I don't own RFR, there admitting you have a problem is always the first step...

SHOUTING OUT TO:

Crizzy4RFR: LOL, no in a sense I was joking with you... because I too know what it is like to be "review girl," Reviews are a powerful things... I've made a lot of good friends on this site that way. Anyhow, I've been reviewing for years... just have never posted my own work til now, and I have a lot of catching up to do. Trust me I don't need some real, cruel "plot twist" to turn this story's tide... It's only almost half way posted now... There is enough between Lily and Ray to write a novel, I've just been one to try. Lol, anyway but in all seriousness it is an Honor for me to have your "insightful" presence on my review board. That is no JOKE at all... You always make me smile or laugh at myself, and my story.. That's a good thing. And as far as that line goes, it one of my personal favs too... It's fun to write about, but it hurts to experience.

Morei Sky: Thanks, I appreciate all you said. Travi-llama... I like that one too... And "FEET" well that one kind of came to me watching Lie vs. lie, when Parker says about Ray's T-shirt, "I think its funny and sweet." It kind of went from there. Yes, she could've had him... We know that, he knows that, but she doesn't yet. Lol, that's what makes this so much delectable fun.

lola5: I know lola, LOL... I was just toying with ya... I tend to do that sometimes... I have a twisted and complex sense of humor... just ask Crizzy. You're fun... you really are... I'd like to "let you talk,"and you can always say more than just "Hi" to me. I know you aren't "Speechless."

Freshman19: Thanks Freshie... I do try. I haven't been around here long... but I'm gonna try to make people forget that. LOL, Rally had to do it again... like she seldom has before... LOL.

Hey, for future reference.. The next chapter will be a LONG one... expect it. It's been hard to divi up my story and find proper breaking points... because it all kind of flows in together. Anyhow, for now... Let's just pick up from where I left off...

Funny, how she and Ray both worked so hard to let things "change" while keeping them the "same," so they wouldn't risk the friendship. Look how well that turned out for them... Seems that, Not risking anything was the biggest risk of all.

'Damn, I can't believe this! What more does he want from me?'

'God, haven't I suffered through enough tonight? This is too much...'

Exasperated, Lily asks, "Ray, what are you doing here?"

Ray looks up, hurt to see how Lily watches him like a stranger, he just never thought it would come to that.

He's shocked into honesty.

"I'm here, probably for the same reason you are... I just wanted to be. I had to, almost like it was the right thing to do. You know what I mean? Sometimes this is the only place I can run to that feels right..."

"I know what you mean, but there's one thing I don't get..."

"What's that Lil?"

"Well, I know what's making me run, I just have no idea what's making you..."

Her directness catches him off-guard. Her tone is one she seldom uses.

"Man Lil, I wish you'd just give me some credit."

"Now, why would I go around doing a stupid thing like that ?"

"Simple. Because you know me too well for anything less..."

"Oh, Ray..."

Lily takes this paused opportunity to turn her head slightly away and blink back some stubborn stray tears, which escape from lock down. She's not sure why those few, simple words affect her so core-deeply.

Usually such a slight, semi-split second, movement would evade Ray's notice. But not tonight.

How could he have missed it before? Was she always this damn beautiful; he knows she must have been ... He's determined to notice everything about this girl in front of him. He's known her since before he was potty trained, yet she still is brand-new to him. Rediscovering her in every way possible is his ultimate goal in life. They should make a course of study for it... Lily:101.

That would be a class he would actually stay awake in.

"Lily, you should know that I..."

"Yes, Ray I should know that you..."

"That I... I... I... Achoo..."

"You achoo? Oh, I mean God, bless you! Not that you deserve it ..."

Lily moves close enough to playfully punch Ray in the arm, finally noticing her fist is all cold and wet.

"Ray, look at yourself... You got caught outside in the storm... You're all soaked and freezing!"

'I can't believe I'm about to say this...'

"Ray, why don't you get out of that sweater and shirt before you get pneumonia and catch your death?"

'I can't believe she just said that...'