Chapter 16

The rest of the summer went by fast; too fast, but it was blissful. Kris and Brielle spent every possible moment together and took great pleasure in the quiet moments. Like the time Kris spent hours pushing her on the old tree swing before surprising her with a romantic picnic under the very same tree. And now it was coming to an end, but before it did, one more celebration was in order. Kris told her he was taking her shopping for her birthday and they spent the day in downtown Montreal exploring the little shops and bakeries, feasting on croissants and pasteries. Then they headed to Brie's favourite part of the city - Old Montreal, or old town as they referred to it. When she thought the day was done and they were headed home, Kris surprised her once more.
"This is Le Saint Sulpice."
"Oui."
"What are we doing here?"
"This is your favourite hotel in Old Montreal non?"
"Yes."
"This is the rest of your birthday present chérie. We are having dinner and spending the night...only if you agree of course."
The tears welled in her eyes.
"Have I told you how much I love you?"
"Not today."
"Well I do. I love you Kristopher Letang. I can't imagine loving anyone else," she said leaning across the seat to plant the sweetest kiss on his lips.
"And I love you Brielle. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you."
"I know."
"So lets go inside so we can finish celebrating."

What was waiting for Brielle inside was beyond anything she could have ever imagined.
Kris opened the door to the magnificent suite and her breath caught in her throat.
There were hundreds of candles and a fireplace lighting the massive space. Off the grand living area of the suite was a bedroom with the biggest bed she had ever seen. That bed was covered in delicate red and pink rose petals. Vases of her favourite lilies and daisies and orchids adorned every space you could put a vase and beyond the bed was a set of french doors that led to a small balcony overlooking old town.
"Oh Kristopher, this is...so beautiful...how did you...how did you do all this?"
"Ahh mon chérie, I can not tell my secrets. Come," he said holding his hand out to her, "let's eat."
Her favourite dinner was awaiting her out on the terrace. They ate by candle light and just enjoyed each others company. When they were done eating he stood up and took her by the hand and lead her to the edge of the balcony.
"Look there," he commanded softly.
What she saw was her favourite building in the entire city; a place that had been the setting of many of her childhood dreams.
"Notre Dame," she whispered.
"Oui, the church you have dreamed of being married in since you were little."
"I can't believe you remembered that."
"Of course I remember, how could I not? It's all you talked about for months when you were what, twelve? Your big beautiful winter wedding with white lilies and pink roses everywhere you can put a flower, the big white princess dress with the train the whole length of the basilica, more grand than Princess Diana, isn't that what you used to say?"
"Yes," she laughed at his imitation of her.
He moved in behind her and snaked his arms around her waist.
"There's one thing you always left out of your plan," he whispered into her hair.
"What's that?"
"Did you ever envision who would be waiting for you at the end of that aisle?"
She closed her eyes and leaned back against his broad chest.
"Of course I did, I planned every single detail, do you really think I wouldn't plan who the groom was going to be?"
"Care to let me in on the secret?"
She turned in his arms and linked her fingers behind his neck. As her lips lightly brushed his she whispered "Rob Taylor."
A giggle escaped her lips at the sight of his expressionless face.
After a moment of silence and disbelief he growled "You're going to pay for that!"
Brie took off running through the suite, dodging tables and chairs and flowers. Kris was no match for her, he caught her in a matter of seconds and wrapped his arms around her.
"You are not funny Brielle."
"Oh, come on, it was a little funny."
"No, not even a little. Leave it to you to ruin a moment."
"Oh, I'm sorry coconut," she said in her best pouty voice. "How can I make it up to you?"
"You can behave and let me carry out the rest of my plan."
"There's more? What more could you have possibly thought of?"
"Come with me," he said leading her back out to the terrace. "Look."
When she looked out over the part of the city she adored, that beautiful basilica that she had always dreamed of getting married in was lit up like the sky on the fourth of July.
"It's beautiful," she gasped.
"They do a light show every night. I knew you've never seen it before."
She looked at him with such love in her eyes and placed her hand gently on his face.
"You're amazing Kristopher; you've thought of everything."
"I told you, there's nothing I wouldn't do for you Brielle. I love you so much."
His lips met hers and the kiss they shared created more electricity than the light show across the street.
As she watched the rest of the spectacle in the comfort of Kristopher's arms, she felt complete. She knew she needed him; reprimanded herself for not admitting it sooner, and resolved to never be such an idiot again.

As the exhibition of lights was coming to an end, Kris figured now would be the best time to give her her present. He pulled the black velvet box from his back pocket and displayed it on the palm of his hand in front of her.
"Happy birthday Brielle," he whispered in her ear.
"Kristopher! Not another present, this is too much, you've done so much already."
"You only turn 19 once and besides, if I want to spoil you that's my perrogative as your boyfriend. Open it."
He watched with a smile on his face as her hand slid the long black box out of his own.
When she opened the box the tears immediately came to her eyes.
The delicate diamond and sapphire tennis braclet sparkled in the candlelight, the matching earrings the icing on the cake.
"Coconut it's beautiful," the words barely escaped her mouth. "I can't...this is way too much..."
"No it's not, you've been admiring them forever and you deserve them."
"They're beautiful."
"The sapphires remind me of your eyes. Here let me kelp you put them on."
"Why Monsieur Letang, if I didn't know better, I'd think you're trying to butter me up for something."
They both knew that wasn't really the case, but they also knew what the next two days were going to bring.
"I just want you to know how much I love you. Never forget that."
"I won't, I promise," she whispered into his lips. "Now how can I show you how much I appreciate everything you've done for me?"
"Hmmmm, let me think," he teased.
"Time's up. Come with me."
Fingers in his belt loops and lips connected, she led him into the bedroom of the grand suite where the aura of romance wafted through the air.
The sultry dance of clothing removal began but when she started to remove her new sparkling baubles, he stopped her.
"Leave them on," he moaned.
Kris scooped her up in one swift and gentle motion. He was not going to deviate from his plan. Tonight was all about her; about her and him together one last time before they had to go their separate ways. He set out to show her how special she was to him and how in love with her he was and the time had come.

They spent the following hours making love; passionately, sweetly, gently, magically. They explored every curve, every crevace, every ridge, and every muscle. They memorized every inch, every freckle, every look and every feeling. The memory of this night was what was going to get them through missing each other, craving each other, longing to touch and hold each other for the next year.

Exhausted and satisfied, they lay spent in each other's arms.
"Happy birthday chérie. Je t'aime."
"Je t'aime Kristopher."
And just as sleep was about to take over her weary body she whispered, "It's you coconut."
"What's me chérie?" he mumbled back.
"My dream...the one waiting for me at the end of the aisle is you. It's always been you."

Chapter 15

Their naked bodies lay tangled together, completely exhausted and glistening with sweat. Neither of them could tear their eyes off of the other. Peaceful, perfect silence was the only thing between them. Kris finally closed his eyes and smiled.
"I can't believe we waited so long to do that. What were we thinking?"
"Obviously we weren't thinking," Brie managed though she was still slightly breathless.
"No, someone was too stubborn to admit her true feelings," he teased.
"I think we're both guilty of that! Besides, I don't think it would have been this...amazing if we hadn't gone through everything. This was absolutely perfect Kristopher, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."
She stretched her neck up and kissed him softly and sweetly. She loved the feel of his lips on hers; hell she loved the feel of his naked body against hers! That sweet kiss quickly turned passionate and full of expectation.
His hands traced the lines of her body; she let her hands roam freely over his sculpted torso; and their lips never parted. She rolled them over, landing on top of him and straddling his legs. Looking down at him, her heart was so full of love and her eyes were full of...him.
'This is as good as it gets' she thought to herself. 'I could just stay right here and look at his gorgeous, tightly muscled body forever.'
Her thoughts drifted back to what his body was doing to her only an hour earlier and she felt her excitement dripping from between her legs. Kristopher's excitement was quickly becoming evident as well.
She leaned down and kiss him; first his lips, then slowly she made her way along his perfectly chiseled jaw line to the sweet, very ticklish spot on his neck, down over his shoulders and the length of his arm and back up again only to start her way down his chest towards the promise land.
"Mmmmmm chérie," he moaned. "You're killing me. I can't take anymore."
He tried to flip her over but Brie was having none of it.
"Nuh uh Coconut, it's my turn. Sit back and enjoy the ride."
She started rocking her hips back and forth, teasing his tip with her warm, wet opening.
"God Brie, please," he begged, "I can't take your teasing a second more."
"Yes sir," she whispered before slowly easing the full length of him inside her.
Kris' eyes rolled back in his head and the sound that escaped his lips sounded like a carnal caged animal desperate to break free and it only turned her on more.
"Oh my god Brie, don't ever stop."
She obliged and kept up her rhythmic movements.
Kris marvelled at the beautiful girl that was currently eliciting feelings inside of him that he never dreamed he would feel. He had to feel her close to him so he sat up and wrapped his arms around her, never letting himself break free of her.

They both collapsed in a heap of hot, panting sweatiness and practically willed themselves to breathe.
"I'm hungry," "I'm starving," they both said at the same time.
"Shower first," Brie said as she threw one of Kris' t-shirts on and headed for the bathroom. "You coming?"

"Where do you want to go eat," she asked. "Bertoli's, Mexi's, Chinese?"
"I'd rather stay here and keep you all to myself," Kris replied sneaking up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I think you've had enough of me, we need some nourishment."
"I will never, ever get enough of you," he said kissing her neck.
"If you don't stop, I'll die of starvation and we won't have to worry about it."
"Fine. How about Mexican, but can we order in?"
"Deal."

After eating, they curled up on the couch together.
"Tell me about Val D'Or," she purred as Kris ran his fingers through her hair.
He told her about his first year away from home; the highs, the lows and all about the Kellys.
"I want to take you there to meet them and so you can see where I am when I'm away from you. I want you to know about my life there."
"I would love that," she said and kissed his hand.
"Your turn. Tell me about school."
She told him what little there was to tell; classes, teachers, and the fact that she had lived her life like a hermit."
"That doesn't make me happy to hear Brie. That's not what I wanted for you. You should be living it up; getting the full university experience, new friends, parties, all that stuff."
"Oh listen to it! You spent your season hanging out with a fifty year old couple; not exactly living the life of a teenage hockey player. Besides, parties are nothing but drunken love fests with everyone trying to hook up and regretting it the next day. No thank you!"
"So this year will be different. We both got what we wanted so now we can be happy and enjoy the full experience. Deal?"
"I'm still not going to any of those stupid frat parties."
"Brielle?"
"Deal."
"I love you Brie."
"I will never get tired of hearing those words," she said kissing him softly. "I love you too Kristopher. When do we go to Val D'Or?"

Chapter 14

She was positive she couldn't cry anymore tears. She didn't get out of bed for two days and now after almost two weeks of moping around the house her mother had had enough. She opened Brie's bedroom door, went straight to the window and threw the curtains open.
"God damn it mother!"
"Don't you use that tone with me young lady. I have said nothing while you've roamed around this house being miserable. You haven't spoken to anyone other than grunting every once in a while and I've had enough! Get your ass out of bed and start acting like a god damn human being again. And for god sakes take a shower!" and with that, Margot LaRoche slammed her daughter's door.
Forty-five minutes later Brie emerged from the bathroom looking slightly refreshed but still weary. She sat down across the kitchen table from her mother and she pushed and steaming hot mug of coffee towards her.
"Thanks," Brie replied meekly.
"So...you're letting him do this to you again?"
"Mother don't. I don't want to talk about it."
"Well that's too bad," her mother replied crossly. "I stood by and watched you torture yourself last summer over him and I'm not going to do it again. For God sake Brielle, I thought you were over him? What the hell happened?"
"He told me he loved me."
The look on Margot's face was one of confusion. "But isn't that what you wanted?"
"My whole life. But like everything else, my perfect moment was ruined."

Brie explained what had happened in the backyard.
"And now I'm confused maman. I don't know who to believe! He broke my heart when he told me he didn't love me a year ago and now that he finally did tell me, it's breaking my heart all over again because he said it out of spite."
Margot placed her hand over Brie's. "Oh chérie, you are such a silly girl."
"Gee thanks mom, that's helpful."
"Why do you have to make everything so difficult? If you would have just admitted your feelings for Kristopher a long time ago this whole situation could have been avoided."
"Yes, well I didn't and now I'm in an even bigger mess."
"Non chérie, you're not looking at things clearly because you can't see through all your imaginary drama."
"I did not imagine this happening mother," Brie shouted.
"Calm down dear, I just meant that you know the answer to your dilemma, you just can't see it."
"And I suppose you can?"
"Of course I can. I've known for the last ten years. Honey Kristopher is in love with you just as much as you are in love with him."
"And what about what Rob said; that he just did it to keep me away from him?"
"Brielle, you know Kris better than you know anyone else in the entire world. You know he is completely pure of heart. Do you really think he'd say those three very special words just to keep you from a guy you don't even really like? Who has more to gain by lying Brie? You spent your entire highschool career despising Rob Taylor, and he spent his competeing with Kris for you, and now that he thinks he's got a chance with you of course he's going to lie to get you to believe whatever will drive you away from Kris and straight to him."

Brie pondered her mothers word while she sipped from her mug.
"Why do I need you to sort out my life for me? How do you know how I feel and what I think before I do?"
"I'm your mother chérie, that's my job. Now for the love of God will you please go over there and put that boy out of his misery!"
A smile crossed Brie's face for the first time in two weeks.
"Yes mother," she said jumping up from the table and giving her mother a kiss on the cheek. She bounded down the hallway before stopping and going back to the kitchen doorway.
"Maman?"
"Yes chérie?"
"Merci. Je t'aime."
"Je t'aime aussi."


-----------------------------------------


His car was in the driveway so she knew he was home. She let herself in the back door and quietly made her way through the house looking for him. As she crept down the hallway she noticed his bedroom door was closed. She opened it a crack and saw he was still sleeping.
'Odd' she thought. 'He never sleeps this late.' Years of early morning practices had all but made it impossible for him to sleep in; a quality she hated about him for no other reason than the fact that she was not a morning person.
He was on his back with one arm bent above his head and the other laying across his shirtless abdomen.
'That's new' she thought,'I've seen him shirtless before and he never looked like that!' She could feel her temperature rise and was sure she was blushing.
"Thank you Val d'Or," she said out loud and immediately cursed herself when he began to stir.
His hair flowed over his pillow and his lips slightly parted into a small smile. Dear God! She could just sit here and watch him sleep forever. He was perfect, the finest male specimen she'd ever laid eyes on.

His voice snapped her out of her little fantasy.
"Brielle, je t'aime. Veuillez ne pas me laisser."
She froze; watched him for a minute and realized he was talking in his sleep. Dreaming perhaps?
"Je vous laissera jamais coconut," she whispered. "I will never leave you."
Enough was enough. She had to get this over with. Brie gently laid down beside him, slowly inching her way closer until she was snuggled up beside him and put her head down on his arm and her hand on top of his own that graced the top of that beautifully sculpted abdomen.
He inhaled shaprly, like he was startled and opened his eyes. Looking up at him were the gorgeous blue eyes he had memorized and the lips he longed to kiss once again.
"I must be dreaming," he whispered in that gruff morning voice you get the first time you speak for the day. "Or I've died and gone to heaven and this is what an angel looks like."
She smiled up at him.
"Pretty cheesy Letang. You don't think that line's gonna work on me do you?"
"I certainly hope so."
"Well, you're lucky I'm in the mood for cheesy this morning."
"Brie I..."
"Shhhh," she said placing her finger over his lips. She stretched her neck up and he bent his neck down stopping just before their lips met.
"I love you Brielle," he whispered.
"I should have never doubted you," she whispered back before fusing their lips together in an explosive chemical reaction that had them both seeing stars.
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him telling her he never wanted to let her go. She explored the ridges and valleys his well toned muscles made across his back; her touch sending the most amazing chill through his naturally warm body. His strong hands wound their way through her chestnut locks and she returned the gesture, having waited so many years to have a reason to caress his soft, midnight mane.
Their kiss was explosive; passionate; desperate. Her entire body was electrified and she could feel the heat developing in her lower abdomen. She could also feel the heat and excitement developing between his legs.
"Kristopher," she mummbled breathlessly pulling away so she could look in his eyes.
"Mmm hmm?"
"I am so sorry; for everything. I should have never doubted you. I love you so much."
"I waited so long to hear those words Brie. And when you finally said them; I was devestated that I had to hurt you the way I did. It almost killed me to do it Brie, but I had too."
"I know," she replied caressing the side of his face. "I understand why you did it. Thank you Kristopher. Thank you for loving me enough to let me go; for forcing me to live my life."
"There's nothing I wouldn't do for you Brielle; to make you happy."
Her sparkling smile lit up her face at his words; and she knew they were true.
"Then kiss me again," she grinned.

He was positive he had died and gone to heaven because every dream he'd ever had of her was coming true. He wanted her to know how much he loved her; he wanted her to be able to feel it when he touched her.

He tangled his fingers in her long locks and lowered his mouth onto hers; slowly and gently. He wanted her so badly but he would not let his urges get the best of him. This was about him and her and the love the two of them had shared for a lifetime.

His lips massaged hers delicately yet had a firmness behind them. When her lips parted and he slipped his tongue in her mouth she couldn't stifle her moan. Years of pent up feelings were threatening to escape from every orfus of their bodies; their bodies that clung together, holding each other as if it was their only salvation.
As his lips moved from her mouth down her jaw and to her neck she moaned out her pleasure. Tingling sensations coursed through her entire body and she was sure she would explode if she didn't have him right now.
She pulled away from him and stood beside the bed; standing over his muscular frame.
"What's wrong," he asked; concern oozing from his voice.
"Nothing," she smiles. "Everything is perfect."
"Then why are you over there," he asked swinging his legs around so he could sit in front of her.
She was trembling and hoped he wouldn't notice. She smiled down at him and without saying a word, lifted her t-shirt over hear head revealing a pale pink lace bra that looked devestating against her tanned skin.
His breath caught in his throat and he could not stifle the groan that escaped his mouth.
"My God you're beautiful Brie," he whispered pulling her towards him as he placed gentle kisses all over her abdomen.
Her turn to moan. He was killing her.
He kissed his way up her body making a brief stop at each of her breasts; kissing them gently and nipping at her taught nipples through the material of her bra. He moved further north across her chest and up to her neck until he was standing in front of her looking in her eyes. His mouth engulfed hers once again and she wrapped her arms around his neck and twisted her fingers through his luscious hair.
This time he stopped and pulled away leaving her panting for more. When she saw the devilish look in his eyes she had no doubt there was more to come. His strong hands undid the button of her jeans and the motion of him sliding his hands in the waistband undid the zipper, allowing his lips to begin the descent down her body as his hands guided her pants down her long, tanned legs until the were in a heap at her feet. She held on to his strong, broad shoulders as she pulled her feet out and he discarded her clothing by tossing them across the room.
He was on his knees in front of her and kissed her belly just above the waist of her panties.
"Mmmm you match," he growled.
She just smiled; unable to find her voice. She had imagined this moment thousands of times in her mind, but real life was far better that any of her fantasies had been.
He stood in front of her and kissed her full, pink lips again before picking her up and gently laying her down on his bed.
He stood towering over her, drinking in the image of her nearly naked body laying before him. He could have orgasmed just standing there looking at her, and it took every ounce of his self control not to ravage her body right that second.
As her big blue eyes stared up at him lovingly, he stripped himself of the shorts he was wearing and stood before her in nothing but extremely well fitted black boxer briefs.
Brie was afraid to move her eyes away from his gaze, but her desire got the best of her and she had to take in the full view that was being offered to her.
She bit her bottom lip and slowly let her eyes move down his body; ughh that body! It looked like it had been carved out of milk chocolate; meticulous attention being paid to every well defined muscle.
She felt the heat rise between her legs once more an her wetness was almost becoming unbearable.
"Kristopher, you are absolutely exquisite," she barely squeaked out.
"And you are the most beautiful creature I have ever had the priviledge of laying eyes on."
She gave him a smile that melted his heart and he laid down beside her on the bed. She turned so she was facing him and instinctually caressed his leg with hers, causing him to let out a low moan that let her know he liked what she was doing.
His hands gently caressed from her leg up her torso to her arms. Her hands explored every crevace of his perfectly toned body. He nuzzled his face into her neck and moaned out his pleasure. When his lips began the assault on her neck she reciprocated. He took the bottom of her earlobe between his teeth and quietly whispered in her ear, "I've been waiting for you for so long Brielle. I want you so damn badly it hurts."
She kissed him sweetly on the lips before offering her reply.
"I've loved you my entire life Kristopher. I have never loved anyone but you and I will never love anyone but you. I want to give myself to you completely Kris; you and only you."
He realized the magnitude of her words and was privately thanking God for giving him the strength to abstain so he would be able to give her the same gift.
"I've never...I've never wanted to be with anyone but you Brielle. I thought if I ever got the chance to be with you..." he stopped and tried to hold back his emotions but it was no use. His love for her was so intense and the fact that every wish he'd ever had was about to come true, was too much for him to hold back. Tears escaped his dark eyes.
Brie now had tears of her own and as she wiped his away, he did the same for her.
"This is everything I've ever dreamed of Brie," he whispered against her mouth.
"This is more than I ever dreamed off," she replied. "I need you Kristopher. I need to be with you; to feel you inside me. We've waited too long already, I can't wait anymore."
Arms wrapped around each other, legs twisted together and mouths came together to form one. They each knew the truth now, and as Kris made love to Brie for the first time, they both knew that this was the start of their forever.

Chapter 13

His kiss sent jolts of electricity through her body exactly the way it had a year ago. Brie instantly melted into his broad chest and soft lips. She didn't ever want this to end, but her mind was racing a million miles an hour.
'Was this really happening?' "Did he just say he loved me too?''Always have?'
She struggled to pull away from him but finally broke free of his embrace and looked into those dark pools of chocolate.
"What did you just say?" she asked slowly.
He smirked at the look of confusion on her face.
"I said I love you too Brielle."
He waited for her response.

He'd been waiting a year for the opportunity to say those three words to her. It had crushed him to have to break her heart the way he did, but he knew he had no choice. She was just crazy enough to throw her dreams away to be with him and he couldn't let her do that. Shattering her heart had made his first year of juniors even tougher than it needed to be. He had made a few close friends with guys on the team, but as far as a social life went, he stayed away from it. He avoided parties and going out with the guys and he avoided the 'girls' that hung around the arena looking to pick up a piece of ass. He attended everything that was mandatory for the team and his personal appearances that he had to do; other than that, he preferred to stay at home with his billet family. They were an older couple who's two sons had played hockey their entire lives. The boys; Nathan and Jordan, were both playing in university now; one at Michigan and the other at Carleton. The Kelly's had made the season bearable. Mrs. Kelly knew everything there was to know about Brie. She had spent many nights listening to Kris talk about her, their life together, and how much it had broke him to leave her behind. She reassured Kris that he had done the right thing by not letting her throw her life away to follow him. Some days it helped; most days it didn't. But right here, right now, he had the opportunity to fix it.

"I don't...get it."
"What's there to get Brie? You love me and I love you."
"Yeah, you said that already."
"Brie, I've waited a year to say those words to you. Can we not over think this right now and just celebrate the fact that we love each other and it's finally out in the open?" he questioned as he leaned in to kiss her again.
Brie hesitated and pulled back for a moment. She was so confused and needed to talk about this and over think it. Her life had been miserable for the last year and now all of a sudden he loves her back? But looking in his eyes melted her heart and she gave in.
The moment their lips met sparks flew once again. His arms snaked around her waist and up into her hair. She melted into his arms and grabbed onto the back of his t-shirt. His lips were gentle and moved slowly at first. As he ran his tongue over her lips she let out a low moan and spread her lips allowing him to enter. Their tongues tangoed together perfectly and she was lost. Lost in the moment, lost in the fantasies she had about this happening and the last year completely melted away.

"Ahh hem. Sorry, looks like I'm interrupting something."
The voice jolted Brie back into reality and she jumped back away from Kristopher.
"Yes you are so go away," Kris growled. He moved closer to Brie and wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Rob, what are you doing here?" Brie asked.
"Well, I thought I'd come by and see if I could take you to dinner tonight."
"She's busy," Kris stated to both Brie and Rob's surprise.
"Kris, please," Brie said shooting him a glare.
"What's going on Brie? You told me the other night that you two hadn't talked in a year. I'm a little confused here."
"So am I Rob, trust me. This just kind of happened."
"What...exactly?"
"Well, I'm not sure," she said looking back and forth between the two. "I was sitting on the swing and the next thing I knew..."
"I told her something I should have told her a year ago," Kris interjected.

There was a long silence between the three as they all kind of just looked at each other.
"Ohhhhhhhhh I get it," Rob chuckled. "Does this have anything to do with our little run in this morning Letang?"
"What run in this morning?" Brie asked searching both their eyes for answers.
"Oh you didn't tell her Kris? Well then let me do the honours. Kris and I ran into each other at the gym this morning didn't we Kris?"
Kris just glared at him.
"Yeah. You see we got to talking and seems good old Kris here wasn't very happy to hear about our date the other night."
Brie looked at Kris, searching his face for answers but got none.
Rob continued.
"Kris here was so pissed off that you went out with me that he he picked me up by the throat the told me if I didn't stay away from you he kill me, isn't that right Kris?"
"Kristopher! Is that true?" Brie asked with a hint of disgust in her voice.
"That's not exactly how it happened Brie. Let's just go inside and talk about everything privately," he said grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the house.
"Why so you can twist the truth and make her believe your lies."
"Okay, just stop!" Brie yelled. "What the hell is going on here?"
"I'll tell you want going on. Kris can't stand the fact that we went out and now he's doing everything he can to sabotage us."
"That's a fucking lie and you know it Taylor! Brie, I love you. Let's just go inside..."
"Love her?!" Rob screeched. "Are you serious?"
"Brie, don't pay any attention to him. Let's go in the house and I'll explain everything."
Brie sat down on her swing; the place that had given her so much comfort and clarity over the years. If there ever was a time she needed clarity, it was now.
"Brie," Rob started as he knelt down in front of her and rested his hands on her legs.
Kris' blood started to boil.
"You told me that you told Kris that you were in love with him and he looked you in the eyes and said he didn't feel the same way. He broke your heart Brie. Do you think it's a coincidence that he found out we were dating and now all of a sudden he loves you? He hates me Brie. This is just his way of trying to keep you away from me." Rob's words were tender and soft and he gently rubbed her leg as he spoke the words he knew would break her heart all over again.
Tears began to roll down down her rosy cheeks. Her head was spinning and she felt like she was going to throw up. Could this seriously be happening? She had waited for this day for they last year, hell she waited for this day her whole life and now it was all crashing down around her.
She wiped the tears from her cheeks and looked Kristopher in the eyes. If he lied, she'd be able to tell.
"Is this true Kristopher?"
"No! Some of it, like yes I do hate him,and it makes me sick to my stomach to think that you might actually date this creep but that's not why I told you I love you. I have always loved you Brie, I just couldn't tell you before."
"Why not?"
"Yeah Kris, enlighten us," Rob piped up.
"Why don't you fuck off and leave! This is between me and Brie."
"Actually, it involves all three of us."
"Would you two just stop, you're making my head hurt! Why couldn't you tell me before Kris? Why now?"
"Can we talk about this inside...alone?"
"No, we can talk about it right here, right now."
"Brie, I love you; I've always loved you. When you told me you were in love with me it totally threw me for a loop. And then you started talking about not going to school and coming with me and I couldn't let you do that. I couldn't let you throw your life away to follow me. I had to let you go; it broke my heart Brie but I had to do it...for you," he said quietly taking her hands in his.
"Kristopher, I don't know what to say," she said barely above a whisper.
"I do...how about bullshit! That's a touching story Letang, but Brie's a smart girl. Do you really think she's going to buy that bs? Come on Brie. He had the chance to tell you he loved you a year ago and he blew it. Now that you're finally moving on he'll say whatever it takes to reel you back in. Open your eyes. If he really loved you as much as he says he does, he never would have let you go; he never would have broken your heart."
"Brie, that's not true. I did it to protect you, I..."
"Stop! I can't listen to anymore, my head is spinning and I don't know what to believe," she said getting up and walking towards the house. "I need time to process this."
"Brie wait," they both said following behind her.
"Seriously, you both need to go. Just leave me alone. If and when I'm ready to talk to either of you, I'll let you know."
With that she disappeared into the house leaving both men wondering when they'd see her again.

If you read my other story you know what's been going on in my life lately so I won't bore you with the details again. If you don't, I'll just say that writing has unfortunately taken a back burner to life. However, I will be writing again soon. I hope to have this story updated by the end of the week at the latest.
Thank you so much to those of you who faithfully follow this story and take the time to post your comments; I love them and they really give me the incentive to keep writing. So stick with me and hopefully I'll have an update soon...and hopefully it will be worth the wait!
Cheers!
~B~