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A Modern World - The Original

~ Jane & Jared ~

  • The Tale of Jane and Jared

    (A love story written by Jennaisante and Blues-Guy)
    Into the Boundary of Love


    This is a role-play started by Jane Harper and Jared Ford who are the major characters of the story.
    Supporting characters are Benjamin Brown, Dana Wyne, and Sophia Quentin. Other NPC characters join throughout the story.


    gl-1487247-1716960998.jpgThe Story So Far...

    Jane Harper - August 15 2023, 2:24am:

    To Jared, Jane is a source of strength and motivation to move on. He never admits it, but he adores how Jane can go beyond his expectations. While to Jane, Jared is like a breather from every one of her struggles.

    Both people act like mirrors to one another. Both depict joy and pain, as well as a strength to heal. To them, family, aside from romantic love, is a very important foundation and was crucial to their lives. But both of them experience it as being broken into pieces.



    June, 18th 20xx...

    It was nice and pleasantly warm, glorious weather in the middle of a summertime. Moving homes may seem daunting, no matter where you go. The parents were busy to move their furniture one by one to their new, serene house. The daughter, named as Jane Harper, quite silent as she hug her bunny dolls. Moving seems a bit of drained her, both physically and mentally. She had to leave her friends on her former house. She also had to re-arrange her room and toys, quite a hard job for a six years old of her. So, when the mom seems to have freed her time from the moving, Jane was dragged along to the park nearby where most of the resident come to play or having a relaxing time with their books, or their family, having a picnic or even playing with their pets.

    "Don't go too far." Mrs. Harper warned her daughter. The kid Jane nodded, follow her mother's instruction well enough as she went toward the playground. There are some kids around her age, but she approached the young boy, apparently having a car toys to play.

    "Do you want this jelly?" Jane offered the boy the gummy bear pack on her hand.

    That was when Jane met Jared for the first time.


    Present Day

    "Jared! Jared! Open the door!" The young woman in a white top and long jeans knocked the door. She turned from soft knocking to a loud knocking. Their neighbor seemed already getting used from such behavior from both of them. "Jared, you have to see this! Oh, come on!" The girl continued with knocking.
    Jared Ford - August 15 2023, 11:19pm:

    Back in the Day

    Jared was thinking of the first time he met Jane. It was on the playground close to his house. She seemed shy when he first saw her, and Dean Aston, an older boy, was pretty much controlling the playground equipment. Jared was off a ways from the there, playing alone over by some trees where the grass had given way to dirt under them.

    Jared usually played alone. He wasn't too sociable, besides, when he did try and play on the slide Dean threatened to beat him up if he didn't pay 'the toll'. Seeing the girl hesitate, Jared gave her a small smile when she looked over. He would play cars in the dirt with a girl. The fact she was willing to give up her gummy bears had Jared look at her differently. She obviously wanted to play with him. Jared of course took her gummy bear pack and told her that would share them, and she could pick any car she wanted to play with. It was a beginning of a beautiful friendship.


    Today...

    Jared was in a loose grey sleeveless t-shirt and cargo shorts with flipflops on his feet when he came to the door. He opened it and of course a smile broke across his face. He just did it without thinking. He always smiled when Jane came knocking.

    "I do? See what?" Jared answered as he pulled open the door. He didn't think about it but his eyes dropped some from her eyes. She looked good in that white top! Jane was quite beautiful, and he had been asked by his friend Casey when he finally found out they weren't siblings why he wasn't hitting on her. Jared shrugged him off saying they were friends and have been since first grade. He has worked at and managed to keep those thoughts out of his head since seventh grade.

    "What is it you want to show me Jane?"
    Jane Harper - August 16 2023, 12:03am:

    "I have a good news and bad news, but I suppose you want to hear the bad news first, right?" Jane flashed out a grin on her face. Without taking it long, she grabbed Jared's arm and dragged him to his room so they could have more private conversation rather than making a disturbance to their neighbors. It feels like such a normal thing for Jane to barge into Jared's room... he never seemed to mind her presence ... they used to do everything together since they were a child.

    "Bad news is... my faculty would be far away from you. It was two buildings past to yours! Gosh, why didn't I check it up before?" Jane grumbled.

    Jane had been liking fashions since they were in middle school. To open her own boutique clothes shop had already been her dream since the time her father bought that fashion magazine for her. She was fascinated on how stylish the clothes can be or how the models charism captivated her, and Jared had always helped her on the angle. Jared always brought the best out of the clothes Jane mixed and matched on her petite body, and Jared could always capture the best moments, like the camera was his own eyes. Jared's love of photography was quite the perfect puzzle piece that fit Jane's love for fashion.

    "Why the fashion design faculty and the photography faculty be separated to each other? They should have been in need of each other right?" Jane felt a slight upset at the fact that the Art Faculties should be in the same building, but the fact was it was not. "Doesn't matter, I will just visit you from time to time. But anyway, the good news is...." Jane's voice toned up in excitement. She took out her phone and showed Jared a picture of her when she didn't even notice when Jared snapped it, but it was already published in the school newspaper.

    "Did you submit my picture as one of your portfolios? It's kind of embarrassing!" Jane grumbled but she continued. "But I don't know why you won the freshmen photography competition! Geez... I look ugly though." Jane continued to complain, even though deep inside her heart she was happy about the news of her best friend's success in the photo competition. "You should've told me beforehand!" Jane huffed her cheeks...
    Jared Ford - August 18 2023, 7:56pm:

    Jared had gotten used to Jane just walking into his room. Only a couple times was she ever surprised by anything. ”I saw how the college was laid out. Maybe I can walk over to see you sometimes too? And we can meet in the central park square too.” Jared answered as he looked at the campus map. ”Yes, it would make sense they all were close, but then I bet the classes were added as afterthoughts.”

    Taking notes in his head, Jared would ask these questions when they went to their orientation day in a couple days.

    Jared held up his Nikon and took a few pictures of Jane as her face reflected her moods as she spoke about the campus. He always liked taking pictures of her. She was his personal favorite person to take pictures of… especially when they collaborated on her fashions. She was a natural for the camera eye whether she thought so or not. He looked up as he set the camera on the table as Jane came over and leaned over his shoulder with her phone in hand. “What’s the good news?” he asked as he looked at the picture she had on it.

    “Yes… yes I did submit that… I thought I had mentioned it… at that party we were at in the summer... you know... that mansion one… Lamont Oaks?” Jared was embarrassed as now he wasn’t sure he heard her right at the time. He turned his face from her phone to look up at her. He then stood up and turned to Jane and set his hands gently on her upper arms and looked her in the eye… ”Jani…” that was a name he had called her a lot through the years. He knew her common nickname was Jen, but he always seemed to call her Jani… ”You know you aren’t ever ugly… not ever… please don’t cut yourself down like that.”

    Jared wasn’t sure if he could talk her down… one thing he always liked about Jane was her expressive moods. He had been on the receiving end of her complaining about various pictures he had taken of her before, but he couldn’t help it. Letting his fingers trace over the outside of her arms lightly, his fingers lingering on the soft, light material of her blouse sleeve for a brief moment before letting his hands drop. He smiled ever so slightly in a contrite look as he made sure their eyes had met. ”I know I should have asked your permission directly and not at a noisy party. I am sorry.”

    He had quite the portfolio of photos of Jane. There were likely quite a few she didn’t know about. Maybe one day he would show her all of them…
    Jane Harper - August 21 2023, 2:49am:

    "That's right. We can still meet." Jane's face lifted in sunshine beam, clear as the weather that could fabricated you into the feel of joy. Even though she was always being the social butterfly, but it's kind of slow for her to gain the trust on anyone that wanted to be her friends. Jared was an exception. She told almost everything on him like there were no boundaries around them. Jane's parents always have business around the world so since they were a child, Jane would mostly spent her time waiting for her parents to come home by resting or playing on Jared's house. Jared's family already got used to that as Jared's parents also was the friends of Jane's parents. Jane also having this habit to compliment Jared's pictures. She always love how he could portray anything into that lively memories in such pixels. Jared used to show her interesting pictures he took so Jane wouldn't feel lonely at all.

    Jane raised her eyebrows in confusion. "Oh, did you? I'm sorry I must have had missed that part. I only remember that you were going to submit your pictures in the competition. But I didn't remember which or where. I'm sorry." Jane smiled apologetically and blinked her eyes few times as she felt the seriousness on Jared's tone whenever he called her nickname. It was special for her. "Oh, it's okay, Jay. I didn't mean to scold you. I was just surprised that you submit my picture as your portfolio." She addressing her special name to Jared as her reply. "I thought that you will submit your best picture, like trees or flowers or butterflies or anything else."

    Jane slid her hair back her ear. The thought of having her as Jared's resume somehow make her stomach filled out of butterflies, something that she couldn't notice whenever she went around Jared. "So, have you made your speech for the orientation's championship later?" Jane giggled.
    Jared Ford - August 21 2023, 7:28pm:

    Jared got up and went to his dresser and pulled open the top drawer. He kept his socks and boxer shorts in it, but also some other special items, like a shoebox of pictures. Popping the top off, he flipped through several pictures before finding the one he wanted. He took it out and walked back to his study desk where Jane had sat herself on the edge.

    "You know Jani... you... are in all my best pictures. This is one of my favorites..." Jared leaned his butt against his desk next to Jane and held the picture out for her to look at. He wondered if she would remember this.... It was a sunny day in June and they had just finished 8th grade. Jared had just gotten a new camera and they took a walk to Riverside Park.

    "This picture has that big oak tree in the background with you in front of it. My focal point was on the butterfly on the flower up close, but what is so amazing about it is that your facial expression as you are blowing dandelion seeds. Looks like you are blowing me a kiss..." Jared paused and blushed a little after he said that. He took a breath and looked to Jane... "You, Jani, are all these things to me. You're a butterfly; you're a flower; you're a soft cloud on the whispering wind... "

    Feeling nervous, Jared stood back up and got his phone out of his pocket. It was more to turn his attention than anything else. He then turned to Jane and looked her in the eyes as he took her hands in his. "I will promise you this Jani. If I ever want to use any photos of you for anything again, I will ask your permission for each case. You will have final say as to whether I can use a photo of you or not, ok?"

    He looked down for a moment before letting her hands go. Remembering that Jane had asked him another question, he looked up and shrugged. "Speech? No, I haven't. I was considering not doing one, but if I do, I'll just wing it. I think I will leave the winning the championship to you."

    Giving Jane a smile, he was still thinking of the photos of her and wanted to take more...
    Jane Harper - August 25 2023, 3:30am:

    Jane brushed the strand of her hair behind her ears as she confirmed at how many pictures Jared took of her all of their whole life. She wasn't really mind about that. She moved closer to Jared when the man mentioned about the dandelion pictures. "I remember this..." She find a little bit of cringe over her body to look at her own figures blowing over the dandelion seed and being captured by Jared's shutter camera. Nonetheless, it was a really good candid picture that he took. She found it interesting at the focus on her when Jared mentioned about it was supposed to be the butterflies. Jane knew that her childhood friend wasn't good at lying to her.

    "I'll keep on your word then, Jay. Men has to keep on their words, right?" Jane being earnest with the solemn tone of her voice. "Well, since our orientation day will be pack of activities, I don't think I can prepare some speech either. Let's say.... Then, just say anything popped out your mind." Jane couldn't help but laugh at her idea, a contagious laugh.


    December 8th 20xx...

    After their packed schedule on their orientation as the freshmen before were really enjoyable, they also making memories on their college days. It was around winter season. Jane was having a blast on her faculty's orientation day, as she volunteered herself to sing on the stage. Jane always love to have some karaoke season. Singing was her forte. On her free times, she also tried to produce her own song, mainly talking about the nature or Jared, since she doesn't have any love experience for all her whole life being in no relationship. Jane was always popular among men during her school days, she got confession a lot, but none of them interest her. Because of her singing ability on their orientation night, some men on her faculty eyeing on her. But being dense as she was, only Jared she could hang out with and rely. It was also because of her family struggles. Jared was always being there for her. No matter the situation was.


    Tumblr-138fbd9189b827ffabd8e7d959e11155-f7a076bd-1280.png"Jared! Jared!" It’s impressive how Jane could hear Jared's footsteps from the across the street. It was the first day of the snow, pouring down from the sky. After her classes over, she was excitedly run from her faculty just to hang out with Jared. She wanted to try the grand opening cafe nearby their campus along with Jared. As she run toward him, Jared was surrounded by his photography friends so it was kind of difficult of her to get closer as she just called his name. Being in public, she will use Jared's name instead. Jane had waited for Jared to finish his class, then when she saw some people already step out from the building, she genuinely wanted to see Jared. Rumor has it going around Jane's friend that they thought Jane and Jared might be in relationship, taken by how Jane always be around Jared and no men interest her. Both of them seems like in a package where you could find Jane when there was Jared and vice versa. But, Jane already stated that they were just childhood friends.
    Jared Ford - August 28 2023, 11:29pm:

    Jared gave Jane a nod and offered a pinkie-swear of promise. It was a silly thing that kids do, but Jared always did like the feel of Jane's fingers, and that hooked pinkie finger was always special to him, and through the years he never broke from anything they had sworn on.

    'Say whatever pops into my mind... I can't do that... it would reveal my feelings for Jane...' Jared's mind was talking to itself as he listened to Jane's voice as she talked. She had a voice... He could always hear her singing in her room when he was in his room across the street. It was one more thing that helped build his infatuation with his friend... and her voice when she talks... the range of tone and the inflections she has with words... Jared found himself tingling inside, and he blushed. He was never good at keeping things from her. She seemed to know when he was fibbing or even not telling her the whole truth... lying by omission... she seemed to have a sense of things. How was it then she never ....

    Her contagious laugh drew Jared out of his mental swim and he laughed too. He couldn't help it. "It's what I will do. I will try and filter what I say, but you know I'll probably mention you."

    Jared was standing on the side of the street as the snow swirled around them. He was with Kevin, James, and Benji... guys from the college chapter of the 'Camera Eye Guild'. They all were talking and laughing and taking pictures of random people and things trying to capture the mood of the snowy day. Jared was getting how the snowflakes were falling by a light when he saw Benji was taking a burst of shots of someone across the street.

    "Jared! Jared!" they all heard, and turning to look, he saw it was Jane that Benji was photographing. A tingle of jealousy popped in his stomach, but James elbowed him and said, "It's your girlfriend Jer."

    "Shutup... we're neighbors... been friends since before grade school." Jared retorts as he bumps Benji to mess up any more shots he was going to take of Jane. Benji scowled but then chuckled as he started reviewing the shots he got on his camera. "Man, you should be tapping that..." Benji said, dropping his voice as Jane got closer. Jared sighed and rolled his eyes as he stepped out to greet her.

    "Jani... Jane! How has your day been? Let me introduce you to my photography classmates... This till skinny blonde is James, and this curly-haired guy is Kevin..." Jared thought of pausing there after the feeling he got earlier, but then he is saying they are 'just' childhood friends. He took a short breath before saying, "... and this tall skinny rail is Benjamin. Meet my friend Jane Harper."

    "Jane Harper, my pleasure!" Benji said being first to reach for her hand. He looked her in the eyes as he gave her a disarming smile. "Heard you sing... you have an angelic voice ya know." Jared smiled and nodded in agreement, though inside he knew Benji was just flirting with her. Kevin and James were much less forward and they smiled and said a quick 'hi' to her.

    Benji wasn't done yet though... "Step over here Jane... you to Jared. Let me capture you two with snow in your hair." Jared was quick to move by Jane's side because if he didn't, he knew Benji would just photograph Jane. He wasn't sure why, but Jared felt like Jane was for his lens. It shouldn't bother him that others took her picture, but it did seem to bother him that Benjamin was taking her picture.

    "Make it quick Benji. Jane and I are going over to that new cafe a couple blocks down the Ave." University Way was commonly called 'The Ave' by the students as it was the first street just off campus. There were all sorts of shops and venues, and further down were some old houses that housed some of the fraternities. That cross street was known as 'Party Row. Anyway, a bank had closed on the corner, and it was renovated into a funky cafe. Jared said he would go with Jane, though he was afraid she would want him to sing karaoke with her.

    "Maybe we all should go." James said. "I was planning on going myself." Jared nodded as he realized he shouldn't have mentioned the cafe. As much as he liked spending time with Jane himself, this was likely the new normal with campus life.
    Jane Harper - August 30 2023, 12:23am:

    Ever since both of Jane and Jared entering their college life, it was the beginning of adulthood. Along with academics, they indulge themselves in recreational activities. They also participate in various group activities that will help them learn about themselves and their peers. They develop brotherhood, friendship and a spirit of unity that is entirely different from school life. Jared coped up with that by having his own "team-mate" shown by the time they met he would get together with his peers. Jane met up with some unfamiliar faces.

    "Oh, they were your classmate? Nice to meet you, I'm Jane Harper." Jane gazed upon her look to sweep up the men Jared introduced. Started with the blonde man called by James, the curly-haired guy Kevin, and the last one Benjamin. Although it would be hard for her to remember their names on their first meeting, with some glistening eyes, Jane drew out a warm smile for them so that they wouldn't feel awkward in her presence. Although it was her that caught Benji's glimpse, the awkward feeling she had was because she was surrounded by men. This would be the most men in a group she has ever been in! Besides Jared, Jane only has some men friends in her radius.

    "Thank you, Benjamin. I feel honored to be singing on the orientation days too." Jane once again gave her contagious laugh to break the ice between them. Among Jared's friends, Benji seemed like the one who talks a lot. He must be the one who hyped up on party to create the mood up between them, Jane thought.

    "Alright alright." Jane stepped over so she could stand beside Jared. At the mention of taking pictures, Jane was quite sure they must have taken some nice shots since they were in Jared's photography class. So, Jane lifted up her pointed finger and middle finger to make a peace sign when Benji again took their picture. "It's okay. We all can go together, the more the merrier!" Jane nodded along when James offered about them to go together and Jane would throw some pleading eyes to Jared, something that she knew Jared couldn't refuse.
    Jared Ford - August 30 2023, 11:11pm:
    Jane was right. Jared couldn't refuse her. Jane knew him too well and knew just how to look at him to get him to do what she wanted him to do. He wished he could read Jane as well, but he was never as good at it as she was in reading him. For instance, he thought she might be upset that they weren't going to this cafe alone. He was surprised by the fact she seemed to be excited to be going with his friends. He gave her a smile and a nod. "Let's go." and they started to walk down the street.

    Jared knew the days were coming when he would have to face the reality that the possibility that maybe Jane would fall in love with someone else... maybe Jane didn't see things between them the same as he did... oh how he wished she did. He gave a swallow and smiled as he walked beside Jane with Ben to her other side and James and Keven following a slightly behind.

    Kevin held back some as they arrived at the corner and took a few photos of Jared, Jane, and Benjamin as they waited for the walk signal. James came up to stand with them and he said to Jane and Jared, "You know, everyone on campus think you two are a couple just by the intricate manner of the interactions between you two."

    "We're just close friends..." Jared retorted even if he took Jane's gloved hand in his. "Isn't that right Jane?"
    Jane Harper - August 31 2023, 1:18am:

    "Yes... Yes we are." Jane answered Jared, she paused a little before continue. "We were just childhood friends. Basically, I grew up with Jared. Although people have been asking me a lot if I have some kind of relationship with Jared since our school days..." Jane let out a subtle chuckle. It reminded her about times when some of her classmates actually asked if they were actually dating since both of them were always seen together. "I'm kind of used to people's perception on us." Jane nodded on her sentence. It was true to the fact that she didn't really mind if people associated her and Jared as dating or such. She grew kind of tired explaining a thousand times to people that they were just friends. Or maybe... it could be a bit of a stretch... Jane hadn't realized she had those feelings until now.

    "I guess... next time we meet again, I will bring more of my girls and we can go in a pack." Jane glanced around at Benjamin, James and Kevin. Being the only girl in the group felt awkward for Jane, so she decided to stay by Jared's side all the time. "Although, I'm not sure, is it okay with you guys if I bring my girlfriends to our next hang out? Perhaps if any of you already have a girlfriend on your own, bring them along?" Jane shrugged off her shoulder as she caught a side glance from Benjamin.
    Benjamin Brown - August 31 2023, 1:44am:


    "Well, like you said a while ago Jane, the more the merrier!" Benji gave her a wink just as the walk light went green. They all set off walking across the street, and as close as Jane and Jared were, Benji got close, but not as close, to the other side of Jane. The insistence by Jared, and the explanation by Jane that they were just friends had him smirk slightly. Would there be a chance to date this angel? He would have to bide his time and play his cards right.

    "So Jared, are we on for the Call of Duty game night tomorrow?" He needed to distract his mind from Jane, and talking to Jared on her other side allowed him to look her way and see the movements of her beautiful face.
    Jared Ford - August 31 2023, 2:19am:

    "Yeah, that is on my calendar." Jared didn't look over at Benji as he was trying not to slip in the slush in the road as they crossed. Once across the street, he leaned to Jane, his face really close to her ear... "How many times have we told people all this over the years?"

    James came running and slid on the snowy sidewalk past them while Kevin held back and recorded a video on his camera. He could see the scene in his viewfinder. He and James the court jesters while the two knights vied for the princess. He stopped his video and trotted up to walk beside Ben. Looking over, he asked Jane, So... your friends... why not text them when we get to the cafe and have them join us tonight?"

    Jared was careful to hold his emotion in. He could be very stoic, and he needed to be. This was supposed to be just he and Jane, but it was clearly becoming one of those random university nights after the orientation day celebrations.
    Jane Harper - August 31 2023, 3:25am:

    The cold air stung Jane's cheeks, so she pulled her scarf up closer to her face. As she looked around, she noticed a white blanket of snow covering the trees, ground, and houses. The smell of damp pine trees made the air feel fresh and clean. Then the sound she could hear was from Jared, as he whispered to her ear.

    "Uhh... Millions? I guess." Jane could feel the heat by her cheeks with Jared being close to her, like it came with uncertainty if it was the result of Jared's sudden presence, or because of the cold wave.

    She noticed that being in the middle of Benjamin and Jared made her felt like she was under those tall pillars and them having a conversation over her head was quite irritating to her. Why am I so short between them! Jane grumbled in her mind.

    She stopped her chaos thoughts in her brain when she was suddenly asked to bring her girls tonight. "Eh? Tonight? I'm not sure because it's just too sudden... Is it okay with you Jared?" Jane couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of the sudden request from Jared's friend. "I'll text them and let's see if any of them agree to come along."
    Benjamin Brown - August 31 2023, 4:51pm:

    Benji laughed at Kevin's request of Jane. He smirked as Jane answered, and thought it interesting she was asking Jared's permission. Benji silently filed that bit of information away in his head as he cut in to say jokingly before Jared could answer, "Kev is just looking for a girlfriend. Do you really want to subject any of your friends to him, or us for that matter?"

    James laughed and Kevin reached up and ruffled Benji's hair before jumping ahead to get to the door of the cafe first. "Well yeah, but I think it would be nice to have Jane's friends hanging with us." Kev added, clarifying his earlier statement.

    "It may be too much trouble right now.... maybe too spontaneous..." Benji retorted, giving Jane a quick look. "Maybe we should plan on doing it another day... give Jane a chance to talk with her friends about us. Afterall, she just met us, dude."

    Kevin nodded as he pulled open the door of the cafe. It was busy, but not overcrowded. The rush of warm air billowed out and Benji stepped back to let Jane and Jared go in first.
    Jared Ford - August 31 2023, 5:29pm:

    Jared shrugged when Jane asked him about inviting her friends. He wasn't sure exactly who her friends were here at the university, but he did know some of her friends in high school. He really didn't get a chance to answer her before Benji cut in, so he just listened to him as they approached the door. He didn't say it, but Kevin, and even sometimes James, can be annoying with their antics.

    "I think if you want to text your friends and tell them where we are, that is great. Then it would be up to them as to whether they showed up." Jared spoke as he followed Jane inside the cafe. Once the rest of the guys were in and the door closed, Jared went on. "But I agree with Benji... we should have a big get-together sometime somewhere to get to know each other better. Afterall, we will be here at university for the school year."

    The hostess looked at the party of five and looked around. "I have a big corner booth you can sit at. It's set up for eight people so should anyone join you, you'll have room. Jared nodded and walked with Jane to sit down.
    Jane Harper - September 1 2023, 2:22am:

    "I'm not really sure if my friends would be looking for boyfriends either... I guess if it's just a hang out they will agree. At the end of the day, I will leave the options to them." Jane drew a smile, more like on the polite terms to answer Kevin's excitement about her friends.

    When Kevin opened the door, the warm air in the shop treated them VIP, massaging their legs and Jane's blood started to flow again finally. The warm air welcomed her with a coffee smell, mixing the smell of chocolate and cakes. The smell was so sweet that she was seems having a honey bath. The smell was circulating the shop because the coffee bar is located near the left side of the door.

    The first attraction for Jane was the baked foods. They were tidily placed on the transparent glass cabinet, lining up and waiting for her to eat them all. There were different types of cakes like Blueberry Cheesecake, Loafs and Cookies. Up above near the ceiling of the bar, there were different kinds of packed coffee bean packed in white bags. The whole setting of the bar allows customers to look at everything they could choose. It was an open kitchen style bar.

    Bartenders were looking great with clean and ironed uniforms, smiling white tooth and fluent welcome speech. Jane thanked Kevin as she entered the cafe first, followed by Jared and the rest of them.

    There are vintage photographs placed around the wall of the shop, allowing coffee tasters to admire the photo-taking techniques, and memorizing their past. The dim lights on the nine feet ceiling were bright enough to shine on the chestnut colored furniture. Sofa, chairs and tables were all over.

    Jane took the seat beside Jared before pulling out her own phone and message all of her friend that she knew if they have some free time to go to this cafe. She didn't really have much friends since they were just freshmen, but she knew two or three people that were of her classmates.

    "This cafe feels nice." She said, done texting and finally warm enough. Her tiny body had been freezing with the snow and ice and wind outside.
    Benjamin Brown - September 1 2023, 7:16am:

    Benji noticed Jane eyeing the baked goods, tried to calculate what exactly she was eyeing. Of course it was hard to tell. He waited until Jane got seated and got close to Jared on a sofa before sitting down to her other side.

    'This place isn't bad." he said to Jane as the other two guys sat in chairs facing the sofa across the table. "I owe Jared his double mocha for that bet we made playing a Speed Circuit game." Benji smiled as he looked to Jared, but really looking to Jane. "I'll get you one too Jane if you tell me what you like."

    Benji reached into his jeans pocket to get his wallet. He was willing to spend some of the cash he got working the Boneyard to try and impress the cutie Jane. "Plus I'll get some of the baked goods for us. I feel generous since I got to meet Angel Voice tonight." Benji smiled as his hand set lightly down on Jane's thigh and he patted it lightly a couple times before moving to get back off the sofa. "James, Kev, you guys will have to see to yourselves."

    He knew Kev well enough to know he was a mooch. James was alright but he wasn't going to signal Kev out alone. Nah, he was willing to buy Jane stuff, and he was paying what he owed Jared. They would understand this.
    Jane Harper - September 4 2023, 2:29am:

    "Right? I've seen this cafe by their awesome advertisements on the blog I dropped by. I was eager to pay a visit when they said they have their grand opening today. Maybe they will have some free or discount stuff for students too, or for the promotion." Jane gave Benjamin a smile for showing interest of her pick of the cafe. Jane always interested in some cute stuff. She even liked to collect some cute plushies, cute hairpins, or even cute keychains just for her hobbies. But for this vintage cafe, she knew that Jared would like them because it has these photographic sense around them that might attract those photography students to visit them too. Because of Jared, she was also liking photography subjects as well.

    Iphone-8s-SN.png"You flatter me too much, Benjamin. I might fly and crush this cafe's roof. I'd rather not since they have their grand opening." Jane throwing some jokes have been her specialty when being the social butterfly. Even if she doesn't really have many friends to hang out with, people still got interested in her once they talk to her because of her easy-going personality. That was also one of the opposite things Jane has from the calm and reserved Jared. "I'd like to try their strawberry shortcake. And a hot chocolate must be good to make us warm." She said to Benjamin when he offered to take her order.

    Her phone chimed twice as she got a reply message from one of her friends. She checked on it right away and have a slight chuckle.

    "I think my friend Sophia will come. She is kind of crazy. I mean, she is always entertaining to hang out with." Jane boasted about her wild friend like no other.
    Jared Ford - September 4 2023, 6:26am:

    "Yeah, thanks for that Benji." Jared said when he heard him say he was actually going to pay him that coffee he owed. He was liking the fact Benji was going to spend his own money for them. Usually he was a bit of a tightwad. Trying to not outwardly show his inner jealousy with the way Benji and Jane were getting along, Jared smiled and looked around elsewhere at times. He was noting the photographs that decorated the place and was analyzing the angles and exposures of them, totally missing Benji's hand touching Jane.

    He looked back when Benji got up and listened as Jane told him what she wanted. He smiled but didn't say anything before Benji headed to place the order. Jared leaned toward Jane to say something, but her phone chimed drawing her attention. Across the table, James and Kev were talking between each other and glancing at Jane as she said one of her friends might come.

    "Is she crazy-fun?" Kev asked. James just shook his head. Jared was hoping she would take Benji's focus off Jane some. But he didn't want to be that way... Jane was his friend, and if she thought Benji was fun and cool to hang out with, he would accept that... because it would be what Jane wanted. Jared laughed at Kev and leaned to Jane and said the obvious by her ear. "I think Benji really likes you."
  • Benjamin Brown - September 4 2023, 7:02am:

    Benjiman went and ordered two slices of the strawberry shortcake and two hot chocolates, requesting the best gourmet chocolate for them. He went all out for Jane's order and duplicated it for himself. He ordered Jared's basic mocha as well. The rest was a mixed platter of their grand opening treats that were special to university students.

    As he paid with cash, he dropped an extra five as he asked the girl, "Could you just cut both the strawberry cheesecakes as a single slice on a single plate?" She smiled as she picked up the five. "This is too much." she said and went to give change, but Benji waved her off. "Keep it." Ever the flirt, he gave her a wink as he grabbed two forks and serviettes. The girl gave him one big slice of fresh strawberry cheesecake and the platter of snacks, and he looked back to the table as he waited for the drinks to be finished. "We can bring the drinks if you want to go sit back down." the girl said and Benji smiled and nodded.

    "Cheesecake for the lady, and everyone else, enjoy the treats...." Benji said as he returned, setting the big piece in front of Jane. He sat back down next to her and set the two forks down. "That is actually two pieces so be sure to give me a little." he joked. It would be fun sharing it with her, but he was ok if she wanted to eat it all herself.

    The girl came over and set down the tray with the drinks. Benji picked one up and sat it by Jane and took one himself before pushing the tray over for Jared to get his mocha.
    Jane Harper - September 6 2023, 2:09am:

    "Huh?" She was in disbelief when Jared told her that Benjamin was swooning over her even though the hint was everywhere. Being as dense as she was, she didn't even notice anything different from Benjamin's attention, rather he being friendly or how Jared actually always treat her. As for the only closest man Jane ever had was Jared and how he treated Jane like the one belong in his life, Jane actually cannot differentiate anymore if that would be when someone had their heels off. "I don't know about that." She replies to Jared while having her eyebrows raised in perplex.

    Gl-1480090-1690970823.jpg"Thank you Benjamin, but this sure is too much for me." Jane blinked her eyes twice to see two slices of the cake presented in front of her. Just as she was about to dig in the cake, her friend Sophia come in the door. Being a student of fashion faculty, her appearance was already a top notch and always caught the eyes to the people she passed by. Her hair was so colorful that it gave the strong sense of her friendly outgoing personality when she entered the cafe. Jane stood up and wave her hands.

    "Sophia!" Jane called her. "Over here!"

    Like in slow motion, Sophia drew a big smile on her face and rushed toward the group of them with her hair flowing on her shoulders. "Wow, I don't know if you are a big eater, Jane." Sophia pointed at the cheesecake as she made fun of Jane's two slices of cake. She then took a the empty seat.

    "Hello, everyone." She said, in a sweet tone.
    Jared Ford - September 6 2023, 5:24pm:

    Jared smirked playfully when Jane seemed surprised with what he said. She had such a cute expression on her face with her eyebrows up. It was a facial expression of hers he couldn't ever really capture on a lens because he never was ready to photograph her when she did it. "You just wait and see..." he said in a low voice as Benjamim brought a big slice of strawberry cheesecake to the table for her.

    "Thank you." Jared gave the lady a nod of appreciation as she set the tray of drinks down. "And thanks Benji. for buying." Jared took his mocha from the tray and gave it the cursory sip to see how hot it was. It was just right. He would be sure to mention that when he gives his Google review of the place.

    Jared heard a somewhat familiar voice and at first thought it the polite thing to do to stand as Sophia came over, but she seamlessly slipped into an empty seat. Jared remembered Sophia as she and Jane were friends. "Hi Sophia!" he answered the somewhat wilder girl. James and Kev both stood and introduced themselves to her, and Benji did after they made fools of themselves before her.

    "Nice meeting you Sophia!" Kev jumped in. James smiled and nodded. He had to get a photograph of her and her beautiful hair.

    "These three guys are in my Photography class and the Camera Eye Guild. One of them will probably ask you if you will want to model for them at some point." Jared interjected just to mess with them. He leaned into Jane's arm as he chuckled lightly.
    Benjamin Brown - September 10 2023, 6:11pm:

    Benji smiled at Sophia as she sat down. He of course slid closer to Jane to make room for her on the end of the couch, and he picked up one of the two forks and took a piece of the cake and made a motion to eat it.

    "Maybe I should give the first bite to Jane, then the next one to you Sophia." He looked over past Jane and gave Jared a wink as it was good to see him loosen up a little. Benji always thought his roomie took things way too seriously. He looked back to Sophia and thought to himself that he wouldn't mind going out with her, but he really feeling an attraction to Jane...
    Jane Harper - September 11 2023, 12:43am:

    "I already know you would be here because Jane is here." Sophia stated, with her unique raspy voice for a girl about Jared like it was just a normal day for her if she found Jared being around Jane, wherever or whenever they went together. Like Sophia ever said to Jane that they both are like two peas in a pod, you can't even leave Jane without Jared in one package.

    "Hello guys, I'm Sophia. It's nice meeting you all." Sophia greeted James and Kevin in order, occasionally striking quite a model pose when Kevin shoot a picture of her. She glanced over the taller man next to her, who seems to have his eyes glistening toward Jane. "Don't worry my friend, she wouldn't mind if I eat this cake first." Sophia said to Benjamin, with such an addicting voice of her that usually captivated gentlemen under her radar, but for this time, she actually realized the feel Benjamin had for Jane. She took over the empty seat in front of the three, right beside Kevin who seems to hint her about his objection.

    "Well, Sophia will gladly accept the offer, I think. She likes being a model too." Jane let Jared lean over her as she took the fork and have a bite of the cake. The cheesecake had the clean taste of vanilla cream with fresh fruit on top. It was so soft because it has been baked until it was not very firm. It’s like eating a cloud. It was also looks beautiful and taste divine. The experience of eating a delicious cake increase the levels of the feel-good hormones (serotonin) of her.

    "This girl right here seems to be drunk by her dessert." Sophia pointed out at Jane who keeps on having a bite over the tasteful cake. For other people, it would be some kind of a mock but because Jane already being used to how Sophia behaves around her, she would take it as a joke. "Don't mind me." Jane hissed to Sophia like an old friend protecting her toys. "I won't. But someone might be." Sophia rolled her eyes to Benjamin to cue Jane about what Jared has said already a fact.

    Being as dense as she was, Jane was having her pleasure time over her desert when her phone rang once again. The screen said mother when she unlock her phone to get her call. "Excuse me." She sweep her eyes to the entire group and excuse herself to pick up the phone from her mother. Meanwhile, Sophia already tried to entertain the gentlemen with the way she offered her hospitality.

    "Jane. Can we meet now?"
    "What was the matter, mother?"
    "I just have... something to tell you. The truth."
    "I'm still with my friends... I will be back in the evening."     with that, she concluded her phone while staring over her phone's screen for some moments.
    Jared Ford - September 13 2023, 5:41pm:

    Jared smiled and even chuckled as Jane gave him a bit of the cake from her fork. It was lovely and sort of got Jared out of his jealousy funk. It was all good, especially with Sophia there to take some of Benji's attention away from Jane. The two girls would press against Benji from each side as the three of them devoured the cake. Kevin ever quick with his camera, got a few shots of all three of them acting goofy. Jared sipped his mocha and photobombed one of the pictures with two fingers behind Jane making bunny-ears.

    When Jane's phone rang, Jared scooted away from her a little to give her some room to get away from Benji. She slid close to Jared and he looked across the way at Kevin taking their picture. James had turned and was talking to the waitress that had brought the coffees to the table, and it seemed he was going to let Kevin and Benji contend with each other for Sophia's attention. Jared knew Sophia was pretty wild and crazy, so maybe she would want to go out with them both?

    Jared couldn't help but overhear Jane's call. Her mother seemed to always be hovering around Jane ever since they first met on the playfield that day. He could tell by the sound of Jane's voice and the expression on her face that Jane was not happy with this interruption of her good time.

    "Do you need to go?" Jared asked as she had ended the call and was staring at her phone. "If you do, I can walk with you."
    Jane Harper - September 14 2023, 1:45am:

    It was quite obvious what her mother wanted to say, or at least Jane already foreknowledge it since the day she understand about the feeling of desire around her teenage days.

    It was a beautiful day.

    Jane thought. Jane took a deep breath, letting it go in one sigh. She felt a sting of melancholy and confusion over her own feelings but decided to pretend a smile on her face when Jared pursued her and asking if he could walk her home. "Yeah, sure. My mom is waiting at home. I don't want to crush the mood so I think I will tell Sophia that I urgently to go by chat. Please tell the others that I'm sorry too." Jane said to Jared with sadness in her voice.

    She left her bag on the table but she didn't feel like going back to the their table when the others have their own happiness time so she decided to walk out, passing by the door's cafe and transferred her money to Sophia's bank account in order to pay her bill and told Sophia to bring her bag or if she could pass it on Jared.

    Jane walked a bit. When Jared followed her by side after apologizing to his friends for leaving and track Jane on her walk, Jane felt thankful that at the time like this Jared was there... he always there when she needed him.

    "I have a hunch." Jane's face clouded with a mixture of disapproval and disappointment as she talked to Jared. Her eyes were shining with the threat of tears. "I think my parents are going to divorce." her voice was heavy with emotion. "I mean, even if they were together in a room, there is always this strange feeling lingers around them. Like a cold war." her heart was flooded with sadness.

    From the moment Jane moved in to this town, her parents were always busy. It was near to possible for the three of them to be together in the same room or if they have a family gathering, outing, or whatever kind of action a family should have. It always feels like they have their separate events going on for individuals. The moment her mother came back from her business trip, her father will pack on the other schedule to fly away out of the city, or even countries.

    Since Jane was a child, her mother always entrusted Jane to Jared's family to sleepover whenever her mother or father were having their business trips. But, it was stopped on Jane's high school days whereas Jane chose to sleep in her own home even if she was alone. When the parents were together, they would always have quarrels. Jane's mother will blame her father for always being too busy on his own and Jane's father will blame her mother for not taking care of Jane well. Jane used to walk away from home and stayed at Jared's place only to avoid the feeling of being not wanted to be born, thus spending time with Jared would make Jane forget all the struggles she had on her own home.

    "It sure will be sad for me. But I don't think there would be any difference from now anyway." The look in her eyes was desolate as they walked side by side to the bus shelter. Their university was kind of near, only need to take a bus and get off on the next two shelters to reach their houses.
    Jared Ford - September 18 2023, 5:18pm:

    It looked like the three guys would enjoy the company of Sophia and sharing the rest of the cake with her. From what Jared knew of Sophia, she will thrive on the attention. As they left to walk, Jared could see how upset Jane was, and he would be with her as he always has been. He would listen to her say anything she needed to say, for her words were always kept to himself, even when his mom would notice and question him about what was bothering Jane. Though he didn't think he had a great life growing up, he knew it wasn't as hard as what Jane dealt with at her home. Even going back to that first day they met, it seemed whenever Jane started enjoying herself and having fun, her mom would come and put a stop to it. Like here... she was enjoying her time... maybe enjoying the flirtatious ways of Benji after meeting him, and with that call, the weight comes to her just like that.

    "I know Jane... I am sorry I..." Jared paused what he was saying as he felt his heart hurt for her. He hated seeing her withdraw into herself when her mother came into the scene. "... I really don't know what to say.... you need a place for you out from under your parents..." There, he said it. Maybe she would get a campus dorm with Sophia or something? He didn't know. He listened to her explain what she feared...

    No matter what, Jared was staying with Jane no matter. She was his first real friend, and he had come to think of her as a sister being she liked being at their house a lot of the time. Now, he would like it to be much more, but he wouldn't risk anything coming between them. Still, he hurt for her.

    At her last words, Jared stopped and turned to take Jane's hands into his. He looked long and deep into her sad eyes and took a breath. "It only feels like it makes no difference to you now because the damage has already been done." He paused and wanted to reach out to brush a snowflake from a lock of her hair that wavered in the breeze.

    "I see you, Jane Harper. I can tell when things are harder for you in your family life. I don't know how many nights I stayed awake knowing when you went home from our place that you were being tortured mentally by their ways." Jared gave her hands a gentle squeeze. "I know you know you can talk to me whenever, about anything... but I have to say it now and again nonetheless..."

    When the bus went by, Jared realized the pause in their walk caused them to not be at the stop and they missed it. Looking back to her, he sighed, "I'm sorry I made us miss the bus. Shall we walk the rest of the way to your place?"
    Benjamin Brown - September 18 2023, 9:16pm:

    Benji watched as Jane and Jared left. As much as he wanted to hang with Jane, he knew better than to impose on her and Jared's time. He had only this day met her. Still, he couldn't get her voice and her happy demeanor out of his head. Nonetheless, Sophia was pretty cute and had a fun spirit, and he smiled as he moved closer to her to play games with the cake.

    "Hey guys, you wanna go down the street to BJ's Bar & Grill?" James asked. Kev immediately nodded, and they looked to Benji and Benji looked to Sophia and said, "I'll go if Sophia comes with us. If not, I'll walk her home."
    Jane Harper - September 19 2023, 1:05am:

    Sophia checked on her phone's message as Jane and Jared decided to leave the cafe immediately. Even if she was Jane's best friend by the time they entered the university life, Sophia understood about Jane's parents condition because the girl told her about everything. Family, friends, or the connection that Jane had with Jared. Even if the said woman was dense, Sophia could feel the immense feeling Jane has toward Jared that makes him special. Sophia knew, sooner or later Jane had to realize her own feelings or somebody could be giving up and declining the boundaries they had.

    After she replied okay at Jane's message to bring her bag, Sophia's attention was focusing on the left gentlemen, moreover Benjamin had sparked interest on her because of how handsome he was. Sophia leans her cheek on her palm through the table and look at Benjamin. "Oh sure, we gotta have round 2? Do you guys drink alcohol anyway? I want to have some beer too!" Sophia's raspy voice made her more charming at the time she replied to Benjamin, she realized Kevin had an eye on her but Benjamin had robbed her attention more.

    By the time everyone had agreed to move to the said bar Benjamin called out, they went together to have a little bit after party as it was became more interesting place to have some drink on this cold weather. Sophia likes to drink alcohol too and she was a heavy drinker.

    Jane was on the verge of crying when she told Jared about the condition she was going to have. But, with the way Jared comfort her somehow made her burden lifted from her shoulder. She held Jared's hand and couldn't pull herself together that she had to laugh either way when they missed their bus.

    "Look at you, Jay! Don't feel sorry." She nodded her head as an agreement to walk together with him to their home. "Hmm... I don't think Sophia will accept me to live together with her forever, and the school dorm made me uncomfortable. Although, I appreciate your concern. Or, maybe... should I start working so I can rent my own flat?" Jane was cheering up once again.


    Jane finally reached her home. As she was expected, her mother already wait for her on the middle of their family room, but her dad was also be there. Her mother wave her hand to give a sign to Jane to sit in front of her. Jane followed her mother's sign and drag the seat. To think of being together in the same room after such a long time made Jane sighed in heavy breath.

    Father: "I heard today you were hanging out with your friends?"
    Jane: "Yes, I am."
    Mother: "Oh, where did you guys went to?"
    Jane: "I'm visiting the brand new cafe nearby our campus. It has their grand opening today. I also went with Jared."

    Mother and Father turned silence as they listened to Jane's story. But after Jane finished, her mother began to speak again.

    Mother:"Jane... Your father and I are going separate ways."
    Jane: ".........."
    Mother: "I'm sorry... To be honest, we didn't want to say it suddenly like this and plan to say it on the weekend. But, we decided to tell you now because I have some business to take care of.
    Mother: "You already know that... our relationship has turned to south since a long time ago. It was happened because our different perspective of life. And also--"
    Father: "Wait a moment, you don't have to tell Jane the details."
    Mother: "What do you mean? Jane herself must have known by now. What would it cost if we were hiding it?"
    Father: "I didn't mean to hide anything from Jane. But telling her our condition will make Jane sad.... Forget it, let's stop talking about that. I'm sorry, Jane.... Everything has turned like this, nevertheless, we are still your parents. This condition won't give a big impact on our life because you can still meet your parents whenever you want."
    Jane: "Whenever?"
    Father: "Of course."
    Mother: "So, I will move to another apartment nearby my office this week. You prefer to live here because it was nearer from your campus, right?"
    Jane: "Yes..."
    Mother:"We are sorry that it had to turn this way, but like your father stated before, everything will just like the same. Do you understand now?"
    Jane: "Yes, I'm not a child anymore...."

    It was rough. Jane took a deep breath to swallow the fact. Her parents told her everything would be the same, maybe it will be. To clear her mind, Jane went out from her home and headed to the playground nearby her house. It was the place when Jane met Jared for the first time. Because it was already evening on the winter, no one had stay to play. So, Jane sit on one of the swing and call Jared through her phone.

    "Jay... Can you come here? I'm at our place." Jane pretended to smile when she called Jared.
    September 19 2023, 6:59am Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    It was good to see Jane home. Of course he waited outside until she went inside the house before he walked over to his house. There wasn't anyone home so Jared sat down in front of the TV and started watching some movie. Well, he wasn't really watching it. It was more a distraction to try and take his mind away from thinking about Jane.

    He dozed off sitting on the couch, and when his phone chimed with Jane's text, he didn't hear it. Not until the backup chime went off five minutes later did he wake. Looking at the screen, he squinted to read, 'Jay... Can you come here? I'm at our place.'

    Jared sat up and rubbed his eyes. He was still dressed so he grabbed a jacket and headed out into the frozen night. It was late, and he saw footprints on the snow that he followed. There was Jane, sitting on a swing moving slowly. Why did his heart jump? What did she want to say to him? He walked up slowly behind her and said several steps away from her..

    "Janie? Are... are you alright?" He didn't wish to startle her as she looked like she was deep in her head with thoughts. He came to stand behind her and he set his hands on her shoulders. "I'm here Jae..."
    September 19 2023, 8:24pm Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    They sure had grown up. The swings look bigger when she was a child, as Jane noticed that it was became smaller when she sit on it now. Maybe because her body has been getting taller, even if not that tall, but the size of the current playground look like a tiny place for her to even staying at it. It was funny because this playground has multiple memories to her. It reminded her the first time she learnt how to ride a bike and where she fell on the sand box and Jared cried when her knee was bleeding. It was such a fond memories to her now that she is a grown up lady. Jared was always there hanging out around her as a child. She also remembered how the swings were always been Jane and Jared favorite spot by playing here, they will take turn on who pushed the swings.

    Getting into all of those childhood memories, Jane realized that as time goes by, the meaning of happiness have been complicated with all of the struggles appearing on her life as an adult. It might have no different, since she used to face it all alone, without her parents but with Jared as her companion. She felt thankful that after all of the courage she took to bribe Jared into friendship because of the gummy bear worth everything on her life.

    "Oh! You're here already?" Jane turned her head to where Jared stand behind her and when Jared's hand placed over her shoulder, she smiled genuinely. "I'm sorry I didn't realize you sooner, I'm a bit too deep on our memories here."

    Jane put her hand on Jared's wrist and pull him to sit on the next swing beside her. "This playground look so tiny now, don't you agree? You cried there when my knee was bleeding, it was cute." Jane chuckled as she pointed at the sandbox.

    "Anyway, like I guessed it before, my parents were going separate ways." She started to kick her legs to make the swing moving up and down. "And my mom are going to move to the other place. That means I will live with my dad. Eventhough my dad has always been going out for business trip." She looked at the night sky as she talked, with the current winter season, her breath are heavier through the sadness of her tone. "Should we have some karaoke anyway? It's good to release some stress! Hahaha." she laughed over nothing funny, rather to hide her emotion to Jared.
    September 20 2023, 6:08am Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    "I didn't mean to startle you, but the snow has a way of making things quiet." He sat down with her and listened to her words and nodded. They place hadn't changed hardly at all. The trees were bigger, and the playground equipment older. Yes, he did cry. His friend was hurt and he cried for her... Jared could remember that like it was yesterday.

    "It did hurt... you are to me like a fragile porcelain doll and I think I thought you were going to die..." He looked too at the old sandbox, remembering... He turned again to Jane when she spoke of her parents. Jared nodded when she said they were breaking up. Now he wasn't all that smart when it came to these things, but he was not surprised. He thought his parents were going to break up once... when he was ten. They had a loud fight over something, and dad had a bag packed and said he was 'taking a vacation', but he was only gone for a couple hours. His mom cried the whole time, and dad came back and they were loving again. With Jane's parents it always seemed to him different.

    "I am sorry. Will living with your dad be what you want? That is, if you had a choice." Jared took a breath as a light wind came up, swirling the light snow that was falling around them. ""Nevermind my question. instead, let us do karaoke. It is late to go anywhere...." Jared stood up from the swing and scooped a hand full of snow. "...or we could have a snowball fight..." He flipped the lightly packed ball toward Jane...
    September 20 2023, 10:31pm Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    "Whaat??" Funny for her that the things Jared would say about her was a fragile porcelain doll when in fact she could even lift those heavy bags on her weekly grocery shopping. She chuckled at Jared's word instead and replied to him. "You know, my dad has never been staying at home more than two days. Basically, I'm living alone. Here is closer by our campus. And I have the kindest next door neighbor too so I wouldn't complain." She pointed at Jared when she mentioned about the kindest neighbor.

    tumblr-2c1188d172184a60f6806ce737d64ec8-fb771b71-400.gif"Hmph... Fine. You declare a war. I even mentioned about the kindest neighbor, should I take it back?" Jane likes to tease Jared. She always like how Jared's face will turned disheveled, or even his cheek turned red. She jumped down from the swings and scrap some snow over her hands. She forgot to wear her hand gloves, it was freezing cold over her palms. "It's not a fight! It's a war!" With some giggle, Jane shoot out snowball on her hand aimed to Jared's body, when it hit his shoulder, Jane jumped in joy.

    "Ha! I must be a warrior in my previous life!" of course that was just some kind of a joke which just blurted out of her mouth. She didn't believe of life reincarnation either. Jane likes to do some athletic things and even in her high school, she got the highest score on her volleyball test or even swim test. She also won the running competition on her middle high. She was quite the ambitious one too when it comes to a challenge. Jane scoop up another amount of snow on her palm and shot another snowball to Jared. "Do you feel regret now? Hahaha." She finally laughed. After all those gloomy things she encountered on her ballistic emotion day, at the end she felt the happiness came by her childhood friends and she felt thankful about that.
    September 21 2023, 12:11am Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared should have known better than to start a snowball fight with Jane. She would always win with her ferocity and speed against his geeky uncoordinated movements. But to see Jane come to terms with her situation and the fact she will be living by herself much of the week meant he could visit her?

    "Well, I'm kinda kind..." Jared said as he scooped a hand of snow up. He didn't bother compressing it and just flipped it at Jane as she pitched her snowball at him. The exploding snowball against his shoulder sprayed his face and Jared closed his eyes as one was freezing from snow getting in it. Already Jane was reloading her hand, but even as Jared slipped and fell back in the snow, he smiled, for there was something about Jane feeling happy and laughing and giggling that warmed him inside!

    "Jane Harper, warrior-princess! Have this!" Jared said as he sat up in the snow, grabbing a big clump of snow that got pushed together when he fell. His throw with both hands was off-balance, but it did explode against Jane's knee. It wasn't enough to make her miss with her next snowball and as Jane charged forward with a big wad of snow she scooped up, Jared lay back in the snow with his hands up. "I...I surrender to the warrior-princess!"

    Of course, he knew Jane would show no mercy as she dropped the pile of snow on him. Jared lay there like he was dead half-buried with snow until Jane got close enough for him to reach out and grab her ankle and pull her off-balance to fall next to him. After they laughed for a bit, Jared took a long breath and let it out. Watching it fly up and disappear in the cold air, Jared said, "I would say we make snow angels like we would do as kids, but we messed up all the snow around us already."

    He looked over at Jane... she was so pretty in the snow... he wanted to roll to his side and kiss her... but that heavy weight came to his stomach and he didn't move...
    September 22 2023, 1:33am Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    "Ouch!" Jane jumped up a little when the snowball actually hit her knee. Even if Jane might be more powerful than Jared but surely Jared has the man's power that have a slight difference on her own power, knowing that she went outrage after declaring the war toward Jared.

    "Jay! You okay? Wah---" She didn't even finished her words when she suddenly fell out of balance, with a thud on her bottom over the snow. It didn't really hurt her but she quite feel embarrassed on how she was being tough all along the snowball fight. She laughed over it and stared on Jared when he mentioned about making snow angels and it reminiscence of how they like making it during winters. She noticed that Jared couldn't even bulge an inch after laughing and just lying above the snow like that. So, she get up to sit firstly then shakes her head so the snow would fallen from her hair, stood beside Jared and offer her hand for him to hold. "Oh come on. You will get sick to lie down on the snow like that Jay. Let's go back home, shall we?" Jane smile genuinely and waited for the man to accept her hand.
    September 27 2023, 5:23pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared was tempted to pull Jane down when she offered him his hand, but he instead rose up to stand in front of her. She was so beautiful to him, and his heart hurt from knowing if he did step over that line with her that it could shatter all they had as best friends since childhood. He swallowed and turned to look away from her as he brushed the snow from himself. "Yes, let us go home... "

    Knowing that Jane seemed to be in a much better place than when she called him to the park made him feel at ease. They talked some of different times in their lives where they had gone places together or about things that had happened and such. But it was the talks they had about what was bothering them that stood out for him now as he said goodnight to Jane in front of her house. He watched her as he had always done, waiting for her to step safely inside her door before turning to go across the street to his house.

    Jared would have liked to have gone to sleep after his long warm shower, but he was still dwelling on how to ever talk to Jane about his feelings for her? Would he ever be able to? Could he ever get over being frightened that he could destroy all they had together? He looked at his phone and checked social media before writing a text to Jane... 'Goodnight Janie' was all it said. Jared was soon fast asleep.

    It was Saturday morning when he heard a loud knocking on the front door. Getting up and pulling his grey sweatpants and hoodie on, he answered the door. It was Benjamin. "Dude... what you up and out for so early?"
    September 27 2023, 5:33pm Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    "... what? early? it's late, I been up all night..." Benji answered as he stepped inside the house. "Hey, I was thinking, since your parents are gone, maybe we should have a party? Not a big one..."

    Benji had gone and hung around with Sophia until the late hours. She was quite the fun girl! Had her phone number and could call her for a date if he wanted to. But even as he had so much fun dancing with Sophia, he would think about Jane. He had to play it cool with Jared, for he knew how protective of her he was. Why Jared let his honor of being a 'good guy' get in the way of his hitting on Jane he didn't understand. But, it was working in his favor right now.

    "So, what do you say man? I'll help keep an eye on things..." Benji was hopeful Jared would agree...
    September 27 2023, 5:44pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    "I don't know Ben... things get broken and stolen, and they are really messy..." Jared countered. "Let's have breakfast and talk about it."

    The two went to the kitchen and had a look at what food there was. Not much. English Muffins and strawberry jam. Jared set up the kettle to boil water so they could have some tea, and put two muffins in the toaster. "Better than nothing yeah?" Jared said as he got the butter out.

    It was then he got a text from Jane saying a simple good morning in reply to his late text. They would do that most of the time since they were old enough to get phones. Jared opened his phone to reply back, but the doorbell rang. "Who is this I wonder?" Jared said as he set his phone on the kitchen table and went to answer the door...
    September 27 2023, 6:00pm Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    Ben was scrolling on his phone and sending flirty texts to Sophia when Jared had to go answer the door. He glanced at Jared's phone then to the doorway to the kitchen to see if Jared was still busy with whoever it was at the door.

    Slyly reaching to get Jared's phone before it locked, he looked at the text stream between Jared and Jane for a bit before going to Jared's contacts. He sent Jane's contact information to his phone, then deleted the text so Jared wouldn't know he stole Jane's details from him. Making sure that it was back to Jared and Jane's text, Benji closed Jared's phone and set it back on the table exactly where Jared had set it. He would be none the wiser.

    When the water started to boil, Benji got up to make the tea. Loose Oolong! Jared's parents had good taste! He filled the diffusers and poured the water on them in the cups as Jared came back from the front door.
    September 27 2023, 6:11pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Opening the door, Jared was met by three people. Great, Jehovah Witnesses. Jared didn't like to be rude, but he didn't have time to talk religion with these people, so he politely put them off as best he could. After five minutes, the tea kettle whistled and Jared used it as an excuse to break off the conversation and go back in.

    "Thanks for pouring the tea Benji." Jared said just as the muffins popped up in the toaster. He dropped them on plates and sat them on the table, and he sat down and buttered his and put some jam on. "Alright... a small party... just us Camera Eye people and maybe some girls people know."

    Jared took a bite from his muffin and got back on his phone. He finally texted Jane. 'Benji stopped by and talked me into having a party. Will you be over for it?"

    He sent it and locked his phone, setting it face down on the table while he ate the rest of his muffin and sipped on his tea. He then picked up his phone and tapped out another text to her, "Do you want to have muffins and tea with us? Come on over if you do."
    September 27 2023, 6:22pm Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    "No problem." Benji replied as he worked his phone. He was busy putting Jane's contact in his phone list and attaching photos of her to it. He sat it down finally to tend to his muffin before it got cold.

    "Hey, cool. It will be fun. You think Jane and Sophia will show up? I know a few others I may invite as well." Benji knew he said 'small' but these things have a way of advertizing themselves when certain people find out...

    Jared was busy on his phone, so Benji picked his up and texted Sophia. 'Hey Sophia girl, Jared is throwing a house party! Tell all your girlfriends!'

    If anything, that would get word to Jane should Jared want to protect her from a wild party experience...
    September 29 2023, 12:58am Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    Because of the fell on the ground full of snow before, Jane felt a slight ache around her waist when she woke up. Ouch, this must be the feel of growing up. She thought. She rubbed her waist, tried to calm the pain over her muscles then stood up from her bed to reach her drawer. She was confident with her athletic physical before that she was forgotten over the years, back pain or muscle pain will hunt her down. She took the pain relief patch and plant them on the back of her waist.

    These would be fine.

    She grumbled on her mind because she didn't really like the smell of it. The smell of an oldman.

    Jane reached out her phone on the edge of her bed. After texting a good night to Jared, she simply passed out. But, thankfully it was the weekend so she planned to stay on the home and drinking some hot chocolate, might be having some sketch to make a new dress for her assignment later. She scrolled down her phone. Sophia-Jared-Sophia-Jared, their texts were overlapping. She read on Sophia's text first. Basically, Sophia told her that she got crazy night with Jared's friend and she had so much fun. She was also asking about Benjamin, something that Jane actually taken aback. She thought that Sophia wouldn't have interested in any man since she lives in a crazy adventure of life. She thought that she could attach herself to a man without even having in a deep commitment with them because Sophia thought it was annoying when she had to tell them where she was from time to time.

    Jane replied Sophia back and said that she would figure it out later to Jared because she didn't know much about Benjamin either. She then moved to Jared's text.

    "Benji stopped by and talked me into having a party. Will you be over for it?" and the next text would say, "Do you want to have muffins and tea with us? Come on over if you do."

    Oh! Great! My poor luck!

    Jane went full panic. What if those men find her using the pain reliever and smell like an oldman.... Jared might be used to it but Benji?! She thought. She checked on her outfit and she was wearing her track suit with her hair messed around like the lion. Disaster.... she thought. She was about to reply to Jared before Sophia's text coming in her notification.

    Sophia: Jane! Jared is having party! Benjamin said. You will go right? Nevermind, I will just drag you out since you two live nearby! I will come in an half hour!

    Why....

    Why of all the time she would show up-- Jane glared on her clock like the time has been guilty on her. She rushed over to the bathroom to take shower and was forgot to reply Jared's back as her phone was on the draft message located on her bed.
    October 3 2023, 6:33am Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    "So Jared, you and Jane have known each other a long time, right?" Benji asked as he set his phone down. He wasn't sure what he was going to say or how Jared would take it, but he wanted to put it out there. He worked his way around it slyly though, not wanting to go all in so quick.

    "You're like friends ... just friends... as both you and Jane said.... So I wouldn't be out of line if I asked her out on a date... right?"

    Benji was going to ask her anyway. He just thought it would go better if he had Jared's blessing on doing it is all...
    October 3 2023, 4:15pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    There it was... Jared tensed but didn't look to Benjamin. his heart jumped to his throat as he swallowed trying to loosen his throat. Yes... we're friends... you don't need my permission to ask her out ...." 'though why she would agree to go out with you would be beyond him' Jared thought as he kept looking at the screen.

    He did wonder what Jane was doing though. She hadn't answered his text, so when his phone chimed when he was taking a sip of his tea, he immediately picked up the phone expecting it to be her. It wasn't. It was Dana Wyne from school. She was a classmate in his Contemporary World Problems class he had co-written an essay with at the university library...

    'Hi Jared, remember me? I saw a post about some party you're having? Were you going to invite me?'

    Jared quickly tapped a reply, 'Hi Dana, sure, come by my house tonight. Small party starts at 7PM'
    October 4 2023, 1:52am Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    She was alone on her home so while she took her bath, she could hear the bang on the front door of her house repeatedly. It must be Sophia. she thought. Quickly, she took over her time on showering and dashes toward her room to get dressed.

    "Waaaait!!!" She screamed loudly that it was loud enough which Jared on the next door might hear them. Sophia keep knocking, moderating the tune from low to loud on her door as she was in rapid change. This girl sure is crazy.

    Getting messed over her trousers, she limped over her front door, fixing her trousers then grumbled at the colorful girl showing up with a bag of fried chicken and coke on her hands, looking apologetic with a grin on her face. "Do you know the word patient is virtue?" Jane shaked her head and let her friend barged in to her house.

    Sorry. Sophia said, the girl put her belongings on the desk and sit down on Jane's couch on the living room. Jane walked back to her room and get her phone. She checked on her screen and found out that she hasn't answered Jared's message before. "Alas! I didn't press send!" Once again, she grumbled on her own mistake. What's wrong with her today with the clumsiness? She quickly send her reply to Jared's message that she was agreed to attend with Sophia, since the girl already on her house.

    "I'll be back after I send the trash out. Wait over me and we go to Jared's place together, okay? Remember, Patient is virtue!" She glared at Sophia who just keep grinning over her and the girl focused back on her phone. She might be texting someone, probably Benjamin?

    Jane collected the trash on her house which already wrapped on the plastic bag. It was her daily chores to send the trash out to the dumpster just behind their buildings. She passed Jared's house and catch the glimpse over the men through the window. Jared did say that Benjamin already staying over, that must be him. She walked back toward her house, but, in the middle of her walk, she sense the slight pain over her palm and when she checked on it, she was bleeding.
    October 4 2023, 6:00am Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    Benji could tell Jared was a bit irritated about him talking about Jane, so he got up from the table as Jared was writing a text and patted him on the shoulder. He was going to say something but didn't want to interrupt.

    Looking out the window, Benji thought he saw Sophia go into the house across the street... Jane's house. Maybe he should just take a walk over there and knock on the door? There would be two beautiful girls there, though Sophia is a bit high-speed. Of course he paused when he saw Jane come out with a bag of trash.

    "I'm going outside for a bit..." Benji said to Jared as he went to the door. Once he was outside, he saw Jane walk back then stop as she grabbed her hand with her other one. She hurt herself! He quickly ran over to her. "Jane... what happened... Let me see your hand... you are cut!" he could see the blood now coming through her fingers. "Let's get you inside and get this fixed up!" He slid his arm around Jane's waist and walked her back to her house, hoping she had an aid pack somewhere.
    October 5 2023, 1:22am Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    She didn't even notice the source of the pain on her palm before, must be referred to a paper cut. Another clumsiness happened and it was not even a half of the day. She felt the ache now that she realized about the blood and when she was about to go back to her home, just as sudden, Benjamin grabbed her hand.

    Jane was quite surprised when the guy moved like a flash. When did he come? she thought. "O-oh! I'm... I'm okay. This must be because of the paper. It's okay, no worries!" she grinned at Benjamin and sense his arm was already on her waist. Jane wasn't used to a man's touch, beside Jared. So, when Benjamin slid his arm over her waist, she felt a slight displeasure but was too frozen to even reject Benjamin's arm. In this state, she was just get along to Benjamin's treatment and followed to go back to her home. "I'm okay... really." she fidgets. In the deepest heart, she was hoping that Jared would help her to go out of this kind situation.
    October 5 2023, 9:26pm Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    He didn't mean to startle Jane by his run over to her. Sensing she was uncomfortable with him, he said, "I... I just saw you grab your hand and hurt yourself... I just want to help..." as his hand slid away from her. "If you don't think you're hurt bad then I'm sorry I interfere with you... I am sorry."
    October 5 2023, 9:29pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared was into text exchanging with Dana he didn't notice Benji had gone outside. When he did look through the window he saw Benji with his arm around Jane and she looked hesitant. This boiled his blood .... He got up and stepped outside as quick as he could.

    "Hey! Ben!" he called out as he walked quickly across to in front of Jane's house. "Asking my friend out is one thing, but putting your hands all over her is another... You ok Jane?"
    October 6 2023, 1:15am Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    "Oh, nevermind Benjamin. I was just surprised to see you here." Jane was laughing it off to blew out the awkwardness between them. She realized that Benjamin looked taken aback with Jane's displeasure so with the other hand, Jane pats Benjamin's back to make sure that everything was running okay.

    Meanwhile, it seems that Jared had noticed their banter that he had to quickly come across Jane's house to make a way between Jane and Jared. For a moment there, Jane was relieved that she had the reason to at least look away from Benjamin because of the embarrassment. "Hi, Jared. It's okay... I was just, hurt a little." she showed up the bruise on her palm that was bleeding to Jared and smile at his presence. "Thank you, Benji for your concern." Jane smiled genuinely at Benjamin after she was calmed.

    "So, you were really throwing party at your house? Sophia already at my room, we will come over soon. After I get dressed, I think." Jane signed toward her own tracksuit and trousers and her house to go. "I'll be back in some hour. With Sophia. Just wait for us!" Jane was grinned toward the gentlemen, patted Benjamin's back once again apologetically before rushed herself to her own home to get some aid for her bleeding palm.
    October 6 2023, 6:29am Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    Fuck off Jared, I was only wanting to help the lady out. She was bleeding and got some on her trousers and I thought she was hurt bad."

    He looked back to Jane as she patted him and thanked him for his concern. "Ok, see you later Jane. put something on that cut. Don't want
    you to get infected."

    He watched Jane head back to her house, then turned back to Jared, "Dude, you should chill. Give the girl some space."
  • October 6 2023, 6:38pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared looked to Jane and realized she was, other than her cut, was fine and he had misread what he thought he saw through the window. The way she patted Benji to try and sooth him had Jared take a deeper breath. Ok, maybe he deserved Benji's wrath, and what was worse, maybe he was right a little. He had to check himself and not overreact when he saw Jane having some independent moments.

    He really didn't know what to say to him, but gave Jane an apologetic smile as she spoke before turning to go in. He nodded in agreement with Benji on his advice to her, and said as she walked away... "Uhm, the party isn't until tonight... but you and Sophia are welcome to come over earlier..."

    Jared wasn't sure she heard him as she hurried inside, and with Benji still going on, Jared reached over and mocking Jane a little, patted him on the back. "Its ok buddy... she still likes you.... I hate to admit it, especially when it comes to Jane, but you are right... I do need to give her her own space. It just was what I saw reminded me of an incident when we were eleven... lets go back and maybe we four can have a party before the party?"

    The two guys walked back to Jared's and Jared got his phone out to see who chimed his text box. It was Dana. Jared ignored it for the moment, instead texting Jane... 'sorry for overreacting like that... it remind me of when we were eleven and at the game arcade and that boy pushed you away from a game you wanted to play'

    They got back to the house and went in. "Ok Benji, help me pick up breakable things and I will lock them in my parent's room."
    October 9 2023, 5:49am Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    Benji gave a nod to Jared, and smiled as he seemed to get what he was saying. If he was ever going to have a chance with Jane, he didn't need Jared hovering about every moment. He had to gently encourage him in this... "It's cool dude. I get you being the protective brother kind of guy. I wish I had a friend like Jane that I knew from childhood."

    Benji didn't want to think about his life, because compared to both Jared and Jane's it was quite depressing. "Yeah good idea.... it shouldn't be too much of a party, but it best to be safe than sorry." He started looking at the mantlepieces and started removing them, carefully carrying them to Jared's parent's room.


    They probably been at it for an hour or so when Benji checked his phone and had a message. "Hey dude, I got someone coming over with some alcohol. Should be here in an hour." Benji texted him back giving him the address.
    October 10 2023, 2:43am Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    The impression of her casual-home outfit made her feeling bashful for how monotonous choice she had as the fashion student would show. She didn't even think that she would accommodated by Benjamin on her short visit to the dumpster and engaging such a quite strange intimacy over her wound that she probably never had before with other man, beside Jared. She sprinted toward her home, locked her door like a bat out of hell, her cheeks turned to cherry color.

    What kind of feeling is this?

    Benjamin had touched the part of her body. It was gentle, yet enveloping. That must be because Benjamin is a man. Jane's brain working on its high speed.

    But Jared is a man too.

    She knew. Jared has been with her for her entire life. From her childhood into adulthood. Has she ever see Jared as a man? She was distracted, from the pain over her finger. She knew. It was obvious. Jared had said it too that Benjamin had an affectionate feelings toward her. But how is her true feelings now? She was concerned. After all this time, Jane wasn't really bear in mind over any man's presence. It was like after being told that someone likes her, suddenly her point of view was different. Her eyes wide opened. She caught the feelings but she couldn't resonate. She was perplexed because it was unaccustomed. How if Jared has the same feelings like how Benjamin offered her?


    "JANE HARPER!" Sophia shouted at her, that was kind of shock her because she was dwelling with her inner thoughts. She gazed over Sophia whom was standing in front of her now. "Have you back to Earth now? Gosh, I thought you left your soul on the dumpster too! I called you repeatedly! What's wrong girl? Did you see a ghost? But this still day time though--" Sophia blabbering and it felt like a scold for Jane. "And look! Your hand is bleeding! We should cure that before it got infection!" Sophia then ran toward the aid kit and dragged Jane to sit.

    "I'm sorry, I was lost in thoughts... You know, maybe you should live here too because you sound like my mom now." Jane still having her perplexed look on her face and just followed anything Sophia would do on her. "Let's go to Jared's house after this. Maybe we should help them preparing the party." She smiled afterwards.
    October 10 2023, 7:35pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared look to Benji as they set things in his parent's room. "Oh yeah, that is good. I think we clear a lot of stuff."

    Jared did find out that Dana was twenty-one so was able to buy alcohol, but he felt awkward inviting her over. He set an expensive oil lamp in the room and asked Benji, "How many people have you 'invited'? And who is this guy?"

    It was then the front door came open and Jared came out of the room not waiting for Benji's answers. "Janie! Sofia! You girls look great!" Jared said with a slight smile. He hoped it was Jane as she is the only one who walks in like she lives here. "Glad you come over! There is still tea and some croissants in the kitchen."

    He was standing by the girls when he got his phone out to see what time it was, and Dana texted him again. Jared hadn't told Jane about meeting Dana in the school library...
    October 10 2023, 7:53pm Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    Benji was careful handling the breakable glass items, and checked to see that the china cabinet was locked. He heard Jared's question and was going to answer but Jared walked away when the door opened. Banji followed Jared out about two steps behind him.

    "Hi girls! You both look really nice!" Benji couldn't help but flirt a little with them as he gave them his playful happy smile. "Jane, how is your cut?"

    Sophia was as outgoing as Jane was reserved, but Benji made it no secret he was interested in Jane. Sophia had probably told her as much after he hung out with Sophia the night before. He tried to be good with his questions about her last night. Seeing Jared get distracted by a text, Benji watched Jane's face as he guessed it was that Dana girl...

    Of course, Benji didn't get to watch the interactions as his phone chimed a text. "Oh Jared, to answer one of your questions, the guy is some surfer dude I met at another party a few weeks ago. His name is Derrick. He is over twenty-one so can stock us up...."

    Benji wasn't sure Jared heard him as he was still looking at his phone, so he sort of rubbed it in a little. He looked quickly to Jane then pointed to Jared's hand with his phone in it and asked, "Who is that?"
    October 11 2023, 3:48am Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    Sophia put the cute bandage over the wrap. She laughed it off when she told Jane that she was quite childish on that. It was Jane's hobbies to collect any cute stuffs and it has been running over years through her childhood. Jane retorted Sophia back and said that it was one of her hobbies Sophia should accept. Her room even full of cute stuffs from bags, plushies or glittery stuffs.

    After they have done with their business, they decided to go to Jared's house to help on the party preparation. Sophia also brought the chicken and coke that they were originally wanted to eat along but because the amount was too much, it was better to eat it with the other persons too. Jared greeted them and Jane's cheek flashed to cherry again when she saw Benjamin behind him, it was because she felt shy after Benjamin's physical touch left an impact on her. "Thank you. Oh, Sophia already wrap my hand nicely." She shown Benjamin her hand wrapped in a cute bear bandage. And when Benjamin asked Jane about the person Jared had focus on, Sophia hopped behind Jared's back to peek on his phone. Sophia mentioned about Dana as she only peeked the name of the person on the screen. Jane tried to role her brain if she knew about this Dana particularly but she didn't even have any idea on who the person Jared texting to. She shakes her head as she looked to Benjamin.

    Something deep beneath her heart, there was a monster growing. It was scratching the wall of her heart, like a demon trying to break free. Jane emitted the vain and her greedy self toward the thought of other girl might caught Jared's attention.

    They were always together.

    Jane was comfortable.

    But Jared is a man too!

    Her brain battling her inner self. They were adults. It was the feelings of growing up. But, Jane still couldn't understand the meaning of affection. She likes Jared, for sure. But was that the feeling of love?

    Jane knew, sooner or later, both of them have to find their true love. But Jane only have eyes for Jared. And it should be the same for Jared these past years. But he is my best friend! Jane gripped her hands tightly, her stomach suddenly feel in pain. Or rather, was it her heart?
    October 11 2023, 4:23pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared was always used to Jane around, so he was not paying attention to what was happening around him while he texted. When Sophia slipped behind him and peeked around him and Benjamin asked who it was, Jared looked up at him with a sigh. He was about to say something to him but saw he was standing with Jane and they both were looking at him. Jane had wider eyes than her normal resting face, and Benji had the slightest of smirk as if he had set off a trap by asking.

    "It's Dana Wynn who has Jared's attention!" Sophia said with her 'gotcha' voice. Jared quickly slid the phone in his pocket. He was being rude paying attention to his phone and texts instead of talking with the three people here. 'Silly stupid me...' Jared thought in his head as he had to say something. "Yeah, this Dana girl I met in the university library when she was beating up the printer. I fixed the paper jam for her."

    That was lame thing to say and will probably kindle more questions than stopping the line of talk. Jared looked to Benji and straightened up and said, "So this Derrick, is he buying too? Is he an ok dude? Sounds like he is from outside our social circles."

    Jared hoped turning the talk back to the party and off his personal communications. . . he looked back to Jane and could tell there was a lot happening in her mind, so much that her expressionless face was hard for him to read as he had never noticed that look from her before.
    October 11 2023, 4:53pm Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    When Jane showed her bandage to him, he smiled at the cute bear. He reached for her hand and brought it up closer to look at, his fingers enjoying the feeling of her hand. "A cute, cuddly bear. Glad you're all fixed up."

    He remained standing there, holding Jane's hand as they looked to Jared when Sophia answered Benji's question. Did he feel Jane tense up? It could be because he was holding her hand, so he let it loose so she could take it from his. He was well aware he needed to be careful not to scare Jane. He couldn't help it he was a touchy-feely guy...

    "Dana hunh? That quiet bookish girl who is always in the library?" Benji knew who it was as he tried flirting with her some time back, but she would have none of his outgoing playfulness. He was having a hard time reconciling how Jared was getting repeated texts from her as she didn't hit him as the type. Clearly there is more to the story Jared tells, like how did they get each other's numbers?

    No matter, Benji wasn't going to say anything more about it right now, for if Jared was being distracted by Dana, he might have a better chance to get closer to Jane. Benji turned his head and glanced over to Jane to see how she was reacting to all this.

    He didn't look too long as Jared called his attention back by asking about Derrick. "Yeah, he's definitely a white-boy surfer jock type, but he seemed ok when I talked with him at the party we were at a few weeks back."
    October 12 2023, 1:40am Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    So... he was meeting another girl.

    After Benjamin was thoughtful enough to loosen up Jane's hand on his hold, Jane couldn't help but rubbed the wrap on her hand. Some imaginations running wild on Jane's mind like how she wanted to run aimlessly to unbind the chain over her heart or how she wanted to do some detective spy to stalk this new girl and looking for any information about her. Jared didn't even tell her anything about Dana or even mention any story about how he helped a girl in the library when Jane was used to hear everything, exactly like every little things Jared would tell Jane no matter how boring his days went. Jane felt like she was betrayed. The jealousy was rising up without her knowing how disastrous it would be.

    "I... I see." Jane replied with the blank expression on her face, unsure if that was to answer about the new guy that Benjamin would invite or the new girl Jared was literally having his focus too.

    Jane left them all for a couple minute and stayed on the kitchen. Jared mentioned about the croissants so Jane was trying to boost herself up again by eating the buttery, flaky, viennoiserie pastry and let the slight sugary flavor rounded inside her mouth.

    They are all adult now. said Jane on her mind. They have their own privacy. Jared doesn't have to tell her every little detail on his life now.

    Jane feel like a little bit gloomy and distant. What is happening anyway? She couldn't understand herself either. She felt outrage. She wanted to ask Jared about Dana but she was also afraid. But, this wasn't even first time that Jared has another girl friends instead of Jane. They have the same amount of boy and girls friends over their school days. And, why it feels different now?

    She took some water after finishing her croissant, back to where the group gathered together then Jane step ahead toward Jared. "Jay, I need to... Talk with you." almost whispering, she look straight to Jared and flick her head to sign them to go to the kitchen together.
    October 12 2023, 5:48am Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared saw Jane when she wanted to get his attention. He was surprised she didn't just come and pull him away. "Sure Jane..."

    He walked over to Jane and with her went into the kitchen, pausing at the doorway to look back at Benji and Sophia, "This is a private conversation so you two stay in here."

    Once he gave them a stare through his glasses, he turned and stepped back to Jane, putting his hand lightly on her back as they went as far away from the doorway as they could. "I have something to talk to you about too.... I should have talked to you before when we were in the park. But what is it you want to talk about?"
    October 12 2023, 5:54am Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    "OOoohhhh..... " Benji teased Jared like he was in trouble, then looked to Sophia. "I guess we were told."

    Of course, after Jared and Jane went into the kitchen, Benji and Sophia went close to the door to see if they could hear anything...

    Benji's phone chimed and he looked. It was Derrick saying he was on his way and was checking the address.

    (OOC - a shortie. I have to get to work but didnt want to hold things up)
    October 12 2023, 4:15pm Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    Sophia puffed her cheek at Jared when he said that she and Benjamin should stay away from him and Jane. Sophia dashes toward Benjamin, put her hand on his shoulder and mumbling a plan to actually tease the childhood friends when they get back from their private conversation.

    Meanwhile, Jane's heart was beating like a drum when she decided to forcefully pull Jared away to the kitchen. She realized that she was being a haste. She eventually not sure why she did such a thing. When they reached their safe place, Jared told Jane that the guy also has something to talk to back then.

    "Huh? You have something to talk to me? I... was.... just..." Jane was stutter on her own words because her mind still battling her inner self about complicated feelings she got that she still quite uncertain about the result. "I'm sorry... for interferring but.... I just want to know about... this Dana?" Jane bit her lower lips because she was also afraid of Jared's answer. "It was just.... You haven't tell me anything about her and... I don't know! Jay! Why am I feeling so desperate?! Wah!" Jane messed up her hair out of frustration. "What is it that you want to talk about?" Jane looked at Jared with the strand of her hair blocking her eyes.
    October 12 2023, 6:19pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared was quite used to Jane grabbing his hand and dragging him off to talk about stuff. He actually liked it when she did that, even if it could be annoying at times. He had guessed correctly that it had to do with her finding out about Dana before he told her.

    Truth was he wanted to tell Jane about her, but he felt strange about it and when he did think about saying something, his throat got tight and he never said anything. "Dana.... she is someone I met at the school library..."

    Jared looked at Jane and could see she was anxious about it. She always cared so much about him ... he thought Jane beautiful when she messed up her hair, and if he had his camera he would have taken her picture. he gathered himself back though and with a swallow, went on explaining. "... when she fought with the printer. I thought my fixing it for her would be it, but we chatted about some things after like what coffee we liked and what we were into.... you know... like what people who don't know each other do sometimes."

    Jared reached out to brush the wayward lock of hair from Jane's cheek with his finger, and he felt her soft skin and he sort of smiled slightly. "I did talk about the Camera Eye photography guild, and I did ask her if she would consent to me taking photos of her sometime... She is shy though but did reluctantly agree, so we exchanged numbers."

    Jared paused and watched Jane as she processed what he had told her. He turned to her and offered to give her a hug as he could see she was clearly shaken. He was maybe thinking that Jane had in her mind that they be more to each other, and Jared always thought about that since 7th grade. But even now he is scared that it might wreck their long friendship. He took Jane to junior prom the year before and they had fun like they always did together, but there was something odd feeling between them... at least he felt it...

    Still... he probably would have taken Jane to senior prom the next year but she had already been asked by someone... who was that guy who took her to senior prom? Jared remembered how he felt about that, and why he asked Cathy Akers to senior prom. And how Jane seemed to act there. Now, she was seemingly much friendlier with Benji than he had seen her with anyone since then. He understood why Jane was being this way now.... except we are adults now. Are the rules different now?

    "... so.... that is how I met Dana. I think she said she would be here at the party... you can meet her."
    October 13 2023, 5:25am Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    Benji smiled as Sophia came up by him. She was scheming to have some fun with the two and Benji approved with what she was thinking. "We do need to give them a razzing... can't really hear what they are saying, but I did clearly hear' Dana' a couple times. Do you think Jane is jealous that Jared talked to another girl?"
    October 13 2023, 2:23pm Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    Jane listened to Jared's story about how he met Dana and it intrigued Jane's little demon inside her heart that it was screaming, scratching, even lurking, trying to go out of the scene to take over. Jane knew how it feels to have a slight interest to the opposite gender. She was rather find it amusing on the way Jared explain their meeting with Dana and she can't help but stares at Jared's face for a long time. At least, she has a solid reason for that.

    When Jared offered her a hug, she quickly embrace Jared and wrapped her arms tightly over him. It wasn't their first hug. They did it so many times. But, Jared's hug feel warmer now when he was completely taking over Jane's body onto his warmth. "I'm sorry..." she said. She just wanted to apologize over her being such a wreck mess to even force Jared to tell her about another girl he met. Jane drown her face on Jared's chest. It was comfortable that Jane thought she doesn't want to let go and hoping that if time would freeze. Up to middle school, Jane was always taller than Jared. But since their high school, Jared rose to even getting taller than Jane that the guy used to flick her forehead and teased her for being shorter. Boys' growing up so fast.

    "Of course! I can see it on her eyes, oh but you must have expect the other way, right?" meanwhile Sophia, being the sharp and realizes everything around wasn't even forget to tease Benjamin beside her. She took the crazy antics to barge in the kitchen and coughing, loud enough to make Jane did a haste action to release herself from Jared's hug. "Sorry, I really need some water or I will become a fish with a sunburn." Sophia smirked at the sight of the couple and satisfied at the face Jared and Jane making. Sophia took some water to drink then.
    October 13 2023, 5:55pm Benjamin Brown (played anonymously):

    Benji quietly got his phone out and took several pictures of Jared and Jane hugging. It was more than a hug between friends... at least it looked like more. It made Benji want to be with Jane even more. Benji was the kind of guy who likes to get what he wants, and he wanted Jane. He had to be patient though... not to come across too eager and scare Jane into Jared's arms again. Maybe... just maybe... this Dana girl was just what he needed to instill more friction between them? Jared sort of did that himself. Benji could just subtly help that along.


    "Yeah, I don't know Jane all that well, but she did have a... different... look in her eyes. We could have fun with this... Benji paused as Sophia decided to step in past the boundary line Jared had drawn at the kitchen doorway. Benji tapped at his phone screen and posted the most intimate of the pictures he just took of the two onto the Camera eye Guild's social media page, captioning it 'Do they look like 'just friends'?

    Benji quickly slid his phone back in his pocket and followed right behind Sophia... "Me too ... I need some water too..."
    October 13 2023, 10:10pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared held Jane and he lightly rubbed his hand over her back a little, feeling her hair on his hand. He could tell she had fallen all in to this hug, and he would be lying if he told himself he didn't feel stronger for her right now. "You have nothing to apologize for Janie. You know if there is something you want to know, you can ask me." he said it in more a whisper by her ear. The thought came to him to kiss her, but again that gnaw of hesitation coursed through him...

    Maybe he had forgotten just for that moment that both Sophia and Benji were right there. Sophia broke the moment by walking in and teasing them a little as she said silly stuff about being a fish. Jane had slid away as Jared's arms dropped, and Jared took a deep breath. He or Jane had no idea what Benji did with his phone, and Benji's silly look on his face was typical Benji.

    As the two got some water, Jared looked to Jane and gave her a smile before checking the refrigerator to see that it was stocked up with juice and soda for anyone who was a designated driver. After a few adjustments and last-minute check on things, he came to stand by Jane again and said, "Well Jane, I think this might get a bit wild and crazy..." Jared looked to her with trepidation. "I hope the place doesn't get burned down..."

    The story now continues at the house party and we will bring the story back here when the party winds down.
    October 31 2023, 4:26am Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    The party was crazy and Jared knew it was a bad idea from the beginning. Now, he was in trouble with Jane, and he wondered what she wanted to talk to him about before Dana said all that stuff. He and Jane had found the one quiet room, in the guest bedroom as some people were in JAred's room. It bugged Jared, but he was focused on Jane right now.

    "I'm sorry about Dana... she was really drunk... you sounded urgent when you said you wanted to talk with me?"

    Jared sat down on the edge of the bed and looked to Jane with his sad eyes.
    November 1 2023, 1:26am Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    Such a chaotic day to ever happened on Jane’s life for being humiliated in front of people about her outfit. They nearly shed blood if only Jane wasn’t holding back her wrath and the quick calculation on their situation of Dana being Jared’s friend and how if she spends the night on the jail for troubling their neighborhood. She still praying that if some officers visited them because of the ruckus, they were still forgiven for the party created by some university students.

    Even if, they have weeds…

    Many things have been rumbling over Jane’s mind in the short span of time when she dragged Jared to the empty room to have some private conversation. They passed on Sophia whom was also dragged by Reggie because of how sobber the girl in alcohol. Jane thought that she will deal with Sophia later after she completed the things, she wanted to tell Jared. She has no time to wait or Jared will have another affair that will block their way. She has to tell him now, or never. The guy whom tried to calm them down in the middle of Jane and Dana fights has shouted to treat everyone with Pizza. Now, Jane was unsure if the party will safe anymore with the number of shouts, smokes, weeds, and loud music. How will she handle everything at once when she only has two hands?

    Pick up your priority, Jane. She mumbled.

    Finally, they stand up on their own now. Only Jane and Jared in the secluded place. The guest room was kind of neater since no one in the party barge in to it when they kind of having wasted people staying on Jared’s room. Jane looked up to Jared as the guy apologized on Dana’s behalf. The thing was, Jane nearly had some wardrobe malfunction when Dana tried to unzip her skirt before Jane stopped the thing and unleash some wrath. It somehow gave her PTSD because she had the experience of the dress malfunction on her middle school as she has some singing competition and her dress was nearly off but she was calm on handling that even if the eyes of people surely gave her traumatic ideas on what will happen on her body.

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    Back to the present, she stared on Jared’s sad face, she stood up in front of her and gently caressed his lower lips with her thumb. “Did you… really kiss her?” It was hard to swallow as she her eyes met Jared’s eyes. “Do you… love her?” She sighed. This time, she was eager to tell him that Jared has been his world. He always does.

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    She moved to sit beside Jared on the right side of the bed and look up to his face. “I think I’m too late to realize it but this time I know for sure… I love you, Jared.” She said sincerely.
    November 1 2023, 4:51am Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Jared swallowed when Jane asked if he kissed Dana. He did, and things got heated for those minutes before he hit the brakes. He knew what she wanted to hear, but he was not going to lie to her. He could never lie to Jane. She would see right through him every time....

    "Yes.... we kissed... we were down in the laundry room..." Jared's voice was rough and low. He thought about that kiss... it was nice, and Dana was quite tempting. He also remembered when he wanted to kiss Jane back in 8th grade...

    "No, I don't love Dana. I really only know her for a week. We met and talked at the university library with the copier malfunction, and we had coffee, and we texted back and forth. Tonight was the second time I saw her." Jared had no idea if Jane would believe him, but that was the truth. The touch of her thumb on his lips had him almost want to kiss it, but he could feel the gravity of the situation and her words...

    Screenshot-2023-11-01-224547-A.jpgI... I stopped it. I told her that I loved you and that she would only be a stand-in for you... that was why she got mad. She blamed you for my not wanting to love her. I was tempted, because I didn't think you ... felt anything for me... and that I should move on from my desires" Jared could see Jane's body language change as she sat down beside him. To hear her say that she loved him made his ehart jump right out of him. He was too stunned to do anything! He managed to raise his arm and slide his hand around Jane's waist to her far hip and say in a hoarse whisper... "I love you Jane Harper... I've loved you ever since 8th grade..."

    Jared leaned close to kiss her. This was different... much different... this was ... a dream coming true...
    November 1 2023, 11:01pm Jane Harper (played by jennaisante):

    They were in the laundry room.

    Jane’s heart was crumbled. To think that Jared and Dana might did something over than just a kiss actually made her heart feel like cracked. If only she told Jared earlier about how she felt. If only she stopped Jared on meeting that girl earlier…

    But things happened. When Jared mentioned that he doesn’t love Dana, it gave the sensation of her heart to cure herself. They were not in love! So, Jane actually had some chance to have Jared. She listened carefully on anything that Jared talked about this time as they were down sitting together side by side. When Jared finally accepted her feelings, her heart wanted to jump!

    “You have loved me?” She asked it once again. And Jared told her that he has been in love with her since their child. Would that be a normal thing for a childhood friends elevated as the lover? Love always find its way, though. She was flustered.

    The memories of them were replying on Jane’s mind like some scene in the movie when Jared’s lips touched her lips. Her hand grasped to Jared’s cheek to hold as she responded back to kiss on Jared. It was coincidence. It was fate. Between coincidence and fate, but they were all know that it was fate when Jane chose to play with Jared on their first meeting. It was both coincidence and fate that they were together for a long time. It was fate that they were mean to be together, at least for now.

    Jane brushed her fingertips over Jared’s hair as they went on and on the kiss like confirming their feelings to each other. For couple of years, they had been together as the childhood friends. For those years memories worth of the final step out of their boundaries. For the next future of them being together as more than childhood friends….

    After some moments, they had satisfied with their kissing, Jane gazed on Jared’s eyes gently. “Thank you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for being with me all these times.” She smiles dazingly. “And I think we should organize your home now the party went to a chaotic mess!” like usual, for being someone whom like to keep things neat, Jane threw a flash chuckle to have her concern over the crazy party they had on Jared’s home.


    Finally the story come to and end! Looking back, I need a long time to boost my confidence to actually post an ad looking for RP partner that will suit my taste for the story. I'm really grateful and it was a fate that Jared Ford actually offered himself to try to RP with me. It was fun even when we planned things together we share the similar brain cells! And then when Benjamin Brown came, he added the colors to the story and it was really fun to brainstorming ideas with him! As the story goes, we need the love rival for Jane so Dana Wyne came and struck it in! She is a badass girl! I want to say my deepest gratitude for willingly taking places over my kind of story, even if it wasn't really that perfect but I enjoyed so much writing with these guys. *sobsob* and last but not least, thank you for everyone whom taking interest to join on the side thread and read this story. May we cross path again someday!


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    Thank You!
    November 13 2023, 9:05pm Jared Ford (played anonymously):

    Epilogue

    The Story of Jane Harper and Jared Ford


    The tale of the two childhood friends reached a decision point one evening when there was a party at Jared's house. Though Jared had loved Jane for a few years now, he never could bring himself to expressing it to her. He was afraid by doing so would rupture their friendship that had started that one day in the park when they were children.

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    So it was when they both had someone else that wanted to love them did their expression of love reach out to each other. Despite the chaos of the party and its aftermath, both Jared and Jane had grown even closer loving each other. The two old friends seemed to feel it was natural to be together, and a happiness settled on their shoulders from that day.

    Their bond remained strong as they attended university, and though they had already taken steps in their directions of career, they remained together, loving each other. Jane was the only one for Jared, and Jared was the only one for Jane. They were seen together so much they became known as 'J&J'. Just as when they were younger, Jane was Jared's primary model for his camera, and he could never seem to get enough photos of her and her art and fashion. But as their graduation neared, Jared with his major in journalism and photography, was offered an internship with UPI International. Likewise, Jane had an opportunity to work in the fashion industry, and their paths diverged even further.

    GB2.jpgThough their love for each other remained strong, they made the hard decision to break off their relationship with each other as they pursued their separate paths in life. That night, they shared their bed one last time, and the next day was one of the hardest days of Jared's life. Jane had packed her bags and was ready to go to the airport.

    'I helped her with her suitcase, she stands before my eyes,
    I drove her to the airport, and to the friendly skies.
    Before going through security, I held her for so long.
    She finally looked at me in love, and she was gone.'

    Yes, a song went through Jared's head as he drove to LAX. They were quiet but of remembering this moment in their lives and that moment, but what seemed to hold the air the most was the silence as each was drowning in their thoughts. All four of their eyes were wet, but though on the verge, not shedding tears. The walk through the terminal and the line for ticketing and baggage check-in was the same. The two did make small talk with moments of nervous laughter as they sat in the terminal together, putting off the inevitable until the very last moment.

    GB1.jpgAs they walked toward the security line, they paused as they made promises bound by their childhood friendship that they would call and text each other regularly and keep each other informed of their lives. Jared knew that Jane Harper was the best friend anyone could ever have, and he was going to miss her greatly.

    It was at the entrance to the security line where Jared wished time would stop. Giving Jane the longest, most passionate kiss, he held her for so long. His eyes could no longer contain his tears, and as he let her slip from their embrace, he stood by and watched her until she went through the detectors and could see her no more.

    The walk back to the car was long and slow, though he held to the thought they would again see each other again soon. There was no knowing their life paths would be such that they would not again see each other for a long, long time.

    As they agreed, they stayed in touch on Whatsapp, and they would trade photos of themselves and their work. Sadly, as the weeks turned into months; the months turned into years, and their communications faded away into the busyness of their lives. within ten years, they had lost contact with each other. Phone numbers and emails changed, and Jane's path through the fashion arts and Jared's path through photojournalism never had them come across each other.

    When Jared's parents retired, they sold the house to Jared at a greatly reduced gift-price. It was where Jared called home, even if he was hardly ever there. Still, he would look out his front window to Jane's old house, thinking about her. sometimes wondering what might have been....

    • ... what might have been had he not stopped the passion he and Dana were having in the laundry room that night of the party. If he would have taken Dana to bed that night, surely Jane would have fallen into the arms of Benjamin Brown, and all our life's paths would have been different.

    • ... what might have been had he just accepted a fashion photography job and stayed with Jane in the industry. Would they have gotten married? Would they have had children? Jared had made a plan to ask Jane Harper to marry him, but with the direction of their lives going in such different ways, one of them would have had to accede their career goals. Jared would have done so, but the talk they had made it clear that Jane could not have Jared not pursue his passion. Telling her that she was his passion did not give him a pass. He liked photography and media work, which he could have been compatible with Jane's career, and he liked investigative journalism, which would lead him to places around the world far away from the world fashion centers.


    • ... the years went by, and Jared would see Jane on occasion on a billboard in some country, and he would pause and just stare at it before he would take a picture of it and move on. When Jared was 29 had met another journalist when he was in the Republic of Türkiye. They were covering the refugee humanitarian crisis, and they grew close, getting married a couple years later. They had a daughter, and it was a happy time in Jared's life. But the happiness did not last. When their daughter was eleven, his wife died of cancer that was detected way too late. Jared took the time to raise their daughter, and she went off to the same university he went to.

    It was a quiet night in winter, and snow covered the ground in the early hours of the morning. Jared was going to go to bed, but something told him to take a walk, so he did. He went to the park where he first met Jane Harper, and he looked to the trees where he had been playing with his cars when she approached him, offering gummy bears to him. The trees were bigger now, and the park was a little unkempt from the way it was, but Jared paused at the sight of someone standing by one of them. She was wearing a white designer parka with a faux fur collar, and she was looking at a tree. It was the tree he had carved a heart in with the names Jane and Jared...

    • ... the years went by, and Jared was in his old house. Having recently gotten back from an assignment, he sat down and went through the photos that weren't used by the news service. Some of them were just of things and people he found interesting. One was a photo of a raven by a fountain in Sydney Australia. But what caught his eye was the girl walking by behind the fountain ... it was Jane Harper!