Based on Lisa Jane Smiths' Forbidden Game trilogy. I am only the imagination of what could've been the fourth book. But Jadan is mine;)

Admittedly I wrote this chapter so many times it frazzled my poor noggin. I tried to keep it canon as much as possible.

Reviews are my muse as well as music.

This chapter was solely created by this song:

Artist: Sarah McLachlan

Song: Fallen

Chapter Two: From the Shadows

Her hand slightly shook as she gripped the crystal stem of the glass she held aloft, the sparkling white grape juice gleaming in the dim lighting of the flickering, waxed candle. Angelic beings adorned with feathery, snow-white wings papered the walls. In thick, prominent script scrawled across their menus read:

Romona's Restaurant.

A swanky "wine and dine" restaurant, it was known for its majestic domed ceilings and renowned paintings dating back to the Renaissance, Botticelli, Michelangelo, and the infamous Leonardo Da Vinci. Although the Mona Lisa adjacent to Tom made Jenny uneasy. The mysterious eyes often looked alive above that eerie foretelling smile, twisting her nerves into a giant knot of anxiety. The ebbs and flow of waitresses and waiters passed gourmet dishes across linen tables, casting an intimate glow from brass candelabras.

Beneath the oval ornate table, her other hand gripped the silk napkin draped across her lap, folding the corner over and over. The couple to the left, partially masked in shadow were getting a little too cozy for comfort. Tom's flushed complexion further conveyed this. The furrow of his brow only softened once a dark, curly-haired boy in a dinner jacket approached their table.

"Dinner is served," he announced in a thick, Italian voice. He offered Jenny a charming smile and his pin: Gustav flashed in the lighting, as he propped down her plate.

Jenny glanced at the creamy bowl of steamed soup; Tom having suggested the delicacy after explaining the seasoning soused in the sliced sausages. Rustic crackers framed the dainty cutlery, nudging aside the marinated tomato salad with fresh mozzarella. She smiled her thanks as Gustav threw her a flirty wink.

Right as Tom audibly cleared his throat.

Gustav ushered a curt nod before he departed.

Her eyes followed him for a moment, almost apologetic as she bit into a toasted cracker before they pivoted back on Tom.

A frown etched across his lips in thought. "Well, he's not getting a good tip." He chuckled teasingly before ceasing upon Jenny's expression. "Thorny you, okay? Of course, he'll be comped. Can't blame him for the view."

He winked.

Mentioning an old childhood nickname conceived in the second grade should've lifted her spirits. Yet if anything, it made Jenny tenser. It confused her because she'd taken her medication just to take the edge off before she'd left.

Not to mention Tom looked striking.

Dressed in a clean-cut suit his locks were freshly cut and framed lively, hazel eyes. Under the hot desert sun, he'd bulked up considerably. Adding his bronze skin and perfect A bite of teeth, he could've passed for a well, established model. Within the candlelight the lines of his jaw were much more defined, having shedded the last of his boyishness.

It struck her how much Tom was growing up.

He'd taken initiative after the earthquake and assisted in areas with his uncle as service to the city. After this, he signed on to his uncle's company to help, which he'd continue until the beginning of their fall semester.

"I am fine, Tom it's just..." She paused trying to find the right words.

"Jenny," Tom cut in and curled his fingers her hand atop the table. The touch was warm and comforting but did little to assuage her nerves. "I know these past few months have been hard on you. I just wanted to contribute something nice for your birthday."

At this, a small, uncertain smile formed.

From the moment they'd left Pennsylvania, Tom had grown more receptive to Jenny's needs. The cocky persona once harbored had faded, his notoriety no longer of great importance. Many times, he'd remained on the sidelines to encourage the fresh athletes stepping onto the field. This was the same boy who once flirted for impressions.

In almost every area of her life, Tom had been her first. Her first boyfriend. Her first "real" kiss shared on the eve of their 8th-grade Winter-themed dance. First date to the movies. First person, she'd fallen in love with. Truth be told, she should've basked in this moment. "Tom," she responded in s softened voice, "I'm fine I'm just a little... distracted."

Tom's green-and-gold flecked eyes locked on hers. His tone adopted a sympathetic depth as he said, "I just wanted to make this memorable for you, okay? I owe it to you, Jenny."

Jenny felt her breath catch, touched by his words. The past, what we've been through. He still remembers and he cares.

"So," Tom continued. "Let's just enjoy this dinner, together."

Jenny smiled, small. "Yes let's."

Tom raised her hand to his lips placing a featherlight kiss. His eyes ever aware of the slightest movements, observed her as her pulse accelerated. His lip curled in a half-smirk upon reaction before he released her hand. Starting into his meal, he appeared seemingly satisfied.

Jenny shook her head with a hushed laugh before picking up another browned, toasted cracker. She dipped it into the herb-drenched butter, relishing the flavor as it melted against her tongue.

"Mmm... whatever they seasoned these onions with, a fine choice." Tom scooped up another forkful of risotto and held it out to Jenny. "You want to try a bite, Jen?"

Jenny eyed the thick cream dripping off the slick rice and shook her head. A spoonful of her soup poised at her lips; steam steadily rolled off the heated broth.

"By the way, Thorny, you look... sexy in that dress."

Scalding, hot liquid suddenly scorched her throat. Water! Jenny's eyes filmed over with tears as she coughed and fumbled for the iced beverage garnished with a lemon wedge. Poor Tom practically shot over the table to shove the glass against her lips.

If only ease the raw burns.

"Better?" Gradually, he sat back down the grave concern evident.

"Yeah." Jenny rasped, her lips immediately smacking shut with humiliation. And tenderness. Ouch. Real smooth, Jenny. Was it a full moon out? How could she possibly make this date worse? Nursing first-degree burns on her own birthday had not been on the agenda.

What a disaster.

A night out like this with Tom would've been a dream to her past self. Lavishing her with affection had been a fantasy that continuously replayed in her daydreams. In high school. Such hopes excused Tom from particular behaviors involving a food joint their popular posse would often congregate. Where a flirtatious waitress nabbed the lead football star's attention. Often a classmate, Jenny was then left sitting at a table of melted malts and soggy burgers.

Fortunately, Tom wasn't that guy anymore and his ideal dates had vastly improved.

"I'm sorry, Tom." She whispered seemingly more to herself. She finished up the last spoonful of her soup after it had cooled.

"Hey, Jen?"

"Yes?"

His bronze face seemingly glowed, the love in his eyes so clear it made her heart ache. "You have nothing to be sorry about." Grasping her hand and kissing it once more, his grip tightened a fraction as his voice grew surer. "As I am the one who brought you here, not only do you deserve the best birthday I could give but so much more."

Abrupt sweat collected inside Jenny's palms; something was up.

"Well," he laughed lightly as one arm reached to rub the back of his neck.

He's nervous, Jenny noted.

Jenny knew the signs well from years of being familiarized with his body language. He was really nervous. The only time nerves ever got to him was right before a vital game, a tattoo gun—a dare he'd chickened out of—or something of deep significance.

And just like that Jenny's eyes widened like two saucers. No... he wouldn't... not yet...

"I-I've been thinking about this for a while so I'm just going to ask you..." Tom's voice trailed off once he found the gold necklace strung around her neck. There was a trace of frustration there before he cleared his throat. "As I've said before, I can't begin to understand the bond you have with... him. I've never wanted to hear about—" He paused before he continued, "I've had a lot of time to think. And... I love you, Thorny, I do." With an expelled, shaky breath, he pushed back his chair and kneeled beside her. "What I'm trying to ask you, Jenny... Elizabeth... Thornton..."

A large weight dropped into the pit of her stomach once Tom lowered to his knee. He withdrew a velvet box from the inner silk lining of his pocket. Before he flipped open the lid. Is this really happening right now?! Jenny heard herself gasp: nestled in the satin fabric a single teardrop diamond glimmered back at her.

"Will you marry me?"

All Jenny could do was stare as the tears surfaced. Were these frustrated tears or ones of happiness? Ostensibly it opened a mental floodgate of emotions. The diamond was beautiful. It was apparent Tom had taken time to find the right cut and size. Loops of cursive spelled the words, Forever Yours along the inner silver band.

Ah...

In that instant, her eyes rose to meet Tom's. The words were sweet, truly yet they left Jenny's speech suspended. Until finally, she was able to choke out, "Tom... I... I..." She swallowed and winced from a tender throat. What was there to say? Barely did she know what she wanted to do in college.

Was she ready for an engagement?!

But isn't he all I ever wanted?

Jenny regarded Toms's pleading expression.

He was waiting with bated breath.

She could feel herself lowering her head almost robotic. Hadn't she risked her life repeatedly for a future? Hadn't she—

"Yes? Yes?!" Tom's voice cut through the tangle of her thoughts with a shout. The biggest grin split across his face as he slipped the ring on her finger before pulling her into a dizzying passionate kiss.

Wait what? I-

Applause broke out across the room. Slightly breathless, Jenny pulled back to an audience beaming. Every smile was a sickening bleached shade. But from strangers. Three years ago, Jenny might have been flattered by the attention.

But not now. I didn't say yes? What am I going to—

The thought severed as Tom chuckled in her ear, "Now let's get you home, Thorny before you turn into a pumpkin." With a quick peck on her cheek, Tom deposited a wad of cash onto the table, Jenny still trying to catch up.

Tom guided her by a hand on the small of her bare back. This hadn't been what she'd expected. Was she now really reverting to high school timid, Jenny Thornton? Right now? Jenny felt at war with herself. Yet once Tom opened up the glass door, an icy, gust off the desert winds blasted into her face.

Eliciting a shiver.

We can talk later, there is still time.

Jenny decided to push her doubts aside and huddled closer.

Tom noticed the action and rubbed her bare shoulders. "You cold?"

Jenny wasn't about to lie to him and nodded, "Sort of."

Tom kissed her temple as a red-vested valet approached with his Mercedes-Benz. The black, tinted windows peered back at her like hooded eyes drawing out another shiver.

Tom's hands tightened on one shoulder. "Jenny?" he whispered. His breath was warm against the nape of her neck, instinctively drawing her closer. Searching dark eyes filled with so many unanswered questions reflecting back in hazel.

"Yes?"

Tom reached out and caressed her cheek, snagging a strand of hair caught in the corner of her mouth. Without a word he lightly pressed his lips against hers. The molding of their lips increased in intensity causing Jenny to gasp aloud—and break the kiss.

"Tom I really-"

"Shh," Tom pressed a finger between the crease of her lips. "I enjoy showing off to the world my gorgeous fiancé."

Jenny looked down as her cheeks warmed, fully aware of the onlookers accumulated. "Well, Tom I—"

"I know," Tom cut in, his voice gentle. "I just needed that kiss." He sighed contently. "Screw our audience, it has been so long. Have I ever told you how soft your lips are?"

Jenny tried to smile at Tom's flattery. The way he'd said it, however, sent a slight twinge through her chest. Tom had no idea just how close those words were to a part of her past. "No, Tom but—"

Yet before Jenny could even retort, Tom's lips dove for hers once more evidently ending all conversation.

Beep, beep!

Jenny gave one final wave as Tom pulled out of the gravel drive and his horn faded off into the distance. They hadn't said much along the way. Tom had appeared lost in a daze no doubt dreaming about their future. Jenny had been in a tangle of her own thoughts to care, too busy trying to concoct an explanation once they arrived. However, Tom had been interrupted by his cell, and thus, her courage diminished.

Hence how she found herself dragging her feet up the stone steps in defeat. Digging out the keys to the duplex, which proved a nuisance in the darkness. Especially with the porch light off.

Which implied Summer was out.

Probably at a house party since school begins soon.

The last party Jenny attended had been Tom's seventeenth birthday party. Dr. Straus had once asked her what had brought on the panic attack. Unfortunately, Joey had been brought into the fold once her breathing started to thin and he'd screamed, "Mom she's having a panic attack!" Unbeknownst to the psychiatrist was what Jenny had endured—and was unable to confide. Lest Dr. Straus question her mentality and subject her to a padded cell.

Sometimes Jenny wondered if that was where she belonged. For as long as she lived the horrors, she'd been through had never fully left. Those memories remained like a stain on her teenage years. And it had all started with a plain white box pegged as 'innocent fun', bestowed by the cyberpunk encountered in the More Games store.

Ultimately, it would alter her perception of reality forever.

Admittedly beautiful, the man in the store had still come off peculiar. More so when he'd offered her the game. Then he'd shed the mask and his true identity was unveiled. Along with an obsession centered around Jenny since her premature years after catching a glimpse of her amid her grandfather's struggles with them. The whole group had been thrown into the shadow world, forced to play game after game. He'd acclaim himself the hunter and them the prey. Made of supernatural powers he'd been able to mold dreams into reality, living in a veiled world of the Sha—

What was that?

Jenny's whole body instinctively tensed. A low rustle jostled the bushes below the stone steps. Jenny bit the inside of her cheek and closed her eyes. Dr. Straus had admitted this to be a good calming technique.

Okay, Jenny... One... Two... Thre—

A black cat jumped out of the trimmed hedges.

A cat, Jenny.

Scolding herself, Jenny finally found the keys and jammed them into the lock of the front door. Slamming it behind her she leaned against it, gasping in pockets of air as she fought to calm down. She needed to pull herself together.

Just a cat, Jenny for shit's sake!

Remembering the door was still unlocked Jenny turned and crooked the latch. She flicked on the light switch beside her illuminating the bright walls. Summer had once told her the warm colors spruced people's happiness auras.

Whatever that meant.

Jenny hung up her purse on the coat rack beside her and slipped off her short heels. The cool floorboards were a refreshing change being so drained. Thus, she dragged herself in a daze to her room. Mere hours ago, she'd left as a girlfriend in a long-term relationship to... engaged.

Engaged.

As she entered her bedroom, her eyes automatically fell across the draw-erase board above her desk. Chink! She dropped her keys on the nightstand, tugging off the newer post-its tacked there.

In purple marker was Summer's handwriting:

Jenny,

Went to a house party! Should be back around one. Don't wait up for me, I made a copy of the key a few days ago. So don't need to keep it unlocked anymore... A yawn escaped her lips as Jenny struggled to keep reading the words... Hope you had fun with Tommy! Dee called earlier today so I wrote down the number to her new cell. They should be beside this note.

Don't stay up too late ;)

Peace and love!

Summer

Behind the notes was a purple slip of paper scrawled with the number. Jenny set it on the nightstand, falling back onto her pillows exhausted. The near anxiety attack had pushed all anxious thoughts to the side. The predicament she faced would be dealt with later just as she was finding all things as of late.

Tomorrow, she decided.

Jenny lazily pulled the gold comforter over her in a cocoon, the fresh aroma of lavender off the sheets engulfing her. A deep sigh of contentment slipped past her lips as the comforting scent lulled her into slumber. As moonlight encompassed the room, it illuminated a pair of mystic eyes that glimmered from the shadows beyond.

Notes:

I'm aware a marriage proposal this young is a little soon. However, LJ. Smith once wrote about writing the next book in which Jenny wants to get married to Tom young so I decided to incorporate that a long time ago. I hope that clears this up:)