"God, I hope Marcie's okay." Jen said as she and Riley sat on the living room sofa.
He put his arm around her. "I'm sure she's fine. Michael's not going to let anything happen to her, Jen."
Jen sighed. "I know... It's just..."
"What, Jen?"
Jen turned to face Riley. "Nick really hurt her, Riley. She was just getting her confidence back when she fell in love with Michael. I don't want Nick to change her back to the way she was."
"That won't happen." Riley said.
"But look what it's already done, Riley. Marcie almost died today." Jen said worriedly.
"Thank God she has you for a friend." Riley said.
Jen scoffed. "Some friend. I should have noticed that something was wrong."
"Jen, you're not a mind reader. You couldn't have known."
"But I should have known, Riley. I mean-."
Riley silenced her with a kiss.
"What was that for? She smiled, playfully pushing him away.
"For being such a great friend." Riley said.
"I didn't do anything." Jen said. "I should be the one thanking you."
"Thanking me? For what?"
"Are you kidding? Riley, I owe my life to you!" Jen said.
"Don't you think that's a little dramatic?"
"No, I'm serious!" Jen said. "Riley, you're the only guy I've ever been just friends with. I was thinking about what you said before and I agree with you. I don't want to rush into a relationship that could crash and burn just as it gets started."
Riley brushed a lock of hair from her face. "And we won't."
"Can I tell you something?" Jen asked, after a brief silence.
"Sure."
"I love hanging around you, talking about things that I can't talk about with anyone."
"I feel the same way." Riley said. He ran his fingers through her hair.
"Thank you, Riley." Jen said. She turned to hug him and found herself locked in a kiss. When they parted, Jen leaned against the sofa.
"What are you thinking about?" Riley asked.
"I'm just really worried about Marcie." Jen said.
Riley took her in his arms and held her. "She'll get through it, Jen. I promise."