Tuesday:

The next morning Jessi woke up as usual around 5:00 am. As she was getting ready she thought over the events of last night, I feel kind of strange today, I wonder why?

Jessi went to the bathroom and felt the relief of the shower head above rinsing her off. Afterwards she stepped out and placed a towel firmly around her just before the door opened. And there was Kyle standing right there starring at her intensely.

"Kyle"

"Umm…" Kyle's mouth felt dried as he tried to move his brain into functioning mode. He saw the towel wrapped around her body and the water droplets on her shoulder moving down, for an instance he almost wanted to grab her and kiss away the water.

"Kyle." Lori's voice pulled him back to his mind.

"Sorry Jessi, I didn't mean to." He turned and closed the door behind him.

Jessi brain felt like a train wreck. What the hell was that about?

Kyle was walking to Lori's room to see what she wanted all along thinking of what he just saw. Damn, I need to learn to knock…what was I thinking before?

"What is it Lori?"

"Do you know what time Declan is coming today?"

"No why?"

"I need to help Amanda setting up the dance space."

"Oh, well I could call him and ask."

"Will you?"

"Yeah sure, that's fine with me."

"Thanks Kyle." Kyle nodded and turned his attention to his phone.

Jessi had finished up in the bathroom and went downstairs to eat something before Dean arrived. But as she hit the last step she heard a knock on the door, Jessi opened the door to see both Dean and Aaron standing there.

"Uhh…hi"

"Hey Jessi, I know I'm early but Aaron was annoying me with coming here early so he could help out at the dance, sorry."

"Did you say help out at the dance?" Lori said while running down the stairs.

"Yeah, we were both asked to go there."

"Oh do you mind if I hitch a ride with you then. I have to help out too."

"Yeah sure no problem."

"Thanks let me call Declan then." Lori made a call and told Declan that she happened to get a ride with Jessi and some friends. After that they made their way to the school in Dean's truck. "So what are you guys suppose to help out with?"

"Mainly heavy lifting and stuff like that; we'll leave the decorating and stuff to you wonderful ladies."

"Well, thanks for thinking about us." Lori shot back.

Dean laughed at this point that made the others follow suit. No wonder she's so happy, Dean has such an infectious laugh that it'll make anyone smile. Lori thought. Kyle's going to have a tough time winning her back. Lori smiled.

"So Aaron, you're awfully quite. Come on brighten up, I'm sure your sisters wouldn't like to see you like this." Dean said.

"Well you know they are pretty cheery that I'm going to this dance."

"You are?" Lori asked

"Yeah, why?"

"Do you have a date yet?"

"Uhh…no, I don't, are you asking." Aaron said with a chuckle.

"N-no" Lori said her face turning red. "I already have one, it's just that my friend Hillarie needs one and I wondered if maybe you'll like to go with her."

"Hillarie? Is she that bubbly, energetic girl that was with you, the last time we bumped into each other?" He inquired.

"Yeah."

"Hmm…do you think she'll say yes?"

"Well if it's you then yes probably." Lori told him.

"Then I'll ask her."

"Just like that."

"Well it'll be nice to get to know some new people and besides she reminds me a bit of Dean in that she's acts happy a lot of time."

"What is that suppose to mean?" Dean questioned.

"Nothing."

"Whatever." Dean said in a mope kind of tone. While the others laughed at his expression. Soon enough they were pulling into the school parking lot. "Well here we are, let the fun activities begin." He said sarcastically

"Well at least after this is all done you'll be able to dance with Jessi." Lori said.

"True."

Jessi just shook her head. "Come on."

Aaron and Lori lead the way followed closely by Dean and Jessi. Once inside they found their way to the gym where others we're already setting up. "Man they're going to need a lot of work to fix this up in time." Dean told them. Dean took in all the gym seeing a blond girl trying to direct where to place some streamers, "I guess she's in charge he said pointing to the blond.

"That's Amanda." Lori responded.

"She isn't getting much done at that pace." Aaron said afterwards.

"Looks like it" Lori sighed.

"Lori!" Lori turned to see Hillarie doing some background work. She ran up to them. "Thank God, you guys are here, do you see this, it's a disaster, nothing is getting done on time."

"Man, looks like you guys are having a rough time." Aaron said.

Hillarie turned red. "Yeah, anyways, you guys should go talk to Amanda and ask her for directions."

"Kay Hillarie." Lori and the others turned and went to Amanda. "Amanda" Lori called.

"Oh Lori, thank god, what are you guys doing here?" She asked the other three.

"Volunteers." Dean said.

"Oh right, and you Jessi?"

Rather than Jessi respond it was Dean that talked instead. "I think she's also under that category."

"You want to help out?"

"That's why we're here." Jessi said annoyed that it was this hard for her to understand.

"Umm…okay."

"So what do you need us to do?"

"Well Lori why don't you help out with Hillarie and the back ground and Jessi, you can help with the streamers. Uh…what are your guys' names?"

"I'm Dean, and this is Aaron"

"Okay Dean and Aaron you can help move the stage and stuff."

"Then let's go guys."

The four of them went their separate ways and helped in whatever way they can. Class began putting an abrupt stop to their work. Lori and Aaron would return with Hillarie to help out but Dean and Jessi had to get to work after school. Aaron told them he would be there after some more setting up to work till close.

"Man this is such a hassle." Dean said after school.

"Hmm…?"

"It's just that, did you see how much work there is left to do before the dance?"

"Yeah it's going to take some time to get everything right, we're lucky Aaron and the others are going to stay here till later."

"Yeah I guess…so, I'm guessing you don't like Amanda?" Dean said before she said anything else.

"How did you guess that?"

"The way she just stared at you with intense dislike." Dean laughed.

"We kind of have a bad past with each other." Jessi said anger coloring her tone.

"We'll don't worry about it, I'm sure what is up her butt has something to do with how intimidated you make her feel."

Jessi looked at Dean and smiled. "Yeah I guess so."

"So, you want to go to the carnival that's in town after work?"

"Yeah but what time are you getting off?"

"6:30." He said satisfied. "But only for today, I couldn't stand not seeing you for the full day."

Jessi grinned. "Okay let me call Niccole then." After a quick conversation with Niccole, with her asking for permission to go and Dean promising Niccole that he'll have her home at 11:00 at the latest, Niccole agreed. At 6:00 they were let off because of Aaron's return to the auto store.

"I asked Hillarie and she agreed to go to the dance with me." He said with a smile as he entered.

"That's awesome Aaron." Dean smiled.

"Yeah I think so too."

"Well we have to head out."

"You asked her to carnival?"

"How did you know?" Jessi asked.

"He told me a couple days ago that he was planning to ask you, he even bought tickets already."

"You did?"

"Yup."

"How did you know I'll agree?"

"I didn't but I was hopeful of your agreement, so I bought them."

Jessi smiled. "Well then let's get over there."

"Have fun you two." Aaron said as he gave Jessi a quick goodbye hug.

"See you later Aaron, we'll see you tomorrow."

"Bright and early." Dean added as he remember the dance.

Aaron smirked. "Right bye you guys."

Dean walked up to the right side of the truck and opened the passenger side for Jessi. "Ladies first" he told her.

Jessi smirked back at him "Thank you." As she entered the truck

Dean went to the other side and entered himself after turning on the engine they drove towards the carnival grounds.

"So where did you get the truck?"

"It use to belong to my dad, I fixed it up after the accident."

"Oh, she looked at the cross hanging from the mirror."

"He use to wear that all the time. Along with these." She looked at him to see him holding up dog tags. "He use to be in the military."

"Oh, I didn't know that."

"That's cause I don't tell a lot about my dad" he answered then he smiled. "So tell me, what is your favorite ride at a carnival?"

"I don't know, I've never went to one before." Jessi answered knowing that he was trying to escape the conversation of his dad just as she did before with Sarah. She looked down to see his hand clenched, she reached down and touch his hand. He opened his hand at her touch and allowed her to hold it. His expression lightened as he held it.

"What do you mean you never been to one. This will be fun for you then." He said his eyes seemed happy for more than one reason. They pulled up on the fair grounds and sat there for a moment, she knew he didn't want to let go of her, she had felt the pain behind the touch when the subject went to his dad. She looked up at him and saw something else there, his eyes gleamed with a new type of intensity and she knew he was doing everything he could to stop himself from feeling that pain. She smiled a genuine smile that she knew he needed. He released her hand and opened the door. She watched as he walked around the car and opened the door for her. As she stepped out and closed the door behind her she turned to him and grabbed his hand pulling him towards the entrance.

"So what kind of things do you do at a fair?" she asked.

"Well let's see, there's riding the rides, winning prizes, eating lots of sweets, taking pictures, and seeing the farm animals." He replied.

"Wow, I want to do all of that." She said with a smile.

"Okay then we better get started if you want to get home on time." She saw the farm animal house and pulled him forward, after playing with the little animals and riding the horses they head towards the picture booth.

They took a lot of funny pictures which involved them sticking tongues out and other things followed by a serious picture and then one where Dean had kissed Jessi's cheek making her turn red. Upon seeing the pictures they laughed at their expressions.

"Where to next?"

"Eating sweets." She responded.

"Sure sure." He replied.

He was still surprised by the amount this girl could eat; they bought caramel apples, chocolate strawberries, cotton candy, kettle corn, and drank smoothies for at least a chance at something healthy. They had plenty of left stuff left over and was given a bag for all their food items.

"Now where?"

"Winning prizes."

She surprised him again by showing her killer skills at all the games on the fair grounds. There was probably only one game she wasn't good at but he was able to win her the huge stuffed animal they were giving up for the highest points. She laughed at the fact that he was able to do something she wasn't. They made a quick trip to the car to drop everything off they both were shocked to find out it was 9:30.

"I thought we we're here for a shorter time then that. It's almost time for me to take you home."

"Not yet we still have to ride the rides."

"Right."

She grabbed his hand. "Come on." And she started running back to the fair grounds. They got to rides. And she forced him to ride every ride with her.

"But that's for little kids." Dean said with a smile as he looked at the merry-go-round.

"I don't care, come on." She said with a pout.

"Okay okay." He laughed; they were having so much fun even at the little kid rides.

After their embarrassing trip on the merry-go-round, or at least his, he realized that there was only one ride they haven't been on, his stomach started to churn at that thought, and he realized she was leading him to that very ride. The Ferris wheel.

She looked back at him. "What's wrong?"

"I don't like heights too much."

"What? But we got on roller coasters without a problem."

"That's because those end quickly, Ferris wheels take time and move slowly."

"You were on the roof of the store that one time?"

"It's really something to do with the movement that I hate."

"Come on, it's the only one we haven't been on." She said sadly, he hated making her sad.

"Okay okay, let's go then."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah yeah, lead the way."

They arrived at the Ferris wheel and found seats quickly. After the ride was fully load it began moving. Dean kept his eyes closed or concentrated on Jessi's face, who looked amazed by the sight. Then it happened, a shock rumbled the whole ride and the lights went out in the whole fair.

"What happened?"

"Probably a power outage. The backup power should restart everything in a second." And as if on cue everything started up again, everything except the Ferris wheel.

"What the heck?" He whispered.

"Hmmm…looks like we're going to be here for awhile." Jessi told him. "They're probably going to close the fairgrounds because of this."

"Damn, of all rides to get stuck on."

"I'm sorry Dean; if I hadn't insisted on going on this ride then we wouldn't have ended up here."

"It's alright, I could handle one little Ferris wheel-Hey?!" Jessi had just looked down towards the ground causing their seat to sway. "Don't do that."

"Sorry, is there a way to make it go away?"

"If I concentrate on something else it might." He said closing his eyes. After a moment he felt a war hand on his forehead. He opened his eyes in shock to see Jessi's eyes looking deep into his. "What…what are you doing?"

"Just relax and let me help." She told him warmly.

"O-okay" he said while closing his eyes once again.

He felt a presence throughout his whole body feeling him with light and then suddenly a soft pressure fell on his lips. He opened his eyes once again to see Jessi's eyes closed as she kissed him. After the initial shock was gone he began to kiss her back. The kiss started out gentle and soft and became rough and he felt all the tense in him clear away as he tried to get closer. Her tongue slid along his lips asking for entrance which he immediately obliged, they explored each other's mouths feeling each others urgency for minute and soon they felt the Ferris wheel start to move again eventually they broke apart and got off the ride.

Jessi looked back at him, she felt sad and yet very happy. Happy because she finally kissed Dean but sad because she knew she could never release all her feelings if she were to fall in love with him because they may hurt him. She suddenly remember the feeling of letting everything go as she kissed Kyle making the lights behind her explode, with Dean she had to control those emotions so that she would never hurt him. Could she live with that… her happiness of the feelings she felt from him made her unbelievably bubbly but she still felt incomplete. "Feeling better?" She asked.

"Yeah" He responded breathlessly.

"We should head back."

"Yeah okay, let's get going then."

They found their way to the truck holding hands and saw that it was now 10:37.

"Uh oh, let's hurry." Soon enough they got back to her house with 10 minutes to spare.

He looked into her eyes. And pulled her into his arms hugging her tightly, she felt safe and warm in these arms. "Thank you for your help early that made me unbelievably happy." She smiled at these words. "I guess I should probably get going" He said with a sigh not wanting to leave her side just yet. She reached up on her toes and kissed him again. She loved the feel of his lips on hers feeling that he completely embraced who she was she felt herself engulfed in that light. She released him. He grabbed her stuff and followed her to the door. Niccole was still awake waiting for them to get there.

"Hi Dean."

"Hello Mrs. Trager."

"Thanking for keeping your promise."

"You're welcome, I just wish I had got her home sooner, I'm sure you were worried about her and for that I apologize."

Niccole nodded. "Thank you for apologizing. But why are you home late?"

"The Ferris wheel broke down when we were on it." Dean replied. "It took them some time to fix it."

"Oh I'm sorry, that must have been nerve-wracking."

Dean only smiled knowing that it was nowhere near nerve-wracking. "I should get home, I just came in to explain and make sure Jessi got in okay."

"Yes it is rather late. It was great seeing you again Dean."

"You as well Mrs. Trager."

"Goodnight Dean." He looked to see Jessi giving him a smile.

"Goodnight Jessi. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodbye Mrs. Trager."

"Goodbye Dean."

Dean turned and left the house. Jessi turned back to Niccole. "Am I in trouble?" She asked slightly worried.

"No, it's okay, I trust you Jessi, and Dean seems like a great guy so I'm not going to get you in trouble this time, but next time remember that I will worry about you if you're not here when you say."

"I'm sorry Niccole. I didn't mean to worry you." Jessi apologized.

Niccole just went forward and hugged what she considered her 2nd daughter. "It's okay just call me the next time something like that happens."

"I will" Jessi said while hugging Niccole back.

"Okay now go eat and head to bed."

"Okay." Jessi went to her room to drop all her stuff off. Afterwards she ate, took a shower, and went to bed.

Jessi thought over everything that had happened today. She just smiled remember the feeling of being accepted through and through by Dean, trusted fully and loved. She almost fell asleep to that feeling. Only to remember that she would never be able to fully open herself to him made her feel the newly found pain…he wasn't Kyle and couldn't handle what she felt knowing that Kyle too contained his feelings while kissing Amanda. How could he live with himself knowing that he will never find relief…is this what love does to you? Make you accept that there is no alternative if you want to be happy to some degree with them. I know I could accept not allowing myself to be able to release them but will I always feel that way? Jessi asked herself. The feelings of uncertainty came back to her…maybe she wasn't meant to find an alternative release from Kyle…there was a point when I considered him my soul mate but maybe it's more than that, it's like they made it impossible to find someone else that could accept these feelings without hurting them…Jessi finally feel asleep after some restlessness.

Kyle was still awake thinking over what had happened this morning, could I really find Jessi attractive in that way, I use to think of it just as a friendship with some closeness that couldn't be explained. I wonder if they created us to make us end up together like Adam and Sarah were at one point. Kyle couldn't take it anymore and rose from his tub and opened the door he stood next to Jessi's room for a little while hearing her breath in and out uneasily and decided to go inside. He went inside to find her sleeping restlessly and put his hand on her head calming her thoughts like he had so many times before. He smiled as he saw her finally begin to relax; he bent down and kissed her forehead. She's so beautiful when she's sleeping. He got up and began to leave.

"Dean." He felt her sigh Dean's name.

His heart began to ache. He smiled sardonically at the pain. "Goodnight Jessi."

"Goodnight Kyle." He turned and looked at her, she was still asleep but like always still able to feel him. He turned back and left the room returning to his own. He fell into his tub unsure of what caused his heart to hurt so much.


Wednesday:

Maybe she just imagined his presence in her room last night. Kyle wouldn't have gone in there knowing that she could sense him and risking Amanda's faith in him once again.

"Jessi, hey Jessi." Lori almost yelled.

"Huh?"

"Are you okay? You seem a bit about of it." Lori asked.

"Yeah I just can't concentrate today for some reason."

"Hmmm…okay. Do you have work today?"

"No, Aaron and Dean will be working today and I'm going to help out at the school so they could prepare for the dance."

"Oh cool, so you'll be with us all day today."

"Yeah, well except for this morning. When Aaron and Dean are going to come pick us up."

"Cool cool, so did something happen last night?"

"What?"

"Between you and Dean?"

Jessi felt her face get hot.

"So something did happen. Tell me everything."

Jessi went over the story and what had happened at the fair.

"Wow. So are you two like an item now?"

"I don't know…it just happened and then we had to rush home so I wouldn't get in too much trouble."

"Well, why don't you ask him today?"

"I was planning on it actually."

"I think it'll be great if you two got together."

Jessi smiled and wished she could get rid of this feeling of absence inside her. She felt like jelly on the inside hoping it would disappear when Dean got there. Someone knocked on the door and Jessi and Lori ran to the door. Dean and Aaron stood there waiting.

"Hey Jessi." Dean said with a smile.

"Dean, hi." Jessi felt all her feelings of uncertainty melt away with his smile.

"Are you guys ready?"

"Yup, let's get going then."

Another early morning dance fix up went by and afterschool Dean walked in to say goodbye.

"I'll see you tomorrow, okay."

"Yeah sure." Jessi said sadly.

"Jessi?"

"Huh?"

"We need to talk."

"About what?"

"Last night, when you-"

"Dean, we got to go." Aaron interrupted. "Come on, come on."

"Okay okay, I'll talk to you later Jessi."

"Yeah okay, see you later."

"Man he totally ruined the moment." Lori said.

"Let's just hurry up with this." After a couple hours of trying to make the gym look like well not a gym, everyone begun to leave.

Jessi was sent home early, while Lori and some of the others stayed. When she got home she found that everyone but Josh was gone. Jessi assumed they we're running errands.

"Hey Josh."

"Jessi?"

"What are you doing?"

"Fixing up, Andy's coming over today."

"Oh so you're trying to have sex with her again."

"What?!! No, who said that?"

"You don't fix up unless you're about to have sex with her."

"Uh… no I don't."

"It's so dark and dank in here, how can sleep with you in this room?"

"What? It is did she say anything about this?"

"No, should I ask her?"

"NO!"

"Why?"

"Just don't."

"Okay okay." Jessi turned to leave.

"Wait." Josh stepped forward and tripped causing him to bring Jessi down with her. Followed by an "Ouch" from both of them.

"God Josh you're not supposed to bring down with you." Jessi stated.

"Uh huh." Josh got up and helped Jessi up as well.

"Why did you want me to wait?"

"Should I make adjustments then?"

"To what?"

"My room?"

"No, wouldn't Andy be most likely to notice that you changed it to something more bright?"

"Oh yeah."

"Should I leave?"

"Nah, she's probably not going to have sex with me anyways, now that my confidence is low because of you."

"Hmmm…maybe we should ask her." Jessi turned and began to walk away.

"Wait…what?"

Jessi got down the stairs and then heard the door open. She turned and saw Kyle standing there seemingly wet. She looked outside to see the rain pouring down. She turned to look at Kyle.

"Dang, it's really pouring out there." Josh stated. "Kyle, do you think my room is dank?" Jessi smiled.

"Uh…I don't know."

"I'll get you a towel." Jessi said turning around and going to the closet that contain towels.

"I'm going to call Andy and cancel; I don't want her to end up like Kyle here." Josh said with a smirk.

Jessi returned with a couple towels. "Here"

"Thanks." He reached out and grabbed one.

Jessi noticed that Kyle was shaking slightly and touched his arm. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, well I think I might have overworked myself."

"I thought you said not to push."

"Yeah I did, I'm sorry."

Kyle step forward to assure her he was okay when suddenly he staggered forward Jessi catching him right before he hit the ground. She helped him to his room, she remember that he was completely soaked so she decide to look for a change of clothes for him. She found sweats and a blue shirt and looked back at him; he was collapse in his tub. Jessi sighed. She went up to him and began to remove his shirt drying him off with the towel as she went. Now for the tough part…his pants. She was able to get them off but every now and then she'll feel a shock go through her much like when she and him held hands or kissed. The tense in the air wasn't completely removed when she got the sweats on him, making him stand for a second as she got them up. After changing his clothes she got a few blanket for him since he seemed to be still shaking. The last thing she did before leaving him to rest was dry his hair that was dripping somewhat.

She took a towel and dried his face; it had received droplets of water on it from his hair. She put a hand on his head to check his temperature and he seemed healthy enough but he surprised her by grabbing his arm and pulling her in the tub along with him. His grip was like iron on her back as he managed to get the blankets around both of them, snuggling closer to her. Is it just me or does these types of things happen often Jessi thought both confused and to her hatred very happy. Electricity bobbed through the air, she felt it close around her as she put her head on his chest after struggling to get out but failing. Jessi felt immensely tired after both the fact that she had to change Kyle's clothes and her failed attempt of getting out. Well if anyone comes in all they have to do is look at how tightly he holding me and they'll know that it's not any of my fault…right? Then again I get blamed often for things that aren't always my fault, like that kiss. Stupid Kyle, what the hell did he do to get him so tired and overworked? I'm going to have to have a few words with Declan and Foss. Jessi felt more relaxed after a second and drifted off into sleep as Kyle held her close.

Hmmm…I feel so warm, what is that smell. Like Strawberries or something. Man I'm so tired…I want to go back to sleep. A sudden movement above him madeKyle was almost too afraid to know what happened but he felt himself holding tightly to something or to be more accurate someone. He opened his eyes and looked down to see Jessi sleeping on his chest. What happened? I remember talking to her earlier and suddenly my whole body felt heavy. Kyle closed his eyes and relied on his unconsciousness to tell him the rest, he felt Jessi warm body carry him to his tub and then he felt her dry him off and place fresh clothes on him, cover him with blankets and finally dry his hair and face. Then he remember him grabbing her arm and pulling her down on top of him, she struggled to get free but he didn't allow that and after a few moments she finally relaxed and fell into sleep herself.

"Well if I didn't get into trouble before, this most certainly won't help my case." He said.

He felt Jessi snuggle closer to him and he knew this was a mistake. Then why does it feel so right?

"Jessi, hey Jessi." He called softly

She stirred slightly but didn't wake up. He knew a part of him didn't want her to wake up but decided against that. He shook her slightly and her eyes opened. She looked up at him, her beautiful hazel eyes looking fogging at first then clearing as she remember exactly what happened. "Idiot." She said after she recovered.

"I'm sorry; I didn't realize what I was doing."

She sighed. "Why are you so tired anyways?"

"Well…I been pushing myself a little harder these past two weeks and I guess it finally caught up to me." He answered honestly.

"Kyle."

"I know, I know, I shouldn't have done it, but I've been feeling uneasy these past couple days and it was the only way I could get to sleep without thinking about other things."

Jessi looked down at him remembering when she used to push herself so hard; she pushed herself up and got out of the tub. Both of them heard Niccole's call for dinner.

"Do you think she knows?" Jessi asked.

"No, she would have woken us up if she did." Kyle reassured her.

"Right."

Together they both went to the living room to eat dinner with the family.

"Hey you two, you guys disappeared for a couple of hours where did you go."

"Training." Jessi said smoothly. "Foss needed some help."

"Oh that nice." Lori said.

Kyle restrained himself from looking at Jessi as she lied to the Tragers knowing it would get them into a lot of trouble. He just smiled trying to make it look as smooth as Jessi had. Lori gazed at Kyle's face, not sure what she just saw but new that they were hiding something. After dinner Andy came over for a visit.

"Hey Jessi." She said while hugging her.

"Hey Andy, what are you doing here?"

"Just thought I'll stop by."

"Oh okay.

"Are you okay; you seem kind of phased out by something?"

"Actually a couple of things happened earlier and I'm kind of trying to figure things out."

"Hmmm…you want to go for a walk?"

"What about Josh?"

"I actually came here to talk to you. My moms wanted you to come over again."

"Oh okay, lets go."

"So what happened?"

"Well it started yesterday; Dean and me kissed but it wasn't how I expected it to be, I feel like something is holding me back when I was with him, even though he's great and everything. And then earlier today, Kyle was asleep and he pulled me next to him and I fell asleep with him."

"Ouch."

"I know. I don't know what to do."

"Well…do you like Dean?"

"Yeah he's everything I need; he's supportive, funny, and he really cares for me."

"What do you feel for Kyle?"

"I don't know, I'm trying to let him go but when he does things like that, he makes me want to love him again, and I hate that. It makes me feel guilty to Dean because he's trying so hard for me."

"You're going to the dance with Dean, right?"

"Yup."

"Well why don't you wait it out, see how the dance goes and if you feel like you can truly be with Dean and trust him then choose him but if you still have lingering feelings for Kyle wait longer and see what happens."

"I guess."

"Jessi, everything will work out, okay so don't worry about it so much. Try to enjoy yourself while you can and if things get worse well you still have the Tragers and me behind you."

Jessi smiled. "Thank you Andy."

"No problem."

Jessi and Andy arrived at her house and Jessi stayed there for most of the night talking with her about favorite movies, authors, music, and love, everything that came to mind at the time.

"I'm so happy I didn't end up moving." Andy announced.

"Why's that?"

"Because then I wouldn't have ended up getting to know you better, it's funny cause at first I was intimidated by you only to find out that you act just like every other girl."

"Did you think different?"

"Well you're always so calm and collected. It was kind of difficult to talk to you. But actually you're probably one of the best girlfriends I've ever had."

"You haven't had many girls to just talk to?"

"No, not really."

"It's cool knowing that I have someone like you, you know that's not my moms."

"Well then let's continue to be friends." Jessi smiled.

"Yeah."

Jessi ended up going home late again but not as late as she did the previous two nights. She found her anxious feelings had disappeared when Andy had given reassurance that everything would be okay in the end. Jessi hated string Dean along like Kyle had done to her not so long ago. I need to figure out what it is I need and what it is I want. Kyle feelings towards me at this point are unclear but that doesn't mean my have to be. I know my feelings for Kyle will take time to change and I can't expect more of Dean then I have. I need to be more independent and find out who I want to spend all my time with. Jessi got home and thought about everything that had happened the past couple weeks, she was still at that crossroad, still stuck between Kyle and Dean, she had release the pain of Kyle's denial but a new pain was now there in it's place, knowing that Dean was too deep in for any result not to hurt him a little. It killed her that she wasn't able to protect him the way he had for her.

If I don't figure things out then this pain will continue forever, so I have to choose even if that chose means giving up one future forever.


Thursday:

Jessi woke up thinking of Dean, I wonder if I'll be able to talk to him today. He seemed like he had something important to tell me yesterday morning. Jessi rose and remembered her conversation with Andy and just followed whatever her heart told her.

After much need tea, Jessi felt fully awake and decided it was time to get ready. After that Jessi walked downstairs to find Lori waiting for her.

"Hey, what's up?"

"Did something happen?" Lori asked. "With you and Kyle?"

"Nothing important." Jessi said was a small smile.

"Good."

Jessi's phone rang, she answered to hear Dean on the other line. "Hey."

"Hey, is something wrong?"

"Yeah I'm not going to be able to make it today."

"Oh did something happen."

"I have to visit my mom today so Aaron will be there in a little bit to pick you and Lori up okay?"

"Yeah that's fine. But where is your mom's hospital?"

"Western Mental Hospital."

"Do mind if I come with you?"

"Do you want to?" He asked shocked at Jessi's question.

"Yeah I do, is that okay?"

"Umm…yeah its fine…thank you Jessi."

"Its fine, what time will you be here?"

"Around 8:00."

"Kay, I'll be ready for you."

Aaron arrived shortly afterwards taking Lori with him. Declan came and got Josh and Kyle. Then finally around 8:00 Dean arrived, him and Jessi headed to Western in complete silence, no real conversation between them. When they got there Jessi noticed how tense Dean seemed about getting here, they went inside the hospital where the orderly led them to Dean's mom.

She's a mess but Jessi could see the distress and knew that if she wasn't emotionally unstable then she would probably be a fascinating woman. There were no security guards and a wide window that showed the beautiful landscape yet Dean was still tense.

"Hey mom, it's me again, I've brought a friend this time. Her name is Jessi."

His mom, Christine, made no movement; it was like she didn't even recognize their presence. She just continued looking out the window thinking of nothing in particular. She had dark brown hair like Dean but with dark brown eyes that looked foggy. Jessi felt pressure on her hand and looked to see that Dean had grabbed it and she felt his tense fill her.

"Dean."

"Huh?"

"Why don't you go to the restroom real quick and get your self together."

"Will you be okay with her alone?"

"Yeah of course."

Dean left, leaving her and his mom together alone with out any security or cameras or anybody else around. Jessi went around the table and sat down across from his mom. Jessi reached forward uncertain at first but soon grasped his mom's hands, a gasp escaped her, time slowed as Jessi gazed into his Christine's head seeing feeling the tortured mind, the deeper Jessi got the more tangled she felt finally finding Christine in the deepest part. The solitude had chipped her mind away slowly but Jessi knew she could return if she helped her, knowing that she was wrong in doing this, she grabbed Christine's arm and attempted to pull her forward.

"Who are you?"

"I'm a friend of Dean's, I'm here to help."

"You can't help me, it's too late."

"But what of your son and daughter is it too late for them? You are too willing to give up and escape while Dean and Alexandra are suffering, will you turn your back on them forever as you've done these past months?"

"What do you know of my pain?"

"Nothing, I have felt pain before but never on your level yet but your children deserve much better then what have you given them, if not for your own sanity do it for the two that have cared for you so much to continue coming here for you."

"…Will it hurt?"

Jessi smiled "Of course it will, but everything gets easier over time."

Christine nodded slowly and the tangles released them both. Jessi released Christine's arm and was shot back into the wall behind her. Jessi got up feeling unbelievably weak at that moment. Damn it, I was in there for two long. Jessi thought as she wiped her bloody nose, she felt like a wrecking ball had hit her very hard. She felt hands around her.

"Are you okay?" A voice said concerned.

Jessi looked up to see Christine helping her up. "Yeah just really tired, I wonder what that was."

"Thank you."

"Huh?"

"You helped me."

"What are you talking about?"

"I felt your presence and suddenly I was pulled out of that hole." Jessi looked confused. "Don't worry I won't tell a soul. Your name is Jessi correct?"

"Yeah" Jessi felt uncertain of what just happened.

"I'm Christine; it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Mom!" A shocked voice said. "Did you just talk?!"

Jessi look around the woman to see Dean standing there shocked and confused. The women stood. "Dean."

"You…you can recognize me?"

"Yes, Dean I'm so sorry, I've been a pathetic mom these past few months. Could you ever forgive me?"

Dean said nothing he just went forward and hugged her. Jessi stood up leaning against the wall for support she was going to feel this for awhile. Dang it, Kyle's going to know something's wrong. Not really hearing the words that Dean and his mom we're saying knowing that she probably shouldn't hear this reunion anyways she felt her mind drift in and out.

"Jessi are you okay?"

"Not really, I feel kind of sick, do mind taking me home?"

"Uh…" He seemed unsure.

"After we get your mom out of here of course, I'll go wait in the car for you guys to clear this up." Jessi said with a smile knowing what was on Dean's mind.

"Thank you."

Jessi headed to the car, not really sure how she got all the way there. She opened the back seat and collapsed when she made it inside. She felt her whole body trembling from the amount of energy she used getting into Christine mind, this was worst, much worst then anything Taylor have her do, and she knew that if she didn't get home soon she would pass out in Dean's car. Moments later Dean and Christine arrived to a seemly happy Jessi who was nodding off to sleep, Jessi heard them talk but her mind couldn't grasp the words it was as if everything was creepy off to unconsciousness. They arrived at Jessi's house soon enough.

"Jessi are you okay?" Jessi heard Dean's worried voice

"Yeah I think I just didn't get enough sleep." Jessi mumbled back. She managed to get out of the car where Christine and Dean walked her to the front door.

"Jessi thank you for everything, I'm happy to have gotten the opportunity to meet you." Christine said.

"It was nothing, I'm happy as well." Jessi said with a smile.

"I'll see you later Jessi." Dean said not noticing how different Jessi was at that moment because of his overwhelming happiness at his mother's return. Jessi just smiled and hope they bought it. She turned and went inside; she found that it was only 10:30 am. Jessi knew that she wouldn't be able to stand much longer so she hurried to her bed, closed the door, threw off her shoes and crawled into bed immediately falling asleep.

Kyle arrived home as usual at 2:30, he felt Jessi presence the moment he walked through the door but something felt wrong about it. He ran to her room and walked in, he found her dead asleep in bed. Something happened. I wonder what? I've never felt her worn down like this; she must have done something serious for this to have happened. Kyle touched her head and felt her presence stronger there but worried how long it would take for her to recover. He sighed bent down and kissed her forehead then left to tell Niccole that she wasn't feeling well so it would be best to let her sleep it off.


Hello, I got a lot down this time. Dean and Jessi kiss aww… Kyle begins to accept his feelings for her, Kyle and Jessi have a good moment in the tub, Jessi helps Dean's mom out, lots of stuff really happen her, I wasn't sure how I was going to bring Dean's mom in but I wanted it to be someone that Jessi heals even though it obviously takes a lot out of her, Christine's healing moment is crucial to the story so don't forget it. Another thing is I saw that most of the the characters had one on ones with Jessi so I wanted Josh to have his moment as well. Everything is going pretty smoothy, I am somewhat surprised at myself for being able to get it out so early, I thought it would take longer than that. Besides that point, I think I need a week to think over what step to take next, thank you for your reviews and sorry if feel that last day was somewhat rushed. My head has been full of WASL testing and Senioritis that I can't really think of anything else except that awaited day of graduation. So thanks again for reading, until next time. -Tina. :D