Lets Get To Know Each Other..*SUMMER*

[AppleJacks967]

I sat down at the small table in the cafe and sipped on my latte. I watched out the window and waited for Ty. I watched as he led Lyric out of the woods. I felt so great. I knew this had to work out. He was perfect for me. I was perfect for him. My plan was to ask him out after lattes, and hope he'd say 'yes'.

The waiter came by and ask me if I wanted a refill. I said 'yes' and waited for him to come back. He soon returned with a nice, hot cup. I carefully sipped it. This cold weather was getting to me. My fingers were a bit numb, but the hot cup was soothing my throbing fingers.

My cellphone suddenly rang. The number was registed 'Unknown'. I felt confused, but answered it anyway.

'Hello,' I answered,' Oh...uhmm..Hey Jake. I'm, great...I guess. How abou...Well actually, I am in the middle of something. Err...Sure I guess. M'Bye.'

Wow. That was odd. Jake, my ex, called. He said he was in town. I had to tell Ty, but I felt highly uncomfortable. I told Jake I'd call him back, but I really didnt feel like it. I wanted to spend the rest of the day, uniterrupted, with Ty. But I supposed I ought to tell him anyway. I silently waited for Ty to arrive.

[summerstorm]

Leading Lyric from the woods, I took off her saddle, smoothing her warm back. I set it on the hitching post, then tied up Lyric in a quick release knot. Giving her a pat, I gave her a treat silently telling her to behave herself. "Jet!" I called my German Shepherd, and saw him come boudning out from the trees. Taking his leash, I tied him up as well, making sure that they were both content.

I advanced towards the cafe, the easy breeze ruffling my dark hair into my eyes. I pushed the door open and took a look around, seeing Jennifer, I made my way to her table. I noticed how uncomfortable she looked, and wondered what was going on.

"Hey. Is everything alright?"

I asked, sitting down at the table. A waiter came by, and asked me what I'd like to order. I told him a coffee, then turned back to Jennifer, giving her a small smile. The waiter came back with my coffee, and I took a sip.

[AppleJacks967]

I watched as Ty tied Jet ad Lyric up next to General. I heard Ty ask me if eveything was okay. I had to tell him about Jake calling. I saw him offer a slight smile, and so did I. I felt very uncomfortable talking about Jake to anyone else but mysef, but I had feelings for Ty, and this relationship with him didnt seem all so impossible.

" No. Not really. Remember my ex I told you about? Well, he just called to tell me he was in town. I am really anxious to avoid him at all costs."

I sipped my latte somemore. I glanced over at General through the window to make sure he was okay. Then I returned my look at Ty. I felt like I could tell him everything. It was like he could understand me. I loved him....alot.

[summerstorm]

I sat back in my chair while I awaited Jennifer to speak. Taking a glance out the window, I could see people walking by the horses and Jet, and seeing their wary faces looking at Jet made me laugh slightly to myself. People could get the total wrong impression from the way Jet looked, although he wouldn't hurt a thing. Turning back to Jennifer, I took a drink of my coffee, then set it down on the table. No. Not really. Remember my ex I told you about? Well, he just called to tell me he was in town. I am really anxious to avoid him at all costs. Giving a nod, I thought of what to say.

"Yeah, I remember."

Then, seeming like that may have sounded rude, I added a comment.

"I don't want to get into anyone's buisness, but after what he did I don't think he should have the right to see you."

I looked down at the table, trying not too seem too obvious about anything. Listening about other people's pasts made me remember mine... that was what I was most afraid of. My past wasn't something I wanted to remember. I hated it. It was something nobody should have to live. Suddenly, I was lost in my own thoughts.

[AppleJacks967]

I listened to him. He sounded like someone left him too. I felt sorry for him too. I rubbed his arm with my hand gently and smiled warmly at him. I sipped my latte some more. Now was the time to ask him. I had to forget about Jake. I didnt want to remember anymore of the bad times. It was needed to be forgotten. I looked at him, and I admit, I was nervous, but it was better than waiting too long.

" Ty...there is something I need to ask you. Ever since the day I met you...which is today...I wanted to...ask you...to go out with me."

I gulped anxiously. I felt very nervous at this point. I had never been so nervous to ask someone out before, but Ty was special. He meant alot to me. I really did feel like I belonged with him. I put my gaze outside and then looked back at him.

" So...what do you say? Will you...go out with me?"

I asked carefully. I felt butterflies in my stomach. I stared into his chocolate eyes, and became lost in them.

[summerstorm]

I could feel her hand graze my arm gently, and I gave a small, efforting smile. I could see that she was nervous, and I braced myself for what I thought she was going to say. Ty...there is something I need to ask you. Ever since the day I met you...which is today...I wanted to...ask you...to go out with me. Looking up at her, my eyes were nervous and slightly anxious. She had asked me. I hesitated for a moment, not knowing what to say. I didn't want to hurt her. Otherwise, I would have said yes right away. So...what do you say? Will you...go out with me? I looked out the window for a moment, swallowing hard. I didn't want her to think I didn't like her.

"I don't want to hurt you, Jennifer. I..I...."

I didn't know what to say. I didn't know how to make her understand. I loved her. I really did. However, before we got into a relationship, I felt like she needed to know my past.

"Life... well it hasn't been easy."

I told her, my eyes careful as I looked at her.

[AppleJacks967]

I felt crushed. I looked away. Pinning back tears. I then looked at him. Pain struck through my eyes. I wondered what could've happened to him. Truth was, I held a secret. I wasnt sure he needed to know. But I would tell him anyway. I had to. I felt like he loved me, but I wasnt sure. I needed to tell him this now.

" Ty. I understand. I need to tell you something. When I was thirteen, something devastating happened to me. I was sleeping at my uncle's house, and in the middle of the night, he came in...and he..."

I cut myself off there. I couldnt finish that sentence. It was unbearable. That may've been quite a few years ago, but I will never live it down. I anxiously looked up at Ty. I wanted to know what happened to him.

" He raped me."

I felt the tears start. I wiped them away, but it didnt help. I put my head down on my arms. I stared at the ground. I felt misunderstood. But I felt like I was being a burden on Ty.

[summerstorm]

I looked down at the table, avoiding looking at her tears. Ty. I understand. I need to tell you something. When I was thirteen, something devastating happened to me. I was sleeping at my uncle's house, and in the middle of the night, he came in...and he... I knew the end to the sentence. Looking up at her, I looked into her eyes. He raped me. I felt her pain. I knew what it was like. I moved my chair closer to her, and enclosed her in a hug. Removing my arms from her, I wiped the tears from her eyes.

"I know how you feel..."

For a moment, all I did was look down at my hands. I felt so much sympathy for Jennifer, but my own past was getting in the way. I hated it. I promised myself it wouldn't take over my life. But it was.

"When I was.. younger, my mom married this new guy. He was... well lets just say I don't know what my mom saw in him. I promised myself that when I got older, I would pay him back for everything... and I did. Probably would have killed him if the neighbors didn't call the cops.."

My past was... well, I was afraid of anyone knowing. I was afraid that Jennifer would see me differently now. I couldn't look up.

"I don't regret what I did. I'd do it again if I had to.."

I swallowed hard, my mind whirling with images, images of my past.

[AppleJacks967]

(( Can I have a day to reply?))

[summerstorm]

((Awee why ? It's okay if its short))

[AppleJacks967]

I listened to his kind voice. I felt warmth as he embraced me in a hug. I felt great when he wiped my tears away, but it didnt fill the void inside of me. I looked at him. I heard him speak with rage in his vocals. I didnt feel disgusted or horrified by him, but surprised. I couldnt believe someone as kind and caring as Ty could do such a thing. I know he didnt kill his stepfather, but he did beat him down pretty good.

"Oh my god. I am...I am really sorry. Its okay. Ty...I love you."

I spoke cautiously. I hugged him back, then waved to the waiter. I asked for somemore latte and then waited for him to come back. I stared at Ty. The vibe I had of him...it was alot different that intially thought. He was a better person. This showed that he stood up for himself. He didnt let anybody throw him around like a ragdoll without getting back at them. I liked that....alot.

" Truth is, I never really liked my foster...parents."

I looked down at my boots. I rested my head on my hands and then peered out of the window. I quickly jumped up and rushed out of the door. General had gotten loose and was trying to breed Lyric. I grabbed General's leadrope and tied it back to the post. I then ran back into the cafe and sat down in my seat.

[summerstorm]

I took one glance at her suprised face, and guessed that this was all over. I mean, could I really blame her? Oh my god. I am...I am really sorry. Its okay. Ty...I love you. I looked back up as she spoke, and I almost wondered why she didn't walk out on me right then. As she hugged me back, I barely noticed as she called a waiter over for a refill. My coffee was empty, but I didn't feel much like drinking anymore. I ran my hand through my thin hair as it fell down the side of my face. Truth is, I never really liked my foster...parents. I listened to her speak, but didn't say anything. Sometimes, you just know when there isn't anything to say.

My thoughts were disturbed as I hurt the screeching of Jennifer's chair against the floor, and watched as she rushed outside. I gave a small laugh, I guess we hadn't taken into consideration that General was a stallion. I rushed outside to help her, as Lyric was kicking out at General. She doesn't let anyone push her around. I grabbed her lead rope and brought her back on all fours from a rear, and watched as Jennifer tied General back up to the hitching post.

I followed Jennifer back into the cafe, and sat back down. Giving her a smile, I shook my head at the stallion's attempt. My cell phone started to ring, and I gave an appologetic look to Jennifer, and stood up.

"I have to take this."

I told her, then turned to walk out of the cafe. I answered the phone, and immediatley regreted it. "Yes, yes I know that. Its fine. I just got caught up in something. It's nothing. Look, I'll be home soon!" It was the owner of the ranch I worked at. Well, not really worked. What I hadn't told Jennifer, was that I was still on probation. I was supposed to be back at the ranch by 1:00 pm, and it was now 2:30pm.

I walked back into the Cafe, and sat back down at the table. I hoped that she wouldn't ask who it was, I didn't really want to have to lie.

"Sorry about that."

I gave her an apologetic smile, my dark eyes looking into hers. I knew I should really be leaving, but I didn't want this to end.

[AppleJacks967]

I watched as he helped me with Lyric and General. We went back into the cafe and sat down. Then his phone rang. I listened to his voice. Then he hung up. I wondered who it was, but I didnt care. As long as he didnt have to go. This was the best day of my for quite awhile. I loved just sitting there with him in complete silence. I felt my phone vibrate, but I ignored it. I reached in my jacket pocket and turned it off. I smiled at him, my emerald eyes glowing.

" Do you have to go somewhere? Sorry for holding you up."

I asked him contentedly. I loved everything about Ty. His heart, his personality, his looks. He was Mr. Perfect. Everyone has a history, and whether its good or bad, you cannot judge them on that past for the future. Everyone and everything changes. And I know that from experience. I felt that with Ty, life would be a whole lot better than it had been.

" Do you have a job? I've been looking for one lately, and need some suggestions."

I asked him. I smiled and sipped on my warm latte again. I watched as a familiar face waltzed into the door. 'Oh no'. I thought silently to myself. It was Jake, of all people. I looked at Ty, worry flickering in my eyes. I looked in the other direction. But it wasnt good enough.

" Hey, Jennifer, is that you? Wow, you look great."

I heard Jake speak. I shuttered. I felt uncomfortable and sick to my stomach. I feebishly looked up at him and I placed my leg near Ty's. I felt safe around him. I knew he would get rid of Jake if I needed it possible.

" Uhmm...oh yeah, hey. And thanks...I guess."

I sheepishly spoke to him. I didnt make anymore eye contact. All I did was stare at Ty. I felt like screaming. My ex and the one I loved were surrounding me and all I wanted was to be alone with Ty.

" Why dont you, and just you come with me to walk around town some?"

I dreaded this moment. I slid my chair against the wall and rested my head on my knuckles. I felt like vomiting on Jake's shoes. I didnt want him here, and I hope I made it obvious to Ty.

" Well...actually no. I dont. I am with someone."

I said pointing to Ty. This...was turning into the worst day of my life.

[summerstorm]

Do you have to go somewhere? Sorry for holding you up. I listened to her soft voice. I gave a shake of my head, my dark brown hair falling into my eyes. Yeah, I knew that I should be going. But I really could care less. I didn't want this to end.

"No, don't worry about it."

I told her, calling a waiter over for a refill of coffee. Holding out the cup so he could fill it, I turned my face back to Jennifer, giving her a soft smile. Taking a sip, I slowly put it down to avoid spilling it. Do you have a job? I've been looking for one lately, and need some suggestions. My smile was wiped off my face for a moment, but I quickly recovered, not knowing if I should tell her about my probation.

"Uhh... yeah, I guess you could say that.."

I told her, feeling slightly uncomfortable. I followed her gaze toward someone just coming into the cafe, and I guessed who it was. Jake, her ex. I could see her face drop at the sight of him, and I could feel her come closer to me. Hey, Jennifer, is that you? Wow, you look great. His words replayed in my mind. It annoyed me a lot that he didn't take any consideration for the person she was talking to, meaning me. Swallowing hard, I looked to Jennifer, and gave her a reasurring look. Why dont you, and just you come with me to walk around town some? I listened to him, watching Jennifer more than him. People like this bothered me, but I somehow managed to keep from yelling at him.

"I don't think that's a good idea."

I told him, standing up from my seat, and coming in between him and Jennifer. My eyes were hard as I stared at him, and I tried to keep as calm as possible as I fought my temper.

[AppleJacks967]

I listened to Ty's sweet voice. And I watched as he stood between Jake and I. I felt protected. I felt...loved. Something I hadnt felt since...Jake. Him being here, he ruined it all. The moment was perfect until he waltzed in. I felt highly uncomfortable though. I didnt want Ty and Jake to get in a fight, even though I knew neither of them were like that. But I knew what Ty was capable of. I didnt want either of them to get hurt...but Jake did hurt me.

" Oh, and who do you think you are? She must've found herself a maid."

I heard Jake make the comment. I stood up immiediately and confronted him. I had nothing but pure anger in my eyes. I glared devishly at him. I wanted him to go away and quit interrupting my personal life. No, quit interrupting my life period.

" I swear on ym life Jake, if you don't leave me alone, I will beat you to the death."

I meant what I said. I balled my fists up and rushed out the door. I went and stood by General and Lyric. I gave them both some carrots and treats. I waited for Ty. I was sure he'd follow, if he didnt beat Jake's ass first. I was filled with rage at him. I loved Ty and didnt want to remember Jake anymore. He was the worst of my memories. I wanted to remember Ty. Forever and for always.

" Look here, buddy. You better back off Jennifer. She stills loves me and I know it. If you dont stay away from her...I'll teach you my way."

(( Jake said that last thing))

[summerstorm]

Oh, and who do you think you are? She must've found herself a maid. My anger level rose as I heard him speak. It was already enough that he had so rudely interupted, but now he was testing my authority? I had enough. Before I had the chance to speak, I heard Jennifer stand up behind me, and speak sternly to him. I swear on my life Jake, if you don't leave me alone, I will beat you to the death. I knew that Jennifer had left, even if I hadn't taken my eyes off Jake. Look here, buddy. You better back off Jennifer. She stills loves me and I know it. If you dont stay away from her...I'll teach you my way. I listened, my anger level rising again another noch.

"You call that love? Listen man, it's up to her whether she wants to see you, not mine or yours. And she doesn't. So do yourself the favour, and back off."

My voice was loud and stern, and I pushed him out of the way with my shoulder, then made my way to the counter. I payed for mine and Jennifer's drinks, then made my way out, but not before giving an enforcing look to Jake. He wasn't to go near her. I would make sure of that.

"You alright?"

I asked Jennifer, as I reached her. Lyric nudged my arm for attention, but I only gave her a small pat, without taking my eyes off Jennifer. Jake was a jerk. There was no doubt in my mind that he was one of those people who just expected others to serve him. And, I also knew that he expected Jennifer to come crawling back to him, after he was the one who screwed up.

[AppleJacks967]

I listened as the bell dinged when Ty exited the cafe. I looked at him with tears half soaken my face. I embraced him in a hug and felt protected. I wanted him and nobody else. I felt emense anger towards Jake for ruining this. I wanted so badly to run to him after he came out of the cafe and punch him dead in the nose. Would've made me feel a whole lot better. And so when he did run out of the cafe and came over to me with a questioning look, I threw a gnarly punch.

" I told you to stay away...now face the consequences of not listening."

I spoke viciously towards Jake. I glared at him through slits and the smirked at blood dripped from his nose. He deserved. I actually didnt know I was capable of such things. I felt power somewhat. But I didnt let it override my mind. I looked back at Ty. I kicked dirt in Jake's face as he kneeled on the ground.

" You...yeah, you that guy. You'll pay for this. You hear me? Pay. I mean it. Dont even think of touching Jennifer."

Jake immediately jumped up and Took me by the waist and kissed me on the lips. I felt sickened and horrified. I tried to pull away, but he was too strong. I felt helpless. Blood dripped on my jacket and I immediately jumped back. I hated blood. Besides, Jake my have some disease. That made me laugh in my head. I ran to Ty's side and then felt protected.

" You...you freak....whats wrong with you?"

I asked him while I wiped my lips off. I watched him approach Ty. He held his hands in a fist. I backed up towards General and Lyric. I felt uncomfortabled.

" You stupid little idiot. I hope you get jacked up....dont give her any diseases."

[summerstorm]

My arms wrapped around Jennifer as she clung to me, crying. I let her rest her head on my shoulder for a moment, then let her go as Jake came out of the cafe. I told you to stay away...now face the consequences of not listening. I watched as she threw a punch at him, blood now trickling from his nose. My dark hair fell into my eyes as I stared at the scene of Jake on the ground, and Jennifer standing over him. You...yeah, you that guy. You'll pay for this. You hear me? Pay. I mean it. Dont even think of touching Jennifer. My anger at Jake rose as he grabbed Jennifer by the waist and kissed her. That is it! I thought, and stood in front of Jennifer as she jumped back from Jake. You...you freak....whats wrong with you? I stood still, not moving backwards as he walked towards me, his hand held in a fist. I ignored what he said, and concentrated on his movements, waiting to take control.

"You want to try that again?"

I asked, pushing him back from me, my hand coming into a fist by my side. I pushed him back, my eyes hard and glaring at his. Soon, I clenched my fist harder by my side, then brought it up, my other hand grabbing his shirt by the neck. Bringing my fist back, I aimed a punch at him, waiting to see my hand connect with his face.

[AppleJacks967]

I watched as Ty's clenced fist made breaking contact with Jake's already broken nose. I felt like laughing in Jake's face but I resisted. I just stood by the horses. I heard Ty's tone of anger rise as he confronted Jake. I felt protected more than ever before. I knew he would protect me through anything. I felt loved and wanted.

" You son of a bitch. I hope you die."

I heard Jake angrily say to Ty. I watched as he threw a punch at Ty. I shuttered and my spine trickled. I looked away. I couldnt watch Ty get hurt. So I didnt. I ran up behind Jake and grabbed him steadily by the hair. I kneed him in the back of the head, but not too hard. I ripped some of his hair out. I kicked him in the back of the legs. I then went to face him beside Ty.

" You ever come back around, and I swear...that'll be the last time anyone ever sees you. Now..leave me the hell alone. I dont and never again will I love you..."

My tone was harsh and serious. I meant what I said. I didnt want him causing anymore corruption in my life. I was over and done with him. He caused too much trouble already...I needed no more, and niether did Ty. I walked back to General and mounted him. I waited for Ty.

" You...Ty, I'll be back. Jennifer, I swear this wont be the last time you see me...I promise you that."

I heard Jake say very snotty. He broke from Ty's grip and ran. I knew he was always a wimp. I took Lyric's lead and walked her over to Ty while riding General. I needed to leave this blood-covered ground. I wanted to talk to Ty...and that was it.

[summerstorm]

I felt my clenched fist make contact with Jake's nose. Jake's blood ran down my hand. You son of a bitch. I hope you die. I moved away as he tried to punch me, but his hand still caught the side of my head, close to my eye. Blood trickled down the side of my face, my own blood this time. Before I knew it, Jennifer was there, kicking and kneeing Jake over and over, then coming to stand beside me. You ever come back around, and I swear...that'll be the last time anyone ever sees you. Now..leave me the hell alone. I dont and never again will I love you... I would make sure that she would never have trouble with him again. Me, on the other hand, I figured I would see him again sometime. I knew he'd be back. You...Ty, I'll be back. Jennifer, I swear this wont be the last time you see me...I promise you that. Jake's words confirmed my thoughts, and I felt him break free from my grip, then ran. Coward... I remember thinking.

My hand reached up to the side of my head, beside my left eye. There was a deep gash from Jake's fist, but hey, once a guy's been in jail, there ain't much he hasn't experienced. It was nothing, really. I wiped the blood from myself onto my jeans, then walked to Lyric, and took her lead from Jennifer. I mounted Lyric, my hand grazing her neck to calm her from the excitement.

"Let's get out of here."

I told Jennifer, then without wasting even a minute, I got Lyric into a trot, planning to go somewhere else to speak with her. This wasn't the time, or place, where people were already staring at us from the fight. I felt more blood trickle down the side of my face, but didn't bother to wipe it. I didn't care. I stopped Lyric, then looked back to see if Jennifer was coming.

**So, how are we going to end this? Should we make a new thread somewhere else, then continue on so that they can talk? hehe I like this plot **