MELODY POV

I blink a few times as the shock begins to recede from my mind. The man standing in front of me looks better than I remember and yet it feels as though it hasn't been such a long time since we had last seen.

"Zack? What are you doing here?" His smile widens and he pulls me in for a hug. 

"Ahh my wife! How I have missed you so!" He laughs and ruffles my hair before he begins to take my bags from the cab and pack them in his car.

"You didn't answer me." I state, still staring at him. He looks at me still grinning and continues to pack my bags. He then tips the cabbie and pulls on my arm to get in his car. I comply with him only because I am hungry and my feet hurt. When he gets in he starts driving while chuckling.

"The man you so kindly wanted a polygamous relationship with, apart from your oh-so-caring husband that I am, had called me around 4 this morning asking me to pick you up. He said he didn't realize he had to leave so early and hopes you can forgive him. I have been told to take you wherever you want and give you whatever you want in a gesture of absolute whippedness!" He smiles wide and enters traffic on the highway.

"He's already gone?" I frown and cross my arms feeling my mood darken.

"It appears so milady! But no fear your true lover is here to make everything better!" He takes my hand and squeezes it. I try to feel a little happier because he really didn't need to do this for me but he did. So I smile and squeeze his hand back. 

"I really appreciate you doing this Zack. I've missed you hanging around." He grins and turns on the radio, still keeping the volume at a low level.

"It's no problem at all babe. When I saw you sulking by that cab driver I knew I was the only one that could make your day." I laugh and hit his arm.

"You haven't changed a bit." Zack looks over to me and loses his smile a little. 

"Actually I've changed a lot." He pauses and takes a deep breath. "It was pretty hard to get over you last year. I mean you made it pretty clear that you wanted to be with Mr. Coll- Dean and it creeped me out a bit because he was your teacher but I didn't interfere. I pitied myself because I really liked you and I never thought I could be happy with another girl but then I found him." My heart thuds in my chest. Who is this "him" character? Could I have pushed Zack to homosexuality? What is wrong with me! I'm a terrible person!

"Him?" He nods his head slowly and almost loses his smile completely.

"I've never told you this before but I lived in a single parent household. My mom was always working hard and struggling to make ends meet for my sister and I. I had to pick up the slack and get a job at 13 just to help a bit and she was always grateful for it. And we loved to help but we knew life wasn't the same without our dad. I don't remember him much as a child but I know he was there. For a bit anyway. He left when my sister was born, I was only 3 at the time. But regardless of him leaving both my sister and I always wanted to find my dad again. So last year instead of job hunting I went father hunting. And we actually found him." That explains why I haven't seen him in while. 

"What was it like?" He smiles a little. It isn't sincere but slightly fond.

"He was shocked. He didn't know what to say. Apparently after having my sister my dad went to look for a better job in the states so he could supports us better. He wanted us to have the best and he knew he could find a higher paying job in New York. When he found a great paying job, well, mom didn't believe that was why he was really away and she was distrusting and wouldn't take him back. She kept calling him a liar and a cheater and pushed him away till he just loved us from a far. I called her to ask if what he said was the truth and she broke down in tears admitting she was scared he had found a better life beyond us. But he didn't. He missed us as much as we missed him." He goes silent before smiling again. "We aren't a whole and happy family yet but we're working on it. It's just good to feel complete again." He looks at me and his lips twitch a little smile. "Sorry for disappearing off the face of the Earth for so long... but I didn't have the strength to try and act like your friend. Even though I really wanted to be. And I will be if you let me." I nod my head and pout. I really did miss Zack. His personality was addictive and fun to be around. I loved hearing his stupid jokes and felt sad when I didn't hear his constant marriage proposals. I was worried I had scared him off with the prospect of Dean becoming my boyfriend and I had called him many times to let him know it wouldn't change our friendship, but he never responded. Now I know why.

"But everything is ok now... right?" He nods and blasts the radio.

"Yeah. Everything is perfect." We both start singing along to "Anything" by Hedley and bob our heads like idiots. Deep inside I am still feeling troubled and the fact that Dean isn't here to comfort me doesn't help, but I try my best to enjoy my time with Zack because he really is helping.

When we arrive at my apartment I notice Layla's car isn't in sight so she must be staying with Aiden. We take the bags up to my floor and I'm about to unlock the door when I hear some movement inside the room. I freeze and search my mind as to who could be there other than Layla. Slowly I unlock the door and open it. At first there is no one in sight, but then a fist comes swinging past my head and directly at Zack. I scream and jump to the side only to catch a glimpse of a grey suit and long toned legs. My heart races and I try to get a grip on reality so I can help Zack. I calm my breathing and grab the closest thing next me which happens to be a book. I groan and grip it hard. Running to the door I hit the person over the head and he snaps his head to me. It was his eyes that registered first. His steely beautiful eyes that always turned my mind  to mush. Jake. I gasp and stumble back to the floor. His eyes soften at me and he releases the choke hold he has on Zack. Zack drops to the floor catching his breath but I can only see Jake. His mouth is moving but I can't hear anything above my racing heart. 

"Melody..." My name is a whisper off his soft lips and he takes a step towards me. My body shivers in anticipation of him being close to me. I can see his pulse racing in the hollow of his throat and his hand is shaking a little. His eyes are wild and full of alarm that I may not be here right now, that I'm not right in front of him... or worse, that I may flee from him. But I stay rooted in my cowering spot and watch him slowly make his way to me. He bends down to me so we are at eye level and his hand softly pets my cheek. I shiver harder and whimper when he pulls away. My eyes trail over his body and my stomach twists in lust. He looks divine. His light grey suit makes his eyes look ethereal. His hair seemed to be styled but attacking Zack caused it to look messy and it looked good. Real good. His body looks bigger than I remember meaning he must work out more and I can see his tan, muscular chest peaking at me from beneath his shirt. I look around the room and see his tie carefully placed on the arm of my couch and he has some photos of me scattered on the coffee table. His hand touches my cheek again and I look at him once more. His eyes are watering and his lips are parted. He pets my hair and speaks again, "Melody..." His voice becomes a little louder and he reaches forward to shake my shoulder.

"Melody! Get up!" I jolt forward and catch my breath and I realize I was only having a dream. Looking around frantically I notice we are still in Zack's car and not in my apartment, though we have reached the building. "Come on Mrs. Moore we need to get your stuff upstairs so we can eat." He gets out of the car and unloads the trunk. I'm still trying to register the fact that I just dreamt about Jake and I seeing each other again. It caused a stir of emotions within me and the main feeling was excitement.

I want to see Jake again. I have come to terms with that. I want to see him... badly. And I don't know if it is because I want to yell and scream at him for what he did to me or if I want to kiss his lips and feel his body against mine. Either way I was severely disappointed with not seeing Jake in New York and a part of me is clinging to the hope that he could have just had a business meeting the same weekend. I mean he is a busy person, so it's not like he is always in town. I process everything that I am feeling and I realize something that terrifies me... I miss him. I miss Jake. I begin to try and suppress the feelings, afraid of what it may develop in me when Zack knocks on the window.

"Come on Melody I lost my key to the apartment so I'm going to need you to let us in." He grins and opens the door. Thank God he can't see me blush, but if he brushed my cheek he would feel just how hot it is at this moment. I take my purse and carry on bag and lead the way to the apartment. It doesn't take long for us to get to the 14th floor and before I open the door I pause and listen for any sounds inside the room. I sigh and open the door revealing no one there. Leading the way to my room I discreetly check the apartment for any signs of life and pout when I realize Zack and I are completely alone. Zack drops the bags on the floor and I motion for him to get out so I can change. He winks and heads into the living room.

When he's gone I drop myself on my bed and scream into my pillow. I don't want to feel anything for Jake again. I don't want to miss him. I don't want to dream about him. I don't want him! I pound my fists on the bed and shake around like an angry child. I feel tears welling up again but I will not cry. And I will not let Jake control my life. Not again. Taking a few deep breaths I get up and fix myself. It is my own fault for even thinking I was going to see him again. And I couldn't deny that a part of me wanted to see him again but I had to give my head a shake and toughen up. The only time I know for a fact that I will see Jake is at Trevor's party and that isn't for another 22 days. So until then I will not think about him. I will not dream about him and I will not miss him. Jake is my past for a reason and I could never hurt Dean by falling for him again. I straighten my back and search my closet for some casual clothes to wear. I choose to wear black skinny jeans, a blue long sleeved v-neck shirt and my new leather vest. Paired with my combat boots I go back into the living room to meet with Zack. He looks away from the T.V. to give me a once over and I notice the hunger in his eyes isn't there anymore. Instead he smiles and turns off the T.V.

"Everything ok? I heard you trying to conceal your screams." He looks a little worried but he has nothing to worry about so I shrug my shoulders.

"I was having an off day. I just needed to let off some steam. I'm ok now." He grins and places his hand on the lower part of my back. 

"Then let's get going." He pushes me towards the door and I laugh at his impatience.

"How hungry are you?" He groans and repeatedly presses the down button.

"Your other man made me stay up for an hour so he could lecture me on what to say to you. He wanted to make sure I got every detail right and didn't want me to screw anything up and get him in trouble. He said and I quote 'I love Melody more than life itself and it is killing me to be away from her. I am asking you to take this situation seriously and do not screw this up. I know she's mad but I don't want things to get worse' blah blah blah." I start laughing and he just frowns. "It's not funny. Jeez he's such a teacher." We both laugh and get in the elevator. When we get to the lobby we see Lay and Aiden kissing passionately. We both stand aside watching them and wondering if they will notice us anytime soon. When a few more seconds go by and they are still going at it Zack clears his throat and they both jump.

"Melody! I didn't know you were home already." Lay's cheeks are flushed and she fixes her hair. I laugh and give Aiden a hug. 

"Yeah I got here about an hour ago. Dean was supposed to pick me up but he's in Paris-"

"Paris?" She questions but I just nod my head and continue.

"I have a lot to catch you up on." We turn to see Aiden and Zack laughing about something beside us and they give each other a quick hug. "Listen Zack and I were planning on getting breakfast anyway. It's 10 so it should still be served now." Lay nods her head and Aiden bumps shoulders with Zack, but instead of making a dirty joke Zack just shakes his head no and escorts me to his car. They both jump in the back and we head off to get some food.

Zack decides he doesn't want anything fancy and we end up at a cute little breakfast joint a few blocks from our apartment. We order and talk about our weekend, with Zack and Aiden mainly making jokes with each other. It feels so good to be with my friends. There are no problems, no stress, just fun. We all laugh and talk and joke like nothing else matters but the moments we spend together and I get a flashback of Anguilla. I remember Jake, Trevor, Beth, Tara and I all sitting at a table getting ready to be seperated and even though we were sad and crying we were happier than ever. It was so good to have friends like that... I miss them. And then his words hit me like a suckerpunch to the gut:

"Perfect can't describe how right this feels baby. I love you, so much and I always want you to remember that."

I remember mounting him and enjoying the feel of his body under mine. "And what would make you think I could ever forget those beautiful words?"

"Circumstances may arise and doubt has a tendency to cloud one's thoughts, so through all of that, no matter what happens, I need you to know I love you."

"I love you too Jake."

If he loved me so much then why hurt me? Layla snaps her fingers infront of my face and I focus on her. 

"Hey Aiden was saying he needs you to help with his promotion?" I look over to him and smile, seeing a blush creep onto his face.

"Sorry I almost forgot. Let's get to work yeah?" Layla stares between us suspiciously. I can see it in her stance, her hands are beginning to cross over and her nose is wrinkling at the bridge. If I know Lay, and I really do, she is probably running through the many possibilities as to why Aiden would want me to help him instead of Zack. She opens her mouth to question us but I just raise my hand and silence her.

"Relax Lay I will tell you everything when I get home. Come on Aiden let's get going." She nods her head slowly and kisses him fiercely. She whispers something in his ear and his face goes bright red. He kisses her back with more ferocity and grabs her butt. Zack and I simultaneously gag and pull them apart. If you looked at them, you would think they just finished having sex. Layla has a dirty smile creeping onto her face and she kisses my cheek before leaving the restaurant. Zack rolls his eyes and heads out with her. 

Aiden gives me a nervous look and nods towards the door. I can tell he is already doubting his decision to propose so I speak up to give him some confidence.

"Aiden if you don't feel ready to do this we can forget all about it and head back to the apartment." His shoulders slump but there is a fire in his eyes that can't be denied.

"There's nothing I have been more sure of. I'm more worried about whether or not she will like the ring." He cracks his knuckles, just like Layla, and I smile.

"Oh so do you doubt my master ring choosing skills?" He laughs and throws an arm over my shoulder. 

"Of course I do! But who else could I go to? If I asked her sister she would most likely blab it to her within the first few minutes of buying it. I trust you. And besides you two have the same ring size." I smile and we catch a cab. When we get in the cabbie looks back at me and winks before asking "Where to?" Aiden rolls his eyes and speaks up.

"Can you take us to People's Jewellers on 220 Yonge St." The cabbie nods his head and starts driving. 

"So what choices do you have in mind so far?" He looks over to me with a huge grin and takes out his phone. As he scrolls through the endless engagements rings on the People's Jewellers website there is one that makes my heart stop.

"Wait go back." He stops and scrolls back until I see the ring again. The ring is literally who Layla is. It's perfect. It's more than 1 carat, so she can feel good about the price. It's princess cut because she believes she is a princess and it is vintage just how she would like it. 

"This is it Aiden. This is the ring!" He takes the phone from me and looks at it. 

"Yeah I can see this on her. But the price... ahh I'm going to have to make installments." I smile at him and he pouts.

"This is what happens when you want to marry a girl with very expensive taste." We both laugh and the cab driver gets to the store. I rush out and straight towards the rings so I can find it. Aiden drags behind trying to act casual but I can tell he is excited too. I find the ring and immediately ask to try it on. The saleswoman smiles at the two of us and takes out the ring. I can feel myself getting giddy as I place the ring on my finger and let it shine in the light. Aiden takes my hand and examines it as well. He grunts at the price but tells the lady he wants it regardless. She smiles with us and takes the ring to the cash. We both are happy and smiling when I feel like I'm being watched. Literally the hairs on the back of my neck begin to raise and I get a shiver down my spine. I turn around to see if I'm actually being watched but there's no one there. I continue to look around and sigh when I realize that I'm just acting paranoid. Aiden has left for the cash register to give his information and I take my time looking at the other rings and jewellery pieces. My eyes land upon a necklace that takes my breath away. It looks magnificent and yet simple. It's beautiful. I ask the salesperson to try it on and it looks amazing on my neck. It's a white sapphire heart locket in sterling silver. It's perfect. 

"Mel are you ready to go?" I tear my eyes away from the necklace and sigh.

"Yeah do you have everything set?" He shows me the bag.

"Paid for it with the card. Let's head back Layla called me 3 times already." I smile and give back the necklace. It takes us 30 minutes until we get back to the apartment but I still have the feeling that I'm being watched. The rest of the evening is spent watching movies and eating junk food. At one point Zack decided to get some drinks and when we were tipsy enough we tried to play twister. It was terrible.

It was around 12 midnight when someone knocked on the door. I was still a little tipsy but I answered it anyway.

"Good night ma'am I am looking for a Melody Peters?" I shake my head at him and he gives me a parcel to sign. When I'm finished he smiles and tips his hat. "Have a great night." And just like that he is gone. I stare at the parcel and walk to my room. When I jump under the covers and get comfortable I open the parcel and find a silver jewellery box from People's. My heart rate quickens. I feel myself shake as I open the box and see the same necklace I was desiring. It looks just as beautiful as it did in the store earlier. My heart races and I rush from the room to see if I can catch the delivery man. I run down the stairs to the main floor and search frantically but he isn't there. Defeatedly I head back to my room curl into my bed. I stare at the box again and a note slips out.

It isn't much, but it's a start. I hope you can forgive my absence. Goodnight beautiful.

My eyes water up at the note and I fold it up and place it inside the locket. With the note and the locket close to my heart I fall asleep with tears flowing down my cheeks.

Waking up the next morning was terrible. I had to call Miranda and let her know I was going to be late because of my terrible headache. When I was finally able to get out of bed I decide to dress up because the necklace makes me feel... bolder. I was going to call Dean last night and thank him for the necklace but I figured it was late in Paris so I will do it later today. I don't know how he knew about it... maybe Aiden saw me eyeing it and told Dean. Either way I am over the moon.

I choose to wear a white blouse and red skirt with my graduation shoes. I look myself in the mirror and smile. After freshening up I put on the outfit and wear light makeup. Instead of the usual sock bun I leave my hair out. I leave the apartment at 10:30, in which I usually start at 8, and catch a cab. I usually would take the subway or drive but I want to be pampered. I give the cab driver a nice tip and enter my office building.

A feeling of foreboding overcomes me and I slow my strides. Something about today feels off. When the elevator gets to my floor the place is eerily quiet. Was work cancelled today? I think as I walk to my desk. I see some coworkers trying to work but they all seem... distracted. The feeling of someone watching me returns and my skin crawls. My heart is racing and I begin to feel scared. I can see the outline of someone at my desk and prepare myself for Cam's usual boyfriend compliments but when I get closer I notice the frame of the person is bigger than Cam. I gulp and walk with as much pride as I can muster. I see his hair first and then his shoulders. His back is turned from me and he seems to be looking at something. My brain processes who this person is faster than I can breathe. He is here.  I can't even utter his name. My heart is beating so hard I have to grab at my chest. Every part of me is shaking and I clutch the necklace. He speaks before I can and his voice is so... magical.

"Who is Dean Melody?" My name has never sounded better than coming from his lips. I feel myself swooning until I process what he said. Getting a courage I didn't know I had I straighten my back and turn his chair to face me. He is perfect. The same beautiful eyes and thick luxurious hair. His lips are plump and pink and his jaw straight cut. His frame is bulkier than before but his suit fits him like skin. He's wearing the light grey suit, the one from my dreams and I pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming again. His eyes dart to my action and he smirks a little. He is just like I imagined. He is perfect. I watch his lips move as he speaks again.

"Melody I asked you a question. Who is Dean?"

His voice sounds a little deeper than before and the scruff on his jaw... mmm I want to lick it. His lips look so... delicious and his jaw is ticking. I can feel myself moving closer to him and I can see the curiosity is his eyes in the way he scans my face. They move from my eyes, to my lips and down towards my cleavage. He licks his lips slowly as he trails his focus all over my body and back up towards my face. His left hand is holding the picture of Dean from my desk and I can see him tightly clutching the frame. He isn't pleased with me, it's obvious to see. If he holds it any tighter he will crack the glass. I can hear his breathing and see his heart rate speed up in the hollow of his throat... just like I imagined. Oh and his Tommy Hilfiger cologne, how I've missed that smell. But most of all I want to taste him. He is still sitting in my chair when I reach him and his legs are spread apart so I can fit inbetween him. In my peripheral vision I can see my co-workers watching the scene with wide eyes. Even Layla and Cameron are watching. But I don't stop myself as my hands slide up his chest. His eyes go wide before they lazily droop and he drops the picture. His heart rate is even faster when I touch him and I can hear a deep rumble building in his chest. He takes his time to pull me closer to him and when he does I mew. His face is close to resting inbetween my breasts but he stops himself. Instead he inhales my scent and slowly runs his hands up and down my waist. We both pause our moment when we hear a 'click'. His head snaps towards my co-workers and he grabs Anya's phone from her hands.

"I know I made myself clear that I wanted no publicity of my time spent with Melody and I can and will sue you if you even think of sending that picture. When my lawyers finish with you, you won't have a penny to your name. Am I clear?" Anya nods her head slowly and sits behind her desk. Everyone seems to wake up from their trance-like state and get back to work. Everyone except Layla, Cameron and Miranda. They continue to stare as Jake places the phone in his pocket and strides over to me. He takes my hand and leads me into the empty to boardroom so we can have privacy. As soon as the door clicks shut I feel the tension. It's so coarse I'm afraid to move. I turn to face him and I can see the predatory look in his eyes. He wants me. And there is no one to stop him. Not even myself.

"Melody I was asking you a ques-"

I put my finger against his lips and his tongue immediately licks it. I get a shiver and I pull back my finger, slowly placing it in my mouth because I know he likes it when I tease him. His eyes seem to darken and the lust isn't hidden anymore. He moans and pulls me against his chest.

"Don't test my patience. I have yet to punish you for the picture you sent." My body is on fire as he rubs himself against me. I want this I think to myself. I've waited long enough to see him again and I have him right infront of me. Jake pushes me back until I am against the table and grinds his erection on my belly. His head dips to my neck and he finds my sweet spot easily. He begins to kiss it and slowly starts to lick it. I moan and grip his shoulders to continue. When he nips the spot I gasp out. 

"Jake!" My eyes roll into my head and I hang onto his shoulders for dear life. He moves his hands to cup my bottom and my breast and he massages them simutaneously. I have to hold on to the table so I don't collapse. His hand begins to move up my skirt and I spread my legs so he has better access. He chuckles against my neck and pulls back.

"I wanted this to be a little more special Melody. Can we leave here? My hotel isn't far." I feel my body vibrating in anticipation. I'm about to nod my head yes when something in me just breaks. All of the memories of the summer come back and I feel a fury like never before. With all the strength I have I push him off of me. He looks a little lost by my sudden change and he reaches out for me again. I shake my head and hold a hand out to stop him.

"No. You need to leave." His eyes narrow and he tries to pull me back to him. I push him harder and feel myself shaking in anger.

"NO! YOU NEED TO LEAVE NOW JACOB!" He drops his hands and frowns.

"Melody...don't do this." His eyes are pleading with me to forgive him but I can't. The pain is fresh and I feel a stabbing of betrayal for what I allowed to happen. Now more than ever I wish Dean was here. Jake is still looking at me but I can't stay here any longer. I fix myself and look him in the eye. The words that come out of my mouth are as much of a shock to me as it must be to him.

"If I ever see you again Jacob I will rip your heart from your chest... and destroy it as you did to mine. Don't ever come back here again... or all hell will break loose." I brush past him and exit the room. I don't even stop to look at my friends as I grab my stuff and leave the building.

PICTURE OF MELODY'S NECKLACE ON THE RIGHT >>>>>