Eli cringed as he felt Jake's presence beside him, looking over his shoulder as he wiped the bench down.

"Hey E" Jake said calmly.

Eli looked over his shoulder, and gave a small nod; but quickly returned to wiping the bench.

"Eli………." Jake spoke cautiously; "I need a decision by next week…………." He allowed his voice to linger.

Eli sighed and turned around, throwing the cloth on the table; "I know Jake" he nodded slowly, "but………. I'm thinking my definite answer might be a no"

Jake stared at Eli for the longest time; making him feel even more uncomfortable than usual.

"I used to be like you………….." Jake finally sighed, running a hand through his hair.

Eli raised an eyebrow, and Jake gave a small, breathless laugh; "that was the first thing I thought when I first met you…………..'This is me 20 years ago!'………………."

Eli gave an unsure smile, and crossed his arms over his chest while Jake continued.

"What I'm saying is…………..when I was your age I made a lot of stupid mistakes………….." Jake got that far-off look in his eye, but Eli quickly cleared his throat and that seemed to snap him back into reality.

"A lot of mistakes………..more than I'd care to admit to………..and every now and then I refused opportunities that came my way……….opportunities that could have given me a totally different life…………. " That far off look came again, and went just as quickly; "Eli……….incase you haven't already clicked……….this is a huge opportunity……….and I don't think your considering the possibilities!"

Eli had nothing to say; Jake was right. He hadn't really considered the possibilities. Sure, he knew it would be great for him- the money, the work……….and everything else that came with being a manager of a large company.

But he couldn't look past what he'd be leaving behind……….who he'd be leaving behind………..

"Is this still about that girl?" Jake asked, a hint of anger in his tone.

Eli didn't say anything, as 'that girl's' face flashed in his mind.

"Geez Eli…………." Jake shook his head, "I couldn't think of a worse excuse to turn your back on a future……….."

He didn't say any more; he'd said more than enough. And that last point lingered in Eli's mind- tossed and turned uncomfortably.

Jake gave a small shake of his head, and turned, walking away from Eli's big eyes.

ELI what if she is my future?


ELI Philadelphia holds so many possibilities. Has so much to offer………..but so does Grace. She was my only possibility a few months ago……….all I wanted was her……….and now that I have her………….what? I want to hurt her and leave? (Shakes his head) I just don't………..(there comes a knock at the door)

Eli's eyes opened, the knocking started again, so he moved himself. Crawling out of bed, and walking to the door.

He opened it slowly, but was confronted with Grace's body lunging at him- her lips finding their mark against his.

She pressed against him; so used to the feeling of their two bodies fused together; it brought her comfort to be like this.

He clumsily untangled himself from her embrace, and she was forced to step back.

"Grace!" he spoke anxiously, quickly closing the door behind her.

"Relax! Mum and Rick are up stairs………..they just got home………..and decided they want to go out for dinner!" She smiled widely, staring back at Eli, waiting for him to do the same.

"We have the house to ourselves?" he asked, slowly.

Grace crept forward, moving her face close to his; "well…………Jessie and Zoe………….and Katie aswell………….." she spoke softly, and then allowed her lips to brush against his.

He tried to kiss her back- but to tell the truth, he wanted to just lie on his bed tonight- and think……….really think………..about the opportunities and Philadelphia…………

He pulled away, and Grace stared wanderingly into his eyes.

"What?" she asked, softly.

Eli blinked, as a million excuses ran through his mind; "nothing………. I just………….wasn't expecting this" he murmured.

Grace gave a small smile, and leaned into him, kissing him hard- and then pulling away- "oh! Believe it!" she giggled.


"I am really sorry to throw this on you both……….." Lily spoke as she pulled her coat on.

"Don't worry mum" Grace smiled, "we'll be fine"- she shot Eli a quick smile.

"Sure?" Rick asked, looking Eli in the eye.

Eli nodded, "No problems……….we promise……….." he assured his father.

"Ok then……….. I don't know what time we'll be back" Rick bustled Lily out the door, turning around before he walked out aswell; "probably around 11:00, ok?"

Grace and Eli both nodded- and watched as the door closed.

"Do they know Katie is coming over?" Eli asked, turning to Grace, who shook her head; "she'll be gone before 11" she replied.

Before Eli could ask more, Grace had tucked her arms around him- and was leaning in for another kiss.

What could he do but react, by kissing her back?

ELI do I want to give this up? Moments like these? Kisses like this one…………..?"

He creased his brow, and tried to calm the menacing thoughts in his head as he held Grace close. But they didn't let up.

ELI maybe we could keep this going………..while she finished school………..and I live in Philadelphia……….seeing each other on the………..holidays………..

It was no use, he couldn't stop thinking about the possibilities……….until……….there came a knock at the door- and Eli gratefully pulled away from the kiss- heading to the door and opening it.

"Hey E!" Katie beamed as she walked inside.

"Hey" Eli mumbled, closing the door behind her.

Now, not only would he have thoughts of Grace and Philadelphia on his mind- but the idea of Jessie and Katie………..alone……….upstairs in Jessie's room.

His sister being a lesbian was something Eli was still struggling with. Something he thought he would never overcome.

"She's upstairs" Grace smiled, and watched as Katie practically ran up to Jessie's room.

Eli watched her aswell, and then looked back at Grace- unable to clear his mind as he gazed at her soft, angelic face.

"We need to talk…………." The words leaked out of him- and were now spilled water, as Grace turned to him- aware of the menacing tone in his voice.

"O-k" she replied, unsure.

Eli reached out, taking her hand- and lead her towards his room.