~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Prologue

September, 2001

Los Angeles, California

“From ashes we are created and unto ashes shall we return. . .’ the Priest’s voice droned on, occasionally shaking JaeLyn from her stupor. 

Almost two weeks ago her happiness came screeching to a halt, starting with a phone call and three messages on the answering machine.

~*~*~

‘JaeLyn.  Baby, I love you.  Some men have taken the plane.  Honey, I love you, but I don’t think I’ll be coming back to you.  I’m sorry.  I should’ve waited like you wanted.  Forgive me.’

The next one: ‘JaeLyn, it’s me again.  God baby I wish you’d wake up.  Some guys are going to attack the hijackers and either regain control of the plane, or crash it.  They’ve already crashed into the Twin Towers in New York and they’re taking this one to Washington.  I’m going to help the group fighting back.  I love you.  I know this sucks, a lot.  I’ll see you in Heaven, Angel.’  The last thing she heard was muffled talking, and a man’s voice saying ‘Let’s roll.’

The third message was a friend—Cheri— from New York: ‘JaeLyn!!  Jae, wake up!!!  Oh my god Jae, we’ve been attacked!  JaeLyn. . . oh my god!!  JaeLyn, They just said Drew’s plane crashed in a field in Pennsylvania!  Oh my god!  Mike’s at work in the World Trade Center and Jae it’s gone, both buildings are just. . . gone!’ 

But JaeLyn already knew this by the time she heard the messages.  The fourth phone call had woken her up.

‘H’lo?’ she mumbled groggily.  The only answer she got was hysterical sobbing.  ‘Hello?’ she said again.

‘Jae, turn on the tv.’

‘What?  What time is it?’ she asked.

‘It doesn’t matter!’ her sister-in-law, Drew’s sister Angela, screamed.

‘Fine, fine.  What channel?’

‘That doesn’t matter either.  Just turn it on.’

JaeLyn shuffled into the parlour and clicked the on button of the remote. 

‘Ang, what channel am I supposed to turn to?  There’s some disaster movie on this one,’ she said, even as she clicked the channel up button.  She clicked it again, and again, and again, dropping the phone.  That moment, her heart shattered, and she felt as though she’d been kicked in the chest.

‘United Airlines Flight 93, from Newark, New Jersey, is confirmed to have crashed in Shanksville, in a rural part of Pennsylvania.  Authorities on scene have reported that there were no survivors.  Let’s go now to our local affiliate. . .’

JaeLynn didn’t hear the rest.  She was screaming too loudly.

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Chapter 1

November 18, 2003

American Airlines Flight,

Los Angeles to Wellington New Zealand

JaeLyn was nervous.  No—she was terrified.  After her husband had been killed on United Flight 93 on September 11^th, she had been terrified of flying.  Yet here she was, boarding a jetliner, alone.

Knowing that her fear was impractical, she sought help from the Anxiety and Panic Disorder Centre of Los Angeles.  Through a period of 18 months, she had undergone a routine of cognitive restructuring and systematic desensitisation. 

The cognitive therapy was routine, teaching her to view her fear objectively.  The desensitisation was horrid, though.  Part of the treatment forced her to face the fear, through virtual reality, short flights with a therapist then alone, and now this—a solo flight to New Zealand.

Her friend Cheri had returned to New Zealand after her fiancé Mike was killed in the World Trade Centre the same day.  Hence Jae’s decision to fly there. 

She settled into her seat—first class, for some added comfort.  The flight attendants had been apprised of the situation, in case she had an anxiety attack, or a full blown panic attack.  She looked up when someone sat down beside her. 

The face was vaguely familiar.  It was someone she knew she ought to recognise, but just couldn’t place it.  He was about her height—5’ 7”—with blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes.

‘Hey, how are you doing?’ the man asked.  British, she noted.  He was joined by two other men, a brunette and another blonde.  The former was another Brit, and the latter was Scottish.

‘Uh . . . f-f-fine.’

‘You okay, love?  You're kind of pale.’

‘This is my first solo flight since 9/11.  My, ah, my husband was killed on Flight 93.  This flight is my graduation from therapy for aviophobia.’

The man looked at her sympathetically.  Then he took her hand, surprising her, and squeezed it gently.  ‘Let me know if you need anything.  I’ve some mates that are white-knucklers.  You have medicine for anxiety?’

JaeLyn nodded.  ‘Yeah, Klonopin.’

‘If it’s not terribly rude, may I ask where you have it stored on this flight?  In case you need it.’

Jae was touched by the stranger’s concern for her.  ‘It’s in my carry-on’s front compartment.  That’s in the first overhead here,’ indicating the proper compartment.

He nodded.  ‘Oh, I seem to’ve misplaced my manners.  Terribly rude of me not introducing myself.  My name’s Dominic, and this is Billy,’ indicating the Scot, ‘and Orlando,’ motioning to the Brit.

Billy. . . Dom. . . Orlando. . .  Suddenly she realised who her seat mates were.

‘Lord of the Rings?’ she asked quietly.  Dom nodded, hesitantly, his face a blank mask, devoid of emotion.  ‘My friend Cheri—that’s who I’m going to visit—loves the movies.  She’s a native Kiwi.  Maori actually.

‘I saw the first two.  But not until recently.  I. . . well, I wasn’t doing well after Drew was killed.  Didn’t do much outside of school and therapy.’

‘We’re flying to Wellington for the première of the Return of the King—the third one.’

At this point, the jet, which had been idling at the head of a runway, roared to life, speeding down the runway, before angling up and gaining altitude.  Jae gripped the armrests, face white and eyes closed.

Dom looked at her, feeling sad.  Gently, he laid his hand over hers.  When she looked at him in surprise, he smiled encouragingly.

‘Don’t forget to breath.  That can cause an anxiety attack love.’  He paused, then spoke quietly.  ‘I'm not out of bounds am I?  Holding your hand?  I just want you to be comfortable on the flight.’

She smiled, weakly.  ‘No, it’s fine.  I. . . well, actually I appreciate it.  It helps.’

‘Good.’  Dom didn’t speak again until they reached cruising altitude.  ‘How are you doing, love?’ he asked.

Her eyes were closed, and she was breathing rhythmically.  If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was asleep, but she still had a firm grip on his hand.  ‘So-so.  Nervous as hell, but relaxation’s helping a bit.’

Soon, JaeLyn had relaxed, and for the remaining 12 hours of the flight to Auckland, she chatted with Dom; occasionally Billy or Orlando chimed in with a comment, but for the most part, Dom and Jae were lost in conversation with each other.

‘So what do you do, love?’ Dom asked JaeLyn.

She sighed.  ‘I was a security consultant for an international company.  That ended when Drew was killed.  I’ve just been kind of floundering about since.  I’ve done a bit of writing, freelancing, mainly for something to do.’

‘What do you write?’

‘Whatever comes to mind.  I tend to write poetry and serial stories, but they don’t sell well.  The ones I’ve sold were research articles for criminal justice, corrections, and security trade journals.  The most recent one was pre-hire evaluation of police recruits.  I’m working on an article now on how to prevent abused youth from becoming delinquent youth and criminal adults.

‘I guess I don’t have to ask what you do.’

Dom smiled.  ‘Yeah, I guess we covered that.  What’s your favourite and least favourite things about LA?’

‘My favourite is the anonymity, least is probably traffic.’

‘Yeah, I think that’s everyone’s.  I LOATHE people who don’t use turn signals.’

‘Mine is people that refuse to yield to emergency vehicles, followed by the non-signallers.’  They shared a smile.

Just then, the plane dropped as it ran into turbulence.  Jae’s face turned white, and she grabbed Dom’s hand, which had been on the armrest.

As quickly as it had started, the turbulence ended.  Dom spent the next few minutes calming JaeLyn.  ‘You’re okay.  Just some turbulence.  You know, you’re really doing well on this flight.  We’re only about an hour from Auckland.’

Dom could see Jae was doing relaxation again.  He fell silent, whilst rubbing her shoulder nearest him.  Finally, she opened her eyes, and smiled.

‘That always helps.’

‘What do you think about when you relax?’ Dom asked.

‘I call it my happy place.  I picture myself sprawled under a huge willow tree, the branches so low and thick they hide me from the world and it from me.  A litter of golden retriever pups and some kittens run about, occasionally running up to me and pouncing on my chest.’

‘That’s lovely,’ Dom said, smiling.  ‘I used to hide under willow trees when I was growing up.’

‘Not me.  I was too busy climbing trees,’ chimed Orlando.

‘Aye, and falling out of them,’ retorted Billy.

‘And off roofs.  And horses,’ Dom added helpfully.

‘Sod off.  Viggo’s been hurt more than me.’

‘Viggo is forty-something years old, and does most of his own stunts.’

‘Details, details.’

Dom sighed, and shook his head.  The fasten seatbelt signs lit up and the final approach to Auckland began.  JaeLyn fastened in, and prepared for the first landing. 

She smiled at Dom.  Thanks to him and his concern, she was a LOT more comfortable now than she’d been before.

-----------------------------------------------

Chapter 2

‘We’ve a bit of time here in Auckland; you’re welcome to come out with us.  We’re going for lunch and tea.’

‘Thank you, Dominic.  I’ll pass on food, though tea sounds lovely.’

‘Why not eat?’  You’ve not eaten since Los Angeles.’

‘Less in my stomach should it decide to empty itself.  And if I know my friend, I’ll be wined and dined tonight.’

JaeLyn shouldered her carry on and followed Dominic who was following his friends.  When he looked back, he noticed her bag.

‘I’m sorry.  We ought to have stopped for you to check that for the time being.’

JaeLyn’s eyes dropped.  It’s okay, I uh, I’d. . . rather hang onto it.’  She didn’t want Dominic to know about her financial problems, and luggage check was a bit of money she didn’t have. 

Since she wasn’t working, she eked out a living on disability.  In LA that barely covered her most basic expenses.  This trip was covered partly by her health insurance, as a part of approved therapy, and partly by 9/11 victims’ compensation funds.

Dom studied her face for a moment.  ‘May I carry it for you then?’  Jae hesitated, then nodded, and handed over the bag.  Dom took it and immediately sagged under its weight. 

Jae smiled, knowing he was trying to make her laugh.  ‘You must be horribly weakened for it to affect you so,’ she teased back.

They reached the pub, one the men had visited a few times during filming of the movies.  Jae slid into a booth and scooted over, Dom immediately slid into the booth next to her.

‘Hey, Dom’s hogging the pretty girl!’ Orlando pouted to Billy.

‘No, I’m trying to protect her from your dishonourable intentions!  Quit whinging and settle in—we don’t have that much time mate.’

The group ordered, and the three men chatted amiably whilst drinking their tea.  JaeLyn recalled her first date with Drew.  All of a sudden, the booth seemed too cramped and she felt a panicky feeling.  Pushing at Dom, unable to speak, she fled the pub.

Following quickly, Dom found her outside, sitting on the porch.  Her arms were wrapped around her knees and she was rocking back and forth, gasping for air.  He yelled back to Billy to bring JaeLyn’s bag and a drink. 

When Billy brought her bag, he quickly found her medication—Klonopin, and shook out two pills.  Kneeling in front of her, he took her hand and placed the pills in it.  Automatically, she put them in her mouth.  He handed her the tea she’d been drinking and she swallowed.  He motioned for Billy and asked him to clear everyone out.  Having an audience wasn’t going to help Jae relax.

He stayed with her until the medicine took effect and she slowly stopped rocking and came back out of the panic.

The first thing Jae noticed was Dom watching her, concern evident in his eyes.  She looked about and noticed she was sitting outside of the pub.  ‘Shite!’ she thought.  ‘Did I. . . I. . . I had a panic attack I guess . . .?’

‘Yeah, you did.  Are you okay now?’

‘Just embarrassed.  I hate having these in public.  People think I’ve gone mad.’

‘Well, you’re okay with us.  We know you're not mad, and anyone who knew why you have attacks won’t.  Why did you have one just now though?’

‘My mind flashed to Drew, remembering our first date.  I guess between the flight and the memories my brain’d had enough.’

Dom stood and offered his hands to her.  She took them, and he helped her to her feet.  When she stood, she swayed briefly, and he pulled her forward a bit, so that she rested against his chest.  She drew a deep breath and pulled back, meeting his gaze for a brief second before dropping her eyes and turning around. 

‘We’d better go back in.  There’s not much time til the flight now, I’m sure.’

Wasting no time, for she was right, Dom ate his lunch, and JaeLyn drank her tea.  The group hurried back to the terminal, and boarded the plane that would bring them to Wellington.  Somehow, Dom was seated with JaeLyn, but his mates were seated a few rows back.  The flight was a short one, just an hour, so Jae didn’t sleep, though the Klonopin made her sleepy.

‘Look, uh, when we get there, well. . . I was wondering. . . maybe. . .’ Dom started.  ‘Dear God, mate, spit it the bloody hell out!’ he thought to himself.  ‘Would you come to the première with me?

‘I mean, I’d like to see you again, and also take you to the première.  You could also bring your friend if you want.’

JaeLyn just stared at Dom.  ‘Um. . .’

‘You don’t have to, but I’d really like it. . .’ he said softly.

‘I’ll go,’ she said, just as softly. 

‘Great!’ Dom said, beaming.  ‘I’ll need to know how to contact you though.’

‘Sure.  I’m staying in a hotel; I didn’t want to put Cheri out too much and to be honest, I need a place to escape to.  Let’s see. . .’ she said, trying to remember, ‘I'm staying at the Quest Wellington on Hunter.’  She turned and saw shock on Dom’s face.

‘Uh, that’s . . . we’re staying there too!’

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 3

‘Well, that will make finding me rather easy then, yeah?’ JaeLyn quipped. 

Dom smiled.  ‘It will indeed.’ 

In short time, the seatbelt sign flashed and it was time to prepare for the final approach and landing.  JaeLyn fastened in and took a deep breath.

Dom was encouraging.  ‘You're doing beautifully, love.  We’re almost there now.’

‘I’ll be glad when this is over with,’ she sighed.  ‘I used to love flying.  My first flight was on a puddle-jumper from Maine to Albany, New York.  Seeing the ocean below, the land flying by, I loved it.  Then this happened; I want my life back.’  She looked up then.  ‘Sorry, I was waxing poetic, I guess.’

‘Don’t worry about it.  I think aloud a lot.  And frankly you're doing a remarkable thing.  Most people would rather wallow in their fears than confront them.  It’s scary.’

By this time, they had landed and deplaning was taking place.  Jae took her luggage from the overhead and handed Dom his.  They exited the plane and Dom found Orlando and Billy waiting for him. 

‘We gonna get a taxi to the hotel guys?’ Dom asked.  The two men nodded.  ‘Is your friend waiting here or were you also going to taxi over?’ Dom asked JaeLyn.

‘I told my friend I’d call her when I got settled in tonight.  So I was also going to take a taxi.’

‘You mind another body guys?  She’s at the Quest on Hunter, too.’ 

‘No problem mate.  We’ll have to get a van though, cos I'm not sitting on anyone’s lap, and no one is sitting on mine!  Not unless . . .’ Orlando started.

‘Sod off, elf boy!  I saw her first!’ Dom retorted, smiling at Jae who laughed.

The group retrieved their luggage from the carousel and they headed for the car park.  Locating a taxi big enough to hold the four of them was a challenge.  JaeLyn finally succeeded in getting them a cab.  She relaxed, eyes closed, on the ride from the airport to the hotel.

They arrived just after check-in so were able to immediately go freshen up and relax.  Comparing room numbers Dom noticed another oddity.  He and JaeLyn were across the hall from each other; his mates were two floors away.  He vaguely wondered if the Fates were throwing him and Jae together for a reason.  JaeLyn also noted this as odd, and shrugged.  She wasn’t much of a believer in fate and found that coincidence was often just that.

‘Do you want to join us for dinner?’ Dom asked.

‘I’d like to, but I promised Cheri I’d see her tonight.’

‘Hmmm.  You can invite her along if you’d like.’

‘I’ll ask her; I can't make any promises though.’

‘Okay; if you're up for it, come over after you talk to her.  I’ll be in my room til five or so.’

Jae agreed and headed into her room to change clothes and freshen up.  After a short shower, she settled on the bed and picked up the phone.  She’d call Cheri now and rest after.

‘JaeLyn!  You made it okay then?’

‘Well, I had a panic attack in Auckland, but I'm okay.’

‘Oh no!’

‘I'm okay Cheri; Dom helped me calm down.’

‘Uh, Dom?’

‘Oh, uh, my seatmate.  We chatted a rather lot on the LA to Auckland leg.  He and his mates invited me to tea during the stopover.  Actually, I wanted to ask if you had plans tonight.  He invited you and me to dinner with his mates and him.  If you’d rather not, it’s okay, he’ll understand.’

‘That would be lovely.  Does this Dom have a last name?  And do his mates have names?’

Jae hesitated; she knew her friend had seen the first two movies.  ‘Uh, Dom Monaghan.  His mates are Orlando Bloom and Billy Boyd.’

‘Yeah, sure JaeLyn.  If you don’t want to say, don’t.  I just wondered.’

‘Cheri, I'm not joking.  They're in Wellington for the première of the third movie.  They invited us to that as well.’

‘Jae, I don’t believe you.  They’re celebrities; why on earth would they bother with you or me?’

‘Fine, don’t believe me.  If you're going to call me a liar I am hanging up.  Maybe we’ll do dinner tomorrow Cheri.  I don’t feel well enough to be around someone who thinks I lie.’  She hung up the phone on Cheri’s protests, cursing proficiently.  She got up and, grabbing her key, headed for the door. 

Dom opened his door moments later.  By that time tears were already streaming from Jae’s eyes.  ‘Jae, what’s wrong, love?’

Jae shook her head.  ‘Fight with Cheri.  She accused me of lying to her and we had a fight.  On top of everything else . . .’ her voice trailed off.

Dom took her in his arms.  Gently, he led her into the room, a mirror image of his.  He sat down on the bed, pulling Jae with him.  He rocked her gently allowing her to finish her cry.  When she finished, he thumbed away her tears.

‘What did she think you were lying about?’

Jae looked up at him, pointedly.  ‘But JaeLyn, they’re celebrities; why would they bother with you?’ she mimicked mockingly.  She yawned just then, a great heaving yawn.

‘You must be exhausted, you’ve not slept since we left LA, and your medicine probably makes you sleepy.’  JaeLyn nodded.  ‘Lie down,’ Dom ordered, gently.  ‘Take your rest, I’ll not bother you.’

‘Why don’t I go back to my room?’ she questioned.

‘You can if you’d like to, though I figured you’d rather not be alone.’  Jae nodded, seeing his point.  He was right, too.  Having him in the room was soothing.  She lay down, on her side.  Dom squeezed her hand once and let it go; she was already asleep.

Less than an hour later, Dom was startled by someone pounding on a door in the hallway.  Peering through the peep hole, he noticed it was JaeLyn’s door.  A woman, taller than JaeLyn, with red hair, was knocking rapidly.  Getting no reply, she called out.

‘JaeLyn, I know your in there, you’ve no place else to be!  Open your door, I’m worried about you; it’s not like you to make up tales!’

Dom opened his door and stepped out.  ‘Are you Cheri?’

She turned.  ‘Aye, who are you?  And of what concern to you is my name?’

‘Dom Monaghan.  Jae’s not ignoring you, she’s asleep.’

Cheri stared at him.  ‘You don’t much look like Dom Monaghan.’

‘I don’t, eh?  Are you sure it’s I don’t look like Meriadoc Brandybuck?  I've my driver’s licence if it will satisfy you.’  Cheri nodded and Dom pulled out his wallet.  Cheri looked at the card and sighed.

‘No wonder she was upset; I owe her an apology now I suppose.’

‘That you do.’ 

‘I owe you one too,’ she added.

‘I don’t want an apology, Cheri.  I want that girl that’s asleep in my room smiling again.  She’s been through enough what with the flight and a panic attack.  She’s wrung out already, and then you accuse her of making up stories, or worse being mentally unstable . . .’ Dom said quietly, but fiercely. 

‘Dom,’ Jae’s voice called out quietly, ‘who are you talking to?’

Dom opened the door and pointed inside.  Cheri got the message and walked in.

JaeLyn looked at her friend sadly.  ‘I told you I wasn’t lying,’ she whispered.

Cheri looked at Dom.  ‘Can we have a few minutes?’

Dom looked at Jae who shook her head.  ‘No,’ he said, flatly.

Cheri sighed.  ‘Jae, I'm sorry.  There’s not much else I can say.  I was wrong to think you’d lie; I was honestly worried that you’d lost it.’

Jae just looked at her.  ‘I’ll call you, Cheri.’

‘When?’

‘Sometime before I leave.’

Cheri sighed.  Her friend really was hurt, and once again she couldn’t help.  She stood to leave; Dom stood too, and followed Cheri to the door.

‘Will you tell her I am sorry?’ 

Dom assessed her with unsmiling eyes.  Finally he nodded and shut the door.  Less than a minute later there was a knock at the door.

‘What is it?’ he asked, more sharply than he’d intended, thinking Cheri had come back again.

‘Dom what’s wrong?’

Orlando.  He opened the door.

‘And who was that girl leaving here a minute ago?’

‘JaeLyn’s friend.  She accused Jae of lying about meeting us; Jae got upset, hung up on her and came over here.  She went to sleep, and the Cheri showed up.  Just say that things are not happy right now.’

Orlando looked shrewdly at his friend.  Although Dom was friendly and compassionate, he’d never seen Dom put himself out quite this much for a virtual stranger, and said so.

‘I know.  But there’s something about JaeLyn.  And it’s weird how she and I keep getting thrown together when you and Bill are the ones I’m here with.  Speaking of Billy,’ he said upon hearing a knock on the door.  Orlando stood and let Billy in.

‘Hey lads, look who I found,’ Billy said.  Looking past him, Dom and Orlando saw Viggo Mortensen.

‘Hey mate, you came into town early too huh?’

‘Yeah.  Henry’s on vacation with his mother, so I figured I’d come back sooner.’  He sat down and finally noticed JaeLyn.  ‘God Dom, you work fast!’

‘This time it really isn't what you think.  Kind of a long story.’

‘I have time.’

Billy interrupted, ‘Are we going to supper or what lads?  Because if we’re not, I'm going to go call Ali.’

‘Hang on,’ Dom said.  He went to the bed and crouched down, speaking softly to JaeLyn.  She got up and went into Dom’s bathroom giving Viggo and Billy a clear look at her tear streaked face.

‘Give her a few minutes and we can all go to supper.’

‘Who is she and what happened to her?’ Viggo asked.

‘Well, that’s part of the story.  She was in the seat next to me on the flight from LA.  Her fiancé was killed on Flight 93 on 9/11 and this flight was her graduation from therapy.  During the stopover in Auckland she came for tea with me, Bills, and Orlando.    In Auckland, she had a panic attack. 

‘Then when she called her friend to ask if Cheri wanted to join us for dinner, Cheri accused JaeLyn of lying about meeting us.  Jae came over here rather upset, so I calmed her and offered her a place to rest. 

‘Then Cheri showed up and pounded on Jae’s door, I opened mine, she now believes Jae, but Jae is still quite upset, and that’s where we’re at now.’

‘Nice summation,’ Viggo said.  ‘So is it the five of us then, for supper?  Billy asked me to join you.’ 

‘As far as I know.  I don’t know anyone else who was coming in til two days before the première.  Although I've not heard back from Beanie.’

‘He’s arriving day after tomorrow,’ Viggo said.

JaeLyn came back out then, and crept back to the bed.  She was embarrassed to think what Dom’s friends must be thinking, and she was feeling shy in front of Viggo.

‘JaeLyn, this is Viggo Mortensen,’ Dom introduced.  When she seemed to be searching her brain, he added, ‘Aragorn, if that’s what you’re pondering.’

She smiled; ‘It was.  Hi Viggo,’ she said, quietly.  He smiled back and greeted her warmly.

She sat down on the bed and pulled her legs up, wrapping her arms around them.  Dom felt his heart wrench; she looked as though she was trying to disappear into herself.  He sat down beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. 

‘You okay?’ he asked quietly.

She nodded.  ‘Just a little overwhelmed.  I've had a very quiet life since . . .’ her voice trailed off.

Dom hugged her and helped her stand.  ‘Okay gang, let’s go.  We all need food I think.’

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Chapter 4

JaeLyn sat between Viggo and Dominic at dinner.  Billy and Orlando sat across the wide table.  Jae was quiet, watching the men interact exuberantly.  For some reason she’d thought Viggo would be a calming influence on the group; somehow she was wrong. 

‘You okay, love?’ Dom whispered in her ear.

She nodded.  ‘Yeah; just kind of overwhelming being with you lot.’  Dom put his arm around her shoulder and hugged her to him, reassuringly.  Suddenly JaeLyn gasped.  Cheri had just walked in.  ‘Of all the fecking pubs in Wellington,’ she muttered.  Dom followed Jae’s gaze and groaned. 

‘Let me guess—that’s your friend?’ Viggo asked quietly.

‘That’s Cheri.’  Jae’s wounds were still too raw to use the word friend right now.

‘Jae?’  Cheri’s voice was soft and unsure.  All four men at the table looked at her, one hostilely, two only slightly less so, and the other assessingly, with no evidence of friendliness in his face.  Jae looked at her hands.

‘Okay, I get it, you're still angry.  Forgive me for being concerned for you.’

‘You accused me of lying or of going round the bend!  A friend doesn’t do that!  You ought to know by now that I don’t fucking lie!’  She burst into tears again; Dom pulled her into a soothing hug. 

‘Look, I'm the least involved here at this point, but I really do think it would be best if you let this rest for a couple days Cheri,’ Viggo said quietly.

‘This doesn’t concern you Mr Mortensen,’ she replied eyes blazing.

‘Is everything all right my friends?’ asked the proprietor, Darren, who remembered the men from the times they'd been in during filming.

‘No,’ Viggo said flatly, levelling his gaze at Cheri.  ‘This woman has upset our guest.’

‘Miss, you need to be leaving now.’

‘And what if I want to eat something?’ Cheri asked defensively.

‘There are plenty of restaurants and pubs in Wellington; ones that aren't serving some of my favourite customers.  Be off now or I’ll ring the law.’

Cheri looked sadly at JaeLyn, still cuddled into Dom.  The men now all regarded her with open hostility.  Jae murmured something, very softly.

‘She says not to ring her or call on her.  She’ll contact you when she is up for it,’ Dom relayed, his arms wrapped protectively round Jae.

Cheri turned, quite upset, and left.

Dom murmured to JaeLyn then, who shook her head.  ‘Guys, I'm going to bring her back to the hotel.’  He summoned Darren and asked for their meals to be wrapped.

‘Of course.  It will be just a few moments.  Will you gentlemen be leaving as well?’  The three men looked at Dom.

‘It’s up to you guys,’ was all he said. 

The three men exchanged looks, discussing without speaking.  ‘We’ll go too; sorry Darren.’

‘No problem my friends.  I understand that things happen.’  He scurried to the kitchen, returning after a few minutes with their orders.  The men thanked him and tossed some money on the table.  JaeLyn leant on Dom for support, her face even more drawn and pale than it was earlier.  

Back at the Quest, Dom let himself and Jae into his room.  His friends were going to get together in Billy’s room.  He sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled Jae in for a hug, rubbing her back.  She rested against him, drained from the events of the last 30 or so hours.

Dom gently laid her down, easing her shoes off.  He stood to go sit in a chair when he heard her soft voice.  ‘Hold me?’ she asked, pleadingly.

Dom smiled gently.  ‘Of course, love.’  He kicked of his runners and shrugged out of his shirt, turned off the light, and climbed into bed behind her.  Gently, he put his arms around her and pulled her close.  She sighed and closed her eyes.  He pressed his lips to her forehead and whispered, ‘get your rest, baby.  I'm right here.  Dom’s here.’

JaeLyn slept the whole night through.  She woke at seven-thirty the next morning, still wrapped in Dom’s embrace; he was asleep and snoring lightly.  When she stood to go to the loo, he stirred, but didn’t actually wake up until she returned.  When she sat down on the edge of the bed, she felt his hand on her back.

‘Hey,’ he said, his voice rough with sleep, ‘how are you this morning love?’

Jae shrugged.  ‘Drug hangover—I always feel dopey after I take Klonopin.  Not nearly as stressed though.’

He sat up and moved to sit behind her, his arms around her.  ‘Good; yesterday was a bad day for you.’ 

Jae nodded sadly.  ‘I feel as though part of it’s my fault—like I overreacted.’

‘Well,’ Dom started, drawing out the vowel, ‘it’s possible you did; but also completely understandable given the circumstances of the day.’

‘You think?’

‘Sweetheart,’ he said, pulling her back against him, ‘You went over 24 hours without sleep, stressed as hell, had a panic attack in a strange place; that’s enough to make anyone crazy!’

JaeLyn sighed.  ‘You see that; why can't Cheri?’  She leaned her head against Dom’s chest; it was so comfortable a fit it seemed as though his body had been created for hers.  ‘She’s my best friend.  After Drew was killed . . . she was all I had.  We were all the other had.  Drew had a sister, but she killed herself; Cheri lost her fiancé in the North Tower so she understood how I was feeling.’

‘You said Cheri was all you had; what about family?’

Jae shook her head.  ‘I was raised in foster care, bouncing from home to home or, on occasion if no home was immediately available, I was put in juvenile hall until one became free.’

Dom tightened his arms around Jae and rested his cheek on her forehead.  ‘You have me now, too, love,’ he whispered. 

Tears welled up in Jae’s eyes.  She’d known him less than two days and already she felt as though she could rely on him, the way he had just said she could.  ‘Thank you,’ she choked. 

Dom pressed a kiss to her forehead.  ‘That wasn’t supposed to make you cry, love,’ he teased.  She laughed through her tears.  ‘That’s better.’ 

She lay back down, on her back, resting her cheek on the back of one folded hand.  Dom stretched out on his side next to her, head propped up on his palm.  With his other hand, he brushed a strand of hair from her face.  She looked up at him, her gaze achingly vulnerable.  He cupped her cheek and thumbed away remnants of her tears.

‘So beautiful,’ he whispered.  Jae blushed but smiled.  Hesitating only slightly, Dom leaned forward and captured her lips with his.  Jae reached up with one hand and stroked his cheek.  He pulled back and looked into her hazel eyes searchingly.  ‘Was that okay?’ he asked quietly.  Jae’s reply was to pull his head down for another kiss.

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Chapter 5

‘Hello?’

‘Cheri, this is Dominic Monaghan.’

‘Oh. Hi Dominic.  What can I do for you?’

‘JaeLyn asked me to call and have you come to the Quest at one for lunch.’

‘Who’s going to be there?’

‘You, me, Jae, Viggo.  I'm there for Jae and Viggo will be there to keep the calm and mediate if need be.’

‘I can't see her alone?’  Her voice sounded petulant and whiney, even to herself.

‘She doesn’t want to see you alone Cheri.  Do you realise how badly you hurt her?’

‘And if I choose not to come?’

‘Then she doesn’t want to ever see or talk to you again.’  His voice was flat when he delivered the line.  Cheri sighed.

‘I’ll be there.  At one.’  There was no response, just a click followed by the dial tone.

At one o'clock, Cheri entered the dining room for the Quest Wellington.

‘May I help you?’ the maitre d’ asked.

‘Umm, I'm supposed to meet someone here for lunch.’

‘Your name?’  Cheri supplied her name and was led to the waiting trio.  JaeLyn was sitting next to the wall—a testament to how distraught she was; she hated being confined—with Dom sitting next to her, his arm round her shoulders protectively.  Viggo was sitting across from them, and looked rather pointedly at the remaining chair.  JaeLyn looked at her hands, fiddling with her linen, avoiding looking at Cheri.

‘Jae, I'm sorry,’ Cheri started.

‘Sit, please,’ Viggo said.  Cheri took the seat and looked at the group. 

‘Well, what’s the plan, because I feel a little ganged up upon.’

‘I've already hear Jae’s side of the story, as well as what she feels is yours.  I want you to tell me what you feel hers is.  Then you can tell me yours.  Then we’ll talk,’ Viggo directed the conversation.

Cheri sighed.  ‘Jae feels hurt and angry that I didn’t believe her when she told me about Dominic.’  Jae bit down on her hand in a gesture that was familiar to Cheri, and becoming familiar to the men.  When she was nervous, frightened, or trying not to speak, she bit on the back of her hand or a knuckle.

‘Why was she so hurt?’ Viggo asked.

‘Because I shouldn’t have doubted her—I'm her best friend.  Or I was,’ she amended sadly.

‘What’s your side of the story?’ Viggo prompted.

‘I knew the flight was stressful on her.  I also know that she’s had a hard time since September 11^th.  I thought she was mistaken, or that someone was bullshitting her and she was too stressed to realise it.  She was always trusting and, on occasion, naïve.’

‘Are you done?’ Viggo asked.  Cheri nodded.  JaeLyn exploded.

‘You always treat me like a child Cheri!  I don’t need mothering.  I may not have had one, but goddammit I can take care of myself!  Been doing it since I was a kid anyway.’

Cheri sighed; Jae was right, of course.  In terms of life experience, Jae was older.  ‘So why are you so inclined to trust people?’

‘Because I’d rather be too trusting and get hurt than turn out like you, afraid to trust anyone!’ she all but snarled.

Cheri sat there stunned.  She’d had no idea her friend saw her that way.  She just stared at JaeLyn.  Finally she spoke: ‘You're right; I am afraid to trust people.  But how can you trust people when you’ve never had anyone but you to rely on?’

‘Eventually I’ll get lucky.  If I haven't already’ she added, looking at Dom briefly.  ‘And I’ll never find anyone to trust if I don’t actually do it.  You know what I say—“I’d rather have a million broken hearts than never have loved anyone enough not to even have one.”’

Their meals arrived then; JaeLyn just picked at her food.  Dom was worried; she hadn't eaten much since the fight with Cheri.  That was one reason he insisted that Jae meet with Cheri. 

It took two hours, but Jae and Cheri were finally talking again.  Dom hoped that their friendship was being repaired now.  It took Jae just as long to finish her lunch, but Dom told her they weren’t leaving until she finished eating. 

Cheri had had to leave at two-thirty; Viggo went back to his room, and Dom stayed with Jae, cajoling and scolding her into eating.  Finally, at almost three-thirty, she finished.

‘Oi, it’s a little hobbit!’ called out a thickly accented British voice.

‘Beanie!’ Dom greeted.  ‘Sean, this is JaeLyn, a new and good friend; Jae, this is Sean Bean, aka Boromir.’

‘Hi Sean,’ Jae greeted softly.  She studied him for a moment.  ‘Andy McNabb,’ she said suddenly.  ‘You played Andy McNabb.  And also in Don’t Say a Word.’

Sean nodded.  ‘Aye, guilty as charged.  Did you like me work is the question?’

‘Definitely.  You play a convincing arsehole,’ she grinned.

‘He gets a lot of real life practice, that’s why.’

‘Sod off, hobbit!’

‘Awww, Seanie, that’s not what you said last time we were together!’  Dominic affected a slight lisp, pretending to be gay.  Sean just laughed and shook his head.  ‘I’m going to get JaeLyn upstairs, mate.  I’ll ring you later on, yeah?’  Sean nodded and gave his room number.

Dom put his arm around JaeLyn and led her to the lifts and rang for one.  When they got back to their floor, Dom unlocked his door.  ‘You coming in or do you want to go to your room?’  Jae hesitated, not wanting to put Dom out or seem to take advantage.  ‘Come on,’ Dom said smiling, and took her hand.  ‘I promise I won’t do anything unseemly; that is, of course, unless you want me to,’ he said, giving her a lecherous look.  JaeLyn laughed and put her arm around Dom’s back. 

Inside the room, he led her to the settee and sat down, pulling her down so she was seated in his lap causing Jae to giggle.  He put his arms around her and cuddled her to him.  She rested her cheek on his chest, listening to the steady thrumming of his heart.  He moved his head and looked down at her, smiling.  When she met his gaze, his lowered his head and kissed her. 

Jae’s arms tightened around Dom, and a moan parted her lips.  Dom stood, lifting her in his arms, and carried her to the bed.  He carefully laid her down, and lay next to her, in the same position as before, on his side next to her.  He gently rested one hand on her side, slightly below her ribs.  He leaned in and kissed her again, deep and hot this time.  Jae opened up to the kiss, allowing his tongue to sweep into her mouth, where she captured it with her teeth, sucking gently, earning a low, feral moan from Dom.  She tugged at his t-shirt, revelling in the feel of his bare skin.

‘Not . . . fair,’ he murmured, the words punctuated by kisses.  ‘You have . . . too many . . . clothes.’

‘So change that,’ she answered.  Dom groaned and broke the kiss long enough to yank her shirt over her head.  He sucked one of her dusky nipples into his hot mouth, biting gently; he was rewarded with a cry of pleasure.  ‘Dom, oh god, I want you!’ she cried.

Dom smiled at her words and removed her khaki shorts quickly, then stripped himself.  She gasped when she saw his engorged member. 

‘You're huge!’ she cried out, resulting in a chuckle and a kiss.

‘That’s one thing I never lie about, the size of my cock,’ he murmured.  ‘It comes up in interviews sometimes, the topic that is.’  He returned his lips to hers, fingers stroking her wetness and rubbing the head of his shaft over her engorged clit.

‘Ah, fuck!  Dom please, I need you, please!’ she cried.  ‘Please take me!’

Dom groaned, her words were his undoing.  One quick thrust and he was buried inside her.  He remained still for a few moments, letting her adjust to his size; not only was he long, he was rather girthy too.

After a couple minutes, she started moving below him.  He began to move in rythm with her, finding the position that gave her the most pleasure.  She gasped when his cock rubbed over her g-spot, and when his groin stimulated her clit.

It didn’t take long for the couple to find their peak; JaeLyn went first, crying out Dom’s name into his mouth, kissing him.  Her climax pushed him over the edge, and he arched his back, shouting her name, filling her with his seed.

‘Mmm, god, baby,’ he murmured in her ear.  ‘Thank you.’

‘What for?’

‘Giving yourself to me;  I know it’s not something you do routinely or lightly.’  He lightly kissed her lips.  ‘Do you believe in love at first sight?  And Fate?’ he asked her.  She looked at him when he asked that.  ‘I mean, we get sat next to each other twice, once when my mates were nowhere near us; we get put if rooms across the hall from each other, when my mates are on another floor.  Jae, this is gonna sound so fucking smarmy, but I can't stop thinking about you—I think I fell in love before I even sat in my seat.’

Jae gaped at him.  She’d never had anyone say anything like that at all.  She realised that she felt toward Dom how she’d felt toward her late husband when they first met.  She pressed a kiss to his lips.  ‘I love you too, Dom.  Now let’s sleep.’  He grinned and took her in his arms, pulling her close.

‘Yes, ma’am.’

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Chapter 6

1 December, 2003 dawned warm and sunny, a beautiful summer day.  JaeLyn stretched languidly, and cuddled into Dom’s embrace.  She smiled; so much had happened in the last week.  She gave up her room at the hotel, since she was spending all of her time in Dom’s. 

She and Cheri had started talking again, and Jae was close to putting the fight behind her.  JaeLyn was attending the première tonight as Dom’s date—as his girlfriend, she corrected herself.  Cheri had declined because she still felt awkward around Dom and his friends. 

Dom groaned and sat up.  They had been up late making love and talking; he was paying the price now.  Jae leant back against him smiling.  ‘Morning love,’ she said, with a kiss.

‘Hey baby.  Time’s it?’

‘Ten.’

‘Okay.  I have the parade at three-thirty, then the première.  You’re still coming right?’ he asked somewhat worriedly.

‘Of course I am, love.’

They ate brunch, cuddled and kissed, and watched a bit of telly to pass the time.  Finally, it was time for Dom, dressed in a dark suit and sunnies, to leave for the parade.  ‘I’ll meet you at the Embassy Theatre at five, yeah?’

‘Yes, love, I’ll be there.’  Dom kissed her goodbye on his way out.

‘Love you.’

‘I love you too Dom.’

JaeLyn set about getting ready for the première, starting with a shower.  She rolled her hair up in dry rollers so that steam from the shower would set it into loose curls.  After the shower was make-up, which she loathed.  Jae applied the bare minimum, and set about getting into her dress.  Dom had insisted on paying when he found out that she needed to buy a dress; he helped her choose the most gorgeous dress she’d ever owned.  Knee length, straight and form fitting, off the shoulders, the jade green set off the colour of her eyes.  Finally it was time to leave.  She’d arranged with the hotel for car service to the event.

She arrived just before five, not surprised to see that Dom was already there and waiting.  He held out his hand to her, smiling dazzlingly when she stepped up.  He slipped his arm around her waist and murmured, ‘You are so fucking gorgeous, JaeLyn.’

‘You're not so bad yourself Dom, although the runners don’t exactly go with the suit,’ she teased.  Suddenly they were surrounded by reporters and photographers.

‘Who is this you're with tonight Dom?’ a correspondent from E! TV asked.

‘My girlfriend JaeLyn.’  The rest of the questions were routine, and the interviews mercifully brief.  JaeLyn had forgotten about reporters being there; after Drew had been killed, she’d had to deal with reporters and thus was fighting an anxiety attack.  Once inside the theatre, Jae fled to a nearby bench, sitting and rocking, breathing deeply.

‘Jae, baby what’s wrong?’  Dom’s worried voice cut through her thoughts, although it took her a moment to process his words.

‘Reporters . . . Drew . . . 9/11 . . . can't do . . . reporters,’ she murmured, trying to calm down.

‘Dom, Jae, what's wrong?’ Viggo asked.

‘Panic attack—the reporters set it off.  Is there a private room or someplace I can bring her?  She doesn’t need this all over the news . . .’

Viggo stood and motioned for them to follow him.  He led them to a small office in the rear of the theatre.  When they were all inside, Dom pulled Jae close to him, rocking her gently, rubbing her back.  After about fifteen minutes she started calming down.

‘I guess that’s the next fear I need to work on,’ she quipped shakily.  Dom cupped her face and looked at her; Viggo looked on concernedly. 

‘Are you going to be okay?  We can leave; PJ will understand.’

‘No, no I'm all right; just . . . I'm going to need to be on the aisle or in front row.’

‘Viggo . . .?’

‘Done,’ he said, leaving the room.

‘Viggo’s going to get us our seats.  Anything else you need baby?’  JaeLyn shook her head, but looked rather miserable.  ‘What’s wrong, love?’

‘I'm sorry.  I didn’t mean . . .’

‘Of course you didn’t!  I understand, honey.  You have PTSD, with good reason; these things happen.  If it becomes an issue with the media, I’ll have my publicist release a statement if you want.’  Jae nodded, smiling wanly then.

‘Thank you Dom.  I love you.’  She hugged him.  The door cracked open and Viggo stuck his head in.

‘Found you a couple seats, on the aisle, mid-theatre, and right near some more of the Fellowship.’

‘Thanks Vig, you're the best!’  Viggo shrugged off the compliment and Dom led JaeLyn to the theatre.  Viggo showed them the seats, and Dom introduced Jae to Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellen, and Karl Urban.  ‘You remember Beanie, Orlando, and Bills,’ he added.

JaeLyn smiled and took the hands of the men she’d been introduced to.  Orlando and Billy both hugged her.

‘Are you okay, love?’ Orlando asked, sotto voce.

‘Aye; just, reporters and memories . . .’ 

‘JaeLyn, it is wonderful to meet you.  Dominic was raving about you on the telephone a few days ago!  I am glad to see that for once he under-stated the truth; you really are far lovelier than he described.’  Sir Ian’s words made both Dom and JaeLyn blush.  

‘Dominic Monaghan, who is this enchanting creature?’ a young woman’s voice exclaimed, ‘and why haven't you introduced us?’  Dominic chuckled and introduced JaeLyn to Liv Tyler and Miranda Otto.  ‘There are so few of us women that Miranda and I have taken to stalking any that we happen upon,’ Liv teased. 

‘It’s wonderful to meet you both,’ JaeLyn smiled. 

‘Are you okay, dear?  You’re looking a bit pale,’ Miranda observed.

‘I . . .’ she hesitated looking at Dom.

‘The reporters caused an anxiety attack, on the way in,’ Dom said, sensing her unease.

‘Oh that’s horrid,’ Liv said softly.  ‘Why was it them?  Not that I blame you!’

‘My . . . ah . . . after my husband was killed 9/11 I had to deal with the vultures of the press.’

Liv and Miranda both hugged JaeLyn and congratulated her for trying to face her fears.  ‘Oi, I need to go have a fag,’ Miranda commented.  ‘You coming Liv?’

‘Nah, I'm going to sit down; I think Lij is already out there though.’  Liv hugged JaeLyn one last time and went to find her seat.  JaeLyn sat down and rested her head on Dom’s shoulder.  He smoothed her hair back and pressed a kiss to her forehead.  Gradually, the chatter dropped to murmuring, then the theatre went silent. 

The film started and for the next three hours and twenty minutes, JaeLyn sat enthralled by the adventures and tribulations of the Fellowship.  Dom kept his arm around her, so she felt more relaxed.  She grinned as the credits rolled, pleased with the movie and the ending.  During the credits, people stayed where they were, and every once in a while there were small cheers when a friend’s name appeared on the screen.

‘You didn’t know how it was going to end, did you?  You never read the books?’ Dom asked after the screen went dark.

JaeLyn shook her head.  ‘Never read them, and I'm glad; I’d rather go into a movie without any expectations whatsoever.’

‘That’s a brilliant way of looking at it, love,’ Dom smiled and pressed a kiss to her forehead.  ‘Are you up for the parties, or no?  And be honest.’

JaeLyn shook her head.  ‘I'm sorry, but I'm not.  If you want to go, go ahead; I can meet you back at the hotel.’

‘No way; I'm coming with you,’ Dom insisted.

‘But why?  You're friends will be expecting you; I don’t want to keep you from them.’

‘You're not.  Love, part of making a relationship work is compromise.  I know you're not feeling well after your anxiety attack, my mates will understand.  Later, if you're up for it, I might have a couple of them down, but we’ll see when the time comes.  Let’s go say some quick goodbyes and we’ll go.’

JaeLyn smiled and kissed him lightly.  ‘I love you so much.’

‘The feeling is mutual baby,’ he murmured, voice husky.

They wove their way through the crowd, pausing to say goodbye to people.  Dom’s love grew every time JaeLyn found a unique and thoughtful compliment for the people whose work she recognised.

JaeLyn swore she was hugged and kissed by more people in the forty-five minutes it took to get out of the theatre than in her entire life, “pre-Dom.”’  Finally they were free except for Peter Jackson, his wife Fran, and Phillipa, who co-wrote the movie.  JaeLyn was hugged and kissed two more times, and Peter Jackson took her hand.

‘You all did such a wonderful job,’ JaeLyn complimented.  ‘I've not read the books yet, but I understand that you did a tremendous job staying true to the essentials.  Congratulations on what is sure to be a smash hit.’  All three accepted her compliments gracefully, Dom smiling as he looked on. 

They walked hand in hand back to the hotel, stopping every other corner or so for a bit of snogging.  When they arrived back at the room, Dom told JaeLyn to close her eyes.  Giggling, JaeLyn obliged, wondering what her crazy, wonderful boyfriend had done this time.  She’d learnt early on that Dom was über-romantic. 

‘Okay, open.’  JaeLyn gasped.  Dom had had rose petals scattered throughout the room, which had been set up with candles, flowers, wine, and fresh fruit with chocolate dipping sauce. 

‘God, baby!  It’s . . . amazing!’

‘No, you're amazing.  I love you JaeLyn.  I'm glad I found you.’  He kissed her then, gently.  He led her to the bed, also covered in rose petals.  Kissing her gently, he laid her down, after unzipping her dress and slipping it down.

She lay before him in naught but her black lace bra and a pair of sheer black lace panties.  He drank in the sight of her before leaning forward and capturing a nipple in his mouth, through the cloth of her bra.  He kissed his way down, running his tongue over her mound, through her panties.  He moved back up and used his teeth to remove them which JaeLyn found incredibly erotic.

He stood and stripped himself, and moved away to get the basket of fruit and chocolate sauce.  He looked at JaeLyn lustfully, a wicked gleam in her eye.  He dipped a strawberry in the chocolate sauce, letting it drip down on her engorged pussy lips.  He slowly brought it up to her mouth, making sure there were plenty of drips in between.

She ate the fruit and then Dom set to work cleaning up his mess.  His broad, strong tongue lapped at the sauce on her chest, paying special attention to her nipples; he continued down, until he reached her mound.  He lapped gently at the chocolate, making sure to also lick her clit until she cried out.  He continued in this sweet torture (pardon the pun) for almost an hour, until JaeLyn was squirming beneath him, gasping for oxygen, and begging Dom to take her.

Slowly, he slid into her, looking her in the eye the whole time.  He slowly rotated his hips in a circular motion, making her cry out from pleasure and frustration both.  He moved slowly, deliberately; he was taking his time tonight, prolonging the experience for them both.  Finally, with JaeLyn begging him, he slid out and thrust in hard and deep.  Every time he slid home he was rewarded with a guttural cry.  After a few minutes of hard thrusting, he approached his climax.

‘JaeLyn, oh god, JaeLyn!  Oh!  So good!  So sweet!  Fuck!  I love you baby!’ he cried out.  The feeling of his hot come shooting inside her was enough to set off her own orgasm, and she cried out similar endearments as shuddered through her release.

Dom stayed buried inside her, holding her close and kissing her gently, reverently.  ‘I love you, JaeLyn.  For now and for always,’ he murmured before dropping off to sleep.

-------------------------------------------------

Chapter 7

In Touch Weekly: ‘Star’s Girl Mental?’

Is Dominic Monaghan’s new girlfriend stable?  At the recent Wellington première of Return of the King, the woman was seen fleeing the red carpet moments after Dominic spoke to reporters with her on his arm.  Moments after she fled, she was escorted by her boyfriend and his co-star Viggo Mortensen to an office in the rear of the theatre.  Sources say she returned to the theatre after approximately half an hour.

People: ‘Red Carpet Flight’

What caused brunette bombshell and girlfriend of actor Dominic Monaghan to flee the red carpet at the Wellington première of Return of the King?  Insiders report that shortly after she arrived, she joined Monaghan on the red carpet, waiting while he spoke with reporters.  Minutes later she fled and was helped from the room by Monaghan and his co-star Viggo Mortensen.

Press Release; Dom’s Publicist:

To: Entertainment Media

Re: Dominic Monaghan/JaeLyn Kristofsen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dominic’s girlfriend’s name is JaeLyn Kristofsen.  The reason for Ms Kristofsen’s behaviour 1 December 2003 in Wellington NZ was a panic attack, induced by a PTSD-related trigger.  Ms Kristofsen lost family on United Flight 93, September 11^th, 2001 resulting in the common trauma related disorder.  All further questions should be directed to this office.

US Weekly: ‘Dom Dishes on Dark-haired Love’

Brunette beauty JaeLyn Kristofsen won the heart of Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan in a heartbeat.  At least that is how long the actor says it took for him to fall for her.

‘We met on the airplane, when my mates and I were flying to Wellington for the première; she was my seatmate actually.  She was flying there to see a friend, and facing her fear of flying head on.’

When asked about her panic attack at the Wellington première, he replied, ‘Well, she lost her husband on 9/11.  Afterwards, she had the press pretty much in her face for several weeks, and was rung up by them a few times a month for most of a year after.  So she associates the press with that event.  That day, it was unexpected, and it triggered some pretty horrific memories.’ 

When asked how that would affect her appearing in public with him he was pretty confident in her.  ‘The first thing she said when she calmed down was that’s the next fear she’s going to face.  She’ll be more prepared for it next time, and I’ll be right there for her.  And if I have to cut out quickly because it bothers her, well I will.  She’s the most important thing in my life.’

Redbook: ‘Girl Talk: JaeLyn Kristofsen Talks Love, Loss, and Life’

I was scheduled to meet JaeLyn Kristofsen, girlfriend of hot Lord of the Rings star Dom Monaghan, at noon.  At twelve-thirty, as I was sitting in traffic cursing the traffic accident that was holding me up, JaeLyn rang my cell phone.  ‘Patty, hi, are you all right?  I heard there was an accident on the 405 over near where you’d be.  Do you need anything?’

Okay, definitely not what I was expecting.  What was I expecting?  I wasn't even sure.  I guess I was expecting someone who’d been embittered by the senseless death of a caring husband at the hands of terrorists; maybe a little stuck up—she is after all dating a sought after man, and she is gorgeous to boot!  I was expecting her to be upset that I was late, of that I am sure.

I wasn’t expecting the soft, lyrical, multi-accented voice (a mixture of Manchester Brit, New York tough, agrarian New England, and sultry southern drawl) to ask if I needed anything.  She actually stayed on the phone with me, chatting away like we were old friends, until traffic moved.  When I resumed my travel, she asked if I wanted her to put in my lunch order so it would be ready when I arrived!

When I arrived I noticed that Dominic Monaghan sat across the room with best mate Billy Boyd and fellow star Orlando Bloom; Dom kept an eye on me the whole time JaeLyn and I spoke. 

I had a wonderful lunch with an old friend I’d just met; I learned a whole new meaning of the word ‘tough,’ and I learned that good people aren’t that hard to find.  And I have a lunch date with her next week!

Redbook: So, you came out of nowhere; tell us a bit about yourself, your background.

JaeLyn: Well, (laughs nervously) I don’t really know what to say; this is all kinda new to me.  Usually it’s Dom who gets all the attention. 

R: Well, where were you born, and where did you acquire those beautiful accents?

J: Oh it’s funny.  I pick up new accents really easy; it’s losing them that’s hard, that’s why I have so many going on at once!  I was born in Glens Falls, New York.  It’s in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, 45 minutes north of Albany.  I lived in Lynn Massachusetts and Bangor Maine before I was 21, and then moved to LA when I met Drew . . . my, ah, my late husband.  The Manchester accent is new by the way; Dom and I spent a couple weeks there recently.

R: What was your family like growing up?

J: (a shadow crosses her face briefly, and I’m afraid she won’t answer the question)  My folks split up before I was two, and I was raised in foster homes.  They weren’t all that great, some of them were abusive, but it was better than being on the streets.

R: Wow.  How has that affected you?

J: Well, I have depression, and I had such horrid self-esteem issues—had!  Listen to me, like they’re past—I still have self-esteem issues.  I'm sure I drive Dom mad sometimes!  But it mostly affected my outlook.  Like, I hear all these people crying, “Woe is me, I'm from a broken home, I was poor growing up, and I was abused.  And that’s why I killed him/did drugs/robbed that store” and I want to go “WHATEVER!”  Statistically, I shouldn’t be here talking to you—for real.  According to criminologists, with all the risk factors in my life, I ought to be dead, in jail, or on drugs.  I get so tired of people whinging that life was unfair and so they became criminals because of it.  I have no patience for excuses and shit, either.  You fuck up, own up to it, apologise, make amends or pay the price, or both, and move the fuck on.’  (She has become very animated by this point; I can tell this is a sore spot with her)

R: Wow again.  Where did that outlook come from?

J: Rangers.  (At my confused look she elaborates)  US Army Rangers—you know, like Black Hawk Down.  Only don’t base it on the movie, there's a lot more to it than that, shit the movie doesn’t show.  Anyway, I got to be friends with a Ranger in Maine, and when I moved we lost touch.  I went on the internet trying to find him, and found this website.  He wasn't there, but I stuck around anyways.  The number one lesson I learned there was about owning up to mistakes or fuck ups, and not making sorry-assed excuses. 

R: Speaking of excuses . . . what’s your opinion on the current US political situation?

J: You know, Viggo Mortensen and I talked about this the other night.  I had no problem with us going into Afghanistan.  I was still hurting over the loss of Drew, and it’s where bin-Laden was supposed to be.  But then the President starts talking about invading Iraq!  First it was there was evidence that Iraq was tied to 9/11—Bullshit!  Now it’s this WMD thing.  Which I still think is bullshit.  I don’t trust that man, never have.  After 9/11 he did a lot of posing for the press and not enough solving problems.  As for the rest of the politicians, they all serve one thing—the almighty dollar.  We need term limits, major reform in regards to their pay—they can raise their own pay for chrissakes!—and a NOTA—none of the above—option on our ballots.  We also need a strong third party.  We’re the only world power with a bi-cameral legislature!  We almost had it with Perot—that would've made such a difference in American politics!

R: Are you even old enough to remember Perot?

J: Oh, yeah!  Politics was a thing growing up.  I was pretty young, still in grade school I think.  Certainly not out of junior high.  But my foster parents watched political things, and we talked about politics.  Although until recently, I was like most younger people, repeating my elders’ ideologies without understanding them or critically examining them. 

R: Can you pinpoint one single moment that taught you more about humankind than any other?

J: Oh, super question!  Actually, yeah I can.  When I left Lynn, I lost my purse—I think it got swiped when I set it down on a turnstile, but I dunno now.  Anyways, I didn’t have any money on me, so I was talking to the guy in the booth that sells tokens for the T, you know, the subway, to see if I could ride the lines and look for it.  And this wonderful woman taps me on the shoulder and asks if she could give me something so I could get lunch.  She gave me $20!  Then another woman, obviously not well-to-do, gave me $2—which is really a lot of money when you're poor.  My bus ticket was $41 and change.  The guy in the booth gave me another $20, so that I could get back to New York even if I never recovered my purse.  Three perfect strangers!  (She shakes her head, still marvelling over this event)  And the wild part is I got my purse back, with all my money in it!  I tried to pay the conductor on the T train that brought me out to their lost and found, and he wouldn’t take my money!  I still can’t get over that!  Whenever I start thinking people are all a bunch of rotten lowlife so-and-so’s, I just have to remember my angels.

R: That’s awesome!  Okay, let’s go a little less intense here.  Your sweatshirt says Sunshine, on it, and underneath that it says freshman senator.  Were you in some sort of government?

J: I did my college’s student senate for two of my years there.  Sunshine is my nickname; actually, one of the Rangers gave it to me—or rather set the ball rolling.  I went onto IM one day, and he—he always called me ‘girl’ (she interrupted herself, giggling)—said “There’s my ball of Sunshine!”  I was like, “HUH?”  Then a couple hours later someone totally different called me that again.  So I took it as a hint.

R: Better than the way some people get their nicknames!

J: (giggles madly) Oh my god, I know.  And sometimes they're so funny, and you don’t wanna laugh, ‘cos the name isn't really nice or something, but it’s just so funny!  I try to be nice to everyone, I really do.  But sometimes I laugh at something that’s kinda mean . . . (she looks perplexed)

R: So how did you and Dom meet?  And was it love at first sight?

J: Well, we were seated next to each other on a plane to New Zealand—twice actually.  The first time—from LA to Auckland—it was one of the middle rows, and so it was Billy, Orlando, Dom, and me—me on the aisle.  And he asked if I was okay, cos it was my first flight alone—without my coach—since Drew had been killed.  And he was so sweet and made me feel a lot better by talking to me and encouraging me.  The second time was the Auckland to Wellington leg, and me and Dom were next to each other again, Bills and Lando were seated about four rows back.  Then he asks me if he can see me again, and invites me to be his date to the première.  And we find out that we’re all in the same hotel.  So, we get to the hotel, and I’m across the hall from Dom, and Bills and Lando are two floors or so up.  I dunno, Dom says it was fate. 

‘But anyway, love at first sight . . . For Dom definitely!  At least that’s what he always says.  For me, I think it was when we were in Auckland.  We went for tea, because we had a long stopover.  I had a panic attack and he came after me, and gave me my pills and held me til I calmed me down.  I was a goner; he’s so sweet to take on someone with so much baggage like I have.

R: What’s it like being with Dom?  Is he as crazy as people say?

J: Oh my god!  Anytime Orlando needs a guinea pig, err volunteer, for one of his crazy death defying activities he’s gotta look no further than Dom.  (Big sigh)  He took me bungee jumping last weekend.  I’ve wanted to do it for some time—don’t want to die wondering, you know—and it was so nuts.  I'm up on this little platform that seems like the size of a peanut or something—we were up there, he went up to encourage me.  So he tells me not to look down.  What’s the first thing someone does when they hear that . . .

R: Look down!

J: Right!  So I look down, and start getting dizzy and sweaty and scareder—is that even a word?—and he laughs at me!  Well that made me so mad that I had to jump!  Which of course was the whole point of him doing it, I found out.  Now we’re supposed to go parachuting with Lando, and Beanie—Sean Bean—and Lando’s trying to talk Viggo into it, but he says someone’s gotta stay on the ground to scrape up the pieces—(grimaces) Thanks Vig.

We have to wrap up at this point; it’s already three o'clock and I need to get back to the office.  Dom and friends had been openly listening for the last hour, and laughed when JaeLyn told the bungee-jump story.  Seeing us preparing to leave, Dom comes over and hugs JaeLyn.  He smiles at me—first time!!—and shakes my hand, thanking me for treating ‘his girl’ right.  Jae gives me a hug and we make plans to get together the following week for lunch, and suddenly they're gone. 

And when I get back to my computer and sit down, I wonder how on earth I am going to capture the essence of this friendly, funny, animated girl for you, and summarize today’s events for print space. 

------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 8

‘Jae!  Babe, the Redbook interview ran in this issue!’ Dom called through the bathroom door.  Jae had just finished showering for the couple’s date that night.  It was two and a half months since the Wellington Première and Jae moved in with Dom three weeks after returning from New Zealand.  ‘You really wowed Patty; she raves about you!’  He laughed, and added, ‘I think I scared her at first.’

The door opened and Jae came out towelling her hair dry.  ‘I’m not surprised, Dom.  You glared at her the whole time, almost!’ 

‘Did not.’

‘Did too.’

‘Not.’

‘Too.’

‘Not, not, not!’

‘Too, too, too times infinity!’  She stuck her tongue out at the victory.  Dom retaliated by tickling her.

‘Hey!  No fair!’  He kept tickling her and she kept backing up til she tripped.  Dom caught her and lowered her to the floor, ginning evilly.  He straddled her hips and tickled her again.  Instead of squealing with laughter, Jae hooked her hands around his neck and pulled him down. 

The gleam in his eye changed from laughter to lust and he leant forward and pressed his lips to hers.  Jae moaned and arched her back up; Dom kissed his way down her neck and nipped at her nipples.  He stopped at her hiss of breath.

‘What’s wrong?’

‘I donno, they're just more sensitive than usual.’

‘Hmmm.  Is this better?’  He very lightly nipped and sucked.  He smiled at her moan.  ‘That’s a yes,’ he said confidently.

‘Dom . . . want you!’ she gasped.

‘What the lady wants the lady gets,’ he replied.  He quickly stripped and stretched out over top of her.  He slid into her slowly, moaning over the tightness.  Even after months of making love routinely, daily even, Jae was still tight.  ‘Ohhh, fuck,’ he moaned.

Jae wrapped her legs round his waist and moved with his rythm.  ‘Oh, oh god, Dom!’ 

‘That’s it, come for me baby,’ he urged.  ‘Scream for me, love, scream my name.’

‘Ohhhh, oh, fuck!  Oh god!  Dom, Dom, Dom, DOOOOMMMMM!’ she screamed.  Her orgasm set his off and he came, spilling himself inside her before he collapsed over her, breathing hard.  He kissed her lightly.

‘Love you, babe,’ he murmured.

‘Love you too.’

At seven-thirty, Dom and JaeLyn walked past paparazzi and into one of LA’s more elegant restaurants and were seated right away.  They enjoyed a lovely dinner and lingered over dessert and tea.  When Jae excused herself to go to the ladies’ room, Dom grinned.  It was what he had been waiting for all night.

When Jae returned, Dom was sipping his tea.  Nothing appeared remiss until Jae sat down.  On the table, in front of her cup, was a small gift-wrapped box.  She eyed Dom curiously.

‘What is it?’ she asked, surprised.

‘Well, I can't just tell you!  Open it and see.’  Jae unwrapped the box slowly.  When she opened it, she saw a jeweller's box.  It bore the logo of an exclusive Beverly Hills shop.  Heart pounding, she opened it.  And gasped.  And burst into tears.

‘JaeLyn Maria Kristianna Kristofsen, will you marry me and make an honest man of me?’ 

She laughed; trust Dom to tease her even when proposing.  ‘Oh my god, yes!’  She flung herself into his arms hugging him tightly.  She kissed him, hard. 

‘How on earth did you keep the paparazzi from seeing you buying the ring?’

‘I sent a friend of mine with a note detailing instructions to the jeweller.’

‘Mmm, such a smart man, you are.  I love you, Dom.’  Dom’s reply was a kiss.  The couple left the restaurant hand in hand, with Dom holding Jae’s left hand; they didn’t want the paparazzi spilling the beans before Dom’s publicist knew and made an announcement.

The next morning, Jae woke up and bolted from bed.  Dom followed and arrived in time to see her retching and shaking over the toilet.  He crouched down and held her hair back with one hand, using the other hand to rub her back.

‘Are you okay, baby girl?’ he asked.  Jae nodded and stood.  After rinsing her mouth with Scope, she looked at Dom.

‘I can't swear to it, but I think I'm pregnant Dom.’

‘You . . . I . . . we . . . what?’ he stammered.

‘I'm tired all the time, my breasts and especially nipples are hyper-sensitive, and now this.  I'm going to call my doctor today for an appointment.’

Dom just stared at his fiancée.  Jae was starting to wonder if he was upset or happy when he answered the question by grabbing her in his arms and swinging her around.

‘Dom, stop!  My stomach’s still off!’ she squealed. 

By some miracle, Jae’s ob-gyn was able to see her the next morning.  Dom had a meeting with a producer about a UK-based movie, so she went alone.

‘Well, Jae,’ Dr Martine LeBlanc said, ‘you are most certainly pregnant!  About ten weeks, I'd say—I'm surprised you haven't known sooner.  So you're probably looking at a mid-September/early-October baby.’  JaeLyn just grinned like a madwoman and hugged the doctor.

‘Thank you!’

‘Well, I'd like to take credit, but all I did was tell you,’ Martine laughed.  ‘My nurse will be in momentarily with some literature and a prescription for prenatal vitamins.  Do you have any questions?’  Jae shook her head ‘no.’  ‘All right; let me see you back here in about a month for an ultrasound.  Congratulations.’

Jae did some maths in her head; ten weeks ago she was in New Zealand.  Almost the night of the première. 

She hurried home to tell Dom the news.  He called his publicist and told her to amend the announcement to include the pregnancy.  Then they called their friends; they’d never hear the end of it if their friends had to learn it through the media!

-----------------------------------------------------------

Chapter 9

From: Dom’s Publicist

To: Media Outlets

Re: Dominic Monaghan & JaeLyn Kristofsen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

We are pleased to announce the engagement of Dominic and JaeLyn! No wedding date is currently set.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that the couple is expecting their first child.  A due date is not available however the expected time frame is mid-Sept/early-Oct. 

All questions should be directed to this office.  The couple will be granting a limited number of interviews; all requests should be made through this office.

People: ‘She’s Having a Baby!’

--- It seems that having a baby is the newest celebrity trend.  The most recent to announce their pregnancy is JaeLyn Kristofsen, fiancée of Lord of the Rings star Dominic Monaghan.  The couple announced their pregnancy and engagement at the same time.  Monaghan’s publicist states, ‘The engagement took place the night before the pregnancy was confirmed, indeed before it was even suspected.’  Monaghan proposed during dinner at Cerise, an elegant restaurant frequented by celebrities.

Redbook: ‘JaeLyn’s Jumpin’ for Joy’—Patty’s Page

--- JaeLyn Kristofsen called me at home the other night, the night before the press release with news of her marriage and pregnancy.  Now, I knew Dom was going to propose; he’d called to discuss it with me.  The pregnancy thing—that floored me; apparently it floored them too.

Now, I know there are a lot of people freaking out now because they haven't known each other very long (they met November 23^rd, 2003).  But let me tell you, this is it, the real thing, true love.  I'm not sure I have ever seen two people so devoted to each other—well maybe Eric Bana and his wife—as these two are. 

Dom chalks up their meeting to “The Fates” and I think he might be right.  Jae always giggles and rolls her eyes when he says that, but I have to side with Dom on this.  For those who missed the essentials, here’s a quick rundown of why I think Fate played a role: they met on a plane, seated next to each other; on the second leg of the trip they were again seated together, but Dom’s travel companions were seated several rows away; at the hotel (somehow they ended up in the same one!) they were given rooms across the hall from each other and Dom’s travel companions—once again—were placed away from him.  I know, some of you are saying, “yeah so? That’s not much.”  Others are going, “Whoa!  Too many coincidences not to be Fate!”

 The pregnancy was confirmed at around ten weeks, so by the time you read this Jae is probably around 19 weeks—almost halfway there.  And I'm going to go, because Jae and I have some baby shopping to do!

US Weekly: ‘Jae v Tom’

--- Hollywood hunk Tom Cruise struck out at mom-to-be JaeLyn Monaghan this week for using anti-depressants to help with severe depression and mood swings.

“That’s a normal part of pregnancy, and even if she wasn’t pregnant, there’s no call for it; there’s no such thing as a chemical imbalance.”

JaeLyn retorted, “his kids are adopted, how does he know what’s normal in pregnancy?  And he’s as qualified to give medical opinions—physical or psychiatric—as I am to perform open heart surgery!”

 Dominic Monaghan declined to comment on the situation, though US has learned that he has just signed on to play the role of a severely depressed man in a new UK-based film.  When asked if this was because of the comments, he replied, ‘it was an influence, but not the sole factor.’

Redbook: ‘10 Minutes with JaeLyn’

--- When JaeLyn Monaghan stopped into the Redbook offices to visit with one of our writers, her friend Patty Niklas, I asked if I could have about ten minutes of her time—on the record.  Not an interview, I said, just a chat that I could write up.

We talked about the baby, whether she knew what she was having and if she and hubby Dom Monaghan were ready.  ‘I don’t want to know what I'm having til I have it.  Dom and I agreed that so little is a surprise in this world now that we want to wait.  As for if we’re ready . . . is anyone ever really ready for their baby?’ 

Giggling, she added, ‘Viggo and the Seans have been teasing us horribly about what the first months will be like.’  Viggo is Viggo Mortensen, and the Seans are Sean Astin and Sean Bean, all of whom co-starred with Dominic in Lord of the Rings.  Between the three of them, I found out, there are six kids: Viggo has a son, Sean A has two girls, and Sean B has three girls.

She showed me pictures from her wedding; she brought them to show Patty and was kind enough to let me see them.  ‘I don’t want any to run in print or anything, cos we’re going to have a regular wedding too.  This was just because I needed health insurance—mine ran out, and Dom couldn’t cover me unless we were married.’  Though they were married in city court—she in a smashing maternity summer dress, he in jeans, t-shirt, sneakers, and ever-present sunglasses on top of his head—they are so obviously in love and happy that you hardly notice anything but their glowing faces.

How’s the marriage going, I asked.  JaeLyn smiled and said, ‘Oh it’s fantastic!  Dom is so wonderful!  I haven’t been able to do some cleaning, I can't use chemicals and stuff, so he does it—it’s so cute!  Oh, I'm going to get in trouble for that part,’ she giggled.

It’s easy to see why so many people love Jae.  She is optimistic, cheerful, and her giggle is highly infectious.  She may come to be equated with Reese Witherspoon in terms of her demeanor and attitude.  When I told her this her eyes widened.  “Oh, do you think so?  I love Reese, she’s absolutely fantastic!  I love her movies, and I got to meet her once and was so blown away by how real she was!’  The funny thing is, Jae is the same way, but doesn’t see it.

In Touch Weekly: ‘JaeLyn’s Scare’

--- Jae and Dom Monaghan had a fright last week, when JaeLyn collapsed waiting in line at a mini-mart.  “One minute she was standing there, chatting with another customer, and the next she was on the floor,” the clerk at the store reported.

Paramedics were called and Jae was transported to UCLA Medical Center where she was treated and held for observation.

The Monaghans’ publicist released a statement indicating that dehydration and heat combined with a low food intake that day all contributed to the collapse.  “Jae is fine now, and will take it easy at home for a few days.  Neither she nor the baby will have any after-effects,” the statement reads.

People—Milestones:

Dominic and JaeLyn Monaghan welcomed a boy, Andrew Dominic, on September 11, 2004.  This is the first child for both of them.

Redbook: ‘It’s a Boy!’—Redbook Exclusive by Patty Niklas

--- Dom and JaeLyn Monaghan announced the arrival of their son, Andrew Dominic Monaghan, nicknamed Drew.  “Dom chose the name,” JaeLyn said, over the phone.  “Andrew was the name of my late husband, who died 9/11.”

“Well, Drew put in his appearance two weeks early, born on the day that his namesake died.  We all know that I believe in Fate, and figured that Drew would be a good name.”  Doesn’t it feel weird to name your son after your wife’s first husband, I wondered.  “Not at all.  If her husband were still alive, it would be different.  But I've met Drew’s family, and from what Jae and his family have told me, he was a terrific person who ought to be remembered.”

Because of my friendship with them, the Monaghan’s are allowing me exclusive rights to the story and our staff photographer the rights to photos.  So in my regular “Patty’s Page” column, I’ll bring you updates and photos, as well as special columns on occasion.

From: Dom’s Publicist

To: Media Outlets

Re: JaeLyn Monaghan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JaeLyn Monaghan was struck by a car this afternoon; she died on the scene.  The driver of the car, LAPD Detective Michael French, was legally intoxicated with a BAC of 0.29, over three times the legal limit.  Neither Dominic nor Drew was injured.

There will be a public memorial held all day, March 3, 2005 at a location yet to be determined.  At Dominic’s request the funeral and burial will be private.

Obituary—JaeLyn (Marten) Kristofsen Monaghan, wife of actor Dominic Monaghan

Los Angeles, CA—JaeLyn Monaghan, 26, of Los Angeles, was struck and killed by a drunk driver February 28^th, 2005. 

JaeLyn was a loving and devoted wife and mother, and loved life.  Despite a difficult past, she persevered and was loved by all who knew her.  Her effervescent personality and generous spirit will be deeply missed.

She is predeceased by her first husband, Andrew Marc Kristofsen.  She is survived by her loving husband Dominic Monaghan and their son Andrew Dominic Monaghan, as well as many friends.

There will be a public memorial March 3^rd 2005, all day, at Veterans’ Park in Los Angeles.  There will be no public calling hours and the funeral will be private.

The family requests that in lieu of gifts or flowers, donations be made to the JaeLyn Monaghan Scholarship Fund, in care of Lewis and Miller, Attorneys at Law.  Requests for information regarding the scholarship should also be directed to Lewis and Miller.

Eulogies:

            Reese Witherspoon—I met JaeLyn a couple times.  The last time Ryan, Dom, Jae, and I went to dinner.  JaeLyn was simply amazing; she had a horrid childhood but was anything but angry or bitter.  She told me that an editor at Redbook had compared her to me and how flattering that was because I was one of her idols.  I can’t begin to tell you how flattered I was when she told me that. 

She was so excited to be a mother and so in love with her husband.  The world truly lost a vibrant, loving, wonderful person when JaeLyn died.

            Viggo Mortensen—I met JaeLyn for the first time in Wellington New Zealand.  I was there for the première of Return of the King, she was there as part of therapy for aviophobia.  She loved to fly, until 9/11 when her husband was murdered by terrorists.  She didn’t want to let her fears keep her down, so she faced them head on.  That was how she lived her life.  If something frightened her, she did it until it no longer caused fear.  

I don’t know one person that disliked JaeLyn.  I don’t know of any person that could.  She stopped to adore babies, puppies, kittens.  She’d pick dandelions to put in a mug on their dining room table—they were her favourite flower.  She talked to everyone as though they were her friend and called store clerks, wait staff, anyone she interacted with that had a nametag, by their name.  She could make anyone feel special.

She was so caring; it didn’t matter what kind of day she’d had—if something was bothering you, she’d listen til you couldn’t talk anymore.  I miss you JaeLyn; know that you were loved.

            Orlando Bloom—When I first saw Jae, she was sitting with her eyes scrunched shut, and her hands gripping the armrests of her seat on a plane—and we’d not yet even moved.  Dom was seated next to her and calmed her down during the long flight from LA to New Zealand.  Even when she was terrified, she was beautiful. 

Until November 23, 2003, I didn’t believe in fate.  But Dom swears fate brought him and JaeLyn together, and I have to agree.  I’ve never seen anyone fall as hard and fast as Dom did. 

The first night in Wellington, Jae and her friend Cheri, now my wife, had had a fight.  Dom took care of Jae, going to lengths I'd never seen.  While he was always caring, he never got involved in other peoples’ fights; but he took up for JaeLyn and never turned back.  He was always protective of her from the get go. 

We all were protective of her.  As tough as she was, and she redefined the word, she sometimes seemed so fragile.  I wish we’d all gotten more than a year with her.

            Cheri Bloom—Jae was my best friend from college.  She was studying criminal justice, with plans to work with crime victims.  She swore that her sole purpose on earth was to help people; I believe it. 

She grew up in foster care, never having known her parents.  In many homes, she was abused, sometimes badly.  When she arrived at college, she was the most cheerful person with depression I had ever met.  She suffered from anxiety disorder and also major depression, a very severe case.  But her nickname was Sunshine, and it was obvious how the name came about.

College was hard for her; she struggled some days just to get out of bed.  It was worse her third term when she became quite ill physically.  Some days she was so drained that she could only attend one of her three classes.  But she never gave up.

It took four full years to earn her two year degree, and another three to earn her Bachelor’s.  No matter how hard things got for her, and there were some real bad times, she refused to give up—she always found a way to manage. 

She worked with victimised children for two years, then she took an international security consulting position; she had gotten burnt out—but she had expected and planned for it. 

After her husband died, she fought to keep living.  When she met Dominic, she found her reason.  Shortly after she met him, we had a fight—I didn’t believe she’d met Dom, obviously I was wrong.  I accused her of being too trusting.  I couldn’t understand it; after all, she’d been treated shabbily by everyone, all her life.

She told me that she’d rather be too trusting and get hurt than turn out like me, afraid to trust anyone.  She also reminded me of her favourite saying: ‘I'd rather have a million broken hearts, than never love anyone enough not to even have one.’ 

And she was right, life is all about risks.  Granted, we could walk through life never trusting, never caring, but what a sad and lonely life that would be.  JaeLyn, you taught me how to live.  And because of that, I found my true love.  I love you Jae.

            Dominic Monaghan—This is going to be short.  JaeLyn was the love of my life.  She wasn't afraid to try anything, from bungee jumping and parachuting, to exotic foods whose names neither of us could pronounce, to loving wholeheartedly. 

I was lucky enough to be on the receiving end of her love.  She gave me the most precious gift, our son Drew.  I miss her.

Redbook—Farewell to a Friend—Patty’s Page, special extended column

--- It is with a broken heart that I write this.  JaeLyn, my dearest, sweetest friend, was struck and killed by a drunk driver—a police officer no less!  For once in my life, I don’t know what to say; I don’t know how I will fill this column.  They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Here are several thousand words.  These are personal photographs, from my own collection and the Monaghan collection, that I think capture the radiance and joy JaeLyn personified. 

AP Wire—‘Drunken Officer Gets Max Penalty’

--- Former LAPD Officer Michael French, convicted last week of second-degree homicide for striking and killing JaeLyn Monaghan, wife of actor Dominic Monaghan, was sentenced today to the maximum penalty available under California law, 15 years to Life. 

Legal experts say that it is unlikely French will ever be released due to the notoriety of the case and the fact that a celebrity’s wife was the victim.

French was found to have a blood alcohol content of 0.29, more than three times the 0.08 level of intoxication.

Before sentencing, Dominic Monaghan delivered a victim’s impact statement before the court.  Looking at French the whole time he spoke, Monaghan said, ‘You, sworn to uphold the law, broke it wilfully and in doing so, took from me one of the most important people in my life.  You have sentenced me to grow old without my soul mate, and my son to grow up without knowing his mother, yet your wife and children will get to see you in prison.  If I could plaster your cell with pictures of my wife, I would, because you need to recognise that there is a person at the other end of this—a once-living, -breathing wife, mother, and friend.’  Mr Monaghan broke down into tears then, but the courtroom remained silent for several moments.

Monaghan is expected to file a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court; French’s attorneys say they will not appeal this conviction.

Redbook: ‘One year Later; little healing’—Patty’s Page.

--- One year ago from the day I am writing this, my best friend was killed.  One year ago a 28 year old man was widowed, and a months-old baby lost his mother.  One year ago, this world lost a truly remarkable woman.

I’d like to say that this year has brought healing, but it hasn’t.  Not for me, and very little for Dominic Monaghan.  The once cheerful home in Los Angeles is much more subdued than it was a little over a year ago, despite the presence of an 18 month old infant. 

‘I miss her.  Not a day has passed so far that I haven't gone to sleep bawling because of the emptiness and grief.  The only thing keeping me alive at this point is Drew.’  Dom’s eyes are sad; they’ve lost their old sparkle.  Drew climbs up into his daddy’s lap and pats his face, ‘Daddy, ‘mile,’ he insists until Dom smiles at him.  But the smile doesn’t quite reach his eyes.  ‘I don’t think I've smiled a real smile this year,’ he adds.  I understand completely.  I'm not sure I've smiled a real smile since February 28^th 2005 myself. 

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Epilogue

‘Time to go Drew, get your coat and get in the car!’ Dom yelled to his eight year old son.  Drew solemnly obeyed, not displaying any of his usual rambunctiousness, used to this ritual.  He climbed into the back seat and buckled up, and Dom drove to Mountainview Cemetery.  It was a cold and rainy February 28, 2013, eight years since his beloved JaeLyn had been killed.  He still missed her, everyday, a hole in his chest where his heart should be. 

On the off-ramp, a car braked suddenly; the roads were wet with rain and Dom couldn’t brake in time.  The car rolled down the embankment.  Dom was seriously injured, and he knew it.  But his concern was elsewhere.

‘Drew!’

‘Daddy?  I hurt, Daddy.’

‘I know son.  We’ll get out of here soon, and you’ll be okay.’

Dom felt an overwhelming peace pass through him, and his son stopped sobbing at the same time.  ‘Drew?’ he asked.

‘Daddy, there’s a lady here that says she my mommy and that it’s time to come home.  She looks like the pictures of mommy!’

Dom suddenly understood the peace he felt.  ‘Jae,’ he whispered.  He closed his eyes and saw her.  She had her arm wrapped around Drew’s shoulders and held out a hand to him.

‘Dom, come with me.  It’s time for us to be a family again.  It’s Fate.’

Dom took her hand and walked away from the wreck, and his body, smiling his first real smile in eight years.