She thought that she was going to marry Larry, but when he left her, that dream had shattered. When she met Jenny, to her it was strange to find someone who is so much like her. Then, when she hired Jenny to work with her, Ally was hit by another coincidence; Jenny would be working with an ex-lover, just as she had with the late Billy Thomas. From that moment, Ally took Jenny under her wing as a mentor, and in a way she tried to prevent her from becoming like her.

Months ago, when Larry Paul departed from Ally’s life, she knew they would meet again someday, probably by coincidence. She imagined the consequences however to be quite different from what they truly became.

It was a regular Monday morning, with all the yearning for the weekend that comes with it. Although she loved the hope that a new week presented, Ally always looked forward to Friday night. And in the past weeks, Ally had one more reason to look forward to the weekend: she would get to spend it with her new love, Glenn. Her relationship with Glenn had blossomed into something so strong, she thought Glenn could be the One. Though Jenny and Raymonds bond had never truly become a relationship, Ally and Glenn had become so close.

Glenn still had his own apartment, but he was over at Ally’s almost everyday and it was her apartment that he now called home. It was where his heart was, and he became stronger in Ally’s presence. Ally had gotten very much accustomed to waking up next to Glenn. Though he was younger, she still felt protected by him whenever he was near and holding her in his strong arms.

Glenn had slept over that night but when she woke up, he was already gone. Perhaps he had gotten an urgent call or maybe he just forgot something in his apartment. Whatever had happened, it didn’t really matter. All Ally knew was that he didn’t flee to get away from her because on normal days, Glenn refused to let himself or Ally get out of bed. He had created a whole ritual where he wouldn’t let Ally get out of bed until she absolutely had to. He would tickle her and hold her tight and Ally giggle uncontrollably every time. She hated to say it, but she had pretty much forgotten what it was like to be with Larry. She lived in the present and could hardly wait to a future with Glenn.

Glenn’s POV

When Jenny called me at 5 am Monday morning, I didn’t know what to think! She hurried me out of bed and told me to meet her at Starbucks as fast as possible. I was expecting the worst: Was she sick? Did someone die? What was so urgent that she couldn’t wait to tell me at work?

I took a cab to Starbucks. I was somewhat relieved when I saw Jenny looking giddy and happy. As I walked into the cafe, Jenny ran into my arms and gave me a big hug. I pulled back and asked her what was up.

- I met a guy! she exclaimed.

- And this is why you dragged me out of a perfectly good bed? I snapped.

- No! You don’t understand! she insisted. I met the man I’m going to marry.

- Wow! I smiled. Jenny, that’s great! Well, when did you meet him?

- An hour ago.

- What? I exclaimed with a reprimanding look on my face.

- I know. . .It’s strange! I met him and we immediately connected. Almost like he already knew me.

- Ok, you meet strange men in the middle of the night and you immediately fall in love? Doesn’t that strike you as a little crazy?

- Since when is love sane? I mean, I fell in love with you. . ., she said with a smile.

- Easy now! I warned.

- I’m kidding!

I paused and took a moment to evaluate Jenny’s reaction. Although she seemed a little over excited about this man (come on! Did she really think she would marry a man she just met?), I trusted her judgement and was happy for her.

- So, when will I meet this guy?

- I don’t know. We haven’t been out yet, and I don’t want to jinx it. Please don’t tell Ally or Raymond about him. I want to see if it works out before telling too many people.

- Fair enough, I said. Well, does this great guy have a name?

- He does. His name is Larry Paul.

Ally walked into her office early that morning and plopped down into her chair. She reached into her bowl of jelly beans, took a handful and swivelled her chair around to look outside. There were large snowflakes slowly falling onto the Boston streets and Ally felt giddy at the thought of Christmas coming soon. It was early December and Ally couldn’t help but remember that a year ago, she had promised Larry that he wouldn’t be alone for Christmas. When she thought about it, it felt strange that she wouldn’t spend Christmas with him again, so she avoided thinking about it. She had mourned and moved on, and could now appreciate that in life, things aren’t always the way you expected, but that the unexpected can be wonderful.

Glenn walked in on Ally’s daydream. Slowly and quietly, he made his way to her chair. He leaned over and kissed the top of Ally’s head. She jumped a little but smiled when she turned to fall into his arms. They kissed and Ally asked him why he had left so early that morning.

- Jenny needed to talk.

- Is she okay? Ally asked concerned.

- Oh, yeah! She’s fine. She just has a lot going on in her life right now.

- I see.

Larry’s POV

Two months ago when I moved back to Boston, I was so happy to find the town I had missed so much. When Jamie told me that she was going to move to Cape Cod, so that Sam could grow up in a smaller town, I was happy to move back to Boston. I wasn’t very fond of Detroit, but I wanted to do anything to be close to Sam. Boston is really my home. It’s where my heart is and it will always be.

I almost immediately got a job at a big firm called Cavanaugh and Smith, where I met great people. I made new friends and made a new life in Boston.

The one thing I’ve missed the most about Boston was Ally. I still haven’t seen her. On the other hand, I’d rather not. I realize that the way I left her was harsh and I understand that she may never want to speak to me again.

This morning when I went to Starbucks, I met this amazing woman. She reminded me so much of Ally. She was so quirky and cute and funny! She even looked like her, but with a different haircut. Jenny is also a lawyer. I don’t know where she works, but I guess I’ll find that out when we go out on our date in a few days. I think this could be as real as Ally and I.

One thing troubles me, though; is it wrong to like someone because they remind you so much of someone you once loved? Someone you might still love?

When Larry picked Jenny up for their date, he was incredibly nervous. He that was so poised and always prepared for everything! Larry Paul was nervous because he was afraid that if this relationship became something, he might hurt her, or get hurt. Though he wasn’t giving up on love, he didn’t want to have another failed relationship. You never get used to failure.

Larry gathered all of his courage and knocked on Jenny’s front door. He waited a few moments in front of her door in the cold dark night and rubbed his hands to warm them. Behind him, most of the apartments were decorated with beautiful Christmas lights. Glimmering snow covered the street and Christmas cheer was in the air: just the kind of night Ally would like.

Jenny opened her door out of breath and struggling to put on her shoes, yet radiating and simply beautiful. She greeted him with a timid "hi" and he responded with a smile and a "hi".

- I have to admit this is a little strange. Jenny said while taking her coat out of the closet.

- What’s that? Larry asked, waking up from his daydream.

- This. . .I don’t know you and you don’t know me, but I feel a certain. . ., Jenny paused, looking for the right word.

- Connection? Larry attempted.

- Yeah, I guess so. Like we met in a past life, or knew each other at one time but no longer remember.

- I know. I feel it too. Can I tell you something without offending you?

- Sure. . .Jenny accepted, while being worried of what he might reveal.

- You remind me of a woman I used to know.

- A girlfriend? she asked as she pulled her gloves onto her hands.

- Kind of, he said uneasily.

- That’s alright. I’ve gone out with men who resembled ex-boyfriends. . .

- Do I resemble any of your ex-boyfriends? Larry asked in a worried tone.

- You would be one of a kind, she said as she wrapped her scarf around her neck.

Larry smiled and took Jenny’s hand in his. They walked to a bar where they danced to romantic music. There was little talking, but they were going to dinner afterwards where they would get to talk more.

As they let their bodies sway slowly to the music, Larry listened to the lyrics of the song playing. Thousands of times, he had listened to that song (it was one of his favorites), yet this time it was different. This was one of his first real meaningful dates since Ally. Also, it was the type of night Ally loved: the snow, the Christmas spirit. . .it was too much. With tears in his eyes, Larry held Jenny tight and listened to the song.

The lamp is burning low upon my tabletop

The snow is softly falling

The air is still in the silence of my room

I hear your voice softly calling

If only I could have you near

To breathe a sigh or two

I would be happy just to hold the hands I love

On this winter’s night with you

The smoke is rising in the shadows overhead

My glass is almost empty

I read again between the lines upon each page

The words of love you send me

If I could know within my heart

You were lonely too

I would be happy just to hold the hands I love

On this winter’s night with you

And to be once again with you

Ally was on Larry’s mind, yet there he was dancing with Jenny. And to make matters worst, he was actually imagining himself in Ally’s arms. This wasn’t fair to Jenny and to shake the thought out of his mind, he pulled away from her embrace.

- Let’s go have dinner, Larry said.

Jenny nodded and they took off to have dinner.

Raymond and Glenn were sitting at a table in the bar, discussing each other’s love lives. Actually, discussing Glenn’s love life, because Raymond didn’t really have a love life. Not that he complained. He actually enjoyed playing the field.

He wasn’t crushed when Jenny dumped him. He hated to admit it, but he was a little relieved. Differences isn’t a basis to end a relationship, but he and Jenny were much too different; they never could have lasted as a couple.

- How’s Ally? Raymond asked in between gulps of his beer.

- She’s alright. It’s actually Jenny I’m worried about.

- Why? What’s up with Jenny?

- . . .Well. . .She doesn’t want me to tell you or Ally, but she met someone. A man.

- Why cant Ally and I know?

- You know Jenny. She doesn’t want to psyche herself out. She really likes him and she wants it to last.

- When did she meet this guy?

-Two days ago.

- Holy shit Glenn! And she already thinks she loves him?

-No. She just really likes him.

- Where is she now?

- She called me twenty minutes ago and she’s on her way back. She wants us to meet him.

Larry’s POV

Wow! I cant believe I finally found someone who is as good as (if not better than) Ally. I was first attracted to her because she resembled Ally in so many ways, but I found out so many loveable things about her.

Our date is almost over, but before I walk her home, she wants me to meet her friends at a bar.

- You’ll love this place, Larry! It’s really nice. There’s a live singer and they make the best martinis in the world! she said.

On our way to the bar, we walked in front of the ice cream parlor where Ally had found me with Helena. I tried to shake the awful feeling that was coming over me and clenched Jenny’s hand a little harder.

Ally’s POV

I finally decided to get out of my apartment. It’s Friday night, for God’s sake! I cant be alone at home on a Friday night!

So I walked to the bar to meet Glenn and Ray. I walked into the bar and sat beside Glenn. I pecked his cheek and squeezed his hand.

- Oh, Ally! You’re just in time! said Ray. Jenny is bringing her date to meet us.

- Wow! When did she meet him? She didn’t tell me she was seeing someone!

- She told me that time when she called me early in the morning. She seems really excited about him. She thinks he could be the one!

- She just met him! exclaimed Ally.

- I know. . .Oh, there she is! Hey Jenny! Shouted Glenn over the loud music.

Jenny and Larry walked into the bar clinging to each other. Larry had his arm around her waist and Jenny was holding his other hand. Jenny heard Glenn’s voice and headed to Glenn and Ray’s usual table. As she approached the table, she saw that Ally was also there. She was staring at her hands and fiddling her napkin. Glenn and Ray greeted Jenny and her new man. Moments later, Ally looked up. She meant to greet him, but couldn’t get a word out of her mouth.

- Larry? she said disbelievingly.

- Ally? Larry asked.

- This is Larry? Your Larry? Larry who sang with Sting, Larry? Larry who broke your heart, Larry? asked Raymond.

- Hi, I’m Larry. Pleased to meet you. . ., Larry said holding his hand out to shake Raymond’s.

- Raymond, Ray said introducing himself. This is Glenn, and this is Ally, though you two seem to already know each other. . .

- You mean this is the "only good, funny, civilized man left"? The man from Detroit.

-. . .So nice to know I wasn’t forgotten. . ., Larry said, jokingly.

The tension was high and Ally was still speechless. Larry was obviously uncomfortable with this situation. There he was, dating Ally’s friend, meeting her boyfriend, but still loving her.

- I’m sorry, Glenn, Ally said. I have to go. See you at home.

- Home? You live with him? asked Larry.

- That’s right. You weren’t forgotten, but I moved on.

Ally paced for the door as Vonda began to sing.

At first I was afraid,

I was petrified

Kept thinking I could never live

Without you by my side

But then I spent so many nights

Thinking how you did me wrong

And I grew strong

And I learned how to get along.

The music faded as Ally ran from the bar with tear in her eyes. She thought she was over Larry. She thought that should she see him again, she would be strong. Though the song was no longer audible, she could hear the lyrics in her mind.

And so you’re back

From outer space

I just walked in to find you here

With that sad look upon your face

I should have changed that stupid lock,

I should have made you leave your key

If I had known that in one second

You’d be back to bother me

Go on now go.

Walk out the door

Just turn around now

You’re not welcomed anymore

Weren’t you the one who tried

To hurt me with goodbyes

You’d think I’d crumble

You’d think I’d lay down and die

Oh no not I

I will survive

For as long as I know

How to love I know I’ll stay alive

And I’ve got all my love to give

And I’ve got all my life to live

And I’ll survive, I will survive

"Hey! Hey! Ally! Wait up!" a voice yelled behind Ally. She pivoted to see Larry running for her. She turned back around and kept walking. He caught up and struggled to keep up with Ally’s pace. He got out in front of her and grabbed her shoulders. He forced eye contact as she struggled to get away.

- Ally, calm down! Larry blurted.

- Larry, go away. Please! I just want to be alone!

- Fine, but I want you to tell me why you’re so angry with me!

Ally stopped struggling and looked Larry straight in the eyes.

- Why I’m angry? You want to know why I’m angry? You left me with a note! I could have dealt with a phone call if you wanted to break up that bad. You weren’t even man enough to do it in person. . .

- I told you before, I can't deal with goodbyes. . .

- Bullshit! She shouted. And then, to top it all off, I had to learn from Corretta that you have left town! Without telling me. Do you know how hurt I was? How many months it took to try to understand why you had left like that? And then sometimes, I woke up in the middle of the night, crying because I actually expected you to come back. But it was all an illusion. . .And most of all I’m angry because I really missed you and when I find you again, you are dating a really good friend of mine. . .

An unknown sense of confusion came over Larry. Hearing those words from Ally came as a shock and he was a little taken aback, but at the same time he couldn’t help being happy. That song he hear earlier had struck a cord. It had reminded him of his feelings for Ally but mostly he remembered that he didn’t want to be alone anymore. He did the only logical thing he knew how to do. Larry was never one to let himself be controlled by emotions, but at that moment the only thing he knew to do was kiss her. He lunged forward and his lips met hers. She responded to his kiss with a groan and for a moment she kissed him back. That moment may have lasted longer if Ally hadn’t heard Glenn call out her name from behind. She didn’t want to turn around. She was afraid of the repercussions. She perfectly realized what would happen. No matter what decision she took, someone would be hurt: If she picked Larry, Glenn would be crushed and so would be Jenny. She may even lose their friendship forever. If she picked Glenn, Larry would be crushed because he obviously still loved her. Had Glenn seen the kiss? Was Jenny there with him? What would happen if he did see it? So many questions floated in her head and she anxiously dreaded the moment where she would have to explain what just happened, to herself, to Larry and to Glenn and Jenny.

"You did what!?" exclaimed Milter as he stared at Ally disbelievingly. She had just told him of her latest encounter with Larry.

" No. No, you see I didnt do anything! He just grabbed me and kissed me. . ."

" Alisson, give me your hand," Milter interrupted.

Ally rolled her eyes and tossed her hand his way. He took it and squeezed it a little.

"You liked it." Milter affrimed as Ally snatched her hand from his grasp. He continued: "Of course HE kissed you. Of course you are seeing The Boy. But I know that though you are complaining, you were praying for his wet, horny tongue to caress your tonsils the moment you saw him with Jenny last night. Who are you kidding? You’re not over Larry! So stop the mascarade and do L. . ."

" Oh, don’t be gross! What is wrong with you?" Ally asked while trying to rephrase. "Okay, maybe I DID miss him. And perhaps I did. . .deep, deep, DEEP down. . ."

" Not that deep!" corrected Milter.

" I know. . . as I was saying, I wished he would come back and sweep me off my feet again. But I’m with Glenn now! And I have to give that relationship with Glenn a try. . ."

"No you dont. Ally, if you dont think that this relationship is going anywhere, then just end it. . ."

" Well, I already did." Ally said.

" What?" Milter asked.

" Not exactly, but we are over now. When Glenn walked in on Larry and I kissing, he asked me if I still loved Larry. I didnt answer, so he took it as a yes and told me he didnt want to see me ever again." Ally said fluently and without any sadness in her voice.

" But you do still love Larry! Why dont you just admit that to yourself? Even if you are not willing to pursue the relationship, for your own sake admit that you still love him." Milter pleaded.

Ally raised her shoulders and looked down.

" I’m not afraid to admit it. I love Larry Paul, but that is not the issue." Ally said.

" What is the issue?" Milter asked.

" He hates goodbyes." Ally simply admitted.

" Excuse me?" Milter asked.

" Yeah. He cant deal with goodbyes, so he leaves notes. He left me twice this way and i’m afraid of him doing that again. The first time it was expected, but the second it was so sudden. It left me with so many unanswered questions. It was what led me to theraphy. . ."Ally said.

" Then why didnt you tell me about it before!" Milter exclaimed, cutting her off.

"I. . .I dont know," Ally stuttered. "I guess I didnt want to admitt it to myself. It was too painful. I talked about with Renee, but then she left and I didnt want to talk about it to anyone anymore. That’s why I didnt tell Glenn, Jenny, Ray or you about Larry. I just wanted to put it all behind me. But obviously it wasnt. I’d find myself bringing him up unexpectedly. He was always on my mind."

Ally’s POV

As painful as that may sound, my only friend leftover was Raymond Milbury. It was Monday night (three days after my encounter with Larry) and I still hadnt talked to Larry, Glenn or Jenny. It was pretty sad, but that’s the way it was. So that night, I called Ray up and we went to the bar for a drink. Okay, he wasnt the best listener and I didnt want to talk to him about my problems, but it cheered me up to be around him. I thought that he would be biased, or perhaps angry at me because Glenn and Jenny are his friends, but he didnt hesitate to come to the bar with me and I was grateful for that.

We sat at our usual table and Ray was the first to address the Larry issue.

" Did you speak to Larry since last night?" he asked.

" No. . .Why do you care?" I asked.

" Well, Glenn is my friend, and he was hurt. He loved you and I wanted to know if you were back with your old boyfriend. You know so I could convey the information. Besides, I thought maybe you’d want to tell me more about your little encounter. I dont know about you, but when I kiss someone I want to go further and I thought maybe you two had said "Hey, we already ruined two lives, it cant possibly get worse. Let’s do it and get it over with!". . ."

I stared at Ray in disbelief and he smiled at me and wrinkled his nose. I rolled my eyes and decided to ignore his comment. After all, it wasnt the first time that he made a similar one and I just didnt have the energy to deal with it at the moment.

" You know, Ray, i’m not in the mood for your joke right now, so why dont you lay off."

" Well, Ally. . .You told me you wanted me to come along to have a drink. You dont want to tell me what’s wrong, you dont want to hear my jokes. . .What do you want?" Ray asked a little annoyed.

" I want to get my feelings out! I dont want to talk about it. I just want to get them out there." Ally said.

" Sing a song." Ray simply said.

" I beg your pardon?" Ally asked.

" Well, when i’m lonely or sad or happy, I sing a song. You could sing here. . ."

" I cant sing." I said.

" Sure you can! Richard told me about that Christmas song you sang a year ago. He said you’re pretty good. Better than some Georgia woman, anyway. I dont know who she is, but I hear she sings like an old boot. But you!. . .you’re cute, you’re sexy and you can sing. So get your cute sexy butt up there and sing it out. Do it tonight!" Ray said in an anticipation frenzy.

" Tonight? What should I sing?" I asked.

" I dont know. Whatever speaks to you."

I sorted through my mind and found the perfect song after a few minutes. I went to see Vonda and she said I could be on in an hour. I went to dance with Ray until then.

Larry’s POV

I needed to talk to Ally that night. I sat in my appartment among my unpacked boxes and as hard as I tried to get into unpacking them, I simply couldnt. There were so many thoughts racing through my mind and I needed to talk to Ally. So I grabbed my coat and headed for the bar. I didnt think she would be there, but perhaps someone there would know where she would be. It was cold and I went as fast as I could. When I walked into the bar, you can imagine my surprise when I saw that Ally was on stage about to sing. I didnt know she could sing. The music was soft, bluesy and soothing. I sat down at our usual table, where that man I had met the day before, Raymond, was sitting.

" Hey, Larry! Your girl’s gonna sing for you." he said.

" For me?" I asked.

" Well, not exactly. She didnt know you would be here, but she wanted to sing to get her feelings out. . .about you. . ." Ray said.

He kept speaking but I phased out. I could only hear Ally singing in a beautiful, soft voice. It was strong and powerful, but I was so innocent and soulfull and I could hardly believe that it was hers. The song, however, was as beautiful as her voice and I couldnt help but listen when she stared straight into my eyes.

Make it go away or make it better

Isnt that what love is supposed to do

Make it go away or make it better

‘Cause I would do either one for you

This is not the way that you should see me

This is not the face I recognize

Could I lay my head down here for a moment?

Would you sing to me like I’m your child?

‘Cause I’m not angry, I’m not crying

I’m just in over my head

But you could be the angel that stayed on my shoulder

When all of the other angels left

Make it go away, ‘cause I am weak

And this is more than one should have to take

If you do this for me, then I will promiss

I’ll make it go away for you someday

There are reasons and silver linings

There are lessons but I dont care

‘Cause I just need a hand that I can hold on to

When it’s darker than death out there

Oh, I’m so cold

And so far away from my home

But tonight you’re where I belong

You’re everything right

When i’m everything wrong. . .

Ally kept on singing, but I didnt hear her anymore. I just looked into her eyes and tried not to be moved to tears. I could tell that she meant what she was singing because there was so much emotion in her voice. When the song ended, Ray got up to applaud her and I followed in his lead. I wasnt sure whether I was applauding her bravery or her voice. Either way, it was an amazing thing.

Ally’s POV

I stood in front of the bar, waiting for the band’s cue, when Larry walked in. My heart skipped a beat. I asked myself what he was doing there and for a moment, I wanted to turn back. I looked at Raymond who frowned his brow when he saw that I was about to step off. I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath. I sang my song like a pro and I could understand how hard it had been for Larry to do the same all those other times before. I looked into his eyes as I sang and I could see tears forming, though he never really let himself go. I couldnt help it. I had to control my voice to keep from sobbing out of control. Tears were streaming down my face and when the song ended, I walked back to Ray at the table. Larry was sitting beside him. He had recovered and was smiling.

" You were great!" said Raymond " I knew you could do it!"

"How come I never knew you could sing like that?" Larry asked with a smile.

" There are so many things you dont know about me." I responded. It was meant to be a joke, but it somehow hurt Larry like an arrow through his heart. I wanted to take it back, but his smile came back a few moments later, somewhat reassuring me.

"Well, guys. . .it’s getting late. I think I’m gonna head home. I have work tomorrow. Ray, I guess i’ll see you there."

" He works with you?" Larry asked.

" No. He just loves us so much that he spends half the day with us." I said with a smile.

" Dont flatter yourself! It’s only because you have a better coffee machine." Ray said.

There was a silence. I finally decided to leave.

" See you tomorrow, Ray. Goodbye, Larry." I said.

I exited the building and made my way on foot towards my appartment.

Larry’s POV

Ally just left. Just like that after her song. Ironicly enough, her last words before leaving were "Goodbye, Larry." As I had been afraid to say them so many other times before, she had imposed the goodbyes this time. Ray and I watched her walk away and he laughed.

" So that’s it. You’re not going to go after her? You are going to stay here with me? Christ, if I didnt know better, I’d think you wanted to be single forever!" Ray said.

" I dont. I just. . . dont do that." I said.

" Don’t do what? Go after the woman you love? Not letting her slip away for the second time?" Ray said disbelievingly. "If you are telling me that you are just staying here by choice, and that you dont want to run after her right now, you are the biggest liar I know!"

"Raymond. . ." I started.

" No, Larry. Listen to me! I dont know you that well, but something tells me you love Ally more than anything. She is a wonderful woman! . . ." Ray said, before I cut him off.

". . .I had my chance with her and I blew it when I ran off to Detroit. She doesnt want to be with me. She doesnt love me anymore. . ." I said.

" Did you LISTEN to the song. Did you SEE the way she looked at you. Because if you didnt, then you are the biggest dink of all -bigger than me- and you dont deserve to be with her." Ray paused awaiting my answer, and when I said nothing he shouted, "what are you waiting for, you idiot? Go after her!"

I got up, thanked Raymond and walked out the door. I went outside and began to run for her. I ran towards her appartment and climbed the stairs up to it when I got there.

Larry lightly tapped on the door and was surprised when the door quickly opened before him.

" Larry. . ." Ally exclaimed, out of breath.

" You know, ‘Goodbyes’ always make my throat hurt. I need more ‘hellos’." Larry said.

" Charlie Brown said that. . ." Ally began.

" Wise boy, that Charlie. He never really needed Lucy’s theraphy booth. I, on the other hand. . ." Larry began.

"You know, there’s nothing wrong with needing other’s help once in a while. . .It’s actually a sign of wisdom." Ally said.

" Are you saying I need theraphy?" Larry asked, raising and inquisitive eyebrow.

" I’m saying. . .that if you were here with me, I wouldnt need theraphy. I think we both need eachother to talk about those things. Your fear of goodbyes and my fear of falling." Ally said.

" Fear of falling?" he asked.

" In love. I’m afraid to trust love and. . .i’m also afraid to trust myself . . .and you." Ally said.

"I guess we have that in common. We cant trust Larry." Larry said about himself.

Snow was beginning to fall. Ally in her shirt was shivering and snowflakes were covering Larry’s head. Ally reached out to dust them off, but was caught of guard by the warmth of his gaze. She stepped out and kissed him. She was only wearing pyjama’s and slippers, and Larry opened his winter coat and covered her thin frame with it. They were wrapped in eachother’s arms, swaying to the sound of the wind. After a few minutes, they stepped into the house and sat on the sofa by the fire holding eachother tightly, while wrapped in a warm blanket. They didnt speak until Ally broke the silence.

"Why did you leave, Larry?"

" I was afraid." he said.

" Of what?" Ally asked.

" I was afraid of what would become of us. I knew you didnt trust me, and I was afraid this relationship was going to end the same way as all of the others. In separation or divorce. I didnt want to be divorced again. And most of all, I didnt want to be divorced from you."

Ally looked down at her hand. "You know," she said, "you could have told me that, instead of leaving for Detroit! We could have talked it out."

There was a long silence.

" I didnt leave for Detroit right away," he said. "When you dumped me, I came to the appartment to get my things when you werent home. At first, I wasnt going to move. But the thought of seeing you again in court and not being able to be with you killed me. And since there was nothing holding me back in Boston, Coretta suggested that I go back to Detroit to be with Sam."

Ally didnt speak. She didnt know whether to cry, or be happy or angry.

"I’m sorry," Larry finally said. "I never stopped loving you."

" I forgive you," Ally said. " Just. . .promise to never leave again."

" I promise." Larry said.

Ally smiled and rested her head on Larry’s shoulder. She fell asleep feeling warm and content.

Ally’s POV

When I woke up, Larry was gone. The fire was no longer lit and I was laying down on the couch with the blanket over me. It was like he had never been there. It almost felt as if it was all a dream. I wrapped the blanket around myself and walked to the kitchen. I started the coffee machine and glanced at the clock. It was still very early. 6:13 am. The sun hadnt rised yet. I went to open the fridge and found a note on the door held by a small magnet. I read it carefully.

Ally, I’m sorry I had to leave early this morning. I

needed to go pick up something at my apartment

before work. I’ll try to call you today. Maybe we can

have lunch, if you dont have too much work.

I love you,

Larry xoxo. . .

I smiled and leaned back on the counter. Larry had come back into my life so quickly and unexpectedly, but already I could hardly imagine how I survived without him. It’s not that i’m dependent. I’m just in love.

Larry looked at the small slip of paper that laid in his hand. "133 Dominion Street." he read aloud, as he was driving in his car looking for the house that beared that address. He finally found the address and parked his car not far from the theraphist’s office.

He didnt really need to get anything at his appartment. He had decided to pay a visit to Ally’s therapist. He had gone through her address book and found the address of a man named Milter. He had decided to see him, not because he wanted to find anything out about Ally, but because he genuinly thought that he needed help.

It was now 9:30 and Larry was sitting on the steps in front of the door, waiting for Milter to unlock. Larry didnt think much. He didnt know what to think! Everything was happening so fast. It was like a constant freefall and he was scared of what he would do if he got scared again.

A man with a briefcase walked to the door, fiddling with his keys. He looked up and Larry suddenly recognized him. He was the *uncomfortable* lawyer!

Larry’s POV

When I saw the uncomfortable lawyer, I thought I had the wrong office. I got up and started to leave, but he saw me and spoke to me.

"Hello, sir. May I help you?"

" Are you Milter?" I asked.

" I am. Why?" he asked.

"You are not a theraphist by any chance?" I asked.

" As a matter of fact I am. May I help you?"

"Actually, yes." I said. "My name is Larry Paul. I was against you in court once or twice and a friend of mine sees you for theraphy. I need theraphy."

"Oh! You are Ally’s Larry?"

" Yes, how did you know that?"

"That’s what theraphy is for! Discussing what affects you. You kind of threw her out of her mind when you left for Detroit."

"Well, then. Let’s go. I have time to talk to you. My first appointment gets here at 10:30"

He led me into his office and made me take a seat in a leather chair beside him.

" I know what happened from Ally’s perspective, but I want to know what happened, according to you." he said.

" Ally and I had a fight in May because I went to have lunch with my ex wife. She found us by accident and dumped ice cream on my head. She dumped me and I moved to Detroit because I wanted to be near my son." I said in a nutshell.

" So, what led you to theraphy?" he asked.

" Last night, she sang a song at the bar. . ."I started.

" Oh dear God, help us all," he said.

" No, actually, she was pretty good!" I corrected him. "Anyway, she sang this song that said that she wasnt angry or sad and that she just needed a shoulder to cry on. She went home, and I wasnt going to follow her. But Raymond yelled at me for not going after her. So I ran to her appartment and I ended up spending the night there."

"In a *carnal* way?" Milter said, tilting his head.

"No. Just in *companionship*," I answered mock-imitating his head tilt.

"That was rather mean!" Milter said, reprimanding my joke.

"I’m sorry. I always wanted to do that." I laughed. Milter shot me an angry look and I continued my story. "We talked and I promissed her that if I was ever to leave again, I would be man enough to say goodbye. The problem is that i’m really afraid of goodbyes, because they never promiss a hello. When I woke up this morning, I got this intense sense of panic. Like I was afraid of doing something stupid. So I went through her address book and found your address and name. I decided to give you a try. . ." I said.

". . .Yes," he cut me off, "because if someone can handle to help her, they can litterally help anyone!"

I nodded down and didnt know what else to say. I had never been in theraphy before and it was harder than it seemed.

"You know, Larry, I dont think you’re afraid of falling out of love."

" Yes, I am. I’m afraid that I will never have a lasting relationship."

" Larry, give me your hand." Milter said.

" I beg your pardon!"

" Seriously. Give me your hand"

I reluctantly let him take my hand and listened.

" You may think that you are afraid of falling out of love, but what really frightens you is falling IN love. You are afraid of letting go and losing control! That is why you make jokes with me here. You are afraid of expressing how you truly feel."

" What do you suggest I do?" I asked.

" Overcome you fear. Tell Ally about it, but never let it get in you way." Milter said.

"How should I do that?"

" Take a leap of faith. Do something you are afraid to do or never thought you would ever do. If it goes well, you’ll have more confidence. And if it doesnt, you’ll at least learn that you had nothing to lose in the first place."

Ally was sitting behind her desk in her office. She had barely thought about Larry that morning. In the months he had been gone, she had learned to live without him.Though the initial shock after his departure was excrutiatingly painful, she had leared to deal with him and his rash desicions. Though she had enjoyed holding him again the night before, she was okay with the fact that he might not come back.

Ally got up and went to go to the unisex. It was 11:30 and she was getting ready to go to lunch. She went into the stall that leads to the Hole. She barely had time to sit down, because the door behind her opened and she quickly reajusted her clothes before turning around to yell at whoever was behind her.

" What the hell is that about? Didnt you hear me come into the stall she yelled," before raising her eyes and seeing Larry looking at her with a mocking smile. "Larry!" she exclaimed as she tried to calm herself down, "how did you know about the hole?"

" Richard told me to watch out for this stall. I asked him if I could visit it and he handed me a remote. And I had no idea you were in here."

"What are you doing here?" Ally asked.

"Have a seat," he said.

Ally obliged and sat beside him on the small sofa on the back wall.

" So, what’s on your mind," she asked.

He took her hand in his and smiled shyly as he looked at her. She was so beautiful, yet so different from the last time he had seen her. Aside from her new haircut, she seemed more confident, almost like she had gained wisdom. She was so different and he wonderd if what he was doing was right. Ally was looking at him, waiting for him to speak. He remembered what Milter had said and took a deeo breath.

" Ally," he said as he looked into her eyes, "I think I’m in love with you. I’ve never stopped thinking about you the whole time I was in Detroit. But I never want to have to do that again. To love you, without being able to be with you. . ." There was a long pause and Larry tried to rephrase. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, "he said. "Marry me, Ally."

Ally let go of his hand. She was shaking like a leaf and she was fighting tears. They may have been tears of joy, or they could have been tears of sadness; she wasnt quite sure. The pieces were all falling into place, but not the way she had expected. Larry got up and kneeled in front of her, placing a hand on her knee. He didnt say anything. He just looked into her eyes. He was anticipating an answer, but seeing the shock on her face he didnt demand one. He just sat there in front of her. He let her regain her senses, as she was fighting sob.

She finally spoke a few minutes later.

"Why? Why now. Why not a few months ago. If you loved me that much, you could have proposed instead of fleeing to Detroit." she said.

"Well," he said reluctantly, "I was planning to. Be then you dumped ice cream on my head and we fought and it didnt seem like such a good idea anymore. And when you dumped me, I thought it was over and that I would never see you again, so I went to be with Sam. But Ally, you have to understand that even if you refuse to marry me, I will never stop loving you."

"Well, I would never do that," she said with a smile.

A smile came over Larry’s face as Ally lept into his arms. From his pocket he took out the most perfect diamond ring and slipped it onto Ally’s trembling hand after wiping away the tears streaming down her face. He kissed her and held her tight.

Tight in their embrace, they forgot where they were and what time it was. They both heard the sound of the door opening but refused to let go of eachother. When they did, they both gasped. There standing before them was a rather fraught John Cage. There was so muh hurt in his eyes and neither of them knew what to say.

To be continued. . .