CHAPTER 4

Jeremy and Candy walk to their favorite place in total silence. Jeremy wants to say something, but what? He knows she is upset, but is she mad at him, Jasmine, or herself? No, it's better to let her break the silence. Then I'll know what I'm dealing with.

When they come to the large boulder, Candy doesn't sit down, so neither does Jeremy. He stuffs his hands in his front pockets and watches her begin to pace back and forth like a caged animal. Finally she stops, clinches her fists and stomps her right foot. "Oh, how could I be so stupid? I played right into her hands. She's good, I'll give her credit for that." She resumes pacing. "I shouldn't have let my curiosity get the better of me. Who really cares why she's here? Well, I do because I think she wants my man." She stops pacing and stares at Jeremy. "She wants you!"

Jeremy's eyes get wide and he stammers, "M-m-me? Candy, I-I don't th-think so."

"Yes, she does. Didn't you hear her say I was letting her steal you from me?"

"I don't think she meant it the way you're thinking."

"Come on Jeremy, just think about it. She was flattering you the whole time. 'Oh Jeremy's so strong, so sweet, so helpful.' Then she was squeezing your arm, feeling your muscles. And before she left us, she just had to place her hand on your cheek. Oh, she makes me so angry. The nerve of her!"

Jeremy rolls his eyes. "I tried to warn you. You were fine with me spending time with her until you saw her br. . .hmm, her assets. Look, if it'll make you feel better, I'll go tell her that I can't show her around tomorrow."

"You can't do that!"

"Why not? I'll tell her something came up and I have to cancel. No problem."

"No, she'll think you're canceling because of me."

"So what? It's the truth, isn't it?" Jeremy asks.

"Well yes, but I don't want her to know that."

Shaking his head with a confused look on his face he says, "Women!"

"And just what do you mean by that comment?"

"Nothing. It's just I can't figure you out sometimes." He walks over to her and puts his arms around her waist and looks into her eyes. "But I have a whole lifetime to figure you out. Now, can we sit and look at the stars and maybe get a little courting in. I mean, it's been a whole week since we've been together and I don't want to waste our time talking about Jasmine." He kisses her lips tenderly.

"All right. I have missed you. I'm sorry." She kisses him and then they sit on the boulder. He puts his arm around her while she lays her head on his shoulder. "It's so pretty and peaceful out here, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. It's perfect just like you," he says as he kisses the side of her forehead.

They sit in silence for a while, until Candy says, "Jeremy?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you really think I'm perfect? I mean, isn't there anything you'd like to change about me?"

Sitting up straight he asks, "Wait a minute. Is this one of those trick questions? You know where if I say something, you get mad at me?"

"So, there is something! What is it? No, you don't need to tell me. I already know," she states as she also sits up straight. He removes his arm.

"Oh yeah, then what is it?" he asks.

"Okay. Close your eyes."

"What?" he asks impatiently.

"Just do it. Close your eyes." When she sees his eyes close she says, "Now I want you to picture Jasmine from head to toe."

"Candy? Why?" he asks as he opens his eyes.

"Jeremy, just do as I say, please."

"All right. I guess this is one of those I can't figure you out moments, huh?" he chuckles while closing his eyes.

"Now, are you picturing Jasmine? Stare at her." She watches his expression which doesn't really change at all, but he does give a loud sigh like he's bored. "Okay, now open your eyes and look at me from head to toe." She slides down from the boulder and stands right in front of him. She watches his expression. "What are the two big things that she has that I don't?"

"Candy, stop! I know where you're going with this and I don't like it. I don't like it at all!"

"Jeremy, please just answer my question. What does she have that I don't?"

"I'm sorry but I'm not talking about this. It makes me uncomfortable."

"Well, I'm uncomfortable talking about this too, especially since I'm on the losing side. But Jeremy, I know which one men prefer and it's not mine."

"I'm not like most men, Candy. I'm not superficial. I care about what really matters."

"So when you look at Jasmine, you don't say to yourself, 'Wow, I wish Candy had those'?"

"No, I don't. I'm more than happy with what you have. Now can we please change the subject? Besides, you have two things that Jasmine doesn't have," he says with a twinkle in his eyes as he stands in front of her.

"Really? And what are those two things?" Candy asks.

"My love and devotion. Make that three things because you have me, too. I love you, Candy. You can trust me, I promise."

"I love you, too and I do trust you Jeremy. It's her that I don't trust."

With that statement, they sit back down on the boulder and make out until time to go back home.