[M] "I wanted to tell you before I go..." [EnglishBelle & Roleplaychick)]

[Notty]

[Rated M for crude language, possible sexual situations and other adult themes]

[Notty]

Oliver chuckled, tossing a towel over Ana's head. "Give me a break, do you seriously think I know how to fold these things?" he said with a handsome smile. At 22, Oliver Chatham was packing up his worldly possessions to move to the East Coast. Virginia State to be precise. Where he would enter as a Junior, Engineering his major. He shook his head and smiled over at Ana, running a hand through his slightly curly medium brown hair.

What was once his bedroom, now was a disarray of packing boxes, suitcases and totes full of nothing in particular. "And don't even look in the boxes, there isn't a rhyme or reason to anything, just shove it in somewhere there's room." He said with a smile, tossing her some socks, a DVD and a random shoe.

"You have to promise not to miss me too much Ana," he said, glancing over at her from across the room. He went silent for a moment, swallowing hard. She had been his best friend since...before he could even remember. And they had always been that, but ever since he was accepted to Virginia State, there was something different. The very idea of not seeing her everyday, it hurt. He wanted so desperately to tell her how much she meant to him, but at the same time, feared that it would ruin their friendship if she didn't feel the same way. Pushing a winning smile onto his lips, he teased, "and if you're nice, I might bring you back a present."

[EnglishBelle]

Ana dodged the incoming towel and let it land on the other side of his bed. She rolled her eyes at him and grinned. "You are no good at this! Oh come on, as if you can't fold a towel!" She smirked and grabbed it, folding it neatly and adding it to a pile of clothing that Oliver needed to pack. Anastasia, or Ana as most people called her, was just under a year younger than Oliver at 21, but that didn't bother her. She tucked her long dark hair behind her ear and smiled at him.

"You silly...You should have called me earlier and you know I would have helped pack for you..In return of course for cake!" She grinned. Ana was lucky in the fact that she could eat anything and not put any weight on, one of the reasons why girls didn't like her. "A shoe? Where's the other one? Actually, don't answer that...Not my problem if you can't find it." She sat back on his bed and crossed her legs as she watched him continue with his packing. Ana hadn't applied to college as she knew that if she went, her dad would struggle with the bills and she didn't want that so she was staying behind and carrying on working the two jobs that she already did. The one working in the diner just at the edge of town and the other being in the town's only bar.

Ana's brown eyes watched Oliver as he changed for a moment. Deep down, she would miss him. She knew that she'd miss him dreadfully. She'd go from seeing him nearly every day to not seeing him at all for weeks and the only contact that they would have would be by email and phone. She'd try not to call him all the time, she didn't want to stop him from finding a girl and knew that any girl he would find, would probably stop him from calling her so much anyway. She put a smile on and touched his arm gently. "Ooooh a present? Well you'll have to go then, otherwise I won't get a present!" She stuck her tongue out at him.

[Notty]

"I see how it is, you want me to leave." he said, pushing aside a box and settling down near her. He gently nudged her shoulder with his, smiling warmly over at her. "You know you'll miss me, don't try to deny it." he teased, letting his blue-green eyes move over her face. Gently reaching across her, he tucked some of her dark brown hair behind her ear. "You could always come visit me," he said softly, smiling a little.

Not wanting to get too emotional or mushy, he cleared his throat and smiled, then stood. "What about a walk? I'm tired of packing, I've still got a week." he said with a mischievous grin. "Besides, isn't that what I'm supposed to be doing. Taking walks, being all nostalgic before I move?" he said with a smile, holding his hand out to Ana. "Come on, its my last week. Lets make some memories, eh?"

[EnglishBelle]

"Course I do, then when you come back, it's beer, pizza and cake time!" She laughed a little and shook her head, shifting a little on the bed to make more room for him. She put her hand on her heart and smirked. "Oh my aching heart! How ever will I survive without you?" She gently pushed him but then found herself blushing as he moved some of her hair. "Maybe...But I doubt there'll be room with all your man stuff and all the girls you'll be forever entertaining.." She grinned and jumped up after him.

"Let's go then! I can let you buy me pizza tonight too..." She grinned, putting her small soft hand in his and pulling him with her. "Let's gooooo!" She pulled him down the stairs, running down and out into the sunshine. The sun soon warmed her up and Ana was glad that she had put shorts on. Denim cut offs that were a little too big for her, converse sneakers and an off the shoulder light sweater was what she had decided to wear today. She'd put a plain black tank top underneath just in case she got too hot, but she doubted that.

[Notty]

Oliver laughed as Ana took his hand, following her down the stairs and outside to the sidewalk. It was perfect out, and despite the warmth, he took his hand out of hers and pulled it around her shoulder, hugging her to him for a moment. "You'll let me buy you pizza, huh?" He said with a grin, letting go of her shoulders and taking her small hand in his again. "What a good friend," he chuckled. "Anything else you'll let me do?" He teased.

They walked through the small suburban city where they lived, then Oliver turned them down a road they hadn't taken in a long time. He smiled, seeing the open fields ahead of them, gently pulling his arm around Ana. "Remember when we would ride our bikes down this road? Packing lunches to go eat in the haunted church?" He chuckled, his eyes moving to the decrepit church at the end of the road that they had been convinced was haunted. "I miss those times," he murmured softly, fighting the urge to kiss the top of her head.

[EnglishBelle]

There it was again. That jolt of electricity when she felt him put his arm around her shoulder. Don't be stupid. He's here for a week and then he's going away. He's not interested in you... Her thoughts disappeared as Oliver spoke to her and she nodded; grinning. "Yep I will...seems only fair considering the amount of free pie I give you from the diner.." She swung their arms gently as they walked.

A soft smile came to her lips as she nodded in reply to his question. "I remember...I remember too when you came off your bike and thought that I couldn't fix it because I'm just a girl." She rolled her eyes and then stuck her tongue out at him. "I proved you wrong on that one and many other things too. Me too." Her voice was softer and Ana thought that if it was going to be like this, she'd more than likely end up crying. "Last one to the church is a rotten egg!" She called out before starting to run along the dusty path to the church.

[Notty]

Oliver cried out as he took off after her, "not fair! You didn't give me any warning!" He laughed and started down the road, dust flying up behind them, Ana's figure already growing smaller in front of him. He pushed himself forward, the button up shirt he had been wearing over the plain blue tshirt, was flapping in the wind.

As they neared the church, Oliver slowed down, panting softly, feeling small beads of sweat on his forehead. He smiled and looked over at Ana. "Okay, I gave you that one." He panted, slumping down on a fallen tree in the shade, a favorite spot of theirs when they were younger. His eyes moved to her face, smiling at her flushed cheeks and wind blown hair. "We will have to order two pizzas after that." He chuckled, picking up a pine cone and playfully throwing it at her.

[EnglishBelle]

She grinned and wiped her forehead with the palm of her head, raising an eyebrow at him. "You gave me that one? Huh, I think not mister! I think it's too much free pie..." She laughed a little and patted his stomach. Ana was just winding him up but she knew that Oliver would take it.

"Two pizzas? I spose I'll help chip in then.." She smiled and threw a look of mock horror on her face when he threw the pine cone at her. "How dare you!" She picked up the cone and threw it at him, but her aim was rubbish compared to him. She pouted as it failed to reach him. "Oh well, guess I'd better do this then!" A grin grew on her face as she jogged to the tree and then without warning, jumped and pushed Oliver off the tree and onto the grass the other side, starting to tickle him.

[Notty]

Oliver cried out in surprise as Ana tackled him, letting out a soft "ooof" as he hit the ground. He laughed and squirmed on the ground, letting Ana think she had the upper hand for a few moments, before he shifted his weight and rolled over, pinning Ana to the ground. He smiled down at her, playfully pinning her arms to the ground. "You may be faster, but I'm bigger." he chuckled, "always have been."

His face softened a bit as he looked down at Ana, a slight smile on his lips. Just kiss her you idiot. She'll think its all in good fun, or she'll tell you her true feelings. But he hesitated and just smiled, letting go of her arms and climbing off her. Reaching a hand down, "here, I'll help you up." he said with a smile, inwardly cursing himself for his missed opportunity.

[EnglishBelle]

She squealed a little as she felt Oliver move and pin her to the ground this time. Of course it was going to be easy for him to tackle her and keep her in place, he was a few pounds heavier and had more muscle than her. She tutted and pouted. "Not my fault I can't put weight on!" She wriggled a little to try and get free, but she knew it was no good.

He seemed to stop and just stared at her, almost as if he was going to kiss her. Ana felt her cheeks go a little red as the thought entered her mind. Oh my god! He's going to kiss you! Don't be stupid...Of course he's not going to kiss you. You're just friends remember? She was pulled from her thoughts by Oliver climbing off her. She put her hand out to take his as a help up. "I should think so...one should always help a lady in need!" She grinned and dusted herself off. "Wanna go get pizza and then hang out at mine? Dad's away for a couple of days so it's all good. Doubt he'd mind you being there anyway, he likes you." She smiled.

[Notty]

"Pizza sounds wonderful," he said with a smile, reaching over and pulling some leaves from her hair. "And I'd love to come over, my Mom would just hound me about laundry and how I can't pack." he chuckled, pulling his arm around her, gently leading her back towards the road, heading back to town.

He walked in silence for a while, his arm still around Ana. The way her hip gently brushed against him as they walked, her arm around his waist, head tilted slightly against his shoulder. He couldn't help but smile as they walked, keeping her close, still inwardly fighting with himself about his feelings for her.

"What kind of pizza sounds good? I'm honestly happy with anything." Oliver said as they neared the town, pulling his arm from around her waist and taking her hand. "And, its on me, my treat." he said with a smile, kissing the top of her head. "since you did help me pack."

[EnglishBelle]

"That sounds like your Mom alright, but you should be lucky that you have someone there to nag you about it and help you with your laundry." She smiled and felt her skin prickle a little when Oliver put his arm around her waist. She didn't mind him doing that and was used to it when he helped her ward off unwanted attention.

The sun was still in the sky but looking at the time it was growing late in the afternoon and Ana was getting a little hungry. She felt her stomach rumble a little and was grateful that they were heading for pizza. "Hmmmm..I was thinking double pepperoni and extra cheese? But rather than two pizzas, just get an extra large.." She grinned. "Aw, you sure know how to treat a gal. Tell you what, since you're treating me to pizza, I'll pick some pie up from work." She reached up to ruffle his hair and headed off into the diner as Oliver went to get pizza.

[Notty]

Oliver chuckled a little, shaking his head as he watched her turn from him and head towards the diner. He moved down the street in the opposite direction to the small pizza parlor. "Hey Jimmy," he said as he entered, the familiar smell of pizza and beer greeting him. The large, middle aged man behind the counter smiled. "Oliver, good to see you. Got things squared away to leave yet?" Oliver smiled and leaned against the counter, "just about, making the most of my last week here."

About 25 minutes later, Oliver was headed back through town, on his way to Ana's house. Knocking on the door, he turned the knob, stepping in. "A double pepperoni and cheese pizza for the lovely Miss Ana," he said loudly, glancing through the hallway of her Dad's house as he made his way to the kitchen.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana got a whole apple pie from the diner and got the price of it deducted from her wages for the week. Normally this would bother her, but not this time. As she waited for Lisa - one of the girls she worked with - to serve her, Ana got lost in her thoughts. I'm really going to miss him. He's my best friend. And you love him... She groaned and shook the thoughts from her head as Lisa brought the pie. "Enjoy sweetie!" She smiled at Ana.

Ana put the pie in the oven to warm up and keep warm whilst they had pizza. She hadn't been home long before she heard Oliver's voice booming through the house. "I'm in the kitchen!" She called back to him, pulling her hair up into a ponytail as she pulled a couple of beers out of the fridge. Her dad wouldn't mind. "You want a beer sweetie?"

[Notty]

"A beer would be incredible," Oliver said as he entered the kitchen, a smile lighting up his face when he saw Ana. He set the pizza down on the counter and lifted open the lid, "double pepperoni and extra cheese....for my favorite girl," he said, leaning over and kissing her cheek quickly as he walked over to the sink to wash his hands.

Opening his beer, he took a drink, leaning against the counter and watching Ana for a moment before moving to grab plates for them. He loaded his plate with a couple pieces of pizza and nudged Ana's hip with his, a smile on his face. "Care for a movie?" he asked, already starting to walk into the living room, settling down on the couch.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana smiled and passed Oliver the beer before smelling the pizza and grabbing the bottle opener to open her beer. "Mmmmm, so good! You're too good to me! What am I going to do when you're at college hey? Eating a whole pizza on my own..not good." She grinned.

Ana looked at him as Oliver got plates for the pizza and she raised an eyebrow. "Awh come on, we don't need plates! We got the box, and yeah a movie would be great. Seeing as how I chose the pizza, you can pick the movie." She smiled softly, picking up her beer and pizza box and heading off into the living room waiting for Oliver to follow.

[Notty]

Oliver laughed, shaking his head as Ana carried in the box. "You just don't want to do dishes," he said with a smile, climbing up from the couch and glancing through the movies. "Hmmm...okay. Don't judge..." he laughed as he pulled out the original Star Wars. "Classic!" he said, pulling one out and putting it in the tv, then settled back next to Ana.

"The original are the best, don't even try to deny it," he said, sitting closer to Ana now, his arm around her shoulder on the back of the couch as the iconic theme music began to play. He turned his head slightly to look at her, smiling a bit as he took in her profile. His hand moved and scooped up a bit of her hair, mindlessly twirling it around his fingers as they watched the movie.

[EnglishBelle]

"What can I say? When I'm not at work, of course I don't want to do the dishes!" She laughed a little, shaking her head. "Like I said, your choice. You've watched all kinds of movies with me, so I don't care, Star Wars is cool anyway..." She smiled and helped herself to a slice of pizza, sitting back on the couch cross legged and leant a little against Oliver; getting cosy.

By the time she'd eaten her half of the pizza, Ana was getting tired. She was too full from the pizza to move, and knew there was still quite a bit of the movie to go. She yawned a little and nestled against Oliver, trying her best to stay awake but before she knew it, her eyelids had fallen and she was asleep.

[Notty]

Oliver watched intently, stealing glances every now and then to look at Ana. He couldn't help the smile on his lips as each time he glanced over, her eyes were heavier. The last time he looked over, her head was against his shoulder and she was completely asleep. "Lightweight," he chuckled, kissing the top of her head.

He stayed that way until the movie ended, Ana still asleep against him. The room went dark as Oliver shut off the tv, and he did his best not to wake Ana as he shifted, putting his arms around her and picking her up. He knew the way to her room, he had walked it a thousand times. Making his way through the living room and then up the few stairs, he turned and opened her bedroom door. Laying her down on her bed, he pulled off her shoes and covered her up with a blanket, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Goodnight," he murmured.

Knowing that his Mom wouldn't care, Oliver grabbed a blanket from the hall closet and headed back to the couch. He'd sleep there that night, wanting to be sure Ana was safe. He settled down on the couch after kicking off his shoes, a sad smile on his face. You love her you idiot, just tell her.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana woke up a little after Oliver had put her in her bed. At first, she was a little confused but then worked out that she was in her room and that Oliver must have carried her up. Urgh. So she did fall asleep in the end. Brilliant. He's only got this week here and then he's gone. Well done for falling asleep and wasting an evening with him.

Ana wondered if he was still downstairs or if he'd gone back to his. Sometimes he'd stopped over on the couch when she'd been home alone, and she wondered if he'd done the same this time. She would have been a little disappointed if not, but then she didn't really have the right to ask him to stay. Well she didn't think she did anyway. Changing out of her clothes and quickly throwing on a pair of blue pajama pants and an old chilli peppers t shirt, she padded barefoot down the stairs and smiled when she saw Oliver asleep on the couch.

Kneeling down next to him, Ana didn't want to wake him up, but she knew that sleeping on a couch wasn't always the comfiest. Gently shaking his arm, Ana tried to wake him up. "Oli? Sweetie, come sleep in my bed. It's a lot comfier than the couch for sure..And you get a whole side to yourself." She smiled, moving some hair from his face.

[Notty]

Oliver sighed heavily as he felt Ana's hand on his shoulder, just having fallen asleep. Before he even opened his eyes, he smiled, "come to apologize for falling asleep." he smiled even wider and opened his eyes, looking up at her. The moonlight through the windows played on her features, silhouetting her cheekbones and lips. "You'll never figure out who Luke's father is. You always fall asleep before." He said groggily, closing his eyes for a moment as Ana moved some hair from his face.

"You got me," he murmured, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. "That couch is horrible." he laughed, "I somehow remember it being much more comfortable when I was 8." He stood and slowly walked with Ana back up to her room, letting her climb into bed before he crawled in after her.

They hadn't done this much, not since they were young. Oliver gently pulled an arm protectively around Ana, holding her close to him. The silence in the room was broke by his voice after a few moments. "I'm going to miss you Ana." Oliver admitted honestly, the emotion evident in his voice. He swallowed hard and pressed a kiss to her temple. "Don't forget me, eh? Or replace me?"

[EnglishBelle]

"Nope...I seem to remember that you used to pull that trick quite a lot when we watched a film you didn't like or you didn't want to go.." She stuck her tongue out at him and then yawned a little. "Hmmm, I think I'd be able to guess on that one though." She smiled and shifted a little as the carpet wasn't the best for kneeling on.

She couldn't help but smile as he ran his hands through his hair, bits of it sticking up randomly. How she wished she could run her hands through his hair and stroke it softly as he lay his head on her lap. A girl could dream right? "It's not bad, but we can't afford a new one right now. This is ol' reliable.." She smiled and led the way back upstairs.

Ana sighed contently as she felt his arm around her, her back facing him. She closed her eyes, for fear of tears falling. Don't cry. Not yet. Don't let him see you cry. "I'll miss you too.." She whispered back, turning so that she was facing him, wishing that kiss had been on her lips and she shook her head as her soft brown eyes met his. "I won't ever forget you and won't ever replace you. Nobody could replace you." She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and curled up against him, breathing in his scent as she closed her eyes.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled, swallowing back tears. "Good," he murmured, his voice thick. His hand gently rubbed her back, keeping her close, wanting more than anything to kiss her, to tell her how much he loved her. She doesn't want you Oliver, you're just her friend. That's it. He pressed another kiss to her forehead, letting his lips linger for a moment, before he closed his eyes, letting himself relax and fall asleep.

The early morning sun filtered in through Ana's curtains and danced over Oliver's eyes, making him groan softly in protest of waking up. His eyes blinked open slowly, and that's when he smiled. Beside him, curled up, was Ana. She looked perfect. A soft blush on her cheeks from the warmth of sleeping, her hair all around her, watching her body rise and fall as she breathed. He lay there for a moment, just watching her, before he stole out of bed, but not before kissing her forehead.

[EnglishBelle]

She murmured a little as she woke up, stretching before she opened her eyes. A smile on her face as she remembered that Oliver was in her bed. She felt warm and fuzzy but as she opened her eyes and rolled over, her smile disappeared. You didn't expect him to stay did you? He's got to pack...He's going off to college and he'll forget about you. Ana sighed heavily and sat up in bed.

Running her hands through her hair, she got out of bed and opened her curtains. She grabbed a sweater and padded downstairs to make herself some coffee before clearing up and then going for a run. She liked to keep fit even though she didn't need to.

[Notty]

Oliver heard Ana coming down the stairs and smiled, the coffee already brewed and a cup waiting for her on the counter. He had made some toast and was munching on it, sitting on the counter. When she stepped in the kitchen, he smiled even wider. "Morning beautiful," he said softly. "Already started coffee if you want some," he slipped down off the counter and hugged her, letting the hug last longer than usual.

"Do you have plans for today?" he asked as he let go of her, passing her a cup of coffee. His eyes moved over her face, unable to keep from smiling. "There's toast too, about the only thing I know how to make." he chuckled, "unless of course.." he said, grabbing two forks and pulling out the pie from the fridge. "You want to have this for breakfast."

[EnglishBelle]

Her smile reappeared when she saw Oliver sitting on the counter, her heart beating a little faster. "Awww you, I thought you'd gone already to go home and pack or something...Coffee smells good, you can stay over again." She grinned and reached up to hug him, his arms looping around her tiny frame. "Thanks sweetie.." She replied as she took the coffee from him, letting it cool a little before taking a sip.

"Not for the day, but I am working at the bar tonight though...Why? Did you wanna do something?" She pouted a little and shook her head at the mention of working. "Thanks sweetie, but I'm not all that hungry." Her eyes widened at the pie. "Ohh! I forgot about that! I 'spose a little bit of pie won't matter though, and you can take the rest home with you. I bought it for you and no arguments." She smiled, running her fingers through her hair again as she sat down.

[Notty]

Oliver chuckled and carried the pie over to the table, handing Ana a fork and then digging out a bite for himself. "Well, not necessarily wanted to do something, just wanted to spend as much time with my favorite girl before I leave." he said, then laughed, reaching and wiping a bit of pie from her lips. "Always were clumsy," he murmured, wanting nothing more than to kiss her there in the kitchen.

"I can stay over again if you want. Don't have much of a bed anyways, mine's a bit piled under boxes..." He said with a grin, taking another bite of pie and settling back in his chair. "What do you want to do today?"

[EnglishBelle]

"I was saving that bit for later..." She pouted before digging out a big bit of pie and eating it all. "I'm not that clumsy, thank you..." She shook her head at the mention of him staying over. "As much as I'd like you to stop again, and my dad is away still, I'm working at the bar until late. I won't be home until 2am and I wouldn't expect you to wait up for me." She took another large bite of the pie.

"What about if I made us a picnic and we went to the lake today? It's gonna be pretty hot again and we can go and eat our picnic and go for a swim and laze about for a while if you like? Unless there's anything else you'd rather do?"

[Notty]

Oliver chuckled and shook his head, continuing to eat the pie until finally setting his fork down. "The lake sounds amazing. Want to drive out or bike?" he said with a smile, running a hand through his hair. "Though, granted, I'd have to find my swimming trunks..." he laughed, his eyes merrily moving over Ana's face.

"I can get something for the picnic if you want." he said, knowing that money was tight for Ana and her Dad, not wanting to put pressure on her. He reached over and squeezed her hand gently. "You're the best," he said with a smile, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand, "don't let anyone tell your differently, eh?" he said, then kissed her forehead and stood, putting his cup in the sink and stretching. "I'll go get my trunks and meet you back here in about an hour, how does that sound?"

[EnglishBelle]

"Hmmmm...think I'd prefer to drive out to be honest, if that's cool with you?" She smiled and wrapped up the rest of the pie so that Oliver could take it home. "Oh yeah..Didn't think about that. I'm sure you'll find them. Knowing you, you probably haven't packed them yet." She grinned and moved to put her coffee cup in the sink.

"Okay sure..How about you get some chips and some kind of pudding and I'll do the sandwiches and some fruit." She looked at his hand holding hers and wished that he knew how she felt but she was too much of a coward to tell him. "I won't. You're pretty darn special yourself. Don't ever let anyone tell you different either. "Sounds like a plan. See you in a bit." She pressed a soft kiss to his cheek and watched as he disappeared out of sight.

Ana had time for a quick wash and get changed into a light blue summer dress and sandals, putting her bikini on underneath. It was a red one and rather skimpy, but it had been the only one she could find at such short notice. She put a pair of underwear in her bag along with a towel and her purse and phone. She quickly made up some cheese sandwiches and tuna sandwiches and put them in a picnic basket along with some fruit and a couple of bottles of water.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and jogged home, his mind not filled with the lake, packing or Virginia State. His mind was occupied by a beautiful girl that he would be spending the day with- and, if he could ever get up the nerve, he would kiss.

Once home, Oliver rummaged through his piles of boxes, making an even bigger mess than what was there before, before triumphantly pulling out a pair of dark blue plaid swimming trunks. Pulling them on, along with a plain gray tshirt and sandals, he jogged down the stairs and glanced through the kitchen. Chips and pudding in hand, he grabbed the car keys and headed out.

"Hey gorgeous!" he called out as he opened the front door to Ana's house, glancing around. "You ready to hit the lake?" he asked, making his way down the hall and into the kitchen.

[EnglishBelle]

She'd pulled her long brown hair into a braid and pushed it over her shoulder. Ana was just finishing packing the picnic basket when she heard Oliver come in and make his way into the kitchen. "You found them! Ace!" She smiled as she took the chips and pudding from him, packing them away carefully.

"I've done cheese sandwiches and tuna..Separately though of course. That okay with you?" She smiled and grabbed her bag from off the floor along with the picnic basket and after waiting for Oliver to go out first, she locked the door behind her and tossed the keys into her bag. "Let's go batman!" She grinned. "I brought suntan lotion too...Better to put it on and not get burnt." Pushing her sunglasses down, she wound the window down and just relaxed as she waited for Oliver to start up.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and nodded, "sounds perfect." he leaned over and kissed her forehead. "You always were the best to me." he chuckled, rubbing her side for a moment before helping her carry everything out to the car. Climbing in, he looked over to Ana and gave her a winning smile, rolling down his window. "Want to be DJ for us?" he said with a smile, starting the car and pulling out, headed towards the lake.

The drive wasn't very far, and with the wind through the windows, it was actually very enjoyable. Oliver looked over at Ana as he parked, his hair wild and windblown. "Come on babe," he said with a smile, climbing out of the car and over to her side, opening the door for her. "Lets not waste another minute!" Reaching down, he picked Ana up and slung her over his shoulder, holding her thighs as he laughed, grabbing the bags and walking down to the beach.

[EnglishBelle]

"Only the best for the best!" She smiled, rolling her eyes at his cheesy smile. Always was a bit of a show off...If so, why do you like him then? "Sure! I think this will do the job.." She grabbed a CD and slipped it into the player. It was a mix CD that she'd made him years ago for all their trips out and right now it fitted. As the song started up, she beamed and started singing along to it.

I kissed you good bye at the airport.
I held you so close to me.
I said 'So here we are now and I can't stop from crying Lilly'.
And you said 'Hey hey hoo, you know this is the way to go
You will forget about me when I'm on that plane.
Forget about me when I'm on that plane.'

Soon enough, they were there and Ana shut the CD player off. Before she could get out, she felt him pick her up and put her over his shoulder. "Oliver!" She squealed as she tried her best to get down, but he was too strong for her. "This is not fair!" She couldn't help but laugh as he carried her down to the lake side. Luckily there wasn't any people around their side and so they had it all to their selves for now.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and carried her all the way down to the waterside, slowly lowering her down after he set the bags on the ground. He held her gently against him for a minute, not letting her feet completely touch the ground. His eyes moved over her face, parting his lips slightly. God, I want to kiss her. he thought to himself. Finally, he lowered her to the ground, but kept her close to him, his hands gently moving over her back.

"You won't forget about me, when I'm on the plane, will you?" he asked softly, tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her ear. Oliver was close, closer than he usually stood, but it wasn't forced. It was gentle, intimate. His hand moved to the back of her neck, fumbling with her braid as he looked down at her. I love you.

[EnglishBelle]

She felt him put their stuff on the ground and she held onto him, not wanting to fall or for him to drop her accidentally. Ana felt Oli lower her down a little, but instead of just letting her go, he kept her close. What...What's he doing? Oh god, I could kiss him..I should kiss him.. Ana moved her face closer but she couldn't do it. She didn't want to make things awkward between them, especially if he didn't feel the same way about her that she did about him.

His hands felt so good on her skin, he was so soft; so gentle. "You won't forget about me, when I'm on the plane, will you?" She shook her head in answer to his question and rested a hand on his chest, feeling his heart beat beneath. "I promise. I won't ever forget about you. You'll forget about me though..Too much time having fun.." She could feel her heart beating faster and his eyes looking at her but she avoided his gaze.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled a bit, his hand moving from the back of her neck to just under her chin, gently tilting her head up to look at him. "Hey," he whispered softly, his thumb gently brushing over her chin as her eyes met his. He felt himself suddenly get emotional, swallowing hard as he looked at her. His lips parted several times, unsure of whether or not he should move forward, let their lips touch.

Damn it, you're leaving anyways. What's the big deal? he thought to himself, slowly leaning forward, closing his eyes as he felt Ana's soft lips meet his. It was a gentle, tender, sweet kiss- nothing long, fancy or motion-picture worthy. But it was perfect for them, and Oliver couldn't have been happier.

[EnglishBelle]

She felt him put his hand underneath her chin to make her look at him. Her big brown eyes met his soft ones and Ana felt like she could cry right now. It all became too real. He will forget about you. He's going to college. He'll meet other girls and have other friends and you'll just be a distant memory.

Before Ana could say anything, his lips were on his and he was kissing her. His lips were soft and the kiss was so soft; so right. She didn't want it to end...Yet she knew it had to. She wasn't going to be the reason for holding him back and so she was the one who pulled away,feeling her cheeks redden. "What...What was that?" Her voice a little breathless and more of a whisper than anything as she just stood there and looked up at Oliver.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled down at her for a second, then felt his face fall as he looked at her. "What?" he asked, suddenly fearing that he had ruined everything. "Ana...you must know..." he said, swallowing hard as he looked at her, his hands moved to find hers and hold them. "After all this time, you must." he whispered, his eyes desperately following hers.

Please Ana, please don't pull away from me. Not now, not like this.

- - - Updated - - -

Oliver smiled down at her for a second, then felt his face fall as he looked at her. "What?" he asked, suddenly fearing that he had ruined everything. "Ana...you must know..." he said, swallowing hard as he looked at her, his hands moved to find hers and hold them. "After all this time, you must." he whispered, his eyes desperately following hers.

Please Ana, please don't pull away from me. Not now, not like this.

[EnglishBelle]

She saw the fear in his face, the sadness in his eyes when she pulled away and she knew then. He likes me. He feels the way I feel...But I can't tell him. She looked as he took hold of her hands and then back at him. Letting go of his hands, she cupped his cheek with one of her hands and kissed his lips softly again. "I will never forget you." She whispered into his ear, burying her face in his chest as they both just stood there together, the hot sun beating down upon them.

[Notty]

Oliver's heart nearly burst as Ana kissed him again, kissing her back gently. He nodded, swallowing hard. Before he could even react, tears were running down his cheeks, and he pulled his arms around her, trying to wipe them away without her noticing. He kissed the top of her head, gently rubbing her back as he held her.

Everything seemed different now that it was out in the open, now that she had kissed him back. He didn't want to go. Virginia State meant nothing now. "I don't want to go." he whispered softly, his voice breaking. "I don't want to leave you."

[EnglishBelle]

Ana closed her eyes as she buried her face against him, breathing in his smell at the same time. She sighed softly when she felt him kiss the top of her head, his hands gently rubbing her back. She heard what he said and she gently pulled away, shaking her head.

She felt so bad when she saw the tears falling down his cheeks, and knew that what had happened shouldn't have. Lifting up one hand to his cheek, she wiped them away for him. "No Oliver. You have to go. You can't stay here. We'll talk lots, I promise. I'll email you and call you but you can't stay here." Ana so wanted to let her tears fall but she didn't. "Virginia State is what you've been dreaming about for years. Months. I'm not letting you give it up now." Her voice was wobbly but strong at the same time.

Not knowing what to do, she pulled her dress off to reveal her skimpy red bikini and took her sandals off before wading into the lake and then swimming out into it a little. "Come on then!" She forced a smile to her lips, although she'd have much rather preferred to just have gone home and cried into her pillow.

[Notty]

Oliver forced a smile, his eyes looking even more green than usual since he had been crying. "You better," he said, a forced laugh escaping his lips. He gently squeezed her hand and nodded, "I know Ana," he murmured, but you're what I've wanted all my life.

He couldn't help but smile as Ana stripped out of her dress, and he pulled his shirt off, tossing it near her dress and waded into the water. He dove under and swam out towards Ana, determining within himself that he wouldn't let this change things for them. That they would always be best friends, and hopefully, someday soon, more.

[EnglishBelle]

Before he made it out to her, Ana felt a few tears escape down her cheek and she let them. She knew that he'd be back at Christmas, but he'd probably be too busy or not have enough time to see her. After spending what seemed like hours splashing and swimming about in the Lake, Ana swam back to where their things were, stepping out of the water and going to sit on her towel that she'd brought with her. Squeezing the water from her hair, she laid back on her towel, closing her eyes as she felt the warmth of the sun on her skin.

[Notty]

Oliver watched her for a moment, and then climbed out of the lake, unfolding his towel near her. He lowered himself down onto it and sighed softly, glancing over at Ana. "You hungry for some lunch?" he said, rummaging through the bags as he pulled out a sandwich, "because I'm starving."

He couldn't help but look at her, his eyes moving over her face- her cheeks slightly flushed from the heat of the sun. Atleast you know she feels the same, or...similar. She didn't slap you across the face and take off. He reached over and brushed a hair from her face, "face asleep on me?" he chuckled, sitting up and watching her.

[EnglishBelle]

"Yeah I suppose I should have something...I 'spose I am hungry after all the swimming.." She smiled but didn't move. "Just give me a couple of minutes, the sun's so warm." She stretched a little and stayed where she was. She could hear Oliver rustling around in the picnic stuff and a smile grew on her lips.

She jumped a little when she felt his gentle touch and felt him moving some hair from her face. "I'm not asleep yet...Me and food have too much an important relationship for me to sleep before eating.." She sat up grinning. She pulled out some of the food from the basket and laid it on another small blanket on the ground so they could help themselves. I'll miss this....I'll miss him.. She thought as she chewed on a tuna sandwich.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and sat up, his eyes moving over Ana as they ate together silently. After putting away two sandwiches, a banana and pudding, Oliver laid back on the blanket, one hand on his stomach. "You sure know how to make a man happy," Oliver teased. "Nothing like a lakeside picnic."

He reached his hand over for hers, squeezing it gently. "Ana..." He began, looking over at her. "About earlier, and the kiss..." He wasn't quite sure how to finish that, how to tell her exactly how he felt.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana could feel his eyes on her, but she didn't look up to meet them. She finished off two sandwiches and some pineapple that she'd brought along in a small container. Wiping her hands with a wipe, she packed up the rubbish and then smiled at Oliver and his comment rolling her eyes a little. "Oh really? It's your turn next time!" She grinned.

Stretching out a little on her towel, she undid her braid and redid it, Oliver taking her hand when she was done. "About earlier, and the kiss...." He began and her heart dropped. He regretted it and who was she kidding? Course he did. "I think we should be heading back. I've got work soon." She pulled on her dress and cleared up after the two of them. She busied herself because she didn't want him to tell her that the kiss shouldn't have happened.

[Notty]

Oliver frowned a bit, noticing Ana was trying to skirt around the issue of the kiss. Maybe she doesn't feel the same. Maybe I just fooled myself into believing that she did. he thought as he pulled his shirt on and helped her pick up everything. "Come on you," he said as he took her hand, walking quietly back to the car with her and packed everything inside.

"Mind if I swing by the bar tonight and see you?" He asked as they drove back to town, glancing over at Ana. He couldn't help but smile, her cheeks were rosy from the heat and her hair whipped through the air from the open window.

[EnglishBelle]

She felt a little sad but tried not to show it, she knew that if Oliver thought she was upset or sad, he wouldn't leave it alone. She let him take her hand and lead her back to the car, helping her in. "Sure, I can't stop you from coming to see me. It'd be kinda nice anyway." She smiled, putting her glasses on so he couldn't see the sadness in her eyes.

They finally got back at her house and she thanked Oliver for the ride. "I'll see you later!" She called as she took the basket and made her way inside. Shutting the door, she was able to let the few tears fall that she'd been holding in. The house was quiet, her dad wasn't back yet and she was glad of it.

A few hours later and Ana had had a shower and got changed into a pair of grey skinny jeans, sneakers and an off the shoulder dark blue sweater. Her long dark brown hair was braided again and pushed over her shoulder. Checking the time, it was about 8pm and time for work. Grabbing her hoodie and bag with her keys and purse in, she started the long walk to the bar.

[Notty]

Oliver watched as Ana retreated into the house and then pulled away when he saw that she was safely inside. He walked the steps to his house, ignoring his Mother's comments about the state of his room, and flopped himself onto his bed, groaning into the pile of books, sheets and various other things that needed to be packed away.

She kissed back. I'm sure of it. But why are things so weird now? It's like she's scared to get close to me again. I love her, I think I always have, I just haven't known how to tell her....

Running a hand through his hair, Oliver climbed in his car and drove down to the bar. He knew that Ana had been at work atleast an hour, so this way it wouldn't seem as though he was quite as desperate as he really was to see her. Pushing open the door of the bar, Oliver couldn't help the smile that crossed his lips as his eyes searched and found Ana. Making his way to the bar and sitting down, his eyes never left Ana, a warm, tender look behind them. "Hey you," he murmured softly as he let his eyes search her face, trying to find some hint of something, anything from earlier.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana worked quickly and quietly, trying to keep her mind from off Oliver and what had happened that afternoon. She did like him, but she couldn't start something with him or admit to the kiss...It wouldn't be fair to him as he was going off to college and Ana didn't want anything to hold him back.

A few of the regulars came in, guys that lived around town that were friends of her dad's and so she knew them well. They also knew that if they played up, she wouldn't be afraid to kick them out or yell at them. She was just finishing stocking up a fridge when she heard his voice. As she was bent down, he wouldn't be able to see her face. Ana closed her eyes as she heard his "Hey you". Putting a smile onto her face, she straightened up and turned to see him sat at the bar.

"Hey...You're lucky you know. You just made it in time to get the best seat in the house." She grinned, trying to cover up earlier and what had happened. Ana didn't want anything to spoil their friendship and she knew that he would see her less when he was at college. Her eyes were soft as she looked at him, almost as if she could cry again but her smile was as if she was covering something up.

[Notty]

Oliver's eyes clouded for a moment. I know that look. Forcing a smile himself, he nodded and ran his hand through his hair and let his eyes study Ana for a few moments more. "Lucky me then," he finally said, finishing rather lamely. "Busy tonight?" he asked as he glanced around, unsure of how to act around Ana now. Half of him wanted to just pretend the kiss never happened, and then the other half wanted to declare his love then and there.

I just want to tell her. To let her know how much I love her. That I've always loved her. He smiled warmly as he watched her work, content to just be there close to her. Though after about half an hour, he stood and stretched, placing a $10 on the counter and pushing it towards her. "Thanks Ana," he said, a smile crossing his face. The thought never even entered his mind that he hadn't ordered a drink, he was too busy watching Ana to even notice.

"Take care," he said with a smile, his eyes moving over her face. "Let me know if you need anything." And with that, he turned and began walking out of the bar, determined to figure out how to tell her that he loved her.

[EnglishBelle]

Her smile stayed on her lips even though the tone of his voice made it want to disappear. Friends. That's all you'll ever be. He's going off to college in less than a week. Don't stop him. She served another customer while listening to him and shaking her head. "Not really, same old to be honest. I like it like this." She smiled again, turning to busy herself so that she didn't have to catch his look and burst out into tears.

You're stronger than this. Don't let him see you cry. She carried on stocking the fridges, cleaning glasses and serving customers, not ignoring Oliver but just getting on with her work to distract herself from him. From that kiss. She stopped and turned back around when she heard him. Seeing the note on the counter, a puzzled look came over her face as she knew that he hadn't had a drink. She slipped it into her pocket, she'd give it him back before he left.

"I will. I'm a tough nut you know." She grinned half heartedly and nodded, just watching him go. "He's just your friend Ana. Don't be stupid." She whispered to herself, working hard until closing time came around. It was 2am and she was tired. She groaned as it was freezing outside and she only had her hoodie and at the fact that she had the long hour walk home. Slipping her arms into her hoodie, she zipped it up and started to walk, wrapping her arms around her.

[Notty]

Oliver had gone home with the intent to pack, but after a few hours, all he had found was that with each thing he put in the box, it was harder and harder to put the next thing in. It hurt to pack things away. Because with each thing that was packed away, it was one item closer to being gone from Ana's life. You'll be back to visit, its not like you are leaving for forever and she won't recognize or know you when you get back.

Unable to sleep, Oliver tossed and turned in bed until he glanced at the clock. 2:00 AM. Ana should be off now. he thought to himself as he sat up and ran a hand through his hair. Tugging on jeans, a tshirt and a hoodie, Oliver slipped on some shoes and crept out to the car. He started it and began heading towards the bar. He knew Ana would be walking home since her Dad was out of town, and he didn't like the idea of her walking home alone.

"Hey you," he called out from the open car window. Oliver's voice carried in the stillness of the night as he pulled up beside Ana as she was walking home. "Let me drive you home," he said with a smile, reaching over and unlocking the door so she could climb in.

[EnglishBelle]

It usually took Ana about an hour to get home but she didn't mind. Sometimes it was good if she had a headache from working or if she wanted to clear her head. She sometimes got her dad to pick her up from work, but not all the time. She'd feel bad for waking him up so early just to pick her up so saved him the hassle and told him that somebody she worked with had given her a lift. Okay, so it was a lie, but she didn't want him to worry about her.

"Hey you.." She heard and turned to the running motor, a tired smile on her face. "Hey." Her reply was soft and normally she would have told him that she was fine walking by herself, but she was really tired tonight. "Thanks.." She muttered softly as she opened the door and climbed in. She shivered a little as she went from the cold into the heat of his car. She couldn't help but yawn and tried her best to keep herself awake until he pulled up at her house.

"So how come you're up at 2 AM then mister? You need all the sleep you can get." She shifted a little, her gaze still out of the window though. "Thank you for the lift, but I am perfectly capable of walking home on my own. You'd be surprised how often I do it and I am perfectly safe."

[Notty]

Oliver couldn't help but feel an almost coolness fall between them. His eyes moved from the house to her, watching her figure in the moonlight. "I just couldn't sleep." he said softly, silently praying she would turn towards him. Please Ana, just give me a chance to explain things... he pleaded inwardly.

"Hey..." he said, reaching out and gently nudging her. "Am I not allowed to take care of my best friend every now and then?" he asked. Oliver wanted nothing more than to park the car, go inside and lay down beside Ana like he had the night before, but he didn't want to push her, especially since the kiss.

"Come on, let's get you inside," he said as he put the car into park and turned off the engine. "I'll walk you inside." Oliver murmured softly as he opened his door and climbed out, waiting for Ana.

[EnglishBelle]

She felt him nudge her slightly, his voice gentle and soft and she hoped that he wasn't upset or anything. Ana didn't like him to be upset, especially if it was down to her. She turned to face him when he did nudge her and she smiled and nodded a little. "Well it's only fair...especially given the amount of free pie you get."

There was that look in his eyes again. Ana wished that he'd take her into his arms, kiss her like before and stay the night. Just sleep next to him would be perfect right now, but she knew that wouldn't happen. She nodded and climbed out after him, getting her keys from her bag and opening the front door.

The house was in darkness and silent and sometimes Ana liked it like that, but not now. She wished Oliver could stay, but it would only make him not want to go college like he'd talked about even more. "I ermm...Jenna said there's a party happening at hers tomorrow night. I said I'd go...She asked if you wanted to go and said to tag along." Ana smiled a little, hopeful of Oliver going with her but knew that all the girls would be all over him.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and followed Ana up to the house, staying close as she opened the door and then stepping inside with her. The familiar smell met him and he smiled in the darkness. "Yeah, I'll go if you are." he said with a smile, his hand moving around her back and gently rubbing her arm, knowing how cold she got.

It was all Oliver could do to keep from taking her in his arms and kissing her like he had earlier. He weighed the options. The good and the evil of both sides of it. When he had kissed her earlier, it had been amazing, perfect. He couldn't have dreamed of anything better.

"Ana..." Oliver began, keeping his hand around her and gently turning her to face him. He smiled in the darkness and let his eyes move over her face. "About earlier..." he murmured quietly, already finding that his lips were subconsciously moving closer to hers. Then suddenly the words stuck. The ones he had been practicing all afternoon saying. I love you Ana.

Unable to speak, Oliver hurried the space between them and kissed her deeply, pulling her into his arms in the darkness of the hallway.

[EnglishBelle]

Feeling his hand move across her back and onto her arm, made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She jumped a little but didn't know why. He'd done this times before, why was it different now? You know why. The kiss stupid.
"Great! It'll be really cool..Jenna said that there's loads of people going and there's going to be alcohol.." She grinned but then her grin disappeared as she felt him move her so that he could face her. Her big brown eyes gazed into his, going soft and bigger than before.

Before she could say anything or stop him, she felt his lips on hers again, his arms around her body; holding her close to him. It just...it felt so right, but at the same time she knew it was wrong. Pulling away slowly, she looked up at him. "I can't Oli. This is, this isn't right. You're going off to college at the end of the week." Ana was tired, and she didn't want to do this now, but she had no choice.

[Notty]

Oliver felt his face fall, and he swallowed hard as he nodded. "Ana.." He whispered, gently tugging on her braid, something he had done since she was little. "You know, I want you to know..." His eyes moved over her face as he spoke.

"Can I stay tonight?" He finally said, deciding that he would let the conversation wait until later. When she wasn't tired, when they could really talk. "Come on you," he whispered, picking her up and carrying her up the stairs to her room.

This is what I want. This is what I want us to be.

[EnglishBelle]

She watched as his face fell and he looked as though he was going to cry. No. Please don't cry. I don't know what to do...I'm trying to do the right thing for you Olly, I wish you knew. She felt him pull on her braid and it was as if he was pulling at her heart strings too.

She nodded, wanting to curl up and breathe in his smell again. Never wanting to forget it. As she yawned, too tired to argue with him or speak any longer about this, Ana felt him pick her up in his strong arms and carry her upstairs. She rested her head against his chest until she felt him put her down on her bed. "I'm just going to change in the bathroom. I'll be a few minutes." She smiled.

Coming back into the bedroom, Ana had changed into a pair of dark blue shorts and an old t shirt that was obviously too big for her. She had undone her braid and her hair flowed down her back.

[Notty]

Oliver nodded and smiled, "alright." he whispered as he watched her get up and make her way to the bathroom. While she was gone, he stripped out of his jacket and jeans, leaving on his tshirt and boxers. Just tell her you idiot. Just tell her how you feel. Just get it out in the open...

The sight of Ana made Oliver smile, and he shifted a bit on the bed, making room for her. "Come on you," he said softly as she climbed into bed, waiting until she was settled to lay down beside her.

Like he had the night before, Oliver pulled his arms around her and held her close to him. But this time, it felt different. It almost hurt to hold her- knowing that in less than a week he would say goodbye to her. That they wouldn't be able to do this, to hang out, to just talk as they always had been able to. Swallowing hard, Oliver blinked several times, trying not to cry, but nothing that he did was able to stop a few tears from falling down his cheeks.

[EnglishBelle]

She lay down on the bed, lying down on the side nearest the window. She felt Oliver's arms surround her and pull her closer to him, feeling the heat of his body next to hers. She closed her eyes to stop the tears that threatened to fall. She loved being in his arms, feeling so safe and protected in his grasp that she never wanted to move again.

She heard him sniffle a little and rolled over to face him, seeing the few tears down his cheeks and her heart sank. "Olly? What's wrong? Don't cry sweetie..." She whispered, gently wiping them away. "You should be happy. You're going off to college at the end of the week and you're going to better yourself and make a better life for yourself."

[Notty]

Oliver couldn't help but smile slightly as her small fingers moved to wipe away his tears. "Ana, I don't want to go." he whispered in the darkness, one hand moving to brush some hair from her face. "After....after...." he began, but couldn't seem to get the words out. After that kiss, I can't go.

He swallowed hard and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead, "I don't want to say goodbye to you." he whispered against her skin, pulling her closer. He could feel his heart beating rhythmically against her chest and he closed his eyes, just taking in the moment, the feeling of Ana against him.

"I don't want this to be our last week."

[EnglishBelle]

She closed her eyes briefly as his fingers brushed some hair from her face and then her big brown eyes looked into his. She could almost feel herself begin to cry. No stupid. Stop it. She breathed in his smell as she felt his forehead rest against hers and she closed her eyes again.

"It's not goodbye forever. It's just...just goodbye for now. You'll see me again. I promise." She whispered against him, never wanting to move. She would be jealous of any girl to got to be this close to Oliver.

Pulling away slightly, she cupped his cheek with her hand and looked into his eyes. "It's not going to be. Maybe for a little while, but you'll be back before you know it, and I'll come and visit you. You'll be fed up of me crashing on your floor." She grinned a little. "Now it's getting late and if we're both going to this party, we need our beauty sleep." She

She pressed a small kiss to his forehead and shifted so that she was under the covers, curled up beside him, her eyes closing and falling asleep pretty quickly due to how tired she was.

[Notty]

Oliver nodded and forced a smile, briefly closing his eyes as Ana kissed his forehead. "Goodnight," he whispered, keeping her close as she drifted to sleep.

As tired as he was, sleep wouldn't come immediately like he had wished. Instead, Oliver lay on the bed with Ana, holding her close and just watching her as she slept. She was so beautiful, how had he never realized his feelings before now? A small smile played on his lips as he brushed his fingers through her hair. "I love you," he whispered, almost silently. "Ana, I love you."

Oliver shifted down in the bed, his eyes still on Ana as sleep slowly came over him. "I love you."

[EnglishBelle]

She shifted a little in her sleep, mumbling something but nothing that was actual words. During the night, she shivered and ended up curling closer to Oliver, turning over and spooning with him, his body keeping her warm and his arms around her.

In the morning, Ana woke earlier than Oliver. She was pretty used to not sleeping in and getting up early for work so it didn't bother her all that much. She gently and carefully moved his arms so that she could slide out of the bed without disturbing him. Smiling at Oliver, Ana slipped barefoot from the room and padded downstairs to put the coffee on. She slipped a couple of pieces of bread in the toaster and then just sat down, waiting for Olly to wake up.

She was kinda looking forward to the party tonight, and she wished she had a little to spend on a new outfit but most of her money went to help pay the bills. Maybe if she looked in the sales she might find something.

[Notty]

Oliver woke a little after Ana got up, missing her warmth and smelling the coffee brewing downstairs. He stretched and yawned as he made his way downstairs, a sleepy smile on his face when he saw her. "Hey you," he said, his voice husky and groggy from sleep. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "How'd you sleep?"

Grabbing two mugs, he poured coffee for each of them and leaned against the counter near Ana. "Excited for the party tonight?" He asked as he took a sip of the coffee, his eyes moving over her face. "You don't work today, do you?"

[EnglishBelle]

As she heard him come into the kitchen, she looked up and smiled, still a little sleepy. "Morning sleepyhead." She yawned a little and ran her fingers through her hair, not really caring about what she looked like in front of Oliver. She'd looked much worse when she'd fallen in mud or when she fell out of the tree that time.

"Not too bad actually. Better than I have in a while." She smiled, taking the coffee from him and sitting back down. "How about you? You sleep okay? I know my bed isn't the comfiest but it'll do." She sipped on the hot coffee, standing again to put the toaster on. "There's some toast there for you, don't bother asking, I don't eat breakfast as well you know." Ana sat back down again and rubbed the sleep from her eyes, shaking her head as she did so. "No I'm not working today, but got some chores to do today before my dad gets back and yes I'm looking forward to the party. Are you?"

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and nodded, taking a drink of coffee. "Anything you want me to help you with? I don't have anything I need to do." It was a bit of a lie since he hadn't done any packing since when she was over the other day. "I've got time to help you, and then I can go get ready for the party and come pick you up. What do you think?"

He shifted a bit and grabbed a piece of toast, taking a bite. "It is up to you Ana, I'm here if you want me."

[EnglishBelle]

She shook her head as she finished off her coffee. "Thanks sweetie, but I think I'm okay. It's not much, just laundry and clean and stuff. Besides, you need to pack. No doubt your mom will pester you if you don't, and I don't want her blaming me for taking you away from it." She grinned as she put her cup in the sink.

"That sounds lovely, but I know what you're like when it comes to packing and stuff. You leave it until the last minute and then panic." She smiled and leant against the table. "I think that you need to go home, pack, get ready for the party and then pick me up...But if you're picking me up, does that mean you're not drinking then?"

[Notty]

He shook his head as he ate his toast. "No, I won't be drinking so I can drive us home." He smiled and finished his coffee. "I suppose since you're such a stinker," he said with a chuckle, kissing the top of Ana's head. "I'll be back around about 7:00? How does that sound?"

Grabbing his clothes, Oliver drove home and tried to pack, but his mind was on Ana, and the circle on the calendar was getting nearer and nearer. He sighed and continued packing, maybe tonight he would tell her. Maybe tonight she would understand.

[EnglishBelle]

"You're such a gem.." She smiled and then rolled her eyes at his comment. "7:00 will be fine with me..You know me, I'm not late." She grinned and then pushed him away, laughing a little. Once Oliver had gone, Ana cleared away the few items that needed to be washed and started on cleaning the whole house from top to bottom.

Ana hadn't managed to make it to the sales so it would have to be something out of her wardrobe. She thumbed through her wardrobe and came across a dress that she couldn't remember buying. She picked it out and hung it on the outside of her wardrobe. It was a light grey sleeveless dress; one that would later cling to her curves.

It was near enough 7, and Ana was nearly ready. She wasn't used to getting properly dressed up like the other girls, so she hoped she looked okay. She kept her long blonde hair straight as normal but loose down her back. She had a little make up on and the dress clung to her body. On her feet she slipped on a pair of black strappy heels, ones that she wasn't used to wearing. Around her neck, she wore a small silver heart pendant that had belonged to her mother and wore it always.

[Notty]

Oliver dressed in some dark jeans and a light green button up shirt, with the sleeves rolled to his elbows. He ran his hand through his brown, slightly curly hair as he made his way down the steps. "I'll be back later Mom, going out with Ana." His mother, Laura, smiled. "Alright sweetheart, be careful."

Pulling out of the driveway, Oliver made his way to Ana's house and pulled in the driveway. He climbed out and quickly jogged up the steps and opened the front door. "Ana?" He called out as he started through the house, then stopped in his tracks when he saw her. Swallowing hard, he smiled. "You look beautiful." He said with a warm smile, full of love and adoration. He moved towards her and put his arm around her, "you ready to head out?"

[EnglishBelle]

Just as she was putting a pair of plain silver studs in her ears, Ana heard the door open and Oliver call through. "I'm in the living room!" She called through and then felt herself blush as he called her beautiful. Not hot. Not gorgeous. Beautiful.

Don't be stupid...It doesn't mean anything, he's just being kind is all. "You really think so? It's not too much is it? I didn't really know what to wear. Found this stuffed in the back of my wardrobe." She tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and nodded as Oliver slipped his arm around her shoulders. "You don't look too bad either.." She grinned as she locked her door and let him lead her to the car.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and shook his head as he opened her door for her, "I'm sure, you look beautiful." He repeated as he climbed into then car and backed out of the driveway. It was all he could do to keep from reaching over and taking her hand as he drove, it seemed like the natural thing to do, but he didn't want to push things.

About 15 minutes later they pulled up in front of Jenna's house and Oliver parked the car. He smiled as he saw a few others that he recognized. "You ready?" He asked as he climbed out of the car and then went around, opening her door. His arm went around her again, holding her a little closer than normal as they made their way into the house. Music was loud and drinks were being passed around, several friends greeted them as they entered.

[EnglishBelle]

Soon enough Jenna's house came into view and Ana could already hear the music from inside the car. She climbed out and stood by the car, waiting for Oliver to join her before they walked in. "Yeah I'm ready...Now don't go acting all macho protective tonight. I'm a big girl now.." She grinned, liking the feel of his arm around her shoulders.

During the night, they split from each other, speaking to other people that they knew and having a dance and just having fun. Ana was getting a lot of attention from guys who were getting her drinks all night. With the drink flowing, and her being such a small thing, she ended up a little more drunk than she had probably planned. She had a drink in her hand when a guy she didn't know started to talk to her.

[Notty]

Oliver was busy talking to a couple friends, not having seen Ana for a while. He smiled and chatted with his friend Jake, telling him about his plans for school, how things were going- just catching up in general.

He glanced around a bit, surprised that he hadn't seen Ana in a while. It wasn't that he had to keep an eye on her, or that he really had a reason to, but he found it strange that he hadn't seen her. Saying bye to Jake for the moment, he went out in search of Ana.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana was giggling at whatever this guy was telling her, probably a bit more giggly than normal. She felt good though. She felt as though everything was just flowing from her and she could feel her body relax for once. She pouted a little when she noticed her drink was gone but then another one popped up.

"Here you go babe, drink this...Thought you could do with another.." Steve grinned. Ana took the drink from him and took a sip from it. It was a little stronger than before, but hey, this was a party. "Why thank you.." She giggled and felt herself blushing when Steve put his arm around her neck. "How about we take this somewhere a little more 'private'? You're too fine to be left alone.." He winked at her and pulled on her arm but Ana didn't want to.

[Notty]

Oliver furrowed his brow, searching through the house for Ana. It wasn't like her to just disappear, so where had she gone to? He moved through the house, starting to get slightly panicked. He didn't know why, but he felt really panicked, like he felt like something was wrong.

"Ana? Ana?!" He called out, moving a little faster through the house, looking through each room for her. "Ana?"

[EnglishBelle]

Even though she was pretty drunk, Ana still knew her own mind and she didn't want this. Not with some random stranger at a party, she wasn't like that. "No..." She mumbled and tried to pull away from Steve but he grabbed her arm and pulled her upstairs. She wasn't strong enough because she was drunk.

He pushed her into an empty bedroom and then pushed her down onto the bed. "You're so hot....Don't resist it..You know you want it. I know you want me..." He whispered into her ear and she shook her head. "No! No I don't want you.." She heard her name being called faintly. Oliver. Please... Steve wasn't having any of this and Ana tried to fight him off but she was just too drunk.

[Notty]

A girl pointed up the stairs, "she went that way with some guy," she mumbled against her bottle of beer. Oliver felt something rise inside of him, and he raced up the stairs, starting to open all the doors that he came to. "Ana! Ana!" He called out in panic.

The last door he opened caught him by surprise. There, on the bed lay Ana, obviously struggling, with a guy he had never seen leaned over her, one hand up her dress and his lips against her neck. "What the hell are you doing?" Olive red roared, anger now rising up in him. Before the guy could answer, he moved across the room and pushed him off of Ana, punching him in the face. Steve got up and growled, "she's mine, I saw her first!" He picked up a lamp and hit Oliver with it, causing a gash above his left eye. Oliver swung and hit Steve in the temple and he dropped to the ground.

"Ana, I'm sorry..." Oliver said as he moved over to the bed, ignoring the blood trickling down his temple. "Let's go home," he said softly, scooping her up into his arms and carrying her down the stairs, headed to the car.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana could feel his hand on her leg and his lips on her neck and all she could do right now was not to cry. She couldn't let him see that he'd won, she was so tired of fighting against him but carried on. She didn't want this. She heard the door fly open and heard his voice, but not the one she was used to. This voice was filled full of anger and she hoped it wasn't at her.

All Ana could do was watch as both of them fought over her and if she was capable of doing so without falling over, she would have run out of the room and out of the house but she knew she wasn't. She gasped in horror as she saw Steve hit Oliver with a lamp and saw the blood trickle down his face.

When they got to the car, Ana let him put her in the car but she took the keys from his pocket. "You can't drive...You're bleeding. It's all my fault.." She chewed on her lip as tears came to her eyes and spilled down her cheek. She found a napkin in the glove compartment of his car and pressed it against his eyebrow from where Steve had struck him.

[Notty]

Oliver held the napkin against his forehead and shook his head. "Ana, I'm fine.." He said, his voice still full of anger and rage, but softening slowly. "Don't worry about me, how are you?" He asked, placing a hand on her cheek and looking into her eyes. His thumb brushed away the tears, "did he hurt you?" He questioned, his eyes searching hers as he slowly calmed down.

"Come on, let's go home," he said, grabbing the keys from Ana. He started the car and pulled away, one hand holding Ana's, and the other on the steering wheel. He drove them to her house, and stopped the car. "Ana," he began, his eyes meeting hers once the car was parked. "I...I can't bare to think of what would have happened to you. I want to keep you safe; I want to be there for you. Always...."

[EnglishBelle]

"No! You're not fine..." Her lip began to wobble as if she was going to cry again. "I'm okay...." She shook her head at the mention of him hurting her. "No, not like that...He just hurt my arm when he grabbed me.." She closed her eyes as she felt more tears at the brink of falling.

She sat in silence the whole drive home, her head swimming. She didn't even question when he took her hand during the drive but just let him. Soon enough they were back at her house, and all she wanted to do was get changed and go to sleep.

"Ana," As she heard his voice, Ana turned to face Oliver, wiping the other tears away roughly. She listened to what he said and shook her head. "No Oliver...No. As my friend, yes. Nothing more can happen between us...You're going to begin a new life when you go away to college and I'm not going to be the one to stop you. Please, go home." She whispered, climbing out of the car a little wobbly and heading to her door.

[Notty]

Oliver's face fell when he heard those words. As my friend. Nothing more can happen between us. he nodded and swallowed hard, trying to hold back tears. "Let me walk you inside." He said flatly, climbing out of the car and putting his arm around her for stability. Oliver walked her silently up to the front door and made sure she could get in. "Goodnight." He said abruptly, then turned and headed back to the car, driving away.

When he got home he went into the bathroom, checking on his forehead. He'd have a nice sized scar there, but it didn't matter. He washed it and placed a bandage over it before stripping down to his boxers and flopping down onto the bed. Picking up his phone, the background picture of him and Ana popped up, and he sighed, turning the phone off completely and tossing it across the room. Nothing can ever happen between us.

[EnglishBelle]

As soon as the door was closed and Ana had heard the car pull away, she slid down the door, tears falling down her cheeks. She wasn't sure how long she'd cried for but she knew that it was all over between them. She'd had to say what she did. She couldn't let him give up everything for her.

-

The next couple of days soon came and went quick enough, and before she knew it, it was time for Oliver to go. She hadn't seen him the last couple of days, but Ana wasn't surprised. Tidying up her room, she came across a picture of the two of them that had been taken last summer. They were both smiling and had their arms around each other. I can't let him go without saying goodbye.

She was wearing grey sweatpants, a plain white t shirt and her hair was long and loose. Shoving a pair of trainers onto her feet, Ana locked her house and then ran all the way to Oliver's for fear that she'd missed him.

[Notty]

Oliver was standing outside with his mom, packing the last of his stuff into his car. "Are you sure you don't want to give her a call sweetheart?" Oliver shook his head as he rummaged with some things in his car. "She doesn't want to see me Mom." He swallowed hard and sighed, looking up at her. Laura put her arms around Oliver and hugged him. "Just give her time Oliver, you'll make up. You always do."

With her arm around him, his mom hugged him once more then kissed his cheek. "Be careful sweetheart, it's a long drive. If you get tired, just pull over and sleep. I've got some snacks for you in the house." She let go of him and hurried inside, leaving Oliver alone beside his car. He sighed and closed his eyes, trying to hold back the tears. She's not coming.

[EnglishBelle]

Please still be there. Please. I'm sorry. Her thoughts swirling round and round in her head. She had been an idiot and she didn't want to lose him over this. She could see his house now..If only..Her heart beat faster as she panicked and then a wave of relief hit her as she saw his car and Oliver standing next to it.

She finally came to a stop right in front of him and just put her arms around him. "I'm sorry.." She just about managed to say in between breaths. "I won't ever forget you. I promise. You're my best friend."

[Notty]

Oliver heard footsteps and looked up to see Ana. He swallowed hard as he stood and waited for her to come nearer, then she stopped for a moment. When she flung her arms around him, he pulled his around her and hugged her tightly against him. He swallowed hard several times, trying to hold back the emotions he had been keeping in for the last few days. "You promise?" He said, his voice shaky as he pulled back slightly and looked at her. "Ana, you know you're my best friend..." He said quietly, the place where he had gotten hit still pink, obvious that a scar would be there soon.

"Ana, I didn't want to leave, not after the other night." He swallowed hard, "I'm sorry, I just...you're my best friend, and I want to be there to protect you, to take care of you." He brushed his thumb over her cheek and offered her a small smile. "I'm glad I saw you before I left." It was all he could do to fight the urge not to kiss her.

[EnglishBelle]

"I promise Oliver...You're my best friend and I won't ever forget you. Ever. She whispered against him, breathing in his smell for one last time before he went. Turning, she saw his car all packed up and it hurt. A lot more than she thought it was going to. She frowned as she saw the pink mark above his eye, gently touching it and knowing that she'd done that to him.

"This is a new chapter in your life Oli. Something different, something new. If you didn't leave now, you never would. The other night was my own fault and I thank you for saving me...I'm a big girl now. I'm able to take care - forgetting the other night - of myself. Just as long as I don't drink too much.." She grinned a little and then sighed softly as she felt his thumb stroking her cheek softly. "Me too...."

[Notty]

Oliver closed his eyes briefly as her thumb brushed over his scar and he smiled, then leaned down and kissed her gently and quickly. "Take care of yourself Ana," he whispered as he pulled her into his arms once more, tears now flowing down his cheeks. "I'll be back soon, you'll see." He let go of her and then climbed into the car. He pulled on his seat belt and glanced out at Ana, rolling down his window, he reached out and grabbed her hand, squeezing gently. "I'll be back Ana, I promise." He said through his tears, then slowly let go of her hand, and pulled away, her figure shrinking in his rear view mirror as he cried.

[EnglishBelle]

She felt his lips on hers again so soft but yet so brief, and she let him. Ana didn't pull away from the kiss that time as she knew that would be the last one she'd feel. "I will..." She whispered back, trying so hard not to cry. She didn't want to let him see her cry.

"I know you will. I'll be here. My turn for pizza." She grinned half heartedly, feeling that tug at her heart, knowing that he was actually going now. She just nodded. "I'll be waiting." She whispered, and as she watched Oliver drive away, she burst into tears. Laura came out and put her arms around Ana. She didn't say anything, but just held her. She knew of the bond between the two and she'd known how hard it would be to separate them.

[Notty]

It took 10 hours to get to Virginia State, and Oliver cried most of the way. It hurt leaving Ana like that, he had never been away from her for very long, and with each mile he traveled, he realized how much he loved her, and how difficult it would be to be away from her. Before long, he began to see signs for the college, and around day break of the next day, Oliver was pulling up in front of his dorm building. Now he truly was alone.

Thankfully his classes were difficult enough that they kept him busy and his mind of who he left at home. On his desk in his room, he had a picture of him and Ana, arms around each other. They were frozen in that moment, smiling, happy. Fall turned into winter, and Oliver found that as much as he wanted to go back home, he didn't have quite enough money to. Sighing and running his hand through his hair, he settled with himself to work over Christmas break; saving his money. It did little to cheer him up, knowing he wouldn't see Ana over Christmas like he had wanted to. But then he got an idea. Flipping through his calendar, he found that his Spring Break fell on the same week as Ana's birthday.

"I'll surprise her. I'll come back for her birthday." He murmured softly with a smile on his face. It would be perfect. And now all he had to do was make it to March.

[EnglishBelle]

Just after Oliver had gone, Tom - her dad - had arrived back after a week of being away. He noticed the change in his daughter, and he knew how she felt about Oliver being away. "It won't be long before he's back you know...Maybe if you get some time off, you could go up and visit him?" He smiled softly as they both sat down to eat. "Maybe..I'm not sure now. I've taken on a lot of extra shifts now. We need the money and I don't mind working a little more." She smiled, but only a pretend one. She didn't eat all of her dinner, feigning tiredness and heading upstairs after clearing the table.

The weeks went by and she had the odd email from Oliver which cheered Ana up a little but not much. She missed being able to go around to his, climbing up and through his window at night when his folks were asleep. She missed being able to call him and even to just eat pie with him. She was working all the time and to look at her you could tell. There were dark circles under her eyes but she just covered them with make up. She didn't want anyone to worry about her.

Soon enough Christmas came around, and Ana couldn't wait to see Oliver but when she turned up at his house, expecting to see him, his mom greeted her and told her that Oliver couldn't make it back over Christmas but he'd be back soon. She added that he was really gutted about not being able to make it, but had said he'd be back as soon as he could again. Ana nodded but it hurt. She celebrated Christmas as always, just her and her dad at home. They had turkey and opened presents and ate too much and drank a little too much, but it was fun and just like old times.

New year came and went and one of Ana's resolutions would be to go and see Oliver. She smiled at the thought as she was driving home. Her dad had warned her to be careful because of the icy roads but she always was...The sound of a horn pulled her from her thoughts and she managed to swerve just in time before the huge truck hit her car. She skidded and swerved about on the ice before heading off down the side of the embankment and full on hit a tree. When the paramedics arrived and the fire brigade, Ana was unconscious and slumped over the wheel, blood dripping from her head, her face and other places on her body.

It had been two months now since Ana had first been brought in. When she'd come in, she was in a bad way. They'd had to take her straight to surgery to relieve pressure on her brain and to sort out her lung. She'd broken a few ribs which in turn had punctured one of her lungs. She'd broken 4 ribs and her collarbone. That wasn't the worst of it though. It was thought that in the accident, the impact of her head hitting the steering wheel and or dashboard too had caused a bleed in her brain and swelling of the brain. This had brought on the coma that she was now in and had been in for two months.

[Notty]

March came around and Oliver was counting down the days to Ana's birthday. He couldn't wait to see her, and scrounging up a bit of money, he purchased a tshirt and a book for her, wrapping them up and placing them on his desk. "Just a few more days, a few more days and you get to see her."

Before he knew it, Oliver had packed a bag for the week and was headed home. It was all he could do not to speed the entire way back. All he could think about was Ana, was seeing her again, and hopefully sorting out what went on between them before he had left.

He didn't even bother going home when he got back into town, he drove straight to Ana's house and parked. He jogged up the steps, but frowned when he found the door locked. He knocked several times, trying to glance in the window, but no one came. They must both be working... he thought to himself as he made his way back to the car and then drove home.

His mother came out to meet him, hugging him before he even had a chance to climb completely out of the car. "It's good to see you Mom," he said with a smile, hugging her back. "How are things here? Where's Ana?" He said with a smile, glancing around. Laura's face fell and she forced a smile, "sweetheart....I have to tell you something..."

[EnglishBelle]

Tom was at the hospital that morning with Ana for it was her birthday and she was 22. He had bought her several bunches of flowers to brighten up her room and was now just sat brushing her hair. She looked so peaceful lying there, just like she was asleep.

"Happy birthday princess. Another year older, but you still look as beautiful as always." Tom smiled, trying not to cry. "You remind me so much of your mom. You're just as beautiful as her you know, and when you wake up, we'll go visit her. Together. It's been a while since we said hello to her." Her mom was dead, and Tom meant to go and visit her grave like they always used to. He brushed her long blonde hair and then held onto her hand.

"They gave me this...But it belongs to you." Out of his pocket, he pulled the silver heart pendant that had belonged to her mother and did it up around her neck. "There. You look beautiful on your birthday now."

[Notty]

Oliver's face went pale and his eyes filled with tears. "What....Mom....why didn't you tell me?" He cried out as tears spilled down his cheeks. Laura sighed and leaned against the counter, "sweetheart I didn't want to worry you, I knew you were busy with classes and you needed to focus on them." Oliver shook his head and turned, running out of the kitchen and back to his car.

He sped through town towards the hospital, wiping away tears as he drove. It was all he could do to park the car and run inside. The nurse at the reception area gave him her room number, and he ran up the stairs, half blinded by tears. This couldn't be happening. Ana couldn't be in a coma. She was perfect when he left. Young. Healthy. Strong. It had to be a lie.

But his heart dropped to his stomach when he stepped in the doorway of her room. She looked so small, so tiny there on the bed. Oliver shook his head as tears rolled down his cheeks. "No....Ana...." He said softly, ignoring Tom and going to her side, taking her hand. "Ana, please...." He choke out as he cried, "I'm sorry, I should have never left..."

[EnglishBelle]

"Oliver..." Tom looked over to him and sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's not your fault that this happened...And I was the one that told your mom not to tell you. I knew that Ana wouldn't want you to know and she wouldn't want you to come back halfway through your classes, you know what she's like." He smiled and stroked her cheek.

"It's her birthday today. I got her a cake and some flowers. I know she didn't want much, but I wanted to make a fuss you know? It's what her mom would have done, but I'm not great at all that stuff." He stood up and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Sweetheart, I'll be back later. I've got to go and tidy up the house but Oliver's here. He didn't forget your birthday."

[Notty]

Oliver settled down on a chair near the bed, tears still running down his cheeks. He held Ana's hand and just shook his head, unable to look at her. This is all my fault. If I had been here, I could have stopped this from happening. And now she's like this. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, gently squeezing Ana's hand.

"Ana please, please wake up. I promise I won't leave. I'll stay here. I'm going to stay here. I love you."

[EnglishBelle]

As he was talking to her, a nurse walked in to check on Ana and check all the machines were okay and everything was under control. She felt sorry for the poor boy sitting in the chair next to her. The nurse hadn't seen him before but figured that he was her boyfriend.

"I know this must be hard to take in, seeing your girlfriend like this, but she's in the best possible place right now. You need to stay calm for her, she might still be able to hear you and you being upset won't help her." She put her hand on Oliver's shoulder. "Her dad has been here every day for the two months since her accident."

[Notty]

Oliver smiled weakly and shook his head, "I'm not her boyfriend, just her friend...." He said softly, brushing some hair from her face. "Her best friend." The words the nurse spoke pained him. Her father has been here every day for the last two months. How on Earth was he getting along? He knew that the reason Ana stayed was because she worked to help her Dad pay the bills. How had he been managing since the accident?

He straightened up a little and smiled, then leaned over and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I'm staying Ana, I'm staying and helping. I'm not leaving you again. I'll be here for you when you wake up"

[EnglishBelle]

It was yet another month until Ana started to show signs of serious recovery and of waking up. Tom had been to see her as usual and the nurse had just come in and gone out again and Oliver was sitting next to her. Her fingers were in his hand and they twitched.

At first it didn't seem like nothing as sometimes the body did that but it wasn't a proper response, but this time it was. Her fingers seemed to grab at his, not too hard but as if she was grabbing, holding onto something.

[Notty]

Oliver hadn't returned to school. He paid his roommate to box everything back up and ship it home for him. Classes were dropped and what was left of his scholarship was reimbursed to him. He left the money in an envelope on Tom's doorstep, he knew he needed it, and Oliver wanted to help.

He had taken a night job, so he could be there with Ana while her dad was at work. Most days he fought sleep as he sat beside her, completely exhausted, but unwilling to leave. He worked hard at his job, and despite Tom's disapproval, he gave the majority of his checks to him. I know Ana would be helping if she could. It's the least I can do.

Oliver had just come off a 10 hour shift without a break when he arrived at the hospital. He sat down at his chair beside the bed after kissing her forehead. He was beginning to nod off, when he felt Ana's hand move in his. Oliver sat up, his eyes widening despite weariness, and a huge smile came over his face. "Ana, sweetheart, you can do it, come on, wake up. It's me, Oli. You promised me pizza, remember?"

[EnglishBelle]

Oliver had been warned by both Tom and the doctor that Ana might have brain damage or amnesia when she woke up, and they wouldn't know how she was mentally and physically until she woke up.

Laura had been disappointed about Oliver dropping out of school and tried to persuade him to stay, telling him that Ana wouldn't want him to do it and to just think how much she'd told him to go to college despite everything but still it didn't work. She knew how much her son cared for Anastasia, how he loved her even if he didn't tell her. Tom wasn't happy about the situation either and had given Oliver's scholarship money back to his mother in private. Tom was a proud and stubborn man and that's where Ana got it from.

It was like she could hear something. Somebody's voice. A man. Who was that calling her? Why wouldn't they just let her sleep? She tried to tell him no, but nothing came out. Her body felt so weak and exhausted that she was scared. She felt the warmth in her hand and grabbed onto it, not knowing that it was Oliver's hand. She grabbed it and held onto it.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled more and held onto her hands with both of his. "You're okay Ana, you're safe. Just rest, I'm here, you're okay." He tried to keep his voice gentle and soothing, but he couldn't help the emotion that was growing in his throat. He swallowed hard several times, but tears slipped down his cheeks.

After a few moments he let go of her hand, keeping the other still clasped around, and picked up the phone. Dialing Tom's number, he didn't even wait for him to say hello. "She's holding my hand Tom. She's holding it. It's different this time. I think she's waking up."

[EnglishBelle]

Tom was sat in Ana's bedroom on her bed, just looking around. He found a picture album on her small bookshelf and picked it up. He looked through it and smiled at all the various pictures of himself and her on trips they'd taken, a few of them with her mom when Ana was younger, and a lot of ones including Ana and Oliver. "You've got a great friend there baby girl...and he likes you a lot more than that too." He whispered to a picture of her grinning at the top of a mountain.

His silence was disturbed by the sound of the phone. Ana. He ran down the stairs and picked it up. "She's holding my hand Tom.....I think she's waking up." He had hung up and was out of the door as quick as anything. Finally he arrived at the hospital and raced up to her room. His breathing was hard and he was a little out of breath, but he beamed when he saw his little girl holding onto Oliver.

Tom sat down on the other side of Ana and took her hand. "Come on baby girl, you can do it. I'm here. Your daddy's here...And Oliver. I'm sure he's got something to tell you when you wake up." He smiled and looked at Oliver.

[Notty]

Oliver felt his cheeks warm a bit as Tom spoke. I'm sure he's got something to tell you when you wake up. How had he known? Had his feelings been that obvious?

He furrowed his brow a little and looked at Tom, "sir...how...how did you know?" he asked, his eyes lingering on Tom for just a moment before turning back to Ana, the look of love undeniable. And if he would look back through pictures of them, that look had been there for quite a while, he had just recently realized it.

"Come on Ana, please wake up." he said, his thumb brushing over her hand, then he dropped his voice to a barely audible whisper. "I love you."

[EnglishBelle]

Tom smiled and laughed a little at the look on Oliver's face. "Well not only do I recognize that look on your face, but do you not think that your mom and me don't speak? Plus I've seen the way you looked at her, even more so before you left. I know she didn't want you to go, but she didn't want you to stay either." He sighed and ran a hand over his face.

"I didn't want her to stay here you know. I wanted her to go and travel, go and study away from here, but you know Ana. She's got a stubborn head on those small shoulders. She wouldn't leave me on my own." He pressed a small kiss to her head.

Her hand went limp again in Oliver's and her eyelids fluttered a little. She could hear voices, laughing. Mocking her? She needed to move. She willed her body to move, to wake up and move but she couldn't. Ana heard the voices willing her and she wanted to tell them to back off, but no such luck.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and shook his head a bit, his cheeks coloring a bit more, unable to hide the huge grin on his face. He smiled at Tom and then looked down at Ana, his eyes moving over her face, silently praying for her to wake up.

His smile faded however, when her hand went limp in his. He glanced to Tom and then back at Ana. "Come on Ana, please wake up for us..." he murmured, swallowing hard as he tried to keep his emotions in check. "Please, just open those beautiful eyes for us..." he said, tears beginning to fall down his cheeks. "For me..." he whispered, gently squeezing her hand. "Please Ana, I have to tell you something...Ana, I love you.."

[EnglishBelle]

Who was that talking to her? He sounded upset and she didn't like the thought of somebody being upset...It was like she should know that person but she couldn't think right now. Her eyelids felt so heavy and she felt so weak, but she was so close.

"Come on Ana, please wake up for us...." 'I'm trying!' She thought and as Tom tried to comfort Oliver as best he could, her eyes opened. Not fully, but enough so that she could see. Her throat was so dry and she felt so tired and exhausted.

Everything was blurry at first but as she heard voices, she turned her head a little and saw two shapes. People. "Who....are you both?" She managed to just about whisper. It would take time for her to regain things, such as using her body to walk and move as she hadn't done so for a few months and her muscles weren't as strong as they used to be.

[Notty]

Oliver's eyes widened and he cried out when Ana's eyes opened. It was all he could do to keep himself from throwing his arms around her and kissing her right then and there. Tears continued to flow down his cheeks as she blinked several times and glanced around the room.

But the words that came out of her mouth, broke his heart. Who...are you both? He blinked back tears and wiped his face with his free hand, looking to Tom, knowing that he should be the one to explain everything to her.

[EnglishBelle]

"Just stay here with her, I'm just going to get the doctor...He'll be better to explain.." Tom sighed, his heart hurting as she didn't recognize either of them at first. "It's just her waking up..That's all.." He muttered to himself, finding the doctor in the corridor.

"Doc, Ana's woken up but something isn't right. She asked who we both were and she doesn't seem right.." Dr Hardy followed Tom back into the room and by checking the monitors, could see that Ana was a little distressed. "Ana, it's alright. You're safe here. You're in a hospital. You were in a bad car accident but you're safe now, I'm Doctor Hardy and you're in my care." He sat by the side of the bed as he spoke to her, smiling softly.

Ana's forehead crinkled as she looked at the strange man sitting beside her. A car accident? Hospital? Doctor was good right? She didn't know. "I don't...I don't remember anything. Why don't I remember anything?" She croaked, her throat was sore and scratchy but she wanted to know. All she knew so far was that she was called Ana and she'd been in an accident. She couldn't remember.

[Notty]

Oliver swallowed hard as Ana struggled to remember where she was, who the people around her were, and what had happened to her. He smiled despite the war of emotions raging inside him. He gently rubbed this thumb over the top of Ana's hand, praying that she would remember. That her face would light up with that smile and she'd laugh at what a great joke she had played on everyone.

But she still looked as confused as ever, if not more so now. "you're okay Ana." He said softly. "We are here for you."

[EnglishBelle]

"Sometimes when people have had a bad accident, they can get what is called amnesia. This is where we can forget things, it's not that uncommon and it comes back after a while." Dr Hardy smiled at Ana, not wanting to scare her by saying that not everybody remembers.

Ana listened to him and then looked as the stranger sitting by her bed put his hand on hers, rubbing his thumb against her hand. "No I'm not! I don't remember!" She was a little distressed and pulled her hand away from him. Tom moved over and took her hand this time in his. "You're my Anastasia. My Ana. My little girl and I know you don't like it, but we're all going to help you. You've not been very well for a long time. I'm your dad and I'm going to take care of you." He said softly, smiling a little at her but Ana didn't like it right now.

[Notty]

Something struck Oliver in his heart when Ana pulled her hand away from his, her eyes filled with confusion as she looked on him and Tom. He swallowed hard, knowing now that there was no way he could tell her the truth about his feelings. She wouldn't understand, she would just pull away as she had from his hand. Forcing a weak smile, he sat there and listened to Dr. Hardy explain to Ana what had happened, and then talked to Tom about what would happen next.

It isn't fair. I gave up everything. Why doesn't she recognize me? I'm her best friend?...Unable to stop the tears, Oliver turned and moved towards the window in her room, Dr. Hardy and Tom retreating to the hallway to talk for a few minutes. He let the tears fall freely as he stared out the window, cursing inwardly at life, how unfair it was. I loved her. I love her. And now she will never know.

- - - Updated - - -

Something struck Oliver in his heart when Ana pulled her hand away from his, her eyes filled with confusion as she looked on him and Tom. He swallowed hard, knowing now that there was no way he could tell her the truth about his feelings. She wouldn't understand, she would just pull away as she had from his hand. Forcing a weak smile, he sat there and listened to Dr. Hardy explain to Ana what had happened, and then talked to Tom about what would happen next.

It isn't fair. I gave up everything. Why doesn't she recognize me? I'm her best friend?...Unable to stop the tears, Oliver turned and moved towards the window in her room, Dr. Hardy and Tom retreating to the hallway to talk for a few minutes. He let the tears fall freely as he stared out the window, cursing inwardly at life, how unfair it was. I loved her. I love her. And now she will never know.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana lay back down again, facing away from the stranger at the window. She pulled the blanket up to her neck and closed her eyes. This wasn't real. It's all a dream. They've made it up. I can't have forgotten everything. It wasn't a dream. It was real and Ana was living it. She felt the warm tears fall down her cheeks but let them fall, not brushing them away. Soon enough she would want to remember, remember how Oliver kissed her, how he didn't want to let her go.

Tom beckoned Oliver outside to where he and Dr Robert Hardy stood talking about Ana. "I know this is hard for you Oliver and this is why we didn't tell you at the beginning. I didn't know if Ana would ever wake up, and now she has, it's going to be tough." Tom put his hand on Oliver's shoulder. "She's still the girl you fell in love with, deep down inside but you need to show her. We both need to remind her who she is and of her life here." Dr Hardy nodded.

"This will be hard on you Oliver and I have no idea how you're feeling right now, but we have no idea how Ana is feeling either. Her body is still quite weak from not having moved for three months or having anything proper to eat. Her mind...Well she's confused and most probably frightened and scared. Much like a little girl." He looked to both Tom and Oliver. "She should be ready to leave here in a week, maybe less, and she'll need help. Guidance. Understanding, and of course she'll need love."

[Notty]

Oliver nodded as Tom put his hand on his shoulder, and the tears that he had wiped away before coming out, started anew. She's still the girl you fell in love with... Oliver did the best that he could to pull himself together, but the tears kept flowing. He nodded and took a deep breath. She's the same girl, except she doesn't know me. She doesn't recognize me. I couldn't get her to fall in love with me when she had known me all my life, how am I supposed to do it now that I'm a complete stranger.

After a few minutes, Oliver stepped away from Tom and Dr. Hardy and cautiously inched his way back into the room. He glanced over at Ana and saw that she had been crying. It pained him to see how scared and frightened she looked, completely confused as to what was going on. He forced a smile and sat down on the chair near her bed. Giving her the best smile he could, he forced his voice to be cheerful. "Hey, I'm Oliver." he said softly, his eyes searching hers, hoping for a spark of recognition.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana was scared. In face, she was terrified of the world outside. She didn't want to go, to leave this place at the end of the week. Ana heard someone come back into the room and heard the scraping of the chair next to her bed but she didn't know which of the two men had sat down."Hey, I'm Oliver.." She heard and opened her eyes to see him smiling a little at her.

He looked sad. There were lines on his cheeks..He'd been..Crying. Yes, crying was the word she wanted. Why was he sad? Was it because of her? "Are you sad because of me? I'm sorry.." She whispered, her brown eyes so big and soft right now, just like the Ana who had been sad when he'd been mad at her for playing out when he'd been sick. "I didn't mean to make you sad if I did...." Tears began to flow down her face again and she couldn't stop them. As she cried, she put the sheet over her head just like she used to do as a kid.

[Notty]

Oliver shook his head and gently tugged at the sheet that covered her face. "Please don't cry Ana," he said softly. He didn't want to push her, but at the same time, he wanted to talk to her, to tell her everything. "I was crying because I am happy that you woke up," he smiled a bit. It wasn't completely the truth or a lie, he was happy she had woken up, but more than that, he grieved that she didn't know who he was.

"Can I get you anything?" He asked, hoping to start gaining her trust. "Maybe a drink? Or another blanket? Are you warm enough?"

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt him pull the sheet from her face and then she was able to look at him. He was......he had beautiful eyes and his skin looked really soft, but Ana didn't want to touch. She didn't know who he was for a start and what if she made him sad again? "Okay..If I ever make you sad, please tell me..Oliver." She smiled a little, knowing his name for now was better than nothing.

She nodded her head but then winced, her head hurt a little but she wasn't about to complain. "A drink would be lovely thank you, my throat hurts." Ana watched as he walked away, feeling her eyes closing a little. She felt so tired again so quickly.

As Oliver was gone and Tom had gone home to pick up a few things for Ana, Doc Hardy came in. He was a little older than her, but only a few years. He'd been watching her during her coma, and thought her to be beautiful but he wasn't allowed to tell her. Instead, he'd just care for her while he could. He knew that she was to go home soon and it saddened him. Maybe he could persuade her father that she'd be better off in the hospital for a little longer? He felt her eyes looking at him and he smiled. "Well hello. You gave us all a scare you know." He saw her eyes starting to close but then she forced them open and he shook his head. "Nope. We'll have none of that. If you're tired, just go to sleep." He smiled as he watched her go to sleep and then left her room.

[Notty]

Oliver returned home for just enough time to shower and eat before he went to work. He had gotten on at the local store as a night stockman, not the fanciest of jobs, but it was some money, and it allowed him to help Tom when he would take it. Downing a large cup of coffee, Oliver forced his eyes open as he drove to work. He hadn't slept yet that day, but it didn't matter. Ana was awake now, and when she came home, she would need his help.

The night was long, and Oliver was thankful he was one of the only stockers, as he dozed off a couple times on his shift. He kept pouring himself coffee, but he was exhausted. I have to stay up for Ana. I have to see her again...

[EnglishBelle]

A few days later and Tom had bought some stuff in for Ana so that she didn't have to stay in one of those awful hospital gowns. She had changed into a pair of jeans and a dark blue sweater with the help of a nurse and managed to have a shower and wash her hair. Her long blonde hair was loose and around her shoulders as she sat in a chair in front of the window, just watching the outside world. Since she'd been in the coma, she'd lost a bit of weight and her clothes were now even a little too big for her. He's not come back yet. Oliver. That name...seems a little familiar.

"How is my favourite patient doing today?" Robert Hardy smiled as he came into Ana's room and found her in her chair. "Up and dressed, that's what we like to see...but you need some meat putting back on those bones of yours - far too skinny for my liking.." He looked at her a little concerned. "Your dad called. You remember Tom? He can't make it today, he has to go away for a business meeting but he'll be back tomorrow if he can."

[Notty]

Oliver had gone home and crashed, only waking to find that he didn't have time to go to the hospital before his next shift. Frustrated and upset with himself, he trudged through work, swearing that he would go and see her the next day, if it killed him. He ran his hand through his hair and sighed. Ana. You're going to see Ana.

On the way over, Oliver stopped at the florist and picked up a bouquet of tulips. He knew in the past Ana liked them, but he wasn't sure if she still would. Making his way to the hospital, he tried to play out how to tell her who he was, how to remind her of their past, but everything sort of vanished when he got there.

"Hey you," he said softly as he stepped in, his eyes moving to Ana and then Dr. Hardy. He held the tulips behind his back for a moment, before revealing them. He smiled a little, "I thought you might like these." Oliver said as he placed them on Ana's lap and sat down in the chair beside her. "How are you feeling today?"

[EnglishBelle]

Her face lit up a little as she saw the flowers. "They're so bright and colourful, thank you Oliver.." She smiled at him as she touched the petals. "Tulips.." She whispered. "One of my favourites." She looked at him, a little shocked and surprised. "I remembered that!" She grinned like it was a huge achievement, but to Ana it was. Remembering anything she could was a huge achievement and she would try her best. She didn't want to be stuck like this forever. Just not knowing stuff.

"Tired...I had some physical therapy today to help strengthen my muscles and they kept pushing me..And Dr Hardy wants me to eat more. He says I'm too skinny, but I can't remember what I used to be like..What do you think?" She reached over and put her hand on his, her eyes meeting his.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled even wider as she remembered that tulips were her favorite, and it was all that he could do to keep from leaning over and kissing her forehead. If tulips stirred up her memory, certainly a kiss would. Atleast I hope it would. His eyes scanned hers as she placed her hand in his and he smiled, squeezing her hand gently.

"You always were a skinny little thing," he said, teasing slightly. "But your attitude was big enough to frighten off any unwanted advances." He chuckled, thinking of when she would aingle handed lintel off a bunch of college boys that leered at her in the bar. "You're my best friend." He said softly, smiling a little more, and praying that someday she would remember.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt the soft kiss on her forehead and felt her cheeks heat up with it. She pressed her hand to it and then looked at Oliver. He kissed me...Why did he do that? Is he...is he my boyfriend? She felt that familiar feeling that she'd done earlier, and again when he squeezed her hand.

"I guess I should eat a little more..I don't want to be too skinny but it sounds like I was anyway." She smiled as she listened to him talk, watching how his eyes sparkled. "You're my best friend." His voice was gentle and there had to be more to it than that. As Oliver said that, a memory popped into her head. It was of when they'd gone exploring for the day as kids and Oliver had got stuck in a cave. Ana had gone to get help and then stayed with him all the time, helping to uncover it. She gasped and then shook her head. "Would..could you help me to my bed please? I'm really kinda tired.." It was true, she was tired but she didn't want anything else popping into her head.

[Notty]

Oliver nodded and stood, putting his arm around Ana, easily taking all her weight as he helped her walk back to her bed. Once she had settled in, he pulled the blankets up over her, his eyes moving to her face every now and then. He couldn't help the smile on his lips as he sat back down once she was tucked in. "Anything I can get for you?" He asked softly, settling back down in his chair. "I can stay here. I won't go anywhere. You won't be alone."

[EnglishBelle]

His arm around her made her feel safe and protected, almost like it was supposed to be there. Ana let him tuck her in and cover her with the blankets as she was too tired to do that right. She could feel her eyes going again even though it wasn't even dark yet. She yawned and shook her head. "I'm good thanks, but you...You look tired. You should go and sleep somewhere, I'll be okay."

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and shook his head, "I'm okay. I want to make sure that you are safe. I'm gonna stay." He watched and waited until Ana's eyes closed completely and her breathing became slow and rhythmic. Only then, Oliver allowed his head to touch the back of the chair, and before long, he was asleep as well.

He was awoken a few hours later by Dr. Hardy who was coming in to check on her. "Hey.." Oliver said groggily, smiling as he tried to wake himself up. "She was up for a bit, got tired though. Guess I did too." He chuckled as he took in a deep breath and ran his hand through his hair. Shifting a bit in his seat, he leaned forward and took Ana's hand in his, gently stroking the back with his thumbs. "So when do you think she will be released?"

[EnglishBelle]

Rob Hardy was due a break and so was going to take this chance to see Ana. She was beautiful. Okay, so she was a little younger than him, but age didn't matter. He'd sat with her and watched her whilst she'd been in her coma, she'd looked so peaceful and he knew that it would all end when she'd woken up. Rob had watched that boy come most days and sit with her and he knew how he loved her.

Heading into her room, he was a little annoyed to see Oliver asleep next to her in a chair. At least he's not on the bed.He thought to himself. "Hey. Yeah that doesn't surprise me. She had some therapy this morning. We went to push her a little so that she regains some strength before sending her home. Work her muscles." He smiled, looking over her charts and pretending to read them. "I'm not sure yet. I was hoping for the end of the week, so she'll be out possibly Monday but that depends on if she has anything that will set her back. I doubt it though." He smiled again, running his hand through his hair and left them, a little jealous when Oliver held her hand in his.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and nodded, looking from Ana back to Dr. Hardy. "That sounds good, thank you for all you've done. You've taken excellent care of Ana." He said as he glanced back to her sleeping form. He didn't notice the look of admiration in Dr. Hardy's eyes, but he didn't look at him long enough to see it really.

Leaning back in the chair, Oliver closed his eyes again, exhausted still from working. He knew he'd probably have to go straight from the hospital back to work, but he had to. He had to help Tom, help Ana. She meant everything to him, and nothing was going to change that.

[EnglishBelle]

Rob Hardy went and sat in his office to cool off a little. He sat back in his chair, running a hand over his face and sighing. It wasn't right to feel this way about a patient but she was different. There was something about Ana that he'd never found with any other women so far. He felt jealous of Oliver, knowing that he was going to be the one to take care of her and keep her safe when that's what Rob wanted to do.

Ana mumbled a little in her sleep and began tossing and turning. She was having a dream about her accident again. It seemed so vivid to her; so real. She heard herself scream as the car began to slide all over the road, her foot pressing on the brake pedal as hard as she could but it just wasn't doing anything. Ana felt the car head down the embankment, her fingers fumbling with the seat belt but she couldn't undo it. "Please..I can't do it..I need to get out!" She shouted in her sleep and then screamed as the car collided with a tree.

[Notty]

Oliver jerked up from where he sat, moving to the edge of the bed and trying to calm Ana. "Ana, you're okay, you're safe..." He cooed softly, brushing his hand through her hair. "I promise Ana, you are fine. You're safe here." He said softly, his eyes moving over her face, pained by the panic that was written across it. He gave her a weak smile, trying his best to be strong for her.

"Do you want me to get Dr. Hardy?" He asked, unsure of how to help her, or if there was anything he could do to help her. "Please Ana, I'd do anything for you."

[EnglishBelle]

She woke herself up by screaming and saw Oliver in front of her, his hands in her hair trying to calm her down. Her breathing was fast and she couldn't think. She was confused and scared right now. "Safe? I couldn't...couldn't get out.." She whispered, her face so pale and she was shaking.

"Doctor?" She looked at Oliver at first and then nodded, remembering who he was. She didn't want to go back to sleep, she was too frightened but she knew that Oliver also wouldn't go and leave. Doc Hardy was on his way to suggest Oliver go and get some sleep when he heard the voices in her room. Ana. He popped in and saw how scared she looked. He hated the fact that he couldn't comfort her and that it was him there.

"Ana? Is everything okay? Was it a bad dream?" He looked to her calmly and she nodded. "How about I give you something to help you sleep? It won't hurt you and you won't have any more dreams tonight.." He quickly slid a syringe and bottle of something and injected Ana with it, and within minutes she was asleep. "She'll be alright. She's in safe hands here Oliver, but you, you need to sleep. You're no good to her if you're running on empty. She'll understand. Go home, sleep and eat."

[Notty]

Oliver watched as Dr. Hardy gave Ana an injection, and the worried look on her face soon faded and before long she looked peaceful once more, sleeping serenely. Oliver sighed and glanced to Dr. Hardy, unsure. "I know, I just...I hate leaving her alone. Especially after something like that..."

Dr. Hardy smiled, "I'm off work in about half an hour, I can stay with her until Tom gets here." Oliver sighed, then slowly relented. He knew he needed a shower and a decent meal. "Alright, here..." He said, scribbling down his phone number. " I can be here if she needs someone." He said as he handed the paper to Dr. Hardy. "I'll be by later." He said, more to Ana than the Doctor. He kissed her forehead and then disappeared.

[EnglishBelle]

Rob stuffed the piece of paper in his pocket. He'd put it down with her notes, he wouldn't want Oliver to accuse him of something if it wasn't there. He sat in the same chair that Oliver had, but moving it a little closer. He gently stroked her face, brushing her hair off her face. "You're so beautiful, even if you are a bit skinny." He smiled as he whispered. "I'll be back in a while Ana, I just have to finish off my paperwork but you won't be on your own then." He pressed a kiss to her forehead and disappeared.

[Notty]

Oliver headed home, just barely dragging himself into the house. Laura glanced up from the counter and frowned a bit. "I haven't seen you in 2 days Oliver..." she said. He simply smiled wearily and shrugged. "Work and the hospital." he said as he headed towards the stairs. All he could think about was a shower and his bed. "You'll wind up in a bed beside Ana if you don't slow down sweetheart." she called after him, but if he heard, Oliver didn't respond.

After a quick shower, Oliver pulled on some boxers and flopped down onto his bed, almost immediately falling asleep, and dreaming of when he and Ana were younger. Before he left. Before the accident.

[EnglishBelle]

Rob came and sat with Ana after he was done in his office. He had taken his white coat off and sat next to her, a little closer again this time. "I like you Ana. I wish I could spend time with you out of the hospital..But I don't think that I'll be able to. I'll miss you, you know? I know that you've been in a coma for so long, but I've been here. You're a very special woman." He took hold of her hand and pressed it to his lips. "Might as well take the chance while I can. I know Oliver loves you, and I can't match that, but I do care for you."

He could hear Tom's boots in the corridor outside and dropped her hand gently back to the sheet before walking out to find him. Rob explained about what had happened and that he was going off shift, but if Tom needed anything or if it happened again, to press the buzzer and a nurse would come and help.

[Notty]

Oliver slept the rest of the day and into the evening, waking about an hour before work. He grumbled in frustration as he wasn't able to go see Ana before he had to work. Packing himself a lunch consisting of a sandwich and some fruit, Oliver climbed into his car and drove to work, thankful that the next day was his day off.

The evening dragged on, as it always did, Oliver finding that he was checking the clock more and more often, counting down the hours until he would be able to leave and go see Ana. He wasn't quite sure why- but something about Dr. Hardy made him....no, it couldn't be. Doctors couldn't have feelings for their patients.

7:00 am finally came, and Oliver dragged himself out of work, a cup of coffee in his hands. He was headed to the hospital to see Ana.

[EnglishBelle]

That morning when Oliver had gone to see Ana, he would find her asleep with Tom sat there and Dr Hardy standing near in case Tom wanted him and just checking Ana. Tom turned as he heard Oliver come into the room. "It's probably better if you go home and rest today Oliver. Ana's been sedated." Tom sighed and ran a hand over his face. Rob moved closer so that he could explain to Oliver.

"She had a bad nightmare last night. We're not quite sure what it was about, but she was screaming. When I came in here, she didn't recognize Tom or myself and was very confused and frightened. To save her from harming herself, I've had to sedate her. Trust me, I didn't want to do it but I didn't have any choice." He sighed and looked at Oliver. "You can sit with her for a little bit, but she's not going to be waking up any time soon."

[Notty]

Oliver frowned, looking over at Ana. She looked so peaceful, so serene. "You should have called me," he said, "I could have helped. She knows me." He didn't know that he really could have been help, but he wanted to, he thought that Ana had recognized him, that she was beginning to remember things. "She remembered yesterday that tulips are her favorite flowers." He shook his head and sighed, "I'm not going home, I'm staying here."

With that he sat down on the couch in her room and sighed, running his hands through his hair. He was exhausted, and now upset that Ana had been sedated. He was hoping on seeing her. Talking to her. Holding her hand. Now she just lay there, like she had when he first got there.

[EnglishBelle]

Tom shook his head when Oliver decided that he was staying here. "No Oliver, you need to go home. I know you want to be here with her, lord knows I do too, but we can't do anything right now. I want my little girl back, but it does no good to have either of us moping around here; exhausted. Why don't you come back with me? You can crash in Ana's bed." He put his hand on Oliver's shoulder and waited for him to follow.

[Notty]

He looked hesitantly at Ana, then Tom. Finally nodding, Oliver stood and followed Tom out of Ana's room and to his car. The ride back to the house was fairly silent, Oliver just looked out the window, unsure of what to say. "I'm ready for her to come home." Oliver finally said, his throat tightening as tears threatened to form.

"I love her," Oliver said, looking over at Tom. "I...I wanted to marry her." By now his eyes had filled with tears and a few had spilled out and over, running down his cheeks. "I had it all planned out; I'd come back for her birthday and ask her out. Then by the time I graduated, we'd be engaged..." He scoffed and pushed back the tears, leaning his head back. "I don't know if any of that will happen now. It isn't fair."

[EnglishBelle]

Tom listened to Oliver as he shared his thoughts and tears during the journey back home. His heart broke for the kid and he felt sorry for him. He knew what it was like to lose a loved one, he'd lost Ana's mother Sarah all those years ago. "You don't know that it won't happen...Ana's a tough kid. After all she's been through and she's still bounced back. She looks after me, and now it's my turn to look after her. It's how it should be." He sighed and shook his head.

Finally he pulled up at his house, time ticking it's way into the evening now. "Just don't rush things with her Oliver. She is strong, but right now she's scared. Scared, frightened and fragile and I don't like it. It hurt me when she didn't recognize me. Like the saying goes, time is a great healer and Ana needs the time right now. If we rush her, we may end up pushing her away and making things worse." He patted him on the back. "There's food in the kitchen, help yourself. Towels in the bathroom if you want a shower, you know where her room is." He smiled wearily and disappeared off into the living room.

[Notty]

Oliver nodded and smiled weakly, then climbed the stairs to Ana's room. It's had been several months since he had been there, but it was still as familiar as it had always been. Pictures of them together scattered over the walls, the tshirt that Oliver had sent her for Christmas was on the bed, as if she had been planning on wearing it. He sighed and pulled off his shirt and climbed into her bed. Pressing his eyes shut, he breathed in the familiar smell of Ana and quickly drifted to sleep.

It was the best night of sleep he had in a while, and he found himself dreaming of the days before he moved away. When he stayed with her, how they curled up in bed together. How badly he wanted it to be like this all the time. He woke around 4 am, and reached out for her, only to find the bed empty.

[EnglishBelle]

Robert was off work for that afternoon and the next day, and so until the sedative had worn off and Ana had woken up, he was going to stay sitting with her. He sat next to her and brushed her cheek softly with his thumb. Her skin was so soft and he wished he could kiss her, but he knew he couldn't. He took her hand gently in his and brought it to his lips, closing his eyes as he kissed it and held it against his cheek. "I'm going to help you Ana, I'm going to make you better. You don't deserve this." He whispered to her. "He loves you and me wanting you isn't fair. I can't take you from him, but I'll always be around for you though." He smiled and just sat there waiting for her to wake up.

Ana's head hurt a little and she felt kinda groggy but opened her eyes all the same. She saw somebody sitting next to her, and when she blinked, she saw it was Dr Hardy. "What happened? Did I fall asleep?" She mumbled, frowning a little.

"Hey sleepyhead. It's okay, don't worry about it. You just, had some bad nightmares and so we gave you some medication to help you sleep." Robert smiled at her, thinking how adorable she looked. He didn't want to tell her the truth about how she was screaming, about how she didn't recognize either himself or Tom or about how he had to give her a sedative to help her sleep.

[Notty]

Oliver sighed and stretched, leaning up in Ana's bed and glancing around the room. It was still dark, but he couldn't sleep. Not anymore. She was supposed to be there beside him, like she had been before he left for school. Pulling himself out of bed, he tugged on a tshirt and jeans, then quietly padded down the stairs. He slipped his shoes on before silently stealing out of the house, walking down the driveway to where his car sat parked.

The drive to the hospital was shorter than he remembered, and before he knew it, he was listening to the music softly playing in the elevator as he made his way up to Ana's room. Greeting the nurse with a warm smile, Oliver made his way down the hall and opened the door to Ana's room. His smile grew when he saw that she was awake, and his attention flicked to Dr. Hardy for just a moment before he went and had a seat on the edge of her bed. "Hey, how are you?" he asked, his eyes sweeping over her face, praying silently that she would remember him.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana smiled a little at him. "Oliver...you came back to see me." Her eyes were soft and dreamy, just like her smile. She was still a little sleepy and groggy but she held her hand out for him. Once she'd taken hold of his, she could feel her eyes going. "I'm so tired Olly...I don't wanna go to school tomorrow..." She whispered before she fell to sleep.

Robert was a little confused as to what she'd just said, maybe it was something coming back to her? He hoped that she did get her memory back. She deserved to, she hadn't done anything wrong in her life that he knew of. "Listen Oliver. Ana doesn't know of what happened the previous morning so don't tell her. All she's aware of is that she had bad nightmares and she got given some medication to help her sleep. I don't want her to worry and it to set her back." He stood up, ran his hands through his hair and picked up his coat. "You know where the nurses are if you need anything - either of you." He smiled and disappeared.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled as Ana held out her hand for him, and he took it, squeezing lightly. He swallowed and nodded, watching as her eyes closed and she drifted to sleep. Leaning down, he pressed a kiss to her forehead and then turned his attention to Dr. Hardy.

"That's fine, if you think that is what is best." he said with a slight smile, rubbing this thumb over the back of her hand, still holding it. "I don't want to do anything to make her worse, or confused or anything. I want her to get better as quickly as possible." Oliver smiled as he looked at Ana's sleeping form and then sat down in the chair where Dr. Hardy had been. "Thank you for all of your help, I appreciate it."

[EnglishBelle]

About an hour later, Ana woke up again and smiled softly as she saw Oliver. "Hey again...Sorry, I guess I fell asleep again. Wish I could stay awake for longer." She pouted and sat up a little. She put a hand to her hair and rolled her eyes. "I bet I look a right mess. I could do with a shower later...Has erm..Has Dr Hardy said anything about me going home yet?" She looked down and fidgeted with her fingers as she waited for him to speak to her.

[Notty]

Oliver had been dozing on and off for the past hour, but when he heard Ana's voice, he smiled and leaned up. "No, its okay. I know you are tired," he said, pushing his palms over his eyes, hoping the dark circles beneath them would magically disappear. "You look great," he said with a grin, leaning forward and pressing a quick kiss to her forehead. "Though I can talk to someone and see about a shower if you'd like."

He stood and stretched, then sat on the edge of her bed, happy that she seemed awake and in a good mood. "He hasn't, I think he wants to be sure that you are healthy and strong enough before he releases you. If you want, I can call him in and maybe he can talk to you a bit."

[EnglishBelle]

She felt herself blush when he mentioned that she looked good and the words slipped from her mouth before she'd had time to think. "Oh ever so the charmer..That's why you have half the girls of the town hanging around.." She put her hand to her mouth and then frowned. "That...that was me wasn't it? I mean, the old me. The real me."

She shook her head at the mention of getting someone to help her. "Can you...can you help me? Not shower but just help me into the bathroom? I'll be alright." She smiled that soft sweet smile of hers, who could resist?

"Oh no." Ana shook her head as she pushed her legs out of the bed. "Don't get him in just to talk if it's his day off. I'll wait until he's back tomorrow or the next time he's in and then I'll ask him. See what he says."

[Notty]

Oliver smiled even wider and nodded, "that's the Ana I know." he said as he put his arm around her waist, helping her to stand. "Never wanted the other girls around though," he chuckled as they begin walking very slowly towards the bathroom. "Just you, you're my favorite. The only one I want." His face reddened a bit, realizing how it sounded, and wondering if Ana realized just how much she meant to him.

At the bathroom door, Oliver turned the knob and pushed it open, carefully leading Ana inside and to the shower. "I'm... I'm honestly a bit nervous about you doing it yourself..." he said as he helped her onto the shower bench. "I'm going to wait right outside the door- and leave it a bit cracked if that's okay..." he said, his face showing the concern that wavered in his voice. "I won't peek or anything, I just want you to be safe." He smiled sheepishly and turned, walking out of the bathroom- leaving the door open about an inch, and then settled down on the floor outside, waiting for her.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt her skin prickle as Oliver slipped his arm around her waist to steady her. "Well that's good then.." She smiled, her feet not wanting to work at first but then she managed to make it to the bathroom with his help. By the time he helped Ana to sit on the shower bench, she was tired but she'd go on. She wanted to prove to herself that she could do it, and also to the doctor, so that she could get out of here.

"Okay, but no peeking though. I'll be fine..." She smiled and called through the door. She shed herself of her pajamas before turning the shower on, her head feeling a little fuzzy. After a while, the door opened and Ana emerged with wet hair and back in a clean set of pajamas. "Told you I'd be fine. You worry too much." Those words made her head hurt. You worry too much. She was in a bathroom, much like that one but she had a cast on her ankle, doodles and markings all over it and she could hear him, hear Oliver outside the door. She gasped as the memory came back to her.

[Notty]

Oliver glanced up and smiled when he saw Ana, standing up quickly and putting his arm around her waist again, helping keep her steady as he led her back towards her bed. "You okay?" he asked, his brow slightly furrowed as his eyes searched her face. Helping her sit down, he settled in beside her, his arm still around her waist.

"Can I get you anything?" he asked, keeping his blue-green eyes on her face, a small smile growing. "Maybe if you want, later we could go for a walk." he said happily, thinking about how nice it would be to get out of this room-maybe even go outside if he could get the nurses to agree to it. "What'dya say Ana banana?"

[EnglishBelle]

"I'm fine." She said calmly, not wanting to alarm him or make him worry more about her. All this worrying was going to suffocate her if he wasn't careful. "This sounds stupid, but could you dry my hair for me? I don't think I could hold a hair dryer up right now. If not, it's okay and I'll just braid it." She smiled a little as she dragged a comb through her tangled mess of hair.

"A walk sounds good, but I'm guessing they'll want me in a wheelchair.." Her face looked glum as she said it, but she knew it was best after this morning.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and nodded, heading back into the bathroom and grabbing the blowdryer. "I'll be honest..." he chuckled as he plugged it in and leaned back up. "I can't promise how good of a job I will do, never really used one of these before." he said, jumping a bit as he turned it on. His laugh was infectious as he began blow drying her hair/

At first Ana's hair went wild from the dryer, but eventually Oliver got the hang of it, and was soon gently brushing her long hair, his eyes scanning her face every now and then. He clicked off the dryer and ran his fingers through her hair, toying with the ends for a moment before smiling and setting the dryer down. "Well, I don't think I did a terrible job..." he said as he moved around to look at Ana.

"I'll grab a wheelchair, let's go for a walk. Maybe if you think you can handle it, we can walk for a bit- the wheelchair can be there just in case you get tired."

[EnglishBelle]

She laughed a little as Oliver jumped from the roar of the dryer as he turned it on. "As long as it's dry, I don't care. I can always braid it if it goes wrong." She smiled and sat comfortably on the bed waiting for him to begin. At first he tugged a little with the brush, but Ana didn't say anything. After all, he hadn't used one of these before.

She closed her eyes a soft smile on her lips as he brushed through her hair, and she liked it. Having her hair brushed, but by Oliver too. She felt her cheeks redden a little and was glad when he was eventually done. Looking across in a mirror, she nodded. "It looks fine to me. Thank you."

Ana grabbed the blanket to wrap around herself, not wanting to be outside in just pajamas. She settled into the wheelchair that Oliver brought back for her. "Urgh, I feel so useless...Please tell me I wasn't like this. I mean, the old me. What was I like?" She asked as he wheeled her to the elevator.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled as he began pushing Ana towards the elevator, letting her push the button to open the doors and then wheeling her inside. "What were you like?" he repeated quietly as the doors shut. "Honestly, a lot like you are now- I mean, with all the memories and stuff..." he added lamely to the end.

The doors opened and he began pushing Ana towards the front doors of the hospital and then out into the warmth of the sunshine. "You and I were- well, are, best friends. Grew up together, we did everything together." Oliver glanced down at Ana every now and then, unsure if he should tell her about what happened right before he left. "I left for college in the fall- we uh....I didn't want to leave." he said, then furrowed his brow a bit. "I mean, I did, but...." his face reddened a bit and he smiled wistfully, thinking back to their first kiss. "But I didn't want to leave. I didn't want to leave you."

[EnglishBelle]

"So I just need to remember stuff and I'll be back to my old self..." She smiled a little sadly, knowing it wouldn't be as easy as that. Soon enough the doors pinged open and Ana felt herself being pushed outside, the sunlight warming her face and a smile grew.

"We are? Great!" She smiled and then saw the look on his face as he sat down on a bench after putting the brake on the wheelchair. She reached out and took his hand. "I...I'm sorry I can't remember. That makes me feel like such a rubbish friend then...I want to remember, really I do! I hate to see you looking so sad and not remembering anything about you or my dad or my life.." She whispered and then listened as Oliver started to speak again.

"What happened then? Why didn't you want to leave? What happened to make you leave? Was it me? Did I do something wrong?" She looked up at him, wanting all the answers not wanting Oliver to miss anything or leave anything out.

[Notty]

Oliver pushed Ana in silence for a while, unsure as to how he was going to answer her. After several minutes, he stopped the wheelchair under a large magnolia tree, the blossoms full and fragrant. He reached up and picked one, then handed it to Ana, kneeling down beside her. Still hesitant, Oliver started speaking.

"Ana...I didn't want you to leave, and part of me thinks- well hopes- that you didn't want me to either." He said at first. He went on to explain how he had gotten accepted to college and it had been his dream for so long. "Then uh...the week before I went to leave, we went to the lake." His eyes moved over her face, deciding on how to tell her. "I uh..." He began, rubbing the back of his neck. "I....I did this..." He said, pushing himself forward and kissing Ana gently on the lips.

"I couldn't leave you after that." He whispered once he had pulled away.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana smiled as Oliver stopped them under the large magnolia tree, the beautiful fragrance surrounding her. "Oh it's beautiful out here Oliver.." She gently stroked the petals of the blossom that Oliver had placed in her hands. As she watched him kneel down, he began to speak and she listened to every thing he had to say.

She didn't know what to say at first, but before she could say anything, she felt his lips on hers kissing her gently. Ana felt her cheeks heat up as she blushed and her eyes went back to look at the blossom. "Maybe I wanted you to leave...Maybe I thought you'd be better off without me, I don't know!" She was frustrated with not remembering anything. The only thing she did remember right now was the kiss he had planted on her lips just seconds ago. His lips were soft and the kiss was slow and gentle.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled, trying to mask his sadness. "It's okay Ana," he murmured softly, reaching up and tucking some hair behind her ear. "I'm here now, it doesn't matter." His eyes scanned her face, wanting so badly to kiss her again, to tell her how much he loved her. But he knew that now wasn't the time. That she wasn't ready to it.

"How about this?" Oliver said finally, reaching down and picking Ana up out of the wheelchair. He carried her to the magnolia tree, and set her down so she could lean against it. He sat down next to her and smiled. "We built a tree fort in your backyard when we were twelve." He began, reaching over and taking Ana's hand in his. "We spent an entire month on it- drawing up plans, building it. It was perfect." He smiled and stared out at the lake opposite the hospital. "We spent almost every night up there as long as it was warm enough. Told each other stories, secrets, dreams, fears..." Oliver's voice continued on, telling stories of when they were younger. The whole time, keeping her hand in his.

[EnglishBelle]

"It's not okay Oliver. Who knows how long I'm going to be like this? I want to remember and I can't..." She whispered, closing her eyes when she felt the tears wanting to fall. She wasn't ready for him to pick her up but she couldn't stop him.

His arms were strong around her small frame and she could feel his body heat against hers as he held Ana briefly against him before putting her down on the grass to lean against the strong trunk of the tree. "You were my best friend." She whispered as she rested her head against his shoulder, staring out over the lake as well. "Oliver." She spoke softly and turned a little to face him, taking his hand in hers. "I want you to go back to college. You being here....You're so tired and exhausted and that's my fault. I don't want you to be stuck here with me. I want you to go back to college and do the thing that you love. Please." She lowered her gaze as she waited for him to speak, knowing that he wouldn't agree.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled weakly and looked over at Ana, shaking his head. "No, this, here. This is what I love." he said softly, his thumb brushing over her hand. He shifted his body a little, swallowing hard as he could feel the emotions rising, his throat getting tight. "Ana...." he murmured, his eyes scanning her face, feeling them fill with tears.

He forced a weak smile, shifting again, the small box that was always in his pocket digging into his leg. Inside it, sat a diamond ring- waiting for Ana to remember. "I love you Ana. "

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt his thumb on her hand and she pulled away. It hurt. She didn't want to hurt this guy, but she had no choice. She couldn't remember anything, and she didn't want to hurt him again after what happened the first time. "No Oliver.." Her voice was cold and she pulled away from him.

Before she could move, she heard those words. I love you Ana. She shook her head. "No Oliver, no! You don't love me! Just go! I don't want you here! GO!" She shouted at him, feeling tears building up in her eyes. She didn't want him to give up his dream of college. She didn't want him to get stuck here. Struggling, Ana managed to stand up and hold onto her wheelchair.

Rob Hardy was just coming back in to fill in some paperwork when he heard shouting in the gardens. He frowned and followed the noise. That's when he saw Ana and Oliver. She was standing and holding onto the wheelchair, looking like she was about to cry. He went over. "Ana?" He could feel the tension between them both right now. "I think we should get you back to your room. Come on." He said softly whilst helping her into the wheelchair.

[Notty]

I don't want you here. GO! those words resounded in his head as Rob helped Ana into the wheelchair and pushed her inside. But Oliver didn't move, he just sat there, stunned by her words. His eyes welled with tears and they began to fall as the Dr. Hardy and Ana's figures shrank, and finally disappeared into the hospital.

After what seemed like hours, Oliver pushed himself up from the ground, the small box in his pocket having angrily cut into the side of his leg, causing a bruise. He set his jaw and pushed his hand through his hair. He slowly made his way back inside, stopping off at the main desk for a pen and paper before he went back to Ana's room to get his coat.

He stepped into Ana's room, his face cold and set. His eyes met hers for a split second before he grabbed his coat, then silently laid a piece of paper on the table beside her bed, and disappeared from the room.

Upon reading it, Ana would find 4 words scrawled across it, amidst wet tear stains. I won't come back.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana could feel the tears building up behind her closed eyes but she wouldn't let them fall until she was on her own. She knew he would be hurt but it was the right thing to do. Oliver had plans, dreams and Ana wasn't about to let herself spoil them for the second time around. She didn't want him getting stuck behind looking after her, getting frustrated and upset when she couldn't remember anything about him, or her memories didn't come back.

Dr Hardy helped Ana back into her room but didn't ask her what was wrong. He helped her into a chair near the window. "If you need anything, use the buzzer." He gently put his hand on her shoulder to reassure her and the buzzer at the side of her chair before leaving.

Ana stared out of the window, the tears falling silently. She felt horrible right now. So small and horrible. She turned as she heard somebody enter her room and saw Oliver, but as soon as he had come, he had gone. She had caught his eyes briefly but they were cold now. That split second gaze cut into her, just like the note she had found from him, she knew that she deserved that and that he meant it.

-

It had now been nearly a week since Ana had woken up and come round and she had been discharged that morning from the hospital. Tom had come to pick her up, noting the change in her. He noticed that Oliver hadn't been round at all and from talking with the nurses, hadn't been to the hospital either lately. Tom didn't ask Ana what had happened, if she wanted to talk he was there, but he wouldn't pester her.

Tom helped Ana out of the car and into the house. "So, here we are. Home sweet home." He smiled warmly. "You must be tired so I'll help you upstairs so that you can go and have a sleep and then I'll get dinner later." After helping her up the stairs, he was right. Ana was tired and her legs ached badly. She lay down on her bed and looked around, seeing pictures all around of her and Oliver and she felt the tears well up again.

[Notty]

Oliver hadn't been home since the day at the hospital. He had been sleeping at a friend's house, spending the majority of his time at either work or the bar. He picked up with a friend of theirs, Rachel, that had fawned after him all through high school. They flirted over several beers and Oliver ended up going home with her.

He stayed a few days, thought nothing happened between the two of them. Rachel wanted more, and Oliver wanted to give it- just wanted to forget everything that he had felt for Ana. But the more he kissed Rachel, the more he wanted Ana. So the day of Ana's discharge from the hospital, Oliver left Rachel's, unable to stay there any longer.

His drive home took him past Ana's house, and he slowed slightly, enough to see Tom helping Ana out of the car and into the house. Blinking back tears, Oliver kept driving, refusing to slow down or stop. She had made it quite clear that she didn't want him.

"And where on earth have you been?!" Oliver's mother cried out when he pulled into the driveway. "It doesn't matter..." he said as he pushed gently aside. Her brow furrowed as she followed Oliver inside, and once he had made his way upstairs, she picked up the phone. "Tom....what is going on?"

[EnglishBelle]

Ana ended up crying herself to sleep, curling up in her bed with the covers pulled all around her. Tom had changed her sheets before Ana had come home so that it didn't smell like Oliver and it was all fresh for her. Tom stood at her door, having listened to her crying and he hated seeing her like this. He saw her cheeks were damp from the tears and he wanted to take her into his arms and hold her; hold his little girl.

"Your mother was always good at this kind of stuff..." He mumbled before heading off back downstairs, just grabbing the phone before it carried on ringing and woke up Ana. "Laura, hey." He took a seat on the porch, not wanting to wake Ana up by talking. "You mean between Ana and Oliver? I don't know. I know that something's happened between them. Oliver hasn't been to see Ana for a few days and she's just been discharged from the hospital today. Please try and talk to him? This isn't good for either of them but I need to help Ana now." After talking for a little longer, he ended the call and went to do some work in the garden.

[Notty]

Laura sighed and hung up the phone, running a hand through her hair as she tried to think of what to do. Taking the steps up to Oliver's room slowly, she stood outside his door for a few minutes before knocking. "Oliver honey, please talk to me..."

A small 'snap' could be heard from inside the room, and a small jewelry box was carelessly tossed onto his dresser. "Yeah, fine, come in." Oliver said as he sat down on the edge of his bed. Laura glanced around and gave Oliver a weak smile before sitting down next to him. "What happened sweetheart? Tom says you haven't been to see Ana in days..."

Oliver shook his head, swallowing hard- a lump in his throat. "She doesn't want me Mom." he finally managed to say. sniffing several times to keep the tears at bay. Laura closed her eyes for a moment and nodded, "sweetheart, she doesn't remember anything, just give her time...." "No." Oliver snapped, standing up and walking to his dresser. His hands found the small box and he opened it, letting his thumb run over the thin band of diamonds that led to the solitaire stone in the middle. "She made it very clear that she doesn't want me here."

[EnglishBelle]

Over the next week, Tom spent time with Ana going through albums and telling her about relatives and things that happened to her when she was younger. How she used to go out and play about with Oliver, how the two of them were inseparable at times but no matter what, they always made up. "What about my mom? Where's she?" Ana asked one day as they came across a picture of the three of them.

Tom didn't know how to answer her at first. "Your mom...She was so beautiful you know? You remind me of her. You look like her so much and you're so stubborn and take care of everyone else before yourself." He smiled and ran his hand over her hair. "She died Ana. She was very ill and nobody knew until it was too late. She got very sick but she loved you so much Ana. You were her little star." Ana felt the tears fall from her eyes again. "It's not fair." She whispered before standing up. "I need some air. Please don't come after me..."

For Ana, her heart was being broken again. Her mother that she'd never met was dead and she'd never get to meet her. Following the road from their house, Ana eventually made it down to the lake and sat on the tiny pier, her head in her hands as she cried.

[Notty]

Oliver was just coming around the curve of the lake when he noticed someone sitting on the pier. He frowned a bit, thinking that he hadn't noticed anyone there when he jogged by the first time. Brushing he off, he kept jogging, the pier ever drawing closer, until he realized who it was that sat on the pier. Ana. He stopped several hundred feet away, trying to control his breathing. He could tell she was upset, crying into her hands as she always did when she was really hurt.

His footsteps were soft on the wooden slats of the pier as he approached her. "Hey you," he said softly, staring ahead, not looking at her as he sat down beside her on the pier. His blue/green eyes stayed focused on the horizon, not yet ready to look at Ana. He swallowed hard several times- not having planned on meeting her like this, suddenly all the conversations he had with her in his mind went blank.

Oliver didn't know what to do with this new Ana who seemingly didn't want him. He knew that before he could put his arm around her and pull her close. She would cry against him and everything would be fine afterwards. But after what had happened at the hospital, he just wasn't quite sure what to do.

To hell with it, Oliver thought to himself, and brought his arm around her, gently pulling her against him, unable to see his best friend hurting.

[EnglishBelle]

In the state that she was in, Ana didn't hear Oliver walk onto the pier, she didn't hear his foot steps getting closer until he was right beside her. Hey you. She heard his voice and took her head from out of her hands, her cheeks covered with tears and her eyes a little red from all the crying.

Ana watched as he sat beside her and then when she felt Oliver put his arm around her and pull her against him, the tears started again and she just couldn't stop.

"I'm sorry.." She whispered in between the sobs. "It's not fair Oliver. All of this. I want to remember but I can't! Dad just told me that my mom is dead and I can't even remember that! I can't remember her!" She just held onto him and cried, letting out all the frustration, anger and upset.

[Notty]

Oliver swallowed hard, pulling her closer to him, holding her tightly against his chest. "You're okay..." He whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "I've got you, you're okay." His voice was soft and soothing, and somehow the anger and hurt of what had happened between them seemed dissolved.

He held Ana until long after she had finished crying, his grip just as tight and comforting as it had ever been. Finally he relaxed his grip slightly, taking one hand away to wipe her cheeks and brush her hair from her face. "You're going to be okay Ana," he said as he gently held her chin. "You're strong, and you have lots of people that care for you. You're going to be okay, even though it hurts now."

[EnglishBelle]

Right at that moment, Ana felt so safe against Oliver. It seemed strangely familiar, the feeling inside but she didn't tell him yet. She didn't want him hanging on some unknown feeling for it to turn out to be nothing. "Please don't go. I'm sorry..I'm really sorry..I was such a cow to you and you didn't deserve it. I only said it because I don't want you to get stuck here with me, getting frustrated because I can't remember stuff..

Ana felt his gentle touch as Oliver wiped her tears away and moved her hair from her face. She probably looked such a mess, but she didn't care right now, plus if Oliver was her best friend he wouldn't care either. When he held her chin and looked into her eyes, she could see him. See them together in her bed, his arm around her.

"You...you were in my bed. It was dark and you had your arm around me...I was in a t shirt and blue pj pants..." She felt so emotional right now. "That happened right? Please tell me it happened!"

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and kissed her forehead, pushing some hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear. "Yes Ana, yes. That happened." He said, smiling wider, his eyes meeting hers. "It happened Ana, not that long ago." He smiled warmly and brushed his fingers across her cheek. "It happened Ana, remember it. It happened."

He pulled her gently to him, bringing her onto his lap and cradling her close. "You'll be okay, you're remembering. You're remembering..." He pressed a kiss to her cheek and hugged her gently to him. "I'm here Ana. I won't let you go."

[EnglishBelle]

Ana beamed at Oliver, so glad that she could remember something and that it had cheered Oliver up. "I remember that Oliver. You had your arm around me and you were holding me closer. You were sad...Is that because you were going away?" She felt herself blush as Oliver brushed his fingers across her cheek. "I won't forget now." She smiled a little.

Ana felt Oliver pull her close to him, putting her on his lap. With Ana not remembering all that much about Oliver, she didn't care right now. This felt right being this close to him so she just let him. This all felt so right to her and so familiar. "I don't want you to. I'm sorry. Why don't you come round tonight? We could maybe have dinner together? My dad said he had to go away for business. He didn't want to leave me, but I made him."

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and nodded slowly, his eyes moving over Ana's face. "I can if you want me to." he said quietly, not wanting to push her. "I...I usually came around when your Dad left. He always asked me to. Wanted someone there to check in on you. I...I can stay if you want me to." he finally said, his eyes searching hers. "I can order a pizza and we can watch a movie if you want."

He shifted a bit, helping Ana to her feet before standing himself. "I'll help you home. Let me shower, and then I can come over." Oliver's spirits were lighter than they had been in days, but by no means was he letting down his guard completely. Ana had hurt him, and he was scared to let her back in again.

Oliver walked slowly with his arm around Ana's waist, trying to take some of her weight so that she wouldn't tire herself out. It felt...strangely familiar, this. Walking together. And yet he knew the person beside him, knew nothing of him- yet he knew everything about her. As they climbed the last step and Oliver opened the front door of her house, he gave her a small smile. "I'll be back in about half an hour. Think about what kind of pizza you want." Giving Ana a quick hug, Oliver turned and jogged down the stairs, heading home.

[EnglishBelle]

She nodded and pulled her hair back and over her shoulder, out of the way. She had thought about getting it cut but just hadn't had the time lately. She wasn't sure. "I'd like you to. As way of an apology and because you're my best friend. He did?" She felt a bit deflated then. To Ana, it sounded like Oliver had just come over every time Tom had gone because he felt he should and because Tom had asked him, not of his own accord.

"Pizza and a movie sounds good. I don't know what I've got or what we used to watch together, so you'll have to pick. As for staying over, I'm not sure right now. Maybe. I'll think about it." She smiled softly at Oliver, still a little unsure.

They finally got back to her house and Ana felt a little tired already but she wouldn't admit to it, and didn't want Oliver knowing she was. "See you in a bit sweetie!" She called as she watched Oliver walk away. She felt that twang again inside and wasn't sure what it was but guessed it had something to do with Oliver. "Stop it...You don't deserve to feel anything for him. You hurt him when you pushed him away. Don't hurt him again stupid." She muttered to herself as she got changed into a pair of shorts and a baggy vest top that showed off her skinny figure. She pulled her long hair up into a messy top knot and waited for Oliver to come back.

[Notty]

Oliver returned about half an hour later, wearing jeans and a plain gray tshirt. He jogged up the stairs, and opened the front door. "Hey Ana!" He called out, everything feeling strangely familiar, though he knew it wouldn't be the same as it used to be. He stopped in the kitchen and smiled when he saw Ana. "Hey you," he murmured, giving her a quick hug.

"It is okay I'm here?" He asked after a few moments, knowing that something was bothering her. "I...I didnt mean for it to come across that I came to babysit you. I came, I come because you are my friend. And I didn't want you to be alone. We always had great times together."

He pushed himself up onto the counter and smiled, "I will stay if you want, and I will leave if you want. But I do any to be sure you are safe and well." Oliver's eyes moved over her face and he grabbed the phone. "Now then, pizza. What's your fancy?"

[EnglishBelle]

She felt his arms around her, hugging her and she hugged Oliver back, kinda wishing that he would stay like that for a little bit longer but she didn't say anything. "Hmmm? Yeah, yeah it's okay. If it wasn't, I wouldn't have asked you over. It's just...you're my best friend and so I want things to go back to how they were. Even if I don't remember, I want you to do things like you used to do, 'kay?"

She smiled as he seemed so laid back in her house, pulling himself up onto the counter. He probably used to do that all the time. "Thanks Oliver." Ana smiled and looked at him with an 'I don't know' look on her face. "Errrr whatever we used to have. I don't really know to be honest. Pizza is pizza." She grinned. "I know that I liked it otherwise I would have turned it down by now."

Once Oliver had ordered, she took his hand and pulled him into the living room. "Find a movie, stick it on and then come join me." She grinned, flopping down onto the sofa and lying down whilst she watched him.

[Notty]

Oliver laughed as Ana took his hand and pulled him into the living room. He knelt down beside the movies and scanned through them. "Well what are you in the mood for? Something funny? Romantic? A little bit of both?" He glanced back at Ana and smiled. "How about a little of both?" He said, pulling out While You Were Sleeping and putting it into the DVD player.

He sat up and climbed onto the couch with Ana, pulling his arm around her and starting the movie. He couldn't help but smile a bit, thinking it ironic that he picked a movie about the character having amnesia. The doorbell rang soon and he hopped up, paying for the pizza and bringing it to Ana. "Here you are..." He said, laying down the pizza in front of them and opening it. He took a slice and began eating, gently nudging her knee with his as they ate.

When Oliver had eaten his fill, he leaned back and put his arm around Ana again, keeping her close, but not holding too tightly, not wanting her to feel crowded or crushed.

[EnglishBelle]

"Anything is fine by me.." She smiled, letting him put a dvd on while they waited for the pizza. It wasn't long after he put it on that the door was knocked upon and her stomach growled as if it knew food was coming. "Pepperoni..." She grinned and settled back on the couch while Oliver sat next to her, nudging her knee with his.

Ana didn't mind his arm around her, it made her feel secure; safe. After watching half way through the film and eating a little bit less than half the pizza, Ana could feel her eyelids getting heavy. Her head ended up resting against Oliver's shoulder just like old times.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled as he felt the weight of Ana's head against his shoulder, and he carefully reached over and pulled a blanket over them. His hand gently rubbed her side as they watched, feeling his own eyes getting heavy, but never allowing himself to fall asleep. As the movie ended, the glanced over at Ana, smiling when he saw that she had fallen asleep.

Very carefully, he stood and picked her up, making sure that he didn't wake her as he slowly made the way up the steps and to her bedroom. He laid her down in her bed, and pulled the blankets around her. Oliver hesitated, wanting to climb in bed with her, but not sure that she would want that. Instead, he grabbed an extra pillow and laid it on the floor, then laid down beside her bed. Reaching up, he gently grabbed ahold of her hand, and then closed his eyes, falling asleep slowly.

[EnglishBelle]

A few minutes later and Ana found herself waking up. She felt comfier and when she opened her eyes, she discovered that she wasn't on the sofa anymore but in her bed. She felt a pang of disappointment when she figured that she must have fallen asleep and that Oliver wasn't around, but then she felt something warm holding onto her. Looking down, she smiled at a sleeping Oliver and his hand holding hers.

Climbing out of bed, Ana grabbed some clothes to sleep in and got changed in her bathroom, before coming back and gently nudging Oliver awake. "Hey you, sorry to wake you." She whispered softly. "You can't sleep on the floor, it's too hard and uncomfortable. Why don't you lie with me? It's one of my memories so I know we used to." She took hold of his hand and tried to pull him up.

[Notty]

Oliver groaned softly and opened his eyes. He smiled sleepily and sat up. "I don't mind..." He said, but before he could say any more, Ana had grabbed his hand and was trying to pull him up. "Okay, okay!" He laughed, standing up and waiting for Ana to climb into bed. He climbed in after Ana and pulled his arm around her. He yawned and pressed a kiss to her shoulder, "goodnight beautiful..." He whispered, holding her close.

Oliver slept through the rest of the night, his arm around Ana, holding her protectively. The early morning light filtered in through the curtains in Ana's room and Oliver yawned and stretched. His eyes opened slowly and he glanced around. He couldn't help the smile that came across his face as he realized he was in bed with Ana, and he laid there, letting Ana rest against him. He watched as she breathed in and out, slowly, rhythmically. It was just like how it used to be. Almost. "I love you," he whispered almost silently. "Please let me love you. Let me show you..."

[EnglishBelle]

Ana slept the best she had in the time since her accident. She managed to sleep right through without any nightmares or dreams for a chance, giving her time to actually sleep. She was unaware of Oliver awake beside her, whispering to her and just watching.

She sighed softly in her sleep and turned over so that she was now facing him but still asleep. Her hair was covering her face a little and she curled up a little, Oliver's body not as close to her so she wasn't as warm as she had been.

[Notty]

Oliver loosened his grip a bit so she could turn, smiling. He shook his head as he looked at her, his smile growing as he watched. You're so beautiful. I love you Ana. Please, just give me a chance. He reached up and tucked the hair behind her ear, then pressed a kiss to her forehead.

His arm pulled around her again, gently drawing her against his chest. He closed his eyes and let out a long breath. He wasn't quite sure what to do, how to show her that he truly cared. But he had an idea in the works. And he hoped that she would go for it.

[EnglishBelle]

About an hour or so later, Ana woke up, stretching as she did so. She felt something warm against her and frowned a little, until she opened her eyes and saw that Oliver was holding her against him. She didn't move at first but felt her cheeks redden. Ana studied his face, the tired lines that etched it. Without waking him, she gently ran her hand over his face, feeling the roughness of his stubble but then the smooth skin of his cheeks and his forehead.

"I'm sorry I hurt you Oliver. You deserve a lot more than me." She whispered, before she did something so daring. She pressed her lips onto his cheek and kissed him ever so lightly. Once she'd done that, she closed her eyes and moved back into the comfort of his arms.

[Notty]

Feeling someone touch his cheek, Oliver began to wake, but hadn't opened his eyes. And what followed both shocked him and gave him hope. He felt Ana's lips against his cheek and then heard her speak. He waited a while after she had snuggled back against him to stir. Letting out a long sigh, he slowly opened his eyes and smiled, happy to see Ana pressed against him.

"Good morning sleepy," he mumbled quietly, his eyes scanning over her face. He gently rubbed her back and side before leaning up a bit. "I'm going to make us some breakfast..." He quickly kissed the top of her head and then slowly pulled away and stood. Stretching with a smile, Oliver realized that he had slept better than he had in days. He slowly made his way down to the kitchen and began cooking up some eggs and toast, putting on a pot of coffee as well. He couldn't help the smile on his face, knowing that Ana had planted- on her own accord- a kiss on his cheek.

[EnglishBelle]

"Good morning you.." She yawned a little and opened her eyes, smiling softly at Oliver. "Okay, well I'm going to take a quick shower then, I won't be too long..Pretty hungry." She grinned and headed off to the bathroom. About 10 minutes later, Ana headed downstairs in her pajamas again but fresh and clean, her long brown hair wet and loose. The scent of her shower gel wafted down the stairs with her, the scent of fresh lemons.

"Something smells good." She smiled as she came and grabbed some cutlery and mugs for the coffee. "Thanks Oliver. For last night and breakfast. You were a pretty good best friend to me right? Breakfast as well...a girl could get used to this." She grinned and sat down at the table.

[Notty]

Oliver glanced up from the cooking and smiled when he saw Ana coming down the stairs. "I hope it tastes just as good..." he chuckled as she stepped into the kitchen. He nodded, then a huge grin came over his face. "The only time we aren't good friends is when we play Mario Brothers. Then we are arch nemesis." He carried the pan of eggs over to the table and set them down, heading back to the fridge for some cheese and cream.

Once everything was on the table, Oliver sat down next to Ana. "What should we do today?" he asked as he scooped up some eggs, his eyes dancing over to Ana. "Its up to you, I won't push you to do anything." he said softly, taking a drink of coffee and looking back to his food. He couldn't help but have hope after what happened last night when she pulled him into bed, and then this morning when she kissed his cheek.

[EnglishBelle]

"I'm sure it does.." Ana smiled back. "Oh Mario brothers? I guess we should have a game of that sometime and see if it's still the same." She grinned, getting up to pour coffee for both of them. As soon as Oliver placed the food in front of her, Ana's stomach grumbled and she soon dug in.

"Food is just as good as it smells." She took another forkful and shrugged her shoulders in answer to his question while she was eating. "Hmmmm, why don't you pick? Anything...I don't mind. To be honest, I'd rather do something than just sit around on my own, something which my dad would make me do if he was here." She rolled her eyes jokingly.

[Notty]

Oliver chuckled and nodded, his eyes scanning over Ana's face. "Well, we could go for a walk if you are up to it. Go to the movies, just go for a drive, stay here and play some board games...." He drained the last of his coffee from his cup and smiled to her. "The possibilities are endless. Besides, gives us time to make new memories, right?" He said with a smile.

Standing up, he kissed the top of Ana's head as he passed, loading the dishes into the dishwasher and then pulling himself up onto the counter to sit. "If you don't mind, I'll go home and change and then come back." He chuckled as he glanced down at himself, "I probably don't look the best this morning." He have her a warm smile and hopped off the counter. "I'll head home to shower and change, you decide on what youd like to do, okay?"

[EnglishBelle]

Ana nodded and smiled, taking a sip of her coffee. "A walk sounds good, maybe go for a drive too? If that's alright with you? Are you sure you don't have things to do? I don't want to stop you if you already have plans sweetie." Ana smiled and finished her coffee too.

She closed her eyes briefly as she felt the soft kiss on her head from Oliver as he passed. "That sounds good to me, don't think I'm going out in my pajamas either.." She grinned. "You ermm..you look fine to me.." She felt her cheeks redden as she realized that she'd said that out loud. "I'll see you later sweetie!"

She waited until Oliver had gone before she went upstairs and changed into a pair of 3/4 black leggings, a dark blue dress with small stars on and a pair of white converse. She braided her hair so that it fell over her shoulder and then waited until Oliver came back.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled a little bit wider at her words, and then nodded. "I'll see you after bit." he said with a slight chuckle, then turned and headed out of the house. He jogged all the way home, a plan still forming in his mind as to how to help Ana understand that he loved her, that she meant a lot to him.

Running up the steps to the house, he made his way inside and up to his room. "Oliver, where have you been?" his mother asked, but when she saw the smile on his face, she asked no more, assuming that he had been with Ana. He quickly showered and changed into a pair of jeans and a plain black tshirt. He ran a hand through his hair as he jogged down the steps.

Climbing into his car, he made the short drive over to Ana's house and pulled into the driveway. He made his way up the steps and opened the front door, smiling as he walked down the hall to the kitchen. "Ana?" Oliver called out as he glanced around. "You ready?"

[EnglishBelle]

Ana heard Oliver call for her and she stood up from the couch, walking through into the kitchen where she found him. She wondered how he'd gotten in, but figured that he must have a key from before, she didn't really mind because it would come in handy at times she guessed.

"Here I am!" She smiled. "Will I do? Or is it too much? I'm not sure what I used to wear, but I can easily go change..." She looked down at what she was wearing and then back at Oliver, chewing on her lip as she waited for him to say.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and nodded, "you look great." he said as he moved over and pulled an arm around her, gently hugging her against him. "Now then, what shall we do first? I drove over, so the car is here." His eyes moved over her face, and he reached up and gently tugged on her braid. "We can go get a drink if you want- coffee, I guess. It's a bit early for a beer." he chuckled and released he, taking a step away and standing beside her.

He hesitated for a moment, looking Ana over, unsure if he should say what was on his mind. "What, erm....what are you doing tomorrow night?" he asked, his cheeks reddening a bit as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I just was kind of wondering if you would like to do something, together, us. Together of course." He inwardly sighed at how awkward he was being. "If you don't, that's fine, I understand if you are busy or something..." His eyes dropped to his feet for a moment before meeting Ana's, waiting for her response.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt herself blush when Oliver put his arm around her and that jolt of electricity like before when he'd touched her skin. She stuck her tongue out at him when he pulled on her braid. "Shame your hair isn't longer, otherwise I could have braided that for you, save you messing with mine!" She grinned. "Coffee sounds good to me...Is there a place that does milkshakes? I know it's a bit childish, but I really fancy a banana shake." She grinned again and toyed with the end of her braid.

"I think I'm free...My dad's still away, he had to stay a little longer than he planned but I said you were around and he seemed happy enough with that." Her forehead crinkled with confusion as she noticed his cheeks reddening and she thought he looked kinda cute like that. "You mean erm...like on a date together?" At first Ana didn't know what to make of it, she didn't know about before and why not? She smiled and nodded. "I'd like that." She moved closer and wrapped her arms around his body loosely, more as a comfort thing.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled a little and nodded, "yeah, we can head down to the diner for a banana milkshake. We can make that happen." His eyes moved over her face and he smiled even more. Then, Ana was moving closer, and then pulled her arms around him. His face broke out into a large grin and he put his arms around her and hugged her gently. "Fantastic!" he cried out, almost in surprise. "It's uhm, well it's a surprise. I think you'll like it, I mean, I know you will...." he frowned a bit, more out of embarrassment than anything else. Oliver smiled and then gently hugged Ana to him again. "Let's go, eh?"

Out of habit, Oliver took Ana's hand and walked out to the car with her, opening the door for her and helping her in before he climbed in himself. Starting the car, he made the short drive down to the diner. It sat picturesquely on the main street of their small town. Parking out front, Oliver climbed out and then moved to Ana's side to open her door. He gave her a warm smile as he took her hand and walked with her inside, a small bell on the door jingling as they entered. The diner had a few other patrons, and the smell of grilled cheese and pie filled the air. Giving the woman at the counter a smile, Oliver walked with Ana and sat down at the counter.

"Good to see you two again!" the older man said, smiling warmly at Ana and Oliver. Oliver smiled, his hand still holding Ana's- and it would, for as long as she let him. "How's it going Gary?" Oliver said with a smile, "oh you know, the missus keeps me busy." he chuckled. "What can I do you for?" Glancing over at Ana, Oliver looked back to Gary, "I think I'll have a rootbeer float, Ana wants a banana shake- anything else?" he asked, his eyes meeting Ana's.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana let Oliver help her into the car and smiled at the little things he did, like helping her in and opening the door and closing it behind her. Maybe there's more to him than just a best friend.... She thought as Olive drove the pair of them to a small diner that wasn't that far away. She stared out at it, knowing that this was the place that Tom had told her about; where she used to work.

Oliver took her hand and led her into the diner, Ana looking all around as she walked slowly behind him. The smells surrounded her and comforted her, and she wondered if she'd liked working here. She smiled shyly at the older man behind the counter, looking down at Oliver's hand holding hers on the counter. Maybe...Maybe if I can't remember everything, this isn't so bad... She shook her head but didn't answer. Gary went away to go and serve someone else and to get their order, Ana looking at him. "Did I like working here? Did I work lots? My dad didn't really say much about what I did. He tries, but I know it's hard for him."

[Notty]

Oliver smiled a bit, his thumb mindlessly brushing over the top of her hand. "You did work here a lot, you helped your Dad with the bills and such." his voice suddenly went quiet, inwardly kicking himself for saying that. He didn't want Ana to feel like she had to get a job now to help her Dad. He smiled and continued on, "lots of times you would bring me a pie, and I'd get pizza." His smile turned into a grin, "we'd have pie and pizza and watch movies, or play games when your Dad was gone. We got on well. Had a good time."

Gary returned shortly with their drinks and set them down in front of them. "Sure is good to see you Ana," he said with a warm smile. "Especially with this guy," motioning to Oliver. "Haven't seen him around since, well...it doesn't matter." He smiled even more, "and don't worry about it, these are on the house."

Oliver gave Ana's hand a gentle squeeze before he let go. He fell silent as he began eating his rootbeer float, listening to the gentle hum of the freezer, the indistinct conversations of the other patrons, and the occasional phone that would go off. "You did like working here, Gary and his wife Martha were like second parents. Well, they are like second parents or grandparents to most everyone around here." Oliver gently nudged Ana with a smile, "want some of mine?"

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt a bit guilty when Oliver mentioned about her helping her dad with the bills. What about now though? How long have I not been working for? How long has he been struggling? She put that thought to the back of her mind for now, she'd sort it out later. "Oh really? A whole pie? Pie and pizza does sound good though, sounds like I ate a lot too.." She grinned and sipped on her shake.

Ana blushed as Oliver's hand squeezed hers and she smiled softly at the small gesture. "He does seem nice enough. Maybe I should think about coming back to work here, I doubt it would hurt and I guess I need to get back to normal.." Ana smiled and shook her head. "Thanks but I'm good. How about after this we go for a drive? Anywhere you like." She turned to face him and tucked a loose piece of hair behind his ear.

"Well if it isn't the beautiful Anastasia!" A male voice cheered and turning behind, Ana saw a group of guys, one guy leading them. He was quite attractive and blonde, completely different to Oliver. Ana frowned a little with confusion but saw the look on Oliver's face. "It's Ana actually. If you wouldn't mind leaving us alone." She said politely but the main guy - James, didn't want to. Instead he sat the other side of Ana and put his arm around her. As soon as he did, Ana had a flashback. She saw the jeers and taunting that James and his group had done when they'd been at high school and how he'd always been after her. "Leave me alone asshole.." She shoved his hand off her shoulders and linked her fingers with Oliver's, pulling him away.

[Notty]

Oliver heard the voice and his body tensed up. He hated James and his gang, they had bothered Ana all through high school and even past. He could remember a few instances when Ana had come over to his after work, crying in frustration at how they treated her. Maybe it was best that she couldn't remember that. His eyes narrowed as James moved beside Ana and brazenly put his arm around her shoulder.

The moment Ana had laced her fingers in Oliver's, he stood and gently pulled her towards him. "Leave us alone James," Oliver muttered, his voice low, an edge of danger to it. Ignoring the chuckles of James' friends, Oliver broke his gaze from James and looked to Ana. He could see the slight flush of anger on her cheeks, and pulled her closer. His arm protectively moved around her back, holding her close to him. "Lets go Ana," he said softly, his eyes on James.

"Always the best friend, always will be!" one of the guys shouted out as Oliver turned with Ana and began walking out. A roar of laughter erupted from the group and Oliver tensed yet again. He could remember how they had taunted and teased him in high school. So, you made it with Ana yet? I bet he doesn't have the courage to- she only sees him as her friend, or even her brother. Who would sleep with her brother? I'll sleep with her, that Ana is fine...

Oliver shook his head, beginning to walk faster out of the Diner, not wanting to listen to their jeers any longer, not wanting Ana to remember any more of what James and his gang used to say to them.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana heard what one of the guys shouted and then the roar of laughter that followed from them. She could remember them teasing her and James trying to flirt with her but it never worked. Ana had hated James and all his cronies all the way through high school and now she could remember, she still hated them. She felt Oliver's arm around her back, trying to get her out of the diner, but she stopped. "Just give me a minute." She smiled sweetly at him and placed another kiss on his cheek.

Ana walked back to the group of guys and stood right next to James. I hope I can punch well.... "It's such a shame that you have to contend with having lots of guy friends just because you can't get a girlfriend. Are you sure you're not really gay?" She smiled at him. "Maybe I should see..." She winked and beckoned him a little closer, earning a wolf whistle from someone. Before James knew it, Ana's fist had connected with his face and knocked him flat on his ass and out of the seat. "Leave us alone James. That's for everything. You dare to come near either of us again, and I'll tell everyone and let everyone know that a girl, a skinny puny girl knocked you down."

With a smile on her face, Ana walked back to Oliver, taking his other hand and not saying a word as they walked out together. Her other hand was throbbing right now, but it was worth it.

[Notty]

Oliver frowned a bit as Ana pulled away, and he turned and watched as she moved back towards the group. For a moment, he wasn't sure whether or not he should step in, in case things got ugly. But before he knew it, James was sprawled out on the floor and Ana was walking away with her head held high. It was a few moments before she reached his side, and he couldn't help the growing smile as he watched James lay on the floor for a bit, nursing his bloody nose.

"I...." he started, turning and following Ana out of the Diner. Once outside, he let out a laugh and pulled Ana against him, hugging her tightly. "Hah! That was amazing!" He laughed as he held her close, then pulled back and looked at her. "I....I would have never thought I would see you punch him in the face. That was awesome!" Oliver shook his head, looking at Ana for a moment.

"Let's go, huh?" he asked, pulling his arm around her and walking her towards the car. Just as before, he opened her door and helped her in, then got around to his side. Starting up the car, he sat quiet for a bit, then a smile began playing at the corner of his mouth. Putting the car in gear, he began to drive out of town.

[EnglishBelle]

"Careful of my hand, it's a little sore.." She grinned as she felt Oliver hug her tightly against him; feeling herself blushing. "I do remember you know...I know that's why you were trying to get me out of there, but he deserved that. I'm glad I don't punch like a girl.." Ana grinned again as Oliver opened the car door for her.

"I hope I never punched you, or if I did, it was a little play punch and not a real one. I think I'm going to have to put some ice on it later, it's starting to throb now." She murmured as Oliver began to drive the two of them. The sun was out and Ana closed her eyes, feeling the wind in her hair as the window was open a little.

[Notty]

Oliver just shook his head and smiled as he drove. His hand soon found Ana's, gently nudging it until their fingers were allowed to close around one another's. The houses soon began to thin and the landscape opened up into green rolling hills dotted with groves of trees.

As though it was second nature, Oliver drove, his eyes on the road, silent, yet he held Ana's hand the entire way. Before long, the paved road turned to gravel, and Oliver slowed the car, pulling into a larger makeshift parking lot. He smiled over at Ana, his eyes taking her in features as she sat in the car, eyes closed. Swallowing hard, he gently squeezed her hand. "Hey you, come on. Can't sleep the day away...."

He climbed out of the car and walked around to her side, opening the door and helping her out. His hand immediately sought hers, and he began walking with her down a paved path. The grass on either side had begun to grow tall, and as they crested the hill, the lake lay in front of them. Oliver smiled over at Ana for a moment, his eyes hopeful. This is where I kissed her. Maybe she will remember. Maybe coming here will help her to know who I am...

[EnglishBelle]

A smile crept onto Ana's lips as she felt Oliver nudge his hand against hers and link his fingers with hers. She was really enjoying spending time with him, even if she did have that feeling inside again. You're getting feelings for him, and don't deny it. Don't deny yourself. He likes you too. She thought to herself as she laid back in her seat, the sun on her face and the wind blowing through the window and her hair. The soft scent of her perfume floating around the car. "I'm not asleep silly..." She grinned as she opened those big beautiful brown eyes.

Ana waited for Oliver to stop the car before she saw him coming round to open her door. This place looked familiar to her, and that funny feeling inside came back. She shook it off and smiled as Oliver grabbed her hand gently and began to lead her down a path. Her forehead crinkled a little. "I've been here before right? We've been here before right? This place....It seems familiar to me.."

[Notty]

Oliver nodded and smiled, but didn't say anything. He wanted her to remember. Gently tugging on her hand, he led her down the path, the lake drawing nearer. It was early in the season, the water still a little too cool to swim in, but it was beautiful out that day. They were alone on the shore, and Oliver walked her quietly over to where they had been when he kissed her.

I want her to remember. It hurts, it hurts so badly standing next to someone that I love, and they don't even know me. Squeezing her hand a little, Oliver stood beside her, staring out at the water. He was giving her time, hoping that she would remember, praying that she would remember.

[EnglishBelle]

"Oliver? Please....Please tell me...Where are we going?" Ana was a little worried in a way, even though she knew with him being her best friend that he wouldn't do anything to hurt her or put her in harm's way - she hoped at least. She was led down a small path, eventually coming to the shore by the lake.

It was so beautiful out, the light catching on the water and the whole lake shone. How she would have loved to dive in or jump, to disturb the water that was so still right now. Oliver stopped and stood, just looking out over the lake. "What are we -" Before Ana could finish that sentence, there it was. In her head. This scene. The two of them were a little wet from swimming in the lake and Ana had just said something to Oliver before he'd placed his lips on hers and kissed her. I remember. Oliver. He....He loves me. I love him...I never told him.

"You....kissed me. You told me you loved me. I heard you again in the hospital." Her voice was just a whisper as she stood facing Oliver.

[Notty]

Oliver's face was hopeful as Ana began to speak, and as she did, a large smile crossed his lips as he nodded. His hands founds hers and held them gently as she looked at him. "That's why I didn't want to go, why I didn't want to leave you." His eyes scanned hers as he spoke, watching for her reaction.

You're stupid. It's too soon and she won't remember, she won't understand how much you love her. She will pull away just like she did at the hospital when you told her. Oliver's thoughts were running rampant in his head as he went silent for a few moments. But I have to tell her, she has to know.

"You're my best friend Ana, you mean the world to me. And...and despite everything that has happened.....I still love you."

[EnglishBelle]

You made him leave. Scaredy cat. You just didn't want to face up to it. To those feelings. He felt about you just like how you felt about him. Tell him! Her head screamed at her as Oliver spoke to her. "I made you go. It's my fault." Her voice was so small and she felt so small right now. She felt the few tears that fell down her cheeks but didn't brush them away.

"Please don't hate me." She whispered as she looked down, avoiding his gaze. She couldn't bear to look at him right now. "I love you."

[Notty]

For a moment Oliver didn't say anything, not sure that he had heard correctly. His brow furrowed and he felt his lips part, a smile starting on his face. Gently reaching to her chin, he tilted her face upwards so that she was looking at him. "I could never hate you." He whispered, using his thumb to brush away her tears and smiling down at her.

He swallowed hard, unsure if he had really heard Ana say those words. He wanted it to be true, but he was also afraid it was his imagination playing tricks on him. Slowly, cautiously, he leaned down and pressed his lips against Ana's. His as moved around her and he gently pulled her closer as he kissed her. It was like the first time again. And in a way, it was.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt Oliver put his fingers under her chin to tilt her face up and look at him. "I could never hate you." Ana's body felt warm when he said those words, knowing that he meant it. She closed her eyes briefly at the touch of his thumb on her skin to wipe away her tears.

Before Ana could say anything, she felt Oliver's lips press against hers and Ana felt herself melt in his arms. Anything that had happened before, she had to let go. For both their sakes. She melted against his body, putting her arms around his neck. When Ana finally pulled away from the kiss, she whispered next to his ear, "I love you."

[Notty]

Oliver's face broke into a huge grin, and he picked her up and spun her around, laughing happily. When he let her back down, he kissed her once more, this time, Ana would feel Oliver's tears against her cheeks. He had waited so long, wanted to hear those words so badly, that when they finally came, he couldn't hold his emotions in any longer.

When he pulled back, Oliver smiled down at Ana, his blue-green eyes wet with tears. "I love you Ana," he whispered again, still holding her close against him. "I think I've always loved you. I didn't want to go, not after our kiss here, last fall..." His eyes searched Ana's face and he smiled a bit, his hands gently cupped her back, holding her body against his. "I love you....I love you." It was as if Oliver had been holding those words in for so long, now it was as if someone had released a dam, his affections flooding out.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana squealed as Oliver picked her up and spun her around. She felt his lips on hers again and then something wet against her cheeks. She frowned a little when she noticed he was crying. "Don't cry sweetie....It's okay now. Everything's going to be okay. I remember this. Remember the first time you kissed me. I remember you." She brushed them away softly.

She sighed softly as she felt him hold her close to him; his body warm. "I'm sorry though Oliver. Sorry for everything I put you through. I never meant to push you away that day at the hospital, but I didn't want to hurt you again. I won't. Just let's...Let's go slowly okay? There's still a ton of stuff I don't remember and I don't want to rush us." She pressed her lips on his cheek and linked her hand back with his.

[Notty]

Oliver nodded and smiled through the remaining tears in his eyes. "That's fine, Ana, I don't mind, really." He said as he gently squeezed her hand. "I've waited this long, I can keep waiting." He chuckled a bit, "if anything, I'm patient." His eyes travelled over her face and he shook his head, unable to believe that Ana had said those words to him. "It's fine, we can go slow."

After a few moments of just standing there on the beach and holding Ana close, he pulled back and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Come on, let's get some ice for your knuckles." He couldn't help but grin as he thought once more about James flat out in the diner.

Pulling an arm around her shoulders, he gently turned them and headed back towards the car, letting out a laugh. "Now that's one thing I'll never forget. James laid out like that." He grinned as he led them to the car. Helping Ana in and then shutting her door, he climbed in the car himself and began the trip back into town and to Ana's house.

[EnglishBelle]

"Ice sounds like a good idea...Still hurt to be honest, but I'm glad I did what I did. That son of a bitch deserved that." She grinned as she touched her knuckles and winced a little. She laughed and shook her head. "You shouldn't encourage me you know. Are we still going on this date tonight then?" She smiled as she let him help her back into the car.

Soon enough they had got back to Ana's house but again, no sign of her dad's car. "Looks like my dad's still away. I've been thinking. I want to go and work back at the diner. From the sounds of it, I really enjoyed it and I want to help my dad. I don't like the idea of him struggling."

[Notty]

Oliver parked the car in front of the house and turned to Ana, a smile on his face. "If you want, we can still go." he smiled mischievously, as though he was keeping a secret from her. "If you still want, I'll have to leave for a bit, I can come back around 6:00 and pick you up if you want."

His eyes moved to the empty driveway and he sucked in a short breath, avoiding her gaze now. "If that's what you want, I won't stop you." He smiled a little and turned to Ana, "you did love it there. Made pretty good tips from what I remember." He chuckled, then leaned over and kissed her cheek. "Okay you, now then. 6:00 sharp. Wear something that makes you feel beautiful."

He climbed out of the car and went around to Ana's side, opening the door for her and helping her out. "I'll see you later," he said before giving her a quick kiss on the lips. Oliver watched as Ana made her way inside, then climbed back into the car and headed home, a smile on his lips.

[EnglishBelle]

She raised an eyebrow at him as he smiled at her and she knew that he'd planned something. "That's fine with me sweetheart, gives me a little time to have a nap and get ready." She felt his kiss on her cheek and her face heated up. Ana didn't think that she'd ever get used to feeling his lips on her skin, to feel his kisses. "Don't worry! 6 PM, I'll be ready. Something that makes me feel beautiful? Hmmmm..okay."

Ana let Oliver help her out and then watched as he drove off. "I wonder what he's got planned then..." She thought to herself as she yawned and headed upstairs, falling asleep on top of her quilt. Ana awoke a short time later, luckily with time to get ready. Rooting through her wardrobe, she found a beautiful dress (http://www.quizclothing.co.uk/clothes/00100001913.html) that she'd worn a few times. She hung it on the outside of her wardrobe and put a pair of flat silver shoes to wear with it. Heading into the shower, Ana was nervous about tonight but at the same time, she was looking forward to it.

Just before 6 PM, Ana was sitting in the kitchen waiting for Oliver. She had dried her hair and curled it a little so that it all fell over one shoulder. She had applied a little make up and had a dark blue matching clutch bag that would fit her phone and keys in.

[Notty]

Oliver had worked for a few hours preparing everything, unable to keep the grin from his face. When he returned, sweaty and dirty, his mother raised an eyebrow, but couldn't help noticing the large smile on his face. "Do I want to know?" she asked as Oliver passed through the kitchen and made his way towards the stairs. He stopped and looked at her, his grin growing. "I'm going out tonight." His mother's eyebrow arched even higher, but before she was able to speak, Oliver answered her question. "With Ana."

Oliver parked his car out front of Ana's house and climbed out, heading up the stairs and knocked on the door. He couldn't help but smile, feeling somewhat foolish for knocking on the door, as he usually just strolled right in. He rolled up the sleeves of his white button up shirt and shifted, glancing down at himself, hoping that he looked okay. He had dressed in a pair of nice khakis and a button up white shirt, leaving it untucked. He knew where they were going, so he wasn't too worried.

As he waited he went through a mental checklist, hoping that he had covered everything. He wanted it to be perfect. To be romantic and sweet. Running a hand through his hair, he waited, knowing that any moment Ana would open the door.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana sat there, drumming her fingers against the table, her heart beating fast in her chest. She was nervous about tonight but excited at the same time. She hoped that Oliver hadn't gone to too much trouble for her, but then again she was excited to see what they were doing. She heard a knock on the door and frowned. If that was Oliver,why did he not just come in like always?

Ana got up, taking her purse with her in case it wasn't Oliver. One last look in the mirror showed that she looked beautiful and hopefully Oliver would think the same. Stay calm, it's alright. It's just Oliver. The one who loves you and you love him. Thinking about that brought a smile to her lips and she opened the door. Oliver was stood there and looked so hot. He was dressed in a pair of khakis and a button up white shirt. The white shirt showed off his tan and was a little tight on his muscular body, causing Ana to bite on her lip a little.

"Hey you. You look good tonight." She moved in and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. "Shall we go? I'm ready." She smiled warmly at him, stepping out of the house and turning around to lock the door.

[Notty]

Oliver just stood there for a moment, his eyes on Ana, and a smile growing. He shook his head, "Ana, you look beautiful." He whispered, smiling even more as he looked at her. He waited until she had locked the door, and then took her hand in his, linking their fingers together and leading her down to the car. He helped her in and then climbed in himself, pulling away and beginning to drive.

The drive was short, as Oliver soon stopped at the end of the road that led to the lake that Ana had visited the other day. "You ready?" He asked with a smile, then climbed out of the car and to her door, helping her out. "It'll be just a little walk," he said softly as he took her hand. After that, he said no more, just walked slowly with Ana towards the lake.

By the time the lake came into view, Ana would be able to see that there was a large quilt on the dock, surrounded by hundreds of candles. Their lights glowed and twinkled off the water. He looked over at Ana and smiled, "come on," he whispered as he led her down to the dock.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt herself blush as Oliver said that she looked beautiful. "So do you..." She smiled and then let him lead her down to his car and help her inside before going round and starting up. Ana stared out of the window during the drive, the air warm this evening. Soon enough the car stopped and as Ana looked out, she noticed that they were in the parking lot for the lake where he'd taken her earlier on.

"Sure sweetheart, lead the way." She smiled and felt that tingle inside her as he took her hand and lead her down the path towards the lake. She gasped as she saw the quilt on the dock, candles lit all around. Her heart began to beat faster and she felt so emotional right now. "Oh Oliver! Did you do this all for me?" Ana whispered as she felt him pull on her hand to lead her down to the dock. "It's so beautiful...."

[Notty]

Oliver smiled as Ana gasped softly when she saw the dock and candles, but didn't say anything as he led her down to the dock. As they got closer, she would be able to see that there was a picnic basket full of food. He stopped right before the dock and looked at Ana, his eyes moving over her face. "I...I hope you like it." He said somewhat nervously, moving his gaze from her to the dock and then back. "It isn't anything fancy or expensive...."

He walked with her to the dock and helped her sit down, pulling out a bottle of wine and some glasses. Inside the picnic basket was a pot of warm spaghetti and some crusty bread, along with some chocolate dipped strawberries. He smiled and handed her a plate. "I hope this is okay." He laughed a little and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm a little nervous.."

[EnglishBelle]

She saw the basket of food and her smile grew. Oliver seemed nervous, just as nervous as Ana if not more. She put her hand on his jaw, her thumb gently rubbing his cheek. "It's amazing Oliver...All of this." She looked all around and then back at him. Ana placed her lips on Oliver's and kissed him softly.

"I don't care about fancy or expensive. This is more than I've ever had so I can't thank you enough." She let him help her to sit down on the dock, looking as Oliver plated up some spaghetti, crusty bread and a glass of wine. She took a large sip to settle her nerves a little and nodded. "This is more than okay.." She placed her hand on top of one of his and smiled, stretching across and kissing his cheek. "I couldn't imagine anything else right now."

[Notty]

Oliver smiled as Ana kissed his cheek, helping to settle his nerves. The truth was, he had wanted and longed for this day, and now that it was finally here, he wasn't entirely sure of what to do. He ate slowly, his eyes moving up to her face every now and then. He finished off his plate and leaned back on the quilt, the sun now starting to sink behind the trees, making the candles glow even brighter in the falling darkness.

His eyes moved from the distant shore over to Ana, shaking his head a bit as he looked at her. "Ana...." he began, sitting up a little to look at her. "I know....I know that we've had some...rough bits. And you are still recovering. And.. and I'll go as slow as you want. Just..." he hesitated, his eyes dropping to the quilt as he picked at it mindlessly. "What are we, rather- what am I to you?"

[EnglishBelle]

Not long after Oliver had finished, Ana put her fork down on a clean plate and took a sip of her wine. "That was some good spaghetti sweetheart. I think you have a secret cooking talent which you've been hiding away." She grinned lightly and then noticed how the atmosphere changed a little.

She watched as Oliver sat up, his fingers messing about with the quilt showing that he was nervous with something and then he came out with it. "What are we,rather - What am I to you?" She knew the answer to that, the answer that she'd had inside even before her accident. She turned a little more to face him and smiled softly. "I trust you Oliver. What are you? You're my best friend and my boyfriend."

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and leaned over and gently kissed Ana, his hand reaching up and pushing his fingers through her hair. When he finally pulled back, he leaned his forehead against hers, his eyes still closed. "You mean everything to me Ana." he said softly, "I should have stayed, I shouldn't have gone away...." He swallowed hard and went silent, trying to keep back all the emotions and feelings of guilt and regret he had been fighting since he returned home.

Shaking them away, he stood and then reached his hand down, helping Ana up off the quilt. Without saying a word, he pulled her body towards his- one hand still holding hers, the other resting in the small of her back. Oliver began silently swaying, moving as if to some unheard music. He let his head rest against Ana's, keeping her close as they moved together in the twilight, the candles illuminating the water around them.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt Oliver's lips on hers and she melted when she felt his fingers twirl in her hair. His words flowed into her heart and made her cheeks redden but not out of embarrassment, but out of pure love and happiness. Ana pulled away from him when he started on a guilt talk. "Oliver, don't. I was the one who told you to go away, don't blame yourself. Please don't, it's in the past."

Ana smiled as he reached down and she took his hand, feeling him pull her against his body. She felt the muscles against her chest, jumping slightly as she felt his hand on her back. Ana's eyes closed as she rested her head against his chest, listening to the beat of his heart. "I never want this to end." She whispered softly against him.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled down at Ana, his eyes sweeping over her face. He shook his head and whispered, "I don't either sweetheart," his hand that had been at the small of her back moved up and brushed back some hair from her face. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head and continued swaying back and forth, his eyes closing as he held her. His thoughts couldn't help but go to the small velvet box that lay on his dresser. The one holding a diamond ring, just waiting for Ana to be ready.

"Ana," he began, reaching and tilting her chin up to look at him, "I love you," his eyes scanned her face, now illuminated by the candles, a smile growing, then fading. "I uhm....before things get any further. I need to tell you something...."

[EnglishBelle]

Ana's eyes sparkled as Oliver said the same thing, feeling his fingers move some hair from her face and brush against her cheek. She felt so comfortable right now, right here with Oliver. She didn't care if not all her old memories came back, now was the time to make new ones. She felt his fingers under her chin, tilting it up so that her eyes met his.

"I love you too..." Her heart felt like it was beating so fast right now. It was going fast, but Ana wanted him to know how she felt. "I need to tell you something..." She saw his smile fade and she knew it wasn't good. "What...What is it Oliver?" Her stomach felt a bit like the washer right now, going round and round wondering what he was going to say.

[Notty]

Oliver kept hold of Ana's hands, but pulled back a little, his eyes scanning her face. "After, after that day at the hospital, when you told me to go away..." His eyes dropped to his shoes and he shifted uncomfortably. "I'm telling you this because I want to be honest." He swallowed hard, hating himself now for ever doing this. "I went to the bar and got drunk, met up with Rachel. We went to school with her...." His eyes darted up to her face. "Nothing happened between us, she wanted more but I couldn't. I was in love with you Ana, I just... I was stupid."

He went silent then, holding her hands still, praying that she could understand and still want him. "It was stupid, I'm sorry Ana. It's you, it's always been you that I wanted. Please believe me. Rachel...it was stupid." His eyes scanned hers, "I guess, I guess I'm asking if you'll forgive me."

[EnglishBelle]

Ana could see in the way that he acted that he was sorry but it still kinda hurt. You told him to go. You two weren't together or anything, so you don't have any right to be angry with him. Her mind was right, but she still felt a little upset. She felt his hands squeeze hers and his eyes look up to meet hers again and she nodded.

"I believe you Oliver. But....if anything more ever happens, with anyone, that's it. It's over. You understand?" She waited for him to nod his head and then smiled softly at him. She could see how this made him feel and going up on tiptoe, she pressed her lips ever so softly on Oliver's.

[Notty]

Oliver nodded, swallowing hard as he looked down at Ana, his eyes scanning her face, trying to read her emotions. Then, before he could speak, she pushed up on her toes and kissed him. That was all the confirmation he needed. Pulling his arms around her, he kissed her back, deepening the kiss as he held her body gently against his.

After a few moments he pulled away and looked at her, smiling in the darkness. "I love you Ana," he whispered, then pressed a kiss to her forehead and held her protectively against him. His hands gently rubbed up and down her back as he held her there, quiet and calm. "You want to know a secret?" he finally said, breaking the silence between them. He leaned down a bit and smiled at Ana, his eyes sweeping over her face. "I was coming back to surprise you, when..." his voice trailed off and he shook his head, "I've got your birthday present in the car, if you want it. Kept it around, in case you did...."

[EnglishBelle]

As Ana put her lips on Oliver's, she felt him kiss her back deeper, harder and felt his arms go around her body, keeping her close to him. Ana liked this, this was something she didn't want to ever change. She had already hurt Oliver once, she wouldn't do it again.

Those four words from his lips made her tingle slightly, her cheeks redden and made her feel fuzzy inside. "Awwww you, I love you too Oliver." She breathed softly, loving the feel of her body next to his. She closed her eyes briefly and breathed in his smell. That was a smell that she would never forget. "My birthday present? But that was...." She frowned. "That was last month. When I was in the coma. Dad told me." She saw his face drop a little but then smiled. "You still have it? Yes please!" Her smile turned into a grin.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and kissed her again quickly, "when we get back to the car I'll give it to you." His hands gently rubbed her back as they stood there in the darkness, surrounded by the hundreds of candles. She loves me, he thought to himself, smiling as he looked down at her, his eyes scanning her face, illuminated by the candles. "You're so beautiful Ana," he whispered softly, releasing one hand to brush some hair from her face.

With his nose, he nudged Ana's several times, "it's up to you, I don't have anything else for us tonight. We can head back to the house, or stay here a little bit longer..." His fingers traced up and down her back, letting the quiet sounds of the water and crickets serenade them as they stood there.

[EnglishBelle]

"I like presents.." She smiled and rested her head against his chest whilst they stood in the quiet, the only light being that of the candles. Ana thought about whether they should put them out before they go, she didn't want a fire starting and to be branded a fire started. She blushed as Oliver told her she was beautiful. Not pretty, or cute, or hot. Beautiful.

"How about we stay here for a little bit longer and then head home? It's so beautiful here and I'm really enjoying the company." She smiled warmly at him, her hand reaching for his and taking it. She felt herself shiver as his fingers moved up and down her back. Ana took a seat on the quilt again, looking out into the darkness of the lake.

"Why don't you go get my birthday present and I'll stay here." She grinned.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled and nodded, leaning down to kiss her quickly before he leaned back up and headed back towards the car. It was dark now, and he had a bit of a hard time seeing the path back, but before long be had made it to the car and retrieved the brightly wrapped package that had been sitting in his back seat. "I hope she likes it..." He whispered to himself as he turned the package over several times in his hands as he walked back to the dock.

"And here you are. Happy late birthday," he said with a smile, settling down next to Ana and handing her the package. He watched her face, illuminated by candlelight, as she began to open the package. It was small, and inside was a box that would open to reveal a beauitfully tangled string of multicolored pearls.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana lay back on the quilt with a huge smile on her face. Everything was coming together. She would get her job back, her memories were coming back and now she had Oliver. Ana couldn't be happier now, but she wanted to make Oliver happy too. She didn't want to do anything wrong for fear of him leaving her. He said he wouldn't, but she couldn't risk it. Especially when he told her what had happened when she'd pushed him away and how he'd gone to Rachel. She shivered at that thought but then as she heard him coming back, she sat back up with the smile back on her face.

Ana grinned at the package and began to unwrap it slowly and carefully. She pulled off the paper and set it down next to her, leaving a box in her hands. She looked at Oliver and then opened it carefully. Ana gasped softly as her fingers ran over the pearls. "Oh Oliver...It's so beautiful. You didn't have to.." Her eyes were sparkling as she looked back up at him. "Put it on me?" She took it from the box and handed it to him.

[Notty]

Oliver smiled widely when he saw the look on her face, "yeah, sure," he said sheepishly. Taking the necklace from her, he moved around behind her and clasped it on. His eyes swept over her figure in the darkness as he moved back around to be in front of her, giving her a warm smile as he saw the necklace on her. "It's perfect," he said, his eyes never leaving her.

Scooting over so he was beside her, he laid down on the quilt, staring up at the stars. He put one hand behind his head and the other sought and took hold of Ana's. "The sky is beautiful tonight, he murmured, happily staring at the heavens above. He couldn't have been happier- laying beside the girl he loved. "What is your dream?" He asked after a few minutes, several stars shooting across the sky as he laid there.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana touched the necklace after Oliver had put it on and the pearl beads were soft and cool against her skin. "It's beautiful Oliver, thank you." Her voice was soft and her cheeks were flushed as she leant across to kiss his cheek softly. "I will treasure it forever."

Ana felt Oliver moving behind her and turned a little, smiling as she watched him relax for once, the stars reflected in those beautiful eyes of his. She felt his hand take hers and she moved a little to get comfy, lying down beside him and looking up at the stars too. "My dream? I...I don't know really. Just to be happy and not to ever be parted from you." She leant up on one elbow and traced the shape of his jaw and stroking his cheek. "I love you Oliver.." She whispered. "What's your dream?"

[Notty]

Oliver smiled as he felt Ana lay down beside him, her voice quiet against the sounds of the night. His eyes moved to her face as her fingers traced his jaw and stroked his cheek, unable to keep himself from smiling. He shifted a little on the quilt, swallowing as he thought for a moment. He squeezed her hand gently, "to be with the girl I love, to take care of her, to go on adventures together." He shrugged a bit, leaning over and kissing Ana gently. "Maybe I'll go back to school someday, but for now, I'm happy exactly where I am."

He could feel his eyes getting heavy, but he didn't want to let sleep take over. He turned onto his side towards Ana, letting his other hand rest on her hip, his fingers tracing up and down her side as they laid there beneath the stars. With a smile, Oliver began telling stories of them as children- the shenanigans that they would get into, the mischief that they would pull, and how they had sworn that they would always be friends.

[EnglishBelle]

Ana felt her cheeks get a little hot at his answer and then felt a little guilty when he said about going back to school one day. That's your fault you know. He didn't stay there because of stupid you and your accident. "I'm glad you're happy right now sweetheart, and it's going to stay that way."

Ana laughed and smiled at the stories that Oliver was telling her, lots of stories of things they got up to, and how they stuck by each other every single time. Of how their friendship grew and blossomed into what they had now. Ana could tell that Oliver was growing tired and she didn't want him falling asleep out here and getting sick.

"Maybe we should head back? Don't want you falling asleep on me here. I might end up waking up and kissing a frog.." She grinned and stood up, stretching a little. She rubbed her arms a little from the cold but didn't care if she froze right now. She was happy, happier than she could ever imagine.

[Notty]

Oliver looked up at Ana and smiled a little, nodding. "Yeah, yeah maybe we should..." he said as he sat up, glancing at his watch. It was after midnight, and he was surprised at the chill in the air. Standing up, he awkwardly gathered everything from the picnic as best he could in the darkness, and began blowing out the candles. "Mind folding up the quilt? Once these are all out we can head back, I'll pick them up tomorrow."

With the dock now dark, and the picnic basket in hand, Oliver found Ana's hand with his and slowly led her back towards the car, a mutual but comfortable silence between them. They were soon back at the car, and as always, Oliver opened her door and helped her in, handing her the quilt to cover up with if she wanted. He packed away the picnic basket and then climbed into his seat, starting the car up and heading back towards town.

Every now and then Oliver glanced over at Ana, wondering if she would want him to share her bed like they had the other night. Before it hadn't been weird, they had been friends- best friends, and they had always done it. But now...it just seemed different. He clenched the steering wheel as he drove, his hand finding Ana's in the darkness.