The party continued well into the morning. The next day was marked with
tears and promises to visit one another soon. Everyone boarded their
respective planes for home. A few days passed and suddenly it was New
Years Eve. Jerrica and Rory made plans to spend it at his house. They had
a quiet dinner and danced on the beach under the moonlight. When it came
close to midnight they went indoors and turned on the countdown. At the
stroke of midnight they yelled happy new year and kissed. The kiss became
heated and before either of them knew what was happening they were making
love on the floor with the strains of Old Lang Syne playing in the
background. Weeks passed and they spent every free moment together.
Winter turned to Spring and soon the temperature outside was rising. It
was late May when Jerrica decided to open her pool.
"I still have some supplies left to buy. Do you want to come with me?" she asked Rory early one Saturday morning.
"Actually, I have some errands to run so why don't I pick up the supplies?" he asked.
"Are you sure?" Jerrica asked.
"Positive. Then later tonight I have a surprise. I want you to pack some things, go out for the day and then meet me at my place at eight. I will pick you up there. Don't come back here for anything." he said.
"Well, well. Aren't we the secretive one today. Okay, I'll play your game. See you at eight." she said before kissing him and heading upstairs to pack.
At eight o'clock sharp a limo pulled up out front and the driver knocked on the door. Jerrica opened the door and greeted him.
"Ms. Jerrica Benton?" he asked.
"Yes, that's me." she said.
"I have been hired by Mr. Llewelyn to pick you up and bring you to your destination."
"I see. Well, then. Shall we?" she asked as she stepped from the house. She wore a knee length wine colored lace dress with no sleeves. She couldn't help but notice the driver taking a long look at her legs as she climbed into the car. They drove for about fifteen minutes before reaching their destination. Jerrica realized where they were going about five minutes prior but kept quiet. The driver helped her from the car.
"You shall find Mr. Llewelyn in the backyard. He is awaiting your arrival." the driver stated before getting in the car and driving away. Jerrica walked silently around to the back yard. As she neared the back gate she heard the faint sounds of music playing. Stepping through the gate into the backyard she found a trail of rose petals and candles to light her way. Walking further around to the pool area she stopped in her tracks. Her hands instantly went to her mouth. She was in shock to say the least. The pool was filled with flowers and floating candles. The outside of the pool was lined with more candles and rose petals. The table on the patio was set with still more candles and fresh roses in a vase. A bottle of champagne sat chilling in a bucket of ice and two crystal flutes sat nearby. Romantic music filled the air. The most shocking of all was Rory standing by the pool in a tuxedo. He walked forward and took Jerrica's hands in his, leading her over to the pool. Jerrica followed but still could not speak.
"I've wanted to do this for quite awhile now but decided I should wait until now." Rory said. He bent down on one knee in front of her. Jerrica thought her heart would beat itself out of her chest it was pounding so hard. "Jerrica, I was completely alone until I ran into you. You have brought such love, laughter, and sheer happiness into my life. I love you with everything I am and I would like nothing more than to share the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" he asked, pulling out a black box and opening it. Inside lay a platinum and diamond ring. When she said nothing he held his breath in anticipation of her response. "Please, say something." he whispered.
Jerrica began to shake and cry. Rory stood up and grasped her arms for fear she would faint. "Jerrica, what's wrong? Speak to me." he said, his voice echoing the look of fright on his face.
"I...I want to say yes more than anything, but there's something I have to show you first. Something you have to hear before you can decide if you still want to marry me." she said. Her voice was shaky and tears spilled down her face.
"What is it? There isn't anything in the world you could say to me that would change my mind." he said.
"We'll see. Come with me." she said as she took his hand and led him to the front of the house. They walked until they stood in front of the garage. Jerrica bent down and grabbing the handle on the door, lifted the door up. They stepped inside and she flicked the switch on the wall to turn the light on. Jerrica finished by closing the door behind them.
"So, what's the big secret?" Rory asked with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
"This. Synergy, show yourself." Jerrica commanded softly. With those three words what was once a wall evaporated in front of Rory's eyes to show a large computer with a female face staring back at him. Rory's mouth dropped open and he took several steps back until his back came in contact with the door, startling him.
"Wha...what. Did you see? What?" Rory stammered. He stared at Jerrica, then turned to gape at Synergy. His mind reeled at what had just happened.
"Calm down Rory. Let us explain." Jerrica started.
"Us? Who's us? You and who else?" Rory asked, still staring at Synergy. Not sure what to make of the whole situation. "Jerrica and I would be happy to explain. My name is Synergy. I was created Jerrica and Kimber's father to be a highly advanced audio and visual synthesizer."
Rory began to breathe heavily and ran his hand through his hair. He let out a nervous laugh. "It...It talks. The computer talks. It knows my name and it talks to me." he stammered.
"Rory, you need to calm down." Jerrica said as she walked to the wall and drug a lawn chair over for him to sit on. "Sit down and listen." Jerrica said as Rory took a seat.
"Now, it's my turn. My father created Synergy to be able to do amazing things. The most significant thing to you though is that Synergy can create holographic images. Jem was a holographic image. I was Jem. Showtime Synergy." Jerrica said. Suddenly, before Rory's eyes, Jem appeared. He stood up and walked toward her. His hand went up and stopped before he could touch her.
"Go ahead. I'm very real." Jem said.
"Jerrica?" he whispered.
"Yes, it's me. It was always me." she whispered back.
"Why didn't you ever tell me? Why the secrecy?" he asked.
"Shows over Synergy." Jerrica said and the Jem hologram disappeared again. Pulling up a chair she sat down and motioned for Rory to do the same. "First, I couldn't allow Synergy to fall into the wrong hands. If The Misfits and Eric Raymond found out they would have exploited her and revealed my true identity. I couldn't let that happen. I had too many responsibilities to the Starlight girls. They had to be my main concern. They're the reason I did everything that I did. To keep them together like my parent's would have wanted me to do. Second, if the government found out they would have taken her and turned her into a weapon. That is not what my father would have wanted. I just couldn't take the chance of anyone finding out. Even if I did have feelings for you then. I never even told Rio." she finished. Jerrica stood and walked over to where Synergy stood. Without being asked, Synergy erected the holographic wall again to give the couple privacy.
Rory stood up and walked over to his love. He put his hands on her shoulders and sighed. "Why didn't you tell Rio? I was always under the impression that you two were meant to be together. Why not share your secret with him of all people?" Rory asked.
Jerrica wrapped her arms around herself and walked across the room. "That is something even I have never been sure of even today. At first I told myself it was because I was so busy with being Jem, taking care of the Starlight girls, and running Starlight Music that I didn't have a moment to spare to explain the situation to him. After awhile though that excuse didn't work anymore. Now, I know that it was because Rio had stated on more than one occasion that he despised liars. Every time I decided to tell him I got this horrible picture in my head of him telling me he hated me and then walking away. At the time he was the love of my life and I just didn't want that to happen so I would chicken out. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm a coward."
Rory walked over to her and grabbed her gently by the arms. This made Jerrica look up sharply. "You are not a coward. You never have been. I want you to understand something. Even when I was the egotistical, conceited Riot I saw you for what you were. Yes, I admit back then all I could see was the perfect picture of Jem and in my minds eye nothing could compare to that when it came to my affections. When I looked at you though, I saw someone who was strong, intelligent, willful, caring to a fault, and at times tough as nails. What I never saw was a coward. And back then I called them as I saw them. With you, that was what I saw." he said.
Jerrica just stared into his eyes and began to tremble. Tears spilled down her face. Rory dropped down to one knee and held out the ring once more. "Jerrica, I'm going to ask you once more. Will you marry me?" he asked, his voice shaky with anticipation.
"Yes." Jerrica said. A smile forming on her tear stained face. Rory slipped the ring on her finger. Jerrica fell to her knees and embraced him. She put her hands to his face and kissed him. It was a soft, gently kissed that seemed to go on forever. When they finally pulled apart they were both grinning from ear to ear.
"You have just made me the happiest man on earth." he said.
"I hope I can make you as happy as you have made me over these last few months." Jerrica said as she stared into his eyes.
"You already have. I couldn't be any happier." Rory said as he stood and held out his hand, helping Jerrica up off the floor. "Now, may I have a dance with my bride to be?" he asked as they walked out of the garage.
"With pleasure." Jerrica said as they walked back to the patio. Rory turned on some slow music and gathered Jerrica into his arms, holding her close as they danced well into the morning.
"I still have some supplies left to buy. Do you want to come with me?" she asked Rory early one Saturday morning.
"Actually, I have some errands to run so why don't I pick up the supplies?" he asked.
"Are you sure?" Jerrica asked.
"Positive. Then later tonight I have a surprise. I want you to pack some things, go out for the day and then meet me at my place at eight. I will pick you up there. Don't come back here for anything." he said.
"Well, well. Aren't we the secretive one today. Okay, I'll play your game. See you at eight." she said before kissing him and heading upstairs to pack.
At eight o'clock sharp a limo pulled up out front and the driver knocked on the door. Jerrica opened the door and greeted him.
"Ms. Jerrica Benton?" he asked.
"Yes, that's me." she said.
"I have been hired by Mr. Llewelyn to pick you up and bring you to your destination."
"I see. Well, then. Shall we?" she asked as she stepped from the house. She wore a knee length wine colored lace dress with no sleeves. She couldn't help but notice the driver taking a long look at her legs as she climbed into the car. They drove for about fifteen minutes before reaching their destination. Jerrica realized where they were going about five minutes prior but kept quiet. The driver helped her from the car.
"You shall find Mr. Llewelyn in the backyard. He is awaiting your arrival." the driver stated before getting in the car and driving away. Jerrica walked silently around to the back yard. As she neared the back gate she heard the faint sounds of music playing. Stepping through the gate into the backyard she found a trail of rose petals and candles to light her way. Walking further around to the pool area she stopped in her tracks. Her hands instantly went to her mouth. She was in shock to say the least. The pool was filled with flowers and floating candles. The outside of the pool was lined with more candles and rose petals. The table on the patio was set with still more candles and fresh roses in a vase. A bottle of champagne sat chilling in a bucket of ice and two crystal flutes sat nearby. Romantic music filled the air. The most shocking of all was Rory standing by the pool in a tuxedo. He walked forward and took Jerrica's hands in his, leading her over to the pool. Jerrica followed but still could not speak.
"I've wanted to do this for quite awhile now but decided I should wait until now." Rory said. He bent down on one knee in front of her. Jerrica thought her heart would beat itself out of her chest it was pounding so hard. "Jerrica, I was completely alone until I ran into you. You have brought such love, laughter, and sheer happiness into my life. I love you with everything I am and I would like nothing more than to share the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?" he asked, pulling out a black box and opening it. Inside lay a platinum and diamond ring. When she said nothing he held his breath in anticipation of her response. "Please, say something." he whispered.
Jerrica began to shake and cry. Rory stood up and grasped her arms for fear she would faint. "Jerrica, what's wrong? Speak to me." he said, his voice echoing the look of fright on his face.
"I...I want to say yes more than anything, but there's something I have to show you first. Something you have to hear before you can decide if you still want to marry me." she said. Her voice was shaky and tears spilled down her face.
"What is it? There isn't anything in the world you could say to me that would change my mind." he said.
"We'll see. Come with me." she said as she took his hand and led him to the front of the house. They walked until they stood in front of the garage. Jerrica bent down and grabbing the handle on the door, lifted the door up. They stepped inside and she flicked the switch on the wall to turn the light on. Jerrica finished by closing the door behind them.
"So, what's the big secret?" Rory asked with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
"This. Synergy, show yourself." Jerrica commanded softly. With those three words what was once a wall evaporated in front of Rory's eyes to show a large computer with a female face staring back at him. Rory's mouth dropped open and he took several steps back until his back came in contact with the door, startling him.
"Wha...what. Did you see? What?" Rory stammered. He stared at Jerrica, then turned to gape at Synergy. His mind reeled at what had just happened.
"Calm down Rory. Let us explain." Jerrica started.
"Us? Who's us? You and who else?" Rory asked, still staring at Synergy. Not sure what to make of the whole situation. "Jerrica and I would be happy to explain. My name is Synergy. I was created Jerrica and Kimber's father to be a highly advanced audio and visual synthesizer."
Rory began to breathe heavily and ran his hand through his hair. He let out a nervous laugh. "It...It talks. The computer talks. It knows my name and it talks to me." he stammered.
"Rory, you need to calm down." Jerrica said as she walked to the wall and drug a lawn chair over for him to sit on. "Sit down and listen." Jerrica said as Rory took a seat.
"Now, it's my turn. My father created Synergy to be able to do amazing things. The most significant thing to you though is that Synergy can create holographic images. Jem was a holographic image. I was Jem. Showtime Synergy." Jerrica said. Suddenly, before Rory's eyes, Jem appeared. He stood up and walked toward her. His hand went up and stopped before he could touch her.
"Go ahead. I'm very real." Jem said.
"Jerrica?" he whispered.
"Yes, it's me. It was always me." she whispered back.
"Why didn't you ever tell me? Why the secrecy?" he asked.
"Shows over Synergy." Jerrica said and the Jem hologram disappeared again. Pulling up a chair she sat down and motioned for Rory to do the same. "First, I couldn't allow Synergy to fall into the wrong hands. If The Misfits and Eric Raymond found out they would have exploited her and revealed my true identity. I couldn't let that happen. I had too many responsibilities to the Starlight girls. They had to be my main concern. They're the reason I did everything that I did. To keep them together like my parent's would have wanted me to do. Second, if the government found out they would have taken her and turned her into a weapon. That is not what my father would have wanted. I just couldn't take the chance of anyone finding out. Even if I did have feelings for you then. I never even told Rio." she finished. Jerrica stood and walked over to where Synergy stood. Without being asked, Synergy erected the holographic wall again to give the couple privacy.
Rory stood up and walked over to his love. He put his hands on her shoulders and sighed. "Why didn't you tell Rio? I was always under the impression that you two were meant to be together. Why not share your secret with him of all people?" Rory asked.
Jerrica wrapped her arms around herself and walked across the room. "That is something even I have never been sure of even today. At first I told myself it was because I was so busy with being Jem, taking care of the Starlight girls, and running Starlight Music that I didn't have a moment to spare to explain the situation to him. After awhile though that excuse didn't work anymore. Now, I know that it was because Rio had stated on more than one occasion that he despised liars. Every time I decided to tell him I got this horrible picture in my head of him telling me he hated me and then walking away. At the time he was the love of my life and I just didn't want that to happen so I would chicken out. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is I'm a coward."
Rory walked over to her and grabbed her gently by the arms. This made Jerrica look up sharply. "You are not a coward. You never have been. I want you to understand something. Even when I was the egotistical, conceited Riot I saw you for what you were. Yes, I admit back then all I could see was the perfect picture of Jem and in my minds eye nothing could compare to that when it came to my affections. When I looked at you though, I saw someone who was strong, intelligent, willful, caring to a fault, and at times tough as nails. What I never saw was a coward. And back then I called them as I saw them. With you, that was what I saw." he said.
Jerrica just stared into his eyes and began to tremble. Tears spilled down her face. Rory dropped down to one knee and held out the ring once more. "Jerrica, I'm going to ask you once more. Will you marry me?" he asked, his voice shaky with anticipation.
"Yes." Jerrica said. A smile forming on her tear stained face. Rory slipped the ring on her finger. Jerrica fell to her knees and embraced him. She put her hands to his face and kissed him. It was a soft, gently kissed that seemed to go on forever. When they finally pulled apart they were both grinning from ear to ear.
"You have just made me the happiest man on earth." he said.
"I hope I can make you as happy as you have made me over these last few months." Jerrica said as she stared into his eyes.
"You already have. I couldn't be any happier." Rory said as he stood and held out his hand, helping Jerrica up off the floor. "Now, may I have a dance with my bride to be?" he asked as they walked out of the garage.
"With pleasure." Jerrica said as they walked back to the patio. Rory turned on some slow music and gathered Jerrica into his arms, holding her close as they danced well into the morning.