A New Dawn

         Jane sat in her window box, her bare feet tucked up beside her body. She cupped a mug of coffee between her graceful hands yet since she had made it, an hour ago, not a sip had been taken. She appeared to be staring out of the window, watching the drops of rain racing down the pane of glass, but her mind was elsewhere. In fact, her mind was thinking back to her past, her recent past. A month ago.
         She didn't want to remember, didn't want to bring back the memories but it was all she could do. Jane lived alone so with nobody to keep her company most of the time, all she could do was think.
         A tear slid down her cheek and she closed her eyes tightly, trying to shut out the memory but it all flooded back into her mind. Fresh tears formed and rolled from her eyes. She tried to resist but the past overwhelmed her with emotion and she was powerless as her whole body was racked with sobs. Oblivious to her surroundings she brought her arms up - dropping her coffee - and crossed them over her legs, hugging her knees to her quivering body.
         She sat there for what seemed like an age, sobbing and rocking back and forth, until her sobs finally ceased and her eyes were all-cried-out.
         Jane felt tired; emotionally drained yet she stood up and moved to the oval mirror hanging on her wall. Peering into it she saw her eyes were red and puffy; it was a good thing she lived alone.
         With a sigh Jane picked up the broken shards of the mug and tossed them in the bin. She planned to go downstairs, grab the mob and clean up the coffee from the laminate floor. She did go downstairs and was in the process of locating the mop when the phone began to sing. Jane paused gazing at the phone with curiosity for a few moments before finally moving towards it, picking up the receiver and slowly lifting it to her mouth.
         "Hello?" She spoke into it timidly.
         "Jane?" A voice spoke back.
         "Tyler...hi." She replied. Her voice was still small. Tyler was a guy she hadn't talked to for years; they used to be best friends back in high school but they drifted apart.
         "It's good to hear your voice, Jane." His voice was deeper, although not much deeper than it had been.
         "Same." She answered truthfully.
         "Bridget told me about you." His voice was serious, concerned.
         "Did she?"
         "Yes, she's worried about you."
         "Well I'm fine."
         "Do you want to talk about it?" He asked. Jane considered this for a minute and then answered;
         "Yes."
         "I'll be over soon, bye, Jane." Tyler told her and then put the phone down. Jane placed the receiver back onto the cradle and then mechanically moved into the kitchen. She filled up the kettle with water and then let it boil.
         She moved back into the front room and turned the fire on, immediately feeling the heat surrounding her body. She smiled. It would be good to talk to Tyler again; she missed the way he made her laugh when she was down and how he always listened. Maybe he would make her laugh today.
         Jane sat on the edge of her dark red leather sofa, eager for him to join her. The anticipation was tremendous and she could barely contain her excitement. Finally, thirty minutes later, the door bell chimed. She jumped from the warming leather and almost ran to the door. She flung it open and found herself face to face with a much taller, broader Tyler. She couldn't contain the grin on her face, the first one for a month. She raced forward and wrapped her arms around his muscular shoulders, holding him close. She felt his arms curl around her waist and squeeze her tight. A tear of joy slid down her pale cheek. They stood there at the thresh hold of her home in a warm embrace for a few moments before he finally released his grip on her and pulled back slightly;
         "Let's go inside." He told her. She nodded and walked inside, letting Tyler follow her.
         The pair had just sat down on the sofa when Jane jumped up, "I'll make coffee."
         "Sit yourself down, I'll do it." Tyler guided Jane back to the sofa and made his way into the kitchen. Jane impatiently listened to the clatter of cups and the sound of the kettle boiling. He finally finished banging around and came back through into the living rooms carrying two mugs of coffee. He set them down on the wooden floor and then let himself sink onto the white rug in front of the blazing fire. He sighed with relief and patted the rug beside him. Hesitantly, Jane moved to sit next to him.
         "So, are you going to fill me in?" Tyler asked her.
         "Why bother? Bridget told you everything." Jane remarked. Bridget was her best friend, she has been since primary school, but she had no right telling Tyler her problems.
         "She didn't tell me everything, just the bare facts. She didn't explain how you were feeling or...anything; that's what I want you to do." Tyler looked at her. His eyes made her melt. She didn't want to tell him what had happened; the details were unbearable, yet she felt she could not resist those eyes.
         "I don't really want to..." Jane started, but another glance at those deep blue eyes caused her to trail off.
         "Jane, you know you can trust me." Tyler persisted. She considered this statement for a few moments, letting it spin around in her mind. I don't think I'll ever be able to trust a man again.
         "Jane?" His voice brought her out of the mild trance she had unknowingly encased herself in. She looked up to face him, took a deep breath and began her story.
         "It was a month ago today; I was walking home on the 13th December. It wasn't very late, in fact only a little past seven. I had been out with Bridget and some other friends shopping and I was walking home. After saying goodbye to everyone I left them and began walking, at a fast pace, to my house.It wasn't a long journey but it was dark, and cold. I wasn't exactly dressed for the middle of winter neither. Black leggings, a vest top and my denim jacket. Walking past the park I was grabbed from behind. I struggled but he was stronger. He dragged me into the park and into the bushes, where..."
         Jane trailed off without even realising it. A single tear fell from her eye and ran down her cheek. Tyler lifted his hand and let his fingers brush across her cheek, wiping away the tear. Jane let out a scream and jerked backwards, focusing her attention on him.
         "Jane...I'm sorry." He told her sincerely.
         "It's fine, Tyler. I'm just, jumpy right now." She told him, warning him not to scare her.
         "It's natural to be jumpy. Drink your coffee before it gets cold." Tyler ordered her and then closed his mouth. A vision of her other mug of coffee crashing to the floor flashed through her mind. She picked up the cup and drank the hot liquid eagerly, savouring the warmth, strong taste.
         They sat there for about ten minutes in silence, both involved in their own thoughts. Jane wondered whether Tyler was the same Tyler she was best friends with in high school. Tyler was contemplating asking her the rest of the story. He wanted to know how she felt; how she was coping. Yet he thought better of it, he didn't want her to cry again.
         "You know," Jane finally broke the awkward silence, "I have missed you. I missed having my best friend with me, making me laugh and listening when I needed to cry."
         "I know what you mean, it's only been two years but you have always been in my thoughts. I wanted to contact you, I really did, but I was embarrassed to, especially after everything came out in high school. I meant to tell you myself, I really did, but I couldn't find the right words."
         "I have always wanted to talk to you; these past two years have been empty, but I didn't know where you were living. I've missed you so much and I don't blame you for not telling me, it's a hard thing to admit." Jane assured him.
         "I was embarrassed when it was finally out in the open and I thought that if I spent one more day around you I would kiss you and spoil our friendship," Tyler paused, "I don't think coming here was such a good idea either."
         "Why? I thought you wanted to see me."
         "I did, I do, but now, I want to kiss you again."

***

         A few hours later Jane was alone again. Tyler left but he promised he would ring her, soon. Her mind began to tick over but this time it didn't go back only a month, it went back to high school.
         She remember how she's felt when she found out too. She had been standing outside of Tyler's maths class, waiting for him patiently when...
         "Hey Jane, guess what?" An excited voice almost shouted.
         "What, Graeme?" She replied without enthusiasm. She knew what he was like.
         "I just saw Tyler writing a letter."
         "So."
         "A love letter."
         "So."
         "To you." He ended. Jane stood there, staring at him. She couldn't quite remember if she had been scowling. She didn't know whether it was the truth. Just then, Tyler came out of the class.
         "Tyler, my man, you tell her who you were writing a love letter to." Graeme insisted. Tyler looked around nervously, noticing a small crowd of people. His eyes finally came to rest on Jane.
         "It's none of your business, Graeme." Tyler tried to hide the fact.
         "C'mon man, who was the love letter for?" He insisted. Tyler grew irritated.
         "It was for Jane, okay?!" He shouted back at Graeme who fell into a stunned silence, "Sorry, Jane. I gotta go." He uttered before walking away from her and the small crowd of people.
         Jane had felt so sorry for him then, and remembering now, she still did. She thought about what he had just said to her, I did, I do, but now, I want to kiss you again.
         As she clambered into bed this one sentence spun round her head countless times. At least it kept her mind off everything else. She drifted off with curiosity on her mind.

***

         Jane was startled awake by the sound of the phone ringing shrilly on her bedside table. At first she didn't know what was going on; she thought it was her alarm. Finally she clicked and reached over to pick up the receiver.
         "Hello?" She spoke, her voice still not working properly.
         "Jane, did I wake you up?" Tyler's voice was apologising even though he didn't say it.
         "Yeah, what time is it?" She asked.
         "Ten O'clock. I thought you would have been up by now." He told her.
         "Normally I would have been; I don't know what's wrong with me. So, what's up?" She asked.
         "Well, I thought we would go out, to cheer you up." Tyler told her.
         "Oh...I don't know...I don't really feel like..."
         "Nonsense, you haven't been out for over a month. You need to take your mind off it Jane. Right, I'll be around at twelve and you had better be ready." Tyler ordered.
         "Tyler..." She started. The phone went dead. I know this is the old Tyler she thought to herself with a smile.
         Hastily Jane hopped out of bed, shed her clothes like a second skin and hopped into the shower. After scrubbing her body down and washing her hair she jumped back out and walked through into her bedroom. She quickly dried herself, wrapping the blue towel around her long, brown hair while she pulled fresh clothes on. Then she used the hair dryer for speed, she didn't want to go out into the cold with wet hair.
         After making sure every single strand of hair was dry she applied a little bit of make-up, adding some colour to her pale, sombre face. Just then, the doorbell rang. She ran down the stairs and walked the rest of the way down the hall. Cautiously, she put the chain on the door before opening it. However, it was Tyler standing there, dressed in a pair of black jeans and a pale blue shirt which complimented his muscles.
         "Are you ready?" Tyler grinned at her after she took the chain off the door.
         "Where are we going?" She asked mysteriously.
         "You'll find on, now come on." He grabbed her hand but Jane pulled away. Tyler looked hurt.
         "Give me a minute to lock up, go wait in the car." She instructed him. He did as he was bid and Jane left the front door. She found her keys and purse together on the table and picked them up. She considered grabbing her mobile too, but who would call her?
         Jane left the house, closing and locking the door behind her. She turned so her back towards the door and she was facing the world. With a sigh she walked towards Tyler's black sports car, uncertainty rolling around in her mind. Am I ready for this?
         Finally she was seated in his car, the leather cool under her. She looked over and smiled at him. He grinned back at her. She knew she was in good hands.
         "So, tell me, where are we headed?" She asked impatiently; she never had been one for surprises.
         "Well, here's a clue. Are you wrapped up warm?" He asked her, his eyes still glued on the road yet she could see a mischievous sparkle glimmering there too.
         "So, it's cold. Ummm...give me another clue." She pleaded.
         "Okay, can you skate?" He asked. That clue made it obvious to her.
         "Ice skating? We're going ice skating? I don't know how to skate!" She told him.
         "Don't worry, I'll teach you." He promised. They arrived at the ice rink thirty minutes later and when Jane got out of the car she felt butterflies in her stomach. She was excited but nervous too.
         Tyler paid both of them in and then walked beside her down to the skate hire. Handing in both pair of shoes he received two pairs of skates in return. He gave the smaller pair to Jane before lacing his own up. When he looked up after tying his laces he saw that Jane hadn't even managed to strap up one skate. He chuckled a little before kneeling down on the floor and taking the cotton laces from her slender hands and tying them up for her.
         "Okay," He stood up, pulling her up after him, "Are you ready to skate?" He asked her.
         "As ready as I'll ever be." She replied nervously. He grabbed her hand and she took it gratefully as he lead her through the double doors and into the rink. Jane clasped his hand gratefully. She felt a blast of cold air as soon as she walked through the old wooden doors and shivered slightly. Tyler led her over onto the ice and helped her down the single step. She was finally standing on the ice.
         "Have you ever tried this before?" He asked her.
         "No." She replied. She thought her feet would slide from underneath her at any minute.
         "Okay, well, just glide. Don't try to walk or you'll fall." Tyler told her. He kept her hand encased in his and they began to skate around the outside of the rink. At first Jane was a bit wobbly but she got the hang of it and she could soon skate without holding Tyler's hand, although, she felt colder when she let go of him.
         After about an hour of furious skating Tyler managed to grab Jane as she was flying around the link on another lap, "Do you want a hot chocolate?" He asked.
         "Sure, I'll go wait up on the seats." She managed to clamber off the ice and up to the seats used for ice hockey matches. Tyler soon joined her and handed a foam cup over. "Thanks." Jane remarked, smiling at him and then blowing on her hot chocolate.
         "You're doing well for your first time." Tyler remarked.
         "I'm having fun." Jane answered, surprising herself. The first time she had been out of the house in over a month and she was having fun.
         After finishing their hot chocolates they went back onto the ice for an hour and a half. They were having so much fun; they even had a game of chase and Tyler found it difficult to catch Jane. Eventually they left the ice with rosy cheeks, numb toes and smiles on their faces. Tyler handed in the skates and got their shoes back.
         "Do you need help lacing those shoes up?" He asked Jane jokingly.
         "No thank you, mammy!" She replied in the same tone.
         "So, what do you want to do now?" He asked her when they stood outside of the doors of the ice rink. He couldn't be sure whether it was colder inside or outside.
         "Well, I'm kinda hungry but I should be heading back..." Jane mumbled.
         "Don't think you're getting away from me that easily!" Tyler argued back, "If the lady is hungry then we shall dine! Where do you want to eat?"
         "Wherever, I don't really mind." Jane answered with a smile on her face.
         "Well, how about we eat at McDonalds? You like that food, right?" He asked.
         "Sure Tyler." Jane smiled at him. They both jumped into his car again but there was no need for conversation when he turned the radio on. LeAnn Rimes was the first artist that came on with 'The Safest Place'. Jane quietly sung along to it, the words whirling around in her head. She found herself dreaming of herself and Tyler in the place of the song but quickly shrugged that thought out of her mind; Tyler was her best friend.
         They arrived at McDonalds about twenty minutes after that. Tyler parked the car and they both got out and walked into the restaurant.
         "What do you want?" Tyler asked her.
         "I don't mind, I'll eat just about anything. I'll have what you're having." Jane told him, "I'll go and find a seat." With that Jane left him. She walked around for a while trying to spot a seat. It took a few moments but there was eventually one free and so she sat down. She waited there patiently for Tyler to join her and smiled when he finally did.
         "Here you go." He handed over her meal. An extra value meal, exactly the same as his.
         "Thanks." She smiled at him before tucking into her meal. They chatted as they ate and it took about an hour to eventually finish their meals. Jane was having such a good time, she didn't want the day to end.
         "Well," Tyler began after finishing his meal, "What now?"
         "I'm kinda tired. Maybe I should go home." Jane noted, "But I don't want to; I'm having so much fun with you."
         "How about a walk along the beach?" Tyler suggested.
         "That sounds good." Jane smiled at him. They both stood up and left the restaurant, jumping into Tyler's black car once again. On the way across to the beach Tyler had the radio on again. However, there was one question which burned in his mind.
         "Jane?" He spoke timidly.
         "Yes?" She answered.
         "Have...have they caught the guy?"
         She turned to look at him, "No, not yet." She stared at him for a moment before closing her eyes. She found herself drifting away and it seemed like only two minutes later when the car stopped and the engine was shut off. A cautious hand gripped her shoulder gently and a voice spoke out.
         "Jane? Are you awake?" Tyler almost whispered.
         "Of course I am, silly!" She answered, opening her eyes and turned to face him. Her face broke into a grin and he mimicked her.
         "C'mon then." He opened his car door and hopped out, then hastily ran around the the other side and opened the door for Jane, "M'lady." He bowed and held out his hand to her. She took it gratefully and stepped from the car.
         "Kind Sir." She replied trying to resist the grin on her face. They both erupted into giggles. It took them a while to finally calm down.
         "Let's go." Tyler told Jane. He grabbed her hand and began to drag her towards the steps which led down onto the beach. Jane liked the warmth of his hand, but he released his grip as soon as they reached the top step.
         Jane followed him down the steps at almost a running pace, "Wait up!" She called after him and he began to slow. They finally reached the bottom step and then they were on the soft, golden sand. "You do realise, we have to walk back up those." Jane told Tyler. She looked back up the steep stairs with a look of regret on her face, but he could tell she was only joking.
         Jane took off her socks and shoes before strolling along the beach with Tyler. She felt the sand shifting beneath her feet and squeezing through toes. The breeze was cold on her face but it was refreshing at the same time. Tyler walked close to her, his hand occasionally brushing against hers.
         They didn't speak a word until they reached the end of the beach. They both hoisted themselves up onto the pier and just sat there.
         "I've had fun today." Tyler told her.
         "Me too. I'm really glad you came to see me and talked me into coming out." Jane answered.
         "So am I. It's relieved so many things that were on my mind for the past two years."
         "Yeah, like what?"
         "Like...I do still love you." Tyler admitted with ease. Jane sat there in silence, rather stunned; she hadn't expected him to still like her. "Jane, I've loved you since high school when we were best friends, I just couldn't find the right words to tell you."
         "I know, Tyler." Jane told her. She rested her hand over his and as she did so he looked into her eyes. For a few moments they sat there, just staring into each others eyes. It was intense, like everything around them had disappeared. Jane thought Tyler was going to lean in and kiss her, but he didn't. The moment didn't last for long, however; a wave crashed against the pier and it was so big that it reached over the top of the stone wall and Tyler was splattered.
         Jane just sat there, trying to stifle the giggles but her efforts were piteous and she burst into a fit of laughter. Tyler scowled at her with a warning but she knew that look; he was joking. Suddenly he lunged forward to grab her but Jane jumped back in time and his hands missed her. She leapt off the pier landing on her feet although she was a bit unsteady. She looked back and saw Tyler had stood up and was preparing to jump off. He had her shoes in his hands.
         With a grin on her face she sped off, flicking sand behind her with each bound. "Eat my sand!" She shouted back to Tyler and laughed at herself for being so pristine but she carried on running anyway.
         She could hear his thudding footsteps behind her gaining on her...I was grabbed from behind.... Jane's mind betrayed her with flashbacks. Hearing Tyler's steps thumping behind her she felt scared. It seemed to her the past was coming back to haunt her; it was going to happen all over again. He began to gain speed on her. He was right on her trail. Jane willed her feet to move faster but her energy was low. She carried on running, her mind shrieking for help, yet her mouth would not comprehend. Then, he grabbed her. His strong arms were wrapped around her stomach...dragged me into the park and into the bushes...dragging her back.
         Jane screamed as loud as she could. She struggled furiously kicking her legs behind her and thrusting her elbows back. Suddenly the muscular grip on her stomach was released and she was sent sprawling to the floor.
         Jane managed to stop just before she took a mouthful of sand and she quickly spun over to make sure he wasn't going to try to grab her again. Tyler stood a metre from her, staring down at her sand-covered body. She looked like a scared, caged animal.
         "Jane..." He began, but didn't know what to say. Her eyes were glistening with tears. "I'm so sorry..."
         A single tear rolled down her cheek, dropping off at her chin and falling to the sand. That was traced by another tear, then another, until finally her whole body was racked with sobs.
         Tyler fell to his knees and slowly crawled towards her. He wrapped his powerful arms around her quivering body and embraced her tightly, stroking her hair. "I'm so sorry."

***

         An hour later Tyler and Jane were back at her house. They sat in front of the fire, on the rug again. Jane was still being very quiet and her eyes were still red.
         "Jane, I didn't mean to scare you." Tyler explained.
         "I know, Tyler," She turned to face him. "It's just that I got flashbacks and I thought it was all going to happen again." Jane forgave him.
         "I'll make you a coffee." Tyler stood up and walked to the kitchen. Jane didn't accept or decline, she just sat there in silence. She could hear him crashing about in the kitchen again but it seemed distant. Her thoughts were still focused on the beach and the actual incident. She didn't notice when he came back through either. He held a cup of coffee in his hand which he set down on the floor. He crouched down beside Jane.
         "Well, I had better be going now- " Tyler began but Jane turned to him, her eyes brimming with tears. She clutched at the sleeve of his shirt like a child would clutch a teddy bear.
         "Please, don't go." Jane begged him. The tears began to fall from her eyes. As they cascaded down her cheeks as a waterfall Tyler took her into his arms again.
         "It's okay, I'm here." Tyler told her. He sat himself down beside her properly but still held her.
         Jane pulled away slightly and looked up into his eyes; she looked so helpless. "I hate being alone. The worst time is when I'm alone. I start to think and can't stop. Please don't leave me." She pleaded with him.
         "I'm not going to leave you, Jane. I'm staying right here with you. Don't worry." Tyler gently stroked her hair, assuring her everything was fine.
         Jane sat there in his warm embrace feeling safe; protected. Her sobs finally ceased. Tyler pulled her away once more to look at her but found that she was asleep. Her face was pallid and streaked with tears. She looked so beautiful in sleep as well as when she was attentive. Tyler felt the urge to lower his head and let his lips meet hers but he resisted, scared in case he shocked her again; he had already done that too many times.
         Instead he scooped her frail, dainty body into his powerful, muscular arms and carried her over to the sofa. He laid her down gently on the red leather and placed a cushion under her head. He tiptoed upstairs into her bedroom and pulled the quilt off her big double bed. On his way out he noticed a stain on the floor where he thought something had been spilled. He made a mental note before walking back downstairs. He covered her slender body with the warm blanket and tucked it up around her legs and under her chin. Taking a step back he looked at her. She was so peaceful yet he thought she dreamed of more hostile things. Gently he allowed his lips to brush her cheek before he picked up the cup from the floor. He poured the cold coffee into the kitchen sink and then picked up the mop. He crept back upstairs and began to mop up the stain on the floor. He felt like her was trespassing but doing Jane a favour at the same time. He would sleep downstairs with her; he wouldn't leave her side.
         He finally went back down the steps with mop in hand. He placed it back into the kitchen and then moved back into the living room. He lay on the rug in front of the fire, staring at Jane until he too, fell asleep.

***

         The next morning Jane slowly opened her eyes and found the sun glaring down on her from the open curtains. She moaned and shielded her eyes so she didn't melt! When she could finally see she looked around her, recognising her own living room as the place where she was. She was covered by her own quilt and had a cushion propped underneath her head. She noticed that the fire was still blaring fiercy and that Tyler lay on the rug lost in sleep. He looked so innocent just lying there, curled up into a foetal position; almost like a young boy.
         Quietly Jane stepped over his body and turned the fire off. Then she stepped back over him and walked through into the kitchen when she began to boil the kettle. She put the grill on and put 6 rashers of bacon under the heat before making two cups of tea.
         She walked back through into the front room where Tyler still lay in a slumber. She placed his cup beside him and decided she would sit on the rug too. She placed her cup next to his but didn't sit down. She moved back into the kitchen where she bustled about for a while and eventually emerging with two plates. Jane saw that Tyler was now sitting up, his tea cupped between his hands. He looked over to her and smiled.
         "Did I wake you?" Jane asked him.
         "No, I can't resist bacon." He told her. Jane strode over to the rug and made herself comfortable. She handed one plate over to Tyler who began to indulge in his bacon sandwich instantly.
         "Thanks for staying with me last night, it really meant a lot." Jane told him truthfully.
         "Anything for you, Jane." He answered. Jane felt herself blushing slightly and hoped he wouldn't notice. They sat there for a few moments in silence just tucking into their food. Tyler eventually broke the silence and Jane was thankful.
         "So, what time is it?" Tyler asked her.
         "Ten past six." She answered taking another bite of her sandwich.
         "What?! Do you always get up this early?" He asked her.
         "Almost always. I find it hard to fall asleep at night and when I eventually do I can only stay in the Land of Nod for a few hours. I think this was the most sleep I've had." She answered taking another sip of her tea.
         "I don't think I could handle having this much sleep; it would kill me. So anyway, I think I'm going to head over home now. I need to take a shower and get some fresh clothes on. You can come over with me if you want." Tyler told her.
         "No thanks. I'll just stay here," She lifted her cup of tea up as if to show him her excuse. "Besides, I need to do the same." Jane stood up to walk him to the door.
         Just outside of the front door he paused, "I'll probably come back around later, see how you are." He smiled at her.
         "That would be nice." Jane replied, her smile mimicking his.
         "Ok then, bye."
         "Bye." Jane answered him. He leant in and gave her a quick peck on the lips. Jane kissed him back; it seemed natural. With a confused expression Tyler clambered into his car and drove off. Jane shut the door again and walked back through into the front room, settling back down onto the rug. She picked up her cup of tea and took a sip. What does that mean? He kissed me and I kissed him back. It's confusing. I'm not exactly feeling myself at the minute, but, it was nice. It seemed, natural. Will it happen again?
         Jane finished off her cup of tea, bundled her quilt into her arms and walked upstairs. She straightened the blanket back onto the bed and then pulled off her clothes. She decided to brush the knots out of her hair before washing it and as she stood in front of her mirror she noticed the scar. She had known there would be one, but it startled her all the same. It began just below her left breast, a long thin line trailing all of the way down to the right side of her stomach. She let her fingers trace along it, following the almost flesh coloured blemish. It was very thin, barely noticeable. Yet she knew it was there and she assumed Tyler would too. Why do I keep doing that? It's not like Tyler is going to see it, right? Her mind was confused. Jane shook her head, dropped the brush onto her bedside table and walked through her room into her bathroom.
         Jane spent almost half an hour in the shower; she did not want to leave. She relished the hot water streaming down her back washing away everything but her confused thoughts. When she finally stepped out of the shower Jane pampered herself. She lathered herself up with lotion and allowed herself to use a face mask. Afterwards she felt relatively good about herself, although her mind was still focused on Tyler. She didn't know how she felt about him anymore. When he first came to see her he was her best friend again, but now, it seemed like he was something more. He had been so great, taking care of her and spending the night to make sure she was safe. She felt so protected, and loved.
         To keep herself busy she went back downstairs and washed up the dishes, hoovered what little carpet was in her house and dusted the whole place. By the time she was finished it was only eleven. Jane flicked the switch of her computer and waited patiently as it booted up. Checking her e-mails she found one new message waiting for her. It was from Bridget;

         Jane, I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for telling Tyler about what happened but I thought if I let him come around without knowing about it, he might have scared you. Remember I'm always here for you if you need to talk, whatever time of day it is, I'm there.

Luv Bridget
xxx

         Jane smiled slightly at this. She hadn't really been mad at Bridget, just shocked that she had told Tyler without consent. She clicked on reply and began to type. Her fingers were inexperienced yet she managed;

         Bridge, it's fine. At first when Tyler phoned I was a bit mad but I supposed it is better that he knew before he came over. Yesterday he insisted he took me out and we went ice skating and then had a walk along the beach. It was great catching up with him after so long. He stayed over at my house last night, to keep me company. Talk to you later,

luv Jane
~xxx~

         After clicking on send she disconnected from the internet and switched her computer off again. She was just standing up when the phone began to ring. A smile formed on her face and the butterflies awakened in her stomach. She hurried over to the phone and picked up the receiver, trying to sound calm.
         "Hello?" She asked down the phone. There was a slight pause as Jane waited for an answer.
         "Hi Jane!" Tyler sounded happy. Jane grinned at the sound of his voice.
         "Hey, what's up?" She asked him.
         "I was just wondering if you wanted to come over here. I'll pick you up and show you around my house." Tyler requested. Jane considered for a moment and then spoke;
         "Okay, sounds like fun."
         "I'll be around soon then, bye." Tyler hung up. Jane smiled to herself and ran upstairs to brush her hair and put a little make-up on.
         Tyler arrived a little while later and Jane was ready to hop out of the door and into his car.
         "That was quick!" He remarked.
         "I'm excited, that's why." She answered. Jane babbled all of the way over to his house. It wasn't a long drive, just less than an hour. When they arrived Jane practically jumped out of the car slamming the door behind her. She gazed up at the house in awe; it was huge. Tyler joined her rapidly, standing just beside her.
         "It's massive!" Jane remarked to Tyler.
         "Yeah, I guess it's a nice house. Come on, let's go inside." Tyler grabbed her hand, leading her towards the front door. Jane squeezd his hand tightly and followed with a spring in her step and and smile on her normally pale face.
         He opened one of the huge white doors and pushed it open, motioning Jane inside. She walked in slowly, her footsteps echoing around the room. The hall was big with laminate flooring and white-washed walls. Painting hung at intervals adding colour and expression. A huge mirror hung on the very end wall and in front of it stood a polished oak table bearing a bouquet of flowers. A spiral staircase began on her right adorned by a beautiful polished handrail.
         "This place is exceptional. Do you live alone?" Jane asked after getting over her momentary speechlessness.
         "Yes, unfortunately, although I have cleaners who come in every other day." He told her. "Come on, I'll give you a tour." Tyler grabbed her hand once more and began leading her through the labyrinth of rooms.
         "This is the drawing room." Tyler showed her. It was so luxurious with a high patterned ceiling, laminate flooring, dark red walls and a sofa to match. A huge fireplace set into one wall and a cream coloured shag rug in the centre of the room.
         "Your house is so classy. It's wonderful." Jane praised Tyler.
         "Well don't just stand around then, you've got the rest of the house to behold." Tyler pulled her along throughout the house, leading her through the numerous rooms. Her expression was always identical; bewilderment and awe. She thought the stainless steel kitchen was immense and that the bathroom with a jaccuzi included was spectacular; she insisted on using it herself.
         After giving her a tour of the ground floor he led her up the grand spiral staircase. He showed her the bathroom up there which was as equally impressive. Then after showing her the smaller bedrooms he pushed open the door to his own bedroom.
         "This, is the master bedroom." He told her, stepping aside to let her past.
         "Oh my..." Jane trailed off. Her expression was a clone of the last. Tyler smiled in amusement; she would get used to it.
         Jane walked over to the four poster bed and flopped down onto the mattress which sprung back up under her minor weight. The bed was made from solid oak, stained and polished until it gleamed. One wall was entirely covered from floor to ceiling in mirrors. However, Tyler pulled one back to reveal that they were in fact hiding his immense wardrobe.
         Tyler moved to the bed and sat down beside her. "So, do you like this place?"
         "You bet I do! It's so stunning and dreamy. How could you ever afford to live in such a place?" She asked him, not meaning to seem rude or nosy , but she was still in shock.
         "Do you remember back in high school how I always wanted to be a barrister?" Tyler asked her, knowing she would remember even without an answer.
         "Of course, it's all you ever seemed to talk about." She replied.
         "Well, I got there and a bit further; I'm a solicitor. Top in the country actually." He explained.
         "You're so lucky. And you're not married yet?" Jane questioned jokingly.
         "I have could never marry, not when I was still in love with someone else."
         "Who?" Jane asked the question although she already knew the answer; it was like a script.
         "You, Jane. I love you, I always have." Tyler admitted again. He found himself staring into her deep eyes, trying to fight off the urge to kiss her once more. The intensity was so strong and it was not broken; Tyler found he could not resist. He moved forward slowly, his lips finally touching Jane's. He kissed her softly, with affection. He didn't expect a return kiss, not from someone as beautiful as Jane, however, he was proved wrong.
         Jane let her lips relax and she kissed him back. With concern Tyler pulled back, looking into her eyes. He saw affection and need in her eyes. Hesitating slightly, he moved forward once more and kissed her again, this time with more nerve. He kissed her gently, sweetly yet with longing and desire. Jane kissed him back with equal admiration. She felt his hand supporting the back of her head, his fingers interwining in her hair and she shuddered slightly under his soft touch.
         Slowly, he laid her down on the bed, taking her full weight. He lay beside her but was leant over her body. His hand rested upon her hip as he kissed her. Then, suddenly, he pulled away and stared into her deep blue eyes.
         "You're not ready for this, I can tell." Tyler spoke to her softly; his voice almost a whisper.
         "I know I'm not, but I want to, to show you how I feel." Jane told him.
         "You can tell me how you feel with words. I've loved you for over four years so I can wait." Tyler assured her.
         "Are you sure?" Jane asked him, with gratefullness in her eyes.
         "I'm positive." Tyler smiled down at her.
         Jane smiled back, tears welling up in her eyes. "I love you, Tyler."

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