Coon Falls, Virginia

The woman stopped moving her fingers across his chest as she took in what he'd said. Darrin was happy to see that Jessica was happy. “That’s great! I’m really happy.” She said, moving to his side. Her tone was nearly serious, throwing him off for a moment. He immediately turned his gaze back to her, watching her closely. She moved a bit closer to him. “On a more serious tone…How about me and you go and see a movie tonight? I’ll buy dinner.” Darrin regarded the woman at his side for a long moment. He was unsure if she was being serious or merely making fun because of the kiss they'd shared.

Darrin looked away from her for a moment before returning his gaze to his friend. He scratched the back of his head, as he often did when he was confused or nervous. "Okay." He said, a small smile crossing his features. "As long as you're certain you don't mind being seen with me." He had no idea what had brought on the question. Though, he would gladly go with her. He only hoped that they would have a fairly peaceful night. Hopefully, very few fans would notice him. "And I'm sure Mom won't mind watching the kids."

He suddenly smiled at her. "If you're getting dinner..I'll just have to get lunch." He laughed lightly. Darrin remained close to Jessica ignoring the few glances he knew his mother had been sending their way. He knew that she worried for him. Especially after everything that had happened with Hannah. However, he would reassure the older woman later. He doubted that Jessica wanted their night out together to be anything more than two friends spending time together.

The man also noted that he was receiving a few more looks from others that were walking by and some were doing double takes. "I think that I'm going to dry off and go grab some food." He said focusing back on his friend. "Want to come with me? Or..I can bring you something back. I really don't feel like being cornered in the pool and having to take pictures with people." He waited for her answer patiently, wondering if she'd even noticed their looks. Actually, now that he was paying more attention to it, he realized that Jess was receiving them as well.

For some odd reason, Jessica’s heart fluttered when he agreed. She found it very odd and almost irritating on how her heart can flutter at such a thing, yet, not even beat funny when they kissed. None the less, she was happy that he was coming with her, and practically planned out the whole thing in her head, nodding along absent mindedly to whatever he had said afterwards.
"If you're getting dinner..I'll just have to get lunch. I think that I'm going to dry off and go grab some food. Want to come with me? Or..I can bring you something back. I really don't feel like being cornered in the pool and having to take pictures with people."
She hadn’t notice the stares or pictures others seemed to take until he pointed it out; the whole feeling made her seem a bit watched- stalked, one might say- even if she wasn’t the center of attention.
“Yeah, I’ll come.” She offered with a smile, getting out of the pool and walking ahead of him to get her towel and shoes.

Jessica bent down, picking up her towel when she had a shutter sound and flash; she spun around quickly on her heels, expecting to see Darrin surrounded by his fans. Instead, she saw no one; sure, Darrin did have some fans around him, but none of them seemed to hold a flashing camera- or a phone for that matter.
Shrugging it off and chalking it to her imagination, Jessica picked up his towel too, putting on her sandals at the same time before turning towards him, handing him his towel. Before long, Ian and Taylor where also getting out while Nichola danced around, her arms extended as she twirled around Judith, proclaiming that she wanted a four-scoop ice cream cone. Jessica couldn’t help but to smile and once again, another shutter sound went off as well as a flash.
This time, Jessica full on ignored it; not even turning around or having it seem to bother her. If it wasn’t her imagination, then it must be someone taking a picture nearby; it was a normal thing to do, especially if they where tourists- perhaps they where even taking pictures of Darrin. He was a famous musician who has been on leave for a long while.

Jessica turned her attention towards the kids, rounding them up and asking them what they would all like to have for lunch.
“Ice cream! Ice cream!” Nichola proclaimed, jumping up and down while she held onto her towel.
“Nachos and ice cream.” Ian said, causing Anna to shoot a look towards him before she stood up and took out her wallet, handing Jessica the cash; she refused it at first, but accepted it when Anna refused to take no as an answer.
“Nichola, why don’t you have something else, other than ice cream?” Jessica offered, not wanting the girl to get all hyped on sugar.
“How about pizza?” Taylor offered, Nichola shooting him a longing look before nodded her head vigorously towards Jessica, making her laugh.

Once she had gotten all of the ‘orders’ from the kids, she shuffled on her bathing suit cover and walked over towards Darrin.
“I guess we’re getting pizzas, nachos and ice cream.” She said, smiling towards him as she waited for him to take the lead.

Darrin had followed Jessica, getting out of the pool. However, he didn't make it very far before he was stopped by more fans. He looked apologetically towards his friend as he watched her continue to their things. He posed with every single person that wanted a picture with. It always made him happy just seeing his fans happy. In all honesty, he'd missed this. He spent a good thirty minutes in this fashion. Talking with his fans and taking pictures. As the last fan left him, Jess appeared. "I guess we're getting pizzas, nachos, and ice cream." He smiled at her happily.

He made sure that they were alone before leading the way towards where he knew the food would be. They got in line, waiting for their turn. "So," Darrin said, eyeing the woman at his side. "What movie are you wanting to see?" He waited patiently for her answer. There were a few that he'd seen a few days ago that were playing. He'd not seen one in over three years and he was looking forward to it. Plus, he'd be spending more time with Jess.

When they reached the counter, Darrin let Jess order. When they were given the total, Darrin gladly paid. They gathered up the items and then began making their way back to their group. Darrin spoke with his friend about what all he'd been doing since he's gotten to feeling better. He'd begun writing again though would not tell her what about or if it even had to do with the band. He smiled at her as they rejoined their group. They handed out the food and then Darrin finally sat. He'd opted for pizza and began eating on a slice. He'd put his sunglasses on in the hopes that they'd be left alone. So far it was working. he knew his mother was still wondering if anything was going on. He'd decided to talk to her on it once they were alone.Darrin checked the time. "We can probably stay another two hours before we need to head home." He said. They would both need time to get ready.

"So, What movie are you wanting to see?"
Jessica shrugged apathetically, pondering on the question for only a second before reaching the counter, buying the food and ordering her own- a pretzel with jalapeño cheese. She also ordered Ian’s food, paying for it with Anna’s money and allowed Darrin to pay for the rest.
As they walked back, Jess thoroughly enjoyed the conversations Darrin had been going on about; she was happy he was getting better, and it brought forth butterflies in chest that made her almost giddy. Yet, what had bugged her most were her own emotions about Darrin. She felt as though they were friends- just that; yet, for some reason, she wanted Darrin all to herself. Jessica felt serious selfish and conflicted, knowing that she was unable to accomplish her task in making him happy, as well as making herself happy- not to mention the secret motive she had in mind.

She sat down when Darrin did, handing out the food to the children who went over to sit with Judith and Anna; leaving Jessica and Darrin alone together as the others ate.
"We can probably stay another two hours before we need to head home."
Jessica nodded, smiling as she dipped her pretzel in the cheese and took a bite. The rest of the day honestly went by quickly; after they ate, the kids instantly went back into the pool. They all played for a while before Taylor dragged Jessica up to a slide, Ian to Anna and Nichola to Darrin; all of them going down various slides and pools.
When Nichola and Ian, the first two, finally blew out and fell asleep, it was deemed that it was finally time to go. Darrin carried Nichola while Anna said her goodbyes and parted her own way, carrying Ian on her back. Judith took Taylor by his hand as they all made their way through the parking lot, hopping into the car and driving home.

Jessica, when they arrived at the Reeds house, drove home herself, saying her own goodbyes and farewells for now before she did so.
When she did finally arrive home, Jess hopped into the shower, washing away the grime and chlorine she had gotten from the pool. She looked at herself in the mirror and realized that she actually tanned a little bit, despite the sun screen. She couldn’t hide it, not from herself; she was excited. She walked into her room, opening up her closet and seriously pondering over what she should wear.
If she wore a dress, he might think her too fancy, and get the wrong idea- whatever idea that may be. If she picked some jeans and a shirt, then he might assume that she is just taking him on a casual outing- which is partially true, but Jessica, for some odd reason, was unsatisfied by that. Shaking her head gently, she opted for a black lace skirt and regular, AC/DC tee and some sneakers; she figured her outfit was flirty but casual- oh great, when did she become that girl?

None the less, Jessica continued to get dressed; blow drying her hair and styling it, or, just pulling it into a bun. She didn’t bother applying her makeup- figuring that it might be too much. Once she was done getting ready, Jess simply wondered around her house, making use of her free time by cleaning it up and pondering on whether or not she should get a dog.
When the time arrived, she walked over towards his house, knocking on the door to find the overly curious Judith eying her suspiciously, making Jess simply smile. She waited patiently for Darrin to come down and for them to leave, feeling a bit more nervous than usual; but at the same time, oddly enough, she felt at ease. The contradictory in her own emotions seemed to make her head float a little bit.

The day seemed to go by far too quickly for Darrin. Though, he was happy to have had such a good day so far. When they finally arrived at his home, Darrin helped to get the kids out of the car. He bid Jessica goodbye and his friend soon left. After she was gone, his family entered the house. The children were immediately taken upstairs and given baths. As his mother was taking care of them, Darrin went to his room and got into the shower. He took his time, allowing the hot water to run over his body. When he was done, he got out and dried off.

He then heard a knock on his door. With a towel wrapped about his waist, Darrin opened his door. His mother stood there, a small smile on her face. "I wanted to talk to you." She said softly. He nodded, allowing her to enter his room. "I wanted to know what's going on between you and Jessica." Darrin was silent for a moment, brushing his hair out and making sure that the strands were in the correct place. "Nothing. Why would you ask that?" He asked the older woman.

"Just the way you two were acting around each other. Are you going somewhere?" She asked. "We weren't acting any different. And yes..I'm going to see a movie with Jess." He said. "So..can you watch Taylor and Nichola? Please?"

His mother finally relented, saying that she would watch his children. He thanked her before she left the room and then headed downstairs. Darrin, on the other hand, continued getting ready. He got dressed and made sure that his dark hair was showing even with the hat on. He was hoping that by wearing his glasses instead of his contacts that he'd be able to stay fairly hidden from those who knew who he was. However, Jessica had only seen him with glasses once before, a very long time ago. He found that he was fairly nervous though he did not know why. Though..he was also looking forward to it.

Judith had let Jessica in the house though was giving the younger woman suspiciously. She knew that the two were going out that evening though that was all Darrin had said on the matter. She made her way to the bottom of the stairs after having continued to eye the woman for a moment longer. She called up to Darrin and then returned to Jessica. She suddenly smiled at the woman. "So, what are you two doing tonight?" She asked curiously.

A few moments later, Darrin entered the kitchen. His gaze rested on Jess immediately. He could only imagine what she and his mother had been speaking about. He smiled at her before turning his attention to his mother. She wanted to know when he'd be back. He answered her before asking Jess if she was ready to go. He bid his mother goodbye before leading the way out to his car. He opened the door for Jessica and then closed it after she'd gotten in.

He soon joined her and then started the car. He glanced over to her, smiling. "You look lovely." He suddenly said, pulling out of the driveway. His clothes were fitting a bit better now and even Darrin had been able to tell a difference. He glanced over to the woman, smiling. "So, I checked movie times and we'll have to see it first and then eat. The only ones that are playing around this time is some horror flick and then a sci-fi movie. Which would you prefer to see?"

"You look lovely."
Jessica smiled at him before nodding. “You do as well.” It had been a while since she’s been alone in the car with a man- especially one she favored, so it was reasonable that she just could sit still.
"So, I checked movie times and we'll have to see it first and then eat. The only ones that are playing around this time is some horror flick and then a sci-fi movie. Which would you prefer to see?"
She pondered a bit, biting her lip as she thought, looking out the window as they drove by tree by tree. “I do like both, but I think I’ll opt for a sci-fi.” She said, turning towards him and smiled. It would be a lie if Jessica said she wasn’t excited or looking forward- she really did; it was the first date she’s been on since the man she had been dating a while ago had broken up with her.

Once again, Jess shifted in her seat, unable to ease her nerves and find a comfortable spot; to help prevent her nervousness from growing, and from him to not notice her tension, Jessica clasped her hands together and turned towards him, smiling. “Ah, by the way, what did you want to eat? If I remember correctly, your favorite restaurant was the one by the theater, right?” She remembered them when they were younger, her and Darrin and his friends would always go to Barb’s for a milkshake and some fries- of course, Jess would order a salad and chicken meal which she would try and share with the group; though, the only one who really had some was Darrin, and occasionally Kris when he felt he need to make creations out of his milkshake.
None the less, she was still excited; not only for tonight- of course- but also for tomorrow. She had a growing feeling of excitement in her chest to see Kris after all these years and almost prove to him that she changed. It was as if she wanted to cast her own little revenge on him for poking harmless fun at her for all those years.

She was pulled out of her own thoughts by Darrin’s answer, causing Jess to turn her head towards him with a light smile. “By the way,” She said, leaning back in the passenger seat. “Why did you decide to come out with me? I would’ve sworn that you’d be tired from today… not that I’m complaining- I enjoy your company. I’m just curious.” She flashed him a smile, holding her hands up defensively and jokingly.

Jessica was silent for a moment before she answered him. “I do like both, but I think I’ll opt for a sci-fi.” He smiled at hearing her choice. The woman next to him shifted a bit and he couldn't help but wonder why. He remained silent and then Jess moved again. “Ah, by the way, what did you want to eat? If I remember correctly, your favorite restaurant was the one by the theater, right?” The woman asked. Darrin thought for a moment, going over the different places they could go before he made up his mind. "That actually sounds amazing. Would you believe that I've not had anything like that since I moved to California?" He asked, a light laugh upon his voice.

“By the way..why did you decide to come out with me? I would’ve sworn that you’d be tired from today… not that I’m complaining- I enjoy your company. I’m just curious.” Jessica asked him. Darrin glanced over to her, regarding her for only a moment before turning his attention back to the road. He was silent for what seemed like a long time but in reality was merely a few seconds. "I thought that it would be nice to get out of the house..and getting to spend time with you only makes it that much better." He was well aware that he'd neglected to tell her the truth..still. For all she knew, he truly hadn't felt anything when they'd kissed. He just..couldn't bring himself to tell her. The looks that he'd seen come across her face had made sure that he would say nothing on the matter.

He was quiet for a few moments, before he continued. "I mean..I am a bit tired but once I'm going I'm usually fine." Darrin paused for a moment, eyeing the woman closely from the corner of his eyes. "So, why'd you ask me out?" He was fairly curious and was interested to see her reasoning. He just couldn't wrap his mind around it.