There's a brave new girl

And she's comin' out tonight

She's gonna step outside

Uncover her eyes

Who knew she could feel so alive

Her M.O.'s changed

She don't wanna behave

Ain't it good to be a brave girl tonight

"BRAVE NEW GIRL"

Britney Spears


Neela woke up and for one minute didn't realise where she was until she turned over and saw Ray sleeping next to her. She watched him sleep and she watched him breath. Something happened during the night that made her stop and listen to her heart and now, she felt like diving in headfirst into something with Ray, even if it was a short term thing. She brushed her fingertips over his face, and she smiled. Never once after making love to Gallant did she want to watch him sleep.

She thought about how alive he made her feel. How, with every movement of his body, she felt pleasure. She'd never tell him, but she quietly compared Ray to Michael and she smiled knowing who was the better of the two. She snuggled closed to him and just listened to his heart. Never before had she listened to just a heart beat. My job may require me to listen to hearts, but not like this. There's something about hearing his heart beating. she thought as she lay on his chest.

Ray shifted slightly, but didn't wake up. He didn't want to. He was afraid that last night had been just a dream. Even though he could feel her head, her breath on his chest, he couldn't bring himself to wake up and face the fact that all it was was a dream that only appeared to be real. He could hear her softly calling his name. "Ready in five, Neela." He instinctively responded.

She playfully hit his shoulder. "You're off today, Ray." She laughed.

"Sorry, Neela. Instinct." He jolted up and looked at her.

"What?" Neela was shocked by his sudden jolt.

"This isn't a dream?"

"No, Ray. It's not." She softly stroked his hair. "But how often have you dreamt of it?"

He took her in his arms and lay back down. "Ever since I saw you."

"That long, eh?"

He laughed. "Yeah. That long." He looked at her. "I was beginning to wonder if it ever would happen." He felt the sleep overtake his body and he fell asleep, leaving Neela watching him. A couple minutes later, he opened an eye and looked at her. "How long you been watching me sleep?"

"Long enough, Ray." She smiled and kissed him before settling into his arms. "I thought I heard you yelling."

Ray stroked her hair. "So, now what?" he kissed her forehead.

"How about we don't think about it and just dive in?" She smiled up at him.

"Come with me. Let's dive in." Ray whispered.

Neela said nothing. She looked at him and realised that he was right. No one ever got hurt by diving in and it wouldn't happen now. She knew she loved Ray and he loved her back. Head first, Neela. She thought. Just dive in. She snuggled closer to Ray and felt his arm tighten around her. For the first time she could recall, she felt safe.


Neela woke up and readied herself for her shift. She stood in the doorway and watched him sleep. She felt like everything would change now, but change for the better. She smiled as she put her jacket on. The world no longer felt empty or cold. She no longer felt fear. She kissed his forehead. "I love you, Ray Barnett." She whispered. "I always have and I always will."

As she made her way to the El Station, she felt like a brave new girl stepping out into the world. Yes. Things are going to be different now. And I can hardly wait to see how. She looked back and saw Ray coming her way. "You should be sleeping. I left you asleep."

He kissed her. "I've always loved you too." He smiled.

"You heard me?" Neela felt the flush on her cheeks.

"Yeah. I did. I wasn't asleep."

She wrapped her arms around his waist. "There's a brave new girl and she's coming out."

Ray smiled. "I can't wait to make love to her again."

Neela looked up at him. "Oh, she'll be there tonight." She quickly kissed him. As she boarded the train, she thought about what the night might hold and smiled in anticipation. Yes, there's a brave new Neela and she'll be coming out tonight.