As I sit here by my window sill, listening to the harsh pitter patter of the rain against my blurry windows, I couldn?t help but sigh. Rain has always been a special companion for me, giving me a feeling of utter happiness. It was as if the rain was a sweet lover?s embrace, a daring secretive caress, and a safety blanket for my soul. But for some unknown reason, as I look out this window, the rain did little to nothing in lifting my mood. Maybe rains don?t work on a broken heart.

-Two Weeks Ago-

?I?m leaving you, Tiffany,? was what she said as she gave me a look and turned to head to our bedroom.

?Wha..Why?? I said stupidly as if my asking would actually be enough to convince her to tell me.

?Because,? was all she said as she took a luggage from the closet, opening it and laying it at the foot of the bed.

?Because why!? I demanded as my brain finally functioned enough and willed my legs to cross those steps from where I stood to the bedroom door.

She didn?t answer me. She didn?t even look at me. She simply went back and forth between the bed and the closet, grabbing clothes off the hangers and bringing them to the bed. I watched her do this a few more times, the truth still not sinking to me. I half expected her to kind of stop in the middle of it all and look at me, to tell me that she was kidding and to wake me up from this nightmarish reality. But, none of that happened for she continued going back and forth.

?Is there someone else..? I found myself asking, my question causing her to pause a little.

?Would it make you feel better if I said yes?? she asked, side glancing me a little as she hesitated, about to face me but she instead headed for our dresser.

?Jessica..? I softly said as I made a move towards her.

?Tiffany.. Don?t.. Please don?t make this any harder than it really is..? she said softly, her voice wavering from holding strong emotions in.

?I just want to know why..? I said as my throat felt like there?s something clogging it.

?Because?? she repeated again, that word scraping something deep inside my stomach.

?If you?re going to leave, at least have the decency to let me know why,? I said, almost in a raised voice as I accidentally let my grip slip on my emotions.

?I don?t know why, Tiffany.. I just.. I honestly don?t know but I know I can?t stay..? she said softly as she started to pack her clothes in her suitcase.

I watched her silently and sadly pack her luggage, folding her clothes neatly and placing her feminine items in a nice neat pile. I even watched her gently press down on the items as she struggled to close the luggage since she had too much stuff. In the end, after taking both of us to close the darned thing, she stood with her back to me, unsure of what to say. It was alright for I sure didn?t know what to say either except one thing.

?Jessica.. Please, don?t go..? I sad weakly, tears welling up in my eyes, my voice right on the edge before it turns to begging. Like the incessant whining that a two year old displays when his or her mother denies them candy at the supermarket.

She didn?t say anything but she did slowly turn to face me as tears were already cascading down her cheeks, her hands slowly came up to cup my face. Seeing her cry triggered a chain reaction for my tears started to flow as well. It took every control I had to not break down and sob in front of her for I at least wanted to keep my dignity through it all.

She gently pulled me in her arms, bringing our lips together for their last goodbye. To this day, I am not sure who led who but all we knew was we were in each other?s arms, our hands slowly stripping each other of our clothing. Time stood still for us then, finally allowing us this moment in time where we weren?t in a hurry. We didn?t have a time limit. All we had was that moment in time where we can fully express our feelings.

We?ve made love to each other countless of times but for some reason unknown to me, this was more of a slow and gradual thing. The shy glances, the soft touches, the light caresses all pointed to something sensual on the other side of our feelings. As if knowing that this is our last time together has made such an impact. It probably did. It probably didn?t. All I knew was this was the most beautiful, and the most painful, moment in my life.

-*-

I slowly came to as I rolled over in bed, draping my arm over the figure beside me. Only to find that my arm met not the warm body that I was so familiar with. All it met was the cool satin sheets of my bed. I slowly opened my eyes, seeing how dark it has become outside, and the empty space beside me. And there, on her pillow, was a folded note with my name written so elegantly on the top. I always did like her handwriting for they exude grace, gentleness, patience, and love.

?Tiffany,

As I write this letter for you, my tears continue to cascade down my face so please forgive me if there are smudges and tear stains on this letter. I?ve tried to find the reason for my decision to leave but even after everything was said and done, the reason still eludes me. I am not saying that this is the end for us for I do not know what destiny has for us. All I know is that.. I still care. I do love you. I just can?t do this yet.. I am deeply sorry for hurting you. But please, treasure the times we had spent and shared together for I am sure our paths will cross once more. Please don?t forget me for I know I won?t ever forget you.

Sarang heyo, Tiffany.. With all my heart.. Forever and always..

Jessica?

By the time I finished reading the note, my tears were already staining my cheeks, my eyes are already swollen and puffy, my nose already red as a tomato, my heart already broken and bleeding. I clutched the note to my chest tightly, crying and screaming out into the cold comfort that the dark has afforded me. But even with all that screaming until my throat was sore, it didn?t lift the heavy pain of my broken heart. In the end, things happen for a reason, regardless if we did anything or nothing at all to stop it. A lesson I had to learn on my own in this harsh and cruel world.

-Present Time-

I was slightly shaken out of my reverie when I heard my intercom buzz. I sighed and lethargically got myself up from the window sill, making my way to the intercom. I pressed the "open" button for a few seconds until I was sure the person made it through the "glass door" before I let it go. I placed my arm against the cold brick wall, my head on top of that arm and I sighed. It was probably another one of my friends, insisting on coming over to take me out or what not, hoping to help me see the ?brighter things? in life.

My doorbell rang and I weakly called out ?just a moment? and shuffled my way to the door. I slowly slid the chain from its cradle and clicked open the two dead bolt locks, and turned the knob. As I opened the door, I half expected it to be one of my friends. But the person on the other side made me gasp a little, causing me to rub my eyes a few times before tears started to flow.

?I?m home, Tiffany..? was all she said before I collapsed in her arms.

She held me then, semi dragging me inside my apartment so she can close the door, before she collapsed on the ground. She softly rocked back and forth, holding me in her arms, whispering soft nothings to my ear. She didn?t say much, neither did I, but it was for the best for we didn?t really know what to say to each other. And it really didn?t matter for the person I love.. The person who can heal this broken heart.. Has finally come home once more to be with me.

?Welcome home, Jessica..?

?Glad to be home,? she said softly as she stroked my bangs to the side.

?Why..?? I asked through a raspy whisper.

?Isn?t it obvious?? she softly asked.

?No..?

?Because.. I love you. And that?s all that really matters in life..? she said as she leaned down to shower my forehead with her gentle kisses.

And it was at that moment, that very moment, that my heart melted once more.. and fell in love all over again with the girl known as the Ice Princess..

**********

I glance at the hallway clock.

18 minutes.

It’s only been that long since you and I last spoke but yet it still feels like forever. With every second that you are not here with me, my chest tightens just a little more. My heart starts to ache just a little more. And my tears just flows a little more down my face. I sit by the window sill over looking our driveway, waiting, counting, dying with every second that passes and I don’t see your car pulling into our drive way.

‘Where are you?’ I wonder silently to myself, glancing once more at the hallway clock.

22 minutes.

‘Are you safe?’ I continue to wonder as my fingers fidget. I wince slightly for I accidentally wring my fingers the wrong way. That small jolt of pain was enough to make me cry out.

A whimper.

If you had been here, you would have instantly come running to me, worry written all over your beautiful face.

‘Are you alright?’ would be your question.

And just like a child, I’d softly pout but nod, blushing at how close your face is against mine. Your breath tickling my cheek with every breath you take. You’d smile and your eyes would disappear behind those beautiful eyesmile that could melt even the iciest person in the world. You’d gently lean in then, time pausing for a moment, allowing me to hear my heart pounding against my ears.

Ba-Dump. Ba-Dump. Ba-Dump.

‘Is that your heart or mine?’ you’d ask, somehow hearing my heart beat.

‘It can’t be mine for you have stolen it and forever made it yours..’ I would whisper back before letting out a soft whimper, biting my lower lip, my eyes slowly drooping down to tiny slits.

‘You’re just too cute..’ you’d whisper before looking at my tilted face, finally closing that gap between us, our lips touching.

‘Mm’ was all I could muster, your kisses silencing everything that’s roaring thunderously inside me.

‘I miss you. I need you. I love you,’ you’d always whisper to me after our kisses, cementing our forbidden love.

‘I miss you, I need you, and I love you as well..’ would be the words that follows yours.

Moments like these always made me warm inside, reminding me all the things we’ve been through and all the things we’ve had to do and endure just to ensure we can be together.

I glance at the hallway clock.

38 minutes.

And still you are not in my arms to calm the raging storms that’s tearing my insides apart.

‘Where are you?’ I once more ask myself, now hugging my knees and burying my head in my arms, fighting back the tears that are threatening to fall down my face once again.

You always said I was such a cry baby.. But the truth is, I am only a cry baby when you aren’t around. All those times I went to lay in my own bed without you by my side. All the times I would wake in the middle of the night due to a nightmare and would try to find solace in your arms. Only to be welcomed by the cooling sheets. And I cry harder.

Soft and silky tresses tease and caress my cheeks and my eyes flutter open. It was still dark and my back was not aching yet. I slowly sit up and I look up at the source of the silkiness. It was your hair. Your beautiful hair.

I gently reached up, my fingertips brushing against your hair as my eyes shift to focus on yours. Your eyes always contained the same thing. Those same playfulness yet seriousness. And the strong conviction that always laid to rest my over active heart. I fought the urge to cry again for the sight of you was enough to make me truly happy.

“I’m home..” you whisper, smiling and nodding as you understood why I was simply staring at you.

"Welcome home, my Ice Princess.." was all I uttered as you wrapped me in your arms that promised me forever..

49 minutes.

That’s how long you were gone.

And it was hell every step of the way.

But it was all worth it.

Just to see you smile..

I love you.

**********

Jessica softly sighed as she kept one hand on the steering wheel and used her other hand to lightly pound her fist against her shoulders, sides of her neck, and the back of it, switching hands when needed. She glanced at the green interstate sign as she passed it: Las Vegas – 200 Miles. She sighed once more and took the next exit towards a pit stop to buy more Amp energy drink: her savior. She drove another extra few miles before finally parking at the pit stop, glancing around skeptically for there was practically no other car here except hers and the local convenience store’s clerk. She grabbed her wallet as she got out of the car, donning her shades for the desert heat was surely irritating her eyes.

The tiny convenience store bell rang as she opened the door and entered. She glanced around and made a mental note that she seems to have underestimated this place. The place was nearly crawling with patrons with some in line and waiting for their turn to be rung up, some are browsing the narrow aisles, and the rest are occupying the cheap slot machines and gambling their life, not to mention money, away. As she entered the store, all eyes were on her, sizing her up from head to toe in a way that left her feeling as if they are mentally undressing her. She tried to hide the shiver and proceeded to head to the coolers where she grabbed two more cans of Amp and got in line.

She glanced at her watch then at the line, counting 6 people ahead of her. Most of them had beers and snacks in their arms which, oddly enough, made sense to her and made her feel out of place with her two cans of Amp and choosing to remain sober. She nervously glanced around, noting how some patrons went about their business while those in the slot machines, all dirty men, kept eyeballing her from head to toe. She had no doubt the kind of sick thoughts they were imagining of doing to her young and nubile body which caused her to shiver once again and wanting to vomit. She was shaken out of her thoughts when the clerk’s voice raised and said “Miss”. She quickly went up to the counter, clearing her throat and paying her dues before running out of the store, quickly hopping in her car and speeding off.

She continued to drive on, ignoring that green sign that seems to be appearing more frequently now as if to taunt her with the amount of miles her tired body still needs to drive to reach her destination. And only the higher powers know exactly how many more extra miles she needs to drive to reach her destination: The Orleans Hotel & Casino. She put on her favorite album from a Japanese pop singer named Utada and put her favorite track, On And On, in repeat as she relaxed at the soothing vocals and did just what the song said – drove on and on. The song slowly started to calm her down, her shoulders now slumping into a more relaxed position and she even started singing along to it.

She finally glanced at the passing green sign and was slightly taken aback at the figure that she saw. It read that she had 101 miles more to go, a huge leap from the 200 miles she last saw. And it didn’t even feel like she drove that many miles for she was surely having a good time. Just as the song ended and restarted once more, she passed a hitchhiker that was standing on the side of the road with her thumb extended out and looking to hitch a ride. She turned back a little then looked at her rear view mirror, debating whether she should stop or not. But her car seemed to have a mind of it’s on for it sputtered loudly and started to slow down as smoke was billowing out from under its hood, leaving Jessica to struggle to steer the car to the side, at the very least, before the car comes to a stop. She just made it when the car finally stopped and sputtered its last agonizing sputter. She sighed and cursed silently before hitting her hand on the steering wheel.

She got out of the car and made her way to the front of it, lifting the hood slightly and feeling under it towards the corner before finding what she was looking for, unlatching it and popping it open. The smoke came rushing out and against her face, causing her to look away and cough for she inhaled a huge amount of it. Once the smoke was mostly cleared, she coughed a few more times before popping the hood fully open and propping it against the metal rod. She sighed and looked around the engine, looking for the source of the smoke but couldn’t find it really. She slammed her hands on the edge of the hood, growling low before she started hitting it over and over again, grunting her frustration. When she was officially worn and tired, she finally stopped and turned to lean against the hood, crossing her arms across her chest.

“Need any help?” said a perky voice.

“No, thanks,” Jessica coldly said after she ran her eyes from head to toe of the girl who just showed up from nowhere.

“…Overheated,” said the voice once more.

“Huh?” Jessica said as she absentmindedly set a stern look on her face.

“Your car overheated,” said the girl once more.

“I don’t even know what that means!” Jessica said frustrated.

“Do you have any water?”

“No! Wha-What do you want?”

“Just as I thought,” sighed the stranger as she removed her backpack and fished out her canteen. “You city girls are unprepared.”

“Are you insulting me?” Jessica asked.

“Do you think I am?” the girl retorted. “Could you move out of the way? I need to get to the pressure cap so I can put some water into your radiator.”

“My what? My where?”

“Just move,” said the girl and waited for Jessica to comply before moving into position. She then took off her bandana, tying her long hair into a messy bun, before using the bandana to open the hot pressure cap. She then slowly started pouring her canteen’s content into the radiator, pouring everything she had in it. Once the canteen was empty, she placed back the pressure cap and capped her own canteen closed. She put her canteen away and stood up straight, wiping her sweaty forehead on the sleeves of her unbuttoned top, her tube top exposed. “Wait a good 10 minutes before you try starting your car and you should be good to go until you get to the next pit stop. By then the water would have dried up and you would then need to buy a coolant and pour that into where I just put the water. Are you getting any of this?”

Jessica’s blank stare was enough of an answer for the girl, causing her to hang her head and sigh.

“You have no idea what I’m talking about, huh?” the girl asked.

“No..” Jessica said, her face now turning to a sad expression.

“..It looks like I’ll have to ride with you to the nearest pit stop just so when you buy the coolant, I can assist you,” the girl said just as she removed the rod that was holding the hood up and closed the hood with a metallic clunk.

“Okay,” was all Jessica said as she got back in the car and removed the miscellaneous items she had on the passenger seat and placed it in the back seat just moments before the girl plopped herself down.

Jessica’s hand reached out to turn the engine over but paused and said a silent prayer. When she was taking a little more than a few seconds, the girl nudged her and glanced at the ignition. The blond girl exhaled deeply before turning the key, her heart pounding hard against her ear. She held her breath and jumped at the sound of the new girl’s happy squeals for the car turned over. Jessica exhaled and even high fived the girl before putting the car in drive and drove off, the song continuing where it left off. The two girls continued to drive on in silence, just listening to the constantly replaying song. The girl wiped her forehead once more with the sleeves of her top and Jessica took this as a hint to turn her A/C on. The girl reached over and turned it back off.

“You’ll drain the water faster. Just crack a window, will you?”

Jessica nodded and opened the windows all the way down and relaxed in her seat. She kept her eyes open for any signs for a pit stop while once in a while taking in the profile of the girl on the passenger seat. She glanced at the girl and looked at her as if in recognition.

“You’re the girl that was hitchhiking, right?” Jessica asked.

“Yup! I didn’t think you saw me,” the girl responded back.

“I did. That was when my car started dying and I pulled over to the side.”

“Where are you headed? If you don’t mind me asking,” the girl asked.

“I’m headed for Vegas to meet my fiancée for our one year anniversary,” Jessica said as she spots the exit for a pit stop.

“Oh! Congratulations!” the girl exclaimed as she flashed her eye smiles and clapped her hands together.

“Thank you! I’m quite proud of it too,” Jessica beamed and smiled.

“Do you both live in Vegas?” asked the girl.

“No. We live in San Francisco. But she’s flying from New York because she’s there for business. Her stop over is at Las Vegas so we decided to celebrate it there,” Jessica explained as she took the exit that would lead them to the pit stop.

“That is so romantic!” exclaimed the girl as she smiled her thousand watt smile and sighed.

“What about you? Where are you headed?” Jessica asked.

“I live in Las Vegas,” the girl said.

“So, what were you doing hitch hiking?”

“Me and a couple of friends decided to go to LA and have fun since we were all single and Valentine’s Day is on Monday. So we said what the heck and we went. Except I partied too hard last night and they left me. When I called them, they were already in Las Vegas and did not want to come and get me,” the girl explained and pouted.

“Wow. I don’t even know what to say to that,” Jessica commented and pulled into the pit stop’s parking lot.

“I know it sounds reckless but I just got out of a very bad and tiring relationship. And the trip was really suppose to be a cheer me up party,” the girl explained.

“I’m sorry to hear that..” Jessica said as she smiled and then got out of the car. She closed it after her then paused before turning to the girl.

“Hey..uhm..”

“Tiffany,” Tiffany said as she smiled.

“-Tiffany. I’m Jessica,” the blond girl said. “Did you want anything while I’m inside?”

“Uhm,” Tiffany said as she paused and reached into her pocket to peek into her left over money and held her sigh for she didn’t have enough even for a measly hotdog. “No, thank you. I’m not that hungry.”

“Okay,” was all Jessica said as she left and entered the convenience store.

Jessica browsed their cold cuts and drinks section, picking out some provisions and heating them up so they are edible and warm instead of cold. She softly smiled to herself as she took all the items she intended to buy and headed for the cashier. On the way there, she passed the hardware aisle and snatched up 3 bottles of coolants then proceeded to the check out. She glanced around the store and this one was relatively quiet and clean compared to the first one she was in. As she stood in line, with only 2 people ahead of her, she couldn’t help but look out the glass doors and onto her car, watching Tiffany tip her head back and close her eyes. Jessica afforded herself a smile a little, trying to decipher just how she felt about the new companion she picked up. There was no doubt that the girl was bubbly and friendly but just how much friendly and bubbly can Jessica stomach? She answered her question with a shrug and proceeded to move up to the cashier for the two people ahead are now gone.

“Are these all for you?” asked the gentleman behind the counter.

“Can I also have $20 of gas on pump #4?” Jessica politely said as she pulled out enough cash to pay for the items and the gas.

“Sure thing, hon. The total all comes to $28.50,” the cashier said as he smiled at her.

“Here’s a 30 but please do keep the change,” Jessica said as she grabbed her bag and walked out of the store.

Jessica headed out of the store and towards her car, swinging the bag of items a little. When she peeked inside the car, she found Tiffany sleeping, her mouth slightly parted. Jessica giggled and reached out with her index finger and closed her mouth for her. Tiffany slightly jumped at this, waking up and staring at Jessica both widely and embarassedly. She uttered a soft apology and Jessica just handed her the bag before going away to pump the gas into her car. She took off the gas cap and pulled the pump from its holder before placing the nozzle onto the gas tank, pulling the trigger and waited as the gas poured out.

While she was waiting, she glanced at the side mirrors and watched as Tiffany slightly peeked inside the bag and bit her lower lip, shutting her eyes tightly and looking away to meet Jessica’s eyes on the side mirrors by accident. Their eyes met for a few seconds longer than they wanted and then looked away in an awkward silence. Jessica cleared her throat as the pump started clicking for the gas was done filling up. She returned the nozzle, the gas cap and then got in her car. She smiled at Tiffany before reaching in the bag and fishing out three coolants, flashing them to Tiffany.

“O-Oh, you bought them,” Tiffany said as she took the coolants and got of the car, popping the hood once more.

She pulled her bandana from her back jeans pocket and used it to open the pressure cap once more. She opened the coolants and slowly poured the contents into the radiator, being mindful not to spill. Once she was done with all three bottles, she tossed them in the trash and closed the hood with a metallic clunk, staring at Jessica again. They shared another awkward few moments before Tiffany moved to open her door and grabbed her backpack and donned it.

“What are you doing?” Jessica asked.

“Thanks for the ride but I’ll get off here,” Tiffany said.

“Don’t be silly. Let me give you a lift to Vegas since we’re both going that way anyways,” Jessica said as she flashed Tiffany a smile.

“Alright,” Tiffany finally gave in once Jessica started a puppy dog look.

“Great! Come on,” Jessica said as she waited for Tiffany to get in the car and drove off towards Vegas with the same song playing over and over again.

*

“Thank you so much for the ride,” Tiffany said as she and Jessica stood outside of Tiffany’s apartment.

“You’re quite welcome. I enjoyed the company,” Jessica answered as she stood awkwardly with Tiffany, not knowing how to say good bye.

“You better get going or you’ll be even later in meeting your fiancée,” Tiffany said, breaking the ice with her soft laugh.

“You’re right. Well, be safe. And no more hitch hiking, okay?” Jessica teased before slowly walking backwards.

“I will! Geez! Be careful, okay?” Tiffany said before walking into her car but not before watching Jessica’s taillights disappear into the darkening horizon

of Sin City.

*

“YuRi!” Jessica said as she spots her fiancée in the lobby of their hotel.

“Jessica!” YuRi called back as she, too, rushed towards Jessica.

Both girls instantly embraced the moment they were within reach, more like throwing each other against one another. They held each other tightly and showered each other’s faces with sloppy yet loving kisses. Once the torrent of their unbridled passion had passed over, they ran their fingers against each other’s hair and pressed their foreheads together, looking into each other’s eyes. They smiled shyly and softly pecked each other’s lips here and there before YuRi draped a possessive arm over Jessica’s shoulder and the blond, for her part, wrapped her arm around YuRi’s back and settled her hand on her lover’s hip.

They quietly talked amongst themselves, sharing soft and loving pecks and kisses as they entered the elevator. Once the doors were closed, YuRi pressed Jessica against the elevator wall, instantly kissing her lover deeply and wantonly. Jessica moaned softly as she clung to YuRi, her hands raking up and down her lover’s back. As their elevator doors opened, they broke apart and walked out, leaving other patrons who wished to step into the elevator gaping after them. They enter their Master Suite room, YuRi placing the card down on the nearby counter before continuing to walk inside, loosening her tie and shrugging off her business jacket, draping it behind the back of a dining room chair.

Jessica slowly approached her from behind, running her hands from the taller girl’s shoulder and down her arms, causing YuRi to shiver. YuRi slowly turned and cupped her hands around Jessica’s cheeks, leaning in to sensually kiss the blond haired girl, the kiss becoming deeper as seconds passed. Jessica’s hands didn’t remain idle for long as she began unbuttoning the buttons on her lover’s white dress shirt and untucking it, parting it open afterwards to rake her nails lightly against that beautifully tanned abdomen. YuRi allowed the shirt to be slid down her body and watched it fall to the ground with a silent whisper before once more wrapping her arms around Jessica. She then lowly growled as she kissed Jessica deeply, lifting her up and turning around to sit her on the table. YuRi whispered a hoarse I want you before devouring Jessica’s lips once more, laying the girl down on the dining room table..

*

“Gosh I’m famished,” Jessica said as she started to dig into her salad.

“Worked up an appetite?” YuRi said with a smirk on her lips, glancing at Jessica before eating her salad as well.

“You could say that,” Jessica fired back, sharing the same smirk.

“Will you excuse me? I just have to use the bathroom,” YuRi said as she wiped her lips and stood up, placing her napkin back down on the table and walked away.

It hasn’t been a good minute since YuRi left but her phone began to ring. Jessica glanced at it and was about to ignore it but thought about the possibility of it being a client. She then reached over and looked at the little window that reflected Unknown Number. She pressed the talk button.

“Hel-“

“YuRi! I am so sorry! I know you told me not to call you on your cell but I just couldn’t help it! Last night was truly an awesome night and I just wanted to personally call and tell you that. So, if you’re ever back in Vegas and want to fool around, let me know, okay?” said the caller on the other side.

“What’s your name?” Jessica asked, mimicking YuRi’s voice.

“YuRi-ah! It’s YoonA! I’m hurt! How can you not remember my name when we spent the entire day and night making love?”

“T-Thank you..” Jessica said shakily before hanging up, replacing the phone back where she got it.

“Hey,” YuRi said as she returned from the bathroom and took her seat once more.

“Welcome back,” Jessica said politely, straightening her napkin on her lap and made an attempt at continuing to eat but just ended up pushing her food around.

“You okay?” YuRi asked when she glanced at Jessica’s food just being pushed around.

“YuRi, you know I love you, right?” Jessica said as she placed her fork down.

“Yes. And you know I love you too,” YuRi answered as she once more wiped her lips with her napkin.

“Who’s YoonA?” asked Jessica.

“She’s a client,” YuRi explained, not even blinking.

“She just called,” Jessica said as she watched YuRi.

“Oh? What did she say?” YuRi asked apprehensively, slowly sitting up straight and looking at Jessica.

“She said thank you for the wonderful day and night of hot sex,” Jessica said nonchalantly, trying to control her emotions.

“Jessica, I can explain,” YuRi began as she realized she got caught.

“There’s nothing to explain, YuRi. There’s nothing to explain. If you’ll excuse me,” Jessica said as she stood up and threw her napkin on the table, grabbing her purse.

“Jessica wait!” YuRi said as she grabbed onto Jessica’s arm.

“YuRi, please let me go,” she whispered as she looked at YuRi and then at the hand on her arm.

“I’m sorry,” YuRi said as she loosened her grip.

“So am I,” Jessica whispered as she shook her arm free and walked out of the restaurant.

*

“Jessica?” Tiffany said groggily as she opened the front door of her apartment.

“Hey,” Jessica said as she hugged herself and tried to not shiver, the rain chilling her to the bone. “I didn’t know where else to go..”

“Come in, come in,” Tiffany said as she stepped aside and allowed Jessica entry to her home.

Tiffany closed the door behind Jessica and guided the wet girl to stand in front of the fireplace as she rushed upstairs to grab towels and a change of clothes. She rummaged through her drawers and found some Asian style silky pajamas and grabbed a towel from the hallway closet as she ran back downstairs. She went up to Jessica and handed the girl the clothes and towel before pointing to the little hallway by the kitchen area, the half bathroom at the end of said hallway.

Tiffany was in the kitchen by the time Jessica returned, dressed up in the silky pajamas and the towel wrapped around her hair to dry it. Tiffany took the wet clothes from Jessica and handed her a hot mug of cocoa instead before motioning for the blond girl to sit in front of the fireplace as she went away to put the wet clothes into the dryer. She returned a few moments later, sitting next to Jessica on the floor but at a polite distance.

“Jessica,” Tiffany said softly as she watched the blond haired girl.

“YuRi cheated on me,” Jessica tried to say that but her voice was shaking so bad that it was hardly audible.

“I am so sorry..” Tiffany whispered as she scooted closer.

“Damn it, Tiffany! I really loved her!” Jessica said as she laid her head on Tiffany’s shoulder, the tears now bursting forth, as the other girl held her, rocking back and forth and caressing Jessica’s back in a consoling manner.

“I know, Jessi, I know,” Tiffany whispered as she continued to hold the girl.

“W-Why would she do that?!” Jessica asked as she sobbed loudly.

“I don’t know, Jessi. I just don’t know but it will get better. And I know it hurts right now but pretty soon it will get healed over,” Tiffany said as she tried to comfort the girl in her arms.

“God! You sound like a damn Hallmark card!” Jessica said as she started laughing and crying.

“I know, right?!” Tiffany fired back, laughing along with Jessica.

“Thank you, for being there for me,” Jessica said as she sat up and looked into Tiffany’s eyes.

“What are friends for?” Tiffany answered back as she wiped the tears from Jessica’s face.

“I’m tired,” Jessica said as she yawned.

“Come on,” Tiffany gently lifted Jessica to her feet and slowly led her upstairs into her bedroom. “I’m sorry but we’ll have to share since I only have one bedroom.”

“It’s fine with me,” Jessica said as the two girls crawled in bed.

“Good night,” both girls said as Tiffany turned off the lights and they slept.

*

[ Monday Morning – Valentine’s Day ]

Jessica slowly woke up to the delicious smell of piping hot and freshly brewed coffee. It took her a few seconds to realize where she was as she sat up, cradling her head. She groaned a little at the pounding headache and was about to get up and look for Tiffany when the bedroom door opened and Tiffany enters the room. She was holding a tray with miscellaneous dishes on it. Jessica looked perplexed at her before smiling when Tiffany flashed her beautiful eyesmile.

’I could really get used to those eyesmiles,' Jessica thought as she kept her gaze on Tiffany’s face.

“I figured you’d be hungry so I took the liberty of cooking you breakfast,” Tiffany said.

“Mmm, smells delicious,” Jessica said as she tucked her legs under her and took another huge inhale of the scent. “What are we having?”

“French toast, omelet, bacon strips and coffee,” Tiffany said as she rested the tray between her and Jessica on the bed.

“Let’s eat,” Jessica said as she took the offered utensils and started to eat while Tiffany just watched.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Tiffany said as she smiled at Jessica.

“Happy Valentine’s Day to you as well,” Jessica greeted back, smiling as she suddenly offered an omelet piece to Tiffany.

The two girls started feeding each other their breakfast, laughing along the way as they shared some embarrassing childhood stories. There was even a moment where they were laughing so hard that the omelet fell from the fork and randomly landed at Jessica’s cleavage, causing the girls to laugh once more trying to fish the omelet out. At the end of the meal, the girls were nearly on the floor from laughing too hard, the dishes are empty and their coffees were gone as well. Tiffany then straightened her face and tried to take the situation under control but ended up laughing again as Jessica said a keyword that was from one of their funny stories. After a good while of laughing, both girls settled down and placed the tray on the ground so they can both lie in bed.

“What would you like to do today?” Tiffany asked.

“Unfortunately, I have to go back to San Francisco now,” Jessica said.

“Oh, I see,” Tiffany said dejectedly.

“Want to come with? I need help moving my stuff out of YuRi’s place,” Jessica said as she looked at the girl with eyes full of hope.

“I’ve never been to San Francisco before,” Tiffany commented as the smile on her face started to spread before nodding a yes to Jessica.

“Let’s get going, shall we?” Jessica said as she took Tiffany’s hand in hers and both girls got ready for the long drive.

*

“Your house is beautiful!” Tiffany exclaimed as she walked into the house Jessica and YuRi lived in.

“You mean YuRi’s house is beautiful,” Jessica corrected, smiling as she stood next to Tiffany.

“What does YuRi do?” Tiffany asked as she continued to walk around and touched the lush suede sofa.

“She’s a movie producer and director,” Jessica answered as she followed Tiffany and sat on the sofa.

“What do you do for a living?” Tiffany asked as she sat next to Jessica, her eyes focused on the girl.

“I do a lot of things. I’m a part time actress, model, singer, producer, co-director and I also own Jung Entertainment.”

“Wow!” Tiffany said to herself as she looked at Jessica at a whole new light. “Can I have your signature?” Tiffany said as she spazzed like a school girl.

“You’re silly,” was all Jessica said as she stood up and offered her hand to Tiffany. “Let me give you a tour of the house, ne?”

To which Tiffany graciously agreed to. But she mostly did it so she can hold Jessica’s hand.

*

It was already dark out by the time Jessica and Tiffany packed her things from YuRi’s house and placed it in a local storage. Once they securely locked the storage, they were slowly heading towards the car when Jessica’s phone rang. She peered into the little window and ignored it as she put it away. Tiffany knew who it was but didn’t push it and just interlinked her fingers with Jessica’s. They smiled at each other and got in the car, heading off to a nearby local hotel where they will be spending the night. They checked in at the local motel but were told that due to it being Valentine’s Day, the only vacancy available is the Honeymoon Suite. Both girls glanced at each other and shrugged, taking the room anyways and headed up to their room.

The place was huge, which was a whole lot bigger than what the girls actually anticipated. There was a big living room area that flowed well into the dining room area and kitchen. Towards the opposite side of the front door was the hallway that led to the Master Bedroom and Master Bath, a great find indeed for it was truly suited for a Master. There was a whirlpool tub with water jets which both girls eyed hungrily for it would surely be a good idea for their aching bodies and muscles. On the wall were two robes, both cottony soft. There’s also a stand-alone shower and toilet with a bidet. They exited the bathroom to inspect the Master Bedroom, making a mental note that there is only one king size bed but the floor-to-ceiling glass windows had the best view that San Francisco had to offer. They held hand as if on automatic and headed for the living room, opening the balcony doors and stepping out. The view was much better out here on the balcony as the night air played hide and seek in their hair.

“Now this is what I call a view,” Tiffany said softly, still in awe.

“And I get to share it with you,” Jessica said as she stood behind Tiffany and wrapped her arms around the girl’s sides and placed them on the edge of the balcony railing, trapping her.

“J-Jessica..” Tiffany stammered as she looked at the hands and looked up at Jessica as she bit her lower lip.

“Tiffany,” Jessica whispered as she leaned in, their lips drawing closer.

A shrill beeping curtly cut off their moment. Jessica ignored it and continued to lean in only to find a soft finger pressed against her lips. Jessica opened her eyes and looked at Tiffany, their gazes speaking volumes. Jessica withdrew from Tiffany and sighed, uttering a soft apology before heading inside, raking her fingers through her hair. She picked up the phone and tersely spoke to the person on the other line. Judging by how on edge Jessica is, Tiffany deduced that it was YuRi on the other line and something in her heart ached. She quietly listened, continuing to over look the city of San Francisco, pretending not to hear the conversation. She slightly jumped when the phone slammed shut and slowly turned to look at Jessica pacing back and forth.

“Is everything okay?” Tiffany asked.

“No! Yes! I don’t know!” Jessica said exasperatedly.

“Talk to me,” Tiffany said as she made her way closer to Jessica, both of them sitting down.

“I don’t want to get back with her because she hurt me but she won’t stop calling!”

“Change your number,” Tiffany suggested.

“Too many people know my number. Changing it won’t be easy.”

“Then your only other option is to talk to her at face value.”

“I don’t want to talk to her and ruin my good mood.”

“Not right now, silly. I mean tomorrow or whenever you are ready. Hey, why don’t we go out on a dinner date? I’m sure that would take your mind off this mess!”

“Okay. Let’s go on a date~” Jessica beamed as they held hands once more and headed for the bedroom where they started to change into casual clothing.

“Yah! It’s only a dinner date,” Tiffany corrected as she tried to hide the blush on her cheeks.

“Just hurry. I’m starving,” Jessica said as she donned a pair of skinny jeans, a plain white top, and slipped her feet into a pair of cute ice blue sandals.

“I’m almost done,” Tiffany answered as she donned on a pair of baby pink short shorts, baby pink top, and her baby pink sneakers. “I’m ready!”

“Let’s go,” Jessica said as she grabbed her cellphone and wallet and held on to Tiffany’s hand before walking out of their hotel room.

Once they were seated in the nice restaurant, waiting for their orders, Jessica folded her arms on the table and gently stared at Tiffany. For her part, the younger girl folded her arms on the table as well, meeting Jessica’s gaze with ease now. They weren’t talking out loud but they were talking with their eyes. Tiffany was the first to break as Jessica reached out to hold her hand, their hands now slowly moving in a slow interpretive dance before finally clasping together, both girls looking away from their hands and onto each other’s eyes.

“Tiffany, I think-“

“Jessica, please don’t. Please don’t say it,” pleaded the younger girl as she broke their gaze and turned to look to the side.

“I know that you just got out of a relationship. I’m willing to wait until-“

“It’s not that, Jessica,” Tiffany countered as she tried to clench her hand but ended up squishing Jessica’s fingers.

“Ouch..” Jessica whimpered before finding relief the moment Tiffany loosened her grip.

“Sorry,” Tiffany whispered the soft apology.

“Then what is it, Tiffany?” Jessica asked, her turn now to slightly squeeze the girl’s hand for encouragement.

“I don’t think I’m suited for you,” Tiffany said as she forced herself to meet Jessica’s gaze.

“What? Why?” Jessica asked in a surprised tone.

“You’re all these wonderfully accomplished things and I’m a law graduate who is a nobody.” Tiffany reasoned.

“Being well known doesn’t exactly mean popularity, Tiffany,” Jessica explained as she brought Tiffany’s hand to her lips, one by one kissing her knuckles.

“I know but-“

“That’s enough talk.. Please say you’ll be my Valentine,” Jessica whispered, looking at Tiffany with genuinely sad eyes.

“Jessi-“

“I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Gosh you’re so persuasive,” Tiffany remarked.

“It’s part of my charm. Is it working?” Jessica kiddingly said as she set her face in a smug look.

“You’re lucky it’s working or else I wouldn’t agree to be your Valentine. Jessica Jung, I’ll be your Valentine,” Tiffany said, blushing madly as she felt something in her chest loosen.

“Happy Valentine’s Day,” Jessica whispered as she hesitantly leaned in, about to kiss Tiffany.

Much to Jessica’s surprise, instead of kissing a finger once more, she felt a pair of warm, soft lips against her own. Her heart pounded erratically and she could barely hear herself think with all the blood that pounded in her ear. All she truly knew was that she was kissing someone and for the first time in her life, it felt right. It felt right to kiss Tiffany. The girls continued to kiss softly as seconds ticked away, their hands clasped together tightly before they heard a noise. They parted the kiss and turned to see the waiter with their food. They broke apart hurriedly, embarrassed as the waiter placed their orders on the table, hiding the smirk on his face. The girls said a soft thank you and semi bowed before watching the waiter walk away.

They spent the next little while feeding each other their foods, gazing into each other’s eyes, and just being happy at their togetherness. The time came and went, people came and went, waiters changed shifts but still the two girls remained stuck admiring each other. They would take turns leaning in towards each other to whisper sweet nothings against each other’s ears and giggling for some sure did sound cheesy and too much of a pick-up line. But none of that mattered for they were both just happy to be together. Who knew that meeting a complete stranger can ever make anyone this happy? Ever?

But alas, with all good things, this too must end and soon the restaurant was closing. Jessica paid for the tab and gently held Tiffany’s hand before leaving the place, walking home together. The walk from the restaurant to the hotel was a good 15 minutes but they didn’t mind for the weather was good and they get some exercise. That was until it started to rain hard, soaking the girls through the bones within minutes, if not seconds. They started to run harder and faster, wanting to reach the hotel room before they die of pneumonia. They didn’t even take the elevator to their room for they simply took the staircase and ran all the way up to the top floor. Jessica fumbled with the card key a few times before unlocking the room, tossing their items on the nearest counter and both girls headed for the bathroom.

As they reached the Master Bathroom, they simply stood still semi nervous. Tiffany swallowed the lump in her throat and crossed her arms in front of her, grabbed the hem of her wet top, and pulled it off in one swift motion, throwing it aside. Jessica tried not to gape but she couldn’t help it for Tiffany’s skin was milky white and so inviting. When Tiffany hooked her thumbs at the edges of her short shorts and slowly pulled it down along with her underwear, Jessica looked away then with her face flushed from embarrassment. She shyly yet quickly took her clothes off, tossing it to the corner and using her arms to cover her assets before turning to face Tiffany. As she turned to face the other girl, she nearly fainted as Tiffany was bent over the tub, filling it with water and some bubble bath soap, making it extra bubbly.

“T..Tiffany..” Jessica began as she swallowed again.

“Yes, Jessi?” Tiffany asked innocently as she turned off the water.

“Nothing,” Jessica said.

“Let’s go then and get in. It’s warm now,” Tiffany invited as she slid inside the tub, the water just reaching the top of her areolas.

“Ne,” Jessica said as she walked over to the tub and got in, holding onto Tiffany’s hand for assistance before sinking to the warm water, sighing and relaxing.

“Feels good, isn’t it?” Tiffany said with bright eyesmiles.

“Oh yeah,” was all Jessica can muster before she slowly started succumbing to the warmth.

Tiffany waited a little longer before slowly moving closer to Jessica’s limp form. The girl had inadvertently fallen asleep due to the warmth of the water. Tiffany glided as close as she could to Jessica’s sleeping form, letting her eyes rake over the beautifully cold features of her friend. Girlfriend. Lover. She couldn’t deny that she was slowly becoming more attracted to her but there are so many lingering doubts in her mind. She bit her lower lip slightly before mustering up the courage to lean in softly, taking the risk that comes with her action as she slowly yet gently brushed their lips together. When Jessica shifted slightly, Tiffany pulled back. Her heart was beating a mile a minute and loud against her ears. She swam away a good few feet from Jessica’s body just in case the girl wakes up.

She slowly scooted back closer to Jessica, once more watching the sleeping girl’s face. She gingerly reached out and swiped the girl’s bangs to the side before licking her lips. Tiffany took a big inhale of breath before exhaling slowly. She made a soft mental note of hwaiting and fighting as she gently leaned in, planting her lips against Jessica’s. As the peck lingered, Tiffany couldn’t help it and shifted her lips, parting them a little to semi suckle and kiss Jessica’s upper lips. A few more seconds passed before Tiffany’s eyes flew open for the lips she was secretly kissing was coming to life and kissing her in return. When she glanced down, she noticed that Jessica was awake and staring at her as they kissed. Tiffany quickly broke apart from the kiss, looking away and tried to get out of the tub before Jessica pulled her back.

“Tiffany..” Jessica whispered as she sat Tiffany on her lap, caressing the younger girl’s cheek with a soapy hand.

“Jessica..” Tiffany softly whispered as she bit her lower lip and gazed into Jessica’s eyes.

“Kiss me,” the command was soft yet firm causing Tiffany to shiver slightly.

Tiffany slightly shifted to fully face Jessica. At this point, she was comfortably straddling Jessica’s lap and gently reached up to cup Jessica’s face in her hands. She looked into the older girl’s eyes once more before leaning in, closing her eyes and pressing their lips together. Jessica’s arms instantly wrapped around Tiffany’s body, pulling the girl closer to her body as the kiss started to heat up. Followed by hands that began to roam and wonder, shyly and gently exploring each other’s bodies, memorizing every groove, nook, cranny of each other’s body.

It was a long while before both girls finally cried out their cries of desires and slumped against each other, the two angels slowly descending from their heaven.

*

As they lay in bed, after they lost count of how many times they explored each other’s bodies, Tiffany laid comfortably cradled in Jessica’s arms. Her head was resting on Jessica’s left arm with her own left arm is draped over Jessica’s midsection. Jessica’s left arm was bent at the elbow as she softly drew little hearts and other simple figures against the skin of her lover. She smiled to herself for she felt right at this moment. She felt at ease. She was her own person when she’s with Tiffany for the girl never asked anything from her. But Jessica knew that even though they click, she and Tiffany must talk about this to see if the girl felt the same way. And they have to discuss where they would live for this long distance would surely kill her.

“Tiffany, I was thinking,” Jessica started as her glanced down at Tiffany.

“Ne?” Tiffany said as she looked up to see Jessica’s face.

“Would you prefer I move to Las Vegas to be closer or would you prefer to move here in San Francisco to be closer?” Jessica asked as she kissed Tiffany’s forehead.

“I’ve lived in Vegas my whole life. I can’t ever imagine leaving it..” Tiffany whispered as she looked down slightly then glanced back up at Jessica’s face. “But if it means I get to see you every day and lay in your arms just like this every day, I will willingly move to anywhere in the world for you.”

“Let’s live in Vegas, hm?” Jessica whispered as she leaned in, pressing their foreheads together before pecking each other on the lips.

“I would love that,” beamed Tiffany before shifting to lay on top of Jessica, the kiss heating both girls up once more.

*

“You never did tell me why you love this song?” Tiffany said as she looked at Jessica, their hair being tossed about by the wild hot wind that was rolling through their car courtesy of the opened windows.

“This song calms me down.. It feels as if it talks about my life,” Jessica explained before reaching out to pat Tiffany’s thigh.

“How so?” Tiffany asked as she placed her hand atop Jessica’s.

“Life goes on and on and on, regardless of all the trials and tribulations we go through. Some are cursed and some are lucky,” Jessica said before turning her hand palm up so their palms are touching.

“And what do you think you are?” Tiffany asked as she intertwined their fingers loosely.

“I’m lucky for I met you,” Jessica said as she turned to look at Tiffany square in the eyes, everything else forgotten, her lover’s soft brown eyes a constant reminder for the Ice Princess that she truly is lucky to have met someone whom she can love freely and can freely be loved in return. They kept their eye contact for a few more seconds before they kissed lightly, driving on and on with the title track of their lives playing in the background towards their bright and sunny and hot future in Las Vegas..

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