Faith had been my Mom's best friend since I can remember. Of course, I was only 18, so as friendships go, It was forever as far as I was concerned. I have known her and been around her so much that she was as much an Aunt or other close family member than just a friend. Faith and my Mom are the same age. They went to high school together, then college, and after they were married, lived in the same neighborhood.

I have never thought of her as anything more than a very close friend and the idea of looking at her sexually never crossed my mind. One sad day, Faith's husband Colin had a heart attack and died. He was young, only 42 years old, four years older than Faith. It was such a loss for all of us, but from this incident came a moment so special that I cherish it.

About a month after Colin died, Faith was just beginning to end her grieving, and she asked my Mom if I would be interested in helping her move some things out and helping her get on with life. Of course, she said I would, and I was happy to help her. I love opportunities like this, as you can learn a lot about your parents from old friends. It is great to laugh at funny stories or stupid things your parents did when they were young, and Faith was full of them! I had a wonderful time those first few days. Once when I was pulling boxes from the attic, Faith opened one and I heard her sigh deeply, then break down in tears. Inside were some of Colin's old letters and she was terribly heartbroken to see them.

I rushed to her side and hugged her close, whispering that it was all right, that I was there for her. She pulled away after a few moments, and wiping her eyes, said "Becca, Darling, I miss him so much!"

"I know," I said. "But you have to move on. There is no use in crying. Things will get better!"

"That's what your Mom told me after my boyfriend Steve broke up with me in college." She looked at me and her gaze softened. "You are so much like your Mom! She was always there for me when something bad happened!"

I just smiled and said, " I will be here for you now, OK?"

We hugged again and she said she had enough for today, that she would appreciate it if I came back tomorrow. She had some things to think about. I hated to leave her, but assured her I would return the next day.

When I arrived the next morning, I was surprised to see her in a revealing top that accentuated her breasts. She said she had been doing a lot of thinking and that she wanted to talk to me about something that could only be between us.

"You can't tell your Mom about what I am going to say, OK?"

"OK," I said, and we sat down on the sofa and she took my hands.

She said she was feeling so very lonely and didn't know what to do about it.

"I can't date yet, it is too soon, but I need someone to be with me." She was looking at me with that soft look again, and then added: "I was hoping it would be you!"

Maybe I was not looking for it, or just didn't expect this from Faith.

I must have looked confused, because she nervously said, "I