The Carousel

Onze

Jared took the garment bag containing her cap and gown from her. She took her purse from on top of her bed and waited for her brother and Emily Jane outside her building.

"You look beautiful," he whispered into her ear.

"Thank you."

He reached for her hand and intertwined their fingers. He smiled when she let him.

***

"Congratulations, princess!" Owen lifted his daughter off the ground as he gave her a bear hug.

"Thanks, dad!"

"Congratulations, baby girl," her mom also gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"Thanks, mom!"

She also gave her brother and Emily Jane a hug each. Lastly she turned to Jared. He slowly wrapped his arms around her, held her close.

"Congrats, Ames."

"Thanks, Jay," she wrapped her arms around him back.

"Seeing you up there to get your diploma, seeing your parents' reaction, you've inspired me. I want to finish school, too. I don't know when, but definitely one day."

"I'm happy to hear that," she smiled against his neck. "I'm sure your parents would be happy to hear that too."

Owen cleared his throat; if he hadn't, the rest of the group wasn't sure if they would ever leave the auditorium and get to their reservation on time. Ondine blushed and stepped away from Jared's embrace. The family headed to one of their favorite restaurants in the city and enjoyed their lunch in celebration of Ondine's graduation together.

Only Jared was left behind in New York that evening. His flight back to LA wasn't until the following day. They decided to stay in even though Ondine offered to go out and enjoy the city's nightlife with Jared. He much rather wanted to have Ondine to himself. They were watching a movie on cable, one of her father's superhero movies. She sat on the couch while he sat on the floor, massaging one of her hands. He was just absentmindedly doing it, loving the feel of her soft hand in his, and she enjoyed it as well, having told him that getting her hands massaged was one of her favorite things in the world.

They were both already in pajamas. She opted to wear flannel pajama bottoms and a loose oversized t-shirt instead, making sure not to make the same mistake as wearing something so revealing when she had a house guest. He also wore flannel pajama bottoms, but remained shirtless. When the movie ended, he got up to get his beddings from her bedroom, but she followed him in there and shut the door quietly. She took his hand and led him to the bed.

"Ames?"

"Just stay here. We can both fit on my bed. Your poor back..."

"I don't know, Ames. This could mean trouble."

"I'm not trying to be a tease. We can just put a pillow barrier between us or something."

"Ames, seriously, we are treading on dangerous territory here..."

"Okay, sorry, bad idea," she let go of his hand and started to get the bedding he was using from the edge of her bed.

"You don't even know how much I want you right now. I'm just trying to respect your wishes of being a good friend to you right now without the benefits."

"You're right. You're absolutely right. I don't know what I was thinking. For the most part, I really did just want you to be comfortable, but a part of me wishes I had someone to cuddle with, I guess. Being with family this weekend, it's been so great. I live alone in the city, 3000 miles away from home, and it's been a few months since my long distance relationship ended...it just gets lonely sometimes," she shrugged.