A simple glance is all I need to make me smile. You make me smile. What I feel for you is true and I hope you'll give me a chance. If you want to know anything, you can write back and slip it in locker 315. I don't know what else to write so I leave you with that. XOXO, your secret admirer." She smiled. It was short and sweet, the way she liked it. It cut to the chase. No bull, just the info. Sighing, she threw herself onto her bed and wished she could just tell Sarah how she felt. Maybe the letter was from her but Grace doubted it. Closing her eyes she fell fast asleep.
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"Hey Sarah, did you wanna go see Boys Don't Cry with Jess and me? I know you like Chloe, so I figured you'd wanna see it via the big screen," Katie asked as Sarah opened the car door.
"Tonight?"
"Yeah."
"I'd love to. What time?"
"About two hours."
"Pick me up in about an hour and a half."
"K. I'll go hang with Jess then come back."
"Ok, I'll be ready." Sarah hurried into her house as Katie drove off.
Arriving at the Sammler home, Katie parked and got out of her car. She walked up to the door just as Jessie opened it. "Hey."
"Hey. Come in. Hope you don't mind but I invited Grace to go with us tonight."
"Really? I invited Sarah."
"Cool." Jessie led Katie up to her room and made sure the door was locked.
"So what's up?"
"I think Grace is Sarah's secret admirer."
"What?"
"It sounded like her writing. I told Grace she should let her crush know that she likes them through a letter and look what happened."
"It could be a coincidence."
"I doubt it."
"You really think so? Sarah asked me about that too and I told her the same thing. Did Grace get anything?"
"I think so. When she rushed into her room earlier she was clutching a pink piece of paper."
"Did it smell like vanilla?"
"Huh?"
"Did the paper smell like vanilla?"
Jessie tried to remember. Then it came to her. She did smell vanilla but she thought it was Grace. "Yeah, why?"
"That's Sarah's paper. When she writes letters she uses that."
"See, I told you."
"This is so cool. Maybe they'll talk tonight."
"Yeah. It's good that they both feel the same," Jessie sighed, snuggling up to Katie.
"Yeah."
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"Grace! Open up! It's Jessie. We have to go in a few!" Jessie shouted as she hammered on the door.
Grace stumbled to the door. Opening it she growled, "what?"
"The movie starts in an hour and we have to go pick up Sarah."
Grace tilted her head, lost as to what Jessie was talking about. "So?"
"So get ready. You are coming right? You said you would," Jessie replied, pouting.
Grace remembered now and mentally smacked herself for agreeing. "Wait, Sarah's going?"
"Yeah. Katie invited her. It's her fav movie. Hurry up and get ready. We have to be at her house in half."
Grace nodded and shut the door. Stumbling to her closet she contemplated taking a quick shower. Deciding it couldn't hurt she plucked an outfit from her closet and hopped in the shower.
Jessie woke Katie gently. "Hey, we have to go in a little while."
"Hmmm?" Katie murmured sleepily.
"The movie starts in an hour."
"Oh. I must've fallen asleep."
"Yeah. You look adorable when you sleep."
"You were watching me sleep?"
"Yeah. Apparently you weren't the only one taking a cat nap."
"Huh?"
"I went to ask Grace if she was ready and I heard her stumble out of bed, to the door. She wasn't happy to see me and then when I reminded her of the movie she didn't remember saying she'd go. She's getting ready."
Katie rubbed her eyes awake then stretched.
"Ready!"
Both girls jumped, looking toward the hallway. "Guess that's our queue," Katie yawned.
Jessie nodded and they met Grace at the bottom of the stairs. They all headed to Katie's car, Grace crawling into the back seat with a yawn. Jessie studied Grace briefly before getting into the front seat. Grace looked slightly stressed like this was a pop quiz she hadn't expected. Jessie pondered this as Katie started the car and began driving.
Grace sat quietly in the back seat thinking of what on Earth she was gonna do. She really liked Sarah and she didn't want to screw this up. She didn't want things to go wrong like they always did when it came to her and love. She'd dreamt this scenario a million times but now that it was coming true she was scared. She wanted to run away but that emotion was normal to her. She'd learned to block it out and just run with her emotions but this time seemed different. She wanted to listen to the part of her that wanted to run but something wouldn't let her. This little part in her told her everything would work out, everything would be ok. Sighing deeply she realized they weren't moving anymore. Looking up she saw Katie getting out of the car. They were at Sarah's house.
"Hey!"
"Hey. Who's in the car?"
"Oh, I hope you don't mind but Jess invited Grace."
Sarah went pale. Grace? Of all the people in the world Jessie had to invite Grace. "Oh, I don't mind at all," Sarah replied, thinking 'oh god. Don't screw this up Sarah. Here's your chance so take it.' Sarah got in the back seat next to Grace, hoping her heart wouldn't leap out of her chest.
Katie got in and smiled. "Ok, the drive-in's gonna be really busy so you guys get popcorn and whatever else you want while I find a parking spot, k?"
The other girls agreed and it was off to the movies they went.
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Jessie bit her bottom lip. "You think we should get popcorn?"
Grace rolled her eyes. "I'm not eating any and I think Sarah's got plenty for the three of you."
Jessie nodded. "I think that's it."
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom before the movie starts. I don't wanna miss any of it. I'll meet you in the car," Sarah replied.
Jessie nodded. "Good idea. What about you Grace? You wanna go with me or wait til Sarah's done?"
"Um," Grace didn't like both of them staring at her so she replied quickly, "I think I'll stay if you think you'll be ok walking alone."
Jessie shot Grace a playful glare. "Very funny. I'll see you guys there." Jessie departed as the other two headed into the bathroom.
Sarah brushed past Grace on her way to the stalls and smiled apologetically. Entering the stall she let out a sigh. What was she gonna do? She wanted to make her move but it was still hard to tell if Grace was into her or if she was just in a better mood than usual. Closing her eyes she began to think out her next move.
Grace leaned against the wall and sighed. Then she realized something. When Sarah had brushed past her she'd smelt something very faint but fragrant. She knew that smell but try as she might she couldn't remember where she'd smelt it before. Biting her bottom lip she tried to recall what the scent was.
Sarah exited the stall, heading to the sink to wash her hands. Watching Grace in the mirror she wondered if now was the time. Facing the other girl she tried to speak but failed.
Grace got wide-eyed. Now she remembered that exotic smell, that vanilla scent that had won her over when she'd read the short yet sweet letter. "Sarah, uh. . ."
"Yeah?"
"Um. . .did you write me a letter?"
Sarah blushed a deep crimson, giving away her answer before she could speak. "I. . .if you're not like that I understand. I mean, I like you but if. . ."
Grace placed her finger over Sarah's lips. "It was sweet. I liked it. I. . .I sent you a letter too."
Sarah smiled. "Your letter was beautiful."
They stared into each others eyes. Drawing closer their lips gently touched. Grace pulled away slightly.
"I. . .I'm sorry," Sarah whispered.
"No. It. . .it's not you. I have this thing with relationships. They always go wrong. I just. . .I don't wanna. . ."
"Get hurt?"
"Or hurt you."
Sarah placed her hand over Grace's heart. "I won't hurt you."
Grace smiled, taking Sarah's hand in hers. "I won't hurt you either."
They exchanged smiles and headed to Katie's car to watch the movie.
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Katie yawned. The movie was finally over and it was time to go home. Looking over at Jessie she smiled. Her love was curled up and asleep. Touching her cheek lovingly she looked into the back seat and smiled.
Grace looked up, blushing slightly. Sarah had fallen asleep on her shoulder and now she sat there caressing the brunettes silky hair. Looking at Katie she smiled brightly. Both Jessie and Katie had known about their letters to each other but let them figure it out instead of trying to play matchmaker and for that Grace respected them.
"Hey, maybe we could go on a double date sometime," Katie offered, really wanting to include Grace in her circle of friends.
Grace smiled. "I'd like that. Maybe we could go dancing."
"Cool," Katie replied, starting the engine after giving Jessie a quick peck on the cheek. The drive to the Sammler home was rather quiet considering Grace was falling asleep and Katie was preying she could make it there.
Parking in front of the garage, Katie gently woke Jessie. "Hmmm?" Jessie muttered.
"We better get in there. Curfew's in about ten. Do you think I could stay the night?"
Jessie stretched and yawned. "I don't think dad and Lily will mind. You can stay in my room and Sarah can stay with Grace," Jessie replied, still half asleep.
Katie nodded and shook Sarah and Grace awake. All four girls headed inside, trying to be as quiet as possible.
"You girls are home a little late aren't you?" Lily asked from the bottom of the stairs.
"Sorry mom, we fell asleep at the movies," Grace replied.
Lily smiled. "Sleep tight girls."
~~ TBC ~~
Title: Crush Life
Author: Melanie M./Shai/Misty AKA SailorFireStarr@aol.com/SSailorUranuss@aol.com
Archive: please ASK if you want to archive it.
Pairing: J/K & another not so surprising couple as well
Rating: Probably R. No sex, no bad language, just mild affection between beautiful girls.
Disclaimers: I don't own Once & Again or anything attached to the show/characters and I'm making absolutely nothing off of this fic. Well, accept for maybe feedback.
Comments: I need feedback. Remember, FEED ME! Shout outs to Crystal (piper_c22) & my buddy David (DavedeShark) as well as many others who gave me input.
Crush Life
"So, you doing anything later? Jess and I are going to the movies and we wanted to know if you wanted to come."
"Are you gonna actually watch the movie this time or is it gonna be another smooch fest? And I'd love to go."
Katie smiled. "Actually, we're seeing Resident Evil so we'll be watching it this time," she giggled.
"Well, I have to get home. Have some homework to do before I go with you and Jessie."
"Ok, cool. I'll pick you up around 6, k?"
"Sure." Sarah smiled then headed home. Things had been great lately. Seeing Jessie with Katie didn't hurt her anymore. It actually got her thinking that maybe there was somebody out there for her.
She did have somebody in mind but that was just a fantasy. She'd never be able to go anywhere with this girl and she knew it but for some reason she couldn't stop herself from falling.
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"Eli, can I come in?"
"Uh, sure Grace. What's up?"
"Well, there's this thing. A problem. My friend's got a major crush on somebody but she doesn't know how to tell them."
"You're joking right? You're asking me how she should tell him? Grace, what's really going on?"
"Ugh, men! Forget it!" Grace huffed, storming out of the garage. Marching to Jessie's door she tapped lightly.
"Come in."
Grace walked in and sat on the bed next to Jessie. "Can I talk to you?"
"Sure," Jessie replied, setting her homework aside.
"Don't laugh, ok?"
"Ok."
"I have this friend and she's got a crush but she's not sure about how to tell this person. She really needs some help so, do you have any advise?"
"Well, if she really likes this person she should tell them. If other stuff makes it complicated, then go the safe route."
"Safe route?"
"Yeah. Letters are the best way of communicating in this kinda case. I think you, um, your friend should send her crush a note."
"What kind of note?"
"Something sweet, something that says how your friend feels. Then she has to decide whether or not she'll sign it with her name or keep her identity a mystery."
"The secret admirer game? How did you get so good at this?"
Jessie smirked. "First hand experience."
"Yeah? Hey Jess, thanks," Grace whispered, kissing Jessie on the forehead before leaving to type a letter out on the nearest PC.
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Katie giggled as the credits went up on the screen. "I guess she was really tired," she sighed.
"Or the movie bored her to death but that's not likely. Thankfully we decided to hit the drive in instead of a theater," Sarah replied with a smile as she watched Jessie snuggle warmly to Katie whom she'd fallen asleep on. A moment of silence caused both girls to feel slightly uneasy. This was kinda weird. Sarah sighed, then decided it was now or never. "Katie, can I talk to you? I mean, away from Jessie? I know she's asleep but you know, I just. . .it's kinda strange."
"Sure. I totally get the strangeness," Katie replied, slowly slipping away from Jessie. She met her best friend behind the car and stared at her silently. She could tell this was something that meant a lot to her ex and she hoped she would be able to help.
"This girl I know has a crush on somebody and she doesn't know what to do. Got any ideas?"
"Well, I think your friend should send her crush a letter. If you, I mean she, wants to she can sign it with her name or play the secret admirer game. Just tell her not to be vulgar and stuff. That kinda turns a person off, ya know?"
"Yeah. Katie, thanks," Sarah replied, hugging Katie tightly.
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Sarah sighed as she opened her locker. She raised a brow as she took out a typed letter and a rose. She hadn't put it there and apparently somebody knew her combination but right now that didn't seem to matter. She smiled to herself, put her books in her locker and headed over to the bleachers where she was suppose to meet up with Jessie and Katie. Approaching them she realized the note and the rose were still firmly in her hand but she ignored it for now and sat next to Jessie on the bench.
"Hey Sarah!" Katie squeaked, hugging her friend gently. She winced and backed away when she felt a sharp pinch on her arm. She saw the rose and smiled. "Who's it from? C'mon, spill!"
"Um. . .I don't know. I haven't read it yet," Sarah admitted, blushing slightly.
"Read it!" Jessie screamed anxiously.
Sarah blushed more as she opened the letter. Reading it over her cheeks began burning red as ripe strawberries. Looking at Jessie and Katie she ducked her head shyly.
"What's it say?" Jessie squealed excitedly.
Before Sarah could say a word Katie grabbed the letter and opened it. Clearing her throat she began to read it. "To Sarah, dark angel of my heart. No words I could write would describe what I feel for you. You make sunshine of my rain. You forge passion in my dreams of sorrow. I see but I'm blind. I'm in a whirlwind. Thoughts of you take me away. I feel for what seems like the first time but when I open my eyes the mirage fades away. I want more than a mirage but fear seizes me, paralyzes me. What I need to say is that I like you. Professions of love may come but I'll only state what I know to be true. You haunt every moment I live, every breath I take. That I know is true. This rose is a symbol of you. Sweet, beautiful and perfect in my eyes. Hold this to your heart and you just might see me. I'll write more soon. Kisses and roses, your secret admirer."
Jessie smiled brightly. "Hey Sarah, looks like you've got a secret admirer and they really dig you."
Sarah turned several shades of red before snatching the letter from Katie's hand and shoving it in her pocket. She gazed at the gorgeous blooming red rose, letting a girlish grin spread freely across her lips. Bringing the rose to her heart she saw a glowing image in her mind and smiled as the other two watched her.
"Soooo. . .what are you gonna do?" Katie whispered.
"Wait."
"WAIT!" both Jessie and Katie roared.
"Yeah. It's not like I know who it is."
Jessie nodded. She had an idea but she couldn't tell at this point. Anything was possible.
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"You wanna see Boys Don't Cry with Katie and me tonight?"
"Sure," Grace answered hurriedly as she rushed into her room, not really realizing she'd agreed to see the movie.
Grace sat on her bed, eyeing the pink piece of paper. Opening it for the first time she read what is said. "To Grace, my white knight. My heart fell when I met you. I didn't know what it was at first but now I know it's something even I can't capture with words. I can't say it's love just yet but I'm falling, falling deep. A simple glance is all I need to make me smile. You make me smile. What I feel for you is true and I hope you'll give me a chance. If you want to know anything, you can write back and slip it in locker 315. I don't know what else to write so I leave you with that. XOXO, your secret admirer." She smiled. It was short and sweet, the way she liked it. It cut to the chase. No bull, just the info. Sighing, she threw herself onto her bed and wished she could just tell Sarah how she felt. Maybe the letter was from her but Grace doubted it. Closing her eyes she fell fast asleep.
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"Hey Sarah, did you wanna go see Boys Don't Cry with Jess and me? I know you like Chloe, so I figured you'd wanna see it via the big screen," Katie asked as Sarah opened the car door.
"Tonight?"
"Yeah."
"I'd love to. What time?"
"About two hours."
"Pick me up in about an hour and a half."
"K. I'll go hang with Jess then come back."
"Ok, I'll be ready." Sarah hurried into her house as Katie drove off.
Arriving at the Sammler home, Katie parked and got out of her car. She walked up to the door just as Jessie opened it. "Hey."
"Hey. Come in. Hope you don't mind but I invited Grace to go with us tonight."
"Really? I invited Sarah."
"Cool." Jessie led Katie up to her room and made sure the door was locked.
"So what's up?"
"I think Grace is Sarah's secret admirer."
"What?"
"It sounded like her writing. I told Grace she should let her crush know that she likes them through a letter and look what happened."
"It could be a coincidence."
"I doubt it."
"You really think so? Sarah asked me about that too and I told her the same thing. Did Grace get anything?"
"I think so. When she rushed into her room earlier she was clutching a pink piece of paper."
"Did it smell like vanilla?"
"Huh?"
"Did the paper smell like vanilla?"
Jessie tried to remember. Then it came to her. She did smell vanilla but she thought it was Grace. "Yeah, why?"
"That's Sarah's paper. When she writes letters she uses that."
"See, I told you."
"This is so cool. Maybe they'll talk tonight."
"Yeah. It's good that they both feel the same," Jessie sighed, snuggling up to Katie.
"Yeah."
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"Grace! Open up! It's Jessie. We have to go in a few!" Jessie shouted as she hammered on the door.
Grace stumbled to the door. Opening it she growled, "what?"
"The movie starts in an hour and we have to go pick up Sarah."
Grace tilted her head, lost as to what Jessie was talking about. "So?"
"So get ready. You are coming right? You said you would," Jessie replied, pouting.
Grace remembered now and mentally smacked herself for agreeing. "Wait, Sarah's going?"
"Yeah. Katie invited her. It's her fav movie. Hurry up and get ready. We have to be at her house in half."
Grace nodded and shut the door. Stumbling to her closet she contemplated taking a quick shower. Deciding it couldn't hurt she plucked an outfit from her closet and hopped in the shower.
Jessie woke Katie gently. "Hey, we have to go in a little while."
"Hmmm?" Katie murmured sleepily.
"The movie starts in an hour."
"Oh. I must've fallen asleep."
"Yeah. You look adorable when you sleep."
"You were watching me sleep?"
"Yeah. Apparently you weren't the only one taking a cat nap."
"Huh?"
"I went to ask Grace if she was ready and I heard her stumble out of bed, to the door. She wasn't happy to see me and then when I reminded her of the movie she didn't remember saying she'd go. She's getting ready."
Katie rubbed her eyes awake then stretched.
"Ready!"
Both girls jumped, looking toward the hallway. "Guess that's our queue," Katie yawned.
Jessie nodded and they met Grace at the bottom of the stairs. They all headed to Katie's car, Grace crawling into the back seat with a yawn. Jessie studied Grace briefly before getting into the front seat. Grace looked slightly stressed like this was a pop quiz she hadn't expected. Jessie pondered this as Katie started the car and began driving.
Grace sat quietly in the back seat thinking of what on Earth she was gonna do. She really liked Sarah and she didn't want to screw this up. She didn't want things to go wrong like they always did when it came to her and love. She'd dreamt this scenario a million times but now that it was coming true she was scared. She wanted to run away but that emotion was normal to her. She'd learned to block it out and just run with her emotions but this time seemed different. She wanted to listen to the part of her that wanted to run but something wouldn't let her. This little part in her told her everything would work out, everything would be ok. Sighing deeply she realized they weren't moving anymore. Looking up she saw Katie getting out of the car. They were at Sarah's house.
"Hey!"
"Hey. Who's in the car?"
"Oh, I hope you don't mind but Jess invited Grace."
Sarah went pale. Grace? Of all the people in the world Jessie had to invite Grace. "Oh, I don't mind at all," Sarah replied, thinking 'oh god. Don't screw this up Sarah. Here's your chance so take it.' Sarah got in the back seat next to Grace, hoping her heart wouldn't leap out of her chest.
Katie got in and smiled. "Ok, the drive-in's gonna be really busy so you guys get popcorn and whatever else you want while I find a parking spot, k?"
The other girls agreed and it was off to the movies they went.
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Jessie bit her bottom lip. "You think we should get popcorn?"
Grace rolled her eyes. "I'm not eating any and I think Sarah's got plenty for the three of you."
Jessie nodded. "I think that's it."
"I'm gonna go to the bathroom before the movie starts. I don't wanna miss any of it. I'll meet you in the car," Sarah replied.
Jessie nodded. "Good idea. What about you Grace? You wanna go with me or wait til Sarah's done?"
"Um," Grace didn't like both of them staring at her so she replied quickly, "I think I'll stay if you think you'll be ok walking alone."
Jessie shot Grace a playful glare. "Very funny. I'll see you guys there." Jessie departed as the other two headed into the bathroom.
Sarah brushed past Grace on her way to the stalls and smiled apologetically. Entering the stall she let out a sigh. What was she gonna do? She wanted to make her move but it was still hard to tell if Grace was into her or if she was just in a better mood than usual. Closing her eyes she began to think out her next move.
Grace leaned against the wall and sighed. Then she realized something. When Sarah had brushed past her she'd smelt something very faint but fragrant. She knew that smell but try as she might she couldn't remember where she'd smelt it before. Biting her bottom lip she tried to recall what the scent was.
Sarah exited the stall, heading to the sink to wash her hands. Watching Grace in the mirror she wondered if now was the time. Facing the other girl she tried to speak but failed.
Grace got wide-eyed. Now she remembered that exotic smell, that vanilla scent that had won her over when she'd read the short yet sweet letter. "Sarah, uh. . ."
"Yeah?"
"Um. . .did you write me a letter?"
Sarah blushed a deep crimson, giving away her answer before she could speak. "I. . .if you're not like that I understand. I mean, I like you but if. . ."
Grace placed her finger over Sarah's lips. "It was sweet. I liked it. I. . .I sent you a letter too."
Sarah smiled. "Your letter was beautiful."
They stared into each others eyes. Drawing closer their lips gently touched. Grace pulled away slightly.
"I. . .I'm sorry," Sarah whispered.
"No. It. . .it's not you. I have this thing with relationships. They always go wrong. I just. . .I don't wanna. . ."
"Get hurt?"
"Or hurt you."
Sarah placed her hand over Grace's heart. "I won't hurt you."
Grace smiled, taking Sarah's hand in hers. "I won't hurt you either."
They exchanged smiles and headed to Katie's car to watch the movie.
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Katie yawned. The movie was finally over and it was time to go home. Looking over at Jessie she smiled. Her love was curled up and asleep. Touching her cheek lovingly she looked into the back seat and smiled.
Grace looked up, blushing slightly. Sarah had fallen asleep on her shoulder and now she sat there caressing the brunettes silky hair. Looking at Katie she smiled brightly. Both Jessie and Katie had known about their letters to each other but let them figure it out instead of trying to play matchmaker and for that Grace respected them.
"Hey, maybe we could go on a double date sometime," Katie offered, really wanting to include Grace in her circle of friends.
Grace smiled. "I'd like that. Maybe we could go dancing."
"Cool," Katie replied, starting the engine after giving Jessie a quick peck on the cheek. The drive to the Sammler home was rather quiet considering Grace was falling asleep and Katie was preying she could make it there.
Parking in front of the garage, Katie gently woke Jessie. "Hmmm?" Jessie muttered.
"We better get in there. Curfew's in about ten. Do you think I could stay the night?"
Jessie stretched and yawned. "I don't think dad and Lily will mind. You can stay in my room and Sarah can stay with Grace," Jessie replied, still half asleep.
Katie nodded and shook Sarah and Grace awake. All four girls headed inside, trying to be as quiet as possible.
"You girls are home a little late aren't you?" Lily asked from the bottom of the stairs.
"Sorry mom, we fell asleep at the movies," Grace replied.
Lily smiled. "Sleep tight girls."
~~ TBC ~~
