coffee with a side order of heartache <3 closed ,,

[riley anne mackay]

i loved you with a fire red ,,
now its turning blue.

-outfit

Riley woke early as the sun crept in through the gap in the curtains. Glancing over she saw Zach had already left the bed and was probably on his way to work. Since returning to Strange Town Zach had already got a teaching job at the local high school yet Riley was still searching. Part of her had gotten lazy and just being back home made her feel at ease and the pressure to find work seemed to have slipped to the back of her mind.

She climbed out of bed and made her way to the bathroom, turning on the shower she undressed and stepped under the warm relaxing water. Riley could have stayed there all day especially with the new power shower they had installed but she knew she had to get out so after about 20 minutes she left the glass cubicle and turned to the sink. After a wash and brushing off her teeth she returned to her bedroom and began to search the closet for an outfit. She finally chose a simple combination of jeans and a patterned short sleeved shirt which she layed out on her bed.

The next step was her hair which she blow dryed before running the straightners over it to tame its natural curl and frizz. A light layer of foundation was then applied to her soft delicate complection before a flash of mascara and and gentle application of lip gloss making her set for the day. With her clothes on and her feet slid into her flip flops she grabbed her purse and keys and headed for the door.

Riley wasn't sure where she was going today maybe some shopping or visit some old friends but first stop was Starbucks. Riley needed her morning fix of the hot creamy liquid. When she had reached the building she stepped inside and approached the counter, ordering herself a caramel latte she took a seat with her drink and sat back to relax.

[jackson carter harper]

============

============
one touch can bring us closer
don't want this to be over

It was well after noon when the athletic built frame of the young man, finally, stirred beneath the sheets of his slightly uncomfortable bed. It was completely normal for Jack to sleep in about six hours longer than he would if he had to work. His sky blue orbs stared, blankly, at the digital alarm clock, sitting on the newly polished, oak dresser. The twenty-four year old's bed was about a foot away from the dresser, close enough so the lazy man wouldn't have to stretch as far to reach the "snooze" button on the clock. As the last digit turned from "0" to "1", the dark outline of the adult's athletic figure began to stir, again, first sitting up and then sliding out of the warm sheets. After standing and stretching a bit, Jack meandered to wards the washroom, the temperature of the honey floor boards sending chills up his legs. He slid along the wooden floor, in a folly sort of manner, and into the washroom, shutting and locking the door behind him.

Twenty minutes later, Jackson Harper, proudly, barged out of the washroom, a beige towel wrapped around his, somewhat, slim waist. He had a bit of a prattled conversation with himself as he meandered around his room, in search of some sort of decent outfit or attire, as he preferred to call it. After a, somewhat, interminable amount of time, they young man was clad in a red and white striped Polo, a pair of faded, slightly loose fitting blue jeans and his white Nikes. He examined his appearance in the small, wood framed mirror, hanging from the wall, popping the collar of his Polo up. He did have to admit, he looked exceptionally well today. Taking a last glance at his gelled dark brown hair, Jack grabbed his keys and wallet, and left the apartment. When he reached the outdoors, Jack inhaled the fresh air, and sighed, the aesthetic afternoon giving him a sort of jovial feeling. After enjoying the scenery for a few minutes, he hopped into his beloved red 1968 Pontiac Firebird and turned the engine on, the purring soothing his mind. Before he started driving, Jack pulled his seatbelt over him and fastened it into the lock. He proceeded out of the apartment's parking lot and turned onto the smooth, paved road, switching to fourth gear, being the reckless driver that he was. He switched the radio on and continued to surf through the stations until he found a station playing songs that were enough to satisfy his musical needs.

In a stretched amount of time, about an hour or longer, he reached Starbucks, in one piece. Jack, carefully, parked his car, along with the other vehicles, and shut the engine off. He stepped out of the car, the late evening sun casting a silhouette of his figure on the pavement, and made sure everything was locked and okay with his prized vehicle before walking, nonchalantly, to wards the entrance of the coffee shop. It was only then, when he was about to enter, that he realized what he wanted to drink, and it was nothing out of the ordinary. Indeed, Jack was the type of guy to make decisions at the last minute, whether if it was in his best interest or not. Like now, Jack was just deciding that he felt like drinking coffee with milk. Most people preferred cream over milk, but Jack thought cream was completely disgusting, considering it had more fat to it than milk did.

He entered through the set of double glass doors and made his way to the counter, waiting patiently for his turn to order. When that time came, Jack ordered exactly what he wanted, coffee with milk, paid the cost of his hot beverage, and then turned his attention to the tables. Like circlets of June sky, his orbs scanned the seating area, until the landed on a familiar feminine figure. At first, Jack was slightly confused as to how he knew this woman, but once the wheels in his head started working overtime, he knew exactly who she was; Riley Mackay. It was as if his childhood memories flooded his mind, a flashback really, to the relationship the two had shared before going their separate ways. Jack just continued to stand there, debating on whether or not he should go over and sit with her. After a smirk made its' way along his somewhat thin lips, Jack built up enough courage and walked, nonchalantly, to the table Riley was seated at.

Once Jack reached the table, he cleared his throat, slightly, and then looked her over before speaking, "Riley?" he questioned, wondering if it really was his high school sweetheart. If it wasn't, he would be pretty embarrassed, but it was definitely worth taking the chance to see if it really was her. I mean, honestly, the poor guy was still mixed up with the same feelings he had for her when the two were still attending high school, and having a chance to catch up with Riley was something he would enjoy doing.

[riley anne mackay]

i loved you with a fire red ,,
now its turning blue.

-outfit

The young brunette sat quietly in the corner of the coffee house flicking through a magazine she had found in her purse. Flicking the plastic pages back and forth her auburn orbs scanned the page not really taking in its content. Riley had never been one for gossip magazines like this, they were always filled with pure rubbish about people who's lives meant nothing to a young teacher from the suburbs. As much as Riley hated them there was also some kind of alure about them that made it sometimes hard to resist them.

Riley reached for her mug and leant her head back allowing the warm liquid to flow gently down her throat. As it moved down her insides and rested in her stomach it gave Riley a warm contented glow as she closed her eyes briefly and took a deep breath taking in that feeling and her surroundings. It was a quiet day making the coffee house seem somewhat of a mecca, usually it wuld be bustling with anxious mothers on their way to drop off the kids or late businessmen in a hurry to get to the office but today there were only a few people occupying the seats around Riley Mackay.

To her right Riley spotted a young couple, they could only have been about sixteen or seventeen. They sat opposite each other with their hands clasped tightly together. As they gazed lovingly into each others eyes Riley remembered that feeling of being totally in love for the first time. Sure Riley was in love with her fiance but it wasn't the first time the twenty four year old beauty had been in love. When she was seventeen Riley fell head over heels in love with Jackson Harper; the school jock and downright smart ass. They were great friends and Riley began to tutor him and before long she found something in him no one else saw. He was more than just a thingyy wise cracking jock; he had depth and intrest and she felt herself becoming more and more drawn to him each day.

Riley was heartbroken when their relationship ended and it was a long time before Riley thought she would find love again but she did with a great guy. Someone who loved and adored her and treated her like a princess. She honestly felt happy for the first time in forever, little did she know her life was about to be thrown into turmoil by the appearance of a familiar tall dark handsome man.

As Riley heard a voice she looked up with a smile wondering who out of the people she knew it could be. Her smile quickly fell as a look of confusion and shock plastered the young woman's features. She could not believe who stood before her, it was as if fate had read her thoughts and brought them to her. It had been only seconds ago Jackson Harper had been on her mind and here he was back in Strange Town. "Jack?" she said in a high voice filled with suprise, "what are you doing here" she managed to get out as her eyes locked with his.

[jackson carter harper]

============

============
one touch can bring us closer
don't want this to be over

The delightful aroma of coffee filling his nostrils was the one thing he enjoyed most about coming to any coffee shop. It was probably one of his favorite scents, considering the smell of the warm beverage was a familiar scent that was included in his daily routine. Indeed, Jack Harper was a caffeine addict and it showed in the relationships he shared with a lot of the cashiers at coffee shops, like this one. He was buying coffee so frequently that he developed a few friendships with some of the employees that worked here. Sure, he knew that caffeine wasn't the best for him, or anyone for that matter, but he couldn't help it; he just couldn't get enough of it.

His friendly smirk soon transformed into a soft smile, relieved and actually happy that Riley recognized him, as well. She hadn't changed too much in appearance since the last time he saw her, considering she was still gorgeous as ever. Jack couldn't help but wonder if she had changed at all on the inside. The smile she had held before seemed to have the same warmth it did back when they were in their teens. In all honesty, he missed Riley and what they had together. He had never experienced anything even close to what they shared. Sure, there was the relationship he had with his ex-wife, but the feelings in that died after awhile, unlike the feelings in the relationship he had with Riley.

Almost entirely forgetting about the coffee he was holding in his hand, Jack gave a light shrug with his shoulders before speaking, "I decided to move back here. Things weren't working very well back in L.A." he informed her, nodding slightly as he spoke, "What about you? What brings you back here?" he questioned her, a glaze of curiosity glittering in his eyes. Thins definitely weren't working that great back where he used to live, not only because of Roxanne, but also because he wasn't getting enough hours at work as he would have liked to have had. But all of that was in the past, now, and he was ready to start out fresh, as if none of it had ever really happened.

Jack couldn't help but linger his gaze to the seat across from Riley before meeting her gaze again. He didn't feel comfortable with just sitting down without asking, as if they were the best of friends. Sure, they used to be but their relationship slowly broke apart after they went to different secondary schools, "Do mind if I sit?" Jack asked her, raising his eyebrows slightly as he shifted is hand in the direction of the seat across from her. It would surprise him if she just said no, but he would also understand, somewhat, considering she might have things to do and such, or something of the sort.

[riley anne mackay]

i loved you with a fire red ,,
now its turning blue.

-outfit

Riley was completely overwhelmed right now, she never expected to be faced with Jackson Harper only a few days after arriving back in Strange Town. She didnt know what to say or how to react, the young girls mind was racing, she stared at her cup of coffee looking at the creamy liquid still and calm a complete contrast to the racing of her heart. As she looked back at Jack she felt her heart skip a beat as her palms moistened with the nerves that were pulsing through her body. Seeing him again brought back so many memories and feelings that she thought she had buried. She knew that deep down she still loved Jackson but things were complicated now, if she was single she would be lying if she said she wouldnt have tried to reignite the flame they had those years ago.

Riley listened as he spoke, his voice sending shivers down her spine as she remembered the soundof it saying her name and whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Pushing the magazine to one side she focused her attention on Jack as he threw her question back at her. "Well a friend of my dads passed away so we came back for the funeral and well..this is home" she said finishing with a chuckle. She hadn't planned on staying in Strange Town but after a long conversation with Zach they decided to give it a go after all this was their home.

Riley glanced down at her hands that were locked together her thumbs twiddling back and forth with nerves. Her eyes fell on her engagement ring causing her to slide her hands under the table sharply. After doing so Riley felt a pang of guilt, why was she hiding her engagement to Jackson, was it because she still had feelings for him? Well she knew that was true but she didnt even know if he was seeing anyone or was married or engaged. Things had changed alot from high school and she had no way of knowing if he was the same person she had fallen in love with.

Riley's mind flashed back to the first time her and Jackson spent any time together. It was their first tutoring session down on the boardwalk, she didnt know much about him back then and judged him on the rumors she had heard. He was the typical wise cracking, smart ass jock apparently, someone Riley would not normally associate with. Having to tutor him meant they grew to get to know each other a lot better and Riley's preconceived ideas about who Jackson was were squashed. She found something in him very few got to see and before long they fell in love. Riley still kept the crackerjack bracelet he had given her on their first tutoring session. She hadn't told Zach its origin and importance trying to avoide raking up old feelings. It was a simple plstic beaded bracelet worth nothing in monetary value but to Riley it held her past and her reminded her of the first time she fell in love.

[jackson carter harper]

============

============
one touch can bring us closer
don't want this to be over

Jack had to admit that he was feeling a little awkward about the whole situation at hand. I mean, the guy hasn't seen or heard from her for years, so it was somewhat normal for him to be feeling this way. Honestly, Jack just wanted to get through this point and skip ahead to being close friends again, and he was hoping more than that, as well. But, he would just have to see how things went along, and if Riley was even the same girl he had been in love with those number of years ago. Deep down inside, the young man hoped she was, considering he still had those same feelings he had for her when the two were in high school. Who could blame him? Not only was Riley gorgeous, and still is, but she was also a kind, caring and thoughtful person as well.

His only free hand found its' way up to the back of his neck, and he rubbed his neck, gently, for a moment, be fore realizing what he was doing. Jack then lowered his hand back down to his side, slipping it into the pocket of his jeans. Rubbing the back of his neck was a habit of his which happened whenever he was nervous or feeling a bit stressed. In this case, he was nervous, considering he hadn't really planned on having this reunion that was taking place at the moment. Jack took a swig of his coffee, after speaking, while he listened to Riley's reply. Swallowing the warm liquid, he sighed, quietly, "Oh, sorry to hear that. About your dad's friend, I mean." After speaking, he, mentally, smacked himself, thinking how much of an idiot he was. Obviously, he meant her dad's friend, there wasn't really anything else to feel sorry about. He paused for a moment, a confused expression slowly appearing along his features. We? Who else was she with? He thought about it for a few minutes before coming to the conclusion that it had to have been her parents she was traveling with, considering it was her dad's friend who passed away. Jack shook the thoughts from his mind, locking his focus back on Riley.

A smile found it's way back along Jack's lips as he shifted his weight from one leg to the other. It was odd, but he couldn't help but smile whenever he was around Riley. It had always been that way, ever since he could remember. She just made him happy. Even though they weren't together anymore, she still had that same effect on him as she did when they were teenagers, "So, how have you been? It's been too long since we last spoke." he said, quietly, followed by a small laugh. There was his nerves again, showing how uneasy he was feeling at the moment. If anyone else was in the same position he was in, Jack was sure they'd be feeling the exact same way he was, if not worse. Jack wasn't one to get nervous that easily or scarred, for that matter, but considering that he had unexpectedly come face to face with his high school lover, he was a tad bit nervous.

Feeling his legs getting a bit tired from standing, Jack moved to the seat across from Riley and set the cup of coffee he was holding on the table that stood between them. It was pretty unreal to him, this whole meeting. He just couldn't seem to fully grasp the thought of him and Riley having this conversation right now, of all the places. The timing wasn't all that great either, considering it had been years since the two last spoke. But Jack did have to admit, he was happy that he was actually getting the chance to speak with her again. He had always regretted ending their relationship, and he couldn't help but daydream and wonder what might have happened if they'd stayed together. What if their relationship got better after awhile? What if they ended up committing the rest of their lives to each other? The 'what if' thoughts continued to flood hi mind until he forced them away, not wanting to think about anything of the sort; not wanting to have his hopes crushed.

[riley anne mackay]

i loved you with a fire red ,,
now its turning blue.

-outfit

Riley felt stunned that fate had thrown Jackson back into her life she didn't know exactly how to deal with this situation. It had taken her a long time to get over losing Jackson but she had found love with Zach and felt she could finally move on. Riley was lying to herself when she tried to forget her feelings for Jackson as much as she buried them in the back of her mind that didn't erase them entirely.

Riley would always love Jackson but now she loved another man, things were much more complicated for the young blonde. Riley could still recall her first night with Jack, well her first night being...intimate with him. See up until she met Jackson Riley was a virgin and had never had a boyfriend. Sure she had kissed a few guys and some showed interest in her but Riley never felt ready to take things that far. She believed sex was something special to be shared with someone you love, she didnt neccessarily think you had to be married but she didnt want to sleep with some guy she only liked who would probably bail in the morning. Riley would never be a notch on some guys bedpost or help boost his ego.

Jackson was different, ok so her first impressions weren't too good. She thought he was an arrogant not a very nice person with no compassion or thought for anyone else's feelings. As she got to know him a little better she saw a side to him that very few seemed to see. Riley always tried to see the good in people so she put her thoughts aside and tried to reach the Jackson underneath all the bullnuts he gave off and the rumors that circled the high school. She soon learnt he was actually a rather great guy with a big heart and much softer than he let on. It wasn't long before she fell in love with him and he made her the happiest girl on the planet.

Riley was devestated when their relationship ended, she was convinced they could overcome any obstacles and she imagined being with Jackson Harper forever. Now here he was again in her life throwing all those thoughts, memories and feelings up into the air. She didn't know how to deal with these emotions yet she put on a brave face as she looked up at him listening to the words leaving his soft luscious lips that used to touch hers.

Riley saw Jackson hovver over the chair opposite her and she realised she hadn't agreed to let him sit. She hoped he didnt take that as a bad sign Riley was just nervous and confused, waving her hand towards the chair Riley let out a nervous laugh, "sorry please sit" she responded sweetly her voice like a soft melody. His words of compassion to her dad's loss touched her heart as she gave a weak smile, "Thank you" she replied gently as she looked deeply into his eyes. It was hard to resist grabbing him and kissing him, longing to taste his sweet lips once again but Riley had Zach forcing his way back into her mind as she realised she couldn't do that to him.

As Jack continued to talk, Riley listened intently his voice pounding in her heart like a drum. "It certainly has been a while" she said with another nervous laugh. "Well I got my teaching qualifications and ive been teaching in a New York private school but now im home im unemployed" she finished with a genuine laugh, her finger hooked itself and began to twirl around her blonde locks a habit she had when she was nervous or shy. "What about you..." she threw back "what you been up to?" she asked as she reached down and lifted her coffee cup to her lips taking a slow sip of the warm liquid.

[jackson carter harper]

============

============
one touch can bring us closer
don't want this to be over

Thinking back, Jack could remember how their first tutoring lesson had gone. he did have to admit, he was quick to judge her, assuming she was a quiet, nerdy, and not that big of a social butterfly. And he assumed she was judging him too. Indeed, it was a bit awkward the first day, but as time passed by and the two got know each other better each day, they became quite close and then finally got together. Signing up for those tutoring lessons was probably the best decision Jack had ever made in his life.

But then everything was ruined after college. Riley was out of his life, and he didn't really have anyone else that he was even partially close with, compared to what he had with her. After that, he slowly, but successfully moved on, meeting someone else, unexpectedly. Roxanne was adorable, charming and manipulative; three things that Jack had been attracted to during high school, before he had even met Riley. So, feeling lonely and desperate, Jack got to know this newly met woman better and ended up marrying her, which was a big mistake. I mean, sure he loved her, but that love died rather quickly, and before long the two split up. Which leads to Jack returning to Strange Town, the only place where he actually feels like he belongs.

Now that he's come face to face with Riley again, there's a new hope brewing inside him, a hope that there's still a chance to redeem their lost relationship and start over, again, to make things work, this time. God, what the hell was he thinking? She's already developed her own life, and, with Jack's luck, she probably already has some other guy to be with. That was Jack's most dreaded fear; Riley bein with another guy other than him. Indeed, Jack did have a jealous streak in him, and it wasn't any help that he still had strong feelings for her. He couldn't bare to think of another man holding her and doing what he pleased with her. The very thought caused Jack to clench his teeth. Realizing what he was doing, Jack relaxed his jaw and took another swig of his coffee, attempting to release those thoughts and keep his focus on the conversation he was having with Riley.

He chuckled, slightly, as he settled himself into the seat opposite of her. Her voice was soft and delicate, like she was. Of course, this brought back a few more memories back. He missed waking up beside her, being intoxicated by the smell of her sweet perfume. Jack shok his head, lightly, as she began to speak, again. He matched her gentle smile and gave a small nod of his head. God, she was beautiful. It was unreal how he was much more attracted to her, than he thought he was. Her simple gestures and graceful voice matched the way they were back when the two were in high school.

As Riley informed him of what had been going on in her life, Jack listened intentively, never averting his gaze from her eyes, "That's great, well except for being unemployed. Somehow, I always knew you'd be a good teacher." he remarked with a slight laugh. It was obvious she was going to become a teacher, even through high school the tutoring was enough to let anyone know. He smile faltered a bit as she asked him the same question, "Well, I followed through with basketball in college, then after I graduated, I decide coaching basketball was the best profession for me. So, I coached a boy's high school basketball team in L.A. for nearly a year. But then things got a little...complicated, so I came back here, in hopes of coaching the high school b-ball team. But you'll be glad to know that you're not the only one who's unemployed." he finished, implying that he was also unemployed for the time being. Sure it was tough to get by without earning money, but he had managed to save up quite a bit of cash before returning here, so he was doing fine, so far.

He was about to, relunctently, add the part about being married for a year, until his blue orbs landed on the glittering rock which was slipped on Riley's left ring finger. This sight caused his heart to drop, all hope being crushed at that very instant. He wasn't able to speak at first, but just stare at the diamond ring on her finger. Realizing he must have looked like a fool, Jack forced a smile to curl his lips, even though it was quite fake, as he averted his gave back to Riley, "So, y-you're married, huh?" he questioned, stuttering slightly, which he mentally cursed himself for doing so. A moment ago, Jack was convienced and determined that he and Riley could start over, again, some how, and now this was happening; Riley was married, or engaged.

[riley anne mackay]

i loved you with a fire red ,,
now its turning blue.

-outfit

Riley listened to Jack speak her eyes wide and alert, he hadn't changed at all. Well he may have gotten more handsome and mature but he was the same guy she had fallen in love with those many years back which made things so much more complicated. Riley prayed that he would have become a different person, someone she would no longer have those feelings for, someone who she could easily walk away from or stay friends with. Seeing him again, listening to his story of the years that had passed she knew he was the same Jackson Harper she had met when she was a young innocent sixteen year old.

Riley had never had a relationship before and when she met Jackson she felt like she had found her soulmate. She told herself he was the guy for her and that they would be together forever, she planned their future in her mind but college was always an obstacle that Riley couldn't see a way to overcome. When Riley went to New York she promised she would fight to keep her relationship with Jackson alive. He visited her in the city she travelled to see him, they would speak everyday on the phone and chat on webcam but it was never the same as being together all the time.

Cracks started to appear in their foundations and Riley felt that they were growing apart, they argued constantly and the being so far from him was breaking Riley's heart. It was a mutual decision when they decided to end the relationship before either one was hurt anymore but it didnt stop Riley falling apart at the seams. It felt like she had lost a part of herself and she didnt know how to live without having Jackson in her life. Riley cried herself to sleep for weeks and slipped into a dark depression until a ray of light brough her out of it; Zachary Matthews.

Riley and Zach started off as friends but in time Riley saw a spark in him that seemed to light up her life again and she soon fell in love with him. When he proposed Riley could not have been happier yet in the back of her mind a tall dark handsome man kept forcing his way back into her mind and her heart. Riley could never remove the love she felt for Jackson but she knew it was time to move on and she owed it to herself and Zach to give her best at their relationship.

Riley didn't expect to have to face Jackson again and open up that box in her mind where she had locked away her memories and her feelings. With Jackson looking back at her Riley felt like her heart was tearing into two pieces, half belonged to Zach but half would always belong to Jackson. Riley was oblivious to the fact she had just flashed her engagement ring right in Jack's face, she was taken aback at his next question and felt her heart begin to race. "uhhh...yeah...I mean....I met someone in New York...and...I'm engaged" she managed to stammer out as her throat became dry and her breathing raspy.

Riley wasn't sure how Jackson felt about her, he had probably moved on and had someone new in his life but she felt her heart cracking further, she shouldnt have been ashamed of her engagement to Zach but something inside her was screaming that she was still in love with the man sitting opposite her and this ring on her finger was like a barrier keeping them from being together.

[jackson carter harper]

============

============
one touch can bring us closer
don't want this to be over

His heart was throbbing with pain as he shifted his gaze from Riley to the the ring, once more. This was like some sort of horrible nightmare that you'd wake up from and eventually get over. But the only difference was that this was no bad dream, it was reality and there was no way of pinching himself to get out of this one. It should have been obvious that something like this was bound to come up. Considering it's been several years since the two have even spoken, Jack assumed that she had moved on and found another person to share her love with. Although, Jack had done the same thing, only his relationship was more like a re-bound relationship to help him get over the fact that he didn't have Riley anymore.

Now this was happening, all because he was scared of harming their relationship anymore than it already had been. If only he had sucked it up, and carried on through college, still mending his relationship with Riley. Maybe they would've made it through that part, and would have been able to live their life like they had always wanted to. But, unfortunately, that didn't happen, and they slowly drifted apart; one finding someone else who made them happy, the other finding someone else as well, but ending up unhappy. See, Jack was never the 'lucky' type of person, and he never really believed in luck, for that matter. But once he was with Riley, he thought God had finally felt sorry for him and decided to ease up on him by sending her. Honestly, it was a bit corny, but that's what he would always tell Riley, and it was the simple truth.

Jack would have never expected to spot an engagement ring on Riley's finger, or he never wanted to expect to see one. Indeed, the young man still grasped onto those feelings he had stored away for so long, and now that he has come face to face with her, those feelings only seem to be getting stronger. Even though he's found that she's engaged, it doesn't make a difference in the way he feels for her, "Oh....Well, congratulations." As he finished saying this, Jack managed to muster up a small smirk, considering his smile had slowly died away already. It was hard to congratulate Riley about finding a new love, when he was still in love with her, without breaking down and admitting the way he still felt about her. But he couldn't do that, not now that she's found someone else to make her happy; he couldn't ruin it for her.

So this had answered the question that kept popping into Jack's mind from time to time. Riley had found someone new, so it was obvious that she had gotten over her relationship with Jack. Now, he found that there wouldn't even be any point to tell her how he felt, because Jack assumed that it wouldn't make any difference to Riley. She was engaged; about to get married, and there wasn't really anything Jack could do about it, except for make a fool of himself by begging Riley to take him back and leave her fiance. But he wasn't about to jump up and go for that theory. Hell no. Jack was going to leave Riley alone, and let her get on with her new life, and not hold her back by confusing her with his words of love. Jack was going to do what was best for Riley, and just leave her alone; take himself back out of her life, like he had done before.

He forced another smile to play along his lips, realizing he had been so deep in thought that his face was held without any expression. Jack couldn't bare to sit or stay here, for that matter, with Riley, knowing that he couldn't have her anymore. He finished the last of his coffee, before checking the time on his silver wrist watch, and then focused his blue orbed gaze back on the beautiful woman that sat before him, one last time, "I'm sorry, but I have to get going....Uh, do you think I could get your number? I mean, maybe we could get together, again, sometime and just...talk." he questioned her, standing up from the table, still holding his small smile. Alright, so he couldn't completely remove Riley from his life again, but that didn't mean they couldn't still be friends, right?

[riley anne mackay]

i loved you with a fire red ,,
now its turning blue.

-outfit

Riley felt confused, hurt, sad and guilty. She wished she could remove the feelings she had for Jack, just so she could move on with her life a life she promised to share with Zach when she accepted his proposal. The young girl stared deeply into her former lovers sparkling blue eyes and she felt herself looking for some sign of his feelings for her. His reaction to her proposal seemed slightly saddened which made Riley question if he still had feelings for her but she quickly shook that thought from her head.

Riley had to convince herself Jackson didnt love her anymore in order for her to try and move on. After all there was no point holding out for him if he didnt want her back, Riley had Zach to think about now and she owed it to him to fight away the feelings she held for Jack. She had tried to put him behind her for almost 5 years now and she couldnt let the fact that he was back in her life change everything...could she?

Riley used to dream as a child she would find her prince charming and ride off into the sunset like some fairy tale. Life wasnt like a fairytale though was it, it was filled with heartache and questions and decisions. Riley never thought she would be in this position, she had never been that lucky with guys so when Jackson came along she told herself it was too good to be true. Riley knew how popular Jackson was with the ladies and his history around town, he could have any girl he wanted so when he told her it was her he wanted to be with and their lips met in a passionate clinch Riley felt like she had been sent her soulmate.

Riley always believed there was one person out there for everyone and when she was with Jackson she told herself she had finally found the person she was meant to spend the rest of her life with. When that relationship went sour the young girl was devestated she felt that was it and she had lost her soulmate and was destined to be alone. When Zach entered her life Riley tried to convince herself she was wrong before and that there was more than one chance to fall in love.

She fell for Zach it was love but it was different to Jackson, it's true what they say 'you never forget your first love' but what if that love comes back to you and life becomes much more complicated again. As Jackson congratulated her Riley sensed dissapointment in his eyes and she felt her heart crack a little, maybe he did feel the same way as those year ago but things were not as simple as they were when they were kids. Riley gave a simple nod and thanked him with her gentle quiet voice.

Watching him rise to his feet and mutter something about leaving Riley's eyes lowered and her smile faded. Something wanted her to grab him and kiss him and tell him she loved him but she couldn't do that, she looked up into those eyes that had looked at her with so much love for so long and she had to fight back the tears that she could feel building up. Riley wasn't even sure why she was crying was it because she didnt want him to go? was it because she felt like she was losing him all over again? she didnt know but the one thing she did know was she would never be the same.

Riley reached for a napkin and scribbled her cell number on it with a black biro she pulled from her purse. Handing it to Jackson she lingered for a moment before releasing the grip on the paper napkin into his hand. "It was great seeing you Jackson, you look really well im glad we've had this chance to talk again" Riley felt like a fraud she wasnt being true to her feelings but she had Zach on her mind. She had to think of him waiting for her, loving her, trusting her. She wanted to see Jackson again though and it would probably make things more complicated but Jack meant too much to her to cut him from her life again.

[jackson carter harper]

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one touch can bring us closer
don't want this to be over

He could feel the pain pulsing through his veins as he stood from the chair he had been seated in. The feeling he had at the moment was something you'd never be able to understand or relate to unless you had been through the same situation as Jack. It was a horrible, depressing feeling, making him feel as if life had no real purpose anymore. Obviously, the description of that particular feeling was a little over dramatic, but that was the way he would describe it to anyone who cared to ask. Out of all honesty, Jack had never really felt that way before, even when Roxanne had declared she was leaving him. The newly discovered feeling confused and saddened him even more. It wasn't usual that Jack would be in such a depressed mood, but pretty much anyone who knew his past would understand this stage he was going through, after finding that Riley had someone else to take care of her.

His gaze flickered back to her slim body, his blue orbs grasping onto the pleasure they received only from her appearance, as he watched her scratch a phone number out on a napkin. After she handed him the napkin, Jack's eyes then met with hers, noticing a bit of a saddened gloss about them. He felt a tinge of pain strike his heart as Riley spoke, feeling as if he were leaving her there unprotected and alone, "Yes, it was nice seeing you again, too.", he paused for a moment, as if he was about to say something else, but then stopped himself and just replaced what he was about to add with a gentle smile. Obviously, she knew he was bound to call her, otherwise Jack would have never even bothered to ask for her number. So, he wasn't about to inform her when he'd be calling her - he didn't want to seem at all desperate to meet with her again.

"Well, I guess I should get going, then." Jack finally stated, folding the napkin and slipping it into his pocket. He paused, again, longing to hold her in his arms, to feel secure that she was alright, but held back this urge, of course. He simply smiled, again, and gave a slight nod of his head, "Goodbye, Riley." he said, before turning and moving to wards the exit. Even though the whole scene of exchanging their far wells seemed easy enough, it definitely wasn't for Jackson. He actually wished that this meeting had never occurred. Don't get me wrong, he was thrilled to see Riley again, it was just that speaking with his high school lover for the first time in five years and hearing about her engagement to another man all at once was a bit too much for Jack to handle at the moment. Surprisingly, he was actually starting to feel a bit of jealousy streak through his veins as the thought of Riley being with another guy continued to torture his mind.

As he left the coffee shop and climbed into his car, Jack just sat there for a few moments, starring at the steering wheel, his hands tightly grasped around it. He couldn't believe what had just happened, and he obviously had no idea what was going to happen when he entered the coffee shop. Even though he regretted the event that had just occurred, he was somewhat happy at the same time, if you can understand. Receiving Riley's number caused Jack to second guess her feelings to wards him. Maybe she felt the same way as he did and was trying to cover it up, just as he was doing. If that was true, than there was only really one way to find out. He was going to call her to set up another meeting and, this time, he was going to end his curiosity.