Second Chances and Open Skies

Luke nodded, "Tyler. He is eleven. He was a 'oops' baby. And now I'm raising him since Dad's sick."

"What about your mom?" Chris asked.

Luke frowned, "She died."

8u8

Ben nodded, "True but it's not like you were sober."

"I'm so sorry." Chris said.

"It's okay it was a long time ago." Luke winced slightly, "You're going to love where I'm taking you." He turned onto a dirt road.

*&*

Jade sighed, "So what'd you make me for dinner?"

Chris knew he didn't want to dwell on his mother's death so she let it go, "Really? Where we going?"

878

"You'll see. It's your favorite...from when you were like 13." He laughed.

"Somewhere beautiful." Luke smiled.

*&*

Jade smiled slightly and walked into the kitchen.

She laughed, "So I'm guessing this is a surprise ans you won't tell."

878


She turned to him when he walked in behind her, "How could you possibly remember that my favorite food is filet mignon, romaine salad and baked potato?"

"I am in love?" He joked lamely.

"Basically." Luke laughed.

"Lucky for you, I'm patient."

*&*

Jade smiled, "Thank you. This was really thoughtful."

Luke laughed, "I'm just lucky that you would actually come with me."

9989

Ben nodded and made them plates. Halfway through he looked at her, "Was it thoughtful enough to get some?"

Jade rolled her eyes, "No."

"I like you." Chris said.

*&*

"I was only kidding!"

Luke smiled, "I like you."

*&*&*

"well, in that case, the answer may be yes." she laughed.

They kept driving until they reached a beautiful clearing with a lake surrounded by mountains.

*&*

"Not fair." Ben laughed.

Chris's breath was taken away by the beauty.

878

She smiled at him, "Ben, it's not okay what we did."

"You like it?" Luke stopped the car.

"It's beautiful!" She smiled.

*&*

"I know." Ben said. Jade raised an eyebrow, "But I'm just saying now technically you're not together. So anything is okay."

He was glad she liked it. He'd never personally taken a girl he liked up here.

*&*

Jade sighed and looked at him, "I know you didnt just come down here to try and get in my pants. What's the real reason you left New York?"

He opened her car down and she smiled. He was such a gentleman.

*&*

"Things were crazy and messed up. We needed to get away. I made some mistakes." Ben sighed.

She knew already that he was a keeper.

U*&*&U

She rolled her eyes, "Elaborate on the mistakes!"

Ben shook his head 'no'.

"Whatever. I'm going to bed." She stood up and started toward the door.

"I'm just not ready, okay?" He snapped.

They sat on the grass in the field for a few moments just kind of taking it all in.

*&*

Jade stopped and sighed, "Okay. Let's eat."

"This is just amazing." She told him as she leaned into his side.

*(8

"Now I'm not hungry." He replied angrily. He stood up and started putting the leftovers away. He was shaking slightly.

"I'm glad you like it." Luke smiled.

(*)

"I didn't mean to offend you..." Jade muttered.

"I am too." She replied as she leaned towards him for a kiss.

(*(

"It's not you." He replied as he rinsed off dishes. Jade walked over, confused, and wrapped her arms around him.

"It's okay to be sad." She whispered as she pulled him close.

"I'm not sad. I'm fucking heartbroken and devastated." He replied as he embraced her. He just wanted to forget.

Luke kissed her. "Never knew I liked city girls." He teased.

***

Jade just held him for a while.

She smirked, "The same could be said for me."

*&*

She had never seen Ben so upset. Granted the last time he'd seen her was for about ten seconds when she flew to NYC one summer.

"Want to swim in the lake?" Luke asked.

***

She kissed his cheek.

"Uhm...where did I put my bathing suit?" She laughed.

*&

Ben sighed, "Come cuddle me. I know this'll sound gay but I just want YOU to hold me."

"It's in the truck." Luke smiled and they went to get changed. He turned around as she changed, like a gentleman.

*&*

"Okay." Jade smiled slightly and led him to the bedroom.

She appreciated it.

(*(

They laid down and began watching The Crazies.