When I got home, she was asleep on the couch curled up in a ball. I felt bad and put a blanket on her. I did some compiling of jobs that she might want to get. Earlier she had expressed interest in wanting to get a job so that she could help pay for the rent. She had gone to school and only had done some college, so there were really only some jobs that she could do. She could work at a store as the cashier or be the one to dress the mannequins, which might be fun for her since she likes fashion. She could be a janitor or answer phones, or be a waiter. Writing down the places and the job descriptions, I left it on the table so that we could look at it when she woke up. I went and took a shower to get the grime off, I always felt dirty when I left Blade's office. What he had told me hadn't really sunk it yet. I knew it was a lie and so I wasn't going to give it a second thought. I went into my room and saw that it had been cleaned, I walked quickly to my underwear drawer and opened it, nothing had been touched, whew. I pushed the socks aside and lifted the false bottom up, inside were guns and knives. I put everything back together, that's when I noticed my laundry basket was gone. Walking into the laundry room, I saw that all my clothes were hanging up. She had washed everything. Now I knew that what Blade had told me was a lie. Or was it? I went back out and gently shook her awake. Her eyes fluttered open, she stretched and yawned.

"Yes?"

"I was just letting you know I was home." she rubbed her eyes and stood up.

"Good. I'm glad your home. What do you want to do?"

"Well, I know you had been talking about getting a job, so I wrote down a list of jobs that you could apply for."

"Wow, thank you." I brought her to the table, she sat down and scanned the list. "I wouldn't mind being a waiter, that would actually be kind of fun."

"Okay. I'll go print off the application and then we can mail it in."

(*)-Devin

I was so glad that he was willing to help me look for a job as I didn't even know how or where to look. He came back in and we did it together. Then he found an envelope and we put it in the box to be put in the mail for tomorrow. Then we did our own thing for awhile. He read a book and I got out my canvas that I had started drawing on earlier. I was drawing Thomas and I. I had finally finished his head and was now just doing his neck down to his shoulders and a little bit of his back. With that done I got out my paints and filled a cup with water. I stared at the picture on my phone that I had taken of him secretly, I wanted to get everything perfect. It was going to be his Christmas gift. The background was a sunset over a beach, we were in the middle of the picture, looking at it. We are holding hands, my head is on his shoulder. I did it this way so that it would be easier to draw as I am not that good at it yet.

"What are you drawing over there?"

"Nothing special. It's a surprise."

"So I can't see it?"

"No, but I'll show you one that I started." He put his book down and walked over, I hadn't started painting yet, so I flipped it over so that he wouldn't see it.

"And what's that?"

"Well" I withdrew my other canvas from the chair, "I'm drawing my dream house." I turned it towards him. It was a drawing of a beach house. It was square and on stilts that went into the ground on top of a cliff, which overlooked the ocean. Willowy grass billows in the wind. There is glass all the way around the house with a balcony all around it too. There are cement stairs going from the house to the beach on the left side. Underneath the balcony is a driveway.

"Wow! That's really good."

"Thanks. Now I just have to paint it."

"What colors are you going to use?"

"I don't know yet. But I for sure know that I would want to move. It wouldn't be for a couple more years. But I would be willing to build it myself so that I don't have to pay someone to build it for me."

"Where would you move to?"

"Well, the one spot that I wish that I could move to, Hawaii."

"Why there?" He asked sitting down across from me.

"Well, I don't know. I guess I've always wanted to go there. I find it beautifuller than Florida or any other warm state."

"You know beautifuller isn't a word right?" I roll my eyes at him and put the picture down.

"Of course I do. But I still like to use it." He smiles at me

"So when would you start building it?"

"Well, once I get a job."

"And are you just going to build it on a random cliff?"

"No silly. I've been doing some research. There's some land for sale, right where I would want to build. When reading the description, I read that it is the crappiest spot to build and it would be a lot of work to fix up."

"So are they going to hold the land gor you? Because in the future, some big company could buy it and turn it into a casino or apartments or a hotel."

"Well I haven't exactly said anything. I was hoping that by the time I'm ready, it would still be there." I glanced up at me, he had both his eyebrows raised and looked like he was trying to suppress a laugh.

(*)-Thomas

I couldn't help it. She really wanted that land, but she had no money for it yet, and she hadn't even called them to see if it was still available. I suppress my laugh

"Well maybe eventually, I can help you call them."

"Yeah. That would be nice. So, what do you want to do?"

"How about dinner?"

"Sure. What will we have?"

"Feel like Sushi?" Her eyes opened wide

"YES! I love Sushi!" She ran to her room, and came back out a couple minutes later in leggings and a red crop sweatshirt. She grabbed my hand and said "Let's go!"

"What about shoes?" She looked down at her feet and gasped at her stockinged feet. She flew back into her bedroom allowing me time to get my coat and keys. I got out her coat too and waited by the door. She came back out hopping on one foot putting on her white LED high tops.

"I'm coming I'm coming."

"Slow down, we still have time." She put on her other shoe, grabbed her coat from me and bounded out the door. I didn't know that someone could like sushi that much. I chuckled to myself as I locked the door. When I turned around she was gone "Devin? DEVIN!?" I shouted frantically, I raced down the two flights of stairs and into the garage, I walked to the car and saw her sitting in there, I made a mental note to try not to yell at her. I climbed in

"Sorry I left, I was just so excited, I hadn't had Sushi in forever." I turned and looked at her glowing face and the childish grin on her face. I couldn't be mad at her now.

"That's okay. You did scare me a little."

"Well, next time I'll tell you where I'm going." She smiled and put on her seatbelt, I put mine on and started the car. It was only two blocks down, but it was cold and I didn't want to make her walk even though I would have been fine with it.

"So, I've been meaning to ask you,when's your birthday?

"Valentines."

"Ah so your a v-day baby."

"Yeah. What about you?"

"A Christmas baby."

"That's exciting!"

"Yeah I suppose."

"It's not a good thing?"

"Well, yes and no. When I was younger, I got my christmas presents as my birthday gifts. So it wasn't all that enjoyable, because I only got a certain amount so that I wouldn't become too spoiled."

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"Eh it's fine. Now I don't really celebrate."

"And that's going to change this year."

"Oh yeah? Says who?"

"Me!"

"Well see." I grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. We pulled into the parking lot of Whispering Bamboo. I found a good spot right by the door, it didn't look as packed as it had yesterday. We left our coats in the car so that we wouldn't have to worry about them. I opened the door for her and we got in line. Inside, some soft music was playing. The floor was a carpet of red. The walls are covered in gold wallpaper. A girl came to the desk. She had two different colored hair, one side is black and the other is light green, it hangs down to her breasts. She's got bangs that are long and seem to poke her eyes. She has big black gages in her ears and a bull nose ring. Her nails are long and painted black. Her eyes are a honey color. Her skin a pale white

"Welcome to Whispering Bamboo. Here or to go." She says without breathing in a monotone voice. She blows a bubble of pink. Her name tag reads Nessa

"Uh two for here." The girl takes her time getting the menus then we follow her into the walled room. There is a room with walls, and then you have the main seating area. This area is mainly for couples, she must have assumed we were, but then I realised that we were holding hands. She seated us, put the menus on the table and took our drink order. Then she left. I had watched Devin the whole time, I could tell that she was secretly judging her, but so was I. She gave me the willies.

"So, tomorrow your going to teach me how to cook, what if I taught you how to draw."

"Seems fair."

"What do you want to learn to do?"

"A face."

"Okay. We can try that and if it's too hard then-"

"It can't be that hard. I know the basics, I just don't know how to make them come alive like you do."

(*)-Devin

WOW! He had given me a compliment. It felt good. I had kept my drawing a secret from everyone because I didn't think that I was good enough.

"Thanks. And okay. I will teach you."

"Great! Tomorrow will be fun." He replied with a smile, then our drinks came. We gave her our order. It was nice here, it was calm and cozy. I think we were in the couple section as the tables were father apart and we each had our own section, some were sharing bowls of soup, some were talking quietly, and one couple in the back was busy making out. I quickly turned away. But it reminded me to bring up a certain topic.

"So, not to bring this up, but I, well about that night. I'm sorry if it seemed like I was childish." He glanced up at me slowly, redness creeping slowly across his cheeks.

"I-it's okay. I'm the one who should be apologizing, it was me who went too far. You shouldn't feel bad at all." He replied, reaching across to rub my hand.

"I know, but I still feel bad."

"Well you have no need to. You weren't ready and I appreciate your honesty and your willingness to tell me right away." He smiled at, and boy did that smile make me feel better. I nodded my head and took a sip of my Dr. Pepper. We sat awkwardly until the food came. I think he wanted to say more, but we were un public and it didn't feel right.

"Wow! Does this look good! So, what did you order for us?"

(*)-Thomas

"Let's see, the white rice one with the green in the middle is a california roll, it has cucumber, crab and avocado. The next one is a Philadelphia Roll. It has Salmon, avocado, cream cheese in it.The next one over is Dragon Roll, which has Eel, crab, cucumber / avocado on the inside and on the outside is an eel sauce." She scrunched her nose up

"Ewww! Eel?"

"Yeah, you don't actually taste." I saw her gulp

"Well okay, if you say so." I continued on

"And the last one is a Spider Roll. Which is a soft-shell crab tempura, cucumber, avocado, spicy mayo"

"That one sounds good!

"Okay." I picked one up and set it onto her plate. I put a California roll and a Dragon roll on mine. She picked it up delicalty and sniffed it

"Oooo that smells amazing!" Then she took a bite. "OMG! This is I don't even know how to describe it!"

"Well good." I chuckled and tucked away my phone. Yes, I had secretly filmed her, I wanted it for my memories. We ate peacefully, and conversation flowed. I ended up eating the last couple pieces because she had eaten too fast in the beginning. She insisted that she pay half, so I let her. Then instead of going home, I took her to the amusement park. It was shut down for the night, but I wanted to take her on the ferris wheel

"Um are you sure we're allowed to be in here?" She asked as I picked the lock on the gate.

"Yep. I promise." I replied in a joking voice as I swung it open. I walked through and turned to look at her "Do you trust me?" She pretended to think about it, but then a grin crossed her features, she curtsied and held out her hand. I bowed and kissed her hand which was a little cold to the touch. I then pulled her through the gate and we half ran half walked to the ferris wheel.

(*)-Devin

He set me on the bench and then turned a crank, the ferris wheel came alive with light. I gasped at the beautiful sight. He climbed in with me and had a remote controler in his hand.

"The best thing about his one is you can start it remotely too." He closed the door on the bench and started us up. I clung tight to him as we went backwards to go upwards. He stopped us at the top by the twinkling stars. Our breath a white vapor in the cold air. I looked about, you could see everything from this height.

"It's beautiful." I turned towards him, the lights casted a warm glow on his face. I couldn't help myself, I had such a pull towards him, like a magnetic force pulling us closer. We locked lips, I put my fingers through his hair, and he put my hair behind my ears. We kissed harder and harder, he picked me up and set me on his lap, his hands moving up and down my body. I felt us jerk, I pulled apart, we were both breathing heavily. When I looked, he was bringing us down. We stared into each others eyes until we were at the bottom. I slid off and went back to my side. He got up and unlocked our door. Then he turned off the ferris wheel. We were plunged into darkness, our only light the moon and then

"HEY you there!" We turned to see lights coming our way

"Stay where you are." Another voice sounded. I felt a strong hand grab mine and a voice whisper in my ear.

"When I say the word, you are going to run." They started to come closer and then I heard the word run, I didn't even think, I just let my legs move. I heard heavy footsteps behind me, and then I was pulled down onto my back. I put my arms up to shield myself, but nothing happened, I heard grunting, I stood up, but didn't look back I just kept going. Suddenly I was picked up off my feet and carried bridal style.

"HEY! Let me go."

"Nope, not till we get to the car." I heard Thomas's voice, but it was coming out in pants. Soon we were through the gate. He set me down and we ran to the car, he unlocked it as we got closer. We threw open our doors and dove in, he turned the key and we peeled out of there.

"What the hell just happened?"

"What happened was we almost got caught. But you were with me, so we didn't."

"Yeah, I sure am glad that I was with you." Nothing was mentioned about what had just happened on the ferris wheel even when we got home. I decided to take a shower, it would help give us some space to think and for me to get myself together. Letting the water wash over me, I processed what had just happened. I couldn't believe that I was the one to initiate the kiss. I didn't know what was wrong with me, it must have been the moon taking effect on me. Whatever the reason, it gave me confidence once again that I had made the right choice in moving in. The whole almost getting caught scared me, but I knew that he had had a plan to keep me and him safe.

(*)-Thomas

While she showered I made some tea, I let myself get lost in thought. I had almost done it again, but then again, she was the one who had started, but that moonlight was giving her a sexy glow and I couldn't help myself after she started. And then when the guards came, that scared me bad, I hoped that it hadn't freaked her out too badly. The singing teapot brought me to reality. I took it off the stove and poured the water into two black enamel mugs, then I put in the peppermint tea bags and let them sit. She came out of the bathroom with her hair wrapped up in her towel.

"Smells good." We sat at the table and played checkers.

"Did you have fun today?"

"Yes. I did. Thank you."

"Uh huh. So I'll put your application in the mail tomorrow. Hopefully it will get to them fast."

"Yeah. If it doesn't, that's fine too. I don't have a car to drive there anyways." I frowned at this.

"That's right. We left your car at your sisters. Well, how about taking a trip tomorrow to pick it up."

"Really!?" She asked excitedly.

"Yeah. That way you can see your sister, but you'll also have a little bit of home with you."

"That would be great. King me!" She said all at once that it took me a little bit to realize that she had said it.

"Aww come on."

"What? It's only one of them so far. And your guy right here is so close."

"I suppose. And now with this little move, I too have a king me." She kinged my piece and then took her turn. She was surprisingly good for a first learner.

"Did- did you and Tori play a lot of games?"

"Usually just on the weekends. We were always busy. It was only after she died that I took a full time position at work."

"I see. Well, I'll try not to be too boring." I chuckled

"You're not, don't worry. I have fun with you don't I."

"Yeah, I think so. But seriously, if I'm ever boring let me know! I'll think of things we can do." She replied reaching my side again.

"Sure, but you never will be. I know that for a fact." I didn't know why she was so worried. Maybe she thought that if she wasn't as fun as Tori we would break up? I don't know. A couple minutes later the game ended, she won. We finished our tea brushed our teeth, said goodnight and went to bed. I told her not to worry about a specific time for waking up, to just sleep until your body naturally wakes up. It was a good day. I learned that she loved sushi and was a good drawer. I was hoping to learn all about her before christmas so that I could get her the perfect gift, I already had one, but I didn't think that it was big enough. I went to sleep with a smile on my face, something I rarely did.

(*)-Devin

As I climbed under the covers I thought about all that had happened today. It was a good day. I loved everything we did. I don't know why I found myself comparing myself to Tori, I just wanted to find out what they had done so that I could try to do the same. But also, I was trying to find out more anout her to see what kind of a person she was. I knew I needed to be myself, but if there was a specific trait that he liked, maybe I could copy it and then it would be like she was still here. Not that I could ever replace her, but it's the thought that counts. My last thought before sleep overcame me was out kiss on the ferris wheel, I couldn't seem to block it out of my thoughts. It was such a beautiful moment, a moment that I hope to remember for a long time. A moment that I wouldn't want to ever change no matter what. A moment that hopefully would help me get comfortable doing to help me get one step closer to what I knew he wanted.