Chapter 4: Gone Without a Trace

I allowed the shock to subside as he shyly placed his hand over the tattoo. His cheeks turned an adorable shade of red and we locked eyes in a romantic soul searching way. Warmth overtook my body as I brushed his hand away. I leaned down to kiss the tattoo, hoping to show my acceptance of the mark he so graciously placed on his body in my honor. It warmed my heart to know that Jake loved me so much that he would permanently mark himself. After kissing his tattoo, I made my way up toward his lips, starting at his happy trail and making stops at his abs, pecs, and neck. Then I went for the prize, his luscious pink lips which seemed to forever invite me over. At the moment our lips met, his arms wrapped around me and pulled me roughly into him. My breath became hitched as I felt his lips brush against my ear.

"I hope you like it." He whispered seductively.

And from that point on we spent the entire weekend in that bed never once being disturbed.

On Sunday, the warm glow woke us from the most peaceful sleep we had ever experienced. There I lay in the arms of the man I love. His warmth mixing with my own created an unbelievable sensation. We spent countless hours daydreaming with each other. Where we would go to school and what we would study. We pictured what we wanted our apartment to look like. We even joked around about who would be the first to blow up when we found out Jenny had a boyfriend. Who was going to wash the dishes and who would take out the trash? We even thought about what we would say when we had to give Jenny the many talks that were to come. It was perfect.

Around noon, we finally decided to venture back out into the world. We crept down the stairs in case someone was down there. We giggled like school girls when we entered the kitchen. A strong smell of strawberries lead us right to the heart shaped pancakes left behind. They were smothered in fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Jake grabbed the plates and took them to the table while I grabbed some silverware and cups. We ate our breakfast quietly. As I was eating, I could sense that Jake was staring at me.

"What?" I asked finally interrupting the silence.

"Nothing." He said breaking his stare.

"Then why are you staring?"

"Because I am so happy being with you." He said placing his hand over my own.

"I know what you mean. Seems a little…perfect. Like everything is coming together for the perfect life."

We finished the rest of our breakfast staring at each other, just being happy in each other's presence. I cleared the table and placed the dishes in the dishwasher while Jake went next door to check on Jenny. I walked toward the front door wanting to take a couple minutes for myself. I sat in the chair on the porch, taking in the serene surroundings. I could smell the pine from the forest and heard the sounds on the nearby forest animals. I closed my eyes, allowing my senses to fully embrace nature. The wind nipped at my body and I put my arms over my chest hoping to warm myself, not wanting to leave the peace and tranquility. Everything was going splendidly until once again I felt like someone was staring at me.

I opened my eyes and saw Chris Keller standing in front of me. He had already caused enough havoc in our lives. He nearly destroyed Nathan and Haley's marriage. And to make it worse, I gave him a benefit of the doubt and in return he treated me like crap and broke my heart. Very few people knew that except for Nathan. He had come to my rescue when Chris thought it was okay to force himself on me. Me eyes flew open scared and I hurried to get inside before he could say anything. I opened the door but he was on my tail. He grabbed me and pressed me against the wall kicking the door closed with his foot.

"Chris, get off of me."

"Not until we talk. You owe Chris Keller that."

"I don't owe you shit. You need to get off of me." I said trying to push him off of me.

"Just stop and relax. Chris Keller just wants to talk."

"Then get off of me and we can talk." I demanded, being released shortly thereafter. He took a seat on the couch waiting for me to sit on the opposite couch. "Why are you here?"

"Chris Keller wanted to apologize, Luke. What Chris Keller did to you was wrong and Chris Keller doesn't know why he did that. Chris Keller loves you."

"Would you stop talking in the third person for five minutes? It can be really annoying."

"For you, anything. I found out that you were up here and I was hoping that we could get back together."

"Chris, I can't. I'm sorry."

"No, no. It's okay. That's fine…I understand. Can I get a hug for old time sake?"

Now his request through me for a loop, but seeing how torn up he was it tugged at my heart strings. I threw my arms around him in a friendly embrace. He held me close and seemed unwilling to release me. I pushed against him and he planted a kiss on me. I pushed him away in disgust.

"What the hell?" I screamed, louder than I hoped.

"I just needed one last kiss and I figured that the only way to get it was to sneak it in." He said almost apologetically. My head turned as I we both heard the back door slam open.

"Luke, are you…?" Nathan began asking but stopped as he lunged toward Chris, his eyes blazing in rage. Chris ran out the door and sped off in his car. I sank into the chair in disbelief and anger. Nathan cooled down and tried to figure out what had happened. I stayed tight lipped about the whole situation. I went up to my bedroom and climbed in to bed, hoping to dream the recent events away. Unfortunately it didn't work and I awoke but an hour later. I called for Jake but he never showed. I search our cabin and found nothing. When I asked everyone else they said that he took Jenny and her things to our cabin to spend quality time together. It was then I knew that he was gone. I tried his cell phone but t went straight to voice mail. I drove into town and found all of his things gone and no one knowing where he went. I tried to call him every day for a whole month. That was when his phone was shut off.

END FLASHBACK

Now I am left sitting here reliving the hurt that I felt after that day. Wondering if I can put my fears aside and let Jake back into my life and if I can forgive him for just leaving me without a trace.