Several hours had passed and Debbie had finally dragged herself off the floor and ran herself a hot bath, where she had been soaking herself for almost an hour and a half. She glanced at her pruney fingers, her face showing no expression, before resting her head back to stare at the ceiling, her tearful eyes falling on a dusty cobweb.

What the fuck have I done? she thought to herself. She couldn't believe she had let the best weekend she had had in months completely fall apart. Why did she lose it like that? She had no right to treat Jasmine that way. It was all playing out over and over in her head, like some unknown being possessed a remote control for her brain and was rewinding to all the worst parts. Turning up the volume for maximum effect when she saw Jasmine's face, and hearing her as she cried - then when it came the part where Jasmine seemed most crushed - it would pause and zoom in on her face.

''Because I'm a bitch.' she muttered, answering her own question, her voice cracking as she broke down again.

She was livid with herself for treating her friend like that, fully expecting Jasmine to never want to have anything to do with her ever again, and she wouldn't blame her.

'But she's a bloody girl!', she suddenly blurted out in exasperation, sliding down until her head disappeared under the surface of the water. She held her breath as she watched small bubbles rise up while thoughts continued to meander through her mind. After twenty-four long seconds, Debbie could hold her breath no more and her head eventually shot back up as she took a big gasping breath, pawing her hands down her face wiping the streams of water away from her eyes.

You're so full of shit. Since when have you ever given a crap about what people think? Never. With the life she'd had, she'd stopped being proud a long time ago. Never letting anything that anyone said about her, get in the way of what she wanted. No - Jasmine being a girl was a feeble excuse and she knew it.

She also knew that someone truly amazing had walked into her life - and it scared her to death.

Let someone in and you give them the power to hurt you, she thought again - her philosophy in life - but she was hurting now, possibly hurting more than she had ever hurt before and Jasmine hadn't even done anything. This was her own doing. She'd sabotaged their friendship to save herself from this kind of pain, pushing Jasmine away before she got too attached. What a joke. She became attached that first day they met, but now she'd gone and messed everything up, just like she always did - hurting herself and hurting Jasmine in the process.

Jasmine. Her mind was still on loop, hearing her friend's voice in her mind, begging her to not leave things this way. Tears welled up once again in her eyes. How could I have done that to her? How could I have been so fuckin' cold? As the sound of Jasmine's sobbing continued to echo in her mind, she placed her head on her knees, hugging them close to her.

'I'm so sorry.' She whispered, crying again for what seemed like the hundredth time that day.

---

Debbie finally noticed that she was shivering - the water having cooled a long time ago. Reluctantly she climbed out of the tub, wrapping a towel around her toned frame before making her way to the bedroom.

Looking at the bed they'd shared last night, Debbie paused as she pictured Jasmine as she had been merely hours ago. She walked over to the side in which she had been lying and reached out for the pillow they had playfully fought with. Picking it up, she held it to her face, hugging it slightly, allowing the scent to wash over her. Catching herself, she threw it back on to the bed and started to rant.

'Fuckin' look at ya! Actin' like some lovesick teenager! You met her twice for God's sake. Two soddin' times!'

She punched out at the wardrobe before leaning her forehead against it, banging her head once out of frustration. She cursed her emotions for pining for what she had lost - cursed her heart for wanting the one thing her head wouldn't allow and cursed her head for ruining the best thing that had ever happened to her.

Half in a daze, Debbie grabbed a nearby pair of jeans, threw on her pink hoodie that had been lying about and haphazardly tied up her hair as she made her way downstairs and flicked on the kettle.

Slumping against the kitchen counter waiting for it to boil, her eyes were drawn to something on the coffee table. Walking over, she saw that it was the book Jasmine had been reading the day they met, 'Emma'. She sat on the couch and reached out, softly running her fingers across the cover, as though it was a precious artifact. Jasmine must've forgotten it in her rush to leave.

Picking it up, she flicked though the pages until she reached the pages which had been marked by a dog-eared envelope. Sitting back she started to read, trying her best to make sense of the classic style of writing, but after several minutes she gave up, not following it at all. It was better when Jasmine read it to me, she thought. Jasmine seemed to have a way of making everything make sense. She went to put the envelope back in its place when she saw Jasmine's name - and more importantly - her address. Her eyes danced over the lines of writing, and up to the post mark, taking note of the date - it was recent enough. Her stomach flipped when the thought came to mind.

Jumping up she grabbed her trainers, quickly shoving her sock-less feet into them as she hopped about trying to locate her keys. Quickly retrieving the book, she grabbed her black gilet and threw it on as she dived out of the house.

Maybe she could put things right.

---

It was getting dark now when a car turned into Lincoln Road - Jasmine's road. A the car slowed down, the driver peered out, trying to make out the numbers of the houses, a task made harder by the relentless rain that had started bucketing down half way into her journey.

Ten, twelve, fourteen and there, as her butterflies returned once more, she saw number sixteen, Jasmine's home. Debbie sat there for a while as she went over what she was going to say. She had been rehearsing it the whole way there - how sorry she was for how she had treated her, that she'd been totally out of order and if she could see it in her heart to possibly forgive her.

She tried to picture what Jasmine might be doing right now, wondering if she was okay, or –

Her eyes squeezed shut as an onslaught of memories attacked her.

'Please don't do this Deb, don't make me leave like this.'

'...bye Debbie.'

How would she react to seeing her? Would she be pleased or slam the door in her face? I would probably do the latter if it were me, she thought. She took a deep breath as she reached for Jasmine's book, holding it tightly in her shaking hands as though drawing strength from it. She wasn't going to lose Jasmine now, not without a fight, she was going to fix this mess she had created and she tucked the book into her gilet and zipped it up as she psyched herself up one last time before making a bolt for Jasmine's front door.

Despite it not being a particularly long distance, she had gotten drenched. Great, what is it with us getting piss wet through? she thought once she reached the door. She hesitated for a moment before she gave a a loud confident knock, which was in total contrast to how she was really feeling inside. There was no answer so she knocked again, slightly louder. She started to wonder if she could possibly get any wetter and was just about to knock for the third time when the door was pulled open.

'Debbie?!'

------------------

They both stood there, not moving. Jasmine was in total shock at seeing Debbie on her doorstep, she was the last person she expected to see after what had happened earlier today. Debbie on the other-hand, was just dumb-struck at seeing Jasmine again and was completely unawares that a single tear had escaped and was rolling down her cheek, though it was lost in the myriad of raindrops that continued to trail down her face. She felt as though someone had just flicked a switch inside her and made everything that was once foggy, become crystal clear. She couldn't make herself speak other than a brief utterance of Jasmine' s name; so she just stood there, rooted to the spot, staring at her. Jasmine looked so tired, her eyes red and puffy and her heart ached knowing that she'd caused it. Everything she'd been rehearsing in her mind up to this moment had gone, her mind was blank - all except one name.

'Jasmine – ' and as Debbie spoke, she started to regain her ability to move and took a step towards her friend. Jasmine didn't move, she just looked up at her, questions filling her eyes, eyes that brimmed with unshed tears. Debbie's own eyes now locked onto them, searching them for the answers she so desperately needed. She took another step forward, never losing Jasmine's gaze, just waiting for a sign, waiting to see a flicker of understanding, something, anything, that reflected what she was feeling herself at seeing Jasmine stood before her – and then it came – it only lasted an instant, but she saw it. Jasmine's eyes flickered down to Debbie's mouth and she unconsciously licked her lip as her breath quickened. Seeing this Debbie found some words and taking one more step towards the girl she thought so much of, she took her hand and spoke.

'Someone once told me that the people we meet in our lives, we meet for a reason.'

'Deb–'

'I figured out what our reason is.'

Debbie looked down at the soft hand she was holding, running her thumb along it as she gathered her words. 'Jasmine, we met so you could teach me many things; like how to appreciate good music; how to take a step back and "smell the roses"; how to not drink so much that I can hardly walk...'

A smile emerged on Jasmine's face at these words, which upon seeing, Debbie momentarily allowed a half smile to form on her own face before growing serious again, feeling her emotions build to the point where she might not be able to get her words out at all. As another tear escaped, she looked Jasmine square in the eyes, taking a deep breath in order to say what she needed to say.

'To be honest, I-I have no idea what the hell you get out of meeting me Jasmine, but I know now without a doubt, that the main reason I met you, was so that I would finally learn to let myself - fall in love.'

With those last words, Debbie's voice finally cracked, succumbing to the raw emotion she was feeling. Jasmine could barely believe what she was hearing and didn't react at first, the shock being so great. Then as the words started to slowly sink in, tears fell from her own eyes and the corner of her mouth slowly turned upwards.

With agonising slowness, Debbie leant in towards her friend, eyes still locked until she was so close they could feel each other's breath – Jasmine didn't pull away. With her eyes now closed, she waited for Debbie's touch, but before it came she heard a ghost-like whisper.

'I love you.'

Debbie was so close to her that Jasmine could feel the words as much as hear them, and despite being barely that above a whisper, she heard them with such force, a force that threatened to overcome her. Debbie closed the gap between them and their lips finally met as Debbie gave her the sweetest kiss. Feeling the younger girl start to respond, the older girl's body felt weak as more tears formed in her eyes, realising that what her heart had been hoping for was finally coming true. Her head may have won the battle earlier that day, but her heart came through and won the war, and she had never felt such elation.

Her hands buried themselves into Jasmine's hair as she pulled the girl deeper into their kiss and at the same time, Jasmine's hands reached out for her, gripping on to her hoodie, pulling her closer. Without breaking their kiss, Debbie pushed forwards leading Jasmine backwards into the house and blindly searched behind her for the door, pushing it to. Feeling Debbie's hands round her once again, Jasmine now propelled Debbie backwards against the door, slamming it shut in the process and pressed her body into her friend's as their kissing slowed, lips tenderly brushing against the other's, tongues tentatively exploring, pouring every last drop of love and devotion into their kiss. Debbie whispering to Jasmine in between caresses.

'Jas. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry.'

'Shh.' Jasmine whispered back, kissing Debbie softly before pulling back to look in the girl's eyes. Her heart going out to her as she saw the tears falling down her face, as they were falling down her own. Reaching up, she gently kissed them away. 'What are we going to do with you, Debbie Dingle?' She cupped her face and kissed her forehead before resting her own against it. Debbie softly rubbed her nose against Jasmine's, causing the younger girl to giggle slightly. 'You're just a big softie when it comes down to it aren't you?'

'Only with you.' Debbie replied with absolute sincerity, her voice now slightly hoarse. Giving Jasmine a warm smile, she leant in kissing the tip of her nose.

Jasmine claimed her lips once again for a slow and lazy kiss and as Debbie pulled her in close, she suddenly stopped and pulled back, confusion showing on her face.

'What's wrong?' Debbie asked, as concern set in, she couldn't have changed her mind already?

Jasmine looked down at Debbie's chest and reached for the zip on the taller girl's body-warmer, slowly pulling it down until she came across the book that nestled there and laughed.

'God, I wondered what that was.'

Reaching in and removing it, she flicked through the pages until she came to the envelope marking her page. She now had the answer to the question she hadn't even had time to think of yet. How had Debbie known where she lived? She grinned when she saw the coy smile on Debbie's face.

'Right borin' book that. Needs some car chases or somethin'.' Debbie quipped.

Jasmine chuckled at this and quirked an eyebrow as she teased her, 'In the early 1800s?'

'Ok, it needs some horse and cart chases then.' she retorted, not to be out-done. Jasmine simply smirked and looked Debbie up and down.

'Jesus – you look like you swam here.' There was a twinkle in her eye, at having echoed Debbie's own words. 'C'mon you,' she continued, 'we need to get you out of those wet clothes, you'll catch pneumonia at this rate.' and she took Debbie's hand and lead her into her home and up to her room.

---

After the initial embarrassment when Debbie admitted she hadn't been wearing anything underneath her hoodie and jeans, they dug out a pair of Jasmine's pyjama bottoms and a vest top for her to wear and were now sitting cosily on the couch together in front of the fire, with hot mugs of tea.

'Feeling better now?' Jasmine asked as she blew on her tea before taking a cautious sip.

'Yeah, much less squelchy.' Debbie replied, gently smiling. 'Thanks.'

Jasmine looked over at the pink hoodie hanging over the radiator, it was the same one Debbie had been wearing in the photograph and that had been in her dream, the dream where something had been 'missing' she mused. Even her dreams were trying to tell her what she wanted, how could she have been so blind? Smiling to herself at the thought, she looked back over to Debbie, seemingly deep in thoughts of her own as she ran her thumb along the rim of her cup.

Jasmine placed her hand on Debbie's knee, lightly stroking and Debbie's eyes raised to meet her own. They suddenly looked so sad.

'How can you forgive me for how I treated you Jas?'

Jasmine's stomach churned at seeing Debbie still beating herself up about earlier. Setting their mugs down she shifted herself so she was now sat facing Debbie, her head resting against the back of the sofa as she gave her her full attention. She reached out to cup Debbie's face, softly stroking her cheek.

'Debbie, you're my best friend. how could I not forgive you? Ok, so we've known each other barely five minutes when you think about it–'

'Exactly!' Debbie interrupted, 'We've known each other for such a small amount of time and you can still forgive me for being such a bitch to you? Why?'

'Yeh, we've not known each other long and we have a lot to learn about each other still,' she said giving Debbie a wry grin, 'but I feel like I know you - like I have always known you - and,' she paused, running her thumb along Debbie's perfectly sculpted cheek bone, '–I love you,' and she smiled warmly at her friend, '–ya stupid cow.' She added with a shy laugh.

But Debbie didn't laugh - she just sat and looked at Jasmine for the longest time as she took in the words Jasmine had spoken and without warning she leant in giving Jasmine a searing kiss, causing a small moan to escape Jasmine's lips in surprise and delight as her friend lavished such loving attention on her lips. Hearing this seemed to escalate Debbie's want and she gently pressed her weight against the other girl, easing her backwards until she was now lying on top of her. They continued their tender kisses as their bodies were now firmly pressed together, both wanting to feel as close as possible to the other girl. Debbie started to graze her lips against Jasmine's cheek, moving along her jaw line until she reached just below the younger girl's ear, gently raking her teeth along the soft skin, whispering to her.

'It's crazy just how much I love you.'

She continued to lay more kisses along her neck and collarbone, occasionally teasing Jasmine's skin with her tongue until she finally laid her head on Jasmine's chest, where she could feel the warm, exposed skin below her cheek and nuzzled into it. They lay together quietly as they shared the most intimate of embraces, Jasmine wrapped her arms around the older girl and lazily ran her hand up and down Debbie's back.

After a while Debbie's quiet voice broke the silence. 'I was scared.'

Jasmine didn't speak, she realised that Debbie was doing something incredibly rare indeed, she was opening up, she gave her a reassuring squeeze and decided to just let her talk.

'That's why I lashed out. I'm not excusin' what I did, I just–I was scared of you, well of us, of this. I knew there was somethin' between us the day I met you and when you came to stay with me we just grew even closer and it scared me because I've never let anyone get this close to me, never let anyone in. I was too afraid of being hurt - of being left again. People always leave me Jas.'

Jasmine could feel teardrops fall against her skin and gently kissed the top of the older girl's head and reached up to gently stroke her hair as she continued.

'I've always had to look out for myself and I learned to live with that, but I got to the point where I wasn't goin' to let anyone hurt me like that again and always kept people at a distance, I thought everythin' was just fine, I've got my own business, a house, I didn't need anythin' else – but then you came along – and turned everythin' upside down.'

Jasmine let a sad smile creep on to her face at Debbie's words - touched at the impact she'd had on the other girl's life - but sad that Debbie seemed to believe that she had to soldier on through life without anyone.

'I was really confused by the feelings I was havin' - I really liked you, well, loved bein' around you and – Jesus Christ, I missed you after we said goodbye that day Jas.'

This brought a light chuckle from Jasmine, knowing all too well what the girl must've been feeling that day, as she had felt the same sense of loss herself. Hearing Jasmine, Debbie smiled briefly in spite of herself.

'But that's what scared me, because deep down I started to realise how I felt went beyond bein' mates and that meant I'd try and push you away, like with everyone else - but I didn't want to - I wanted things to change with you, but it was all just tearing me up. I didn't wanna lose you Jasmine, but I was shit scared of what might happen, and well, then I just messed it up in grand Dingle style, didn't I?'

Jasmine smiled wryly at this. 'You didn't mess it up Debbie, you're here aren't you? We're here – together.' Reaching a finger down to Debbie's chin, she gently coaxed the girl's eyes up to meet her own. ' Deb – I swear, no matter what happens, you'll never lose me.'

She knew that was a big statement, considering the short length of time they'd known each other, but she had never believed in anything as much as she believed in the words that came out of her mouth at that moment..

Debbie gazed into Jasmine's eyes seeing a look she'd witnessed before. Her heart swelled as it all came back to her. It had been on top of the hill while listening to the music, as they watched the sunset. She had turned around to look at Jasmine, and came face to face with a look of such adoration and love. Thinking back to that moment and many other moments during the time they'd spent together, she suddenly felt so foolish. How could she have doubted how Jasmine saw their relationship? It had been so obvious – but that was the beauty of hindsight, she supposed.

She gently raised her head up again, her face now hovering over Jasmine's, eyes locked as she looked down at the girl who had stolen her heart. She dipped her head to gently place a kiss on her friend's forehead, followed by her left cheek, then her right and seeing Jasmine beaming back at her, her smile grew as she kissed the tip of Jasmine's nose, making the other girl chuckle at seeing Debbie's affectionate nature come to the surface.

'You soppy bugger.' The younger girl teased as she wrapped her arms around Debbie's neck.

Debbie grinned, a glint in her eye as she slowly leaned in towards Jasmine's terribly inviting lips and just as they were about to meet and Jasmine had closed her eyes expecting Debbie's soft touch, she squealed and burst into laughter as Debbie suddenly attacked her in an onslaught of tickles.

'Soppy bugger am I? She taunted, 'I'll give you "soppy bugger".' and tickled her again, laughing as the girl shrieked and wriggled beneath her.

---