Title: One Year Anniversary
Author: Stress
First written: April 18, 2002-May 12, 2002
Edited and replaced: August 9, 2005
Summary: Part III of the Soul Mates Series; When Jack and Stress reach their first year anniversary, Stress tells a friend the story about how they almost didn't get together at all.
TO THE PRESENT
August 8th 1900
At the Bottle Alley Lodging House
"...an' ever since, me and Jack have been a couple. It still amazes me that after all we been through, we're still very much in love." Stress finished her story with a long sigh, getting swept up in the memory of it all.
"Wow" was all Princess could say. She had just spent the last four hours listening to Stress relive the story of how she had gotten with her boyfriend of one year. "That is such an inspiring story, Stress. But I just can't get over one thing though. You dated David, I can't believe you. You're just so...so... different."
"Well, like I told you in me story, he's sure is one great kisser," she said before she stopped her sentence as she broke into a fit of giggles. "By the way, Princess: what time is it?" she said, pointing to the ladies watch hanging on a string around Princess's neck.
"Oh, shoot, Stress. It's just about two o'clock now. Isn't that the time you were supposed to meet Jack for your anniversary celebration?" Princess reminded her.
"Yeah, you're right. I better go now. See ya later, Princess." Stress stretched her arms and got up to leave. After saying good day to Mrs. Cook, Stress left the lodging house.
As she stopped to marvel at the gorgeous summer day before her, she ignored the two figures clad in black as they crept up behind her, a damp rag in one of their hands. She didn't sense their presence until the shorter of the two clasped the rag in front of her mouth.
As everything in front of her became fuzzy and she felt herself being tossed over someone's shoulder, Stress thought to herself, "Now, why does this seem so familiar?"
The Bunkroom of the Manhattan Newsboys Lodging House
About an hour or so after she was knocked out, Stress felt herself regaining consciousness. For the second time in her life she found herself slumped in a high-backed chair with her hands tied behind her back and a blindfold on, covering her eyes. Unlike last time, though, she was relieved to know that she didn't have a gag stuffed in her mouth.
Instead of being frightened and screaming her head off, she called out merrily "O.K., I'm awake again!"
She grinned when she heard someone come thundering up a flight of stairs and walk over to her to take her blindfold off.
She gasped when she saw a table, with lit candles in the middle, all lay out with homemade food. She turned her head to say something to Jack as he untied her from the chair. The words were lost as she sat in shock, staring in amazement at Jack. He stood in front of her, wearing knickers suit given to him by Pulitzer, carrying a single red rose in his right hand.
"Oh, Jack, it's so beautiful. Is this all for us? I really don't know what to say, except I love you!" she cried as she threw her arms around his neck and gave him a deep kiss. When they broke apart, Stress looked right at him, sternly and added, "Oh and if you have Blink and Spot kidnap me ever again, I will personally soak all three of you."
Jack chuckled as he placed the rose on her plate and kissed her sweetly on the lips. He then turned to whisper huskily in her ear, "I love you too, Stressie. Happy one year anniversary!"