Jenna headed for the front door. She couldn’t believe Dylan hadn’t told her that his birthday was so close. She had no idea what to get him, but she wanted it to be special. There had to be a store in the mall where she could find something for him.
After getting everything in the grocery store and putting it in the car, Jenna decided that she did want to get decorations. She looked around at the stores to see where the party store was. Finally finding it, she made her way there. She didn’t want to get much, maybe just some streamers and a Happy Eighteenth Birthday banner. She decided on some dark blue and red streamers that they would hang above the banner that she located one aisle over from the steamers. With that in hand, she headed for the check out.
“So, you’re Arlene’s niece,” the short thin lady behind the counter asked as she looked at the credit card.
“Yes, I am.” Jenna bit her lip wondering if the woman was going to give her a hard time about using the card.”
“How do you like it here?” she asked as she bagged the streamers and banner.
“It’s nice. You have a great town.”
“Thanks,” the woman responded as she handed Jenna the bag and card back. “It’s nice to meet you. Have a good day.” The woman smiled at Jenna as she took her things and left the store.
Next, she needed to get Dylan’s gift, but she had no idea what to get him. She walked around the mall window-shopping to see if anything piqued her interest, but nothing really did. Then as she walked past a small thrift store, she saw the perfect gift. A small table and chairs set. It would be perfect for when he renovated the barn loft.
A bell chimed as Jenna entered the small store that was filled with an assorted variety of items for sale. She headed for the cashier whose chin was resting on her chest and her eyes half-closed sitting in a rocking chair. Jenna swore she was half-asleep behind the counter.
“Excuse me. Do you offer any kind of delivery service?” Jenna asked.
The elderly women stood and slowly made her way to the counter. “Yes, dear, for an extra fifteen dollars we do. And, the location has to be within the town limits.”
“Great.” Jenna walked over to the table set and checked it over. She was sure no one would think of getting him something like this. She wanted to show him she believed in his future plans, and she would help him if he wanted her to.
“I’ll take the table and chairs please.” Jenna walked back over to the register and handed the lady Arlene’s card. “Could you please deliver it to Arlene’s Apple Orchard?”
“Sure, but it won’t be until tomorrow,” The lady replied as she swiped the card.
“That’s fine. Thank you very much.”
The woman handed Jenna back the credit card and smiled. “Have a good day, dear,”
“You too,” Jenna replied, and then headed out the door and back to her car. With that out of the way, she had done everything on her list. She climbed in the car and headed back home to see what else she could do.
JENNA woke the next morning excited about the party that afternoon. She quickly dressed and rushed downstairs to see what else needed to be done. She found Arlene and Dylan in the kitchen.
“Good morning,” she said as she walked in.
“Good morning,” they said in unison.
Dylan smiled at her then returned his attention back to Arlene.
“I hope you don’t mind,” she said, “but I need you to go back and get some more fertilizer. They were supposed to give you twenty bags but only gave you fifteen. That won’t be enough to do all the trees, and we need to get them done this weekend,” Arlene told him.
“Do they know I’m coming?” Dylan asked.
“Yes, I called yesterday when we realized they’d shorted you. They said to just come back and they would give you the rest.”
“Okay, I better head out then if I need to be back by two for the delivery of the new baskets.”
“Just give me a call when you’re on your way home,” Arlene told Dylan.
“Not a problem.” Dylan smiled at Jenna once more then headed out the back door.
“I’ll be right back,” Jenna told Arlene then followed Dylan out the door. “Wait up,” she called as she hurried to catch up with him.
Dylan stopped and turned around. “Hey, what’s up? Sorry about leaving without saying hello, but I don’t want Arlene to think our relationship is going to get in the way of my job.”
“That’s okay, I understand. Did I tell you I met your dad yesterday when he came to fix the railing? He was nice,” Jenna said as they walked toward the truck.
“Really, he didn’t tell me. When I got home last night, he was holed up in his office dealing with some kind of church business. He was gone by the time I got up this morning, which is unusual. But, let’s not talk about him.” Dylan took her in his arms “How about I pick you up when I get off of work and we go somewhere, just the two of us.”
Jenna smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Sounds like a plan.”
Dylan leaned down and kissed her, then took a step back. “I’ve got to go. The sooner I get done with work, the sooner I can kiss you again.”
Jenna laughed. “I’ll see you tonight. I love you.” Jenna froze. Had she really said that out loud?
Dylan paused for a moment then climbed in his truck and drove away.
Devastated, Jenna shook her head. She couldn’t believe this was happening. Had she just ruined things with the one person she needed in her life right now. She turned around and ran back to the house. She hurried past Arlene who was still in the kitchen and ran up the stairs almost knocking Alex over at the top. She pushed past him and rushed into her room.
“Jenna, what’s wrong?” Alex asked following her.
“Nothing, please leave me alone,” Jenna mumbled as she sat on the window seat and pulled her knees up to her chest.
“It’s Dylan, isn’t it?” Alex crossed his arms over his chest.
“Please don’t start, Alex.” Jenna stared out the window.
“Jenna, you must know that dating him only puts him in danger. They’ll use anyone you’re close to, to hurt you.”
Jenna turned and looked at Alex. “I know, but don’t I deserve to be happy?”
“I’m not saying that, but ask yourself this. Were you really that unhappy before your mom died? You can be happy without putting others in danger.”
Jenna thought for a moment then nodded. “I was, but not as happy as I am with Dylan, so stop trying to get me to break up with him.”
“You know what, do what you want! But, when he gets hurt, you have no one else to blame but yourself!” Alex turned and left the room slamming the door behind him.
Jenna continued staring out the window. She would talk to Dylan tonight about what had happened and fix things between them. Yes, that’s what she would do. She took a deep breath in, then slowly released it, got up and headed back downstairs.
“Hey, Arlene, what can I do to get ready for the party?” Jenna asked.
“Are you okay?” Arlene asked.
“Yes, I just had something in my eye. All better now.”
“Good,” Arlene replied. “So, all we have to do for the party is decorate, and get the food ready. I’m heading into town now to pick up the cake.”
“Okay, I’ll take care of setting up while you’re out. Oh, I forgot, the thrift shop is going to be delivering a table and chairs set. It’s for Dylan and needs to go in the loft in the barn.”
Arlene smiled. “I see he told you about our deal. That’s a great gift. I would never have thought about getting him something like that. All I got him was a bonus in his check.”
Jenna smiled. “I’m quite sure he’ll like that too.”
Arlene laughed as she grabbed her purse off the counter and headed for the door. “I’ll be back in a little while. Jenna, do me a favor, don’t let Alex get to you. I can tell he doesn’t approve of your dating Dylan. But, if you’re happy, then it shouldn’t matter what he thinks.”
&
nbsp; Jenna smiled; at least someone was behind her decision to date Dylan. “Don’t worry. I won’t let Alex come between us.”
“Good.” Arlene smiled and left the house.
Jenna busied herself with hanging the banner above the fireplace and draping streamers around it. She climbed off the chair she had been standing on and checked out her work. After deciding she was happy with the outcome, she headed to the kitchen to see what she could get ready in there. She searched the cupboards for some big bowls for the chips and pretzels, and pulled them out when she located them above the fridge. Then she set out the plates and cups on the island where she grabbed an ice bucket from under the sink. She would fill it with ice right before the party started. And, last she put all the soda out.
Arlene arrived home a few minutes after she finished. “Where are we putting the cake?” she asked as she came into the kitchen.
“I guess, over there on the counter.” Jenna pointed to an open space by the coffee maker.
Arlene set the cake down. “I see you’ve been busy. It looks good.”
“Thanks. What time did you have Alex tell everyone the party starts?”
“Well, I figure Dylan should be getting back around one so I had Alex tell everyone to be here by twelve just in case he’s early.”
“Good idea.” Jenna opened the cake box and peeked at the cake. “What kind is it?” she asked as she closed the lid.
“It’s marble cake with butter cream frosting.”
“Well, since everything is pretty much ready I’m going to go find something better to wear.” Jenna headed out of the kitchen then paused. “Arlene, have you seen Alex. I figured he’d be here helping.”
“He told me he forgot to invite someone and that he’d be back before the party started.”
Jenna thought it was weird that Alex slipped out right before the party. But, lately he was so unpredictable she didn’t know what to expect from him anymore. Well, at least he’s not here bugging me, she thought as she headed upstairs to her room to get ready.
The rest of the morning seemed to fly by and before she knew it, kids were starting to arrive. Dean and Tommy arrived first, followed by Carla and Jasmine. They were the only kids she knew.
“Does Dylan really know all these kids?” Jenna asked Jasmine, as she watched what was possibly the twenty-fifth kid come through the door.
“He’s very popular in school.”
“I see that, I hope we have enough food.”
“Make sure you order extra pizza,” Jasmine joked.
“Aunt Arlene already placed an order.”
“He’s almost here,” Arlene announced as she came up beside Jenna. “I’m going to go hide in my room while you guys enjoy yourself.”
“Wait, you’re not going to be at the party?” Jenna asked Arlene.
“No, it’s for you kids to celebrate with Dylan. I’ll come down if his parents decide to show up.”
“What do you mean decide to show up?”
“They were supposed to come, but his mom called this morning and said something came up and that they might not be able to make it.”
Jenna shook her head. She couldn’t believe his parents wouldn’t be here. But, then again by looking at the amount of kids she was sure Dylan wouldn’t even notice.
“Have a good time. You know where I am if you need anything. The pizza will be here any time now. It’s already paid for including the drivers tip,” Arlene said, and then headed upstairs to her room.
“Hey, Jenna,” Alex said coming up beside her. “The pizza guy just called and wanted to know if we could meet him at the end of the driveway, something about not being able to get up the driveway. Can you go get it?”
Jenna turned and looked at Alex. “Why me, why can’t you?” she asked annoyed.
“Listen, sis,” he said putting his arm around her shoulder. “You see that girl over there?” Alex pointed to a girl sitting on the couch. “I think she’s into me. I don’t want to leave and have someone else make their move on her.”
Jenna shrugged his arm off her shoulder. “Whatever. I’ll be right back.” Jenna grabbed the Jeep keys and headed out the door. Inside she was secretly hoping Alex and that girl would hit it off. Then maybe he would get off her back about dating Dylan. She drove down the driveway and looked for the pizza car but didn’t see it anywhere. But, what she did see crushed her. There, at the end of the driveway, was Dylan’s truck… and Sandra’s car. They were both standing in front of the car. Sandra had her arms wrapped around Dylan’s neck and they were kissing.
Jenna’s heart sank. She couldn’t believe she had been so stupid to believe that Dylan really liked her. She threw the Jeep into reverse, spun around and sped back to the house leaving behind a spray of gravel and dust.
JENNA slammed the Jeep into park, jumped out and ran into the house as Dylan’s truck pulled up behind her.
“Happy Birthday!” all the kids yelled as he got out of the truck, but he seemed to not even hear them as his gaze followed Jenna into the house and he quickly ran after her.
“Jenna, wait,” Dylan pleaded as he tried to get through the crowd of kids wishing him a happy birthday.
“Damn it,” Jenna whispered as she gathered her courage and slowly turned around. “What!” she exclaimed as he caught up with her and grabbed her arm. “You made your choice. I saw you with Sandra,” she hissed at him.
“Is that what you think?” Dylan asked.
“I saw you two kissing at the end of the driveway. What am I suppose to think?” Jenna turned to walk away, but Dylan stepped in front of her.
“Wait, we need to talk. You owe me at least that.”
Jenna glared at Dylan. “I owe you nothing! Now let me go!”
“Not until you talk to me. I won’t leave you alone until you hear my side!”
Jenna noticed the other kids were starting to stare, and the last thing she wanted to do was cause a scene. “Fine, but not here, we can talk in my room.” Jenna led Dylan up the stairs to her room and shut the door behind them.
“I need to talk to you about what happened earlier today,” Dylan said before Jenna could say anything.
Jenna’s pulse quickened, she needed to get away from him before something bad happened. “There’s no need. I can take a hint. I tell you I love you and you can’t get away from me fast enough. Now, please leave me alone so I can get on with my life without you.” She turned to leave, but Dylan stepped in her path.
“I’m not going to let you leave until you hear me out. Please, just give me five minutes,” Dylan said with a note of pleading in his voice. “And, if you still want to leave after that I won’t stop you.”
“Fine, five minutes. But, that’s it.” Jenna folded her arms across her chest and glared at Dylan, sure that anything he had to say wouldn’t change her mind.
Dylan took her hand and led her over to the window seat. He sat close to her keeping her hand in his.
“I’m sorry if I hurt you before,” he began. “It’s just that you threw me for a loop. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, that someone as great as you could love someone like me.”
Jenna pulled her hand free of his. “I know why you left. You don’t have to tell me you don’t feel the same way, I already know that. So, why don’t you just leave and we don’t ever have to talk again.”
“You don’t understand. I didn’t leave because I don’t love you.” Dylan ran his hand through his hair. “I left because I do! I wasn’t ready to admit it until you said it first. I needed to get some air. I’ve never told a girl I loved them before. It’s a big deal for me. The moment I drove away, I regretted it. When I got back here, Sandra flagged me down and asked me to help her change her flat tire. I told her to find someone else but she begged me.”
“You know how I feel about her. I don’t trust her,” Jenna spat.
“You were right not to trust her. She set the whole thing up. She knew if you saw us together, you would be mad. She didn’t have a flat tire. T
he moment she saw you coming down the road, she threw her arms around my neck and kissed me. What you didn’t see was me pushing her away. I told her the only girl for me was you.” Dylan grazed Jenna’s cheek with his hand. “Please, you have to believe me. I can’t bear the thought of losing you. I love you way too much. I never knew I could care for someone as much as I do you. I want to be with you and no one else.” Dylan moved closer to her until there was no room between them.
Jenna’s heart skipped a beat as Dylan pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Before she knew it, she was kissing him back. She did love him, and he loved her. Right now, that was all that mattered. She would deal with Sandra later. She thought back to the time when her mother had told her how it felt when she had fallen in love with her father. She now knew that although they both had known it was dangerous they couldn’t help but be together. She never wanted to leave the comfort of Dylan’s arms.
“Do you forgive me?” Dylan whispered in her ear.
Jenna knew she should tell him no, that she should leave him because staying with him meant endangering his life. She just couldn’t imagine having to give him up, when every look, every touch, even every thought drew her closer to him. It made her want him even more.
She loved Dylan. The question was, could she be with him and keep him safe from those who sought to destroy her and all those she was close to. Could she finally accept what her heart was telling her, that Dylan was her soul mate and no matter how hard she tried she could never stop loving him.
Then there was her secret. What would he do when he found out who she really was? Or to be exact, what she really was. Would it drive him away? Or, would he choose to love her for who she truly was?
“Yes, I forgive you,” Jenna whispered as he held her tight. “But, you need to promise me that no matter what you’ll stay away from Sandra. Let someone else be her knight in shining armor.”
“That’s not a problem. Now come on, let’s go enjoy my party.” Dylan took her hand and they headed down stairs.
****
Jonas crunched the cup he was holding as he watched Jenna and Dylan come down the stairs hand in hand. He couldn’t believe it; Jenna had forgiven him. What was it about that boy that she couldn’t resist? After all the trouble he had gone through with Sandra to get her to believe she still had a chance with Dylan and that she just needed to push a little more. He thought for sure when Jenna saw Dylan and Sandra kissing she would dump him once and for all.
Revelations (The Revelations Series Book 1) Page 19