A/N: Based on Lisa Jane Smiths' Forbidden Game trilogy. Only the imagination of what could've been the fourth book.

Reviews are my muse as well as music.

I have never liked writing this chapter. I've never been satisfied with it no matter how many rewrites it's undergone. But it's integral to the story so enjoy :)

This chapter was helped created by:
Artist: Sarah McLachlan
Song: Fallen

Chapter Two: From the Shadows

Her hand slightly shook as she gripped the crystal stem of the glass held aloft, the white sparkling non-alcoholic wine gleaming under the flickering wicker. Angelic beings adorned with feathery, snow-white wings papered the walls. In thick, prominent script scrawled across their menus read:

Romona's Restaurant.

The swanky "wine and dine" restaurant was renowned for its majestic domed ceilings and paintings dating back to the Renaissance; Botticelli, Michelangelo, and the infamous Leonardo Da Vinci. Adjacent hung the Mona Lisa, the painting's eyes reflecting a mysterious light and an eerie, foretelling smile.

Jenny couldn't say she'd ever liked the painting.

The ebb and flow of waitresses and waiters passed gourmet dishes across linen tables, brass candelabras casting an intimate glow to the atmosphere.

Beneath the ornate table, one hand gripped the silk napkin draped across her lap, folding the corner over and back again. Partially masked in shadow was a couple getting a little too cozy for viewing pleasure. Tom's flushed complexion further conveyed this.

The furrow of his brow finally softened once a dark, curly-haired boy in a dinner jacket approached their table.

"Dinner is served," he announced in a thick, Italian voice. He offered Jenny a charming smile and his pin: Gustav flashed under the light as he propped down her plate.

Jenny glanced down at the chicken gnocchi soup. Tom had suggested the delicacy after explaining the seasoning soused with the dumplings and spinach. Rustic crackers framed the dainty cutlery, a marinated tomato salad topped with fresh mozzarella.

Her favorite.

She smiled her thanks as Gustav sent her a flirty wink. Right as Tom audibly cleared his throat.

As Gustav bidded a nod swiftly departing, her eyes followed after him, almost apologetic as she bit into a toasted cracker. Finally her attention shifted back on Tom.

A frown etched his lips in thought. "Well, he's not getting a good tip." He chuckled teasingly before ceasing upon Jenny's grim expression. "Thorny of course he'll be comped. Can't blame him for the view."

He winked.

Mentioning a childhood nickname established in the second grade should've lifted her mood. Yet if anything, it made Jenny even more numb. It was frustrating because she'd taken her medication as a preventive measure in case her anxiety peaked.

Which made her feel even more guilty because of how good Tom looked, and nothing short of striking. Dressed in a clean-cut suit with locks freshly cut to frame vibrant hazel eyes. He'd bulked up considerably and the hot desert sun had bronzed his skin nicely. With the perfect A bite for teeth, he could've passed for the uniformed men's calendar displayed at the mall. His jawline looked even more defined in the candlelight, as the remnants of the teenage boy faded.

It struck her just how much Tom acted less of the boyish teen stamped into those earlier years of adolescence, by the day.

The mere initiative he'd taken to work in the service of Uncle Vern and in turn the city, to help aid in the wake of the devastation. He'd officially signed on to his uncle's company until the start of fall semester.

"You're fine, Tom it's just..." She paused trying to find the right words.

"Jenny," Tom cut in his calloused fingers finding hers atop the table. While the touch was comforting it did little to assuage her nerves. "I know these past few months have been hard, believe me. That's why we are here, for your birthday."

At this a small, uncertain smile formed.

From the moment they'd left Pennsylvania, Tom had grown more receptive to Jenny's needs. The cocky persona he'd once harbored dissolved. His notoriety no longer of great importance, as a senior he'd remained on the sidelines and encouraged the newest batch of athletes stepping onto the field.

  The same boy who once flirted for impressions and her first in nearly every season of her life. From her first kiss, boyfriend, to her first frenching in middle school during their 8th grade winter-themed dance. These cherished memories should've had her basking in the moment together.

  "Tom," she responded in a smaller voice, "I'm truly grateful for this birthday dinner. I'm just... a little scattered brained right now."

Tom's green-and-gold flecked eyes softened. His voice adopted a sympathetic tone as he said, "I just wanted it to be memorable. You deserve it, Jenny."

Jenny felt her breath catch, touched by his words. He really does care about it all.

"So let's just enjoy this dinner—together, okay?" Tom added it more as a statement than question.

Jenny smiled, small. "Yeah, I can do that."

Tom smiled, raising her hand to his lips to brush a featherlight kiss. His eyes ever aware of her reactions, observed her expression as her pulse accelerated. His lip curled in a half-smirk of victory before he released her hand and started into his meal.

Jenny shook her head with a hushed laugh before picking up another browned, toasted cracker. She dipped it into the herb butter, relishing in the flavor as it melted against her tongue.

"Mmm... whatever they seasoned these onions with was a fine choice." Tom scooped up another forkful of risotto and held it out to Jenny. "Try a bite, Jen."

Jenny eyed the thick cream dripping off the slick rice and shook her head. With a spoonful of soup poised at her lips, a curl of steam rolled off the heated broth.

"By the way, Thorny, you look... sexy in that dress."

Scalding, hot soup suddenly scorched her throat. Water! Tears filmed over as she coughed and fumbled for the garnished iced water. Poor Tom practically shot over the table to shove the glass against her teeth.

"Better?" Gradually, he sat back down albeit concerned as she took several long drinks.

"Yeah." Jenny rasped, her lips smacking shut with a tender throat, humiliated. Real smooth, Jenny. Was it a full moon out? How could she possibly make this date worse? Nursing first-degree burns on her own birthday.

What a disaster.

A night out with Tom would've been a dream in the past. Lavishing her with affection and rich dinners had been a fantasy that continuously replayed in her high school years. Fantasies that had excused Tom from his behaviors at a particular food joint their popular posse would congregate on a Friday night. When a flirtatious waitress—usually a classmate—would nabb the lead football star's attention leaving Jenny at a booth with melted malts and soggy burgers.

Fortunately, Tom wasn't that same self-centered boy anymore. He'd more than made up for those dates and quite vastly, since.

   "I'm sorry, Tom," she whispered more so to herself, finishing the last spoonful of her soup.

"Jen?"

"Yeah?"

Right then the love in his eyes was so clear it made her heart ache. "There's nothing to be sorry about." Grasping her hand he kissed it once more before his grip tightened fractionally. "You deserve to be wined and dined like this. And... much more."

Suddenly Jennys hands felt clammy. There something a little off about his behavior that set off the alarm bells in her head.

"Well," he laughed lightly.

An arm reached up to rub the back of his neck. He's nervous, Jenny realized, attuned to his body language. No, he is really nervous. Nerves only ever got to him if it was right before a vital game, a tattoo gun—a dare he'd chickened out of—or something of deep significance.

As the pieces fell into place Jenny's eyes widened like two saucers as it dawned. No... he wouldn't... not yet...

"I-I've been thinking about this so I'm just going to ask you..." Tom's voice trailed off as his eyes rested on the gold necklace strung around her neck. There was a flicker of frustration there as he cleared his throat. "As I've said before, I can't fathom the bond you have with... him." He paused before he continued, "But I love you, Thorny, I do." Expelling a shaky breath he pushed back his chair and kneeled beside her. "What I'm trying to say, Jenny Elizabeth Thornton..."

A large weight dropped into the pit of her stomach as Tom lowered to his knee. From the inner silk lining of his pocket he withdrew a velvet box and flipped open the lid.

  Is this really happening right now?!

Jenny heard herself gasp. Nestled in the satin fabric, a teardrop diamond ring glimmered back at her. "Will you marry me?"

The diamond was beautiful. Tom had taken time to find the right cut and size. Yet all Jenny could do was stare as the tears swelled. Were these frustrated tears or ones of happiness? Ostensibly it felt as if a mental floodgate had burst suddenly overcome with a string of emotions too quick to decipher. As she peered closer visible loops of cursive glinted beneath the light, Forever Yours engraved within the inner band.

  Ah...

Her eyes rose to meet Tom's. The words though sweet, left her choking out broken words of speech. "Tom... I... I..."

Barely did she know what to do for college. How could she possibly be ready for an engagement?!

Isn't he all I ever wanted?

Jenny regarded Toms's expression secretly pleading for her acceptance. Despite herself she found her head nod almost mechanically. Hadn't she repeatedly risked her life for this very future?

"Yes? Yes?!" Tom's voice cut through her tangled thoughts with an enthusiastic shout. Flashing a megawatt smile he slipped the ring on her finger before folding her into his arms with a passionate kiss.

Wait—!

Applause broke out across the room. Slightly breathless, Jenny pulled back to beaming smiles a sickening shade of bleach. Complete strangers. Three years ago, might've been flattering, the attention.

But not now. What am I going to—

The thought was severed as Tom chuckled, his breath warm against her ear, "Let's get you home, Thorny before you turn into a pumpkin." With a quick peck on her cheek, Tom deposited a wad of cash onto the table. Then he guided her by a hand on the small of her bare back, as Jenny warred with herself. As the door to the outside swung open, a gust from the desert winds chilled her face. At this, Jenny decided to shove all doubts aside and huddled closer.

There's no harm in talking later.

Tom noticed her shiver and rubbed her bare shoulders. "You cold?"

Jenny nodded, "Sort of."

"I'll keep you warm, babe." He kissed her temple reassuringly as a red-vested valet approached with his Mercedes-Benz. The black, tinted windows peered back like hooded eyes and drew out another shiver.

His hands infinitely tightened on one shoulder. "Jenny?" he whispered, his mint breath rolling off his lips. As her eyes searched his so many unanswered questions reflected back in hazel.

"Yes?"

Tom reached out and caressed her cheek, snagging a strand of hair caught in the corner of her mouth. Without a word he lightly pressed his lips against hers. The molding of their lips pulled her into a deeper kiss enough for Jenny to gasp aloud—

Before swiftly pulling away. "Tom I really—"

"Shh," Tom interjected, a finger pressed in the crease of her lips. "I enjoy showing off to the world my gorgeous fiancé."

Jenny looked down as her cheeks warmed, fully aware of the onlookers accumulated. "Well, Tom I—"

"I know," Tom cut in, his voice gentle. "I just needed that kiss." He sighed contently. "Screw our audience when it's been so long. Have I ever told you how soft your lips are?"

This was all new territory for them, talking like lovers. Jenny tried to smile. The way he'd said it, however, sent a twinge through her chest. Tom had no idea just how close those words connected to her past. "No, Tom but—"

But before Jenny could even retort, Tom's lips dove for hers once more and evidently ended all conversation.

Beep, beep!

Jenny gave a final wave as Tom pulled out of the gravel drive and his horn faded off into the distance. They hadn't said much along the way. He appeared dazed no doubt dreaming about their future. Jenny had been in a tangle of her own thoughts, too busy concocting an explanation once they arrived. However, Tom had been interrupted by his cell, and thus, any chance of a conversation was squashed.

That's how she found herself dragging her feet up the stone steps, defeated. Digging out the keys to the duplex proved a nuisance in the darkness. Especially with the porch light off.

Which implied Summer was out.

Probably at a house party since school begins soon.

The last party Jenny attended had been Tom's seventeenth birthday party. Dr. Straus had once asked her what had brought on the panic attack. Unfortunately, Joey had been brought into the fold once her breathing started to thin and he'd screamed, "Mom she's having a panic attack!" Unbeknownst to the psychiatrist, what Jenny endured couldn't be said. Lest Dr. Straus question her mentality and subject her to a padded cell.

Sometimes Jenny wondered if that was where she belonged. The horrors she'd been through had never fully left. Those memories remained like a stain on her teenage years, starting with a plain white box pegged as 'innocent fun', bestowed by a cyberpunk in the More Games store in a back alley of Vista Grande. On the worst side of town.

It would alter her perception of reality forever. Admittedly beautiful, the man in the store had still come off peculiar. More so when he'd offered her the game. Then he'd shed the mask his true identity revealed. With an obsession centered around Jenny since her premature years after he'd caught a glimpse of her amid grandfather's struggles with them. Because of this her entire group of friends were thrown into the shadow world, forced to play game after game. He'd acclaim himself the hunter and them the prey. Made of supernatural powers and able to mold dreams into reality living in a veiled world of the Sha—

What was that?

Jenny's whole body instinctively tensed. A low rustle jostled the bushes below the stone steps. Jenny bit the inside of her cheek and closed her eyes. Dr. Straus had admitted a good calming technique to lower her anxiety.

Okay, Jenny... One... Two... Thre—

A black cat jumped out of the trimmed hedges.

A cat, Jenny.

Scolding herself, Jenny finally found the keys and jammed them into the lock of the front door. Slamming it behind her she leaned against it, gasping in pockets of air as she fought to calm down. She needed to pull herself together.

A cat, Jenny for shit's sake!

Remembering the door was still unlocked Jenny turned and crooked the latch. She flicked on the light switch beside her illuminating the bright walls. Summer had once told her the warm colors spruced people's happiness auras.

Jenny hung up her purse on the coat rack beside her and slipped off her short heels. The cool floorboards were a refreshing change. She dragged herself in a daze to her room. Mere hours ago, she'd left as a girlfriend in a long-term relationship to... engaged.

Engaged.

As she entered her bedroom, her eyes automatically fell across the draw-erase board above her desk. Chink! Dropping her keys on the nightstand, she tugged off newer post-its tacked there.

In purple marker was Summer's handwriting:

Jenny,

Went to a house party! Should be back around one. Don't wait up for me, I made a copy of the key a few days ago. Don't keep it unlocked anymore... A yawn escaped her lips as Jenny struggled to keep reading the words... Hope you had fun with Tommy! Dee called earlier today so I wrote down the number to her new cell. They should be beside this note.

Don't stay up too late ;)

Peace and love!

Summer

Behind the notes was a purple slip of paper scrawled with the number. Jenny set it on the nightstand, falling back in exhaustion, taking comfort in the plush pillows.

Tomorrow, she decided. Tomorrow I'll invite Tom over and we'll talk.

Jenny burrowed into the gold comforter sheathing her like a cocoon, fresh lavender off the sheets engulfing her. A deep sigh of contentment slipped past her lips as the comforting scent lulled her into slumber.

As moonlight encompassed the room, it illuminated a pair of ominous eyes that glimmered from the shadows beyond.

_____________

NOTES: I'm aware a marriage proposal this young is a little soon. However, LJ. Smith once wrote about writing in the next book that Jenny wants to get married to Tom young so I decided to incorporate that a long time ago. I hope that clears this up:)