(Jin) 

I was finally allowed to go home from the police station. I had been questioned and questioned again.  All of my friends had been questioned as well.  It had been more than twenty-four hours since this ordeal had started, and I had no strength left.

I crawled to my bed and threw myself onto it. How could Abigail have done this to Bella? To me? She had actually spun a story that I had wanted her to film a video of Bella being violated--the thought was too disgusting to contemplate. I had no idea what Bella thought about this whole incident. Did she believe it? Had they already told her the truth? Thank God that idiot Abigail had hired told a different story. Then Abigail panicked and changed her story. That plus the fact that I had not spoken to her in years finally vindicated me.

I fell asleep thinking about Bella and hoping that she was doing better.

The next day was a school day, and I showered and dragged myself to class. That afternoon I called Namjoon. He told me that Bella was already home and resting and wanted to see me except that her parents were still in town, and they did not want me around her. Even though I had nothing to do with her attack, they were upset that I actually knew that psycho and questioned my character.

"So when can I see her?" I asked.

"Bro, her parents will be staying for a while. I don't know," he said.

"Damn Abigail to the seventh circle of hell!" I growled. "They do know that I had nothing to do with it, right? Has anyone told them that I hadn't even seen that witch in years! Do they know that?" I sighed. "I miss Bella so much! I should be with her!"

"Yes," Namjoon replied. "She really misses you. We're all working on her parents, okay?" he said. "By the time we're done, they'll think you walk on water."

"Just don't overdo it, huh?"

Namjoon laughed. "Sure. And if it doesn't work, I think her parents really like me. Maybe I'll be the new son-in-law!"

"Joon!" I yelled, but he said goodbye and hung up.

It was Friday when Bella finally called me. I tried to explain everything as briefly as I could.  Abigail had fallen on hard times.  She had been working  as custodial staff at the jewelry store where I bought the bracelet.  She found out about the inscription and became obsessed with finding out who Bella was. In her twisted mind, she hated Bella for having the life that she thought should have been hers.  I had no idea about her insane plans.

Bella listened patiently and said she understood none of it was my fault.  I could hardly breathe when she asked me to go over.

My shortness of breath only got worse when I stood in front of her parents as they sat on the couch. They wanted to know about my involvement with Abigail, so I related the story of our relationship from three years ago. I emphasized that I had not spoken to her since that day she walked out. I had no idea she was capable of doing something so despicable.

Her mother stood up and held out her hand to me. I meant only to take her hand, but I ended up wrapped in her arms. To my great embarrassment, I began to sob. She patted me on the back. "Oh, my dear, that's okay. You poor child."

I finally pulled away and took a deep breath. "I'm sorry."

Mrs. Domani smiled. "Don't be. I hope you don't mind, but Bella told us that you haven't seen your own mother for more than ten years. You poor dear. I hope that you can start thinking of me as your mother. I will be here for you."

I could only nod, afraid I'd start bawling again. I turned to Mr.Domani and shook his hand. "Thank you," was all I managed to murmur. Her parents seemed to have gotten over their fears and decided to go back home. They made me solemnly promise to take care of their daughter before they left.

I immediately walked to the table where she was sitting and dropped to my knees in front of her. I wrapped my arms around her waist and rested my head against her chest. "I was so scared to think that I might lose you." I couldn't stop the tears that filled my eyes. "Oh, God, I'm so glad you're okay. I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you. I don't know what I would've done if...if..."  I got too choked up to continue.

"It wasn't your fault," she said softly. Her fingers grasped my chin to make me look at her. "You don't have to apologize. I'm okay. I'm fine."

Cindy looked at us and said she was going to study with Tae, and so Bella and I were left alone in her living room.

I got myself together and rose to my feet. Bella held my hand and joined me on the couch.

"My parents really do like you," Bella said. 

"I'm glad, but I'm more concerned with whether you like me," I replied. "Regardless of what your parents think, you haven't actually agreed to be my girlfriend."

Her beautiful eyes never left mine as she threw her arms around me and pulled me down into a kiss. My arms instinctively wrapped themselves around her and gathered her closer to me. I felt her lips part, and I slid my tongue into her mouth. It was unbelievable!

I placed my hands around her behind and lifted her body onto mine so that she was straddling me. She ran her fingers through my hair, intensifying our kiss. I slid my hands underneath her shirt and rubbed her back. I couldn't deny that despite the physical attraction between us, I felt something more, a feeling of such happiness that restored my hopes. I loved her more than I could've imagined, and I never wanted this feeling to end. I sighed into the kiss contentedly.  She placed her hands at the hem of her shirt and lifted it, but I stopped her.

"Is...something wrong?" she whispered with concern, confused as I patted her shirt back in place.

I kissed her cheek. "Not at all," I said breathlessly. "This is what I've been dreaming about for months, but I don't want our first time together to be rushed." I chuckled softly. "You mean too much to me. I was planning on being romantic and seductive."

She kissed my forehead. "You're always seductive, but I like the idea of romance. What did you have in mind?"

I smiled. "Would you like to go on a date with me tonight?"

"We haven't, have we?" she asked. "Well, Mr. Kim, what do you have in mind?"

"The usual. Dinner at a nice place, maybe a movie."

"That sounds nice," she said.

"And you can pack an overnight bag," I added. "You'll be staying at my place tonight. What do you think?" My voice didn't show it, but I was nervous.

"I think that's the most wonderful idea I've ever heard," she said and kissed me. She slowly got off my lap. "I better start getting ready then."

I smiled and got to my feet. "Yes. I will see you at seven. Can you be ready in three hours?"

"For you I would be ready in three minutes," she replied.

Before walking out the door, I turned back to her and winked. She blew me a kiss and, with a flutter of my heart, I blew a kiss back at her.