Truly Madly Deeply

Truly Madly Deeply (The way it should have happened) By Sam Nightingale

Prologue

This story, unfortunately, is NOT true. The actual story does not have such a happy ending. If you would like to read what really happened, follow this link: /nifty/gay/highschool/truly-madly-deeply. I wrote this story as a therapeutic way to deal with the pain of what actually did happen.

I Deep Green

I had always searched for a pair of eyes that could peer into the depths of my soul. I was so happy on the day I found those eyes.

It all started two years ago this October 30. I was 16. It was a beautiful fall day. The leaves were turning to match the month. A deep, golden orange.

My friend Willow and I were both Celtic Pagans. She had a Welsh accent, while mine was a light Irish brogue. She had invited me over for a sleepover and we would celebrate Ancestor Night (known to Christians as Halloween) together. We both lived close to my school but in different neighborhoods. When leaving school, there was a particular part of the street you had to cross to go to either way. One way would lead to Willow's house. The other would lead to my house. Every day for the past year and a half, I would walk in the direction of my house. However, on this particular day, I went towards her house.

Willow was currently in college, working for her law degree. She was in town to visit her mother and brother, both of whom I had never met. She had short brown hair and powder blue eyes. Her curves were long and sweeping. She always wore bright colors.

I entered her house and marveled at how grand it was. The walls were the same color as her eyes. The carpets were white with a sofa, facing the front door, to match. To the right of the sofa was a powder blue armchair at a 45-degree angle towards the sofa. To the left was a kitchen with a window to look in. A spider plant rested on the window's sill. About two feet down from the window was an open doorway leading into the kitchen. About five feet down from the doorway was a corridor whose entrance was exactly parallel to the front door. The corridor had three doors in a triangle pattern. The single door was on the left and the two other doors were on the right. All three were closed. At the very end of the corridor was a door that led to the back yard. Back there was where one would find a F¾rie Ring (a sacred ring of mushrooms used to do spellwork in). It was here Willow and I would celebrate the sacred holiday. Directly across from the window looking into the kitchen was a window looking out the side of the house. Gossamer drapes were drawn across it. About 12 feet down from this was a stairway leading up to the second story. Finally, to the right, in front of the sofa, was a plasma TV on a black TV stand with glass doors and a stereo.

As I stepped in, willow introduced me to her mother, Carol. Also Celtic Pagan with a Welsh accent. Her mother had the same sweeping curves, but her hair was blond and her eyes were a deep, captivating green. She also seemed to like bright colors.

Therefore, I said, as I shook Carol's hand, "You have beautiful eyes, Mrs. Nightingale."

She responded, "Thank you. And please, call me Carol."

I smiled. "Okay, Carol."

Willow then turned to me, "Would you like a drink?"

I nodded. "Whiskey sour."

As Willow stepped into the kitchen, Carol said, "Well, I'm going to pick up Jordan. Be back soon."

Willow and I said goodbye to her. Willow stepped out of the kitchen and gave me my drink. Willow had mixed herself a melontini.

Willow's family owned a small but very successful distillery and vineyard. Therefore, their house was always stocked with the best vodkas, whiskeys, rums, spiced rums, wines, sparkling wines and beers. As I slowly sipped my drink, I began to feel the resulting buzz. I could tell from Willow's changed personality that she was, as well.

As she was mixing a second round, I heard the car door slam. A few moments later, the front door opened. What it opened to reveal, stole my breath from me. Standing next to Carol was her 13-year-old son, Jordan. Willow had described him to me. However, I did not picture him as magnificent as he stood before me that day. He wore a natural tan. His beautiful white blond hair grew down to his jaw. His eyes were such a deep green that I feared I might drown in them. He wore a black sweater and blue jeans. As I laid eyes on him, however, my mind began to remove those clothes. I quickly blocked these thoughts as Willow handed me my drink and introduced me to Jordan after he had removed his shoes. "Sam, this is my brother, Jordan."

I stood, bowed my head and placed my hand over my heart. A pagan greeting. "It's a pleasure. Willow has told me much about you."

Jordan smiled perfectly with sparkling white teeth and returned my greeting. "It's nice to meet you, as well." His voiceÑalso WelshÑwas heavenly. Like the bells of the Notre Dame Cathedral. "I have also heard much about you from my sister."

Jordan was one head shorter than I was.

Willow had once more entered the kitchen. She returned with a flute glass of sparkling red wine and handed it to Jordan. He sipped it slowly. As his hand grasped the stem, I noticed how delicate and beautiful his hands were.

All of us sat and watched TV for a while. I was sitting on the left side of the sofa as you face it. Willow was next to me. Her mother was next to her. Jordan sat in the armchair.

Jordan finished his first glass of wine and requested another. I offered to pour it for him. As I took the glass from him, my hand brushed lightly against his. I paused at how silky soft and smooth it was.

Jordan looked at me quizzically as I stared at my own fingers. "Is something wrong?"

I looked up at him. "Hmmm? Uh...no. Nothing's wrong."

He gestured to the flute glass. "Then could I get my wine?"

I looked at the glass. "Oh. Of course."

I ventured into the kitchen and set the glass down to the right of the sink on the polished gray marble countertop. I walked over to the white icebox and opened it. Inside were several foodstuffs. I pulled out an opaque green bottle. I closed the icebox and walked over to the counter. I pulled the cork out of the bottleÑthe bottle making a slight pop. I looked out the window above the sink into the side yard. Then I poured the drink. As I finished pouring and was pushing the cork back down into the bottle, I looked to my left out the window that looked into the front yard. I put the bottle back in the icebox and closed the door. I walked back into the living room and handed Jordan his drink. He smiled at me and said, "Thank you, Sam."

I nodded and sat back down.

As the evening wore on, the room began to empty. First Carol retired down the corridor. Followed by Jordan going upstairs.

As we heard his door close, Willow asked, "So what do you think of my family?"

I smiled. "Very... nice."

She nodded. "Good. Ready of bed?"

I nodded and we traversed upstairs. The upstairs was just a corridor with three doors in the opposite pattern as the corridor downstairs. The first door on the left was a bathroom. Jordan's bathroom. The second door was Willow's bedroom. With its own full bath. The singular door on the right was Jordan's room. I would be sleeping in Willow's room. We went into her room where we changed and climbed into her queen-sized bed with more than enough room for both of us. Willow's room had yellow walls with white carpeting. Slightly askew from the foot of the bed was her desk with a vanity mirror above it. Her bedspread was white and printed with flowers. Above her bed was a picture of sunflowers in a watering can. A picture I have inquired about but have received only vague explanations that have left me more confused than I was before. To the right of the bed as you face the foot was a window with the same gossamer curtains as the window downstairs. However, this window had a white bench in front of it.

I fell into a gentle slumber. My dreams were, unsurprisingly to me, of Jordan.

By this point, you might be wondering where the Nightingale father was. Well, his parents are divorced. Eric was an Irish Catholic while Carol was a Celtic Pagan. Eric became everything but physically abusive. Luckily, Carol was strong enough to see the abuse and kick him out. He now lives one state over. Now, let's continue with the story.

II Only Hope

Music is such a large part of my life. I love to sing and listen to it. The only problem is I am not instrumentally endowed. Therefore, when I do sing it is typically acappella.

I awoke the next morning to find the bed with just myself in it. Willow was not present. I decided to eat some breakfast then to shower. As I entered the kitchen, I found a note sitting on the counter. Without touching it, I read it.

Dear,

Sam,

Mom and I went to the store to get some groceries. We'll be back soon. Jordan did not want to come. Please watch him while are gone. Thank you in advance. Love, Willow

P.S.

When we come back, please make us your special omelets. Thanks.

Of course, I didn't mind watching Jordan. I had watched children before. From newborns to tweens. Of course, Jordan was 13. Technically, that made him a teenager. According to the old pagan laws, he was also considered an adult.

Furthermore, I was going to make my special omelets. Even though my passion is in writing, I do have a soft spot for cooking. I went back upstairs to shower in Jordan's bathroom. Jordan's bathroom was small. As you entered, to the right of you was the shower. It had a maroon curtain. The sink was in front of you with a white porcelain countertop. A vanity mirror was above this. To the left of the sink was a small closet for the toiletries. To the right of the sinkÑbetween the sink and the showerÑwas the chamber pot. The floor was white tile to match the sink and the whitewash walls.

Now, one habit that I cannot help is that I sing in the shower. I have been told I do it well, but whether or not that was true is moot. I enjoy it. I do it. I decided to sing a song from one of my favorite movies. Only Hope from A Walk to Remember. For the reader's interest, I will print the lyrics here. Feel free to skip them, as they do not add anything to the current story.

There's a song that's inside of my soul. It's the one that I've tried to write over and over again. I'm awake in the infinite cold, But you sing to me over and over again.

So, I lay my head back down, And I lift my hands and pray, To be only yours. I pray to be only yours. I know now, you're my only hope.

Sing to me the song of the stars, Of your galaxy dancing and laughing and laughing again. When it feels like my dreams are so far, Sing to me of the plans that you have for me over again.

So, I lay my head back down, And I lift my hands and pray, To be only yours. I pray to be only yours. I know now, you're my only hope.

I give you my destiny. I'm giving you al of me. I want your symphony, Singing in all that I am, At the top of my lungs. I'm giving it back.

So, I lay my head back down, And I lift my hands and pray, To be only yours. I pray to be only yours. I pray to be only yours. I know now, you're my only hope.

I finished showering and pulled back the curtain. As I pulled the curtain away, it revealed Jordan. He was just sitting on the chamber pot lid, staring at me with his deep green eyes. For bed, he had decided to wear a blue t-shirt and black shorts.

I quickly pulled the shower curtain back in front of me. "Jordan! What are you doing in here?"

"I woke up and heard you singing. I couldn't hear you very well, so I came in here. It was beautiful. I've never heard anyone sing like that before. You know, you don't have to hide behind the shower curtain. We are both boys after all."

I removed the curtain. "Yes. I suppose you are right."

However, as soon as I stepped out of the shower, my penis began to harden. I quickly grabbed a towel and turned away from Jordan. As I dried myself, I suddenly felt a slight pinch on my right buttock. Forgetting about my hardon, I turned to Jordan. He just looked at me, smiling perfectly all the while.

I asked, "Why did you do that?"

He shrugged. "Felt like it. You know, you have a very cute butt, Sam."

Taken slightly aback, I cautiously ventured a question that would change the course of my life in more ways than I could ever have possibly imagined, "Jordan...are you...attracted...to me?"

In answer, he stood, walked over to me, threw his arms around my neck and kissed me so softly I thought it might never have happened. His lips were so silky soft. As he pulled away, he gave the verbal answer to my question, "Yes. Very."

I was obviously speechless.

Jordan turned, walked a few steps away and then turned back to me. "Willow talked so much about you and your caring, giving nature. The more she spoke of you, the more I realized that...I loved you."

My mind was reeling as it tried to process what had occurred in the last five minutes. "You...love me?"

"Very much, Sam. And I know you feel the same way about me."

"You do?"

"Please, Sam. I saw your face when you first saw me. You were spellbound. Then you jumped at the chance to refill my flute glass. And your pause at when you took the glass and your hand lightly touched mine."

I remained silent.

"I knew that I wanted to kiss you; that much I've accomplished. But I want more from you..."

I knew what he wanted, but I had to be sure. Therefore, I tentatively asked, "And that is...?"

Jordan walked back over to me and whispered so quietly I wasn't sure he said it, "Make love to me, Sam. Please."

I knew that he would make this request, but I was so taken aback, I had to sit down. Jordan squatted down next to me.

Two voices churned in my head. One yelled, `Don't do it! He is too young! Think of what this will do to him! Think of the consequences for both of you!" The other voice was the rebuttalÑa much gentler voice, "He wants this. And so do you. He loves you. And you love him."

The latter began to grow louder and louder. Soon it grew loud enough to drown out the former. I found that both Jordan and the voice were right. I did love him. Why, I couldn't tell you. But I did.

I turned to JordanÑhis deep-green eyes waiting patientlyÑand whispered one single word, "Okay."

III A Deep-Green Ocean

Remember those eyes that I almost drowned in? Today I let that happen.

I slowly stood. Taking the lead, Jordan gently wrapped his silky soft hand around mine and led me across the hall to his bedroom. Though we were the only two in the house, habit caused him to close the door. Jordan's room had a bay window opposite the door. A crank to open it rested on its sill. The walls themselves were painted blue. The carpet was white. The bed was perpendicular to the door and covered with generic white sheets. A night table rested on the side of the bed closest to the door. Upon it was a bottle of sweet pea lotion and an analog clock. Against the right wall was a dresser, next to which on the side of the room with the window was a two door closet.

I sat down on the bed. Jordan's body was perfect: a smooth chest, with two tiny, soft pink nipples centered on either side. A torso that dropped softly down to where the body tapers to the crotchÑa nice sharp "V." A Speedo shaped tan line. His uncut penis fully engorged. His smooth scrotum holding those two small orbs. I turned him around so that I could take in all of him. His butt had two small dimples on either cheek. He turned back around and began to approach me. I stopped him and gestured for him to lye next to me. I had fantasized about my first time for years. I knew exactly how I wanted it to happen. I first had to know my lover's body. As Jordan lay next to me, I closed my eyes and ran my hands over every square inch of his naked body. Every bump, every hollow, every hole, every crevice became mine and mine alone. And Just as I expected, the rest of his body was as soft as his hands. As my own hands reached his face, I opened my eyes. Jordan's face glowed with beauty. I leaned down and kissed him softly. As I sat back up, I grabbed the bottle of lotion on his night table. I spread it on my penis and set it beside us on the bed. I positioned myself between Jordan's legs. I gently lifted his legs, exposing his virgin hole. Then I slowly and gently entered him. His body tensed slightly as I pushed deeper. As my body met his, I leaned down and whispered, "Are you all right? Am I hurting you?"

He smiled. "You could never hurt me, Sam."

With that, I began to thrust. A world I had never known was opened up to me. His bodyÑsofter than silkÑrubbed against mine as he moaned in pure ecstasy. His fingernails dug into my skin, drawing rivers of blood down my back. Sweat filled with the sweet aroma of youth erupted from his pores. I inhaled this sweet ecstasy, so that the world and its evils could not touch it. Our hands clasped, the sound of them colliding tore through space and time. With my tongue I caressed the purity of his skin. With my lips I stole his breath. His soul was revealed to me, and I could see his motives, his limits, his deepest secrets. I released my soul to him and they became one. No longer were we two separate entities, but one singular being, united by pure love. As the hands of love grasped us, I could feel the purity of this boy fading. I could see the old Jordan dying, being replaced by something entirely different. A new Jordan. This was something I had never seen or felt or heard. I did not want it to end, but I knew that it must. I could feel it racing nearer and nearer. I tried to hold back, but eventually, he accepted into him that which would drown the rest of his purity and innocence. That which would drown any that was left of the old Jordan, leaving something entirely different behind. Jordan's hands entangled themselves in my hair and his body tensed as his back lifted off the bed. He let it down with a mighty crack as all that was left of him faded, and he released the very last ounce of himself.

I collapsed on the bed to the right of Jordan. Our chests heaved as breath escaped in gusts from our lips.

I looked over at the boy whose innocence I had so easily taken. "Jordan...are you okay?"

He returned my gaze. A deep glow radiated from his entire being. "I feel... I have never felt so...heavenly."

"Neither have I."

"Sam...?"

"Yes."

"Will you hold me?"

I smiled. "Of course, my love."

I opened my arms to him and he crawled into them. I wrapped my arms around him. His body felt warm, soft and comforting.

"I love you, Sammie," I heard him whisper.

"I love you, too"

About three seconds later, Jordan's breathing slowed and became steady. He was asleep. As I listened to the sound of my lover's breathing, I realized that I, too, was quite exhausted. I looked at his bedside clockÑ10:00hrs. As I watched the second hand tick slowly around the clock face, my eyes began to droop. I fell into a gentle slumber.

I stand in a verdant field dressed in a white satin robe. There is a lake a few yards ahead of me. The entire valley is surrounded by trees. A glen. I know this place. It's...

"Welcome to paradise, my son."

I turn to the voice. A woman strides out of the forest behind me. She has beautiful white hair and sapphire blue eyes. She, too, wears a white satin robe. But at her side is a gleaming white sword. Sprites and small dragons dance about the shining crown that she wears upon her head.

I kneel to the queen of the Celtic Pantheon. "Lady Danu."

She gently places her hand on my shoulder. "You need not kneel to me here, my son. This is your home. I am your guest."

I stand. "Lady Danu, am I dead?"

She smiles. "Far from it, my son. This is a vision."

"Of what?"

"Of what awaits you after death. Jordan is seeing his paradise as well. My daughter Rhiannon is attending to him."

"Why am I seeing this?"

"When such strong love between two people is finally united, it has the potential to unlock the part of the mind, the soul and the heart that opens the gateway to this place. Both you and Jordan have done so."

Her face turns from joyous to grave. "But now you must be careful."

"Of what?"

"This is not the only gateway opened by your love. There are things that will try to destroy your love. Creatures. D¾mons."

"That feed on destruction, right?"

She nods. "That is all I can say."

She turns and walks back into the forest.

A voice from far away draws nearer and nearer, "Sam...Sam...Wake up, Sam...Sam, wake up."

I jolted back into reality. I was back in Jordan's room. He was looking at me. Trying to wake me.

"Jordan. Why did you wake me? I was..."

He smiled. "In paradise."

I nodded and returned his smile.

"I woke you because my mom and sister are back."

We both scrambled to get up. I could hear Willow calling for us as Jordan got dressed.

"Shite," I cursed.

Jordan paused in dressing and looked at me. "What?"

"My clothes are in the bathroom."

"Shite. I'll go down and cover for you."

I nodded. Jordan finished dressing and went downstairs. I snuck across the hall into the bathroom. I dressed quickly and went downstairs.

"Hey, Sam," Willow said as I entered the kitchen. "I'm heating up the skillet."

"Okay," I said. "Where's Carol?"

"Bathroom." She turned to Jordan. "By the way, little brother, your shirt's on inside out."

Jordan and I both froze for a fraction of a second. Jordan took it in stride. "Huh. I wonder how that happened. Oh, well. C'est la vie." Jordan quickly removed his shirt and turned it the correct way. As the skillet heated up, I began to make my omelets. Carol returned to the kitchen, and we exchanged pleasantries. I served breakfast.

The day passed normally into evening. Willow and I excused ourselves as we went to her F¾rie Circle. A few yards away from the F¾rie Circle was the pool. The clear night sky reflected in the still waters. As we stepped into its safe boundaries and began to set the altar, Willow asked, "So how was it?"

Not sure what she meant, I asked, "How was what?"

"Duh. The sex."

"You mean with you, right?"

"No. I mean Jordan."

I was not as shocked as you might think. "How diÑ"

"Please Sam," she interrupted, "I could see the signs. Jordan's messy hair. His inside out shirt. The way you looked at him when you came into the kitchen. Plus, the way you acted around him last night. Did you have the vision?"

I nodded.

"Good."

I frowned. "You're not mad?"

"Mad? I'm thrilled. You both had the vision." She answered my question before I asked it, "I already talked to Jordan. I'm glad you both had the vision."

"You're not going to tell, are you?"

She smiled. "Don't worry. You're obvious secret is safe with me."

I smiled as we stepped into the center of the circle. "So have you had your vision?"

She nodded.

"With whom?"

Willow nervously cleared her throat. "You."

Now, I was shocked. "Me?"

She nodded. "You were so sweet that I fell in love with you. I knew you were gay as soon as I met you, but I couldn't help my feelings. That's why I offered to be your...test. I knew you would give me the vision."

"Who was your guide?"

"Lord Dagda."

I nodded and we began the ritual.

We finished the ritual and cleaned up, putting everything back in what used to be the garden shed. Now, the Nightingales used it as a storage shed for their Magickal items. We traversed inside the house and went straight upstairs. I stopped at Jordan's door, fingering the knob.

I heard Willow open her door. "Night, Sam."

I looked from the doorknob to her. "'Night."

She slipped inside her room and closed the door.

I opened Jordan's door and entered his room. The light of the full moon was shining through the window, casting a glow about the room and bathing Jordan in silver water. He had tried to wait up for me but had fallen asleep. He was laid spread eagle on his bed, wearing nothing but a pair of navy blue briefs. His naked chest moved up and down lightly. I stripped naked, crept over to the bed and straddled Jordan's hips. I leaned down and kissed him softly. After a moment's time, I felt him kissing back. I felt his tongue press lightly against my lips. I opened my mouth, allowing it entrance; it slid smoothly over mine.

I broke the kiss and stared into eyes as deep as the sea.

Jordan smiled. "Hi, baby."

I felt my heart melt. No one had ever called me baby before.

I smiled back. "Hi."

I crawled back. I slipped Jordan's briefs down his slender thighs and off. His body glowed in the silver of the moonlight. I grabbed the lotion and spread it on Jordan's penis. I straddled his hips once more and slipped him inside me. The two of us remained frozen for a few minutes. Then I began to ride him. After a few minutes, I felt Jordan thrusting his hips into me. Soon, I felt Jordan fill me. The feeling was enough to push me over the edge. I collapsed to the right of him. Without him even asking, I took him into my arms.

"I love you, Sammie."

"I love you, too."

After a few minutes, he fell asleep. For some reason, I couldn't take my eyes off him. Before I knew it, the sun broke through the window and gently caressed Jordan's naked body. His green eyes opened and looked up at me. He smiled. "Morning, Sammie."

"Morning, love."

He kissed me. "I can't believe I'm waking up next to you."

I hugged him tight. "Neither can I."

He smelled strongly of the events of last night. "We should go shower."

We stood and crossed the hallÑnaked. I turned on the water and we stood under its flowÑarms wrapped around each other. I faced Jordan away from me and gently pressed him against the wall. I entered himÑthe water acting as a lubricant. After a while, it ended once more. We finished showering and snuck back across the hall. We laid down on his bed. Jordan was lying on his stomach. After an hour or so, I sat up and reached for the bottle of lotion. I felt Jordan's soft hand grab my wrist. I looked back at him, and he was shaking his head.

"Are you sure," I asked.

"Yes."

I smiled. "Okay, but you must do the same for me."

He smiled back. "Of course."

I straddled Jordan's thighs. I felt a small amount of resistance, then I slipped inside of him. As my body met his, I leaned down and whispered, "Are you alright. Does it hurt?"

"A little. But it's a good pain...because it's you."

Boy, did he know the right places to touchÑboth emotionally and physically. I began to thrust. It was difficult for us both at first, but eventually his muscles relaxed and we both fell into our usual pattern of sexual noises: grunts, gasps, moans, sighs and the occasional swear. All too soon, it ended and I held Jordan in my arms once more.

"I love you, Sammie."

"I love you, too."

We both fell asleep.

Again I stand in the verdant field. Lady Danu stands next to me.

"I can see that it is going well."

I smile. "Oh, Lady Danu, I have never been happier. Thank you for sending me such a wonderful gift."

She returns my smile. "You are welcome, my son. But you must be careful. There are already forces at work that will try to take this happiness away from you. When the time comes that they will strike, I may not be able to stop it."

I nod.

IV I Want To Hold Your Hand

I loved to hold Jordan's hand. I never wanted to let it go.

Jordan awoke me with a soft kiss. "Morning, baby."

"Hi."

Jordan kissed me again and pressed his tongue against my lips. I allowed it in. After a few minutes of tongue wrestling, I rolled over onto my stomach. Jordan positioned himself and pushed himself inside of me. It was difficult for us both at first, but eventually my muscles relaxed and we fell into our usual pattern of sexual noises. Soon I felt Jordan fill me and I felt the sticky warm sensation between myself and the bed. Luckily, Willow did the laundry. I rolled back over and took Jordan into my arms. We laid there for a long time.

I awoke to a knock at the door and a, "Sam, it's Willow."

"Just a moment," I called.

I quickly dressed and opened the door. "Yeah."

"Wakey Wakey, eggs and bakey. Of course, you'll be making the eggs and bakey."

I closed the door and woke up Jordan. "Get dressed, baby."

He dressed and we went downstairs. We entered the kitchen. Willow was preparing the ingredients for breakfast. Carol was not present. I asked Willow where she was.

"She's changing. They are having some trouble at the factory. She has to go in."

Jordan wrapped his arms around my waist, pulled me in close and kissed me. "So what do you want to do today, love."

I wanted to go out with Jordan. Leave the house. Flaunt our love. "Let's go to the park."

"That sounds wonderful."

Jordan let go of me, and I turned to Willow. "WillowÑ"

"Absolutely." She tossed me the keys to her car. While I didn't have my license, I was an excellent driver. I pocketed her keys.

Carol rushed into the kitchen. She was still pinning up her hair. "Sorry, kids. I've go to run. Crisis at the factory. I'll be back as soon as I can."

Then she was gone. I made the rest of us breakfast and we ate in the living room. As we finished, I took everyone's plates in the kitchen, rinsed them off and put them in the dishwasher. I went back into the living room and pulled Willow's keys out of my pocket. "Shall we."

Jordan stood and we walked out the door together.

Willow's car was gorgeous and expensive. A roll-top red Ferrari with genuine Italian leather seats and a CD changer in the trunk. We got in and I turned it on. Jewel began playing on the CD player and I turned it up. I put the top down and pulled out of the drive. I drove us down to Hayworth Park.

As we got out of the car and began walking towards the river, Jordan's fingers interlaced with mine. I stopped walking.

Jordan turned to me. "Sammie, what's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing. It's stupid. Come on." I started walking.

Jordan didn't move. "Please tell me, baby."

I turned to him. "I just love the feeling I get when you hold my hand like that."

He smiled. "Then I promise I will never let go of your hand."

We walked over to one of the benches and sat down. Jordan's hand never let go of mine.

V A Sea Of Emotion

I have seen Jordan's eyes filled with the warmth of love, the fires of rage and the clouds of sorrow. But I took comfort in the fact that I could always bring the warmth of love back into them.

Jordan and I sat on the bench for hours. Until sunset. Now, it matters not where you go, but you will always run into those who are prejudice against your love. That person for me was Randy Yulgar. He was the epitome of social prejudice's. He was racist, sexist, homophobic, ageist plus a whole plethora of other prejudices. No one liked him. Except for his girlfriend Cassie. Which was a shame, because she was such a sweet girl. However, I knew why she liked him. He was pretty. He had long brown hair, soft blue eyes and freckles.

I didn't even notice he was there until he came up behind us and said, "Hey, fags. How we doing?"

I didn't turn around. I kept Jordan from looking at him. "Go away, Randy. I don't bother you when you are with Cassie."

"Yes. But the difference is that when I am with Cassie, I am not doing anything wrong."

Jordan let go of my hand, stood and turned to Randy. I could see the fires of rage in his eyes. It scared me. And I could see a small amount of fear in Randy's face as well.

"You think what we are doing is wrong when you stand there and judge us. Judgment is wrong as well. So don't you come over here, pitching some bull-shite about doing something wrong. Now get the fuck out of my face before I pound yours in."

Randy turned and walked away. I turned Jordan to meÑthe fires of rage doused by sorrow and tears. The green of his eyes seemed to have faded. I hugged him close and said nothing. He wept silently into my chest. Soon, his sobs faded. He looked at meÑhis eyes as green as everÑand smiled.

"I love you, Sammie."

"I love you, too."

We interlaced our fingers and started to walk back to Willow's car. As we were passing the little white gazebo in the park, Jordan tripped and fell into the cala lily bed that grew around it. I helped him out. "Are you okay?"

Jordan laughed. "I'm fine."

We got back to the house and went inside. Carol and Willow were in the living room listening to music.

We sat down.

"Sam," Willow said, "I picked up some clothes for you if you want to stay a few more days."

"Thanks, hon."

Willow smiled.

After a few songs, Savage Garden's "Truly Madly Deeply" began to play. Both Jordan and I said, "I love that song."

We looked at each other and knew that we had our own song.

Soon, it was time for bed. We went upstairs and started making out. We stripped naked and I laid on top of Jordan, my tongue exploring his mouth. Jordan pulled away.

"Sam..."

"Yes, my love."

"Can I...uh..."

"Can you what?"

He gently touched my penis and then his lips.

"Is that what you want?"

"It is."

"Then of course you can."

I rolled over onto my back. Jordan positioned himself between my legs and took me into his mouth. His lips glided gently over the surface of my penisÑhis tongue massaging the sensitive underside. Gasps and moans poured from my mouth as saliva dripped from his. My fingers enmeshed themselves in Jordan's hair. I felt my orgasm approaching. Subconsciously, I pushed Jordan's head all the way down as I emptied myself into his throat. Without missing a beat, Jordan took it all in. He crawled into my armsÑhis sweat smelled of flowers. Cala lilies.

"I love you, Sammie."

"I love you, too."

We fell asleep.

I awoke the next morning. Jordan was still asleep. I decided to return the favor of last night. I slipped out of Jordan's arms and oriented myself so that we were crotch-to-face. I began to massage Jordan's penis. As soon as the first moan escaped his lips, I took him into my mouthÑcausing him to moan even louder. I began to slide my lips up and down. A few seconds later, I felt Jordan doing the same to me. This was the most amazing sensation I had ever felt. Never had the two of us been as connected as we were right now. As with every time with Jordan, it ended too soon. Again, I held Jordan in my arms.

"I love you, Sammie."

"I love you, too."

We fell asleep.

Again I am called to the glen.

"Lady Danu, why do you keep bringing me here?"

"To warn you, Sam. The forces of evil are getting closer to you and Jordan. Something terrible is going to happen. And soon. Please be careful."

"I will try M'Lady. I will try."

VI Romance and Passion

I love romance. You could say I have a passion for it. The two go hand in hand. Passion usually accompanies romance. That's one of the attractive qualities of romance. However, I would probably still love romance even if its mate was not passion.

Jordan and I had been dating for quite a while. For our one-month anniversary, I wanted to do something special for him. Something he'd never forget. I found out that there was a Savage Garden concert coming to town. I saved up enough money for seats and bought two tickets.

But I wanted to do more. I knew what it was, too. A few nights before the concert, I talked to Willow to help me out. She agreed.

I surprised Jordan with the tickets the night before the show. He was so excited that we ended up having sex. No matter how many times, how many different ways we did it, sex with Jordan never lost its passion.

Willow dropped us off at the concert hall. We found our seats and sat down. When the band played our song, I wanted to take Jordan then and there. Unfortunately, we were in a public setting. Besides, I wanted to save it for later that night.

The concert ended. Willow picked us up and took us back to her house. I silently led Jordan up to his room. I gestured for him to go first. He turned the knob and entered. His eyes filled with wonder. Thrown about the room were lily petals. His favorite flower. Mine, too. Lying on the bed was a bouquet of various lily breeds. Lighting the room were dozens of blue candles. His favorite color. He turned to me. "Sam...this is...amazing."

"Well, I put a lot of thought into it."

He strode over to me and kissed me softly. He then walked over to the bed, picked up the bouquet, inhaled its aroma and set the bouquet on his night table. Jordan stripped naked, and I followed suit. We laid down on the bed, andÑour bodies entwined, rolling around on the lily petalsÑwe made sweet, soft and, of course, passionate love.

VII Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to give. Especially when you have been hurt very badly by the one asking for it. But there is one force that can destroy all others. That force is love. For, love is lord of heaven and earth.

I tried to spend as much time with Jordan as I could, which was actually quite often. The fact that Willow knew helped a lot. Of course, we didn't want to spend every day together. We did have our own lives to live.

I loved it when he called me Sammie. There was this special way he would say my name that would make my heart melt in an instant. I could never say no to him after he said my name in that special wayÑno matter what he asked of me. A night after I had seen Jordan, I got a call from him.

"Hi, baby. What's up?"

"Sam, I'm sick. Influenza. I don't think we should get together for a while."

"Awww. Poor baby. Do you need anything? Do you want me to come over?"

"No. I don't want you to get sick, too."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. Love you. Bye."

I cradled the phone.

I sat down and turned on the TV. I couldn't stop thinking about Jordan. I decided to go over anyway. Before I went, I made a pot of my very own chicken noodle soup. Campbell's¨ can't hold a candle to what I make. But don't ask. It's a secret. I put the soup in some Tupperware and left for Willow's houseÑshe had gone back to college a few weeks earlier. I opened the door and immediately noticed something was off. It was quiet. Too quiet. Carol wasn't there. Sure, she supported her whole family, but she was the boss. I was sure her distillery and vineyard would've been fine for a day or two without her. Regardless, I didn't make too much noiseÑin case Jordan was resting. I put the soup in the fridge and took off my jacket, as it was November. I tossed my jacket on the sofa and quietly crept up the stairs. Jordan's door was closed, as I expected it to be. I quietly turned the knob and opened the door. What was revealed to me shocked me so badly that I stood frozen. Jordan's head was bobbing up and down on the dick of another boy. Stephen Conner. A brilliant boy who took his smarts to the streets and became a juvenile delinquent. And even though I hate to admit it, he was very hot.

As Jordan realized I was there, he stood. "Sam. Wh-what are you doing here?"

I croaked out, "Jordan, how...could you?"

He walked over to me. "Sam IÑ"

I slapped him across the face. "How could you do this to me, Jordan?! I thought you loved me!"

"I did. I do."

"Bull shite! If you did, you wouldn't be sucking the dick of this degenerate lowlife."

Conner interjected. "So the gloves come off."

I turned to him. "You stay out of this, you snake."

I turned back to Jordan. "And you. Don't you dare speak to me ever again!"

I stormed out.

As soon as I got home, I went right to my room and wept for hours. Once all the tears were gone, I extricated myself from my room and watched TV with Mom in the living room. A fall rain rolled in. Jordan took my words to heart. He did not attempt to call me. Mom went to bed as I continued to watch TV. As I was watching Scrubs, I heard the faintest knock at my door. At first, I wasn't sure I heard it. Then I heard it again and knew it was for real. I stood and opened the door. There, kneeling on my stoop was Jordan. His clothes soaked from the rain. His hair matted to his head.

"P-p-p-please, S-S-Sam," he begged. "F-forgive me."

I stood there for a moment, contemplating my next move. Reluctantly, I gave in. I grabbed him roughly by the arm and pulled him inside. "Get in here."

"Are you daft," I said once he was inside. "You'll catch your death out there."

As he entered the light, I could see that his soft lips were cracked and tinged blue. His hands were shaking violently.

I pointed to the sofa. "Sit."

He did. I went to my room and grabbed my blanket. On the way back I grabbed a towel from the bathroom. I wrapped my blanket around him and dried off his head. I put the towel back in the bathroom. I then went into the kitchen and heated water for tea. Once the water was heated, I poured two cups of Nighttime Tea. I walked back into the living room. I tried to give Jordan his cup, but his hands were shaking too violently to hold onto it. I set his cup down on the end table and took him into my arms. As his shivers faded, all my sorrow, anger and fears melted away. The last of his shivers subsided and I let him go.

He looked at me with soft green eyes. "Sam, IÑ"

I interrupted him this time with a soft kiss. "It is all right, Jordan. I forgive you."

"I promise I will never hurt you like that again. Or any other way."

I kissed him again and handed him his tea. We drank in silence. As midnight rolled around, I could tell that Jordan was fatigued. I helped him to my bedroom and called Carol to tell her he was there and that he was fine.

I told you that love was strong. Besides, Conner is a serpent. He destroys people's lives by charming them and bringing them down. Exactly what Danu warned me about. At least, that's what I thought.

VIII The Proposal

Since the story from here on out is not true, the chapters will no longer have an introduction.

It was December 19, a cold, snowy day. It was after school. Willow and I were at my house.

She asked me a question that always comes up when we're alone, "So, how's Jordan?"

I gave the same answer, "Amazing," but this time I added a little more. I reached into the drawer of my night table and pulled out a small, blue felt ring box.

"I have something for him."

Willow opened the ring box. Though I couldn't see what was inside, I already knew. A sterling silver ring with beautiful Celtic knotwork wrapped around the band.

Willow looked from the ring to me. "Oh, my god, Sam. This is beautiful. How in the world..."

"Did I afford it?"

She nodded.

"I saved for weeks to get it. I hope he says yes."

"Oh, of course he will. He loves you with all his heart. How are you going to do it?"

"The little white gazebo at Hayworth Park."

"That's perfect. Especially this time of year with all the snow. He's getting out of school soon. Shall we?" She stood.

I followed suit. We got in her car, and I decided to drive. We were headed towards the part of the street you had to cross to go either way when her mobile phone rang. She answered. It was her friend Kristine.

As I approached the crosswalk, I noticed Stephen Conner harassing Jordan. I pulled into the drive that leads up to Jordan's school and got out of the car. "Jordan!" He turned to meÑtears in his eyes.

"Sam!"

He ran over to me and pulled me into a tight embrace. "Take me home."

I looked over at Conner. He had his arms crossed and was staring at us, glowering. As I laid eyes on him, my blood boiled. I looked into Jordan's beautiful eyes that had been dimmed by the tears. "Get in the car. I'll be back in a moment."

"Sam..."

"It's alright. Trust me."

He nodded and let go of me. I walked over to Conner. I grabbed him by the shirt, pulled him in close and growled through gritted teeth, "If you ever harass me or my boyfriend ever again, I will bring you down, and I will bring you down hard." In one motion, I let go of his shirt and shoved him away from me. I turned and walked away. As I approached the car, I heard an angry scream. I ducked as a fist flew over my head. I kicked back hitting Conner in the lower chest. His legs buckled and he fell to his knees. I then turned and kicked upward, hitting him in the nose. He fell back. As Conner lay on the ground, holding his most likely broken nose I stood over him, clicked my tongue, shook my head and said, "I took Irish martial arts. And I graduated at the top of my Krav Maga class. I warned you I'd bring you down."

I walked over to the car and got in. Willow had already got in the driver seat and started home. Jordan stared at me, wide-eyed and open-mouthed.

"What?"

"Sam...how did...I didn't...how did..."

I kissed him softly. "I wanted to take classes just in case. The first lesson you learn in any martial arts is not to engage someone in a fight. Only use it for self defense."

Jordan smiled, slipped his arm around my waist and rested his head on my shoulder. I slipped my arm around his shoulders and rested my head on his head.

We reached the house and went inside. Jordan sat on the couch as Willow went into the kitchen. I followed her. As willow stood at the counter mixing the drinks, I said, "Willow, I can't wait to ask Jordan. I want to do it now."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Okay. I'll make an excuse and give you both some privacy."

"Thanks."

She smiled and handed me a whiskey sour. We walked into the living room and willow handed Jordan a kamikazeÑvodka mixed with blue raspberry.

"Well," Willow said, "I'm kind of tired. I think I'll go take a nap."

Both Jordan and I nodded. Willow went upstairs to her room. I sat down on the couch and I took Jordan into my arms. After a while, I said, "Jordan, there's something I want to ask you."

He pulled away and looked at me. "Okay. What is it?"

"Just let me get it out all out before you say anything."

Jordan swallowed nervously. "Okay."

I took Jordan's soft hands in mine and looked lovingly into his beautiful eyes. "Jordan, I love you so very much. I never want to be apart from you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So..." I reached into my pocket, pulled out the ring box and opened it. "...will you marry me?"

Jordan's eyes sparkled with wonder as he looked at the ring. "Sam...I..." He looked from the ring to me and smiled. "Of course I will." He took the ring out of the box and looked at it. "You got it engraved. `I love you more with every breath.'"

Jordan slipped the ring onto his finger. "A perfect fit."

Jordan kissed me softly. "I love you, too, Sam. So very much."

Jordan reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring box that looked exactly like mine. "I have one for you, too." He opened the box. Inside was a ring with an emerald centered in several much smaller emeralds. "It's also engraved."

I took out the ring and looked at the inside of the band. `I want to live like this forever.' I slipped the ring onto my finger and kissed Jordan again. Jordan laid down on the couch And rested his head on my lap. After a while, I said, "You know we're going to have to tell your mom. And mine."

Jordan sat back up. "Yeah. That's true. That's not going to be easy."

I placed my hand on the side of Jordan's face. "With you by my side, I can do anything."

"As can I...how do you think they'll react?"

"Well, your mom already knows your gay. Mine doesn't. This probably won't be as big a deal for your mom as it will be for mine. But my mom will be okay after a while."

Jordan nodded.

After a few minutes, I heard Willow shout from the top of the stairs, "How's it going?"

I smiled and shouted back, "You can come down now."

Willow came down the stairs and sat in the armchair. "So, how'd it go?"

Both Jordan and I held up our hands, showing Willow the rings. She let out a squeal of glee. "This is great. You know you're going have to tell mom."

I nodded. "Yeah. We went over that. The sooner the better. In fact..." I looked at Jordan, "...my mom's at home right now."

Jordan nodded. "Okay."

I held out my hand and willow placed her keys in it. "We'll be back soon."

IX An Uncomfortable Situation

We went out and got in the car. I turned on the engine and drove over to my house. I parked on the street because Willow's car would scrape against the driveway when I backed out. We sat in silence for awhile.

Jordan broke the silence. "The sooner the better."

I nodded and we got out of the car. We ascended the stairs and went inside. Mom was on the couch watching TV. "Hey, Mom."

"Hey." She looked at Jordan. "Who's he?"

"His name is Jordan. He's Willow's brother."

They said hi to each other.

We stood silent for a second. I cleared my throat. "Mom, I need to talk to you."

"Okay." She turned off the TV.

I sat down on the couch and Jordan sat between us.

"Mom, Jordan and I...we're...I'm." I took a second and gathered my thoughts. "Jordan and I are engaged. I'm gay."

She didn't say anything.

"Now. I know you need some time to process, so I'm going to spend the night at Willow's. Just give me a call when you're all done."

Jordan and I stood and moved towards the door. As we were about to step out, I turned back and said, "Oh, and we had sex."

I stepped outside, closed the door and shuddered. "Well, that went as I expected."

Jordan turned to me. "Is that a good thing?"

"I hope so."

We went down to the car and went back to Willow's. As we went inside, I saw Willow sitting in the armchair and Carol sitting on the couch. They were listening to music. We all exchanged pleasantries.

I then turned to Jordan. "Jordan, can I see you in the kitchen?"

"Sure."

We both went into kitchen. I turned to him. "Are you going to tell you mom now?"

He nodded. "The sooner the better."

Without another word, we went into the living room, and Jordan sat on the couch and I sat between him and his mom. Carol could tell that something was up. She turned off the stereo. "Okay. What's going on?"

Jordan began, "Well, mom, I have a boyfriend. And I want to marry him."

Carol's face lit up. "Really? Who is he? Do I know him?"

As Jordan spoke his fingers slowly interlaced with my own. "Well, he's very sweet. I love him very much. Um...Oh, he's also from the UK. And he's a Celt."

I could see Carol's mind attempting to connect the dots. Then she noticed Jordan was holding my hand, and I could literally hear the `click' as everything came together. "Oh...oh, my god. This is...wonderful."

"Really," Jordan asked.

"Yes. I mean, to be perfectly honest, I never really though of you two as a couple, but I am happy for you both. Have you two...consummated your relationship?"

Jordan giggled. "Like rabbits."

The small amount of tension in the air was broken by all of us breaking out in laughter. Carol turned the stereo back on and we listened to music for a while.

About an hour later, the phone rang. It was my mom. I drove back over to my house by myself, and we talked for several hours about various things. After we both felt everything was all out in the open and resolved, I drove back over to Willow's. As I went in, everyone still listening to music, Jordan stood, walked over to me and kissed me softly. "How'd it go, baby?"

"Better than I expected."

He smiled. "Good."

I smiled back and put my arms around Jordan's waist. "Want to go to bed?"

"You bet."

I took Jordan's hand and began leading him upstairs. "'Night all."

We went into his room and stripped naked. I pulled Jordan in close and kissed him passionatelyÑexploring his mouth with my tongue. As we laid down on the bed, I said, "It's kind of nice that everyone knows now. No more sneaking around or having to worry about getting caught."

"Yeah. It is."

I was afraid that pointing out that everyone knew about us, our sex would be less passionate, but I was very wrong. It was more passionate, a fact that made me most content.

We both fell asleep.

Once more, I stand in the glenÑLady Danu beside me.

"You did it. You prevented the tragedy."

"How?"

"Simplest explanation is the Butterfly Effect."

"You mean I changed one small thing, and that prevented the greatest tragedy of my life?"

"Exactly."

"Huh...the universe is so...queer."

"That it is."

"Will something like this ever happen again?"

"You never know."

"Will you warn me?"

"I will try."

I nodded.

X Moving In

I awoke the next morning without Jordan's soft body in my arms. Soon I heard the muffled sound of the shower running and muffled singing and figured that's where he must be. I decided to join him. I put on my shorts and opened the door a crack. I peeked out and made sure that neither Carol nor Willow was coming. I then walked across the hall and entered Jordan's tiny bathroom. I could here Jordan singing "May It Be." Now, Jordan may have been a wonderful lover and an avid dancer, but he was entirely tone-deaf. He couldn't carry a tune to save his life. But, gods bless him, he tried. I stood for a moment, listening.

I then took off my shorts and pulled back the shower curtain, startling Jordan slightly. "Hello, love."

"Hi. Come on in."

I took off my ring and stepped into the shower and stood under the water flow, Jordan in my arms. As I stood there, I noticed how much Jordan had changed over the last few months. He had grown several inches taller, making him only about an inch shorter than me; a fact that I liked, because it made it easier to kiss him when standing. Furthermore, he had started to sprout hair under his arms and in his pubic area. I had, of course, expected this and was wondering when it was going to happen. I only thought about this for a few moments before my mind automatically drifted to the fact that I was in the shower holding the boy I so dearly loved in my arms. And I never wanted to let him go.

"I love you so much, Jordan."

"I love you too, Sammie."

"...I want to live with you."

He pulled away and looked at me. "What?"

"Aye. I was thinking about it last night. We're madly in love with each other. We're engaged. We should live under the same roof, too."

Jordan smiled. "I would love that."

"You would?"

"Aye. Actually, the thought had occurred to me, too."

I kissed Jordan passionately and pressed into him.

He broke the kiss. "Sam, wait."

"What's wrong, baby?"

"Nothing. We just don't have time. Mom is taking us out to lunch."

"Oh. Okay."

We finished showering and went back to Jordan's room to get dressed?slipping our rings back on as we left the bathroom.

As we got dressed, I asked, "So, when are you going to tell your mom?"

Jordan finished dressing. "Probably before we leave."

I nodded.

I finished dressing and went down to the kitchen.

Willow and carol were already there. We all exchanged pleasantries.

Jordan turned to his mom. "Mom, can I talk to you for a minute."

"Sure, hon."

Carol and Jordan exited into the living room. I sat down at the kitchen table.

"What's going on," Willow asked.

I smiled at her. "You'll see."

After a few minutes, Jordan and Carol came back in. Without warning, Carol pulled me into an embrace so tight, I couldn't breathe.

"Carol," I rasped, "you're crushing my lungs."

Carol released me. "Sorry, hon."

Willow broke in, "Would someone please tell me what's going on."

I turned to her. "I'm going to live here."

"You're moving in?"

"Aye."

"Oh, my god. This is amazing. I can't believe you're going to be living here."

"Alright," Carol said, "let's go eat."

We left for lunch. That night I went home and told my mom I was moving in with Jordan.

XI Fire!

I didn't actually need to bring that much to Jordan's house when I moved in. All I really needed was my books, clothes, music and Jordan wanted me to bring my stereo to keep in his room. I kept my books in a closet downstairs used just for books. Jordan's closet and dresser were large enough to accommodate his and my clothes. I kept my music in his nightstand , and my stereo went on top of his dresser.

Once everything was moved in, we laid in his bed, taking it all in.

"Well," I said, "what do you think, love?"

Jordan looked up at me. "I love it." He kissed me. "And I love you."

"I love you, too."

I yawned, which was shortly followed by a yawn from Jordan.

I said, "We should go to bed. We had a long day."

Jordan nodded. He adjusted himself a little in my arms and we both fell asleep.

I was startled awake by a loud thump. However, before I had time to assess anything, I felt a sharp pain on the back of my head and blacked out.

I awoke the next morning in a slight daze. I had a pounding headache. I got out of bed and looked around the room. Something was wrong but I couldn't figure out what it was, my head hurt too much. There was a bat on the floor. The window was open. There were small drops of blood leading from the bed to the open window. Then, like a brick wall, it hit me. Jordan was missing. I started to panic. Then I took a breath and calmed myself. I taught myself to do this a long time ago. I learned quickly that panicking in an emergency gets nothing done. I first assessed the immediate situation. Jordan and I were alone in the house. Willows Ferrari was in the shop, so Carol was driving her to the place where lawyers take their Bar Exams. Jordan was missing and there were signs of a struggle. I followed the blood drops to the window and looked down. I couldn't see much form outside, so I went downstairs and outside. I went to the spot under Jordan's window. I saw indents in the grass from feet and the imprints of a ladder. Someone had definitely broken in last night. Then I noticed the indent of a body in the grass. Jordan had been dropped out the window. I squatted down and looked more closely at the grass. I saw more blood drops. I looked over at the pool. I knew that's where I should look first, but I was afraid of what I would find. I carefully approached the pool. I reached the edge and saw nothing but still waters. Thank goodness. I went back to the blood trail. It was very tiny. Almost unnoticeable. I saw that the drops pointed towards the small patch of trees behind Jordan's house. I followed the blood trail, checking now and then to make sure it was still there. When I reached the trees, the blood trail ended at a path in the forest. I walked a few feet in and checked the path for signs. There were more blood drops and signs that something large and heavy had been dragged through the woods. I kept walking for what seemed like forever. Suddenly, I broke into a clearing. Lying in the middle of it was Jordan's naked body, crumpled into a dirty, bloody heap. Strewn all about the clearing were his clothes. I quickly walked over to him. I made sure he was still breathing. He was but barely. I carefully rolled him over as he groaned in pain.

Tears welled in my eyes. "Jordan, can you hear me."

He lay still.

"Jordan, please say something."

Still nothing.

I thumped my fist on the ground. "Goddamn it, Jordan, don't do this to me!"

Jordan groaned. He opened his mouth and tried to say something, but it was so quiet I didn't hear. I put my ear close to his mouth and he whispered, "...Conner..." Then he passed out.

Conner. I should've known. Only he would do something like this to my baby.

I placed my hand on the side of Jordan's face. "I promise he will pay for what he did to you."

Now, I had to get Jordan to the hospital. I didn't have a mobile and neither did Jordan. I didn't want to leave him to go in search for help. Then I heard voices just beyond the undergrowth.

I turned towards them. "Hello! Is someone there! Please! I need help!"

From out of the brush stepped Marcy and her friend Cho Lang. Marcy was a girl who lived down the street from Jordan. Cho was her best friend.

"Sam," Marcy said, "what's goÑ"

She saw Jordan's body. "Oh, my god. What happened?"

"Too much to explain. Do you have your mobile with you?"

"Yes."

She dug in her purse, pulled out her mobile and handed it to me. I quickly dialed 911. As soon as I hung up, I turned to Cho. "Cho, would you stand outside the trees and show them the way?"

She nodded. She walked down the path out of the forest. Marcy and I stood over Jordan, unable to take our eyes off him.

"Sam, what happened," she asked.

"I moved in with him. We were sleeping last night when I was awakened by a loud thump. As soon as I sat up in bed, I felt a sharp pain on the back of my head. I blacked out. When I woke up this morning, he was gone. I followed a small trail of blood out here and found him like this."

"Do you know who did it?"

"Aye. It was Conner."

She nodded.

It seemed like forever before Cho and the paramedics stepped through the underbrush. Marcy and I stepped aside. One of the paramedics bent down and examined Jordan. A police officer asked me questions, writing down what I said.

"Hi. My name is Cheryl." She had short black hair under her police cap. Brown eyes. A cute button nose. She looked too young to be an officer. Only about 24, 25 years old.

"Hi," I said.

"What is your name?"

"Sam Nightingale."

"How do you know Jordan?"

"I'm his fiancee."

"Do you or Jordan have any enemies? Someone who might want to hurt you?"

If I told her it was Conner, they'd arrest him before I got to him. I couldn't let that happen. "None that I can think of.

"Okay. I know this might be hard, but I need you to tell me every little tiny detail of what happened. No matter how insignificant it may seem."

I nodded.

"Just start form the beginning."

"Well, I had recently moved in with Jordan. We were sleeping in his bed last night when I was awakened by a loud thump. As soon as I sat up, I felt a sharp pain on the back of my head. I blacked outÑ"

"Hang on."

She turned to one of the paramedics. "Judy, could you come over here."

They were wheeling Jordan out of the clearing as Judy walked over to me. Judy had a thick batch of freckles and frizzy red hair tied in a braid.

"Yes."

"I think Sam, here, may have been hit in the head. Could you give him a once over?"

Judy began to gently examine my head. "How's his memory?"

"Pretty fair I'd say."

She touched a spot near the back of my head and I winced at the pain. She parted the hair there and stayed still for a few moments.

Then she stepped back. "There's quite a large bump there, but I don't think he has a concussion." She walked away.

"Okay," Cheryl said, "continue."

"Where was I?"

"You blacked out..."

"Right. I blacked out. I woke up when it was morning. I knew that Jordan's mom and sister were out of town. There were signs of a struggle. Though they were very subtle signs. There was a bat on the floor near my side of the bed. There was a small trail of blood drops leading from Jordan's side to the window. I went over to the window and looked out. I couldn't see anything from there, so I went downstairs and outside to under Jordan's window. I saw the imprints of feet. There were imprints of a ladder that had been propped up against the window and also an imprint of a body. Jordan had been dropped out the window. I examined the grass and found more blood drops. There was a pool in the backyard, so I walked over to that first and looked in. I didn't find anything. I walked back over to the window and examined the grass again. I saw that the blood trail lead off into the forest. I followed it and found Jordan in this clearing. Then I heard Marcy and Cho and called for help. They stepped through the underbrush. I used Marcy's mobile to call 911."

"Is that everything?"

"I believe so. Yes."

Cheryl wrote down one more thing. Then she looked up at me. "Thank you. Do you need a ride to the hospital?"

I nodded.

"The ambulance has already left, but I can take you up there."

"Thank you."

I followed Cheryl out of the forest to her patrol car. She opened the passenger door for me and I got in. She got in the drivers seat and started the car. She started driving towards Midlands Hospital. The ride was silent most of the way there.

Cheryl finally broke the silence, "Sam, I'm really sorry this happened."

"Thank you."

"Are you sure there is no one who holds a grudge against you?"

"No one that I know of."

"Think carefully, Sam."

"There isn't anyone."

"Okay. It's okay. Hopefully, we'll find DNA of whoever did this to Jordan somewhere on his person."

It was then I realized something important. I know that Conner had raped Jordan. His semen would most likely still be inside Jordan's anal cavity. Also some pubic hair may have been transferred from Conner to Jordan. Furthermore, Conner had been arrested several times before. He was definitely in the system. If I wanted vengeance for what he did to Jordan. I had to hurry. I knew where Conner and his friends hung out. Unfortunately, it was a ways away from the hospital. I wasn't sure how I was going to get there. As we approached the hospital, I realized there was only one thing I could do. Cheryl pulled up to the emergency room entrance.

I turned to her. "I know who did it."

"Tell me."

"Stephen Conner."

Cheryl smiled. "I'm glad you told me, Sam. I've arrested many people for vigilante justice."

I got out of the car and turned to Cheryl. "If you can get an arrest warrant, you can find him at Washington Park in Olde Town."

"Well, if they find Conner's DNA on his person, then I can get an arrest warrant."

"I know he raped Jordan. They'll find it."

Cheryl nodded. I closed the door, and she drove away. I walked into the hospital and up to the front desk.

The receptionist looked up from her paperwork and smiled. "Hi. May I help you?"

"I'm here to see Jordan Nightingale."

She turned to the computer. "What's your name?"

"Sam."

She typed something into the computer. "One moment."

She turned to the phone, picked up the receiver, put it to her ear and dialed. After a few rings, someone answered. "Hello, Dr. Schlesinger...Yes...I have a Sam here to see Jordan Nightingale...Yes...Alright...Thank you."

She hung up the receiver and looked up at me. "If you'll have a seat, she'll be right out."

"Okay."

I sat down on one of the chairs and anxiously waited. After a while, the doors opened. A middle aged, heavyset woman emerged. She was wearing granny glasses, a red shirt and a lab coat. She walked over to me. "Are you Sam?"

I stood. "Aye."

"I'm Dr. Schlesinger."

"Is Jordan okay?"

"Well, Sam, Jordan was raped."

"I know."

"How do you know?"

"I know who did this to him. He's been arrested several times for statutory rape among other things."

"I also work for the local CSI, and I ran the semen we found in Jordan's anal cavity through the database. We found traces of DNA that wasn't in the system. Most likely yours. No surprises there. The majority of it was Stephen Michael Conner."

"That's what I thought. Have you told the police?"

"Yes. They put out an APB ."

"I know where he's most likely to be."

"Where?" She pulled a two-way radio out of her lab-coat.

"Washington park in Olde Town."

She pushed the connect button. "This is Dr. Laura Schlesinger CSI. I have a report that Stephen Michael Conner is at Washington Park in Olde Town."

"Roger that doctor. Thank you."

I heard a click then, "This is to any available units in the Olde Town area. I have an arrest warrant for Stephen Michael Conner. I need immediate dispatch to Washington Park. RepeatÑ"

Dr. Schlesinger clicked off her radio and put it back in her coat. "Now, Jordan also has a bruised pelvis. Thankfully, that is the extent of his injuries."

"What about STD's?"

"Nope."

"Can I see him now?"

"Of course. Follow me."

She turned and walked into the ER. "He was sleeping last time I was in there. But he may be awake now."

We reached Jordan's room.

Dr. Schlesinger turned to me. "Do you need anything else?"

"No."

Dr. Schlesinger walked away.

I turned to the door and opened it. Jordan was sitting up in bed watching TV. He turned to the door as it opened. "Sam!"

I ran over to him, kissed him and hugged him tightly. "I'm so sorry, baby. Are you okay?"

"Now that you're here."

I let go of him and sat down on the edge of the bed. "They're looking for Conner."

"Good."

"Do you want to talk about it? Or is it too soon?"

"I think I can talk about it."

"I just want to know what happened."

"Well, I woke up and someone had their hand over my mouth. There was also a knife on my throat. I did what they told me to and got out of bed. I walked over to the window and someone pushed me out the window. I fell to the ground and felt a sharp pain in my side. Probably when I bruised my pelvis. Then they forced me into the woods where Conner was waiting. He told me to strip. I didn't move. He pulled out a knife and said, `Strip or I'll cut you.' So I took off my clothes. He told me to lie down on my stomach. And..." tears welled in Jordan's eyes. "He raped me."

"Did it hurt?"

"Not physically. But it did emotionally."

"Aye. Being raped is a very traumatic."

"That's not what hurt me."

"What was it?"

Jordan placed his hand on top of mine. "I am yours, Sam. And only yours. By doing what he did to me, Conner stole that from you."

I moved closer to him and looked deep into his eyes. "What we have, no one can take from us. The bonds between us cannot be broken. The rivers of love that flow through us run too deep and too strong for anyone to take from them. We are one, and we will forever be one. Conner has taken nothing from us. All he has done is commit a horrific crime. And he will be punished for it."

He kissed me.

"That was lovely."

Jordan and I turned to the doorway.

"Cheryl," I said. "What are you doing here?"

She walked into the room. "I'm off duty. I wanted to come by and see how things were going."

"Wow," I said, "that's very kind of you."

"I also wanted to tell you that they arrested Conner. They want you both to testify."

"I will," I said.

"I will, too," Jordan said. "I want to see that sniveling snake sent to prison."

"Well," Cheryl said, "that may not happen. Unless you two have a good lawyer."

Jordan and I both looked at each other. I think we got the same idea.

I asked, "Has she passed the National Bar Exam?"

"She hasn't taken it yet. She will next week."

"You have a good lawyer," Cheryl asked.

"The best," I said. "According to her professors. She graduated two years earlier than everyone else."

Cheryl's mouth hit the floor. "Two years. She must be good. Who is she?"

"My sister," Jordan said. "She's already taken the Bar Exam. She takes the National next week."

Cheryl looked as though she was speechless. "Wow. Is she planning on taking the newly instated International Bar Exam?"

"Probably," Jordan said.

"Well, with how backed up the system is, she'll have time to take and pass the exam before Conner's court date. I have to go, now. Bye."

Cheryl walked out of the room.

The next day, Jordan was released from the hospital. Willow came back home after she passed the National Bar Exam. She agreed to represent Jordan in court. Conner's court date was set for March 23rd.

XII Justice

Carol, Jordan, Willow and I stood outside the court room. Jordan, Willow and I were all dressed in pant-suits; Carol was dressed in a business dress. None of us wanted to go inside the courthouse.

"We can do this," Willow said.

At that, we all went inside and into the courtroom. Conner was already there with his lawyerÑa tall, skinny white guy. He turned to us as we took our seats. "Hello, Sam. How are you?"

I sat silent, seething.

"No answer? How about you, Jordan."

I stood and quickly crossed the room. I came face to face with Conner. "You are lucky the police got to you before I did. You don't want to know what I was planning on doing to you."

I felt Willow place her hand on my shoulder. "Come on, Sam."

I walked back over to our table and sat down.

"Sam," Willow said, "you have to be careful. Anything you do can and will be used against you."

"I know. I'm sorry. It just makes me so mad."

"I know. It makes me mad, too. But we have to keep our selves calm, okay?"

"Aye. Okay."

The bailiff, a large black man, spoke over the room, "All rise. The honorable Judge Constance Palex presiding."

The judge entered the room and sat down on the bench. "Please be seated. Court is now in session."

The judge looked over the case file. "The case of the state versus Stephen Michael Conner."

Over the next few hours, several witnesses were called to the stand, including Jordan and I, reiterating the events of that night. There were also Conner's past victims and some of his family and friends. And also Marcy and Cho. A lot of objections were thrown as Conner's lawyer, most were sustained. Willow, however, was able to sidestep these objections.

Willow was standing in the middle of the room. "I call my final witness, Conner's sister, Cheryl Rochelle Conner."

At the back of the room, a woman whom I recognized stood up. The officer who drove me to the hospital. Willow swore her in. Cheryl took her place on the stand.

"Ms. Conner," Willow began, "would you please sate for the record your full name?"

"Cheryl Rochelle Conner."

"Would you please tell the court what happened on the afternoon of January 4th of this year?"

"I got a call telling me to go to the Nightingale residence. A young Asian girl by the name of Cho Lang lead me and the paramedics into the forest where we found Jordan's ravaged body. The paramedics brought him to the hospital. I drove his Fiancee Sam to the hospital. He told me that the crime was committed by Stephen Michael Conner. I was off duty before they arrested. Though I took it upon myself to tell Sam and Jordan that he was arrested."

"You mean you went up to the hospital, off duty, to report that Conner had been arrested?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I felt guilty."

"Why?"

"Because Conner is my brother."

Willow turned to the judge. "Your Honor, if you will indulge me, I would like to ask Cheryl a personal question that seems irrelevant at the moment, but I can assure you it is."

"I'll allow it."

Willow turned back to Cheryl. "Cheryl, hypothetically, if you arrested Conner, would you follow the law to its full extent?"

"Yes."

"Even though Conner is your brother?"

"Yes."

"Do you love your brother, Cheryl?"

"Yes."

"Then why not help him escape the confines of the law?"

"Because I am an officer of the law. And I love him. I know that if he cannot find help outside of prison, then the best place would be inside of one."

"So, even though you would never be on this jury, would you vote guilty for this case?"

Cheryl hesitated for a moment. "Yes."

Willow smiled. "Thank you, Cheryl. Unless the defense has any questions, you may step down."

Cheryl regained her seat. As I watched her walk back, I caught a glimpse of Conner's lawyer. He was perspiring. He was nervous. He damn well should be nervous. Willow was shredding him to pieces. I smirked.

"Does the defense have any more witnesses to call," the judge asked.

Conner's lawyer stood. "No Your Honor."

"Would the jury please go to the jury room and make their final decision."

The jury filed out of the room for an intense half hour. They filed back into the room.

The judge turned to them. "Has the jury reached a decision?"

"We have your honor."

The jury passed the small piece of paper to the bailiff who passed it to the judge.

The judge read the decision. "Would the jury please read the decision for the record?"

"We the jury find Stephen Michael Conner guilty of statutory rape."

The courtroom was silent.

The judge made her ruling. "Stephen, since this crime is an addition to the many more that you have committed, it is my decisions that you will spend the rest of your life in prison or until you are deemed a fit member of your society. Court is adjourned."

I hugged Jordan. "We did it, baby. Now, we can rest easy, knowing that Conner is behind bars for life."

Jordan kissed me and we went home.

XIII The First and Only Fight

When Jordan and I got home, we went up to his bedroom. I kissed him passionately and pressed into him. As soon as my body came into contact with his, however, he pulled away. "Sam, wait."

"What's wrong?"

"Well, it's just with all the stress this day has put on me, I'm just tired. I think I need to rest."

"Okay. I'm going to go downstairs."

Jordan lay down in the bed. "Okay, love."

I left Jordan's room and closed the door.

This wasn't the first time this had happen. It seemed to happen more and more frequently lately. I think what happened to Jordan, traumatized him more than he let on. Although, even he may not know how much it affected him. This was something that neither I nor his family could help him with. I had to talk to Willow and Carol about this to decide the best course of action. I walked down the hall to Willow's room and knocked. Jason answered the door.

"Hi, Jason," I said.

"Hey, Sam. What's up?"

"Well, I kind of need to talk to Willow."

"Oh, sure. Hang on."

He turned as he closed the door. Jason was Willow's current boyfriend. However, I had a feeling that they were going to get married. She met him at the facility where the Bar Exam is given. Yes, he, too, is a lawyer. And an American.

After a few minutes, Willow opened the door. "Sam, what's wrong?"

"Well, I need to talk to you and Carol in private."

"Okay."

Willow stepped out in her pink silk bathrobe. She followed me downstairs. Carol was already in the living room watching TV.

"Carol," I said, "I need to talk to you and Willow."

Carol turned off the TV. "What's wrong, hon?"

I pointed to the kitchen door. "Let's go into the kitchen."

The three of us went into the kitchen and sat down.

I cleared my throat. "I am worried about Jordan. I think that what happened to him traumatized him more than he lets on. He may not even realize it himself."

"What led you to believe this," Willow asked.

"Well," I continued, "every time I try to...start something with him, he makes some excuse to avoid it. I didn't notice it at first, because it was rare and it had happened a few times before the incident. He just didn't feel like it, and I sometimes didn't feel like it either. But lately, it's been happening more and more frequently."

"How frequently would you say it's been happening," Carol asked.

"Well," I answered, "to be perfectly honest, we haven't had sex in three weeks. Almost a month."

"Huh," Willow said. "That is odd."

"Maybe," Carol said, "you're just loosing the passion that was once there. It happens."

"That can't be it," Willow said.

"How do you know," Carol asked.

"Well," Willow answered, "I sleep across the hall from them, and when they make love, the walls come tumbling down."

I smiled. "Aye. That's true. To be quite honest, I think he needs to see a therapist."

"Hey guys. What's going on?"

We turned to the kitchen door and saw Jordan standing there.

"Hi, honey," I said.

"Hi." Jordan stepped into the kitchen. "What are you all talking about?"

I answered, "Well...love...we were...talking...about...well you."

"What about me?"

I pointed to one of the chairs. "Have a seat."

Jordan sat down next to me.

"You see," I continued, "ever since the Conner incident, you have been acting differently."

He pulled back from me. "No, I haven't."

"I didn't think you were aware of it."

Tears brimmed in my eyes. "We're not as close as we used to be. You won't even let me hold your hand. You were right about Conner, he stole something from us. I want it back. I want that spark between us to be lit again. This is why I hope you'll listen when I say that we all think you should go see a therapist."

Jordan upstarted. "What! How dare you say such a thing! I can't believe you would say that, Sam!"

He stormed out as he said. "I'm going to my room! No one talk to me!" He turned to me and said through gritted teeth, "Especially you, Sam!"

Carol, Willow and I all stared at the doorway in shock and awe.

"I don't believe it," I said. "That's the first time he's ever talked to me like that."

"Sam," Willow said, "I think this may be more serious than we first thought."

"Yeah," I said. "I think I'll go and try talking to him."

I left the kitchen and went upstairs. I quietly opened Jordan's door. Jordan was lying on his bed, facing away from me.

"Jordan," I said.

"Go away."

I stepped into Jordan's room and closed the door. I sat down on the bed and placed my hand on Jordan's shoulder. I felt him tense slightly under my touch.

"Jordan," I said, "I love you."

Jordan sat up. "Hold me."

I took Jordan into my arms. He placed his head on my shoulder and wept. I held him in this poignant embrace for an eternity. He had stopped crying for a while, but he never pulled away. He just sat quietly.

Eventually, a whisper escaped his lips. "I'm sorry, Sam."

I kissed the top of his head. "It's okay, baby. We'll get through this."

He pulled away and looked at me. "I love you so much."

"I love you, too."

XIV The First Session

A few days later, Jordan had his first therapy session with a woman named Dr. Joni Brunsen. Her office has the standard psychiatrist office. Diplomas hang on the walls. The black leather couch is comfy. She is wearing a grey skirt and reading glasses. A yellow legal pad sits on her lap, a freshly sharpened yellow #2 pencil poised above it.

Jordan stammered for a couple seconds before Dr. Brunsen stopped him. "I know that sometimes these sessions can be hard. Just take your time and start from the beginning."

Jordan then began to tell the story of what Conner had done to him. Jordan finished his story and sat silent.

"And this has affected your love life?"

Jordan nods.

"Well, I can assure you that these feelings are quite normal after such a traumatic event. Sam," she looks over at me, "it may take time for Jordan to get close to you again. Just remember that he loves you very much. Now, let's discuss some things we can do to help you both."

"Okay," I say.

"Start small. Maybe just holding hands for a while. After that, try soft kisses. Nothing too passionate, but just pecks on the lips or cheek. Then try more passionate kissing. Then maybe some intimate touching with clothes on. Next try removing articles of clothing and sitting together that way for a while. As you proceed to complete nudity, keep kissing and touching each other in a loving way. Eventually, you'll get to make love again."

Jordan and I left her office and went home. The ride home was quiet. Neither of us wanted to say anything. As I pulled onto the freeway, I felt Jordan take my hand. We exchanged smiles and continued home.

XV Miracles

"We're home," I called as we walked in the door.

"In here," I heard willow call from the kitchen. Jordan and I walked into the kitchen. Both Carol and Willow were sitting at the kitchen table. Both were smiling broadly.

"What's going on," I asked.

"Well," Willow said, "I, uh...I have some news."

"What is it," I asked."

"Well...I'm pregnant."

"You're pregnant," Jordan and I said simultaneously.

"Yes. Jason and I are going to have a baby."

"Are you sure," Jordan asked.

"Well, it's what my gynecologist said."

Jordan and I sat down.

"This is so...wow," I said. "There are no words."

"I'm so happy for you, Willow," Jordan said.

"Yeah," I said. "Me, too. Have you told Jason yet?"

Willow shook her head. "No. He's still at work. I'm going to tell him tonight."

"Okay," I said.

"Hey," Willow said, "how was your session."

"Well," I answered, "she basically said to take it slow. As long as we work at it, we'll get there."

Jordan and I spent the day at home. Night fell, and we went to bed without making love. The next day, we all celebrated Willow's announcement by going out to eat.

Over the next nine months, Willow slowly began to develop a baby bump that fully grew into a pregnant tummy. Jordan's birthday passed, he turned 14. My birthday had passed in December.

On September 8, Jordan and I were lying in bed, we'd still yet to make love, when I awoke to a knock at the door. I opened the door. Standing there was Jason.

"Hey, Jason. What's going on?"

I knew what he was talking about. "Okay. I'll wake Jordan."

Jason nodded and turned to go and wake up Carol.

I walked over to the bed and gently shook Jordan. "Jordan, wake up."

He moaned sleepily.

"Wake up." I shook him again.

Jordan rolled over and yawned. "Sam? What is it?"

"Willow's in labor."

Jordan sat up. "What?"

"Willow's having her baby. We have to go."

"Okay.

Jordan stood. We got our shoes on and went downstairs. We met the others at the door. Without a word, we all piled in Carol's minivan.

We reached the hospital and took Willow inside. She was checked into a room. Jordan and I waited in the waiting room. I stood by the big bay window looking out into the night. Jordan sat in the chairs facing away from the window. It was a quarter after 21:00hrs.

Jordan turned towards me. "I can't believe Willow's having her baby."

I turned to him. "Me, either."

"I hope she's not in labor to long."

I nodded.

As if the fates heard, Carol came out into the waiting room. "The baby's crowning. Willow wants you guys in there."

We followed Carol to Willow's delivery room. As we stepped in, Willow was sitting up, straining to push the baby out. Her gynecologist, Dr. Phalange, was sitting at the end of the bed, ready to "catch" the baby as it came out.

"Okay, Willow," Dr. Phalange said, "push."

Willow pushed again. Dr. Phalange counted to 10. Willow stopped pushing.

"Okay, Willow, one more push. You can do it."

Willow pushed one more time. All of a sudden, a small cry entered the room as a hush fell over the rest of it. Dr. Phalange held up a tiny little pink creature and said, "It's a boy."

"Oh," Willow exclaimed. "He's beautiful."

Dr. Phalange handed the baby to a nurse and said, "They're just going to clean him up. Then you can see him."

The nurse wiped off the baby, wrapped him up and handed him to Willow.

"Oh, my god," she said. "I never thought I could love anything so much. I promise that I will always be there to protect you from the world."

"So," Dr. Phalange said, "so we have a name."

Willow turned to me. "Actually, I was wondering if I could name him Sam."

"You want to name him after me," I asked.

Willow nodded. "If it's all right with you."

"I would be honored."

Willow smiled.

I felt Jordan place his hand on my shoulder.

I turned to him. "Yes?"

"Can I talk to you for a minute? In private."

"Sure." I was a little concerned.

I followed Jordan out of the maternity ward to the ward for the permanent patients. As we walked down the hallway, Jordan kept peeking in rooms. Eventually he found one and we went inside. The room was empty.

I turned to Jordan. "Jordan, what's go? "

Before I could finish my sentence, Jordan's lips locked onto mine. I felt his tongue dart into my mouth as he pressed his body into me. I pushed him away.

"What're you doing," I asked.

"I'm sorry, Sam. But I'm ready, now."

"What do you mean you're ready?"

"I think I've gotten over what Conner did to me. I know I have. I want to make love again."

I took Jordan's hand. "Jordan, you don't know how happy this makes me. However, I don't feel right about having sex in a hospital. And besides, don't you want to celebrate this in our own bed?"

Jordan smiled. "Yeah. You're right. We should wait."

Jordan and I walked back to the delivery room.

"Hey," Carol said. "You guys ready to go home?"

"Yes," Jordan and I said simultaneously.

"Well, okay."

Carol turned to Willow. "Willow, dear, we're going to go home. I'll come pick you and Jason up tomorrow."

Willow nodded. "Okay."

The three of us went out to Carol's van. She took us home.

"Well," Carol said as we walked in the door, "I'm going to bed."

Jordan and I said goodnight to her as she went to her room. We then went up to our room. Before I knew what was happening, we were on Jordan's bed making love. It was wonderful. I hadn't felt Jordan's soft body against me in so long. That night, I fell asleep with Jordan in my arms.

XVI Reborn

The next morning, I awoke to the feeling of Jordan's lips against mine. I returned his kiss.

"Morning, love," he said as he gazed lovingly at me.

"Morning."

"Sam, last night was amazing."

I nodded. "It really was. So, you're definitely over it?"

"Well, not completely, but I don't think I'll ever move completely past it. However, I know that I am definitely over it enough to make love to you again."

I smiled. "Good."

I kissed him again.

Jordan and I dressed and went downstairs into the kitchen. As we went in, we saw Carol, Jason, Willow and Sam Jr. at the table.

"Morning, all," I said as Jordan and I sat down.

"You two had sex," Willow said.

"Is it that obvious," I asked.

"Please," Willow said, "you could see it from space."

I nodded. "Okay. So, how's little Sam doing?"

"Well," Willow said, "so far so good."

I stood and walked over to her. "Can I hold him?"

"Sure."

Willow handed him to me and o hefted his light body in my arms.

"Wow," I said. "He's so tiny."

After a few minutes, I hand Sam back to Willow.

I turned to Jordan. "We should get going to our session."

Jordan nods.

We make our way to the front door, and I grab Willow's keys out of the bowl. We went out to the car and drove to Dr. Brunsen's office.

"So," Dr. Brunsen said as we sat down on her sofa, "how are things going?"

"Well," I answer, "we had sex last night."

"You did? That's great. You two are making real progress. Are there any other issues you two need to work out?"

"No," I answer.

"Well then, there is not much else you need my help with. Just if you regress, please come and see me."

"So, we're don," Jordan asks.

"Yep."

We stand. I hold out my hand. "Thank you, Doctor."

Dr. Brunsen shakes my hand. "You are welcome. And since you were only here for a few minutes, this sessions on me."

"Thanks," I say.

We leave her office.

"So," Jordan asks as we walk out to the car, "what do you want to do today?"

"Movie?"

"Sure."

"Lunch first?"

"Okay."

"Chinese?"

"Alright."

We got in the car and drove out to Jade Palace. I ordered hot braised chicken with no rice, I'm allergic, and Jordan ordered orange chicken. We sat down and talked about random things. Eventually, we touched on the subject of Willow's baby.

"You know," I said, "Willow doesn't seem like the kind of girl who'd want a baby."

"She didn't. However, I think after carrying it for nine months, she decided she wanted to keep it."

"That makes sense."

We finished eating and drove out to the theatre.

"So what do you want to see," I asked.

"Something scary."

"How about (pending)."

"Okay."

Jordan bought us tickets and we went to the specific theatre. I felt Jordan squeeze my hand during the scary parts. I can't remember, but I'm sure I did the same to him. The movie ended and we went home.

As we walked in the door, we saw Carol sitting on the couch nervously pleating the edge of her dress.

"Mom," Jordan said, "what's wrong?"

Carol hesitated before answering, "Conner stopped by today."

"Stephen came here," I exclaimed. "He's out!?"

Carol nodded. "Apparently so."

"What did he want?"

"He wanted to talk to the two of you."

"Well," I said, "that's too bad. There's no way I'm putting my baby in danger by brining him around Conner ever again."

"I want to see him. " Jordan said it so quietly, I wasn't sure I heard him.

"What?"

"I want to see him."

"What!? Why!?"

He looked up at me. "There are some things that need to be said."

I sighed. "Okay, but I'm going with you."

"I want you to come with me."

"Good."

Carol then said, "He said he'd wait at the park until 21:00 hrs. It's 20:30 now. You'd better hurry."

I nodded, and Jordan and I left without saying a word. We silently drove to the park. As I pulled into a space, I could see Conner sitting on one of the benches. Jordan and I got out of the car. Conner stood as we approached him. We walked up to him.

"I-I'm glad you both came. I know that you are probably both mad at me, however I hope that you'll hear me out."

We stood in silence.

Conner continued. "While I was in prison, I learned a lot. I know how horrible what I did must have been for you. Especially you Jordan. I know that I can never make up for what I did. The best I can do is tell you that I am truly sorry that I did that to you. I feel very guilty about it."

I spoke up. "You should feel guilty! Do you know how much anguish you've caused both Jordan and myself! Jordan was traumatized by what you did! I couldn't even touch him without him freaking out! I couldn't kiss him! I couldn't hold him! I made love to him last night for the first time in almost a year! I can't believe you expect us to forgive you! There is no fucking way? "

I felt a gentle hand fall onto my shoulder. I turned to look into Jordan's deep green eyes.

"Sam," he said, "I think you might be overreacting."

"What do you mean?"

"Do the gods not teach us to forgive those who trespass against us."

"Aye. They do. But that doesn't?"

"Love, Conner may have done something wrong, but he knows what he's done is not right. Even though it was horrible what he did, I am prepared to forgive him."

"You're going to forgive him?"

"Aye. What is past is past. All that matters now is the future. Don't you think?"

I took a moment to process what Jordan had just said. I sighed. "I suppose you are right. We should move past this."

"So," Conner said, "I am forgiven?"

"Aye," Jordan and I said simultaneously.

"Thank God. I am so glad. If you two are ever looking for me, I moved back in with my parents."

Conner turned and walked away.

"Well," Jordan said, "what do you say we go home, open a bottle of champagne and take a bath?"

"Mmmm. That sounds nice."

We walked back to the car and went home.

XVII I Will Always Love You

As Jordan and I walked in the door, the house was dark and quiet. Everyone was in bed.

I whispered to Jordan, "You go get the bath ready. I'll go get the champagne."

"Okay."

Jordan went upstairs and I went into the kitchen. A few seconds later, I heard the running water as the tub filled. I opened the fridge and pulled out a clear glass bottle of bubbling ruby liquid. I went to the cabinet to the top left of the sink and took out two champagne flutes. I gave Jordan a few minutes to get everything ready. As I heard the water shut off, I made my way to the stairs and went up.

I walked to bathroom door and quietly shouted, "Jordan, my hands are full, will you open the door?"

"Hang on just a minute."

A few seconds later, Jordan opened the door. Jordan had completely changed the atmosphere of the bathroom. The lights were turned off. Candles rested on the sink. A radio sat in the linen closet, playing Enya. The bubbling bath smelled of jasmine and chamomile. Jordan was sitting naked on the lip of the tub.

"Wow," I said, "you can certainly do a lot in a few minutes."

"Thanks."

I set the champagne and glasses down on the toilet took off my ring, maneuvered around Jordan and slid into the warm, soapy water. I dipped down below the water, wetting the rest of me. I came back up and leaned back against the wall. Jordan got in after me, sitting between my legs. He dipped down below the water and came back up, his soft hair matted to his head and face. I popped open the champagne bottle and poured us each a glass. I handed Jordan his glass. We each took a sip. I sat in silence for a while, enjoying the feeling of my lover's body against me.

"Jordan...," I said.

"Aye?"

"You know that I love you very much, right?"

"Aye..."

"And you know that I will always love you, right?"

Jordan sat up and turned to look at me. "Of course I know that. What brought this on?"

"I am not quite sure. I just had to be sure you knew just how much I love you. You mean more to me than life itself. I would do anything for you. I can't imagine my life without you."

Jordan smiled warmly, settled back in, and I wrapped my arms around him.

"I feel the same way, Sammie."

There was another few moments of silence before Jordan said, "Let's make love."

"Okay."

And we did. I moved father down in the tub. Jordan sat on top of me and slipped me inside of him. Making love with Jordan was as amazing now as it was the first time. After we made love, I held Jordan tenderly in my arms.

"I can't believe how much I love you," I said.

"Me neither," Jordan said.

I yawned. "We should get to bed soon."

Jordan nodded. We finished bathing and got out. I helped Jordan clean up the bathroom. We picked up our clothes, snuck across the hall and climbed into bed. I fell asleep with Jordan's soft body in my arms.

XVIII The Final Truth

The next morning, Jordan awoke me with a soft kiss.

"Morning, love," he said.

"Morning. Sleep well?"

"I did."

"Good."

"Now I have something I want to ask, and we are not going anywhere until I get answers."

"Okay," I said nervously.

"Do you remember those questions you asked me last night about your love for me?"

"Aye."

"Why did you ask me those questions?"

"I told you. I?"

"No. That's not the reason. At least not the only one. Now, come one, Sam. Tell me what's on your mind. You should be able to tell me anything."

"Alright. There is something that I've always wanted to tell you, but I was always too afraid."

"Afraid of what?"

"That you'd be mad at me. Maybe not feel the same about me."

Jordan looked hurt. "Sam. I can't believe you'd ever think that. I will always love you. No matter what. Whatever it is you did, even it is something bad, it won't change how I feel about you. Now, what is it?"

"Well, you know that you were my first, right?"

"Aye."

"Well, technically, that's not true."

Jordan was taken aback slightly. "What do you mean?"

"I had sex with one other person before you."

"What? Why did you not tell me? Who was it?"

I hesitated for a moment. "Willow."

"My sister." Jordan sat up. "Why?"

I sat next to him. "It was before I met you. It was a time when I was really confused. I wasn't sure who I was. I had to be sure. She offered to...test me. It was terrible. Then when I made love to you that first time, the world opened before my eyes. I fell deeply in love with you that same day. I knew we were meant to be together. I love you, Jordan. And no one else."

He sat silent.

"Jordan?"

No response.

I placed my hand on his thigh and began to slide it upward.

He pushed my hand away. "Don't."

"What's wrong?"

He looked at me, sorrow dimming his beautiful eyes. "How could you not tell me this? You should have told me right away."

"What about Willow? She didn't tell you."

"It doesn't matter if she didn't tell me as much as you not telling me. This is a big deal. I always thought I was your first?"

"But you were my first. Jordan, Willow is a wonderful woman, but she doesn't count as my first. You do. She was a meaningless fling. You were my true first."

I take him into my arms. "That's why I asked you that question. I had to be sure that you know that I love you no matter what. Just because you were not my actual first, doesn't mean you weren't my first. I love you. And you know that."

Jordan pulled away and looked at me, a warm smile on his face. "Aye. I know that. This is just such a shock."

"I knew it would be. But it doesn't matter. I love you."

"I love you, too. Now, let's have sex."

And we did.

At 11:00hrs we went downstairs. Everyone was in the kitchen. Jordan sat down at the table, and I walked over to Willow.

I leaned down and whispered, "Does Jason know about us?"

"Aye. Why?"

I walked over to a seat and sat next to Jorda. "I told Jordan about us this morning."

"Really," Willow said. "I was wondering when you were going to tell him the truth."

"Well," Jordan said, "last night he asked me a strange question. He asked if I knew he loved me, and he would always love me. I asked him why he asked such a strange question. He said he didn't know. This morning I again asked him why he asked me those questions. He told me that he had sex with you before me."

"How'd that make you feel," Jason asked as he say down with a cup of coffee.

"A little shocked, but it's okay. I still love him."

He kissed me softly. I got up and poured myself a cup of coffee. I sat down and poured Irish creme in my coffee. We all sat around the table talking about nothing specific.

XIX Wedding Day

Over the next two years, I watched as little Sam turned two. My relationship with Jordan grew. Then the day finally came when we were finally able to marry. For our third anniversary, Carol surprised us with tickets to Killarney, Ireland. Jordan hired a wedding planner to help us plan our wedding. A year later, on our fourth anniversary (I was 20 and Jordan was 17), we all flew to Killarney where Jordan and I were married under a pentacle-shaped arch made of lilies. Jordan and I stayed in Killarney for our honeymoon, enjoying the Celtic regions, the snowcapped mountains and the shimmering blue lakes. It was then we decided to move back to our homeland.

Epilogue

The entire Nightingale family, including my mom, all now live in the mountains of Killarney. Jordan and I live in a two story and house and are raising a beautiful baby boy named Jack. I started the Coven of Danu and am now a High Priest. I could not be happier than I am right now. I thank the gods every day for the wonderful gifts they have bestowed upon me. My life is perfect.