Why Me? ((Jake))

[ariel]

The crowd. She had to get away. All the go-lucky girls were talking about the Beltane Party, something Ariel was dreading with all her heart. Parties, balls... blah. She hated it all. So happy, so cheery, so delightfully lovely and yet... she wanted it. But she couldn't - she had decided that long ago. She had to stay away from things like that. Even if somebody asked her to go, she never ever went. It would be torture to just dance with someone, let alone be romantically inclined. Not that she would with anyone.... Ariel's face distorted in the mirror. Her head pounded with obnoxious thoughts, fighting to get her attention. She shouldn't even think about those things. It would only make her dizzy with self-pity, something she had no time to begin. With a blink, her face became normal. But today she didn't want to look normal. No... she wanted to look better then normal.

Ariel had trendy clothes, to say the least. Mort didn't make the biggest income in the world, but it was enough to get his girl everything she wanted. She had make-up too, which she often regarded with disdain, but today she was feeling reckless. Why not? Often she had attempted to put it on, but always she had wiped it away with a wet cloth. It was time she grew up. In some way. Don't get me wrong, she wore make-up sometimes, but it wasn't like she enjoyed it. Often the mascara, eye-liner and eyeshadow got smeared across her face, which wasn't at all a good look. She did fine without that stuff; Ariel knew she was a pretty girl. What with the deep, reflective brown eyes and glossy red hair - how could she not be? Yet Ariel never took it for her own use, just let it stay there. Being nothing but outside glory and inside disgust. So today she would change. For a day, mind. It was the weekend; no homework, no woe, no pity, especially that.

Taking her hair out of her sloppy pony tail, she let it fall in a heap to frame her pale face. It was frizzy and knotty, but she fixed that with a brush. Then her eyes; she put some eye-liner under her eyes and mascara on her top set of lashes. The eyeliner was barely noticeable. Just a thin pencil line under her eyes. No big deal. She looked in the mirror, batted her eyelashes a few times. Not bad, yet it took a while to master the temptation of rubbing it away. So what if she looked much better in this? It wasn't any big deal, like she said before. Not a big deal. Her clothes weren't anything special; just a long sleeved tight orange shirt and dark jeans. Not out of the ordinary. A few more hundred glances in the mirror and Ariel was ready. To make an appearance in the outside world, at least.

Hogsmeade was always crowded on the weekends, yet Ariel happened to find it serene and capable of being "fun." Sitting alone in her favorite restaurant - perhaps sometimes with a friend or two - wasn't anything she adored and looked forward too. Today she went to her ordinary place; the small restaurant in the middle of the jungle. Probably every person had to walk by that place, yet it was hardly noticeable between the much larger and more visited places. Ariel took a seat outside and looked down at her menu. Nothing seemed quite appealing... except for that ice-cream sundae. They even had a picture of it, making it look mouth-watering... "Can I get you anything, miss?" The waiter said. Ariel looked up, glad they had umbrellas over the table, otherwise she would have been blinded by the sun. "The sundae please. Everything on it." Ariel watched him go before turning to the street. For some reason, the mass of people looked highly interesting today... she inspected them without much care, but at the most it was something to do besides stare off into space. Her red hair must have been gleaming in the sun, for she seemed to be getting lots of glances... Ariel shrunk in her seat. She didn't want to be seen or talked to, just to... er... relax?

[Jake Rainyar]

Jake laid down his quill as he looked at the finished document in his hands. He reread it silently and then sat the parchment down beside his book, before he threw his quill across the room and ripped the document to shreds, "Crap!" he said to himself. He looked around him at the silence of the common room. He flushed slightly at his impatience. Getting up he retrieved the quill and the ruined parchment. He couldn't figure out how to write his paper for Transfiguration. Every time he had something that sounded good he realized that it wasn't what Professor McGonagall was looking for at all. Why did they have to write these papers? It wasn't like they were actually going to help them in the years to come. He was going to be graduating this year (if he passed his classes) and continuing on with his training. He didn't need these stupid papers holding him back from continuing on with his life. He looked back down at the new piece of parchment, if it had been real, it probably would have shuddered in fear of being ripped to pieces as the last 10 pieces had.

Jake dropped the quill on the small table and rubbed his eyes. He had been up early so he could get this done before he made his way to Hogsmeade, but it didn't seem like that was actually going to happen. He would need a Hogsmeade break soon or risk making himself go crazy. He could just see himself jump off the couch and just start screaming as he ran out of the common room and around the school until someone jinxed him and took him to Madam Pomfrey who would keep him in bed way too long. Jake realized his thoughts were already straying from the current task and realized to continue on in this matter would be useless. He sighed as he placed his stuff back in his bag and took them back to his dorm room. Sniggle immediately wound himself around his feet as he entered, before the cat stopped completely in front of his foot sending him sprawling to the floor. Jake chuckled at the cat. He had taught the little bugger well, but it would have been more useful on one of his dorm mates as opposed to himself. Sniggle however thought it was great and was now sitting on top of Jake's back licking his paw ruefully in victory. Jake picked himself up off the floor causing Sniggle to jump down quickly before becoming permanently attached to Jake's back. "Pain," Jake said as he rubbed the cats head. Sniggle looked up at Jake with innocent eyes and meowed softly. "Don't give me that, you're not as cute as you look," Jake said with a sigh. He knew the cat had won, but wasn't about to show that he had. Instead Jake sat his bag down on his bed and turned to fix his hair in the mirror.

"Okay, Snig you want anything from Hogsmeade?" he asked his cat. The cat meowed again and Jake took that to mean he wanted another toy. Jake smiled. "I'll see what I can do." With that Jake left behind the dormitory and headed down to Hogsmeade. It seemed that everyone was wanting to check out Hogsmeade. He shrugged though, it was the last time in Hogsmeade before the Beltane Party. He had never really understood the celebration of the fertility holiday. Besides most of the kids were too young to really understand the whole point of the celebration, but he supposed that it didn't really matter to them, as long as it was a party of some sort. Jake was looking off at the trees next to him when it parted near a small restaurant that most people took for granted. It was here that a red tint caught his eye. He paused causing someone to run into him from behind. He stumbled a bit, but caught his balance. The person quickly apologized and continued on their way. Jake just nodded too distracted to reply. He headed into the clearing and nodded his head at the girl. "I thought that hair looked familiar. Do you mind?" Jake asked as he motioned to the chair across from her. There last meeting had gone too well, so he didn't just want to sit and make her angry. This time he'd use his manners and note to himself...No mermaid crap this time!

[ariel]

A small occurrence seemed to be taking place in the crowd. Not potentially a large disturbance, but it was enough to catch Ariel's attention. It appeared that someone had stopped, making the people behind him collide. Amusing, but rather idiotic. As Ariel watched underneath the safety of her umbrella, she began to realize that the person who had caused the slight scene was making his way over here. As he came closer, she recognized him almost immediately. Jake. Without hesitation, Ariel turned away from him. She had no wish to talk to him at the moment, even though he was surely making his way to someone else. Not her. Why would he? Yet, as Ariel fiddled with the corner of the menu, she heard the footsteps fall, and saw his shadow appear over her table. Lifting her head slowly, Ariel didn't turn to face him. How utterly stupid she had been to turn away from him. The hair had made him come here! How absurd. Ariel focused on her waiter, watching him move throughout the tables. Where was her sundae? The sooner she got it the better.

"Sit? Sure, why not?" Ariel made a strange gesticulation that happened to be a shrug, a bob of her head, a point, and a wave, all mixed into one. She didn't mind though; the Hufflepuff was sure to figure it out. When he was across from her, Ariel regarded him quizzically through her mascara. Why was he here? She thought she had made it clear that she wasn't in the mood for his antics. She tried to read his face, but nothing really came from it. It wasn't a plan she should rely on anymore. Raising an eyebrow, Ariel continued to silently contemplate him. Her eyes pierced his for what seemed a millennium, until footsteps made her look away. "Here's you sundae, miss." The waiter slid the identical sundae that was in the menu her way. Finally. She thanked the waiter with a smile and waved him away. Turning back to Jake, she took her spoon and twirled it in her fingers.

"Why are you here?" She asked finally, very quietly. She had to admit, he had her puzzled. After her nearly bashing him in every imaginable direction, he was back for more? She admired his stubbornness, but the routine was going to get old after a while. Dipping the spoon into her sundae, she put the ice-cream daintily in her mouth, being sure not to make a mess of it. It was delicious. Ariel let it roll of her tongue before chewing the nuts and swallowing. If only life could be that good to her. Gazing at Jake, she waited. For some sort of explanation.

[Jake Rainyar]

Jake bit back the small chuckle as he watched Ariel gesture to the seat across from her with a wide array of movements. He finally just nodded and sat down across from her. He didn't really know why he had ventured over to her. It wasn't like their last meeting had gone really well, but he couldn't help the fact that he liked to talk and annoy people at the same time. He at least knew what not to do when talking with Ariel. He figured he had pushed her beyond all of her limits last time so now he knew what not to say or sing for that matter. The thought of the little mermaid swam across his mind and he smiled to himself, before he really looked at Ariel. That was one place he would certainly not go ever again, if he really knew what was good for him. Jake looked up at the sound of the waiters voice. He saw a sundae get set down in front of Ariel. The thought of one kind of turned Jake's stomach. Happened like that when you were lactose intolerant. You really just couldn't stand the thought of ice cream. It was really quite sad, but that wasn't the point.

Jake's stomach knotted quickly as Ariel asked him why he was there. He didn't know at all why he was sitting there. It just seemed like a good thing to do at the time, but now he was regretting his decision. He didn't know Ariel well enough to just come up to her like he had. He ran a hand through his short hair, mostly because of habit when he had his longer hair. Now it was short again and it made him look foolish to continually run his hand through his hair. He dropped his hand back to his lap. What was happening to him? He was never short on words before. But then again this girl was always calling him out on what he said so it wasn't that surprising that he was actually thinking before he spoke for once in his life.

"I...uh...I couldn't concentrate on my Transfiguration essay so I decided to take a walk into Hogsmeade," Jake said. He knew he had avoided the main point of the question, but really what was he supposed to say? He shrugged as he looked at her. "What about you? Are you here getting stuff for the Beltane Party?" Jake knew most of the girls in the school were excited about the party and were buying stuff in Hogsmeade since it would be one of the last times to do so before the May 1. He figured Ariel was in the same boat as the other girls.

[ariel]

Ariel shifted in her seat uncomfortably. She didn't exactly like seeing Jake here again. She felt squeamish for her episode when they had last met, and she felt extremely frustrated. She couldn't understand why she felt this blaring through her head but, it was there. Perhaps because he was back, just as obnoxious as ever, to talk with her. She wondered vaguely if he had managed to lift that bag. Maybe she would ask him later when - ah, off subject there. The sundae was a way out of looking at Jake. She didn't feel like staring him down anymore; in fact, just looking at him made her stomach seize. She needed an escape of some sort. The sundae was an excellent place to start. The nuts sprinkled on top of the hot chocolate made her mouth water and the prominent cherry on top gleamed in the light. As Jake answered her question, she had to look up at him.

"I meant why are you here?" she said quietly. "Why are you sitting with me? After what I did back at the library, I figured you'd never want to see my face again." She dipped her spoon into the enticing sundae, put it to her mouth. The taste blocked nearly everything out; nearly everything except the Beltane Party question. It made her stomach squirm. Jake already knew too much, had seen too much. She should tread carefully. Yet an itch started; an itch to tell him. To spill the beans. It became over-powering. Her heart urged her to go for it, but her mind refused. The heart was a foolish thing. What should she put her trust in; foolishness or knowledge. The fact she was a Raven answers that question.

"I don't have a date," Ariel explained quickly, drawing some story out of thin air. "No one has asked me yet. But no, I wasn't here to do some shopping. In fact I came here to get away from all the girlie-girls, which really get annoying. Have you ever heard the high-pitched squealing? It sounds like pigs eating a feast," Ariel scowled. "I may still get a fancy dress though, mark my words. Maybe." She tried to imagine herself looking like a princess at the party. But wait... hadn't she decided long ago she wouldn't be going? Ariel's brow wrinkled. Yes, she wasn't go. The image faded away, ever so slowly. As if to tantalize her. Making a face, Ariel pushed away everything that would distract her even further. Taking another bite of sundae, she nodded at Jake. "And you? I'm sure you've found yourself a pretty girl, right?"

[Jake Rainyar]

Jake subconsciously ran his right hand down his left arm, a sign of nervousness for him. Ariel had directly asked him why he was sitting there with her. He had to come up with an excuse and he had to do it quickly. "I didn't really feel like sitting by myself and I recognized you and you were sitting by yourself and I figured we could keep each other company since we're both alone?" Jake finished in more of a question than a statement. He had rambled on more to himself than to her and more as an explanation for why he did choose to sit with her. It wasn't like she was the nicest person in the world to him, but there was that thing about challenging each other. She was a truly challenging person and she was smart. It was something he always enjoyed. Women who didn't try to act stupid like they had been taught to do for generations. He liked girls who stood up for themselves and had their own personalities.

Jake listened slightly surprised by Ariel's confession suddenly. He wondered why no one had asked her. It definitely didn't have to do with her looks, because she was quite beautiful. As for her personality that was also beautiful. She didn't have her nose stuck in the air and she had that air of intelligence, which most people would consider being the same thing, but it was far different. Acting better than others was wrong, while showing that your smarter than others when you were was right on. She was smart and she had a right to show it. So the only question unanswered was why Ariel didn't have a date. Maybe the guys couldn't handle someone smarter than her. A small smile showed on his face as the thought and Ariel's words about maybe going. Jake's face changed slightly at Ariel's question about the girl he'd be taking. He thought to himself for a few seconds before answering. He decided to go down the road that would lead him to two different conclusions. He hoped that the better road would present itself more than the rough one.

"I've found myself a pretty girl, but I don't know if she'll go with me. If she goes with me, I'll teach her to jump on the wind's back, and away we'll go. Just like Peter Pan and Wendy," Jake said with his signature smile. He ran a hand through his hair once again and laughed slightly at the attempt to fluff his hair.

[ariel]

"I'm used to sitting alone," Ariel said. "Anyway - there are many other people here who are probably alone. You could have sat with any of them." She paused. "It was the hair, wasn't it? It's always the hair! People see the red and then they just decide to walk over. I'm not accusing you of this - just that more then one guy has done this before." She wrinkled her nose. "Nothing ended pleasantly, mind, so consider yourself lucky I haven't bitten your head off yet." She shook her head, put some sundae in her mouth. "Look, um.... I'm sorry about... that. What happened before. I just... lots of stuff has happened. Lots. You just reminded me of some things and I lost control. I apologize for it. It's not your fault." She considered him thoughtfully. It had been terribly hard to say that; her pride had gotten in the way, as well as being stubborn. But she felt better now that it was done. She half-hoped Jake would ask her what had happened; she would... might.... tell him about it. The change of subject made her change rapidly. She frowned.

"So you have a date to the party?" she asked. "Do you mind if I ask who? Someone as special as Wendy? I'm glad you've found someone." Ariel hardened herself. She had felt the tears coming on since he had said it; what with Peter Pan and Wendy... the whole thing threatened to engulf her. She didn't want to cry in front of Jake; especially after what had happened in the Lounge. If she excused herself though - how could she face coming back with a set face? Ariel twirled the silver bracelet on her wrist around in a circle as a hot tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. She wiped it away angrily. "I'm sorry. Haven't been... feeling well lately," she sniffed, blinking away the rest of the tears. "I don't mean to... break down like this. It's awful; I'm pitiful. A lame excuse of a lady who can't do a thing." She rolled her eyes savagely. "If you want to know why I'm so messed up... I can tell you. I don't blame you for wanting to know; but if I do explain you can't tell anyone." She suddenly looked at him fiercely. "Understand? I do not want to be pitied at my own school."

[Jake Rainyar]

"You know you're a bit too cynical sometimes about life. You have to let some things go. Don't worry why I sat down with you. I wanted to Ariel and that's why I did it. Would you prefer that I didn't?" Jake asked. He was somewhat hurt by her words, but he let it go after a few seconds. He didn't understand why she worked herself up like that. Why did she have to know everything? He sighed. He knew her words were said out of rashness. She wasn't really thinking about them, at least Jake hoped she wasn't thinking before she spoke, because if she was then he was really the one that was wrong. He sighed again as he finished the thought in his mind. He didn't want to sound like a complete jerk and with what Ariel had said it was obvious that something had happened to her as a kid to get her to worry so much about things. He looked down at his hands and then back up her. He wanted to know what had happened to her as a kid, but he would wait for her to bring it up. Instead he looked her in the eye.

"Ariel, I don't know why you ran out on me in the Lounge. I don't want to know if you don't want to tell me. The thing is that I wanted to sit with you because you're a great woman. You're smart, beautiful, and full of spunk. Yes, spunk. You challenge me in ways I could never be challenged by any other person," Jake said as he felt his nerve failing. He had to continue. But stopped when Ariel asked him who he was taking to Beltane. She obviously hadn't understood where he was going so maybe this was the perfect time. Jake didn't know how much he was risking, but knew that he couldn't stop now.

Jake reached out his hand and grabbed Ariel's softly, hoping that he wasn't being too up front for her. He looked at her. "Ariel I was talking about you. I want to know if you'll go to Beltane with me. You're the only person I've thought about asking and when I saw you sitting here, I thought it would be a good time to ask you. I don't know if you want to go with me or if you even want to talk to me ever again. You drive me crazy Ariel in more ways than one. Please, don't be sad. I didn't mean to hurt you with my words, I thought you'd get my Peter Pan reference. Please Ariel, be my Wendy?" Jake asked urgently. He kept his eye contact with her. He watched carefully, trying to see if her reaction would change. He had ignored her last comments, because he would lose his nerve if he didn't ask her right then. He only hoped that she would say yes. It was the only thing he wanted at that moment.

[ariel]

Ariel's rubbed away the last of the tears. It was no time to act like she couldn't handle herself because she could. She's been doing it ever since Summer left. Even Mort couldn't replace the hole in her heart, the empty feeling that left her feeling utterly mortal. It was the worst feeling in the world - being abandoned like that. Especially as a child. The whole world revolved around you as a little girl; it was made to be. Why did people like Summer have to ruin a little girl emotionally and leave her a ruin. Ariel had to fight hard to bring herself back to the present. Jake was speaking about the Student Lounge. She felt herself become tired: tired of everything in general. Her head swam with thoughts, but she had regained control. It was time she let go of disappointment and a broken heart.

Seeing what Jake said, she half wished she had remained in the memory. The compliments surely meant a lot to her - she felt her head blow up with pride and maybe something more - but she couldn't reply. She felt lost. Why was he saying this all? She had bashed him around; beat him to her hearts content even if it wasn't exactly intentional. She couldn't understand why he had any ounce or respect for her left. So it was rather a surprise to hear him saying these things. A great woman.... she looked at her hands. Was she? For some reason she didn't seem to fit the description. She had to smile at the spunk part though, if not a bit incredulously. Of course she had some! If she didn't she would be bored and utterly a waste of time. But Jake continued on. Ariel could rather guess what he was going to say even before he said it, and she dreaded it yet wanted it with her heart, or what was left of it. But when he asked her to be his Wendy, she felt totally won over. For a couple blissful seconds. Then she realized.... she couldn't do this.

"I made a promise to myself," she said quietly, looking at her hands again, which happened to be white. Whiter then normal. She felt her whole entity drain of feeling, then it came back in a big whoosh! Her lips quivered a bit. She wanted to be his Wendy, she really did. Yet how could she when she was... not complete? Her heart pounded and told her many things. The heart was a foolish thing: not something to put your trust in. She had already been taught that, rather harshly. One could only rely on ones mind, not the foolish heart which could be tricked easily. Her thoughts went to Summer, her heart stayed with Jake. "I don't know if I can... go with you." Ariel said finally, her once-strong voice crumbling and unearthing her much weaker, vulnerable self. She felt exposed; without thought she wrapped her arms around her waist, hugging herself. "I... want to, but I don't know if I can," she said again, hoping desperately that he would understand. If she would go, who knows what would happen? She looked up at Jake and... with a tremendous effort - she gave him a strong look. "Do you understand?"

[Jake Rainyar]

Jake watched her reaction and felt himself pull back in to his heart trying to pick up it's broken pieces. Her look was not good and the first words out of her mouth made him look away from her briefly before he decided he needed to look at her for her actual physical reaction. Jake sighed as she finished. Why didn't she let people in? But then again he had been the one that ignored her earlier comment so he could ask her out. Now not only his pride and ego, but also his intelligence was lying scattered on the dirt below him. He took a deep breath trying to calm the pain in his heart at her quiet subdued rejection. "Why can't you do this Ariel? You say you want to go then why don't you? Why don't you go with me? Just forget about your past problems for one day and go with me!" Jake said in a more pleading voice then he had meant. He sighed and shook his head.

"Ariel, you want to know what I see in you? How I would psychoanalysis you? If I was in to that whole psychobabble stuff. You're not happy. Not here, probably not anywhere. My sister's been like that most of her life. I can see it in her eyes like I can yours. I can hear it in your answers to everything. You're barely alive. The great thing though is that the change can be so constant that you don't even feel a difference, until there is one. It can be so slow that you don't know that your life is better or worse, until it is. Or it can just blow you away make you something completely different in an instant. It happened to me. The day I met you. You don't have to go through this life all by yourself Ariel, please. I can help you. I'll be there for you, just please don't close yourself off from me," Jake said. He didn't know how Ariel would react to his words. They hadn't been very nice, but they weren't exactly mean either. They were truthful and that's all that matter to him. He just hoped that Ariel would accept them and not condemn him for trying to help, even if he wasn't helping in exactly the best way.

[ariel]

Ariel looked away from him to gather herself. He was beginning to get frustrated with her, she could tell by the way he began to speak. He was hurting too from her rejection. Even if it was a undecided decision, she could still feel how much it had hurt him. It made her feel like a witch, the type that are in stories with hook noses and cruel intentions for people like Jake - people that care. Still trembling a bit, she bit her lip. It was too much to say, to explain. A painful explosion of emotion erupted in her throat - she wanted to sing, to dance, to scream, to cry. She wanted to run away far from here, to bury herself in a deep hole and never come out again. But as the suns rays managed to fall on her face, Ariel welcomed it. She could never give up this. Jake was right - she was living a half-life, if that. With a set face as always, Ariel turned back to him. She had gathered herself and was ready. Or so she thought. "Jake..." Her voice cracked and she hesitated. What was she doing? Her large brown eyes became even larger as she contemplated her weakness, her frail, tender side that was still raw from... Summer... from her mom.

"A whole day?" She asked quietly, looking up at the sky. It was a light blue and small clouds swirled around. None of them quite had a defined shape, just a mass of fluffy white. She wished she could do that - shed her skin and start all over. But life didn't provide an eraser, and no matter how hard she wanted it to be true, to just leave her past behind her.... she knew it wasn't possible. Summer would haunt her for the rest of her life, perhaps even in the after life... Eh, Ariel didn't even believe in that junk. After life? Hah, right. Why have this life then if there would be another one? She felt herself stray from the present situation at hand; with force and much bribery, she managed to steer her eyes back to Jake. She didn't know why she shied away from him like this... maybe it was because he was different then most of the guys she had met. She wished she was right, but in her heart of hearts, there was a serious disconnection. She was suspicious. What if he left her, just like Summer had done. Once she opened up, gave him her soul... what if he left her? Ariel had a right to be afraid, but she knew that she had little time to ponder. Jake was beginning to get demanding.

"I'm not sure. I'm not sure of anything anymore," she said, looking at the tablecloth. It had a nice design on it; fancy swirls of pink. Ariel reached up and ran her hand through her silky hair. She remembered how proud she used to be of it. Summer used to have the same hair and... Ariel went back to a summer day, so long ago. Summer had been brushing Ariel's hair on the bed, explaining with a laugh here and there how a red-head always turned out to be beautiful. That night Ariel remembered feeling so happy to look just like her mum. Her eyes clogged with tears, she wiped them away frantically. She was really starting to break down. Licking her lips, Ariel looked up at Jake. Summer couldn't bother her forever. She couldn't be this way forever. Forever was a long time. She wouldn't live a life, she wouldn't allow herself to have any luxuries others could afford. Her desire to go with Jake strengthened and like a wave of emotion, she became overwhelmed. "Sure, Jake," she said. "Sure. I'll try it." It took lots of strength, just to say those words and to mean it as well. She chanced a look at Jake and smiled. "But I need to find a nice dress. And have lots of planning. Who knows - I might even resemble Cinderella when I'm done."

[Jake Rainyar]

Jake looked down at his hands at the sound of his name. He wondered if he had been to harsh and straight forward with her. He didn't want to scare her away. He didn't want her running away from him again. It had already happened once. He opened his mouth to speak, but the glance at Ariel made him stop. He closed his mouth slowly and listened hard to Ariel as he watched her. She seemed to be having some sort of battle within herself. Jake wondered what could possibly have happened to her as a child for her to be the way she was. Was she not loved? Was she neglected? Jake sighed. That's what was wrong with him. He was too curious for his own good and he had to realize that some people weren't just going to tell him their entire life story within the first few times of meeting him. Still he wished Ariel could. He liked her and he hoped she realized that. He would never intentionally leave her or hurt her. He wondered if she understood that.

Silence befell them and Jake didn't say a word. Ariel seemed to be deep and thought and he was afraid that the slightest noise from the outside world would taint everything and that she would be thrown into confusion. It seemed that silence was paying off. Ariel spoke softly and each time she spoke a little more. It was as if it was some sort of trend. First it was one word, then it was three, then it was a long sentence. His heart seemed to skip a beat at her final words. A huge smile was beginning to form on his face and he felt like some kind of firework was ready to be set off inside of him. He calmed himself to a small degree and smiled brightly at her. "Good, but just for your knowledge, you don't need to dress up to look like Cinderella. You're beautiful now," he smiled.

[ariel]

Ariel smiled. She knew she had made Jake nervous in all her pauses and hesitations. It had taken her a while to decide over a silly party. Ariel thought back to how she had clearly stated to herself before she would never associate herself with any such event. And look at her now, agreeing to go with Jake. It was all because of him she was going. Had it been anyone else... Ariel would have said no and moved on. Jake had a way of making her change her mind, a feat most didn't even want to try to conquer. She had to admire him for never giving up, even though through it all, some of it had been out of stubbornness. Ariel's smile grew until she felt like she was floating on a cloud.

"Really?" She said. Beautiful? Her? She wondered if it was the make-up, but refused to ask. She didn't want to make a fool of herself or ruin this moment. She just wanted to be like this forever - to be so happy and light, so full of joy and wonder. She wanted to keep on being Wendy. And most of all, she wanted to keep her mind set. If it wavered in the least, she knew that going to the Beltane wouldn't be an option. With a grin, Ariel nodded. "So - how about we meet just outside the doors of Hogwarts around... oh, six thirty sound good?" Ariel finished up her sundae, which was mostly melted anyway, before standing and throwing it out. Sitting back down, she eyed Jake. "Thanks for asking me to go," she said finally.

[Jake Rainyar]

Jake smiled at Ariel's question. She really was not self assured. He really needed to help her realize her beauty. She needed someone to care for her and show her that she was gorgeous. Jake really just hoped that she would let him show her that she was beautiful. "Yes you are," Jake said as he looked her in the eyes. He wanted to be sure that she believed him. He knew she was beautiful, but it seemed like she had never even considered the possibility of being beautiful. He smiled to himself as he realized that it wouldn't be long before Ariel and him would be meeting up for Beltane. His smile widened. I can't believe she actually agreed to go. She's finally letting go a bit and I hope that she has a great time. I want her to be happy and I want more than anything for her to be happy with me. Jake's thoughts seemed to drown out any unhappy moment in his life. He felt like he could do anything now.

"Six-thirty sounds good," Jake said still smiling. He could tell that Ariel was excited. He was as well. he was going to have to find something really nice to wear for her. He wanted to impress her. At this point Jake remembered the essay he was supposed to be writing. He sighed and looked back at Ariel. "I don't really want to go, but I have to. I have this essay I need to write. You know the one that I was avoiding?" Jake asked with a smile. He had used it as an excuse earlier to sit down with her. Now he wanted to stay and talk with her, but he knew he had to finish the essay if he was planning on going to Beltane. He stood and took Ariel's hand in his. "I'll be waiting for you," he said as he kissed her hand softly before starting back toward the Hufflepuff common room to finish his essay. His thoughts hardly focused on anything, but Ariel and the coming Beltane celebration.