6 comments/ 16529 views/ 17 favorites From A to Z By: Chiara23 As usual this story is exclusively my property and can't be republished or reprinted without my permission. Names have been changed to protect the guilty and not-so-innocent. Any resemblance to people living, dead or non-existent is merely a coincidence. [I would like to send out a very special thank you to my new friend "Jim E." He offered some very good insights into how I could improve the story and make the characters more human. On that note I'll have to do a bit of re-jigging on later chapters but there won't be much to change...I hope! Thanks again Jim! Love ya baby! ;)] --- Adele lived in the top unit of a triplex. She didn't really know her neighbours that well, she mostly kept to herself. Adele would've been called pretty once, before her ex had slashed her face and throat in a fit of jealous rage. As a result of his vicious assault she was still very skittish around men and avoided being alone with them. Adele wore her blond hair in a peek-a-boo cut in an attempt to hide her scars. It was early on a Saturday morning and Adele needed to get her laundry done. The problem was that she had been very busy that week and the only clean clothes she had to wear was panties and an over-sized pyjama tee. She didn't want anyone to see her half naked but needed clean clothes. 'Quit being silly,' she thought to herself. 'It's too early for anyone else to be doing laundry.' With that thought in her mind she headed downstairs. Adele was moving her clothes from the washers to the dryers when she heard a low chuckle from the laundry room door and spun around. "Hmm, I guess I wasn't the only one who ran out of clean clothes." It was the guy that lived in unit one, standing in the door with a laundry hamper and wearing nothing but blue boxers with Looney Toons pictures on them and a 'KISS' tee shirt. When she'd spun around Adele realized that her hair had flown away from her face, which must have given Mr. Unit One a good look at the ugly scars on the right side of her face and neck. She quickly pulled heir hair back down and turned away from him, the embarrassment and shame of her ugliness evident in the expression on her face and in her body language. Mr. Unit One moved to the washers while Adele cringed away from him by the dryers, pulling her hair nervously. "You're in the top unit right?" Adele cringed and pulled her hair again, "Uhm, yeah." He smiled at her, "I don't see you around much. My name's Zack." Zack had seen Adele around a few times but had never gotten a good look at her before now. Now that he'd seen her up close he realized that she was quite pretty. He saw that she was probably uncomfortable with him being there, shaking like a leaf and pulling on her hair as if to hide her face from him. "Would it be better if I came back later..." "Please." Zack quickly packed up his laundry and returned to his apartment, leaving Adele alone. She rushed to the laundry tub and threw up her breakfast, retching until her stomach was empty. She leaned on the edge of the tub crying softly to herself for several minutes before she could rinse her mouth out and splash some water on her face. Although it was the furthest thing from her mind, that very short conversation had been the longest time since she had been attacked by her ex that she'd been alone with a guy. Adele hated the fact that she had fallen so far from the person whom she'd been. Adele quickly finished up her laundry then ran back to her apartment locking the door behind herself. She grabbed her phone and called her sister. "K-Kyle I need to talk t-to Wendy!" she cried into the receiver. "Adele? What's the matter sis?" Wendy said when her husband passed her the phone, concern in her voice. "Oh God, oh God, oh God! W-Wendy I couldn't get away! He wouldn't leave me alone!" Adele sobbed. "Shh, shh, shh sweetie you're not making sense. What do you mean you couldn't get away? Who wouldn't leave you alone baby? That guy who just moved in last month?" "Yes him, he caught me in the laundry room and I was just in panties and my PJ tee. He thought it was funny because he was dressed the same. I can't believe he thought it was funny! He wouldn't shut up Wendy, the more he talked the more scared I got." "Delly you need to calm down sweetie, just because he talked to you it doesn't mean he wants to hurt you. Not every guy is like Scott sis." Wendy said, "From what you just told me he didn't act threatening in any way honey. It sounded more like he was trying to be friendly with you and may have been a bit embarrassed himself about the whole situation. What you went through was terrible, I can't even imagine how you cope with the nightmares and the thoughts of what Scott did to you. What I do know is this isn't you." "But Wendy he saw my FACE!" Adele hissed into the phone, her shame at being so weak evident in her tone. Wendy tried to be patient with her sister but sometimes she had a difficult time trying to talk her through her crises. "So what Adele! So you've got scars on your face, and every time the doctor suggests surgery you tell him no. Some day you're going to have to let it go and start living again. Yes, what happened to you was traumatic and damaging both physically and emotionally. Scott was a fucking whack-job. He fucked you up, but if you don't move forward he wins. Don't you understand honey? The rape and beating you took were bad enough, but by cutting you up he wanted you to die. If not physically then emotionally. Don't let him win okay?" "O-okay Wendy, I'm sorry for being such a pain in the ass." Adele said as she wiped her nose on the back of her hand. "Delly you're not a pain in the ass you're just very fragile, and you need time to heal. I know that, but sometimes I wish I could do more for you sis. Get yourself a cup of tea and read or have a nap or something okay? Just calm down and I'll call you tomorrow to see how you are okay?" "Okay sis, thanks for listening. It's just so hard being the one who's doing the leaning, I'm really glad you and Kyle are so close by. It's still okay for me to come over next weekend right?" "Yes of course it is. The kids can't wait to see you and hear your new story. Get some rest and we'll talk later." "Okay Wendy, see you next weekend. Give the kids big hugs and kisses from me." "I will. Love you." "Love you too." --- Zack was disappointed that he couldn't bring the pretty girl from number three out of her shell more. He wasn't sure what to think, the scars on her face and neck were pretty awful. He was worried that maybe he had scared her badly because of the way she had been acting. Zack had never thought of himself as scary or intimidating and was confused by Adele's reaction to him. He decided that maybe he should just give her some space and see if things worked out differently the next time they met. About a week later Adele was getting her mail when Zack came up beside her. "Hi..." he said in a soft questioning tone. "Adele, I'm Adele." she said as she began to shiver again. "Hi Adele, I'm Zack, remember?" She looked at him briefly. "Yeah, Zack. Hi." Zack smiled gently at Adele, "How are you today?" Adele blushed and looked away, hiding her face with her hair and trying to control her shaking. "I'm fine. You?" "I'm doing fine thanks. Beautiful day today." "Love the sun." Adele said as she looked up at the sky, avoiding Zack's gaze. "Adele? I think that's a pretty name. It suits you." Adele blushed again and started to shiver more violently, "Thanks." She took her mail and almost ran up the stairs to her unit. Closing the door and locking it behind herself she leaned against it and panted softly, trying to calm her jangled nerves. 'God I can't believe I just did that!' She thought to herself, a tiny spark of pride flaring in her heart. 'I actually talked to him and didn't totally freak out!' Then she promptly ran to the kitchen sink and threw up. Zack shrugged in disappointment as he went into his unit, 'At least she engaged a bit more this time,' he thought. Zack checked through his mail and thought about Adele. He wondered what had happened and how her face had been scarred so badly. He and his sister Sandy had grown up in an abusive home until they'd been put in foster care. Their foster parents eventually adopted them, but he still held a deep anger toward abusive men. Later that day he saw Mrs. Klein, the woman who rented number two. "Hi Mrs. Klein how are you?" "I'm well thank-you dear, how are you?" Zack smiled and said he was good too. "Ahh, do you know anything about Adele, the girl in number three Mrs. Klein?" "She's a quiet girl, I talk to her sometimes and she's always very polite. She's lived here a little less than a year, but from what I've seen she rarely goes out." Zack was embarrassed to ask his next question, "I uh..I saw she had scars on her face and neck. Do you know what happened?" "She's never really told me how she got them but I'm sure it had to have been a horrible experience. She scurries around like a little mouse scared of its own shadow." "Yeah that's kind of the impression I got too. I don't know why but I think maybe she was different before whatever happened to her." --- Adele sat up in her bed, screaming herself awake. Screaming like she had that night, like it was happening again, like she had every night since then. She had come home late from a night out with her friends. They'd been celebrating her casting in a regular role on a TV series. She walked into her apartment and without any warning a hand wrapped around her throat, crushing her windpipe and making her gasp in surprise and pain. "One word and you're dead bitch," a voice growled into her ear. She could smell the bitter stench of stale beer on his breath. "S-Scott what are you doing?" Adele managed to croak through her bruised throat. "You thought you could just dump me like you did Adele? Calling the cops on me was a bad move bitch. I didn't give you anything you didn't deserve." Scott said as he slammed her into the wall, sending her reeling and stunned to the floor. When Adele caught her breath she saw the flash of hatred in her ex-boyfriend's eyes. It was then that she realized that she might die that night. Adele tried to stay calm and reason with Scott even though she was almost paralysed with fear. "I didn't deserve to get slapped around Scott, and kicking the shit out of my friend wasn't smart either. I told you then that it was over. Get out now." She said with a slight quaver in her voice. "I know about what you were doing with that Ron guy. I know you were fucking him. I should've killed the little puke while I had the chance." "Ron was working with me on a script for a part I was doing in a show, nothing happened. You really need to leave." Scott grabbed Adele by her hair and dragged her through the apartment. She let out a squeal of pain from his rough treatment and he swung his free hand at her, hitting her in the eye and blackening it almost immediately. Adele groaned as she saw stars from his punch and grabbed the hand holding her hair, trying to make him let go. Scott bounced Adele's face off the wall, making her cry out in pain as she felt her nose crack against it and blood splash down her face. She had to do something, and quickly, or she'd never make it through this. Adele started screaming at the top of her lungs, "Help! Help! Call the police! Jesus fucking Christ let go of me you son of a bitch!" Scott's fist caught Adele in the solar plexus, ramming the air from her lungs and making her black out. He dragged her limp body into the kitchen and dumped her on the floor. Scott yanked Adele's skirt up and tore the crotch of her panties out. He unzipped his jeans and pulled his erect cock out of them as he got down between her legs. Scott placed his rod at her entrance and rammed himself into her so hard the teeth of his zipper scratched the tender flesh of her labia. When she came to Adele felt an agonizing pain in her groin. She felt the cold tiles of the kitchen floor on her back and again felt that screaming pain deep within her. She couldn't move at all, her arms were pinned over her head as she felt Scott violating her mercilessly. Adele began screaming again as she tried to fight her way out from under Scott. "Rape! Rape! AAAGGHHH! Help! YOU GOD-DAMNED ASSHOLE GET THE FUCK OFF OF ME!!!" Scott continued to pound himself into Adele's abused vagina, bruising her vulva with the force of his thrusts. He was a mad man, laughing at Adele's panicked attempts to escape from him. Scott grabbed both of her wrists in one hand and hit her in the face again, rocking her head to the side and making her stop screaming for a moment. Although her head rang with pain Adele jerked it from side to side as Scott tried to clamp his hand over her mouth to keep her from screaming again. Luckily for Adele when he managed to get his hand in position the soft meat of his thumb was right over her mouth. She bit him as hard as she could, until she could taste his blood in her mouth and she kept on biting. Adele began chewing on his hand for all she was worth. Scott bellowed in pain and pulled his bleeding and torn hand from Adele's mouth, giving her the chance to scream for help again. He let go of her wrists and grabbed his injured hand, trying to stem the flow of blood from the ragged wound in his hand. That gave Adele just enough freedom to slap an open palm across his left ear, rupturing his eardrum in the process and making him howl and stagger up and off of her. "You fucking whore! I'm going to kill you!" Scott yelled as she staggered up to her feet and backed away from him, holding a hand to her aching belly and crying in pain. Adele stared daggers right back at Scott through her tears as she grabbed a knife from the block on the counter. "Fuck you ass hole! You're such a big man, you think that doing this tonight is payback for getting arrested for what you did to me and Ron? You're a sick pile of shit Scott!" Her words enraged him and he charged her but Adele managed to stab him twice in the shoulder just before he plowed into her, knocking the wind out of her and making her crumple to the floor. Scott grabbed the knife from Adele's limp hand and held her down. "I think I'm going to enjoy doing this more than fucking you, you worthless cunt," Scott growled with a crazed glint in his eyes. His hand came down once, twice, then two more times. Adele screamed in renewed agony as the blade cut almost to the bone, slicing through her flesh like it was paper. Her blood sprayed from the horrific wounds as Scott laughed maniacally. He stood up and watched Adele as her hands scrabbled fruitlessly to stem the flow of blood. "Heh! You look like hell bitch. I hope you live." Scott said as he dropped the knife on the floor and walked out of her apartment, the shrill sound of sirens getting closer by the second. If it hadn't been for one of her neighbours calling 911, Adele probably would have died. She'd lost quite a bit of blood before the police and paramedics arrived, but she fought and survived. Over the months after she'd been attacked Adele had fallen into a deep depression. Even with the support of her sister, therapist and friends she fell deeper and deeper into her self loathing. She over-dosed on tranquilizers in an attempted suicide and ended up in the hospital under constant watch for several weeks afterwards until she had stabilized again. Adele's road to recovery was a slow and painful trek for her. --- A few weeks later, Zack caught Adele in the laundry room again. "Hi Adele, how are you?" "Uhm Hi...Zack." Adele said shyly. She held his gaze for just a second before looking away again. Zack watched her, surprised that she'd actually looked at him as long as she had. He thought that maybe if he played things light it might make her feel more comfortable with him. "So...have any pantie issues lately?" he asked with a chuckle. Adele frowned and replied with a short "No." Zack mentally kicked himself. 'Pantie issues? Seriously? What were you thinking man?' He felt disappointed at her reaction to what he thought would be a good idea. 'What kind of question was that? Pantie issues?! Phht!' Adele thought to herself as she felt her anger rise. "Look, Adele, I'm sorry about that. It was a stupid attempt at humour." Zack said softly. Adele continued to fold her laundry trying not to shake the fillings out of her teeth. She didn't know what to do, her emotions were in turmoil, she was scared of Zack and angry at his comment at the same time. Couldn't he see that she didn't want him there? Zack felt like an idiot, he had tried to bring Adele out of her shell a bit but instead had probably just pissed her off. He figured it was probably better to just leave before he did any more damage than he had already done. "Maybe I should just leave you to your laundry and come back after okay?" "Okay," Adele said without looking at him. After Zack left Adele ran to the laundry tub and emptied her stomach again. She felt like she was going to die. She knew Zack had talked to Mrs. Klein about her, and he kept trying to talk to her whenever he saw her. God, couldn't he just leave her alone? --- Zack went back to his unit, left his laundry by the door and fell onto the sofa with his head in his hands. 'What the the hell was that Zack?' he thought to himself. He was pretty sure that Adele had been through hell with whatever had happened to her, and he just kept on bothering her and making her feel even worse. He got up and went to the kitchen to pour himself some coffee. As he leaned on the counter, he thought about how she looked at him and how she reacted to his presence. It was the exact same look his mother had when his father was in a rage. Because of his abusive childhood Zack had become a protector and nurturer. He constantly found himself helping someone or some animal, which sometimes backfired on him. He had, even from a young age, assumed the role of protector towards his sister, who was four years older than him. He would stand between her and their father whenever he was in a rage. Zack wondered what he was getting himself in to with this Adele girl. Would the whole thing blow up in his face like he'd had happen countless times before? Not once that he could remember had he ever turned his back when he could help. Zack knew what he had to do, for better or worse he had to at least try. He just hoped this time his efforts would actually do some good. He knew he shouldn't force things but he couldn't stop thinking about Adele. He wanted to get to know her, but to do that he knew he had to push her barriers. With that thought in his mind Zack put his cup on the counter and walked out of his unit and back down to the laundry room. "Hey Adele?" Adele squeaked and jumped in surprise, wedging herself in the corner made by the wall and a dryer. "What? What do you want?" she asked, the fear evident in her eyes and body language. "Whoa, hey, it's okay. I'm sorry if I scared you." Zack said gently as he paused to gather his thoughts. "I don't want to hurt you, I just want to talk to you. I didn't mean to startle you, honest. Listen, I know we've only just met...I've only been in town a few months...I don't really know many people. Would you like to go for coffee one day?" "Coffee?" Adele asked, with a stricken, almost terrified tone in her voice. "Yes...if you'd like to? We can go to a Starbucks? Or some place where you'll feel comfortable?" Adele shivered, she was very conflicted about Zack. He seemed to be a nice guy, the vibe she was getting from him was that he was honest and gentle. But after what her ex had done guys scared her so much. She knew deep down that not all guys were like Scott, but the thought of opening up to a guy again... From A to Z Ch. 02 As always this story is exclusively my property and may not be republished or redistributed without my permission. Any resemblance to people or places living, dead or non-existent is merely a coincidence. --- It had been a few days since Adele had finally opened up to Zack. She was at her psychologists for her regular appointment. Adele was nervous, she was very excited about being able to tell her about Zack and what had happened. "Adele? You can come in now." Adele went into the office and sat in a chair. "Hi Charlene, how are you today?" "I'm well thanks Adele how are you?" Adele grinned, "I'm good thanks. I thought a lot about what we talked about during our last session, and I decided that maybe you were right and Zack was only trying to be nice and he really didn't want to hurt me." "Excellent! That was a great step forward for you. You look like you want to tell me something else as well," Charlene said with a knowing smile. Adele blushed and smiled shyly, "I asked him out for coffee the other day." "That's wonderful Adele! How did you feel when you were together? Did you feel like you had before? Was it like when you first met him?" Adele thought for a moment, "I was really nervous and I felt like I was going to be sick at first. But he made me laugh, and he was very laid back. I felt...comfortable with him." Her therapist nodded and smiled, "I'm very proud of you for trying this Adele. It took a lot of courage to push yourself out of your comfort zone like that." Adele smiled as well, "Thank you Charlene, would it be okay if I asked him to go out for coffee again?" "If you feel comfortable doing that I think it's a great idea. Just don't over do it, baby steps are still steps forward." Adele grinned, "I think I'd like to do that again." "How are you doing with your anxiety?" Adele frowned, "I'm still very anxious around men, the pills you gave me have helped. I can go in to work and don't feel as stressed as I used to. Fortunately they've been very accommodating and only let Rebecca work with me." "And are you still having the nightmares?" Charlene questioned her. "Yes, I still wake up screaming every night like I've lived through the attack all over again. I wish I could sleep through the night just once. It's so exhausting physically and mentally." "How do you feel about the men at your work? Do they still frighten you?" "They don't frighten me as much as other men do, but that's because I knew them before Scott..." "Yes that's quite common. They're a known quantity because you are familiar with them, so you know that they pose no threat to you. Do you feel that Zack poses a threat to you Adele?" "I don't think so. He's made suggestions and always lets me decide how things happen. He's been very patient and kind. It's like he knows what's going on in my mind, and only says and does what I feel comfortable with." "How do you feel about yourself since you've met Zack and had this breakthrough?" Adele paused to think again, "I feel a bit more confident, less afraid and maybe a bit more in control of my life." "Do you think this is a good thing Adele?" "I do, Zack is the first guy that I haven't been totally terrified of in over a year. I don't know why but I feel very safe with him." "Well I'm very proud of you Adele, as you should be too. I think we've made some great strides in our recovery plan over the past few weeks. Our time is almost up Adele, I'll renew your current prescriptions and I'm adding Clonazepam, it's a sedative. You're to take it before you go to bed. It should help you sleep better." Adele smiled and took her prescription slip, "Thanks Charlene, see you in three weeks?" "You're welcome Adele. Three weeks it is." --- Zack was still blown away, he couldn't believe that Adele had taken that first big step and asked him out for a coffee. They hadn't really done a whole lot of talking and when they did it was about inconsequential things like work and the weather. He could tell that Adele was trying hard to break down her protective walls. Zack was glad just to be with her, even just sitting quietly together was a big thing. Sitting in his office at work he was totally distracted by his thoughts about Adele. Instead of working on his editing work he was doodling on his notepad and wondering what she was doing. Zack's buddy Aaron from down the hall poked his head into the office, "Hey bud, we're going to the Kowloon for lunch are you in?" "Huh? Yeah sure, just gimme a sec." Even at lunch with the office crew Zack was distracted and quiet. Everyone noticed the change since Zack was normally very outgoing and gregarious. "Hey Zack what's with you today? You're like in the twilight zone or something!" "Ah I just have something on my mind guys. It's a personal thing." All of his office mates started ribbing him. "Whoa-ho-ho! Zack's got lady issues! Who's the girl man? You tag her yet? Is she hot?" Zack waved them down, "No no no! It's not like that. I'm just helping one of my neighbours, she's going through a rough patch that's all." Aaron burst out laughing and the other guys joined him. "Is it that cute little blonde in the top unit?" he asked. Zack blushed from all the ribbing he was getting. "Guys come on! She's going through a rough transition and I'm helping her through it okay? God, sometimes people just do things because it's the right thing to do!" Aaron could see that Zack was getting mad so he took the lead and told the other guys to shut up. "Hey sorry man. We noticed that you were out of it, and were trying to get you out of your funk. If you're doing the right thing for this girl then that's cool man." "Seriously guys, she's a nice girl and I want to help her through this. She deserves better than she's gotten." The other guys settled down and were pretty impressed with what Zack was doing. He tended to be the leader of the group so he had a lot of respect from the others. --- It was the weekend and Adele walked into the laundry room, Zack was loading up the washers when he noticed her. "Oh, hey Adele! How are you?" he asked with a smile. "I'm good Zack, how are you?" Adele said with a shy smile. "I'm good too. Hey if you want I'll free up a washer so you don't have to wait." "Thanks Zack, I appreciate it." Zack pulled his load out of the washer and placed it back in his hamper as Adele began loading up the washer with her clothes. Zack looked over and noticed that she had some pretty little thongs in her first load. He blushed and felt a bit like a perv for noticing them. "I had fun the other night Adele, it was nice being out with you." Adele smiled shyly, "I did too, I haven't gone out and just hung out with a friend in a long time." "Thanks," Zack said in a serious tone. "Huh? Why'd you say thanks Zack?" Zack smiled again, "You called me your friend that means a lot to me." "Do you think we could go for coffee again?" "I think that's a great idea Adele, how about later today?" "Sure, maybe around three o'clock?" "Three o'clock sounds good. I'd like that a lot." Zack told her with a smile. They sat quietly for a bit, listening to the washers doing their work. Both of them not sure what to say to the other. Adele wasn't sure what to say, she really liked Zack. She liked the fact that he was letting her take the lead. She remembered the day that Zack had moved in. She'd seen him moving his stuff in. Adele had peeked through her curtains and watched him and a friend moving furniture and boxes. He was tall, and very strong she thought. He looked nice, it seemed that he was always smiling, even when he was carrying something heavy. She'd shivered a bit, because she didn't want to admit to herself that she liked the little bit that she'd seen. Zack's friend had said something funny and he'd laughed and grinned. Adele had thought he had a nice laugh, it was an open and friendly laugh. Zack had looked up at her window and she'd closed her curtains quickly, she didn't want him to know that she'd been spying on him. Her thoughts came back to the present. She looked at him and felt her shyness return. "Do you like to read Zack?" Adele asked him. "Yes I do, I didn't realize I had so many books until I moved in. I think I had ten boxes of just books. That's probably why I ended up working for a publishing company. How about you Adele?" Adele smiled, "Yes I love to read too. Sometimes I write little stories." "Oh yeah? What kinds of stories?" "They're kids' stories, I think they're pretty good but haven't shown them to anyone so I don't know if anyone else does." "Really? Would you let me read them? If they're good I might be able to show them to my manager. We're always looking for new authors and sometimes you can make really good money writing stories." "I don't know Zack, they're kind of silly and foolish. I mostly do them for my niece and nephews." "Hey that's pretty cool, how old are they?" Zack asked, interest in his voice. "My niece is three and my nephews are four and five. I love them a lot, they're neat kids. I love spending time with them, kids don't judge people like adults do, they just accept you." "Yeah, my sister has three girls, I'm their favourite uncle, well their favourite Uncle Zack." He said with a chuckle. "Does your sister live close by?" Zack asked. "Yes we get together every couple of weeks, and we talk on the phone every few days. Wendy and her husband Kyle look out for me. They make sure I'm okay. My brother Quinn lives out in B.C. he's an actor too, he's been in a few big films." "Oh, you're an actress? I thought you said you did voice-over work the other day." "Well I was until my ex did what he did. There's not much of a market for girls with scars in the movie industry, so like I said before, I do voice-overs now." When their laundry was done they went their separate ways. Adele smiled to herself as she climbed the stairs to her unit. She couldn't believe how comfortable she felt with Zack. It was so easy to talk to him, he was just such a nice guy. He didn't seem to care about the fact that she had ugly scars. He was like her niece and nephews, he just accepted her for who she was. Adele was at Zack's door at three, she had one of her notebooks under her arm. She knocked softly and waited for Zack to answer. Zack opened the door and smiled softly at her, "Hi, I'm ready if you are." "I'm ready too. I brought one of my note books?" Zack smiled again as they began to walk the short distance to the coffee shop. "I'm really glad you trust me to read your story Adele." Adele blushed prettily, "I hope you like it, and I feel kind of silly. It's just a funny little story I tell my niece and nephews." When they got their coffees they found a table and sat across from each other. Adele handed Zack her book and he started to read it. Adele had drawn crude little pictures to go with the story. She sat quietly sipping her coffee while Zack read her story. As Zack read he began to chuckle then started to laugh. He closed the notebook and smiled at Adele. "That was a great story Adele, with just a bit of editing it would be perfect. And I know an artist who would be perfect to illustrate it. She could even just expand on the drawings you already have." Adele smiled excitedly, "You really think so Zack?" "I do, you've got a knack for writing. Judging from this one story kids would love your work." They sat quietly chatting at the coffee shop for about an hour. As they walked home Adele thought about what Zack had told her about her story. She was thrilled that he wanted to show it to his boss. She couldn't wait to find out what his boss thought of it. Adele was on a total high, her steps were lighter and she was chattering incessantly, telling Zack about some of her other stories. Zack laughed and smiled. He'd never seen Adele so happy, when she smiled her whole face lit up. He couldn't believe this was the same girl who couldn't even look at him just a few months ago. Before they went their separate ways Adele handed Zack her book and quickly kissed him on the cheek, then literally ran up the stairs to her unit. When she got into her apartment Adele leaned on her door, a big smile on her face. 'Did I just kiss him?' she thought to herself. 'Oh god I did!' Adele started to giggle as her heart thumped in her chest. --- A few days later Zack knocked on Adele's door. She answered it and saw that Zack was standing there with a serious look on his face. "Hi Zack what's the matter?" she asked quizzically. Zack shook his head and told her he had good news and bad news about her story. He asked her which she wanted to hear first. "What's the good news?" she asked concerned. "The good news is that the chief editor is willing to look at your story but it may take a few weeks before he can get to it," Zack said with a smile. "Really? That's great!" Adele said with an excited grin. "So what's the bad news?" "Well the girl I had in mind to do your illustrations is already on another project, so you'll probably have to work with one of our in-house artists." Adele looked disappointed and a bit concerned. "Oh, well I guess that's not too bad." --- Several weeks passed with them going out for coffee every few days. Adele was feeling more and more comfortable with Zack. He finally asked Adele if she'd like to go to dinner with him. She had a moment of indecision then accepted his offer. They went out to a nice restaurant and again Zack had a serious look on his face. After they ordered Zack told Adele that he had some more news for her about her story. Adele became very nervous, thinking that her story had been rejected. She asked him to tell her the good news first. Zack tried to keep his face straight but a little grin played across his lips and his eyes were twinkling with mirth. "Well I hate to tell you this but your story has been accepted." He said. Adele sat in shock for a moment. "Are you serious? Your boss liked it?" she asked incredulously. "He didn't just like it he loved it!" Zack said with a smile. "There's only one problem though." "Oh, what's the problem?" Adele asked nervously. "The artist you're going to be working with is a guy, and you'll have to work closely with him to get everything just right." Adele blanched, her hands started to shake and she looked like she was going to cry. "I don't know if I can do that Zack. I mean, I've only been able to really trust you since I was attacked." "Well I have some good news regarding that Adele. This guy is very nice and patient, I think you'll get along well with him." "But Zack I'll probably have to be alone with him and I don't think I could handle that just yet." Zack chuckled, "Well that's too bad because I was looking forward to spending more time with you Adele." Adele's eyes widened in surprise, "You mean you're going to do the pictures for my story? I thought you were an editor!" Zack laughed again, "I am, but I was an illustrator before I moved to editing. Will you be okay with working long hours with me?" Adele squealed and leaned across the table and kissed Zack on the lips. She blushed and pulled away from Zack. "Oh my god did I just do that?" Now it was Zack's turn to be surprised speechless. "Ah, yes I think you just did sweetie." "I'm so sorry, I don't know what came over me Zack." Adele said. "Don't be sorry Adele," Zack said with a warm smile. --- Adele was back at her therapists. They'd just started her session. "So how have you been Adele?" her therapist asked. Adele blushed and grinned, looking down into her lap, "I kissed him, on the lips." "Oh really?" Charlene asked, a bit surprised by this turn of events. "Why did you kiss Zack, Adele?" Adele told her how she'd shown him one of her stories, and how he had given it to his boss to read. That it was going to be published and that Zack was going to illustrate her story and she was so excited she just jumped up and kissed him. "How do you feel about kissing him then?" Charlene asked. "I dunno, it felt good, I got all tingly and I liked it I guess." Adele said quietly. "How did Zack react to you kissing him?" "He said he liked it too. I am looking forward to spending more time with Zack, I really like him Charlene." Charlene smiled and nodded her head. "It seems that Zack is having a good effect on our recovery plan Adele. I don't think there should be anything wrong with spending more time together. Are you sleeping better since our last appointment?" Adele frowned, "The pills help me sleep but I still have the nightmares. I still wake up screaming. Will they ever stop Charlene?" "I think with time they will." she said. "You're still very fragile and need as much positive stimulation as possible. That's why I think that seeing Zack is a good thing. From what I've seen he appears to be a very positive influence for you." --- Zack could still feel Adele's lips on his. They still tingled from the brief contact, and it had been three days since she'd kissed him. Zack wasn't just going to illustrate Adele's story he was editing it too. Having double duty wasn't going to be too hard for him though, it just meant that he got to work with Adele a bit more. They were sitting in his office going over some picture ideas. Zack's boss had had a drawing table moved into his office so it would be easier for him to work on Adele's book. "I like you're drawings Adele, with a little work we could probably use them almost as is." Adele blushed at Zack's compliment, "But they're so simple, and they're not very good. Couldn't you do a better job Zack?" "That's what makes them so good Adele, the simple lines and colours give the story a more child-like quality which goes well with the story's themes." They went on like this for several weeks, going over the story and drawings. Adele was surprised that they were using her story and drawings with very little modification. Zack's boss Oscar was very impressed with how well they worked together and called them into his office after they'd done the final edit. "Adele, Zack you've done a fine job in a very short time. I like the way you both work, you make a good team. Adele, judging from the quality of this initial story I'd like to see your other stories. Zack's told me you've written several others and I'd like to give you an advance of twenty thousand dollars to publish them. Would that be acceptable?" Adele was stunned into silence. She shook her head as if she were in a dream. She looked at Zack, "Twenty THOUSAND dollars?" "That's what Oscar said. What do you think?" Zack said with a huge grin. Adele turned to face Oscar, "Mister Conlan, you want to give me twenty thousand dollars for silly little stories that I wrote for my niece and nephews?" "Yes I do Adele, and please call me Oscar. Twenty thousand is only the advance, you still get royalties on all books and any third party marketing." Adele's eyes were wide with awe, "Thank you Oscar, I really don't know what to say. I just, well wow!" Oscar smiled at them and told them they should go out and celebrate a job well done. Zack and Adele left his office and walked back to Zack's. "So where did you want to celebrate Adele?" Zack asked with a grin. Adele laughed and grinned back at him, "Well I think I can treat you to something a bit better than a cheap burger joint Zack." --- Adele took Zack to dinner at a swanky restaurant. They laughed and talked over dinner and Adele realized she was having a wonderful time with Zack. After dinner they went back to their triplex and Zack walked Adele up to her unit. "Well here we are," Zack said with a smile. From A to Z Ch. 02 "Yes, thanks for a lovely evening Zack." "Adele...I just wanted to say these past few weeks have been amazing. I've really enjoyed working with you, spending time with you and getting to know you better." Adele smiled shyly and ducked her head as she lowered her eyes. "I've liked it too Zack. Thank you for everything." She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a soft, lingering kiss. Zack's hands went to her hips and pulled her closer as their kiss became hungrier and more urgent. Adele pulled back, gasping a bit. "I'm sorry Zack, I have to stop now. I can't...I'm not ready for this yet. I'm really sorry." She said with tears welling in her eyes. He caressed her cheek softly and nodded, "Okay sweetie. No pressure, I promise. Could we maybe watch a movie tomorrow? I'll behave." Adele smiled shakily and nodded, "Okay, I...we...yeah, tomorrow's fine. 'Night Zack. I'm so sorry!" She turned and entered her apartment and locked the door. Adele walked to her sofa and sat down. She was in such turmoil, she didn't know what to do. She sat and cried for a while, trying to get her head around what she and Zack had done. What had started off as a gentle kiss suddenly became a rampaging desire. She wanted to devour him, to touch him and love him. Her body had betrayed her mind. She couldn't trust herself again. She wasn't sure of anything anymore. --- Zack was furious with himself, he'd pushed too hard too fast. He knew he should have let Adele take the lead, but he couldn't help himself. He wanted her. No he needed her, he'd invested so much of himself into helping her heal, she had touched him so deeply that he knew he would always love her. When he got into his unit he threw his keys across the room in frustration. 'Damn it you're not some horny fifteen year old kid Zack!' he thought to himself. 'You knew going into this that she needed time! Then you pull a stupid boneheaded move and now you've scared the poor girl to death!' Zack went to bed totally disgusted with himself. --- The next morning Zack went in to work expecting the worst. He thought for sure that Adele was going to be a no show. He was surprised to see her waiting in his office with six more notebooks on her lap. She smiled shyly at him, "Hi Zack, I've got six more stories to show Oscar." "That's great Adele! It's good to see you. Look, about last night, I'm sorry. I pushed too hard too fast." "No Zack, I'm the one who should be apologizing. I was leading you on, I knew I wasn't ready but I kissed you anyway." Zack shook his head. "Adele you've kissed me before and nothing like last night happened. It was my fault." Adele slashed her hand in front of herself. "Regardless of who's fault it was Zack I think maybe we were both over-excited about finishing the book and everything else that happened yesterday. Let's just start fresh and move forward from today okay?" Zack was taken aback by the sudden forceful energy that Adele was showing. He smiled at her and nodded, "You're right sweetie, I think we both just got caught up in the moment. Are you still up for a movie tonight, if not that's okay." Adele nodded and smiled, "I think I'd like that Zack, but no kissing okay?" Adele knew that if they kissed again so soon she might not be able to keep control. Zack nodded and smiled, "Okay no problem. You're the boss Adele." That night Adele knocked on Zack's door. Zack welcomed her into his unit and asked her if she wanted anything to drink. "Not right now thanks Zack. I brought some microwave popcorn. So what movie did you want to watch?" "Don't laugh okay?" Zack said with a smile. Adele smiled and promised Zack that she wouldn't laugh. "I was thinking maybe 'Singing in the Rain'? It's kind of a neutral, feel-good movie." Adele grinned at Zack and tilted her head to one side as she tried to contain a giggle. "Okay and it's one of my favourite movies." Zack said with a wry grin and a chuckle. They made their popcorn and watched the movie, sitting at opposite ends of Zack's sofa with the bowl of popcorn between them. Over the next several months they made Saturday night a movie night. Sometimes at Zack's, sometimes at Adele's. Zack backed off completely and let Adele call all of the shots. She slowly worked them up from sitting apart to holding hands, then sitting together and finally cuddling together. Adele eventually felt that she could finally trust herself to kiss Zack again without scaring herself. They continued working together on Adele's other books while they waited for their first book to hit the stores. From A to Z Ch. 03 As usual this story is exclusively my property and can't be republished or redistributed without my permission. Names have been changed to protect the guilty and not-so-innocent. Any resemblance to people living, dead or non-existent is merely a coincidence. * Zack gave Adele a little squeeze as they relaxed on her sofa and watched a movie. Adele snuggled into him and grinned. It had been about six months since Adele had made her leap of faith and opened up to Zack. They'd decided to take it slow so Adele could get over her issues with men. "So you're really okay with this Zack?" Zack kissed the top of Adele's head and squeezed her again. "Honey if it took a thousand years I'd wait for you." "You're not just saying that?" "No babe, I've stuck by you for this long, when you're ready for the next step I'll be here waiting for you." Zack said as he smiled at Adele. Adele turned back to the movie and smiled to herself. She knew that Zack meant what he'd said. From the day they'd met he'd been nothing but patient and sweet with her, letting Adele decide how fast or slow their relationship would unfold. Zack thought about why Adele was asking these questions. He knew she was still self-conscious about her scars, but that was mostly only when they went out now. He still thought she was pretty despite them. Zack thought she was exceptional for surviving what she'd gone through. He knew he'd do anything for Adele, she just needed time to let her emotional scars heal, and he was willing to wait. "Did you want more wine hon?" Zack asked. Adele gave Zack a kiss, "Thanks love." Zack went to the kitchen and poured more wine into Adele's glass and mixed himself another 'Jack' and ginger. He still couldn't wrap his brain around how a guy could do what had been done to Adele. She had a sweet, almost innocent air about her. With her sparkling hazel eyes and musical laugh she was everything he wanted in a woman. When Zack returned to the living room he saw that Adele had pulled a blanket around herself. He placed their drinks on the coffee table and as he went to sit down Adele opened her arms to wrap him in the blanket as well. Adele rested her head and arm on Zack's chest. Zack's arm unconsciously wrapped around her. "So uhm, are you doing anything next weekend sweetie?" Zack asked. Adele hummed, "As far as I know I'm going to be with you hon, why?" "Well my sister and brother are flying in for the weekend, and I was hoping maybe you'd be up to meeting them." Adele raised her head and looked at Zack. He could see a look of fear in her eyes for just a second. "Wow it must be serious if you want me to meet your family." Zack kissed Adele's nose, "Well Sandy's been bugging me for details for months. I think this 'trip' is a scouting mission for my Mom." Adele gave him one of her precious grins, "So. How much have you told your family about me?" "I told them that you were the most wonderful, beautiful girl in the world with the spirit of a tigress." "Did you tell them about my..." "Yes I did love, and when I told them what had happened they didn't care. They just want to meet the girl who's captured my heart." Adele frowned a bit, "Well I don't want them to feel sorry for me. I get enough of that crap from strangers on the street." "That's my little tigress!" Zack said with a chuckle. "So I guess you'll be giving up your bed to them when they come in?" "Yeah it's only for a few nights, I'll just pike out on my couch." Zack replied. "Or," Adele said shyly. "You could sleep here." "My couch or yours, not much difference baby." Adele blushed prettily, "No I meant you could sleep here. With me." "Are you sure sweetie? I don't want you to feel pressured or anything." Adele smiled and gave Zack a lingering kiss, "No pressure, I promise. But I think I'm ready for the next step. That is if you think you are." Zack grinned, "I think I can manage honey." --- Zack met his sister and brother at the airport Friday. Adele had begged off going to the airport, but offered to make a dinner instead. As Zack opened the door to his unit an amazing array of aromas wafted out into the entry hall. Zack's sister inhaled sharply, "Oh wow! Is that an Indian curry and Thai food I'm smelling?" Zack grinned at his sister, "Yeah Adele's a bit of a mad scientist in the kitchen. She makes me look like a rank amateur." Adele came out of the kitchen rubbing a tea towel over her hands. Her hair was down, hiding her scars from view. Sandy stepped forward and gave Adele a warm hug. "Hi Adele, I'm so happy to finally meet you. Zack didn't do you justice, you're far prettier than he said." Adele smiled shyly, "Thanks, I guess Zack's told you more about me than he's told me about you." Sandy laughed, "Zack's been like that with all of his girlfriends, I think he's afraid we'll spill his dirty little secrets or something." "Hi Adele, I'm Dean, it's great to finally put a face to a name." Adele gave Zack a saucy grin, "Just what else have you been telling your family about me Mister?" Zack gave Adele an innocent look, "Nothing but the truth, honestly." Sandy took Adele by the arm and led her toward the kitchen, "Time for us to have a girls only chat Adele." When the girls got into the kitchen Sandy let go of Adele's arm and turned to her, "Is my little brother being good to you honey?" Adele smiled shyly, "He's been wonderful, nothing but gentle and attentive. He never forces the issue and lets me set the pace." "As he should, I'm sure you're skittish after going through what you have." Adele giggled, "I thought I was going to die the first time we met! I was so scared of Zack I couldn't even look at him." "Well you seem to have come around pretty well so far sweetie. "Zack's told us about what happened to you. Would you let me see them?" "Huh? See what Sandy?" Your scars sweetie, it's okay I'm an ER nurse." Adele slowly pulled her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. Sandy inspected Adele's scars for a moment, taking her by the chin and moving her into a better light. "I hope the rat-bastard is in jail honey," Sandy said. "Yes, attempted murder, aggravated assault, battery, and sexual assault. He'll be gone for a good long time." Sandy sighed, "Do you have any idea how lucky you are to be alive? Probably a half millimetre deeper and he would've cut your carotid artery. I've see this too many times sweetie." "I know I'm lucky Sandy, if it weren't for Mrs Klein upstairs calling 911, I never would've made it." Sandy gave Adele a tight hug, "The important thing is that you're here with us now. So when's dinner? Airplane food doesn't agree with me and your dinner smells heavenly!" Adele blushed at Sandy's compliment. "It's ready now. Let's call the boys in." --- After dinner Zack and Sandy cleared the table while Dean and Adele went out to Zack's small patio. "Are you okay with me being here with you Adele? I can go back inside if you want." Adele shook her head. "No it's okay Dean, my therapist has done wonders with me. And having Zack to help me too doesn't hurt either. Six months ago I would've been a complete wreck with you here." Adele pulled a small silver case from her pocket and removed a cigarette and lighter from it. She lit it and took a pull then exhaled a cloud of blue smoke. "So what kind of work do you do?" Dean asked. "Well I used to do some acting, mostly bit parts in tv shows and movies. But since this happened I had to be happy with voice-over work and character voices on children's shows. Then I showed Zack the stories I wrote for my niece and nephews, and apparently I'm now an author!" she said with a small laugh. "Sounds like you've had some fun jobs, beats being an accountant," Dean laughed. "Zack never mentioned that you smoke, how long have you been doing it?" Adele blushed, "Only since I was attacked. Nervous habit I picked up from one of the girls when I was in the hospital. We'd go outside to chat and one day I asked for one. I know I need to quit. Zack's not thrilled with it but I've almost got it beat." "Good, I smoked for ten years and haven't regretted quitting once." --- "You know she's a pretty amazing girl don't you?" Sandy asked her brother as they did the dishes. Zack smiled, "Yes I do sis, she's a real fighter. She's come so far since we met." "In more ways than one Zack. That knife cut on her throat should've killed her, but she somehow beat the odds. I've seen girls come into the ER with less severe wounds die on the table. I have no love for men who do things like that." "Neither do I Sandy, it just doesn't compute for me. I could never do anything like that to a woman." "So have you met her family yet Zack?" "She's talked a little about her family. I know she has a sister here in town and brother out in B.C., but that's about it. She's still not to the stage where she wants me to meet them I guess." "Give her time little bro, it'll come." --- Later that night Zack and Adele were in her apartment getting ready for bed. Adele slipped under the covers and pulled them up to her neck. She started to shiver when she thought this would be the first time she'd shared a bed with a guy in over two years. 'Maybe I'm not as ready as I thought I was.' she thought to herself. Adele shook her head to clear it, 'No, this is Zack. I know he'll respect my boundaries.' "Okay, I'm ready hon." she called out. Zack came into Adele's bedroom and was surprised by what he saw. On every horizontal surface there were small statues and figurines of unicorns and Pegasus'. He chuckled softly, "Wow, you could at least have warned me before I came in baby." Adele looked sheepishly at him. "Sorry, it's a bit of a fetish for me. I've collected them since I was a kid. I just find them soothing." Zack could see that Adele was nervous, he didn't want to push her out of her comfort zone. "Are you sure you're ready for this sweetie? I can still sleep on the couch if you want." "No! No it's okay Zack. This is just a big step for me. I trust you, it's me I'm worried about." "Don't think you can resist this hunky bod huh?" Adele threw a pillow at Zack, "Just hurry up and get into bed before I change my mind and banish you forever." Zack slipped under the covers and lay beside Adele, he could feel her shivering and grew concerned. "Sweetie, maybe this isn't a good idea." "Zack it was my idea and I'm not changing my mind now." Adele slipped her hand into his and sighed. Zack squeezed her fingers gently. Then she squeezed his. Adele looked at Zack and smiled. "See? I survived!" Zack let her hand go and rolled onto his side, propping his head up. "You are so beautiful, I can't believe how lucky I am." Adele rolled to face him. "What do you want?" Zack kissed Adele softly. "Just to hold you until you fall asleep love." "Are you going to behave?" Adele asked softly. "Yes, I promise." Zack said with a grin. Adele frowned, "Darn, I was hoping you'd say no." "Are you serious? This is already a big step for you sweetie. "Yes, no. I don't know Zack. I love you honey, you've been so kind and patient with me. I just don't want to get your hopes up then chicken out on you." "So lets just leave it the way it is for now. I'm in no rush, I just want to be with you when you're ready okay?" "Okay. Do you think it'll be okay for us to cuddle?" Zack ran the backs of his fingers along Adele's cheek, "I think that'll be a good start." Adele rolled to her other side then squirmed back until she could feel Zack's chest against her spine. Zack wrapped his arm around Adele's slender waist, she was still shivering but not as bad. "See sweetie? Just like when we cuddle on the sofa." "Yeah it is. I like it when you hold me. I feel so safe in your arms Zack." Adele said as she cuddled closer. Zack kissed her ear lobe and murmured into Adele's ear, "Sweet dreams my love." Adele purred and smiled, enjoying the warmth of Zack's body against hers. --- Adele woke up alone in her bed. She couldn't remember having such a good sleep in a long time. She wondered where Zack had gotten to, but realized that he was making coffee and what smelled like breakfast from the smells coming down the hall. She got out of bed and walked down the hall to the kitchen. "Morning gorgeous! I was wondering when you'd wake up. Sandy and Dean will be up in a few, so you might want to get a robe or something on." Adele ignored Zack's words for the moment and walked over to him. She planted a slow sensuous kiss on him then grinned. "Thanks for the best sleep I've had in ages, last night was my first night with no nightmares." "You're welcome baby, but unless you have plans to show Dean your panties you'd better hustle." Adele turned and gave Zack a cheeky grin over her shoulder as she went back down the hall. When she came back into the kitchen Sandy and Dean were sharing coffee with Zack at the table. --- Later in the day while they were all out browsing the old town shops Adele pulled Zack down and whispered in his ear, "Last night was good. How would you feel about going for the next step tonight?" Zack smiled broadly, "Only if you feel that you're ready sweetie." Adele nodded her head, her eyes wide and filled with excitement and just a hint of desire. "Did I ever tell you how much I love you?" Zack asked as he hugged her close. "God, you two just look so cute together!" Sandy said as she and Dean approached them from across the lane. Adele blushed shyly as she looked up at Zack, "Thank's Sandy, ." That night events played out very similar to the previous night, except this time Adele got into the bed naked. "I'm in now Zack," she said after she'd climbed into bed and pulled the blankets up again. Zack poked his head in the door, "Are you sure Adele? It's not too late if you want to change your mind sweetie." "Zack it's time. You've patiently waited for me to heal emotionally. If I can't make love to the man I love, the man who loves me with all his heart, then it's time for me to break it off so you can get on with your life. I took a leap of faith with you six months ago. It's time for another one." Zack stepped into the room and Adele started to giggle uncontrollably. "Laugh it up sweet-pea, I've been walking around with this hard-on since this afternoon." Adele patted the bed beside her and grinned, "Looks like our little friend needs some attention, lover." Zack got into bed beside Adele, he could feel waves of heat coming off of her. He opened his arms to her and she snuggled into him, resting her head on his shoulder. Feeling Adele's lithe body pressed up against his only made his erection that much more uncomfortable. Adele's fingers traced circles in Zack's chest hair as she hummed tunelessly to herself. Zack shivered at her touch, "God sweetheart this is driving me nuts." "Well I'm still calling the shots lover, you'll just have to be a bit more patient okay?" Zack growled but acquiesced, knowing that his months of patience was well worth it. Adele's fingers drifted down Zack's chest and stopped at his hard stomach. Zack squirmed and inhaled sharply. "Calm down honey, I'll make it happen. Just a little bit longer okay?" Adele said with a soft moan. Zack began stroking Adele's back and kissed her passionately. His tongue darted into her mouth and began wrestling with hers. Adele moaned again as her hand slipped lower until the tips of her fingers just grazed Zack's cock head. His whole body lurched at Adele's touch, this was far and away the most intimate they had ever been. Adele kissed Zack hungrily. She was surprised at how brazen she was acting. Ever since they'd cuddled the night before she'd had this tremendous hunger to have sex with Zack in the worst way. Her fingers brushed the tip of his cock again and tickled it playfully, which made Zack groan and twitch with pent-up lust. Adele rolled on top of Zack, pinning his cock between them. They kissed again and Adele arched her back as she fed Zack one of her firm breasts. Zack's hands explored her body, touching her in places only her lover would know. "Uhhnn, God that feels so good lover. Thank you, Zack. Thank you for being so patient, thank you for loving me." Zack pushed his hips up into Adele's, making her squeak in surprise as his cock thrummed against her clit. Adele kissed Zack again as she rubbed her steaming pussy against his cock, leaving a trail of warm moisture along its vein. "Baby I should be thanking you." Zack said as he kissed Adele. Adele stopped rubbing her pussy on Zack's cock for a second, "Thank me for what Zack?" "For trusting me, and believing in me sweetie." Zack replied with a grin as he tweaked her nipple. "I've always trusted you Zack, I just couldn't trust myself." Adele said as she slowly lowered herself onto him. Zack groaned as he felt Adele's pussy engulf him in its warm, moist embrace. Adele mewled as he filled her up. They both moaned as she ground her clit against Zack's pubic bone. Adele slowly started to raise and lower herself on his manhood, impaling her hot vagina on him oh so slowly. "Oh Zack, I've wanted this for so long. I'm so sorry I took so long, I just had to know that we really loved each other before this could happen." Zack caressed Adele's breasts and he thumbed her nipples, eliciting a sharp gasp and soft moan. "I've loved you since that day in the laundry room." "I know lover," Adele said as she picked up her pace. "I just had a hard time trusting my own feelings for you." Zack started to thrust upward into Adele, making her cry out with pleasure. "So now you trust those feelings babe?" "Oh God yes!" Adele said as she felt herself nearing climax. "I love you Zack, I'm so close lover!" Adele was riding Zack like a fury, grinding herself onto him with unbridled lust. Zack was holding her hips as she gasped and moaned in ecstasy. "Fuck babe I want to cum so bad. You're driving me nuts, ride me hon." "Fuck, fuck fuck! I can feel it lover! I'm cumming! Shit! Oh God, Jesus! Adele's pussy clamped down on Zack's cock and began milking it hungrily. Zack couldn't hold back any longer and roared out as his member swelled in Adele, his cum jetting deep into Adele's burning pussy. Adele began crying with release and slumped down onto Zack's chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Zack wrapped his arms around her and stroked her back as he murmured softly into her ear. Adele's body was wracked with her crying, "I'm s-sorry Zack! I-I, well wow. Its been so long, I just. Holy Mother!" "It's okay babe, just take it easy. Get yourself together hon, take a deep breath." Zack murmured as he kept stroking her back and hair. Zack was taken totally off guard when Adele started to giggle. "Are you okay baby?" As she caught her breath Adele lifted her head and grinned at him, "I've never said 'holy mother' in my entire life until just now. I have no idea why I said that!" They both started to laugh and Zack gave Adele a tender hug. She tucked her hair behind her ear as she grinned at Zack. Zack traced her scars with a finger, "You are the most beautiful woman I've ever known Adele." She smiled shyly, "Do you really mean that? Even with my scars?" "Your scars show the world that you can take anything it throws at you and you'll overcome it!" Adele kissed Zack and nipped his lower lip playfully. "Wanna go again?" Zack grinned as his hands patted her bottom. Needless to say they got very little sleep that night. From A to Z Ch. 04 As usual this story is exclusively my property and can't be republished or redistributed without my permission. Names have been changed to protect the guilty and not-so-innocent. Any resemblance to people living, dead or non-existent is merely a coincidence. --- Zack and Adele were awakened by a rapping on her apartment door. Zack rolled over and nudged Adele, then put on some shorts and went to the door. He wasn't surprised to see his sister and brother standing in the doorway with a tray of coffees and a box of danishes. Sandy grinned when she saw Zack. "You look like you pulled an all nighter baby brother." "Fuck you sis," Zack said with a grin as he looked at the clock. "Morning Dean, I'm shocked that you managed to keep her away 'til seven." Dean chuckled, "She was champing at the bit at six Zack!" Adele walked down the hall in her robe, hair all messed up and rubbing sleep from her eyes. "Morning, is that coffee I smell?" Sandy laughed and pulled Adele into the kitchen again. "Girl talk!" "So? You've survived two nights in the same bed! You must be very proud of yourself Adele." "I am. Zack held me all the first night. It was the first time I didn't have nightmares in almost two years. And last night, well I just felt like I could take it to another level. All I can say is wow! We finally fell asleep around four." Sandy chuckled and gave her a hug. "I'm so glad for you two Adele!" "So am I Sandy. It's not that I couldn't trust Zack, I was mostly afraid of my own feelings for him." Sandy smiled warmly at Adele, "Sometimes trusting yourself is harder than trusting others. You're a strong, beautiful girl Adele, building that trust with Zack can only make your relationship with him stronger." Adele blushed, "I love him Sandy, he said something to me the other night that really brought things into perspective for me. He told me that my scars don't define me, but they do let the world know that I can take whatever it throws my way and I can overcome it." Sandy looked chagrined, "About the other night, I want to apologize for being so abrupt. I shouldn't have made you show me your scars like that. I sometimes get a head of steam and barrel along without thinking." Adele gave Sandy a hug, "It's okay, I know you were just doing it out of concern for me. Like you said, you've seen it before and the important thing is that I'm here with you now." --- Dean gave Zack a knowing look and smiled, "Judging from the look of you two I'd guess you've made a very large leap in your relationship?" "You could say that bro," Zack said with a grin. "I've wanted last night to happen for the longest time, but I knew I had to wait until Adele was ready for it." "It's a good thing you're such a patient guy Zack. I'm not sure I could've handled waiting like you have man." "After Adele told me what happened with her ex there as no way I could force the issue Dean. It broke my heart when she cried as described everything that happened the night she was attacked. Hell bud I won't deny it, I was crying myself." "She seems to be a pretty special girl Zack, I'm glad for you both." Dean said with a smile. Zack nodded his head, "I know she is Dean, she's got a lot of spirit. Adele's come a long way since we met. She was so meek and frightened when we first met, well now you've seen what she's like. She's a totally different girl." "Well for what it's worth I think Adele's a keeper. Your Mom and Dad can't wait to meet her." Zack nodded, "Yeah I kinda figured you and Sandy were here to scout for them." "Well, now that Sandy and I are done having kids, you're Mom's last hope for more grand kids." "Grand kids? We've only been together for six months!" Zack replied with disbelief. Dean chuckled, "Your Mom needs new babies to spoil Zack. You know how much she's loved being a Granny." "Well she's going to have to wait a bit longer Dean, we do things at Adele's pace. I'll never push her to do anything she's not ready for." "Good, I'm glad you said that Zack. You've spent a lot of time gaining Adele's trust. Don't go messing that up to please Mom." "Thanks Dean, I love her so much. I just couldn't fathom making her do something she wasn't ready for." --- Zack and Adele were driving back home after dropping Sandy and Dean at the airport. They were both quiet for the longest time, then both tried to talk at the same time. "Maybe we should..." "I was thinking we could..." They both laughed and Zack told Adele she should go first. Adele blushed and stammered at first. "I thought that maybe we should move in together since we're always together anyway?" Zack laughed and Adele asked him what was so funny. "I was going to say the same thing sweetie, are you really sure about this? We've had two major breakthroughs this weekend. Are you ready for a third so soon? No pressure, I promise." Adele ran her fingers through Zack's hair and lowered her eyes, "Well it doesn't have to be right away. I was thinking we could maybe get a little bigger place? Maybe a two bedroom unit?" "Why two bedroom sweetie? If we're sleeping together we should be fine with a larger one bedroom." Zack replied. "Well when Sandy and I were talking earlier, she was telling me about your Mom wishing she had more babies in the family. And well if we ever decided to, you know, it would be handy..." Zack snorted and shook his head, "It's a bloody conspiracy. Dean was talking to me about the same thing. Don't let my family pressure you into something you're not ready for sweetie, my mom loves having lots of babies around. We have to do things in our own time, you know you'll get no pressure from me." "Well I just thought it would be better to be ready for when we get to that step. No pressure, I promise." Adele said with a grin. Zack smiled back at her, "Okay we'll look for a two bedroom. But babies are when we want them, not my mom okay?" Adele tucked her chin down and grinned to herself, "Okay Zack." --- After working out their finances they found that it would be cheaper to buy a house rather than rent. They contacted a realtor and began house hunting. It didn't take long before they found exactly what they wanted. They bought a modest little house in an established, quiet neighbourhood. Once the move was complete Adele and Zack lay exhausted in their new livingroom. "I didn't think we'd ever finish! Thank god for movers! And where did all those boxes come from?" Zack smiled, "Well between my books and your little horses what did you expect sweetie?" "Oh yeah, my figurines! They're not horses they're Pegasus' and unicorns. Get it right Zack." Adele said with a giggle. Zack gave Adele an evil grin, "Think you have enough energy to christen our new home?" She rolled her eyes and gave him a peck on the cheek, "Before we do anything I need a long, hot shower." "Need someone to wash your back?" Zack offered. "Sure lover, I think I'd like that." They left a trail of clothes behind them to the bathroom. Adele set the water and stepped in. Zack joined her and they were enveloped in clouds of steam and pelting water. Zack wrapped his arms around Adele, loving the feel of her water slicked body against his. Adele kissed him lingeringly as her hands slowly moved down his body until they found Zack's erection. She slowly stroked him as she began to kiss her way down his body. "God that feels so good Adele, you are totally amazing babe." Adele grinned up at him and popped the tip of his cock into her mouth, swirling her tongue around it. Zack's cock popped back out of her mouth and she stroked it faster, "Mmm yummy." Adele slowly moved back up Zack's body, kissing him as she went. When she was standing again she gave him another gentle kiss. She took the body wash and washed Zack's hair then slowly lathered him up running her hands all over him and teasing him as she did. When she figured she'd cleaned him well enough she playfully pushed him under the water and rinsed him off. Now Zack took the gel and lathered her hair then moved to the rest of her body. He slipped his hands across her shoulders and slightly rounded belly, then moved to her breasts where he paid special attention to her hard little nipples. Adele gasped and moaned softly at his touch. His hand glided between Adele's legs, gently massaging her cleft, making her moan again and grab him for support. After they were both squeaky clean they kissed and caressed each other in the fine spray of water, enjoying the feel of their wet bodies together. Both of them were moaning and touching with more heat when they heard the doorbell ring. Adele's eyes widened and she pulled away from Zack a bit, "Oh shit!" she said with a giggle, "It must be later than I thought!" Zack looked at her with a confused look. "What do you mean babe?" "That's probably Wendy, Kyle and the kids. Didn't I tell you they were going to come over after Caleb's soccer tournament?" Zack laughed, "No you didn't, but someone better get dressed and answer the door." Adele grinned and stepped out of the shower, narrowly missing a smack to her bottom. She grabbed a towel as she skipped into their bedroom. Adele rifled through her clothes and quickly got dressed then hurried to get the door. Zack shook his head and grinned. The one thing he'd learned about Adele since they'd met was that she was always full of surprises. Zack knew that Adele had to do things in her own time, he'd patiently waited for her to open up and let him into her life. Now it seemed that she was ready to share her family. He turned off the water, wrapped himself in a towel and went to get dressed. Adele opened the door and was instantly tackled by three little balls of energy. "Aunt Adele we won, we won! See my trophy?" "Auntie Adele, Caleb scored three goals!" said Josh, proud of his big brother. "I hurt my knee and I didn't even cry. I'm brave like you." little Katriona stated matter-of-factly as she pointed to a band aid covering her knee. Adele hugged and kissed her niece and nephews with a laugh. "That's wonderful Caleb! Joshy you must've been so proud of Caleb huh? You are very brave little Kat!" Wendy and Kyle stood in the doorway watching their kids vie for Adele's attention, both of them trying hard not to laugh. "Hi Wendy," Adele said when she finally got up off of the floor, giving her sister a hug and kiss. She turned and kissed Kyle on the cheek, giving him a tight hug as well. "Hi Kyle, I'm glad you guys could come. Zack's just getting out of the shower. He'll be down in a minute." "Mmmm, I smell KFC!" Zack said as he came down the stairs. Adele turned and smiled at Zack, holding her hand out to him. "Zack, This is my sister Wendy and her husband Kyle. And these are my niece and nephews, Caleb, Josh and Katriona." Zack smiled at Wendy and Kyle, "Well it's great to finally meet you, Adele's told me a lot about all of you." Wendy gave Zack a hug, holding him tight for just a moment. "Thank you Zack, you've done so much for us! You've brought my big sister back to me." He was a bit surprised but Zack hugged Wendy back, "Hey it's okay. I'm the one who should be thanking you guys. You've both been a great support for her." Kyle shook Zack's hand and gave him a 'man' hug. "Well we've been supportive, but you were the one who got Adele to come back out of her shell and live again." Zack turned a faint red and smiled, "I honestly didn't do much, I just made suggestions and let Adele decide how we would proceed." Wendy hugged Zack again, "It doesn't matter who did what Zack, all I know is that since she's met you Adele's been happy again." Zack blushed and grinned then got to his knees so he could talk to the kids. He looked them over then squinted. "You must be Kat right?" He said as he pointed at Caleb. "No!" Caleb said with a dignity that belied his six years. "I'm Caleb." He looked at Josh next, "Hmm, Katriona?" "I'm Josh," he said with a giggle. Zack nodded his head and looked at Katriona, "Okay Howard, got it." Little Katriona giggled at Zack. He looked at Kat very intently, "You must be Josh then right?" "No I'm Josh!" Josh said as his brother and sister giggled. Zack looked at Josh briefly, "Sure thing Winston, whatever you say." Even Adele, Wendy and Kyle were laughing now. Zack looked at Katriona again, "You're not Josh?" Little Katriona giggled again, "I'm Katriona! THAT's Josh!" Zack looked up at the other adults and winked, "HIM? He's George! If YOU'RE Caleb, and YOU'RE Katriona, WHO IS JOSH!?" Josh put his hands on Zack's shoulders and looked him in the eye, "I. Am. Josh!" "Well why didn't you say so?" Zack laughed. Wendy nudged Adele, "Is he always like this?" "Yeah pretty much. He just seems to be able to engage people and make them feel comfortable around him." Adele said with a warm smile. "Sort of like what he did with you?" Wendy laughed as she watched her kids pile onto Zack. "Exactly," she replied. Over dinner everyone picked a box, chair or the floor to eat from. The kids were busy telling Zack and Adele about Caleb's tournament and some of the other fun things that they'd done since the last time they'd seen their aunt. Adele watched how Zack interacted with the kids. They were so excited they pretty much forgot about their dinners and he was laughing and asking all sorts of questions. He had them captivated, she could tell the boys thought he was totally cool and Kat was in love with him. It warmed her heart to know that her family was accepting him and he was doing the same with them. Even Wendy and Kyle seemed drawn to him. "So Adele, when's your book coming out? The kids have been driving us nuts to get them one." Kyle asked with a chuckle. "It'll be in the stores next month, but I have a special surprise for all three of you kids!" Adele rummaged through one of the boxes and brought out three copies of her and Zack's first book. "These are the first three books that were printed, I hope you'll like them. I signed them for you too!" "Cool!" "Wow!" "Yay!" "Hey, Zack didn't sign them." Josh said. Zack chuckled, "Well I really only copied your Auntie Adele's pictures. I didn't do all that much Josh." "Yeah but your name's on the cover too, 'Zack Hol-Holland' see? So you have to sign too!" Caleb said with the logic of a six year old. "Okay, okay! Can someone give me a pen please?" Wendy handed Zack a pen and grinned at him. "I guess you're famous too Zack." Zack took the books from the kids and muttered as he wrote, "To my new best friend Caleb, to my new best friend Josh, and to my new best friend Katriona." Kat giggled and shook her head as he gave them back their books, "We can't all be your best friend silly!" "Sure you can sweetheart!" Zack said as he tickled her belly. "A best friend is just someone you can act goofy with, and not worry if they're going to think you're weird. Your Auntie Adele is my best friend!" Adele circled her finger by her temple and whistled as she crossed her eyes. The kids all giggled and the adults laughed too. "Zack? Are you going to be our uncle?" Kat asked innocently. Zack was surprised and laughed, looking at Adele, "Well that's really up to your Auntie Adele don't you think?" "Uhh, well it's kinda complicated Kat, usually the boy asks the girl if she'd like to marry him. He also gives her a ring..." Kyle could see that Adele was trying to dig herself out of a hole. "Katriona sweetie your Auntie Adele and Zack haven't known each other for very long. When they're ready to get married I'm sure they'll let us know first." "Tell you what sugar-plum, I promise I won't ask your Auntie to marry me unless you're there with us okay?" Katriona smiled happily, "Okay Zack." "Well guys, the kids have been going non-stop all day and look about ready to crash." Kyle commented. "You two look pretty wiped too. I think it's time for us to head home. Come on kids, say your goodbyes and get your shoes on." "But daddy!" the three of them chorused. Wendy gave them a stern look, "No buts you little monsters. Say your good nights and do as your dad said." The kids gave Adele and Zack good night hugs. Katriona gave Zack his hug and said, "Good night Uncle Zack, ask soon okay?" After Wendy, Kyle and the kids left Adele wrapped her arms around Zack and hugged him tight. "Thanks honey." Zack hugged her back and kissed Adele on the forehead. "You're welcome, but I'm not sure what I did." "The kids, you were so good with them. I think Katriona's in love with you." Adele said with a giggle. "Yeah she's a little sweetheart. I can see why you love them, they're pretty great kids." Adele, kissed Zack and looked in to his eyes, "You're going to be a great daddy Zack, our little ones are going to love you so much." "Well I'd certainly love them Adele, when we decide to have kids I'm sure they'll be as beautiful as you. So if I asked, would you sweetie?" "If you asked what love?" Adele said with a soft smile. Zack chuckled and gave Adele a little squeeze, "If I asked you to marry me, would you? I know I promised Kat that I wouldn't ask you unless she was there, but call me curious." Adele looked surprised then gave Zack a cute grin and said, "Okay Curious, I'd say yes in a heartbeat. Zack you've given me my life back and opened doors for me that I didn't even know existed. If it weren't for you I don't know if I would've been able to heal and get back to being me." "Adele you're a strong woman, I'm sure you would have been able to get things done yourself. I think I just helped the process along a bit, that's all." "Like Wendy said lover, it doesn't matter who did what, being with you has healed my emotional scars. I could never repay you for what you've done." Zack gave Adele a lecherous grin and squeezed her tight, "I could think of a thing or three that would get the ball rolling." With that Zack picked Adele up, she wrapped her legs around his waist and kissed him passionately as he carried her up the stairs to their bedroom. When he got her in their room Zack put Adele back down. She smiled and kissed him again then stepped back, pulling her tank top up and off. Zack ate her up with his eyes, loving the sight of her perfect breasts and firm belly. He followed suit and removed his tee, revealing his toned chest and abs. Adele put her hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat through his sternum. She couldn't believe how lucky she was, Zack always treated her like she was the most important person in the universe to him. Right from the beginning Zack had always undervalued his contribution to her recovery. Adele knew that she would do anything to make Zack happy. She'd been caught off guard by little Katriona's question about Zack becoming her uncle, and had been surprised by his almost proposal. Zack looked into Adele's sparkling eyes. He could see her love for him in them. His heart always did a flip when she smiled at him. Her smiles lit up her face and were contagious. Adele's demure yet sometimes saucy nature was enhanced by her soft, sultry voice. Adele moved into Zack's arms and kissed him softly again. Her hands stroked his back as her kiss became more urgent. Zack's tongue worked its way into Adele's mouth and tickled hers making her moan softly. Zack cupped Adele's face in his hands, his thumb lightly stroking the scars on her face. "What did I do to deserve you, angel?" Zack said softly. Adele smiled, "You loved me, accepted me and never gave up on me. I'll be yours forever and always Zack." "And I'll be yours, sweetheart." Zack said as he gently pushed Adele back against the bed, making her squeak in surprise as she fell back. From A to Z Ch. 04 Zack popped the button on Adele's jeans and unzipped them, then pulled them off her slender waist and down her legs. Adele slipped her little green bikini panties off and threw them across the room. She sat up and pulled Zack closer, then slid her hand into his board shorts, rooting around and playing with his rapidly hardening cock. Adele grinned up at Zack with a twinkle in her eyes. "Now what were we doing before we got interrupted?" She asked as she pulled Zack's cock out of his shorts. "Oh yeah, I remember!" Adele giggled as she popped the head of his cock into her mouth and began sucking on it. Zack groaned deeply and ran his fingers through Adele's soft blond hair. Adele's technique for oral sex very much reflected her quiet nature. She slowly and gently sucked and stroked Zack's member, flickering her tongue under it and over his head as she bobbed on it. She slowly took more of him into her mouth with every down-stroke. His hips moving in time with Adele's mouth Zack held Adele, letting her take him at her pace even though it was maddeningly slow. Adele loved giving Zack head, she had total control of him. She would bring him to the edge and back off before he got too far. She'd do this over and over until Zack was in a frenzy of barely restrained lust. Adele would sometimes make Zack wait twenty minutes before giving him that final push. Tonight was one of those nights. Zack's knees were wobbly and he was close, so close. Adele moved him around until he was sitting on the bed and she was kneeling on the floor between his knees. She managed to do this without once letting his cock leave her warm mouth. She'd teased and loved him until he was almost ready to explode several times. Adele decided she'd tortured the poor boy enough, and drew him deep into her mouth. With her tongue swirling around his head she sucked HARD. That was the last straw. Zack's balls dumped his cum into Adele's waiting mouth in great spurts and shots. Adele moaned around his manhood as she swallowed his cum, licking and sucking gently as he slowly diminished. Zack fell back onto the bed with a groan of relief. He was seeing spots before his eyes and his head pounded for a minute. Adele crawled up Zack's body and straddled him so that his cock was pinned under her belly. She rested her hands on his chest and her chin on them. "Did you like that sweetie?" she asked in a playful, kittenish tone. "You my love, are an evil woman." "Yeah I know, but you love it don't you?" she replied with a grin. "Adele, I've seen you grow from a frightened little rabbit into a strong, confident woman. I love everything about you." "Do you love my mouth?" Zack smiled, "Yes, I love your mouth." Adele kissed Zack, "Do you love my breasts?" "I adore your breasts honey." "Do you love my pussy?" "Yeah baby, I love your pussy." Zack replied with a low laugh. "How much do you love my pussy Zack?" Adele asked as her laughter tinkled through the air. "I love your pussy very, very much Adele." Adele pouted, "Only very, very much?" Zack laughed again, "Adele, yours is the most amazing pussy I have ever had the pleasure to have known." "Good! Now prove it." Zack rolled them over and thrust himself into Adele in one smooth move, making her gasp in surprise. "OH! Mmm yess!" Adele moaned. "Is that what you wanted baby?" Zack asked with a growl. "Yess, I want that Zack. I want you to fuck me. Fuck me baby." He started a steady hard rhythm with his hips, ramming his cock deep into Adele's pussy. Adele held on to Zack's shoulders and wrapped her legs around his back, pulling him deeper into her core. Every time Zack pushed into her his pubic bone crushed her sensitive clit, making her gasp and moan. "Do you like that baby? You like it when I fuck you hard don't you?" "OHH God yes Zack! I love it when you fuck my little pussy like this! Harder Zack, fuck me harder!" Zack pounded his cock into Adele, almost bouncing her off the bed with the force of his thrusts. "Do you love me baby?" "Y-yes! I love you Zack!" Zack pulled Adele's legs from around him and hitched them over his arms, pushing them up until they were almost level with her shoulders. "Do you love my cock Adele?" "Godd yes I love your cock!" Zack started to swivel his hips with every thrust, making his cock rub Adele's g-spot. Adele whined, squirming beneath him. Without warning Zack pulled out and slid down Adele's body until his face was parallel with her quivering cunny. "Oh baby no, no I want you to fuck me Zack." Adele begged. Zack chuckled and flicked his tongue against her hard little clit. He swirled it around her excited little nubbin, then used the flat to lick her gash from her rosebud to her clit again. "Jesus Zack it's not fair baby," Adele whimpered. He stuck his tongue into her canal and lapped up her juices, savouring her sweet flavour. Adele took a sharp intake of breath and writhed, moaning deep in her chest. "OHHH FUCK! Yeah, wow, God Zack. P-please baby, please just fuck me baby..." Zack tickled her entrance with the tip of his tongue, spreading her copious juices over her lips, making Adele cry out as she got rocked by an orgasm. "aaAAHG! Oh fuck, fuck, fuck! D-don't stop Zack! I'm gonna cum agai...Aaaiiee!!!" She screamed as another blazing orgasm tore through her. Zack moved back up Adele's body and slammed himself back into Adele's dripping cunny, pushing hard and fast into her love canal. He kept up this withering pace, making Adele cum over and over. He could feel the tension building in his balls, his spunk getting harder to hold back. Zack was grunting and sweating with exertion as he reamed Adele's pussy mercilessly. Zack knew he was close, he quickly pulled out again and flipped Adele over. She pushed herself up onto her knees and he speared her from behind as he grabbed her hips. With every stroke Adele pushed back against Zack's invading cock. She could feel him throbbing deep inside her, making her juices run down her legs as their passion mounted. "Fuck Adele, baby I'm gonna cum baby! I'm gonna fill your hot little cunt babe!" "Yes ZACK! Fill me up lover! Fill my pussy! OH GOD! OH GOD! I'M CUMMING! OH SHIT OH FUCK! THAT'S IT ZACK, THAT'S IT! Zack's balls clenched and he could feel his cum bubbling then erupting deep into Adele. "HERE IT COMES BABY! OH FUCK, GOD DAMN IT I'M CUMMING!!" Zack's cum jetted into Adele's hot little pussy, blasting against her abused cervix and entering her womb. Zack and Adele continued moving with each other until they slowed and stopped. Adele slumped down onto the bed, pulling Zack's cock out of her aching pussy. "Ohh fuck that was good Zack," Adele said with a soft moan. Zack lay on the bed beside her, panting hard from his exertion. "Christ, you're telling me baby. I think between your blowjob and what I just dumped into your pussy I'm gonna be dry for a week." "Ooh you'd better not be love, I want you to fuck me in every room this weekend!" Adele said with a soft laugh. Zack caressed Adele's cheek, tingling in their afterglow and chuckling, "Adele sweetie, I'm sure I can do that." "Zack? How badly do you want to be a daddy?" Adele asked coyly. "Babe you know I'd love nothing more than to make a baby with you. Why? You've got something up your sleeve don't you, you little brat?" Zack said with a suspicious look in his eyes. Adele giggled and grinned, "Well I'd tell you to sit down but it wouldn't matter. I'm pregnant honey." "Seriously? You're not shitting me are you?" Zack asked. "No sweetie," Adele replied. "I'm almost two months along." "Oh wow! That's fantastic Adele!" Zack said, the excitement evident in his voice as he kissed her. "We didn't just hurt the baby did we?" Adele kissed him back and smiled, "No hon the baby'll be fine." "You're sure about this Adele? I mean it's a little late now, but you really want this right?" "More than anything in the world lover." "Me too Adele, me too." From A to Z Zack could see Adele's emotions playing across her face. He was sure he had pushed too far so he gave Adele an easy out, "When you feel up to it just let me know okay? No pressure, I promise." --- Over a month passed and Zack was sure Adele wasn't going to give him a chance. He hadn't seen her at all during that whole time, it was like she was avoiding him. Zack was afraid that he'd gone too far that day in the laundry room. He felt like an ass, forcing her to make a decision that she probably wasn't at all ready to make. Zack resigned himself to the fact that whatever he'd done had terrified Adele: That was it, he would never be able to see her or talk to her to apologize for what he'd said or done. He wouldn't even go up to her door to try, guessing that when she looked through the peep hole and saw that it was him she wouldn't answer. --- In the days following the 'Coffee Incident' as she described it, Adele burned up the phone lines to her sister and her therapist. Zack's invitation to go for coffee had so rattled her that she packed up some of her things and went to stay with her sister. One week led to two, which turned into three. Adele went back to her therapist for the third time in those weeks, still unnerved and panicky about the whole thing. "Adele? Come in please," her therapist said. Adele entered her office and sat in a chair, nervously pulling on her hair as she looked at the floor. Her therapist watched her carefully for a few moments before speaking, "Adele, you remember what we discussed last week? About fighting your phobia?" Adele nodded and said 'yes' so softly it was almost inaudible. "Why don't we recap what we've already discussed before today then." "Adele you've told me the same story every week for the last few weeks. Can you see the pattern forming here?" "Uhh I don't know Charlene." "Let's go through this step by step then. When he first came in to the laundry room the last time how was Zack acting?" "Normal I guess." "And when he mentioned the pantie issues? "Maybe he was trying to make a joke?" "Then he apologized and offered to leave right?" "Yeah," Adele murmured. "Why do you think he did that Adele?" Adele shifted uncomfortably in her chair. "Maybe he thought he upset me?" Charlene leaned forward and touched Adele's hand, "Did he upset you?" "Well it was a stupid comment." Adele said with a bit of heat in her voice. "Stupid or not I think he was trying to reach out to you. Do you think maybe your reactions to him may have upset him?" Adele stared into her lap, "Probably." "Yet he still came back," Charlene said as she leaned back into her chair. "And when he startled you, he apologized and specifically said he had no intention of hurting you." Adele nodded but said nothing. "Then he asked if you'd like to go for coffee, emphasizing that it should be somewhere 'you' would be comfortable. And only if 'you' wanted to right?" "Yes, that's what he said," Adele replied as she looked out the window. "When he saw you were getting upset again what did Zack say?" Charlene prompted her. "He told me to let him know when I felt up to it and he promised that he wouldn't pressure me." "So tell me Adele, does Zack sound like the kind of guy who wants to hurt you?" "Well...no, I guess not." She responded neutrally. "Okay, I want you to go home and think about what we've talked about." Charlene said with a smile. "I think we've made a bit of a breakthrough today Adele. Let's keep up this positive mindset and see where it takes us. See you in two weeks okay?" "Okay Charlene," Adele said with a hint of a smile. "Thanks again, and yes definitely two weeks." --- Zack was relaxing and watching a new episode of a stupid reality show he'd gotten hooked on when he heard a soft knock on his door. Adele stood outside Zack's door. She felt so far out of her comfort zone that she was shaking and felt goose-flesh on her arms. She wanted to turn around, run back to her apartment and hide. She couldn't believe she was doing this: She was just about to turn and leave when the door opened. "Adele! Hey, what's up?" Zack said, surprised to see her at his door. Adele blushed and smiled shyly, "Err...Coffee?" "Huh?" 'God how stupid can you be Adele?' she thought to herself. "Uhm...Get a coffee?" Zack gave Adele a warm smile, "Sure, let me grab my keys." They walked a few blocks to a nearby coffee shop. Adele had her hands jammed into her jacket pockets so Zack couldn't see them tremble. Zack watched Adele out of the corner of his eye. He could see she was on edge so he tried to lighten things up again, hoping it would work this time. "So...do any laundry in your panties lately?" Adele blushed and looked up at him. "Uhm, no. You?" Zack grinned at her, "Ya, this morning, but they were riding up." Adele giggled, "Ha! Now you know what we girls go through!" Zack stopped in his tracks, "Was that a real full sentence just now?" "Uhm, yeah?" "No, no, no! You can't do this to me Adele! There is no way I'm going to let you off that easy," Zack said with a broad smile. Adele looked at Zack and grinned, her face lighting up, "Okay." "Oh come on! Give me something to work with here!" Adele looked away and almost whispered, "Okay...I think you're cute." Zack's jaw dropped, "You what?" "I think you're cute, Zack." Adele said quietly. Zack's heart did a flop in his chest, "When did you come to that conclusion?" Adele blushed again, "When you moved in. I saw you and thought you were cute." "But you didn't say anything because..." "Yeah. I know you asked Mrs. Klein about me. My ex...well he..." she said waving vaguely at her face. "After that...well I haven't been able to handle being with guys I don't know very well." They started walking again and Zack said, "So why me?" "Well to be honest you terrified me at first, and I won't lie...you still scare me. The only reason I even asked you to go for a coffee was because my therapist thought it would be a good idea. I'm...I'm way outside of my comfort zone here Zack...I don't even know if I can manage this but I'll try okay?" Zack chuckled, "You know, for someone who couldn't say more than three words to me a few weeks ago, you've sure turned into a chatter-box." Adele held Zack's eye, "My mom used to call me motor-mouth. She'd say that I could talk the hind leg off a donkey." Zack laughed and opened the door to the coffee shop for Adele, "Well I like the motor-mouth better." Adele laughed too, "Really?" "Really."