The Forgotten City

Chapter 6

I storm into the diner with Ian's strong arm wrapping around my waist and stroll right up to the table where Sara is hanging all over Jason.

"You can keep him," is all I say and turn away with Ian to obtain a quiet booth. I have never felt so free.

I hear Jason stumble and call out to me, "I'm sorry, baby. It won't happen again! Take me back!" But I ignore him and concentrate on the closeness of Ian and the feeling that I am worth being cherished.

A sudden soft cry has us changing directions.

Ian wraps his hand around mine as he leads us over to a little girl with tears streaming down her pretty face.

Ian kneels in front of her.

"What's the matter, cutie?" He asks her softly.

"I was in the bathroom, and I came back out, and I can't find my mommy and daddy," is her hiccuping reply.

"Okay, honey. Me and my friend, Ali, are gonna help you find your mommy and daddy!" promises Ian.

The little girl looks up at me with questions in her eyes. I smile at her and wave.

"Of course, that's what we are gonna do!" I assure her. "What's your name, honey?"

"I'm Mandy," she says softly.

"Hi, Mandy it's nice to meet you!" I bend down and hold out my hand for her to shake.

Mandy's clasps my bigger one with shaking fingers. Then I stand, still holding her hand; Ian and I walk out of the diner into the parking lot, where two parents are frantically calling for their little girl.

"Mommy! Daddy!" she shouts as she runs into her mother's open arms.

Mandy looks back at Ian and I and waves. "Thank you!" she squeals in glee.

Ian and I wave back, then gently Ian guides me back into the diner and into a booth where he promptly slides in next to me and starts kissing my neck, like a couple of high school kids. I giggle with sudden happiness and shove him playfully as the waiter shows up to take our order.

Ian backs away chuckling.

After we place our orders, Sara sashays over to our booth and attempts to slip into Ian's lap, but he pushes her away.

"Are you blind, Sara?" he scoffs.

"She is just using you as her rebound! Why would you want her? She has unmanageable curly red hair, she looks pale as death, and don't get me started on her weight!" she pouts. "Why be her rebound when you could have me?"

I glare at Sara. "Ian is NOT a rebound! If anything you are Jason's rebound and you are welcome to him. Now leave us alone!" I growl.

"Tell her like it is, sweetheart," cheers Ian, wrapping is arms around me protectively. "I don't need a skank slithering all over me when I have an angel on my arm."

I beam my smile at Ian and lean into his body, as Professor Williams starts over to speak to us, while Sara stocks off in the opposite direction. Ian just shakes his head and chuckles, then places a gentle kiss on her brow. Then he leans into me ear and whispers "Don't listen to Sara. She has been jealous of you since I first laid my eyes on you."

"Hey, guys. So, I've talked to Steve, and the mechanic. No one can figure out what is wrong with the bus. If we can't figure out what is wrong with it in the next few hours, we are going to call another bus to come pick us up in the morning," he says.

"Thanks Professor!" answers Ian.

Professor Williams walks off toward a table that held Tiffany, John and Jeff.

Ian turns to me and gently places his finger under my chin, lifting it up to his face. "I am so proud of you," he whispers. "It takes courage to dump someone and then face off with the one he was cheating on you with. I can't tell you how happy you make me, Ali."

Ian brings his other hand behind my head and threads his fingers into my curls as he leans in and places his mouth over mine, more hungry for my lips than his dinner. His hunger inspires mine and I return the kiss, opening my mouth to let him in.