Author's Note: Thank you to all of those who have read/reviewed/followed and favourite this story so far, it really means a lot that you're enjoying this sequel and that you've made the move with me to it after reading Redefining Shakespeare. Special thanks as always to those of you who reviewed as guests and who I therefore can't thank personally through the PM route, your continued support is what keeps me going.

Special thank you to those writers/friends who continue to support me throughout this process, Blindmoose, Permanent Problem, ILoveXmas, KanucksPen and others who have been there for me in tough times your morale boosting efforts are very much appreciated as well as your advice. You give me the courage to be true to my writing.

I must apologise for the long delay in posting this new chapter I just haven't been able to get my ideas down on paper. This chapter has given me a major headache and that's unusual for what is effectively a 'filler' chapter before a key incident but for some reason I've been too distracted lately and it hasn't gone well in terms of my timing. I thank you all for your infinite patience and support and hope that you enjoy what I've come up with.

Important: This chapter contains references to the story Photographs, a prequel to Redefining Shakespeare. It is possible to read this without having read that story first but it may help you to understand the character of Jeff a little more if you read that first. You should be able to read and enjoy this without having read Photographs but as I say it does contain references and so 'spoilers' for that story.

...

'Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned'

Peter Marshall.

…

Chapter 4: Planning a Debut:

…

Jo needed a break from thinking about this 'debut', if it didn't mean so much to Blair she'd bail on the idea and suggest something more fun for a Friday night date. The whole thing had her on edge. It wasn't so much the idea of going to a formal dance with the stunning debutante that worried her, she'd been to plenty of dances since starting at Eastland, it was the fact that she knew she'd likely be given a hostile reception.

A certain level of hostility had always been there just under the surface. There were many of the so called elite who resented the idea that someone like her could 'invade' their perfect little world but it was worse now. Many no longer tried to hide their prejudice. Especially those who were still on friendly terms with the Worthington's. Their scathing looks and biting comments were much more deliberate, harsher somehow and always made when Jo was alone – they were clever enough to avoid alienating themselves from the Warners. Jo could deal with them under different circumstances, she was used to sticking up for herself, used to fighting for what she believed. Such a formal occasion however would make that much more difficult, she couldn't afford to get into a fight at such a high profile event. That would ruin everything. She had Blair to think of now, more so than ever before. Blair to an extent was immune from those furtive glances and stinging words, her family connections enough to silence all but the harshest critics, but Jo wasn't from their world and she knew she was being blamed for 'corrupting' Blair. It was a stupid notion but one that she had overheard from Blair's own mother the last time she had called. Even if these snobs could get over the fact she was a woman, they'd never approve of her background. She couldn't understand how people who were supposedly well educated could have such immature and frankly ill-educated notions about sexuality and relationships. She expected it from the people in her neighbourhood, it was just the way they were but somehow she'd thought that being at one of the best colleges in the country she would encounter more understanding. It made her ever more determined to do everything she could to prove that she was worthy of Blair, that she could make her happy even if most people thought she couldn't. Step one would be going to this debut and keeping a cool head, no matter what happened. She'd make sure it was a night Blair would never forget.

The strain of worrying about what these people thought of her was making it hard to concentrate, hard to breathe even. She needed to clear her head. She liked to pretend that it didn't bother her, was so good at pretending that most people thought she didn't care, but truthfully she did. She knew that she shouldn't. It didn't matter what they thought. Not really. All that mattered was that she and Blair loved each other – the rest of the world would just have to deal with that. She grabbed her running gear and changed quickly, a bit of jogging would do wonders. Besides she needed to make sure she was match fit for the weekend. Coach Turner had promised her a spot in the starting line-up for Saturday's game, she wouldn't get her usual game time but it was a start and Blair would be there to cheer her on. It'd be the first match of the season, a match they had a good chance of winning if last night's training session was anything to go by. The Tigers wouldn't know what hit them.

Minutes later she was pounding the pavements and getting into a steady rhythm. The air was cold and crisp, it made her shiver and her head took on that clarity that can only come with running in November. The leaves had long since fallen from the trees and the streets were still a little frosty. She could see her breath as she ran, smell the still threatening snow in the air. It made her feel instantly better. She loved running in the winter, she loved the contrast of ice cold air and racing heat. She loved the sound of the crunching frost beneath her feet. More than anything though it gave her time to think, as if the distance she ran was literally putting miles between her and the problems at hand. The very fact that all she had to do was concentrate on her breathing, on putting one foot in front of the other in a steady rhythm somehow helped to focus her mind. Now all she had to do was figure out all those little things that would make Friday night special…

'Romeo! Wait up!'

Jo almost lost her footing as she turned around at the unexpected voice of her teammate. That was one of the dangers of running in a small neighbourhood – you were always bumping into people you knew. She stopped but continued jogging on the spot, waiting for Nora to catch up with her, she really needed to keep moving otherwise she'd regret it later.

'How ya doin Nora?'

As Nora caught up with her they both began jogging once again, Nora wasn't exactly dressed for it, having just left a lecture, but she was a good runner and she had no problem keeping pace with Jo. She knew Jo needed to keep moving, she'd been there plenty of times herself.

'Good, thanks. Listen Romeo I know it's none of my business but there's some guy asking for Blair around campus…'

Instantly Jo's street smarts were tingling. Something was off here. Who would be looking for Blair on campus? Most of her friends from out of town were still at College or had moved on. It seemed odd that some unknown guy would be asking around for her. Then again there were always guys sniffing around, hoping for a date with the Warner heiress. Yet she couldn't shake the feeling this was different. Otherwise Nora wouldn't be concerned. She wasn't the type to interfere in others business. Back home if someone turned up unannounced they were generally looking for trouble. She hoped this guy was different.

'Whaddaya mean 'some guy'?'

'It's probably nothing Jo…'

'If it was nothin ya wouldn't have come halfway across campus ta tell me Nora. Spill…'

'I don't know who he is Jo, but I don't trust him. There's just something about him and given everything that's happened recently I thought you'd want to know…'

'Thanks, I appreciate it. Blair probably won't though. I don't wanna be the type of girlfriend that's checkin up on her all the time…'

'As I say, it's probably nothing but with the way things have been recently…'

'Yeah…'

…

The library was unusually quiet for the early evening as Blair searched the endlessly towering shelves for yet another text book. She had her arms already full of thick volumes with almost identical covers but balanced them expertly as she once again checked the slip of paper that Derek, the librarian's assistant, had given her. He was a nice guy, classically handsome with wavy dark hair, warm brown eyes and a reassuring smile, and had spent a lot of time helping her to decide which books she'd need for her Operations Management assignment, until Jo's teammate Michelle had arrived and he'd quickly excused himself to help her much to Blair's amusement. She loved business, it was in her blood and Operations Management was the kind of class that would give her the edge when it came time for her to take the helm at Warner Industries. Some thought the subject was drab but Blair loved it, she found it fascinating. Besides the heavy research work load would stand her in good stead for Law School in a couple of years. She couldn't wait for that, she and Jo would get their own place together and everything would be perfect. She smiled triumphantly as she found the final book she would need nestled snuggly and typically on the highest shelf, it was smaller than the others but it was the most important since it had been written by the lecturer who had given them the assignment. It was always a good idea to use some quotes from the course lecturer in assignments – it showed them you'd been paying attention, and if you went out of your way to find their latest journal article then it put them in a great mood when they were looking over your work. At least that was the theory that many students, including Blair and her friends subscribed to.

'Hey let me get that for you…'

Expecting it to be Derek the sound of the deep, almost guttural tone took Blair by surprise. She hadn't heard that voice since Eastland. As the hand reached past her own outstretched hand and up to the highest shelf to fetch the book she felt the panic rising within her. The last time she had seen this man she had been young, foolish, in denial and pinned against the passenger door of his blue and white Chrysler.

'Jeff… what are you doing here?' Blair tried to keep her voice level, the last thing she needed was for him to realise that she was afraid of him after all this time. Warner's didn't feel fear and if they did they certainly didn't show it.

He was taller than she remembered, broader somehow and his hair seemed darker. Five years had made a huge difference to his appearance, his white shirt was perfectly tailored and his light brown slacks expensive. He smelled of mint toothpaste and Giorgio for Men. He wore a Rolex casually, like he'd been born with it. He was the epitome of the rich boy next door, but Blair knew better. If Jo hadn't shown up that day…

'Your mother said you had some big assignment due and I know how you take those things seriously, even if you pretend otherwise…'

'You've spoken to my mother?'

'Yeah, I met her at dad's club, she told me about the charity ball when she realised I was in town, said you'd just love to see me again…'

'I can't believe…'

'I know right? I've been thinking about you a lot Blair…you look more beautiful than ever…'

His smile was genuine – he truly believed her mother's lies and it pleased him that Blair might want to rekindle their former romance. There was no hint of nervousness, his breeding made him more confident than ever. Arrogant beyond compare. It made perfect sense to him that Blair Warner would want to see him again, even after five years of absolutely no contact, they'd had a great thing going before their slight misunderstanding.

'Jeff I…'

He had taken the books from her now, an act of supposed chivalry that years before she would have found endearing now filled her with dread. It meant that she had to spend time with him, she couldn't just abandon him with the books, that would create a scene and she wanted to avoid that – the trial had caused her to be in the spotlight too much recently. Then of course there was the upcoming ball, she and Jo would be under enough scrutiny without giving the gossips something more to talk about. As uncomfortable as he made her she didn't want to draw attention to this unwelcome 'reunion', not if she could avoid it. If only Jo were here she knew that he'd never have approached her, not after their last encounter. She had to get rid of him before he mistook her intentions. Then she would be making a short, sharp phone call to her mother.

'Jeff, I need to get back home so if you'll just…'

'Hey don't worry about it babe, I'll make sure you get home ok. My car's just outside.'

He was trying to be charming, to put her at ease, all she felt was disgust at his arrogance. After all this time he was calling her babe? How dare he call her that? Had he forgotten everything that had happened that day? Blair couldn't quite comprehend that he would be so clueless as to imagine that she had forgotten, or even forgiven him for his actions. He would have forced himself on her that day, she was certain of it and memories of that still haunted her when she was alone especially with everything that had happened with Brock. Surely he realised that she couldn't stomach being in the same room as him never mind… the very thought of it made her sick.

'What do you say we grab some dinner before I take you home? We have a lot to catch up on.'

'I don't think that's a good idea Jeff…' She had to get away from him.

'Of course it is, then you can tell me about this charity ball thing and we can make arrangements…'

'Arrangements?' This time she couldn't keep the surprise from her voice.

'For the ball, what time would you like me to pick you up?'

Again Blair couldn't hide her surprise. He actually thought that they were going to the ball together? How could this be happening? Damn her mother and her stupid agenda, she should have known she would try and pull a stunt like this. She had never told her mother the reasons behind her breakup with Jeff, downplaying it as just one of those things because she hadn't wanted to explain. Only Jo knew the truth and she'd never mentioned it again. Blair hadn't wanted her to. Not that her mother would have listened of course. How was she going to get out of this? That question was answered in the form of her very own knight in shining armour.

'I thought I told ya ta stay away from Blair… I don't remember there bein a time limit on that demand…' Jo's voice was level, the undertone deadly.

'Polniaczek? What the hell are you doing here?'

'Not your concern. The only thing you gotta worry 'bout is how I'm gonna rearrange yer features…'

'How dare you threaten me? You're nothing but a common criminal…'

'Actually I'm a student at Langley, got my pass right here. You ain't a student here so unless ya got a pass you ain't welcome… I hear they're doin some work near the Hudson maybe you and I should go take a look at it…'

The brunette's coolness was unnerving him. She could see it in his eyes, even if he was trying not to show it. He was determined to hold his ground though and that was evident in the way he kept looking towards Blair. The fact that they were in such a public place however meant that he had little choice but to back down. He wasn't about to draw attention to the fact he was being threatened by a woman, even one as intimidating as Jo.

'I'll pick you up on Friday Blair…'

'I already have a date Jeff…'

'But your mother said…'

'Her mother told ya the wrong information…' Jo emphasised her point by placing her arm protectively around Blair's waist, pulling her close. 'You come near my girl again and you can forget about breathin…'

His anger about this unexpected revelation was unmistakeable as he threw the books to the ground and took to his heels. The library was too public a forum for him to do anything more but he wasn't about to let it go and Jo knew that. As Blair threw her arms around her and buried her face in her neck she could feel the blonde shaking, she kissed her hair, doing her best to speak soothing words. Saying a silent internal prayer of thanks that Nora had found her in time.

…

'You really should wear a dress Joanna Marie… this is a formal occasion, people have expectations…'

'Ma… stop callin me that… I ain't wearin a dress… It just ain't me… Blair understands that and I don't care 'bout what anyone else thinks…'

'I know that honey but you don't want to give them any reason ta talk…'

'They're already talkin Ma! Wearin' a dress won't change that… I just don't know what ta wear, I mean I got a coupla suits, but I wore em all fer court and I don't wanna remind Blair of that I wanna look good fer her… and I ain't gonna change my mind 'bout the dress…'

On the other end of the line Rose Polniaczek sighed in frustration. Her daughter could be so stubborn sometimes. She had always been the same, even as a small child she had refused to wear anything 'girly' if she could avoid it. The only times she had worn a skirt or dress outside of school were when she was forced to. It hadn't bothered her so much when Jo was home, but Peekskill was different. She sighed internally. Jo was an adult now and she could choose to wear whatever she wanted, as a result it was proving impossible to convince her that wearing a formal dress was a good idea. Now that she knew her daughter was a lesbian many things, things that had once been a source of mystery to her traditional Italian sensibilities, made a lot more sense. It was still very difficult to get a handle on everything even now that she knew, but Rose was trying her best to understand this 'new' dynamic between her daughter and Blair. She was confused and frustrated by it, she was worried for both of them – the life they were embarking upon was difficult, it was dangerous… it wasn't at all what she wanted for either of them. She had been much happier when Blair was simply her daughter's best friend. The romance between them made her uncomfortable but Jo was happier than she'd been in years and there was no denying that Blair was the reason for that, and so like all good mothers Rose wasn't about to condemn them, family was more important than anything and Jo needed her more than ever. Especially with Charlie being so unreasonable about the whole thing. It had however lead to her spending most of her limited free time in church, praying for the strength to understand. She knew that Jo appreciated that more than she'd admit.

'I'll talk ta your uncle Braulio honey… he may be able to help…'

Braulio was her uncle Sal's best friend, he had been friends with both Sal and her father since High school, and as such he was family. Braulio Durante had been there during some of the toughest moments of her life. He had been an investor in Calvin's Candy Store and was one of the few who spoke openly of his deep sadness over the events of that terrible night. He had held her hand at the funeral. He had even made sure her father never found out she was there. Nobody dared confront the bachelor about these 'unnerving sympathies', he wasn't the type of man you questioned. Rumours in the neighbourhood flew endlessly about his 'connections' and his past. He was a tailor by trade, yet even in the worst economic times the neighbourhood had ever seen he seemed to have money. He adored Jo and her cousins like they were his own and it had been his money that allowed her Ma to take time off work so she could be there for her throughout the entire trial.

'Thanks Ma… yer the best…'

'And don't you forget it Jo… I still wish you'd at least consider a dress…'

'Ma…'

'Alright, alright… I'll call you once I've spoken to Braulio…'

'He'll need ta come here, if he can… I got a lotta course work ta catch up on…'

'I'm sure he'd love ta come up and see you sweetheart…especially since he couldn't make it to the victory party, now please tell me you're not going on that motorcycle of yours…'

'Nah… I promised Blair I'd sort somethin out… I dunno what I'm gonna do… I can't afford a car… and I don't wanna use Blair's…'

'We'll come up with somethin honey… just don't do anything rash ok?'

'I won't…'

'I mean it Joanna Marie…'

'Jeez, Ma I said I won't…'

'Promise me…'

'I promise…'

'Good. We'll think of something… just give me a little time.'

'I've only got til Friday…'

'Friday's time enough…'