Even later that day so nighttime now...

     "Ugh," I groaned. "Jay?..," I said my voice trailing off. A few seconds of silence passed. I wasn't sure if he was still there,so,I said his name one more time."Jay,.."

    This time he answered. I was starting to get worried. "It's so dark," I thought to myself. "I was about to go find you," I said quietly. "Oh," he muttered. "Can I turn on the lights?,"he asked, walking in the living room,where I was currently sitting on the couch, staring at the blazing orange fire in front of me.  

    "No," I answered. "OK,"he replied. I saw the outline of him by the firelight,as he slowly made his way in the living room, and he sat down beside me. We both sat there, staring into the flames.

**************************************************

Even later that day...

    As I stared into the flames, I couldn't help but call to mind the look on Ari's face as she ripped her arm from my hand. "Jay." I said quietly. "I'm here," he said, sinking down beside me. "What did I do wrong," I squeaked, burying my face in his shoulder. "Nothing Rose," he replied, smoothing my hair, "Some dogs forget how to be grateful for what they have." "What do you mean,dogs?" I asked feeling like I should defend Ari. Jay froze. All was quiet for a few  moments except the crackle of the fire. "You mean, she hasn't told you?" he said, his voice soft. I jerked my head up from the spot on his shoulder. "Told me what?" Jay said nothing. "Told me what," I asked again. I looked at him and realized something. In the time he had been here, Jay had never looked uncomfortable. Now he did. "Uh..." he said, lost or words but not wanting to give me an answer."I'm waiting,"  I said, starting to lose patience.