I just wanted to thank everyone for all the comments, I know you not all loving Brett/Janet right now… but everything has a reason… Also want to give a shout out to Amy… your comment actually influenced my chapter 2... I was planning to skip over what happed when Hannah bailed… but I really think it was a story worth telling Thanks for your input… the reviews really feed the story… I am sure you are all going to have a lot to say about what comes next… xoxo CBD

Eddie had thought about what it would be like to kiss Janet again, in his mind it was always a kiss of angry passion. Heated, wet, visceral. When he was alone he would fantasize about kissing her, pushing her against a wall, his truck, the bar at Sully's and fucking her until she screamed out his name, erasing any memory or presence of Rooster, Brett or Matt. Reclaiming what was his, only his. But now in the moment, with Janet pressed against him, her soft tender body in his arms, her scent, her breath on his face all thoughts of angry sex evaporated in to the night air. He pressed his lips to hers softly, chaste. Her mouth parted for him, so hungry for what was forgotten. Slow drawn out movements, the tips of her fingers stroking his face over his prickly stubble, his hands gently moving down her body cupping her ass, the taste of her mouth her tongue, Janet moaned when Eddies hands finally found their way to her aching breast, arching intohim. She wrapped her arms around his neck and her fingers his hair.

"Eddie..." Her voice was raw and full of want and need, she said his name again and it felt like a prayer. "Eddie..."

He looked down at her tear streaked face, kissed each eye, her nose her forehead and then her lips.

"What do you want Jem, tell me what you want and I will give it to you."

She closed her eyes, trying to decide. Only one word escaped Janet's mouth.

"More."It was just after midnight, when they pulled up to Gelson. Eddie knew they would have more privacy at Janet's house but he was not yet ready to return to her bed. It was a haunted place. They crept through the back door, Pizza girl and Phil asleep on the sofa. Once they were behind Eddie's locked door, Janet stood before him. Kicking off her sneakers, she slowly pulled her tank top over her head letting it fall to the floor. Next she slipped off her cutoffs and stepped out of them. A step closer to Eddie, who was leaning against his door taking Janet in. Her body still was able to effect him in ways that no other woman could, and while it was slightly smaller then it was the last time he had seen it the effect was just as powerful. She reached back and unclasped her bra, letting it fall off her shoulders, her small breasts still milky white, a stark contrast to her otherwise bronzed skin. Janet inhaled, her shoulders lifted and she finally removed her panties. She stood there naked before him in a way she never really had before. She was stone cold sober, there was nothing to hide, she didn't break eye contact with him, never allowing her self to look away. Eddie just smiled at her, his perfect sweet smile. She sat at the foot of his bed, crossing her legs. It was now her turn to watch.

Eddie kicked off his work boots, and peeled of his socks. Just his naked feet gave Janet a small jolt. Next he lifted his old worn t-shirt off over his head, ruffling his hair. Janet gazed at his chest and abs, a small scar now resided under his right peck, a reminder of Matt's boot. His boxers peaked out from his low slung jeans, and he slowly undid his belt. Eddie made quick work of his jeans and boxers, leaving them in a heap on the floor. Janet let out an inaudible gasp when Eddie sprung free of the restrictions of his boxers. She had forgotten how beautiful, how perfect he was.

He knelt in front of her, she uncrossed her legs allowing them to rest on either side of his body. He ran his hands along them, feeling once again her smooth warm skin. He kissed the top of each of her thighs before he slid his hands up around her waist and leaned in to kiss her once again. Soft tender, their lips moving in tandem, in perfect measure. They kissed like this for what seemed like forever. Softly relearning each others bodies, Janet's hands sliding up and down his back, her fingers memorizing each bone and muscle. Finally Eddie could not stand it another moment, he stood and lifted Janet, crushing his body against his. His hardness pressing into her stomach. He laid her gently back, and covered her body with his like a blanket. He rested his elbows on either side of her head, holding his weight but he was still able to touch her face and hair with his hands. Janet opened her legs for him, he nestled between them and then finally he was inside her and Eddie truly understood the meaning of the word homecoming. He had his world back, everything that mattered to him, everything he needed was wrapped around him.

Janet moaned softly and for several minutes she nor Eddie moved, he was there inside, filling her stretching her and in that moment it was enough. They never broke eye contact even as they softly kissed. It was finally Janet who couldn't take it a moment longer. "Eddie please... more."

He slowly pulled out of her, almost completely before he thrust back filling her again. Janet pressed the palms of her hands to Eddie chest and lifted her head to kiss his neck. This slow rhythm was torture, perfect torture and neither one of them wanted it to ever end. Janet felt it building deep from within her, a tightening that grew. A fullness and a heaviness she had craved. Her breathing shifted and her moans were involuntary. Eddie could feel her release was coming as she tightened around him, he had been trying to hold on, hold back so she could feel what he was feeling, still not changing his pace he shiftedhis body weight slightly sending Janet into a tailspin, losing control of her own body she called out Eddie's name and he filled her with his own release. Janet didn't sleep that night, she just laid there in Eddie arms, watching him, listening to him breathe. Tracing the scar on his chest over and over again with her fingers. The sun came up and she tried to wake him, she had to leave to meet Hannah. But he was out like the big bear that he was. She slipped out from under his leg, and quietly dressed, she took one of his old flannels out of his closet and searched his room for paper and a pen.

Eddie-I tried to wake you, but as usual you sleep like the dead. I have to meet Hannah, she is talking me to the spa for my birthday, I am not going to have my phone on me while I am getting rubbed and scrubbed so I will see you tonight at Sully's around six-ish. I can't tell you how much last night meant to me. How much I needed you, how much I need you still . I don't know what is going to happen but I think we can do this Eddie. I really believe we can. I can't wait until we can be together like this again, maybe tonight? (hint hint) I love . She rested the letter on "her" pillow, kissed Eddie gently and crept out of the house, the sun kissing her skin as she walked home with a feeling of hope for the first time she could remember. ***Eddie hadn't slept soundly since the beating and of course the end of him and Janet, he would wake up in the night sweaty and thrashing fighting people that weren't there. With Janet in his bed Eddie was finally able to rest, the demons he had been battling took a few hours off. But when his bed was empty again, and all that was left of Janet was her sent on his skin the demons returned. Janet's letter now crumpled found it way to the floor on the side of Eddies bed. He woke and reached for her only to find coldness next to him, he sat up abruptly thinking that maybe she was in the bathroom. He looked at his cell phone it was well twenty after twelve, he was shocked that he had slept that long. He searched for her but he knew she was gone. A sick feeling took over him as he dressed, throwing on boxers and a shirt. He walked down the stairs and was greeted by Phil doing his crossword on the sofa."Hey man what goes on you never sleep this late?""Yeah, It was a long night." Eddie grumbled scratching his head. "Yes, I know. I saw your Lady love sneaking out of her at 7:00 this morning.""She left at seven?" Eddie's heart ached, she didn't even try to say goodbye. "She sure did, how long have you two been back together?" Phil and Pizza girl were so excited to see Janet coming down the stairs in the wee hours morning, they laid together on the sofa like little mice waiting for Janet to scurry away. "We're not. I am not sure what last night was. So keep a cork in it Phil." Eddie glared at him and Phil knew that if he wanted to live to see another day he would keep his trap shut tight. Hours passed and Eddie slumped on his sofa, he and called Janet twice and sent her a text he still hadn't heard back and he was wondering if she was enacting some kind of payback for what he did when Rory was in town. After a medley of Queen and Reo Speed-wagon the boys joined Eddie for some "girl talk" the phrase Pizza Girl had coined for their Friday pre-Sully's gab sessions. "So Janet's Birthday is tonight Eddie.. are you going to Sully's?" Owen asked tentatively with an ulterior motive. Eddie and Phil made eye contact briefly"Maybe, I don't know. Why?" Eddie tried to keep his tone indifferent."Well.." Owen hesitated. "Brett is driving up to surprise her tonight." Eddie clenched his fist. "So... Why should I care." Eddie was sick to his stomach. He got up from the sofa, went to the fridge grabbed a six pack and made it up the stairs to his room."Well shit, that went well." Owen muttered"Its better that he know now then find out later, O you did the right thing." Nick offered trying to be helpful. "I just don't understand why he is doing this to himself... he loves the girl..." Ikey always laying things out in the most simple way possible. "You're awfully quiet over there Phiz, anything you would like to add." Nick taunted "I am not saying that I know anything or not, but I would keep an eye on our boy tonight. For his sake and Janet's***Janet spent the day on cloud nine, first the amazing night with Eddie, then the amazing day of beauty that Hannah gave her as a thank you for what she did the day of the would be wedding and for her 29th birthday. They last birthday of her 20's. Janet was rubbed, scrubbed, masked, waxed and buffed within an inch of her life. Her hair and makeup was done and they even stopped on the way back to Janet's and both bought a new outfit for the night. Janet and Hannah walked into Sully's around 6:30 everyone wished Janet a happy birthday as she walked thru the bar, Sully gave her a big hug and told her that her gift was that he gave Rooster the night off and that the karaoke machine was ready and waiting. They joined the table full of their friends that already started with out them, Owen and Allison, Ikey, Nick, Aubrey and Ronnie, Pizza Girl , Rory all sitting there smiles on their faces ready to celebrate. The only absent figure was Eddie... After anhour, Janet started to worry. Maybe something had happened to him, but then before she could see him she felt him, his presence in the bar. She turned and watched him as he walked in, a smile spread across her face and her body literally began to hum. But then she saw him extend his hand backwards and watched as another hand entwined with his. A woman, a tall, blond woman in the shortest shorts Janet had ever seen was attached to Eddie's side. He pointed her to a booth, and made his way to the bar to order drinks. The shock on Janet's face was apparent to all but it was Pizza Girl who really understood its full meaning. Janet couldn't believe what was happening, maybe last night meant nothing at all. Could she have been that, stupid. She drank the shot in front of her, and then a long swing from her beer, it didn't help but it was the only thing she could think to do.

Brett, had just walked into the bar, Eddie sat in his booth watching him make his way towards Janet. Her back was to him and Brett put his finger to his lips to shush Pizza girl and Rory who had seen him approach. He stood behind Janet and wrapped his arms around her, she jumped at the contact and turned, before she could react Brett planted a kiss on her and Eddie noticed that she didn't resist, she even lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck. And in that moment Eddie felt validated for bringing a date with him. "Brett! What are you doing here?" Janet was truly shocked not only by his kiss but his presence. "I saw on facebook that today was your birthday, so I got in the car and here I am." "Brett that was... actually... sweet.""You don't have to look and SOUND so shocked J" Brett kissed her again and pulled a chair right next to her, resting his hand on her thigh. She knew what she was doing was wrong and petty but she couldn't help herself when she wrapped her arm around his neck and stroked the back of his head hoping that Eddie would see. She would be dammed if she let him see that he got to her. Later that night when she was alone she would allow the tears to flow. But not now. The night went on and at about eight Rory was drunk enough to take her turn at Karaoke feeling sorry for her self she sang Before He Cheats by Carrie Underwood. Janet watched her new friend on stage. She was tall and perfect but she couldn't sing to save her life. Owen and Alison were up next with an impressive rendition of Captain and Teneal's Love Will Keep Us Together. Janet and the girls all got up to dance when one of the Duf girls started Gaga's Bad Romance. Janet taking full opportunity to show off some moves Eddie had never seen. The guys wanted to talk about Eddie and the blonde but Brett being there made it impossible. The just shared knowing glances.

" Ok birthday girl I would say you are drunk enough for karaoke." Pizza Girl yelled over Gaga. Janet smiled and nodded her head in agreement. She knew exactly what she was going to sing. She made her way to the stage to hoots and hollers. Eddies eyes fixed on her. She was wearing a knee length denim skirt and black open toed heels and a grey spangled low cut tank top. She stepped up to the mic and the music began to play. Billy Idols Rebel Yell. In the midnight hour she cried more more more. With a rebel yell she cried more more more. The word was not lost on Eddie. The crowd at the bar actually got into it and shouted more more more along with Janet. He hated to admit it but Janet looked and sounded amazing. Brett noticed too the whole table was drunk and dancing and screaming right along with Janet. And when the song was finally over she too a much deserved bow to loud applause. She grabbed her beer tilted it to Eddie who had yet to take his eyes off her. Cocked her head slightly again a small challenge and took a swig before leaving the stage and walking right into Brett's open arms.

Eddie was back in his bedroom, half undressed and drunk, a strange body underneath him calling his name. Everything about her was wrong, the way she sounded, her perfume, the way she felt under his hands. He flipped her over on to her belly, this way he could avoid kissing her. "Yeah, Eddie fuck me." He took off the rest of his clothing, taking a condom out of his jeans pocket before throwing them on the floor. She was on all fours waiting for him. He rolled the condom over his less then impressive erection and surged into her. Everything about this felt wrong, he wanted to run, run to Janet but in his mind she was already in bed with Brett. Was it only hours ago that she was in this bed with him? Something on the floor caught is eye, a sheet of crumpled paper with Janet's very distinctive handwriting scrawled across it. He pulled out, leaving this stranger confused.

"Hey?"

He walked around the bed, picked up the paper and read it. Each word cutting into him like a knife, worse then any beating he had ever taken.

'You need to leave," He voice was stern and haunted.

"Excuse me?"

'You heard me you need to get dressed and go." She was pissed but Eddie didn't even care, she slammed the door behind her muttering something about the Eddie Latekka experience being a load of crap. Eddie laid down on his bed, holding the paper to his chest. Knowing that there was nothing he could do to fix this but he knew he had to try. He showered quickly, dressed and ran out of the house to his truck. He pulled into to Janet's driveway and ran to her door.

Janet heard the sound of his tires on her gravel drive, it was a sound that used to bring her such joy and anticipation. But tonight it only brought her dread.

"Eddie.' she said her voice devoid of emotion. She had cried all night and had nothing left.

"Janet, I just got your note…"

"Just now?"

"Yes, just now. I didn't see it this morning and I just assumed when you didn't answer my calls or texts…"

"You assumed…Is it safe for me to assume that you fucked random blonde #267 before you made your way over here?" Shame filled Eddie heart.

"Janet, please I am so very very sorry. Last night was perfect and I… I just panicked this morning when you were gone."

"You panicked, so you brought a date to my birthday, made out with her all night, fucked her, then found my note, showered and rush over here to beg my forgiveness? Did I get it all?" Eddie nodded not being able to look her in the eye. "Eddie…" Janet's voice finally broke and tears formed in her eyes. "I am done, Eddie. We are done."

"Janet, no…no…no…" Eddie was begging, he took her hands in his but she tore them away.

"Enough Eddie, please. I can't do this anymore. I thought last night was the beginning for us but now looking back it was goodbye, I have to let you go, I have to. You need to find someone who doesn't make you wonder what if and I need to find someone who doesn't make me wonder why me. We are not good for each other."

"Yes Jem we are."

"STOP don't call me that! This is OVER Eddie. Done… No friendship no nothing." She reached up and placed her hands on either side of Eddie's face forcing him to look in her eyes. "I can't take anymore Eddie, please let me go." In that moment he realized what he had done, he had destroyed his Janet and in turn destroyed himself. Eddie kissed her gently on the forehead, their last kiss would be just like their first. He turned and walked away closing her door behind him.

Janet slumped to the floor in her entryway and cried. Deep soul wrenching cries, she cried for more then just the loss of Eddie but for the loss of their future and all the things in her life that had been fucked up in her past.

Eddie tore out of her driveway full of rage. He stormed out to his room slamming his door waking Phil and Pizza Girl. He blindly tore apart his room, throwing and breaking anything he could get his hands on and when there was nothing left he punched his fist thru is wall. Phil ran in and found Eddie sitting on the floor against the wall sobbing. "Phil just get OUT!"

"Eddie, please what happened?"

"Phil if you don't get out of her right now you are going to need to find a new place to live tomorrow." Phil was stunned, not just buy Eddies words, but his tears, and the war zone that was now his bedroom. Phil ignored Eddie's threats, instead he sat right next to him and listened while he cried.