I decided to put on hold the writing of the sequel to my story "Time and Time Again". Now about this story, everything in this story is meant purely for fun and I hope you find it funny (in places it was meant to be funny), dramatic (the same) and so on.  I would really appreciate knowing what you think of my stories. Tell me if I'm doin' alright or if I royally suck. Some plot ideas would be very much appreciated also. Actually, come to think of it, any comment would be very much appreciated :)       mailto:Dimples_2000_fr@yahoo.com

Dedication: This story is for a special friend I met on-line. Stormy, I thank you for all your encouragement and sweet words and hope that this friendship will continue to grow. I'd also like to thank you for providing me with great ideas for the plot to this story and maybe others in the future.

Copyright © Dimples 2002. All rights reserved.

Part Nine

Ch. 22

They woke up the next morning totally refreshed. The after dark dip calmed both their bodies and souls and allowed for a restful, good night's sleep. However, as soon as Jay's head cleared the fogginess of sleep, the fact that she had to contact Jennifer's parents nagged at the back of her mind. She didn't know how to approach the subject; it'd been such a long time. Things were even harder since Jennifer wasn't herself. Deciding to go ahead and do this, she went over possible scenarios in her mind. She cringed when she noted that each was worse than the other. "Jennifer?" She had heard muffled noises coming from Jennifer's bedroom and figured that she was up already.

"Yeah?"

"Do you mind making something for breakfast?" She asked with a tinge of uncertainty. She wanted to make this phone call alone, just in case anything went wrong and Jennifer's parents wouldn't take her calling too kindly. She really wanted this to work for Jennifer's sake. Somehow, even though Jennifer didn't remember them or any details of her life, she had a hunch that she would be devastated if her parents rejected her.

"Sure."

Jay heard Jennifer walk down the stairs and out of hearing range. She sat herself down on the edge of her bed and picked up the phone. Dialing the long forgotten number from her buried memories, she waited for the line to be picked up. After two rings, she heard the unmistakable voice of Jennifer's mother. Clearing her throat softly she said, "Mrs. Terry?"

"Yes?"

"This is Jay." Jay hadn't been aware she'd been holding her breath until she heard a muffled sound come from the other end of the line. After a brief wait she heard the line being picked up by another person, "Jay?" The tone in which her name had been said told Jay that they knew who it was. It was said in surprise, disbelief. She had gotten used to not expecting to hear from her daughter, so a phone call from Jay was never even in the question.

"Yeah. How are you?" It was the best Jay could come up with in such a short notice.

Mrs. Terry half sobbed, half laughed, "We are alright. Are you two...?" She was happy to hear from her, even if she had mixed feelings about her. Speaking to her meant she had a chance to hear from her daughter.

"We're fine, ma'am. I just called because we're in the neighborhood, so to speak."

"Where?" Jennifer's mother, Rachel asked excitedly.

"At our house."

"Really? That's wonderful! Maybe you could come visit...?" After a moment of thought, realization hit her, "Is Jennifer okay? Where is she?" Rachel anxiety level rose with each word.

"She's right here with me and she's physically fine."

"Can you put her on the phone? Please? I heard what happened but they didn't say anything..." She wanted to hear for herself that her daughter was truly alright. She remembered that night when she heard what happened. She thought she was going to die, she was so scared. She, Jennifer's mother, had to watch the news to know what had happened to her daughter and to top it all off, she had no way to contact her.

"I can't do that right now. If you'd like we'll come over for a visit later but right now, I wanted to speak to you alone..."

"Alright..." Rachel answered, slowly drawing out the word.

Jay knew there was no other way to say it that would make it any easier to hear. She figured the best way was to give her the facts, so she did just that. Jay cringed when she heard the faint sobbing on the other end of the line and hurried to reassure her, "She's fine, she wasn't hurt. We got to her in time." She swallowed hard when she said it, knowing it was a lie. She didn't get to her, she didn't help. All she did was get her into that situation. Shaking herself, she thought I'll have plenty of time to blame myself some more later. Right now this is more important.

Rachel was at the end of her rope. She was breathing hard, clutching at her chest. Her husband, Joseph ran to comfort her. He took the phone from her shaking hand and answered Jay, "Then what's wrong? You call us after all this time with something like this? How dare you?"

"I'm sorry, sir. I wouldn't have bothered if not for Jennifer. The trauma she's been through had caused her, according to the doctor, to lose her memory. She doesn't remember you, her life or me. I just thought, maybe if she saw you, heard stories and saw old pictures, she'd start to remember something. Maybe I was wrong." Jay didn't enjoy this anymore than Jennifer's parents did but she loved her friend and she'd go through hell for her, which she just might have to do.

Joseph took a deep relaxing breath and said in a controlled voice, "I will ask questions when I see you but for now I want to see my daughter. When can you come by?"

"Anytime you wish, sir."

"I'll put the house together and try to do the same with my wife until you get here. Be here at 2:00 PM." Without even waiting for acknowledgement, he hung up the phone.

"God I hope this'll help her..." She said to herself as she headed downstairs to the kitchen, following the delicious smell of breakfast.

Ch. 23

Jay looked at her watch and cringed when she saw that the time to leave for Jennifer's parents was drawing closer. "What do you say we take the bike for a ride and maybe go see your parents?" Jay asked.

"Okaaay. When do you want to go?"

"How about now?"

"Now?! Just like that?"

"Yeah, why not?"

Jennifer thought it over for a second. Not finsing any reason not to go, she agreed. "I'm getting a bit nervous...Maybe this isn't such a good idea..."

"It's a great idea. I called them and told them we'll come by. They were thrilled." She said gently.

"You called them? When?"

"Earlier." She said evasively.

"Earlier? Where was I? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I thought...Maybe...uh.." Jay stumbled on her words, she didn't know how to explain her reasons for acting the way she did to Jennifer. She didn't want to reveal her self doubts to the already wavering girl.

Jennifer worried her lower lip and raised her hand to stop any further attempts of explaining from Jay. "Fine. If you're sure."

"I am and I'm sorry."

"I know. It's okay though, forget about it."

They went into their rooms to get changed. Ten minutes later they were out of the door. "Here, put this on." Jay handed Jennifer a black helmet as she put an identical one on her own head. Straddling the bike, she offered her hand to Jennifer. Jennifer emulated Jay's actions and took the stretched hand, climbing on the bike behind Jay. "Hold on tight."

Jennifer wound her arms around Jay's waist and when the bike roared to life, she tightened her hold. The first few minutes on the bike were a bit frightening for Jennifer but she soon got accustomed to the feeling. She had to admit that being pressed this close to Jay's hard body couldn't be all bad. After awhile the constant vibration between her legs relaxed her.

As Jay drove around the neighborhood, Jennifer looked around. Jay was right when she said that there wasn't anyone for miles to peek in on them. The scenery was pretty much all the same. Thick trees lined the sides of the road, blocking the afternoon sun from beating down on them. After no more than ten minutes of driving, Jay signaled and turned left into a paved driveway. She cut the engine and climbed off. Jennifer followed and took the helmet off, looking around at the house. The house wasn't nearly as large as theirs but it looked nice and comfortable. She tried to look at everything closely, studying the sights, trying to see if she remembered anything. Sighing deeply at not finding anything that triggered her memory, she turned back to the house. "Hey..." Jay said softly and laid her hand on her shoulder. "Don't try so hard. I can't promise you that this visit will help get your memory back but I can promise to do everything I can. Don't expect too much out of this, I don't want you to be disappointed. When it's time, you'll get your memory back. Right now, let's concentrate on this. They're still your parents and they love you and miss you. It's something, a beginning, an opening of a door long closed."

"I know. Thank you, Jay. For everything."

They stood at the front of the house, silent, gazing at each other for a few more moments. Finally taking a deep breath, they started moving toward the front door. Before they reached the front steps, the door flew open and a woman in her late forties, wearing a burgundy dress and an apron came out. Her hair was long and blonde, just like Jennifer's and her eyes a deep green that seemed dull now. Other than a few more streaks of gray hair and a couple of added pounds, she looked much the same as Jay remembered her. "Hello Mrs. Terry." Jay's greeting was completely ignored when the woman practically flew off the steps straight to Jennifer. Jennifer looked almost surprised when she was engulfed in a strong hug. Rachel pulled back and took her time to look at her daughter's face. Caressing a few stray strands of golden hair away from her eyes, she smiled with tears pooling in her eyes. "Oh Jennifer." Tears choked her throat as she pulled her in for another hug.

Joseph, Jennifer's father was right behind Rachel. He waited for his wife to let their girl breathe and then moved to take her into his arms as well. "Hey baby girl."

"Hello Mr. Terry." Jay said to herself, "How are you? Oh, me? I'm good, thanks." She continued to mumble to herself as she followed the reunited family back into the house. When she came to the threshold, Joseph was about to shut the door. Jay almost thought that he wouldn't let her inside. He grunted a small greeting and closed the door behind her. Taking another deep breath, which she knew she'd be doing for hours from now on, she went to the living room. Jennifer was still pretty much shell-shocked and she turned pleading eyes to Jay. Jay smiled at her, what she thought was a reassuring smile and took a seat in front of her since her parents took their places on both sides of her.

"Jennifer?" said Rachel, gingerly.

"Yes?"

"We missed you so much. I waited for a phone call day and night, I read and saved every single article on you...When I heard about what happened, I didn't know how to get a hold of you. They didn't say what happened, they just..." Tears welled up again, stopping her from continuing. Joseph put his arm around her shoulders and whispered words of comfort into her ear. "How are you feeling, Jennifer?" He asked.

"Alright, I guess. I thought Jay..." Her sentence was interrupted by Jay's words, "Yes, I told them."

Joseph's angry gaze fell on Jay, "How could you have let something like that happen to our little girl? You said you'll take care of her and for us not to worry."

"I did my best to try and take care of her. Don't think that I don't blame myself for what happened because I do. Every single day I go back to that night. I haven't slept without having nightmares since that night." She let the truth come out for the first time, of her flashbacks to that crucial night, noticing the worried frown on Jennifer's face.

"Well good. You never deserved to be with our daughter and this only proves us right."

Jennifer tried to interrupt them, it was getting out of control. She hadn't meant for things to go this way. She wanted to make things right, to make her parents see the real Jay, the sweet, caring and playful one. The one that she loved. She watched in horror as Jay got to her feet and so did her father as their voices raised, "How dare you? I never meant for this to happen, I always did everything to protect her. Even I can't be everywhere all the time. I never forced her to be with me, she wanted to be with me, to come with me rather than stay here with you."

"You were never good to her. She foolishly gave into some kind of hero worship, blinding her from seeing the truth. You were always a trouble maker, a bad person and that's what you'll always be."

"That's enough!" Jennifer screamed. "Both of you! Stop it! I didn't come here to have to listen to this. Even though I don't remember you or details from my life, Jay told me everything. And even if she hadn't, I still feel things. I am not blind nor am I stupid. Jay's my friend, she's been with me and taken care of me from the start. She's an amazing person and if only you could see that and let the past stay that way, things between us would have been better. I wouldn't have to shut you out. I didn't want to raise my hopes up and think that this meeting would help bring my memories back, that would be just an added bonus, I guess. What I wanted was for you to get along. You're my parents and this is my best friend, my life. Either you accept that and make an effort for me, or history will repeat itself and I'll leave again, still with her by my side." Jennifer looked defeated, she had hoped for this to work out better.

Jay felt guilty again. She wanted to do this for Jennifer's sake and she was ruining everything. She took a deep, calming breath and forced herself to swallow her pride, just this once and ask for Jennifer's father forgiveness. If she took the time to think about it, she could understand his point of view. He loved her too and only wanted what was best for her. She indeed was a trouble maker and she always knew in her heart that Jennifer was too good for her. That was one of the main reasons she didn't want to broach the possibility of a deeper relationship. She was too afraid to risk her good luck at having a friend like her. "Look sir, I'm sorry for yelling at you, especially in your own house. You are right about a lot of things, about me being a trouble maker and all but you are wrong about my relationship with Jennifer. She's my best friend, my life, my future and I love her dearly. I would do anything and give anything to make her happy. I would never nor will I ever do anything to intentionally hurt her."

Jennifer was now the one wiping tears from her eyes. As Jay spoke, she could see her true feelings, her raw emotions bright as day reflected in her blue orbs. Joseph looked down for a minute and then at Jay. He always felt that Jay was stealing away their little girl and never attempted to understand or wanted to understand the connection Jennifer apparently had with her. "I'm sorry too...I guess I never realized that you feel so deeply for her. I think I knew somewhere deep down that you care for her and would never intentionally harm her but I had my own selfish reasons. My stubbornness brought this pain on us and it did the exact opposite of what I wanted. Instead of keeping Jennifer close to us, I pushed her away." Jennifer, Rachel and Jay all knew that it was hard for him to say these things. It took him quite a few years to understand that he may have been wrong. However, it was better late than never.

Jay nodded in understanding and offered her hand as a peace offering. Joseph looked at his daughter, her eyes brimming with tears of happiness this time and then took the offered hand in a strong handshake. He crooked a small smile at the strong hold he received in return. Rachel was happy everything was finally over. She had missed Jennifer dearly and she knew that there was really no way of having her without Jay. Rachel actually understood that from the beginning but her husband's stubbornness and her own self doubts and opinions kept her from trying to do anything to bring them closer.

"Anyone want some coffee?" She asked, trying to break the silence and the still tense moment.

"Yeah, I'll have some." Said Jennifer. "Let me help you." She got up and went to help her mother with the coffee, leaving Jay and Joseph alone.

"How did it happen?" Joseph asked. He didn't want to start fighting again, he just wanted to know what had happened.

"We went to celebrate her birthday and she slipped out of the club by herself, unprotected. A crazy fan waited for her outside and attacked her."

"Where were you?" He asked, accusingly.

"In the club, dancing."

Joseph's voice raised again, "You know, we wanted to call and wish her a happy birthday but we didn't know how to get to her."

"I'm sorry about that but that's not really my fault, now is it? I'm not the one that pushed her away..." Before the arguing could heat up again, Jennifer stepped into the living room and cleared her throat. Both Jay and Joseph lowered their gazes to the floor. "Here's the coffee." Jennifer placed a cup in front of each person and this time, took a seat next to Jay. She put her hand on her thigh and smiled when Jay raised her eyes to look at her.

"Thanks." Jay said, quietly.

Rachel joined them as well and they sat in silence for a few minutes, drinking from their cups of coffee. Jennifer didn't know what to say so it was Rachel who broke the silence. Jay and Joseph were each fuming in their own little corner, not looking anywhere in particular and especially avoiding eye contact with each other. The hand shake and words of contrition were a starting point but they didn't mean the long lived feud between them was over. "How about I show you some family photos...maybe they'll help...?" Offered Rachel, kindly.

"Yeah, that's a good idea."

Rachel got up to bring the family photo album and opened it in front of Jennifer. Going through the whole book, from cover to cover, Rachel told Jennifer as well as Jay the story behind each picture. Jay also noticed that there wasn't even one picture of her in the whole album and she considered herself a large part of Jennifer's childhood and life. It didn't bother her, however. She had told Jennifer the important parts.

Jennifer smiled happily. She genuinely enjoyed seeing those photos and hearing the stories that went along with them. She was a bit bothered though by the fact that Jay wasn't in any of the pictures or in any of the stories for that matter. It was like they avoided telling her about Jay, like they were skirting around that part of her life. She didn't want to start another argument and so she let it go.

Jennifer looked at her watch and noticed they'd been visiting with her parents for the past three or so hours. She felt better about everything now, she felt that she just moved a step in the right direction. Jay and her father weren't near as chummy with each other as she wanted them to be, but this was a start. "Well, thank you, mom, dad."

"You're leaving so soon?" Rachel looked like she was about to start crying again.

"I'm sorry, mom but we still have some things to do and I'm getting a bit tired."

"Oh, alright baby. How could I reach you...?"

"Oh! Here, let me give you all our numbers." Jennifer wrote the numbers of hers, Jay's and Jonney's cell phone numbers on a piece of paper and handed it to Rachel.

"Thank you. Call, okay? I'll call too."

"Alright." Her parents led them to the door. Rachel took her daughter into her arms once again and hugged her tight. Her father was next, lifting her off the ground in a bear hug. Rachel then moved to Jay and awkwardly as a note of good faith, hugged her. Joseph looked sideways at them and reddened slightly under the scrutinizing gaze of his daughter. He put out his hand and said, "I'll try." Jay nodded her acceptance and shook his hand firmly. They said their good-byes and the girls left. Jennifer's parents waited at the door, watching them until they got on Jay's bike and drove off.

Ch. 24

Ten minutes later, they were back at their house, dismounting the bike. Neither said a word until they were inside the house. "Well that was fun." Said Jay sarcastically.

Jennifer didn't find the comment amusing at all and glared at Jay. "You didn't help the situation any by starting to argue with him."

Jay was getting angry as well, her frustration spoke up, "How can you say that? How can you take his side when you saw that he practically attacked me!"

"I am not taking sides, Jay. I'm not saying that he was right or that he didn't put oil on the fire as well, but you didn't have to help him. You could have been the more mature one and stop it before it got out of hand."

"Look, I'm sorry if the way I acted was not to your liking but I went there just for you. I didn't want to go there. I knew what would happen, the same thing that happened years ago. I tried and I appreciate the fact that he tried as well but we'll never love each other. The fact remains that you're with me and that they see me as the devil incarnate."

"That's not true! They saw how much we love each other, they know now. It's not like it used to be anymore, Jay. Even if they still don't agree with my choices, they at least understand now. I'm not saying it's over and we're all a big, happy family, because it's not but it's something."

Jay sighed deeply and threw herself onto the living room couch. "Jay, what are we fighting about here?"

Jay shrugged, "I don't know."

"It went well..."

Jay bit her lip and looked into Jennifer's green eyes. Jennifer looked at her almost pleadingly. She nodded.

"So, how's your memory...?"

"Nothing."

"At all?"

Jennifer just shook her head. Jay was more disappointed by this than by anything else. "What do you say we take a nap and then I have a little surprise for you?"

Jennifer smiled and asked, "What's the surprise?"

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise , now would it?"

Jennifer's tongue played over her teeth and she reluctantly agreed. They both went upstairs and when Jennifer entered her room, Jay got back downstairs. She headed to the kitchen to prepare a picnic basket for Jennifer and herself. She put some cheese, ham, crackers, wine and two glasses into the basket and covered it with a piece of cloth.

Treading upstairs quietly, she tried to listen through Jennifer's closed door for any sounds. Not hearing any, she went up another floor and turned left, to the gym. Taking her shirt and pants off, she remained in her sports bra and black boxer shorts. She spent the next hour going from machine to machine, ventilating excess energy and frustration. Covered in a sheen of sweat, she dried herself off with a towel and headed to the bathroom in her room. The faint throb of her muscles gave her a serene sensation. The hot water of the shower relaxed her and turned the dull throb into a pleasant pulse. 

Freshened up and rejuvenated, she pulled on a pair of black jeans and a tight, black tank top. She planned on taking her bike out again, so she slipped into her leather boots. She picked up her black, leather jacket and threw it over her arm, carrying it downstairs with her. When she reached the kitchen, she saw Jennifer sitting at the kitchen counter. "Hey."

"Hi. Don't you look refreshed." Jennifer said.

"Thanks. So do you. Had a good nap?"

"Ah-huh."

"Good. Want to go for another ride?"

"Sure, just let me put something on."

Jay picked the picnic basket up and waited for Jennifer. When Jennifer joined her, they left. "What is that?" Jennifer asked, pointing to the basket.

"What is what?" Jay asked sheepishly.

"The basket, smart-ass."

"Oh, the basket. That's the surprise."

The drive took longer this time and Jennifer took the time to enjoy the closeness and the scenery they drove through. After about half an hour from their house, they stopped. Jay climbed off and took Jennifer's hand into hers. She walked into what looked like a deserted park. "What is this place?"

"You'll see."

Jay led her further down a path, between trees and shrubs. The shrubs became thicker as they moved further down. There was nothing but wild growth around. They reached a point where the blades of grass were so tall,they could barely see beyond. In the middle of the grassy jungle was a small, round bald spot. Jay laid a blanket on the ground and put the basket on it. "Remember this?"

Jennifer started to shake her head but then looked closer at her surroundings. She couldn't put her finger on any certain images but she felt like she'd been in this place before. "It feels somehow familiar."

"Maybe because I told you about it on the bus, on the way over." Jay said, dejectedly.

"No, no. It's more like some kind of deja vu but not exactly. Do you understand?" Jennifer was getting frustrated, she couldn't put her feelings into words.

"I think I do. Come on, let's sit down."

The sky was starting to turn dark, the sun slowly descending from the sky, below the horizon. Jay pulled the cloth off the basket and offered the contents to Jennifer. Taking the glasses out, she poured the smooth, burgundy colored wine and offered a toast, "To many happy returns. May we feel all our lives the way we felt each day we came to this spot together when we were kids. To us." Jay concluded.

Jennifer raised her glass and took a sip. "This is good."

"So this is where we used to hang out together when we were kids? I kind of imagined it this way."

"Yeah. We'd look at the stars and..."

"Dream of becoming famous." Jennifer completed the sentence for her.

Jay blinked a few times and inclined her head to the side, "How did you...? I didn't tell you that."

Jennifer's smile grew larger and she found herself lying on her back with Jay on top of her, hugging her for all she was worth. Jay cupped Jennifer's check in her hand and said, "You're starting to remember." It wasn't a question, it was a statement. When Jennifer nodded, happy to see her friend like this and to realize that she was indeed beginning to remember. It wasn't much but it was definitely a start.

Jay didn't relinquish her hold on Jennifer and just positioned herself more comfortably, laying on the blanket.

"I get these bits and pieces of images from time to time. I'm not always sure if they're things that my imagination made up from what you've told me or if they're real."

"This is real and you remembered." Jay said firmly.

Jennifer nodded her head that was pressed against Jay's chest. Jay was caressing Jennifer's hair softly without even noticing the fact she was doing it. "This is nice." Said Jennifer after a while.

"Mmm." Jay agreed.

The sun had already set and the stars now covered the sky. The same sounds Jay could remember from their childhood were still there and now more vivid than ever. She had always kept a special corner in her heart for this place. It brought only good memories to her and sometimes that was all she had to hold on to. Now, she had her friend back. To hold on to and to lean onto. She had missed this, she had missed Jennifer and never even realized it because she was so close. It was then that she vowed in her heart to never let them drift apart again. Their friendship was the most important thing in her life and the last thing she wanted was to lose it.

Jennifer realized the same thing. There were moments when she thought that she had lost her best friend. She would look into her deep blue eyes and see a stranger. She had never imagined losing her, it was too farfetched. Especially since they were singing partners. One couldn't go without the other, or so they thought. Being so close to her long time friend and feeling so far and detached from her would tear at her heart. Both needed the down time. It was a shame they had to wait for disaster to strike to see that but at least now, old pains could start to heal.

The air was starting to become chilly, bringing the two warm bodies closer together. Jay rubbed Jennifer's back absently and Jennifer couldn't help but take in Jay's unique scent. Before it could completely lull her to sleep, Jay shook her gently, "Ready to go back home?"

"Mm-huh."

"Come on then." Helping Jennifer up to her feet, Jay grimaced slightly as her back popped. "Ugh. Why do I remember this being different?"

Jennifer chuckled and petted her forearm affectionately, "That's because we were younger then." Jay grunted and put the leftovers back into the basket. Folding the blanket and tucking it under her arm, she offered her other arm to Jennifer, who gratefully took it.

Jennifer thought that it was difficult traveling to this place in the daylight. Having to go through the thick growth with the moon as the only source of light made her see how much of an understatement the word difficult actually was. Holding tight to Jay's arm, she stumbled only a few times on unseen objects until they reached the bike. "This was so much fun when we were kids. Getting lost in these woods with you..." Jennifer couldn't stop from expressing her thoughts, not realizing what she had said until it left her mouth.

Jay smirked and said, "So what you're saying is that you're not having fun now?" 

"No, no. I'm saying that it was different then. I love getting lost here with you..." She was glad to be standing in almost total darkness. Her cheeks flamed and she moved her gaze away from Jay's. Jay chuckled and leaned to kiss her forehead. "I was just teasing ya. But it's good to know you feel that way." Before Jennifer could come up with a good come back, she was pulled onto the bike.

Ch. 25

Navigating in the darkness through the curvy roads of the mountain was hard enough without them being exhausted. The emotional roller coaster they were on today was gaining up on them. They could barely keep their eyes open. Jennifer wrapped her arms tighter around Jay's leather clad waist and laid her head onto her back, closing her eyes for a brief moment. The next time she opened them, she was lying on the ground, hurting. "Jay?" She raised her head slightly and looked around. She saw the bike toppled over, the lights still on, illuminating a dark figure laying motionless a couple of feet from her. "Jay?" She said in panic. Ignoring the pain in her muscles, she scrambled to her shaky feet. She kneeled next to Jay and turned her over. She gasped in horror when she saw blood coming from a gash on her forehead. Cupping her face in her hands, she spoke softly to her, "Jay? Baby, come on. Open those eyes for me. Jay?" She started sobbing quietly, letting tears fall from her eyes straight onto Jay's face.

Jay could hear her name being called and then felt moisture on her cheeks. She blinked her eyes open and rasped, "Jennifer?"

"Oh God, Jay." As gently as possible, Jennifer pulled her to her and hugged her.

Jay pushed herself to a sitting position and wrapped her arm around Jennifer's waist. She mentally checked her body for any internal or external damage and found nothing to be out of the ordinary. Except for a painful, constant throb near her eyebrow. She touched the place of injury and was surprised to see her hand come off bloody.

"What happened?" Asked Jennifer since she couldn't remember anything after she had fallen asleep.

"I closed my eyes for a second, " Jay explained while getting to her feet, "And when I opened them, I saw a flash of something, I think it was some animal. I swerved the bike sideways so as not to run it over and that's all I remember. Are you okay?" She pushed Jennifer away from her and looked her over.

"I'm fine, you're the one who's bleeding all over the place. Maybe we should go to the hospital."

"No! No way. I'm fine, it's just a little gash. I'll take care of it when we get home. Are you sure you're okay?" She didn't see any evidence of injury but that didn't mean that she wasn't hurt.

"Really, I'm fine. Just a few sore muscles. Nothing that a hot bath couldn't cure." Holding onto each other, they slowly walked over to the bike. Jay pulled the bike, with Jennifer's help, back to a standing position. She checked it over and saw a few dents in the metal and some scrapes on the paint job. "Damn." I guess I'll have something to do...

The blood on her forehead was starting to clot and she wiped the surrounding area as best as possible with her t-shirt. This time, she pulled the helmet on her head before driving off. If she had been wearing her helmet, this wouldn't have happened. With one hand holding onto Jennifer's hands, she maneuvered the bike slowly down the road, towards their house. They arrived a few minutes later.

Parking the bike, they helped each other into the house. Jay took both their coats and hung them on a hanger as Jennifer rushed into the bathroom to look for a first aid kit. Finding one in the medicine cabinet, she returned to Jay's side and pushed her none too gently into a chair. "Sit and let me take care of that."

"Yes master." Jay said in a fake accent.

Jennifer prodded the reddened area with gentle fingers. She cleaned it with a wet cloth, put some antiseptic cream on it and bandaged it. "It wasn't too large so it doesn't need any stitches."

"Thank you, doctor. Hey, if doctors were as cute as you, I'd go to the hospital any day." Jennifer blushed and softly kissed the bandaged area. "There, you're all set."

"It's been quite a day." Said Jay.

"Yeah. Pretty stressful. All we need is a good night's sleep. Tomorrow things will look better."

"Hmm. I'll just take a shower, burn this t-shirt and go to sleep." She motioned to her bloodied, once white shirt.

"Yeah me too."

"You're really not hurt?" She had to be sure. She was already feeling guilty about losing control on the bike. She wasn't sure if she could handle it if Jennifer got hurt.

"I'm okay. Really. Not even a scrape."

"Okay." Jay agreed reluctantly and went to hug her friend. She held the small, compact body close. Laying her cheek onto the soft, sweet smelling hair, letting the feeling wash over her. She kissed the crown of her blonde head and then pulled her up the stairs to their bedrooms.    

Continued in Part Ten