Somewhere around California, 1986

My grey eyes scan the classroom quickly as I hurried to an empty seat near the back. Placing my stuff on the desk, I watched as more of my classmates filled up the empty seats and the scruffy form of our English teacher took his place in front. It took him mere minutes before he started speaking about some book he read when he was young and it took me mere minutes to lose interest.

English is my minor, I just thought it would be cool, but I knew I was wrong when spotting the man the first time. Mister Moore was an old, short, fat man who would easily win the 'worst dress award', with his outfit of striped shirts and matching trousers. He was always talking about authors that died before we were even born.

I sighed and watched the large clock, counting down the minutes before this torture was over.

"Miss Peters!" Moore yelled suddenly, knocking me out of dreamland. Looking up, I saw Moore looking at me, annoyance on his face. "This is the third time this week that I've caught you not paying attention to the class. Give me one good reason not to suspend you. No wait, tell me you finally have the essay."

I groaned, I knew I had forgotten something. "Uhm, I have it ? Just not exactly with me."

Moore was silent for a moment before he wrote something down and pointed towards the door.

My shoulders fell and I grabbed my papers, pens and bag and slowly walked out of class, under loud snickering of the other students. Well, I wasn't exactly Miss popular.

"Peters," Moore said before I walked out completely "the sooner you hand me that essay, the sooner I'll think about letting you back in." I nodded sadly before closing the door behind me.

I sighed and moved through the halls outside, where I sat down on a bench and rested my head in my hands. It wasn't that I felt bad about being kicked out of class, since it wasn't the first time that happened. Nor was it the snickering of the other students. My major is Computer Science so as a nerd, I'm used to that.

No, like every story worth telling, this was about a woman. I spotted her right away this morning. She was sitting next to John or, the asshole, as I liked to call him in my mind. Her name was Rosanne and she was the most beautiful creature I had ever laid my eyes on. I've had a crush on her since the fourth grade. She had the lightest blue eyes, long blond hair, was rather tall, about 5 feet 8, and slender. She was also a cheerleader and dated the star quarterback ?

I shook my head and glanced at my watch, cursing when seeing that over a half hour had passed daydreaming. Shouldering my stuff again, I hurried over to the computer class for an hour of programming.

Later that day, I sat behind my desk at the dorms, looking up when I spotted the red head of my roommate entering. "Hey Deb," she said in greeting and sat down on the bed with a huge smile on her face. I turned in my chair and lifted an eyebrow "What's up, Val? You look like the cat that ate the canary."

"You'll fucking never believe it," she started enthusiastically and I groaned. What had Val gotten herself into this time? "Max asked me out this Friday," she said and grinned brightly.

"Oh, well congrats Val," I said, sounding a little sad. Val stood and walked over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder "what happened, Deb?" she asked softly and I wondered how she knew me so well.

"Nothing," I answered and started to turn back in my seat. But Val wouldn't be Val if she let it go that easily. She grabbed the back of my chair and pulled back, causing the chair to fall backwards ... with me on it, of course. "VAL!!" I yelled as I crawled on my feet and glared at my friend.

Val smiled and pushed me down on my bed, "now tell me," she said softly and sat down next to me. I refused to speak "is it Rosanne again?" she asked with a sigh and continued when I didn't answer. "Isn't it time to let that little shit go and try to find someone else? She dated the entire football team for fucks sake ? Honey, cut the crap, you can do better than that."

Val was the only one, besides my parents, that I ever told I was gay and that I had fallen for the beautiful blonde. She accepted me, understood me and, became my best friend, well, my only friend, during high school. We stayed that way even now in college.

I sat up on the bed and looked at her "you eat with that mouth?" I said, trying to lift the mood. It worked when Val started chuckling at the old joke the two of us had. "But ? you're right, I guess," I sighed sadly.

"You'll find someone someday, Deb," Val said and I frowned, causing Val to stand and pull me with her towards the small bathroom adjoining our room. She pushed me in front of the mirror.

I looked at myself, from the piercing grey eyes with oval, small, rimed glasses surrounding it, too tangled dark hair, to the small cleft in my chin. I stood over 6 feet and had a fairly muscular body. Miles of running and hours of swimming had seen to that. I wasn't ugly but considered myself plain.

Val hugged me and placed her chin on my shoulder "you see how fucking beautiful you are? Hell, girl, if I was gay I'd be all over you. And not just the looks, the inside counts too." I started to blush and looked down. "Well, maybe you're a little shy, but many women find that cute," Val chuckled and I started to laugh as well.

"Thanks Val," I said softly and turned to hug my friend.

"Ya know," Val said after a moment "after Max and I eat, we're going dancing at 'The Zone'. You should meet us there." I started to protest, but Val stopped me "it's not good to stay at the dorms 24/7, not healthy. You fucking never leave campus ? 'The Zone' is a great place and just two blocks away. What do you say?"

I sighed and stepped back into the room. Looking back at Val, I saw that she was pouting and had to laugh. "I'll think about it," I said. Val did her own version of a happy-dance and I shook my head, wondering what I had gotten myself in to.

At the end of the week, Val had succeeded in convincing me to go. She even had Max stop by the dorm to ask. I knew Max from informatics class and even talked to him a few times before, so I already knew he was a great guy. Handsome too, for a man anyway, with his spiked brownish hair and warm brown eyes. He was tall too, but maybe a little too thin. He was a fine example of a nerd that didn't look like one. Val's taste had improved for sure.

So, Friday evening, I stood at the entrance of 'The Zone'. I looked down at myself, feeling a little uncomfortable in the clothes Val picked out for me. My normal baggy outfit was replaced by black jeans that where a little too tight for my liking, one of Max's white shirts with the sleeves rolled up to mid-forearm and my own black combats, that Val made me clean till they shinned. The weather was still warm, so I left my jacket at home.

Taking a deep breath, I entered and immediately noticed that it wasn't as bad as I expected. The music wasn't blaring, you didn't need to worm between bodies to reach the bar and I instantly spotted Val at a table, her flaming hair a beacon for me.

She spotted me quickly and nudged Max who whistled. "Wow, you clean up nicely," he said and pushed a beer into my hands. I frowned and looked at it. "You've been standing out front for almost an half hour. We saw you through the window," Val said and patted my shoulder "I'm glad you're here and Max was right. You do clean up nicely."

I nodded and took a sip from my beer, trying to hide my nervousness. Val started a light conversation, probably noticing that my hands were shaking, and I soon started to relax a little.

After an hour of so, Val stood and grabbed my arm, "let's dance."

"Nononononono, I don't dance," I pulled back my arm and sat back down. Val pouted, but I shook my head "I don't dance Val. Besides you're dating Max, dance with him."

Val gave me a bad look before she grabbed Max and dragged him out to the dance floor. That poor man, I thought and then smiled before emptying my drink.

I watched Val and Max for a few more moments and then headed towards the bar. I ordered a coke and let my eyes wander while waiting for the bartender to get my order. I spotted the bulky frames of a few football players in the back and almost lost it when suddenly a blond head appeared and blue eyes met mine. It lasted only for a second, until the bartender placed my coke before me. I quickly paid the man and glanced back towards the back of the bar and saw Brad, the quarterback, hanging around Rosanne, who seemed to be laughing at something her boyfriend said.

I shook my head, grabbed my coke and headed back to the table, where I became lost again in thoughts. For that mere moment our eyes met, I felt a connection. When I saw Brad, I felt an ache in my chest. Val said to let it go, but I didn't know if I could.

A shake on my shoulder brought me back and I looked besides me at Val. "Where did you just disappear to?" she asked. I took a sip from my glass "look to the back of the bar," I said softly.

Both Val and Max looked and immediately Val groaned "not again, Deb. Let that fucking cunt go."

"Language Val," Max told her as the two of them sat back down. He placed a hand on my arm, "Val told me about Rosanne. That you've had a crush on her since the first time you saw her. Which is very long since you went to the same high school. What is it about her that makes her so special to you? I mean, she's a beautiful woman, but you don't even know her."

I sighed "I know ? it's in her eyes, I guess. I feel it when our eyes connect, even for a moment. When she's near me, I get so scared yet feel like I could take on the world. For years I've tried to go and just say 'Hi', but I get scared just thinking about that. I can't explain it."

Max smiled at me "I know the feeling," he said and looked at Val, who blushed and smiled at him. I was perplexed! Not only did Val forget to make some smartass comeback, she was blushing! My friend was a goner.

"Thanks Max," I said and stood, emptying my glass "I'm tired, I'm going home. You two have fun." I said goodbye and left the club. I walked the two blocks back to campus and headed to the dorms. Entering my room, I quickly changed into jamies and dropped on my bed. I barely slept that night and wasn't surprised that Val didn't come home. I was happy for her.

The weeks flew by and before I knew it, Christmas was nearing. Val was going home for the holidays, I wasn't. But I didn't want her to know that and feel bad, so I said that my parents were picking me up a the day after she left. I had to fight the tears when I saw Val hugging her parents and loading up her bags in the car. "See ya in a few weeks. Give your parents my regards," Val said and then hugged me tightly. Then I watched her climb in the car and leave. I sighed and returned to the room where I sunk down against the wall and cried.

About an hour later, I dragged myself to the bathroom to wash my face and then headed to the desk where I took a picture out of the drawer. It was a picture of four people, all with smiles. I stood next to mom, an older version of myself. Next her stood my father, a grey haired, strict looking man and lastly, next to him stood Dereck, my brother. The picture was taken after I graduated from high school and a few days before I finally had the guts to tell then that I was gay. Mom fainted, Dereck was too shocked to say anything and dad kicked me out. I had never seen them again.

I took my bag and left, got a job for the summer and went to college. My parents had created an account for me to save for college and now dad puts a small sum of money on it each month. I had enough to get by, but I missed them so much. Especially now.

Deciding to stop this self-pity stuff, I took my jacket and headed out to 'The Zone' for a drink. I'd gone with Val and Max a few times, but this time I was alone.

When I entered, I found the place almost completely bare. It was still early, but now with the dorms almost totally empty, I'd be surprised to see it filled up. I took a seat at the bar and ordered a beer. I took a sip and started to look around while listening to the soft music. I was about to take another sip when I felt the hairs on the back of my neck rise.

"A beer please," I heard next to me in that voice I only hear in my dreams. I turned and saw Rosanne two seats next to me. She looked at me "Hi!" she said and smiled.

"Uhm ? Hi," I managed to squeeze out. I watched as my angel stood and moved to sit next to me. "Deborah, right?" she asked and I nodded "Just Debbie, or Deb," I said with wonder. She knew my name.

"Ok Deb, I'm Rosanne," she smiled and I was speechless once more. This must be a dream. But if it was, I didn't want to wake up. "I knew that," I said, instantly kicking myself for the dumb reply "Uhm, I mean, we're in English together."

Rosanne nodded "we were in English together, I haven't seen you there since Moore kicked you out."

"Yeah, I haven't given him that stupid paper yet," I said and she chuckled. It was music to my ears. "It's so boring anyway. Why can't he speak about writers from this time instead of those old geezers?"

"I have the idea that you don't feel like returning soon," Rosanne said with a smile. "You know, Moore isn't that bad. I find it interesting, but that can be just me."

We chatted about class some more while finishing our drinks. "So ? what keeps you here for the holidays?" she asked suddenly.

I frowned "long story," I said "let's just say that I don't think I'm welcome at home any longer." I held up my empty beer bottle and ordered two more. Handing one to Rosanne, I asked what her story was.

"About the same," she said "my parents are two of those high society assholes that would go to one of those charity feasts with fake smiles just trying to look good. You know the, feed the poor with Christmas when the camera is running but leave them to die otherwise, type. I'd rather stay here."

I watched her down about half of her beer, telling me that her parents were a sensitive subject. "What about you boyfriend?" I tried to keep resentment out of my voice.

She sighed, "I don't wanna talk about Brad ? His family is about the same as mine, only he likes it," she said with a sad smile.

I took a sip but remained silent for a moment. "So what are you planning to do for these lonely weeks?" I asked after awhile and watched her shrug.

"Don't know. Being a bum, I guess ? Everyone I know went home," she sounded a little sad.

I nodded my head, I had the same problem. We talked for a while about school and stuff, and before we knew it, the sun had started to go down.

"I better get going. I didn't bring my jacket," Rosanne said as she stood.

I stood as well "I'm heading back too, want some company?" I asked and was relieved when she smiled.

We stepped outside and walked back to campus. After a moment, I saw her shiver. I shrugged out of my jacket and gave it to her. "Thank you," she said as she put it on. I smiled back and we walked the remaining way in silence, between the passing cars and under a setting sun.

We soon reached the 'rich' dorms of campus, a huge building that housed several one-person dorms. Of course, only those with enough money stayed here. Rosanne turned to me and returned my jacket. "Thanks again," she said and smiled.

I was about to turn and leave when she called my name "I'm going to the gym tomorrow. Feel like coming?"

"Sure," I knew I had a silly grin on my face, but couldn't help it.

"See you tomorrow then," she gave me a bright smile before heading inside.

After I was sure she couldn't see me anymore, I punched a fist in the air, my own version of a happy dance. A few students that passed me looked at me as if I had completely lost my mind. But right now, I didn't care.

I talked to her ? really talked to her and I was going to spend time with her tomorrow. This day was tuning out to be a great one after all, I thought while walking towards my own dorm with a spring in my steps.

The next morning, I woke up way too late. I got out of bed, grabbed a set of clothes and a towel, and went out to take a quick shower. Mere minutes later, I was drying my hair while cleaning up the mess left over from a take-out dinner last night, and the book about Shakespeare I was reading ? I had to get started on that paper someday!

Grabbing my gym bag, jacket and keys, I left the room on a mission; to get a bite from the cafeteria and to get my ass to the gym. Once there, I easily spotted the blonde on a bicycle. Rosanne waved when she saw me approaching. "You're late," she said with a smile.

"I know, I overslept ? That happens a lot," I held up my bag "Give me a sec to change and I'll be joining you." With that, I headed to the changing rooms and got into black shorts and a blue T-shirt, struggling with my Nikes. I never liked anything else than boots on my feet. With a size 9, Nikes just aren't comfortable.

I walked to the bike next to Rosanne and started a slow pace to warm up. Looking next at me, I saw her watching me "Problem?"

She smiled "No, it's just ? those baggy clothes you always wear hide your figure. I'd never thought that you were so muscular. Do you work out a lot?"

"I run and swim, but that's about it. I've always been like this, genetics I guess," I looked down, trying to hide the blush.

Roseanne started to chuckle, "you're cute when you blush, don't hide it," she placed a hand on my arm and I looked at it with wide eyes. I just couldn't believe my ears. I murmured a "thanks" and set the bike a little higher. Roseanna removed her hand and we rode some time in silence.

After a while, I decided that I had enough and stepped of the bike. "I'm going to lift some weights," I walked down the stairs to the lower platform and laid down on the bench press, where I spent the next half hour pressing over a hundred pounds.

Then Rosanne joined me for a sauna, or something that could pass for one. The wooden cubicle was maybe 7 by 7 with two small benches and a pot of coals in the corner. We removed our shoes outside, entered and sat down on a bench. Rosanne threw some water on the coals and immediately the place was filled up with steam.

My head rolled back against the wall and I could hear my companion sigh. I had a hard time believing that I was in the sauna with her, my crush, my platonic love. But, glancing sideways, I saw her. I smiled and closed my eyes, thinking about what this could mean. And my thoughts made me lose all sense of time again.

I felt a hand shake my shoulder and looked to see Rosanne standing before me "I thought you had fallen asleep," she smiled. "We should go, though."

Shaking my head, I stood and followed her outside to the dressing rooms. We both grabbed our clothes and headed for the showers. Minutes later, I stood combing my hair with my fingers and waiting for Rosanne to finish. When she finally did, we gathered our stuff and left the gym.

"Wanna go and grab a bite?" Rosanne asked me when we passed the cafeteria. I nodded, since it was about lunchtime anyway, and we walked inside. Settling down at a table, we enjoyed a decent hot meal while talking about light things, like school and stuff.

Afterwards, we headed back to the dorms. "I really should get back to Shakespeare," I murmured, not really wanting to leave her side.

"Finally getting started on that paper, huh? Good ? Will you meet me in the gym again tomorrow?"

I smiled brightly "Yeah, sure. I had a good time today" and I really meant it.

"Great, see ya then. And good luck with the paper," Rosanne waved and started down the road to her own room.

"Thanks" I walked the other way to get started on my work.

The weeks passed quickly this way. Rosanne and I would meet in the gym each morning, have lunch and even hang out in the afternoon. We went to the movies one night, hung out at 'The Zone' on other nights or took a stroll through the city. We even went swimming together a few times too. Christmas Eve was celebrated at 'The Zone' as was New Year and I must say that, even though I was miles from home, I had the best holiday ever. All caused by the woman by my side. And, even though I tried not to, I fell in love all over again ...

The night before most students were expected back after the holiday break, we sat in my room watching a movie on TV. I leaned back against the bedpost, laughing with the antics of the idiot police officers trying to fight crime in 'Police Academy'. Rosanne lay next to me and shook with giggles all through the movie. She sat up to face me when the credits rolled by on screen.

"I learned one thing and that's to never believe those movie critics. That was a good movie. Not the best, but very entertaining and funny."

I nodded "true" and sighed, my happy mood quickly forgotten.

"What's wrong?" Rosanne moved a little closer and touched my knee. Her eyes met mine.

I gave her a sad smile "it's just that tomorrow life will turn back to normal. Val and Max are coming back. Your friends too. These past weeks have been so great. I'll just miss it," my eyes fell back down again as the shyness took over.

Rosanne moved to sit next to me. "I'll miss it too," she said in a soft voice and touched my chin to make me look at her.

"Really?" I whispered and cocked an eyebrow, having a hard time believing what my ears where hearing.

Rosanne nodded and smiled as she moved even closer to me. My eyes shifted over her face and I was about ready to bolt, when suddenly I felt her soft lips on mine. It lasted only a second, but I would swear that I died and went to heaven.

She was looking at me while biting her lower lip, something I just realized looked adorable. I gathered all my courage and leaned forward, kissing those lips again. She wrapped a hand around a lock of my hair and kissed me back passionately, her tongue seeking entrance into my mouth. I couldn't hold back a moan.

Moments later, we separated in dire need of air and just stared into each other's eyes. "Stay here tonight," I begged "I want to hold you."

"I'd like that," she replied silently and placed a soft kiss on my lips.

I smiled shyly before turning off the TV with the remote and standing to grab one of my large shirts for her to sleep in. We both took turn in the bathroom to change and I watched Rosanne crawl under the sheets. She waved me over and slowly, I got into the bed next to her.

I turned to lie on my back. She leaned forward and kissed me again, a soft peck on the lips, before she found a soft spot to lie on my chest. "Goodnight Deb," she whispered and sighed. I ran a hand through her hair "G'night Rosanne." I closed my eyes, even though I tried not to, and fell fast asleep.

The next morning I woke by the sun shining on my face. I sat up abruptly when memories of what happened yesterday invaded my mind and quickly realized that I was alone. Getting out of bed, I wondered if I had dreamt last night until I spotted a folded T-shirt and a piece of paper on my desk.

On the paper was a written 'Thank You' in bold, but elegant letters and I had to smile. My eyes fell on the clock and I almost had a coronary when seeing that it was nearly noon. Val would be home in a few hours and the place was a mess.

Getting into action, I grabbed fresh clothes and ran outside for a quick shower. I was still drying my hair while putting on a sweatshirt when I returned and cleaned the room. Then I rushed to the cafeteria for lunch.

The cafeteria was filled with people again and it seemed as if everyone was screaming to tell their friends holiday stories. Shaking my head, I grabbed a tray and got into line, feeling disappointed when I couldn't see Rosanne.

I settled down at a small table to eat and was barely through half of my meal when I spotted a red blur heading my way fast. Before I knew it, I had my arms full of an hysterical woman who, in her turn, was squeezing the hell out of me.

"Val! AIR!! VALERIE, lemme go!!" I yelled, but the smile on my face broke through. When she finally let go, she settled herself on my lap and stole a fry from my plate, munching on it like a kid. "Comfy?"

Val nodded her head and I heard a low chuckle next to me where I soon spotted Max. "Hey Max, how were the holidays?" I asked him.

"Great, it felt good to see my family again. But it feels good to be back as well," he smiled brightly and tugged on Val's arm to get off me.

Val shrugged, but did anyway "So, how was your vacation?" she stole another fry and sat down on Max's lap.

I smiled brightly, again thinking about what happened last night. "It was Ok, a little boring without you guys here, but Ok.

Val frowned "My mom asked about you and was surprised as hell to hear that you went home. She thought you and your mom had a fucking fight or something."

I was about to answer when I saw the woman of my dreams enter the cafeteria ? wrapped around Brad's huge form. She laughed at something he said and kissed him on the lips. I felt a terrible ache in my chest. Mere hours ago, it was me she kissed. I felt the walls coming closer ?

"Earth to Deb," Valerie shook my shoulder and I saw four confused eyes looking my way. I stood abruptly, "I gotta go!" and walked away from the table, ignoring Val calling my name. Just before I left, I passed Rosanne and heard her tell Brad how terribly she missed him.

I ran outside to the park and sunk down against a tree, hidden from view, and started to cry. I felt like my heart was ripped from my chest. I stayed there until the sun had long sunk and then headed back to the room, feeling more horrible than ever.

Val was pacing when I entered and lunged towards me "What the hell was that? You run away and stay out for hours. I was worried about you." The volume of her voice sunk with each sentence.

"It's nothing Val, drop it," I said harshly. This was something I didn't want to talk about, not even with my best friend. I moved to my desk, booted up the computer and started to type like crazy.

It was a long moment until Val reacted, telling me that I stunned her with my words. "Deb, I ?" she started but I cut her off, "I said, DROP IT!" The next thing I heard was the smashing of the door as she left.

School started again and I threw myself on my work. I never did talk to Val and started to avoid her. After a while, so did she. She even stayed with Max most nights. I saw Rosanne almost every day. It was like, wherever I was, she was. With Brad, of course. And it hurt, badly!

I started going to 'The Zone' most nights and drunk myself silly. Something I rarely did. I barely slept, barely ate and after a month or so, started to look like the living dead.

February came and with it Valentine's Day. 'The Zone' was packed that night, mostly with couples. Val and Max were there, but stayed at a distance. I couldn't blame them, after how I treated them. Rosanne and her crew of jocks were present as well and I found myself watching their way almost the entire evening.

After a few hours and quite some drinks (which was mostly scotch-on-the-rocks), I had a buzz going. I was downright drunk the moment I spotted Rosanne heading to the bathrooms and lifted myself off the barstool to follow her. She was washing her hands when I entered and there was no one else around.

I grabbed her shoulder and threw her against the wall. She gave a slight yell, thankfully muffled by the loud music. I stumbled towards her with a grin on my face. "Did you have fun messing with me?" my words slurred.

"What are you talking about?" Rosanne stood straight against the wall but I spotted a shimmer of fear in her eyes.

I stepped closer "how was it? When you kissed Brad after you kissed me. Or when you slept next to him after you spent a night with me? Did you regret it so much?" I placed a hand on each side of her head, towering over her.

Rosanne looked into my eyes, daring me "you're drunk and talking nonsense."

"Am I?" I laughed low. "Wait, he knew about it, right? That's why you stayed behind. Did you two had a good laugh on my behalf?" This caused Rosanne's eyes to darken and I didn't see her hand coming. The slap echoed through the small room.

I stumbled back, knocked out of my drunken daze and looked at her in horror of what I had done. "I'm sorry," I mumbled before turning and running out, totally ignoring my name being called by Rosanne and Val when she saw me running out of the bar. I never stopped until I reached my room and threw myself on the bed.

About an hour later, it was nearly midnight, someone knocked on the door. "Go away, Val," I said loud enough for her to hear.

"It's not Val, it's me," Rosanne slowly opened the door and entered, closing the door behind her. She cleverly ducked the pillow I threw at her. "Please Deb."

"I said GO AWAY! What part of that don't you understand!"

But Rosanne didn't move "I don't want to go away. I need to talk to you."

My bloodshot eyes met hers and I felt my body betraying me. Sitting up, I gave a nod and watched her hesitate a moment before starting to talk.

"I never wanted to hurt you. Those weeks where perfect. When I'm around you I can just be ? me. And I don't have any regrets. I guess I just chickened out when facing Brad and the others. I was raised with the belief that being that way was evil. But what I felt when we kissed ? I never felt like that. You have to believe me!" She started to cry.

I couldn't bear to see her tears and stood. Walking towards her, I wiped them away. "Don't cry ? I believe you," I said softly.

Blue eyes met mine "Really?" she murmured and I flashed a smile. Slowly, she grasped a lock of my hair and brought my head down for a kiss. It was even sweeter than I remembered.

Our passion roared quickly and Rosanne, being stronger than I realized, pushed me against the wall. She sucked my tongue into her mouth while a hand pulled my shirt from my trousers. I groaned when I felt her hand on the skin of my lower back. I felt her hands glide higher until they reached the clasp of my bra. I froze and looked into her eyes. They were darkened by passion and I knew that there was no way I could resist her. I didn't want to!

Cupping her face, I lowered my head and kissed her deeply while she continued to undo the clasp of my bra and the buttons of my shirt. My hand found her lower cheeks and she moaned into my mouth when my large hands kneaded them.

She buried her face in my neck, both of us breathing heavily to get air back into our lungs. She started to undo the buttons and zipper of my jeans. I groaned again and moved my hands to do the same, struggling to unzip her trousers.

Our mouths met once more as I felt fingers worming their way into my boxers. I finally got her fly unzipped, lowered silk underwear and my fingers encountered her wetness. She moaned as I moved my fingers, exploring her. It didn't take her long to copy what I was doing and soon, we were bucking against each other. Moans and groans combined with the sound of our breathing filled the room.

I winced when she entered me and took my innocence, but the burning in my body increased and the pain was soon forgotten. Rosanne tensed and trembled right before moaning my name when she came. The sound of it, and her juice dripping on my hand, took me higher until I saw the white flashes before my eyes and came hard.

My legs trembled and I started to sink down to the floor as she removed her hand. I breathed deeply and watched her sink down before me. I looked into her eyes, trying to let everything I felt show "I love you," my voice was a mere whisper.

The look into her eyes changed into one of horror "Oh God,' she mumbled and stepped back. I tried to reach for her, but she moved away. She quickly buttoned up her clothes and almost ran to the door. "This can never happen again," was the last thing she said before running out of the room.

I was shocked, to say the least. The tears started to run freely from my eyes as I started to realize that I had ruined it all. I buried my head into my arms and sobbed loudly, feeling my heart breaking in a thousand pieces ...


California, February 14, 2001

I was sitting at my desk, thinking about that fateful day, now exactly 15 years ago. Val found me still sobbing on the floor hours later. I told her everything and with her help, got myself back together again. She and Max married years ago and are living happily with their three children. They live a few doors next to me, a fact I am very grateful. Val even managed to get rid off that gutter mouth of hers. Only when you get her angry would the crap fly your way.

I stood and walked towards the huge window, looking down at the passing cars trying to get home to their loved ones. I heard a knock and saw my secretary appear, "anything else, Miss Peters?"

"No, you go home and have some fun with that man of yours tonight." I saw a huge smile appear on her face right before she bid me goodnight and disappeared.

I sighed before sitting back down and getting some more work done. I am vice-president of a software designing company. I started here right after graduating and soon fought my way up the ladder. This was a job I truly loved.

Glaring at the screen, I quickly spotted the error between thousands of codes that formed a programme. My co-worker had searched for hours but couldn't find the flaw. That was probably why I was an executive and he was still stuck at development, even though he had worked here longer that I have.

Shaking my head, I shut down the pc and left the office. It was time to go home.

I gave the security staff a wave as I passed them on the way to get my car, a dark blue Crown Victoria. Getting in, I slowly drove out of the parking lot and into the raging traffic.

About half an hour later, after a stop to get a bite, I parked my car in front of a large house. Stepping out, I locked it and walked up the gravel walkway while fishing my keys out of my pocket. I undid the lock and walked inside.

I turned on the lights in the hall, dropped my keys on the table and shrugged off my jacket and shoes. Walking into the living room, I could hear the faint murmur of the TV and was faced with the most beautiful sight in the world.

Rosanne lay on the couch with a sleeping toddler on her chest. Two more rugrats sat watching TV. The largest, an eleven year old blond haired girl, looked up. "Mom's home!!"

The little spitfire jumped up and tackled me, quickly followed by her nine year old brother. I lifted both up into my arms, something I really needed to stop doing. Danielle, or Danny as we called her, was getting way too big for that.

I placed her and Drake back in front of the TV and looked in the blue eyes that stared at me from the couch. Moving in, I placed a kiss on her lips and then kissed Donny's little head. This little rugrat was turning two next week.

Rosanne handed him to me and sat up "Ok kids, you could stay up till Mom got home, but it's off to bed now," the two groaned but a glare from their Mama caused them to swallow any replies and they where quickly heading up stairs. I chuckled and went to follow them.

While Rosanne supervised the jammies change and teeth brushing, I tucked little Donny in. Then I kissed all the kids goodnight and joined my love downstairs.

She sat on the loveseat before the fireplace and I fell in love with this beauty over and over again. The way the light of the fire lit up her face was a work of the gods themselves. "Hi" I sat next to her.

"Hey yourself love," she said as she curled herself around me.

I smiled and kissed her head. "Happy Valentine," I gave her the little box I bought days ago. She opened it and retrieved a simple silver and gold ring with a small diamond inlay. She gasped and I took it to slip onto her finger.

Rosanne smiled brightly and leaned in for a kiss "Thank you, love. And I have a present for you too," she had this mysterious look in her eyes. "Meet me upstairs in ten minutes," and with that, she was gone.

I grinned and did my tour of the house to see that everything was locked up. I almost tripped over some left out toys and made a note to myself to tell Danny to clean it up tomorrow.

Done with the checking, I waited at the stairs and looked at a picture on the wall. Me with Rosanne wrapped in my arms. It was taken nearly fourteen years ago, a few days after we got back together. Rosanne finally talked to me about her fears and broke up with Brad. The fading bruise on my face was clearly visible on the picture. It was from the fight with Brad when he found out the truth.

I looked at the picture next to it. It was taken a few months ago. Me, Rosanne and the kids, my family. I had to smile. My own family abandoned me and so did Rosanna's when they found out. But we made one of our own through love. And yeah, we did have our difficulties, like any other family has. They made us stronger.

Thinking about what awaited me upstairs made me curious and I decided that I waited long enough. Dashing up the stairs, quickly but quietly, I entered our bedroom and stopped dead in my tracks. Rosanne stood in the middle of the room dressed in a black little dress that left little to the imagination. The room was lit by candles and soft music played on the background. I was once again glad that we decided to make this room soundproof.

Rosanne walked to me "Happy Valentine ? Like your gift?"

I licked my lips "Oh yeah," was the last thing spoken and I closed the door behind me to get the rest of my gift ...



Love does hurt. But a time will come when you'll find yourself looking back and thinking that it was all worth it and that you'd do it all over again. Always remember that the best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.



The End

Love Hurts
By BacchusKiller
© February 2005