Part XI: The Storm has Arrived

Jessie and Katie have been going out for two months now. They were constantly on newspaper headlines. Neither confirmed any of these headlines which were usually about a budding relationship or engagement. No one really knew the truth. It was all between Jessie and Katie.

Jessie didn't really bother about the news. But there was one part she couldn't handle easily, staying perfect whenever she was with Katie. Even though Katie never told her to act in a particular manner other than being herself, Jessie forced herself to. She didn't want to cause any embarrassment to Katie. This caused anxiety for Jessie's part. But she never told Katie. She promised that she would keep it to herself so as not to worry Katie. Not until one particular day.

Jessie and Katie attended a charity ball thrown by the Mayor. Katie of course, was the guest of honor. The people who attended were mostly politicians and businessmen. And even though Jessie was a doctor, she was considered a commoner, especially in the eyes of a particular person; Jill Macintosh

Jill never understood how this particular blonde, blue eyed doctor captivated a Katie Singer. Jessie was far from their caliber. It was known that whenever there was a party and or an event that Jessie and Katie would attend, the media is right behind them. There maybe sweet kisses that covered front pages or hugs that were shown on celebrity news flashes, but Doctor Jessica Sammler didn't love Katie Singer. Jill knew she was just there for the ride. The doctor knew what it meant to be with Katie Singer. And Jill will do anything to make sure a commoner would never take advantage of Katie Singer.

Katie got caught up with reporters who were eager to know about the latest land the Singers' have acquired, leaving Jessie alone in a corner. Jill grabbed the opportunity.

"Time to show her this isn't where she belongs." Jill thought as she walked to where Jessie was.

Jessie was looking at Katie as she charmed the reporters when Jill finally decided to make her presence known.

"She's great at handling the crowd is she?"

"Yes. She knows how to either shut them up or ask for more." Jessie replied turning her gaze to Jill.

"It amazes me how she can be intelligent but could still have bad taste." Jill was still watching Katie.

Jessie furrowed her brows.

"What do you mean?" Jessie asked.

"You."

"Excuse me?" Jessie was now feeling a bit offended.

"You see that woman? She is everything to the world. She can never be just for single person. The world owns her. Everybody knows that. I don't know what you think she sees in you right now, but don't ever think you're special." Jill sported a wicked grin, still looking at Katie.

"On the other hand, I think you should stop hanging out with her before she realizes you're with her for the publicity. You are not worth her time. A commoner has no right to hope for someone such as her. SHE WILL grow tired of you. " Jill left Jessie dumbfounded.

Jessie followed Jill with her gaze. She sadly turned to look at Katie. She was now hounded by businessmen.

Jessie loved being with Katie. She loved Katie. She thought it was enough. Or was it? Katie was adored by the public, loved by those around her. Would her love make any difference? Emotions were running through her veins, her heart slowing breaking into pieces.

"Do I have the right to fall in love with you Katie?" Jessie asked herself as a tear fell from her eye.

They were at Jessie's doorstep when Katie broke their silence.

"Is there something wrong Jess? You've been awfully quiet since dinner." Katie looked at Jessie, squeezing her hand.

Jessie looked at Katie tenderly, daring not to cry.

"You should go."

"Alright." Katie smiled, but was a little worried.

"I might not be able to spend time with you by next week. I have a busy schedule…"

"It's ok. I'll call you at night to check on you." Katie said with a smile.

"You don't have to Katie. It's not like I'm your girlfriend."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Katie asked confused.

"Go Katie. It's late. You have a meeting tomorrow remember?" Jessie slowly took her hand away from Katie.

"Jess what's wrong?" Katie pleading.

"I have to go Katie. You should too. I'll see you." With that Jessie slowly entered her apartment and closed the door.

Katie stood there for a while. She didn't know what was happening. Whatever bothered Jessie, she was sure she would tell her when she's ready. For now, maybe Jessie needed a little space.

It had been almost a week seen she saw Jessie. Katie found herself in Olive Park. She hadn't been there for months since she and Jessie started going out. Tad and Sarah came to sit with Katie. It's been a while since all of them spent time together on a Friday night.

"So how long has it been?" Sarah asked as the three of them stared at the sunset.

"Almost a week. Six Days to be exact." Katie replied.

"Are you worried?" Tad said, playing with the sand with his hands.

"No. Why should I?"

"Nothing." Tad replied sighing softly.

"I think I'm in love with her." Katie said smiling as the sun disappeared on the horizon.

"You think?" Sarah asked looking at Katie.

"Uhum."

"You're not sure yet?" Tad grew curious.

"Not really. I mean she has her own profession. I don't really want to add everything to her all at once, especially the public eye."

"Don't you think they already did focus on her a bit?" Tad continued to inquire on as Sarah stood to get a cola.

"I know but they were still mild I think."

"They are?"

"I mean they weren't writing about our sex life or something right. Just the events they see us in."

"Right." Tad gave a fake smile.

"Don't worry. I'm sure Jessie and I can work it out." Katie gave Tad a pat on the back.

"Did you ever think she doesn't want the kind of life?" Tad asked as he gazed the now sunless horizon.

"I'm not imposing my life to hers Tad. I just want her to share it with me."

There was silence. They were both not thinking about anything in particular. Sarah came in and broke the lull.

"Are you guys in the mood for some food? I'm kinda hungry." Sarah said with a wide grin.

"Ray's is just a few minutes away. We can go there." Tad said as he helped Katie stand up.

"Let's go!" They all screamed and went off to have dinner.

Jessie was oblivious to anything around her except for the people from the hospital. Some of the doctors decided there should be a night out. Of course Dr. Carter was the number one persuader. Jessie was feeling a bit tired but decided to go anyway. She was hungry.

At Ray's their group sat near the dance floor. Jessie didn't really bother if there were photographers around. By now, she was used to it.

"Katie we get the booth again. Is that alright?" Tad asked as he scanned the club.

"Sure." Katie replied happily dragging Sarah away from her latest prey.

It was almost 10 in the evening, time for the DJs mood change; slower songs. Of course James waited a long time for this opportunity. Dancing with Jessie is certainly a good start. He was also hoping that a certain green eyed woman would be there to see it. He was certainly lucky.

"Jessie, do you want to dance?"

"I'm not sure James. I'm really tired." Jessie replied.

They were the only ones left in the table. Most of their colleagues were already on the dance floor.

"Just this once Jess. Please?" James was ready to kneel and beg Jessie if she didn't say yes.

"Well alright." Jessie finally conceded.

One dance wouldn't hurt.

Katie was eating her Mac and Cheese when she remembered she hadn't called Jessie yet. She wasn't going to break another promise. She called Jessie every day since they were apart, just to leave a message or say hi. Tonight, Jessie wasn't answering though. She decided she could call a little later. Maybe Jessie was eating dinner too.

As she drank a glass of iced tea, she noticed a changed in her friends faces. Tad and Sarah grew pale, as if they saw a ghost. Without asking, Katie turned to where they were looking. She froze. This wasn't happening. She felt numb. She stared, and tears just started to flow. There was no way she could stop them. Not in a million years.