Jean pulled away slightly and said as tears were running down her cheeks "Its you. Gretchen Jay Marconi."
Gretchen also had tears in her eyes "Jeanelle Nichole Neuer. Is this really you?"
Jean nodded. Then they both hugged again.
Leandro and Nicandro were standing watching the two girls embracing each other. It felt like a private moment. But the boys were curious what was going on.
Nicandro was the first one to speak. "Can you tell us why you are crying and why you are embracing?"
Leandro said "How do you know each other?"
Jean broke away and wiped her tears as she said "I met her along time ago. Years ago. I havent seen her since. Her grandfather was hiding her in a safe place with us at our ranch... We used to play together and we were quite close. Then she left and I havent seen her since."
Leandro smiled "Wow. Thats amazing. I am glad you have a connection with Nicnadro's girl."
Jean said "I thought she wouldn't recognise me?."
Gretchen said "How could I not recognise you Jean? I remember you very well."
The girls then embraced again. There was so much catching up to do.
***
Lochlan was staring at Maria Angela as he was moving with her to the music. "I cant believe you just kissed me... Do you know how long I have been waiting for this moment beautiful?"
Maria Angela said "I know. I cant believe it either. I felt ready and did it. Look at you. You are dancing with me. Do you know what this means to me?"
He said "I am not dancing. Its just synchronising my movements with you. I didnt want to break our kiss."
Maria Angela said "Sure... The last dance is about to end. Lets go outside to watch the fireworks that will start soon. We can get a nice spot to watch the show."
Lochlan nodded. He then leaned close "Can I get another kiss when we go outside?"
Maria Angela said "You can kiss me now Lochlan. You dont need permission every time." She then pulled away and took Lochlan's hand in hers. "Lets go outside."
Lochlan just silently followed deep in thought. When they went outside they made their way to a quiet corner as people were clearing their path. Lochlan always made an impression when he walked anywhere.
They stood in a spot hand in hand and looked into the distance. Lochlan said "What you said back there... Do you really mean it?"
Maria Angela turned to him "Yes."
Lochlan said "You wont change your mind."
Maria Angela said "Of course I wont change my mind."
Lochlan said "Because I am planning to kiss you alot. Starting now..." He then leaned close and Maria Angela knew what was coming. He wrapped his arms around her and got close. His lips almost touching "Are you sure?"
Maria Angela attached her lips to his.
After the last dance the couples were starting to come outside to watch the fire works and it was getting busy outside but around the spot Lochlan and Maria Angela were standing it wasn't busy.
*****
On the other side of the gardens, Levane was standing with Jacob waiting for the fireworks.
Levane said "Jacob... You havent said anything ever since the last dance.... Do you want to talk about what I said?"
Jacob said "I dont think there is much to say... We dont know each other Levane. You dont even go to the same school as me..."
Levane said "I will transfer to your school..."
Jacob said "You what?"
Levane said "I will move school... I am finished with military school now with enough leadership credits. I can transfer any time. Then we can get to know each other. I never back down from a challenge."
Jacob said "Thats a big decision on your part..."
Levane said "Not really. I go ask Mr Preach now if I can transfer... If I cant transfer maybe you can transfer to my school... Our football team will be very happy..." She then walked away.
Levane reached Leandro who was standing next to Jean "Excuse me..."
Leandro turned and was surprised to see the man hater "Hi. How is your time with Jacob? Are you here to complain?"
Levane said "No. I should thank you for putting us together. I was wondering if I could possibly transfer to your school."
Leandro was shocked "You want to come to my school?"
Levane said "Yes."
Leandro asked "Why?"
Levane said "For personal reasons..."
Leandro said "If you follow the rules you can... We dont discriminate. You have high enough scores to get in...."
Levane smiled "Thank you..." She then walked away.
When Levane was returning to Jacob she frowned as she saw a bunch of girls surrounding him. She walked closer and overheard what they were saying "What are you doing tonight?", "Will you come to our dorms?", "Can I have your phone number?"
She cleared her throat and the girls turned "I need to ask all of you to leave... Jacob is taken.... by me..."
Jacob was speechless. The girls quickly said sorry and walked away as her deep cold stare was chasing them away.
Jacob said "Look... We are not together..."
Levane raised an eyebrow "Do you like someone? You told my brother you are single..."
Jacob said "I am single..."
Levane said "I am glad to hear that... But you belong to me now... So you are not single any more..."
Jacob smiled "Look.... We dont know each other..."
Levane said "I am arranging for that to change... You will get to know me and you will like me... But you are now taken. If any girls come near you and I I find out, they will be sorry."
Jacob wasn't going to push her away. Something inside him told him to keep her close. He could hurt her feelings but he actually did like her. She was nice and he had confided in her. But they hardly knew each other. He said "Don't you think you are over reacting? We will get to know each other when you transfer your school but..."
Levane said "There is no buts. I dont know about Neuers. But Kennedys dont share..."
Jacob gave up arguing.
****
Leandro was holding Jean's hand once again as they waited for fireworks. He whispered "You must have been very close to Nicandro's girl. It was hard to get you for the fireworks while you were chatting to her catching up." He gestured to where they were standing."
Jean said "We were like sisters. We were very close. I really like to see her again. Now I have her phone number thanks to us coming together at this party but I really want to see her more..."
Leandro said "You will... If not before the game with their school I am sure she can visit the school at some point."
Jean said "You know I never thought I will see her again..."
Leandro smiled "But you did..."
Jean said "You dont understand.... I was afraid that something may have happened to her.... I thought that what if... those bad guys her grandfather was hiding her from caught her.... I am so relived now..."
Leandro said "Oh Jean... You must have been having an agonising wait for news from her. I am very sorry..."
Jean looked up and smiled "I am fine... Thank you for your concern...." She then stood on her tip toes. She got close and kissed Leandro's cheek.
Leandro froze and closed his eyes taking in the beautiful moment. When she pulled away he opened his eyes and said "I love you so much Jean."
Jean said "I love you too."
Leandro said "Can I hold you while we watch the fire works?"
jean nodded "Yes. You can..."
Leandro smiled. She stood behind Jean. He slowly wrapped his arms around her waist and held her tightly. The fireworks then started and they enjoyed the show while Jean was in his arms. It was his dream to hold his girl like this. Now his dream had come true thanks to Jean.
As the fireworks were happening Leandro whispered " All I can think of is you Jean. Thank you for letting me hold you like this."
jean smiled "You dont have to ask for permission Leandro next time..."
Leandro took in the moment as he was watching the fireworks "I really dont want this night to end. This has been one of the best days of my life."
Jean said "I really loved today too... I was bit scared of your driving in go karting though..."
Leandro said "You will get used to speed. I will teach you go karting. It was quite a competitive sport in military school. I couldnt lose a race even if I tried. Now you get to be the queen of the roads for one night..."
Jean touched her tiara that she had won as prize when they were also awarded starting the last dance. "I could get used to being a queen..."
Leandro whispered "You are my queen."
jean smiled "So does that make you my king?"
Leandro chuckled.