Dear Readers,

Four hours. So tired. Whatever, chapter's finished, I shed a bittersweet tear—it's over!

More to come, though, you have my spoken word.

The good news is Jane by Design starts shooting their second season this week! I can't wait to see how the story really unfolds.

Thanks to you, readers, though. For everything: reading, reviewing, imagining the dream with me.

JBD forever,

Clarissa

Chapter 14: Changing the Stitch

Jane

When my dad died, I had locked my 13 year old self in my room and cried for a week. I couldn't imagine how someone who had been the backbone of my entire existence could have, in a day, completely disappeared from my life. For a long time, I had refused to be comforted. Not by the nice lady who came to clean our house and cried artificial tears and given me warm hugs. Not my cool older brother, who I'd only seen a few times a year and was now suddenly living in the house with me, and sleeping in dad's bed. Not even my best friend, who had gotten shooed away by the neighbors more than once for the amount of things he'd chucked at my window in an attempt to get me to open up.

I finally did, and slowly, I became stronger. When Billy and I walked in on my first day back to school, I entered Whitemarsh looking and feeling like a different person. For the first time, I spoke in Mr. Meyer's English class. Of course, Lulu hated me even more after that, because soon I was contributing to the discussion as much as she was. But I tried not to care too much. I ditched my uniform of tees, skinny jeans, and chucks for more creative outfits. I began to explore fashion, and as my personal style grew, so did my confidence.

Sometimes it takes really terrible things like losing important people in life to make you realize that you can live through this. Sometimes it takes a really big risk to realize what you're made of. Sometimes it takes losing yourself to find a better person.

Alexa Chung turned her head slightly away from me, clapping her slender hands together. I studied her high and chiseled cheekbones and short, ombre colored hair. I sat engrossed, trying to memorize her nuances and mannerisms, trying to file her unique look away in my brain for future reference. I was distracted, and suddenly the set was louder. The audience was on their feet, welcoming with loud applause the next guest to the show. It was then that I finally twisted around.

Billy

It felt like a movie. The people on the screen in front of me could be just actors, not my girl and her scary boss and that English model with really nice legs. It seemed really strange to see Jane on TV, but as Gray entered the picture things got interesting.

Considering we hadn't known about Gray's sudden surprise appearance, Jane did a good job of covering her shocked looks. She tilted her head and professionally greeted her former boss with a grace I had to admit I admired. And the show went on. With every question Alexa asked, they played nice. And when she tried to probe them for secrets or a hint of a feud, they had only praises for each other, and the company. Gray was tightlipped about Jane's standing with Donovan Decker, though. And that was one question she continually evaded.

She and Jane chatted a bit in vague terms about the upcoming fall collection, and I wondered if Jane was going to try to make another pitch. But Gray had other ideas. She was no longer listening to Jane's chatter about the color palette forecasted for the next season. She was eying the audience with a steely glare. And when Jane finally ran out of things to say, silence settled over the set like a threatening storm ready to break. Luckily, the producers picked this tense moment to cut to commercial break. Backstage, Gray took this moment to pull Jane aside. I edged closer, partially concealing myself behind one of the garment racks, trying to eavesdrop.

Gray turned slightly to consider her former assistant with a critical eye. "So you came all this way just to catch my attention," she mused. "I hope I did more than that," Jane said, and in that instant I could read all the hope and fear written on her face.

Gray considered this. "You certainly don't take no for an answer."

Silence, as Gray contemplated her next words.

"In most cases, I detest people who go to great lengths to suck up to me, just because my position can get them somewhere. But…" she paused. "I know what you're capable of, Jane. And frankly, your time at Donovan Decker has more than enough proven you're capable of accomplishing all the duties I need in an assistant."

"Really?" Jane sounded shocked, and I wished I could see the expression on her face, but I didn't dare make my presence known.

"Absolutely," Gray asserted. "Donovan Decker is all about a new, young, vision, and of course, that's the idea I'll be promoting when we return to the show. I just want to make it completely clear that I can't reverse my decision, though. Jane, you're not going to get your job back, but there is an alternative…" I strained to hear the rest of Gray's words as she stepped closer to Jane, speaking into her ear. But now they were walking away, following the stage manager back to the set.

"Really? Eavesdropping? Seems a bit low." India's acidic tone startled me. I turned and faced her.

"Somehow I don't think you're above it either," I retorted calmly.

India gave me a once over with a calculating eye. "Take off your shirt," she ordered me bluntly.

"What?" I stared at her.

"Come on, do it. I want to see what Jane's so crazy about, because this," –here she ran her fingers down my skinny tie—"isn't doing it for me."

I shook my head slowly, grinning, and stepped towards her. "Lady, I don't really care what the hell you think."

India rolled her eyes, disgusted. "I'm surprised even Jane has a taste for such a young, cocky type."

I shrugged off her comments. "Hey, at the end of the day I'm just a guy supporting the woman I love." India shot me a ferocious look. "Jane's just a girl," she fairly spat out. I plopped down in one of the set chairs. "That may be so, but she actually cares more about fashion than you think. Her time isn't spent trying to bring others down."

India narrowed her eyes, making them almost imperceptible under her thick, heavy lashes. "And just what has Jane told you?"

I propped my legs up and balanced the chair on two legs. "Let's just say I've heard enough to know that you're the B, India."

For a while, India was silent. "I wasn't always this way, you know," she said finally. I noted the animosity had faded from her voice. I looked up at her earnestly. "Then give Jane a break, for once. After all, what has she ever done to you? She's had to deal with this stuff all her life, and I'm always two steps behind her, picking up the pieces."

India didn't answer me, but I was too focused on Jane's face flashing across the monitor to notice.

Jane

The rest of the interview proceeded smoothly. Though Gray still refused to address my actions directly, she twisted the conversation along with my outburst to fit her agenda—promoting Donovan Decker. I went along with it because I'd sworn my allegiance to Gray long ago, and contradicting such a maven isn't something easily done. Still, I wanted badly to believe my hunch that this whole escapade wasn't in vain. I knew Gray was going to be pressured by the media and blogosphere to let me back on after this interview was broadcast live; she'd already offered me one position. Jane Quimby could play hardball…I loved Gray, really. But this is what I'd come to do.

Billy was waiting for me when the show wrapped, and I quickly dragged him into the studio hall to tell him the news.

"So?"
"You saw the whole thing."

"How'd it go…really?"

"Billy," I said, keeping a straight face. "I'm not getting my position back."

He gave me a funny look, and I suddenly realized something. "You knew that, didn't you?" Billy nodded sheepishly. I rolled my eyes. "Well, I guess there's no point in telling you that—"

"Hey! All I heard was that she wasn't hiring you back. What else did she say?"
I absent mindedly stroked his shiny suit lapels. "Well, that isn't entirely true…" I smiled coyly as Billy's eyebrows shot up.

"She's offering me a position as junior stylist, Billy!" I exclaimed, dropping the act. "Which is practically stylist, except that I'm so young I get the title of Junior, but still, I mean this is what we wanted all along and I just can't believe—"

"Wait a minute," Billy interrupted me, holding up a hand. "What's the catch?" I stared at him. "What?"

"Come on, Jane, think about it. You really think Gray would really just hand you a position like that?"

I blinked. "What's your point?"
Billy sighed and gave me a sympathetic look. "Don't you see, Janey? She's leading you on. There's some assignment, some hidden hoops you're going to have to jump through and stuff, something you're gonna have to do to try to prove yourself. There's no way that obsessive, attention freak of a boss is going to give up so fast."
I stared at him in disbelief. "You really think so?"

"I hate to break it to you, but it's true. Just talk to her again, will you?"
I nodded. "I hope you're wrong, though." Billy shrugged, and slung an arm around my shoulders. "Me too." As I looked into his face, his expression twisted. "Oh God, I forgot," he muttered. "Ben's here."

I followed Billy as we hurried down the hallway back to the dressing room where Ben was waiting. I twisting my hands in anguish and tried to figure out what I was going to tell him. Part of me was surprised he'd come all this way just for me, but part of me knew of course he would…after all, despite all our bantering and bickering, he was fiercely devoted to protecting me. I knew he'd probably blame Billy for at least part of this mess, and for that I felt a pang of guilt. But then, I knew I wouldn't have been able to keep Billy out of this if I tried. Does saving my job always have to involve hurting the people I love?

Billy grabbed the door knob, then turned to me. "Whatever happens, you let me do the talking, ok?"He nervously swiped a kerchief across the beads of sweat forming on his forehead. I gulped and nodded, and we went in.

Ben sprang up from the couch where he'd been sitting, and before I could say anything I was caught up in his strong embrace. "Jane," he whispered, and as he pulled back I could see all the worry and pain and guilt in his eyes and no trace of anger. "I…let you down, and I'm so…I'm so sorry, Ben." He stared at me for a long time, and I was aware of Billy shifting uncomfortably behind me, wanting to say something but unsure of how to start. Ben looked past me. "And you?"

Billy held up his hands. "I stayed true to my word. Kept her safe. Do wish I'd told you though…sorry about that." Underneath his casual manner, I could tell he was dead serious. Ben nodded. "Me too. And I'm assuming you guys stayed somewhere last night?" I nodded. "We stayed at a hotel." Ben narrowed his eyes. "You slept alone, I hope?" I hesitated. "Well, yes, technically…" "Don't worry, I didn't touch her," Billy cut in earnestly. Ben sighed and massaged his face with his hands. "Give us a minute?" Billy bit his lip and bowed out of the room.

Ben and I sat down on the couch together. He didn't say anything.

"Are you mad?" I asked timidly taking his hand in mine.

He shook his head.

"Disappointed?"
"Yeah."

I waited.

"…but only because you didn't tell me. Janey, I thought we'd agreed that you were going to be upfront about everything!"

"I know….I am sorry."

"I believe you, but seriously, Jane. This can't keep happening. I had to call in sick today to fly out here."

My cheeks burned. "Well…thanks for coming."

Ben sighed and took my hand. "You knew I would. It's just that…Jane, if you'd only told me, I would've let you come."

I stared at my brother, eyes wide. "Really?"
"Sure. I know how much this thing means to you. At least, I know now. I would've supported you, Janey. I'm on your side. I mean, sure, the timing wasn't the greatest and I'm not too happy you had to miss school for this, but ultimately I get why you thought you had to come."

"Well, if I'd known that—"

"You had only to talk to me, first."

I looked down. "Great….now I feel stupid."

"You're not stupid, Jane. Just…young. You still have a lot of growing up to do, but let me just say that you are… way more mature than when you started this job."

I smiled half-heartedly. "Um, thanks?"
He grinned. "I mean it."

"So, what now?" I said, getting up and smoothing my skirt. Ben also stood, and I tried not to get distracted by his wildly atrocious tie.

"Well, she's giving you another chance, right?"
I nodded, slowly letting that realization sink in. "Gray's letting me have another shot," I breathed, unable to restrain the grin that was quickly spreading across my face.

"I'm guessing you'll need to get back to New York for that, then."

"Yeah, well, that would help." I decided not to tell him about Billy's suspicions….best to confirm those with Gray, first.

"Come on, get your stuff together, say your goodbyes. I booked the next flight, and it leaves in half an hour." Ben was moving around now, scooping up all the free swag gifts and snacks off the coffee table into my purse.

"Might as well, I mean they're free, right?" he explained with a goofy grin. I shook my head. "I'm going to go talk to Gray," I said, slipping out of the room. Billy practically tackled me outside. "What'd he say?" he asked hopefully. I squeezed his hand. "We're good."

"Me too?" He still looked uneasy. I wavered. "You talk to him."

Billy

"Hey Ben, so are we cool?"

I lingered just inside the door. Ben walked over to me and crossed his arms. "Can I believe you?"
"Trust me, Billy. Have I ever let you down?" I tilted my head, realizing the mistake. I held up a hand. "On second thought, don't answer that."

Ben chuckled then sobered up. "As long as you say nothing happened, nothing happened." However, his voice still betrayed some doubt.

I sighed and loosened my tie up. "Look, you and Jane…you're the brother I wish I had. And Jane, well, she's the only one I ever really loved. Sometimes I just get lost looking at her…." My voice trailed off, smiling to myself, now. "But I didn't do anything," I assured him. "And if she ever suggests it, the answer's no. Simple." I gripped his shoulder. "I've waited all these years, a few more won't hurt." Ben nodded, and I could tell with relief that I'd convinced him.

"You're a good kid, Billy. Wish your brother was more like you. Stay that way." I ran a hand through my hair. "I try," I muttered to myself. "You have no idea."

Jane

"Oh and Jane, there will be no morestunts like this, understand?"

"Right, of course. Thanks for everything, Gray, I'll see you in New York."

I hung up, and turned to Billy, who was waiting expectantly. "You were right," I confessed. "How bad is it?" said Ben, twisting around from the front seat. I focused on the floor of the taxi. "Six styled looks for the fall collection," I said under my breath. Billy snorted. "That's it?" I gave him a hurt look. "Do you know how long it took to get the spring collection together?"
Billy shrugged. "You have more experience now. Plus, it's not like you're making the clothes. All you have to do is put together outfits, right?"
"Riiight," I admitted, looking at Ben. "So, can I do it?" Ben and Billy exchanged a glance.

"Sure."

Jane

(Two weeks Later)

Today was my birthday. Of course, that observation didn't really mean anything, since we never celebrated it. Ben said it was because my mother had left the day I turned three. Though I was too young to remember, Ben did; I could tell it pained him to talk about her so I tried not to bring it up.

But I was too busy now to really think about her or anything else, for that matter. The collection was finally finished, thanks to several late nights pairing together looks, a half a dozen trips to the local goodwill for hipster pieces, and an unending supply of Red Bull, which Billy faithfully delivered each day after school.

And now I was late for my meeting, the one that would pretty much decide the future of my career. As I scurried from the metro station down the street to Donovan Decker, I knew the only way I could get through this was to trust my instinct, and hope for the best.

Grey and Diaz were waiting for me in the conference room when I finally slid into my seat. Donovan was also present, and I acknowledged him with the usual awkward greeting that seemed to characterize all our encounters.

My phone vibrated in my hand and I picked it up instantly. "Send them in," I told Birdie, and my six models entered the room. "Everyone ready to begin?" I asked, nervously taking my place at the front of the room next to my concept board. Gray nodded, her steely look softened with an encouraging smile. "Show us what you've got."

I took a deep breath, and plunged in. "Trend reports say jewel tones are returning for fall, but I say that our younger demographic wants something new, a bit of prep mixed with a metal edge. So today I present to you the concept of Mixed media madness: a collection inspired by the traditional preppy English looks with a hint of artistic flair that represents teenage individuality."

Billy

I slammed the accelerator, enjoying the speed of the motorcycle and the air whipping at my face as I scraped around the corner. I slowed, and parked meticulously outside the apartment. As I bounded up the steps I could hear Tommy and my dad at it again. I opened the door, grabbed Tommy by the arm, and dragged him into the bedroom, slamming the door behind us. "When's he going to leave?" I asked him desperately.

"Not soon enough," Tommy growled through clenched teeth. I placed a restraining hand on his shoulder. "Dude, chill," I said cautiously. "We don't want trouble."

He glowered at me from under his dark eyebrows but we both knew I was right. "Fine," Tommy agreed at last, unclenching his fist. "I'll leave him alone." His face relaxed, and for the first time I noticed the dark rings around his eyes.
"You look tired," I sighed, busting open a Red Bull from the sixpack I had brought in. "Wanna get out of here?" Tommy sat down on the edge of the bed and took the can gratefully. "Yeah," he muttered. "I've actually got a gig I'm doing and I need to scram in fifteen. Wanna tag along?" I shook my head vehemently. "Never again."

Tommy eyed me. "Come on," he urged in a patronizing tone. "You don't wanna sit around with that psychopath for the rest of the night, do you?" I grimaced. "Tommy, tagging along with you isn't much better." I grabbed the cigarette he had lighted and crushed it between my fingers. "You said you'd quit," I said, my tone suddenly hard. Tommy chuckled. "And I will. But not while he's around. I need something to relieve this stress!" I shook my head, but didn't press him.

"Today's Jane's birthday," I said, getting up. "Ben invited me over for a celebration dinner tonight, and I'm gonna run a few errands on the way." Tommy was digging a small bag of powder from his pocket. "Fine. Suit yourself." I hesitated for a moment, then wrestled the bag from his hand. It hit the floor and burst open, the contents spilling into the carpet.

"What the hell, man!" Tommy leapt up, furious. "I hope for your sake that's just sand," I said quietly. "I won't stand it if you're gonna become another him." I jerked my head towards the ranting coming from the kitchen, then turned and stalked out of the room. I could hear Tommy still fuming. I stopped, then retraced my steps. "Just drop it," I said, pain twisting my words. "If not for the sake of your brother."

Jane

I glanced eagerly across the faces, but they all seemed to wear the same mask of indifference. "So, what do you think?" I looked at Gray, who in turn looked to Donovan. He stood up and paced the room, examining the models' looks with an intense glare for detail. "You say this was all your idea?" "Well, it was inspired by Ivy League schools in England and the Princess Diaries movies, as well as a few quirky art studios from San Francisco, but yeah, the idea was all mine." I bit my lip, trying not to ramble too much.

Donovan turned slowly to Gray, his eyes glittering like his silver sharkshin suit. "I'll say it again, Gray," he said in a smooth tone. "You've got a talent on your hands. You'd be a fool to let this one go." Gray beamed. "My thoughts exactly," she replied. "Jane, congratulations on a wonderful collection." I could let myself breathe now. "You really liked it?" Gray nodded. "Hey," Diaz protested. "Doesn't the marketing director's opinion count for anything?"

I looked at him expectantly. "It's…great," he admitted. "All of it will sell, I'm sure."

"So does this mean I get the job?" I asked Gray hopefully. Donovan looked at me with a surprised expression. "You mean to tell me that she hasn't even hired you?" He turned to Gray. "What part of untapped potential don't you understand?" Gray appeared frazzled for a moment in the presence of her superior, and then she threw up her hands helplessly. "You heard the man, Jane. You're hired," she told me.

I waited until I was safely in the privacy of the elevator to let out an excited scream. And as strode through the lobby, I could still hear Donovan lauding the line to Gray as they descended the stairs. "Flatform Mary Janes, with the subtle reference back to 90's grunge—genius!"was the last thing I heard Donovan exclaim as I grabbed my Birken and headed back to school.

I crashed Ben's sex-ed class to break the news to him, and we held a very quick and undignified happy dance in front of a classroom of twenty already uncomfortable sophomores. Then, I hurried through my honors math class and down the hallway to Billy's locker. But he wasn't there.

At home a delivery was waiting outside. The box was huge, and I ripped it open to find an industrial-sized sewing machine inside, efficient and sleek. "Where did this come from?"
Ben grinned. "Billy just dropped it off. It's a present from both of us. Happy Birthday, Janey." He planted a kiss on my head, and I turned and hugged him tight. "Thank you!" I squealed. "But wait, why didn't he come in and deliver it himself?"
Ben was quiet for a moment. Then he spoke. "Billy…was is his way to the city police."
"Wait, what?" For a second I forgot about my present. "Is everything ok?" He drew me close and gave me a reassuring embrace. "Yeah, he's fine, and so's Tommy, though apparently Billy had to play drug-buster too. Billy's dad wants to turn himself in, I guess. Not sure what happened, but Billy was pretty tight-lipped about it, so I didn't press for details."
I nodded sadly. "It's probably for the best. I just wish I could be there with him."

"You know I'm not letting you go down there," Ben said in a firm tone, eying my suspiciously. I smiled. "Don't worry, I won't."

"He said he was going to drop by later." I brightened up at that. "Now," Ben said, rubbing his hands together and regaining his usual enthusiastic composure, "What do you say we go make some cake for tonight?" I glanced at the cake mix on the counter. "Ben, you don't cook!"
"Always a first," he said, grinning and sprinting to the kitchen. Laughing, I ran to follow him. "Oh and Ben? I have an idea. Can we stop by Donovan Decker before dinner?"

I was busily sewing away when Billy finally showed up. "Hey," he greeted me in a slightly subdued tone, and I looked up to see him leaning in the doorway. "Billy!" I said, stumbling out of my chair and into his arms. "How was it?" He nodded solemnly. "It…it was good. He won't be bothering us anymore." I fixed his upturned collar. "I'm sorry it had to turn out like this," I said apologetically. Billy turned my face up with his hand. "Don't be. By the way, your little encounter a few weeks ago actually helped incriminate him." I gulped. "I guess I should've told you about that, hm?" "Well, I bet you didn't know I was recording you. I had a feeling something like this was going to happen sooner or later." I was silent.

"And anyway, let's not talk about it anymore. This is your day, Janey. Enjoy it."

I pursed my lips and beamed. "What?" he said, the familiar grin creeping over his face.

I snatched the scrap of material off the machine, and with great ceremony snipped off the last threads. He came and stood over me. "What's this?" he said, taking it in his hand. "A present," I said simply. I reached around and yanked the kerchief from his back pocket. "Time for a replacement." He squinted as he examined the carefully monogrammed letters embroidered into the kerchief. "This says JB," he muttered. "Jane, you know that JB stands for?" As I knotted the kerchief to his beltloop, he began to count off the names on his fingers. "Justin Beiber, Jonas Brothers, J&B scotch—Tommy's favorite kind—jail bait, jelly beans…." I grinned and looked up at him. "It stands for us." I grabbed his jacket lapels, and, standing on my tip toes, kissed him. He looked surprised, but he didn't pull back. "I love you, Billy Nutter," I confessed, and leaned into his embrace.

"Come on, you two," Ben said from the doorway, and we jumped. "Time to go."

"So, this is it!" Birdie's chipper tone had never sounded so welcoming. I sunk into the deeply riveted leather tub chair and pursed my lips in delight. The office was quite small, but I was right next door to the closet, and Carter would always be around. On the slim, modern desk sat a vase. Jeremy had sent down a bouquet of roses as a welcome back present, and I blushed deeply as I read the accompanying note.

"Give it," Ben ordered, holding out his hand. Giggling, I shook my head. "It's nothing. Promise." He raised his eyebrows, but made no complaint. Bouncing up, I twirled around the room a bit, taking in the rich pumpkin colored décor, contrasted with the stark white mannequins in a row against the wall, fairly inviting me to layer designer garb onto them. "Now I know why you couldn't wait 'til Monday," Ben said, peering through the floor length window to the busy street below. "This is kinda incredible."

"Hey Jane," Billy said from the floor, "do all the stylists get such fancy rugs?" Billy massaged the shag fur spread covering the floor and I laughed.

"It actually used to be India's office," I said, stroking the tall lacquered cabinet I had once broken into.
"Well, it's getting late, and our food is getting cold!" Ben was eager to get going. "What he means is the take out place closes in ten minutes," I whispered to Billy, and we held our heads down in suppressed laugher.

"I'll see you at home, then?" Ben said, grabbing his coat. I recovered and waved him on with a straight face. "Yeah. Thanks for letting us come by."

Billy and I walked home slowly, hand in hand.

As we passed through the alleys, Billy turned to me. "Remember the last time you were here?" I stopped, rubbing my exposed arms against the chill of the spring evening. "How could I forget?" Billy ran a hand routinely through his hair. "Remember what I told you?" I dipped my head. "Of course."

(One month earlier, after the CFDA Gala)

I remembered stepping out of the limo, feeling utterly dejected. I remembered wandering through these same alleyways, not caring really where I was going. I remembered Billy running after me as it started to sprinkle. I could see his red velvet blazer peeking out from underneath his raincoat. "I thought you might need an escort back," he replied with a wink. I laughed. "You know me too well." He offered me his arm, and I took it gratefully, trying not to shiver. Without a word, he slipped off his coat and draped it over my shoulders. "Thanks," I smiled gratefully.
"So, is this another one of your looks?" I examined his slicked back hair dubiously. He grinned. "Nah. Just me cleaned up." "I like it," I decided, straightening his wonky bow tie. "Somehow, it suits you."

"Hey," he said suddenly. "You wanna dance?" We were standing in an ally way, just a few blocks from home. I shrugged. "Sure." I tenatively clasped my arms around his neck. With ease he wrapped a hand around my waist, pulling me close. I raised my eyebrows. "I didn't know you danced!" In answer, he twirled me under and back. "Suprise," he whispered, his breath heavy on my ear. With one hand he pulled his earbuds from the pocket of his jacket. He brushed my hair back, nestling one side into my ear, and I sighed happily as the music penetrated the moment. We slowly rocked in a circle, absorbing the heartrendered melody of Secondhand Serenade's 'Fall for you'.

"I'm sorry I couldn't make it today," I said at last.

"Know what, you didn't miss much," Billy assured me. "Prom is overrated."

He twirled me again. "So, how was the party?" "Gala," I corrected him. "And I'm sure it was fine….but I wouldn't know."

He raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
I sighed. "They didn't let me in."

"You're kidding…"

"Sadly, no."

"Why not?"

"I had to show my ID. And apparently, you can't be underage at these things."

"You could've called me."

"I know."

"So why didn't you?"

"I knew how much you were looking forward to tonight."

"Janey, any party without you is missing something, you know that."

I nodded. "I know now." He dipped me slowly. "I'm always here."

"You are."

"So much has changed," Billy observed, as he turned and walked backwards. I studied his jaunty features in the waning light. "Well," I reflected. "I lost the job, but gained a better one, and it's legal! And Gray doesn't hate me, Donovan liked my designs, today I've got a new machine, and school only lasts another year so the torture does end!"

Billy made a face.

"What?"

"I meant, in a bigger sense. Those are things that happened. But you, Jane. You've changed."

"Gonna get philosophical?"
"You know you like it."

"That's…true."

"I mean, like, you're no longer the jellyfish you were three months ago. You're not letting others push you around anymore. This job has given you a backbone, a broader outlook, a voice… " he trailed off.

I weighed his words. "I guess you're right," I admitted, "But you changed too. And as much as I hated it when you went away, I'm glad you did."
"And why is that?"
"Let's just say you're more mature now."

"Fine. But aren't you missing something?"

"What?"

Billy only grinned.

"This last year's gonna fly by, before you know it, Janey," he said, changing the subject.

"I'm sure it will. But we've got each other. That's all that matters." I could see the house now, see the light from the kitchen window as we strode up the sidewalk. Outside the door he held up my hand and kissed it gently, and somehow it was a hundred times better then when Jeremy had ever touched me.

In the quiet night my phone rang, and I slid it out of my pocket.

"Hello?" My heart froze. The person on the other end was talking, a woman speaking, a breathless stream of words, agitated, familiar….Watching me, Billy knew something was up. "Who is it, Janey?" he whispered. I turned to him with a mixture of excitement and trepidation in my eyes. My voice was hardly more than a whisper. "It's her, Billy. It's… mom."

~The End~