Alex stood in Jack's bedroom one last time. She pulled a black T-shirt on over her black hair. The swish of the short locks still felt new as they tickled her neck. Her neck felt naked now, the gentle pull of the star necklace gone. She had hid it deep in Jack's dresser, safe for another day, one she would not be a part of.

Jack held out his own leather coat to her.

Alex rested her hand on the coat and gently pushed his arm away. With a shake of her head she said, "I am not ...