I threw away the trash, put away what remained of the sauce and cheese and cleaned off the messy counter.  I took the wooden spoon to the sink and opened the dishwasher.  It was empty, so I started loading it.  “No, Jade, let me do that,” Ripley stopped me.  “Isn't it easier if two people work at the same time?” I asked.  “I am supposed to let you cook, not clean up,” he told me.  “I can clean too,” I implored him.  “No, I do not want you getting hurt,” he stated.  “How am I going to get hurt loading the dishwasher?” I asked.  He just stopped and stared at me for a minute, not going to budge.  I put the wooden spoon in the silverware section then closed the door.  “I need to do something,” I told him.  “You will in just a minute,” he told me.

I moved out of his way, back over to the island.  He moved everything over to one side of the sink.  He then drained the pasta into a large colander.  He then put the pasta in a large bowl, poured the sauce in and tossed it until it was well mixed.  He got out the shredded mozzarella and brought it to the island.  He brought the pasta to the island, then got out the plates.  He dished up a plate and slid it to me, “You put a little mozzarella on top, then six pieces of chicken.” I did as he said.  We went fast.  Lia came in and picked up the plates to serve.  When we had done eleven, Lia took what was left out to the table for those who would want more.  The oven timer went off.  Ripley got Desi's pizza out, cut it up, and took it to the dining room.  I followed with her plate.  Desi was sitting between Lia and Theo, so Ripley sat next to me.  Aris entered the room and took his seat.

I took a bite.  It was delicious.  “Ripley, this is really good,” I complemented.  “Thank you,” he replied.  I ate the whole plate and tried a piece of Desi's pizza.  “We make excellent cheese pizza,” I told Desi.  She gave me the thumbs up sign.  I waited until the others were finished.  The food was all gone.

“Do we get to try your desert tonight?” Aris asked me.  “I made it for tomorrow,” I told him, “It's supposed to be for a special occasion.”  “Tonight can be a special occasion,” he told me.  “Jade, I do not know how much longer I can keep out of it,” Ripley chimed in, “I have been eyeing it all night.”  “Okay.  I guess so.  If you will let me help clean up,” I bargained.  He thought for a moment, “okay, deal.”  I stood up and started collecting dinner dishes, smiling.  “Why are you smiling about cleaning up?” Theo asked.  I just shrugged my shoulders and put the dishes into the pasta bowl.  Ripley hadn't got up yet.  “I didn't say that I wanted to do it all,” I told him.  He jumped up and collected the rest of the plates and the pizza pan.  “Do I get to help?” Desi asked.  “Not tonight, honey,” Lia answered, “we need you well rested for tomorrow.”  I carried what I had collected into the kitchen, Ripley followed with his.

I got the desert out with spoons and a spatula.  Ripley got the desert plates.  We went back to the dining room together.  I set it down on the table and took the lid off.  “What is it?” Antony asked.  “Try it, then I will tell you,” I told him, handing him a piece,” but wait until everyone has some.”  I dished it out for everyone, including a small piece for Desi.  I sat down and took a bite.  Everyone took a bite.  They all stayed quiet and took a second bite, except for Desi who pushed it away.  I expected her to not like it, kids usually don't.  “This is wonderful,” Aris told me, “what is it?”  “Cheesecake,” I answered.  “I thought so,” Ripley told me, “but it is different.  It is not as dry as the baked kind.”  “She made cheesecake without baking it?” Lia asked.  “All cold ingredients,” Ripley told her.  “This is the best cheesecake I have ever had,” Lia told me, “you have to teach me.” Everyone liked it.  “This is good and I do not even like cheesecake,” Kale told me.  “Desi, do you not like it?” Theo asked.  “No,” she answered.  “Kids don't usually like it,” I told everyone.  Everyone had a second piece except Desi.

When everyone finished, I stood up and put the lid on it.  “What if I want another piece,” Aris asked.  “It may make you feel sick,” I told him, “it's really rich.”  “Okay,” he replied.  I carried it and Aris and Ripley carried the desert dishes into the kitchen.  I put the leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator and they stacked the dishes by the sink.

Aris started loading the dishwasher.  “What am I going to do?” I asked, confused.  I was expecting to do that.  “Wipe off the stove and the countertops,” Ripley handed me a clean dish rag.  I got it wet in the sink and went to the stove.  It was spotless except for one drop of pasta sauce.  I took a deep breath, to calm myself, and wiped it off.  I wiped down the island again even though I had already done it before we ate.  “Rip I am being called away again.  Do not go out back to smoke,” Aris told him, “I am sorry, Jade, stay with Ripley until I get back.”  He left through the kitchen door.  Ripley went to the almost full dishwasher.  “I can do that, you know,” I told him.  “I know you can,” he told me, “I just do not want you to.”  I finished wiping down the counters.  “What do you want me to do now?” I asked.

He came at me fast and picked me up.  My breath caught and I started choking.  He sat me on the kitchen island.  He put his hand on my back and started rubbing comforting circles.  I stopped coughing and took a deep breath.  “I am sorry.  I did not mean to startle you,” he said quietly, “Are you okay now?”  I nodded my head yes, “I think that I should just sit here for a little while.”  “Are you sure that you are okay?” he asked, unconvinced.  He put both hands on my cheeks and wiped the tears away.  “I wasn't crying,” I told him, “it was just from coughing.”  “Okay,” he leaned forward and rested his forehead against mine.  I don't know exactly what he was doing, but I was feeling better.  “What are you doing?” I asked.  “Sending you happy feelings,” he answered.  “How?” I asked, “I want to!”  “Just think of something that makes you happy, feel the happiness, then imagine it going to me,” he answered.  I thought of my puppy dreams, that relaxed, happy feeling, then I imagined sending it to him in a greeting card.  “A greeting card, huh?” he was smiling, with his forehead still touching mine.  “You got it?” I got excited.  “Yes,” he answered, leaning back a little.  “Do our foreheads have to touch?” I asked.  “No,” he answered, “I just thought that it would be a nice touch.”

He kissed me on the forehead.  “You know that I would never do anything to hurt you, right?” he asked, solemn.  “I know,” I whispered.  “Okay,” he said backing away, “but, if you come down off of that counter before I tell you to, I am going to rush you again, then I am going to tickle you.”  So I just sat there.  He finished the dishes then got a broom and a dustpan.  “You can talk, you know?” he said.  “What do you want to talk about?” I asked.  “What is your favorite flower?” he asked.  “I don't really have a favorite.  I like them all,” I answered.  “Have you got to eat a chocolate bar yet?” he asked.  “No I haven't.  Thanks for reminding me,” I answered.

He walked to the refrigerator and brought me a Hershey bar.  “I want to watch you eat it,” he smiled.  He opened the wrapper and broke a piece off.  He handed me the piece.  I put it in my mouth and closed my eyes savoring the chocolate.  It had been so long since I had any, it was a real treat.  I opened my eyes.  He was staring at me intently.  “What's wrong?” I asked, “do I have it on my face?”  He broke off another piece and handed it to me.  I put it in my mouth and closed my eyes again.  It was just as good as the first piece.  “You really need to have some.  It's really good,” I told him, with the candy still in my mouth.  “I think I will,” He said, then I felt a feather light kiss on my lips.  Then again, then he ran his tongue across my lips.  I granted him access.  He pulled me flush against him, then proceeded to lick all of the chocolate out of my mouth.  When he was done he backed away.  “You are right.  It is really good,” then he turned and went back to sweeping like nothing had happened.  He left what was left of the candy bar sitting next to me, so I decided to finish it while I pondered over the enigma that is Ripley.  Did that really even happen?  “Oh, it happened,” he answered, then started whistling a tune that sounded familiar, but I couldn't place it.

“Are you ready for a smoke?” he asked when he had finished sweeping.  “Yes,” I answered, coming out of my thoughts.  He came to me, took my hand and helped me down off of the counter.  He led me to his room, holding my hand the whole way.  Others saw us holding hands, but no one seemed to care.  “Have a seat,” he offered when we arrived.  He took off his shirt revealing well developed muscles and I turned the other way.  “Jade, you can watch.  I would not bring you here if I did not want you to see,” he told me, “I want you to see.”  I glanced his way.  He was down to his underwear.  “I’m not ready for that,” I told him.  “Okay. Fine.”  I heard some rustling.  “You can look now.  I am covered.”  I looked and was relieved to find him wearing a sweat suit that matched mine and slippers.

He led me to the back door, where he put on his boots and coat.  Then we walked to the front door and went outside.  Aris was waiting for us by himself.  I instantly felt uncomfortable, being in close proximity to both of them.  “What is wrong Jade?” Aris asked before Ripley even finished lighting my cigarette.  “Ripley gave me a chocolate bar,” I told him.  Ripley gave me the cigarette.  “Was it good?” he asked.  “The best ever had,” I answered.  “She is uncomfortable because I kissed her,” Ripley told him.  “Oh.  It is okay Jade,” Aris told me, “Ripley is not moving to fast.  It is I that am moving to slow.”  “I think I need some wine,” I told him.  He smiled, “that can be arranged.”  We stood in silence for a minute.

“Jade, we are having some issues right now.  I think it would be best to have Jason and Lizzie come to get Desi tonight.  Would you like to say goodbye to her before she goes?” Aris asked.  “Yes,” I answered, tearing up, “Should we give her gifts tonight, or just send them with her?”  “We are going to send them with her.  If there is anything special, you should give it to her tonight,” he replied.  We finished our cigarettes and went to the living room.  Theo, Lia and Antony were putting gifts into bags.  I went to the trees and picked up a small box that was sitting on top of the pile.  “Is that the only one?” Aris asked.  “This is my Special one for her?” I whispered.  I felt a tear dribble down my cheek.  He hugged me, “I am so sorry Jade.”  “She was still the best birthday present ever,” I told him.  He gave me a quick squeeze and let go.

“Jade guess what,” I heard a cheery four year old.  I quickly wiped my tears and turned to face her.  “Look what Uncle Theo gave me,” she held up the comb, brush and mirror set.  “That's beautiful,” I told her.  “Are you sad?” she asked.  “Just a little, because I am going to miss you,” I told her, “you are going to have to visit us soon okay.”  “Okay,” she agreed and gave me a hug.  “I have a special present for you,” I told her, sitting down on the sofa.  I handed her the small box.  She gently took the bow off and tore the paper open.  She couldn't figure out how to open the box, so I took it and opened it for her to reveal the heart shaped locket.  I showed her the back of the locket where it was engraved ‘From Jade With Love'.  Then I turned it back over and opened it to show her a picture of me and one of Aris on the other side.  “Oh, Jade!  I love it!”  “Do you want to wear it?”  “Yes.”  I slipped the chain over her head and around her neck.  She looked at it for a little while then, “Jade, I am going to miss you too.”  She hugged me tight.

“I have a special present for you too,” Aris sat next to me on the couch.  She let go of me and looked at the box that Aris was holding.  “What is it?” she asked, excited.  “Open it and find out,” he told her.  She took the box and sat down on the floor.  She took off the ribbon then ripped the paper opened.  “I like shoes,” she declared, seeing a picture of a shoe on the box.  “It is not shoes.  Open the box,” he told her.

She took the lid off of the box to reveal a doll with long blonde hair and a pretty pink princess dress.  The doll looked oddly familiar, but I couldn't place it.  “This was Jade's doll, when she was your age.  She took it with her everywhere.  It was her favorite,” he told her.  “What is her name?” Desi asked.  “Dolly,” we both answered at the same time.  Aris took my hand and squeezed.  “Now we want you to have her,” I told Desi, “A special doll for a special girl.”  “Oh! Thank you!” Desi cried.  She got up to hug us just as Kale came in carrying two shopping bags full of gifts, “These are from your cabin.”  Kale set the shopping bags down and handed Aris a key.  “Thank you Kale,” Aris took the key and put it in his pocket.  “I think we got them all,” Lia announced, “the gift I got you is for Christmas morning,” she told Desi.

“When will they be here?” I asked.  “Shortly,” Theo answered.