But before the reunion could take place Jenny had to go through the pain and suffering that normally accompanied final exam week. As she pulled into the driveway of her house she grimaced. Saying goodbye to Audrey she took a moment to sit on the front stoop of the house. She hung her head on her knees for a moment. There was so much studying to do and what felt like no time to do it in.

And while the thought of seeing Julian at the end of it all was a motivating force to be sure it was also a severe distraction, one she found herself all too willing to lose herself in. But unfortunately she really couldn't afford to let herself be distracted, not if she had any serious hopes of getting into a good college. The SAT and ACT were only a few months away and with them…senior year. Dear lord was it really almost senior year? Where had the time gone?

Speaking of time she had better hustle into the house and not keep her family waiting any longer if they had any hopes of making the movie on time.

"I'm home!" she called out as she swung the door shut behind her. Breathing in deeply she detected the lingering smell of chocolate chip cookies. Bless her mom. She went into the kitchen and grabbed a few cookies off the plate and made her way into the dining room. Dropping herself into a chair she pulled her legs up underneath her and waited for her family to congregate.

"Hi sweetie," her mom called out as she made her way through the room, pausing briefly to kiss the top of Jenny's head as she passed, "We'll all be ready to go here in a minute. Did you have a good time with the girls?"

"Um yeah I did, actually. I ended up having to talk about the break up with them which while not the topic I would have chosen by far was still something I'm glad is over and done with," Jenny replied, getting up from her seat to follow her mom into the kitchen.

She walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed the container of milk from inside and carried it over to the cabinet where she rummaged around for a moment before pulling out the glass she was looking for. Swallowing the last mouthful she rinsed her glass in the sink and went upstairs to run a brush through her hair. Her brother flew past her and jumped on her bed, miscalculating the distance slightly so he ended up hanging off the edge, about to fall off.

"Well hello to you too," Jenny teased, putting the brush down and going over to pull him back. They wrestled around for a bit until their folks yelled that they were ready to go and would be waiting in the car. Jenny's brother once again flew past her and she re-combed her hair and then jogged down the stairs after him.

As she made her way past the table in the foyer her glance was captured by the letter she had abandoned there yesterday and she stopped to contemplate it for a moment. Who could have sent it? She smiled as she considered the notion that Julian was the sender…wouldn't that be fantastic? She could just see him perched on the edge of a chair, chewing on the end of an ivory feather-tipped pen as he gazed up and searched his mind for the right words to use. Her smile faded as she recognized that that image was just a fantasy…if anything the letter didn't sound like Julian, if it was possible to know what he would indeed sound like in a letter. The way he talked to her indicated that any missive he sent would be chock-full of delicious imagery guaranteed to melt her into a pool of want by the end.

Not that it would take much to transform her into that, she mused. It had only been a short time since their parting and yet to Jenny it was already an eternity, one in which each passing moment found her senses heightening with anticipation to the point where she feared for her concentration, if not her sanity. The car's horn blared and Jenny jumped, shaking her head and hurrying out the door. As they drove to the theater she considered the list of people who could have possibly sent the letter and was chilled by the thought that occurred to her as they pulled into the parking lot of the theater.

What if the letter came from Tom?

Perhaps he was operating under the assumption that their relationship was not dead and buried, merely in need of resuscitation? What if he thought that he simply needed to up the romance and he would be able to woo Jenny back into his arms? She nearly choked at the thought. Oh merciful heavens please don't let that be the case! She found herself praying as she filed into the row next to her brother.

The movie they had chosen was amusing enough to hold Jenny's attention throughout but her thoughts turned to the mysterious letter once her family made it back home. She picked it up on her way past the table and once again felt that prickle of unease wash over her. Most normal people wouldn't be paranoid and certainly wouldn't devote too much time and energy to the discovery of the letter's sender, she decided as she re-read it, but then again not everyone had been through the experiences she had so she felt her concern was justified.

She put the letter down on top of her schoolbooks and leaned over them, trying to discern the author's identity. Was it Tom? Admittedly it didn't look like his handwriting but then again he had never sent her a letter before. Jenny unconsciously took a step back from her desk, all the while contemplating the letter. If it was Tom how on earth would she find out? She only pondered that for a moment before realizing that she simply needed to wait for him to say something about it. Surely if he had sent it he wouldn't wait too long before asking her for her response, right?

Deciding that no action was indeed the best course of action she nodded to herself and put the letter in her bedside nightstand. Then she moved back to the desk and set her geometry notes and textbook in front of her and settled down for some serious studying. She stayed up all night and only took a few short breaks for meals so that by the time Sunday night rolled around she was pretty tired. It was well after eleven when her mom made her way into her room to check on her.

"How is it going?"

Jenny turned in her chair to face her mom.

"Pretty well. I'm just going to spend an hour or so reviewing the subjects I have tomorrow and then I'll try and catch a few zzz's so at least I'm not a total zombie."

"Okay…I don't want you staying up all night just to find yourself falling asleep during the exams."

Jenny laughed.

"No doubt. That would definitely defeat the purpose."

True to her word Jenny finished studying in time to settle down for a few hours of sleep before her alarm would sound. Being as tired as she was it was no surprise that she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. As she snuggled deeper into the pillow her ears detected a soft laughter. She barely listened until the tone penetrated her consciousness and then her eyes flew open in surprise. It was Julian! She bolted upright and realized that she was dreaming. Looking for the source of the laugh she turned her head and sank back down onto the bed when she saw Julian, stunned at what she was seeing.

It was the first night she dreamed of him. She knew that because she was watching herself and Julian, and it was a weird sensation, akin to seeing yourself on television for the first time.

Julian was leading her in time to the music. Her dream self closed her eyes and swayed along with Julian, listening to the music and the quiet roar of the tide. Jenny smiled as she remembered what she had been thinking and she couldn't help but giggle as she saw her alter ego lean up to whisper in his ear.

Alone? You mean like we are now?

The perspective switched and this time Jenny saw Julian's eyes widen at her question and she couldn't help but shiver as she recognized the passion that darkened them when he leaned in to her, his mouth only a few inches away.

Ah, on to my idea of how this dream should play out.

Jenny closed her eyes and remembered how it had felt. Suddenly it felt real, and she was in his arms again. She felt that same electric current ignite her blood at the touch of his lips on hers. She sighed and gave herself up to the feelings coursing through her, tightening her arms around him only to discover a moment later that she was awake and holding on to her pillow while her alarm blared incessantly.

"Oh good grief," she sighed as she hit the alarm.

It was going to be a long week.

Jenny put down her pencil and heaved a giant sigh, raising her arms over her head as she did so. Tilting her chin upwards she proceeded to tilt her head from side to side and then up and down in an attempt to banish the kinks from her neck. A subtle coughing caught her attention and she adjusted her gaze from the ceiling to the source of the noise…her teacher. He was gazing at her pointedly and Jenny blushed, embarrassed that she had been caught. She quickly dropped her arms and gave him a small smile to signal that she understood the message. He in turn grinned slightly before shaking his head and resuming his task of grading papers.

Jenny pushed her blue booklet to the edge of the desk, carefully laid her trusty number two aside and then proceeded to fold her arms on top of the desk to serve as a resting place for her head. She laid her cheek down and smiled, relieved that after a week of intense studying she was finally finally done! Her mind whirled with the implications of what finishing her exams meant.

It meant that she was no longer a junior in high school. It indicated that she had only a week before she was due at camp. It signified that she was that much closer to being a senior in high school along with all that entailed.

But what was most important was the fact that her day now had one and only one possible conclusion…her reunion with Julian.

*********************************************************************************************************************************************************

Disclaimer: Sadly it is my duty to report that with the New Year comes no new ownership of the characters. *sigh*

Author's Note: Good grief have I really not updated since September 23? I am truly horrendous, ghoulish, horrible, odious, mean-spirited, foul-tempered and obnoxious for doing that to you! Thank you's are so far overdue that it is truly lamentable:

***I forgot to include a recommendation for this chapter. If you need to feel the blood pumping through your veins click on over to Saxonny's story "Only In Your Dreams." It's a Jareth/Sarah story (Labyrinth) and is well worth the read!***

Saxonny—Well gosh! Thanks so much! I'm so pleased that you are enjoying the story as much as you are and I'm glad that you have so much more to read…I'll look forward to hearing whether you continue to find it worth the time. Thank you so much for your gushing praise. It really really made my day and helped me get this chapter out. Thanks!

RazbryButterfly—I myself am moving here in the next two weeks so I understand what you've just gone through. Thanks for writing such a supportive review. I love the care and consideration you put forth into it. I hope that this chapter lives up to your expectations of what should happen. Yes, I want to get back to Draco and Herm. I have left them alone for far too long. Theirs is a story I can't wait to write. I have most of it plotted out, it's just that whole time issue. Yeah, and I feel I must apologize for the lack of steaminess. It just wasn't here. It will be, though. I promise. I just need to get into that frame of mind. And killing things with a spork is time consuming yet creative so I can't fault you on that front. Thanks!!!!

Rachael—Well I really and truly appreciate the wonderful compliment you have paid me. I am so humbled that you felt that way. Thank you so much!!!

Lady Shadowlight—I hope your eyes have rested enough to come back and read this chappie? Thank you so much for your tireless efforts to read my fic in two sittings! I am so pleased you did not find yourself bored enough to quit. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you're out there!!!!

Lady Shadowlight—Hello again! I am thrilled to count you among my reviewers and think you're wonderful for reviewing like you did!

BlaCkRain-Mistress—Well your review was pretty darn cool too! I love that you have so many ideas about where the plot is going. I think it's great and it just cracked me up about wishing Tom would have a violent fit. Thank you so much for paying enough attention to the plot that you can conceive of all those places where the story can go. Thank you for being so dedicated and for the support your review gave me.

Lady Lake—You did indeed wait patiently and for that I thank you. But I think at this point your patience has surpassed human standards and is now god-like in proportion and for that I must worship you. I did indeed wake up on several occasions to find unpleasant surprises so hopefully I have learned my lesson and will be inspired to post quicker. Sorry that it's not two chapters but believe me you want the next chapter to be as well-written as I can possibly do it. Thank you for the kick in the head to get me moving.   

Venus Smurf—You know it's weird but I like writing from Julian's perspective. Seeing as I'm so not a guy I thought it would be really hard and it is challenging to write him so he doesn't sound like a girl (and I do in fact realize that I fail at that from time to time) but the chance to explore his emotions is too tempting to resist, not unlike Julian himself! Yes Julian has definitely shown that he is not afraid to go after what (or rather, who) he wants.

Yes, I want to get a Julian of my own too. If you see one up on eBay or QVC give me a shout.

I sometimes wonder if Julian had stayed away from Jenny what would have happened and I'd love to read a fic where that is answered in a novel way. I think Jenny would just revert to her former self and that would just be such a shame.

I'm thrilled that you would support a Tom/Dee pairing. I always thought they were better matched.

Yes, I wanted us to pity poor Julian a wee bit. I think a lot of times he's seen as one-dimensional because of that whole one-track mind thing he has for Jenny but as is so often the case if you simply scratch the surface you will discover hidden depths.

Only someone completely and totally in love would think like that.  That line made me tear up when I read it and still does. I'm a freak.

The rest of us would still be ticked off about being killed by our own kind. That line just had me rolling. You are so so so funny!

I'm so glad that you like the fact that Julian realizes that he and Jenny have a chance for a real relationship. Too often it's straight to the sack for the two of them and my goal is to give the sense that they are destined for each other because of who they are, not because of a superficial physical attraction alone.

 

You have in fact said that Tom is a putz and Julian does indeed need someone to knock his head a bit. I too wish he was my idiot.

Well at this point Julian is wallowing, not allowing himself to see the possibility for himself and Jenny to exist outside of the dreams. I'll touch more on it in later chapters.

Why is Julian trying on clothes? Simply to give us all the image of him continually taking off his clothes, pure and simple.

I am so thrilled and in awe that you liked this chapter. Your words mean more to me than I think the written word has found a way to express.

And you're in bold print because you are so special.

Don't apologize for the Summer of My Discontent. You did what you needed to do. No harm, no foul. Besides you're back and writing just as well as ever and I am just so thankful for you that I would never dare complain!

So you'd put me in that Jacuzzi if you could? Do you realize that you just offered my greatest fantasy? I'll do it for you! In fact I just had a brainstorm…plot bunny!!!! Perhaps it could tie in with my Jenny-as-a-drug-addict story.

Your praise of the way I write Jenny's character makes me feel so giddy, triumphant and blessed all at once….it's a feeling that I struggle to put into words.

I'm sure you'll read later that I thanked Sassy_chan and I am glad that you aren't really mad at her. Unless she's sleeping while you read this please tell her I said hello and send my best wishes.

If you're sure that you don't want to know the plot I will not reveal anything (on purpose, anyway). If you change your mind give me a holler. Otherwise enjoy the guessing!

Well if I were to receive a letter like the one Jenny got I would be creeped out, to be sure. But if I knew the guy then perhaps it's a whole other ball of wax. And besides, if it was Julian doing to writing I can only imagine the possibilities…..

Your praise is like an elixir, like the food of the gods. One taste and it leaves the recipient clamoring for more. Thank you for being such a goddess.

Venus Smurf—I write my reviews backward, in the order I receive them so I'm sorry if I make a weird reference to the next one when really I wrote that one first. (Does that even make sense? I doubt it.) I too would want to sing of my love from the rooftops yet at the same time she's got to consider the ramifications of her relationship with Julian and realize that other people are going to be affected. I hate that part of their relationship and it's hard to write it yet I like the touch of realism it adds to the plot and the hint of maturity it gives Jenny.

Sorry that I gave the impression that Jenny was dismissing the dreams. I like to think that she's keeping up some boundaries. While I can imagine the girls being close I can't really see anyone but Audrey going into details about kissing boys and stuff. Especially since I got the impression that Tom was not a big fave of Dee and Audrey at the beginning of the series I think Jenny would have picked up on those undercurrents and would keep that part of their relationship to herself for the most part.

I love that you love this plot but don't give me credit for thinking of it…I have my Muse to thank for that.

To tell you the truth I was debating the reaction her friends gave, and I may go deeper into it in an upcoming chapter…the whys and wherefores. For now let's just say they're all still shell-shocked by their experiences.

There you go again, making me blush. You may not have thought of that but I'm sure you would have thought of something so freakin' original that it would put all other plots in the pale.

You and I are definitely on the same wavelength about Dee's reactions to this thing. I really felt like she was more afraid of what Julian would reveal to everyone about her than of him as a creature. Plus there was always that whole weird competitive vibe between her and Audrey and so I think her gut reaction would in fact be to see how long Jenny had been keeping it a secret and if in fact Jenny had kept it secret or if Audrey had known first.

Audrey, Dee and Summer (and the guys) definitely do not need to know the details of the dreams….we, on the other hand definitely do!!!

And again I must confess to thinking along the same lines as you. Should Tom find out ahead of time or not? I'm seriously vacillating on this front. I'm going to have to trust the plot to reveal a direction to me as I go.

I seem to get a lot of reviews that wish for bodily harm to befall Tom and it would appear that a fight scene between the two of them would in fact be well-received so I suppose I will consider adding it, complete with the "Could-see-it-from-a-thousand-miles-away" ending.

Yes, don't be too hard on Dee. She's got the cahones to voice what we're all thinking.

How happy am I that I do in fact have a fanclub?? Thanks for offering to form the official fanclub…you've got my vote for President or whatever title you want!!!

Your support has always meant so much to me and it really does affect my stories. I feel better after reading a review from you and I feel like I can write better so thank you for that. You are so generous it never ceases to humble me.

Venus Smurf—And I have to apologize from the bottom of my heart for taking so long to post this latest chapter. I couldn't find the time to write. Trust me, it was absolutely KILLING me. I was happy to hear from Sassy, thanks for making sure I wouldn't feel completely neglected.

Yes, Dee is such a great friend and I am with you on the inhuman part...If I'd been in her place, I'd have been hurt enough that I wouldn't be able to even ask all my questions, and I probably would have  given Jenny too much space, as in the old Silent Treatment.

Well, DUH. We're ALL thinking of Julian…24/7, in fact. We can't help ourselves, and we certainly can't expect Jenny to! Amen to that!

Sorry to say that I do not know the answer to your query about the song but it was a question I always had too. I'll try to find out.

How could a guy who takes Jenny for granted possibly compare with a man who could give her everything she hadn't even known she wanted? Aww, that's so romantic…I love that description of him!

Maybe the song was Julian's way of bringing that to their attention? What a brilliant insight! Good lord you're amazing! Yes, yes, yes, I think that may be exactly what it was!!

Is it just me, or is it a little selfish of Tom to want to go back to the way they'd been before Julian? No it's not just you. I think Tom may be reacting a bit more….argh, the word escapes me…than Jenny. It's like he's scared of what the future holds and isn't exactly embracing the idea that there's a lot of work ahead and so he wishes for a time when that wasn't an option.

(okay, she was a LOT insipid…can we say 'doormat'?) Heck yeah we can. I always thought from the beginning that Tom was indeed a putz. I was SHOCKED that Jenny didn't pick Julian. By the way LOVE the word "putz." Seriously.

but there must have been times when he bored her out of her Julian-loving mind…Like in Book Two, where he pretty much ignores her the entire book. I would have been like "See ya!"

If it were possible to respond to others the way we respond to Julian, we wouldn't be so fixated on him, would we? Maybe that's why we're so drawn to our favorite Shadow Man? Again your insights astound, impress, and amaze the hell out of me. Your ability to delve into characters' psyches so effortlessly is obviously part of what makes you the heir apparent to the Fanfiction Throne.

Yes, our dear Jenny did indeed "open mouth, insert foot." I like to think that it was a Freudian slip.

You are so wonderful and your every review is one that I treasure. Thank you for your part in making this whole writing process such a joy.

Julian Luver—Yes, your name was indeed a clue that you were a fan of Julian and I can't say I blame you! I'm so pleased that you found my story and that you like it! I appreciated your comments very much! Thank you for reviewing!!!!!

sassy_chan—Aww you are just TOO SWEET! I'm so pleased that you were willing to write for Venus, and even more pleased for her that she has such a great friend as you in her life. I totally understand forgetting about my story….it happens a lot, I assure you. Especially with my sporadic updates. I am overwhelmed to say the least that someone likes my story that much. Thank you for taking the time to reacquaint yourself with my story, for reading it in the first place, and for writing to me. You are wonderful!!!!!!

Leesa V.—So the mean Shadow Men just recently released me, having decided that my existence was too boring for them to bother with any longer. It's funny…the minute I thought that 3 reviews was indeed a sign to update is the exact second that I was ambushed by the afore-mentioned Shadow Men….what are the odds? Thanks for saying please, I always appreciate the polite thing.

kiyana-ayame—Hey clare, cool new screen name! What does it mean? Congrats on being in college, how's it going? I'm glad that you didn't mind us taking a trip inside Julian's head. Sometimes it's nice to do that and see what you bump into. Thank you for your review, I was delighted to get it as always!!!

Somara—Begging always works, even if in this case it took a few months for it to take effect. Sorry about that, by the way. It is never my intention to go so long, I assure you. I thank you for your review and its message of support!

Cat—Your review was so nice. Of course the happy happy joy joy reference made me think of Ren and Stimpy which made me smile so thanks for that. Your praise and support are as generous and appreciated as always!

Skyfire4—I'm so pleased that you like where this is going and I guarantee that they do indeed find a way to each other. Not like in the next chapter, mind you, but still. I was so happy to read your review and I appreciate the encouragement it offered.

AnitaBlake1414—You *are* my amazing reviewer! No one really offers me gifts to keep updating and your offer of a troblin or trobbit was so very tempting, so thank you for that. Being a Legolas fan I would naturally lean toward the trobbit but would not know what to name it, nor the proper care and feeding of said trobbit. I'm sorry I kept you from your GCSE coursework and hope that you ended up fairing well, interruption notwithstanding? I am glad I was able to induce even a mild state of hyperactivity. Thank you for taking the time to come down from the clouds and write, I truly appreciate it.

Dusty—Way to break out the old vocab….introspective! Nice word choice! I am always impressed when people do that. Sorry that you couldn't smack Thomas around….I hope you have found some other way to vent your frustration? "a bunch of hot, steamy, monkey lovin'"….ROTFLMAO. Seriously you crack me up! I can't help but giggle every time I read that! Thanks for being supportive and for sharing my pain of school. It's nice to know someone out there understands. Thanks for finding the time to read and review!

Amber Evans Potter—Amber: You like obsessive guys? Ok, if that's what makes you happy then color me on board. Jenny: Aww I was just teasing you. No need to bow, though I do appreciate the gesture. Julian: Good lord what are you doing!? Are you trying to kill me and everyone else with eyeballs? Don't you know it's impolite to do something that may cause cardiac arrest without first posting a warning? Heavens to mergatroid that was a close call!...............................................................................................................................*snaps back to reality* Oh um hey, what was I doing? Oh yes, I was writing a thank you to Julian for taking off his shirt. God bless you for that. Just you wait til you see what *I* have you taking off! mwahahahahahahaha Amber: I was delighted to read that I did not in fact disappoint you. As for the steamy goodness I cannot say……Jenny: Thanks for being so patient. It will be worth it, I promise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ArchAngel pixxistixx4me—I was pleased to be able to deliver a present to your inbox. Ah yes, the bathing suit. I must admit that re-reading your review has me tempted to display him in it in my story but I wouldn't blatantly steal from you. You are too sweet, you know that, right? I really doubt that my story is one of the best pieces of work on the entire internet yet I could not but feel absurdly pleased that at least *you* think it is, so thank you for that. LOL…I love that you are suspicious of Tom's reaction to the breakup….and that's where I'll stop on that front. Guys are indeed weird; I cannot deny the truth of that. I'm glad you enjoyed the little rift on Time. Ha ha ha….whoever said your fics don't make sense? So I should write more about Tom and Dee? Am I correct that you now want to know about Tom? So next chapter should focus on Tom? Tom? Not Julian in the Jacuzzi? Tom? Seriously, if that's what you want……………………………………………

melissarxy1—Yeah, I was not in the same universe as "soon" when it came to updating this, was I? No, not at all. Boy I am sorry and I just know that you have completely forgotten this fic this time and I certainly don't blame you. Thank you for being happy that I posted the last part, it made me glad to hear from you.