A Perfect Being {Jaoey +3 years}

[JOEY ROOKS]

Joey would never have a problem remembering how long ago it was that she last saw Jamie, ever again. Because now she had a little three year old reminder, and each year that reminder would gain another number. It would smile at her, and talk to her, and giggle at her, and get mad at her--it would be a constant reminder. Though admittedly, Joey couldn't complain about the little reminder. She had never thought that she would one day be watching someone who had half of her DNA play on a slide with other little kids. Kids had never been in Joey's future, at least she thought that way. Kids meant having to grow up, having to change things. She had only recently gotten her taste of freedom, when she ended up getting the taste of morning sickness as well.

At first, she didn't want to believe it. So she carried on not believing it. It was actually just before that infamous blackout in 2011 that she found out for certain. That the doctor said she was about to enter her second trimester. For a while, she really did try to ignore it. Hoping that this was a terrible dream that she couldn't get out of. It was surreal--this happened to people on TV and in stories, not real people. Not her. She was going to be a mother, and there was only one possibility who the father was. Initially, Joey wanted to tell Jamie. But then she had to remember that Jamie was possibly going to be forced back into the gang life. Presenting him with a child would only risk the baby as well, and adoption was out of the question. Joey waited, and watched. She kept an eye on the growing bump that her stomach was growing into. She was a small thing, and it wasn't long before she was looking a little too round in the midsection. She did her best to disguise it--but she could only hide it for so long.

Jamie and Jemissa's disappearance couldn't have come at a better time. It was both a blessing and a curse, because Joey felt truly alone for the first time. She hadn't called her own mother to tell her, so there was no family involvement until later on. Her father still wrote checks to Joey, to help her get by--but never once made any real effort to see his granddaughter. The only people had were her friends other than Jamie. Darcy, Benny, Melissa, Darius, Chris. They were wonderful, but there was something so missing. They each had a different array of reactions, but they had been there to help. Even Darius--which had surprised Joey---had been at the baby shower that Darcy meticulously planned. With them, it wasn't too difficult. And when those stabbing, agonizing pains started, it was Melissa and Darcy that were in the hospital with her, coaching her, coaxing her.

Afterwards, Joey had some time to recover and get through things. But it wasn't too long after that she had to pass Ariel to Melissa to be watched over while she went and rescued Jamie and Jemissa. It hadn't been entirely confirmed when they disappeared, but when she went to get them...it was very clear that they were together, and very happy. It only solidified the fact that Joey couldn't tell Jamie. Not now, not ever. Not if it meant to ruin his happiness, and to turn Jemissa's look of friendship into haterid. So, Ariel remained a secret, and when they returned home--Joey spun a lie. A lie that she had to make sure her friends knew, and that they could stick to. Tessa, Ariel's middle name became her first. And she wasn't Joey's daughter--she was her cousin that she had taken custody over while her mother did a stint in the prison. It was a bit far fetched, but it seemed to work.

It also helped Joey's heart a little, watching Jamie play with the tiny baby. There wasn't much that Ariel could do at that point except crap her diapers and garble, but it never seemed to slow Jamie down for a second. Ariel was always alert and awake around Jamie, but the moment Jemissa came over too--Joey made sure that her daughter was down for a nap. Joey may have been a tomboy, a jock, and now a mother--but she was still a girl, so she still knew the feeling of jealousy. There was some small petty part of her that didn't want Jemissa socializing with her daughter. It was already bad enough that beneath the joy, Joey was worried that Jamie might recognize the hazel, almost brown eyes staring back out at him. Ariel had Joey's wild red hair, though hers much more vibrant. It was the color that Joey acheived with many bleach and dye sessions, and yet her daughter had it naturally.

And then, as quickly as they had come back--they disappeared again. Joey didn't have time to mope, because Ariel was learning how to walk. She was making more formed words, she was starting to understand. Joey adapted to it, and though the years became more accostomed to it. It was still stressful, no lie. And there were times where Joey would put Ariel down for a nap, then curl up in a corner of the room and cry. It was frustrating, it was difficult, and as much as she loved Ariel--it should have never happened. Nothing could be done about it now, and Joey continued to push foward and learn. It became the point that the only driving force behind anything now was Ariel. With Jamie gone, Joey thought it was safe. She found her former best friend on youtube, where he would play and sing. Joey made sure Ariel watched; she hadn't associated to the girl who he was just yet, but Ariel seemed to be enthralled by the tattooed man. She'd bounce in Joey's lap, and clap her pudgy little hands together while twin hazel eyes started at each other through a screen.

Those sad times had gone, and it was roughly three years later. Ariel had learned to walk, she was on solid foods now. She had yet to master a cup that didn't have a straw or a spout on it, just yet. She was speaking, though some of her words were still gibberish. But it was apparent that the child loved to talk just as much as her parents, because young Ariel was always making noises, always waving her hands around, and always trying to talk. Today, Ariel was yammering on at a little boy on the slide, and it was enough to make Joey smile. Just a few years ago, she had been on a jungle-gym yammering on at some boy, just like her daughter was doing now. Joey leaned foward on the bench, watching her daughter closely, while her elbows rested on her knees, and her chin went to her hands.

Joey's attitude hadn't been the only thing that changed either. Was it some ridiculous maternal switch that flipped? That made Joey want to stop dressing like she was a ten year old boy? Either way, Joeys wardrobe still maintained her tomboyish flair, but blouses and decorated flats had made their way into her wardrobe. Even her hair, rather than loose or thrown in a lazy ponytail had changed. It was a softer, more natural shade of orange, but the ends still seemed frazzled from the amount of product she put in it. Her bangs swept over her face, and the rest of her air was pinned up to the back of her head, letting the sun warm her pale, bare shoulders. It was still a little strange, but she was getting use to it. Posibly, the hardest thing to get use to were the two inflated things on her chest that Ariel had given her. She was told that they would go back to her normal little "plum" size. Load of crock, that was. Joey was now sporting small grapefruits under her shirt, and it made being her normal tomboy self just a little more difficult.

"Kiddo, c'mere." She called out, smiling when her daughter looked up and then came bouncing back towards her. Joey leaned down to the pink paisley bag at her feet, and pulled out a few wipes to clean off Ariel's messy little hands before she reached back in to pull out a sippy cup of juice. "Drink that, then you can go back and play." Joey smiled when Ariel took the drink, and raised it to her mouth, sipping on it. Joey leaned in to kiss her forehead, and scooped her daughter up to plop her on the bench next to her, while she pulled out a small container of cheerios to share a snack.

Outfit of Joey and Ariel!

[JAMIE SHOEMAKER]

Jamie nearly skipped off the plane when the pilot said they had land. He was back in New York! His home town... or city really. After a small tour around the east coast, Jamie could finally stand still for two seconds. And the first thing he was going to do was get his guitar and play in the park. It sounded crazy since he’d been singing for a month straight almost. Though having a semi-private moment to just do whatever was heavenly in Jamie’s eyes. His one-man-band Breathe was in full swing again. He had his best friend Joey to thank for that. The bonfire brought back all of his motivation. Everything after that moment led to him writing his new songs. Well, there was also the whole leaving the gang and finding love too. Speaking of his love, J called him and said her newly discovered relatives begged her to stay another week in there little town. So their original plan of meeting together at the airport was aborted. After he hung up with her, he called a cab to take him to the park. Screw jetlag. The weather was perfect and he wasn’t going to let it go to waste.

Jamie hopped into the car and brought his guitar with him. He was assured that his other things would be taken to J and Jamie’s penthouse apartment. So he didn’t need to worry. Though he did worry if J’s relatives was ever going to let her come back. He and Pinocchio missed their best friends. Pinocchio didn’t know what love was but he knew that J and Jamie were special kind of friends. It was sweet, having a little kid in your head. Pinocchio put things into perspective for Jamie and kept him grounded. Though sometimes it was hard to have a relationship with your girlfriend when a little boy and a cricket were in their heads. Jamie never complained though. He remained completely loyal even with the girls asking him to marry them. I was a weird feeling, having fans. They all could be happy just by hearing you sing or getting a hug from you. It was the best feeling to make someone’s day.

Jamie opened the door and paid the cabby. Within seconds, was bounding about with his guitar held tightly to find the perfect spot to play. It wasn’t until he saw a jungle gym covered with little kids did the energy get sucked right out of him. He sat down across from it at a bench and sighed. This was where he and Joey had met. He never went a day without think about her. It took him awhile to realize he loved her. It was one of those moments where your brain finally goes, “HELLO? Do you not see this?” But there was also J, he loved her, admired her and she understood him. Him and Pinocchio. He was certain Joey would freak if she heard he was seeing a little boy with a feathered cap talking to him. He pushed her away and ran with J. When he finally came to terms with how he felt, they were a million miles apart. He regretted not at least trying to test Joey’s reaction with the boy. It was like he was a dude with a kid... except the kid was in his head.

Jamie sighed and let the sadness roll off his back. He couldn’t live in the past anymore. Even if his feelings were still there after three and a half years, he couldn’t let it bog him down. He had a bright future ahead of him. A pretty girl, a career and amazing friends. Letting these positive thoughts fill him, Jamie began to play happy little tunes. Pinocchio loved these. He’d dance around on the ground in front of Jamie and whistle along. There was a time before that J had taught Jamie how to whistle. Now that he thought of it, it made him laugh. How had he not seen Pinocchio coming? Although anyone who guess they had a storybook character in their head would be deemed insane. Jamie shut his eyes and played “Give A Little Whistle.” This was Pinocchio’s favorite.When he was finished, he noticed a pair of tiny brown chucks right underneath his nose.

“Jamie!” said a baby voice.

Jamie looked up into her eyes and did a double take. He felt like he was looking it the mirror. She nearly had the exact same shade of brownish green that he did. It was an amazing coincidence.

“Play more,” she said with a baby giggle.

Jamie was like putty in her hands. He was amazed he had a little fan. Not that his songs couldn’t be listened to by the younger bunch... it was just surprising.

“What’s your name?” he asked strumming the guitar.

“Aiwal,” she said stick her finger in her mouth.

Jamie smiled even bigger. She had the name he’d give his little girl... if he ever had one. The thought of kids wasn’t exactly on him and J’s mind. Marriage maybe... kids... not so much. Pinocchio had all but disappeared from the scene but Jamie could feel his interest. “Well, Ariel. This one is for you.”

A nearly toothless smile appeared on her face as he played “Jane Doe”. He sang but replaced her name in the lyrics.

“Ar-ri-el
I don't think know you,
But I know fo' sho'.
That you are beautiful
So baby let me know
Your name.

Dang what's her name?
Cause I'm overly attracted
And terribly convinced that she could be my princess
And I could be her prince.
And I felt that way, since
Since I saw Ariel..."

“Dat mah name!” Ariel said with a squeal. She clapped for few seconds and then looked around. “Where my mommy?”

“What’s your mommy look like?” Jamie asked. He really didn’t think about the fact that this girl didn’t have a parent with her. It was weird because usually he looked around for one. He passed if off as being caught up with the music.

“MOMMY!” the girl yelled. Jamie almost jumped. That girl had a pair of lungs for sure.

[JOEY ROOKS]

It was a bit of a struggle to get Ariel to sit down long enough to finish her juice and some of the cheeriors, but then she took off again while Joey simply shook her head and started to clean up the cereal and juice. Ariel was just like her at times, which was frightening because sometimes Joey didn't know where her characteristics in her daughter began, or where Jamie's ended. The best friends had been so alike, which was hy they melded so perfectly. And in result, had created the perfect being.

Joey pulled out her phone, about to send a text to Chris. The gang was a bit funny, they were all awake. Chris had explained it to her once everyone else woke up. She wasn't budging though. She apparently was Roo, and for a while she played along--until she felt the stirrings of something deep in her mind that allowed her to see the little storybook creatures. Roo, however, apparently wasn't ready to wake up. That was fine with Joey, because she was still trying to figure out the human child that she had given birth to. Speaking of--that child was suddenly screaming bloody murder.

Joey lifted her eyes from her phone, and then dropped it. Where was Ariel? Panic gripped her heart, and Joey launched to her feet, abandoning everything at the bench. "Ariel?! ARIEL!" She screamed out again, finally spotting the unmistakeable tuft of red hair. She ran over, and crouched infront of her daughter, gripping her tiny shoulders tightly, checking her over to make sure not a hair on her head was missing. "Ariel, thank you for scaring the absolute crap out of me. Next time you wander off out of my sight, let me know first. I thought someone was trying to hang you by your toenails." Joey sighed, and hugged her giggling child.

"I found Jamie!" Ariel giggled again, finally snapping Joey back to reality. Joey opened her eyes, and came almost nose-to-nose with the very man she hadn't seen for three years. Another year seemed to pass while she crouched there, staring at Jamie. Staring at the hazel eyes that she had to wake up to every single morning. Only these eyes were older, more mature. Ariel wiggled out of Joey's grasp, and Joey let her. Ariel copied her mother, and crouched too--but her object of attention was Jamie's guitar. Her nose was almost at the string, when she took notice of his tattooed hands and stared at those instead, her little hands firmly planted on her own knees. "Colored on hisself!"

Joey blinked, and shook her head and offered a tiny smile. "Hey Jamie." Despite her calm composure, Joey wanted to pick up her daughter. Get her bag and her phone, and walk away. Very quickly. This was a little too much to handle all at once, and Joey was almost certain that it probably wouldn't end very well either. Where there was a Jamie, there was a Jemissa. And no matter what, Joey still did not want Jemissa around her daughter. Honestl,y the only reason she had even shown Ariel Jamie in the first place, was because when she got older, it would be easier to break it to her that he was her father. Joey lowered her eyes and looked at Ariel, watching her consider Jamie's tattoos up close in person. She wondered if she could keep lying to Jamie, or tell him who this little person really was. Would he remember her as Tessa?

Could she straight up lie, pass her off as Tessa, and go about her life? No, no she couldn't. Because she had just called her Ariel, and if Ariel was smart like Joey knew she was--Ariel would have introduced herself by her name. However, it did worry her that Ariel went up and talked to a stranger. Not just any stranger, she recognized this one. But even still. Little Ariel was going to get a serious talking to when they got home. "How've you been?" Joey smiled again; the smile making her face feel like it would split in two. And not in the fun way.

Outfit of Joey and Ariel!

[JAMIE SHOEMAKER]

Jamie worried he’d have some young mom come in and hit him over the head with her purse or mace him. He looked around to see if anyone was running over and if they were armed. He could always use his guitar as a shield. Did pepper spray mess up a wood finish? He guessed he could find out. He waited until he heard the worried cry of a mother.

“There’s your mommy,” Jamie said to the worried girl. A smile broke out on her face. It wasn’t until the woman got closer, did he recognize the fiery red that he’d definitely missed seeing. It was Joey. His partner in crime. His best friend in seconds. His... but what was she doing with a kid? Jamie couldn’t deny that Ariel was hers. The resemblance was uncanny. She even acted like her mother. After all, Joey was the one that talked to him when he was a complete stranger. Though somehow, to this little munchkin, he wasn’t a stranger.

She promptly pointed him out and Joey looked up. When their eyes met he felt something. Something that he’d buried a long time ago when he knew there was no hope. But then the look in her eyes made his thoughts stop in their tracks. She looked scared. Like she was the one avoiding Jamie and not that they just split and never found their way back to each other. Was Ariel the reason why? Did Joey find a nice guy and create this girl that you could hardly call a mistake. It made Jamie’s heart hurt to even think about her with someone. Yet, he never knew her feelings. Maybe it was better this way. They both had their loves and could be friends again. That was, if Jamie found the words to actually talk.

He looked down to see a little hand on his. It made all of his worries dull. She mumbled something about his tattoos and Jamie smiled. He took her hand and softly brushed it along the strings. It made a little noise but this just delighted Ariel.

He looked up again when he heard her say something. He saw a forced smile and almost frowned. “Hey. It’s been awhile Joey,” he said calmly. Ariel had made herself at home with strumming on the strings of the guitar. The light in her eyes made Jamie feel all warm and tingly. Like he was proud or something. He really just wanted to scoop her up and put her in his lap but Joey didn’t seem to be friendly enough for Jamie to find that okay. He didn’t look up this time when she tried to make small talk. He didn’t want to see that forced smile. “I’m doing well. I’ve got my hands full. But I see you do too. How old is she?”

He really just wanted to quit the small talk and tell her how much he missed her. Though he worried she’d pick up his feelings if he admitted anything of the sort now. Jamie didn’t want to wreck what Joey had. He had a nice girlfriend of his own who would be home soon.Maybe they could just swap numbers and catch up at a coffee shop. He wondered if she still had the same number. J and him had to join together their phone plans so his number changed. He was happy she let him pay for at least one thing of hers. He owed her from saving him from nearly destroying himself. He never thought he could love her enough to make up for it. J really deserved someone better than him. Jamie was just a smelly dude with some cool guitar tricks.

[JOEY ROOKS]

He wouldn't look at her. Despite his smile, despite that sudden pound in her chest and the ache that went through her entire body--he kept his eyes down and didn't look. Then again, Joey wouldn't be too surprised if he were catching onto the vibes that she was putting out. Jamie had always been the best at reading her emotions, being able to tell when she was sad, happy, angry. So, maybe he could feel how uncomfortable she was--could he tell how scared she was? Scared wasn't something that registerd on Joey, at least not back in the day. Not even when she was face to face with a gun, face to face with the prospect of picking of Jamie's brain pieces off the ground--not even then had she really been scared. Leave it to having a kid to make fear a next-door neighbor.

Joey hadn't dated--well. She had been on a few dates, but it was awkward because none of them were Jamie. None of them knew how to laugh, or to joke. They all felt so old and crusty, and on one date--Joey had to take a call from Melissa about Ariel, and the guy had pushed and pushed, and pushed wanting to meet Ariel. Which only sent up redflags--so Joey had given up on that aspect of life for quite some time. She was strangely content with this; she had her friends and her daughter, that's all that she really needed. Even though Jamie leaving left some gaping wound in her chest that never fully recovered. It made her wonder if she really could be friends with Jamie again, especially if she unravelled the truth. Jemissa still had to be in the picture, with the way they were the last time she had seem them--they still had to be together. Joey was petty enough that she would probably close the door in their faces should Jemissa come knocking.

Ariel did deserve to have a father in her life, and Jamie deserved to know. If Jamie was to be in her life, then eventually--Joey would have to accept Jemissa, and the fact she would be (if she wasn't already), Ariel's step-mother. Joey glanced down at Jamie's hand, glancing for a ring--but found herself distracted by her tiny hands playing on the guitar strings. "She is a handful, but she's a good kid. Just like her dad, though." Joey rocked backwards, and let herself fall toher bum, sitting in the grass and dirt. She adjusted her stupid blouse--why did she wear this thing anyway? Didn't most girls want to dress up around the guy they liked? Why did Joey want to yank her hair down, and get in a pair of chucks and a t-shirt when it came to Jamie?

It was just then, a split second decision that Joey decided he had to know. Joey rubbed at the bridge of her nose, then lowered her hands to rest at her mouth, watching her daughter flick her hands up and down the strings, giggling each time that the guitar bellowed its tune at her. "She'll be turning three years old next week." Joey chewed on the inside of her cheek, and continued to watch Ariel--that's when she noticed that she was avoiding looking straight at Jamie. Her face started to burn; was that embarassment? Pride? What was it that was making her face burn like that? "She's not too good with introductions." Joey reached out, and hooked her fingers round the child's middle, and then used one hand to hold Ariel's little hand out. "Repeat after me, kiddo: Hello!"

"Hewwo!"

"It's very nice to meet you."

"Iss vewy nice to meet you."

"My name is."

"My name is."

"Ariel Tessa Shoemaker-Rooks."

"Awiel Tessa Showmakuh-Wooks."

Joey lowered her hands, but Ariel still held her hand out. She was still learning, so the meaning of the words didn't entirely register, but she knew she had her hand out for something because Mommy put it there, so out it remained, staring up at Jamie expectantly. Joey leaned in to kiss a dirty, but soft little cheek, "Very good, sunshine." She murmured, finally turning her own dark brown eyes to Jamie. Waiting.

Outfit of Joey and Ariel!

[JAMIE SHOEMAKER]

It took a second for Jamie to register what had come out of both their lips. He stood there paralyzed for nearly a minute. Then he set his guitar down in the case. He barely noticed Ariel whine when he did. When he was finally able to look up into Joey’s eyes, it hit him. She said the young girl was almost three. Three years ago was the last time Jamie saw Joey. And she had a kid then. She was the tiniest little baby that Joey said was her cousin. Jamie instantly fell in love with the baby. He always wondered about the little girl that he thought was named Tessa. Growing up with your mother and father not there would be tough. But as it turned out, Tessa was Ariel and she grew up without her father. It made sense. Jamie and Joey had shared a passionate moment when they were together. Jamie couldn’t even remember if they’d been protected. He was an idiot so probably not. He had the whole gang incident while Joey was pregnant and ran away with his current girlfriend while Joey gave birth. How could he not realize that this little girl was his when he first saw her? The eyes told all.

Jamie looked down at Ariel and picked her up. He couldn’t stand it anymore. He scooped her up and twirled her around like he did Joey not long ago. She giggled and smiled not seeing the intensity of the situation. He sat down on the ground next to Joey with Ariel in her lap. Jamie couldn’t think at all anymore. His head was clouded with emotions. Everything fit. But why did he not know? Why couldn’t he tell that-- Why didn’t Joey tell him. He kissed the top of Ariel’s head as she played with the laces on his shoes. He didn’t expect her to turn her head and kiss his cheek but when she did, the tears wouldn’t stop falling. Jamie knew it was coming, he could feel it. But now that he was crying, he wasn’t sure he could stop.

Ariel looked at him curiously and put her tiny fingers on his cheek to wipe away the tears.

Jamie smiled and squeezed her lightly before saying, “I’m okay.”

Finally he looked back at Joey. He had so many questions to ask her but only one seemed to reach his lips. “Why didn’t you tell me?” It came out in a weak whimper. He wasn’t even sure she heard him. “I mean, I could have been there. In a wheelchair, but I would have been there anyway. Joey, I would have dropped everything to help you. You were my best friend and it was my responsibility. Although, I wouldn’t have said it like this then I still would have. I grew up without a mother and I promised myself I’d be there for my kids. Well, if I ever had any. God, I feel like an idiot. I really didn’t recognize her the first time I met her,” Jamie said the last sentence to himself. He played with Ariel’s little red locks and took a deep breath. He felt a lump in his throat and croaked, “I’m sorry. I really am. I...this...you don’t know how much I’ve missed you.”

Jamie took another deep breath. He knew it was his fault. He left Joey because of Pinocchio. If he had stayed, he would have figured it out. Joey probably didn’t tell him because of what he did. He left her alone. Sure she had friends, but he was the father. He should have been there. He should have known anyway! Pinocchio whimpered a little at the sound of his name. Jamie knew that he was confused. Whenever Jamie had extreme emotions, Pinocchio never got it. The little boy jumped out of his head and sat next to Ariel quietly. At that point Jamie decided he needed to come clean also, “I didn’t just leave because of the gang. I left for another reason. I didn’t think you’d be able to understand it. You’d probably think I was drugged out or something. It’s a little far fetched.. it’s also really hard to explain... it’d be so much better if you could see him.” Jamie ran his hand through his hair and bit his lip trying to think how to word it.

[JOEY ROOKS]

Joey watched intently for Jamie's reaction. When he put up the guitar, she honestly thought that he was going to walk away. She straightened up for just a moment, ready to snatch her daughter up and take off also. But instead, Jamie picked up the little girl and spun her around. Joey wanted to smile, but she could only feel her throat tighten and the warning sting of tears in her eyes. She pressed her hand to her mouth for just a moment, trying to keep herself together. Joey had always made a point not to cry infront of Ariel because it would distress her. Joey lifted her head and let out a long breath of air, blinking back the tears while Jamie sat down and shed his very own tears.

"I couldn't, Jamie." Joey reached out to rub a spot of dirt off of Ariel's pale cheek, before looking up at her father. "What if you did go back to that life? What if they found out you had a daughter? I would have faced down a barrel again for you, but she's more important. I wouldn't do anything that would risk her safety." Joey lowered her eyes to Ariel, and felt sad. Things had changed; Joey had mellowed out a bit. She could still be hyper and happy, but she had to stay controlled and calm. Quick witted and smart. It came with the territory of being a mother. "And there was the problem. I didn't want you to drop anything. We...we were stupid, Jamie. We weren't safe, we didn't know what we wanted. But you always knew, and what you wanted was Jemissa. I wasn't about to tear that apart." Joey pulled her knees up to her chest, and wrapped her arms beneath them, putting her chin on them. "I'm still not."

Joey closed her eyes for a moment, and looked back up at Jamie. "I grew up without a dad. My own dad hasn't even met his granddaughter. My mother tried to tell me how to raise her, so its just been me and her and a few friends. I'm not going to keep you from your daughter if you want to be part of her life." Joey's tongue rolled along her lower lip in thought, watching Ariel scrutinize his tattoos while he played with her hair. "But we've gone this far on our own, so I'll understand if you don't want to. But...Jemissa...she doesn't..." God, how could she do this without sounding like a bitch? "Jemissa doesn't...need to have involvement with her. Not yet." Joey's jaw twitched side to side, while she avoided Jamie's gaze.

She honestly missed the excitement of seeing Jamie. But she was certain that she'd let herself get carried away. She had always loved Jamie, and for a short while--she thought he loved her too. It took her a while to realize that his confession was induced by weed, because he had never said it again. She had also decided to take it in the context of friendship, and never brought it up again. Joey had also thought that maybe, eventually he'd come around. But that didn't fall through, especially when she realized how he and Jemissa were. She was never going to be the one, she was never going to be his. The only piece of him she could have was sitting between them tracing the tattoos on his arms.

Joey's eyes shot up, almost wide. See him? Drugged ou--oh no. Panic again washed over her while she stared at Ariel with the same wide, fearful eyes. What had they done? Was Ariel safe? What happened when two incarnates made children? Was that child going to be condemmed to having a spirit? Then again, maybe the spirits didn't have to wake up. She knew she was Roo, that she had him. She could sometimes feel him, right on the edge of waking up; but he had never made a full appearance. Even now, she could feel that there was something else here and nearby. Something that she couldn't see, but she could feel. Her teeth grazed over her lower lip again and again before looking at that spot where she could just feel it. "Who is it?" She asked quietly; her fingers itching to reach out and pull Ariel away. What if he was one of the villians? One of the badguys? Piglet had turned into one, unfortunately. There had also been warnings from Chris about a few bad seeds that roamed New York.

Joey curled her fingers tightly into her own legs, her brows furrowing as she stared at Jamie. Why did he have to show up? She was just getting over it? Now would she have to spend the rest of her life staring into the face of her former best friend? Would she ever actually be able to marry, or even date again with him hanging around? Joey closed her eyes, feeling sick to her stomach, weak, and so, so very tired.

Outfit of Joey and Ariel!

[JAMIE SHOEMAKER]

Jamie gave her an odd expression before saying, “Pinocchio. He’s the little puppet--”

“I’m a real boy now!” Pinocchio argued.

Jamie smiled a little and continued, “that becomes a boy you know? Jemissa is Jiminy. Who are you?”

Jamie wasn’t sure if he should have told her that but it was too late now. He just wanted to justify something. He often wondered if he was only attracted to J because of Jiminy. There wasn’t anyone else Jamie knew who could tell him if he was right. All he knew was that he loved her and despite everything he’s said about love, Jamie decided to go after her. Now they were together. Would they be if they weren’t reincarnates? It was a scary question to ask himself. He couldn’t imagine not loving her. Though the love he felt for this little girl in his lap was more powerful than anything he’d felt with J. He knew this was what paternal love felt like. He wished he could hold onto Ariel and never let go.

“As much as Jemissa means to me, my daughter would mean more.” Jamie understood the whole gang thing. It was a smart thing to do and he was happy she did it. He wasn’t so mad at himself now for not knowing. It was his own fault. Things he did in the past had made him not be able to see his daughter. But hell, if he was going to let anything keep him from from her now. But as much as she was his daughter, she was ten times more Joey’s. He knew if Joey didn’t want him seeing her he wouldn’t be able to. Jamie hated court systems and legal shit. It never ended well and just left everything in shambles. But he’d do whatever possible to win over Joey’s favor. He loved Joey, and would do anything to be best friends with her again. Even if that meant breaking his own heart. He wasn’t exactly sure if he could break up with J but he was sure he couldn’t part with Ariel.

“Our daughter means more to me,” he added.

He didn’t want to tell J. He’d told her what happened between him and Joey. She was so upset by it she wouldn’t talk to him for days. How would she react when he told her this? Would she break up with him and find someone else? As much as that made a huge pain in Jamie’s chest, it seemed for the best. J deserved a better guy. She really did. Just because they were an inseparable pair doesn’t mean they needed to be an inseparable couple. Love is love no matter what. Jamie wasn’t selfish. He couldn’t trap J in this.

There was also Joey. He wasn’t sure what to think of her. She was different, and more grown up but still Joey. He could still read her emotions and she could still make him smile. They could become friends again. He never knew if she liked him more than that. Maybe he never will. He could only hope like he hoped with J. Would they turn out the same? Would they just be a pair? Jamie couldn’t decide whether he was okay with that or not. Could he live with Joey just being a friend to him?

Jamie felt Ariel falling against him and realized she’d fallen asleep. He smiled genuinely and whispered, “Nap time.”

[JOEY ROOKS]

Pinnocchio. That made a strange amount of sense. Joey smiled, though that smiled dropped at the mention of Jemissa. That made even more sense. Jiminy and Pinocchio. They were matched together by their stories, just like Chris and Darius were. Just like Darcy and Benny. There was even a pull to Melissa, who she felt the most familiar connection to. But Jiminy and Pinocchio had the closest bond. "Roo." The grin popped onto her face, "From Winnie the Pooh. Strangely fitting, considering my nickname is Joey. Makes me a lot more glad I didn't go by Josephina." There was a very Joey-esque snicker that escaped her, and it felt light for a moment before the subject went back to seriousness.

Her heart sank again. Every time Jemissa's name was said out loud, it felt like a punch to the chest. Joey felt frustrated, and annoyed. Also curious. Had he and Jemissa gotten married, engaged? Did he have other children yet? The way he reacted to Ariel, and the way he spoke--it didn't seem like he had other children. But the first two questions remained unanswered because Joey wasn't willing to ask them. In just the few moments, Jamie was already declaring that Ariel was important to him, like he had been there all her life. It made Joey happy, but it also made her wary. Did Jamie know how to be a dad? It wasn't just playtime and giggles. Joey had to figure that one out on her own, and she didn't want Ariel to go through the heartbreak if Jamie couldn't stand up to bat.

She watched him, and looked him in the eyes. She still saw her best friend, beneath it all. Three years didn't seem all that long ago, but she could see the small changes. Joey smiled again, looking at the sleeping toddler. "She's all tuckered out. I better get her home." Joey pushed to her feet carefully, and brushed herself off before leaning down to scoop up her heavy sleeper. She did her best to keep her plesant smile on her face, even when her skin brushed Jamie's with the closeness. Joey hoisted Ariel up to her front, the toddler's cheek resting against her mother's bare shoulder.

It was almost funny to see Joey with her. Joey, who still hadn't grown past 4'11", holding a child that was a little less than half her height. Joey hesitated, and bit down on her lower lip, gently rocking her daughter in her arms. "She gets kinda cranky if I wake her up from her nap, so I don't think I'll be able to pick up the bag with her." Joey turned her back and took a few steps, then glanced over her unoccupied shoulder, and jerked her chin to the nearby bench where the pink diaper bag was. "Wanna help me out? Unless a diaper bag is too heavy for you with a guitar." Joey's cheeks perked up in that smile, the same challanging little smile she had flashed when she issued a race, or a competition.Joey was still alive and well under the mommy facade.

"You can stay for dinner too, if you want. I mean, unless you have to go somewhere." Go back to Jemissa. That was what she meant--she wasn't about to be a homewrecker. She hadn't been before, and she wasn't about to start now. "She'll be down for a nap, so if Jemissa wants to come over she can." Contrary to popular belief, Joey did not have an issue with Jemissa. She had an issue with Jemissa where Ariel was concerned, but otherwise--not an issue with Jemissa. She was happy for Jamie. She loved him, so all she wanted was for him to be safe and happy.

Joey wouldn't take Jamie to court over this, not now, not ever. Joey didn't need the money, and if Jamie wanted to see Ariel, he was free to come and go. She didn't want to get bound into something where the restrictions were too great, or not enough. She had always been relatively free, and she didn't think that the courts had any business butting its nose into her and Jamie's life. Joey rested her cheek against Ariel's warm head, her red hair like soft silk on her mother's cheek while she walked towards the bag, and stopped next to it. She raise dher brows at Jamie, and nudged the bag with her foot pointedly.

Outfit of Joey and Ariel!

[JAMIE SHOEMAKER]

And you could move on with your whole life...

...Just like you do

But you could make everything alright

Jamie locked up his guitar case and slung the diaper bag over his shoulder like he’d been doing it for a while. Jamie never had any siblings, so the thought of children scared him at first. With Pinocchio appearing though, he started to learn how kids ticked. He learned how to talk to them and what set them off. He also learned that they’re waaay too innocent for this world. It made him more protective of Pinocchio. He’d never let him in his head if he was suffering or thinking about his past.He wasn’t sure if you could corrupt a story book character but he wasn’t going to wait and find out.

“I’d love to come over for dinner. J--Jemissa is in Georgia. She found some relatives that decided to make an appearance,” Jamie explained as they walked to the street. He waved down a taxi and opened the door for Joey to get in. Then he went to pack the things in the trunk.

Joey was Roo. Jamie remembered watching Winnie the Pooh when he was younger. It fit her personality perfectly. It also made sense why she was a good mother. She knew the kid’s mind better than any mom could dream of. They both were destined to be very good parents. Not that either of them wanted to be right now.

Jamie slammed the trunk shut and got into the taxi. He looked at Ariel and wondered how she could ever be “an accident”. H’d never call her that. She was Jamie’s baby now. He’d be damned if he let anything happen to her. Jamie knew if he was a better father than his then he’d be a decent father. He couldn’t erase the past but he could make the future brighter.

Jamie watched Ariel sleep and smiled. “Wow, I really am a dad,” he said with a glint of amazement in his eyes. He couldn’t really stop smiling. Jamie feared another sob spell but held it together the whole ride. Though it could have been because he place his hand over Joey’s. He was worried she’d flinch away but she didn’t. He hoped she’d begin to like him again. Since they had a child together, it would be nice if they could get along.

But there was something more. The way she smiled and laughed it made Jamie feel like a crazy teen again; In love with his best friend but denying it internal. This time he had a legitimate reason. J and him were together. The way Joey made him feel was also making him feel guilty. He felt like a villain. How could he tell J that Joey was just his friend when they had a kid together that he instantly loved? He wanted to call her as soon as he got a free moment. Beg she come home and give her the news. Jamie hated suspense and the suspense of knowing her reaction could very well drive him crazy. He hated feeling guilty but at the same, he didn’t want to lose J or Joey. Did that make him a bad person? He felt like it did.

They arrived at the address and Jamie got out to get the things from the trunk. If Jamie was a bad guy, he’d at least attempt to be good while he still could.

And I want you to

'Cause ever since the first dance all I thought about was loving on you!

[/size][/font]

[JOEY ROOKS]

Joey felt numb the entire walk; she felt like she was out of reality the entire car ride. She had turned to watch Jamie put the babybag in the trunk, and turned around, almost horrified by how...perfectly Jamie seemed to fit into the role. She remained stiff, drifting in numbness until his hand found hers. Again, she turned those eyes on him, and spread her fingers to lace them through Jamie's. "You're a father. It takes more than a claim to be a dad." Joey said quietly. She wanted Jamie to be involved, but she couldn't think of herself anymore. She had to put Ariel first, and it wouldn't be fair to bring Jamie in if he had misconceptions about fatherhood. 

She lowered her head, looking at the sleeping baby in her arms. Ariel was her whole world, and she would go out for blood if anyone, or anything ever hurt her. Ariel was an accident, she wasn't meant to happen, but Joey would never trade her for the world. Even when she first discovered she was pregnant, it was never an option to give Ariel up. She led the way to the aparment, and she tranferred Ariel to one arm, and unlatched the key from her hip to open the door. 

"I'll go ahead and get drinks and stuff. Her room is directly in the back, it's got Roo on the door." Joey murmured, slipping inside the door, trading the baby to the bag, carefully passing Ariel over. "It's no chateu, but it's home." Joey murmured, turning on the lights before setting the bag on the little dining table. The apartment was nice, clean, and pretty organized for having a three year old. A few toys were strewn across the living room floor, but nothing was in disarray. The funiture and items seemed to be in good shape, and Joey seemed to be pretty comfortable. The home had splashes of color, namely three guitars positioned beneath the window on stands. Two Fenders, one purple, one orange, and a teal acoustic. Joey had to give up her dreams, but it didn't mean she had to give up her music as well. 

While Jamie went to put their daughter down, Joey went to the kitchen and started to pull out ingredients for dinner. She had been happy, getting finally back to herself. And now, with the knowledge Jamie was in the room, putting their daughter down for a nap, she found herself clutching the edge of the sink. Joey dipped her head down, trying to catch her breath and choke back the tears. Jemissa was in the picture, she and Jamie still would never be together. If they married, she would be Ariel's step-mother. Joey sucked in a breath; Jamie was still here. She could fall apart when he left and Ariel was asleep. Joey reached up to pull the ties out of her hair, her vivid orange strands tumbled down to her shoulders while she started to open the jars of alfredo sauce. 

When Jamie peeked in the kitchen, she looked up and grinned at him, doing her best to hide the redness of her nose and the watery look of her eyes. "Chicken alfredo alright?" She asked curiously. She turned her. Head and started to dump the sauce into a pot, "Ariel, she watches you on youtube." Joey paused and glanced back up, her smile faultering a bit. "Did you have any questions? About...her or the situation?"

[JAMIE SHOEMAKER]

And you could move on with your whole life...

...Just like you do

But you could make everything alright

Jamie smiled and took his sleeping daughter into her room. He set her down in her Winnie the Pooh themed room and tucked her into the pale yellow covers. Her peaceful sleeping figure made him never want to leave. Joey was right. He’d have to work hard to be a dad. Right now he was just a distant father. He’d have to postpone his next tour in six months and prove to Joey he could do it. He had a sudden motivation as he kissed her pale cheek and walked quietly out of the room. It all came to a halt when he thought of Jemissa again. He knew she’s gradually accept the young girl but he wasn’t sure if she’d like that Jamie would spend so much time with Joey and Ariel.

Though Jamie could say it was just to see his baby, he also couldn’t help but want to see Joey too. After all, only a few years ago, they were best friends. He faintly remembers promising they would be forever. A promise that he really never wanted to break. He could come up with half a dozen lame excuses for why he did but that didn’t change the fact that the Joey and Jamie duo were split. Oddly by the thing that tied them together. Jamie peeked into the kitchen with a question in his mind.

He decided it wasn’t the right time to ask though. Either that or he was scared he’d get the wrong answer due to the atmosphere around the situation. Everything seemed strained and sensitive. This was a new feeling between him and Joey. Even when they were just meeting, they took to each other like old friends instead of strangers. Though they both seemed to grow wary of others emotions since then. In a word, the strain between them was awkward.

He nodded at her choice of food and looked around the room. He found interest in her guitars. He knew Joey played but realized he’d never heard her. He always found music was a good icebreaker for awkward situations. He leaned down and picked up the teal acoustic. When she asked him if he had any questions, he bit his lip. “Too many to count really. We can save that for dinner though,” he answered. Jamie strummed the guitar and smiled. “Play something for me?” he asked. He handed the very Joey-eske guitar to her and sat in an empty chair. “I’ve actually never heard you play,” he added with a curious look as to urge her on.

And I want you to

'Cause ever since the first dance all I thought about was loving on you!

[/size][/font]

[JOEY ROOKS]

Joey nodded at the mention of there being too many questions. She understood that; he needed time to gather his thoughts. She had three years and nine months to get her head around it all, to understand and to get questions answered. He only had an hour so far, if that. She turned her head back down as she started to slice up the chicken to boil. Joey glanced up, then back down, then up again when she realized he had her acoustic in his hand. She stopped chopping for a moment, and looked at it's strings, not taking it right away. "Sure, just give me a minute." The redhead murmured, sliding the chicken from the cutting board to the pot of water, and turning on the heat. Licking over her lips, she tried to think of what to play. While her hands washed beneath the water from the sink, she thought of the perfect thing. It was a song from a long time ago, or...what felt like a long time ago. She dried her hands on a towel and finally took the guitar from Jamie.

A smile flickered over her lips while she slid the strap over her bare shoulders, and she took a seat on the edge of the couch, her fingers flicking over the strings, twisting the pegs, tuning it just right. "I usually went over to your place, remember? I was still at Baum when we met, I couldn't have people on campus." A grin spread over her lips for just a moment. She had been a senior in high school when she met Jamie, and just a short while later she had become a freshman at Barrie. "And I didn't want to go messing with your guitar." She strummed her hand down the strings, making the instrument come alive. "Also, you don't have to worry about Ariel. That girl sleeps like a rock during naptime." Joey's lips widened into a grin one more time, and the old Joey seemed to come back to life. Her face lit up when she spoke about her daughter; something new to give her life.

The smile faded while suddenly the guitar sprang to life, notes and music weaving out of it while. She kept her eyes down, though she didn't need to watch her fingers on the frets, she did anyway. "I'm in the business of misery, let's take it from the top. She's got a body like an hourglass that's ticking like a clock. It's a matter of time before we all run out, but when I thought he was mine she caught him by the mouth." Her voice didn't over-sing. There was something natural, almost silky about her tone.

"I waited eight long months, she finally set him free. I told I couldn't lie, he was the only one for me. Two weeks and we caught on fire. She's got it out for me, but I wear the biggest smile." Joey's green eyes glanced up at Jamie. Normally, whens she first wrote this song, first got it just the way she wanted it--she had an entire act, and entire routine put to the song. And now, here, infront of Jamie, she felt like she wasn't just performing. She felt like it was something so much more. She had never thought he would hear this song, but she made herself a promise that one day...one day he would.

Suddenly--her voice rang out in the living room. "Woah, I never meant to brag! But I got him where I want him now. Woah, it was never my intention to brag, to steal it all away from you now." Joey's lashes swept her cheeks while she looked back down at her fingers dancing frantically over the strings. With the next lines, her brows furrowed, and she leaned into her guitar, almost throwing her body into the music while she poured herself into the tune. "But God, does it feel so good. Cause I got him where I want him now. And if you could then you know you would. Cause God, it just feels so...It just feels so good."

"Second chances they don't ever matter, people never change," She shifted slightly on the edge of the couch, but she looked back up at Jamie. If she was going to perform, the first rule was eye contact. Don't look away from the audience; they lose the connection, they lose the meaning. "Once a whore, you're nothing more, I'm sorry, that'll never change. And about forgiveness we're both supposed to have exchanged, I'm sorry honey but I passed it up, now look this way."

"Well there's a million other girls who do it just like you, looking as innocent as possible to get to who they want. And what they like, it's easy if you do it right. Well I refuse, I refuse, I refuse!" Joey had a brief moment where she looked angry. That had always been something that separated Joey from the rest of the girls. When they all wore makeup, did their hair, wore the fancy clothes--Joey went for shirts, jeans, skateboards. The girliest thing she had done was let some stranger dye and curl her hair. Style it into something fancy, which Jamie didn't even seem to notice. So, Joey had cut off the length, and bleached it out to blonde to prepare for another dose of red. So much for being girly.

"Woah, I never meant to brag. But I got him where I want him now. Woah, it was never my intention to brag, to steal it all away from you now. But God, does it feel so good. Cause I got him where I want him right now. And if you could then you know you would. Cause God, it just feels so...it just feels so good." Joey leaned her head back for a moment, staring up at the ceiling. She took a breath and lowered her head back down, her voice dropping to almost a whisper.

"I watched his wildest dreams come true, not one of them involving you. Just watch my wildest dreams come true, not one of them involving....Woah, I never meant to brag! But I got him where I want him now. Woah, I never meant to brag. But I got him where I want him now, woah, it was never my intention to brag, to steal it all away from you now." Her voice trailed off, her fingers finishing the cords while the strings hummed their way into silence. She glanced up, listening closely for the sound of Ariel--but silence. The child was still out. A smile flickered onto Joey's face and she slid the strap off her shoulders, and propped the guitar up on the side of the couch. "I should finish dinner. You can watch TV or fuss around with the guitar if you want. Try not to use the amp though, unless you have it way down. The amp will wake her up." Joey brushed herself off, then wandered into the hallway again, disappearing into the side room.

When she emerged, she looked a little more comfortable, wearing a black racer-back tanktop with her hair pulled back into a ponytail. She looked more like Joey now, the tomboy hidden beneath the mom clothes. Still, without looking at Jamie, she hurried to the kitchen to drain the chicken, before dumping it into a skillet to begin to grill. How would he take the song? It was...blunt, to say the least. She had written it shortly after Ariel was born. It felt right, and maybe the song didn't hit the nail on the head with what happened--but it was close enough. Close enough that Jamie just might be able to catch the meaning between the lines. Either way, after this--it wouldn't be the same. No, Jamie and Joey would never be the same again.

Ze song!

[JAMIE SHOEMAKER]

And you could move on with your whole life...

...Just like you do

But you could make everything alright

Jamie always appreciated good music but good musicianship was what he loved to watch. Though his opinion may be biased in a sense, he could tell right off the bat that Joey would be the perfect rock star. The way she looked at him while she played. He voice was something you couldn’t copy with any synthesizer. Something about is was so natural yet so perfect for her. She didn’t have the girly edge he heard in most girl singers. Her voice had an edge that hit Jamie and got him hooked.

He listened to the music knowing it was an original by the way she played it. There wasn’t any awkwardness in her gracefully moving fingers across the fret board. This song was made by her and for her. Jamie loved the look of a musician playing an original. It gave him goosebumps that he was experiencing it this close up. But then there was also guilt. He prevented her from following her dreams by being dumb and irresponsible. He knew that she wanted to be out there touring and crowd surfing with the best of them. He hated being cramped up in a van for six weeks but he knew Joey wouldn’t mind it at all. And maybe he wouldn’t mind it either if Joey was there. He knew that wouldn’t be a good idea but it was just a cruel fantasy his mind decided to picture.

It wasn’t until she hit the chorus did Jamie really listen to the words. The passion that came from them hit him like a wall of bricks. Then again, it seems the wall between them toppled down. He heard her and heard here loud and clear. His heart sped up as he listened more and more. He felt the raw emotion pouring out of her and felt a huge lump in his throat. At that he knew he wasn’t the only one. He felt the anger and jealously from Joey as if she had just told him outright. The song, however old, still seemed to ring true today with the way she sang it. It made him still as a statue but his heart beat wildly. Then as quickly as the emotions poured out, they stopped and the wall was built back up. But being armed with this knowledge, Jamie could easily plow threw the wall and reach out to her.

He said nothing as she left towards the kitchen. He really said nothing for awhile. His head was too full and he decided to pick up the guitar and just strum. The smell of cooking food and a mindless strum brought back the day at the bonfire with Joey. She’d no doubtably been pregnant then. It was the last day he saw her before he was nearly killed by a demon. He was certain it was a reincarnate with all the things that happened in the fight but never could figure out who. Though Jamie never thought of the fight long, it brought back the worst memories. He wasn’t really thinking of the bonfire but the time before that. Jamie soon discovered what he’d said the next time he got high. It was hard to handle really so he smoked a bit more and forgot the next day. Jemima was never really judging about his habits so he smoked often. After awhile of being bothered by this constant amnesia, he made his stoned self write a song. When he sang it the next day, he cried. The truth in it made him realize how much he’d really been stupid.

He sat up and walked to the kitchen. He struggled to find his voice so he started to play the tune slowly. He wondered if she recognized it. It wasn’t one of his hugely popular songs but it was still on youtube. The recording studio loved it. The emotion, they said, was heart-renching. “Joey, you know when we rolled down that hill in Central Park? I never got those grass stains out of my pants.” He said with a small smile. He waited for her to turn around. She met her astonished gaze with a knowing one. “We fell down together and talked about the future. Mine was indefinite. It scared the shit out of me, not because I could die but because you would never know...but I told you. Then I forgot like an asshat.” He smiled. He continued his story, and then let the first words ring out.

“Oh, I know that I am here and you are there but we still have our love.” He smiled a melancholy smile and and glanced up at her. “We move just like the moon and sun.”

“The sun comes up the moon rolls down a world apart but they don't make a sound. They know their love spins us round.” He sometimes wondered how the most beautiful words could come from a high induced by a plant in the ground. Though he also had the spell of love aiding him.

“I've been to heaven, I've been to hell, I've been to Vegas, and God knows where, but nothing feels like home like you babe,” he sang. Jamie did go to Vegas. Just like he told Joey he would. She was right. It wasn’t what it was all cracked up to be but it made him smile that he’d seen where she grew up. Jamie paused a second before singing the last line of the chorus. He looked into Joey’s eyes and let the words flow out. “I love you more than you will ever...”

“Oh, I've got my car and my guitar a couple pills a couple scars. I made a wish on a lonesome star. Star oh star, you shine so bright won't you grant me one small wish tonight, that I won't die on this destructive path of mine.” He felt the urgency of that night spill through the words. He let it and sang the chorus with more passion than he knew he had. Finally, he was singing it to the person it was for. He finished the song and looked up as if to say, “So now you know.” He found himself at peace finally. Three years and he could finally say it out loud. It was freeing, it was beautiful and most of all it felt right.

acoustic version (sorry no vid)

And I want you to

'Cause ever since the first dance all I thought about was loving on you!

[/size][/font]

[JOEY ROOKS]

Joey couldn't help the laugh that burst out of his mouth when he made her recall that night. "Yeah, I still got the hoodie in my closet." She listened to the sizzle of the chicken, before she remembered something about that night. He had been stoned; the next day, he hadn't remembered what happened. Now, suddenly--he remembered it. When she looked up with wide eyes, she lowered those same round eyes to her guitar in his arms--then back up to his face. She couldn't even smile at his joke, and she just continued to stare while he started to sing.

It only took the first line before Joey turned away and went back to focusing on dinner. Oh, she tried. She pulled the chicken off the stove, she stirred the alfredo and pulled that off the stove. She tried to pull down plates, and she almost dropped them. All the while, she tried to keep herself moving, and keep her back to Jamie. When he finally stopped, she took a breath and turned around.There was a rare sight.

Joey's nose was red, and her green eyes were filled with tears, while her pale cheeks glistened wet in the overhead lights. Jamie might have felt right, but it was entirely wrong. She wanted to deck him, she wanted to scream, and chase him out. Chase him away--she was finally starting to be okay. Her daughter deserved a father, and her daughter came first--but was it worth it if her heart had to break every time she saw Jamie.

"How dare you." She said very slowly, and very carefully. Something about being a mother, had managed to make her look intimidating even at four-foot eleven. "If you loved me Jamie, you wouldn't have picked Jemissa. But you did, and you're still with her. How dare you come into my house, with my daughter in the next room, singing to me about how you care, about how you love me. When your girlfriend is coming into town soon." The last sentence was almost hissed out of her mouth, and she turned to grab the plates down from the cabinet. She was a fool for even thinking any of this could work. She wanted Jamie to be happy, and she wanted Ariel to have her father in her life. But at what cost? A broken heart? Jemissa to hate her just as much as Joey hated her? No thanks. Joey didn't think everyone would like her, but she wasn't sure she could stand knowing that someone hated her. It was already bad enough that she had the guilt that her dislike for Jemissa had grown to hate.

Joey didn't have an appetite anymore, but she still loaded the plates with pasta, sauce and chicken. Because if they didn't eat, she was going to kick Jamie out. And that didn't seem right. She drew in a breath, and set the plates down on the little kitchenette table, looking back up at Jamie. Her expression was something else--she looked angry and sad, all at the same time. Watching him, she felt the sting in her eyes again, and she quickly sat in front of her plate, and poked at the pasta with her fork, before pushing some of it into her mouth. It was good; Joey had become quite the cook, however the food had the texture of sand because of the way she was feeling.

[/blockquote]