more than a memory

Asa couldn't be happier. It wasn't anything like he thought it would be. Seeing his mother, again. She lived in a little house that was something out of a gingerbread world. Picket fence and all. She was so happy being on her own.  She was a special ed teacher now.

Asa felt a lot better about things. He was going to make plans to see her every week now. It was going to be great. Everything was going to be perfect.

"And its all because of you." He couldn't help but feel excited, having Jane around. He'd held her hand when they went to see his mother. He still wanted to hold her hand. Hopefully, she didn't think he was too clingy.

He'd hugged her. It felt so right. And when they kissed after they got back to his place and Mattie and Dylan asleep, it was as if everything in the stars and whatnot were alined. Asa couldn't ignore it.

A part of him looked in the corner, wondering if Amanda was watching. Not a ghost in sight nor a sad thought in his head.

Jane's smile was faint though, as she pulled away from him and shook her head.

"I wish I could do this. I really do, but..but you're too good for me." She wiped her tears away. "I have to go." Tears streamed down her cheeks. Her thick mascara started to run. "But..but I don't want to go home, either." She shook her head.

"What's going on?" Asa winced as if he wanted the excuses to stop.

"Sorry." Her nose was running. She was crying to the point of making herself sick. "Maybe..maybe if..if Mattie could stay with you, for while. I could..I could figure it all out."

"Jane, you have to tell me. Tell me, everything." He didn't mean to sound so demanding. He hated the thought of something really going on with her and Harper. Actually, anyone.

"Well," she cleared her throat. "I-I am sort of back together with..with someone."

Asa shook his head as if this was not the news he wanted to hear.

"He's not so bad." The way she said it, Asa was sure it was a lie. "Duncan needs me." She tried to smile but her eyes burned with tears.

"Why? Why would he need you?" Asa winced.

Jane pulled a strand of hair behind her ear. Asa waited patiently for her to explain, but he only watched her lips move after he heard the word herpies.

"That's..that is just ridiculous." Asa smiled as if that was not a real reason to be with somebody.  "What? They have some sort of online dating thing, for something like that?" It didn't matter to him about the herpies. "I can't  just ..just let you go." He put his arms around her. "I won't let you go back to someone..who..who possibly could hurt you ..or Mattie." He sighed. When she hugged him back, it felt as if it were truly Christmas. Something so warm that he could feel in his heart that made a house a home.