I couldn't get motivated to think of what else I could do during the two years until 12th grade. I was going to commit suicide again sooner or later, ...nd there was a 50% chance I'd be leaving this dimension, so why bother busting a gut to do anything? I knew that was probably poor logic, as whoever I merged with would probably think the same, but that "probably" gave me the excuse to be lazy. I was somewhat distracted by the thought of my dying and the new life that'd create for me, and I was. I never dreamed he would have any feelings for me beyond friendship. Adding to that, we were both married, altho both unhappily. I was ending mine, but I knew he had no intentions of leaving his. He felt he owed it to his wife to stay. Still, now knowing how he felt, all I could do was imagine how it would feel to kiss him...just a kiss...just once before I leave in the morning. I told myself that we needed to talk about what was said that afternoon to make sure our friendship was still. "Dude, what are you doing?" Jake asked, no longer smiling."I'm taking off my wet clothes so I can get dressed" I said, neutrally, and I pulled down my pants. I was now standing in my boxers."Gross! I'm right here!" Jake protested."Yeah, well, you'll survive, and you chose to come in here and throw water on me. Not my problem." I kept my responses terse and unemotional. Don't feed the bully right?"Whatever," Jake said, no longer having as much fun. He looked nervous. "I was just trying to be. " Arianna met his gaze and inwardly groaned. He had that look about him again. He was going to start pestering her about being his chosen again!"I..." Don't. For just once in your stubborn life, woman, listen to me first. Until I finished, I just want you to sit there and actually listen. And don't go getting all defensive on me either." he growled when he saw her cross her arms over her wonderfully ample chest."Fine, lets get it over with, Dean. I'm a very busy woman," she said through gritted.