"The Ole' Ball Game" chap 2

Chapter 2

Jazzelle watched her sister and her new brother-in-law ride off into the sunset in a pinstriped limosine. Sighing, she walked back into the nearly deserted reception hall.

"Alright, we're going home. You okay, Jazzi?" Keely linked her arm with Blaze's and tilted her head toward Jazzelle.

"I'll be fine, on my way home now." she called grabbing her keys off the table and making sure for the sixth time that Daemyn wasn't around. Apparently he'd left without even saying good-bye. Thoroughly disappointed, she climbed into her car and drove toward her apartment. Instead of going straight into the house, she walked into the convenient store and trailed her way to the freezer section. Tapping her chin she looked between the flavors and finally grabbed the carton promising the most chocolate. With a sigh, she hoisted the carton onto the counter and paid the woman behind it. "Thanks Terri."

Terri smiled, "How was the wedding?"

"Beautiful, but tiring. I'll bring pictures next time."

The woman nodded sending her red curls flying and waved calling out a good-natured, "Sleep well." as the door swished closed behind Jazzelle.

Within a few feet Jazzi was on the threshold of the apartment she shared with her cousin, she knew for a fact that she wouldn't sleep tonight. So instead, she kicked off the emerald green pumps that now killed her feet and sat on the couch eating the ice cream directly from the carton. Sure it wasn't lady-like, but who cared? She was home alone and exhausted. Further more the only man who seemed interested in her in weeks left before she could even talk to him for longer than ten minutes. Leave it to her friends and family to take her away from meaningful conversation.

With a loud sigh, she stood and limped to the freezer tucking the ice cream inside of it. There was nothing like a good chocolate binge to cheer a girl up. Was there? Maybe talking to an incredibly cute man, but that would have to wait. Right now, she needed to check her email and change, in that order.

Sitting at the computer, she moved the mouse around to get the screen saver to scoot off the screen. She hissed back at the computer as it hissed at her. "Slow piece of junk, should replace you. Would if I could." she jeered.

A window popped up on the screen as soon as she got it to work.

"Hi Jazzelle. It's Daemyn." the instant message made her heart stop its beat.

Daemyn?

"Hi." she typed then scolded herself, "That was original, Jazzelle. Let the man think you're a complete idiot from the get-go."

"How are you?"

The three words had her wracking her brain. How was she? Finally she shook her head and laughed at herself, "I'm tired, how are you?"

"Good. Sorry I left so fast, my parents were expecting me."

She nodded, apparently he did have to go. "It's fine. Maybe we could get together some other time?" After she hit enter she stared wide-eyed at the screen waiting for his answer. How could she ask him that? Did she just ask Daemyn on a date?

"Sounds good. When are you free?"

Breathing wasn't an option anymore. He'd accepted! She squealed, then tried to maintain her cool. "How's Friday, around six?"

--

Daemyn stared at the computer screen, she'd asked him out! Friday at six...what was he doing? Wracking his brain, he wished it'd move faster so he could answer her already. Then finally he decided it really didn't matter what he had going on, he'd move his schedule around to meet with Jazzelle.

"Sounds great. Where do you want to meet, or would you rather I picked you up?"

His heart beat so fast he was waiting to see it outside of his chest.

"I'll meet you at Fieldings Park, okay?"

Nodding his head he typed in, "Sure thing."

"Alright, I'm going to get going now. I need to get out of this dress."

He closed his eyes and tried to repress the image her statement brought. "Okay, see you Friday." She was signed off before he could say anything more and he sat staring at the screen. He had a date with Jazzelle Douglas on Friday. Wow.

Another instant message popped up on the screen, "So did you get ahold of her?"

It was Lidia, Jazzi's friend. He smiled, "Sure did. We're going out on Friday."

"Good. I'll bother her about it. I love this job, no wonder Jazzi liked it so much." With that, Lidia too was gone.

Daemyn sat shaking his head, the group of friends he was joining baffled him. They were so much like a family, yet they accepted without question. Instead of ignoring the yawn that now plagued him, he too signed offline and walked toward his bedroom. He'd think more about the whole date in the morning. For now, sleep reigned.

"The Ole' Ball Game"chap 1

This is the last story in 'The Ole' Ball Game' Series. Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 1

The sun rose high in the ball park, and Jazzelle watched it with a smile on her face. Today was the day that her sister would be married to the man of her dreams. Charity beamed as she stood before the full length mirror in her wedding dress. Tears burned Jazzi's eyes as she watched her little sister twirl around in the dress to catch a glimpse of the back. Something about this wasn't right. Her younger sister was getting married before her, and in Yankee Stadium!

"I can't believe Alex pulled this off!" exclaimed Charity, blue eyes glittering with excitement.

"I knew you'd get the perfect guy for you, Charity. I'm glad he got all of this for you." Jazzi spun once in her own dress of emerald green satin and smiled as she dashed the tears away.

"Oh please, you're going to make me mess my make up here. Let's be happy. Please?" Lidia smoothed her hands over the satin of her own emerald green dress and stood beside Jazzelle and Charity.

Bethanie came out of the changing room and swiped at her eyes, "Y'all are making me teary here too."

Keely walked out of the changing room last and enveloped the rest of them in a group hug, "We look like a girl band gone wrong.." she hissed finally.

"No, you look beautiful." said Charity with a smile as she stepped back from the hug.

"You look beautiful." said Charity and Jazzelle's father from the doorway, "There is a whole stadium full of people waiting to see you. Are you ready?"

Charity swallowed hard and nodded, "Are you all ready?"

They nodded slowly and walked out before her.

Jazzelle walked out into the light of the stadium after all of her friends had gone before. She was the last one to walk just before the bride. Her heart thudded in time with the music and she sighed deeply as she reached the altar. Turning, she took her place beside Lidia and looked out over the crowd. Daemyn smiled and waved discreetly. She felt her eyes widen as she stared at him. He'd come? How had he snuck in here? Her heart raced faster until she was sure it would hop right out of her chest. Pulling her gaze from his, she focused her eyes on her sister and father.

In a flowing white, glittery gown, her sister walked down the aisle toward the make-shift altar. A smile seemed to be permanently fixed on Charity's face for the entire day, even though tears brimmed in her blue eyes. Jazzi couldn't help but let her own tears fall as she witnessed her younger sister take the vows to love, honor, and obey Alex. They'd be happy together forever. She watched the couples walk down the aisle one after the other, Lidia and Altan, Keely and Blaze, Bethanie and T.C., Charity and Alex and Andre ran straight for Aria's seat after the wedding was over.

The reception wasn't much better, as Jazzi sat with her friends and watched them make goo-goo eyes at each other. She could puke, really.

"You've got an admirer." Lidia hissed in her ear.

"Whom?" she couldn't help but let her eyes wander around the room.

Chuckling, Lidia turned Jazzi's head for her. "Right there, and you know it. Go say hi. Ask him to dance already. You know you want to."

Shaking her head vigorously, Jazzelle stared at Daemyn. He did look awfully good in that suit of his. No, no she would not, simply could not involve herself with someone so good looking. He'd most likely leave behind a trail of broken hearts, her's included. "No, I'm perfectly happy by myself Lid."

Lidia rolled her eyes, "Please! If you're happy by yourself I'm a monkey's uncle."

"And a very good looking one at that." quipped Altan with a grin in Lidia's direction.

She swatted him from across the table, "Shut up you. Now, get over there and talk girl."

Shrugging Jazzi left the table simply to get away from the good-natured flirting going on. Instead of heading toward Daemyn's table, she went toward the punch bowl. After a whole day of being on her feet, smiling for the crowd and hugging long lost relatives, she was ready to go home, put her feet up, and binge on chocolate. Aunt Martha's many "aren't you married yet?" speeches took their toll after a while.

Just as she thought she could handle no more, a hand caught her elbow. Turning quickly she was ready with a smart remark on the not married thing when she caught sight of Daemyn's brown eyes.

"Hi." he said quietly.

"Uh..hello." she replied, hoping that maybe she could keep her heart from stomping right out of her chest and flopping onto the floor for him to trample.

"I noticed that you're all alone at the table there..must be lonely for you." he bit his lower lip as he waited for her reaction.

"Oh no, I'm perfectly fine...actually yeah, it is pretty boring." when he smiled at her, she couldn't help but smile back.

"Come with me?" he whispered.

Looking over at the tables full of her friends and family, she cast a glance back at the incredible looking man asking her to follow him. Somehow she couldn't reason past the incredible looking man. He would win out every time. Smiling she bit her lip and nodded, "Sure."

--

Daemyn Francis couldn't believe his luck. Somehow, Charity and Lidia had talked Mike and Rachel into bringing him to the wedding as well. And now, Jazzelle Douglas trailed him out the door to the reception hall and onto the patio. Playing it cool, he took a seat on the porch swing that sat before him and waited while Jazzelle walked toward it.

"Okay, it's killing me. Who invited you?" she asked propping a hand on one hip as she stared at him with eyes that matched her green dress.

He shrugged nonchalantly, "Your sister and Lidia."

"But...why...oh no, oh no no no! Their matchmaking now?" she flopped down onto the swing beside him, a frown marring her features.

He almost begged her to smile again, her smile had been the first thing he'd noticed about her. Second only to her eyes that flashed when she was angry, sparkled when she was happy or fiery. Instead, he turned to face her. "Is that such a bad thing?"

Her frown deepened, "Well..no..not exactly. I..I just..I didn't think you'd be interested is all." voice now suddenly a slight whisper she glanced down at her clasped hands that sat in her lap.

Grinning he wriggled his eyebrows, "Oh I'm interested."

She chuckled, "In me?"

He nodded slowly.

"You two making out yet?" Lidia poked her head out the door and smiled at them.

"LIDIA!" Jazzelle blushed five shades of red.

"Just finished." he winked standing and tugging Jazzi along with him.

"DID NOT!" Jazzelle still seemed mortified.

"Oh shush, Jazzi, you would if you could. It's time for you to make the toast for your sister." Lidia directed her words to Jazzelle as she tip-tapped across the linoleum of the dance floor in matching emerald green pumps.

"Sorry, that's my cue." Jazzi offered an apologetic smile then followed Lidia.

Sighing, Daemyn sat back down at the table assigned to him and watch Jazzelle. She was graceful and beautiful, made him want to stare at her forever. He couldn't though. Instead, he said good-bye to the bride and groom and left before she was finished with her maid of honor duties. His parents were expecting him by six. Besides, if it was meant to be they'd meet again. Daemyn sure hoped it was meant to be.

SORRRRYYYY!!!!!!!

BAH! I'm sooo sorry that I've not been writing lately. You all deserve my apology. I'm glad to see you all liked the ending to Andre & Aria's story. Jazzelle's story is on the way :) Thought I'd take some time before I posted that to tell you about why I havent been writing lately. Well first of all...say hello to the college graduate. YES I OFFICIALLY GRADUATED!! WOOOTTTT!! See..look at my cake!



Yea..see I've grown up..I used to look like this:



Now...I'm a highschool graduate, note my lovely grad. pic:



Okay anyhow..beside that...my mom had dental work done. So I've been trying to help out a lot. And Danny was in...my boyfriend :) So..yea it's been a long week. Tomorrow I'll be posting Chapter 1 of Jazzelle's story. "The Ole Ball Game." Thanks for being patient & for reading!! :)

~Jolene

"If They Don't Win It's A Shame" chap 10

Chapter 10

Aria walked up the stairs behind Andre. Yankee Stadium. She'd never been to Yankee Stadium in all of the years she'd lived in New York. When Andre had offered to take her to a baseball game, she'd never known he meant a Yankee game! She smiled at his friends as they took up most of the row. With only four seats left over.
"You remember everyone, right Aria?" asked Andre as he swept his arm from one side of the row to the other.
"Remind me again, because I'll forget. I'm human, sue me." she smiled at the group of friends noticing that Jazzelle was missing from the group.
"Charity and Alex are down there, Bethanie and T.C., Lidia and Altan, Keely and Blaze, and of course you and I." Andre took a seat next to Blaze and motioned for her to take the one beside his.
Sitting down, she surveyed the seats in front of them and behind them before looking out at the field, "Where is Jazzi?" she whispered finally.
Andre smiled and pointed to the tier across from them. There sat Jazzi alone in the tier watching the baseball game.
"Why doesn't she join us?" she asked frowning.
"Because, she's the nosy one who wants to spy. We let her spy. Don't worry. Soon enough, she'll be joining us." he added.
"Her and her little boyfriend too." chuckled Lidia from down the row.
"Boyfriend?" Aria was completely confused now.
They all began to laugh.
"We're going to set her up, she's going to love it. Don't worry about her. Jazzi can take more than she lets on." added her sister Charity.
Aria nodded, but somehow she couldn't get over being a part of this family of friends. It was nice, especially with Andre at her side.
--
Andre smiled at Aria and kissed her cheek. "You want to go to a wedding with me in a few weeks?"
She looked around, "Who's getting married?"
The game was nearly over and he had to ask soon. It was a good time to ask when his friends were very much involved in the game.
"Charity and Alex." supplied Keely with a smile.
"Oh wow, I sure would love to go to a wedding. Especially with you." Aria smiled at him.
"Good, because I was thinking we could go to a few weddings together and start collecting ideas for ours?" his throat constricted as he watched her face take on a few different emotions.
"Ours?" her voice squeaked.
He nodded, hoping she wouldn't completely reject the idea.
"Sounds good." she added finally, after what seemed like an eternity she leaned in and kissed him softly.
"Oh thats so sweet!" exclaimed Lidia with a chuckle. "How come you never say anything so sweet?" she nudged Altan with her elbow.
"Because you aren't as sweet as that girl. You hurt me." he rubbed his side.
"Oh shut up!" Lidia shook her head.
"Don't you just love my friends?" he asked Aria with a smile.
She chuckled, "Yes, and I love you too."
He could feel his smile stretch to the point where his cheeks hurt, "I love you too, Aria."
--
Jazzelle watched her friends sit together and have fun, and somewhere deep inside of her she secretly wished she hadn't set them all up. Now she sat here alone with no one to talk to, no one to love, no one to hold her. Sighing, she propped her chin up in her hand and watched the game. She was now alone, and that was that.
"Take Me Out to the Ball Game" began to play over the loud speakers and she sighed, maybe she was being selfish. After all if they didn't win it was a shame, her friends deserved to win. Most definitely.
A hand tapped her shoulder and she turned quickly, "What do you want?"
He laughed, "I thought I'd find you here." his smile maddened her, and made her stomach drop at the same time.
"Daemyn..please, I'm kind of brooding here." she sighed as he sat down beside her.
"Why brooding?"
"Everyone has a match now. Look at them, their having fun, I'm stuck here alone."
"Excuse me?" he smiled as gestured to himself as he laid an arm across her shoulders.
"I...um...next story please!"
He chuckled, "The next story is ours, Jazzelle."
She shook her head. Could she really be matched up next?

The End

Stay tuned for the final volume of my series "The Ole' Ball Game." :)

"If They Don't Win It's A Shame" chap 9

Chapter 9

Aria sat beside Andre watching the movie, she smiled as she felt his hand slide around her's. There was something about the gentleness of the man that had her heart, that made her never want to change this moment with him. The popcorn sat between them a reminder of the movie, yet she had no idea what was going on. She could only feel his lips against her hand as he pressed a kiss to her palm. Turning, she smiled at him, and watched as he rose to his full height seated and kissed her lips.
Fireworks. Seemed that was exactly what she saw when their lips touched. When he looked at her a certain way, when he smiled. Her cheeks turned a bright red, she was sure of it, for they burned.
Soon enough, the lights came back on in the theater, the movie was over. However, she had no idea what it'd been about at all. Slowly, they made their way out of the theater and into the lobby. Her heart stopped. Sharon and Michael Jonson stood there, between them they held hands with a tiny blonde boy, with eyes that gleamed with happiness.
"Aria!" Sharon called out, running toward them.
Andre surveyed her face, she was sure he was calculating the look she was giving right now. She sure wished she knew what she was feeling, however her brain stopped working. Sharon hugged her tightly in her arms as she hadn't seen her in nearly six years.
"We've missed you, where have you been? Have you seen how big Isaac has gotten?" Susan motioned for Michael and Isaac to come closer.
Isaac reguarded Andre and Aria with a smile, although his eyes still shone as he looked up with admiration at his parents. Or the people he knew as his parents.
Andre reached out a hand and grasped hers, he now knew why she hesitated. Swallowing hard, she looked down at the little boy and then back at Michael and Sharon's beaming faces. She'd done what was right for her boy. He was perfect. A smile tugged at her lips, "I've been busy, but it's so nice to see you all."
Andre tilted his head and smiled at her, knowing that she was okay with her situation now he gripped her hand tighter within his.
"And who is this?" asked Michael with a smile.
"This is Andre Harris. Andre, Michael, Sharon, and Isaac Jonson." she introduced.
"Nice to meet you all." Andre nodded to them.
"You as well, Andre." added Michael.
After another half hour of catching up, Aria handed them her phone number and watched as they entered the movie theater for a popular children's movie.
"Are you okay?" asked Andre, encircling her waist with his arms.
She nodded feeling tears rush to her eyes, "I'm fine. I know now that he's okay. Nothing could be better. I'm ready to start over now.." her breath caught at her own words. What would Andre say about this?
--
Had she just said what he thought she'd said? She was ready to start over. Great! Smiling, he hugged her closer. "Are you ready to start over with me?"
She nodded slowly, tipping her head down a bit in embarrassment.
His smile widened, "You're adorable." He kissed her lips softly, "Let's get you home."
As soon as they walked through the door to Lidia's home, she stopped them. "There's a phone call for you, Aria."
Sighing, she released Andre's hand and moved toward the phone. Andre watched the door close behind her, and sighed. This was it. She was for him, and that was that. Lidia was chuckling at him as she sat down on the couch and motioned for him to do the same.
"You're in looovee." she hummed softly.
"Shush." he growled, but smiled still. No matter how hard he tried he couldn't get the smile off of his face. Somehow he felt like a fool, yet he didn't care.
"You are, and so is that woman in the kitchen. You two are for each other. Admit it, Jazzi has done it again."
"Okay, okay, so Jazzi was right. Aria is perfect." he sighed once more. Lidia was right, no use in lying.
Just as he said that, the kitchen door swung open. Tears were running down Aria's face as she moved toward him.
"What's wrong?" he asked hurriedly. Why was she crying?
"It's over. They caught Jerry. He tried to get into the Jonson's house, and some neighbors saw him. They called the police, and apparently Jerry was stupid enough to hang around. My nightmare is over." she smiled now through her tears.
"That's great, honey." he whispered, pulling her into his arms.
"Yeah, don't mind me..I'll just go disappear again." said Lidia loudly as she walked into the kitchen.
Both Andre and Aria began to laugh as they watched her exit the room.
"Hey, you wouldn't want to go to a baseball game tomorrow would you?" he asked finally, as she smiled up at him.
"I would love to go to a baseball game, especially if it's with you." she replied, cuddling further into his arms.
"Perfect. We'll go to the game tomorrow. Tradition continued."

"If They Don't Win It's A Shame" chap 8

Chapter 8

Aria woke in a strange room, her heart beat fast as she turned this way and that to get a better view of her surroundings. The door opened to the room, and she tried to find somewhere to hide. Too bad the person behind the door was faster than she.

"It's okay, you're safe now." it was Jazzelle's friend Lidia.

"Where am I?" she asked, feeling completely lost.

"You're at my house. When Andre said he needed somewhere to put you that would keep you safe, I volunteered. I figure, if someone is going to join our little group then I might as well check them out too. You'll be here for about a week or so, far as anyone can tell..." Lidia smiled at her.

"Oh..okay..." Aria was incredibly confused, but she'd learned long ago agreeing got you farther than disagreeing. "So, who's taking care of my father and Brayden?"

"Andre. He really cares about you, honey. If you ask me, which you didn't but I'll give my opinion anyway, he's the perfect guy for you." Lidia smiled knowingly as she watched Aria, "You already know that. Look at you blushing!"

"I..I don't know anything. Especially not about Andre. I just met him a few weeks ago." she pinned the woman with a look, hoping she'd stop talking about her relationship. No such luck, apparently.

"That never stopped the rest of us. Although Keely and I knew our men before hand. Everyone else just met them. Heck, Charity and Alex are getting married already!" Lidia smiled widely as she presented her case. Apparently Andre's friends were just like this, she'd definitely have to get used to it. First Jazzelle now Lidia.

"Married?" she choked, would she get married? And to whom? Andre? Her heart was beating even faster now that she thought of him. The blue walls seemed to be closing in on her, her breathing grew labored.

"Oh wow, you're really not ready for all of that talk, are you?" Lidia laughed and patted Aria's shoulder. "You will be. Believe me."

Aria watched Lidia walk out the door of her home for the next week or so. Something about the woman told her they'd be good friends before the week was up. However, right now she needed to focus on what she'd do about Andre and her feelings for him.

--

Andre smiled at Aria across Lidia's kitchen table, "So your Dad sends his reguards."

"I'll call him later." Aria replied quietly, staring at the ceiling.

Lidia smiled, "I'm going to head to the living room, Altan's on his way over anyway. You two have a lot to talk about, I'm sure." She quickly retreated to the other room, closing the door in between the rooms.

"Okay, Aria, what's wrong?" he asked after the door had closed.

"What? Wrong? Nothing." she shook her head, yet her eyes never quite met his.

Sighing, he dragged his chair over beside hers and turned her chair to face him. Reaching one hand out, he cupped her face in his hand forcing her eyes to meet his. "What is wrong?" he annunciated each word as he stared into the depths of her green eyes.

"Lidia said we'll end up married, what do you think of that? Knowing about my past, knowing what I'm like, knowing my work schedule...could you really marry me?" tears shimmered in her eyes as she stared back into his eyes.

"Of course, and in a heart beat, Aria." He watched her throat work as she tried not to cry, and he smiled softly. Tugging her closer, he pressed his lips to hers. He'd done it. Finally, he'd kissed her.

When he pulled away, Aria was still staring at him, "Wow."

He chuckled, "Yeah, I know."

--

Lidia grinned at Altan, "It's so cute! Their so in love, but it's so new. I miss when you were like that." she poked him.

"Oh shut up, I'm still the same." he said with confidence.

"Right, instead of 'I love you Lidia', I get 'pass the remote, Lid.'"she frowned at Altan and reached for the phone, "Nevermind, I'll just call Jazzi, she'll understand."

Shaking his head, Altan tugged the phone from her hands, "When I get through with you, you won't remember about Jazzi." He laughed before pulling her closer.

"Wow..you sure you're still Altan?" she could feel her heart begin to race as he pressed his lips to hers.

"Does it matter?"

She shook her head, "At this point? No way. You're a better kisser than Altan anyhow."

The phone rang, and Lidia looked at him before watching him toss the phone. Laughing now, she returned his kiss and ignored the phone she was mostly sure Jazzi was on the other end of. At this point, who cared? Not her.

"If They Don't Win It's A Shame" chap 7

Chapter 7

Aria puttered around the kitchen in her bare feet, a day off that she'd never have taken in a million years if she didn't have to. This house needed order again, an order she wouldn't attain working a ten hour work day. Sighing, she pulled more tupperware containers out of the cabinet. Someone had to do it. Humming to herself, she listened to the complete silence of her home this morning. Brayden was off skateboarding with his friends, and her father had yet to wake up. There was something about the early morning that got her blood flowing, heart pumping, especially when she had a project to do. Slowly, the cabinets got reorganized and the kitchen was finished. As soon as she finished the kitchen, she moved onto the living room knowing full well this would be all she did today. There were too many crevices in this house for teenager garbage. Like thirty cds shoved into the corner beside the couch, or three pairs of sneakers under the entertainment center. She was in the middle of tugging the cushions off the couch to see what awaited her there when Brayden walked in.

"Morning, I've got the mail." he announced strolling toward her.

"What's in there? Anything good?" she smiled at her brother's look of frustration as he shook his head through each piece of mail.

"Mostly bills from the looks of it...oh wait." he pulled one envelope to the front of the pile and looked at it. "This looks interesting, for you, but no return address."

Frowning, Aria stood and left the couch in disarray to take the envelope. Opening it, she felt all of the blood rush from her face as she freed the letter and picture from its surroundings. Staring back at her were her own deep set green eyes fringed by blonde lashes. Isaac.

"What is it?" asked Brayden, his expression worried as he clasped a hand on her arm.

"N-n-nothing." she tried to cover, pulling away from him. "I'm fine."

"Have it your way." her brother shook his head and walked out of the room.

Quickly, she opened the letter and glanced at it.

He's beautiful, isn't he? Why didn't you tell me about him, Aria? Apparently we make beautiful babies together. Should try again soon. I know where he is, Aria, the secret is no longer safe.

Her heart thudded against her ribcage, he knew? Jerry knew. Isaac stared back at her in the picture, his expression happy. But how long could she keep him that way? Tears began to pour down her face as she grabbed her cell phone. She needed to call a few people to ensure his safety. Right away. Her heart longed to simply call Andre, have him make it all better. However, there were some things no one could fix. Like Jerry Reynolds.

--

Andre gripped the steering wheel so tight his knuckles were white, Aria had called saying the police were at her house to meet her there as soon as he could. Something was most definitely wrong, just by the frantic sound in her voice. He'd reached her house in record time he was sure. Climbing out of the car, he didn't waste any time slamming the car door and walking up to her front door which stood open. Police milled around the living room, one asked her questions, another scribbled things down in a notebook. Her brother stood in the kitchen beside their father staring at all of the action.

"What's going on, Brayden?" he asked the teenager, standing beside him.

"I don't know, she won't tell us anything." he complained, his eyes fierce looking. Apparently Brayden was feeling as helpless as he was.

"Help her." whispered Mr. McKenzie, his eyes sorrowful.

"I will, sir." he answered taking the first few steps toward the living room.

When the police officer had finished questioning her, Andre walked in and sat beside her. "Okay, what's going on, Aria?"

As soon as she saw him, her eyes filled with tears and her lower lip quivered. "Jerry." she whispered as she handed him a piece of paper and a picture.

He read the letter, and tried to keep from crumbling it in his hand. The picture was up close, and the man had hardly been joking around. His heart beat double its normal pace as he watched tears run down her cheeks. It wasn't supposed to be like this. Tugging her closer, he lay her head on his shoulder. "They'll find him." he said nodding toward the police.

"They said something about protective custody, Andre, I'm so scared. Not for me, but for my father, Brayden, and Isaac. What would I do if he hurt them?"

"Don't think about that, Aria, think positively. Their going to find him, and he won't bother you again." he rubbed her back soothingly, letting her lay there for as long as she needed.

Brayden walked into the room as the police population thinned out, "So this is serious." his voice was calm even if his look belied it.

Andre nodded, glancing over to see Aria asleep on his shoulder. "It's most definitely serious. You need to take precautions..."

"No, I don't mean this whole letter thing, I meant the two of you." Brayden smiled even though it was forced it made Andre want to laugh.

"Yeah, I suppose we are."

"If They Don't Win It's a Shame" chap 6

Chapter 6

Jazzelle cupped her hands around the mug of hot tea, "So you saw this man in the restaraunt..who is he?" she watched as Aria's already white face blanched a pale shade.

"The father of my son." the words were hallow and made Jazzi nearly fall off of her chair.

"Your son?" her eyes were wide, she knew that, but she'd never known about a son.

Aria nodded, her eyes sorrowful as she reguarded Jazzi, "Isaac Alexander McKenzie..at least that's what I would have called him had I kept him. I couldn't though. Too many memories and Jerry was after me. I couldn't let him have Isaac. He doesn't know about Isaac and I'd rather if he never did. My baby was adopted by a nice couple in my old church, I had to leave after that. I couldn't bear to see him with his new family." she sighed and wiped at the tears that now dripped down her cheeks in twin trails. "I was raped, Jazzi. Jerry Reynolds, he seemed like a good guy. He really did. I was so in love with him, but I held firm to my beliefs. I wouldn't have sex before I was married. Jerry didn't like that. Not one bit." Her tears fell faster now as she shook her head.

Jazzi reached a hand out and rubbed Aria's back gently.

"He followed me home that night I was walking home from the park. I could feel someone behind me, and when I turned and saw the look in his eyes I knew it was wrong. I started to run. I just wasn't fast enough, Jazzi. His arms grabbed mine, and..." sobs began to echo in her kitchen.

"Oh Aria." feeling the tears burn her own eyes, Jazzelle pulled her new friend into a haphazard hug hoping to take the hurt from her. The woman had lived with this for so long. Now she was reliving it because of one glimpse of that man. Burning with rage, yet held to her spot, Jazzi simply talked quietly to Aria and prayed with her. There was nothing she could do, no revenge that would pay that man for what he did to Aria. But, Jazzelle knew Andre would be perfect for Aria. She would feel the love she'd never felt before, and it would be mutual.

The door creaked behind them, and Andre walked into the kitchen "Hey...what's wrong?" his eyes were troubled as he saw Aria's tear stained face on Jazzelle's shoulder.

Nodding to Aria, she stood, "I'll leave the two of you alone."

--

Aria reguarded Andre's face devoid of all emotion aside from worry as he looked at her.

"Please tell me you're alright?"

She nodded, "I will be once I tell you what I just told Jazzi." Slowly, she launched into the story once more, until Andre's face transformed into angry and then soft as she explained about Isaac.

His hand covered her's, "I'll help you through this, Aria."

She smiled, "I know you will, that's why I told you. I had to get Jazzi's opinion first. I needed to get it out."

Tugging her closer, he tucked her into his arms and hugged her tight. A smile stretched her face as she snuggled into his arms. This was right.

"Thank you." she whispered into his ear.

"For what? You're the one revealing your past." he looked at her, eyes confused.

"For being here, for listening and understanding. For offering to help me through it. For the hug most of all."

"The hug is my pleasure, Aria. I like you a lot, you know that right?"

She nodded, "I know, because I feel the same way."

"You want to go see a movie or something?" he inquired.

Again she nodded, "Sure thing. Let's go let Jazzi know we're leaving?"

He shook his head, "I think Jazzi already knows." Motioning toward the door, she saw Jazzi flash them the thumbs up sign.

Aria laughed, "Doesn't she EVER mind her own business?"

"Not until we give someone to mind HER business." he chuckled, tugging her toward his car.

--

Andre liked the feeling of Aria's head on his shoulder as they watched the movie together. His hand held tight to her's. There was something incredible about the strength this woman exuded and showed in her everyday life. Especially with the story she'd told him moments before the movie. He smiled as he watched her eyes slowly close. Something had told him telling her story had left her tired emotionally, yet she lay there with a smile on her face. It had set her free finally telling someone about herself. About the part that so made up her character.

Still something inside of him wanted to kill that man who'd done such a thing to her. He couldn't see straight when she'd said that man had touched her, had hurt her so badly. Left her with a son she'd had no choice but to give up, even though she so loved children.

Sighing, Andre reached over and swept his hand down her cheek, she was so sweet. So beautiful. She deserved a life that made her happy from now on. Could he give that to her? He hoped so. Because, if he had his way, she'd never be sad like that again.

"If They Don't Win It's A Shame" chap 5

Chapter 5

Andre loosened his grip on Aria's shoulders and reached his hand toward her's. As if considering her options, Aria slowly set her hand in his before quickly searching over her shoulder. Whomever had been in that restaraunt had nearly stolen his first date with this woman, and boy was he glad he'd caught her. Gently, he guided her back toward his car, "Let's just go some where else." he supplied, hoping she was hungry enough to say yes.

"Actually, I think it'd be better if you just took me back to the hospital to get my car so I can get home. I don't feel very hungry right about now. If you'd like you can follow me home and I'll make you a sandwich." she pinned him with sorrowful green eyes and he couldn't resist.

"Sounds good." he muttered, hoping she bought it. A sandwich really didn't sound as good as what he'd had picked out on the menu, but the time spent with Aria sounded nice.

Closing her door, he walked back around to his side and climbed in. In silence he drove back toward the hospital. Aria's eyes never stayed in one place far as he could tell, always looking over her shoulder, out the window, and around the perimeter. Something wasn't right with this woman. The man in that restaraunt had done something to her in her lifetime, and he wondered exactly what that was.

"You can just park here, I'll be right back." said Aria as he rounded the corner near the parking garage.

"Are you sure? I'd be glad to walk you into the parking garage." he watched as Aria shook her head.

"No, no, I'll be fine. Just wait right here, be out in a minute." she gave him a small smile before climbing out of the car, and walking toward the parking garage.

Soon enough, she was driving back out waving him to follow her, and so he did. Down back streets and alleys he followed her to a small house that nearly resembled a log cabin. He smiled at the warmth it seemed to give off, it fit Aria perfectly. She parked her car out front and he parked behind her. Still ever the gentleman, he raced to open her door for her.

"Thank you." she smiled, her entire face softened when she smiled he noted.

"My pleasure." he answered following her into her home.

--

Aria watched Andre take in the details of her home as she walked beside him. Somehow she didn't see him living in a small country type home as she had her entire life, but did that matter? She really needed to look forward not backward and Andre was the person to do that with. He kept her on her toes alright. With that smile and the sense of humor he had, she'd smiled more tonight that she had in months.

"Who's this?" Brayden sat at the table beside their father feeding him the dinner she'd left for them.

"Dad, Brayden this is Andre Harris. My friend that I was telling you about."she tried her best to smile as they all sized each other up.

"Nice to meet you." said Andre, extending a hand to Brayden and then her father.

Both nodded accordingly.

"I'm going to make some sandwiches, anyone want one?" she turned around from the refridgerator to see Andre take a seat on the other side of her father and her breath caught for a minute. The sight of the man of her dreams in one seat, her father in another, her brother beside him had a feeling of coming home for Aria. All that was missing...no, she wouldn't let her mind wander back to Isaac. Nor to Jerry. She was moving on.

"I'll take one." said Brayden, smiling at Andre who'd raised his hand when she'd asked.

Nodding at Brayden and then Andre, she grabbed the supplies from the refridgerator and began to make sandwiches. Whistling as she moved around the kitchen, she finally placed the finished products on plates and offered them to Andre and to her brother.

They sat together in the silence as they ate, when finally Brayden finished and offered to take her father to bed.

She smiled at him, "Thank you Bray. Good night Daddy." she stood and kissed her father on the cheek before returning to her seat.

"Good night Mr. McKenzie." offered Andre.

Her father mumbled his best good night as Brayden wheeled him away from them.

"So, tell me..who was that man at the restaraunt?" asked Andre, she'd known it was coming but still the question stole her breath.

"Jerry Reynolds." she answered, hoping it would keep the questions at bay.

"Yes, but what about him made you run, Aria?" his eyes bore into her's and she could hardly keep herself upright.

"I can't tell you Andre, you'd take off too. It's too much. My former life is not pretty, Andre. Not nearly as pretty as it is now."

"I want to hear about it, all of it, but if you aren't ready to tell then you don't have to. You tell me in your time." he smiled and patted her hand.

"Thank you." she seriously doubted she'd ever tell Andre the truth about Jerry Reynolds and about Isaac. Instead, they began a conversation about what they liked to do in their off time. Apparently he liked music, and she was a dancer. That she told him. They talked the night away, until finally Andre glanced at his watch and announced it time for him to leave. Her heart constricted at the words, yet she nodded. "Thanks for coming over."

He smiled, "Anytime. We'll do something again, soon."

She nodded and agreed, "Soon."