Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 22:32:23 -0400
From: lila_is@live.ca
Subject: Steppin' Out -/highschool/Book 3/Chapters 4-6

This is a series of works of gay erotic fiction. If you are offended by
such material or if you are not allowed access to it under the laws where
you live, please exit now.

This work is copyrighted by the author and LBL Services Canada. 1990-2008

and may not be copied or distributed in any form without the written
permission of the author, who may be contacted at: lila_is@live.ca

Any and all celebrities mentioned in this story have no affiliation to this
piece of writing and I make no claim to their person as my own. All
Mentioned places and people are factious and any bearing resemblance to
anyone person or place is purley coincidental

***********************************

INTRODUCTION:

Steppin' Out (Book 3) On the straight and Narrow - Copyright 1997-2008
By Lila Mosher Full series already E-published on line, if you wish
to read it all in it's entiriety please Mail Lila and ask for the link thanks.

A love lost, a love gained, two families
become closer as a third is added
to the extended family tree Aikrii and Mani
have created for themselves. Even through
the sorrow each love thrives to florish
to the best it can be. A tear jerker so
be sure to have lots of tissues!


***********************************

Thanks to ALL who have mailed me already due to book 1's listing, the
responses are amazing, I can't believe some have already ready all THREE
books!  (on line) The books main web site has hit an all time high of
45-50000 page hits respectivilly each month and it's mainly due to the
listing here in Nifty, thanks Also note if you read the books on line
there IS a forum for fans to post comments in :D So please by all means
use it to have your say about what you read or mail me :D either way is great.



Please enjoy book 3 ...keep watching here for
the next chapters to be posted, ALL will be
listed here in due time, thanks again everyone!!!

PS summer vacation is almost over and to those
who read all my stuff on line so far, I WILL
be back to writing SOON (2nd week of September)
so keep your eyes out on the series main web site
you'll see book 4 and 5 getting compleated :D
enjoy what I have now and PLEASE post in the
forums I LOVE to hear from fans, really I do! :)

Lila




Chapter 4 -- A New Beginning
**************************
They had been at Nye's place for about ten minutes, not long but Nye was
antsy to show her the comparison since he did find it quite amusing.
He walked with her to the guest room where he was staying. Selina noticed
all the stuff all over the place from the construction that was going on.
She flopped onto Nye's bed once she got to his room looking at the ceiling
as she listened to the steady pounding of a hammer hitting a nail.

A few minutes later Nye sat next to her with his lap top. He booted it
up and looked over at Selina.

"How do you stand all the noise?" She asked looking up at him her eyebrows
furrowed in a sign of distress and perturbation.

"I am getting my own mini apartment. I deal with it because I know what
lays at the end of it all." He replied shrugging his shoulders.

He turned his laptop around and showed her a picture of Aikrii side by
side next to an image of Stephen Gately. Selina sat straight up
grabbing the laptop.

"Oh my god NO WAY!" She started to chuckle. "Holy shit! I can't get
over how much they look alike! Does he know?" Selina looked at Nye
and was still giggling over it all.

"Oh yes! He knows and some times he flaunts it to!" Nye chuckled.
"Just you watch, mention the resemblance and see what he says,
I get a friggin' howl out if the antics he pulls."

Selina mulled over the images, "Aikrii has thicker hair, his eyes are
green not blue... ummm... his chin isn't as square as Stephen's and
there's something else...I can't quite put my finger on."

Nye chuckled "Your picking it apart now, can't do that to poor
Aikrii you'll break his heart. He loves the attention when someone
 says, Hey your remind me of..."

Selina noticed the twinkle in Nye's eyes, he was enjoying the topic
of Aikrii's playful nature and how he knew who he resembled.

"OH! I'm So gonna have fun with this" She said chuckling.
"I think we both will." She grinned as she passed back his laptop.
Mani walked passed Nye's room and then backtracked and poked his head in.

"Hey! Selina how are you?" He asked. She stood and walked over to him
giving him a big hug. "I'm doing well actually, how about yourself,
I see you got a whole mess going on here."

"Yep," Mani said. "Aikrii and I took Nye's old room and turned it into
an apartment for Sefron and his wife Mardi." We're building Nye's
place now along with taking Sefron's old room and expanding it as
well into something new. Once that's all done we're gonna fix
up this room to."

"Damn sounds like you have your hands full. Who's doing the work for you?"

"I don't know if you know him personally, His name is Jeff Wonders.
He works for dad's company. 'Working Wonder's' He's a bit older than
either of us, so you may not know who he is."

"I think I've heard of the company name, actually if my memory
 serves me right I think my dad worked for that company." Selina said.

"So how far are you into getting things settled?" She asked curious on
how long poor Nye would be living in the green guest room.

"Come take a look if you want." Mani suggested offering a hand for
her to hold on to while he walked her through the mess that would
soon be Nye's place.

She was amazed by how much had been done to the old living room.
Mani had the company gut out the living room pulling it out another
ten feet alone. They then built off the living Nye's new room.

She was shocked she recalled Nye saying they were building one more
room since their home was getting larger with kids and all but
she never imagined that they'd have so much room added.

She looked out the new side window to see how far back they pulled
the property for Nye's room and was surprised to see it wasn't all that bad.

"I figured outside would be ripped to shreds trying to pour a foundation
for your additions." She commented as she pulled back from the window.

"Nope, Aikrii wants quality along with preservation to the surrounding grounds.
If we didn't have to rip up anything the contractors tried to avoid it at all
costs. Mainly all that had to be done was a small section was dug out, a simple
foundation was laid and we hauled out the rest after that."

She nodded her head looking around. She walked towards the entrance of Nye's
future abode and was greeted by a startled Jeff.

"Oh shit! I wasn't expecting anyone." He said chuckling. He stuffed
out his hand and offered it to Selina who laughed at the look he
had on his face. She recognized him but wasn't too sure from where..

"Hello there, I'm Selina. I'm a friend of the family. Just checking
out Nye's future nesting grounds." She said with a joke and a wink
as he walked through the door. He blushed at the comment. Jeff chuckled.

"Well we're over half way there. Mainly adding the remainder of
the walls and we'll be dry walling tomorrow and hopefully painting
by Wednesday." Jeff showed her around the layout of Nye's pad.

It was quite large the old living room had been about twenty feet wide
and now it was about thirty, with the addition to that for Nye's place
which was another thirty feet or so added there was a substantial change
but it wasn't that noticeable which was odd.

"How in the world did you manage to extend the side of this place by nearly
forty feet without it actually being so noticeable?"

"We didn't" Jeff said. "It just seems to have happened on it's own, possibly
due to the surroundings and the tree lines not to mention the cedar shingles
on this place are easily matched up, so who knows, maybe it was the luck of
the draw, we were able to add to this place and not draw too much attention
to the changes we made." He smiled he was happy with the turn out.

Selina stood with Nye by the end window it was quite nice. "I like how
they did this for you Nye."

He smiled at her comment but it was Jeff who responded. "Actually we didn't
do this for him, he designed it himself."

Her eyebrows both raised in admiration as well as shock.

"Really?" she asked. "Impressive!"

If an architect was to stand in the surrounding area she was at they'd
probably think the same thing. When she walked through the door from
Mani and Aikrii's main living room to the immediate left was small
bathroom and then another room which Nye said was going to be his
bedroom. There was a mini living room immediately in front of her
where his TV was going to be and a second door to the right, which
was a private entrance. The bedroom area he showed her had two very
large swing away patio doors. All in all it looked like this new
addition was going to be one sweet little pad.

"So what possessed you to do this?" She asked Nye.

"Well Mani and Aikrii offered me my own space to give up my room
to Mardi and Sefron so it could be converted into a mini apartment.
I figured if they could have one why not my own, I don't need a
huge extravagant mess but a simple spot where I can entertain a
few guest is a good thing."

She was impressed. "So you have all the furnishings, or are you
buying new stuff?"

"I have a bed and my dresser and desk for my computer system,
I even have my TV and gaming system now to." He said with a chuckle.
I think all I have to get is a sofa, I want a pull out styled one
so if I get over night guests I can let them flop there."

"Sounds like you have everything all planned." She grinned, "Even for
the possibilities for guests." She looked around the unfinished apartment
and was quite tickled at the layout it would be a very nice place."

Nye flopped his arm over her shoulder, "Just think on Friday you can come
shopping with me for the remainder of my furnishings and then help me
move my crap in here."

She turned and with mock disdain on her face asked,
"What makes you think I want to move your self proclaimed
'crap' in here on Friday? What if I had plans?" She said dejected
still joking at the thought of having to be put to work on a
weekend where she could be out having fun with Nye instead
of huffing things around.

He pouted. "You wouldn't help lil' ol' me? Not even a tiny bit?"
he held his fingers in front of his face making the tiny notion,
looking past his hand and at her he pouted again giving her the lip.
She crossed her arms with one eyebrow raised and gave him a
cocky half ass ginned.

"So what's in it for me?" She asked waiting for him to
stop his pouting.

He stopped all right and he stuck his finger to his lips looked
at the ceiling and hummed.

"uhhh, we could...no...uhh... how about... shit naa...ahhh."
He trailed off still wondering what he could say that would make
her want to come back over on Friday to help him fix up
his new space.

It was then that words of wisdom he read only last night from
the diaries that Cleo had left behind floated to his mind.

"Remember to give a little of your own self to get results
you're seeking, this can include time you would rather be
using for something else, Time spent over money is usually
more valued in the long run."

He walked up to her and placed a hand on either shoulder and
looked her in the eyes grinning.

"How about this. You spend time with me Friday helping me get
this place set up and I'll spend time with you on Saturday
doing anything you want."

"Anything?" She asked giggling and raising her eyebrows again.
He pondered that and thought, 'What did I get myself into'
but he resolved to keep to what he asked the first time.

"Yes anything you want." He waited for her answer. When she
nodded he jumped and shouted "YES!"

He gave her a big hug.

"Thanks this is so gonna go so much faster with both of us.
Mani and Aikrii will be too busy to help and I can't ask
Mardi and Sefron is working."

Selina chuckled at his obvious enthusiasm over her agreeing
to help out. She looked around the half finished apartment.
It was hard to believe that come Friday, he'd have his own place.
She was off in her own world and was abruptly snapped out of
it when he took her hand and gave her a tug.

"Come on I haven't had breakfast yet and I'm starved.
Let's go eat."

He took her to City Park Rd which was located within the
Market district of Kearney and and pulled into a simple
restaurant. Selina looked up at the sign.
Nickel's was what it read.

"Ok, this is a quaint looking place. We're going to be able to get
breakfast here?" Selina watched as he exited the car and walked
over to her door. He opened it and offered his hand. She took
it as she stepped from the car.

"Don't worry so much, we'll get food here, it's a good little
place to. Celine Dion was the one who started this place.
I really don't know why but heck it's got good food and it's
well known you'll like it here."

He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm and walked with her
to the front door. Holding it opened he allowed her to walk in
first and proceeded to follow her. They were greeted immediately
by a friendly young lady who directed them to their table. She
handed them menus, smiled and asked.

"Would you like coffee this morning?"

Nye nodded, "Yes place, decaf, no cream and can you please bring
some cold water as well."

The waitress nodded and waited for Selina to place her drink order.

"I think I'll just have a tea."

The waitress who's name tag said Dianne scribbled the info down
and smiled back at Selina and said

"I'll be back with your drinks momentarily meanwhile check out
our morning menu and feel free to ask if you have questions
about or menu selections."

She scurried off and left Selina and Nye to their own accord.

"So," Selina said trying to now break the ice that seemed
to be building up in their surroundings. "I know the funeral
was only the other day but how are you holding up?"

"I was hoping you weren't going to mention that. I'm trying
to not think about it, I'm still feeling a bit numb." He sighed.
"I got to admit thou, you were a huge help to Cleo,
I can't get over the praises she sings of you."

She looked at him a bit confused but she still chuckled.
"So she's still singing about me even thou she's gone?"

"Yep." He leaned back as Dianne returned to their table
with their drinks, she placed Nye's coffee in front of
him then Selina got her tea. He continued once she
retreated giving them more time to ponder their morning
meal. Nye continued to look over the menu as he spoke.

"I've been reading her diaries. There's a lot of stuff in
there I never knew about. I'm finding it fascinating,
but I've also learned I didn't really know her all that
well. There was a lot she never told me and I wish she had.
It's weird learning all this stuff after she's gone."

He looked down into his cup of coffee reminiscing.
His wandering memories making him smile. He blurted
out suddenly

"You know she asks me a question daily, almost like she's never left..."
He titled his head and propped his arm up and leaned his hand against
his chin smiling, stirring his coffee looking at Selina.

"When I first started reading it was the day after the funeral.
She left a note at the beginning telling me I had to read at
least one page a day and ever day there would be a question."

Selina knew what Cleo had done she had helped her come up with
the programming with Aikrii's help, the program would run for
one full year, every day asking a question that was programmed
into it. It was triggered by him opening the program and reading
the first page. Selina could reset it if she wanted to but he
started to read so she would let him continue. He may not need
it for the whole year. She pondered this and then though
'Time will only tell' She smiled at him as he reached over
to take her hand. "I'm glad you had been there to support her
Selina. You helped me to and she told me so with the words
she wrote."

This was news to Selina, granted she never read what Cleo had
wrote to Nye it was really none of her business she just
helped with the programming aspects of what Cleo had wanted
to do for Nye after she was gone.

"I wasn't aware she wrote about me in her diary Nye, but I
do know about the questions, I helped program a special
'widget' into her diary program so she could ask you one
a day, it'll run for a year and then stop." She smiled at
his bewildered look on his face. "You can also answer back
to her writings, it's not like you'll get an answer but it
may make you feel good to do so."

"Wow I never knew you helped her in that aspect, I assumed it
was just part of the program she wrote her diary in."

"Nope" Selina said taking a sip of her tea. "I don't tend to
talk about things I can do...I much rather apply them."
She said looking over her cup she watched his eyes as she
took another sip.

"I think Cleo's attempts to make me feel better about her
passing and putting us together get easier everyday and for
some strange reason I feel guilty about it."

Just then Dianna came back and asked, "Can I take your order now?"
Nye nodded "I'll have the pancake special," He paused
"What do you want dear." he asked her and reached out for her
hand smiling. It felt weird yes but it felt good none the less.
She smiled back at him and said "I'll go with the waffles and fruit."

Dianne scribbled down their order and said,
"It should be about twenty minutes ok enjoy your meal."

Once Dianne left Selina picked up their conversation from
where it had been interrupted at.

"So what part about feeling better makes you feel guilty?"
She wanted to know if it was the same as how she felt sometimes.

"I can't really describe it Selina. I just feel like I shouldn't
be feeling what I do, I shouldn't be feeling ok, or wanting to
love someone else. It's almost like I'm cheating or betraying
her even thou she's stated over and over again in letters,
notes and even in her diary that I should move on. It's not
like I don't want to, I just don't know if I can."

She sighed. He was going through the same stuff she was.
Now she figured out why Cleo put them together. Two good
hearts needed to be together to support each other now
what part of that didn't Nye understand. Was he blind or
just so wrapped up in not ruining Cleo's memory he couldn't
see what she had intended, Selina didn't know whether to spell
it out for him or let him mull through on his own. She thought
to herself. 'Guidance, he needs guidance. I have to talk to Mani
tonight'. He was still holding her hand. She flipped her hand over
in his so it was palm up. She gave his hand a squeeze.

"Two good souls placed at the mercy of an angel.
Life couldn't much more confusing."

He lifted his eyebrow at her in confusion.
"Ok whats with the philosophical prose?
You're starting to sound like my brother."

"I was aiming for Cleo but sounding like your brother
is ok to" She chuckled as he stuck out his tongue taunting
her. She then got a bit more serious. "As for the philosophical
stuff I was trying to give guidance without giving you a
shove ok, I think I much rather let you move at your own
pace. I'll still be waiting when you come to grips with the
emotional baggage thats holding you down."

Nye looked at her confused more now than ever.
"I have baggage?"

"Yes." She replied as she noticed Dianne walking towards
them with their meal. The food smelled delicious, She
dug in as soon as Dianne walked away. "Thing is,"
She said between bites of strawberry and waffle
"The baggage you carry isn't bad, but it's not healthy either.
No one caused it to be there it just is due to a loss.
You'll get over that hurtle when your hearts into it ok.
Don't rush." She smiled again then stuffed more waffle into
her mouth whipped cream sticking to her upper lip.
"I'll say it again Nye, I'll still be here when you manage
to figure things out ok."

He looked at her and his heart melted. He knew he had a
good soul in here he knew what Cleo had planned he still
felt like shit but he also knew she wasn't coming back
and Selina sat before him, a blessing in disguise.
He reached over and wiped the whipped cream off her
lip and licked his finger off.

He noticed she got quiet and her face had that wonderful
light pink tint. What possessed him to do it was beyond him.
It just felt right. He impaled another piece of his pancakes
and chewed, not really tasting them at all. The only thing
he was savoring was the view in front of him.
'Ok, now where was that coming from?' he wondered.

The gesture actually threw Selina off guard. Mostly
because of the feeling it left in the pit of her stomach.
Like...like...butterflies. 'Now where was that coming from?'
she wondered. She took another bite of her meal. They were
both quiet and yet it felt good. The last of her meal
was sitting on the end of her fork as she swirled it
through sinful whipped cream and cherry jam. She stuffed
the remainder of her waffle into her mouth. Moaning in
satisfaction as she leaned back. "Damn that was a good breakfast."
she said out loud breaking the silence.

He looked over at her. The satisfying moan over the meal
alone was enough to make him happy he took her out.
"Glad you enjoyed it, I told you the food was good here."

She was about to comment when she spotted someone from the
corner of her eye. Someone she hadn't seen all summer.
She looked again and noticed there were two someone's
she hadn't see since last year.

Nye noticed she wasn't focused on their conversation and
looked back to where she was staring.

"You know them?" he asked as he noticed two fellas sitting
about four tables back from theirs.

"Yeah, The tall fella with the brown hair is Alex McCollam,
I haven't seen him since graduation and if my memory serves
me correct the other fella is Cameron Gove I do believe he
was in the other graduate class so I don't know him too
well but I hear he was a hell of a scrapper."
She remembered something just then as well. "I wonder why Alex
is here, If I recall right he had mentioned a trip to Europe."

Nye looked back at the two and chuckled "He probably didn't
 go because Cameron kept him too damn distracted." He pointed
backwards when he looked back at her gesturing she should
look again. When she did she got a shock of a life time.
She definitely got an eye full.

"NO WAY!" She squawked out. Much to their embarrassment
as well as her own they noticed her. She turned really red
then. Nye was ready to bust a gut when he saw her face.

"Whats wrong Selina?" He chuckled. "Never see two guys make out before?"

She gave him the hairy eyeball and hissed "Not like that!"
Nye chuckled again. What she had saw was the same thing Nye
got and eye full of as well. Two eighteen year old guys both
so randy for each other they had their hands down each others
pants in a public restaurant. Nye thought it was hilarious.
He looked at her again she had slid down in her chair trying
to hid.

"I hope they don't recognize me"

"Why?"

"I made an ass out of myself...I mean I never knew Alex
and Cam were together, they were so...discrete at school."

Nye chortled and then snorted trying his damnedest to hold
back his mirth over the whole thing.

"You expect them to take out a banner add in the school newspaper?"
He asked her. "Not everyone is as comfortable like Aikrii and Mani
are with personal displays of affection and some others are so hushed
you never hear till years later or not till they are dead."

"I didn't expect an ad Nye, it's just a shock thats all.
I think Alex had every damn girl drool all over him since
seventh grade, hell in grade nine he yelled out in gym class
he was horny and dared the first two people with their hands
down his pants he'd let them play with him."

Nye really chuckled now. "Ok a true blooded horny teen.
Sounds about right, so when he said that were there
any takers?"

Selina pondered a moment then chuckled again getting over her
initial embarrassment, "Actually come to think of it, yes. Two.
Sam Nicholson whom everyone thought was ugly and Cameron.
I think that was the only year all of us had the same classes
together." She finally relaxed over it all and waited to see if
they recognized her.

They must have calmed down some as Alex apparently remembered her.
He had grown over the summer and she had noticed that even Cameron
had gained some substantial girth as well over the summer. Alex
walked up holding Cameron's hand.

"Oh my god! Fancy banging into you here Selina. Damn it's been
too long. How are you!" He reached over and gave her a hug as
she stood up to meet his embrace.

"Wow Alex, you look fantastic!" She said and she meant it to,
he did look great. At six feet tall his former gangly frame
finally had caught up to the deep voice he had. "What happened to Europe?"
she asked curious over why he apparently didn't go. His blue eyes
sparkled with excitement when she had asked that question and she
felt she was in for a treat.

"Well as you can obviously see...I finally came to terms with a
few things and well. Cam here kept my attention here at home
instead of abroad. Personally I'm rather enjoying the sights here."

Selina chuckled as she watched Cameron playfully slap Alex on the
shoulder. She looked over at Cameron.

"I remember you from grade nine. In particular, gym class."
She got the result she wanted as she watched the fella with
the coal black hair and brown eyes turn a pretty shade of crimson.

"I can't believe you remembered that." He said. For one of a
nearly identical height as his partner his voice didn't do
his five foot eleven stature justice. He still had that
"baby face" about him and the voice to match. Selina couldn't
but help to snigger again at his mild discomfort at the old memory.

"Yep I remembered that." Nye now chuckled. He couldn't
help but let it out he to after all could just picture
the incident like he was there. Cameron hear Nye's chuckle
and looked appalled.

"He knows to?"

"I think the whole school knew Cam." Alex said laughing.
"Get use to it. Many more will say well I'll be when
they see us together."

Selina laughed again, "Come on you two sit down. Fill me on
on the latest gadgets you've been playing with." She knew
she'd get more out of them if she encouraged them to stick
around but they begged off.

"Sorry darlin' I'd love to chew the fat but well I worked
late last night and I seriously need sleep." Alex said
as he pulled Cameron closer. "but give me your cell I'll
give you my number you can call ok. I heard you moved so
I want details on what happened ok."

She nodded her head and stood again as he gave her a hug
again before they left. "Be good." She whispered to him
and winked as he pulled back his comment back was
"I always am!" they chuckled together said their good
byes and she watched them leave the restaurant.

She sat back down. Nye was smiling. "Everyone loves you,
ya know that right." She blushed.

"It's true Selina, you brighten a room when your in it.
Even when things look down. Your friends are lucky to have you."

She looked at him a bit confused. "But your my friend to."

"Ahh yes, I am but I'm luckier still because there's more to
us." Nye reached his hand out and ran it down her cheek,
she got shivers when he did that.

"We have a connection, a promise, and a future that only
time will help us see." She saw it in his eyes that day.
She saw hope, want, and love in his eyes. He didn't look
lost or sad now and she pondered what brought it on.
Either way she figured she now owed Alex and Cameron for
making him seem so happy for it seemed it was their
paths crossing that caused Nye to come out of that shell
he had created for himself.

He took her hand and stood, they walked to the front door
of the restaurant, he paid their bill and he walked out
with her, his arm over her shoulder, they chatted on
the way to the car things were getting slowly better.
They had no plans for the rest of the day but it didn't
matter so long as they got to spend time together it's
all that mattered.

Their day saw them talking to each other, playing on line,
chatting to Sefron and Mardi and Selina even took some
quite time to ponder over a few things with Mani. When she
found Nye again She didn't say a thing, she just watched him.
He was standing out on the patio by his new bedrooms doors.
He had his gettoblaster out on the patio with him and was
listening to the music that was floating in the air.
She stood by him and looked over at the beach.
She loved coming here it was always so nice and
peaceful at Aikrii and Mani's home. She heard him
humming to the music. It was Ronan Keating from
BoyZone singing. 'When you say nothing at all'
floated through the air. She smiled but she didn't
say anything either. It would ruin the moment. He
watched her as he hummed slowly swaying as he let the
beat lead his heart. He was behind her singing lightly
almost a whisper in her ear. His arms wrapped around her
waist as he continued to sway. They stood that way for a
long time even after the song had finished.

She could feel him breathing deeply, she could feel the smile
on his face even if she couldn't see it she knew it was there.
She leaned her head back against his chest. She was content
to just stand here in his arms and just wait.

*******************************************

Supper rolled around and Mani was cooking again tonight.
Aikrii had come home around four and was pleased to see Selina.

"Hi darlin'" He said to her. He gave her a kiss on her
forehead and gave her a hearty hug."It's nice to see you
here, you're looking well."

"Thanks I'm glad to be here, Nye invited me for the day,
I also get to have the pleasure of helping him move in
on Friday to his new room." Aikrii was beside himself to
hear that Nye had not only invited her once but twice in
a week.

"Nice! I hope he treats you to a nice meal if your helping him
huff stuff on Friday."

She giggled "Actually he promised I could do anything
I wanted on Saturday if I helped him Friday."

Aikrii looked at Nye and chuckled. "You didn't really promise
her anything did you? You know that could get you into trouble right?"
He laughed as Nye got red in the face.

Sefron pipped up "Nye! Back the trolley up dude I think you're headdin'
in the wrong direction!" They all laughed then when Sefron's
'One track mind' joke sunk in. Selina groaned.

"Mardi is he always such a horn dog?" Selina refered to Sefron and
his bad habit of making everything sound kinky.

"Huh?" Mardi said "Corn dogs? Yeah he loves them!" She said screwing
up Selina's words like he use to do to her all the time. It was
everyone else turn to banter at Selina now.

Their evening went very well and the meal Mani prepared was
divine. Smoked salmon with dill sauce and a penne pasta salad
that was to die for. She was even allowed to have a glass of
wine with her meal.

With light conversation and great company it was a wonderful
evening and it's wrap up saw to her saying her good byes to
Aikrii and Mani with a promise to be there on Friday. Mani
asked her to bring her paint kit as he wanted to see how
she worked with her water colors, it was a medium he had
yet to try.

She slid into the seat of Nye's car he shut his door and started
up the steel beast and rolled out of the mile long driveway to
the main road.

"I hope you enjoyed yourself Selina." Nye said breaking the silence.
Usually his CD player was going but tonight it was off.

"I did thanks for inviting me." She was very happy, so much so
she felt light. She was beaming as well. Tonight had done her
wonders. Looking over at Nye driving she noticed he was almost
lit up as well.

She couldn't resist doing what she did next. She shimmied closer
to him and slid her hand up the back of his neck into his deep
auburn hair, she slowly massaged the back of his neck and head
as he drove.

He smiled more as he peeked over at her.
He was loving the attention.

Twenty minutes later she was home. The end of the wonderful
evening she was having was coming to an close and regrettably
she didn't want to see Nye go. He walked her to the top part
of the enclosed porch of the building Josh and Dante owned a
condo in. He took both her hands in his as he looked down
to see her happy eyes sparkling back at him.

"To be such the masterful thief would be amazing." He said.
She turned her head to the side looking at him in a questioning
manner as to why he was speaking of theft.

"I think someone has gone and stolen all the stars in heaven's sky,
I think that they hid them in your eyes" He murmured as he lowered
his head. Their lips met, this time not in a friendly manner.
This time there was more. A promise upon the lips of the man
she had fallen for. A sign of healing quickly making it's
way along. She sighed against his lips and smiled her arms
reaching for his neck. He pulled her close.

He broke the connection and gazed at her, his smile never
leaving his lips. He caressed her cheek.

"Till Friday, keep that wish in your heart ok."
He released her and was gone. She watched as he
left her fingers touching her lips where his had
just been, They felt so bare now. She turned to go
inside only to see Dante standing in the door.
He was smiling. She went to him and hugged him
pulling back she spoke in nearly a whisper.

"Daddy I think I'm in love, and it scares me."

Dante held his adopted daughter as they walked
down the foyer steps to their condo's entrance.
He knew that feeling all too well. His hubby
downstairs could account for that. He figured
it was time to have a heart to heart. He would
need Josh to help this was going to be a bit awkward.
He chuckled to himself thinking how he was going
to do this.


Chapter 5 -- The start of something beautiful
***************************************

They did have a big time heart to heart, Both Josh and Dante
wanted to make sure she was feeling secured, They both
wanted her to do what she thought was right. She had
questions too many to answer at once but they decided
if she was willing to be opened with them they would
help as much as they could.

"We can't promise it will be perfect Selina, sometimes
love hurts." Dante said. He saw the worry in her eyes.

"You're lucky you have someone to help and to talk to,
I wish I had this when I met Dante. Talk about a confusing
time." Josh said smiling at his spouse.

"It wasn't that bad was it?" Dante said poking Josh
and smiling

"Oh my god it was horrible my poor head had some many
questions and only I was able to answer..." He chuckled
"I didn't know if I was coming or going!" He reached for
Dante's hand and Dante took it.

"Good thing we both knew what we wanted even if it
took a bit to get there." They smiled and Selina
knew that no matter what happened whether her and
Nye did end up together or not they would support
her if she needed it.

"Thanks you two." She reached over and hugged them both.
"I count my lucky stars every day that I have been blessed
to have been saved by you two."

Dante and Josh felt blessed to have been given the chance
to be the parents they always wanted to be to such an
amazing young lady. The evening marched forward and she
figured it was time to call it an evening. I really
should get some shut eye, work comes early tomorrow.
She got up and headed to her room. She booted up her
computer she had mails to check before she turned in
for the evening. As her computer went about it's
necessary starting processes she got changed for bed.
Her 'I live for the weekend' nightie was her comfort
jammies and she tossed those over her head. She sat
at her desk and checked her e-mail. Most was junk thou
she did get a mail from Charlene her mom's sister.
She clicked on it and waited as it opened.

TO:proud2bme@so.ca
From: ca_decost@ednet.ca

Subject: Visiting

Hello Selina it's been a bit since I've heard from you last.
I figured it was time to drop a line. I am going to be in
Kearney to visit a few friends before classes start here
and I was wondering if it would be ok to visit. I did enjoy
our time together when your foster parents got married,
those two weeks seemed to fly away much too fast. If you're
interested drop me a line back and hopefully we can
arrange some family time together.

Much love
Your Aunt Charlene.

Selina was surprised to hear she would be in the area.
She did like her aunt. She was a lot like what sher
remembered her mom being. She wrote back.

TO:ca_decost@ednet.ca
From: proud2bme@so.ca

Subject: RE: Visiting

Hey Auntie C,

Yes it's been awhile since we spoke last & I'm sorry
to have to tell you this but much has happened here.
I don't know if you'd remember Cleo but she passed away,
she had cancer for a long time. I miss her lots. Her
funeral wasn't long ago. Nye and I took it very hard
since we were both so close to her but we're healing,
slowly.

So you're going to be down this way? When? I'd love
to spend some quality time with you. Page me back
and fill me in on details. Collage starts for me on
the 5th (Which is weird since it's Friday but that
the school systems for you LOL) Much love

Selina.

She clicked on send then checked to see who was on line on
her messenger. A few days Kolten had added her to his
messenger and she was wondering if he was around since
she wanted to find out what courses he was taking.
He wasn't on line but Nye was. She sent him an emoted
kiss.

Proud2BMe says: 'X'
MusicMan: 'Hehe ...ummmm... more?'

She giggled he usually wasn't this much fun
on line so she ran with it. This could be fun.

************************************

Nye wasn't one to usually play on line, let alone chat.
He was in a exceptionally good mood.

It was around nine thirty when he popped on line.
He was hoping to see a few friends around but not
many were around, he did get paged about another
gig in Curre. The thoughts of flying out there again..
alone sucked. It was when Selina popped on at ten
that he started to beam. She had sent him a kiss and
he thought that it was cute. He decided to play with it.

'Hehe ...ummmm... more?' He asked her... grinning on
his end and chuckling, His brother heard him laughing
and poked his head into his room.

"Whats up?" Mani asked him.

"Teasing Selina" Nye said pointing to the screen.
Mani chuckled when he seen what Nye had printed.

Proud2BMe says: 'Ok who is this? Cause the Nye
I know doesn't carry on like this.'

Nye and Mani both roared. "HAHAHAHA!"

"Oh man I could really drive her nuts."
Nye said chuckling.

Mani looked down at his brother.
"Don't torture her too much, you don't
want to scare her away now do you?"

He chuckled leaving the room glad to see his
brother in such a playful mood.

Nye decided to enjoy the attention and maybe lavish
some on her without her being able to see his face.
As bad as it may have seemed he felt being able to
wax poetic while hiding behind a computer screen
was easier. Less embarrassing. She would certainly
question him later but this would make the initial
part easier.

MusicMan says: 'I'm here, I'm in a good mood... :)
thanks to you'

Proud2BMe says: 'Really?'

MusicMan say: 'Yes really'

Proud2BeMe says: 'Thanks for inviting me out I enjoyed myself,
it's been a while since I felt so good.'

MusicMan say: 'Umm, you sure did feel good.'

Proud2BeMe says: 'Huh? You ok Nye?'

MusicMan say: 'Yes, I'm quite fine. I wish you were
still here. I'd prove it to you'

Proud2BeMe says: 'Ok now you're making me blush!'

MusicMan say: 'I love it when you blush, your eyes light up.
Thanks for the mental picture I shall sleep well tonight'

Proud2BeMe says: 'You're being a flirt! That's so cute!'

MusicMan says: 'Wasn't tonight's kiss enough?'

There was a long pause in that written conversion he
paged her again, he was still feeling brave.

MusicMan says: 'Selina...I know you felt it to. Answer me please'

Proud2BeMe says: 'I'm here Nye, In all honesty...I'm just confused...
maybe a bit scared'

Proud2BeMe says: 'I know what I felt I'm just worried about moving too fast.
I don't want either of us to get hurt over expectations we may have if
they don't pan out."

MusicMan says: 'High expectations only leads to disappointment.
I only expect honesty & if I can't be honest with myself about
how I feel about all of this then I don't deserve the wonderful
blessings I've been given. It sounds like we're both on the
same page thou."

Nye paused he knew what he was feeling now he had to see if
he had the courage to tell her. He hoped he didn't scare her away.

MusicMan says: 'I understand that we could be chancing
something here but I think if we don't at least try like
our hearts are telling us to do then we'll only regret
later on asking ourselves what if...I'm falling in love
again Selina and well...I can't give up on that just
because I lost someone else I cared about. Fast or not
I have to do what I think is right. All I ask is you
allow me the chance to give what I have in my heart.'

Proud2BeMe says: 'Oh my god, you're gonna make me cry!'

MusicMan says: 'Don't cry hun...smile for me ok'

Proud2BeMe says: 'Dammit you had to go and do this on the
computer, I can't even hug you now!'

MusicMan says: 'I know the cowards way out, I admit it, but
I feel better, you can chastise me later ok.'

Proud2BeMe says: 'I wish you were here'

MusicMan says: 'Is it ok to say I love you?
Or would that be too weird for you?'

Proud2BeMe says: 'No it's wouldn't be weird....I love you to.'

She said it. He knew now for sure. He leaned back in his
chair he was beaming, he was over joyed!

***********************************

CRASH!

Mani heard the thunderous noise and ran towards it,
he had no idea what was going on. Aikrii met him in
the hall and Sefron wasn't far. When they converged
on where they thought the noise had come from they
found Nye on the floor in his room. He was staring
at the ceiling grinning like an idiot.

"What happened!" Mani asked his brother while Sefron
lifted him to his feet

"You ok?" Nye was still a bit stunned. He looked at
the computer screen again. He had to be sure, and there
it was in black print. He sat back in his now righted chair.

"I'm fine, couldn't be better." he said in a detached sort
of way still grinning.

Mani turned him around to look at him. "Are you drunk?"
He asked he never seen his brother this weird before.

Aikrii pointed to the computer screen. "I think I know why
he landed off kilter, She floored him, literally."

Mani looked over. Sefron was wondering to what had gotten
into Nye. They all stopped in their tracks after reading
the screen and looked at Nye. He was still grinning.
He looked up at his brother and spoke

"She said it, I'm not dreaming right?"

Mani chuckled not able to hold back his mirth over the
whole situation. "I think you better answer her first."
He said as he heard the MSN notification announce she
had written more.




Proud2BeMe says: 'Nye? You ok? Sorry if I floored you like that...'

MusicMan says: 'HAHAHA! Funny you should say floor! My brother's here...
along with Sefron and Aikrii. Sefron just picked me up off the floor.
I kinda fell out of my chair and scared everyone. Hold on ok.'

Proud2BMe says: 'LOL! You really fell out of your chair!?
I have to get some sleep dear, how about you call me tomorrow ok?'

MusicMan says: 'Ok good night. Love you.'

Proud2BMe says: I shall end this conversion as I started it... X

She signed off. It was then that Nye looked at his brother, he spoke
telling Mani and the other two about the evening that had passed
and how he landed on the floor.

"I kinda took the chicken's way out and let the flood gates open,
I couldn't do it any other way I just couldn't hold back but face
to face scared me too much."

"I guess the thoughts of rejection really make people do awkward
things eh?" Mani said chuckling as he and his baby brother
walked with Aikrii and Sefron to the kitchen to get a drink.

"Your telling me. I didn't know whether to shout for joy or
faint when she put that. Instead I fell out of my chair!"

The kitchen got quiet again as they all thought of their own
first proclaimed loves. Each smiling over the memories.

"I guess I got lucky, I got a second chance." Nye smiled to himself.

"I think your Friday night will be an eye opener there brother dear.
If you actually manage to move that is." Mani stood there and pondered
a moment..."Yep you will be busy but you'll be talking about
all of this I think more than you'll be moving."

Nye realized he was right. He smiled more. Mani looked at him
and patted his brother on the back.

"Well he's smiling instead of frowning or panicking.
I guess he's right, he got his second chance!"

Nye slept like a baby that night, so did Selina.

************************************
Friday started on an even keel. Selina went to work at Jump Street
as she usually did. Meeting Jen in the employee stock room she
grabbed her pricing gun and greeted her friend.

"Morning Jen!" she called out.

"Hey Selina, you doing restocking today? I have shipping to receive
today and I need room back here." Jen called from behind a pile of
boxes containing jeans

"Yep, I'll move the last five boxes out in about twenty minutes,
when does the shipment arrive?" She asked Jen who usually moved stuff
fast once it came in.

"Around ten ok." Jen pushed her way through the maze of boxes and
made herself viewable. "I think I'm gonna have to talk to your dad
darlin' looks like he over ordered on the Lentie series jeans
and we'll be over stocked for a month to Sundays now."
Jen shook her head as she went down a stocking list she had on a clip board.

Selina giggled "Dad was probably distracted" Jen rolled her eyes
and chuckled as well. "Oh god I swear to god those two are worse
than a bunch of randy teenagers."

The two ladies had their laughs and got down to work for
their fun filled day.

*******************************************
She woke up her tummy was rolling again. Groaning she rolled to her side.
Sefron was awake and had been watching her sleep. He smiled at the
aquamarine eyes that stared at him. He leaned forward and kissed her
forehead and placed a hand lightly on her belly rubbing it. He shimmied
closer tucking her in close to him. "How did you sleep?" He asked her
like he did every morning.

"Ok" she said smiling. "Tummy is on a roller coaster ride again today
thou. I wish this morning sickness stuff would calm down." She took a
deep breath, She could smell Sefron's cologne and the fresh linen on
their bed. Content to stay where she was thou knowing she had to get
ready for work she poked her husband and decided to get her butt moving.

"I hope kiddo lets me be today I really hate missing anymore time
from work." She sat up, Sefron still had his hand on her belly.
He groaned at her moving. He just wanted her to stay there.
She chuckled. "Come on baby you have work to."

They both got up and started to get ready. "What's up for tonight?
Mardi called out to her hubby as she dug in one of the still unpacked
boxes for something to wear. Their new place was a mini apartment now.
Aikrii had Nye's old room converted to help them have their own
space for when their little one was born.

"As far as I know we'll be ordering in as Selina will be here
to help Nye move into his new place down stairs. That is if Jeff
gives the ok." Sefron walked out of their room as he slid into his
work shirt.

"Oh ok I didn't know we were eating in tonight. I figured Mani would
cook again he's been doing that a lot lately." She walked over to
Sefron and straightened his collar. "Yes he has been but Mani's
been a bit distracted as of late and I'm not sure why, even Nye's a
basket case lately."

"Oh?" Mardi said

"Yep, last night we found him laying on the floor after he fell
off his chair he was grinning like an idiot to! Selina floored him
literally." He chuckled at the memory of poor Nye with a dopey
look on his face, sitting on the floor looking at his computer screen.

"Now how in the world did Selina manage to make him fall over if
she wasn't even here?" Mardi asked a bit befuddled, the ramifications
behind such a claim made the idea hard to swallow.

"She did it with words." He said watching his beautiful wife's eyes
sparkle as he filled her in on the sweet details that lead to Nye's
posterior plant on the floor.

"Oh that poor boy, he's got it bad, if she can make him fall
that easily he has no chance now." Mardi giggled.

"Think he'll get all moonie like you were?" She asked him.

"Huh? Moonie? I wasn't moonie. Was I?" He said his eyes showing surprise.

"Oh yes you were baby, you treated me like glass. You spoiled me
with attention as well." She smiled at him when he let off one
of his killer grins. Reaching for his chocolate princess he did
what he knew how to do best he made her melt. Mardi giggled as
his kisses let up a bit.

"I think if Selina gets the same treatment from Nye like you dish
out to me" He trailed kisses down her neck making her gasp.

"We'll all be watching two love struck people mooning over this house."
She felt him pick her up. She was now eye to eye with him.

"Good god hunny don't you think you've gotten me into enough trouble?"
She giggled as he tried to ravish her as she playfully slapped him.

"Nope I don't. Think Aikrii will mind if you're a bit late?"
He let off a deep hearty chuckle as he watched her eyes widen
at the prospect of being throughly loved by her man.
She moaned at the thought and the fact that he was stroking
her bottom while nibbling on one of her breasts through her
shirt really turned her on.

"Ummm" he said as he pulled up her shirt and captured her breast
in his mouth, lavishing attention on it till she felt she would
slip from his grasp, her body like heated liquid. Her tummy no
longer queezy. Butterflies took over making her float. Yes she
would be late today. Sefron drunk in Mardi's beauty, and her
tiny little 'baby bump' as he ran his tongue across her abdomen
as he laid her down on their bed. She squirmed and panted. He
knew he drove her wild when he did this to her. Whimpering she
grabbed his head as he trailed down further and blowing his hot
breath across her heated core. He focused his attention here
running his tongue over her already sensitive folds, driving
her to yell his name. He so loved hearing her yell his name
as she climaxed. He chuckled as he slowly made his way back to
her lips. "I love it when you scream my name baby" he ran his
hand across her mound making her jump and squirm.

"Oh damn! Sefron!" He pushed against her heat and rotated his
thumb causing her to have mini spasms of desire run from her
desire to her belly. Her eyes closes as she arched climaxing
yet again. It didn't take him long to get her to melt. He slid
from his boxers, and stroked her excitement with his own, growling
when she reached down and gripped his shaft. She guided him to her
hot core of need, he needed no encouragement as they danced their
dance of love, panting aching and craving to reach that ultimate
plateau. Their earth shattering climax saw her wrapped around his
hips as tight as a vice he collapsed exhausted but very satisfied.
He trailed kisses along her jaw line and smiled. She ran her fingers
along his jaw feeling the stubble under her fingers, She felt so
loved when she was with him and so lonely when he wasn't within reach.

"I love you" she whispered as she leaned in and kissed him.
He flipped over taking her with him trailing his hands down
her arms and sides. "I love you to beautiful." he laid his
hand flat against her belly and gave a rub, then he placed his
hands on either side of her hips and pulled her forward and kissed
her belly. "and you to baby." She giggled looking down into his
handsome blue eyes. "I have to get ready for work sweetie, Aikrii
is going to have my ass." He scooped her up and walked with her
kissing her along the way. "My ass first baby" he said chuckling
as he let her down to get dressed.

"MARDI!" They both turned to the voice yelling up the stairs.
Aikrii was waiting for her with the limo. She slid her pants
on quick tucking in her shirt. "Love you baby, see you tonight.."
a quick kiss and she was off to work.

"Coming!" She yelled down to Aikrii who was getting ready to
leave. She felt good this morning.

**********************************************
She felt good this this afternoon as she finished the last of the
restocking. Brushing her hands off on the ass of her jeans she stood
back and took a look at the display she had just finished setting up.
Her dad Josh walked up behind her laying a hand on her shoulder. "

It looks good, thanks for helping Jen get the restocking done. I
hear I over ordered on the Lentie series jeans. "

She chuckled. "You were probably distracted by Papa D again."

Josh turned four shades of red at that statement. He jostled against her
shoulder a rolling laugh as he said "Hey you're bad. Stop teasing your old man."

Now Selina really had to laugh, "You're six years older than me randier
than most teens and call yourself an old man, now thats priceless!"

Josh was even redder now and Dante hearing the commotion of their
bantering and the comment made. He roared with laughter at Josh's
apparent speechless nature. "She's got us both there hun" he said
through the laughter, he had to hold his gut his side hurt
from laughing so hard.

Josh walked over to Dante and stared at his hubby.
"I'm glad to have been a side splitting source of amusement
for you sweetie." He then ginned and pipped up "Just remember
now who's the randy one ok!" He ran a finger down Dante's jaw
which only proved Josh's point. Dante growled hungrily and
playfully snapped at Josh's finger.

"Ok you two, get a room, or at least take it to the office!"
Selina joshed making them both turn red again. Dante chuckled.
"You know she's right we do have a nice comfy office"

"Oh my virgin ears! DAAAD! Lalalalaaa!" She sang loudly as
she covered her ears. Josh chuckled I guess that will teach
her for teasing us to eh! With that they both walked off to
their office, leaving Selina to her work

****************************************

He walked through the doors of the shop he had flowers in his hand,
three to be exact. A white one, a pink one ,and a yellow one.
He loved carnations he hoped she did to. He spotted her. She
was working on one of the back wall displays. He slipped up
close to her and sweetly slid the flowers into her view.

"Oh my!" She gushed, "They are beautiful!"

She took them from his hand and stuffed her face into the flowers taking a sniff.
"Oh thank you Nye!"

She turned around and looked at him. He had his head tilted and was smiling,
his face had this cute dreamy look on it." She couldn't resist. She reached
up and placed a hand on his cheek, up on to her tip toes she brought
herself to his lips and kissed him. His arms wrapped around her like
a warm blanket. He pulled her into his chest, her right hand resting
on his chest while her left one still clutched her flowers which were
now dangling over Nye's right shoulder. She sighed under his lips.
This felt damn good. He moaned. Fingers caressed her scalp as he ran
them through her hair. He pulled back and grinned down at her slowly
running one of his thumbs against her cheek and brushing strands of
her hair from her eyes with his other hand. He leaned forward and
kissed her forehead. He still couldn't believe how lucky he was.
A second chance. He sighed again. He pulled her into his chest again
hugging her tight, his chin rested lightly on the top of her head as
she snuggled against him. She could feel his heart racing under her hand.

"Uh-hum! Get a room!" He heard. He jumped. Selina tittered laughing
at her dad's comment. She recalled the stories of Nye's old ways
and how he had been teased for the same thing.

"I could say the same but apparently the office works wonders to."
She shot back making Josh blush again.

"Oh!," He stomped his foot in mock frustration.
"I can't seem to get your goat on those jokes" He winked after.

Selina let go of Nye and reached over to her dad and hugged
him she saw Dante and decided to get them yet again with
another bit of bantering. She comment loud enough for Dante to hear.

"I want a a baby sister, now don't you forget that ok."
She kissed the tip of his nose and took Nye's hand.
"Papa D take good care of him ok, I won't get my sibling
if you keep working him so hard." with a giggle and a
kiss on the cheek she waved good bye as she grabbed
her jacket and keys. She was now off for the rest of
the day which; she intended to spend with Nye. Dante
and Josh both stood there by the cash register dumbfounded
and yet happy to see their foster daughter was finally and
truly happy again.

**********************************************

She was impressed at the couch he had picked out. I was a dark
hunter green and had a very luscious nearly velvet feel to it.
The arms and back were over stuffed with padding making it a
very soft piece of comfort. She watched as the floor operator
at the Kearney furniture store demonstrated how easy it was
to pull out the hidden bed contained within it's cushions.
 Nye nodded at the gentleman and the order was rang up and he
asked for delivery. He was informed by four pm It would be at
the house. Nye was satisfied and took Selina's hand as they
mosey through the store looking for other furnishings for his
place. He picked out a glass coffee table and a nice mat for
his bedroom and some sheer curtains for his patio bedroom door.
Satisfied with his shopping they headed off to Nye's place.

The got into Nye's car after they loaded his purchases into
the trunk. He started the car and pulled out of the parking lot
as Selina fiddled with the stereo. He reached over and brushed
her fingers gently away and pushed two buttons making the front of
the player drop. He adroitly watched the road as he placed a CD
from his collection into the player. The machines facing pulled
back and Selina heard the music float over the speakers. Whitesnake
she wasn't surprised he was playing his romantic tunes. She relaxed
closing her eyes, not wanting to ruin the perfect moment.
'Is this love' floated around them the songs question resonating
in her head. Smiling to herself she had to agree it was. She felt
his hand at the back of her neck and she let out a sigh of pleasure
as he skillfully rubbed his fingers back and forth across her neck
while still driving. She was still smiling when they pulled into
the driveway of Mani and Aikrii's home. Neither had said a thing
while coming here and they continued to mull in blissful silence,
well aware the other was only within reach should they need comfort.

She put down the pack that contained the curtains. They would
need to be washed so they didn't have the lines from being
folded through them when they were hung up. She noticed the
colors that Jeff's crew had put on the walls.

"Did you pick the color scheme or did someone else?"
she asked Nye as he put the box containing the coffee
table down by the bedroom door.

"I picked it I thought that the harvest wheat pine coloring
would go great for the colors I wanted in here."

She had to admit she was impressed. The golden muted brown
tone would be amazing with the rest of his furnishings once
he got things settled in. The bathroom had been painted a
subtle mint green and his bedroom was a extremely vibrant
version of maroon. It was very contrasting to the black trim
and the white bed linens. She was doubly impressed now.

"Did you really do all of this?" She was looking around still
awe struck.

"Yes... Is that so hard to believe?" he asked as he walked
over to stand behind her, one hand on her shoulder, looking
around at all his hard work. He picked what he thought would
suit him. He was maturing and the loud break his senses colors
were no longer needed to get the attention he use to crave
so much when he was younger. She looked over her shoulder
back at him and saw he was happy with what he had chosen.
She smiled to.

"Oh I believe you did it, I find it such a shocking contrast
to the person I've been privileged to get to know the last
while. It's different watching someone change so much.
 I like the results." She turned and was happy to see he was
grateful at her comments.

"Ok sweetness, we have a move to make and I want to get the
rest down here, least the bed is already set up and the couch
will be here soon enough." With that they got to work moving
his belongings from the guest room and storage to his new
place. Withing a few hours and a lot of talking they both
learned a lot about each other and managed to set Nye's
new place up. The radio was playing tunes so it seemed to
go faster and they really had fun playing around while
working. When they finished his place looked very sophisticated.
The couch arrived just as Nye and Selina finished hanging the
new sheer curtains in his room after they had been washed.
The delivery personnel placed it where he directed it to be
put, he tipped them as they left. Nye let out a very loud
and heart sigh and flopped onto his new couch.

"Ahh! Finally, all done!" he patted the spot beside him
encouraging Selina to sit and relax she had worked hard helping
him out and she really could have said no but she didn't.
He recalled their earlier conversations about how she enjoyed
showing how much she cared about others by showing what she
was able to do to then brag about it. He enjoyed that about
her. He put his feet up on the coffee table and wrapped his
arm around her shoulder as she sat. He kissed the side of
her head and snuggled her into his side. She fit so perfectly.

"Thanks for being such a wonderful help Selina" He had his
head tilted towards her own, he left leg was now pulled up
his foot at the edge of the couch as he reached over and
played with her fingers. She looked at her and his fingers
twining around each other, his thumb stroking hers. She sighed
in contentment and relaxed more, she was very happy.

The radio started a new tune. "Ahh your name sake is now making
this evening seem even more perfect." He murmured as she heard
the former singer Selena's song 'Dreaming of you' float along the
floor. She smiled again her eyes feeling so heavy.

He didn't know when she fell asleep but he could hear her
breathing had steadied. He thought he should get up and
close his main door but figured he best not move too much
as to disturb her. He tucked her in as close as he could
and slowly slid to the side taking her with him. Laying
with her in his new place felt so right. Heavenly
actually He closed his eyes to and drifted off as well.

Mani peeked in on Nye when he got home. He was interested
in what his brother would order for him and Selina when
he made his rounds for tonights supper. He was moved at
the scene before him when he found his brother, a smile
on his face, and two protective arms wrapped around Selina.
Mani couldn't resist and went to get Aikrii. He brought him
back with their camera and snapped a picture of the cute couple.

"Remember when that happened for us?" Mani asked Aikrii who
blushed at the memory and wrapped his arm around Mani's waist.

"Like it was yesterday hun." He lovingly whispered to him as he
laid his head against Mani's shoulder.

"I think we're privileged to see love from this prospective."
Aikrii commented absently, his heart going out to the two people
he cared about, knowing both needed support and finding it in
each other was a great thing as far as Aikrii was concerned.

"How so?" Mani asked him placing his arm around Aikrii's shoulder
as he reached forward to quietly close Nye's room door

"I think we're getting to see the start of something beautiful,
those two will make it, I can feel it here." Aikrii placed his
clenched fist against his chest near his heart. "They are like
how we were, looking for that one thing that would make us
feel whole again. I'm sure if they trust their hearts they
will be happy for a very long time."

Mani stopped and kissed Aikrii. "You have such a beautiful heart baby!"
He said smiling "I'm glad your mine and I'm glad you think they will
be good for each other, I worry about my baby brother a lot."

Aikrii giggled. He was always happy when Mani and he supported
their family members in any way they could. It made life just seem
just that bit better. Sighing they headed off to see to ordering
supper while the two new hearts that sought solace, reached for
each other in slumber. Fate blessed this place again and smiled
upon them, all was well in the home, by the lake, on the hill nestled
back a mile from the main road.



Chapter 6 -- A Spiritual connection

*******************************

She didn't know when she fell asleep but she sure was aware
she was dreaming. Selina looked around the vibrant colors
the beautiful trees, she had no idea where she was. She could
hear music she strained to hear the tune. Belinda Carlisle's song
'Heaven is a place on Earth' was what she could hear ever so faintly,
it was drawing her towards it's source so she followed it. Looking
as she walked she noticed everything was more defined, she felt
a heightened sense of belonging. She rounded the bend on the path
she had been following and there under a majestic weeping willow
was a vision to behold, Cleo was standing there with the breeze
playing against her form, making the white satin gown she was
wearing flutter in the breeze. Her hair a chocolate river flowing
from her light playing off of it making the satin sheen of her
clothing seem so pale. She was the one singing the song that Selina
heard and Selina ran to her.

"Cleo!" She cried when her friend warped her arms around her.
Sobbing in her arms. "Oh Cleo I miss you so much!"

Cleo looked upon the girl she adored, the one who was protecting
Nye's heart for her. She brushed her blond friends hair from her
wet eyes and kissed her forehead.

"If you didn't miss me, then you'd have forgotten me." she said
"and I know you haven't forgotten me because you're here."

Selina hugged Cleo tightly. "I could never forget you, you gave me a
purpose, your friends saved me and I felt accepted because of all of you."

Cleo pulled back bringing Selina to eye level. Her hair was ebbing and
swaying in the gentle breeze a Technicolor of browns, oranges and muted
reds, like silky satin. Her orange eyes twinkled with knowledge and
Selina held her breath waiting to hear what she had to say.
Cleo pulled her towards a small pond under the beautiful tree and
then down to the grass. She placed her hands into Selina's and spoke.

"You know you have a special gift Selina, the ability you were blessed
with as a child, to read people without knowing them, to feel their
hearts desires is something few get the chance to do." She picked up
her hand and placed it against Selina's own beating heart "You have a good heart,
and I was able to pick up on this just through the emotional connections
your wonderful dad's have with my friends."

She ran her hand along Selina's cheek and smiled. "You're doing
wonderfully with Nye by the way, I see him and he looks so much
happier." She touched the water and a image filtered through
the water like a television. She saw herself, curled in Nye's
arms. He was smiling holding her tightly. They were both asleep
on his couch.

"It's been weeks since he slept right. Tossing and turning with
dreams, regrets and all his fears all thrown in his lap making
him question everything he ever knew. Thank you for saving him.
I knew I picked right when I choose you." Cleo lifted her head
smiling with tears in her eyes. "Please keep the dreams and
wishes in your heart as I asked, Please keep him close.
I ask this of you as his life is only beginning."

Selina was concerned as Cleo's words seemed to hold a bit of trepidation.

Is this a warning?" Selina asked.

"In a manner of speak yes." She sighed. "I am your spiritual
guide because we have a connection."

She took Selina's hands again. "Because of your need to help
those you connect with you strive to do your best. The
connection to me through your own heart was left unfulfilled."
She wiped a tear from Selina's eye as it fell knowing her friend
was remembering her passing.

"I think you still believe that you didn't do enough to help
when it came to my illness. So in order to put you at ease you
will help me in a more spiritual way, by protecting him,
loving him and guiding him." Cleo smiled knowing the info
she was passing through the spiritual plains was a special
gift Selina was getting, how special depended on how Selina
 used them.

"You shall succeeded in providing him with a blessed live and
many happy memories. A trip for him is forecasted for him in
the near future. This I request he not make. Please keep this
in mind. I'm sure you will do the right thing to keep him in
heaven on earth."

"I won't let you down Cleo" Selina said she squeezed her hands
"Thank you for the blessings you've passed to me with him,
I am learning what it feels like to be complete."

"Your welcome." Cleo stood hugged Selina and looked back down
at her "You will hear from me again. Keep a wish in your heart,
a dream to reach for and remember love him for me."

Selina smiled at her friend who kissed her cheek and then in a
whisper on the wind, she slowly dissipated similar to smoke on
a breeze. She was still standing with her hand reaching out to
the fading wispy apparition who still spoke as she faded.

"Just talk to me with an honest open heart, we will always be
connected." With that Cleo was gone. Selina yelled out to her,
she still had questions, but she was gone. She sat and cried.
It was her crying that got Nye's attention who in turn woke
her up by rubbing her back and hugging her hard.

She snapped awake. Looking around wondering what had happened.
"You ok?" He asked quietly "You must have been having a nightmare
you were crying."

"I saw Cleo." She looked at him "She was so beautiful."
her voice held an undefinable something like that of a
soul mesmerized by a fleeting dream.

"It was just a dream baby, it's because you miss her so much."
He hugged her tight. "I miss her to."

Selina pushed back. "It wasn't just a dream to me, she told me
that there was a trip you might be taking." she sighed
"She asked me to watch out for you Nye."

Nye was silently shocked. There was a trip he had planned for
a gig that was requested in Curre for the former radio station
he worked for. He would go off an on for promotional gigs,
they paid him well. He hadn't told anyone he was considering
on going, how Selina knew was beyond him. He looked down at
her confused yet loving eyes and kissed her forehead.
"I'm not going anywhere for a bit hun don't worry about me."
He pushed her hair back from her face and chuckled when she
smiled "Sides you take good care of me I think thats the best
I've slept..."

"In two weeks" Selina said finishing off his sentence.
"Bad dreams will do that to you sometimes." She said looking
at him. He was now looking at her with shock on his face.

"How did you know that?" he asked quietly.

"Cleo told me." She replied honestly. "She said she was
happy to see you sleeping so soundly it had been nearly
two weeks since you slept without tossing or turning or
bad dreams haunting you making you question all that
you ever knew."

Nye was never one to believe in the spiritual plains
but he knew Selina was good at feeling people out
and he also knew she had this sense about her when
it came to reading others, either way he was
listening now.

"I slept good last night." he said

"Because you felt loved again." Selina said.
"No questions to keep your mind wandering at night,
Cleo did say she was happy to see you smile again.
I was told to keep that wish in my heart."

"Which wish is that?" Nye asked he pulled her back
into his arms leaning against the couch.

"The first wish I made, To see you smile again like
you always use to." She sighed as she settled into his arms.
"I'm sorry if I scared you." She said quietly.

"It's ok, You didn't scare me so much as I was worried."
He smiled and kissed the back of her neck. She looked
around his apartment and wondered what time it was.

"What time is it? I'm starved." She giggled as he gave
her side a squeeze and picked her up.

"Come on lets go see if my brother got supper yet."
He walked to the main living room door and noticed it
was closed. Looks like his brother must have already been
by. He opened the door. Everything was so quiet but he
could still hear faint laugher coming from the way of
the front hall

He peeked around the corner and noticed Mani in the
door speaking to Jeff Wonders, Jeff was chuckling
about something Mani apparently said. Both Selina
and Nye over heard the next comment.

"Younger or not I gotta tell you Mani, I finally found
the stubborn pig headed love of my life that I wouldn't
give up for anything. Kinda weird I found all this
out a country away." Jeff smiled while saying this
and Mani chuckled at it all.

"It's amazing what life's little idiosyncrasies will
do to one's out look on finding their soul mate. I'm
just happy to hear you found what you were looking for."
Mani gave his friends shoulder a slight congratulatory
shake and then shook his hand.

"Well now that we have things in order how about I invite
you to come eat with us, I have some Thai food being delivered
for our meals and it would be nice to have you join us all."

Nye choose that moment with Selina to join them in the foyer
and ask Mani when the food was coming.

"Soon I ordered about an hour ago but there will be plenty
if you want to join us Jeff." Mani said again to his friend.

"Actually I have to beg off, If I don't get home and get
my accounting records sorted I don't think I'll ever get
them done." With that Jeff left.

Selina looked at Mani. "He seemed very happy, I suppose
Aikrii gave the company a beaming recommendation for all
the hard work he put in to here. I'm amazed at Nye's
apartment, you wouldn't think it would be as cozy as it
feels." She smiled at Nye who chuckled and took her hand.

"Jeff has finally gotten his fathers business to the level
he wanted so he can take over, and yes he was here to pick
up something he had left behind, his written recommendation
from Aikrii so he can add it to the business wall. His dad
will be proud, even if he's not going to be around much
longer. He just found out not long ago his dad isn't in the
best of health." Mani sighed for his friend, another streak
of bad luck kicking him. Seemed to be the norm for Jeff now
days, well at least Mani thought so. He shoved his hands
into his pocket as they all got the dishes ready for the
pending meal.

"WOW that sucks" Nye said, concern etching his fine baby face.
He put the plates out on the kitchen island table while Selina
added the silverware. "He's such a good guy too bad too many
crappy things keep happening, but at least he's an excellent
carpenter, that should get him far." Selina watched and listened
to the conversation, she didn't know Jeff that well and only had
met him a few times but she did hear what he said while he was here.

"Well not all things seem to be crappy." She added, "Back me
up if I'm off track but he said he found someone?"

Mani smiled "Ahh, yes. The love of his life." Mani chuckled
at the knowledge he had on that situation.

"Lets just say their meeting was of an odd combination
and circumstance, one mainly being that he 'should'
have been the one doing the rescuing in the situation
he found himself in, but instead he was the one being
rescued and by someone who's seven years younger than
he is."

Selina and Nye both broke out in laughter at the concept
that Jeff would be the one being rescued by a teenager.
"Oh my god he must feel so awkward over that. Who is she?"
Selina asked.

It was Mani and Nye's turn to bust a gut this time, both
of them were hooting up a storm. When Nye was able to
gasp out a response she realized her blunder.

"Se...lin...a, hahahah, Ai...krii snicker...." He couldn't go
on Mani finished for him.

"Jeff's gay hun." He giggled harder at the look on her face.

"Holy shit!" Her hand went to her mouth, man she felt
like a little idiot, then again....

Nye laughed harder, "good thing he wasn't hear for that you'd
be worse off, he's quite...ummm, vocal when it comes to setting
people straight on a few things, I would know I've been the butt
of the same joke." Nye giggled more at his own past faux pas
and kissed her cheek, "it's ok we all make booboos"

"Well I'll be damed, He don't come off like that, hell I thought
he was straight." Selina giggled at her blunder thou embarrassed
here at least she thought to herself Jeff wasn't around to see
her stupidity.

The bell chose to sound at that moment but Mani didn't make
it to the door, as Aikrii and Sefron along with Mardi managed
to snag the delivery boy and wrestle up the food while on
the way into the house after work.

"Mmmm, this smells simply divine." Mardi said as she held
up one of the bags taking a deep whiff of the contents.
"Oh I think I have the pad thai, I smell cilantro." She
giggled as she place the bag on the island in the kitchen.

"I have the pineapple fried rice here" Mani said as he
pulled the container out of the bag. "and the som tom as well."

I have something with meat here" Sefron said as he hauled
something out of another bag that made Selina's mouth water
just from the smell wafting through the air.

"Thats pad ga pow" Nye pointed out. "It's stir fried basil
with meat, and to die for to." He reached for the container
and then a serving spoon as he and the rest settled in
to fill their faces.

Supper turned out to be a discussion of each members plans
coming up for the beginning of the school and collage terms.
Mardi, and Selina were both taking courses and Nye would be
teaching this year thou under a TA position but he also had
to consider his position with C.U.R.E 89.9 FM radio in Curre.

"I was suppose to do a promotional gig in Curre this month."
Nye said between bites, Selina was scared to hear what was
coming next but relaxed, "I think I'll be turning them down
this month since I can't really afford to fly this time around."

"I could get you there if you need the help Nye" Aikrii said
absently while stabbing a piece of papaya from the som tom
he was eating.

"Thanks Aikrii but I'll have to say no to you to" He reached
for Selina's hand. "I think I have other things here to consider
here first." She smiled at that and felt so much better.

"So Selina have you told Nye what you want to do for
Saturday, he did after all did make that promise."
Mardi asked grinning. "You gonna torture him with
something totally girlie?"

Selina paused and then answered while waving her fork in
the air and taking through a half swallowed mouth full
of shrimp. "Nope but I'm sure being dressed in drag he'd
handle something like that if I threw it at him."
she stabbed another shrimp and grinned as Nye spit
his pop across the island when he head this,
and started to sputter. How the hell did she know?
Everyone busted out laughing. She answered the question
in his eyes before he even asked it.

"Cleo told me about it, I have the pictures." Selina giggled
as his eyes bugged out of his head.

"Oh my god! You have them!" Nye was as red as his hair now.

Selina leaned in against him and whispered into his ears,
slowly. "Yes I do, see the princess rescues the prince
this time around." She pulled back and watched the sheer
shock and admiration as the facts sunk in. He was no
longer held under the ax now when it came to teasing
Josh and Dante. He grinned deviously at the notion.

She saw it register but jumped in as soon as she realized
she would have to put her foot down. "Ahh but before those
devious thought passes your noggin think twice, I will not
let you tease the living shit out my my dads, got it?"
She smirked and everyone else chuckled. They knew she
could handle herself and realized these two were a good
pairing, Nye could be a little off the wall yet Selina was
grounded, they could compliment each other in the right
circumstances.

He pouted but caved. "Oh ok hun, I'll be good."

"Better." she replied grinning as she stuffed a fork full
of rice in her mouth while everyone else around them giggled
or snickered quietly.

Sefron spoke up this time. "So you never did answer the
question Mardi asked. Did you pick something for Saturday,
inquiring minds want to know."

"You're all hoping I'm going to do something outrageous
aren't you?" Selina's eyes opened wide. Aikrii blushed
answering for all with that action, how ever simple it was.

Mani chuckled and nodded his head. "We're kinda use to
outrageous or different around here, it seems to be
the norm."

Selina laughed she knew about nothing being really
'calm' around this home when it came to Nye and his
antics or the tendencies of things backfiring on him.

"Actually I have chosen what I wish to do I just haven't
told Nye as of yet." She said as she finished her meal
and pushed back her plate "As for if it's outrageous
thats for a few to consider who I am as a person,
I think my dad's would probably freak but...well it's
my choice, but I still plan on calling them and asking
them first, if they say ok then I'll tell him what I want."
with that she smiled picked up her plate and took it to
the sink rinsing it and placing it into the dishwasher.

"Aikrii can I use the phone in the spare room?"

"Sure." He said smiling he had a clue what she was planning,
whether or not he had it right was another question.

She walked up the stairs and went to Sefron's old room
which was now the spare bedroom. She went to the phone
and dialed home. Dante picked up at the third ring.

"Hey papa D." she said when he answered.

"Hey how's your evening going so far?" he asked her.

"Good, I'm calling to let you know of my plans for the
rest evening and well to let you know whats up."

"Oh, ok. Thanks for calling to letting us know." Dante chuckled "So whats up?"

She giggled then dove in on her plans "Nye asked me what I wanted
to do for Saturday and..." She trailed off as she walked to the
room door to close it she didn't want anyone over hearing what
she had planned.

Mardi and Sefron loaded the last of the dishes while Sefron tormented
poor Nye. Aikrii giggled at the antics that were going on he was
quite amused.

"I bet she wants you to do a round of shopping with her."
Sefron said "Maybe she'll try to get you into a new dress."
He snorted as Mardi flicked him with a towel

"Hun don't tease the poor boy, You like our shopping excursions."
She had her hand on her hip and grinned wickedly.

"Yeah and you don't have hairy legs either. The mental image
of Nye in a dress is enough to give me nightmares for a year."
He said shivering then laughing as he ducked when Nye went
after him with a wet dish cloth flicking him to sting.

"You're such a goon Sefron!" They both giggle. "DAMN! Ow!"
Sefron said as he rubbed his ass. Nye had made contact.
"Thats what you get for being a smart ass." Nye said with a
smug grin on his face.

Selina made her presents. "Well looks like I'm staying with you
tonight Nye. Up for the challenge?"

The whole room would have heard a pin drop as she entered
and made her announcement. Nye stopped dead in his tracks
and then he hit the floor with a thud. Aikrii looked at
him and started to laugh again.

"Look she floored him again!" Mani then cracked up laughing
and Sefron followed suit. Selina smiled and walked over to Nye,
offered her hand and helped him to his feet. "I guess I should
stop doing that, you're gonna get bruises, and we can't have
that now can we." She kissed his cheek making him blush.

He mumbled through his embarrassed state, "What do you mean
by your staying with me tonight?"

"You said I could ask to do anything for Saturday, well I know
what I want to do for Saturday. You slept the best when we
crashed on the couch together, so ..." She watched his face
to see his reaction or if things sunk in. "I want to stay here
tonight so when you wake up you'll know I was here to comfort
you if you needed it, maybe then you'll sleep better tonight."
Mani's eyes bugged out of his head, he was stunned at her
bold request and Selina saw his misinterpretation immediately.

"I only plan on crashing here for his comfort, not so he can
get a piece of tail Mani." She crossed her arms and looked at
him with half a scowl and a cocky grin on her face. "Just cause
you and Aikrii are like my dad's and seem to be in rabbit mode
doesn't mean I am." Mardi guffawed at that comment almost
choking on her drink. Sefron started to chuckle so hard
Selina thought he'd split a seam.

"Nothing perverted or kinky in any sense...So Nye"
She turned to him and asked again "Up for the challenge?"

She asked him this as she knew he probably wouldn't sleep
with her beside him unless he knew for sure what the
terms were. She didn't want him being uncomfortable or
weirded out either. He looked down at her and grinned
took her hands and then got all mushy, something that
was SO unlike Nye.

"If a simple gesture such as falling asleep in my arms
is how you want to have a favor returned to you for
all your help you've given me then I can only hug
you tight and say it would be my honor to fulfill
your request." He kissed her fingers and watched her
turn all red, he was enjoying this.

Mani pipped up, "You actually asked your dads if you could
do this?" Mani was kind of stunned he never thought in a
million years either Josh or Dante would be so easy going
on this matter.

"Actually I told Papa D in detail what I planned on doing
and he has no issues with it, they both trust me and have
no reason not to." She smiled and Aikrii walked over to her
put his arm over her shoulder and gave her a squeeze and
a peck on the cheek.

"Welcome to the family, I'm sure we'll see you here lots"
with that the walked over to Mani who was still in a state
of shock and pulled on his hand. "Come on babe, CSI is coming on."
with that he hauled him into the living room to watch their
favorite show.

Mardi walked over to Selina and whispered to her.
"I think your request was the sweetest thing I've ever
heard a young lady ask for." She giggled and gave her a hug.
"I have jammies if you want to borrow a pair"

Selina laughed "Thanks I actually think I'm gonna pop
home and grab a few things and come back."

with that she looked up at Nye who nodded his head. He went to
get his keys to the car while she grabbed her jacket and cell.
She popped in to see Aikrii and Mani curled up on the couch
watching their TV program.

"We're heading off to my place for a few minutes so I can grab
a change of clothes. We'll be back soon ok."

Mani nodded as Nye came into the living room. "Drive safe"
he said to Nye who took Selina's hand

"I will." Nye said. With that they headed off.

The trip to and from Selina's place was fairly quick and Selina
was left to her own accord thou Josh and Dante both gave Nye
the third degree on treating Selina right.

"Guys, look. I loved Cleo like there was no tomorrow,
yet Selina has shown me there's a future. Just give me
the benefit of the doubt to prove to you I can do right
by her ok." He was adamant in putting them at ease.
"Trust her judgment as well, she's pretty smart and
won't let either of us follow a stupid path."

Josh looked at Nye "I've know your brother's hubby for
years and Aikrii is like my own brother."

Josh smiled as he continued. "I much rather think of you as
part of our family as well. Selina is still young, fragile
and has had a lot to deal with in the past. She's our
daughter now and we'll do anything to protect her. You're
now on the track to becoming very important part of her life."

Dante stepped in next to finish his own concerns, "and since
 we both want you to be safe, we're asking that you make sure
you think things through and come to us if you two need help
or even go to Aikrii and Mani. We're only pointing this out
so things are good for both of you."

Nye smiled he was being accepted in a whole new way and
more direct with Dante and Josh now. It made him feel good.

"Guys rest assured I will take very good care of Selina,
and I will come to talk to you if we need anything ok."
He said standing as she walked out of her room.

"Come on daddy o's no third degree now, he's not whisking me
off to elope or anything, we're gonna go watch some TV at his
place, I'll be back sometime tomorrow. She reached over and
placed a peck on each of their cheeks.

They headed off back to Nye's place. When they showed Nye entered
through his private entrance and then poked his head around the
corner through the open door of his brother's place. Selina took a
peek as well when she heard "Awww" come from Nye.

She spotted Aikrii and Mani both yet again curled on the couch
sleeping together. "It seems to be a common occurrence with those
two" Nye said chuckling.

He left the door opened out of respect for Selina and to also
put Mani at ease. He walked over to his new couch and hauled
it out to it's bed form. Disappearing through the house Nye
went to the laundry room where extra linen was stored and
grabbed a few extra pillows and some bed linen for Selina's
sleeping arrangement tonight.

"I hope it's as comfortable as felt when I tried it out the
first time at the store." She giggled as she popped the movie
triple X into the playstation two that served as Nye's DVD player.
She then headed off to the half bath that was in Nye's place
and changed into her 'I live for the weekends" nightie.
She crawled up onto the sofa bed and curled up beside Nye l
aying on her belly looking over the end of the pull out bed,
her feet up behind her swinging back and forth.
Mardi brought in the bag of popcorn Nye had apparently had
going when she was in the bathroom and winked as she walked
out "Enjoy the movie you two, be good now." She giggled as
she headed out and Nye started the movie.

Nye turned a pretty shade of red. "I'm never gonna live this down you know."
Selina poked him laughing. "Poor snookems" her laughter tinkling through the
room as the previews went through.

He leaned to his side and kissed her. She caught her breath when he
did that and melted, she returned the kiss He pulled back his
eyes held appreciation for her presents. "I don't mind so
long as I'm spending time with you." She sighed a very happy
sigh of contentment and snuggled in closer to his side. They
watched the movie and enjoyed the action packed flick. Vin Diesel
was one of Nye and Selina's favorite actors. When it was all over
Nye got up and went to return the popcorn bowl.

Selina brushed her teeth, went to the stereo and turned it on, she had
a habit of falling asleep with music on. She crawled back up onto the
pull out couch. She propped up a few pillows and hauled out the book
she was reading. When Nye came back into the room he seemed a bit
frazzled.

"Whats wrong?" she asked him.

He stammered. "Ummm..I...I don't know, I guess I kinda feel out of place
right now." His cheeks turned red.

"What, your embarrassed? What ever for?" She was wondering what
had him on edge now.

"I don't want to mess up, thats all" he said sheepishly as he scratched
the back of his head. "Say something stupid. You know, my typical me mode."

Selina chuckled. "Hun if it's typical then I won't take what you say wrong,
and you're just going to curl up and sleep. I'll be beside you because I
requested to be here so you will sleep better, I'm here to be someone
you can reach out for and lean on. Understand?" Selina was so much
more mature when it came to matters of the head, she was a thinking
person but had the same nurturing nature about her that let her be
there to help others when they needed it the most, Nye liked that
about her. Right now he was overly worried about nothing as far
as she was concerned. He relaxed some when she reached out to him.
"If you think you'll be more comfortable in your own bed just say so,
I won't mind."

Nye grinned. "Ok but only if you follow me." She laughed and
threw a pillow at him. "What the beautiful couch isn't as comfy
as it was at the store now eh?"

"Nope." he said "It's not that. I just much rather be able to
snooze with you beside me and my patio window opened letting
in the smells off the lake."

She smiled, he did so have such a sentimental and romantic heart.
 She helped him fold up the couch. She turned off the stereo while
he brought out his gettoblaster and turned it on in his room.
He opened the patio doors and slid the hidden screen in place to keep
out insects. She turned down his bed sheets while he got changed into
a pair or plaid boxers and a plain white T. They both crawled into
his bed and curled up against each other and listened to the music
coming softly from his radio. She then asked

"Are you really not going to Curre for the gig you were asked to attend?"
She could feel his breath fanning across the top of her head as he gave
her a squeeze. She could feel his heart beating under her hand on his chest.
He was content.

"Wild horses couldn't draw me away from you." He said as he kissed
the top of her head. Just as he said those words the Toto song Africa
started on Nye's radio. He smiled on top of her head. He pretty much
felt like the words 'It's gonna take a lot to drag me from you....
there's nothing more that a hundred men or more could do..'
He was happy were he was at that moment. Selina was content to be
where she was. Both let the words of the song they were listening
lull them to sleep.

In the morning Mani silently popped into Nye's place to see them still
contently sleeping. The sight was a sweet one. Nye was propped up on a
ton of pillows dressed in his boxers and a t-shirt he had his arms tightly
wrapped around Selina like she was a china doll; while Selina was curled
up sideways against him. Her head was on his chest, her arm was flopped
over his belly and one leg crossed over both of his. He had her wrapped
in a dark green blanket most likely to ward off the chill that would
have crept in with the patio window opened all night. Mani was happy his
brother slept last night, he knew it had been a long time, he use to hear
him at night wandering around. Mani smiled and closed over Nye's bedroom door.
He knew there was nothing to worry about. He slipped from Nye's place
and went to start the coffee perk, today was going to be a fun day he
could feel it in his bones.


*********************************

I hope you really enjoyed the new twist and suspence I added to this book
this part of the series is a bit diffrent from the norm but still
here for everyone to enjoy. I know there's not much
"guy" stuff but hey give it time, I can't neglect the others in
my story it eouldn't be a series if I did that LOL :D

Please comment if you wish and if you want
mail me and ask for the link if you wish to
read the whole series in it's
entiriety.

lila_is@live.ca