Hey since our country only has two seasons I have no idea what fall is like, so feel free to correct me if i'm wrong and please if u can help me with how fall is.. and I have no background whatsoever in ASL so I'll be typing it as I would a normal sentence.

"... and that's what I want to be when I grow up, a piano player" little Gina proudly declared, but instead of applause Ms. Robinson's 4th grade class exploded into laughter, Gina Lovett's eyes welled up with tears, she ran out of the classroom as fast as she could.

After Samantha Robinson quieted down the class she asked one of the other teachers to take over her class for a while, hurrying down the halls she felt a bit protective of Gina like all her students- but there really was something special about her not just her being special...

She cried and cried till her tears wouldn't come out anymore, she didn't want to be part of the world right now.. not right now... Gina Lovett had quite stunning qualities from her strawberry blond hair which reached her shoulders in curls, to her blue-green eyes, her ruby red lips and her porcelain white skin, but her classmates just couldn't look pass her handicap.

it's been over an hour she still couldn't locate Gina, her usually tidy ponytailed black hair was in mess... as if noticing her messy hair for the first time Samantha tried to smooth her tresses by removing her scrunchie.

Seeing Ms. Robinson's silhouette confused Gina a part of her wanted to run up to her teacher and have a shoulder to cry on- since the start of the year she seemed nicer than most teachers. and yet she was scared that her teacher's patience must have run out on her.

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Staring at the screen, sue just wasn't sure what to do she got frustrated as every minute passed clicking her pen in rhythm.

"Levi, I think we need a break.. c'mon I'll take you out for a walk" grabbing Levi's leash Sue grabbed her coat then Jack appeared.

"can I come too?" Jack asked innocently

"why not?! as long as your treating" Sue joked

grinning Jack helped Sue put on her coat... as they reached the outside of the Hoover building a brunette approached Jack

"Jack Hudson?"

turning around Jack exclaimed "Sammy?!!"

"It is you!"

they got into a hug..

"hey, I've got a favor to ask you..." the brunette started

"Shoot!!" Jack replied

facing Sue Jack said "I'll only be a minute, I'll explain later "

and they went off a few feet away as the brunette whispered something into Jack's ear.

Suddenly then Sue had a bad feeling at the pit of her stomach, she wasn't sure what it was and she didn't like it...

So many questions, such a great beginning! Welcome to the challenge!! To the questions . . . is the part with little girl (love the name . . . GINA!) a flashback? Who is Sammy? What is she to JACK? (I'm sure you've noticed that we're all just a trifle posessive about Jack . . . on Sue's behalf, of course! ) And why does Sue have a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach?

Great beginning, and looking forward to more!

Seems very interesting your story! Can't wait for more!!

Tere

Welcome to the challenge!! Very good start!!!

I'm very interested to find out more about Gina, and how does Samantha know Jack??

Is that little feeling in the pit of Sue's stomach a touch of jealousy maybe???

Joy

Intriging start! I wondered who is Gina and Samantha...

Poor Sue...yes this feeling in the pit in her stomach...it seems the green monster is showing up...
Josy

Very intriguing first post. Lots of questions waiting on you for the answers.

kav

Great start! I can just feel Sue's emotional state at seeing them together.

Welcome to the challenge!!!! So far you have capture my attention....who is Sammy and what exactly is she to our famous turtle?

sorry I wasn't able to post it was exam all week long, thank you so much for the comments u guys, hope you enjoy the next post and it can answer some of your questions



After about 5 minutes, Jack returned without the brunette

"Hey sorry bout that..." his tone apologetic and yet somewhat excited ".. hey can I ask you a favor"

"Sure" Sue answered

"How would you like to be a piano teacher?" a grin plastered on his face

curious sue countered "Aren't there plenty of piano teachers in DC"

"yeah! but this one's special" his smile never faded

he signed something which instantly made Sue say yes, so it was set...



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Friday afternoon

"pick you up at 8" Jack asked

nodding her head Sue replied "Sure" at that moment Lucy approached them

"hot date?" she asked or rather she implied

without answering Jack retreated back to his desk with but before he reached it he took a side ward glance and winked a Sue... she smiled a hint of pink turned up on her cheeks, and before Lucy could question either of them she excused herself claiming to be needed somewhere.

"You know what Levi, I hate lying but it's so hard to tell Lucy everything when it comes to Jack... it seems like in her mind we're already together" Sue silently told her buddy as they strolled around the park

Levi stared at her and answered her with a whimper

"Don't look at me like that buddy, I love Lucy but she's hard to deal with when she's in her matchmaker state"

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Friday night

Sue and Jack arrived at approximately 8:30 in a tiny house close to Jack's building, as they rung the doorbell Levi barked excitedly

"looks like somebody can't wait to start!" Jack commented

he was rewarded with a smile from Sue

almost immediately the door was answered, by a brunette Miss Samantha "Sammy" Robinson, the petite brunette Sue met the other day... Sue was surprised to see Sammy again but then again the facts Jack gave her weren't clear all she knew was there was a little deaf girl named Gina who wanted to be a piano player so Jack assumed that it was probably easier for Gina to have a piano teacher who knows how it feels, so every friday night Sue was going to teach the little girl and Jack volunteered to help since Sue can't hear the mistakes.

"Hey!" Sammy greeted "... you guys are early, well come in" Sammy smiled

I'm sure Sue will help the little girl , but who is this Sammy? and how she knows Jack?

Can't wait for more!

Tere

I'm sure Sue would be a great teacher, but I have more questions right now than answers.

What a wonderful thing for Sue to do!! But, I'm still wondering about Sammy!!!

Joy

Ditto Joy here...I wondered about Sammy...a lot
Josy

A big WELCOME to the challenge!

I'm sure you've notice that we're a bunch of very curious women around here--especially when it comes to Jack, because we !

You've captured my interect with your two first posts! I'm curious to learn more about all this.

I guess there's nothing for it, luv2writenact, but to and post more so that our curiosity can be satisfied.

kav

Here's the next part:

"And this is Gina Lovett.." Sammy introduced the little girl, who immediately sat down at the piano bench.

As Jack and Sue went in Sue asked her voice low "is Sammy Gina's mom?"

But apparently not soft enough because before he could answer Sammy interceded, "No I'm Gina's teacher her mom allowed me to bring her here for her piano lessons..." She gave them a brilliant smile.

Sue sat next to Gina on the piano bench, signing to her, she introduced herself but instead of responding the little girl just stared at the piano keys, instead of being discouraged Sue started their lesson always smiling at the little girl as she explained that first she had to memorize all the notes on the piano keys.

Jack sat on the sofa with Sammy, they started talking about the good old days, Sammy did most of the talking, Jack listened and responded when necessary but his eyes were mostly fixed on Sue, smiling at how patient she was in teaching the child and how understanding she was.

"Jack, Jack are you listening?" Sammy inquired her tone somewhat cross

"Of course" Jack responded, giving her one of his brilliant smiles

Sue lifted her head from the piano right at that moment and upon seeing Jack's smile to Sammy felt the bad feeling at the pit of her stomach once more so she turned her attention back at Gina

"if you were listening, what was I saying?" Sammy asked

"You were talking about your days in New York, how your best friend stole your first boyfriend..." jack answered without pause

"That's very good, but I'm pretty sure you weren't paying attention..."

"We were trained to concentrate at 2 things at once..." Jack replied in a teasing tone

"Have you asked her out yet?"

"what? who?" Jack asked innocently

"Sue Thomas" Sammy said in a matter-of-fact tone

"Why would I do that?" Jack's tone full of innocence

"because you obviously like her" was sammy's matter-of-factly answer "... Come on Hudson, a blind man could see you have a thing for her..."

Finally giving in Jack answered "the bureau doesn't allow same team agents to date"

"Come on the Jack Hudson I know wouldn't let a silly rule stop him... let me ask you this, if there wasn't a rule would you ask her out?"

"I don't know, probably not"

"Why not?"

"Because we have a good friends, asking her out could ruin that"
Silence followed his statement
then he continued "..... and what if she doesn't feel the same way? a guy like me a girl like her doesn't deserve ..."

"Life is a lot more complicated than 4th grade eh?"

Sighing, he left out a chuckle and answered "yeah"

for the next hour they concentrated listening on the 2 of them

---------------------------------------
at 10:00 Jack and Sue Left the house

"Want to grab a bite to eat?" Jack asked

As long as you're buying Sue signed grinning

Sure sure, I might learn something Jack teased back

Why do you say that?

"Because every time I turn around I find out you have a new talent, let's face it the only talent I have is chasing bad guys." his voice soft and tender, Sue couldn't hear it but the way his eyes softened as he spoke she could tell

Sue blushed and for the next 15 minutes they walked in silence, but not the awkward kind but rather a comfortable silence


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They both reached Sue's apartment, smiling after a wonderful dinner they stood outside the door

"goodnight" Sue said

"Goodnight" Jack responded

but it seemed as though they both wanted to say something more, so they stood there for a few minutes just looking at each other, but neither could say what they wanted to say, so Jack cleared his throat and with a wave said goodbye, sue acknowledged him with a nod.

Lucy greeted Sue, with Levi by her side

"So?? how was it!!"Lucy inquired her voice high and excited

"Lucy... Jack and I went to teach a little girl how to play the piano, we did not go on a date." Sue's voice was calm but inside she felt irritated because of last night

So Sammy's another old childhood friend. Does Sue know this? I could just see them standing on the sidewalk looking at one another at the end, like in the scene from "Simon Says." Oh, Jack, SPILL already!!

Jack, you need to follow your friend instructions, and ask Sue out!
Besides that tell her who is Sammy

Tere

So, it doesn't appear that Jack has any romantic interest in Sammy - but, I think he needs to tell Sue that!!!

Joy

Jack...stop the turtle dance and ask Miss Sue out...NOW!!!
Josy

NOte: signed words are italic

The 2 ladies sat down on the couch each with a big mug of tea in each hand, a dog laid at their feet...

"Lucy..." but tears threatened to spill out so instead she signed it

do you think it's absurd for me to like Jack?

Lucy gave her a look of concern and in a soft voice answered "Of course not, he'd be lucky to have you."

"But..." tears came down her cheek slowly leaving their trace

What if he doesn't feel the same way? what if I'm just a friend to him? after I tell him things would change he would probably never see me the same way

Lucy answered her, signing carefully as not to make a mistake
You know Jack isn't like that, in the smallest chance of him not feeling the same way, he wouldn't treat you any differently you'd still be his best friend... and have you thought what if he does feel the same way, remember the time Jack had a heart attack, you were going to tell him because you realized life is short... life still is short... Sue we all want the best for you and if you don't take risks you can only get 2nd best

a tear fell from Lucy's eyes, then she smiled "Sue, you are beautiful, kind, intelligent... what more can you ask for?"

Hugging her Lucy quietly hoped she wasn't wrong

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One friday evening after Gina's piano lesson

"So how's she doing?" Sammy inquired

"Quite well actually, she's a faster learner than I was" Sue answered smiling proudly for her student

"Well I won't be here next friday, will you be okay on your own? " Sammy stated

"Sure!"was sue's quick reply

"Oh, that reminds me,I have plans friday will you be okay alone, I could ask Bobby to accompany you?" Jack said

"no I'll be ok" Sue gave a polite grin with that
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

next friday night

"Ok, so I'm sure I'm a poor substitute for Sparky but I'm coming with you" was Bobby's answer to Sue's question of what he would be doing that night

Sue chuckled at his statement then Tara butted in

"Hey can I go too?"

"me too" Lucy added

Suddenly the rest of the team wanted to go except Myles who said it would be his pleasure to give the little girl some tips

so there they were the whole team-minus Jack went to Ms. Samantha robinson's house

Sue explained to Gina and Samantha that they just wanted to listen, ginas who seemed to be opening up a bit smiled and gave a nod consenting the team to listen

Amen to that!!!!

kav

I can't help but think Sue's going to put two and two together and get five when she thinks about both Sammy AND Jack having "other plans" on Friday . . .

So, if what I said before is true, how come both Sammy and Jack are not available on Friday???

Cute that the rest of the team went with Sue to keep her company!!!

Joy

Hey...Jack and Sammy are not supposed to have plan *at the same time*..Sue`s imagination is going wild...and mine too
Josy

I'm not convinced that Jack and Sammy aren't going out together Friday night. I think it would be as old friends to talk over old times, but....this is Jack and who could resist his charm. I'm hoping Sammy will use the time to convince Jack to move forward with his relationship with Sue.

Now, waiting to see what will really happen.

A belated welcome to the challenge Luv2writenact. Sorry it has taken me so long to get over here. Initially I had all those same questions Regina had about Gina and Samantha. And, loving Jack as I...er...we all do, I could feel those same butterfly feelings of jealousy rumbling around my tummy too, that is, until Sammy told Jack she'd never known him to let a little rule keep him from doing something before. I'm with you, Regina. This is one of those uh oh! moments. Sue is going to let this get to her, isn't she, Luv2writenact?

Btw, you're doing a great job here.

Lynn

thanks for the comments guys, sorry I wasn't able to post for a while, we just had our finals..

As the team were walking to the diner, Bobby started
"Wow! that's one talented kid!"
"Yeah! she is better than I was.." Tara remarked
"You played tara?" Sue inquired
"Well yeah but not really..." was Tara's answer "...I took lessons coz my mom forced me to but I never finished them coz I never liked it to begin with and my teahcer was mean" she spoke in that quick way she usually does
As they neared the diner, a sight stopped them in their tracks, inside a jewelry shop ahead of them was Jack with Sammy, closely peering at the glass displays.

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The next Week

"Hey guys have you heard the latest?!" Tara's tone was excited
"What news?" Lucy asked, wondering why she didn't hear of it first
"We're going to have a contest... but get this, the grand prize is that we can abolish one rule for our team-with some exceptions though.."Tara had a huge grin on her face and soon the rest of the team knew exactly what rule they wanted to change.

Sue came in, a lot later than usual but just on time, Jack followed afterwards a big grin on his face contrasting to Sue's frown, which she was trying to hide but showed.

When Lunch time came, Jack asked Sue if she would like to go grab a bite, Sue responded with a shake of her head, claiming she had too much paperwork to do, Jack was disappointed and concerned as to why Sue's usual bubbly self was absent today.
as he walked out of the building he grabbed for his phone... "Hello, Sammy...."

The rest of the team went out to lunch leaving Sue who also declined their offer...
"Don't look at me like that Levi" Sue pleaded
Levi still stared at her, wondering why they aren't at lunch right now, with Jack... he let out a whimper
Sue tilted her head at the golden retreiver
"I know that we have a good friendship going on, but if we can't be more than friends right now, it hurts to be hanging out with him... don't worry Levi I'm sure he won't stop giving you treats" and she gave him a sad smile
Levi went back to his resting position

The rest of the team sat at a 5 people table, waiting for their orders, huddled up they discussed the contest

"So what are the exact details of the contest?" Bobby started
"well early this morning when I was coming in I heard a couple of agents discussing something..and I got curious I asked them and they pointed to a bulletin posted ont he board.. apparently they want us to practice our acting skills and have a friendly competition, the rules are every member on the team is included you can bring in an outsider.... and it has to be a fairytale with modernification..." Tara answered
Lucy smiled "hmmm, sounds great when is it?!"
"a month from now..."
"That isn't too long..." Myles contributed to the conversation
"Hey, with our group it's plenty of time" D commented a grin was on his face
"So it's decided.. we'll tell Sue and Jack tomorrow."Lucy said
"By the way what'll our fairy tale be and who'll write it?" Bobby asked
at that moment all heads turned to Myles, everyone had a mischievous smile on their face
"Wait!! why me" Myles complained
"You're always bragging about your harvard education, why not put it to good use"was Lucy's straight answer somewhat annoyed at Myles
"Ok, ok I'll do it!" Myles said getting a bit afraid of Lucy


Jack and Sammy sat at a table in a restaurant close to the school.
"What's up, I thought you were going to tell her today?" Sammy said as she took a bite of her steak
"I did, but she kinda said no.."
"what?! I thought no girl could resist your hudson charm?" Sammy teased
"Well... maybe there's one girl, and that's the only one I want it to work on" Jack played along shrugging his shoulders
"Seriously though.. I don't know she just seemed troubled" Jack answered his tone more serious
smacking him on his shoulder her tone seemed like she was scolding a child
"Jackson Hudson! you should have stayed and been there for her!!"
"OW!! I have a feeling her problem is with me, she had this look..."
sighing Sammy started "You should improve your hudson charm... and leave subtle hints like flowers or whatever she likes..." then an idea struck her"chocolates can always cheer a girl."
"This is just like old times isn't it.."Jack commented
"uh-huh... hey you're trying to change the topic!"
his face apologetic "Well it's not easy for a guy to discuss courtship with another girl"
"well get used to it, the way you handle things I'm pretty sure you need my help"
"Hey! I'll have you know I can get girls on my own"
"How bout Sue?" Sammy countered
giving up he admitted defeat
"How was life in Singapore anyway?"
"it was definitely different from here in the US..."
they spent the rest of lunch reminiscing

Jack, arghhh, you are hopeless sometimes!!
I had to admit that I am warming up to Sam

Now, that contest sounds very interesting...especially since they change the rule they want
Josy

Jack...Jack..., you're not helping!

Seems like Sammy is helping well to Jack, but they coudn't figure out that Sue is making the wrong conclusion...

Those two love birds have to talk, and soon!

I think that a play is a beautiful idea!

Tere

P.S. Good luck in your finals!

This contest sounds great, and what a wonderful way to get rid of that pesky no-dating rule!!!

I thought that Jack might have been getting help from Sammy to court Sue!! But, Jack, you're messing it up by not talking to Sue!! She thinks you and Sammy are an item!! Sir Turtle Jack - speed up - for your sake as well as Sue's!!!

Joy

A play is a great idea. I can't wait to see what Myles, the romantic, will come up with. And Jack, Jack, Jack, hasn't it even hit you that another woman is Sue's problem? Even if it is your long-time, platonic friend, Sammy? Look at it from Sue's perspective!

Lynn

Amen, sister, amen!!!!!!!

kav

My guess wasn't to far off. Actually, it might have been spot on. luv2writenact, what did Jack do on that Friday night? Or do we have to wait on that for an answer? I love that you are having them do a play since you luv 2 act.

Maybe Myles will be in a romantic mood when he writes it....

"And our updated fairy tale is... drum roll please.. sleeping beauty!" Myles said as he simultaneously raised his hand in a ta-daa manner as if expecting applause
he only got a couple of nods and an "OK" as everyone went back to their desk
"There's no pleasing you people" Myles muttered under his breath
"You don't like sleeping beauty"Jack asked Sue as he followed her to her desk
"I never liked the idea of love at first sight." she answered abruptly
"Aren't all fairy tales like that?"
"I like to think Cinderella and her prince got to know each other when they danced.." she answered finally smiling
Jack returned her smile

__________________________________________________________________________
sorry I can't post much now I will post on friday or thursday...

I like the way Sue thinks!

Short and sweet!

Well, I liked Sleeping Beauty! But I have to agree with Sue....dancing is a WONDERFUL way to get to know your prince charming....so if who I think are playing the starring roles, I hope they get to dance. But I'm concerned about this line from the previous post: I don't like the word "outsider" here!

Lynn

I can see what Sue is saying, but didn't "love at first sight" happen to her???

Joy

Sue`s reply made me wonder...I am with Joy...Sue fell in love at first sight...
Josy

Personally I think it was attraction at first sight but they fell in love as time passed when they got to know each other hey still a short post today...

"So do you want to have dinner?... my treat" Jack inquired
"I can't, I have a date." she answered instantly
trying to hide his disappointed he gave a force smile and said"rain check"
Raincheck Sue signed back with a polite smile
Jack walked back to his desk feeling somewhat defeated
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As everyone was leaving for the day Jack chased after Lucy and got to her just in time before the elevator door closed
panting he started"Luce, do you know who Sue is dating?"
"Haven't a clue..." Lucy answered her face puzzled "I didn't even know she was seeing anyone.."

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Will reveal more in about 2-3 days

Could Sue possibly be toying with Jack???

Joy

I still saying that that two has to talk, and hope Jack doesn't give up!

Tere

A date??? Sue, are you kidding me!!??
Josy

"Gina I can't come here every Friday for a month..." Sue declared
the little girl's face fell, not looking at Sue in the eye she replied "that's ok..." she was walking away, but Sue tapped her shoulder before she could go far So I want you to have your first practice at really playing.. we'll be practicing for a playand we want you to be our pianist.
Gina jumped with glee, hugging Sue, she walked off excitedly but not before Sue signed to her, We have a lot of work to do.
Skipping to the piano, Gina could barely keep her excitement as they started working on the piano.
Watching them from the living room was Ms. Robinson and Jack..
"Speaking of the play would you like to join us?" Jack asked ".. after all you were our class' best actress.. " his tone somewhat teasing "there wasn't a quiz you wouldn't get out of, no teacher could discover if you were faking or if you were really ill.." Jack added chuckling at the memory
"I would love to, I haven't used my acting skills for a while" she said joking along "but do they allow outsiders?"
"Yep" he answered absentmindedly, after his last words his gaze went to Sue and he has been focusing on her ever since
upon noticing this Sammy smiled to herself
"Hudson! you're like a lovesick teenager.. "
he just grinned, still staring at Sue
Laughing at Jack she had a flashback to 4th grade, it was the first day, she just transferred (again!) so she sat alone at the swings during recess, then suddenly a black haired little boy approached her, proudly introduced himself as Jack Hudson, then when he asked her name she immediately warmed up to him telling him
"I'm Samantha.." little Jack then concluded that he will call her Sammy
"but my name's Samantha... " she insisted
after a long argument Jack somehow convinced her that she should be called Sammy, and here they were... she also smiled upon remembering that since then they've become best of friends, telling each other everything.. she could remember when Jack had his first crush, the girl was a blond whose hair was always in pigtails, he always acted weird around that girl, getting all moonyfaced- she didn't even know what that meant at that time.
And Jack's getting that look again but this time it isn't just a case of infatuation rather Jack was definitely in-love.

After the piano lesson
"MOndays to fridays right?!" Gina asked eagerly
"yes, but make sure to ask your parents first..." Sue said as they were leaving Sammy's residence

How wonderful for Gina!! Sue has just made her a very happy little girl!!!

Sammy, you can see Jack loves Sue!! How about you help him out a little here???

Joy

A litle help from a friend would help...Turtle Jack is really slow
Please Sammy help!!
Josy

Oh this sounds like such a fun time for all of them.

Maybe Sammy should clue Sue in because it doesn't look like Jack is going to.

kav

"the one thing I love about being a teacher is no classes on weekends." Sammy happily thought.
She entered a boutique where she saw a purple dress she liked.
Inside the store, Lucy was browsing through some blouse, during her break, then seeing the brunette that had just entered... "She seems familiar.." Lucy said to herself
Approaching the slender woman Lucy asked with a polite smile "Do you know Jack Hudson?"
Sammy turned around a bit perplexed at the question "Why, yes... "
Not able to contain herself, Lucy blurted out "Are you and Jack dating?"
Sammy was surprised, an eyebrow arched
"I'm sorry..." Lucy continued "but it's really very important."
All sorts of thoughts ran through Sammy's head like maybe Jack was actually dating someone else, someone with a jealousy streak...
"yes I know Jack from 4th grade, no we're not dating..." Sammy said unsure of what's happening
"RREAally..."A mischievous smile showed up on Lucy's face,
elongating the word rubbing her hands together, as if she had an evil plan
"you're Jack's friend right?" without waiting for her nod Lucy continued whispered something into her ear
Lucy was about to leave when she remembered something, turning around and facing Sammy she said "don't tell Jack, ok?"

Cool! Perhaps Sammy and Lucy could ally

Tere