As the others gathered their bearing from the impact, Stu smiled wildly at Lauren while Jess was stood up by Doug and Jason. Guests were staring from each person with wild confusion. It seemed the attention mostly centered on Stu though.

"Hi, everybody," smiled Stu waving his hands at Lauren's family and all their friends. "We came in a little hotter than we planned. Sorry we trenched the lawn here. Totally fixable. A bit of sod, we'll be fine."

"Baby!" screamed Lauren running over to Stu.

"Oh, my God. Ah, I'm so happy to see you," exclaimed Stu holding on to Lauren like he needed air.

Jess walked over holding her side a moment before leaning on her knees to fully gather her breath. Doug nodded once he was assured, she was fine to stand on her own. Suddenly though, Jess heard a quick snap aimed at Stu after Lauren's father inspected Teddy over and took note of his hand.

"This is your fault," he firmly stated staring Stu down. His face showed every ounce of hatred for the man before him.

"No, Dad," began Teddy but he was stopped as Stu shook his hands.

"He's right. Mr. Srisai, Lauren. I haven't been completely honest with you."

"Stu?" interrupted Phil.

"Yeah?" asked Stu turning to him momentarily.

"Don't do this," he warned trying to hold up his hand, but after their weekend it was hard to do much of anything now.

"Thanks, Phil, but gunna do it," answered Stu and he turned fully to acknowledge his future father-in-law. "You said I'm chok. Well, I'm not. I'm not some weird milky, ricey, watery goop... that you feed to infants and old people, okay? Maybe I would be if you added some cayenne pepper!" Stu laughed a moment before he continued a moment more waving his hands at Phil, Alan, Doug, and Jess.

"I wish I was a boring dentist who had a boring life and boring friends... but I don't, I'm not. I'm actually part of this weird wolf pack!"

"Hey, it's not weird," shouted Alan stopping Stu's train of though. "It's pretty cool, actually. No membership fee..."

"I have heard enough of this. You come here!" demanded Lauren's father reaching for her arm.

"Whoa!" stopped Stu holding his hand firmly up. "Here's the deal, man. I got a dark side. There's a demon in me!"

"It's true, he has semen in him," confirmed Alan. Others looked around nervously confused but the annoyed look on Stu's face stopped Alan in the confusion.

"I said demon," stated Stu in shock at Alan again. Jess held in her laugh as she felt Jason turn to her. He seemed equally shocked, and everyone already was looking at Stu again.

"But you also have semen in you. Remember?"

"That's not relevant. But, thank you, Alan. Point is—" snapped Stu before turning to ignore Alan. "This demon takes me to some pretty weird places. And we lost Teddy for two days in Bangkok. But that same demon took us to hell and back to find him. We took on Bangkok and we won. And that's pretty fucking cool if you ask me. Right? I love your daughter and I'm gunna marry her," stated Stu firmly at Lauren's father. The man appeared indifferent by the proclamation.

"Unless you have any problem with that?" Stu looked down at Lauren who shook her head with a smile. "All right. But all that said... it would actually mean a great deal to both of us... if we could just get your motherfucking blessing!"

Jess smiled as finally Stu stood up to his future father-in-law. Watching him made her so proud. After a bit, everyone left to reset up for the wedding and allow the wolf pact to freshen up. Jess with Jason's help went to their room, where she quickly showered and tried to hurry to get her make up done. Jason was standing behind her holding her bridesmaid dress over his arm. Taking a glance at him, Jess turned in her seat noticing his sorrowful expression.

"What's wrong?" she asked him. "It's not because I was gone for so long?"

"I was really worried about you," he said taking a seat on the bed. "Two days and no one heard from any of you. It scared me honestly."

Jess nodded and understood his worry. Deep down she remembered the conversation with Phil. Was it letting go? Was he quitting and letting her walk away? This and more poured into her mind as Jason helped her dress and dry shampooed her hair. He even sat her down and did her makeup as best he could without poking her eye. His fingers traced a mark on her neck similar to his before his hands paused a moment to look her in the eye.

"Jess, I know you and Phil were probably close—" he began seeing her flinch at the touch.

"Jason," she whispered with a raised eyebrow. Jason smiled and with her brush in hand, threw them up in defeat.

"Look I know! First off, he wouldn't have allowed anything to happen to you," he said averting his eyes down to the floor. "I was really worried about you. I know he would have protected you the best he could. I'm sorry for not being there."

As Jess stood up quickly, he helped her into the dress. They remained quiet as she finished up. Returning to the ceremony area, they stopped before walking in.

"Jason," she started once more reaching out for his hands. The taller man stopped and observed her closely allowing another couple to enter.

"Yes?" he whispered, his hand holding her arm. In the distance, they saw Jack with Tracy as she tried to get him to hold the ring pillow.

"At the reception, I am going to share one dance with Phil. Only one," she stated watching Jason's face twitch, but he didn't look away. Green eyes met blue as Jess continued. "I would like to share this one thing with him. I ask you not to get prissy with him. I only want one dance please?"

Knowing this was really her last chance, she knew she had to make the decision here and now at this wedding. After this she had to pick which man.

"Jess," he whispered bringing her face up to meet his. "I have a question for you too?"

"What would that be?" she breathed not understanding his considerateness.

"Are you truly ready to have Betty be a more active part of my life? Of our lives? She's the mother of my daughter, but you and Jack are equally important as she has been and will be. I know that doesn't give me room to complain about others. I know where my heart stands and I know I will never leave you like other people have."

Her eyes widened as she knew what he meant by this. She would be forced to know and interact with Betty and Jason's relationship about Darcy. It meant that she would be stepping into a world where she would also be second best to a woman he hated.

She would be leaving everything she knew behind. But everyone had done that to her before too….

*dot*

Dear family and friends... on behalf of Stu and Lauren... I welcome all of you for this marriage celebration. We are here today to encourage, celebrate ...

Throughout the whole ceremony, Jess felt her eyes stray to Phil. It was hard to imagine a life where he wasn't there or at least within a reasonable distance to talk to. Could she leave with Jason? Could she honestly leave Phil? His smiles, though troubled, hinted at sadness as they watched Stu and Lauren marry. Only once did Phil glanced over at her, his face riddled with conflict and anxiety. Around her people were clapping as Stu and Lauren walked down the center holding hands. The joy in Lauren's face made Jess feel even sadder. Wiping away her tears, she walked toward the center awaiting Phil's hands. Reaching it, they grasped each other's hands gently and with care.

"Are you okay?" she whispered leaning toward him a bit as they descended the aisle.

"I'll be okay. Glad we got back," he smiled before releasing her hand and turning away. Jess froze, staring at the vacant space that lingered between their hands. The emptiness in his swift departure took root while Jess returned her hand to her waist. Watching his retreating figure, she saw his false smiles as he conversated with others around them. It was harsh, cruel almost, but it felt like Phil was avoiding contact and that troubled her most. Flashing a few smiles at passing guests, she found herself standing on the edge of the sand and sidewalk. It was oddly familiar and here she discovered Jason sitting on the stone wall as he had done on Friday night. He appeared on the phone and let out a laugh before he turned sharply as Jess approached. His arm was turned upward as his phone hung by his ear.

"Jess?" He looked concerned but stood up and said goodbye to his caller. He mumbled quietly as he pocketed his phone and swallowed the remaining of his drink.

"Who were you talking to?" she asked quietly tucking her hair behind her ear nervously.

"Oh, Seth. A friend from home," he answered quickly. Taking her arm, he motioned to the dance floor. "Shall we?"

"Jason, you shouldn't drink so much," she tired saying but his intoxicating smile stopped her. Jason kissed the side of her head and nodded.

"I know. Need to be on my best behavior," he smiled cupping her cheeks. She could smell the alcohol on his breath and knew he was relaxed. "Let's go dance!"

Her eyes fluttered opened as she stared at his back as she held his hand. She replayed the words again in her mind not understanding their meaning. Jason was swaying to the music overhead, motioning her to join him. At first, he was holding onto Jess's still form. Slowly, he loosened her stance and he got to her smile after a while. They shared a long kiss as fireworks went off.

"Jess, let's dance like we did in Vegas and not a give a fuck about shit … together," he said cupping her face. Things froze around her like a test and slowly she took grasp of his hands, allowing the music to remind of them of their first dance. Loosing up, she danced with him, hoping this would be the last time, she would ever dance with him. His smiles, his toned body, his everything; it no longer made her heart ache as it had. She had knew in her heart where she needed to be and wasn't with Jason. His relationship with Betty would always stop him in being committed 100%, but it was something he would have to do with Jack too. It was unfair to assume that, but Jess could no longer be with the man that only served to be in the way of her heart's true love.

She just hoped he would take it kindly as he twirled her once, he not knowing the truth in her thoughts.

*dot*

Walking around the reception area, Phil's energy was draining, and it felt horrible. Trying to find any excuse to avoid Jess, he found solace in a quiet spot off the main ceremony area. He walked into a picturesque garden secluded from everything else to drown out his thoughts of defeat. Sitting on a stone bench while holding the bottom of a glass, he stared at the ground apparently unaware anyone was nearby. Slow, steady footstep found him though.

"Phil?" someone whispered softly. He kept looking down, thinking he heard her voice but not believing it was truly her. "Phil? What's going on?" said the voice again, only deeper this time.

"Go away, Stu," he snared feeling not up to talking. Polished black shoes came forward and a concerned Stu sat down beside him. "Go away!"

"Are you going to just let him walk off with her?" he dared to ask. Phil scoffed and let out a low sigh.

"Why? I lost," he began pushing his hair back. "I divorced my wife for her, and she fucking walks off with a boy that isn't— isn't—"

"Jess has a lot on her plate," offered Stu nudging his shoulder. "You guys work well together—"

"I can't believe how fucking stupid I was! I deserve happiness from the one woman who gave me it! I gave up a lot of shit for her and this isn't a game, man! This is my life…" he said tapering off.

Stu patted his back as he did earlier and nodded. "I know man. But she's not a child. Jess will make the right choice!"

"Yeah fucking right! She will follow him," snapped Phil feeling the tears swell up inside him. "I am done feeling like shit. Like a complete fool who believed in fairytales."

Silently, Phil shook in sorrow and resentment. Trying desperately to keep quiet, in this moment of pain, he found Stu to be his only ally. Standing up fiercely, Stu leaned back as Phil paced a few steps.

"I tried to win her back. But she has made her choice in Bangkok," he said throwing his hands down after wiping his face. "She said so on the river!"

"Phil, you haven't lost her yet."

The man only jeered throwing his hands under his arms. "Right?! Because that fucking asshole get what he wants and that is her! —and I… I still love her," he sobbed feeling the tears leaking out.

"Jess has her own storms, just remember that Phil," offered Stu with a pat to the back.

"Yes, but she is the cause of mine," mulled Phil taking the glass from Stu's hand and slamming it back.

"Phil, I think Jess will realize how much you've worked for the both of you. She's been clouded by Jason, and she will come back to you."

Phil looked at his dearest friend and saw the rawest emotion available to him. Stu was right. There was something wrong with Jess, yet he had to step back. He had to remove himself from her life if she was to fly. Afterall, they say, let those walk away if you truly love someone. They might return; you never know.

"Stu? Phil?" asked a quiet voice from behind the bush. Looking up, both men saw Jess stepping out, she brushing the hair from her face. She was beautiful in her pink bridesmaid dress. It had a slit down the left leg to show off her long legs and what Phil loved most was her added touch to reveal her entire back with the dress. It was a special one that she explained was made just for her. Stu smiled and went to give her a big hug before leaving. Phil kept his eyes on Stu's leaving figure but settling them back on Jess's confused expression.

When he would overstress, Jess would often rub his shoulders to loosen up the aches and pains. It was especially helpful when they were in the classroom after school hours. He hid the feelings like she did, but they stayed late most nights enjoying each other's company in his classroom. He remembered the curve of her body pressed against his and the smell of peaches in her hair after she showered from gym her junior year. Remembering this, he shakenly grasped her nearest hand and held it firm.

"Are you okay?" she asked again reaching for his other hand. Her blue eyes looked up at him, a doe-like expression crossing over of complete concern for him. There was something more he could see. An eagerness that only he could cause.

"No, I'm not," he answered truthfully trying to mentally record this moment so he might never forget. Their eyes sparkled in the reflecting glow from the torches nearby. "How can I?"

Trying hard to not yell at her, his fists clenched into hers, but she didn't move away.

"If this is about Jason, please let me explain—" she started but at the mention of Jason's name, Phil shot from his stance and took several steps from her, feeling the anger boiling in his stomach. Turning sharply, he aimed his finger in a lecture-like way before he could stop himself.

"You were mine—"

"And you bitch about him all the time!" she shouted walking firmly up to him.

The sound of the boy's name pushed Phil over completely and he snapped not caring if he broke her heart. Knowing he needed so very desperately to say his words, he sized her up and watched the girl's bravery shatter in his hands.

"You know you're the fucking reason I hate waking up! I would rather stay asleep, than wake up knowing that Jason has taken every fucking thing from me? Is he the man that you will spend your life with? Is he the man you spent hours talking about the future with? Did you ever fucking think what all this does to me!?"

Jess felt herself getting upset but tried to quell the feelings. "Phil, please you're not talking sense! I was just a silly girl in high school!"

"I've spent years — fucking years — being there for you!" he snapped in a low tone. "I told you people wouldn't fucking care about our ages as long as you weren't my damn student! He is a constant nuisance to me, and you don't fucking care!"

A silence gathered around them as Phil tried to regain his composure in this stressful moment. Behind him was Jess, fat wet tears stained her face as realization came to her of Phil's true hatred for Jason.

"I hate him. Plain and simple. He took my damn family from me," he spat out with his arms crossed, observing her shaken figure.

"I admit that things aren't always well but when I told him about you, I thought he would relax more! He got mad because I lied to him about us, Phil! He's shown me he's really trying to make it work. He moved to California to be with me and Jack!"

"The boy meant nothing before Vegas! We discussed our relationship, our future; a friendship that began years ago when you were a girl!"

Jess felt her heartbeat faster as Phil gave every answer to her questions because deep down, she knew he was right. She was trying to walk away with Jason, but now she knew better. She had to be with Phil, but the man was being so stubborn about it. Sinking to the ground, she finally let out a soft whimper she had tried to keep inside. Phil stepped forward, knelt before her, and gathered her in his arms. He wiped tears from her face with his handkerchief and looked into puzzled blue eyes. Suddenly, she shot up wrapping her arms around his neck and pushed her lips against his own.

Phil kissed her passionately, like he needed oxygen. She, while trying to keep contact on his lips, felt the familiar pull into his allure. He wrapped his own arms around her thin frame and pulled her closer against his body. They allowed their tongues to play a danger game knowing that if either of them lets go, then the battle would be lost. It was nothing that either was prepared for. After a moment, Phil and Jess felt each other's foreheads pressed against the other's. Low whispers as they regained their breathing made Jess tear up again.

"Phil, I love you, please—"

"You promised me in Greece, we would be a family one day," he said holding her face and feeling her shake once more. She remembered and, in her mind, knew this treacherous game they had played each other's heart with. Fearful of his next words, she cried more, her forehead not leaving Phil's.

"Phil, please listen to me, I –"

"My heart stopped, and, in that moment, we stared into each other's eyes just letting it happen. I still don't know what the hell happened. But we were there together facing it, Jess."

Phil could feel wet tears against his own cheeks as he held the woman that he loved so much against his chest. He spoke the most painful words he would ever speak, but surely she understood the meaning and would allow him to easily leave. She cried louder against the booming music around them.

"Please, listen! Phil listen, I know. I know who—" she begged holding his shirt.

"How can I face a reality without you?" he asked flatly within a colossal amount of hurt as his voice broke. "I don't know what I mean to you anymore, but I would be lying to say I didn't love you!"

Phil let go of Jess, as the young woman clung to him in desperation, trying to never let him go. NO, her mind screamed in protest. Jess swore she'd never play this horrible game again... swore she'd never hurt the one she truly loved again… she swore to everything she could that she loved everything about Phil, and she would not… SIMPLY could not, would not let him go because they had closed that line between friends and lovers so very long ago.

After a moment, Phil managed to get out of her arms as she collapsed against the stone. Looking down seeing the heartbroken girl, he wanted to pick up her but the boiling anger within stopped him. After a moment he began to walk away, and Jess snapped up screaming at him to stop.

"PHIL!" her voice cracked in distress, and this made him stop. Not turning around though, and knowing she was sobbing harshly on the ground make his stomach sick, but he knew he had to do this. His next words he knew would crush to the very core of her being.

"I'm sorry for everything that has happened. I'm sorry for loving you, for caring too much… for allowing this fucking game to play this long. Goodbye Jessica."

A moment's longer pause, and Phil continued walking hearing the sniffles emitting from Jess. Holding back tears, his stifled sobs was the only thing that forced him onward. Finally, the decision was made and like he had said, he was sorry. He knew for the wrong reasons that loving her, caring for her, and allowing the dangerous game to rob them of happiness, would eventually haunt him. Ultimately to protect his own heart, he had to fully walk away, and Jess could not— would not stop him.

Entering the ceremony floor, Phil was meet with stares and questionable eyes. One set included was Jason's. He seemed to hear from the distance since Jason started going in the direction he had come from.

"Hold up," he said stopping Jason from crossing the path yet. "I got some words for you."

"What the hell did you do to her!?" snapped Jason pushing his hands away. He was trying to get around Phil but his refusal was pissing both off.

"You shut your fucking mouth! And you listen well! If I hear one bad thing about your sorry, ungrateful ass in any manner, I will personally come after you! You fucking hear me?! She is your top damn priority for you and no one else!"

Every ounce of anger was shown to the boy and for once, Jason took a step back truly fearful of Phil's next actions.

"Jess and I made a vow that you fucked up," he started quietly nearly in a whisper.

"I didn't do shi—"

"Shut your fucking mouth! I'm not done!"

Jason closed his mouth as Phil's index finger nearly slammed into the end of his nose.

"You better treat her like a goddamn queen! NEVER and I mean never make her cry. I will fucking kill you myself."

Jason nodded feverishly, not knowing anything else to do but that.

"Now get the fuck out of my sight," yelled Phil pointing in Jess's direction. Jason hurried beyond him as guests that were nearest held their hands to their mouth.

*dot*

He kept walking and the heart wrenching pain that he for once was the cause. She screamed his name over and over again to no avail. This couldn't be happening! She needed Phil! She needed him…. But his words said otherwise that scattered her on the spot as everything she knew was over. Her entire being was crushed as her body fell to the ground. Hard sobs came as a pair of arms wrapped themselves around her shaking body. A calming hush and pat of her head, assured her it wasn't Phil that came. It was Jason and he was cradling her within his lap as she loudly cried out. He was shaking a bit she could tell.

"Jason… Jason... I wanna… wanna go… home!" her voice said as she laid her head on his lap. Her heart was still racing but Jason's calming rubs were relaxing her only a little. "Let's just move away from LA. I can't be there anymore. I fucking hate him for what he did…."

Jason nodded and pushed her hair from her wet face. He wasn't sure how much time has passed but finally they stood up and went to their hotel room. He went to check Jack, who was with Doug and Tracy well asleep.

"We saw man, it's okay," offered Doug. "Comfort Jess. Don't worry about little man."

Bidding him goodnight, he returned to find Jess sleeping too. Changing into his pajamas, he crawled into bed and cuddled her knowing she would sleep horribly.

Within the week, Jason and Jess sold their little house and moved their entire life to San Diego, far enough away from everyone, that she still felt safe and happy. It was agreed that due to the change in agreement, he would get Darcy for weekly visits in nearby Dana Point and it was here that she felt okay with Betty being around. Formally Betty moved to Los Angeles in the following month, and Jason was forced to help her get the house settled, but he also returned the calls Jess made to him each night to check in.

He promised to never stay with Betty at her home, even sending receipts showing he stayed at hotel if it was too late to drive. Stu and Doug had offered to help with the move and as they piled large furniture into the moving truck, Jess found herself leaving anything about Phil behind with Doug. He rubbed her arm in understanding why, but he chose for once to protest this entire move.

The moving company that Jason hired did most of the work including setting everything up in the new house. It was a sprawling property offers breathtaking panoramic views from every level of the home. There were three levels, with an attached double garage, an unusual find considering their neighborhood. Thankfully, Jess was near the water, so it was calming to hear that every night. His corvette was finished after three weeks and so Jason flew back to collect his car. Trying hard to imagine the life they would live here in a new city; he assured her that she wouldn't have to work. Jason explained his real wealth and how his parents had loads to cover any expense they would ever have.

Still by end of the summer, she had gotten herself into the habit of being a stay at home mom and allowed him to run the house without much complaint. Each night, they sat on the balcony overseeing the ocean, a wine glass in her hand as Jack tried to escape and play with the sand. It took several weeks to get him into another schedule.

For now, Jess observed the setting sun, with Jason on the phone with his father again about something business. He stood up and returned from the kitchen with another beer in hand. Jack had begun asking for another snack, which they gave him a few pieces of pineapple. It was near eight and they had a pretty relaxing day spending time on the beach and going to the park. Tomorrow, they were heading out to spend a few weeks in New York with Seth for Thanksgiving including to see the 9/11 Memorial which had opened in September. Taking in the familiar city, Jess never told Jason what happened to her those years ago. Her mind wrestled in grief, as she listened to the running wall seeing the vast empty area where so many those their life. Where Doug almost lost his, her mind mumbled as her hands held the rail so tightly.

"It's been a long time since I was here," a voice called behind her. Turning sharply. She knew that voice! "I didn't think I would ever be back here."

There was Doug standing there perfectly healthy, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat, a beanie covering his ears. He was standing with there with Stu, who equally was cold, but both had smiles on their faces. Seeing them meant everything in this moment. Crying, she ran over and hugged her brother and Stu, finally accepting what happened ten years ago was really over because they were still the family they always were. Behind them, Tracy, Lauren and Jason stood as the three embraced to remember all that happened that fateful day.

"I mean you almost died that day! I was so scared to lose you!" she cried not realizing she was being overheard by news reporter, who promptly asked for a quick interview from the three of them.

*dot*

A few days later during their Thanksgiving special, their interview was broadcasted across major networks and it made them each happy to finally share their story with the world. Doug has explained the pains of thinking he may die but the hope and desire to return to his family made him keep fighting. For Stu, knowing that he had to step up as the best friend he was to care for Jess if the impossible happened and remaining calm for the young child she was. Jess, though being a young child, gave the most chilling account.

"Having unknowns as a kid is frightening. And the attacks meant knowing a part of my life could be taken away in a moment's notice without consideration of my feelings or thoughts. For me, being here today and seeing this place after a decade, means I can finally let it all go. Because the people I love the most will always be there for me no matter what."

She sat there watching the program while Jason and Seth playing pool while enjoying their drinks. Darcy and Jack were playing too with toys as she listened closely to her own words. A low, soft sob emitted from her as the words played again and again in her mind. Stepping outside into the hall, she pulled her phone from her pocket staring at the name she so desperately wanted to hear from.

"Hey it's me. Wanted to let you know I was on tv about the memorial sight here in New York. I know you and Stu were there for me a lot when it happened, and I'm happy you were! I miss you and — thought you'd like to know. Talk to you later Philly…"

It was a letdown he didn't answer but he didn't reply nor accept any her calls since Thailand. Maybe he really walked away… and meant it….