AUTHOR'S NOTE: I took a few old lines from the original tv show, 'coz I don't really know Billie Holiday and I don't know what to say about here, so, to be safe, I referred to what Jessie and Katie said about her. Hope you guys don't mind. As for Ira, I know I introduced him as one of the main characters before, and there's this issue about his father being dead and him going back to Ithaca for his funeral. But if you guys remember, he didn't leave Manhattan at all. He was supposed to back to his hometown, but I changed my mind and decided to scrap his storyline which would have been about him facing his past and the bitterness towards his ex-girlfriend, Casey Vanderbilt Farrell. If I do include his story, this would probably take too long to write, so forgive me.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Carmen dela Pica Morales, Shane McCachen, Alice, Helena, Tina, Bette, Kit, and The Planet. I just borrowed them from the creators of The L Word. I don't own Serendipity either.

PART 5BTHE NAKED TRUTH

Katie spent most part of the day inside her workroom. Jessie tried reading but couldn't really focus. Katie's perfectly tanned body seemed to keep invading her thoughts. It stirred something inside of her that she still, from the moment she first saw Katie smiling at her at the airport until now, couldn't really fathom.

Was it desire? Maybe. But I'm straight! Jessie thought. Katie is definitely desirable, or should I say, more than desirable. She's too gorgeous, for a girl, that is. But she isn't the type Jessie imagined herself harboring uncontrollable urges with. DEFINITELY NOT. But what is this I'm feeling?

Jessie sighed. The answer she was looking for was vague. And she couldn't deny the truth that she likes Katie. In fact, she likes her TOO MUCH. And she actually had been looking forward to this shopping spree with her. Why does Chris have to be here tonight? Jessie threw the book she was reading (or not really reading) at the direction of her bedroom door. When she glanced at her bedroom clock, it was almost three. She jumped out of bed. Time to prepare!

Both Jessie and Katie were quiet on their way to Katie's SUV. Katie still felt too embarrassed about what happened at their living room that morning. Jessie, meanwhile, felt as embarrassed as her for causing the collision. It wasn't intentional, but actually had considered slamming herself onto Katie again next time on purpose, surprising herself. Her thoughts are becoming wilder and wilder lately, all of which involves a certain gorgeous brunette...

Jessie shook herself out of her daydreams, forcing Katie's naked image our of her mind and focused her attention to the fact that she doesn't really swing THAT way. She had always been straight. It's weird, feeling like this around Katie.

Katie started her SUV, wondering what Jessie had been thinking 'coz she had been staring at space since they left the apartment. She wanted to talk to her, but didn't really know what to talk about. She doesn't know anything about her, well, except that she's an intern and wants to become a pediatric surgeon, and that Jessie's father married Grace's mother. She did finish her medical degree in Harvard University. And her boyfriend's name was Chris.

Shit... Katie cursed in her head, upon remembering Christopher Woodward from the conversation this morning. To break the silence, and to hide her bête-noir towards this guy she hasn't even met, Katie turned the cd player on which immediately played Billie Holiday's song, 'God Bless the Child'. Noticeably, a smile creeps through Jessie's sweet face.

After a few seconds of listening, Jessie couldn't help herself anymore. She started to sing along with the singer, to Katie's surprise.

Wow... Katie was captivated by Jessie's voice again.

Katie stopped at the red light. Not being able to restrain herself from turning her head and look at Jessie anymore. She was mesmerized. Jessie kept singing, not realizing that Katie's eyes were actually fixed on her, until the car from behind them started honking scandalously. Katie was woken out of her stupor, and a faint blush colored her cheeks when Jessie finally met her gaze and realized she'd been gawking at her.

Katie then tried to act like nothing happened and put her SUV on the move again, and concentrated with her driving. She could feel Jessie's eyes on her, but she didn't dare throw a glance. She's had enough embarrassments in one day, which is far too much than she would have liked.

Why is this happening to me now? Katie didn't understand why she unconsciously acts like an idiot whenever she's around Jessie, and that isn't making her look good.

"I didn't know you like Billie Holiday." Jessie finally spoke.

"I didn't know you SING Billie Holiday. That makes us even." Katie smiled, still not throwing a glance at Jessie.

"I guess." Jessie chuckled.

"Do you know why I like Billie Holiday?"

"Why?" Jessie asked in enthusiasm.

"She's enigmatic."

"Enigmatic?"

"Mysterious... She makes you guess." Katie said with a voice so sexy, which to Jessie's astonishment, seemed natural to Katie.

"I really like her." She replied thoughtfully, unconsciously biting her lower lip at the sight of Katie's. She immediately looks away, intent on shooing the unfamiliar feeling building inside of her.

"You keep surprising me." Katie smiled.

"I do?" Jessie inquired, not having any idea on what Katie meant.

"I was definitely surprised when you walked into my workroom that morning."

"I'm sorry I didn't knock." Jessie smiled apologetically.

"Actually, I didn't really mind. It's just that you're the last person I expected to see." Katie saw the confused look at Jessie's face. "I mean, after seeing you at the airport, I didn't think I'd see you again... But I'm glad it was you." Katie turned again to look at Jessie and smiled.

"I guess I'm really just stereotypical, 'coz I was set to meet Grace's dorky, and socially withdrawn stepsister from Harvard as my new roommate, then you came and made me realize how wrong I was." Katie grinned. "You're definitely hotter than that." Katie grinned. Jessie's face turned deep red. "I really shouldn't be judging people on what I hear." Katie chuckled.

"Then you have this talent in singing that can absolutely make you a superstar. Forgive me, but I never thought you'd have a talent considering neither Zoe or Grace has one." Katie joked again.

After a passing a few red lights and laughs, they finally reached their destination. Jessie's not very choosy on clothes, but Katie was, causing them to spend a really long time trying to decide which ones to buy. It wasn't like Jessie's going to a black and while party. She was only there to buy a few clothes to wear in the next few days 'til the courier delivers her lost package. But Katie wasn't just going to let her buy anything. She practically dragged Jessie to each and every store, try every shirt and pants she could find, occasionally checking Jessie out. After paying for about twelve big bags of clothes, Katie finally gave up. Hungry, the two headed to 'Serendipity', a coffee shop not too far away from Bloomingdale's.

"So, how did you become friends with Grace?" Jessie asked Katie after being served with their order.

"We had a few same classes in highschool. We weren't really close back then. But we happen to run into each other at NYU one day, hang out a few times, realized that we had a lot of things in common, and we became close friends since. We rented an apartment together 'coz we both think that dorm rooms suck." Katie sipped from her cup of coffee.

"I think everyone does... Did you guys ever went out? If you know what I mean." Jessie asked, desperately curious to know the answer. Katie almost spit the coffee out of her mouth.

"Euuw, no!" Katie immediately grabbed a tissue and wiped her lips. Jessie realizes she was ogling Katie's lips again, so she forced her eyes to look away.

"Why are you so disgusted?" Jessie laughed.

"Because Grace and I are good friends."

"What, you're not allowed to date your friends?" Jessie asked incredulously.

"You can, if you HAVE feelings for them." Katie locked her eyes with Jessie to make her point. "Besides, she's not really my type."

"So, what's your type?" Jessie held Katie's gaze, not blinking once. Her lips curling flirtatiously, daring Katie to answer.

Before Katie could make a decision whether to answer Jessie's question or not, something, or rather someone, covered her eyes, and next thing she knew, a pair of soft lips crashed with her own.

"Mmph." Katie didn't have much time to react, but tried her best not to part her lips for the unwelcome intruder. Meanwhile, Jessie sat opposite her, stunned. When the audacious kisser finally pulled away, Katie realized who it was.

'Kaitlin Saunders." Katie uttered the name without much enthusiasm at all. Jessie heard the name and stared wide-eyed. Top model Kaitlin Saunders?

"Nice to see you too, Katie." Kaitlin said sarcastically, after detecting the lack of interest in Katie's voice. She completely ignored the blond sitting right opposite Katie, and simply refused to know what the girl was doing there.

"So..." Katie cleared her throat, feeling uneasy about the current situation she was in.

"You just disappeared." Kaitlin said sternly.

"I'm sorry... I never had the chance to say goodbye. I didn't want to wake you." Katie forced a smile, trying to be pleasant despite the fact that Kaitlin was starting to irritate her. Jessie curiously shifted her eyes between the two.

"You never called after that." Kaitlin crossed her arms.

"Our phone line was broken, and I lost my celphone. I'm really sorry." Katie tried to avoid looking at Kaitlin's eyes, but was forced to look up when she heard her former lover let out a sarcastic laugh.

"Are you trying to ditch me, Singer?" Kaitlin narrowed her eyes on her.

Katie didn't answer. She just stared down at her coffee. Calm yourself and keep your mouth shut. You know better, Singer, after that crazy drummer from last year tried to kill you with an instrument! God, why couldn't she just throw the sticks?! Katie thought while trying to refrain herself from arguing with Kaitlin. She really really hurt herself, literally, after she broke up with that up and coming musician. She thought she was doing the girl a favor by being honest, but boy, she was wrong. The girl practically lost her mind and threw one of her drums at Katie and hit her by the head, she was knocked unconscious. Thank God Tad came with her and managed to restrain the girl. Katie got a few stitches, and decided not to press charges, over Tad's protests. He insisted that the girl should be locked at a prison somewhere, or better, at a mental asylum. But Katie convinced her bestfriend that it was her fault anyway. She never saw the drummer since.

And now, here she is, with another possibly psychotic one night stand. She looked around, making sure there was nothing too dangerous that Kaitlin could grab in case she decides to hit her. Well, she has a really big purse in her right hand...

Katie sat alert in her seat, ready to dodge any blunt object, any time.

"I see you've brought your newest conquest along." Kaitlin finally acknowledge Jessie's presence. Jessie didn't make any effort to correct her. However, she was trying to prevent herself from pulling the model's hair and throw her in the other end of the room. Her bitchiness is getting to her.

"Kaitlin..." Katie finally spoke, not wanting to involve Jessie in this. Kaitlin then moved closer to Jessie and leveled her face with hers.

"Want to be a hero? Make her fall really hard, then break her heart. You'll be doing the female population a big favor." Then, Kaitlin strode off after giving Katie one last glare.

Jessie and Katie fell into silence before one of them spoke again.

"Bitter, huh?" Jessie said, referring to Kaitlin.

"I'm sorry about that." Katie sighed.

"That's okay."

"No it's not... I mean, I know it's my fault. I really should have called or at least said goodbye. But I didn't. I don't do that, that's why I don't do relationships. And it's unfair."

"Come on Katie, don't blame yourself."

"Well, it is MY fault. I purposely use people for my own pleasure, and that's really selfish of me." Katie paused. "I really want to find someone, you know. Everytime I go home with some random girl, I feel like, 'hey, this is it, I think this is going to work, she's really nice, blah blah blah', but then I wake up, disillusioned, and realize that I don't really want to be there with that person." Katie sighed again.

"You'll never stop until you find that connection with someone." Jessie said knowingly.

"Will I ever find it? Or her?" Katie looked up to meet Jessie's eyes. "What if I've been too scared and didn't realize that I already found her, broke her heart, and let her go? How would you even know if you've found that person already? Do I have to watch out for signs?" Katie asked seriously, and was surprised when a smile broke at Jessie's face.

"There are no signs, Katie, you just feel it."

"Feel how?"

"Feel here." Jessie lifted her right hand and reached across the table, her hand stopping dangerously at Katie's left chest just above her heart. Katie looked down at Jessie's hand, pressed firmly on top of her heart. Her heart was now pounding like hell, and she was sure Jessie could feel it. Jessie then slowly withdrew her hand.

Meanwhile, at the Coffee Park... Tad and Grace were inside the office, cuddled at the black leather couch. Grace had been telling Tad about what happened that morning and Tad couldn't stop himself from laughing after hearing the story about how Katie's towel fell of her body. As Grace continued on, Tad frowned.

"Wait, you invited Joanna Franco to join us at The Tavern tonight? Honey, are you feeling okay?" Tad felt Grace's forehead but Grace slapped his hand.

"Of course I'm okay."

"You don't like her."

"So?" Grace frowned. She pulled a bit away from Tad so she could look at his face.

"So, why did you invite her?"

"Well, Jessie's not going, and I don't want Katie to go stag and pick another random girl tonight, so, she might as well be better with Joanna, right?" After saying that, Tad looked at her in confusion.

"What?" His face contorted even more.

"I need to get a reaction from Jessie." Grace finally confessed.

"From Jessie?" Tad needed to make sure he heard his fiancee right.

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"I think she likes Katie." Grace said as a matter of fact. Tad's jaw drops.

"You do realize that you're never good at the matchmaking thing, right? And besides, Jessie with Katie? Are you sure you're not sick, honey?" Tad asked and Grace elbowed him. "Aww!"

"Jessie will be good for Katie, and Katie will be good for Jessie."

"So I was right? You're setting them up?" Tad was still wincing. Grace nodded. "But Jessie has a boyfriend and she's straight."

"Don't you ever wonder why she went to guys after guys and never really been serious with anyone? Or why she never cries after a break up? Jessie gets rid of them as fast as she can!" Tad didn't look convinced at what Grace had just said. It doesn't justify anything.

"It was just an idea at first. But when I've seen they way Jessie looks at Katie, I thought maybe it was worth a shot." Grace said excitedly.

"The way Jessie looks when? When Katie was naked? Everybody would have the same look on their face if they happen to see anyone naked in the most improper place and time."

"I was talking about the way she looks at Katie; when we eat, when we watch tv, when we're on the car. You can see it in Jessie's eyes."

"See WHAT?" Tad couldn't understand Grace. She was speaking in riddles.

"The shine in her eyes, and the different smile in her face." Grace smiled.

"I think you've been watching too much soap." Tad kissed Grace on her forehead. Then, Grace stared at her fiance.

"Don't you want them to be together?"

"Well, I want to see Jessie happy, and of course, she'd be good for Katie. But I don't think Katie would be good for her." Maybe that's what Tad had said, but actually, he meant it the other way around. Katie would be good for Jessie, but I don't think Jessie would be good for Katie. But he didn't say it out loud to avoid an argument with Grace.

Tad loves Katie, he really does. But he doesn't think that setting her up with Jessie is a really good idea. For one, Katie might actually break Jessie's heart in the end if Jessie gives her the opportunity to. But in the end, he doubted that. The fact that Katie had actually chased after Jessie as soon as seeing her at the airport without knowing who she was, and after sketching Jessie's eyes on table napkin over and over again just to get it perfect, he somehow felt that Katie could be tamed. Jessie could be THE ONE. Hell, he saw the same 'shine' Grace must have been talking about, in Katie's eyes as she talked about how much she wanted to find Jessie before. Tad would have been okay with that, and he'll be happy for them. But there was one thing that scares her more than Katie breaking Jessie's heart: Jessie could be the one who will actually break Katie's heart. And he has a feeling that Jessie will.

So, Jessie and Katie finished shopping, had coffee at Serendipity, and when Jessie looked at her watch, it was only 5pm, which means she still has a lot of time to do other things. Katie was about to start her SUV when Jessie spoke.

"What are you doing?" Jessie asked, a frown plastered in her face.

"Uh, driving?" Katie answered incredulously, wondering why Jessie was asking the obvious.

"Your seatbelt." Jessie pointed just above Katie, motioning for her to reach for it and buckle herself up. Katie snickered in amusement. "What?"

"What are you, sixty years old?" Katie giggled even more and started the SUV. They are on the move again.

"Buckle up." Jessie's voice was commanding.

"No." Katie smiled.

"I said buckle up. I've seen vehicular accidents, Katie, it can be unpleasant." Jessie said seriously.

"We're not gonna get into an accident, Jessie. I'm a good driver, and besides, I can't move with that seatbelt." Katie grinned. Jessie was acting like a mother and she sounded really amusing.

After contemplating for a moment, Jessie leaned over and reached out for Katie's seatbelt, her hand brushing over her left shoulder, and her face stopping a few inches away from Katie's right cheek. Katie froze. She could feel Jessie's warm breath on her face. Her breathing hitched, and her hands grew stiff, still gripping the steering wheel.

Jessie was surprised at her own brazenness, purposely stopping close enough to smell Katie's hair. Something was going on with her, inside of her that she couldn't explain. She had never felt it before. She had always been shy and reserved. But this time, not giving in to what she's feeling was driving her nuts. She needs to be close to Katie, as much as possible, in any way that she could. Her nose grazed Katie's right cheek, sending an unexplainable and definitely exciting feeling all over her spines. She could feel her blood rush through every vein in her body...

Katie was fighting the urge to turn her head and kiss her. It was so far, the hardest thing Katie had to do. But Jessie wasn't about to stop. She knew she doesn't want to. Being this close to Katie felt so good, it was crazy. Katie hadn't even touched Jessie and she was driving her insane already. Too intense.

Then Katie stepped on the brakes just in the nick of time, almost sending both of them crashing to the windshield when the SUV stopped in a screeching halt. Jessie went back to her seat, realizing how bold she had been. Katie let out the breath she had been holding, relieved that nothing bad happened to them. Grace would kill her if something bad happens to Jessie, that's if she survives the would-have-been crash.

Katie then fumbled with her seatbelt and buckled herself up, making sure that Jessie doesn't have a reason to lean over and do it again. Because next time, she might let herself get carried away.

Jessie sat unmoved in her seat, embarrassed for almost causing a deadly accident, and of the newfound nerves she never thought she had. And the overwhelming feeling that enveloped her heart was starting to scare her.

What am I doing? Jessie sighed.

"Do you---" They said at the same time after a while of silence. Then they both chuckled.

"You go first." Katie smiled.

"It's too early and I really have nothing much to do at the apartment. Do you want to go rent some dvd?"

"Sure." Katie steered the car to the right, heading to the nearest video rental shop she knew.

"So... What were you gonna say?" Jessie asked.

"I forgot." Katie turned her head to smile at her, not really bothering to recall what she intended to say, then focused on the road again. It wasn't long before they reached the video shop Katie was referring to. They were checking out the new releases when both of them heard a sexy female voice behind them.

"Katherine Singer." Both Jessie and Katie turned around at the same time. A smile creeps through Katie's face, and Jessie merely looked at the Latina standing in front of them. She was gorgeous.

"Carmen dela Pica Morales." Katie then give the other girl a hug. Jessie watched in apprehension, feeling insecure of the presence of the stunning girl. "How have you been?"

"I've had better days." Carmen replied thoughtfully. "You?"

"I get on fine."

"Just fine?" Carmen grinned, wiggling her eyes and throwing a look at Jessie who was standing like a log in front of her. Katie realized what Carmen was trying to say.

"Jessie, this is Carmen, and Carmen, this is Jessie, my ROOMMATE." Katie emphasized the roommate part, so Carmen would stop in her assumptions.

"Right." Carmen grinned mischievously, obviously not believing Katie. Katie and Jessie exchanged looks, Katie looking apologetically and Jessie just smiling in return.

"So... Do you paint?" Jessie assumed Carmen was a painter, or maybe a gallery owner, or else how could Katie and Carmen know each other? Unless her suspicions are correct, which will soon be confirmed.

"Let's just say that I'm not as talented as Katie, that's why she gets most of the girls. I'm a DJ."

"The BEST DJ in Los Angeles." Katie added, grinning at Carmen.

"Oh, don't believe her, that's just part of her charming act to victimize the girls and make them come to bed with her. I can't believe girls actually fall for that. Guys are supposed to be the stupid ones." Carmen said wickedly, then laughed. Jessie smiled politely.

"You met in LA?"

"Yeah. I was working at The Planet back then. It's this really great club at West Hollywood. Katie walked in and immediately swept me off my feet." Carmen joked, which got Jessie staring agape at them. Katie felt her face blushing again.

"Oh." Jessie said. Suspicions: confirmed.

"We only dated one time." Katie said defensively, then glared mockingly at Carmen. "I DIDN'T swept you off your feet." Carmen laughed again.

"No she didn't." Carmen smiled at Jessie, reassuring her that it was just a joke.

"But somebody else did." Katie looked at Carmen's eyes, and Jessie noticed how Carmen's shoulder fell. Carmen decided not to comment on that.

"She sort of helped me cheat on my girlfriend, after my girlfriend cheated on me. It was sort of a revenge thing." Carmen steered the conversation away.

"She used me." Katie joked with Carmen.

"Oh you enjoyed it." Carmen teased, which made Jessie feel a little uncomfortable. Carmen's smile widened upon seeing this.

"No I didn't." Katie replied indignantly. Carmen giggled in amusement. She had never seen Katie so whipped. Jessie wasn't sure how to react. Katie steered the conversation away from her, or Carmen might still find more ways to embarrass her.

"So, how's everybody? How's Alice coping? Helena was here in New York last week and I heard her mother cut her off financially."

"Well, Alice isn't fine, she doesn't talk about her feelings that much since Dana died. Helena's off their family's Peabody Foundation and is struggling to manage her movie studio with Tina's help. Jenny's in a new relationship and one of her stories is about to get published, Kit's pregnant, and Bette's been missing since she took their baby away from Tina. She could be on the other side of the world by now." Carmen sighed.

"I never imagined those two would ever break up." Katie replied in disappointment.

"Yeah... Bette and Tina were practically the poster girls of perfect relationship. I guess nothing's really what it seems."

"How's Shane?" Katie asked. As to who Shane was, Jessie has no idea, but she could see how close they are, and that was making Jessie feel more uncomfortable each moment. Carmen looked at Katie briefly.

"I don't know." She answered. Something went wrong, Katie knew it, and it has something to do with Shane. "It's been six months since I left Los Angeles." Carmen continued.

"You left The Planet?" Katie asked in disbelief. Carmen is popular in LA, and the gigs pay well.

"I wanted to stay because most of my friends are there... It's just hard... It's too painful to stay." Carmen was avoiding to look up at Katie or Jessie. She could feel her tears forming in her eyes.

"Carmen, what happened with Shane?" Carmen didn't answer immediately. She paused for a while, and swallowed an imaginary lump in her throat.

"She didn't show up at our wedding." Carmen looked up and her tears finally fell. Katie felt bad for her friend. Yes, she's friends with Carmen long before they even slept together, which only happened because of Carmen's anger towards Shane. Carmen is a wonderful person, and she couldn't imagine why someone would hurt her like that. She knew how much Carmen fought for Shane. Katie gave Carmen a hug.

Hinting that it was her turn to leave the two alone to talk, Jessie picked up a dvd and walked to the counter and paid for it.

Just to give you an idea, Katie is no different from Shane McCachen. They were two of the most unobtainable persons in the world. With Katie, people wouldn't know she's gay if you judge by her fashion sense. But with Shane, she has more spunk.

From the counter, Jessie watched as Katie tried to comfort her friend. Carmen obviously had been holding a lot of pain inside, and was now letting all out, with Katie's arms comforting her. She felt a sting of jealousy in her heart and looked away.

Think about Chris, think about Chris, think about Chris... Jessie told herself.

"Hey." She heard Katie's voice from behind her. When Jessie turned, she looked around.

"Where's Carmen?"

"She had to go. I would have invited her to watch the movie with us, but I don't think she's in the mood." Katie replied sadly.

"Is she okay?" Jessie asked in concern.

"I hope so." Before Katie could say 'let's go', they heard another voice coming from the counter, calling Katie.

"Hi Katie." Said the beautiful counter girl, smiling at her.

Does the string of gorgeous ex-girlfriends ever end? Jessie sighed in frustration.

After bumping with a few more ex's at the parking area, Starbucks, and Taco Bell (where they took out some pig-out food for the movie), they were finally able to go back to the penthouse apartment. It was unbelievable experience to meet eight of Katie's ex-girlfriends in New York (ONLY in New York, who else how many were there in California and Illinois), given a short period of time. That is one hell of a record to break.

How many more are there? Jessie wondered, suddenly feeling some sort of resentment towards those girls.

After setting up the player, and making sure that they have the pizza, Frappe, water, and tissues with them, they settled comfortably on the couch. Jessie had chosen to watch 'The Lakehouse'.

Katie and Jessie sat in the middle of the couch, a small space separating them. Katie sat stiff, her hands rested on her thighs, fighting the strong urge to pull Jessie into her arms and never let go. On the other hand, Jessie could feel her heart hammering in her chest.

Both were quiet as they watched the movie. You'd probably feel the tension if you were at the same room. Katie didn't really understand what was going on in the story. All she knew was that it includes Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. She was too distracted to focus, to distracted by sitting on the couch with Jessie beside her. Same with Jessie, it had been an hour since they started watching the movie and it's getting late. She should be getting ready 'coz Chris would be knocking on their door any minute now. But she couldn't even force herself to get up from the couch. She doesn't want to.

Without Katie realizing it, Jessie had let herself lean her head to her right, little by little, 'til it rested on Katie's shoulder. Katie was surprised. She turned her head, her nose meeting the smell of lavender in Jessie's golden hair. She didn't do anything to move away and let go of the good feeling that Jessie's proximity was giving her. She was absolutely loving the feeling of Jessie's head in her shoulder. Katie closed her eyes, breathed in more of Jessie, trying to record the fragrant smell in her brain.

Feeling Katie's breath on top of her head, Jessie let her lips form into a smile. She felt happy and contented just being here with Katie.

If only... Jessie sighed, and Katie heard her. This time, Katie didn't stop herself. She let her hand make its way to Jessie's hair, gently tucking the few loose strands just behind her left ear.

They were in that very comfortable position when the door swung open. Grace came in without warning. Looking like a pair of deer caught in headlights, Jessie and Katie suddenly jumped apart. It's not like they were doing anything wrong. But they definitely looked guilty. Now, they were on either sides of the couch, trying to act innocent.

Meanwhile, Grace stood by the door, looking at the two. She's isn't blind. Of course, she saw a glimpse of how the two were situated when she came in, and how guilty they looked right now. It was funny, seeing them avoiding her eyes and pretending they were so into the movie they were supposed to be watching. A wicked grin formed in Grace's lips. She then walked to the couch and sat between them, since there was so much space in the middle. And yes, she can definitely feel some tension going on there.

"So, what are you watching?" Grace inquired, but no one answered. Katie assumed she was talking to Jessie, and Jessie thought otherwise. Grace rolled her eyes upon not hearing any response from the two. "Katie?" She turned her head to Katie.

"The Lakehouse." Katie answered simply.

"Is it good?" Grace turned to face Jessie this time.

"Yeah." Jessie's response was even shorter.

"What's it about?" Again, nobody answered. "Guys?" Grace frowned.

"Uh, I have to go and get dressed." Jessie left the living room, totally not wanting to answer Grace's question, 'coz she doesn't know the answer. All those time she was sitting in front of the tv, she didn't really understand anything. She was physically there, but her mind had drifted away to this whole new different place.

Grace frowned. Then she turned to Katie, raising her right eyebrow. She waited for the answer that didn't come, 'coz Katie got up from the couch.

"I have to get dressed to. I'm picking up Joanna." Katie hurried to her own bedroom. She has no idea what to say about the movie either.

What's so hard about that question? Grace shook her head.

THE TAVERN...

Tad and Grace were already there when Katie and Joanna finally arrived. They were lucky to find a table at this really busy night. The bar was packed, so full of people, you had to fall into a really long line before you could get in. Thank God for Katie's and Grace's influence, they easily got in. After greeting each other, Katie and Joanna occupied the seats opposite Tad and Grace. Tad then purposely dragged Katie to the bar to get their drinks. Joanna and Grace were left in their table in silence.

"Do you really like Jessie?" Tad's question came out of the blue. Katie was dumbfounded. She didn't expect he'd bring up Jessie.

"What?" Katie stopped walking to face him.

"I just want you to know that I want you to be happy." Tad said, suddenly feeling that he's doing the right thing, which is supporting Katie in whatever plans she has.

"I know that... What's your point?" She heard him sigh. Tad paused for a while.

"I said things that I shouldn't have said. I didn't have the right to stop you or control you from doing whatever it is that you want to do. I was just... I was looking out for you." Tad looked sincerely at her, but still, Katie doesn't get his point.

"Is this still about Jessie?" Katie asked, and Tad nodded. "I thought I already said it's not gonna happen with her. Katie sighed.

"Maybe, but..." He trailed off, recalling that day Katie walked in at the Coffee Park really happy and giddy, sketching a pair of stunning eyes on a table napkin, intent on finding the girl whom those eyes belong to. He had never seen Katie happier. He continued.

"Life is a scary thing to go through alone. Everything is scary, it's cruel, it can cause you pain. I know you're scared, I am too. And sometimes, we tend to shut people out to save us the pain, but you know what? That's a risk we have to take, that's what LIVING is all about. We can't just run away from it. You can't stop living because you're too afraid of what can hurt you. Truth is, everyone will, you just have to decided who's worth the pain."

Katie stood staring at her bestfriend, trying to absorb the words he said. It was the longest, and probably the best advice he had given her. Tad rarely shows this sensitive side of his.

"Nice speech." Katie grinned, then proceeded to the bar and called the attention of the male bartender with just one wink. The bartender then ignored the call of the other customers and attended to Katie's needs first. When the bartender turned to get her order, she just had to shake her head.

Men... Katie sighed.

"It wasn't a speech." Tad sulked from behind her.

"Thanks... But it's still not gonna happen with Jessie, Tad. Forget it." The bartender finally came back and handed Katie her drinks. She handed two glasses to Tad, and carried the other two.

Grace and Joanna barely said a word to each other until and Tad and Katie got back with their drinks. The four didn't talk much. There was nothing to talk about. It was really awkward. Even the usually social Katie Singer didn't have much to say. Joanna kept talking anyway, telling Katie about her trip all over the country doing her play and the rave reviews they had. Grace just had to roll her eyes everytime. Tad had to glare at her a few times for being so obvious. After another ten minutes of silence, Tad asked Grace to dance, to Grace's relief, leaving Katie and Joanna alone at their table.

"You've been very quiet." Joanna finally took notice.

"I'm just tired."

"Do you want to go to my apartment?" Joanna said suggestively.

"I'm not really feeling very well. Can I just talk to you tomorrow?" She looked apologetically to Joanna. Joanna didn't believe her excuse, but didn't put up an argument anyway.

"I'm only staying for five days. After that, I'll be touring Europe to perform." The actress informed her, obviously upset that they couldn't be together on her first night back in town.

"I'll just see you tomorrow, okay?" Katie smiled at her, proceeded to the dance floor and said goodbye to their friends, and left The Tavern with Joanna.

Meanwhile, Chris picked Jessie up on a limo that night. Show-off. Then, he brought her to the Ritz-Carlton for a very fancy dinner. All the while, Chris had been talking. But Jessie hadn't been listening. I don't know, maybe Chris was too dense not to realize that Jessie's mind was taking a trip of its own, or maybe he's just really too much into himself to pay attention. Jessie didn't eat much. She tried to concentrate on what Chris was saying but couldn't. She could feel herself longing to be with someone, and that someone wasn't Chris.

After dinner, Chris took her for a carriage tour in Central Park. Jessie wasn't really up for it, but Chris insisted, saying that it was romantic, so she went.

What am I doing? I'm supposed to be enjoying this night with Chris... Why am I thinking about someone else? Jessie then closed her eyes, let out a deep breath, and turned around to face Chris with a smile on her face. Then she kissed him. She hoped it would bring some sense into her, some sort of confirmation. She hoped that this kiss would just melt all her doubts away, all the strange feeling inside her, all the confusion.

But it didn't.

The kiss only made her want SOMEONE ELSE more. 'Coz despite the fact that it was Chris she was kissing, she was seeing Katie. Half of her was wishing she was with her instead of Chris. She pulled away from the kiss, to her boyfriend's surprise.

"That's an awfully short kiss after not seeing each other for a long time." Chris joked. Jessie forced a smile.

"I want you to keep wanting more." Jessie joked to lighten up her own tension.

"Really?" Chris grinned, leaning closer for another kiss, but Jessie was fast to move back. He frowned. "What?"

"Uh... I have flu." Jessie knew that sounded lame. But she was desperate to find away not to let this night go any further.

"No, you don't" Chris attempted to lean closer again, but Jessie moved back again.

"Yeah I do." She fakes a cough. "It's just starting."

"I don't care." He smiled, and leaned to kiss her again. Jessie covered her lips with her left hand. When Chris realized he was kissing Jessie's hand, he pulled away, a questioning look plastered in his face.

"It's a really bad case of flu. You can have it for weeks---"

"But you just kissed me."

"You don't want to contract some seriously bad virus days before your team plays against the Jets on Sunday, do you?" Jessie remembered Christopher's weak spot: football, and the New England Patriots. Chris looked at her, contemplating on what to do, and decided it isn't worth to get sick and miss his team's big game for one kiss.

"If I don't know any better, I'd think you're just trying to avoid me." He grinned.

"So, can you take me home now? I don't want to aggravate my current situation. I can't show up sick on my first day at work tomorrow." She plastered an innocent smile on her face.

"Okay." Chris smiled back, instructed the carriage driver on what to do, and they went back to where the limo was parked.

At the penthouse apartment, Katie had been locked in her workroom for hours since she got back after taking Joanna home. She didn't even realize when Jessie came back from her date. Katie wasn't really in the mood for anything except painting. There was a piece she had been working on for days, and still, she's having a hard time trying to make it look perfect. It's gonna take a longer time to finish because Katie was too careful with the details. And here she was, sitting on her high chair again, working on her art.

After painting a few lines here and there, she started mixing colors, pausing for a while to make sure the color was exactly how its supposed to be. The painting appears to form a head, on a side view, with a few other visible patterns Katie drew beforehand. Then she stopped for a while, staring at the painting.

"You know, life used to be so simple..." Katie said, talking to the canvass.

Meanwhile, in the other room, Jessie was already dressed in her sleeping clothes. She climbed into the bed, pulled over the sheets, and turned her lights off. After ten minutes of staring in the dark, she turned the lights on again, pulled the drawer of the bedside table, and pulled the table napkin from Katie. She had wrapped it with a plastic cover. She held it and stared at the sketch of her own eyes.

"Why do things have to be so complicated?" Jessie said, only loud enough for her to hear. After staring at it for a few seconds, she put it carefully back to the drawer, and turned the lights off.