PART 9YOU AND ME
"What have you been doing, Jess?" Eli's voice echoed through Jessie's head, as she sat on the couch in his apartment at Queens. She had stopped by that Saturday morning despite her very busy schedule.
"What?" She asked. Her brother smiled at her.
"You've been like that in the past two months. I don't know if I should start worrying." Eli sighed.
"I've been like what, Eli?" Jessie stared at her brother.
"Your mind seems to drift off everytime. It's like you're always some place else, and not where you really are. And you're always not home when I call. It's either you're at work or you're out busy doing something 'important', or so Grace says. What's going on, Jess?" Eli stared at his sister. He watched her, as she zoned out on him again. Jessie sat there in silence, in deep thought. He knew something was bothering his sister.
"I'm… I've been at the embassy."
"Embassy?" Eli repeated, unsure if he heard Jessie right.
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"See, Eli… That's exactly why I'm here. I wanted to tell you first… Or rather second, 'coz Grace already knows---"
"Knows what?" Eli frowned. He has no idea about what Jessie was driving at.
"That I'm gonna be finishing my internship in London." Jessie looked straight into her brother's eyes to emphasize her seriousness.
"London? I thought New York was your choice." Eli couldn't understand. This seemed to be an impulsive decision for Jessie. And Jessie was never impulsive, which was weird. She wasn't the type who makes a big decision such as this without consulting the family, and yet she's here, telling him about the decision she has already made.
"Well, yeah… But then, it doesn't really make any difference where I finish my internship. They've got good hospitals in London too." Jessie smiled at him. Eli held his sister's gaze.
"I know that, but… That's really far." Eli got up from the chair opposite Jessie and sat beside his sister instead.
"Yeah, I know… But I need to do this, Eli."
"Have you thought about it? I mean, have you considered the pro's and con's of this moving-to-the-other-side-of-the-world thing?"
"Yeah… And believe me, there are more important reasons for me to go." Eli watched his sister, then gave her a hug. "And don't worry, Zoe's there with me. We'll see each other everyday. I'm sure she'll keep you posted about my life, as long as you bribe her right." Jessie joked, and Eli chuckled.
"Yeah, I'm sure. Does she still accept dollars or do I have to have it changed into pounds?" Eli joked.
"I think Zoe wouldn't mind as long as it's not counterfeit." Jessie and Eli laughed again.
"Well, Katie's there too, right? So, there's no reason for me to worry." Eli smiled knowingly at her, but Jessie didn't notice because she avoided her brother's eyes for a while.
"Eli, there's another thing that I need to tell you." Jessie said nervously. She had been preparing her line for weeks, to tell Eli, but she's still scared. She has no idea how he'd take it. She might lose him, she knows that, but she couldn't lie to him anymore. She has to lying for her family's sake, and stop pretending for her own sake.
"Okay, shoot."
"I'm in love with someone." Jessie said hurriedly. A smile formed in Eli's face.
"I knew it." Eli grinned.
"You knew?" Jessie asked in disbelief. Am I that obvious?
"Your eyes say it all, and I've seen the symptoms, Jess. I knew I couldn't be wrong. Who's the lucky guy?" Eli asked excitedly.
"Eli, it's more like… A lucky GIRL…" Jessie looked apprehensively at Eli, whose expression became unreadable. He sat unmoved. Honestly, he doesn't know how to react. He's happy to see his sister happy, but he was surprised. He sat in silence, still on the process of absorbing the news that Jessie just gave him.
"Eli, I don't want you to hate me…" Jessie said slowly, hoping to get a reaction from him. Eli looked up at his sister's eyes again.
"What? Jessie, I will never hate you."
"But I disappointed you, and---"
"Who says I'm disappointed? Well, I was shocked, but I'm not disappointed." Eli smiled again. "To tell you the truth, I'm impressed." He grinned.
"Impressed?" Jessie repeated incredulously.
"It takes a lot of courage to let somebody see who you really are… I can imagine how hard this has become for you, just coming over here and be honest with me about it. I think I love you more now, if that's possible." He then hugged his sister again.
"Thank you, Eli." Jessie smiled, relieved that her brother was very understanding.
"I knew there was something about your weird crush with Shakira." Eli joked as he pulled away, which made Jessie blush crimson.
"I don't have a crush on Shakira." Jessie answered defensively.
"You practically have all of her posters pinned on your bedroom wall… Or your used-to-be bedroom wall." Eli laughed.
"Well, yeah, but that's because I really like her as a singer. And if it will make you stop, I do have a celebrity crush, which ISN'T Shakira." Jessie mockingly snarled at Eli.
"Who is it then?" Eli asked eagerly.
"Mischa Barton." Jessie grinned.
"Wow, she's hot. Kind'a looks like Katie." Eli smiled, then noticed the look on Jessie's face and realized something.
"Oh my God… It's Katie?" Eli asked, and Jessie nodded in affirmative.
It's been two months since Katie had settled in London. She longed to hear Jessie's voice again, to touch her, and to kiss her. But she has convinced herself that it's hopeless, 'coz it's never gonna happen again. Dreaming exhausted her, so she basically had stopped, and her hopes died with it. She managed to release every pain, every desire, and her longing, through her art.
And now was probably one of the biggest nights of Katie's life. Her first show was opening at the Royal Art Gallery in downtown London. The title basically says it all.
The show turned out great. Lots of people showed up, probably because of Elaine's persistent advertising and Paris Hilton's influence (Paris became her really good friend), people came to see the show. After having a short discussion with Elaine, and thanking Paris over the phone, Katie went around to thank everyone as her show's first night draws to a close. Zoe stood at a distance, smiling at the success of her friend.
"Hey Zo…" A familiar voice greeted her from behind Zoe turned around immediately.
"Jessie?" Zoe said in disbelief.
"Yeah..." Jessie smiled.
"Are you lost? 'Coz I'm pretty sure New York General is nowhere near around here." Zoe joked, as she hugged Jessie.
"It's so great to see you." Jessie said.
"It's great to see you too, Jess." Zoe smiled when she pulled away from Jessie. "What are you doing here?"
"It's Katie's first big show in Europe. I didn't want to miss the opening." Jessie said sincerely. Seeing the sincerity in Jessie's eyes, Zoe couldn't help but ask.
"What took you so long, Jess?" Zoe said.
"There were tons of paperwork."
"Paperwork?" Zoe frowned.
"I'm finishing my internship here. I quit New York General." Jessie smiled, confident with the decision she had made.
"Right… Let's go get her then." Zoe grinned, held Jessie's hand and pulled into the crowd to find Katie. She felt excited and at the same time, nervous for her sister. She isn't sure if Katie would want to talk to Jessie after everything, but with Jessie flying all the way out here, it's definitely worth a shot. Zoe then stopped walking at a distance, after seeing where Katie was.
Katie was standing, staring in the portrait of the lady without a face. Instructing Jessie to remain, Zoe went to join Katie.
"Great show." Zoe praised her friend.
"Thanks." Katie smiled. "Hey, are you doing something later? You're gonna have to come to the after-party with me."
"Sure, I'd go with you, but not as a date, okay?" Zoe joked and laughed. Katie hit her playfully in the arm, and frowned mockingly.
"Zoe, you're not my type."
"Singer, you're not my type either. But you used to hit on every pretty girl you see, and I'm definitely pretty, so---"
"Don't be condescending." Katie mockingly warned her.
"There's something I've been wanting to ask you." Zoe said, suddenly turning serious.
"Sure, what is it?" Katie replied without turning to look at Zoe, her eyes still fixed on the faceless portrait.
"Is this Jessie?" Zoe said, referring to the lady in the portrait. Katie then turned to look at her, and paused before answering.
"Yeah, this is Jessie." Katie smiled.
"Why doesn't she have a face then?" Zoe turned to look at Katie.
"Because the painting represents everything that I'm afraid of: the fear of the unknown. But it has a name now."
"Jessie." Zoe supplied knowingly. Katie nodded. "Will you ever face that fear again?"
"I don't have to." Katie sighed.
"But are you ready to?" Zoe held Katie's gaze, then shifted her eyes to Jessie's direction. Katie followed Zoe's gaze, and stopped at the sight of Jessie. She couldn't believe Jessie was here. She felt happy seeing her, but didn't let the smile show in her face. She couldn't let herself be vulnerable now.
Zoe nodded at Jessie, and Jessie took the sign. She started making steps towards Katie's direction. After giving Katie one last look, Zoe walked away, leaving the two alone.
"What are you doing here, Jess?" Katie asked her as Jessie stopped in front of her.
"I came to apologize." Jessie said slowly. Katie stared at her briefly, then continued.
"You know, after thinking about it, I realized I couldn't really blame you for anything. I mean, things just happened. It's complicated, I know, and in the end, we both had to make a choice. You made yours… You had to do what you had to do, right?" Katie forced a smile.
"I don't want you to be angry with me."
"I was never angry, but I was hurt." Katie emphasized.
"I know I don't deserve it, but it would really shatter me if you say no." Jessie said almost pleadingly.
"No to what?" Katie frowned in confusion.
"I came here not only hoping for your forgiveness, but also for another chance."
"Chance?" Katie repeated, in disbelief.
"Katie, I love you." Jessie's tears were forming in her eyes. "I don't have the right to ask you for anything after what I did to you, but I really love you. And I'm scared that if you don't let me love you, my life will never be good as it was when I was with you. And the happiness and contentment that I felt just being with you, I know I'll never find with anyone else."
Katie stood frozen. She didn't know what to say. She couldn't believe Jessie was actually standing in front of her saying all these wonderful things that she only dreamed about.
"And I know you're not expecting this, that after two months, I didn't call you or contacted you to tell you what I want or how I feel. But I was so scared that you hate me so much you'd slam the phone if I even try to call, and I don't know what I'd do if that happens… Just thinking about it breaks my heart more than it did when you left… I needed to see you, and tell you in person that I love you. So I waited two months, to tell my family… I'm not ready to let you go, Katie… I will never be ready to let you go. And I'll do anything to fight for these feelings that I have for you."
Katie was still unmoved, shocked in a good way, her heart jumping frantically inside her chest.
"I'm not going anywhere, Singer. If you blow me off right now, I'd still be around tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that, until you finally get tired of saying no and give me another chance… Katie, please, give me a chance to love you again… Please…" The tears streamed down from Jessie's eyes. Katie felt her own tears running down from her own eyes.
"Jess, you don't even have to beg." Katie smiled. She couldn't control herself anymore. She moved closer and let her lips crash with Jessie's. And they shared a fiery and passionate kiss that rocked both their worlds.
From a distance where Zoe had been standing, she grinned and shook her head.
Mission accomplished…
Katie was thrilled when she found out that Jessie's staying in London, as she'd be finishing her internship at London's biggest hospital. She was a bit disappointed though that Jessie decided to stay at the apartment she leased before even going to London.
But despite of not living together, Jessie's always at the loft anyway, to Zoe's annoyance. Zoe had just gone home after a tiring day at school. And she walks in on Katie and Jessie who were busy making out on the couch…
"Oh my God, don't you guys ever use the bed?! Bedrooms were invented for a reason, you know!" Zoe snarled at the unaffected lovers, and marched to the kitchen.
I can't believe it's the tenth time this month! Zoe thought. Katie reluctantly pulled away from Jessie and watched her friend walk to the kitchen. She wiggled her eyebrows at Jessie, plastered a mischievous grin, and followed Zoe to the kitchen, with Jessie. They found her picking up a bottle of water from the fridge.
"Lighten up, Zo. For someone who believes in love, you are so lethargic." Katie grins. Jessie chuckled.
"Singer, you're dorkier than I thought." Zoe said frowning. "So I'm partly responsible for turning you into this new generation's Mary Poppins, and I do know that you're doing this--- whatever it is you're doing in the name of love, but I DON'T NEED TO SEE THE SEX PART OF IT! You know, it kills the illusion of romance. You love each other, I GET IT. But you don't have to be so graphic to let others know!" Zoe drinks from the bottle. Katie's grin grew wider. Jessie felt the blushing in her face.
"And could you guys tone it down for a bit tonight? I've got a major exam tomorrow."
"Tone what down?" Jessie frowned. Zoe looked at her in disbelief.
"My inconsiderate sister, you're more insensitive than I thought!" Zoe eyed Jessie, but Jessie didn't get the hint.
"Duh." Zoe rolled her eyes when clueless Jessie couldn't seem to understand. If Jessie's trying to act innocent, she's good at it. Jessie looked at Katie, and saw that her girlfriend was looking evilly at her.
"What?" Jessie asked in annoyance.
"I had to read my books at the rooftop every night just so I could concentrate without hearing you screaming and all." Zoe said, and finally getting what Zoe meant, Jessie's face blushed deeper red.
"Am I that loud?" Jessie whispered to Katie. Katie smiled. Jessie covered her face. "Oh my God, why didn't you tell me?"
"I like you that way, Jess." Katie grinned.
"Euww, minor here." Zoe shot them a venomous look.
"You're 22!" Katie shot back. Zoe chuckled.
"I'm still younger than you." Zoe grabbed a mug and fixed herself some coffee. She pulled a chair and sat on it.
"Can I ask you something?" Jessie asked Katie.
"Sure, honey."
"You've dated just about every kind of girl there is in New York---" Jessie was interrupted by Zoe.
"And LA." Zoe interjected. Katie scowled at Zoe.
"You've got girlfriends, from a video shop clerk to an heiress, a DJ to a top model---" Jessie was cut off again.
"Katie dates dorks too, you know." Zoe grinned.
"Shut up, Zo." Katie snarled at Zoe. Zoe rolled her eyes.
"Have you dated an astronaut before?" Jessie asked. She was just really curious to know. Katie grinned but didn't answer. Jessie's jaw dropped.
"Katie, you are such a slut." Jessie mocked a frown.
"Well, I was, before I met you." Katie moved closer to Jessie and was leaning down for a kiss when Zoe spoke again.
"Oh shit, I hate freakin' Mary Poppins." Zoe sighed. When Katie and Jessie's kiss lasted more than Zoe would have liked to see, she got up from the chair and started walking out of the kitchen.
"God, what did I do to deserve this?" Zoe said, rolling her eyes while walking away. Katie and Jessie pulled away and laughed.
Well, it still wasn't a piece of cake for Jessie to come out to her parents and the rest of the family. At Thanksgiving, she brought Katie to Evanston with her, but almost had a heart attack just waiting for the moment to tell her parents about them. Grace, Zoe and Eli were supportive. The family was shocked, of course, and the dinner became eerily quiet after the announcement. But surprisingly, Jessie's dad Rick loosened up a bit after a while. He pulled Katie for a serious heart to heart talk which scared Jessie, but when she found them talking in the couch, Rick was laughing with Katie like hell.
Rick and Katie got along very well after that. Karen, Jessie's mother, learned to love Katie like a daughter.
Jessie eventually moved in with Katie at the loft in London, while Zoe moved out. She took over Jessie's lease at her apartment.
Ira is still usually grumpy, but missed Katie so much. He couldn't help but hug her, to everyone's amusement, when Katie and Jessie made a stop over in New York after visiting Jessie's parents in Evanston.
Tad and Grace got married in New York a year later and had their reception at the Ritz. They expanded their Coffee Park venture and opened a chain of branches at LA and Chicago.
A/N: At last, I'm done! Whow, this is an exhausting story to write… Jessie and Katie, of course, got married in Vermont, but it was after Jessie finished her internship and became a pediatric surgeon. I better stop talking (or writing rather), 'coz their married life is another long story to tell (and I'm not sure I'm writing it anyway). I'm writing another JK fanfic, it's a Once & Again and DEBS cross-over. It's a DEBS setting but Jessie and Katie will be the lead characters. It's called 'The Diamond Pursuit'. If you guys haven't seen the movie DEBS, I think you should watch it first. Thanks for reading and for the inspiring comments, guys. Please check out my next fanfic…