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I walked to Emma's house, getting ready to see her. I had a big smile on my face. I can't believe it's happening.

I get to go out with Emma. That girl of all people. But hey, it's the first time for everything.

I used the doorbell and then I knocked on the door. I stood back from the door and waited for her.

I waited for a minute and I decided to knock on the door and waited again.

Still no answer.

I frowned at the door. That's weird....

I thought she would be expecting me. What gives? I knocked on the door again and still no answer. I sighed and I put my hand on the doorknob and turned it. The door was actually unlocked and it opened, the door creaking loudly.

What? She left the door unlocked. If she wasn't home, then why would she leave it unlocked.

This is getting weird.

I opened the door further than before and I took a few slow steps in the house. I don't hear anything in here. Like there really was no one home.

I hollered, "Emma? Are you home?"

No answer.

I tried again, louder that time, "Emma?! Are you here?!"

Still no answer.

I hummed to myself. Maybe I better leave, there's no one home.

I was about to turn around when I could hear a muffled cry in the other room, the living room to be exact. My eyes went wide with fear.

It sounded like Emma!

I ran into the living room and saw to my horror that Emma is being held captive by...A guy in suit! I gasped.

The guy is behind Emma, his hand is over Emma's mouth, muffling her screams. His other hand has a gun and he's pointing it at her head. The gun barrel jamming it roughly.

While I just stood there I held out my hands, trying to diffuse the situation, "Alright mister, what do you want?"

The guy had a very threatening look on his face and he sneered, "You escaped us years ago. And now we have found you, after all these years!" I heard Emma screaming through the guy's hand, her eyes begging for me to save her.

I said to the guy, my hands still held out, "Look don't do this. I'm the one you want." Then I gestured toward Emma, "Look she's not a part of this, just let her go." I begged, "Please don't do this. Leave Emma alone."

The guy in suit jammed the gun hard into the side of Emma's head real hard, "You never should have gotten her involved in your life. Now she's paying the price."

I sucked in a breath and I stuttered, my throat tightening from the emotion. I shook my head repeatedly, my eyes begging him for mercy, "No, no, no, no." I took a step toward him, "Don't do this. Please...." My eyes were about to form tears, "Don't do this. Please don't kill her."

Through the guy's hand, I heard Emma's cry and I know she called out my name. Her eyes filled with tears as well.

The guy in suit snarled, "You did this to her!!!" Then I could see the guy's finger on the trigger of his gun.

No! No Emma, NO!!!!

I screamed, "NO!!!!!!"

The guy pulled the trigger and the gun went off with a loud bang. The bullet went through Emma's head and her body went down in a heap, landing headfirst on the wooden floor.

I gasped in horror and disbelief. I shook my head and fell to my knees near Emma's body. No.....Nooooo......

The guy remarked when he put the gun in his pocket, "You did this to her, and she paid the price."

I shook my head again. Pain and dispair in my voice, "....No....Emma.....No....." I reached out to her face, my hand touching her forehead. I sucked in a hard breath because of my sobbing.

I screamed to the ceiling, "EMMA!!!!!!!!!"

Then I woke up with a gasp in my bed. I breathed heavily, trembling with fear. My breathing finally slowed to a stop after about ten seconds and I closed my eyes. I sighed in relief.

It was just a nightmare. I'm still in Brooke's house, after I came back here from the beach tonight.

Emma's not dead, it was just a dream.

She'll be okay. There are no more guys in suits.

Nobody hasn't found me and Ben for six years. No one is coming after us anymore.

Emma will live. She's not going to die.

I opened my eyes and I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. It was only a dream, just...A horrible nightmare. I smiled to myself.

Not the first time I had a nightmare like that. Every once in a while, ever since the guys in suits tried to kill me and Ben six years ago, I've been having them. But they aren't real.

But boy that dream....It felt so real, like Emma really did die.

I shook my head from that thought. Stop it Jason. She's not dead, it was just a stupid dream. Quit bugging yourself about it.

I laid my head back down on the pillow. Trying my best to go to sleep again. No one is coming after you and Ben anymore, there never were more of those people coming after you.

No one, and you can accept it now. Now you just have to live out your live, just you have been for the past several days.

After all, you've got a date to go to tomorrow night as well.

That thought put a smile on my face as I slept more calmly now. Yeah....It'll be great.

*****

I slept like a big bird in April's barn. My beak letting out loud snores. I could hear birds chirping and I opened my eyes groggily. I groaned and I lifted my head off the ground, the sunshine hitting my face hard through the opening of the barn. Morning already? Well that night didn't feel long at all.

I was about to get up on all fours, when I saw April sitting on a bucket nearby. She had a grin across her face and said in a soft tone, "Good morning, Ben."

I shook the sleep out of my eyes and I formed a grin on my beak, "Good morning to you too." Then I cocked my head, "How long have you been siting here?"

April shrugged her shoulders, "About maybe....Thirty minutes, I think."

I looked out at the opening and then I glanced at her, "I thought you'd be going to work right now."

She shook her head, "I called them today, told them I want to take a day off. I told Emma this and she said she would cover my shift." April got up from the bucket on her feet and said, "I wanted to spend more time with you today."

I nodded, "Did you now? Well I'm flattered that you would do that. I wouldn't mind the company." I got up on all fours and stretched. My claws digging in the soft dirt on the ground. I stopped stretching and let out a big yawn through my beak.

I heard April giggled and I looked down at her. I playfully asked, "What are you laughing at?"

April stopped giggling and said, "The way you snore before you woke up. It was loud and funny. I mean, I used to have a dog who would snore like that and I have to say." She shook her finger at me, "You are the loudest snorer of all time."

I let out a little laugh, "Ha! Well at least I get to sleep peacefully when I do that."

She rolled her eyes and muttered at me, "You keep telling yourself that. After all, you like the make excuses."

I lowered my head to her level and grinned, "I don't always make excuses honey. I usually do make a point."

She reached out to touch my face and smiled at me, "I know you do." Then she changed the subject and asked, "So how did the whole meeting with Jason go after I left you guys alone at the beach?" She frowned, "Did you...Tell him about your feelings toward his mother?"

I still remember last night. When I've finally confessed to Jason about my feelings toward his mother. I'm surprised still he took it quite well. He really is like his mother. I still remember that night when I did try to kiss Cassandra and she didn't take it well at first, but at the end she did.

He and his mother really are alike. He may look like his father, but he and his mother definitely are alike.

I nodded and told her my tale from last night, "Yes I did."

She pressed me by gesturing her hand toward me. Still waiting for more, "And? How did it go?"

I said, "Well Jason looked like he didn't take it well at first. But in the end, he understood." I put a paw to my chest, "I was really afraid he'd hate me and never speak to me again. After all that I've said to him. About the part when I've kissed his own mother of all people, but he didn't hate me." I smiled at her, "He said he cold never hate me and turn his back on me. He said I would always be his family."

I looked down at the ground, "Me and Jason cried into each other for a long time. And I can tell you this much."

I looked at her, "You've told me before that if I did tell Jason all of that, I wouldn't feel so guilty anymore. I...I feel a lot better than ever before. I don't feel guilty about showing my feeling's toward Cassandra and I'm also not guilty about her death either."

April nodded in agreement, "Good. I'm glad you took my advice. You needed it, you really did." Then she took a step toward me and threw herself against my chest, hugging me.

I smiled when she did that and I wrapped a paw around her, caressing her back. I muttered to her, "Thank you, April."

She pulled herself away from me, taking a few steps away from me. She shook her head, "You don't have to thank me. You would have done the same thing for me." She put a hand to her chest, "If I had a nephew that I was stuck with for six years and feel guilty about everything that happened a few years before that, you would've told me to talk to him as well. Come clean with him."

I nodded. She was right. I would have done the same for her. She deserved happiness like I do. I said, "Well still a proper thank you is suffice. You deserve it."

She nodded and she turned her whole body around. Facing the entrance to the barn, "So, you want to go for a walk in the woods? Like we did yesterday?"

I nodded in agreement, "Sure! I'd love to!"

She beckoned me with her hand, "Alright big bird, lets go." And with that she walked away from me and I started to follow behind her, both of us exiting the barn. As I walked behind her, I was looking at her.....Curves.

The way she swings them when she walks. Yikes, she has a big sexy way of walking. I'm sure the guys would be all over her.

I shook my head from those thoughts. Ben...Don't even think about it.

You know that you like her that way since yesterday, but don't risk it. You need to control yourself.

She's not Cassandra, so she would be so afraid of you if you've tried it. Or...Maybe she wouldn't be afraid....

I sighed to myself, as I continued to walk behind her we got to the edge of the woods outside her house. Well maybe I will talk to her about it today.

Or maybe I won't tell her about it. Maybe NEVER.

I shut my eyes tight, a headache coming into my skull now. I really need to quit that! I'm giving myself a headache!

*****

I was done eating breakfast at Brooke's house, getting myself ready to go to work at the fish workshop. Another day at work and then it's off for my date with Emma tonight.

I had a smile on my face. After last night, I still can't believe she would ask me out for a date with her. Mom and dad would've been proud of me.

Other than that, I was also still surprised about Ben's confession on the beach. That it turned out he had feelings toward my mother.

I know I could never hate Ben, he still my buddy and my family. He's also my dad as well, a lot more than my uncle. Both of us have been through a lot together and nothing. Not even his confession about my mother wouldn't come between us. Even when he has kissed her before, THAT wouldn't come between us.

We would always be family. We would always be pals.

I got myself ready for work and I head out of my bedroom and headed to the front door. Before I could reach the doorknob, Brook's voice stopped me, "Jonas?"

I jumped a bit and I turned around and faced Brooke who came up behind me. I smiled at her, "Hey Brooke. Just getting ready to go to work today."

As I looked at Brooke's face, it looked like something was bothering her, "Jonas....Can I talk to you?"

I pointed at the front door, "I'm going to be late for work and-"

She cut me off with her voice and she shook her head, "It won't take long."

I frowned at her. What's her deal this morning? When I was eating breakfast with her and Thomas, she has been giving me this odd look. Like she knows I'm...Hiding something.

Well...I hope she doesn't know that I've stolen a few things from the gas station, because I already paid my dues anonymously with the cash I had.

Brooke held a breath and let it out, "Jonas...About yesterday....Do you still want to talk to me about it? I mean, you still haven't talked to me about your life."

I did leave her alone after she said she would be my mother, and I can tell her anything. But I feel like I can't tell her everything. Not telling her about being a hero during the night. Not Ben. Not anything. I sighed, "Not really."

Brooke frowned at me and put a hand to my shoulder, "Jonas listen, I really do want to help. If you talk to me, you would tell me everything, would you?"

The look in her eyes, it does seem like she knows something. But what?

I'm getting a weird feeling about this.

I grabbed her hand and smoothly removed it off my shoulder, "Yes I would, but...I don't want to talk about it yet. Maybe some other time, okay?" A part of me doesn't want to, so I don't know how long I would keep this up.

But Brooke other than that look on her face, other than having a feeling she knows something about me. She seems to....Really care about me.

Just like my mother would.

Brooke sighed and nodded, "Yes, ok." Then surprisingly, she wrapped her arms around me for a hug. My eyes bugged out in shock. She let me go and said, "I'll talk to you later, Jonas. I need to go to work at the station today anyways."

I nodded, "Ok, later." Then I whirled around and opened the front door and went through it. I stepped out on the front porch. My mind swirling with thoughts.

Something's bothering her, I can tell. But what is it?

I shrugged to myself, and muttered out loud, "Oh well." I'll have to figure it out later.

For now, work time.

*****

Brooke saw Jason leave the porch through the window. She sighed to herself. I know who you are Jonas.

Or should I say, Jason Morgan.

I've looked you up on the internet on Google and I came across your picture. That the police had put out an APB on you. You're from New York and you have been missing from there for six years.

I know that your parents died six years ago and then you ran away from home.

That was why you have hitchhiked for a long time.

I want to help you Jason. I really want to.

I sighed again. The sheriff wanted me to know who he was and he wasn't who we thought he would be. He was just a young lonely boy who doesn't have a family.

I want to tell him, but...Maybe I don't have to tell him.

I feel so sorry for Jason, he has lived alone on the streets for six years. He needs a home. He needs a mother.

I've lost my son years ago because of what happened at the playground. But I'm going to rectify that by....Having Jason live here forever.

I know he probably didn't graduate from school, he was only fifteen when it happened. I wonder how he survived out on the streets that long?

Well I'm going to help him live out his life. I'm going to help him get his GED. I'm going to help him through everything.

Brooke heard Thomas behind her and she whirled around to face him. Thomas had a serious look on his face, "So...Did you talk to Jason?" Then he shrugged, "Or Jonas? Or whatever his name is?"

She shook her head, "No." She hesitated, "I couldn't tell him what I've found out."

Thomas crossed his arms, "Brooke, you told me what you have found out about him on the internet, after you've showed me that photo he has. His name's not Jonas Hemingway, he's Jason Morgan. He lied to us."

Brooke nodded, "I know he has. But there has to be a reason why he lied." She put a hand to her chin and put into some thought, "There has to be."

Thomas narrowed his eyes at her, "Brooke, he might be a criminal. If he changed his name, then he must have done some bad things before he came to North Carolina."

Brooke argued, "But I don't think he's a bad guy. I think he's just some kid who has lost his family. His mother and father died in a car accident."

Thomas shrugged his shoulders, "Then why did he change his name? Don't you find that odd?"

Brooke shot a glare at him, "Of course I do."

Thomas sighed and uncrossed his arms, "Brooke, if he's a criminal who changed his name. We...We need to call the FBI or something. Because I don't like this at all."

Brooke's mouth opened a bit in surprise and she glared at him again, "Thomas, this isn't the right thing to do."

That's when Thomas shook his head, "Brooke, I thought you knew better than that. You're a cop, you can't just let these things slide." He waved with a hand, "If he's dangerous, then you need to call the feds."

She shook her head, "And I told you last night and I'm giving you the same answer now, I'M NOT GOING TO DO THAT."

Thomas growled a bit and he asked, "Brooke, why are you defending him?! He probably a criminal, who knows what he has done before he came here."

She shouted, "Because he's still a kid with a lonely heart! His parents died!"

"But he probably was the thief who stole from the gas station and we're harboring a criminal here. You're a cop, you should know what that means to us."

Brooke only stared at him and Thomas went on, "You would lose your career and we would go to jail." Then he patted his chest with both hands, "I don't want that."

Brooke argued, "But even if he did, there was probably a good reason for it. He didn't even have a job before he came here."

Thomas angrily said, "That doesn't give him an excuse. That's still breaking the law." He pointed at her, "Brooke this is our second argument about him and you're still defending him. Why? Why?"

Brooke only stared at him, until finally she said, "Because he's a kid, that's why. And I want to protect him. He doesn't have a family Thomas, and how would you feel if you were in his position?"

Thomas glared at her, "I know what you're thinking now."

Her eyes went wide and she asked, "What? What is it that you think I'm thinking about?"

"You're thinking about our son and you want to replace him with Jason, or Jonas. You can't accept him as a criminal and you just want to defend him."

Brooke had a sad look on her face and Thomas said, "Brooke, you're my wife and I don't want you to go to jail for this. Jason could still be a criminal and there's probably a reason why he changed his name to Jonas. He might be a scam artist."

Thomas walked toward her and hugged her, "Brooke, we both lost Alex years ago. And we both have moved on from that." He pulled back and looked into her eyes, "But, Jason's not our son." Then he kissed her forehead, "Keeping him won't bring our son back."

Brooke shook her head, "No it won't." Then she narrowed her eyes, "But I'm not putting him in jail. Not until I know the truth from him. We both deserve to know."

Thomas sighed and removed his embrace over her, "Ok. We'll talk to him about it." Then he pointed at her, "But if he starts getting into trouble before we do talk to him, we're calling the sheriff about him, alright?"

Brooke nodded slowly, "Fine." Then she looked down at the floor. Still thinking about him.

Why Jason?

Why did you change your name? Even I'm wondering about that.

Why Jason? Why?

*****

It was the afternoon now and after my work shift was over at the fish workshop, I went back to Brooke's house, took a shower and went to the diner in town for my date with Emma tonight.

I was surprised that Emma took the time to look good for tonight. She put on some makeup and everything. She even made a ponytail on her head.

After I've found Emma near the diner, I asked her about her dad and she said that he's working at the station still and I would be fine.

Well at least she's in the clear. Her father doesn't trust me at all. I don't want him to get the wrong idea about me and her.

Well me and her are dating, so how would that not give him the wrong idea about me and her?

I really need to be careful about this. She's the sheriff's daughter. After all, overprotective dad and an occupation of a sheriff, not a good combination. Especially when it comes to me.

Well what me and Emma did during our stay at the diner, we both had seafood together. She had lobster and I had butterfly shrimp.

Now that I think about it, Ben would've loved the lobster. He sometimes like to eat seafood. I remember me and him ate seafood together when mom and dad had leftovers and gave them to us. Good food actually, came from Red Lobster.

I wish Southport had a Red Lobster. I could use that food right now.

Anyways, after me and Emma ate at the diner, me and her started walking around town together. Just having to spend quality time together alone.

Me and her chatted for a long time and in a big surprisingly way, me and her really do have a lot of things in common.

Like we both have the same taste in music. Right now we're both talking about it.

Emma gave me a big grin with her eyebrows raised, "Really? You listen to The Rolling Stones a lot?"

I laughed a little and nodded as we walked, "Oh yeah. I mean..." Then I looked up at the sky a bit, putting my answer in some thought, "How I got myself into listening to them came from my grandpa. Grandpa George."

She asked, "The guy who found Ben when he was an egg?"

I nodded, "Yep, that's him." I shrugged, "It was just one day when I was bored. Then grandpa helped me out with that and me and him started listening to his favorite band The Rolling Stones."

I smiled at her, "The songs that I like the most about them are, 'Street Fighting Man', and 'Start me Up.'"

She said, "Sounds like you had good taste."

I nodded in agreement, "Yep." Then I asked her, "So what about you? What old rock band did you listen the most?"

Emma answered, "Starship."

I frowned at her, "Starship?"

"Yeah! I like their songs like, 'We Built This City', and 'Nothing's Going to Stop Us Now.'"

I pointed at her, when I remembered the songs she brought up, "Oh yeah! I remember now! I like those songs." Then I raised a finger and added, "But I do love The Rolling Stones more."

She shrugged, "You have your favorite band and I have mine."

I said, "Well good, because I don't want to hear you complain that I have a different favorite band than you do."

She slugged my shoulder and we both laughed. While me and her kept walking, I stared lovingly at her. At her hair, her face, everything.

She...Looks so beautiful.

I guess I feel like I'm the luckiest guy in the world.

Too good to be true, huh?

Emma suddenly stopped in her tracks and I stopped shortly after she did. She had both a angry and feared look on her face. I had a concerned look on my face, "What's wrong? You ok?"

Emma pointed past me, "That's him."

I followed her gaze and saw that she's pointing a guy up ahead. Talking to another guy.

I asked without looking at her, "Who's that?"

Emma answered, "That's Jared. The guy who hit me."

And that's when my anger got to me in an instant. That day when I found Emma crying because of him came back quickly into my mind.

That son of a bitch! He has hurt her!

No one should EVER hurt Emma. Not him, not anyone!

I'm going to make him pay for it!

I clenched my fists, with anger on my face. I began to walk up to Jared when Emma grabbed my arm, trying to stop me, "Jason no."

I looked back at her, "Are you kidding me? He has hurt you."

Emma nodded and looked at me with pleading eyes, "Yes he did, but it's not worth it."

I shook my head, "I don't care, this guy is going to be an narcissist to another guy and hurt her as well. Unless I stop him from doing that." Then I pulled my arm roughly away from her and walked toward Jared, taking fast strides.

I knew Emma would be worried about what I'm going to do and go to jail for it. But I won't let him get away from this.

The girl that Jared talked to left and he saw me coming toward him. He frowned when I came up to him and asked with a bit of annoyance in is voice, "What do you want?"

Without saying a freakin word to him, I clenched my fist tight and threw a hard right hook at his jaw. He stumbled back and fell to the ground. Jared gripping his jaw with his hand and cried out in pain.

I breathed heavily, fuming at him. I pointed at him and said, "You deserved that, you sick son of a bitch."

Jared looked up at me, his hand still gripping his jaw, wincing in pain, "Who the hell are you?"

I shook my head, still glaring at him, "Doesn't fucking matter. What matters is that what you've just did to a poor innocent girl is something I don't tolerate."

He asked, "What are you talking about?"

I only said one word to him, "Emma."

Jared's eyes went wide with realization. Like he was caught with his pants down. Then he narrowed his eyes at me while he was still on his back on the ground, "Look Emma is just a slut. Whatever she said to you, she's-"

I cut off his sentence when I planted a hard kick to the ribs. He gasped for air, trying to breath. he closed his eyes in pain. I said to him in a threatening tone, "You listen to me you asshole." I pointed a finger at him, "If you EVER hurt Emma again, I will bust your ass. Understand, you narcissistic asshole?"

He didn't say anything, only wheezing. I muttered when I turned my back on him, "I'll take that as a yes." Then I saluted him, "So long dipshit." And with that, I walked away from him. Leaving him to his humiliation by me.

I had a proud smile on my face. That felt good!

Taught him a lesson he wouldn't forget. At least he won't hurt anyone anymore.

I saw Emma's expression when I came back to her. She looked surprised. When I got close to her, she started to grin at me, "You may be, the craziest person I've ever met."

I shrugged and smugly said, "I take risks. What can I tell ya?"

She giggled and she held my hand and we both walked away from the scene together. If Jared knows what's good for him, he won't call the cops on me.

Take that, you stubborn, pathetic, ASSHOLE.

That was for Emma.

*****

I looked up at the stars, thinking about Jason right now.

I wonder how he's doing today? Or tonight for that matter right now? He said last night that Emma asked him out and so he was going on a date with her tonight.

I really am proud of the young man. He really has grown up. But I hope the date goes well. I'm sure he never had a girlfriend before.

Well me and him have a thing in common, we both never had a girlfriend in our lives.

The only person that I've loved for years was his mother.

I sighed. Cassandra...I hope you're proud of your son right now. That he has a girlfriend for the first time in his life.

And also...Years ago, you told me before that some girl would find me one day and I think it's April now.

Cassandra...What do I do? Tell her how I feel and hopefully she wouldn't be afraid of me, like you were?

I...I really like April now. She's more...Different than you were.

We both hang like we both do, yes. But she is different.

She likes to talk, to travel, she's even stubborn like me.

I wish...This was easy for me. I don't know what to do right now.

April interrupted my thoughts, "Ben?"

I shook my head and looked down at her, sitting on a lawn chair, "Sorry what?"

April giggled and said, "Nothing, I was wondering if you were a space cadet right now. You've certainly looked like it."

I rolled my eyes, "Whatever girl. At least I don't look like a dirty farm girl." Then my beak showed her a grin.

Emma crossed her arms and let out a growl, "Grrr." Then she turned her head, closed her eyes and muttered, "Beak face." Then I laughed hard at the statement.

Me and April basically hung out with each other all day today. After she met me in the barn this morning. Of course I did hunt for food today in the woods and when I was done, I would return to her.

She fed me once today and ever since then, we both talked to each other since forever. She can be entertaining too as well.

Now it's nighttime and me and her are sitting outside her house, chit chatting some more and staring up at the stars. I'm laying on my stomach on the grass, my wings relaxed over my back. While April was sitting in her lawn chair.

April asked, "So why are you so quiet right now? Enjoying the quiet and the stars?"

I shook my head, "No, I was just thinking about some things."

"Like what?"

I shook my head again, "Nothing much. Just...Jason's family. Especially Cassandra, his mother."

She smiled at me, "You still can't get her out of your head, huh?" Then her eyes went wide, "Wow...You really are hooked to her."

I laughed when she said that, "April, you are just too funny for me."

April nodded, "I try to be."

I sighed and answered her question, "No actually, I was thinking about how proud she would be about her won son going out with a girl for the first time in his life. He...Really has grown up. He's not a kid anymore."

April smiled, "I somehow knew she would ask Jason out sooner or later. The way she looks at him, I knew it would happen."

I nodded and said, "Well I knew that Jason somehow had a thing for her to begin with. So I knew he liked her as well. It was only a matter of time when it built up and it happened."

April said, "Yep, I guess you're right." She sighed.

I cocked my head at her, "You okay?"

She nodded and looked up at the sky, "Yeah I'm fine." She let out another sigh and went on, "I was just...Thinking about my family. Especially my mom."

I frowned at her. Well for all the time I've been with her and talked to her. She still hasn't told me much about her family. Like what happened to her family and all that.

April said to me more than once she had been through a lot in her life. But what happened to her before me and Jason met her?

I can't take it anymore, I want to know. I said, "April, can I ask you something? A...Personal question?"

She looked at me and I asked, "What...Happened to your family? You still never told me about them."

April took her gaze to the skies again, sadness in her eyes, "You really want to know?" She chuckled a bit, "I guess, I've kept that from you long enough. Even you're tired of it by now."

I muttered, "I am."

April laughed and glanced at me for a second, "I knew it." She looked up at the sky again.

I gestured my paw and pressed her about it, "So what happened to your family? You know you can tell me, it's not like you can keep it bottled up forever."

I saw her shake her head, "No, you can't keep it bottled up forever." She sighed and decided to tell her tale, "Well....My dad wasn't really there for me. You see after I was born, he just abandoned my mom and left us alone. I...I hardly ever talk to him. Last time I've known where he's at, is that he's in....Virginia now. He moved there about ten years ago."

I cocked my head at her, "What about your mother?"

She scooted her chair to turn it to face me and she said, "She died."

That broke my heart for her. I looked down at my paws and muttered to her, "I'm sorry."

April looked down at her feet and went on, "Well...After my dad left, she struggled to take care of both of us. She really tried her best for me. My dad didn't even help her. She didn't have the money like he did."

She sighed, "He never cared and my mom did the only thing that would be extra income for us."

I looked at her and she took a deep shuddering breath and finally said it in a trembling voice, "She...She prostituted."

I sucked in a breath, shocked by this revelation.

April said with a sad look, "My mother didn't have enough choices in her life. She wanted to help me. One night while she was doing her work, the police arrested her and went to prison. While I was ten around that time, I was sent to a foster home in Southport."

I only muttered one word in shock and pity, "Jesus."

She nodded in agreement, "Yeah, Jesus is the right word for it." She sighed again, "Mom died while serving in prison. She got attacked in her cell by another prisoner and she was stabbed to death."

I only stared at her and said, "You know...I knew you said it was a touchy subject, but I never figured it was like this. I've sorta figured that both your parents died, just like Jason's."

April said with anger in her eyes, "I hate my father so much. I wish HE was the one who died. NOT my mother." Her look softened and she said, "I'll be honest Ben. When my mom died, Emma was the only person I would hang out with. Because of my mother the whole town of Southport knew about her, people called me the daughter of a whore."

She closed her eyes tight, and let out a trembling sigh, "I know that I'm beautiful these days. But I still don't fit in well with everyone else." She opened her eyes and went on, "I...I still feel like I'm an outcast."

I felt total pity for her and said, "I know how that gets. Because I'm a gryphon living in a human world. I feel like I'm an outcast as well." I then asked her a question, "Just to ask you something, is that why you live out here in the woods at this house?" I pointed at the house with my paw, "Is that really why you live out here alone?"

She smiled at me, "This is my mother's house." My eyes went wide and she giggled, "My mother and I used to live out here alone together, before I've got sent to a foster home. After I graduated from school, I managed to talk to the bank into letting me buy the place. It's really beautiful here. For about two years already, I've lived here."

I smiled when she said that, "I never would have guessed."

She laughed and nodded, "Of course you wouldn't. After all you came here one night peeping through my window acting like a Peeping Tom."

I groaned and said, "Again with the peeping Tom shit? I thought you'd let it go by now."

April gave me a mischievous grin, "Maybe I won't let it go, PEEPING TOM."

I giggled a bit and said, "Well I'm glad you're starting to feel better."

She got out of her lawn chair and walked toward me. She looked at my face, "Me too Ben. I guess you really do make me feel better after all."

I shrugged my wings, "Well at least I try to brighten someone's bitter night."

April had a sad and pity look on her face when she looked at me.

I cocked my head at her, "What?"

She said, "To be really honest Ben." She then had a nervous look on her face, "I...I really wanted you to be happy. You know....With Cassandra."

My eyes went wide when she said that and she raised her hand to stop me from talking, "Look don't get me wrong, I know it's weird and yes she should be with her husband. But...If she wasn't with Alan, she would have been with you. You deserve to be loved by someone. You...You don't deserve to be alone without someone you love. You need someone. Especially...A girlfriend"

Then I lowered my head to her level and said, "April...I-"

She put a finger to my beak and shushed me, "Ben....I get it. The past is the past. She can't come back to you." She sighed and had a pity look on her face again, "I feel pity for you, big bird. You deserve love. More than you know."

She leaned her head to mine and closed her eyes. My face twitched a little when she planted a kiss on my cheek. She pulled back and opened her eyes. April smiled at me, "You deserve more better than loneliness. You deserve love."

I stared at her wondering where this was going. I started to say something, "April....I...I..."

She shook her head and yawned, "Look, can we talk later? I'm tired now and I want to go to bed. Gotta go to work tomorrow."

I nodded slowly, "....Yeah."

She smiled when she started to back away from me, "Goodnight Ben and...Thanks for trying to cheer me up about my mother. It...It's very sweet of you. It's no wonder Cassandra liked being with you." She waved at me and whirled around to go to her house.

She left me alone outside, while I was still comprehending what just happened.

Wow...I never knew April cared about my feelings THAT much.

But...It was the way she looked nervous and the way she looked at me...It was odd. She never had that look before. For all the days since I've known her, she gave me a odd look.

I wonder...Does she...? Feel....?

I sighed to myself and grinned happily when the realization came to me. Maybe...She likes me as well. Just like I like her.

It's a possibility, but I could be wrong about it.

Maybe...It is possible.

I got on all fours and started to walk to the barn, to go to bed for the night.

One day I will tell her how I feel. I can't hold these feelings in forever.

Cassandra and Alan would want me to be happy right now. And one day, I will take the chance.

I will. For you two.

*****

It is nighttime for my date with Emma and me and her are still out and about.

Well more like sitting around on the bleachers at the football field at the school here in Southport.

Seemed quiet here and no one has interrupted our date yet.

Even I'm still happy that I've punched that bastard Jared's face earlier tonight. He deserved it.

So far, no cops have been after me and at least I didn't get arrested for it. Better than me killing Jared if you ask me.

Emma laughed interrupting my thoughts. I looked at her and grinned, "What are you laughing at?"

Emma shook her head and waved me off, "Oh nothing. It's just that I'm having such a fun time with you. It's even better than last night with April and Ben at the beach together. I have to say, this is the better date than with the other boys I was with."

I wrapped my arm around her, my hand rubbing her arm, "It's no problem. I've enjoyed the date as well. And this is my first one ever."

Emma laughed and leaned her head on my shoulder, me and her both looked at the stars, "Isn't this night beautiful? Just the two of us, sitting out here alone? It's really great if you ask me."

I sighed and leaned my head onto hers, "Yeah and you're making this whole date thing on me than before. Trust me, when I through about this all day, I was really nervous."

Emma giggled, "Wow, I NEVER met a boy this nervous before. You really take the cake."

I giggled as well, "Well still, thank you for not putting too much pressure on me. It's appreciated."

She said, "You're welcome, handsome." Then me and her just sat there in silence.

I broke the silence when I sighed. That dream that I've had last night, still bubbling in my thoughts.

That dream...It really did feel real.

Jason get over it. It was just a dream, you've already established it.

But...Now I just feel...Concerned for her safety now. Like something bad would happen to her.

That I would lose her. Just like mom and dad.

I did protect her before from those rapists. But then what if I wouldn't protect her again? What if I don't save her in time?

I unwrapped my arm off of Emma and got up from the bleachers. I took a few steps away from her. Emma had a surprised look on her face and she said with concern in her voice, "Jason...What's wrong?"

I closed my eyes and mumbled one word with my back turned to her, "Nothing."

Emma got up from the bleachers as well and when she got close to me, she laid the palm of her hand against my back. She said, "Jason."

I sighed and opened my eyes, "Emma...I don't think we should be together anymore. I think maybe I should just leave this town."

She sucked in a breath and asked with worry, "What? Why?"

I didn't say anything, and I tried to walk away from her again. Taking fast strides. But Emma caught up to me by standing fright in front of me and held out her hands to my chest, stopping me from walking some more.

I sighed and looked into her eyes, "Emma...Please don't do this."

Emma removed her hands off my chest and asked, "I don't understand this Jason. Why do you want to leave town now? What's wrong?"

I sighed and rubbed the back of my neck. I didn't say a word.

She pressed me, "Come on Jason. Please..." She gave me a pleading look, "Talk to me."

I took a deep breath and said it, "Emma...I'm afraid I'm putting you in danger."

She tilted her head with a frown, "I...I don't get it. What danger are you putting me in?"

I growled a bit and said, "Emma...I'm afraid you might die because of me."

She smiled at me, "Now Jason that's ridiculous. I won't die because of you."

I waved a hand at her, "Emma, you don't get it! I lived a complicated life for the past six years! I've been on the run for a reason, because those people I've told you about. The ones who tried to kill me and Ben, I'm afraid they would've found us and now after....That dream last night, I'm back to my old fear again."

I put a hand to my chest, fear in my eyes, "I don't want you hurt because of me Emma. I wouldn't forgive myself if something bad happened to you." I looked down at my feet.

Emma had a pity look on her face and put her hand to my shoulder. She assured, "Jason...No one is after you anymore. Those people that were after you, they're not anymore. It's been six years since it happened."

I looked at her face, "But I'm afraid they're not the kind of people who would just give up, Emma." I shut my eyes in front of her, "I remember that dream very well and I remember that one of them killed you with a gun."

Emma then wrapped her arms around me for a hug. My eyes opened in shock and she held me tighter. She said, "I won't die, you won't lose me. Nothing's going to happen."

I said while she held me, "But Emma-"

She pulled her head back and looked at me, "Jason...I know you would protect me when it came to it. I know you are a hero and so is Ben. Both of you would protect me no matter what." She gave me a reassuring smile, "I know you would. You are my hero, to the end."

I smiled a bit and asked, "You...You promise me nothing would happen?"

Emma said, "It was just a dream you've had. Dreams aren't real and no one is coming for you and me."

Me and her were staring into each others eyes, she still held me in her arms. She giggled, "Besides...I can be a tough girl after all." She gave me a devious grin, "In fact...I can prove it right now."

I giggled a bit, "How?"

She leaned her head closer to mine, "Like this." Then she pressed her lips to mine. My eyes went wide with surprise and then I closed my eyes and returned the kiss as well. Deepening it.

Our tongues were wrestling and we've kissed like that for a minute until we pulled away, catching our breaths. After we did that, we both giggled.

So that's what kissing feels like? It feels...Hot now!

We both stared at each other still and then I muttered only one word, "Wow."

Emma laughed and said, "You really surprise me Jason. You really do."

I frowned at her, "Why did you do it, Emma? Do...Do you really like me?"

She nodded and answered, "I care about you Jason. To be honest...Ever since I've met you, I always thought you were cute. Even though you were just a shy guy passing through town."

I rolled my eyes at her, "I wasn't shy. Just being careful about who I'm talking to."

She grinned at me, "Well you were certainly doing a good job at it."

I smiled at her, "Well...I'll be honest...I thought you were cute as well. When I've met you...I couldn't get you out of my head."

"Really?"

I blushed a little bit, "Yeah. And also too, when I've tried to convince Ben to let us stay here in Southport that day, he thought I was enamored by your beauty. I guess...The truth is...I think I was as well. Other than trying to live a life here, I think I was enamored by it."

Emma said, "That's...The sweetest thing a guy has ever said to me." She leaned toward my head again.

Then I pulled my head back and asked with concern, "But wait...What about your dad? He's the sheriff, so what would happen if he found out we're...Doing this?"

She shook her head and rolled her eyes, "I don't care what my dad thinks of you. I...I like you. And I've been wanting you for a long time, and I won't let him stop me."

At first, I wouldn't backed down from this when her father's face came to mind. But I quickly brushed it of and smiled at her, "I...I guess...I can trust you with that."

She said, "I'm not afraid of my father. And you shouldn't be either. We both have our own lives to live and we won't let anyone control us anymore. Not my father, not your dreams. No one. Just US."

I was about to say something and she put her finger to my mouth and said, "Enough talk Jason. I...I just want to enjoy this night." Without further ado, she put her lips to my mouth again.

I grunted a bit and kissed her back, putting my hands to both sides of her face. We both pulled away from each other again and she gave this look.

The look that she wanted something else from me. I smiled at her. I know what she wants. I want it as well. We both want it.

The two of us started walking back to the bleachers and when we got close to them, we kissed again and entered in another tongue wrestling match.

She said my name between kisses, her voice a bit husky, "Jason...I want it."

I stopped kissing her and I backed away from her. I waited for her to make her first move and she grinned at me and started to unbutton her shirt.

Taking off one button at a time and she finally pulled it off of her, tossing it into the bleachers. Letting me see her bra that she's wearing. She then worked on taking her pants off, along with her shoes.

I while she was taking her clothes off, started to take off my shirt. I threw it on the bleachers as well and showed off my strong abs.

Emma looked at them before she took the bra off and exclaimed, "Wow Jason, I know me and you went swimming on the beach last night, but you really looked jacked."

I grinned at her, "That's what happens when you don't have a home for six years, you don't become fat and slow. You become fast and strong. Lets just say a lot of exercise and push ups in the forest with Ben would do that to you."

She laughed and said, "Well you look pretty good for a homeless dude."

I smiled in appreciation, "Thank you."

Then Emma moved her hands behind her back and unbuttoned her bra. She pulled it off and unmodestly showed me her breasts. I looked at them and said, "They're...Great."

Emma said, "Bet you haven't seen something like this before, have you?"

I giggled and shook my head, "Nope, never." Then I started to take off my pants next and my shoes. Just showing my underwear now.

She giggled and she moved her hands down to her panties and slowly pulled them off, until her legs were free from them.

I stared at her bare body, admiring it. She's beautiful.

She walked slowly toward me, taking one small step at a time. She kissed me on the lips again and then planted one at my neck. I started to do the same thing as well. Kissing her neck feverishly. She wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling my head closer to her neck, wanting more of it.

It didn't last long thought and she unwrapped her arms around my neck and then started to lower her body, planting kisses on my chest. One small slow kiss at a time.

She got her head closer to my underwear and she put her hands on it and slowly pulled them down. I moved my legs off of them and so I was naked as well. My erected malehood is ready for her.

Emma smiled at it and she stood straight up and kissed my lips again. I took the kiss well. She did the kiss for a second and me and her went more closer to the seat of one of the bleachers.

I started to fist sit down on the bleacher and laid down on my back, the bleacher felt cool against my back, it gave me a shiver. But that didn't stop what we're doing.

Emma got on her hands and knees on the bleacher and crawled toward me. Until she was on top of me. Her face looking down at mine.

I leaned my head up and kissed her deeply, she closed her eyes and I wrapped my arms around her body, pulling her down. My hands were rubbing her back tenderly while we were kissing.

She pulled her head up from my face and I've loosened my hold onto her body. She moved up her body a bit and started to position her hole over my penis. She was ready for me.

But then I was starting to have second thought and I reached out my hand to stop her, "Wait."

She looked at me, frowning. I said to her, a nervous look on my face, "I really never done this before. This is my first time."

Emma smiled at me, "It's okay. I've never done this before either. This is my first time too."

That actually made me feel a lot better and she lowered her body over my hood. My cock ready to take her.

My tip entered slowly into her and she grunted a bit with pain. Even her face was showing it. She lowered a bit more and more of me entered in her. She was hallway there before all of me was in her.

I was still on my back and I reached out to grab her hips and said to her, "Ready for this?"

Emma nodded and shut her face tight. Getting ready to brace herself. I pulled her down and my all of my cock went in her, right to the hilt.

Emma started to take trembling breaths, waiting for our bodies to get used to this union we have. I sucked in a breath and gasped. Her cavern feels tight on my thing. I've never felt anything like it before in my life!

Emma never felt this as well before, I'm sure. Our first time for everything.

Emma planted her hands to my chest, straddling me. She gave me a smile and said, "Hope you're ready for the ride of your life."

I nodded, not taking my eyes off of her, "I'm ready, Emma."

Emma leaned her body and head down to my face and kissed me again and she sat up on me and pulled her body up from my malehood. She lowered it slowly, pulled herself back up and lowered again. Making her get more used to it.

At first, Emma's face was kinda in pain because of my cock in her, but then her cavern became more slicker and soon she started to get more used to it. She grunted a bit in pain and then she started moaning, voicing her pleasure quietly for now. My breath was trembling in pleasure. God this feels good. Really good.

She pushed her hands down hard on my chest and started to ride me now. Slamming her hips down hard on me. Up and down she went on me. Emma's mouth opened agape in a silent moan and I grunted by the force of her slamming her body on me.

While she was still screwing me, she moaned loud and said, "Oh god, Jason. I want you!"

Emma slammed on me repeatedly and her hands gripped my chest a bit, her pleasure becoming intense.

She straddled me harder and faster. Her long brown hair and her breasts bouncing up and down as she rode me, until she got off of me and my cock slipped out of her. Then she laid down on her back in front of me. I sat up on the bleacher and she beckoned her hand to me, "Come in me Jason. I want you to be on top this time. I want it to be special for you."

I moved my body a bit, until I was on my hands and knees. I crawled toward her, until this time I was on top of her. I smiled down at her face and said, "Thank you."

She nodded, "No problem, my hero." Then she placed her hand to my cheek, "Now take me. Give it to me. I want you, now more than ever. You're better than Jared. You're better than any guy than I was with." She kissed me and I sat up on my knees and gripped my cock and positioned myself toward her cavern.

I placed the tip at her opening between her legs and hilted myself in her. She moaned and I did too.

Then I started to slam my hips in her, since her cavern was already used to my thing in her. Her juices more slick than before.

Emma moaned, "Jason...HARDER."

I did as she asked and started slamming myself in her, harder this time. She moaned and groaned and then I planted a kiss to her lips.

My hand gripped the bleacher. Giving me support of me rutting her, so I wouldn't slip and fall off of her.

Emma's hand was placed on my hand, she bended her fingers over my back and I could feel them. Pleasure taking over her.

I shut my eyes tight, don't want my vision to distract me from having sex with Emma. No distractions.

I slammed my hips into her again and again. Emma sucked in a sharp breath and screamed, "Jason, don't stop!"

I'll never stop for anything, until this is over. I'll keep going for you Emma.

I adjusted my angle a bit, I pushed myself into her with more force, my thrusts becoming faster. Hilting myself into her hard.

Emma screamed, "Oh my god!" She shut her eyes tight. Her body being pushed a bit by the force of my thrusts.

I kissed her neck and then I kissed deeply into her mouth again. She didn't mind it at all. I still slammed my hips into her hard, as we started kissing. Her leg bending over my body for grip of my thrusts, in order for me to take her harder.

Emma pulled her mouth away from mine and begged, "Jason! Give it...To me!!!" She caressed her fingers across my hair and I kept giving it to her.

I slammed into her, until I could feel a pressure in my loins and my thrusts became erratic. I...I think I'm close. I shut my eyes tight with pleasure.

Emma's cavern clenched hard around my cock in her and she screamed loud. her orgasm getting to her. I slammed in her harder and faster. My sweat dripping off my forehead. My breathing becoming heavier.

Since I reached my peak and I groaned and finally came in her. My essence coming in fast spurts.

Emma moaned when I filled her. She cooed my name softly in ecstasy, "Jason."

I still spurted my essence in her, my grip on the bleacher became tighter and made my knuckle turn white. I gave it all to her, until there was nothing left to give.

My body was tired from the first experience of having sex and I fell down on her softly. Not hard enough for her to be hurt. I laid down on top of her, my head buried in her neck. Both of us were spent from our first time together.

I was trembling a bit, still worked up from the pleasure and I started giggling and so did she. Emma muttered, "That was...Amazing." She started to rub her hand across my hair. Rubbing it tenderly, "It really was. I...I've never been so close to anybody before."

I said to her, "Neither have I. This...Is a first for me too."

Both of us laid here for about two minutes and she kissed my head and said to me, "Thank you Jason...Thank you so much."

I lifted my body a bit off of her and looked down at her, "You're welcome Emma." Then I started to caress her long hair. Staring lovingly into her eyes.

Emma asked, with love in her eyes, "You won't leave this town then? You won't leave me?"

Before all this happened, even after she gave this talk that no one is coming after me, I still would have left. But now, after all this has happened...I don't want to leave her now.

She really is the one girl for me. There really was a reason why we both met. We weren't not only suppose to be friends, but as...Lovers as well.

Of course, I still have a job for being a hero during the night. But there hasn't been any crime ever since Emma was saved. Maybe...I don't have to fight crime anymore. I'll be with Emma...Forever.

I'll live a normal life, full time and nothing will change that.

I shook my head at her and finally answered, "No, I won't leave you." I smiled at her and she smiled back.

That's when she looked at me and said for the first time since we've started this, "I love you, Jason. I...I love you so much."

I said to her back, "I love you too, Emma. I always will."

Then I leaned my head down to her and we both shared a passionate kiss on the bleachers.

I love you Emma. I'll protect you no matter what.

Mom...Dad....I know you guys are watching this.

You know how happy I am and you know I have my first girlfriend now and it's Emma.

I thought I would never be this happy since you guys have died. But I now know that it's not the case anymore. I feel more happier than ever before.

Emma....

I'll never forget this night. Never.