Author's Note: Sorry about the last few chapters being short. Is fiddler jones the only person who reads this anymore? I'd like reviews, I'll update no matter what, but some reviews would make the story better……. Enjoy!

Chapter Twenty-Two

"Confidence"

Anders woke up early on Monday and went to work. He took the elevator down and stepped off at Section F. He was saddened by the thought of his friend, Tendra.

Anders was suddenly filled with memories of his friend.

He was the best friend you could ask for, even better than Renee. You didn't just say that. Renee is first priority now, even before me. She needs to be first. But she gets into my business without understanding what's running through my head when I'm reminded of my fathers and best friends death, my sisters disappearance, her last crushing words. He knew, he had lost both his parents and siblings in a fire. He knew the pain, except five times worse. At least I still have my mother and sister. And that arm……. He was crushed by a stone on their farm, they had to amputate it. Tendra, I miss you.

His eyes clouded with tears, but he was approaching his spot. He had to work, for Starfire, for Mom, for Renee, for Tendra……..

Work was over a few hours later,. They were on a heat schedule, so it was mandatory to let all workers off five hours before 12:00. Anders went home, cleaned up, and headed over to Renee's house. He ran over his plan in his head, the unbridled confidence still burning fresh in his heart, mind, and soul. He walked to Renee's house. He had prepared a gift for her, oh how he wished she would forgive him for what he had done and said to her.

He went up to her door and knocked. To Anders great misfortune, her father answered. Anders was afraid that she told him about their talk, and now he was out for revenge on that filth that hurt his little girl. He glared at the boy before him.

"Oh, its you."

"Is Renee in? I'd really like to talk to her, its important."

"I don't think she wants to see you right now boy, so go along."

"Please sir, I need to talk to her, I want to apologize, I even got her a gift."

He showed the man the present. He inspected it, shook it, banged it, smelled it, and basically gave it a thorough inspection.

"I don't think this…..thing will help. Its better to forget her, you don't deserve her boy."

Anders knew he didn't deserve her, but he was determined.

"Sir, I love your daughter, and I'm almost positive that she loves me. I know very well that a goddess like her doesn't deserve a peasant miner like me. But I have to let her know how I feel. We could be happy together, if I just could tell her that."

He took a deep breath and prepared for whatever happened next. The man opened his mouth to yell, but something stopped him. Renee was apparently hiding in a corner listening to everything. She jumped up, ran under her father's raised arm, and looked Anders in the eye. She had tears in her eyes. Anders couldn't tell if they were tears of anger, sadness, or joy.

"I think you just did."

She hugged him, he hugged back. He picked her up and spun her around. Her father put his hand down and smiled.

"If my daughter loves you, then I'm okay with you."

He held out his hand. Anders shook it, Renee in his other arm. They hugged and laughed. Anders felt so relieved that she didn't hate him. This might be my chance for happiness. Quick, ask her out, while her father is inside!

"Hey Renee, would you like to go to the lake Wednesday?"

"Sure."

"See you then, I have to go home and help my mom with chores."

Anders started down the path but Renee stopped him. She grabbed his shoulders and spun him around. Their lips locked in a kiss, a short but at the same time long kiss. They parted and he stood there in shock. She turned around and walked into the house, running her finger along his left collar bone as she did.

"Bye."

He stood there, in utter shock and pleasure. He snapped back to his senses and ran along the path, clipping his heels in the air as he did. He wasn't looking and ran strait into a pole. He got up quickly and made sure no one saw. He shrugged it off and continued skipping along the path to his house. He had a girlfriend. He had to be more put together around her now.

What if I loose my confidence? What if I leave her again, she won't come back. I'll just have to keep cutting, it's the only way I'll keep her.

He entered his hut, passing his mother on the way. She was stitching. They passed each other without a glance. Anders was too lovesick ( I can't remember if that means he's dumped, or just found some one, oh well) to notice. Fiera however noticed and frowned.

She wished they were closer, just a talk would do it for now. She sat down and knitted silently, thinking of hr deceased husband and lost daughter. What would happen to Anders? Would he commit suicide? I wonder if he has started to cut himself, I noticed a little red on his shirt cuffs, but that could be from something else. He could have cut himself mining. I just don't know anymore.

In Anders room Anders was looking out the small window at the men working outside. He was looking at the sky a few moments later. Renee was his sky now. He looked at the birds. Renee was his bird. He looked at the sign that read, "Here lie the noble workers of Section J who were crushed in a tragic crumble. Their names:

Toi

Josher

Juret

Kilamu

Alder

Popole

Tendra

All were noble and just, they died knowing that they would be always remembered as the Section J crew, the workers that never gave up on a job that needed to be done."

As much as he didn't want to admit it, Renee could never be his Tendra.

Author's Note: I had to bring Tendra back, he's my favorite. I promise Starfire will be in the next chapter. Come on, more people, Read and Review!