I finally reached the place where I was told to be but as usual Jake wasn't there. I checked my watch and kept getting more impatient. I hated it when he was late.

"Missed me already," I heard his voice from behind. I turned around and glared at him.

"Sorry I kind of slept in," he said and smiled. I rolled my eyes and he pulled me into a hug.

"So where are we going today," I asked.

"Ummm… shopping, lunch and then a movie my treat," he said.

"Jake you need to stop spoiling me," I protested.

"I'm not spoiling you I'm just buying you gifts," he said.

"Jake I can't accept it," I said shaking my head.

"Sophie, Sophie, Sophie, c'mon what am I going to do with all the money I get every month?" he asked.

"Save them?" I said.

"But I already have all the things that I want except one which my Dad can not get me and it doesn't cost money, so why can't I spoil you?" he asked.

"Okay but one piece of cloth and that's it," I said.

"All right," he said agreeing.

I was shocked that he had agreed so fast; he never did that's why he chose to become a lawyer. Me and Jake had became friends when we were in grade 5. Him and his Dad had moved in the next street. Their house was so huge and beautiful compared to ours. I lived with my parents and two brothers where as Jake was an only child and always came over. His Mom had died when he was 5 years old. Since I've met Jake there was just this friendly air about him that was hard to resist. I owe a lot to Jake not just because of his "gifts" to me but he was the one that night who had been there for me. He was the only friend who knew about it. I never got the courage to tell Dana about it even though Jake told me I should soon enough. I just needed the right time.

Soon we arrived at the mall. Jake parked and we both went in. The fact was that Jake had a great taste in clothing. He always told me that I should stop looking so vulnerable in regular clothing. He was right, I knew he was. We had been looking through store, I mean Jake had been and I was just standing. Finally he stopped at the dressing rooms. He handed me a silver top. I wore the silver one and came out.

"See that looks like it was made for you," Jake said.

"Okay that's one piece of cloth we are done." I said and went back into change.

"But Sophie, you haven't even seen the others," He protested but I dragged him to the counter. After we had a fight over who paid (in which Jake obviously won) we finally left. Just when I thought we were done shopping he dragged me into a shoe store.

I had just opened my mouth when Jake said," you said one piece of cloth and not all shoes are made of cloth." No wonder he had agreed so easily!

"Jake Nigel Carter," I said.

"Yes Sophie?" he replied happily, looking amused.

"Can you stop this! You need to stop buying me things. I already owe you a lot." I said.

At that Jake's eyes went a shade of dark blue. When I looked at him I knew I had said something wrong. He took me and led me out of the mall. We reached the parking lot and he drove without saying a word and soon we reached Subway. He ordered two veg. Subs and then we sat down.

"Sophie, do you think I do this so that people will help me when I need it?" he asked quietly.

"Jake, no I didn't mean it, like that," I said and held his hands.

"Jake I owe you a lot for being there for me that night, when I needed you and you don't need to do anything more." I said.

"Sophie you might not remember something but I do. Remember when my Grandpa died? You were the only person who kept me strong. If it weren't for you than I never would have gotten this far. You were the one who had helped me with school things. I did only one thing for you." Jake said.

"I do all these other things for you because I want you to be just as strong as you were before that night. That's why I want you to go out of that shell and just live again," Jake said looking at me. I nodded and held back tears.

"But it's not that easy Jake. I don't want to risk being that much hurt again. I'm afraid and you already know that," I said.

"Sophie I know it's hard but you have to try at least for me even if it is once, okay?" he said.

"Okay I will," I said and wiped my tears.

After lunch we went to watch a movie. It was some comedy movie, it didn't matter what the movie was but we had lots of fun. During the movie I looked at Jake and thought how lucky the girl would be whom he loved. I smiled thinking and knowing that when Jake would like someone it would be someone I wouldn't even guess. Then Jake turned around and looked at me raising his eyebrows. I shook my head and focused on the movie. We left the theatre after 2 hours. On the campus we met up with Connor and Dana. After a while I left for my room.

I picked out my guitar from my closet and sat on the bed. I strummed some notes and played one of my favourite song, How Strong Do You Think I Am? by Alexz Johnson. Not to brag but I had a pretty good voice. I sang in the school choir. I used to sing for a band but then I quit. I had to because after Grandpa died I couldn't concentrate and I didn't want the band to come down with me. It had been really hard for me when he died because I was really close to him. I am kind of learning to get used to the fact that he won't be there every time I cry. He always said that the guy that I marry would be the one I'd go to when I cry and he'll be lonely. But the truth is he left me and I hope he's happy where ever he is.

I had been crying thinking about Grandpa when Dana came in. I looked up and smiled. She looked at me and when she realized I was crying she came over.

"Are you okay Soph? " Dana asked.

"Yea, I was just thinking about Grandpa," I said as I wiped my tears away.

"Okay," Dana said as she gave me a hug. I hugged her back.

"So you and Connor have been spending lots if time together? So did I win?" I asked changing the topic.

"No, I'm still a virgin, I'm not losing that fast as much as I want to," Dana said.

You see Dana and me had made a bet when we were in high school when we learned about "safe sex" that who would be the first one to loose their virginity and the one who does loose will have to humiliate themselves and I already had plans in my mind for Dana.

That night the four of us went to a bar. I was forced to go and to wear a top that revealed my back and it felt odd. I had like this ventilation in the back. It felt different but I promised Jake I would try. We sat up at the top floor and as everyone else drank cocktails I drank coke. I was doing the driving, so there was no way I was going to drink. I just scanned the crowd and saw girls grinding on random guys and the bartenders. To be honest this wasn't my type of place. Everyone else had left to dance but I had refused. I wandered outside after a while. It was pretty quiet outside and I had just been staring at the stars when my phone rang.

"Hello," I said without looking at the caller id.

"Hey Soph where are you?" I heard Jake's voice on the other end.

"I'll be right there," I said and hung up. I walked in the parking lot. Then I spotted them all.

"Where were you?" Jake asked me all concerned.

"I was just wandering and gazing at the stars," I said.

"Oh okay, shall we go?" he asked.

"Yea, sure," I said.

I drove the car with Jake beside me and Connor and Dana sat in the back. I could tell Jake was very close to drunk, I could tell he had a good time. I dropped Dana and Connor at the campus and I went to the parking lot with Jake. I threw Jake his car keys after I locked the car. We walked together and then I felt him hold my hand. I looked up at him. Before I could say anything Jake put his finger on my lips.

"Soph, please don't say anything," He said looking into my eyes. I nodded. I looked away and gazed at the stars. We finally reached the building. Apparently Jake and me lived in opposite buildings. I was about to turn around and leave when I felt him tug at my hand.

He came closer and closer to me. He put his hand on my neck. Then he kissed me. My eyes closed without thinking and I kissed him back. After a while I pulled away. Jake whispered in my ear, "You taste like coke." I looked up at him and smiled.

"Jake can I please go?" I said knowing that if I didn't leave we would be here till a long time and it was past 1.

"But one more kiss," he said. I kissed him on the lips and left. I heard him say goodnight and I hoped he would reach back to his room safely. Then I just realized what had happened.

Does that mean that Jake likes me? Or was he just drunk?

I reached my room and went to sleep because the tiredness took me over. Next morning I woke up with Dana dancing on my bed and screaming. Ughh, god help this girl, I thought as I rolled in bed.

"Jake likes Sophie," I heard Dana shout. My eyes opened at lightening speed when I heard this. Memories of yesterday night flooded back in my mind.

"Dana, please let me go back to sleep," I begged as her voice grew louder, which I didn't think was possible.

"C'mon wake up, look who's here," Dana said. This time I sat up. There on the chair was Jake. I smiled at him and got up.

"Hey, sorry I couldn't wait to see you," he said as he smiled at him. I nodded at him and went to the bathroom. I came out after I brushed my teeth. I hated morning breath. It was just ughhhh! I went over to Jake and gave him a hug as he was standing now; he kissed me and said, "Come for breakfast, please?"

"I need to get ready," I said.

"Okay 20 minutes?" he asked.

"Yea, I'll meet you in front of the building," I said. I gave him a kiss and picked out my clothes and went to take a shower. After a quick shower I dried my hair and put it up in a ponytail. I didn't bother doing anything else because I didn't want to keep Jake waiting. As soon as I walked out of the building I saw Jake. He held my hand and we both walked to Tim Hortons. I picked a cinnamon roll and iced cappuccino. I absolutely loved cinnamon rolls. They tasted so yummy! Jake picked bagel and his usual large coffee. I cannot possibly drink hot coffee on a hot day! But Jake couldn't live without coffee.

"So what do you want to do today?" I asked.

"Ummm, how about we just go on a drive?" he said.

"Sure, where though?" I asked.

"Somewhere quiet, so we can talk."

"Alright," I said.

After breakfast I went to my room and called mom.

"Hey mom," I said.

"Hey sweetheart, how's university? Any cute guys? Anything new? How is Dana?" Mom asked.

"Mom, me and Jake are ummmmmmmmmm…" I trailed on.

"Are dating?" she finished the sentence for me.

"Yea," I said and blushed.

"Sophie, that is so sweet, since when? Is he good kisser?" Mom asked.

"Mom, did you just ask me if he's a good kisser?" I asked shocked.

"Yea, why is there anything wrong with that?" She asked a little too innocent.

"I'll just put the phone down," I said.

"Okay, fine I know it's your choice but still tell me since when you guys have been dating," she said. Mom and me talked for over and hour about dating and university and that I should come home for thanksgiving, which I agreed to. I missed my bratty brothers even though they annoyed the hell out of me. I felt homesick for a while. Finally we hung up.

I went to my closet to pick out my clothes. I was supposed to meet Jake at around twelve and it was eleven right now. I wanted something comfortable yet nice. I chose a knee length white skirt and a bright blue ruffle top. I added my silver bracelet and a pair of earrings for a good measure. I chose a black tote bag and my silver flip-flops. I let my hair open and applied some makeup. I didn't want to overdo it but I wanted to look nice. My phone rang and I saw Jake's number on the caller id.

"What's up?" I asked.

"You ready?"

"Yea," I said.

"Meet you in five baby," Jake said.

"Yea sure," I said. I hung up and checked how I looked in the mirror and grabbed my tote and locked the door. I was just walking out of the building searching my tote for my sunglasses when I bumped into someone. I was so clumsy. So far I had bumped into so many people and I had just been here a week.

"Sorry," I said looking at the person and giving them a smile. When I reached out side I noticed Jake's BMW and climbed in.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, I bumped into someone," I said. Jake laughed and then gave me a kiss. I punched him in the shoulder and turned on the radio. Since there was nothing good on it I searched through Jake's CDs. I put on the song Thunder by Boys Like Girls. It was a nice song. One of Jake's and mine favourite. Somewhere between the songs Jake's hand crept over and rested held my hand. I looked up at him and smiled. Finally as we drove in silence the quiet farms and fields came. Jake stopped by a nice open field. We both got out and Jake took out a picnic basket from the back. I was shocked.

"You love picnics don't you, Soph?" he asked smiling and holding my hand.

"Yea, thanks Jake," I said. Jake spread out the blanket and we both sat on it. I snuggled into his arms and rested my head on his shoulder. I felt myself falling a sleep and I didn't fight it. After what seemed like two minutes I heard Jake's voice. My eyes fluttered open and I smiled at him.

"Soph, you have been sleeping for two hours," he said.

"Sorry did I bore you?" I asked apologetically.

"No, I had fun watching you sleep, which was actually quite sweet because you kept talking in your sleep," He smiled. I got up and stretched. I kind of fell backwards and Jake extended his hand before I could fall. He put his hands around my waist and pulled me closer. I looked up at him and smiled. Then we kissed. It was soft and passionate. He asked for an entrance and I permitted him. I ran my hands through his hair and I could feel him rubbing my back. Then he pulled away and I let myself breath again.

"Jake I talked to Mom today and I told her about us and guess what she asked me?" I said still my hands locked behind his neck.

"Something embarrassing?" he guessed.

"She asked me if you were a good kisser!" I said.

"And what did you say," he asked me as he smiled mischievously.

"Well I said you weren't that bad," I said playing his game.

"Oh, really?" he questioned giving me a smirk that said two can play this game. I nodded. Then suddenly he lifted me up and when I started to scream he put me down. I lay down and he came on top of me. Before I could utter another word he kissed me deep and hard. I kissed him back and then I finally pulled away.

"Get off Jake, I'm going to be crushed if you don't," I said. He finally did and I could breathe better now.

"So how bad am I?" he asked smirking at me and knowing the answer already.

"You are really bad," I said as I sat up.

"I'm glad you think that," He said. Then he started stroking my thigh.

"Jake, can we please eat, I'm hungry," I said hoping he'd stop stroking my thigh.

"Am I bothering you?" He asked in an innocent voice. I got up and sat across from him. Jake came over and sat beside me. I tried to push him away but he was too strong. I gave up and rested on his shoulder. Finally he opened the basket and we ate. I ate like a pig. I felt hungry. After lunch I rested my back on the oak tree. Jake laid his head in my lap and we talked as I played with his hair. I kept bending down to kiss him. After a while I lay down beside him. We faced each other and Jake tucked my hair behind my ear.

"Soph, you are really beautiful," He said. I smiled at him and moved closer to him. I kissed him briefly on the lips. In my mind I realized how lucky I was to have someone care so much about me.

"Jake, thanks for taking care of me," I said.

"Sophie, I care about you, I always have and always will," he said quietly.
"I always had a crush on you, especially in high school when you started dating other guys, I was jealous. I always wanted to kiss you but I didn't know how you felt about me. Then when you got hurt that night, I decided that you needed a friend not a boyfriend so I did my best to hide my feelings," He said.

"You are too nice, Jake it makes me sad how hard it is find someone like you," I said.

"Sophie I never thought I would get this lucky in my life," Jake said as he caressed my cheek. I gave him a sad smiled. I pulled him closer so that there wasn't any space between. I kissed him on his nose and then kissed him on the lips. I lost myself in the kiss. I knew no other moment could ever rebuild this beautiful moment. After we pulled away Jake rested his forehead against mine. We talked for a while and then decided to go back. The drive was quiet but we didn't need to talk. It was a sweet silence. I felt tears forming in my eyes. One rolled down my cheek and Jake wiped it away. I realized he had stopped driving. We were in the middle of the road.

"Jake why did you stop driving?" I asked.

"Are you all right, Soph? Why are you crying?" Jake asked alarmed.

"Jake it's just that night, it was horrible," I said breaking down. Jake came closer to me and held me. I wiped my last tears and looked up at Jake. His eyes were closed and I could tell he was thinking because of the lines on his forehead.

"I'm awake," Jake said.

"Sorry for breaking down," I said. At this Jake opened his eyes and looked at me with a pained expression.

"Soph dear, why do you always apologize. It's not your fault. I just want to go kill that bastard for hurting you so much," he said.

"Jakey, we should go now," I said as I looked at the clock. Jake nodded and pulled me beside him. His hand was behind my back as I rested my head on his shoulder as he drove. We finally reached the parking. Jake and me walked hand in hand. We both went up to my room. Dana wasn't there, which meant she was sleeping in Connor and Jake's room. Jake pulled the covers over me as I lay on the bed. I tugged at his hand and asked him to stay for the night. He lay down beside and I slept beside him. He was warm and I snuggled into him and fell asleep.