And Still (A new JackandJanet FF)

[Janet Tripper]

OK! I DON'T KNOW HOW LONG IT WILL BE BEFORE I POST AGAIN BUT ITS JUST SO COMING IN HERE AND NOTHING NEW!!! HOPE YOU'LL ENJOY THIS STORY!!! IT ALSO BE A SHORT STORY!!! ENJOY!!! <Thanks _JackandJanet_ for your help>
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Chapter 1

‘Five o’ clock couldn’t have gotten here fast enough.’ Janet thought as she turned the open sign around. She had had a long busy day and was ready to go home and relax for the rest of the afternoon.

“Goodbye Helen.” Janet said as the young brunette waved backed at her. “See you tomorrow.”

Some minutes later Janet grabbed her belongings when all of a sudden she realized she had forgotten to place some mail out for the mailman.

“Ughhhh.” She sighed with great irritation as she realized her long relaxing afternoon would have to wait.

Janet finished locking the flower shop and decided to take the small walk three blocks down to the post office in downtown Boston.

She had been living there for almost three years now. After leaving California she lived with her parents for a while before deciding to move to the East Coast. She had visited a couple times before and had fallen in love with the city. There was just that something in the air that she enjoyed so much. She loved calling Boston her new home, and knew it was going to be her new home for quite some time.

It took her a while to adjust to the long winter weather after spending so many summers by the warm beaches of California. But change was part of life and something she was getting used to, even if it wasn’t for the best.

She put on her beige blazer over her pink dress and clutched her purse tightly to her chest. The weather was starting to change and the leaves were beginning to vary in colors. A bright red leaf brushed along the side of her face as she admired the beauty of the red, orange and yellow leaves that lingered on the trees on that cloudy October afternoon.

The heels of her shoes march across the concrete floor as she rushed trying to make it before they closed. She looked down at her watch to make sure she still had time as she patiently waited for the light to signal it was okay for her to cross the street.
“Just a while longer…” she reassured herself as the light remained red.

She glanced up at the different cars that were also waiting for a green light. As a white Lexus, with its top down, completed its stop Janet couldn’t help but do a double take, she felt her heart racing and a big knot in her throat.

“Jack.” She whispered as the sandy blond hair man smiled at the woman next to him. They continued their progress as the light changed and Janet noticed the people next to her continued their progress as well.

“It just couldn’t have, but it was him.” Janet contemplated as she walked into the post office.

She dropped the envelopes in the blue box and made her way out the door. Inhaling the cool breeze her mind wanders back to the man in the white car. ‘I have to get him out of my mind.’ She said to herself as she traced her path back towards her car. ‘I can’t continue to love someone who is far gone.’ She scolded herself as she placed her hands inside her coat. A strong breeze blew hard against Janet making her shiver.
‘Hmm, a coffee would be nice… or maybe even a nice hot chocolate.’

*~*
Jack got out of his car and placed his keys in a young man’s hand as he smiled, “Take care of it.” He joked stepping away from the entrance of the shopping center.

“Take as long as you want.” He told his partner. “I’ll be at the small coffee shop on Old Colony Avenue.” Jack said before he kissed her cheek.

The blond hair lady smiled and made her way into a top rated shopping boutique.

Jack began his way towards the local coffee shop. He placed his hands inside his pockets searching for the warmth of the leather. He hated the cold weather up north and couldn’t wait to get back home to California.

After he and his two gorgeous roommates split up and left apartment 201 Jack moved to New York City, where he was hired at a prominent restaurant to be head chef. Once he had been doing that for almost two years he decided to open up his own restaurant. Within a year he had two restaurants up and running. One located in New York City and the other in Santa Monica. Now Jack was in the search for a place to inaugurate his third restaurant and believed Boston had just what he was looking for.

He awaited his turn to continue his progress as he stood on the corner of Old Colony and Summer Avenue, the cold air forcing him deeper into his jacket

“Ugh, it‘s so cold here,” Jack grumbled as the cold wind nipped at his ears.
Looking around he smiled at the gray hair lady who stood next to him. ‘Hurry up and change!’ Jack shouted in his mind.

He turned his attention to the view in front of him, when all of a sudden he couldn’t believe who he saw there standing across from him. ‘It really is a small world,’ he chuckled, acknowledging the presence of a beautiful memory standing in front of him.

Of all the thousands of citizen living in Boston, Janet couldn’t believe who she was running into. She saw him approach her and her knees weaken, he smiled that same smile that always melted her heart and made her insides flutter. She stood still unable to move but wanting nothing more then to run away far from him. Far from those feelings she knew she had never let go of. And now, right in front of her was the one thing she could never have; but wanted so badly…

“Janet,” He smiled calling her name his baby blue glowed like never before.

Thousands of people live in this town
And I had to run into him
When I saw him there on that busy street
Those feelings came back again
There was nowhere to run, nowhere to hide
He walked up to me, looked in my eyes

[_Jack&Janet_]

hehe....

[Heart Shaped Box]

YAY! I'm glad you decided to post the first chapter now. I think you should just wait to post the other ones when you're done with school though like you said, but anyways, I LOVED it! And the funny thing is, I just read the e-mail you sent me today, lol!

[Mrs. John Ritter]

This looks like it is really going to be a good story. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Janet Tripper]

Chapter 2

It was their third month anniversary but by the look in their eyes you would think they had been in love for over a century. Jack and Janet walked down the Pacific Ocean hand in hand as the breeze played with their hair. Janet couldn’t help but to giggle uncontrollably as she hopped on Jack’s back.

“Gosh honey.” Jack joked, “What you eat? A whole cow?”

“Ha-ha.” Janet laughed sarcastically. “I told you I was heavy.”

“Nonsense. I can carry you with one arm.” He said as he swung her around causing Janet’s purple dress to expand like an umbrella.

Jack finally let her body crush against the sand softly; lying on the sticky sand Janet took in a lung full of air, trying to catch her breath. Jack’s body followed landing on top of her petite figure. He pecked her nose and stood up to sit next to her body. She laid observing his handsome face as he smiled down at her, running his finger tips through her bared shoulders and down through her arm until he finally entwined his fingers with hers. She smiled back unable to believe he was finally hers. She could finally look up into those eyes; bright as diamonds and blue as the sky and know she could see true love reflecting against them.

*~*

Early that afternoon Janet rushed into the apartment all thumbs knowing Jack would come home from work any minute and she was just about to get ready for their date. She hurried and shower and got dress and Jack had not arrived.

She looked up with a bright smile that disappeared as soon as the door opened. “Hey honnie.” She said as Terri made her way into their room.

“Sorry, I know you were waiting on Jack but it’s only me.” She said knowing she disappointed her friend.

“That is okay.” Janet said applying her lip-gloss as she made her way towards her friend. “I’m just worry. He said he would be he about half an hour ago. You don’t suppose something happened on the way here?” She asked nervous.

“Maybe he missed the bus and had to wait till the next one came around.” Her blond friend said trying to calm Janet down.

Just as Janet’s lips parted the door into their home opened, “Hey honnies I’m home.” Jack laughed as he came into the large living room.

Janet ran up to meet him with arms wide open. “I’m so glad you are home.” She said kissing his soft lips.

“Me too Janet was starting to go ballistic.” Terri said as she made her way into the kitchen.

Jack grin at his roommates before he gave Janet a dozen red roses. “I had to make this day special. So…” He said bringing his hands around, “I thought a dozen roses would say all I can’t put into words.”

Janet took her flowers from his hand and admired the cherry red color, “They are beautiful.” She said before thanking him with a kiss.

Janet practically floated into the kitchen while Jack began to change for their date. “Those are beautiful.” Terri said she inhaled the sweet aroma.

Janet smiled a bit shy and a bit proud. “They really are.”

“That Jack. Who knew he could actually be such a romantic.” Terri said as she helped Janet put her gift into water and a large vase.

She was so right Janet thought after the millions of girls he would bring over, she never would have thought he was such a detailed guy. “I know. Even after all these years, I never knew either.”

They both laughed, “Mostly since he has practically dated every single girl in Santa Monica.” Terri added.

Janet’s facial expression changed, she tried smiling but it was a fake gesture. “Right.” Janet said softly.

“I am so happy for you two.” Terri said as she took a seat on their three piece table set.

“Thank you honnie.” Janet said following her steps. “I just couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

They smiled as Jack came into the kitchen. “Okay Janet. I’m ready.” He said fixing his tie.

“You kids have fun.” Terri said laughing as she watched her roommates exit their apartment.

*~*

On the way to the Sea Cliff, Jack couldn’t take his eyes of his lovely girlfriend. She would smile back a different color to her rosy cheeks appeared every time their eyes met. “How was your day?” Jack asked as they stopped waiting for a light to turn green.

Janet talked to him about her day at the flower shop. She told him of how busy they had been all day long. She also informed him of the new help she had hired and of course she reminded him of how much she missed him.

Jack smiled loving it when she informed him of such thing. He reached for her gentle hand as he turned the corner.

*~*

“Do you think they will let you in this time?” Janet giggled as she entwined her left arm around his.

Jack gave her a silly look. “I hope so other wise we will have to go dine at the taco stand across the street.” He joked

She reached up to steal a kiss before they entered the restaurant. A kiss Jack wasted no time to deepen. He pressed his lips against hers a bit harder as she pulled back. His hand caught between her ear and her neck. Softly Janet paused their kiss to whisper, “I love you.”

“Love you too.” He replied before he kissed her once again.

*~*

As the couple enjoyed their champagne they made some small talk, “Thanks for tonight.” Janet said as she took a sip of her drink. “I had a lovely night. These three months of my life have without a doubt been the best ever.” She lifted her hand to caress his handsome face.

Jack pulled her hand closer to his chest. With a tender look in his liquid blue eyes, he also put into words what these last three months had been to him. “I never knew what a great feeling being in love could be.” He said kissing her hand, “Thank you for everything babe.”

While the night grew old their bodies sway to the beautiful melodies of the three piece band. Holding each other close they dance slowly letting their spirits free as their love soared.

*~*

As they lay on the side of the beach admiring the dark sky and its twinkling diamond like stars, they talked about their date. “Can you imagine when we celebrate 3 years of dating?” Janet asked with a sparkle in her coffee-brown eyes.

“Can you imagine celebrating our 3 year wedding anniversary?” Jacked asked catching Janet off guard.

She stood up immediately with a wondering looking in her face. “You really think someday we will be together forever?” She asked her stomach full of butterflies.

“Why not?” Jack asked. “Are you planning on marrying someone else?” He joked.

“No. - Well.” She said nervously reaching for her hair; a habit Jack had come to pick up on. “Well I don’t know I’ve never thought about us sharing our lives together.” She smiled nervously at the thought, “But I’ve never picture myself living out you either.” She added; her eyes watering by now.

Jack pinched her chin with his left hands as a big smile crossed his face. “Good. Because I can never imagine myself away from you either. And although we may not be planning a wedding next year or the year after, I know we will someday Janet. I know you are the one.” He said laying her body back against the sand.

He climbed his body on top of hers softy covering her petite shape as he covered her face with tender kisses. He slowly made his way down her neck and back once again to touch his lips against hers. The sweet strawberry flavored lip-gloss made the taste of her kisses even more enjoyable.

*~*

“Are you kidding?” Janet laughed looking at Jack with a strange look on her face.

“Come one. You know you want too. Plus it’s tradition.” He reminded her.

Janet laughed agreeing to his conditions. Just like every 23rd of the month when they would go celebrate their monthly anniversaries; Jack would carry Janet back home in his arms.

She stood still awaiting his arms to pull her up; she placed her purse on her stomach as she wrapped her arms securely around his neck. She whispered ‘I love you’ once more before they kissed. A long hard kissed; the kiss he had bee waiting for all night long.

Just as they reached the steps that would take them to their apartment they noticed a light in the vacancy room Mr. Furley had been trying to rent out. “Looks like we may have new neighbors.” Jack said kissing her cheek.

“Good we should come meet and welcome them tomorrow.” She suggested before she saw a beautiful red-head lady come out of the apartment.

“Hi” the couple said in union as they smiled a bit embarrassed at their behavior.

“Hello.” The young green-eye girl responded keeping her eye on Jack as she smiled.

Tensely Janet noticed the look on her face as she smiled at Jack. He looked up at Janet and then at the woman in front of them, “Excuse us.” Janet said smiling as Jack walked around her up the steps with his girl in his arms.

[Number 9 Dream]

Drum, I'm so sorry I didn't read this sooner! I'll admit that I haven't been on the fanfic boards at all these past few months

This is a wonderful beginning, though I can't wait to read more.

[JackTripper258]

I really like this story!! Can't wait for more!

[Janet Tripper]

Originally Posted by Number 9 Dream

Drum, I'm so sorry I didn't read this sooner! I'll admit that I haven't been on the fanfic boards at all these past few months

This is a wonderful beginning, though I can't wait to read more.

Thanks girly!!! I am SO GLAD TO SEE YOU BACK!!!!! HOPE YOU ENJOY THE REST OF THE STORY!!!

[Janet Tripper]

Originally Posted by JackTripper258

I really like this story!! Can't wait for more!

Thanks girly!!! I only have 2 more exams to go!!! But I did get to work on the story alot last night so...I'm about to post chapter 3!!!! EnjoY!!! and Thanks again!

[Janet Tripper]

Chapter 3


“Janet.” He repeated himself as if it was all a dream. It was so hard for him to believe she was in front of him; it was as if she was just a shadow in his imagination. With the fear that if he moved he would wake up and she would vanish, he waited for her to react.

She swallowed hard as her eyes widen unable to capture his presence. With wondering eyes and a fearful yet sad expression on her face she looked up at Jack with a small smile.

As he realized this was really happening that Janet, his old roommate Janet Wood, the woman he had so dearly loved was in front of him once again he uncovered his hand wanting so bad to hold her. “Janet.” He repeated her name a million times, “I can’t believe it’s really you.” He added.

Janet smiled nervously again, a thousand things bombarding her mind. ‘Why was he here, why him of all people, why had he just appeared out of no where, had he come looking for her, could he be here because he missed her and wanted to start over again or was he here with that blond she had just seen him with.’

There was a moment of silence where nothing was spoken and nothing was heard all they could feel was an aching in each other’s heart. She observed his mature new look; his hair was short and his face carried the look of a grown working man. He had lost that silly look and fond smile. His body too had exchanged that young athletic appearance for a well build body in a tie and suit as his long coat covered his muscled arms. The clean shave and soft look in his eyes remain though.

Jack too noticed a change in Janet’s appearance and attitude. He didn’t expect her to jump into his arms and greet him with a lock of their lips but she seemed a bit colder and unemotional, a bit shy and nervous; something he wasn’t used to. He remembered Janet being of bold character, strong, unafraid to speak her feelings, but yet so innocent and sweet in her own ways. The length of her dark hair reached about an inch beneath her shoulder while her slim body seemed to have thinned with time. The one thing that remained the same to him was her face. Those big brown eyes that gave away her feelings and her smile; tender and sweet.

They stood still not knowing what to say as people walked by. “So.” Janet said nervously.

“Yeah.” He smiled looking around.

“This is a strange place to meet.” She added.

“Strange but nice.” He said with a happy tone to his words. “I wasn’t expecting to run into you here but I am glad this is happening.”

“Were you expecting us to meet again?” She wondered ignoring his last words.

“Well yeah, some day.” He said recalling the many times he had wish he would run into her as he walked the streets of California. “I just never imagined it would be here.”

She nodded her head as she absorbed his words. “So. Are you here alone?” She asked the question that had been dancing around in her mind since she spotted him in his white car.

He hesitated, “No.” he paused and turned back, “I’m actually here with someone else.”

“Oh.” She nodded once again, “A friend?” She couldn’t help herself.

“You could say that.”

“How about you?” He asked noticing people waking around them. “Are you here alone?”

“Yes.”

‘Good’ He thought. “So what brought you to Boston? Are you here for vacation?”

She shook her head and informed him this was now her home, she lived in Boston. “It’s been a little over year now.” She added.

“Wow. I would have never imagined you living here. I mean it’s so different from the sunny weather and beaches in California.”

“Well maybe that is good. I needed to get away from everything that remained me of…” She stopped and looked around, not wanting to say it.

“Us?” He asked turning her pretty face around, finally touching her for the first time.

He could see an aching look in her eyes as she looked at him, she remained silent and her eyes were beginning to water.

Another awkward silence.

“So do you like it here?” He asked wanting to break the ice and hoping they could enjoy a nice conversation like in the old days.

“I do. It’s hard to adapt to the new way of life here mostly the weather but I very much enjoying it. I think I can even say I love the new pace of life here.”

“So did you find another lovely roommate and handsome bachelor to share the rent with?” He asked making her smile.

“No I’m still working on that one.” She smiled, her first true smiled after their reunion.

Janet finally noticed they had been blocking traffic as pedestrians made their way around them. She moved a step out of the way; almost ready to say good bye as her heart begged her to stay. “Well it was nice seeing you-”

“Wait you’re not leaving yet, are you?” He asked placing his hand on her upper arm. “I mean ….do you really have to go?”

She could have lie and told him she had a very important appointment to make, that she had to go back to her shop and work on inventory and the books that she had better things to do like read a book upside down, for example, but she couldn’t. He knew her so darn well, and she wanted to stay so badly. “No.” She answered almost in a whisper.

“Well I was planning to get a cup of coffee down the street, would you care to join me.”

She hesitated not wanting to lead her heart in the wrong direction once again, “Come on Janet, Tuesday afternoons, you usually just sit on the couch and read a book.”

‘He remembers,’ she thought looking up at him surprised.

“What makes you think that?”

“I don’t think; I know. I know you better then anyone else, remember.”

“I wouldn’t necessary say that.” She said wanting to know if that was true then why did he do the things that would hurt her most.

“I know that you will go home, take a warm bath, have dinner and then sit in your living room reading; just like you did every Tuesday night before we…well up until Terri had been living with us for a year or so.”

She agreed to accompany him to the small coffee and bakery shop near by. “Okay.” She said turning around walking into town again.

He wasn’t sure if it was just the fact that she had agree, or the feeling that he may have a second chance to know what really happened to them three years ago. Or that he could finally tell her he never wanted her to leave; whatever the reason was Jack couldn’t explain this feeling of excitement and overjoyed that had overtaken his body.

And still
The world stood still
I couldn't move
and all I could feel
Was this aching in my heart
Saying I loved him still

[Janet Tripper]

Chapter 4

It was six months into their relationship and today they celebrated just like they did every single month. Although it was a busy day for both of them; they decided nothing should break their monthly tradition. Even with problems in their relationship they were still deeply in love with one another.

Things had been different and had been changing ever since that night of their 3rd month anniversary. Trust was beginning to become an issue between the couple and friends around them were not helping much.

Jack, Janet and Terri all went downstairs to introducer their selves to April; their new neighbor. April was an art teacher from New York. She was very nice and welcoming. Mostly when it came time to be around Jack.

In more then one occasion she would ask Jack if he would stop by to help her fix something around the apartment. Although this wasn’t his job he still accepted to embarrass to say no. There were times where Janet was next to him, holding his hand, or just simply walking by with her head on his shoulder and still she would ask for those same favors; knowing this would cause trouble in their relationship.

Janet and Terri noticed the special attention she would have with Jack every time they would run into her. And although Terri never told Janet, she would sometimes catch them talking all alone at the Regale Beagle. When he would come home she would asked why he had worked for such a long day and he would make stupid excuses.

Terri knew Jack loved Janet like no one else. He had even talked to her about proposing pretty soon, on more then one occasion but his behavior around April was not something she was to happy about. Janet was more then a friend, she was like a sister.

*~*

April was smart she knew how to play her cards just the right way. She had become very good friends with Larry; Jack’s best guy friend. Every now and then he would ask him on a date and used Larry to gain information on Jack and his relationship with Janet. Larry blinded by her beauty would spill everything right out.

Many times she had plan for double dates. Where Larry would meet a girlfriend of hers and she and Jack could come along. “So you’ll can break the ice faster.” She suggested.

But Jack needed no one else but Janet next to him. He refused all these proposes. He asked why he couldn’t still take the girl and it be a double date with Janet and Jack not him and April.

“Come on Jack.” Larry pleaded almost begging his friend, “You and Janet can celebrate some other day. Tell her you have to stay at work later then you expected.” Larry advised Jack to break of his date with Janet tonight to go with him and April.

“How can you ask me to do that?” Jack asked upset. “This is a special night for Janet and me. And I can’t dump her because you want to have a good time with some girl you haven’t even met.” Jack responded angry.

“I don’t see why it would be any different than you and your girlfriend celebrating tomorrow.” April said from behind them.

Jack turned around; “I’m sorry April. If it were any other night I may have thought about it but not tonight. Tonight is a very special night for both of us.”

“Why, you’ll have been arguing all week long.” Larry said mad that Jack wouldn’t help him out.

Jack waved off his friend comment, “That is why I can’t break our date tonight. Janet means the world to me and I hate her being mad at me. If I break our date tonight she would never forgive me. Plus it’s our tradition. It makes her happy.” He smiled as a mental picture of her crossed his mind. “And that is what I care for the most.”

April felt a knife stabbing her stomach at Jack’s words. “Well how about if we set the date for next weekend.” She asked walking towards Jack, “Would you go then?”

He looked at Larry, who appeared to be almost in tears, and then turned back at April. Her red tight dress hugged her body so perfectly he thought, “I’ll think about it.” He said leaving his friend’s apartment.

“Dame.” April said softly.

*~*

“Ohh.” Terri said helping Jack fix his tie. “Looking good.” She winked at him.

“Do you think she will say yes?” He asked Terri nervously.

“Are you kidding me? This is what she has been waiting for all her life.” She assured him.

He reached into his left pocket as he held the small navy blue box and smiled.

*~*

While Jack went down the street to buy a bouquet of roses, Janet finished getting ready.

“Wow.” April said as she came out from her apartment. All afternoon she had kept her eye on him and Janet. “What a lucky girl she is. Those are beautiful.” She said as she began to smell the roses’ sweet aroma.

“What a lucky guy I am to have a beautiful girl to give these too.” He said not in the mood to deal with her. He removed his hand from his pocket. He was so nervous all afternoon and just couldn’t stop playing with the object. As his hand came out so did the navy box. He quickly and nervously picked it up and placed it in the inside pocket of his coat.

As she watched him make his way up the steps she gave him a darting look, she knew what he was about to do and was ready for battle. Jack was the perfect man. She realized that from the first time their eyes met. And Janet was just not good enough to have someone like him by her side.

*~*

The red-headed girl watched the couple leave the complex hand in hand. Janet’s head resting against his shoulder, his hand still in his pocket.

April knew what he was up too and she wasn’t going to let Janet get away with it, “Good luck Jack.” She came out in a sexy nighty calling after them. The coupled turned around; Jack rolled his eyes and took in a deep breath. “I hope she likes those roses we picked out this afternoon.” She said waiving bye to them.

“Come one.” Jack said taking his girlfriends arm and leading her back towards the car.

“She what?” Janet asked upset when just minutes earlier she was giggling at her cute boyfriend. “You were with her earlier?” She questioned him.

“No.” Jack said upset. “I went out to buy your roses all alone.” He said.

Janet felt her stomach boiling, she hated that woman. She had never done anything to her for her to treat her like that. Terri was right she liked Jack and couldn’t stand the fact that he belonged to her. At such thoughts she smiled proudly. “I believe you, honey.” She said as she turned to look at April who smiled back at her. Janet placed her hand on Jack’s handsome face. Then slowly she began to kiss him softly yet passionate enough for them to hear a door slam.

*~*

Jack took Janet to a small little restaurant that has just opened by the beach, wanting tonight to be mostly about them two and nothing or no one else. Janet who dressed all in white admired the beautiful décor as she couldn’t help but noticed the worry look in Jack’s face. “What’s wrong Jack. Are you not enjoying our date?” she wondered if maybe he was thinking of April.

“I don’t know ….I just feel guilty for tonight. I promise you I’ve never given that woman any reason for her to act like she does.” He lied remembering the nights they had spend at the pub talking and laughing and most recently the chance of them going out with Larry and her friend.

“Oh,” Janet said knowing she was in his mind. No matter what the reason was he was still thinking of her. “As long as you promise me you will never look at her the way you look at me or think of her the way you think of me. I don’t care. She is mad, and for some reason that makes me feel good, because I know it’s because she knows you are mine.” She said emphasizing the last word with a seductive smile across her face.

“I like that.” Jack said feeling his heart flutter.

“What?”

“Being yours.” He said kissing her hand.

She felt like the luckiest woman on earth nothing could ruin her night and life just couldn’t get better; so she thought.

As they enjoyed a slow dance to the violin, Jack pulled away thinking it was the perfect time. The room was dark lighten by candles and some light coming in from the outside. Slowly he broke away and reached for that diamond burning holes in his pockets.

Janet watched confused, “Are you okay?”

“Never been better.” He assured her. “Janet sweetheart.” He began lowering his body until he was propped on his left knee. Slowly he opened the navy ring box; her eyes widen as the tears began to fall.

He reached for her hand as the crowd stopped their dancing and watch Jack’s old fashion proposal. The violin still playing in the background, “Would you marry me.” He asked more nervous then ever. He would have preferred to fly around the world for a year over the deadly silence that filled the room.

*~*

Like tradition had it every month, Janet stood, waiting for Jack’s arms to carry her into their apartment. “Tonight was magical.” She said admiring her left hand. “I love you so much.”

Jack smiled his heart felt so light; “I love you more.” He said reaching up to kiss her.

As they made their progress up the steps Janet covered Jack’s handsome face with kisses, repeating those famous three words. He would laugh shaking his head and informing her she couldn’t love him more then he loved her.

April stood outside her balcony awaiting their return, “Hi” the couple said in unification, with an unquestionable love look in their face and an undeniable smile.

The large rock on Janet’s finger was all she could concentrate as she cursed both of them inside. Jack crossed around her and repeated how much he loved Janet more.

*~*

Two months had gone by since Jack proposed to Janet. And it was as if they had started a new page in their life. They were more in love then ever before. Although sometimes Janet couldn’t help but wonder if he had talk to April or maybe spent an afternoon at the Beagle with her.

Terri also noticed a change in their relationship; they stopped arguing over stupid things and begin to enjoy those same stupid things. They did everything together; every now and then when Terri worked a late shift she would come home and find them fast asleep wrapped around each other on that lumpy couch, once even in Jack’s bed. Although she knew nothing physical had happen for there was thoughts of invitations with names on them all over the room.

They worked on every detail for their wedding together. Jack enjoyed watching her plan the special ceremony that will unit them for en eternity.

*~*

“Come on buddy. You said you would think about it two months ago.” Larry begged his hand set in a prayer position. “You and Janet are engaged she will have to trust you in things like these from now on.” Larry tried to make a point.

“That is my point Larry. I am two months away from taking my bride and I can’t be dating other woman. I am a one girl guy and that rule mostly applies now that I found the perfect girl.”

“Come one, Jack, think of all those times I helped you get a date, or even better, get out of a date. Janet doesn’t even have to find out.” Larry said.

Jack looked around no liking what his friend was proposing.

*~*

“April?” Larry asked over the phone. “Great news Jack said yes. So when do you think your friend can go out again?”

*~*

Jack asked for two days off, one for him and Janet to spend together and the next day after he and Larry would take April and his friend out.

They arrived at the Regale Beagle at seven; her fiend and April were already there. Jack was forced to seat inside the booth between April and Laura; he had no way of leaving early he thought as he watched the clock on the wall. It was almost eight and the place was dead.

He was glad they were there on a Tuesday evening; it was quiet and not a lot of people, he didn’t want to be exposed and run the risk of someone telling Janet he was there with April.

Larry seemed to have been making progress with Laura they were cuddling closer and closer as he kept buying her drink after drink. Meanwhile April wasted no time making passes as Jack. He nervously would try to remove her hand from his body and waited eagerly for them to leave.

*~*

Janet sat in the living room just like every Tuesday evening enjoying a good book, as she waited for Terri and Jack to come home. “Hey Janet.” Terri said coming in.

“Hello honey, you are home early.” Janet greeted her roommate as she folded her page not wanting to loose her spot.

“I know I am glad too. I can finally enjoy an evening at home.”

Janet smiled, “Well Jack isn’t home yet and there is nothing for dinner. I was hoping we could go get something to eat.”

“That sounds like a great idea, I’m staved. Plus….” Terri blushed, “I was hoping we could go by the Beagle.”

“What for?”

“Well there is a new bar tender that I am dying to get to know.” Terri said giggling.

“Great! We can get dinner there.” Janet said as she replaced her book for her purse.

*~*

Jack took in a deep breath as he watched Larry trying to teach his new girl to play darts. “Well Janet should be expecting me home anytime now I think I better go; beside looks like Larry and your friend have gotten very comfortable with each other.” Jack said trying to slide out of the red booth.

Just as Jack was excusing himself April noticed the girls walking in. Janet smiled at Terri as they made their way in, “Good luck.” She said.

“Do you really have to go?” April asked trying to keep Jack by her side as long as possible.

“I’m afraid so.”

“Well I had a great time with you.” She said as she began to play with the buttons on his shirt.

Jack smiled nervously, “I’m sorry but Janet is probably waiting for me and I must really go we have a million things to do for our wedding.”

April smiled as she watch the girls walk away from the bar and in search for a table, Terri spotted them first and that is when April took advantage of the situation. She pressed her lips against Jack’s firmly; he was caught by surprise and did not know how to respond to her kiss. The kissed lasted less then three seconds for she fake to have noticed the girls standing in front of them and backed off Jack.

“Jack Tripper.” Janet cried her face covered in tears and her eyes unable to hide the pain.

“Janet!” Jack called after her as she made her way out the pub running careless into the street.

April carried a smile from ear to ear as she watched Janet’s sad face and Jack calling after her. Upset by the smirk on her face Terri grabbed someone’s glass of beer and splashed it against her face. “Is that what you wanted?” She asked furiously, “I wouldn’t be so happy they love each other and love always comes through.” She said as she turned to Larry and if looks could kill; he would have been six feet under by the time she left the room.

*~*

Janet slammed the door behind her and locked it as she let her body slide down the front door; in tears she buried her face in her hands, wanting nothing more then to wake up from this dreadful nightmare.

Jack ran faster than his legs could carry him for in more then one occasion he tripped but he couldn’t be stopped, he ran after Janet wanting to explain and apologized for being such an idiot. He reached his front door and tried to open it as he heard her weeping on the other side of the door. “Janet sweetheart please open the door.” He begged. “Please let me explain. I had nothing to do with that kiss. Janet. Please.” He repeated himself a million times but nothing; Janet just cried harder at his words.

“I trusted you Jack. I trusted you, and you let me down. You lied to me. You lied.” She called back. “Leave. Leave, leave me alone. Go ….go to April. She will be more then glad to console you. I don’t want to see you. Ever. Ever again.” She cried.

Jack banged on the door for a long time until he finally gave up. His knuckles had turned a white color. Not knowing what to do or where to go he returned to the pub. Angry at himself for not seeing pass Aprils plans, and angry at Larry for betraying him and putting a girl over their friendship.

He walked into the Beagle with tears in his baby blue eyes and ordered a beer and a bottle of wine.

*~*

When Terri returned home, she was surprised to find Janet’s stuff packed in a blue and white suitcase. “Janet honey, please don’t you think you should think this over some. Maybe give Jack a chance to explain.”

Janet looked up at her and gave her a painful glare. “I know you are upset but things are not always what they seem.” Terri tried once again. “We both know that you and Jack love each other more then anyone else we’ve ever known and you can’t let this ruin all the love and effort you’ll have put into this relationship.

“Terri, are you blind or did you not see what happened at the Beagle. He was with April, Kissing her, K.I.S.S.I.N.G her in front of me.” She shouted. “I will never forgive him for that.” She added. “I trusted him even when everything but my heart warned me not too. I believed in him and his love for me. But we both know his downfall for women. I should have never let me self believe there was a chance we could have something other then friendship. He won’t change and I am glad this happened now and not after we marry.”

“Janet even if things are what we saw, you can’t leave not in the conditions you’re in.”

“I can take care of myself Terri; please don’t try to stop me.” Janet said as she locked her suitcase. “Give this to Jack if he comes back. Tell him no matter what these last months were the best in my life and that I am sorry I couldn’t give him what he wanted in a woman.”

“Janet,” Terri said pulling her friend down next to her. “Let’s talk ok? I’ll go make us some tea and then you can leave after you’re a bit calmer.” Terri suggested trying to buy time for Jack.

*~*

Meanwhile Jack was on his fourth beer and the wine bottle was half way gone. His head buried against his arm and the tears kept coming nonstop. He would call out her name and cursed out April’s.

Thinking she could win some territory April came back to the table where he was at. “Jack.” She said softly.

“What do you want?” He asked rudely, “Get away from me. Go.”

“I’m sorry Jack.” She said rubbing his arm, “I came to apologize and to tell you I am very sorry.”

“Oh yea,” He said drunk, “Well sorry won’t get my Janet back.”

“Maybe Janet doesn’t want to come back.” She said. He turned to face her with wondering eyes, “Maybe this is what she wanted. I mean if she really loved you she would have want to listen to your side of the story. She wouldn’t have ran away and shut you out.”

‘She has a point.’ Jack thought, “Maybe your right. Maybe all this time she did want to get ride of me.” He said taking another drink from the wine bottle. “But I want her back. I love her.” He said.

*~*

“Maybe your right Terri.” Janet said enjoying the warm cup of tea. “I didn’t give him a chance and he has proven more the once that he cares about our relationship.” Janet acknowledged her friend’s advice.

“Yes, I am right. Plus we know how bad April wanted Jack to like her. Larry was there and you know Larry he will do anything for a girl. And we actually didn’t see Jack kissing April; she was the one all over him.”

Janet’s heart began to feel an unexplainable relief. “And if you would have seen the smile on that woman’s face after Jack ran after you. It was obvious she took advantage of the situation.” Terri ran her hand through Janet’s hair, “Don’t let her get away with this Janet. I agree Jack shouldn’t have been there to begin with but we don’t really know what happened. I think you and he should talk and then you can decide if all this is worth giving up a six month relationship and most importantly a seven year friendship.”

*~*

Janet made her way to the Beagle; the place was dark and about to close. The sky above had a promise of rain as the sky began to send out eclectic waves of lightning. Just as Janet was twenty feet from her destination the sky began to cry, soft rain drops. She shivered as she entered the place. She searched her pub as she spotted Jack next to April again. This time neither noticed her presence there. “To love.” He said holding the green glass bottle in the air.

“To love.” April replied as they drank their beverages. Jack was so drunk he spilled all most of it on his shirt, they both started to laugh and soon he initiated a kiss that seemed to kill Janet alive. “I love you,” he said softly as she pulled away from April’s red lips, “I love you, Janet.” He said to the blurry figure next to him.

This time there was no returned, Janet rushed out of the bar and under an upset and angry sky she made her way home ready to grab her belongings and leave. Leave Santa Monica and everything that reminded her of him behind her. She was going home to her parents. She got home soaking wet and against Terri’s advise she left California. For good.

[Janet Tripper]

Chapter 5

Jack and Janet made their way towards the coffee shop with very small talk. He would catch himself looking down at her with an almost compassionate expression on his face. She too would steal glances; as she remembered the many times they would walk down the streets of Santa Monica hand in hand.

When they reached their destination Jack helped her pull her chair out as she took a seat. He sat on the opposite side of her; not wanting to take his eyes of her. He smile warmly and she returned the nervous smile as he asked her what she wanted to drink.

“Just a cup of hot chocolate.” She said playing with her hands.

“Okay. I’ll be right back.” He said as he stood up to order their drinks.

“So how have you been?” He asked Janet as he sat her cup of chocolate in front of her.

She smiled as she blew softly into the warm liquid, “I can’t complain. I’m doing fine. Moving here has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” She said as she asked him the same question.

“I’m doing well too.” He answered.

“So what brought you to Boston?” She wondered.

“I am actually here on business. I plan to open a restaurant here. My third one.” He informed her proudly.

She smiled big as he updated her on his career. “I am so proud of you.” She patted his hand, “I always knew you could do it.”

“Thanks.” He smiled bashful. “I really like it here and think the place would be great for business.”

“It is.” She informed him, “I think it’s a great place for business, any type of business.”

Janet told Jack about her new job. “I had enough saved to start my own shop. It’s what has kept me going all this time. I am always busy doing this and that and I love it.”

There was a silent moment. “Looks like we both have found what we were looking for.” He said looking at the long line that had formed at the cashier’s register.

“True.”

“But I would never have traded all those memories in California for this.”

She looked back into time as she recalled all the misunderstandings, all the fun time, and even the bad times she had shared with the man in front of her. “I agree.” She said. “Those were the best years of my life so far. We had so much fun. Even in the worst of times I think we still enjoyed them.”

“Remember the time you accompany me to David’s party.” She recalled laughing. “I was so embarrassed I thought I was going to kill you.” She chuckled again.

“How can I forget? I made a complete fool of myself.” He laughed as he put his drink down. “I don’t remember what hurt the most; my head from the mix of drinks and loud music or my body from all the dancing and my falling over everything.”

“Well you can’t really complain. You had Terri and me massaging you for a full week.” She snapped back laughing.

“The one moment in life I will never forget was the look on your face at that small restaurant where we were supposed to meet our blind dates.”

“Blind dates?” She asked.

“Daisy Ray and Duke.” He laughed.

She sight, remembering how even a computer thought they were mean to be and here they were three years later; farther away from each other then ever before. “Really. That was some night.” She added.

“Did you regret it?” He asked.

“Never.” She spoke her mind. “I mean, we had so much fun and got to know each other better. Even when we thought we knew all there was to know about each other.”

“I think that night marked the beginning of a new book in our lives.”

There was another silent moment.

“Janet.” He finally said as he reached over to touch her hand.

She looked down as his strong hand covered her fragile fingers. Slowly she turned her attention towards him; his eyes glowed as she could almost see her reflection against those liquid blue eye that always seemed to maker her insides melt.

“What happened to us?” His voice cracked.

With a sad tone and look in her eyes Janet pulled her hand away from his, her eyes began to water as she took in a deep breath, “I don’t know Jack.” She recalled her attitude as her heart splatter into a million pieces as she bear in mind him and April kissing. “We both knew each other too well and that broke the trust we had.”

“How, would knowing each other like we did destroy our relationship.” He asked almost upset.

“Jack, we had been living together for six years, I knew all about you and your downfall for women. I knew how girl crazy you could be but I also knew how loving and caring and dedicated you could also be. That is why I took the biggest chance of my life. I thought we could have really made our relationship go. I loved you more then anyone else and I thought you did too.”

“I did.” He interrupted her.

“Then why didn’t you come after me Jack? Why did you stay at the Regale Beagle with April, why didn’t you come looking for me?” She began to cry as the aching in her heart just deepen, after all these years she knew she still loved him.

“I did. But you shut me out. You shut me out.” He repeated just as hurt as he was standing in front of apartment 201 asking for a chance to explain that Tuesday afternoon.

“I was too hurt. I didn’t want to talk to you or know about you but I still had faith in my heart you were going to try to do whatever possible to settle things but you just turned back around.”

“I had no where to go. I was mad and just as hurt as you. My best friend, the woman I was planning to make my bride, the woman who said she loved me over anything wouldn’t even give me the time of day.”

“I just thought I meant more to you.”

“You did. I always thought I had treated you fair. Even when I would find myself alone with April, I always had you in my mind; she never meant anything to me.”

“Then what were you doing with her that night?” She demanded an answer.

“Larry.”

‘Larry.’ She thought silently in her mind, she should have known, Terri was right. She thought listening to Jack’s side of the story for the first time. She felt guilty, miserable, heartbroken and betrayed all at once. Upset and yet happy at the same time.

“But like I said earlier, you shut me out you ran me off. I didn’t know what to do I went back to the Beagle and started drinking ordering one beer after another and before I knew it I was too drunk to think. I remembered you sitting next to me; so I thought. Me thinking you had come back and we were as happy as before, I remember kissing April thinking it was you; calling your name as I took another drink of alcohol.

“Plus that letter you told Terri to give me, said clearly you didn’t want to know anything about me. The envelope even included our engagement ring; I wanted so bad to go out looking for you but I just didn’t think it was worth it. That I had hurt you to much and you didn’t love me as much as I thought you did.”

“I’m sorry.” He said. “You are right; I should have come after you. I will never forgive myself for that”

“I guess we didn’t know each other as well as we thought we did.” She said softly almost in a whisper voice.

“I guess not.” He echoed.

She looked up into his moist eyes once again, “I’m sorry too.” She said running her hand across his shaved face. “I think about us all the time, everyday. Of what could have been of what our wedding would have been like, if we would have children by now. Everyday I think of you.” She informed him as tears ran down her pretty face.

Unable to help himself he reached across to wrap his body against hers; he hugged her so tight and close like he never wanted to let go, “I’ve missed you.” He whispered into her hair.

“I’ve missed you too.” She repeated kissing his cheek.

He could feel the water of her tears running along the side of his face. The warmth of their bodies seemed to have healed their wounds as if a magical healing hand had spread through a bloody painful cut.


He said how have you been
It's great to see you again
You're really a sight for sore eyes
I said I can't complain
Oh, I'm doing fine
We talked as the people rushed by
We laughed about old times and all we went thru
That's when he hugged me and said I've missed you

[Janet Tripper]

Here is the last chapter to this story!!! Hope you'll enjoyed it!!!

Chapter 6

As they walked out of the small shop, the clouds turned the sky a milk white color. The wind blew a little harder as Jack reached for Janet’s hand. She looked up at him and smiled; the touch of his skin gave her body a tingling unexplainable sensation.

“Can I walk you to your car?” He asked as if he were a teenager asking to carry her books home for her.

“Sure.” She replied in a content tone.

“Do you think I can see you again?” He asked nervously as they walked along the sidewalk.

She thought for a moment wondering if this was the right thing to do; if maybe they were rushing into feelings again, if maybe they should take it easy and give each other more time this time around. “Maybe this weekend?” He added.

“Sure.” She said smiling back.

“I bet a small time away from the flower shop will do you good. Besides we have a lot to catch up on. Friends like us need more then just 30 minutes in a coffee shop.” He said.

‘Friends.’ Janet thought with a smile thinking maybe they could start things up again. Maybe they could give each other another chance.

The stopped their progress as they waited for the walk signal to change at the same corner they had met, Janet removed her hand from his and turn to face him, “I’ll love to see you again. This weekend is perfect.” She smiled softly.

He admired the beauty of her face; that innocent angle like smile yet that passionate look in her eyes. He wanted so bad to touch his lips with hers. “Great.” He answered as he smiled back.

Patiently they waited enjoying the delay of the traffic signal wanting nothing more then to spend a little more time together. He winked at her as the light finally changed and they restarted their progress once again.

They were within 5 feet from her car, “So I guess I will see you this weekend.” Jack asked.

“I guess so.” She added with a cute smile.


That's when she walked up to him
He said this is my wife
I gave my best smile
But I was dying inside
He said we've gotta go now
It's getting late
It was so good to see you
Then they walked away

That is when she walked up to him, her curled blond hair bounding lightly against her shoulders, her lips were painted a ruby red color, the blush on her cheeks highlighted the structure of her cheekbones. She smiled at Janet as she wrapped her right hand around Jack’s body. They locked lips in a simple kiss. “I’m ready, honnie.” She informed Jack.

Janet immediate turn to look at Jack with a painful look on her face; his body frozen as he nervously began to introduce the ladies.

He said, “This is my wife.” As they both shook hands, Janet gave her best smile but she was dying inside. Turning from one face to the other, she felt as if the world was spinning. “Well we have to go.” He rushed the words out of his mouth and looked around. “It’s getting late.”

Janet nodded, unable to speak, unable to move.

“It was so good to see you.” He said hugging her once again, before he reached over to take his wife’s hand in his. “We’ll keep in touch.” He added before they walked away.

Janet watched as the man she loved walked away with another woman by his side. She felt the world spin as everything around her stood still. Keeping her eyes on the couple’s back she felt like collapsing as her knees weaken. But she couldn’t move the world stood still as Jack turned back once more before turning the corner.



And still
The world stood still
I couldn't move
And all I could feel
Was this aching in my heart
Saying I loved him still

[Heart Shaped Box]

Oh man, I can't believe he got married! Sorry Drum for reading this late..I wished they would have gotten back together.

[Janet Tripper]

Originally Posted by Heart Shaped Box

Oh man, I can't believe he got married! Sorry Drum for reading this late..I wished they would have gotten back together.

LOL!!! NP!!! Yup!!! I know that is what I thought when I first heard this song!!! But don't worry I am going to make a continuation of the story!!!! b/c JJ so belong together ALWAYS!!!