"So, what were you and Sarah talking about?" Jessie asked on the way back to the Manning house.

"Oh...um. It was nothing important. I was just telling her how good she was and stuff," Katie said, lying and not looking at Jessie.

"Liar," Jessie said with a smile. "She seemed really upset. Her face was all red, I thought she was going to have a stroke," she said furrowing her brow.

"Yeah, she was upset about something," Katie said sheepishly. Her girlfriend gave her a questioning look. "I'm not really sure what it was about though," she looked over to see if Jessie bought it. She did.

"It must have been really personal because she clammed up after I came over," Jessie said nonchalantly.

Katie glanced over. "Yeah, must've been." Poor Jessie. She sighed, turning back to the road. You have no idea what's going on. You have no idea how involved you already are.

"What's been up with you two lately?" Jessie asked, earning a blank stare from Katie. "Like, you haven't hung out with her at all. I thought you two were friends."

"Well," Katie began, "we were," she said slowly. "Things got kind of...strained," Katie said, not sure how to put it. She didn't want to tell Jessie everything, even though Jessie deserved to know.

"Oh," she replied. Katie obviously didn't want to talk about it. They then pulled into the driveway of the Manning house. "Let's go," Jessie smiled, giving Katie a reassuring hand squeeze before they got out of the car and walked up to the house.

Jessie and Katie were sprawled out on Jessie's floor, occasionally tossing an M&M at the other. Katie had a contented expression, that is, until a green M&M bounced off her forehead. "Hey!" Katie yelped, jumping up with a grin. "You better knock it off," she warned playfully.

"What if I don't, then what?" Jessie asked slyly, with a grin threatening to appear. Katie's grin disappeared as she stood up. "Well, then I'd have to kill you," she said firmly. Another M&M went flying through the air to hit her in the nose. "That's it," she said as she pounced on Jessie and started to tickle her.

Jessie started screaming and laughing trying to get Katie off of her. "Stop! Stop!" Jessie squealed in between shrieks of laughter. Unfortunately for her, Katie had Jessie pinned down. She had her knees over Jessie's body and one hand holding both of Jessie's hands over her head. Katie used her free hand to tickle her.

"Hey," Grace said from next to the stairs. Jessie and Katie looked up to see Grace standing there with a big grin on her face.

Katie rolled off Jessie, laughing. "Hey Grace," she grinned, pleased with herself for winning. Jessie cast Grace the 'this-better-be-important' glare because she interrupted them. "What's up?" Katie asked, wondering why Grace hadn't said anything.

Shaken out of her thoughts, Grace answered. "Rick and Mom wanted to know if you guys wanted popcorn or something," Grace smirked.

"We're good," Jessie answered quickly, trying to get Grace to leave. Katie smiled at Jessie affectionately. "Bye," Jessie said.

"Bye," Grace said with a huge grin on her face. "Have fun," she tossed over her shoulder before closing the attic door.

Jessie scowled at the place where Grace had just been standing. When she turned around, her lips were met with Katie's. Her eyes widened with the initial shock, but she quickly eased into it. Soon, Jessie and Katie were making out intensely on the floor of her room. One of Katie's hands was on Jessie's back and the other was one her neck. Jessie had one hand cupped on Katie's face and the other in her hair.

"Jessie!" Lily called from downstairs.

Jessie groaned and reluctantly pulled away from Katie. "Yeah!" She yelled back, irritated. "What it is?" Jessie grumbled as Katie smiled at her.

"I wanted to tell you that Rick and I are going to bed and I wanted to say goodnight," Lily said on her way up the stairs. She saw the flustered expression on Jessie's face and the grin on Katie's. "What were you two up to?" Lily asked with a smirk.

"Nothing," Jessie answered, perhaps a little too quickly. Katie shot her a slightly pained expression. "We were just talking," she cleared up with a smile at Lily and an apologetic expression at Katie.

"Oh," Lily said with a smile. "We'll see you guys in the morning," she said as she went downstairs. They were probably talking about Tad. She shook her head at the silly nature of teenage girls. I'm glad Jessie's finally got a good friend she talk to about this kind of stuff. Then, her mind went back to Grace and the Gay-Straight Alliance. Lily sighed and closed the door.

Jessie groaned. "I hate my family," she mumbled. "I'm getting a lock put on that door," she said and Katie laughed.

"That's probably a good idea," she smiled as she leaned back in to kiss Jessie once more.

Katie and Jessie had turned off the lights and laid down to go to sleep over an hour ago. Jessie stared at the ceiling, not being able to sleep. Jessie couldn't help but worry about as to what would happen next between them. One thing was for sure, she wasn't ready to let anyone, except Grace, know about them. Also, she wasn't sure when, or if, she ever would be ready to tell...anyone.

She turned her head and watched the sleeping form of her girlfriend. At the sight, Jessie smiled and left her thoughts behind her. Jessie gently laid her head on Katie's chest, careful not to wake her. With her head on Katie's chest, Jessie closed her eyes and let her breaths deepen. All she did was lay there, silent and still, listening to Katie's steady heartbeat. It was to this sound that Jessie finally drifted off into a peaceful sleep.

Light slowly crept across the room. It filtered through the curtains, casting a heavenly glow across the attic. At this first light, Katie stirred. She looked down at a still sleeping Jessie. A lazy smile crept upon her face as she studied how angelic Jessie looked at this very moment. Katie wished that she could freeze this moment and stay here forever. She then came upon the realization that she should write for Hallmark and she giggled.

Jessie, who had actually been awake the whole time, heard, and felt, the giggle and looked up, startling Katie. "Hey," Jessie said with a shy smile.

"Hey yourself," Katie responded with the same smile. There was a comfortable pause where they both just stared at one another. "How long have you been awake beautiful?"

Jessie blushed at the compliment. "A while," she answered simply. Katie quirked an eyebrow and Jessie smiled. "About an hour or so," she said, glancing at the clock by her bed.

"And what have you been doing that whole time?" Katie asked playfully.

"Listening to your heart beat," Jessie said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. She regained her previous position, with her head on Katie's chest, and let out a contented sigh.

Katie laid there, taking in the calmness of the moment. She looked at the ceiling with a soft smile on her face. There was no other way either girl would rather spend her morning than like this. Katie let her mind wander. She thought of last night, of Jessie holding her hand, then, she thought of Sarah. Her smile faded and she had an intense expression now.

Jessie looked up once more. "What are you thinking about?" She asked with a curious smile.

Katie was shaken out of her thoughts. "You," she answered with a grin. Jessie flashed her a 'try again' smirk. Katie sighed. "and Sarah too," she conceded.

"Why?" Jessie asked, perplexed. "Why would you be thinking about us?" She asked with a confused look. "Was it about her telling everyone about..." Jessie trailed off, not wanting to say it.

"No! No, not about that," Katie said. "It was that she was glaring at me from behind the curtains just before the play started."

"Why would she glare at you? You didn't do anything. It was probably me. She doesn't like me," Jessie said matter-of-factly, possibly trying to make Katie feel better.

"Because of what she was saying about you, right?" Katie asked to make sure. "If that be the case, then why were you so nice to her last night?" She was referring to Jessie's complimenting Sarah on her performance.

"She was good last night," Jessie replied simply. Katie gave her a stern look. "Sure, she doesn't like me, but that doesn't give me the right to be a total bitch to her," she shrugged.

"You're right, it doesn't," Katie said, contemplating Jessie's words. "She doesn't hate you," she said.

"Oh yeah?" Jessie asked with an amused grin. "Then what is it that she feels toward me?"

Katie swallowed the lump in her throat, not sure of where she would take this. "Well, she couldn't possibly hate you," Jessie quirked an eyebrow. "You're just so damn irresistible.," Katie grinned.

Jessie, turning beet red, playfully shoved Katie onto her back with a giggle. "Stop it," she said, shyly. Then, Jessie climbed on top of her girlfriend, straddled her and held Katie's hands down as she leaned down to kiss her.

Hours later, Jessie and Katie bounded downstairs to greet the other members of the family. They both had big grins plastered on their faces.

"Sleep good girls?" Lily asked taking note of their extremely good moods. They were too busy talking about something else that they didn't take notice. Lily just grinned at how happy they are together.

"Morning Jess, Katie," Grace grinned as the two sat next to each other at the table, and across from Grace. They turned and Katie smiled.

"Morning," Jessie said swiftly before going back to Katie.

Before Jessie or Katie could say anything more, Lily cut herself back into the conversation. "So, what are you girls up to today?"

"Not sure yet," Katie said briefly as Jessie groaned at the interruption. Katie knew that she really had to talk to Sarah eventually, but she was putting it off as long as humanly possible. "Want to see a movie?" She asked, turning to Jessie.

"Yeah," Jessie said, jumping out of her seat. She had been looking for any reason for them to leave Grace and Lily's presence. It wasn't that she didn't like them, that was part of it, but she just wanted to be with Katie. "I'll go change," she said, heading toward the stairs with Katie following.

Katie turned in time to see Grace's mischievous grin. She scowled at her. "We'll be back later."

Lily just smiled, oblivious to the drama unfolding around her. "Okay, see you girls later." Katie then went upstairs. Once they were gone, Lily turned to Grace. "I'm glad Jessie has a friend like Katie. Aren't you?"

"Yeah. Katie's great for Jess," Grace said sincerely with a smile. If you only knew.

"Yeah she is," Lily agreed, not knowing what Grace was really meant. Grace just sighed at her mother's obliviousness. Oh well. I'm sure she'll find out soon enough. Jessie will tell everyone soon I'm sure...I hope. Grace began to fret about if that were true.

"So," Jessie began as she was changing her shirt. "What movie did you want to see?" She asked. Katie was too busy watching Jessie, that she missed the question. Noticing a lack of answer, Jessie turned around to see Katie gaping. "Hey, Katie" Jessie said with a smile.

"I...uh...yeah...sorry. What was the question?" She asked, regaining her senses.

"Welcome back," Jessie said with a grin. "What movie did you want to see?"

Katie hadn't really given it much thought. She only suggested it because it seemed like a good idea at the time. "Well, let me think a second," she started racking her brain, trying to figure out what just came out. Suddenly, it hit her. "I know. Let's see 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood'!" Katie grinned.

Jessie laughed and Katie glared at her. "I never thought you to be into the chick flicks," Jessie giggled.

"Yeah, well, I heard that it wasn't a chick flick. I heard it was fun for everyone, so there," Katie grinned, sticking out her tongue.

"Whatever you say. I want to see it too" Jessie admitted with a smile.

They walked out of the theater smiling and talking about their favorite parts. Well, Jessie was doing most of the talking and Katie was listening with a smile.

"Sandra Bullock is so ridiculously talented," Jessie concluded after saying how versatile her character was.

"I agree," Katie said with a grin. "She is one great actress. Definitely one of a kind," she said happily.

"I just hate those damned previews," Jessie grumbled with disgust. "They take to long and cut out of precious movie watching time," she griped.

"I like the previews," Katie said sheepishly. Jessie gave her an incredulous expression. "I like knowing what movies to look for."

"Name one movie preview we saw that sounded appealing to you," Jessie challenged.

"Hmm," Katie thought a minute. "Okay, 'Simone'," she grinned.

"Are you kidding? 'Simone'? The movie about a computer generated actress. That is the movie you thought of? You suck! Why did you think of that movie?" Jessie was freaking out, she hates being proved wrong. By this time, Katie was laughing so hard at how seriously pissed Jessie was getting.

Jessie glared at her and Katie didn't answer until her laughter died down. "I think Evan Rachel Wood is hot," Katie said, trying to stifle her laughter at the shocked look Jessie was giving her. "I especially liked her in 'Practical Magic'," she teased further.

Jessie grunted. "You are completely hopeless," she grumbled as she walked toward the car, Katie followed still giggling.

Later that night, Jessie and Katie went to the school to see the play. "Here we are...again," Katie mumbled as she and Jessie walked into the auditorium.

"Oh just shut up," Jessie said playfully hitting Katie lightly on the arm.

"Make me," Katie said seductively.

Jessie's eyes widened and she glared at Katie. "Don't do that," she growled, looking around to see if anyone heard. "Not here," she whispered self-consciously.

Katie was taken aback. "Fine," she relented dejectedly. "I won't do it again," she said somewhat sarcastically.

Sarah, who was nearby, heard the whole thing. She knew Jessie would want to be discreet. She'd expect no less from her, but she didn't expect Jessie to be so paranoid. Katie somehow sensing someone watching, turned around, but Sarah disappeared behind the curtain. She shook her head. Jessie's paranoia must be wearing off on me. Katie smiled at the thought.

"What's wrong?" Jessie asked upon noticing the concentrated look on Katie's face. Katie looked at her and shook her head. "Well, what are you thinking about then?" She asked, trying to get Katie to talk to her.

"Nothing. I just felt like someone was watching us," Katie said with a scowl., mocking Jessie's paranoia.

"Oh," Jessie said with a frown. The lights dimmed and they focused on the stage, sort of.

Katie couldn't take her mind off how Jessie acts when they're together. She was upset that Jessie puts on a show when they're around others. I hope she gets over being afraid to come out. She has to eventually...right?

By being wrapped up in hr thought, the play went by faster. She listened to the play, but didn't pay attention. Until Act V, that is, but even then, it was only two lines. Katie didn't know whose lines they were, but they stood out.

"No sooner they met, but they looked. No sooner they looked, but they loved." Katie loved those lines because they described how she felt about Jessie, love at first sight. It was at that point, Katie realized that she would do just about anything to stay with Jessie. She didn't know how far exactly, but she would know when she got there. She was, after all, in love.

"Sarah, we need to talk," Katie said as she walked up to her backstage. Naturally, Sarah was shocked. "Come on. It's really important," Katie said, taking Sarah outside.

"What is it?" Sarah asked apprehensively.

"We need to clear some things out...about Jessie," Katie said and Sarah averted her eyes. "Look, I need to know a few things," Katie began. "You said you like her, right?"

"Yeah. I did say that. What does that have to do with anything?" She asked suddenly getting very defensive.

"If you like her so much, then why did you go around telling everyone that she tried to kill herself?" Katie growled at her.

"What?" Sarah asked incredulously. She then smiled and chuckled slightly. "I didn't start that rumor, Tad did," Katie's eyes grew wide. "Apparently, he saw the bandages on her wrists Monday and told his jock friends. They, of course, told everyone and I found out."

Katie was shocked and angry with Tad. "Oh my God. I thought you started the rumor. Weren't you in the bathroom when Jessie and Grace were talking? I saw you come out after they did," Katie asked with suspicion.

"First of all, why would I start a rumor about someone I like? Second, yeah I was in the bathroom. That's how I picked up the thought that you and Jessie were going out. But I didn't say anything about the 'suicide' thing. I'd never stoop that low."

Katie didn't know what to say. "You know, she thinks you hate her," she said slowly.

Sarah chuckled, but then stopped abruptly. "Then why was she nice to me last night?" She was completely intrigued.

"Because, Jessie's a good person. She couldn't hate anybody. Not even if she thought they were trashing her behind her back," Katie said with a loving smile.

"You're in love with her, aren't you?" Sarah already knew the answer, but she wanted to hear Katie say it.

"Yeah, I do," she smiled. But I don't think she feels the same. Katie secretly added in her mind. "You won't let that stop you from becoming friends with her," she said with a smile.

"No," Sarah grinned. "I won't." The two friends hugged.

"Hey Jess," Jessie turned around to see Sarah. She opened her mouth to say something, but Sarah stopped her. "I just wanted to apologize," Sarah said.

"For what?" Jessie asked, not sure what exactly was going on.

"For the misunderstanding between us. Katie and I talked a few minutes ago," Jessie stood there, not knowing what to say or do. "I didn't tell anyone you tried to kill yourself, Tad was the person that started the rumor."

"Oh," was all that Jessie said. "So, you know about me and Katie then?" She asked, looking at her feet.

"Yeah, I know," Jessie's head shot up. "Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," Sarah said quickly, noticing the look of anxiety spread over Jessie's face.

"Thank you," Jessie said gratefully.

"I really would like a chance to be your friend," Sarah said with a small smile. "You know, since everything is sorted out between all of us," she said softly.

"I'd like that," Jessie said sincerely.

"Jess! Come on!" Rick shouted impatiently.

Jessie rolled her eyes. "I have to go. I'll see you later," she and Sarah shared a smile.

"Bye," Sarah said as Jessie left. She gave a sigh of relief. A huge weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

Sunday night, before the last performance of the play, Katie decided to go over to Jessie's early so that they could talk before leaving. "Billie?" She said as she walked into Jessie's attic. "I need to tell you something," Katie said.

"Sure. What is it?" Jessie asked coming out of her closet, no pun intended.

"Well, I just wanted to tell you that I'll support you no matter what," Katie said, avoiding eye contact. Jessie gave her a puzzled expression. "About us. I know you're not ready to tell people and I don't want to pressure you to do so."

"I appreciate that Katie," Jessie said sincerely. "I just don't know when I'll be ready to tell people," Jessie sighed. Or if I'll be able to tell them.

"Jessie, I really care about you and I don't want to see you hurt," Katie said. I more than care about you...I love you. "Eventually, people will find out, whether you tell them or not," she saw Jessie's expression. "They'll figure it out sooner or later."

"Oh," Jessie said. "I really care about you too," Jessie said looking up into Katie's eyes. She really didn't want to think about what she'd do if people did find out. So, to avoid the issue, which she knew Katie would try and push for, she leaned in to kiss her.

As the kiss deepened, Katie reluctantly pulled back. "We better leave so we don't miss the play," she whispered breathlessly.

Jessie gave a soft seductive smile. "I don't think Grace will miss us," she whispered against Katie's lips. She felt Katie's breath catch in her throat and smiled. "How many times do we really need to see the play anyway?"

"Good point," Katie responded feeling more than a little light headed.