"When You Want Her Back..."



Chapter Sixteen


Biting on her nail April sat in the rather uncomfortable chair waiting for the friendly worker to come through the doors holding little Hana’s hand. Getting there had been easy and getting everything straight and confirmed was even easier. It seemed that her wonderful lawyer had taken care of everything she needed done and it was as he had said. All they had to do was pick her up.

It was now1:05 and she couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her sister’s mind. The detectives she spoke to told her they wouldn’t be taking her sister from the hospital until they discharged her which doctors said would probably around 6 that evening. This gave her all the time she needed.

“Would you stop pacing?” April said to Bret.

Bret turned toward her and nodded his head. He walked to the bench and sat next to her. Sitting together for a moment everything was quiet.

“Could you stop biting your nails?” Bret said pulling her hand away from her mouth and held it.

Turning in her seat she turned her attention to him. They were looking face to face when finally April said “I lo-“

Before April could finish her words Bret jumped up and the sound of a little girl screaming “Daddy!” Settled in the air.

Bret wrapped his arms around the girl and kissed her multiple times. April wasn’t sure whether she should have been frustrated that she was cut off or just let it go and admire her niece. Finally Bret put the girl down and thanked the worker. Turning back to April with the girl attached to his hand Bret said “Hana, this is your aunt. April”

April smiled. The girl had an adorable grin on her face and cute pig tails. Her golden hair was in braids and she wore a pink ‘Winnie the poo’ Sweater with jeans and a child’s T-shirt under it. She was the sweetest thing she had ever seen. Hana just stared at her and didn’t say a word.

“Hi Hana” April said bending down to the child’s height.

Hana looked up at Bret and he nodded his head. She glanced at her doll then at April and finally said “Hi,”

“Are you ready to go home?” she asked the small girl.

“Yea…” the little girl responded then pointed to her doll. “She’s ready too.”

April smiled at the girl and stood up. She linked her hand through Bret’s free hand and said “Well then let’s go.”

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

Walking with April in one hand and Hana in the other was the best thing he had ever done in his life. Both were woman he’d come to love in a short matter of time. Now little Hana was sitting in her car seat singing ‘twinkle twinkle little star’ while Bret and April sat in the front silent. His hand was still holding April’s and she seemed relaxed. She stared out to the road and moved her thumb up and down on the palm of his hand.

By the time Bret pulled into his home drive way Hana’s singing had died down. Bret got out of his car and headed to the back to retrieve Hana and her belongings. Unbuckling the small child he let her on the ground and grabbed her bags. Walking to the door he reached into his pocket and pulled out his home keys. He opened the door and before he could step in little Hana ran through. She ran into the home and past the living room out of Bret’s site. Leaving the door open for April Bret followed the girl after putting down her bags.

“Rosa!!!! Rosa?!” Hana called out looking into the kitchen then heading for Rosa’s room.

Sighing he followed the girl to Rosa’s room. At the time he didn’t realize that the girl would look for Rosa. At the time it didn’t occur to him that Hana had become so attached to Rosa. Now it came to the point where he wondered how he would explain to Hana. Walking into the abandoned room he looked for Hana.

“Hana?” he said aloud. Sure enough a little head popped out from under the bed and said “I’m looking for Rosa daddy”

Shaking his head he told her “Hana she isn’t here. Rosa left.”

The little girl scratched her head and rose from the floor. “What do you mean she left?” she asked him pointing a stubby finger at him lips puckered.

“She’s living with her mother now.” He said simply thinking maybe the fact that she was living with her mother might make it easier on the child to understand where she had gone.

“Ok well then where is her mommy? We should be with her” Hana nodded her head at her words and stepped closer to Bret. “Why’d Rosa leave to her mommy?”

“She had to. She’s still gonna baby sit you” He said putting his hand on her shoulder directing her out of the room then closing the door behind them.

“Are you sure?” she asked looking up at him then at Rosa’s door.

“Yes”

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

For the first time ever April sat in Bret’s kitchen. She watched as he made sandwiches for all of them. Hana had retreated to her room to play with toys and they had agreed it was long time for lunch. It was now 2:30 and the day felt as though everything was moving fast. She only hoped that six O’clock wouldn’t come too soon because that she was forced to go see her sister. Not that she didn’t plan to see her earlier then six, six was just her limit.

Leaning on the counter infront of Bret she crossed her arms and said “She’s adorable. Although I have to tell you, she doesn’t say much to me.”

Bret looked up at her, stared for a minute, and then stopped everything he was doing. He walked around the counter and held her by the shoulders. “Give her time” he said “She will get used to you and everything will be fine. Just stick around.”

He locked eyes with her waiting for her reaction. April didn’t really know how to react but just agree. “Ok,” she said.

Bret walked around the counter. He put bread on top of the rest of the sandwich and handed it to April. “Here, Take it to her” he said.

After a movie with both Bret and April little Hana fell asleep. Bret put Hana in her room and returned to April minutes later. Looking at her watch she sighed. 4:17. It seemed more then usual she found herself checking the time. She just really didn’t want six to come.

“I called Rosa” Bret said taking a seat next to her on the couch. “She’s coming over to watch Hana so that you and I can go see Lena. I’m really sorry I delayed you from seeing her.”

“Don’t be, I enjoyed it. I have to say though. That movie might possibly be the best movie I have seen all year.” April smiled at him.

“Snow white and the seven dwarves? That’s what you consider the best movie all year? Well then I guess I have to take you to the movies now.” Bret smiled at her then winked before getting up and turning off the T.V.

At that moment the sound of the door bell came and April rose to answer it. Smile on her face she opened the door only to become Face-to-face with Rosa. “Hi” April said opening the door not getting a response from Rosa.

Getting the cold shoulder from Rosa didn’t surprise April much. She had expected it for two reasons. The first being that her last words to April were about Bret hating her, the second being that she was with Bret. She expected jealousy and maybe even some arguments but she figured it was all worth it.

“So where is she?” Rosa asked Bret after hugging him.

“She’s sleeping” Bret said looking upstairs then focusing back to Rosa. “Look I’m going with April to the hospital to see her sister. Just watch her for me till I get back.”

Rosa nodded her head and said “Got it.”

"When You Want Her Back..."



Chapter Fifteen



Turning in bed April pretended it wasn’t time to wake up. Today she was forced to face many things. Today she had to get Hana back with Bret, today she had to visit Lena before they took her away and today she had to call Rico and tell him how the story was coming or rather wasn’t coming. Rico was like her manager only off the book and every two weeks he desired a report on how work was going.

Getting up April tumbled into the bathroom and showered. After her shower she ate some crackers and made a mental note on the fact that she no longer had food in her cabinet. After her crackers she called Bret. She had been yearning to hear his voice all morning and deciding it wasn’t too early and she HAD to call him because of the Hana situation she took the opportunity. Picking up his card she dialed the number and listened to it ring. One ring, two rings, three rings, “Hello”.

“Morning, Bret” April said voice happy, smile on her face. His voice sounded relaxed. She could imagine him sitting at the kitchen table sipping coffee and reading his newspaper with his hair distorted from tossing and turning in bed. Just the image of Bret made her melt.

“Good morning April.” He Replied.

“I just thought I would tell you that Jay is handling Social Services right now. He says we could probably pick her up later.”

“Hmm…” he said. A moment of silence lasted until she finally heard him say. “So what did you eat this morning?”

“Crackers.”

“Do you want to go out to breakfast with me? I haven’t eaten either.”

“But I did eat…”

“Crackers aren’t food. Should I pick you up in twenty minutes?”

Smiling at his persistency she said “Yes,” and simply hung up.

Exactly twenty minutes later Bret pulled up in front of April’s building and honked his horn. April jumped into his car and together they pulled away leaving April’s red brick apartment building behind in the dust. “So where are we going?” April asked turning toward him.

“We are going to ‘Gina’s Diner’. Do you like that place?” He asked glancing at her then focusing on the road.

Leaning back in her seat she said “Yeah…”

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

As April told the waitress her order Bret watched her. Her golden hair was in yet another ponytail. He figured she either favored that style or just choose it because it was easiest to do when you were in a rush. Her skin glowed and her scent was just as he remembered it every time they were together. She wore a long sleeved shirt that had the saying “Writer only on Sundays” and regular jeans. Some how she seemed to wear jeans better then any other woman he had ever known.

Catching him staring at her she said “What?”

“Nothing, I’m just admiring. Can’t a man admire his girlfriend anymore?” He said smiling at her.

“Maybe,” She told him reaching for his hand across the table. He held her hand and cradled it with a sense of protectiveness. “So how did it go with Rosa?” She asked.

Glancing down then looking up he replied with “Ok… She moved out.”

Seeming a bit surprised she said “How did that go?”

Looking into her eyes he knew really what she was asking. He knew that deep down inside she wanted to know if he was feeling ok. She wanted to know if he was regretting anything and he knew exactly how he would answer her.

“Well,” He said “It went fine. We agreed to be friends and she said she would still be here to help me with Hana. She told me she couldn’t live with me, not after what had happened and she left. I’m fine with it. I think she was right.”

April bit her bottom lip and seemed to sit and contemplate what he had just said when finally she said “Are you really going to need a lot of help from her? With Hana?”

Realizing exactly what she had been thinking he said “I don’t thi-“stopping he thought about his response. How would he explain to her just what he was trying to say? “I wont need her help, as long as you are here for us. You’ll be here right?”

“Of course” she said smiling. At that moment the waitress arrived with their food and they were forced to break apart their hands and begin eating.

Checking his watch Bret read that it was now 10:30. He knew the hospital that Lena was in wouldn’t begin visiting hours till 1 so he figured that they had time to waste. Time he hoped they would spend on getting Hana.

He had been separated from her for about four days and it drove him crazy. At night he stood awake wondering just what the little girl was going through. When he ate she was the one on his mind. He wondered if they were feeding her right and putting her to bed on time.

Well actually, he thought to himself, he worried.

Not wondered but worried. It seemed that Hana’s surroundings always worried him. Maybe he was just paranoid or maybe it just came with being a parent but either way it happened. A lot.

Thinking about Hana he asked April “so do you know how Jay’s doing on the Hana thing?”

“Hana thing?” Swallowing she said “Oh, yes, well we can call him now if you want? I spoke to him this morning and he said he would work on it right away.”

Nodding his head he told her “No, just enjoy your meal. You have to admit… It’s better then Crackers.” He smiled as he watched her giggle.

It fascinated him how beautiful April could look at so many different times. It seemed that if she wasn’t looking stylish she pulled off a different look of trendy and even at certain moments did she have the power to look sexy in the most weirdest surroundings. There was something about April that pulled at his heart and made him open his arms to her every time he saw her.

Knowing it was love was the worst thing for him. He was, in the simplest way to put it, scared. He was afraid that if he told her how he felt she would leave. He was afraid of risking the pain. He was afraid of just love. He was afraid of ever letting love in and then, possibly having it taken away again.

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

12 30 and April walked through the doors of Jay’s office. Walking beside her was Bret. Bret walked with a certain pride in his steps and a feeling of complete control. He wore grey slacks and a fitting T-shirt. His black belt matched his black dress shoes that added a sense of sexiness to his outfit. Somehow he dressed simple yet still managed to look professional. “Is Jay in?” April asked Rita

Rita nodded her head and both April and Bret went straight into his office. Walking in they caught the end of Jay’s conversation. “That’s thrilling news.” He said into the phone. “Just give me a minute and I will write the number down. You should know,” he joked “That I might need your address to send you a million gift baskets in thanks” Laughing at his own joke he took down some information and said his goodbyes.

Hanging up the phone Jay looked up at them. “Guess you’re here for the Hana report huh?”

“Yes,” Bret said stepping forward moving closer to Jay’s desk and adding a serious tone.

“It’s all settled.” He said to Bret, “You can go pick her up now if you wanted to.”

Bret smiled at Jay’s words and said “Really?”

“Yes.” Jay said to him. Both men locked eye contact and April couldn’t help but wonder what it was they were doing. From where she was standing it seemed they were going through some kind of manly thing that April would never understand.

“Well then,” she said “Let’s go!!”

Bret turned around and smiled at here. “Just what I was thinking.” He said.

April wasn’t to sure that’s what he was thinking but for now she didn’t care. Now all she knew was that she was just a car ride away from meeting her niece and Bret’s daughter. Still she wondered.

She wondered how they would work out explaining to little Hana that her mother was in jail and for the time being she was being raised by her father through adoption who just happens to be dating her aunt. The thought of it had her mentally slapping her head. She just couldn’t wait for the day little Hana walked up to some one and said “I saw daddy kissing my aunt”

Not many people would understand and some people might even be sickened at the sound of it. Of course, April thought, after a brief explanation people would understand… right?

Turning toward the door Bret left the office and April followed him. Walking through the door she stopped dead in her tracks and turned around. “Wait,” she said “What was that all about? The whole phone thing or the meetings? What’s going on?”

Jay smiled at her, winked at her and simply closed his office door. Surprised and confused she shrugged her shoulders and signaled for Bret to keep walking. There was no use wasting time on something that wasn’t her business.

"When You Want Her Back..."


Chapter Fourteen

April walked through her sister's room door preparing her for the worse. It occurred to her that a person who had a drug overdose would probably look horrible. Moving closer to the bed she stared at the feet that stuck out from behind the curtain. Pulling the curtain back she revealed her sister in bed eyes closed and her wrists handcuffed too the bed. Her sister didn’t open her eyes or move a muscle. She simply just laid there. Looking at her watch April saw that it was early. It was Four Thirty and her sister was sleeping. This couldn’t be good.

"She’s asleep...” Bret said putting a hand on her shoulder. "Maybe we should just go home rest and come back some other time."

"No... I want to be here when she wakes up.” April said glancing from Bret to her sister then to back to Bret again.

"Well I'm awake" Lena's voice said making April jump. Lena raised her hand and rubbed her forehead saying "Although I wish I wasn’t."

April moved closer to her sister’s bed and clasped her hand. "Don’t say that. Ever."

"Well it's true." Looking around Lena spotted Bret and said "Wow... Where did he come from?" Soon enough Lena was sitting up or at least trying to, patting her hair down. April felt a surge of protectiveness and acted on it.

"This is my boyfriend. Bret. Bret this is of course my sister Lena." turning her attention back to her sister she said "Wanna tell me what happened?"

"Well..." April raised her eye brow and Lena continued. "What can I say April? You know the story. I ODed... no denying it. Now i have to deal with the consequences." Her sister lay back in her bed and let out a sigh. "I do not understand how this happened. I'm so lost." Lena stared up into the ceiling with a look of nothingness in her eyes. It seemed she had nothing and everything on her mind all at once.

"It's called life Lena. Learn it. Except it. Master it. Cause trust me. Then end could come at anytime, at anyplace, and at the most compelling events in our lives.” April said hoping she didn’t sound to harsh to her sister.

“Well you don’t gotta preach.” Her sister told her. “April… You will help me right? I don’t want to serve time April.”

She didn’t want her sister to serve time either. In fact the thought had crossed her mind multiple times but it seemed each time she realized that there was just no way to avoid it. Her sister had committed a crime and she had to pay for it. Her only solution was that if her sister was going to serve time in jail she would serve a minimum which with Jay’s help she was sure she could accomplish it. “Lena. There is no avoiding. You are going to have to. One thing I will do. I will fight long and hard to make sure you get the minimum time possible.”

“Minimum sounds like too much to me. Even a day sounds to much”

“Well you don’t have a choice”

“Can’t you just get your lawyer to do his thing? Isn’t that what a lawyer is for?”

April stiffened her posture and locked gazes with Lena. She felt the argument coming. “Well Lawyers don’t perform miracles like undo the drugs you took”

“Oh yes rub it in. Just like you April. You know I thought you would come here and finally be a big sister to me but I guess not”

“Excuse me?!” April said in a tone of How-Dare-You. “How could you say that? I’m here.. I’ by your bed.. I am telling you that I will have my lawyer working as hard as possible to get you out of your mess and you are telling me that I am not being a big sister and never had?! Well how about this for something. How about you stop screwing up so much that I have to come and fix it!”

Lena gasped and April realized what she had just said. Even as she and her sister stood there silent she could tell even Bret realized the impact of her words. Her sister held her face in her hands as sobs exited her mouth and entered the air leaving a trail of sadness and pain. Pain she had just caused.

“Oh my...” April said “I didn’t mean it. I didn’t mean a word of it!”

“Yes!” her sister said hands still covering her face, voice shaky from the tears that she was now shedding. “You meant is all and I know. I know April! I know! It’s all true and I was so wrong! I’m such a screw up!”

Suddenly April had a flash back of when she was fourteen and she had messed up. Her mother had cleaned up the mess she had made in her life and the next day in the car April had broke down. April that night had yelled the same words she had to her mother. It wasn’t until now she realized how strong her words were. It wasn’t until now that she realized how painful it was to hear some one you love say that about their self.

“Just go!” Lena yelled finally lowering her hands from her face. “Come back some other time. I want to be alone now... please?” Glancing at her watch she realized that time had passed quickly and it was now five thirty. Visiting hours ended at 7 so April would probably have to come back tomorrow if she left now. This had April thinking whether or not that was Lena’s plan.

“Lena. If I leave now I am not coming back till tomorrow you know that right?”

“Leave your number?”

“Sure” she said nodding her head then reaching down to the bed and hugging her sister feeling bad for letting go. While hugging her sister she noted that her sister was quite thin. She noted that her sister had smelled like hospital and tension. She smelled like a drug addict going cold turkey.

Twenty minutes later she was out of her sister’s room and in the elevator. She had left her sister with her phone number and told the nurses to note that if anything were to happen that she was the one to contact. This was getting so ridiculous.. her sister and her were fighting while she was in the hospital bed, She was calling her sister a failure and her sister was kicking her out of her hospital room. Where had all this come from? It seemed that when they were younger they watched out for each other for the best that they could or at least April had watched out for Lena. Now it seemed it was a constant battle to keep a healthy relationship with her sister.

Deciding she wanted to focus on something other then Lena she looked at Bret who stood just a foot away from her focusing on the doors in front of him. “So…” she said “What are you going to do about Rosa?”

Bret shook his head and said “That’s what I am wondering.”


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

Bret sighed as he put the key to his door in the lock. He turned the key and opened the door to a completely dark house. Stepping in he hit the switch for hall lights and waited as they flickered to life. Closing the door behind him he waited a moment or to as he listened for a sign of other presence in the house.

His lips still tingles from the kiss he gave April before watching her jump into her truck and head home. He was tired and had to admit it had been an emotionally tiring day. Thinking about it he realized that in a matter of days he had loosed his daughter, loosed his girl friend., gained both back, and was about to loose his best friend. With luck he wouldn’t loose Rosa with luck Rosa was perfectly fine and they could just ignore what had happened. “Rosa?” He called out stepping further into the house.

“One second!” He heard her voice call from upstairs. Relieved that she was still here he trotted up the steps. Once up stairs he headed straight for her room. Finally there he observed the condition of the room.

Rosa’s Dresser was cleared off of all make up and nail polish she had there. There were dresser drawers that were opened and empty. Rosa’s closet was pulled open with only hangers in there and shoe boxes. Looking at Rosa’s bed he saw the huge luggage bag that contained most of her belongings. Confused he watched as Rosa stood on hands and knees reaching for something out from under her bed. “What’s going on?” he finally asked even though he was pretty sure he knew the answer.

“I’m moving out” She said pulling herself out from under the bed and staring up at him.

“Why?” he asked also already knowing what the cause of her sudden decision was. “You can’t. Don’t go. You shouldn’t.”

“And yes I am. Look Bret I just don’t think I can live with you after what happened. It would be too awkward. I’ll move in with my mom till I get a job and have my own place. You will see this is all for the better.” She said nodding her head then getting up. He assume she had given up on what ever it was she was reaching for because when she rose from where she had been knelt she held nothing in her hand.

“But Rosa I don’t want to loose you. I can’t. who will cook for me? What about Hana? Who is gonna watch her. She loves you Rosa you can not go I repeat you can not go. Please just stay I’m sorry about earlier but I just really can’t love you like that. Rosa think about it. We are so well as roommate. Do you really want to go live with your mother? We have to stay friends!”

“Oh honey,” Rosa said moving toward Bret and clasping her hand on his cheek. “We will never stop being friends. That’s like if water stopped being wet. I will always love you and if you want I can come over and watch Hana for you. I just don’t think I can live with you. I’m sorry.” Rosa lowered her hand from his face looked at the ground and then looked back up into his eyes. “You love her don’t you?”

“Why do you say that?”

Rosa smiled and tilted her head in an angle. “Well,” she said “It was the only sane excuse I could come up with as to why you and me could never be.” Laughing she closed her eyes and said “Minus the stupid rhyming”

“Well it wouldn’t rhyme if you had used proper grammar. You and I.” He smiled down at her. Nodding his head he said “Yes... I think I do love her. Only… Don’t you think it’s too early for love?”

“Nope.” She said turning away from him and moving back toward the bed. She sat at the end of the bed and glared at him. “I don’t think it’s ever too early for love. When you feel it you feel it and there is no changing that.” She scratched her head and they held a long a silent moment. “So, “ she said looking down as though she was ashamed. “Now that you know how I feel about you mind if I share some thoughts I have had about you with you?”

“Umm...” He thought for a moment and said “Are they scary? Will I regret hearing them?”

Rosa chuckled then said “Well I doubt that.”

Nodding he said “Sure go right ahead”

“Well…” she started. “For one thing I believe you look amazing in leather. I think that you should not use dove as soap stick to the other one you use because you smell amazing when you do. I think your hair looks great the way it is and I also think you could quit going to the gym because you are already figured amazingly. I think that that blue tie of yours should go to the garbage because when you wear it your eyes don’t look as green as they could and that is your amazing feature. Stick to green.” She stopped let out a breath and said “Oh yeah I also think that April is very lucky and if she ever hurts you I will kill her”

Mouth wide open he said “Wow… Anything else?”

“Yes. Can you give me a ride to my mother’s house?”

"When You Want Her Back..."


Chapter Thirteen,


Still with her head resting on Bret’s shoulder and his arms around her April stared at the water. After telling him her decision they seemed to just sit there with each other enjoying the day or possibly just realizing what they had just went through. In the beginning April really thought that she would loose Bret but it seemed that just like that she had him back, and it couldn’t be any better. Glancing up at Bret she stared at his now green eyes. Smiling at him she caught his attention. “What?” He said looking down at her.

“Nothing.” She said feeling the redness rush to her cheeks as she had just gotten caught staring into his eyes. “I love your eyes”

“They are just eyes” He said looking away from her face.

“No, they are your eyes. That’s what makes them so great.” Still grinning he gave her a squeeze. His arms wrapped around hers she felt safe.

“So,” he said “what are we gonna do now?”

Sit here in each others arms for ever, she thought. “Well I have to tell Jay my decision so he can go get the paper work and crap settled. You’ll get her back I promise.”

“And after that?”

“Well I was hoping you would tell me that.” She told him raising a hand to his hair and twirling it in her fingers.

“I think that next you should still see Hana. You‘re welcomed to visit anytime. I also think you should stop by to visit me. I do want to see you more April.” Smiling a smile so wide she felt relief. He had just said the answer she wanted to hear. “There’s only one problem.” He said.

“And that is?” She asked raising herself in preparation for what ever he had to say.

“Rosa.” Confused she raised her eyebrows and glanced around. Using her index finger she made circles moving clock wise signaling him to go on. “She loves me. More then just a friend.”

“And do you love her?” April worried as he hesitated to answer the question.

“I will always love Rosa. Just not the way she loves me. There is a big difference.”

Pulling his hand into hers she said “I trust that.” Feeling completely at ease in a world of intimacy with Bret April jumped as her phone vibrated in her pocket. Giggling at how her phone had managed to startle her she reached for it.
“Hello” She said smile on her face.

“April, It’s Jay. Where are you?” She could here the tense in his words and worry hit her like a car slamming into a tree. Getting up from her position with Bret she stiffened her posture.

“Something wrong Jay?”

“You’re not going to be happy. Make sure that you’re sitting.” He said sighing. “It’s Lena.”

“Uh Oh” she said noticing Bret become concerned and his hand resting on her shoulder for support.

“Lena was found in an abandoned apartment building. April she was Passed out from an over dose of drugs. She’s in the hospital right now but the police say that the minute she’s well they are arresting her. Drug usage isn’t a small crime April. She could serve real time for this.”

Shaking her head April refused to believe what she was hearing yet she knew it was all true. “This is just what I need” she said rubbing her forehead.

“Look April if you don’t want to deal with this it’s fine just your sister’s going on and requesting you be there. Well when she’s awake that is.”

“No, no Of course I’ll be there for her. She’s my sister Jay.”

“I know but...” He paused then continued “Ok well just stop by the office and I’ll give you the address of her hospital but I can’t go with you. I have a meeting to go to.”

“That’s fine.” April said then added. “By the way, what’s up with these meetings? You don’t usually go to meetings.”

“Business.” He said before hanging up the phone. Kind of curious she gave the meeting question a thought but then set it aside as the thought of her sister being arrested dawned on her.

In ways she thought that this was completely her fault. She kicked her sister out and told her not to come back. This decision probably left her sister with no other choice but to turn to drugs for support. She had told herself that she would always be there for her sister. It was her blood sister how could she not? Yet that was exactly what she had done. She turned her back on her sister and pushed her into doing drugs. This fact probably made her the worse sister ever. Tears form in her eyes as she surrendered her face into her hands. A sob leaked out and as if he knew she needed it Bret was there with his arms around her.

He removed her hands from her face and wiped away tears. Cooing her he rocked back and forth in attempt to make her sobs stop. Only April knew better. The sobs would never stop because her thoughts never did. Her thoughts were like dreams and nightmares. She had no control over them yet they had a powerful effect on her.

Pulling away from Bret’s arms she said “Come with me to the hospital?”

Bret drove his ford explorer with one hand on the wheel and the other holding April’s hand. Although they each had a car Bret insisted that he drive them both because of her emotional condition. April had broken down and he didn’t feel she was ok to drive. He also partly didn’t want to leave her alone. He felt some what protective of her and considered it his job to be there for her when she needed him.

As of now bags hung under April’s eyes and a frown occupied her lips. Her hair was in a simple brush back tied up look and her jean jacket wore loose on her body. She wore simple jeans with a fitting shirt that had the word “Independent” written on it. Bret had to admit that April was the only woman he knew that seemed to always prefer jeans.

They had stopped by her lawyer/friend’s office and picked up the full information on Lena. They got the address to the hospital, her room number, and exactly what speed to drive there in. It surprised Bret how much information Jay had received on her sister. He noted that Jay was handy and paid more attention to the road ahead of him or rather the parking lot in front of him.

Pulling into the hospital parking lot he paid for two hours worth of space and walked out with his arm linked through April’s. Walking at a slow pace they both stayed quiet. He didn’t know exactly what to say to her. It wasn’t everyday he faced visiting an over dosed sister with a friend or even a girlfriend.

The thought actually gave Bret the chills. April was his girlfriend which sounded so odd. It didn’t sound wrong it just sounded odd. He hadn’t had a girlfriend in a long time. In about four years which was a long time. A year is twelve months, a year is 365 days, a year is 8760 hours. Four years is four times as much and that thought just stunned him. Four years of his life gone.

Ripping his mind away from the aimless thoughts he said “You sure you want to do this?”

April stopped in mid-walk and said “I have to don’t I?”

Glancing away for a second he thought about his response. “She’s your sister. If you ask me I think you already knew the answer to that.”

April nodded her head in agreement. “Your right”

“The only question is” he said “Are you ready for it?”

Raising a hand to the side of her face and massaging her temple she said “Help me be strong?”

“Of course” he said then pulled them to continue walking together.

The hospital was one huge hospital. There were exactly Three hospitals around here and all of them were huge with a billion doctors and barely any patients. Not many people got hurt and even if they did most people were so stubborn they refused to go. Hospitals in sandy hook were made mostly for the old.

Walking through the hospital doors he noted how correct his statement had been. The smell of old people and IV hit his nostrils and he had to take a moment to get over it. The air was stale and the pace in the hospital was quite slow. Walking to the front desk Bret cleared his throat. “We’re here to see room 426 . Lena Sanders.” April nodded her head as signal of approval and glanced around.

“Where are the elevators?” she asked still looking around.

The lady simple pointed to her left and said almost with out life “Left hand side straight down make a right. You couldn’t miss it.”

Bret thanked the woman and walked with April to the elevator. April had changed when they entered the elevator. She had become a worried family member in search of her sister. Her eyes had changed to a lighter shade of brown that held a bit of concern. He wished that he could some how just give her strength. He wished that he could some how switch places with her preventing her from baring the pain that she was undergoing.

Elevator doors finally opening both Bret and April entered. Bret hit the button for the forth floor and waited as the elevator doors closed and the elevator began to move. Turning toward April he saw her biting her nail. He pulled her hand away and quickly replaced her hand with his lips. Breaking from the kiss he said “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine. I’m here for you.”

"When You Want Her Back..."


Chapter Twelve.



It had been a long twenty four hours for April. Hours of sitting in her room thinking of her options and letting the sad truth rip her heart apart. She really and truly loved Bret. Of course she realized how early it had been to say such a thing but she admitted it. She worried a bit of whether or not she loved Bret or just the image he has created for himself. To her he appeared to be an honest man who only wanted a family. He treated her well and showed her what romance was. He showed her the romance she had been writing about since the age of 12. Romance of love.

Sighing she picked up the phone and dialed Bret's number once more. She had called a million times and only once out of that million had Bret picked up only to tell her to stop calling. She needed to apologize to him. She needed for him to realize how sorry she was and that she had truly not known that the Hana she was looking for was the Hana he spoke so fondly of. Listening to the phone ring three times the same female voice answered. "Yes? You know I do get tired of picking up the phone right?"

Sighing she said "Look Rosa I'm sorry but I just want to talk to Bret and until he’s willing to face it I’m going to keep calling."

"Yes, well you keep calling and I will keep telling you to stop." at that she heard the phone click. Holding back her tears she bit down on her lip.

Why?! It seemed she had just found a good man and he was gone as fast as he had appeared. She couldn’t let him go like this. She couldn’t think of anything but him. Finally she decided to do what she should have done the minute Bret told her about Hana. Getting up April headed for the shower.

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

"So I'm guessing that was her on the phone?" Bret said looking up from the chair he sat in on the front porch.

Nodding her head Rosa said "I know this is hard for you Bret."

"It is" he said holding his face in his hand. A day of wondering how April could have done this to him and a day full of ignoring him. Both so hard. Looking up at Rosa he said "You think I'll get her back?" He hoped so. It was all God could ever grant him to let him keep this child. If anything it was all he wanted. He had come to love Hana and although the social worker who he had gotten Hana from said he would be better off adopting a different child he still felt that no other one would do.

Taking a seat next to Bret Rosa wrapped an arm around his shoulders and said "I'm almost positive."

Sitting there for a moment he stared at Rosa. A minute passed and Bret found himself being kissed by Rosa. So surprised he stood there while she kissed him. Soon he passed over the shock and pulled himself away. "Whoa! What? How? Oh…WOW" was all he said.

Rosa seemed surprise herself as she touched her lips and her eyes stayed wide. Bret wasn’t sure what had just happened. One minute he was leaning on his best friend's shoulder trying to deal with everything and the next he was kissing her! Thinking about it he realized he actually didn’t kiss her. One odd thought ran through his mind. Did Rosa kiss him? Why would she?

"Um... Rosa what was that about?" he asked pointing from his lips to hers and back again to his.

"What? You didn’t enjoy it? Bret I love you...”

Still confused he continued "I love you too Rosa as a friend. You realize we can not be more then that"

"We have been best friends since forever. We share everything and anything. Don't you think we are perfect for each other?"

"Rosa... No... We can't. I just don’t love you that way."

Moving closer she held his hand. "But I do. I love you so much more then you think and I know if we just try we can make it work. Please just try it!"

Bret pulled his hand away and stood up. "Rosa this can't be. I don’t love you like that!"

"So then who do you love?! What Jackie? April? Come on Bret every woman you have ever loved has hurt you! Can't you see? I would never hurt you. Why couldn’t we happen?"

"Because" he said "It’s just not right." Walking away he just ignored her calls. He walked to his car and jumped in. Starting the engine he turned on the radio and hit the gas petal. He needed out. He needed someplace to think and he knew exactly just where it would be.

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

Turning the corner April spotted Bret's house. She didn’t see his car so she guessed he wasn’t there but it didn’t hurt to check anyway. She pulled into the drive way and turned off her car. Grabbing her pocketbook from the passenger seat she opened the car door. The sun was out and it was a beautiful day. Stepping onto the porch she rang the doorbell. Waiting a minute or two she rang the bell again. Soon the door opened and April stood staring at Rosa.
"Yes?" Rosa said.

"Is Bret here?"

"No. I told you stop calling I didn’t mean to come over here." She said obviously angry.

Sighing she ignored Rosa's attitude.” Well do you know where he is?"

"No. I wouldn’t tell you anyway."

“That’s fine." Turning around she began to head to her car jus when she heard Rosa say "Don't come back." Turning back to Rosa she said "Excuse me?"

"I didn’t stutter. Don’t come back. He obviously doesn’t like you."

"Oh please like you know anything."

"I do know you hurt him. I do know that he happens to hate his wife for the things she did to him. So I also do know he’s bound to hate you too."

"What do you mean? What did she do to him?" Stepping forward Rosa seemed to be threatening April only not using her words. Most scariest threat April had ever received.

"She took his child away. She took his money... She divorced him. That man has been hurt so much. Every time I'm there for him. Every time I rescue him. I'm not going to let you hurt him."

"Well you won’t have to worry about that. Cause I’m not." Turning away she walked to her car and jumped in. Speeding away from the house she thought about what Rosa had said. She knew it was true. If she took Hana away Bret would hate her. Truth was she wasn’t sure whether or not he didn’t already hate her.

Thinking about it she thought of where Bret could possibly be. Maybe he needed to think. Maybe he was somewhere he thought he could finally be alone. Or maybe, she thought, he was just at work. Picking up her phone she dialed his office. The phone rang three times before a voice answered. The voice didn’t sound like the secretary she had come used to. The voice sounded like Olivia. "Yellow, Tax place just tell me what you want so I can get over with it."

"Boy, that isn’t a way to answer the phone."

"Well I saw the caller ID I knew it was you. Bret has a heart saved next to your number. Freaking weirdo huh?"

"No actually that’s sweet."

"Yeah, what ever. So what can I help you with cause good 'ol buddy Bret ain’t in now. He taking the week off on account of some court thing. Shouldn’t you know? You are like his girlfriend or something."

"Yea, yea, So did he say how long he would be gone."

"You know I didn’t sense that you were a blonde but obviously you are. I said a week." Rubbing her head in frustration April wondered why every woman in Bret's life hated her. Finally she said her goodbyes and hung up the phone. Tapping on her chin she decided maybe he was at his parents’ house. She needed to see him and tell him her new decision.

Making a U-turn she headed to his parents house. If he wasn’t there she wouldn’t know where else to check. Finally it dawned on him. If he needed a place to think he would go just where he had taken her that night. Making a right turn on Bakers Street she headed for the park.

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

Sitting on the park ground, leaning on the tree Bret threw yet another stone in the pond. What was he going to do about Rosa? He wondered how he let it slip by. Such a long time of friendship and he had never even picked up a clue on her liking him the way she had told him today. Rosa was his best friend. The word Best friend didn’t say best girlfriend so how could she feel like that? Hearing a crack of branches Bret turned his attention to the direction of the sound only to see April.

"Oh great" he said making sure she heard it.

"Bret I really need to talk to you." She said moving closer to him in a faster speed. He guessed she moved faster because she was afraid he would flee but truth was where would he go? Why would he?

"Talk to me in court tomorrow. Go home. I want to be alone."

"Bret I know what your wife did... and I know you think I'm just like her but I really am not." taking a seat next to him they held eye contact for the first time in possibly years... or maybe just a day. Savoring the moment Bret didn’t say a word. "I'm not going to take Hana. I'm dropping my request. I just can't do this to you."

Surprised and grateful he threw his arms around her. "Thank you" he muttered before kissing her forehead. He had never been happier in his life. Suddenly a great burden had been lifted off his shoulders as he realized he no longer had to worry about losing Hana. He had his daughter back and he no longer had to worry about whether or not April had the will to actually take her away. His heart told him that he wouldn’t lose Hana but his head always told him he probably would and a day of those thoughts could honestly kill a man.

"When You Want Her Back..."


Chapter Eleven.



Taking a glance at the time Bret realized that he had been working for about two hours now. After lunch with April and his parents he had been called back to work for some newly requested work. Why people were so irresponsible with their taxes he would never know but what he did know was that it seemed many were. This factor was quite helpful in his line of work.

The phone rang and Bret went for it. "Bret here."

"Bret something big is happening. Get here. Now." Rosa's voice said followed by the dial tone.

Frantic all of a sudden he pressed speed dial five and listened as his home phone rang with no answer. What could be happening? Worried he jumped out of his seat and grabbed his jacket. Almost running out of his office he took the stairs down. Ten minutes later he was in his car speeding out of the lot. Why would Rosa call him and leave him with so many questions in his mind? Many possibilities ran through his mind and the ones that stood out were the ones about Hana. He could feel that it was about her. He just knew that it was about his daughter only he didn’t know what it was.

Pulling in front of his drive way he noted the car parked in the driveway. Quickly he went to the door and opened it calling Rosa's name. "Rosa! What’s this all about?!" walking past the stairs he entered the living room seeing Rosa surrounded by two men and little Hana playing on the floor. Rosa appeared frustrated and he could tell from the air in the room sadness had struck and there was more to come. "Rosa" he said “What's going on?"

Stepping forward one man offered his hand to shake and then a paper. "I'm sorry sir but we have an order to take Hana. Her aunt wants custody for her and until this is settled in court social services will be holding the child"

Looking the paper over he felt confused. "Aunt? What? Why? Why do you have to take her? You cant!"

"Don't take it personal" Said the other man. "It’s just as a precaution. Some parents or guardians tend to disappear with the child. We don't want that happening."

"It’s my daughter. Of course it’s personal. Who is this aunt? I don’t see a damn thing useful on this paper" he said throwing the paper to the side.

"Her aunt is April. April Sanders" Bret went week at the name. What were they saying? Maybe he had just imagined it. Maybe he didn’t just show him her name on the sheet he called useless. Maybe April was just like Jackie.

"Well you can't take Hana. You just can't” Feeling sanity slip away and the pain grow he raised his voice. "You just can’t!"

Rosa got up and walked to him grasping his arm she got his attention. "Listen to me Bret" She said squeezing his arm.” Just think about it. Don’t make a big fuss. Let them take her... But you make sure they sure as hell don’t keep her." Staring at his best friend he understood her. He took in her words and some how felt he could control what was happening. He gained strength in her words and her belief that he could do what it took to stop this.

"Fine" Bret said turning to one of the men. "I'll get her bags ready. But I want you guys to know anything happens to her I’ll-"

Interrupting him the man raised his hand and said "I completely understand. This isn’t the first time. Think about it like this. At least your not high or drunk." the joke wasn’t funny or at all comforting.

Running upstairs he grabbed one of his bags and ran into Hana's room. He threw in clothes and some toys. Zippering up the Bag he threw it over his shoulder and headed down the steps. In the living room he saw Rosa putting Hana's jacket on her.

Glancing up at him Hana said "Daddy where are we going?"

Sighing a sigh of pain and defeat he said "You are going with these men. Rosa and I will stay here but promise you'll be a good girl while you’re with them. Don't worry you'll come back"

"I don’t wanna go daddy" looking at the men she gained a look of fear in her eyes. "Don’t make me go!" She hugged her doll and a tear ran down her cheek.

Reaching behind his neck he removed his necklace. A necklace that Hana had said she liked a while back. "Hana, Look" he said turning her attention to the necklace. "I'm going to give this to you. I want you to hold onto it until I get you back. Ok? I promise Hana I’ll get you back." Lip still frowning she nodded her head and Bret hugged her. He put the necklace on her and kissed her forehead. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing he had ever done. How could April do this to him?

The minute the car pulled away with Hana in it Bret ran for his car. He was going to have to demand answers from April.

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

April sipped some of her chocolate and changed the channel on the TV. In her most comfy clothes she was about ready to call it a day. Suddenly she jumped at the sound of her door buzzard. Getting up from the couch she put her cup on the table and walked to the intercom. "Yes?" she said then pressing the listen button.

"It’s Bret" letting go of the button she smiled at the intercom and pressed the door button. Letting go of it she stood by the door waiting for him to knock. This was quite a surprise visit but if she were to have anyone visit right now it would be Bret.

Hearing the elevator doors open she decided that maybe the walls were too thin in this building. Seconds later there was pounding at her door. It made her jump. She had expected a knock not a demanding bang that sounded more as though he was breaking into her apartment. Opening the bolt lock she opened the door smile on her face.

Surprised she saw nothing close to a smile on Bret’s face. "What is this about?!" he said flashing a piece of paper in her face.

Confused she grabbed onto the paper and skimmed through it not understanding any of it. Bret walked into her apartment and began pacing. "I just don’t understand why you would do this to me!" he said pointing at himself. "What did I do to you? I thought we were going well! Is this why you fond me over the internet?!" Confused she shook her head.

"What are you talking about?!"

"Hana! You're taking her away from me!"

"Hana?" for a second she thought. Finally reality hit her. It wasn’t just a funny coincidence that she was requesting back a Hana and Bret had just received his. Shaking her head she disagreed with what was going on. "I didn’t know... I didn’t know!!"

"Are you sure of that??? Because it seems to me that you knew exactly what you were doing. I don’t think it’s a coincidence you just happened to seduce me right before you ripped my daughter away from me!"

"This is not how it was supposed to be!"

"No maybe you were supposed to also receive money at the same time!"

"Bret honestly I didn’t mean for this!"

Raising his hand in the air to stop her he said "April. I can't believe I honestly thought I could fall for you. You're just like my ex. Maybe even worse. I'll see you in court." turning away he headed for the door. "Oh and April, you will never have Hana. I'll make sure of it. I love that girl. You can't take her away from me." Ending those words he left out the door slamming it behind him.

Grasping her stomach April felt the room turn and twist. What was happening? How could this happen to her? She had lost her sister and Bret all because she wanted to gain a niece. A niece whom she had never known about or even ever saw. Hana had to be worth it... if she wasn’t well... The thought had April running to the bathroom. Her sister was gone. Bret hated her and she could tell. Basically who wouldn’t hate the woman who ripped a child away from you?

"When You Want Her Back..."

Chapter Ten.



Huffing and Puffing April looked at the line that stood before her. She had agreed to mail Jay's package not wait on line for a half hour watching time go by as her chances of getting lunch with Bret slip away. She really wanted to spend lunch with him and if she left the mail office at 4 she was looking more at another dinner date. Looking at her watch she saw that it was two O'clock on the dot. She had been here since 1 30 and she was really getting testy. Pulling her phone out she dialed Jay's number. "Hello?" he said then remembered it was his office "I mean Jay's Office of law and justice how I may help you?"

"How important is this package?"

"You mean can it wait?"

"Yes"

"No, please, I’m already late it can’t wait any longer."

"Well these lines are very long and I’m not looking forward to lunch around 5." she said putting attitude in her words.

"Alright, alright, fine if you don’t want to do it. Then don’t."

April sighed and realized that either way she was going to end up staying on these lines. "Fine, fine... Maybe I can flirt my way to the front"

"Good attitude. See you later" The phone went click and April put her phone away.

Tapping on the shoulder of the man in front of her she said "Hi. How are you?" flirting more and more she talked to him about his jacket and how she liked it. She then went with the same routine with the guy now in front of her leaving the previous guy behind. Jumping three spots up on the line her routine came to a screeching halt when she realized she was being watched... by none other then Bret.

Walking to her with a smile he said "Sneaky. Do you flirt with every guy in the Post Office or just the ones you want to get in front of?"

"Well right now I’m more looking forward to flirting with just one guy” Lifting her chin with one finger he moved closer in and kissed her. Pulling away he grinned at her.

"I think" he said "The guys you went in front of feel stupid" laughing together he stood near her moving up on the line with her.

Sliding her hand into his she said "So what brings you here?"

"Secretary called in sick. The office is hectic so I had to return a package here and then retrieve the one intended for us. Boring stuff honestly." Nodding her head at him he said to her “How about lunch tomorrow?"

Surprised she said "Tomorrow?" she had really wanted to eat lunch with him TODAY.

"Yeah, well I kinda have to have lunch with my parents today. Unless you want to join us I really don’t see us having lunch today together"

"You mean meet your parents? I don’t know about that. What do you think?"

"I don’t mind you don’t have to go with me. I did ask about lunch tomorrow right?"

"No, it’s fine. Ill go with you." April said holding onto his hand a little more tightly.

Her meeting his parents. That was so wonderful. This meant he wasn’t afraid to be open and honest. Could this possibly work out to be more then just a dating thing? Maybe she should show him to her gang of friends seeing as how her friends were like her family only less crazy. Smiling so happily she drew him just a little closer. Reality was that they had just met yesterday but her mind said they had known each other for long enough.


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

Standing in front of his parents’ door with April he rang the bell. Bret hadn’t thought that for one minute April would honestly want to meet his parents. Yet here she and he were standing waiting for his mother to answer the door. Things were moving quite fast and although the situation sounded very similar in ways it was much more different then Jackie. In his mind he knew that April wasn’t going to be anything like Jackie but still his guts said everything was going to fast. Something told him moving this fast would leave him heart broken once again.

Finally opening the door his mother greeted then. "Bret! Your here good thing the shells were getting cold. Your father has been protesting for a half hour already trying to eat them. Can you believe that man?" Shaking her head she noticed April. "Why hello" she said turning to back to Bret "And who is this?"

"This" he said linking his hand through hers. "Is April. She’s my..." Slight hesitation hit him and he found himself being watched by April. Drawing her closer to him he said "Girl friend. She’s my girlfriend."

Raising her hands in the air his mother said "Oh what a super surprise. You didn’t tell me you would be bringing a date!"

"Yeah, well last minute."

Grabbing April's hand his mother pulled her away from him and rushed her through the home and straight to the backyard where there was a table on the porch and a man with a bald head and glasses other wise known as his father. "Look who Bret brought Andrew. It’s a date. Her name is April."

His father stood up and shook her hand. "It’s a pleasure" he said. Then sitting back down and turning his attention to Bret. He nodded his head and Bret knew that was some secret code of his father saying he had done well.

He approved of April which was an odd thing. His father had hated every woman he brought through the door and had shaken his head when introduced to Jackie. How could he say yes to April? Thinking about it he said out loud "Well who could say no?"

Realizing he had just achieved the attention of every one he said "How about food now mom?"

Nodding her head violently she said "Sure coming right up." pulling a chair out she said "Why don’t you sit right here honey."

Sitting down April seemed surprised and a bit overwhelmed. He knew bringing her was a bad decision and he knew that the minute they were back in the car he just had to apologize about his mother’s persistency. Even he found it annoying.

Walking to the table he sat intentionally right next to April. She was going to need moral support to get through this lunch. He was going to need counseling to get through this lunch and every other lunch.

"So April" his father said turning in his seat toward her. "What do you do?"

"I'm a writer" she said voice low and soft almost as if she didn’t want to answer.

"A writer? Amazing. What have you written?"

"Mostly uh... Romance novels... Action. Little bit of others...”

"Interesting” his father said scratching his chin then nodding his head at Bret.

Making a face Bret mentally said to his father "what is up with the nodding. End it" Obviously getting the message his father sighed and turned back toward the view of the trees behind them.

The light made the trees look even more natural and enjoyable. His father, he noticed, like to stare at things and analyze them. He once explained to Bret how the sun reflecting off of an object made it beautiful, because who couldn’t see the beauty of a thing when the sun is highlighting their features? His father was right but of course. April looked more then gorgeous in the lighting.

"I’m Back!" said his mother who set a tray of stuffed shells on the table. "I worked on it all day so it should taste like meat sauce and sweet lovin’." giggling his mother served every one and began eating. Looking at April she said "I just love your hair color. Where did you get it done?"

"It’s my natural hair color" April said brushing a lock of it behind her ear.

"No kidding." Grabbing a piece of her own hair his mother said "See I try to get the perfect color but it just seems to never work. Plus the constant watch for grey hairs. In my age you never know what color you will find on my head."

Everybody laughing Bret's father said "Ok that’s enough with the hair talk. I don’t want to find a hair in my food. If I do I’d have to kill one of you." pausing with seriousness he then added "Or maybe just eat your shells" Smile to his face he took another bite of his stuffed shells.

"Yes well I'm just saying I love her hair" his mother said two hands in the air in surrender. "And I must admit" she said "She is way more beautiful then Jackie.”

Dropping his fork Bret prayed that his mother stop speaking. That she just drops the whole thing or that April not ask what she meant. He prayed that April wouldn’t find out he had been once married and then divorced. He hoped so much that his mother would just not say anything.

Opening her mouth April said "Jackie?" At that moment he suspected that if the heavens had any love for him at all they would make his mother choke on bread.

"Yes” His mother said making his heart beat so fast it could barely stay in his chest. "His ex-wife. Jackie? Doesn’t ring a bell huh? Well that’s alright... I guess you’re the lucky one to not know about her. She was, excuse my language, a female dog. No good for Bret."

April gulped and said "Was she? How long was he married to her?"

"I'm not to sure." His mother said receiving his death glare. How could she do this to him? He wasn't ready to tell her and she didn’t need to hear yet. He wasn’t going to hide it forever but he wasn’t exactly going to tell her right away. Lord help him make it threw the lunch.

An hour and a half later Bret found himself jumping out of his car and walking around it to open the door for April. Getting out of the car she brushed past him and headed for her car. He hadn’t known April long but he could already tell that she was angry.

"Hey wait up!" Grabbing one of her arms from its folded position he turned her toward him and found that she had her lips puckered and seemed to be furious. "Are you okay?"

"I don’t know, is Jackie?"

Sighing he said "I'm sorry I didn’t tell you about Jackie... but I swear I was going to"

"When?"

"When I was ready. Jackie hurt me so she isn’t one of my better memories I like sharing but I’m telling you I wasn’t trying to hold it from you." He wrapped his arms around April and rested his chin on her forehead.

"No more lying?" she said.

"No more." looking into her eyes he kissed her softly and felt her relax and let her guard down. She had only been mad at him for about twenty minutes but he hated every second. He would never want to make her mad again.

"When You Want Her Back..."


Chapter Nine.



With food in one hand and Aprils hand in the other Bret lead the way through the park. The minute Olivia had said he couldn’t get a seat at Pondarosa he had come up with his back up plan. In some ways he figured that maybe the back up plan was better anyway. It was a bit more romantic and maybe seeing as how April was a romance writer she would enjoy the romance herself. Finally reaching the perfect spot he stopped and stared at the lake that was in front of him.

The moon reflected on the lake and most of the stars glistened in the night, there was no one around and Bret knew there wouldn’t be either. New Jersey didn’t have a lot of people who went to the park at night. "This is an amazing spot" April said staring at the lake then looking at the surroundings of it.

Bret grabbed the blanket from April and began to lay it out. "Yeah, I agree. I thought you might enjoy dinner under the stars. It’s a slight better then eating at Pondarosa listening to Olivia's family." he chuckled and she smiled.

"What is up with you and Olivia? I sensed some tension there."

"Really? Where did you sense that? When she said you looked to good for me or when I called her Satan?" Bret shook his head and continued. "I don’t really know. Some where in competing for a job promotion a while back me and her came to grow not very fond of each other. I don’t have any problems with being nice to her. But it just seems that the minute she sees me she just feels it necessary to bother me and start arguments. As long as we don’t end up choking each other I’m fine with it."

"That’s funny in a weird way" April said making a face at her own words not really understanding them. Then she shrugged and sat on the blanket. "Come on lets eat."

Sitting next to April Bret opened the bag with the food in it and removed them separating it by who ordered what. Giving out the forks and spoons he tossed the now empty bag to the side. He had ordered steak and she had ordered a burger and for desert they agreed to enjoy together a very large piece of cheese cake. Opening the take out food carton he inhaled the smell of the steak and realized just how hungry he really was. Looking away from his food he looked at April. She looked so beautiful and he couldn’t help but stare. "So tell me how you got into writing." He said.

April smiled "Well that’s easy. See when I was little I pictured all these lives I wished I could live and imagined all these things that could possibly happen. When I realized you can actually make them happen through writing I tried it out myself. First story I ever wrote was only two pages long but it was a story and I loved the excitement of it. Since then I have been writing more and more. Talking to other writers, publishers. The whole she-bang."

"You talk to other writers? Ever talked to any of the famous ones? Like S. E. Hinton or the Harry potter author?"

"I think all writers are famous don’t you?"

"Never thought about it...” he said putting food into his mouth.

At the very same moment April took a bite of her burger. The burger was to him a very surprising choice of food. Most women her size watched what they ate and counted calories. She had simply chosen a burger with out a doubt of worry about the after effects. He remembered her telling him she was proud of her weight but what he couldn’t recall was her ever mentioning that she cared about her weight.

April in many ways seemed so different from most women or maybe just from Jackie. It seemed every woman he saw he compared to Jackie. He was madly in love with Jackie and the thought of ever meeting another woman like Jackie made him think he should run for his life. Or maybe even just run for his heart.

"I wonder where you go when you think like that...” April said breaking him free of his thoughts of the evil Jackie.

"Excuse me?" he said confused.

"I notice that from time to time you disappear. Thinking about something. Like in your own world. Don’t feel weird. I do it too just usually when I’m doing it I’m actually in a different world, My characters’."

"Oh, yeah. I'm sorry I don’t mean to. I just have a lot to think about I guess."

"Care to share?"

"Now? Well actually it’s a romance killer to talk about. Besides I want to know more about the series you got going."

Shrugging her shoulders she said "It’s not really going actually. And it kills me to think about it. Right now I’m pretty sure my neighbor Connie is reading it and when she’s out of something to read she will yell for me to write more. Only I won’t be able to. My sister’s situation and her daughter are very distracting. No matter how hard I try I just keep thinking about the niece she kept from me."

"I could only imagine" He said lying to her. He could certainly more then just imagine it. He felt it and faced it everyday because Jackie had lied to him and killed his baby. He couldn’t help but think about it all the time. Why she had done this to him he would never figure out. All he knew was that everyday he had to look in the mirror and face the fact that he could have had a child but she took it away.


"So where do you go when you stare like that?" April said bringing him away from the thoughts of his past.

"I think about you" he said lying once more but feeling it was better then the truth would ever be. Leaning in he brushed his lips over hers and drew himself back with a grin on his face. "You taste like strawberry"

"I always did like strawberries"

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

Sighing April put her keys in the lock and opened the door. Walking in she said "Connie?" Closing the door behind her she put her purse and keys on the side table as she did every time she entered her apartment. Walking to the couch she spotted Connie sleeping. Turning off the TV she grabbed a blanket and put it over her friend. A night of "I Love Lucy” was hard on a person and she figured leaving Connie sleeping was best.

Walking away from the living room she headed for her room. So talking about her date wasn’t exactly going to happen. Did it matter? Nodding her head at her own question she entered her room and removed her shoes. The date was amazing and Bret had managed to charm her pants off. Or maybe just charm a piece of her skirt off but either way he was charming. He was an amazing kisser not that April considered herself extremely experienced or could say she had fully enjoyed Bret but she had a taste. That taste was as good as strawberries. Laughing at the word strawberry April changed her clothes and jumped in bed. An amazing night ended, A morning of banter to come.

Early morning and the sun shined through April's window. Turning over she moaned and protested the sun stop shining so bright. A minute later April gave into the demands of the morning and woke her self up. Sitting up in bed she thought about Bret. How could they have known each other for such little time and he is the first thing on her mind in the morning? She needed to spend more time with him. Not wanted but needed because at this point she was in some ways addicted to his sent and to his seductive ways. She was falling as Connie had said but sometimes, she had to admit, it was better just to sit back and enjoy the fall because hitting the ground would hurt like hell.

Getting up she headed straight into the bathroom and brushed her teeth. Finishing she left her bathroom and went to check if Connie was awake. Entering the living room she scratched her head and looked around. Seeing Connie sitting up on the couch she walked around the couch and jumped on to join her. Linking an arm around her friend and leaning her head on her shoulder she said "Morning"

"Morning" Connie replied a smile on her face and tired eyes looking at her.

Whispering for the fact that they both looked sleepy April said "How was your night?"

"Fine but I’m more interested in yours. How was the date?" Connie said whispering right back.

Glancing back at the kitchen she said "Talk about it over coffee?"

"Sure" getting up they walked to the kitchen, April heading to the coffee brewer and Connie straight for the refrigerator for crackers and cheese. Setting the crackers and cheese on the table Connie sat down. "So where'd you guys go?"

"Well it was suppose to be Pondarosa but his friend had the whole place rented out so we went to the park"

"The park?" Connie asked surprised.

Sighing April said "The Park"

"You really like this guy huh?"

"Yes. He’s so amazing and guess what? He distracts me from all this Lena-Hana stuff. I need a distraction."

"Yeah, how is that going?"

"Well I got all the paper work... only I’m still waiting on Jay to tell me the court date."

"Wow" Connie said.

"Yes I do agree. It’s all very wow. “Knocking came from her door and both women jumped.”Are you expecting anyone?"

"No." Walking to the door April looked through the peep hole. "Connie it’s your mother"

Connie opened the door and April returned to her coffee making. Two minutes later Connie and her mother were gone leaving April alone once again. Her mother had said she needed help with the kids and Connie was forced to leave promising they would continue the talk later.

Finishing her coffee she headed for bathroom for a shower. Nothing was like the cool water hitting her skin to wake her up. After a shower she got dressed and decided to give Jay a nice visit before calling Bret and asking him about lunch. Grabbing her purse and her car keys she locked up her apartment and left.

Taking the elevator downstairs she made a mental note to check out Connie later on. Down stairs she left her apartment building and headed straight for the parking lot where she parked her car. Finding the car she opened the door and jumped in.

Twenty minutes later April was in Jay's office discussing the Hana deal. "So they can't find her? They can't find a three year old!"

"Nope" Jay said.

"God, what kind of safety does that put the child in?"

"Look in the mean time just relax. There is nothing you can do right now. It’s all on them and I’m sure you have things you Want to do right?"

"Yeah...” Thinking about Bret once more she felt a little frustration hit her. Couldn’t she get him off her mind? "So I have time to kill. Anything you want me to help you with?"

"Actually, yes."

"When You Want Her Back..."


Chapter Eight.



Looking in the mirror April nodded her head at the image she saw. Everything seemed just right. She wore a spaghetti strap white shirt under a blue sweater with a flowered long skirt that was silky in a cute dangly way. She had flip flops on and yet another pair of sun glasses. Spring was close to her best season because of the outfits she got to wear. Her absolute favorite was summer. Relaxing in the pool was just her favorite thing to do and summer weather was perfect for it.

Expecting Bret any minute April dabbed some lip stick on her lips and checked her image in the mirror. Her pony tail was simple but with the curls on the end of it, it seemed sassier and still not completely girly. Her outfit was perfect for her date and she couldn’t be more prepared.

A little guilty about her sister she decided to ignore her feelings. It was time for her to enjoy herself and not feel stressed which seemed to be all she was doing lately. Her sister had come with a load of stress and Bret had come with a ticket to freedom. Using that ticket was exactly what tonight would be about. She hadn’t been on a date or flirted with a man in months. It seemed that lately no guys had found her flirt worthy or date worthy.

Hearing the door bell ring a spark of enthusiasm hit her and she was forced to repress the school girl shriek. Grabbing her purse she headed for the door. "I’m coming” she said walking through the living room and passed the kitchen.

Finally reaching the door she yanked it open with a welcoming smile on her face. Disappointed she had opened the door to see Connie her next door neighbor standing there with a box of donuts.

"Oh honey I heard the arguing and I got Ma to watch the kids tonight so we could talk all about it." Connie said holding up the donuts. "I just couldn’t imagine what you...” Pausing Connie looked at the outfit that April wore. "Are we going some where?"

Smiling proudly April said "I’m going on a date."

The words brought a grin to Connie's face and April found herself being pushed into her apartment and rushed to the couch. Connie was a good neighbor and being that she had no girl friends or fellow colleagues from work Connie seemed just the right person to talk to when problems occurred or April just wanted to talk. "Do Tell!! Is he hot? Does he have a cute dimple and a bank account worth dying for?"

Surprised by her friend’s questions April laughed. "Well I wouldn’t know about the bank account deal but the cute dimple is a sure thing. His name is Bret and I have a date with him for dinner. It feels so great to finally go out... On a date! And Connie I must tell you he sure makes me smile. Just the thought of him makes me giddy."

"Awww I think some one is falling"

"No way Connie. Besides we jus met"

"Oh please you’re falling. You’re falling so much that the wind has given up on the sound effects of the whistle as your falling!" Connie laughed at her own crazy thought and said "Sorry too much Cartoon Network with the kids. You know that whistle when the road runner falls. I love that sound." Connie added then demonstrated with her own whistle.

“Anyway hun. You mind if I stay in your apartment and just chill while you’re out on your date. The way I see it is I’m going to want complete details when you get home anyway and mom is already watching the kids... And I do believe I heard some typing in the middle of the night. I know you have story to show me!"

"God are the walls that thin?"

"No I’m just a good guesser. Besides it’s a known fact that April cannot go a week without writing at least one chapter."

"Yeah, true. Connie you can surely chill here and you know what I could use some one to talk to after the date. Did I mention he has a child!"

"NO KIDDING!?" So surprised Connie held her hand over her heart and said "He’s so sweet. I’ve never met the guy but... If you don’t want him can I have him?"

"CONNIE!"

"What... oh you think the whole husband and family thing might get in the way?" Giggling Connie patted April on her leg. "No worries I’m only kidding I don’t plan on taking your dream guy. Besides he wouldn’t want me. I come with a package of my own. Two kids a cranky mother and an over bearing brother. No guy would want that. They'd have to be an idiot."

"Connie are you forgetting about your husband again?"

"No I’m jus insulting him. God he angers me."

Putting a frown on her face April said "How so? What'd he do this time?"

Connie sighed and said "He got into another fight. I swear if it weren’t for his checks I would kick him out. I don't need the stress but I do need the money. My only hope is he kills some one in the next fight and gets sent to jail. Honestly April I don’t feel the love anymore."

"Aww" was all April said before extending her arms and hugging Connie. The hug was interrupted by the sound of the down stairs buzz.

Connie quickly broke apart the hug and ran to the intercom. "Who?" she said knowing exactly who it was.

"Bret" said the male voice.

"Come right on up!" Connie told him following it with a quick buzz of the front door. "Get up April he’s coming! He’s coming!"

Walking to the couch Connie grabbed Aprils hand and pulled her up. She rushed her to the door. "Now don’t talk with your mouth full. Don’t over laugh at his jokes but do laugh. At the end of your meal do check your make up for smudges and so on. Oh and remember to have fun!" At those words Connie quickly hugged April and opened the door pushed her through and closed it behind her.

After being kicked out of her own apartment April walked to the elevator where Bret would be. Standing in front of the doors she felt eager and was glad that Connie would be there tonight to tell her about the date.
Lena being away meant that April had no sister to blabber on to about things that occurred in her life. So she went to the next best thing. A non-blood sister which Connie definitely was to her. Connie was her friend for two years and they had been through a lot. From dealing with Connie's abusive husband to dealing with the publishers insults on her stories. Together they were strong. Together they were sane and apart would be the leading point of self destruction.

Finally the elevator doors opened and April found herself staring a six feet of sexy man. He wore simple jeans and a T-shirt with a blue silk shirt open over it. A jean jacket she was sure he didn’t need and a pair of sneakers. He seemed to be in relaxing clothes and he seemed to look amazing in those same clothes. She could only imagine the impact he had in a dressy outfit. His hair was spiky but Gel-less and a strand or two remained hanging over his fore head. Smiling April greeted him "Why hello" Stepping into the elevator doors she entered the elevator.

"Hello" Bret said opening his arms to her and hugging her with a kiss on the cheek. "Ready for tonight?" he asked ending the hug and putting his hands into his pockets.

"More then ever. I even have sunglasses just in case the sun decides to appear at night.” April said pointing to the sun glasses on her head.

"Yes because you never know right?" Laughing together they stood in the elevator listening to the dings as it went down each floor.

"Nope you never do" Smiling April looked up at the gorgeous man who she had met through the simple internet. Maybe &HEARTS dating service wasn’t as overrated as she had first thought.

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


Bret put the car in park and unbuckled his seat belt. "Well here we are" he said pointing to the restaurant in front of him. Looking at April the first time at that elevator he had lost his breath. She was completely stunning tonight and he enjoyed every detail and aspect of her outfit. The sweater gave a warm and welcoming look to her and the sunglasses at night gave her the trendy look. Her lipstick glossed her lips up to make them seem so teasing and yet was the perfect shade to add plumpness at the same time. Her hair was simple but indeed looked elegant. It was hard to imagine that a simple dating service had brought this marvelous girl to him.

"Pondarosa? I didn’t even think there was one out in New Jersey."

"Well now you know and now we are here. So I hope you’re ready to eat a whole lot. I’m pretty sure there is plenty."

Exiting the car Bret grabbed his jacket and walked around the other side to gather his date. April appearing in his sight he laughed. He had turned the corner around the car to find April fighting with her dress and his car. Lowly, she demanded that they let go of each other.

"Hold on ill get it out" Bret said walking up to her and inspecting where the fabric had gotten stuck. Puling on it softly he felt the fabric warn him that if he pulled any harder it would break. "I don’t have any idea how it got stuck there but it seems to me its pretty stuck. I could get it out if you are willing to have a broken skirt..."

Sighing April said "Go for it."

Pulling on it the fabric broke and April was now freed from the car. Looking at the effects on the dress Bret tapped on his chin. A chunk was now missing and he couldn’t lie and say it didn’t look odd. Grabbing the bottom of the dress he further ripped more of it off and signaled for April to twirl in circles. Perfectly the skirt ripped straight and evenly seeming as though it was just another skirt. "Well that seemed to work" he said looking her up and down.

"Yeah... Kind of short though."

"Actually I think it looks great." April smiled at his words and closed the car door. "Come on lets get something to eat before I get stuck to something else."

Walking through the doors of Pondarosa an All you can eat buffet/restaurant Bret notice the family party that was now going on. Looking at it all he was surprised. Usually because of the fact that the place wasn’t well known it was deserted but it seemed the one night he picked it, it was packed. Walking up to the stewardess he said "McAllister Party for two."
Nodding her head the stewardess looked and flipped through some books. "Yes well sir I see here you called ahead but your table has been taken. Family rented out the whole place I’m afraid. If you want you can order out and eat some where else."


"I didn’t even know this place could be rented. Since when? This is Pondarosa. Who rents Pondarosa?"

Suddenly Bret saw Olivia walk by and smile at him. "Hey Bret!" she said especially happy to see him here and angry.


"Olivia, just who I wanted to see." Rolling his eyes he looked at the crowd behind her. A bunch of people resembling Olivia sat in there seats with the same evil looks on there faces. Bret couldn’t believe that Olivia of all people had rented Pondarosa and exactly on his date night. He most of all couldn’t believe that Satan herself had a family. He knew that all things came from some where but what he also assumed was that Olivia had just woken up and decided her passion was to get on his nerves.

"Who’s this?!" Olivia said pointing to April. "She’s way to hot for you!"

Gritting his teeth and rolling his eyes again he said "Oh look Satan comes with a family"

Laughing at him Olivia didn’t seem insulted. "Damn straight. Now will you kindly leave? My family and I are having a party!" Olivia signaled for the door and waked away laughing an evil laugh.

"Sir I’m so sorry for the inconvenience. If you would just order we will make it a take out and I promise you'll get a free meal next time." Listening to her words he realized that bribery was obviously not going to make him happy but he decided that he might as well use it.

"Fine. What do you want to eat April?"

"When You Want Her Back..."


Chapter Seven.


Hating herself for what she had done she tapped her fingers on the table she sat at in the "polka Molka". One of the most abandoned coffee shops out there. She didn’t know what she was thinking yesterday, Bret could in fact be some creep who in the end turned out to be a woman and here she was waiting for him. Twenty minutes had pasted and still no signs of him. Maybe he had not received the email or maybe he just didn’t want to meet her. Either way it gave April the chills and made her think she might have made a big mistake last night.

Sighing she turned her head to the entrance and spotted a tall guy staring at her. From this distance she couldn’t tell who it was and the lighting of the coffee shop wasn’t helping very much. Making eye contact she smiled and nodded her head. At her signal the man slowly walked to her table and sat across from her. The mans Hazel green eyes matched the picture that she had became quite found of for a week now. He looked very similar to Bret and she was almost sure he recognized her by the way he studied her. Extending his hand he said "I'm Bret."

Shaking his hand heat aroused from the touch and she found herself holding onto his hand. Letting go she said "Sorry.... I'm April. But I don’t think we need to go through this" Laughing she tried to soften the tension in the room.

Bret nodded his head and said "Your right. So how are you?"

"Truthfully, Now that your here I'm better. God I was so worried."

Making a face he said "Worried? You thought I’d be weird huh? Well I have to tell you I thought the same thing. Your offer surprised me but I’m quite glad you made it. Have I told you how pretty you look?"

"I don’t remember at the moment..." April said blushing.

"Well I’m saying it now."

"Yes... yes you are." silence followed her words and she hated the awkwardness. Couldn’t they get beyond the awkwardness? It wasn’t like her to be nervous but some how with Bret she was.

"So how is it going with your sister??" Bret asked her. Reminding her once again that SHE kicked out her LITTLE sister.

Sighing she said "Not to well. Truthfully it seems to me it gets harder every minute."

"Oh I'm sorry about that. How so?" Bret said leaning in more showing April she had his full attention. Something April wasn’t used to.

"Lena and I got into another argument... about me taking custody and I kind of... Kicked her out. But it doesn’t matter. Who cares" April said changing the subject because she didn’t think he would enjoy the first time they talked to be all about her and her problems. Already she saw that the date had started out wrong. He was wonderful but she was blowing it! Couldn’t she sit through a conversation and not talk about her stupid problems? Surprising her he said "Well I do."

Ripping her attention away from staring at the table she glanced up in surprise. "You do? That’s sweet. Let’s go walk outside. I hate the lighting here." Telling her yes they both got up and left the "Polka Molka"..

Once outside, April said "God I can’t believe I invited you to meet me THERE. It’s not fancy and it’s not healthy... but I guess I was just tired and couldn’t name a different place. I know my city well but when I’m tired... I’m tired." Laughing she linked her arm through his and they walked together warming up to each other.

Oddly it seemed that Bret's arm was meant to hold Aprils. "So you do the whole tax thing right?" April said to Bret as they walked away from the "Polka Molka" and heading toward the park across the street.

"Yes I do the tax thing" Bret said giving her a side smile.

April shrugged then said "I know nothing about your job except for the fact that your kind does my taxes to keep me out of jail for the fact that I won’t do them myself cause’ I’m so lazy,"

"Oh trust me some times I’m too lazy to do it."

"How do you? Seems kind of boring...” Her eyes widened at the sound of the words coming out of her mouth. What was she saying?! Did she just tell him his own job was boring...? DAMAGE CONTROL "Oh god I didn’t mean for it to come out like that!" She said following it with an apology.

"Trust me neither did I."

April giggled and said "Well why don’t you quit?"

"Don’t know what else I could do. Besides... It’s pretty good money."

"Yeah I guess..."

"So what about you? Your job as a writer. How’s that going?"

"Lately not so well. My sister kind of caused a mental clog gage. Can’t even think straight. But I think everything will improve soon I mean Hey I jus found an awesome male character to use in my story."

"Really?" Bret said looking at her then looking in front of him where they were walking toward. "Tell me about him"

Cheeks red she smiled up at him and said "Well I can’t do that till he tells me more about himself"

"Oh yes right." Stopping they sat on the bench with Aprils arm still attached to his.

April loved the flow of the conversation and the way he wanted to know more about her. She loved that he cared and couldn’t get enough of his side smiles and his erotic glances to her that sent goose bumps across her arms. He and she continuously flirted on the bench as they sat and talked about her writing and his job. Cracking jokes about each others bosses/managers and the foolish things they did. An hour had passed by when Bret's phone rang.

"Hello Bret here" He said greeting the other person on the line.

Staring at the floor she concentrated on the phone conversation she could only hear half of. "Oh ok ill be there.”

Folding his phone hard enough for it to make a clapping sound he turned his attention toward April. "That was Rosa she needs me to do a couple things for her so I have to go but how about Dinner?'

"Dinner? When?"

"Tonight" he laughed and continued "Or when ever you want. Here is my number" He reached into his leather jacket and pulled out a card.

"Call my cell when ever you’re ready to take my offer. I’m here. Day or night" Quickly he brushed his lips on her cheek and walked away from the bench. Leaving behind a fluttered and giddy April with a warm and red cheek.

Already she was tired of blushing so much around this man. Yet she couldn’t help it because every moment he flirted with her was another shade of red he brought to her cheeks. He was considerate and very compassionate and even truthful because he even shared with her the things he didn’t like and honestly admitted to not liking some of the things she said she loved.

He wasn’t afraid to be himself around her and that was a major plus. This guy would make an awesome character in her story and she truly believed she could ramble on about him which would come in handy when it came to her story.

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

Perfect afternoon and it was interrupted by the need of toilet paper and detergent? Some what disappointed he continued his way through the aisles and looked for the specific detergent that Rosa had requested. Moving the cart and scanning the shelves he bumped into another man and his cart. "Ayo watch it!" The man screamed. Rolling his eyes he continued his way through the aisle finally spotting the detergent. Grabbing it he threw it into the cart and made a quick U-turn to head straight for the counter. It was four O'clock and he was still hoping April would call.

He loved talking to her and wanted to know more about her. He could sit and listen to her talk about her self forever and not complain because it was so interesting in a way he never looked at things. He stared into her light brown eyes and yearned to move her hair out of her face every time he spotted a strand or two out of place. Her scent was different. It smelled more fresh then any scent made in a bottle. Maybe jus the fact that she wore no scent gave her a scent it’s self.

Handing the clerk the things she rung it up on the computer and told him his total amount due in a dead voice. He wondered how horrible it really was to stand here and charge people and the bore they must go through when no one came like on rainy days. The store clerk might have also responded the way she did for the fact that she dressed gothic and had about ten piercing on her face or maybe really just 4 but who’s counting? Either way he preferred to ignore it and not blame her negative attitude on the way she dressed.

Giving him his change she turned her attention to the customer who was unloading there stuff on the counter and began ringing up the items. Grabbing his bags he threw a quarter into the cup they had at the end of the counter and moved toward the exit which was an automatic door that he assumed they had gotten for those who struggled carrying there items. Of course to this supermarket people at the doors offering to help carry bags was completely out of question Even if that was the most popular thing you found out side of supermarkets. Deciding to loose the attitude of criticizing everything he laid eyes on just because it wasn’t April and she had still yet to call.

Reaching his car he put the bags in the back seat and jumped into the driver’s seat. Turning the car on he sat in his seat for a minute just enjoying the quiet of his car. After two minutes he decided the quiet had lasted to long and turned on the radio to here a “Weezer” song.

Pulling out of a parking spot he started singing to the song "What’s the deal with my brain why am I so obviously insane?" Laughing at the lyrics he turned up the volume only to lower it to answer his cell. "Bret here was up?"

"Hey Bret, Is that Weezer I hear in the background"

"Yeap. What can I help you with?"

"This is April and I just wanted to know if that dinner is still open?"

At the sound of her name he lightened his tone and said "Of course. Do you want me to pick you up?" hoping the answer was yes he listened to her reaction.

"Yes that will do. You pick where. kk well I gotta go but see ya around 7 30 ish?"

"Absolutely."

"Yup lata." at that the phone went click and Bret found himself saying "yes".

He really wanted to go out with April and get to know her more. Dinner tonight would be just perfect. Turning the corner he made it to the block he lived on and pulled into his drive way. He put the car in park and jumped out moving directly to the back seat where he left the groceries. Trotting inside he said "I’m here!!! With what you needed!" walking further into the home he was attacked by a small child baring her doll with her.

Hugging his legs she said "Daddy your home from worky!!" Smiling at the way the girl said work he put the bags down and picked her up.

"Yes I am" he said laying a big kiss on her forehead and hugging her. He loved how eager she was when he came home and he loved hugging her showing her so much love. What person could ever give his up?

"Welcome" Rosa said walking into the area that Hana had found Bret in. "I hope you got it all... I really need to get these things done."

Putting Hana down Bret rubbed his neck in a sign of frustration and just pure thought then looped an arm around Rosa's neck.

Looking up at him she raised a suspicious eye brow and said "yes? How may I help you?"

Smiling at her he said "well you could watch Hana while I go on a date?" Rosa's eyes widened.

"Date?! Do tell!"

"It’s the girl from the computer. She requested we meet and we did and god she’s amazing."

"I’m so glad your back in the game!"

"Yeah me too. She’s so beautiful and you know what while I was with her I didn’t think about Jackie once or worry about the risk I take dating woman again"

"That’s great!"

Just as Bret was about to hug Rosa the little girl tugged at Bret’s pants. "Where are you going?" she said.

"I’m going out to dinner but I promise I’ll give you a kiss good night the minute I get home."

Raising her doll to him she said "what about her?"

"Id kiss her good night to" Smiling the little girl turned around and headed to her room.