The sensual promise in Julian's eyes haunted Jenny and made any delay in getting home feel like an eternity. Unfortunately it seemed as though the Fates were determined to have a bit of fun with her. Once she had awoken Jenny had been forced to wait for the nurse to return from her lunch break for what seemed like forever. After hovering over her and muttering to herself the nurse had decreed that Jenny needed more rest and stubbornly refused to allow her to go home until the school day ended under the pretense of wanting to keep an eye on Jenny's fever.

Knowing it would lead to a highly embarrassing situation Jenny resolved not to fall back asleep until she got into her own bed. This decision led to a steady decline in her mood as the rest of the school day waned until Jenny felt as tightly wound as a spring and ready to snap at the slightest provocation.

Shutting her locker door with one hand while she cradled her books in the crook of her other arm Jenny turned to make her way down the hallway, out the doors, into her car and finally home. But she had barely managed more than a few steps when a voice called her name. The call came over the loudspeaker and the voice was her guidance counselor asking her to stop in the office before leaving for the day.

Jenny groaned and stopped mid-stride. Pivoting on one heel she abruptly switched directions and hurried to the office. With any luck this would be a quick visit.

As she approached the counselor's offices she could hear the voice of the junior counselor drift into the hallway. From the lack of another voice Jenny decided he must be on the phone and her suspicions were confirmed when she presented herself at the open door. Seeing Jenny caused the man in front of her to smile and wave her in, indicating one of the padded seats in front of his desk. While he was finishing his conversation Jenny looked around, taking in the appearance of the room as well as its occupant. The room itself felt just a little bit cozier than the rest of the rooms in the school, due in large part to the enormous built-in bookcases that flanked Jenny. There were several volumes on psychology that were obviously textbooks at one time as well as a few framed photographs and knick-knacks scattered throughout the shelves, giving the room a lived-in feeling.

As far as the room's occupant went his appearance was pretty much what you would expect a guidance counselor's to mimic. Today he was wearing a brown and white plaid button down shirt, over which he had pulled a v-neck sweater vest in a darker shade of brown than the shirt. When he got up to consult a book from the nearest shelf Jenny saw that beige corduroy slacks completed the ensemble.

Finally saying goodbye he turned and gave his full attention to Jenny.

"Hello Ms. Thornton."

"Hi. You wanted to see me, Mr. Twitche?"

"Yes. I would like to talk to you a little more about the reason for your visit last week if that's all right with you?"

Oh dear. Perhaps this wasn't going to be as quick as she had thought. Her visit last week had been prompted by a feeling that she needed to do something productive in terms of college. She had been pondering the subject rather seriously since the end of the Games when she had realized that she needed an existence outside of Tom-and-Jenny. Thinking about her varied interests had led Jenny to try and find some way to combine them into something that she could study in college. Mr. Twitche had helped her apply for a summer position that would hopefully help. Recognizing that she had yet to answer Mr. Twitche she quickly nodded. At her movement he continued.

"I've been looking over your records and I don't see anything that would suggest your interest in something like this aside from better than average marks in computers. So would you mind telling me what prompted your decision to pursue this?"

Wasn't it a bit late to be asking? Jenny thought to herself. Shouldn't he have given her the third degree before she applied? Sighing at her inability to predict much less understand adults she shrugged before replying.

"Not at all. It's pretty basic. I'm about to end my junior year and it is time for me to start seriously thinking about what I want to be when I grow up, for lack of a better phrase. A lot of my outside interests are shared by people there and I'm hoping that with some more time devoted exclusively to those interests that I will be able to come back focused on a career path. That goal will help me choose the course of study I plan to pursue as well as the college I go to."

He peered at her intently for a moment and then nodded, apparently satisfied with the response.

"Well you're in luck. There is still one spot open for a counselor at Camp Penwick. It's pretty amazing that it's still open, considering how popular the camp is and all. If I were a younger man and prone to such ranting I might start babbling on about fate and destiny and all that malarkey. Fortunately I'm not at all like that. So all that's left is for me to ask if you are still interested in the position?"

Jenny blinked. That was a bit abrupt. Then the meaning of his words sunk in. There was still a position open? Yes! This was a great opportunity. If she accepted she would spend the summer upstate in a private camp that catered to middle school kids. Jenny would be a part of the team of counselors that helped the kids learn new skills while living at the camp. She would have a chance to help the kids with computers, arts and crafts, animal care and a host of other classes. Wow.

Jenny had read the brochure and application and instantly decided it was worth pursuing. But now the decision was upon her. Did she want to accept this position and spend the summer away from everyone? What would her parents think of the idea? What would her friends say? Nevermind them, her subconscious announced, how would Julian react? What if she couldn't see him when she was away? That didn't seem likely but the thought was enough to cause her to pause and reconsider saying yes automatically. She settled on what she hoped was a diplomatic answer.

"Yes sir I am still interested. However I would like to take tonight to talk it over with my folks and make sure they are okay with me doing it if that's all right."

He smiled briefly before turning his attention to the manila folder open in front of him.

"I'm sure that will be fine," he murmured as he opened the folder and browsed the papers contained inside. He let a silence manifest itself while he continued to read for a few minutes.

It was all Jenny could do not to actually start squirming in her seat. What was the holdup? He asked, she answered. It seemed as though she had fulfilled her part of their little tête-à-tête so why hadn't he dismissed her? A sigh threatened to escape and with a force of will she swallowed instead of releasing it.

After what Jenny felt sure was an eon Mr. Twitche finished reading and shuffled the papers before closing the folder once again.

"All right. According to my information you can let the camp know by Friday and that should be fine. Come and see me before you leave Thursday and let me know what you've decided and if you accept the position you can contact the camp from here and let them know Friday morning."

Taking this as her cue to leave Jenny stood up and made her way to the door.

"Thanks Mr. Twitche, see you Thursday."

"Okay, see you Thursday."

Jenny restrained herself from actually running out of the building but her pace was still pretty close to sprinting. After being forced to stop at every traffic light between school and her house she finally made it home. Trust today of all days to find every light turning red upon her approach, she thought darkly as she climbed the steps and entered her house.

Shutting the door firmly behind her she sagged against it, allowing an enormous sigh to finally escape her lips. In the next instant she had made a mad dash for her bedroom, slamming the door and dumping her bookbag on the floor in one fell swoop.

Time for bed.

Jenny peeled off her pants and shirt and pulled on a lightweight cotton night shirt. The fabric was worn from so many washings but it was so comfortable. Settling under the sheet she closed her eyes and tried to will herself asleep. She focused on slowing down her breathing and evening out its tempo. Jenny concentrated and imagined herself getting sleepier with every breath taken until she felt drowsy.

"It feels like an entire age has passed since I saw you last."

Jenny smiled without opening her eyes. That voice meant she had actually fallen asleep but she wasn't taking any chances that she really was simply hallucinating Julian's presence in her bedroom. She quickly took stock of her position. She felt like she was laying down, and if the soft material cushioning her weight was any indication she was on a bed. But was it her own? The feeling of lips brushing the nape of her neck and of a hand snaking around her waist grounded Jenny in her dream. She was really asleep and back in Julian's arms.

"It was worse for me, I assure you." She murmured as she twisted herself to face him. She opened her eyes to find Julian's amused glance upon her features.

"What is so funny?" she asked, smiling in spite of her question.

"You are." He replied without hesitation. "Didn't you believe you were asleep?"

"After the trouble I went through to get back home and get here I wasn't taking any chances."

He grinned at her and reached over to run his fingers through her hair, twisting some of the strands around his hand.

"So tell me all about it."

As she recounted the last few hours she grew more and more nervous as it came closer to the time to tell him her big news. She toyed with a button on his shirt while she talked about seeing the counselor, unwilling to meet his gaze as she talked about the job and what it entailed. Finally she had to announce it.

"And so he told me that the position I had applied for was still open and that it was basically mine if I want it."

Jenny held her breath and tensed, not really knowing why she did. She didn't have to wait long for a reaction. It was near immediate. Julian leaned down and kissed her. It was over far too soon for her taste but when she opened her eyes she saw nothing but happiness reflected in Julian's eyes.

"I'm proud of you, Jenny. This sounds like a great opportunity and something you'll be a natural at."

"Really?"

"Yes really."

When she breathed a sigh of relief he narrowed his gaze.

"Out with it."

"What?" she was confused by the look he was giving her.

"Why didn't you think I'd be happy for you?"

She blushed.

"It was silly. It's nothing, really."

"Jenny…" his voice held a hint of a warning.

"Okay, okay. It's just that I was thinking about what will happen when I go away. And I was wondering if I would still see you and it made me worry, that's all."

If she was hoping for prompt reassurance that he would continue to see her no matter where she was Jenny realized she was in for a long wait as the moments ticked by without a response from Julian. He was looking down at her shirt but Jenny could tell that his attention was elsewhere. Just when she was about to ask him what was wrong he met her gaze.

"I don't know if you will see me when you go away."

"WHAT?!"

All she could do was look at him with her mouth hung open and her eyes as wide as saucers. I really didn't mean to scream, she thought absently. She felt bad when Julian winced at the noise. She was, after all, only a few inches away from him. His ears were probably ringing.

"I said 'I don't know if you will see me when you go away'."

That brought her out of her stupor.

"I heard you, you idiot." His eyebrow rose at the choice of endearment but he said nothing. "What are you talking about?"

He shrugged.

"I won't lie to you, Jenny. I can't promise that you're going to see me. And not just when you go away in a few weeks. I can't tell you that you'll see me the next time you go to sleep, either."

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Disclaimer:  No character ownership here. Stop looking at me like that! If polygraphs were admissible in court I'd take one, just to prove it to you.

Author's Note: Sorry about the incredible delay in posting, and for the death threats this chapter is likely to generate. Go read Amber Evans Potter and Rashel Jordan. They both like Draco like I do and Rashel even has a story about my fav ship…Draco/Hermione! Whoo hoo! Plus Amber has some Laby stories and I do love the Goblin King!

On to the thank you portion:

Skyfire—Thank you. I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope that the lack of playful banter is ok.

Amber Evans Potter—I had to actually let go of the mouse and focus on laughing when I got your review. You guys are the best! I hope that Hawaii was a good time? It seems as though your sense of humor remained intact, in fact it seems to have blossomed even more. Thanks especially to the level head that calmed everyone down and stopped the release of the Howler. Sorry about the delay, I really am. I WILL DO BETTER!

Pixxi—Iambic pentameter!? Crack me up! That was always one of my favorite things about Shakespeare. Not that I could distinguish it from a haiku but still…I guess I should feel blessed that your own guilt about Easter has kept you from harassing me about this chapter, hmm? Thanks for reading and reviewing more than once. Your review made me smile and did get my fingers to tapping.

Francesca—Short, sweet, to the point. And point taken, btw! I will cease my delay in posting! I will update faster!

Francesca—Yes ma'am!

Pixxi—I hope you got a chance to read this before having to leave for your aunt's house? If not, I hope it was a welcome surprise upon your return. Hope your easter was a good one!

Arella—Welcome! Your kind words are much appreciated and do help me write faster! Thank you for reading and writing!

Beanie—Indentured servitude? Hilarious! I haven't heard that term since history class! Thanks for checking in and writing a review that guaranteed my day would be a happy one.

Clare—I don't want to give too much away but the plan now is for Julian and Jenny to see each other when she is awake. We're not there yet though so don't hold me to anything. I apologize for the delay in posting, I know you had mentioned wanting a quick update. Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of updating every few days instead of this long. Thank you for reading and reviewing as always.

Shadow—I swear I won't be able to wear anything but button-down shirts if my head swells any more. Short, sweet, to the point…your review was terrific.

Pixxi—Well Jenny did have something to do with the whole her staying with Julian thing. So German gummy bunnies, huh? Do they taste like gummy bears or are they flavored differently? Will they be making an appearance in "Easter"? Jenny is having issues because Julian can't appear in the real world and our dear heroine is worried that she may never have Julian the way she wants him. Anyway you crack me up, you know that, right?

CeredwenFlame—Hey, think nothing of it. Update ASAP or sooner? I like that! That is quite catchy! Sorry my update fell way out of the range of ASAP into way later land. I do appreciate you, though and will strive to be a better updater.

Venus Smurf—You "gush"…I like that word! I haven't heard it in a while but now that I have been reintroduced to it I may just add it to my vocab. And as for Jenny's problems well you answered your own question… "She needs to wake up and realize that she's got the perfect guy in the palm of her hands--well, as perfect as a man stuck in a dream can be."  That's the crux of the whole dilemma. She wants him to be perfect when she's awake, too. I don't anticipate writing that the whole dream thing gets old between them but after a while you gotta want more. At least I plan on Julian and Jenny both feeling it. You are such an angel…hating vacations? No way, no how! Although I do confess that being away from my computer for a few days gives me hives. I have power over you? That's so sweet and of course absurd but an amusing thought nonetheless. And could you be more awesome for checking out "It Had to Be You"? Seriously. How did you get to be so great? You deserve a great vacation and I am sending happy, peaceful, restful thoughts your way as I write.

Zabella—Ha! You are hilarious! Sorry to report that they will not be having sex anytime soon so we're all going to have to get used to the frustration level! Thanks for reviewing!

Kyia-Kenobi—Hey I was happy to go visit your site, no thanks needed. But I need to thank you for updating my limited supply of UK slang…I appreciate it. Thanks for reviewing!

Cat—So I hope your spring break was fun if not a little short. I appreciate your level of enthusiasm for the plot, it makes writing this more worthwhile! Sorry the update was slower than the pace I had going there for a while…I'm trying to do better! Thank you for reviewing!

Pixxi—hey again! You are so funny! You're about to go bonkers, huh? And what's up with laying the guilt trip on me..making you cry? I hate it when your eyes go all swirly, you know that! LOL…Sorry to hear about the computer trouble…that is about the time to break out the old sledgehammer to let the machine know who's the boss. Yeah, my updating has been pretty slow, huh? I apologize with the most sincere apologies I can muster. I don't intend to be overtly cruel by making you wait. I promise to try to do better….I can only imagine what horrors you have been cooking up to threaten me with if I don't update more rapidly! Thanks for always giving me a kick when I need one!

JLF—Aww, that is so sweet! I really appreciate that you felt that way; it means a lot that you felt compelled to review. Thanks so much for making my review box glow.

JLF—I did the same thing with my review page before, too! How funny! Sorry about the big time gap between updates…I didn't mean to. Your review made me smile for hours afterward so thank you for that. You're the one who is great, super, stupendous and fantastic!