Friends and Lovers
By Misha

Author's Notes- Okay, this chapter focuses completely on Mason. They, along with Shelle, will play a major part in the next couple chapters which means there won't be any Phloe for a while. Anyway, I know this is kind of short, but it was all I could think of. Enjoy.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Monday, January 1st 2001, New Year's Day

The second Jason opened his eyes, the events of the previous evening came flooding back.

Oh, God. He thought, knowing that he had to talk to Belle and see what happened next.

What do I want to happen next? He asked himself suddenly.

He thought about it for a long moment and realized that he wasn't sure. On one hand he was attracted to Belle, who wouldn't be, and he'd had fun the night before. But on the other hand, his heart still belonged to Mimi.

Who almost certainly doesn't want you after last night. A little voice in his head reminded him.

Jason sighed. Even if that was true, he did still love her. Besides, he didn't even know what Belle wanted. After all, it was extremely possible that she wanted to forget that anything had ever happened and just move on with their lives.

Jason swung himself out of bed. Well, whatever Belle wanted, he might as well find out now rather than later.
* * * * *

Mimi sat on the bed for a long time, not moving.

All she could do was think about what had happened the night before. Jason and Belle.

As soon as she had seen them together, she realized that she still loved Jason. That she wanted him back. But was it too late? She wasn't sure.

What if something was happening between him and Belle? She didn't think it was likely, after all Belle was in love with Shawn, but anything was possible.

Besides, even if nothing was happening between Jason and Belle, maybe last night was still a sign that he was moving on. Moving on without her.

God, how that hurt. When she had broken up with Jason, she had honestly believed it was for the best, and maybe it was, but... She just wasn't sure if she could handle the thought of a life without him. He meant to much to her.

What do I do? She asked herself silently. How do I tell Jason that I was wrong and ask him if it was too late or if we can have another chance?
* * * * *

"Can we talk?" Jason whirled around to see Mimi standing behind him.

"Alright." He said, surprised. He wondered what Mimi wanted to say to him, or if she just wanted to yell at him.

Mimi took a deep breath. "Jason, last night made me realize that I want you back." She said quickly.

Jason stared at her. "What?" He asked hoarsely, unable to believe that he had heard her right.

"I want you back." She repeated softly. "Jason, I love you and I want another chance, can you give me one?"

Jason was speechless. Mimi wanted him back? Part of him was ecstatic, but another part knew that wasn't such a good idea. He knew that this was at least partly inspired by jealousy and that if it hadn't been for the Belle thing she wouldn't have suggested it.

He also knew that they had lot to work through before they could get back together.

"Miriam," he began softly, "don't get me wrong. I want us to get back together more than anything, but this isn't the right time."

"It isn't?" She asked softly. Jason shook his head. "No. We have a lot of stuff to talk over and work through before we can get back together. You were right on Christmas Eve when you said we needed time. We do."

Mimi was silent for a long moment, finally she nodded. "You're right, it just..."

"I know." Jason told her quietly. "It's okay."

He gave her a small peck on the cheek and then turned and walked away.

He knew that Mimi needed some time alone, that they both needed it. They both needed to figure out where things stood and if they could make things work between them again.
* * * * *