Till Dark

The pizza place had been a great idea to help Cody use up his energy. They got home and put his pajamas on him and tucked him in with a bedtime story. He fell asleep instantly so Jordan and Alex retired to the kitchen once more. Armed with another cup of tea she began the rest of her story. Just as she got to where she and Clark had been attacked on the beach the telephone rang making both of them jump. Tentatively Jordan reached for the receiver. "Hello." "Jordan? This is Andy how are you?" "I'm fine. How did you get this number?" "Gee that's a nice greeting for someone that you shared such beautiful moments with. She blushed slightly and was silent for a moment before answering. Alex watched Jordan's facial expressions and knew that it must be that guy Andy on the other end of the receiver. "What do you want from me Andy?" Alex's eyes lit up with the confirmation and she began making gestures for her friend to give out information. She waved her hand at Alex stopping her inquisition. "I told you Andy this just isn't right. We live too far away and I think that it would be a mistake to get involved. I don't want to put Cody through that especially if it doesn't work out." "Jordan I care about you and I don't want to go another day without you." "Andy you barely know me how can you say such things I mean we only spent a few days together you can't build a lasting relationship off of what we shared." "Jordan tell me it didn't feel right being in my arms that afternoon. "She closed her eyes breathing heavily, remembering and trying to forget. "Yes it did but I'm not ready besides, it had been such a long time for me." "So what are you saying that because it had been a long time that it felt good for just the moment?" "No well, yes maybe, I don't know. Look I like you a lot but, I'm not ready for love or dating or any of that serious stuff." "How do you know you're not ready? You are still living in the past. Give love and life a chance instead of running away from it." Jordan listened to Andy and tears welled in her eyes. "Please don't." She choked. He had hit a nerve but it was something that needed to be said. He also knew that unless Jordan was able to let go of the past there would never be a future for them. "I'm sorry the last thing I ever wanted to do was make you cry. I just can't stand the thought of you letting life pass you by because of something that truly was not your fault. There is nothing to forgive yourself for. Married people have arguments all the time. I'm sure that your husband knew how much you loved him and everything turned out the way it was supposed to." Jordan knew that what Andy was saying was the truth and that she had to move on with life for her sake as well as Cody. He could not live without another father figure in his life. What happened to his father was tragic but everything happens for a reason. Taking a deep breath for confidence and support Jordan spoke to Andy who was patiently waiting. "I just can't do this but, I will remain friends with you. We can take things from there. That means letters and postcards and perhaps an occasional visit but nothing serious you got that?" Andy smiled in spite of himself. She was incredible. At least she had agreed to be friends with him and that meant the world to him. They said their good-byes and hung up. "Spill it. I want to know everything that he said to you. This guy must be something because I have never seen so many emotions cross your face and tears. God those are reserved for death only. What happened to the bottled up Jeannie I used to know?" "Oh stop it Alex. I'm just over tired after everything that has happened lately." "If you say so." She gave her best friend a hug and poured another cup of tea for them both. They chatted for a few more hours before finally retiring to bed.