I walked up the driveway towards the nice, two-story house. Christmas lights 
were strung up on the roof and fake reindeer decorated the yard. Light snow was 
falling as iscicles formed and the snow piled up on the ground. I was cold, 
wearing only a red minidress, high heels and a jacket. It was about 31 degrees 
outside, but I was used to it. When James and I used to follow those twerps 
around, we were stuck in every kind of weather imaginable. Snow, hail, 
sandstorms, rain, sleet, and so much more. But those days were over, they have 
been for five years. I was 28 now and much smarter and more mature than before.

I arrived at the door, and taking a deep breath, I rang the doorbell. A few 
moments later, my friend, Elle answered, smiling.

"Hello Jessie!" She hugged me and let me inside. The smell of cinnamon, hot 
chocolate and cookies filled my nose and I heard people talking and laughing all 
around me. I was here for the Christmas party, and wanted to have a good time.

"Hey Elle. I haven't seen you in like a month!" I said, laughing. Her husband, 
Morty, former gym leader came up and took my jacket after greeting me.

"I know! I've been so busy, I had to buy stuff for everybody and plan out this 
party and all that other stuff. Well, how've you been?" Elle asked excitedly. 
She was holding a glass of eggnogg. I felt someone's eyes on me but I didn't 
bother to look around.

"I've been great." I said happily. Then the doorbell rang again and I turned 
around to get a drink. I saw who was watching me and I froze. The same eyes, 
same hair, same stare, same build. It was James.

I tried not to look at him as I kept walking and tried to avoid eye contact. As 
I made my way into the kitchen where the table was covered with food and 
refreshments, I poured myself some hot chocolate as a body walked from the 
living room to me. I could tell it was James, but I didn't make any hint that I 
knew it was him.

"Jessie." He said, leaning over me. I ignored him and turned to walk away from 
him. "Jessie." He repeated. "Jessie, listen to me." He grasped my arm as I began 
to walk away. I spun and stared at him, looking into his eyes. His mouth dropped 
open and he seemed to forget where he was for a second.

"What?" I asked, with a hint of anger in my voice. He let go and backed away, 
shocked.

"Jessie, can we just talk?" He pleaded. Elle walked into the kitchen then turned 
away, embarassed that she walked in.

"About what?" I ordered. I paused before continuing. "About all our fights we 
had? About how you left when I needed you the most? About how-"

He put his index finger to my lips and I drew back, narrowing my eyes.

"Please, can we just talk. I want you to know why I didn't come back. Why I 
couldn't." He begged. I turned and walked quickly towards Elle. I tried to stay 
calm before asking-

"Why didn't anyone tell me he was here?" Elle spun around. The grin she wore 
dropped as she searched for the right words.

"Jessie. I thought you might need this. I knew how torn you were when he was 
gone, but you can start anew. Please? Remember how when we were little kids we 
had all those mottos and one was, 'Forgive and Forget'?" She asked. I couldn't 
be mad at her. She didn't mean any harm, so I just nodded and hugged her.

"Uh, Elle. Can I uh, borrow a room?" I asked. Elle raised an eyebrow and nodded.

"Yeah, use the guest bedroom. Don't be too loud." She said jokingly. I laughed 
before turning.

"Smart ass." Then I spun around and James stood, a few inches away. I grabbed 
his arm and walked him up the stairs towards the guest bedroom. I closed the 
door when we got inside.

"Okay. Spill." I said, crossing my arms. James thought of the right words.

"Jessie, I had to leave because you know how my parents died. I inherited some 
stuff from them and I went to get it. Then my little brother was depressed and 
everything and I was trying to help him, but he commited suicide. I felt alone 
and I wanted some time to myself. It took about six months to try and straighten 
out my brother. Then I spent a month or two by myself and I went looking for 
you. But you moved or something, so I couldn't reach you. I'm so sorry." James 
said, leaning over to hug me. I pulled away from him and narrowed my eyes. Then 
my heart softened because I had no idea what he had gone through and it must 
have been tough on him, but I remained cold.

"You're right. I did move. The rent got raised too high and I moved in with 
Elle. When I got a good enough job and enough money, I moved again. To my own 
place." I said. James smiled weakly.

"That's good to hear. I'm happy for you." He said. Then my heart melted even 
more, almost at the point where I would forgive him.

"Jess." He got onto his knees. I stood, looking down at him. "Please give me 
another chance. Please." He took my hand. I didn't answer, I just stood there, 
feeling worse about how I had just treated him as every second went on. He 
looked up into my eyes and I pulled him up.

I hugged him and rested my head on his shoulder. James held me close and I could 
feel his light breathing against my neck.

"I'm sorry." I apologized. James pushed me gently and held my shoulders and 
stared into my eyes.

"Don't be sorry. I should have called or something. I guess I was too scared and 
as time went on I knew you'd only get more mad at me, so I gave it up. I'm so 
sorry." As he held me all the good memories of our adventures came flooding 
back. I stayed there for a few moments, and then I pulled away.

"Come on, let's go have a good time. And start all over." I said, leading him 
back down the hall.