I am so happy to see that there are people out there reading this story. I love communicating with all of you who have responded to the chapters. You are all special to me. Thank you.

Solace and Solitude

It was morning when I woke. Kyle was gone. The warmth of the desert sun was heating up the room. Lily! I forgot about her. She must be so angry. The last thing I needed now was for someone else that I cared about to be angry with me. I got to her room and she was still asleep. "Lily?"

She stirred. "Lily?" She opened her eyes.

"There you are. I was worried when you didn't come back."

"Kyle tracked me down and I told him everything. He stayed with me until I fell asleep. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. It's about time I got up anyway. Let's go wash up. Your stuff is already here."

We went to the bathing room and got ready for the day. I would have to face everyone that I didn't want to face, and answer questions that I didn't want to answer.

"We need to check on Mel." I suggested.

We found Melanie in the infirmary. She had slept there. Jared was angry and she didn't want to throw up in the tunnels trying to get to the bathing room.

"Mel. How are you feeling?" I asked.

"Better. I've already had my morning up chuck," she replied.

"How are things with Jared?"

"The same." He's still ignoring me. "Is there a full moon or something?"

"I don't know. I guess we are just going to have to stick together. Tonight we can all sleep in my room. Like the three musketeers. All for one and one for all." We became a trio. We spent as much time together as we could from then on.

I found Kyle in the kitchen with Sunny. I went to him and thanked him for last night. He hugged me and kissed the top of my head. Sunny did not look happy at the attention I received. I made it a point to let her know that Kyle was like a brother to me and nothing more. I asked Kyle to speak to Jared about Mel. He said that he would.

Eventually Jeb tracked the three of us down. "So I saved a special spot in the cornfield for you ladies to plant soy. Soy is good for the soil, good for the soul too." He laughed at his own joke. We never questioned Jeb. We finished our breakfast, grabbed a bucket for Mel, just in case, and headed for the cornfield. We worked in silence. When we finished, Mel took a nap, Lily took a bath and I went to the entrance of the cavern and sat. I wanted to be alone.

"So I'm glad you came back to us." It was Jeb.

"I was wondering when you would catch up to me."

"I guess the trip wasn't so spectacular for you."

I sighed. I was thinking about Ian and the nights we spent together. "There were moments that were very spectacular."

"Huh."

"I feel so empty."

"Yeah. That's not gonna change."

"Thanks a lot."

"Just bein' truthful."

I didn't speak.

"You could be helpful though. Can I trust you to do that for me?"

"That's what I came back for."

"So, you didn't leave Ian." He paused. "That's good."

That was the end of the conversation.

I spent my days working wherever Jeb sent me. I spent my nights sleeping with Mel and Lily. Kyle spoke to Jared as I had asked. I'm not sure what was said but whatever it was Jared finally started speaking to Mel again. Jared had a weak stomach when it came to vomit so Mel continued to bed with us. She and Jared 'stole moments'

from time to time. He still had a problem with the thought of bringing a child into the world. We still had seven months to work on his attitude. Some days Mel was fine. Other days she was sick as a dog. The sick days were the days Jared tended to stay away, so I stayed close on those days.

Lily seemed to bounce back quicker than I did. She was friendly with everyone. She didn't hang with me as much after the first few days.

I kept to myself. I spent time with Jamie when I was with Mel. Other than that I tended to sit at the doorway to the outside. It was peaceful. Sometimes I would take Ian's pictures from the box and stare at them. I thought about him all the time and sometimes Kyle would walk by looking so much like Ian or I would hear his voice sounding so much like Ian's and I would begin to cry. I missed him so much.

About a week after we returned, Jeb came to me.

"I need you to get some things for me."

I was itching to get out of the caverns. I wanted so much to call Burns and find out what was going on. The phone reception here at the caverns was not good. I also saw that I had some missed calls from Nate before the phone went dead. I needed to speak to him as well.

"Give me a list."

"Take Kyle with you. Leave tonight."

Kyle was very patient with me. He could have reached the Jeep in half the time it took me. Kyle drove since it was night. He drove west towards California.

"Ian told me that you grew up in California."

"Yes, in the hills."

"Do you ever think about your parents?"

"Sometimes. Ian was closer to my Mom. He always tried to be the 'good' boy when he was around her."

"It's getting late, I think we should pull over somewhere and get some sleep."

"Okay, I'll pull off at the next exit."

When we got to our room, I called Burns. It was a little after eleven but I hoped he would be awake. He picked it up almost immediately.

"Wanda?"

"Hey Burns."

"Are you okay?"

"I'm in California; I think. Kyle and I are on a road trip. Is Ian okay?"

"He's the same. He asks me every day to put him to work. Lot's of repairs in the house are getting done. He goes to the field. He pitches. He talks to no one. He comes back after dark. He goes to bed. Oh yeah, and I tell him every day that you are "in love" with him."

"Oh."

"Do you want to talk to him?"

"Is he there?"

"He's in his room. Hold on."

My heart started pounding. I was sitting on the edge of the bed and my leg started jumping up and down. I was nervous.

"Hello?"

"Ian?"

"Wanderer."

"I miss you so much."

"Why didn't you take Nate with you?"

"I didn't need to take him. I've already made my decision."

"How can you make a decision if you run away from the problem?"

"I didn't run away. I went home to where my responsibilities are. You need to come home too."

"I can't."

I was getting frustrated. "Can't or won't?"

Kyle sensed that this conversation was going in the wrong direction. He took the phone from me.

"Hey bro!" … "Yeah, well, someone's got to take care of her. She's really cute when she sleeps." … "Not in that sense." … "Sunny's back at the caverns." … "Yeah maybe, but she doesn't have the spunk that Wanda has." … "Hold on." He put his hand over the receiver to speak to me. "Would you do me a favor and run to the van for my bag?"

He wants me to leave. "Okay but promise me you will let me say good night to him?"

"Of course."

I dragged my feet as a walked to the van. If I didn't drag my feet I would have sprinted and then I would be back too soon. When I returned he said, "Yeah, here she is."

He handed me the phone. "Ian?"

"I want you to be careful out there."

"Always." We had this same conversation when I left with Burns to get my cell phone.

"Don't let my brother get all touchy feely. He hasn't had a woman in who knows how long." I tried to laugh but my voice broke because of the lump in my throat.

"I won't."

He didn't respond. I had to say something.

"Ian?"

"Yes?"

"So you still love me?" I was holding my breath.

"Wanderer, you still have my heart."

The tears broke through now. He knew I was crying.

"Good night."

"Good night." As soon as I said it, he was gone.

I broke down and Kyle put his arms around me. "See? He still loves you."

I slept in Kyle's arms and I pretended they were Ian's. Ian still loved me. I slept like a baby for the first time since I left Ian.

We woke before sunrise. The drill was to always leave before the sun came up to avoid Kyle being seen. He was up before me and he showered. I put on make up for the first time since I left the mountain. I wanted to look older when I was shopping.

"Wow! Has Ian ever seen you with make up on?"

"Yes."

He scratched his head. "Remind me to kick him in the head when I see him. Any guy that would let you walk away obviously needs a swift kick in the head."

I blushed. "Thank you, Kyle."

The list Jeb had given to me was comprised of two types of items; electrical products which I knew nothing about and food. Kyle suggested that we go to Home Depot first. Kyle couldn't possibly accompany me into the store so I had to enlist the help of a very nice man who worked there. I told him that my father had given me the list for a project he was going to complete. He was very helpful in locating all of the items on my list.

"Can you answer a question for me?"

He looked only too happy to help me. "Sure, miss, if I can."

"My Dad says that when he does this project, we will be without power sporadically for the next several days. I don't want to go without air conditioning and TV. Do you have any suggestions?"

He smiled. "That's easy. You need a generator." He walked me to the section of the store where they were kept.

"Does it run on batteries?" Everything else we had ran on batteries so a generator didn't make sense to me.

"No, it runs on gas. Don't use it inside the house. The fumes will kill ya. You need to run it outside and run extension cords into the house. Most people run the cords through the windows." He pointed to one particular model. "This one over here is efficient and it is less noisy than the others."

"Perfect! Can I pick it up later? That won't fit in my car. I'll come back with my Dad's van. He gets home from work about seven o'clock. Can I pick it up then?"

"Sure, no problem. You'll need those extension cords and then I'll write up your paperwork." I picked out two of the longest extension cords they had.

When I reached the van, Poor Kyle was bored to tears. "You know, I could pick up a book for you to read."

"I hate to read. Let's get the rest of the stuff we need and head home."

"Um, we're staying another night."

"What for?" He was annoyed.

"I like sleeping with you." He whipped his head around to stare at me.

"What?" He was shocked.

I started to laugh. Truthfully though, I did prefer to sleep in his arms rather than with the girls. It was very close to how it felt to be in Ian's arms.

"No. I have a few items that I need to get that aren't on Jeb's list."

"So, get them and let's get out."

"I can't with you in the van. They are big items and I will need help loading them into the back."

"What the heck are buying?" He was curious now.

"You'll see. Let's get some lunch." I stopped and picked up a pizza and some drinks and I parked the van in the parking lot of a big city park that included a lake and a paved track around it. I climbed into the back and we enjoyed our lunch.

"Kyle, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure, doll."

"What did you say to Ian last night when you sent me to the van?"

"I just told him that he was being stupid. It's obvious to me that you love him."

"What did he say?"

"He said that he needed time."

"He said that he needed time?" No, no. He told me that I needed time. The wheels started to turn in my head. Maybe I got this all wrong. Maybe there was someone else in his life. He had spent forty eight hours with those girls locked up in the root cellar. I whipped out my phone. I chose 'Nate' on the speed dial and hit 'send'. He always knew everything that is going on. I needed to speak to Nate, the master planner. The phone rang and rang. It went to voice mail. I hung up. A moment later the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Wanda, you called?"

I didn't want to sound panicked. "I was just returning your call."

"Oh, I called you two days ago."

"We don't get great reception in the caverns so I had to wait until I was sent on a road trip."

"Ah, I see."

"So, how are you?"

"There's no one to flirt with. All the beautiful girls are gone." I smiled even though he couldn't see me.

"I'm sorry. There's always…"

"Don't say Sarah."

"I wasn't. I was going to say there is always Kara and Holly."

"I'm not really interested."

Enough small talk. "Nate, how's Ian? Tell me the truth please. Don't sugarcoat it."

"Well, he doesn't have much to say to me anymore now that he's not keeping an eye on me. I told him what happened between us before you left. You'll never believe what he asked me."

"What did he ask you?"

"He asked me if I really wanted to kiss you. He wanted to know what kind of a kiss it was."

"What did you tell him?"

"I told him that I kissed you like any guy who wanted to 'get' the girl. So, then he asked me if you kissed me back."

"I'm listening."

"I told him it was a pretty passionate kiss. You know what he said to that?"

"What?"

"He said you were trying too hard." I took a deep breath. "He's been either working with Burns or at the ball field ever since."

"Is Burns the only one he talks to?"

"Pretty much. I see Holly at the ball field watching him pitch sometimes."

I was silent.

"Wanda?"

My voice cracked as I squeaked. "Yes?"

"Oh now, you don't think? No way. That boy's never going to even look at another girl. I'm positive of that."

I was still silent. The lump in my throat wouldn't allow me to speak.

"Who's there with you?"

"Kyle," I croaked.

"Let me speak to him."

I held the phone out to Kyle. He took it from me.

"Hello?"

As he talked my mind started to picture Holly with him. I was afraid that Ian could be slipping away from me. She was close to his age and she was pretty. What man could resist a beautiful redhead? Maybe Ian would give into his physical needs as he had done so many times before. I didn't hear any of the conversation between Nate and Kyle except 'yes, no, I know, and okay'.

When Kyle hung up, he put his hand on my cheek. "You've got it so wrong. Ian would never cheat on you."

"I cheated on him." Tears spilled over onto my cheeks. I deserved it if he cheated on me. My heart sank.

"You kissed someone so you could prove to yourself that Ian was the one for you. Ian doesn't blame you for that. He would never seek retribution." Kyle held me in his arms yet again to calm my fears and dry my tears. Maybe all this drama would make him appreciate the simplicity of Sunny.

"Look, tonight we'll call Ian again. Okay?"

I just nodded. He kissed me on the cheek.

"You look like a girl who needs chocolate. Let's go to the supermarket."

At the supermarket I bought all of the non perishable items I would need to take back to the caverns. Tomorrow I would pick up the perishable items so they would stay fresher longer and I would definitely pick up lots of blueberries.

My last stop was at Sears. Kyle didn't know what I was shopping for and I wasn't going to tell him. I knew exactly what I was looking for. Again I told the store employee that I would come back with 'Daddy's' van to pick up my purchase."

Next stop was the hotel. I needed to drop off Kyle to pick up my 'big' purchases.

"Here, you keep the phone. If anything happens, call Burns."

"I'll be fine. Hurry back. I'll be waiting." He was smiling even though I was sure he would worry the entire time I was gone.

"I won't be long." I hugged him before I bolted out the door.

At Home Depot everything went smoothly. The generator was already near the loading dock. I just backed up the van and they loaded it in. Sears was another story. They did not have my purchase ready. They weren't even sure if they had it in stock. I had to wait a half hour just for them to locate it and then they had to bring it up front. The problem was that Kyle was under the impression that I only had to go to Sears. I didn't tell him about the generator at Home Depot. They were located quite a distance away from each other. Plus, we hadn't eaten dinner so I had planned to stop and get Chinese food. I knew it was Kyle's favorite from past trips with him. It took me two and a half hours to get back. Kyle was livid.

"Where the hell were you? I called Ian. I was in a panic." He grabbed the food out of my hand and put it on the dresser.

"You called Ian?"

"Yes, you need to call him right away."

"He wants me to call him?" It was as if I couldn't grasp the meaning.

"He's worried. And he's pissed at me for letting you go by yourself."

"Okay." Breathe. This could go two ways. He could be really mad at me or … Who was I kidding he was going to be mad.

Kyle dialed the phone and handed it to me. Ian picked it up on the first ring. Not good.

"Wanderer?" he sounded concerned.

"Ian." I was waiting for the onslaught.

"Oh thank God. I was worried to death. Kyle said that you were gone for hours and that it shouldn't take that long. I knew you'd be okay. Where did you go?"

I went into the bathroom and shut the door so Kyle couldn't hear me.

"I bought a generator and a TV for the game room."

"You bought a generator?"

"Yes. Is that a bad idea?"

"No, no. That's good! That's a great idea!"

I felt so happy. He wasn't mad. He was relieved.

"I thought that maybe if there was more to do in the caverns, you might … well, you might come home. I miss you so much. And sometimes I look at Kyle and I see you or I hear you…" I was rambling.

"Wanderer. It's only been a week."

"A week of pure hell!"

"It's not easy for me here, either."

"Ian, you told me that I needed time to think but you told Kyle that you needed time to think. Is there something going on?"

"Why would you think that?"

"Nate told me that Holly hangs around the ball field with you."

"So, you're still talking to Nate."

"About you!"

"I've got to go."

"Ian don't you DARE hang up on me!" There was silence but he didn't hang up. After a minute, I broke the silence.

"Ian, are you there?"

"Yes."

"I don't want anyone except you."

"And I don't want anyone except you."

"Then come home."

"Not yet."

"Why not?" If I cried one more time this week I was going to dry up like a prune.

"This time apart is either going to make us or break us."

"How long?" I reiterated.

"I don't know. Please just give me some time."

"But I love you."

"I know. I love you too. Trust me. I'm not going to do anything with Holly or anyone else. No one can hold a candle to you."

"Okay." I said meekly.

"Wanderer? Do me a favor and keep Kyle in the loop when it comes to your 'surprises'. I've put him officially in charge of you and you are already giving him an ulcer."

"Okay."

"Call me when you can. I'll be thinking about you. Good night Babydoll."

"Good night."

As I clicked the phone shut, I was both elated and saddened. I was elated because for the most part, this had been a good phone call. He called me 'Babydoll'. He hadn't called me by a nickname since he had given up fighting for the relationship. I was sad because he still needed time and because he was still upset that I was talking to Nate. I still cared about Nate and considered him a friend.

When I opened the door to the bathroom, Kyle was sitting on the bed. I smiled at him. "I'm sorry I worried you."

"You had me scared to death!"

"I know. I promise it won't happen again."

He stood up and crossed the floor to where I was standing and hugged me. This hug wasn't for me. It was for him. I knew at that moment that I would never fear Kyle again. After a long minute, he released me. "Well, at least you brought Chinese."

We ate and watched a little television before turning in. After the lights were turned out, I snuggled into his chest and he held me securely in his arms just as he had done last night.

"Kyle?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you remember when I joked that I like sleeping with you?"

"Yep."

"Well, I do, but not for the reasons you think. When I close my eyes and you hold me and talk to me, well, it's almost like being with Ian."

"I know that."

"You do?"

"The first night in the caverns when you came back, after you fell asleep, you said 'I love you, Ian',"

"I did?"

"Uh-huh."

We were silent for a minute. "How come you and Sunny haven't … you know."

"Gone forward with a relationship?"

"Yes. I know she loves you."

He took a breath and then paused before speaking. "I like Sunny well enough, but, she's in Jodie's body. She loves me because of Jodie's memories. I don't think she would have these feelings without that."

"Do you talk about it?"

"No."

"You should ask her what she loves about you. Tell her to be specific. Tell her you only want to know the things she's felt since the two of you met."

"It's difficult. I've gotten used to having her around like a little sister." He seemed like he was afraid to mess up a good thing.

"You know what I love about you?"

"What?"

"Your smell." He pulled away to see my face that had been buried in his chest. "Really, whatever aftershave you use blends really well with your natural smell. It's kind of … hypnotic."

He plopped his head back on the pillow. "You know, I can see how men just fall in love with you. You need to stop talking before I am tempted to be more than 'brotherly' to you. Besides that aftershave is just about gone."

"Then we'll have to get some more." I nestled back into his chest, took a big aromatic breath, and fell asleep.

As usual we woke before dawn. When Kyle opened the back door to the van, he froze. "Holy crap! You bought a generator?"

"I bought a generator."

"And a television?"

"Yep."

He grabbed me by the head and he planted a kiss right smack on my lips. I reeled back.

"This is awesome!"

"Well, you know we won't get any reception for the TV but it has a DVD player in it, so I can purchase some movies."

"Hell, yeah!"

So, we went on our way. I stopped at a drug store and purchased aftershave for Kyle and two more long extension cords. Next stop was the supermarket for the perishable items. The final stop was a video store where I acquired five DVD movies. Kyle had comprised a list of his favorites. I tried to pick out a variety so I ended up with two comedies, a period piece, an adventure film, and an old Disney classic. Violence and horror were not sold any longer since souls got no pleasure in watching them.

We pulled the van under the overhang at the caverns after dark. Jared and Jeb were there to help unload. "Whoa!" Jared howled. "What are we going to do with a TV in the middle of nowhere?"

"We're going to watch movies." Kyle was being smug.

The word spread like wildfire through the caverns. Jeb called a brief meeting in the main cavern. "I'm gonna make this short and sweet. Tomorrow, everyone has work to do. There will be people assigned to work on this new project. If we get everything done, there will be movies tomorrow night in the game room."

"A roar went up from the crowd."

That night I slept with the girls, but I couldn't sleep. I missed Ian and oddly enough I missed Kyle. The next morning everyone was excited. We all worked extra hard to make sure Jeb had nothing to complain about. Jared and Kyle were assigned the task of setting up the generator outside under the overhang. They covered it with burlap so it would blend into the rock when seen from afar. They set the television up in the game room and ran the extension cords through the tunnels. Jeb and Doc started on their lighting project which had taken on a new meaning with the addition of the generator. Jeb had done some electrical work in his day so he was familiar with the process. The plan was to drill holes in the tunnels in the ceiling. The wire I had purchased was to be strung along the holes. He would use putty to secure the lines into place at each hole and a light socket was to be placed every thirty five to fifty feet depending on the contour of the tunnel and whether there was a turn involved. The first tunnel he lined led to the bathing room. He would continue the line into the bathing room and beyond into the toilet area.

Dinner time came before Jeb and Doc could complete the last section before the bathing room. He came along reluctantly. After dinner he decided to test his creation by plugging the existing line into the generator. For the first time there was light in the tunnel. It was a good day's work and Jeb was proud. The tunnel took on a whole new feel. In the darkness the tunnel seemed vast but with the addition of the light, the tunnel became very closed in, almost claustrophobic.

Everyone assembled in the game room with excitement and anticipation. Although we had no microwave for popping corn there was plenty of candy and chips for the crowd. A cooler full of soda and ice that had not yet melted was on hand as well. Some people brought pillows and blankets with them. Jeb made an official appearance to start everything off. During his speech, he thanked me for the special gifts and then he went so far as calling me a special gift. I was so embarrassed I wanted to fade into the rock. I heard Kyle give a hoot from the back of the room. Jeb asked me to choose the first movie and I in turn allowed Jamie to make the choice. He chose the adventure flick. I sat next to Jamie and Lily. As I looked around the room, it seemed that there were a lot of couples. I could see Doc and Sharon, Mel and Jared, Trudy and Geoffrey, and Kyle and Sunny. Maybe I was noticing because I was alone. A sadness slowly washed over me. I should be sitting here with Ian, only he was miles away deciding if I was worth fighting for. Jamie reached out and held my hand but it didn't help. I had seen this movie before when Pet had inhabited this body. I stared at the screen but my mind was wandering in a different place. The more I thought about Ian, the more I missed him. I couldn't focus at all so I decided I needed to be alone. As I got up Jamie pulled on my arm.

"Where are you going?" He whispered.

"To the bathroom." I lied. I went back to the room that once belonged to me and Ian. I took the letter that Ian had written to me on the last night before … the end. I moved swiftly and silently through the tunnels to my quiet place by the entrance. The only noise was coming from the generator. I unfolded the letter. I cradled my forehead in my hands as I read it. I hadn't cried since before yesterday's phone call and I didn't want to cry now but I missed him so much.

I heard footsteps behind me coming down the tunnel.

"I thought I'd find you here."

"Hey Jeb."

"If you didn't like the movie then why did you purchase it?"

"It's not that."

He stood directly behind me and looked down at where I was sitting. "You know you did a good thing."

"Thank you."

"You want to take a walk?" he gestured towards the desert.

"Out there?" Leisurely walks in the desert were not commonplace.

"Sure, I think we'll be all right."

So, we walked. He didn't speak for a long time and neither did I. The stars were beautiful in the night sky. Finally, Jeb broke the silence. He pointed upward to the stars. "Do you know which of those stars you've been to?"

"I haven't got a clue. I'm not a navigator."

"I guess the important thing is that you are here … above ground." He wasn't referring to the depth of the caverns but the grave I had condemned myself to when I made the decision to give Melanie her life back. "You know it's only a matter of time before he comes to his senses."

"And if he doesn't?" This was an option I hoped I would never have to face.

"You'll be stuck with Nate." He gave me a hip check. I gave him a worried smile. "Truth is he's torturing himself."

"Why?" That was the burning question.

"Do you really want to hear my theory?"

"Of course I do." Jeb was the one guy who had enough insight to find and create this place we now called home when everyone else thought he was nuts. In reality, he was the smartest man I know, smarter than Nate.

"Well, it's only a theory, but after you picked up this pretty little body; it seems the whole relationship went to crap."

"You think he doesn't like my body?" Please say it isn't so.

"I think he likes it too much. The fighting began and it was wearing on your relationship. Then Nate came into the picture and that really started to wear on your relationship. You and Ian are two pretty people who don't realize that you are perfect for each other. You make each other miserable because you both think that you aren't good enough for each other. I think he figures if he drops to the very depths of despair, there's only one way to go."

"Up?"

"Yes, up. He just hasn't dropped low enough yet." Oddly, his theory actually made me feel better. "What do you say we get back before the second movie?"

"Sure."

On our way back to the game room, we ran into Kyle. He had come to look for me. "Wanda, are you alright?"

Jeb answered for me. "She's fine. We just went to check on the generator."

Kyle put his arm around my neck and kissed the top of my head. "I'm picking the next movie," he declared. When we got back, the credits were rolling and people were running out to go to the bathroom or get more blankets. Kyle grabbed my hand and dragged me past Jamie to the back of the room where he had been sitting with Sunny. Sunny wasn't there. She must have gone to the bathroom. Jamie got up and went to the cooler. He grabbed a couple of sodas and some candy and headed towards me. Meanwhile Kyle chose his movie and gave it to Jeb. Then he snaked his way back through the bodies huddled in groups on the floor and plopped down next to me. Jamie was on my left and Kyle was on my right. Apparently they both wanted to make sure I stayed put. Sunny entered the room and her face dropped when she saw me. She stomped over and sat next to Kyle.

I whispered in Kyle's ear. "She looks mad."

"She's fine." He replied.

"Kyle, I'm serious. I don't want her to hate me. You need to make her feel wanted." He creased his forehead as he looked at me. My returning gaze was one of urgency. He needed to do something.

Then, the most wonderful thing happened. Kyle turned towards Sunny. He pushed her gently down into a lying position and leaned over her. He spoke loud enough for me to hear. "You know you're my girl, right?"

I couldn't hear her answer but he leaned in and kissed her on the lips. It wasn't an explosive kiss or a slow burn kiss, but it lasted just long enough to be passionate. Sunny sat up and she was smiling.

The lights went low and the movie started. It was one of the comedies. Jamie handed me one of the sodas and all four of us shared the candy. We all laughed and had a great time. I didn't think about Ian anymore because I was too busy being happy for Sunny and maybe just a little bit jealous. By the time the second movie was over, it was late. Jamie walked me back to Lily's room where I had been sleeping with Lily and Mel since we had returned from the mountain. He hugged us all 'good night'. That night I dreamt about Ian. It was a weird dream. Kyle and Holly were in it too. By the time I woke up, I wasn't sure who was coupled with who and that disturbed me. I shook off the dream and started my day.