Carly's POV:

I sighed and finished folding laundry. It had been a week since my return and I wasn't doing well. My friends were treating me as if I had some disease. Even Jonathan. He had been at church but completely ignoring me. I hated it.

I took my clothes and walked up to my room. I felt so alone. I was more alone here than I had been with Erik. He was always there. He always stayed with me and made sure I wasn't lonely. I had fallen in love with him. Surely, he knew that would happen. I wished he was try to kidnap me again, but my parents had taken precautions to make sure that it didn't happen again. They were being kind and Father kept asking me about it. I wouldn't say a word. The police had come back but I had told them I knew nothing about my kidnapper. I hated to lie but I knew they would catch him if told them everything.

I put my clothes away and picked up my school book and started to read. I had a lot to get caught up on so I was doing twice the work. The teacher had been very understanding. I was about to throw the book against the wall when the phone rang. I picked it up and answered like I always did.

“Hello, Carly Richmond speaking.”

“Hey, Carly. This is Jonathan.” I smiled slightly. I was still wearing his ring. I needed to tell him that I loved another but I thought I might get over it so I hadn't told him yet.

“Hey, Jonathan. I haven't talk to you in a while.” He hemmed and hawed for a while before saying,

“Well, I have been busy.” I saw right through the lie but didn't mention it. Before I could answer he said,

“I was wanting to talk to you about something. Is it okay if I come over?” I agreed and he said he would be there in about ten minutes. I brushed my hair and made sure my outfit was neat and walked to the door just as he knocked. I let him in and behind him was a girl that I didn't know. She was pretty blond thing with blue eyes. She looked nice and all. She gave me a pleasant smile and a slight wave. I smiled at her and then gestured for them all to sit in my living room. We sat and I offered some refreshments. I wasn't the go-lucky girl I had been. I had grown up in those few weeks. I think Jonathan noticed it. They turned me down and we were silent for a while. I suddenly asked,

“Who is this, Jonathan?” He cleared his throat and said,

“This is Sapphire Charleston, my girlfriend.” I froze when he said that. I looked toward his promise ring which was on my hand.

“What did you say?” He sighed.

“Carly, when you were kidnapped I couldn't help but realize that I didn't miss you like I thought I should. I met Sapphire a week after you had left, forgive me, but it was love at first sight. I thought you were gone forever. I really to love her. She means a lot to me. You mean a lot to me as well but only as a friend. I never meant to lead you along. Please forgive me.” I looked at Jonathan than at Sapphire. I had to give her credit for coming. She was brave to come face Jonathan's former girlfriend.

“Jonathan, I understand and forgive you. I don't love you like a girlfriend should. I do love you as a friend. You a very good friend but I don't think it would have worked.” I carefully removed the ring and handed it to Jonathan. He took it gently and smiled. Sapphire spoke up.

“Thank-you for understanding. I didn't know what to do when you appeared. I love Jonathan. He was perfect. He spoke of love at first sight and it was the same for me. I am sorry I caused a problem between you but please don't put against him.” I sighed. I was taking this better than I thought I might. I know it was my love for Erik that had replaced any affection I might have once had for Jonathan. I gave her a gentle smiled.

“I know. I have someone I have fallen in love with and I was beginning to wonder if I could stay with Jonathan. You have made it easier. I wish you both the best of luck. You look great together.” Sapphire blushed. She was perfect. She was so different then me.

“Thank-you, Carly. I hope this doesn't ruin our friendship.” I shook my head at Jonathan.

“You are still my friend. I hope this girl treats you well.” He nodded and squeezed her shoulders.

“That is what I came to tell you. I hope I will see you again soon.”

“Sunday for church.” He smiled and said,

“Do you want to talk about the kidnapping?” I shook my head.

“No, but thanks for asking. By the way who have you fallen in love with?” I sighed. I would tell the truth for once.

“Erik. I love Erik.” Jonathan smile and nodded.

“I knew you would. I could tell by the way you were talking about him. Any girl would love him after that. Did you know that he went to Europe for a while?” I shook my head. I guess that was the lie he told to keep everyone from knowing he was kidnapping me.

“I didn't. I hope he comes back soon.” Jonathan shrugged his shoulders.

“I don't particularly care. But I know you do. For your sake I hope he does.” With that, he and Sapphire left. I collapsed into a easy chair and tried to think. I hoped Erik might continue with his lie and “come back” from Europe. I wanted to see him, tell him I forgave him, and tell him that I loved him.

Little did I know that I wouldn't see Erik for two very long years.