Disclaimer: Still the same

Summary: Hasn't changed

Timeline: Present time. Remember the last three chapters have been flashbacks, highlights of Jackson and Lisa's changing relationship. So this chapter is just a continuation of the prologue.

Shout Out To My Reviewers:

Ghostwriter: Don't worry about it, like I told you on Thursday, I completely understand as a fellow writer.

BregoBeauty: Yes, it is a good thing Jackson was there to protect her. Protective Jackson! Don't you just love him? I'm glad you're enjoying the fluff between the two.

LadyJaye: Thank you for your uplifting and supporting review. I'm glad you're enjoying my story. As you can see, I got over my evil writer's block and I'm sure you will too.

Mini Nicka: Glad you liked it.

Lizzie Black: Thank you soooo much for your encouraging words and support. I appreciated it. It's reviews like yours that make me want to update quickly, because I know there are people out there like you waiting patiently for the next chapter.

Breezi: Yes, I agree I have dropped them into an interesting world, but I have nonetheless enjoyed doing it. Glad you enjoyed the image of Jackson ballroom dancing. I'm not sure where I came up with that, but I did and it seemed fitting.

A Special Shout Out: I'd like to take this time to especially thank one particular reviewer, who gave me the inspiration to complete this story.

BregoBeauty, you were the only one who gave me any ideas of what to do next with my story and I appreciate it. (Although I understand sometimes it is hard to come up with ideas spur of the moment.) But I'm going to let you read the story and figure out which idea I chose.

Again, thank you to all my reviewers, I couldn't have done this without your supporting reviews, and now on with the story. Enjoy!

Chapter Five: Last I've Seen of My Heart

Present Time:

"Lisa, now would be a good time to say something." Jackson's strained voice broke into my reverie, wavering with uncertainty.

Silently I again stared down at our joined hands, unable to form a single coherent sentence. Swallowing hard, I lifted my gaze to meet his disconsolate expression, but as I opened my mouth, with every intension of confessing, the words got in the way. Lisa, I love you. Those four simple words, words I have longed to hear, unexpectedly echoed through my mind.

"I don't know what to say," I rasped, my voice choked, as I finally regained the ability to speak.

Something akin to hurt flared up in his eyes as he leaned forward, his eyes searching mine.

"You don't feel the same way, do you?" he stated rather than asked as an uncomfortable silence settled around us, his voice deflated.

Immediately my gaze snapped towards him, a denial on my lips, but he abruptly rocked back on his heels and stood up. Laughing humorlessly, he wandered over to one of the gazebo's arches and leaned over the railing while resting his hands on top of it.

"I guess it's only fair that after breaking so many hearts, mine should get broken too, huh?" he whispered, all the while keeping his gaze transfixed upon the heavens.

It might have been my imagination, but I swore I heard his voice shaking from suppressed remnant of…regret? Breathing heavily, I slowly stood, bracing and supporting my weight against one of the gazebo's beams.

Unsure of how to handle this sudden turn of events, I hesitantly approached his side, gently laying a hand on his arm. As he unwillingly met my gaze, swiftly my hand flew up to my lips, squelching the gasp of shock at the haunting expression of shame, grief, remorse, and sorrow bleeding in his eyes.

"You want to know why I hate you so much, Jackson?"

Seething with anger, I moved closer, bringing my face inches from his. Before he could react, I shoved him backwards. Caught off guard, he stumbled backwards, landing on his backside, staring up at me from the ground. Stalking closer, I planted my hands on my hips and leaned over him.

"Because you're a cold, cruel, self-centered, arrogant, conceited, egotistical jerk! Nothing will ever change that."

Unexpectedly the words I had uncaringly flung at him all those years ago, intent on scarring and wounding him as badly as he had me, flashed through my mind. My stomach twisted and knotted with an indescribable feeling. I had always believed Jackson couldn't and wouldn't ever conform. He was too deeply rooted in his destructive ways that nothing could ever save him.

However, ever since Alan's funeral, everyday I had witnessed changes, although small, still changes nonetheless, in his life. He definitely wasn't the same Jackson Rippner I had feared, despised, and hated during high school.

"Jackson," my raspy voice cracked as I fought to keep it steady, "I—"

Pressing a finger against my lips, stilling my words, he shook his head. "Shh. You don't have to explain anything to me. I understand and I wish you all the best, Lisa…and whoever's out there for you…he's sure one lucky dog."

Tenderly he leaned forward, brushing his lips against my forehead in a chaste kiss. As he drew back, he smiled, which seemed forced and didn't reach his eyes.

"I'll see you around, okay?"

Without waiting for an answer, he spun around and strolled out of the gazebo, out of my backyard, out of my life. As I stood there, dumbstruck, staring at the shadow of his retreating form, I blinked rapidly; several years ago this wouldn't have happened. What Jackson wanted, Jackson always got. However, his uncharacteristic action of letting me go, accepting the humility, even though it pained him to do it, deeply touched my heart.

He had finally grown up.

He had really changed.

"Jackson," I rasped, my voice barely audible as I hurried down the gazebo steps. If I didn't stop him now, I knew I would lose him forever. I couldn't allow him to walk out of my life, not now when I finally knew, understood, and accepted the feelings, which I had in vain, tried to suppress for so long. "Jackson, wait!"

He froze in mid step at my voice, but he didn't turn around.

Panting slightly, I moved around so I was facing him. He stared down at me, an expression of hope and doubt blazing in his eyes. Unable to explain my actions, I reached up and wrapped my hand around his neck, pressing my lips against his.

Caught off guard, Jackson stiffened, but slowly relaxed as I felt his arms encircle my waist, crushing my body against his. Impulsively, he threaded his fingers through my hair, massaging the strands together. Moments later, he drew back slightly, his arms still securely hooked around my waist; breathing heavily, he stared down at me through slightly dilated eyes.

"Stay with me," I pleaded softly, answering his unspoken question. "I love you."

"You…you do?" he gasped disbelieving.

I nodded, tightening my grip around his neck. "I'm not sure how or when it happened, but after hearing what you told me last night, I realized I am indeed in love with you. Possibly I always have been, I just wasn't ready to admit it."

"This is a one-way ticket, Leese," he explained slowly, his eyes alit with excitement as he leaned his forehead against mine. "Are you sure it's me you want?"

He was giving me an out, just in case I wanted to retract anything I had told him. Smiling, I wondered absently if I would ever grow used to his new ways.

"Does the thought of your archenemy turned best friend and girlfriend wanting you, scare you?" I teased lightly, snuggling closed.

"I wouldn't want it any other way," he whispered softly, his lips hovering deathly close to mine. "But are you sure?" he asked again warily, his throaty voice thick with emotion, as he stopped a hair away from my mouth.

Uncertainly, his gaze bore intently into mine. Involuntarily my eyes closed at the warmth of his breath caressing my skin while his lips brushed against mine as he spoke.

"I wouldn't want it any other way."

Tilting my head to the side, I pressed my hands against the back of his head, capturing his lips with mine, sealing our fate. We had passed the point of no return. Briefly, I reflected on the future journey of love we would soon embark upon. There was no turning back, but surprisingly, given the choice, I wouldn't change my decision.

Ironically, nine years ago I would have snorted unbelieving at the possibility of anything remotely romantic occurring between Jackson and I. However, the inevitable emotion known as love had spurred me into an unknown realm where Jackson Rippner had captured my heart.

"I love you, Lisa, Reisert."

His whispered confession broke into my thoughts, which I happily returned, and that was the last I'd seen of my heart as I completely surrendered. Although I don't know what the future will bring, I know without a shadow of a doubt that as long as Jackson's by my side, I can face anything.

Author's Note: Sadly this story has come to an end. I hope you all enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it. I'm surprised at how quickly I wrote some of these chapters, but hey when the bug to write bites a writer, sometimes you can't help the creativity that follows out.

Anyway, I would love to hear your thoughts on what you thought of this story. Think I should take a shot at writing more Red Eye stories? Do you want a sequel to this one?

If you do, you know what to do. Drop me a review and tell me your ideas. Remember, I love hearing from all of you.

Until next time,

JainaSolo18