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Round One Original Section

Written By PK, CsChallenge Coordinator

Toni and Jared stood facing each other, unsettling thoughts running through their minds, wondering what was happening to their relationship.

"What do I do, baby?" he asked. "Tell me and I'll do it."

"You have to go help your family. They need you." Jared looked at her, questionably. She knew she had to say more. "I need you too, but I have Kara here to help me."

He rolled his eyes and shook his head. "That makes me feel great. You say you need me then tell me Kara will take my place."

"Kara is not going to take your place. She can't!"

"I feel like you are pushing me away." His body posture reinforced the remark.

"You asked what I thought. I told you. I'm sorry it isn't the answer you wanted. Why do you ask me things and then not listen to what I have to say?"

"Don't start that again," he said simply.

"Fine," she said as she got her purse. "I'm going home. When you decide what you're going to do, let me know."

"Toni, please don't go. I don't want to argue with you." There was resignation in his voice; arms open to her, palms up, pleading.

Wanting him to stay, needing him, Toni stepped into his arms. But this wasn't just her decision to make.

Jared pulled her into a tight embrace. "Come with me," he whispered, lips against hers.

"Jared, you know I can't. At least not right now. Maybe in a couple of weeks I can come see you."

His voice was pleading. "I want you with me. I love you. I need you. I don't think I could make it one week without feeling your touch, or your breath against my skin."

She pulled his mouth down to meet her parted lips. They kissed slowly, each giving and taking from the other.

"Let me give you some memories to take with you, " she whispered, smile promising pleasures that made him weak, kissing him again.

Within minutes they were naked in each other's arms. After they made love, Toni sat up and brushed a few damp hairs away from her flushed cheeks.

"Are you still going?"

He sat up and sighed. "I don't want to. But I really don't have a choice, do I?"

"Truth?" she asked, snuggling closer.

"Please." He kissed her ear.

"You'll regret it if you don't." She paused and looked into his eyes. "I think it would be good for you. It would be good for us."

"How's that? Absence makes the heart grow fonder?"

"Yeah. It'll make us stronger." She lay back down and stretched her arms above her head.

Jared looked down at her, affection overflowing large dark eyes. "I love you. I'll always love you . . . "

"I love you too," she smiled, pulling him back down to her.

As they laid together, each was thinking about the past, present and future together. It was a few minutes before she spoke.

"It may be a while before we are lying together like this again."

"I know," he replied, nodding. "We'll make it through this." He looked at his watch. "Sweetie, do you have anything to do this afternoon? If I'm gonna go, I have some shopping to do. Want to come with me?"

"I promised Kara I'd help her with something." She looked at Jared's watch. "In fact, looks like I'm gonna be late. Can we meet for dinner?"

"Mom's got me scheduled on an evening flight."

Getting up, Toni started to get dressed. "I'll call Kara and tell her I can't make it."

"No baby. Go. I'll come by on my way to the airport. Just in case I don't get to see you later, let me say goodbye to you now." He reached up and pulled her back into his arms, kissing her tenderly. "Do you think Kara will be mad if you're late?"

"She might, but I won't."