"Bite Me" part two

[Snowfall]

That was really great!!!

[turtle63102]

The next afternoon CD waited for Nate to get back form the doctor’s office. His cold had gotten really bad, and the cold medicine wasn’t helping. She couldn’t wait to tell him the good news. She had set the perfect setting to tell him: a roaring fire, soft music on and a table of sweets. As CD watched a Full House rerun on t.v. Nate came in. CD turned off the t.v. and raced over to Nate.
“Hey, baby.” she said as she leaned in for a kiss. Nate pushed her off.
“No, CD. The doctor says I’m contagious.” he said. He took off his coat and hung it up.
“Nate, come over here and have something to eat.” CD said as she took his hand and lead him to the table.
“CD, I’m tired, I’m sick, I want to go to sleep.” he said groggily.
“Nate, I have some news. You’ll probably want to be awake for this.” she grinned.

“Can this wait? I am really tired.” he said as he changed into his pajamas.
“No, Nate. It can’t wait. Why don’t you come sit in front of the fire.” she said.
“I don’t want to sit in front of the fire. Now will you spit out what is so important already?” he asked as he sat down on the foot of the bed. CD looked at him. He wasn’t in the mood for this anyway. He was ruining it for her. CD shook her head.
“It doesn’t matter, I’ll tell you later.” she said.
“Just tell me.” he said as he stood up.
“No.” she said angrily as she cleaned off the table.
“Geeze, CD. Just tell me already. Why do you have to be so difficult?” he said angrily. CD put down what she was doing and turned to look at Nate.
“Because that’s how pregnant women act!” she shouted. Then she ran into the bathroom and locked the door.

Nate chased after her but soon realized she had locked the door. He repeatedly knocked on it.
“CD? CD! Open the door! Please?” he begged.
“No!” he heard CD say as she sobbed.
“Baby, I’m sorry! Open the door.” he said. After a minute of silence he stopped knocking. As he took a step away from the door he heard the it click. He turned around to see CD open the door. He ran over to her and hugged her.
“You’re pregnant? You’re really pregnant?” he asked. CD started laughing.
“Yes, the test was positive. I’m pregnant!” she squealed after she had pulled away from the hug.
“How long have you known?” he asked as he lead CD to a chair.
“Since last night. I couldn’t wait to tell you.” she said. They sat there in silence soaking up the moment.
“I love you, CD.” Nate broke the silence.
“I love you too.” she grinned

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Okay, so I know it's short but it's all I have written.

[turtle63102]

Raina couldn’t believe how fast she had fallen in love with Michael. It was almost a month since they had first met. He was perfect. Well, almost. He was still on this whole “let’s just be friends.” thing. Raina understood he had just lost his wife, but he had said they were already separated when she died. Raina wanted him to hurry up and finish mourning already! That evening she had Michael over to her house for dinner. She had set a table lit by candlelight and made pasta. She was wearing a cute little black dress. Tonight was the night they would become truthful about their feelings, she knew it. As she put on some soft music, she heard a knock on the door.

“Hey.” she said with a grin as she answered the door. Raina leaned in for a kiss but Michael turned it into a hug. Raina rolled her eyes.
“Raina, I can’t see a dang thing.” he said as he turned the lights on ruining the romantic setting the candles gave. Raina tried to let that not bother her.
“The table is beautiful.” Michael said as Raina brought the pasta over to the table. Michael immediately dove into the food.
“So, how was your day?” Raina asked.
“Hey, Raina? Can I have some water?” he asked as he nodded towards the wine. “I have to drive home, you know.”
“Sure.” she said as she poured him some water. “But you know, you can spend the night if you want, I don’t mind.”

“What good would that do? None of my stuff is here.” he said.
“Here’s your water.” she said as she put a glass of water in front of him. Raina was getting more and more upset, and it was starting to show.
“Raina, you seem upset. How about a massage?” Michael asked. Raina smiled.
“That would be awesome, thanks.”
“Cool. I know this really nice place that my sister goes to. I’ll tell her to call you and tell you all about it.” he said.
“Oh, that’s just.....awesome.” Raina said through gritted teeth.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack scanned all the jewelry cases with his eyes. He was looking for an engagement ring for Jinny. It fault odd to be preparing to propose again, but here he was. And he had to get her a perfect ring.
“Can I help you?” he heard a woman’s voice say.
“Maybe in a minute. I’m still looking.” Jack said. As he looked up at the women who had spoken he noticed she looked a little familiar. “Do I know you?” he asked.
“I’m Dr. Debbie. Jinny’s doctor.” she smiled.
“Oh, yeah.” Jack said. “I’m just doing some shopping.”
“My husband owns this place, I’m just helping him out.” Dr. Debbie explained to a disinterested Jack.
“Who’s the lucky girl? I noticed that you’re looking at rings.” Debbie said.
“Oh, well. Can you keep a secret?” Jack asked worriedly.
“I’m a doctor. Confidentially is my specialty.” she smiled.

“I’m going to propose to Jinny.” Jack said with a big grin. Dr. Debbie cheered and applauded.
“Finally! I thought it would never happen.” she said. Then her smile faded to a serious expression. “If you need me I’ll be in the backroom.” Jack just nodded as Dr. Debbie disappeared through a door. Then he went back to looking at the ring display.

Jinny sat on the floor of MacKenzie’s room playing with MacKenzie. Just then the phone rang. Jinny got up to answer it.
“Hello?”
“Hello, Jinny. It is I, Dr. Debbie.” a cheerful voice rang through the phone. Jinny groaned.
“Hello, Dr. Debbie. How you doing?” Jinny tried to sound pleased to hear from her.
“Not as well as you.” Dr. Debbie said.
“How’s that?” Jinny asked.
“Jack is at my husband’s jewelry store, right now, looking for an engagement.” Jinny’s heart leapt.
“Oh really? For whom?”
“For you, silly.” Dr. Debbie shook her head. Good thing Jinny didn’t decide to become a doctor. She wasn’t very smart.
“Ar-are you sure?” Jinny asked.
“Yeah, he just admitted it to me! Oh, I got to go, he wants to purchase one. You’re so lucky!” and then Dr. Debbie hung up. Jinny stood there for a moment. Did she want to marry Jack again? Was it the right thing to do? Should she just do it for MacKenzie?

[Swimgirl587]

That was really good..keep up the good work..

LUV IT!!

[turtle63102]

It was the day before Christmas eve, and Jinny was becoming more and more worried. Jack hadn’t proposed yet, and Jinny feared that he had changed his mind. What if he had? She still wasn’t sure if she would say yes or not. They had a kid together, yes. But they had already tried the marriage thing. What if it ended in divorce, again? Jinny kept thinking this over and over as she made dinner. Just then Jack came home.
“Hey, baby. That smells good.” Jack said as he came over and gave Jinny a kiss on the cheek.
“Thanks.” she grinned as she turned around to look at him.
“Jinny,” Jack began. “I have something to ask you.”
“Oh, really?” Jinny asked as she extended her hand towards him so he could put the ring on it.
“Um, yeah.” Jack said as he stared awkwardly at her hand. Jinny grinned. She hadn’t been sure before, but she was sure now. Jack was the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with.

“Do you think you could get a babysitter for MacKenzie tomorrow night? I know it’s Christmas eve, and a babysitter will be really expensive, but I think it will be worth it.” he smiled.
“Oh.” Jinny said as she withdrew her hand. “Sure, I’ll try to get a babysitter.” she was disappointed. He hadn’t proposed. But he had said tomorrow night was important. Maybe he was going to propose on Christmas eve. How romantic! Jinny ran to the phone to find a babysitter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, so short, I know. But I've been busy- sorry! I'll psot more soon.
Merry Christmas, everybody!

[turtle63102]

The next evening Jinny and Jack went out for dinner. It was gorgeous. A jazz orchestra played Christmas carols. The wine was great, and Jinny was enjoying eager for Jack to propose. She had decided that when Jack proposed that she would say yes. After all, she had loved him at one time and she suspected that she had never stopped loving him. It would work out perfect. They wouldn’t have a Rachel/Ross thing going on anymore and MacKenzie would grow up with her father in her life. All that was left was for Jack to ask the big question. He had already purchased the ring and Jinny couldn’t imagine a more beautiful place to get engaged then where they were dining.

But when during the meal was he going to ask her? How would he ask her? How would he present the ring? Just then their waitress brought them the food.
“Jinny, are you okay? You’ve been a bit quiet.” Jack asked her.
“What?” Jinny looked at him startled. She had been thinking so hard about how he was going to propose that she hadn’t heard a word he’d said since they left home. She smiled.
“No, I’m fine. Perfectly fine.” she assured him. Jack just nodded and started to eat his food. Jinny ignored her food still concentrating on the proposal.
“Jack?” she asked.
“Yes?” he asked with a mouthful of food.
“Is there anything in particular that you wanted to discuss? Perhaps while you knelt on one knee?” she asked. Jack shook his head.
“I don’t think so.” he said as he washed down his food with his water. Jinny looked down at her food angrily. Maybe Dr. Debbie had been wrong Maybe Jack wasn’t going to propose. Maybe the ring was for another woman! Jinny shook her head. That was a silly thought. Jack spent all his free time with her and the baby.

Just then Jinny realized that Jack may have had the ring hidden in her food. Jinny hastily lifted her fork and dissected her meal. Carefully she moved all her food around until she was certain that everything there was edible. Jack cleared his throat. Jinny looked up.
“Are you sure you’re okay? You haven’t taken one bite of your food.” he said. Jinny noticed he had finished eating and realized how long it had taken her to look for the ring.
“Um, I’m not that hungry.” she said as she pushed the plate away from herself. “Why don’t we just order dessert?” she suggested.
“Dessert. That sounds like a good idea.” Jack said. A waitress walked by and Jack ordered a chocolate mousse for the both of them.
“Ooh, chocolate mousse.” Jinny said after the waitress walked away with the orders. “Is there a reason you wanted me to have chocolate mousse?”
“No, no reason.” Jack simply said. Just then his napkin fell to the ground. He knelt down on one knee to pick it up. As he looked up he saw Jinny had an ecstatic expression on her face.
“Jinny?” he asked worriedly.
“Yes!” she shouted. “Yes Jack!”
“Yes what?” he asked as he sat back down in his seat. Jinny noticed that he didn’t give her the ring and that he had retrieved a napkin. Perhaps he wasn’t proposing quite yet.
“Um, I’m going to go the bathroom.” she said.

As soon as Jinny was safely inside the women’s restroom she took out her cell phone from her purse. She tried to call Magda but there was no answer. Frustrated she called Raina. She didn’t know who else to call.
“Hello?” Raina answered.
“Hi, it’s Jinny.”
“Jinny, I am so glad you called. I am having some man problems. I’m out with Michael and he isn’t getting that I’m trying to seduce him. He is in the bathroom right now and I need advice quick.” Raina said.
“I’m having man problems too. I was sure that Jack was going to propose to me tonight but it isn’t happening.” Jinny said.
“Propose? Are you sure you’re ready for marriage again?” Raina asked surprised.
“Yes, I’m positive. You have no idea how positive I am.” Jinny said.

“Okay, wait till the end of the evening and if he hasn’t proposed yet then you propose.” Raina suggested.
“The girl propose? Raina, I can’t do that. It is so tacky.” Jinny said as she made a face.
“Hey now, Lorelai from Gilmore Girls proposed to Luke. Lorelai isn’t tacky.” Raina defended her suggestion.
“I guess....” Jinny trailed off.
“Okay I fixed your problem now you fix mine.” Raina quickly said in fear that Michael would soon be back.
“You said you’re trying to seduce him?”
“Yes.”
“Have put your legs in a triangle and smoked a cigarette?” Jinny joked.
“Jinny, this isn’t some movie. This is my life. Now I fixed your problem so you fix MINE!” Raina shouted into the phone. Everyone in the restaurant looked at her.
“Okay, okay. We’ll figure something out. Look, why don’t you get the two of you out the restaurant and go somewhere quiet. Maybe your place. Put on some music, light some candles. You know, the works.” Jinny said.
“I’ve tried it, it hasn’t worked.” Raina complained.
“Raina, are you sure he isn’t gay?” Jinny asked.
“Yes, I’m sure. Oh shoot here he comes. I’ll call you later. Good luck with Jack!” Raina said.
“Good luck seducing your man!” Jinny said before she hung up. She took a look at herself in the mirror then walked out the door determined to be engaged by the end of the night one way or another.

[turtle63102]

“Ready for dessert?” Michael asked as he sat back down. Raina gave him a polite smile.
“Actually, it’s getting kind of crowded. How about we go somewhere more private?” she suggested.
“Sure.” Michael shrugged. “Check, please.” he said to the waiter. “What do to you have in mind?” he asked Raina.
“How about your place?” she asked.
“What?” he asked with a slight hint of panic in his voice.
“Come on, I’ve been over to your sisters house, but never to your apartment. It will be fun.” she said.
“Raina, I lost everything with Katrina. All I have is a mattress and a fridge.” he said. That’s all we need. Raina thought to herself.
“So what?” She asked. “I really want to see it. If it’s as bad as you make it out to be, we can go to my place.” she said.

“I don’t know...” Michael said as he handed his credit cared to the waiter.
“Please?” Raina asked. Then she gave him her biggest smile, the one that shows most of her teeth and even gives her two small dimples in the apple of her cheeks.
“I can’t think of a reason not to.” he said.
“Yay!” Raina said as she bounced in her seat.
“Yay.” Michael echoed, in a much less enthusiastic tone. Raina pretended not to notice.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Jinny walked back to her table she noticed Jack had already begun to eat his chocolate mousse.
“Thanks for waiting.” she said sarcastically as she dropped into her chair.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Jack apologized as he wiped his face with his napkin.
“No, it’s okay.” Jinny said as she brushed her hair out of her face. “Sorry I took so long in the bathroom.” she said as she picked up her spoon and began to search for a ring in her mousse. A ring she hoped was an engagement ring from Jack. “Raina called my cell. She’s having man problems.”
“It’s fine.” Jack said as he sipped his water.
“You know how those things are.” Jinny continued. “She wants him to commit, and he’s just like a male. Incapable of commitment.” she said.
“I disagree.”
“Really?” Jinny asked.
“Yeah. I mean, he’s been married before, right? That obviously shows he’s not afraid of commitment.” Jack said as he finished his last spoonful of mousse. Jinny sighed as her search for a ring continued.

“Yeah, he’s been married before. But maybe he changed. Maybe the last relationship was so messed up, and his ex wife treated him so badly, that now he’s scarred for life.”
“No.” Jack said as he shook his head. “I don’t think it screwed up this guy one bit. If anything it probably made him stronger.” Jinny smiled. She hadn’t found a ring, but she knew they were no longer talking about Raina and Michael. She put her spoon down.
“Okay, let’s go with your theory. Maybe he is really into Raina now, and wants to propose. Shouldn’t he at least give her a hint that it’s coming? So she can you know, mentally prepare for the moment?”
“Of course not.” Jack said as he leaned against the back of his seat. “It would be better if he gave no hints, and it was a total surprise.” Jinny frowned.
“Okay, well he hasn’t given any hints. At least, Raina doesn’t think so. But for some odd reason, she has a feeling he’s going to. Shouldn’t he just come out and propose already, and put her out of her misery?”

“Misery?” Jack repeated as he sat up and leaned his elbows on the table. “It shouldn’t be misery. If she knows he’s going to propose, then this should be the most romantic time of her life. If she knows, it’s probably because Michael let something slip so she’d know. And now probably Michael is taking her to fancy restaurants or something, trying to find the perfect moment to pop the question.” just then a violinist walked over to them as he played I’ll be home for Christmas.
“The perfect moment?” Jinny asked as she leaned her elbows on the table.
“Yes.”
“So that’s what’s taking Michael so long? He’s waiting for the perfect moment?” she said as she leaned closer to Jack. Jack nodded and smiled. As he smiled Jinny felt her insides melt. Jinny didn’t particularly care to have her insides melt, but if it’s because Jack was proposing she didn’t mind. And this had to be when he was proposing, hadn’t it? After all, it was the perfect moment. They had just finished a nice meal lit by candle lite. Now they were inches apart, and had a violinist playing romantic music. How could it be better then that? Jinny smiled expectantly. After a second Jack leaned back again.
“Well,” he said. “If you’re done eating then we should probably go. The babysitter is going to cost us a fortune.”
“Oh.” Jinny said as she looked down at the mousse she had made a mess of looking for the stupid ring. Even though she hadn’t eaten a thing, she wasn’t hungry. She had lost her appetite. “Yeah, let’s go.”

[turtle63102]

Nate and CD laid in bed watching the fire crackle and pop. It was only ten, but CD was very tired from the pregnancy and Nate wanted to be supportive so he went to bed when she did.
“Are you awake?” Nate whispered as he ran his hand through her hair.
“Yeah.” she said as she kept her eyes intently on the fire. Nate leaned over her side to see her face.
“Where’s your head at?” he asked. She looked at him. He could see that some tears had begun to fill in her eyes. “What’s wrong?” he asked worriedly.
“What if... we aren’t good parents?” she asked slowly as a tear wound down her cheek. Nate smiled.
“Is that all?” he asked. CD immediately sat up.
“Is that all?” she repeated. “Is that all? Nate, this is a huge deal. We are going to be parents in less then seven months.” she said as she put one of her hands on her stomach.

“I know, that’s why we don’t need to worry about it. We have seven months.”
“Six and a half months.” CD corrected him. “If we can’t even remember how old our unborn child is then how can we possibly take care of a born one?” CD asked.
“CD, we don’t have to remember how old the baby is after it’s born. That’s what birth certificates are for. To remind us when are kids were born.” Nate could see CD’s expression through the light the fire gave off. He knew he was in trouble.
“This isn’t a joke, Nate. Don’t you ever think about our future? What it’s going to be like after the baby is born?”
“Of course I think about it.” Nate said as he sat next to her so he was no longer facing her. “I think about it all the time. Sometimes it’s all I think about.” he said as he ran his hands through his hair. “I mean, it’s a whole other human being. One that we desperately wanted to bring to the world. And now that we are, what happens if we are a disappointment as parents? What happens if we teach it the wrong values? What happens if it hates us? What happens if it becomes a mass murderer?” Nate’s chest heaved when he finished. CD sat there for a second processing all the information that Nate had just given her.
“I was actually more worried about putting it on solids too early.” CD said. Nate looked at her. “But now I’m worried. I mean, what happens if you’re right? What happens if it does hate us?” CD asked.

“Sshh.” Nate said as he put his arm around her. “Every time I start to think negatively like that, I remember one thing: We want this baby. We really want. And we love it. We’re going to love it even more -if that’s humanly possible- after it comes out of you. And then I calm down.” Nate said. CD smiled and ran her hand up and down his arm.
“You’re right.” she said. “So now there’s only one problem.” she said after a minute.
“What’s that?” Nate asked as he kissed the top of her head.
“Was she hot?”
“Was who hot?” Nate asked as he kissed her forehead.
“That twit that worked at the division while I was kidnaped. Was she hot?” CD asked.
“Stacey wasn’t hot.” Nate said as he kissed her cheek.
“Was she cute?” CD pressed on. Nate ignored her question and kissed her lips. After a few seconds of intense kissing CD pulled away.
“Don’t think you can get my mind of Stacey just because you’re kissing me.” Nate ignored the comment and kissed her even harder. CD pulled away for a breath
“Oh, what the hell.” she said as she pulled his shirt off.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So this is your apartment?” Raina asked after Michael opened the door for her.
“Yup.” he said after he turned the lights on. “Nothing fancy.” Raina looked around. It was a studio apartment. He had a mattress in the middle of the floor where Raina knew a couch should be. Several feet behind the mattress was an island, and behind the island was the kitchen. The kitchen had a fridge, a stove and a sink. The island had one lone barstool. Next to the kitchen area was two doors. One was a closet, and the other lead to the bathroom.
“I think it’s charming.” Raina said. Michael smiled.
“Thanks.” he said. “Listen, I had a lot to drink at the restaurant so I’m going to the bathroom.” Raina smiled and nodded.
“I’ll be here.” she said. Afer Michael left the room Raina noticed a dresser in a dark corner of the room. She walked over to it. There was nothing on the top of the dresser except some candles.

How romantic! I’ll light some candles. Raina thought to herself. She walked into the kitchen to find some matches but she couldn’t find any. There hadn’t been any on top of the dresser with the candles, so there must have been some in the dresser itself. She walked over and opened the top drawer. There was nothing in there but shirts. She closed it and opened the second one. Raina’s eyes widened as she realized what she was seeing. She held up the picture frame containing the picture of Michael and a pretty woman. As she held it up she noticed the frame had been hiding something: an album. Raina opened the alum which displayed dozens of pictures of Michael with the same woman, who happened to be in a wedding dress. Raina looked down in the drawer to see if there was anything else. There were the matches.
“What are you doing?” Michael asked. Raina whirled around.
“I was looking for matches for the candles.” Raina defended herself. Suddenly she realized that she shouldn’t have to defend herself.

Michael took the album from her hands and shoved back into the drawer which he immediately slammed closed.
“So, you like my apartment?” he smiled slightly.
“She’s you’re wife, isn’t she?” Raina felt her throat choke up. Michael nodded solemnly.
“You said that the hurricane took everything.” Raina said. Michael looked down.
“I’m sorry.” he said softly. “But I didn’t lie. Not really.” he said looking up.
“You didn’t lie? You said that hurricane Katrina took everything!” Raina shouted as her vision clouded over with tears. "Everything includes wedding photos."
“But I still didn’t lie. The flood crew just got to her apartment last week. Remember how I said we were separated? Well she took our apartment and I was with my parents. But Kendra, my wife, had a lot of our pictures in a water proof box. I was going to tell you, it’s just,” Michael paused as he squeezed his eyes shut. “It still hurts so much.” he slowly opened his eyes to see Raina crying.
“Are you still in love with her?” Raina asked.
“I know I said that I only wanted to be friends with you. But I think I have more then friendly feelings for you.” Michael said as he took a step towards Raina. Raina took a step backwards.

“You didn’t answer my question.” Raina said, her voice revealing her pain.
“How can I still be in love with her if I have feelings for you?” Michael said with a soft smile.
“Michael,” Raina cried. “You’re not listening to me. Are you still in love with her?” Michael looked down and nodded, unable to make eye contact with her. Raina felt as if she had been punched. She sank down on top of the mattress.
“Then why were you separated?” she asked. Michael looked down at her, still not making eye contact.
“It was her idea.” he shrugged. “And I thought I was over her until I found out that she kept our wedding photos. But don’t you understand? She didn’t want to divorce me because if she had, she wouldn’t have kept the photos!” he said excitedly. Raina stood back up, her eye liner running leaving a deep pool of black underneath her eyes.

“It doesn’t mean she didn’t want to divorce you, Michael. It means she didn’t want to destroy or discard her wedding photos.” Michael shook his head.
“I can’t believe that. I know Kendra. If she had really made up her mind to keep me out of her life she would have gotten rid of those photos.” he said.
“But she’s DEAD!” Raina shouted, her voice shaking. She took a step towards him and held on to his arm. “But I’m not; I’m alive. And I’m right here. Now I’m ready to be with you, but I can’t be number two in your life to a dead woman. I can’t be a Rebecca.” Raina said.
“Who?” Michael asked.
“It’s just an old movie.” she said shaking her head. “It doesn’t make a difference. “But I need you to make a decision. Me, or her.” Raina let go of his arm and stepped back. She wanted to watch his expression. He shoved his hand in his pockets and looked down. Raina felt her heart fall to the pit of her stomach.
“Okay.” she said nodding. Then I guess I’ll be going.” Raina hurried out the door and Michael watched her leave. He cringed as he shoved his fist through the wall.

[turtle63102]

OKay, this is my last post ever. It's going to be really long. I hope you like it. I know it took me forever to get here, but I loved writing tnhis fic. Enjoy!

“How’s MacKenzie?” Jack asked. Jinny had just come downstairs from checking on MacKenzie. Jack had just payed the babysitter and she was now on her way home.
“Sleeping peacefully with the vision of sugarplum’s dancing in her head.” Jinny smiled. Jack stood up from the fireplace; he had just made a fire. He put his arm around her shoulders.
“I could really go for some wine right now.” she said. Jack smiled.
“I have something better.” he said as he disappeared into the kitchen. When he re-entered the room he was carrying a tray with two mugs of steaming hot chocolate. Jinny smiled as she took a mug and sat down in front of the fire.
“How did you make hot chocolate pay the babysitter and make a fire while I was checking on MacKenzie?” she asked.
“I am a man of mystery.” he said as he sat down next to her. Jinny smiled as the heat of the fire warmed her face.
“Jinny,” Jack said softly. “I have something to ask you.” this was it. This was the moment Jinny had been waiting for. “Would you like to open our stockings early?” Jinny’s eyes narrowed.

“What?” she asked.
“I know you probably haven’t had the chance to put anything in mine, but that’s okay. I can wait until morning.” he said as he stood up and located her stocking. Through the window Jinny could see the snow coming down hard. How was it possible that Jinny’s head was thinking about marriage and Jack’s was thinking about presents? Jinny had changed so much. Jack sat down next to her excitedly.
“Here.” he said as he handed it to her. Jinny rolled her eyes.
“I don’t want to go through my stocking. It’s not even midnight.” she said. Jack shook his head.
“Doesn’t matter, I can’t wait any longer.”
“Well I can. Doesn’t it matter how I feel? After all, it is my gift.” she said angrily.
“Why are you so mad?” he asked. Jinny opened her mouth then immediately snapped it shut.
“Nothing.” she said looking down. Just then she noticed. Mariah Carey’s All I want for Christmas is you was playing on the stereo.


“Tell me.” he said tipping her chin up so she was looking at him again.
“I thought...” she said trying to hide then pain in her voice. “That you were going to propose to me tonight.” Jack let out a low whistle.
“You really think we’re ready for that again?” he asked. Jinny nodded solemnly.
“Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you, hon.” Jinny smiled meekly and shook her head.
“It’s okay.” she said.
“I know what will make you feel better.” he said handing her back her stocking. “Go ahead.” Jinny let out a small laugh as she put her hand into the stocking. She pulled out some chocolate.
“Chocolate, always good.” she said. Jack nodded. Next she pulled out a c.d. of her favorite band. She smiled and placed down besides her. She put her hand in and lead it all the way to the bottom. She pulled it back to see she had grabbed a small box. Her heart jumped as she opened it and saw a simple silver ring with a diamond centered in the middle.
“Jack,” she said. He took it from her and slipped it on her finger.
“Will you remarry me?” he asked. Jinny let out a small laugh and nodded. Jack grinned and leaned in to kiss her while Mariah sang her heart out.


The snow fell outside all of there homes that night. The snow fell as CD and Nate slept peacefully next to each other, dreaming of the greatest present they would ever receive, in just six and a half months.
The snow fell as Ross and Kate clinked whine glasses together to celebrate.
The snow fell as Jinny and Jack danced, Jinny constantly peaking over his shoulder to gaze at her ring.
The snow fell as Michael sat in an emergency room as a nurse bandaged his hand, even though he knew his heart needed it more.
The snow fell as Raina stood at her window watching it snow, wondering how she would ever be cheerful enough to face her parents the next day.
The snow fell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You are invited to a New Year’s Eve party!” CD said as she slapped an invitation in front of Jinny. Jinny picked it up.
“Cool. I’ll just have to see if I can get a babysitter for that night.” CD noticed a glimmer come from Jinny’s finger.
“Is that what I think it is?” CD asked. Jinny looked at it.
“Oh,” she said blushing. “Um, Jack and I are engaged.”
“Jinny! That’s awesome!” CD said. “Nate,” she shouted towards Nate’s desk. “Jinny and Jack are engaged!” Nate looked up.
“Oh, congrats.” Nate said with a nod of his head. Just then Kate left her office for a coffee refill.
“Cap, Jinny’s engaged!” CD shouted.
“That’s very nice to hear.” Kate said as she put some dry creamer into her mug.
“Jinny, I don’t need you to tell everyone about this, okay?” Jinny said with a low tone. CD rolled her eyes.

“I know that you won’t, and someone has to.” CD said as she looked around the office for Raina.
“How do you know I won’t tell anyone?” Jinny asked, her brow knit.
“Because,” CD said turning back to face Jinny whom was know standing. “You didn’t tell me. And telling everyone about your engagement isn’t really something you’re into.” normally, CD would respect Jinny’s wishes and back down. But this wasn’t the normal CD. And it wouldn’t be for another six and a half months. Jinny narrowed her eyes at CD.
“Fine,” she hissed. “Everyone? Can I have you’re attention?” she raised her voice. “I, Jinny Exstead, am engaged! See?” she asked raising her hand into the air, revealing her ring. “This is my ring, and I am getting married. We’ll be setting a date soon. And I will expect presents. Thank you for your time.” then she sat back down. “Now are you happy?” she said looking up at CD. CD shrugged and walked over to Kate.
“Cap, do you know where Raina is?” CD asked. Kate looked up from her coffee.
“She called in. She said she isn’t feeling too well. I told her to stay home until she feels better. It won’t do her any good to be on the streets with a cold.”

“Okay, thanks. And, here.” she said handing Kate an invitation to her New Years Eve party. “Bring Louis.” she said. Kate immediately jerked her head up.
“Um, Louis and I aren’t together anymore. Didn’t I tell you?” CD shook her head.
“No, you didn’t. But you don’t have to bring anyone. It’s fine.” Kate smiled.
“Oh, I’ll be bringing someone.” she said before she walked back into her office.
“Okay.” CD said smiling. “Nate, Captain got her a new man.” she said as she sat down at the desk in front of Nate’s.
“Cool.” he said not looking up from his paperwork. CD rolled her eyes.
“Nate, how come we never talk at work anymore?” Nate looked up at that comment.
“What do you mean? We talk.” he said.
“No, I talk and you just say ‘okay, cool’ to whatever I say. We used to talk all the time at work.” Nate smirked.
“That was before we got together. I talked to you to flirt with you. I don’t need to do that now that I married you and knocked you up.” he said. CD glared at him.
“That’s not funny.” her glare broke into a smile. “Okay, it sorta is.” Nate went back to work and CD picked up the phone. On the fifth ring the phone was answered on the other end.
“Hey Raina, it’s CD. I heard you’re sick and I was wondering if you wanted me to bring you some soup.” CD said. “What? Oh no, really? I’ll be right there.” CD said. Then she hung up. Nate looked up.
“Is something wrong?”
“Oh, so we don’t talk anymore but you’re still capable of eavesdropping?” CD asked as she put her coat on. Nate gave her a hard look. “Michael and Raina had a really nasty fight. Raina is devastated. I need to go check on her.” and with that CD ran out the door.

Raina’s apartment:

CD knocked on the door and was immediately greeted by a person that looked like Raina.
“Raina?” CD asked as she stepped into the apartment. Raina was in her bathrobe, her hair was a mess and her face obviously had dried tears covering it. Black smudges around Raina’s eyes told CD that Raina hadn’t taken her make-up off from the night of the fight.
“He’s still in love with his ex wife.” Raina said, clinging to a box of tissue.
“Oh, honey.” CD said taking Raina into a hug.
“I mean, I never thought I would the other woman, much less to a dead person!” she sobbed. CD ran her hand up and down Raina’s back.
“It’s okay.” CD said soothingly. “It’s going to be okay.”
“No, it’s not.” Raina said backing away from CD. “I am never going to feel like that for anyone else.”
“Raina, I didn’t mean it like that.” CD said holding her hands up. Raina eyes widened as she took in a deep breath.
“I’m sorry, I know you’re just trying to make me feel better.” she said dropping her tired body onto her couch. CD joined her at her side. “He’s actually told me that he was still in love with Kendra – that’s his dead wife. What kind of a half assed name is Kendra? Sounds like a playboy bunny.” Raina said miserably.
“Actually, I think it’s one of Hef’s girlfriends.” CD said. Raina looked at her. “Sorry. I know, not helping.” CD said as she brushed Raina’s hair out of her eyes.

“I found an entire dresser drawer of pictures of them on their wedding day, CD. He told me that the hurricane took everything.” Raina said. CD bit her lip, not wanting to say what she knew she had to say.
“Raina,” she said. “He told you from the begriming that he was still mourning her death.” CD said.
“He told me that he has feelings for me.” Raina said, her head leaning against the back of the sofa but still facing CD. CD smiled.
“Well that’s nice.” CD said.
“But he loves her. He only likes me, but he loves her. Her! She’s a corps. At least whatever they found of her is a corps.” CD cringed as the visual flooded her mind.
“So how did it go down?” she asked. Raina closed her eyes as she started to relive the night.
“He caught me looking at the pictures, I asked him why he lied about them. He said that he hadn’t had them for long, and he thought that Kendra had changed her mind about the divorce but died before she could do anything about it. Then he told me he had developed feelings for me, and I asked him if he was still in love with Kendra. And now here we are.” Raina said. CD nodded as she noticed snow had begun to fall outside the window. She didn’t say anything more that afternoon, but she didn’t need to. Her just being there, and being there with Raina, was all Raina needed.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was the night of the party and Nate and CD’s apartment looked fantastic. There were decorations everywhere, and delicious platters of food. Jinny and Jack were the first to arrive.
“Hey, glad you could come.” CD said as she took Jack’s coat.
“Yeah, me too. I just wish New Years wasn’t so close to Christmas. We’re going broke paying for babysitters.” CD just smiled as she realized next year she would have the same dilemma. CD had a low cut black dress on, with her hair in curls piled on top of her head. Ross and Kate came, and went to mingle with the other guest while CD hung up their coats. Just then there was a knock on the door.
“Hi, honey.” CD said gently after opening the door. She gave Raina a hug and kept her arm around her when they walked into the front hall.
“How are you doing?” she asked Raina. Raina gave a timid smile.
“Okay, I guess, Okay as I can be. Here,” she said offering CD a candle. “A brought you a hostess gift. And a thank you for coming over that one day.”
“Raina, I was happy to do it. Break ups suck. I’m just sorry you have to be going through one like this.” Raina nodded and walked into the crowd of people.

The party was hit; everyone had a great time. Jinny wore a slinky red dress that hugged her body. Raina wore a simple green dress that made her skin glow radiantly. CD remarked how it was fun to see everyone dressed up so much. At 11:45 Nate decided to make a toast. Nate and CD hadn’t told anyone about their pregnancy yet, and they decided this was the perfect time: when everyone was gathered together.
“Friends,” Nate began. “In about fifteen minutes we will be celebrating the new year, so before that begins there is a few things I would like to say. First off, CD and I would like to thank you all for coming and we hope you had a good time.” CD nodded as she looked around at all their friends. “I hope that God blesses the new year, and I know that this is going to be a particularly good on for CD and me because, well, we’re pregnant!” Magda let out a small scream and immediately hugged CD.
“Congratulations, sweetie.” then she paused. “Wait, are you really pregnant this time?” she asked. CD smiled and nodded.
“Yes.” Everyone congratulated Nate and CD and as Jinny talked to Nate about the trials of childbearing CD noticed someone try to sneak out of the room.

“Raina, are you leaving already?” CD stopped Raina just as she had reached the door. Raina cringed as she realized she had been caught. She put on a smile as she turned around to face CD.
“Yeah, I’m pretty tired.” Raina said.
“But it’s almost midnight!” CD reasoned. Raina looked down and shook her head.
“I’m just... not in a mood to celebrate.” she said looking back up. “I mean, after Nate gave that speech about looking forward to the new year – and I am so happy for you and Nate.” she said putting her hand on CD’s arm. “But I don’t have anything to look forward to. I don’t even have anyone to kiss at midnight.” Raina said trying to hide the tears that had formed in her eyes.
“Raina, you’re not the only single person here. I’m sure someone will kiss you at midnight.” CD said.
“Yeah,” Raina nodded as she looked at the fellow guests. “But not the one that I want to kiss me.” she said looking back at CD. CD nodded; she knew that Raina needed to be alone.
“Okay, sweetie.” she said hugging her and kissing her on the cheek . “Take care of yourself.” Raina smiled and walked out the door.

She walked the parking garage and found her car. When she got into her car she turned on the radio. The radio dj’s were talking about what they were going to do in the next year.
“I’m going to finally go to Hawaii.” the woman dj said. “I’ve always wanted to and this is the year I’m going to do it.” Raina smiled as she drove down the street. Maybe she should go to Hawaii. It would be a nice break.
“I’m going to be better to my wife.” the man dj said. “She does so much, running the house and taking care of the kids. I want to do something to make her feel special, so she knows I still love her. And I’m going to start right now. Honey, if you’re listening, I want you to know I’m sorry we’re aren’t together. And I want you to know how much I appreciate how much you do. And I want you to know I love you very much. Now listeners, the next song isn’t Christmas-y. Or New
Years-y. But I’m sending it out to my wife.” Just then Amazed began to play. Raina tried to shake off her feeling of loneliness by turning off the radio. Was someone every going to lover her that much?

“Five minutes, everyone. Five minutes.” CD said as she handed noise makers to the party guest. Nate turned on the t.v and set int to a channel that was covering times square in New York. Jack kissed Jinny.
“Hey,” she said pushing him off. “Wait five minutes, horn dog.” she joked. Jack smiled and kissed the top of her head.

Raina turned off her headlights and took the keys out of the ignition. After the conformation beep telling Raina the cad was locked, she walked away. As she walked towards the lobby of her apartment she checked her watch. One minute to midnight. As she opened the door to the lobby, employees were gathered around a t.v a were counting down from ten.
“Ten, nine, eight...” they said while at the same time CD and Nate’s apartment were saying the same thing. Raina rolled her eyes and fought her way through the crowd.
“Seven, six, five...” she had just reached the elevator when she noticed someone sitting in a chair in between the two elevator door openings.
“Michael,” she gasped. He saw her and hesitated to respond.
“Four, three, two...” he jumped from his chair.
“ONE! Happy New Year!” Michael crashed his lips on top of Raina’s.


Jack grabbed Jinny and dipped her, giving her the most passionate kiss she had every experienced.
Nate grabbed CD and kissed her, and CD secretly smiled.
Ross cupped Kate’s cheeks as he kissed her.
Jinny pulled away and laughed as she looked around at everyone kissing.
“It feels like I’m in eighth grade again.” she whispered to Jack. They waited a moment, and everyone was still in the romantic stage. Jinny rolled her eyes and brought the noise maker to her lips. She inhaled deeply and let it out sharply into the mouthpiece. Everyone immediately jerked their heads back and glared at Jinny.
“Thanks, a lot.” a girl next Jinny said. Jinny just shrugged.

Raina pulled away and gasped for air.
“Michael, what are you doing here?” she asked, Michael still holding her in his arms.
“Raina, I am so sorry baby. I should have told you about the pictures.” Raina broke free of his grasp.
“Then why didn’t you?” she asked. Michael looked at her awkwardly.
“I’m not completely sure.” he shrugged. “But I am sure that I am over Kendra’s death. And Kendra.” he said. Raina shook her head.
“You can’t just get over someone in a week.” Michael nodded.
“I know, but you can if you were never on them in the first place.” he said.
“Michael, if you came here to talk dirty...” she trailed off. Michael chuckled.
“Yeah, that sounded better in my head. But the truth is, I was never in love with Kendra. I married her because my parents told me it was time to get married and she was the next girl I met. The truth was she was a witch. I don’t know why she held onto our pictures. It was very unlike her. I think I made such a deal out of it because I thought maybe she had a change of heart before, well, you know. But I knew her, Raina. She wasn’t the type of person to just change. The reason I held onto the idea of her so long is because I miss my parents so much. I guess it was easier to greave someone I didn’t really care about then greave for two people that meant the world to me.” he said. Raina had begun to cry, and action that had become second nature to her during the week.
“You sure you’re over her?” Raina asked.
“I’m sure.” Michael said. Raina nodded.
“Okay,” she said.
“But there is one problem.” Michael said. Raina looked up at him with glassy eyes. She was completely overwhelmed with the occurrences. “I don’t like you.” he said. Raina’s eyes narrowed. Michael smiled. “I love you.” Raina laughed.
“I love you too.” she said as she took him into a deep kiss.

Six and a half months later:

“Okay, we’re ready for delivery.” the doctor looked at CD. Nate held her hand.
“Honey,” she turned to him.
“I know you’re scared, but it’s going to be okay.” he said. CD shook her head.
“I’m not scared, but there’s something that I have to do first.” she said. Nate looked at her.
“What?” he asked.
“I need to talk to Jinny.” she said. Nate looked at the doctor.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. But you’re ready to go now. We’re moving you to delivery.” the doctor said.
“I have a question, I need to push to get this human being out of my pelvis, am I correct?” she asked. The doctor nodded. “Then I refuse to push until I see Jinny.” she said stubbornly. The doctor sighed.
“Pregnant women are so dramatic.” he mumbled to himself. “Is this Jinny person already here?” he turned to Nate. Nate nodded. “Here,” the doctor said as he handed Nate some scrubs. “Give these to Jinny and tell her to hurry.” Nate ran out the door and one minute later he returned with Jinny.

“CD,” Jinny rushed to CD’s side. The doctor eyes’ bugged as he saw Jinny. Jinny noticed the doctors eyes.
“What,”she asked. “Haven’t you ever seen a woman in he wedding dress before?” then she turned her attention back to CD.
“Jinny, I’m sorry I ruined your wedding.” CD apologized. Jinny smiled and brushed sweat drenched hair out of CD’s face.
“CD, Jack and got married. That’s all that matters. Who cares about the reception?” CD smiled.
“Is that it?” Jinny asked.
“Actually, Jinny, I have a question. Is it going to hurt?” CD asked. Jinny smiled softly.
“No, it’s a natural experience.” she said. CD rolled her eyes.
“Now say that while looking in my eyes.” Jinny redirected her eyes towards CD’s.
“It’s going to hurt like hell.” she said in a soothing voice.
“Ma’am, we have to deliver this baby now.” the doctor said.
“Okay, good luck.” Jinny said as she left the room.

Twenty minutes later:

“He is so beautiful.” Nate said. CD was lying ion bed holding their new born baby boy in her arms. Nate was sitting on the side of the bed with his arm around CD’s shoulders.
“He sure is.” CD said.
“I can’t believe we made that.” Nate said as he looked at the baby sleeping peacefully. CD nodded. The nurse walked over to them.
“Excuse me, but I can take the baby now. Your friends will be able to see it in it’s crib in the baby room.” a nurse said. CD smiled and handed the baby to the nurse.
“Have you two come up with a name yet?” she asked. CD shook her head.
“Not quite yet.” she said. The nurse smiled and took the baby away. CD put her arms on Nate’s.
“Nate?”
“Yeah?” he answered.
“I have a question. Remember Stacey?”
“Yup.” Nate answered.
“Was she hot?”