Head hanging, a tall figure came into view from around the bushes. The trees were casting a shadow onto the sidewalk but I could tell it was defiantly a man that was walking. The figure was taking slow a deliberate steps, dragging his feet a little. He proceeded to sit himself down on the curb in front of my house. The house was set back a bit from the street, but I could still see clearly enough. I didn't really want to admit it but I had know from the moment I saw the figure that it was Jack. He wasn't exactly the person I wanted to see right now. But on the other hand I really hadn't wanted to see anyone at all.

"Hey Cowboy. Whatcha doin' up so early?" I asked tiredly.

Jack turned around, surprised. "Nothin' much," he shrugged, "just thinkin'." He brushed himself off and started walking towards me.

"Whada you doin' up so early?" he asked.

I shrugged. "I was hungry." He smiled and sat down on the step next to me.

"So," Jack said seriously, looking straight into my eyes, "how ya doin'?" I knew he meant that as more that just a pleasantry.

"I'm doin' ok." I said, studying his face. He had circles under his eyes and he looked exhausted. "You haven't slept all night." I asserted.

He looked away and kind of shrugged. "Yeah, well, I've been thinkin a lot..." he trailed off and gazed off into the sky.

I nodded. "So have I." I said quietly, biting my lip. Jack turned, and looked at me surprised.

I took a deep breath, but Jack started talking first. "Ya know, I was really worried �bout �chu. I mean, ya fainted right dere in my arms and well I was real worried for a while. Youse were takin' an awful long time ta wake up." he admitted quietly. "You're drivin' me crazy, Angie." he said, looking deep into my eyes. "I, I need to know...do I matta'? Ta you?" I thought I was going to melt into a puddle right there. Yes, Jack had fallen off my pedestal but he then showed me that he really was wonderful, pedestal or not. I wasn't scared anymore.

"Yes, Jack, you matter. A lot. So much," I sighed, "So much it hurts." Jack grinned at me and I smiled back. I leaned over and wrapped my arms around, him, giving him a hug. It felt good. Really good. More than that, it felt right.

"C'mon, let's go inside." I said and stood up.

"Here," I said, "sit down." I indicated the sofa. Jack gingerly lowered himself onto the cushions. He was kind of uncomfortable in my house.

"Hey, dis is real nice!" he said, surprised at the soft cushions. His eyes got big, and he looked at his feet, obviously embarrassed for saying that. I stifled a giggle but Jack still heard me. He looked up and we both started laughing.

After the laughter subsided, Jack turned to me, his face serious. "Uh, Angie."

"Hmm?" His face looked haggard I noticed. Maybe I should get a blanket so he can sleep on the sofa.

"Listen, you look really tired. You can sleep here tonight, ok?"

"Oh, no, I..." I looked at him hard. He nodded, understanding. I stood up and left the room. Silently, I climbed the stairs to my room and grabbed an extra quilt. I balled in up in my arms and headed back downstairs. Jack's eyes were closed and he looked like he was asleep. His eyes fluttered open.

"Huh? Oh, yeah..." he mumbled, trying to wake up.