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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 3, 2012 9:59:04 GMT -5
***do not know Keith's parents' names, do not know any siblings beyond Rebecca, so inaccuracies are unintentional***
"Are you going to be ready sometime this week?", Keith knocked on the bedroom door.
"Impatient much?", Alli replied. She smoothed her hands over the black satin material of her dress and adjusted the red belt at her waist. The dress was strapless but had a black three quarter sleeve bolero style jacket. It was one of her own designs. She had never worn something that she designed, that mixed with the nerves about meeting Keith's family had made for almost two hours of getting ready for the Christmas party.
"Al, we need to go, the party started almost thirty minutes ago", he adjusted the skinny tie he wore and smoothed his hair.
"I'm coming", she slipped the jacket on and a pair of black heels,"Sorry," she said opening the door.
Keith felt the air leave his body as he drank in the vision before him, she was about two inches taller than him in the heels, her hair was in loose waves, held back by two small ornate combs, the scarlet of the belt against the black accented her waist, the full skirt stopped slightly above the knee,"Alli...I..."
"I can change", she said worriedly,"Is it too much?"
"You look," he shook his head with a smile,"You look stunning!"
"Really? I mean, it's my design and, well, I've never worn something I made."
"Love, slow down", he laughed,"I'll just have to make sure not leave you on your own this evening."
"You'd better not leave me alone", she said with a smile as he helped her slip into a warmer jacket,"You look very handsome by the way."
"It's natural", he winked.
"And the night begins", she groaned playfully as they walked out to the car,"Who all will be there?"
"Mum and Da, Rebecca, my brother Will, plus half the town."
"You're kidding right?", she looked at him.
"I wish I was", he grinned,"My parents Holiday party is the biggest party of the year."
"And I was nervous about just meeting your family", she sighed.
"You'll be fine Alli-cat", he took her hand in his, raising it to his lips,"It's me who has to be worried with how amazing you look."
"Flattery, very nice", she laughed as he pulled the car to a stop.
"Everyone is going to adore you", he gave her hand a squeeze before the climbed out of the vehicle,"There's my da", he pointed to a tall man with greying hair and a wide smile.
"Keith my boy!", the man shouted from the door as his son came towards him.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 4, 2012 8:15:07 GMT -5
Alli is between 5'10-5'11 , so to be a few inches taller than him is not too much of a stretch LOL! I am 5'10 & in heels I can be 6'0-6'1 depending on the shoes I choose. Also, it is super busy at work today, I promise I will try to squeak in an update
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 4, 2012 11:49:25 GMT -5
***Sorry for the disclaimers, but people get upset with inaacuracies. Do not know what Keith's parents look like, I have added an extra sibling****
"Hello Da", Keith hugged his father.
"And who is this vision?", he looked at Alli.
"Da, this is Allison Culhane, Declan's cousin. Alli, this is my Da, Kevin."
"Nice to meet you Mr.Harkin", Alli smiled.
"No need for that now lass", Kevin hugged her,"Glad to see my boy has found such a lovely young lady."
"Such flattery", she laughed which caused him to chuckle.
"Watch out for this one", he clapped his son on the back.
"Mum and everyone inside?", Keith put an arm around Alli's waist.
"Your mother should be in the kitchen, Rebecca and Will most likely by the piano."
The party seemed like it had been going for more than just an hour. The level of the music and talking alone indicated how much drink had already been consumed. The air was permeated with the mingling scents of pastries, pies, stews, and various different foods. Alli noted the cheery faces and flows of conversation, accents were deeper and some she couldn't even understand.
"Mum's food is the best around,"Keith said as he led her to the kitchen.
"I wouldn't doubt it", she replied,"Looks like there is hardly any left."
"She makes plenty, trust me", he opened the door that went into the spacious kitchen area,"Mum!"
"Keith, darling!", the woman looked up. Alli knew immediately where Keith's eye color came from. The woman's eyes were like reflecting pools on a sunny day. She wiped floured hands on an apron,"How are you?"
"Really great", he hugged his mother,"I'd like to introduce you to someone."
"Is this your Alli that I have heard so much about?", she smiled warmly.
"Yes it is," he answered with a blush,"Alli, this is my mum, Siobhan."
"So nice to finally meet the girl who stole his heart", Siobhan hugged her.
"Nice to finally meet the mum I hear so much about", Alli laughed returning the warm embrace.
"You two go have fun, I have cookies that are going to burn."
"Don't work too hard",Keith kissed her cheek before pulling Alli out the kitchen door,"Hungry?"
"I can fend for myself, go find Rebecca and Will, I'm sure they want to see you," Alli removed her over coat and held it over her arm.
"I can watch out for her", Emmet appeared next to them.
"Cahill!", Alli hugged him,"What are you doing here?"
"Siobhan invited all of us, but only Neil and myself could make it. The others were with family."
"Where's Neil?", Keith asked.
"He and Nicole are somewhere, saw you two walk in so thought I would come over."
"Alli, if you're okay I will find Will and Rebecca, you still have to meet Will."
"I'll be fine," she kissed him,"Go ahead."
"Be back", he kissed her cheek and disappeared into the crowd.
"Want a beer?", Emmet asked.
"A whiskey is more like it", she grinned as he steered her towards a table laden with different bottles of beer, whiskey, and other spirits.
"So, how are things with you two?"
Alli chewed on her lip as he poured her drink for her,"They're fine for the most part. We've had a few disagreements."
"What about", he handed her the small glass of amber liquid.
"His sister thinking I look like his ex-grilfriend, the one who passed away before the last break?"
"Wow!", he took a drink of his beer,"I'm sure that didn't sit well."
"Not really, but we got passed it.
"Well, no sense in dwelling on it. Dance?", he held out his hand.
"Love too!", she sat her drink on the table and placed her jacket on a chair as Emmet led her into the crowd that was moving to the music.
Keith found Rebecca talking with some of her friends,"Hey Becs!"
"Hey you", she hugged him,"Everything good?"
"Yeah, look, can I talk to you for a sec?"
"Sure, come on", she had him follow her towards the back of the house,"What's up?", she stepped out onto the back patio area.
"The other night at the pub", he began.
"Keith", she stopped him,"I shouldn't have said anything, I was wrong for that."
"Yeah you were", he continued,"I didn't know how to react when you said that and then when Alli left."
"It just sort of came out, I know how it must have sounded. I hate to say this, but you have to admit there was some truth to it though."
Keith shook his head,"I have had enough to deal with in the last month, I don't need you putting things into my head."
"I'm looking out for my brother", she defended,"I just don't want to see you fall for the first girl that happens to come along."
"That's not what happened," he gritted his teeth,"You don't know Alli."
"No, I don't," she admitted,"But I don't want to see you hurt again Keith. We all know how bad it was after Emily."
"No one knows that more than me, but Emily is gone. She's not coming back and I have finally found someone to be happy with."
"Good then", she nodded,"If you're happy then that's all that matters."
"For the first time in years I am happy and God", he almost laughed,"I'm pretty sure I'm in love with her."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 5, 2012 12:46:10 GMT -5
"I can't believe you have never played quarters!", Emmet said as he Alli, and Neil sat around a small table with shot glasses.
"Oh hush", Alli giggled,"I left Ireland when I was eighteen and started school."
"Still, anyone in university knows this game", he laughed bouncing a coin off the table and missing the glass.
"Drink up boy'o!", Neil howled with laughter.
"How many is that now?", Emmet saluted and then chugged the shot,"Alli girl, you're up!"
"Already?", she took the coin in her hand,"Do I have too?"
"This was your idea", Neil wagged his finger at her.
"That was before you two gave me all your shots!"
"Come on Alli, you just have to make it into the glass", Emmet teased.
"Fine, fine", she shook back her hair and bounced the coin and cheered as it landed in the glass,"Neil, this one is all you!"
"Don't mind if I do", he shot back the whiskey.
"What are you two doing to my girlfriend?" Keith approached the table.
"Hello handsome", Alli attempted to stand up and slid back into her chair.
"Nothing at all", Emmet snickered,"It was her idea."
"What was your idea?", he eyed Alli.
"Drinking game?", she giggled,"But they didn't play fair, gave me all the shots every time one of them bounced the coin into the cup."
"You took on two Irishmen in a drinking game? Alli-cat, you won't win that one", he shook his head with a laugh.
"Well, they were keeping me entertained."
Keith laughed as he smoothed his hand down her hair,"Did you at least eat?"
"Ummm", she paused,"I don't think I did."
"No wonder she was done after only four", Neil laughed,"Keith you take my spot and I will get Alli girl some grub."
Keith sat in Neil's seat to resume the game. He watched Alli as she laughed, drank, and joked with Emmet. Rebecca's words still haunting his mind; "She's like Emily". He didn't want to dwell on the words, but he couldn't help where his mind wandered. She had the same hair, the same build; their relationship had a natural progression to it. It wasn't anything forced, but natural and comfortable. He remembered how he'd been torn apart when Emily had ended things. Would Alli do the same thing or would it be he who caused her pain? He knew he was at a dangerous point with Alli, he was in love with her. But was it the right time to admit that love? Was it actual love or just the fact she had been there when he needed someone. Between the alcohol and his thoughts, his mind was a clouded storm,"I'm going to call it a night", he said raking his hands over his face.
"Nooo", Alli protested,"You can't drive."
"Neither can you", Neil laughed at her slurred words.
"We'll sleep here", Keith said with a yawn.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 5, 2012 15:52:45 GMT -5
"I haven't met your brother yet and the party is still going", Alli continued to argue.
"I think you have had plenty Alli girl", Neil said capping the bottle of alcohol,"You should get some sleep."
"I second that", Emmet said leaning back from the table,"We'll play again, no worries," he gave a wink.
"You guys are no fun", she huffed.
"Come on you", Keith pulled her up gently.
"Night, night boys", she waved her fingers at Neil and Emmet.
"Night Alli!", they said in unison.
"Remind me to never leave her alone with you two again", Keith said as Alli leaned against him.
"We're innocent", Emmet tried to hide a grin.
"Nice try", he laughed half carrying, half leading Alli up the stairs,"Lose your shoes love?", he looked at her bare feet.
"They hurt after a while", she leaned her head on his shoulder inhaling his scent,"You smell good."
"Thanks", he laughed keeping a grip on her waist. He pushed open the door to his old bedroom, his mother had kept it mainly in the same fashion that it had been when he moved out. A bed against the window, surf magazines on the night stand, a couple of framed photos on his old desk,"This was my room before I moved out", he closed the door.
"It's nice", she looked around with bleary eyes, they stopped on a photo of Keith and a young woman. In the picture they looked in their early teens,"This is Emily right?", she picked up the frame.
"Yeah", he looked over her shoulder,"We were about fifteen or sixteen there."
"You look happy", she nodded,"Rebecca was right, I do look like her."
"Alli," he sighed taking the picture from her,"You're drunk and we're not doing this again."
"Doing what Keith?", she sat on the edge of the bed,"I just stated the obvious and by the way, you're drunk too."
"Exactly my point", he sat next to her,"That's why we don't need to fight," he kissed her bare shoulder,"Okay?"
She nodded in agreement,"Something to sleep in?", she toyed with the hem of her dress.
"Be right back", he left the room and went to find her something suitable.
Alli sighed and picked the photo back up,"Is he trying to replace you with me?", she said quietly to herself. She felt tears sting her eyes at the thought,"I've just had too much and I'm tired," she placed the picture back on the desk and quickly dabbed the tears.
"Rebecca had a shirt, but I figured her shorts may be a little short, so I have an old pair of sweats if you want," Keith handed Alli a small stack as he came back in the room.
"Thanks," she took the stack,"I'll change in the bathroom," she went into the bathroom and closed the door. She made quick work of her dress and put on the clothes Keith had given her. She was swimming in the pants, but they were much more comfortable than the dress. She rinsed her face and pulled her hair back into a low pony tail.
"Aren't you cute in my sweats", Keith smiled as she came back into the room.
"They are very comfy", she climed on the bed curling up next to him.
"You're going to regret that game in the morning", he teased.
"Just turn off the light", she laughed. She lay her head on his chest as his arm came around her. She listened to the steady rhythm of his heart as she began to drift off, she wished she wasn't in such a daze from the drinks, because she wanted to remember this moment. Falling asleep in his arms, no arguments, to disagreement. They had both laughed before turning out the light.
Keith listened to Alli's breathing, slow and deep. He combed his fingers through her hair as he waited for sleep to find him,"I love you Alli", he murmured placing a kiss against her hair. Sleep claimed him sooner than he knew.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 7, 2012 16:35:11 GMT -5
Alli awoke to the sun's rays dancing across the wooden floor. The golden rays caught the dust that seemed to dance in the air. She winced at the pain that flashed behind her eyes as the sun glared off the floor. She groaned and rolled away from the light. As she rolled she was met by a solid mass and moved her hand.
"Told ya you'd be regretting that game", Keith blinked at her through blood shot eyes.
"You don't look any better", she snuggled against his chest closing her eyes.
"I've already had water and headache pills, I'm on the mend", he wrapped an arm around her pulling her close.
"Can we just stay here?", she mumbled tiredly.
He laughed pressing a kiss against her temple,"It may start to smell after a few days."
"Means I have to get up doesn't it?", she looked up at him.
"Not right away", he smiled. Her body was still warm and heavy from slumber, her fingers were wound in his shirt. How could he be having any doubts when this is what felt right? Having her in his arms, waking up with her in his bed, it was as if a missing piece of his heart was finally found. She had no expectations from him, if anything she had fought to keep her feelings aside letting him work through what he needed too. Had she heard him say I love before he slept? If not, what would she think, what would she say? He let his eyes wander down and found that she had closed her eyes again, her fingers had loosened from his shirt,"Alli-cat?", he said softly as he smoothed her hair away from her face.
"Hmmm", she sighed.
"Can you wake up love?"
"Do I have a choice?"
"I suppose so", he nuzzled her neck.
"Think I may be awake", she giggled as his lips traced their way from her neck up to her lips,"Definitely awake."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 10, 2012 10:20:08 GMT -5
"Now that you're awake", he grinned down at her.
"Unfairly awake, I might add", she smiled running her fingers through his mussed hair.
"There is something I need to say," he cleared his throat nervously.
"Is everything okay?", she sat up and pulled away from him, her mind suddenly racing over any arguments, disagreements, and then Rebecca and Emily,"Did your sister say something else?"
"No, no", Keith turned to face her,"It's just not something that can be said lightly," he took her hands in his. His heart was racing and he could feel sweat lightly bead his forehead.
"Keith, if it's nothing bad then just say it", she urged worriedly.
"Alli," he took a deep breath and realized he had to simply take a plunge, like taking a plunge into an ice cold pool, a plunge that would take your breath away and feel like a thousand needles stabbing you all at once,"I love you!"
Alli felt as if the room was suddenly suffocating, each breath she tried to take in simply stuck in her chest. Had she heard him correctly? He was in love with her, what was she supposed to say? Did she love him as well? Most girls waited for that moment when love was professed to them, but here she was speechless, unsure as to what the right answer would be.
"You can say something any time", Keith attempted to lighten the moment.
"I know," she sighed pulling her knees to her chest,"I just....I."
"What?", he slid up next to her,"Talk to me Alli, please."
"I just wasn't expecting that," she shook her head.
"Alli," he took her face in his hands,"Do you love me? That's all I need to know."
She felt tears sting her eyes,"It's scary Keith," she felt the warm drops escape her lashes,"No one, besides my family, has ever told me that they loved me and.......", she trailed off not meeting his eyes.
"It wasn't easy for me to say", he told her softly,"You are the first girl since Emily that I have even been close too," he looked up as the door opened.
"Your mum has breakfast down", Emmet stopped as he saw the tears on Alli's cheeks,"I'll just be going now," he carefully closed the door.
"Perfect,"Alli grumbled,"More for them to talk about."
Keith raked his hands through his hair and linked his fingers behind his neck. He stood up with a sigh,"I'll just let you get dressed."
Alli felt as if an elephant stood on her chest as she watched Keith pad quietly out of the room. Most girls would have cried happily, thrown their arms around his neck and whispered their own words of love, what had she done? Not been able to give any response, she had hurt him. She knew it had been hard for him to even say those three words and all she could do was cry and give him no response. She pulled the blanket around her and buried her face in the pillow,"Go away", she mumbled as she heard a knock.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 12, 2012 14:53:24 GMT -5
"It's Siobhan, dear", she quietly opened the door,"May I come in?"
Alli sat up quickly,"Mrs. Harkin, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean......."
"No worries lass", she sat next to Alli, gently brushing the hair back from her tear stained face,"Would you like to talk about it?"
The touch had been so soft and nurturing that it broke Alli's heart and made her think of her own mother,"He said he loved me", she shrugged as a new wave of tears started to pool,"and I didn't say it back."
"Love isn't something to take lightly, Alli", she took her hand,"Can I tell you about my Keith?"
"I would like that", she sniffled with a smile.
"It was in two thousand seven when Emily broke things off with him. She was going to study in Spain and he was joining Celtic Thunder. Their lives were taking different directions, but for Keith, Emily had always been his direction and without her he was lost. He was almost comatose for a long time, yes being in the group, recording, and all was a distraction, but when he came home. He wasn't my Keith. That light, that energy had all faded away from him.
"That light was dim for so long and then one day he called to tell me about a girl he had met on tour. A girl who had sea green eyes and long brunette hair, she had the sweetest smile, and she could light up a room just by entering it. He said he had given her a nickname, Alli-cat. He talked to me about the endless hours of conversation, playing guitar, writing songs. And what I heard in his voice was that light that had gone out.
"You gave him back that light Alli, you brought my Keith back from the brink of lonliness and heartache. When he learned of Emily's death he was crushed, but he had you with him. And you took care of him, being patient, kind, and loving. Even when you wanted to toss him through a wall," this caused Alli to nod with a laugh.
"I had a few of those moments", she studied Siobhan's face,"He really loves me?"
"More than I think you realize and more than I think he even understands", she squeezed her hand,"My boy'o down there can be a tough nut to crack, but once you have, he will be the most loyal and loving man you will ever find."
"Thank you Mrs. Harkin," she smiled at the woman.
"Call me mum", Siobhan smoothed her hair and cupped her face in her hands,"I always wanted another daughter anyway."
"Okay, mum", she hugged her fiercely,"Thank you."
"You're welcome, love" she stood up,"Clean clothes are on the chair, take your time."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 13, 2012 12:56:22 GMT -5
Alli took her time getting ready, relishing in a hot shower and replaying the conversation with Siobhan. There had been several times that she had wanted to slap sense into Keith, but she had taken the high road and walked away. Most couples fought, but most had not been through what the two of them had. She losing her parents so young and he losing the girl he thought he would spend his life with. And yet they had somehow found love in each other. As she pulled on the pair of jeans a thrill of excitment coursed through her as she thought of being able to share with Keith how she felt, but not in front of everyone else. She wanted to tell him in her own way away from his family and any eaves dropping ears. She left her hair down to let it air dry and then made her way downstairs.
"You missed breakfast", Emmet said finishing off a piece of pancake.
"Nonsense", Siobhan smiled,"I can make plenty more, sit down dear."
"Actually, Keith can I steal you for a moment?", she looked at him hopefully. She hated the hurt she saw in his eyes,"Please?"
"Guess so", he stood up and followed her into the sitting area,"You okay?", he looked at her.
"More than okay", she made sure the door was closed,"You said three words to me earlier," she crossed the room to stand in front of him.
"And you didn't really respond", he replied crossing his arms.
"I know and I'm sorry," she bit her lip as she sighed,"Can you say them again?"
"What?", he looked at her.
"Those three words", she smiled,"Will you say them again?"
"Alli, is this a joke? I don't take what I said earlier as a joke, I meant it."
"This isn't going as planned," she said more to herself than to him.
"What did you think would happen?", he nearly shouted,"That I would say it, you say it back and everything would be okay?"
"I'm so sorry, Keith, I'm so sorry",she threw her arms around his neck,"I love you, I do, I love you", she felt her chest tightening with impending tears she was willing away.
"Alli, please", he swallowed thickly as he brought his arms around her,"Don't, please don't, unless you mean it."
She pulled back to gaze into his eyes that glistened with tears,"I do mean it," she carefully pulled his face to hers,"I love you Keith Harkin," their lips met slowly,"I love you", she murmered against his lips.
"Too busy kissing you", he cupped the back of her neck as her lips molded to his, his other hand held the small of her back keeping her firmly in place.
Alli felt as if she had poured her soul into him as the kiss continued. They needed air, but she couldn't bring herself to break the magic that hung in the air around them. So this is what love was? To be loved wholly and unconditionally by another. If this is what love felt like, she never wanted to know a life without it, a life without him.
"I love you Alli-cat", he whispered with his brow against hers as they both took in the much needed air.
"Better be careful Harkin", she hung her arms loosely around his waist.
"Why is that?", he kissed her nose.
"A girl can get used to hearing that", she grinned.
"Then I'll say it all the time", he nuzzled her neck playfully.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 19, 2012 15:51:50 GMT -5
Shortly after the new year Alli and Keith flew back to the United States, he would be leaving for Australia at the beginning of February and the couple new it would be a new test for their relationship as Alli would not be going on the trip. After arriving home she had received an offer to work on deisgns for a small design house in San Francisco. It had already been the subject of a few a arguments between the two. They had so far worked through them, but the idea of the impending speration seemed to have both on edge. It was coming down to only a week before Keith was supposed to leave, Alli had been spending sleepless nights working pouring over sketches, material, patterns, and her sewing machine.
"Hey babe!", Keith said coming into the apartment, his arms loaded with bags.
"In the bedroom", she called in response.
Keith unloaded the plastic bags on the counter and walked back to the bedroom,"I bought a few things to make dinner."
"That's sweet", she looked over her glasses as she pinned a dress,"I may have to eat in here."
"Not tonight Alli-cat", he slipped his arms around her from behind.
She wanted to lean into that strong chest and collapse against him, her whole body ached with the fatigue and stress of how hard she had been pushing herself. She sighed detangling herself,"I have to have these to the buyer in a few days."
"And I am leaving in a week", he pulled her back into his arms,"You have a ton for them already."
She placed her glasses on the top of her head and rubbed her tired eyes,"I know baby, but this is my career and these are the first people interested. I don't want anything to go wrong."
"Alli, please, one night, that's it. I will be gone for a month and then when I come back we start promos for the new dvd. I just want to spend as much time with you as possible."
"I want to spend time with you too," she kissed him softly,"But I have to finish this piece. It's my last one."
Keith sighed in frustration,"Fine, guess I'll just eat by myself, yet again."
His words held in a sting that Alli could feel,"Honey, I'm sorry! I am, just I don't want to mess up this opportunity."
"So it's fine not to mess up for them, but it's fine to just blow me off?"
"That's not what I meant!", she groaned following him.
"Just go work on the dress", he said pulling groceries out of the bags.
"No, I'll help you", she replied.
"Just go Alli, okay?", he took the bag from her hand.
"Don't be like this, please", she placed her palms agaist the counter as he slammed cabinet doors,"You're mad I get it!"
"Do you?", he turned to her.
She was taken aback by the fiery stare in his eyes, but was determined not to back down,"I do," she said evenly,"How do you think I feel knowing you will be gone for a month?"
"I don't know because you're so wrapped in that......thing!"
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 20, 2012 10:49:22 GMT -5
"That thing?", she said with a gasp,"That thing is my what I have been working towards since I was eighteen years old, that thing is all I have ever wanted to do with my life! I don't get upset about your music or your tours or the fact that you will be gone for a whole month and I can't be there!"
"You could have come with me and you know it!" he wadded up the plastic bags angrily.
"And do what Keith? Fix the hems on pants? Iron dresses and shirts? I want more than that!", she fisted her hands against her eyes,"Maybe this trip is coming at a good time."
He stopped and looked at her,"What is that supposed to mean?"
"It means", she sighed, crossing her arms,"Maybe we just need a break."
"Is that what you want?", he felt the searing stab of pain flash inside of him.
"I don't know", she felt an anxiety welling up inside her. Barely a month ago they had said I love you for the first time and now it seemed as if they were standing on a thin, sharp blade, and that at any moment it could slice them apart,"I know that I am tired of fighting."
"I don't like it either Alli", he swallowed the lump in his throat,"But maybe you're right. Maybe we do need some time apart."
She felt the first tear make its escape through her lashes,"I'll just get back to work."
Keith watched her walk away, flashes of Emily went through his mind. This would not end like that, he would not let her walk away and cause either one of them pain. But hadn't it been her idea? It had been Emily's idea too, but for Emily she had held no pain and no tears. He had seen the tears in Alli's eyes and the hurt that she had tried to carefully mask. He pushed himself away from the counter and went back to the bedroom; he stopped and watched her. She sat on the window seat staring out the window, her brunette hair cascaded over her shoulder like a curtain. He could see the tremble in her hands and shoulders and knew he had to tread lightly,"Alli?", he said softly.
"What are we doing Keith?", she didn't turn to look at him.
"I don't know", he crossed the room and sat next to her,"I was hoping you would tell me."
"I wish I knew", she said allowing her eyes to rest on his,"Why does this have to be so hard?"
He gave a stiff laugh,"Because we are both hard headed people."
"I just hate fighting with you and I hate the fact that I can't be in Australia with you. I know I have thrown myself into my work, but."
"But what?", he stroked her cheek gently.
"I have been doing it to distance myself, I know it's stupid and I should have talked to you. But it's how I deal with things like someone leaving me, especially after my parents death."
"Alli, love", he gathered her in his arms and held her close.
"I should have just talked to you and I know it."
"When you walked away from me all I could think about was what happened with Emily and I don't want that to happen with you."
"It won't," she said resting her head against his shoulder,"I promise", she tried to hide a yawn.
"I'll cook, you finish up in here okay?", he held her face in his hands,"I love you."
"I love you too", she smiled leaning in to meet his lips,"What's for dinner?"
"It's a surprise", he said leaning her back against the wall.
"The go cook", she laughed as he kissed her neck.
"This is more fun", he nibbled her earlobe.
"Too bad I'm hungry", she pushed him away playfully.
"Fine, fine", he stood up,"You will actually eat tonight and you will sleep tonight."
"Yes sir", she gave a mock salute as he left the room.
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 12, 2012 7:50:14 GMT -5
Alli watched Keith toss his last few items into a suitcase, she watched as he zipped it closed and felt the harsh tug at her heart knowing the separation was now mere hours away. She sighed audibly and rubbed her eyes.
"You okay?", he asked placing the case on the floor next to his guitar case.
"Fine", she answered with a smile.
"Liar", he said sitting next to her on the bed.
She shrugged,"Nothing I can do about it."
"You can cheer up a little", he nudged her with his shoulder.
"No I can't", she looked at him,"You're leaving, how am I supposed to be happy about that?"
"Well," he began attempting to find the right thing to say,"You are going to be very busy for the next few weeks. All your designs have to get done right? Before you know it I will be back."
She hadn't expected to feel so torn about his being on tour without her. Knowing he would be in an entirely different country was even worse. He was right though, the design house had liked her designs and ideas and wanted more. She would be extremely busy and needed an assistant to help her keep up with everything. The design house was supposed to provide her with one very soon. Keith was right, they would be back together before long and then she would feel better. But then there was the promo tour and his solo shows,"You know I probably won't be able to go out on the road with you and Emmet right?"
"The thought crossed my mind"
She swallowed thickly,"Keith, why don't we just take this time apart as a small break from this whole thing? Really take a look at where both of our lives are headed."
"Alli", he shook his head and turned to face her,"Do you think that's what I want?"
"No, I don't", she answered,"But I think we need to face a few things here. You are in a musical, touring group. Plus your solo work. It's a lot of time apart. Then you add my chaos into it and it's like a tornado. I love you, you know that. I think I have made that point very clear by now, but", she gazed into the glittering aqua eyes,"We are both on very different paths and that's okay."
Keith attempted to hide the hurt in his eyes as he took her hands in his,"You know this is what drove Emily and I away from each other."
"I'm not Emily", she said placing a hand against his cheek,"I think she may be something you need to work through as well. Regardless of all the rest of this, you're not over her."
The shadows played across the room as they sat silently together. Two hearts breaking at the same time. Neither one wanting to admit what they both knew; it wasn't their time to be together. The busy schedules, the heartaches, the time apart. For a fledgling relationship it was proving harder and harder.
"Maybe I should get a hotel for the night", Keith said quietly.
"No you shouldn't", Alli replied kissing him softly,"If this is our last night together for a while, I want to spend it with you."
"A break", he murmured against her lips.
"Just for a while", she wrapped her arms around his neck molding herself against him as the golden rays of the sunset danced across the floor casting the room in a warm ethereal glow.
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Post by onyxfyrefly on May 12, 2012 8:13:45 GMT -5
What a heartbreaking update! I do think they need to take a break but I hope it won't drive them apart!
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Post by fallingn2ct on May 12, 2012 8:18:25 GMT -5
The moon had made its way into the sky as Keith lay awake. The silver light fell through the window like a silent waterfall making its descent into the unknown. He looked down at Alli as she slept. Her eyelids fluttered with dreams, the soft waves of her hair had been tamed into a ponytail, but some had escaped during sleep. Her breathing was deep and easy, as if none of their conversation earlier had ever happened. But it had happened and he felt the open wound of his heart throbbing with a dull ache. Was she right? Was he still not over Emily? He had found himself comparing certain things and situations between the two, but he knew Alli wasn't Emily and yet he knew he hadn't done much to relieve her of that idea. He was scared, scared of being lost and alone without Alli. She knew him like no one else did, they fought yes, but they loved each other. She had been the one to pick up his broken pieces, but he was always the one to lash out at her and yet she still stood by him. He loved her, there was no doubt, but perhaps time on his own would open his eyes to what he had been missing with her. He sighed and turned his gaze downward to the sleeping woman,"I love you Alli-cat", he said softly,"but saying goodbye is going to be too hard," he kissed her cheek gently and rose from the bed. He quietly got dressed and moved his luggage out of the room. After phoning for a cab he went back into the bedroom. He ran a finger tip over cheek,"I love you", he whispered placing one last kiss against her temple and placing a note on his pillow. He closed the door with a sigh and took his things out to wait for the taxi.
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Post by onyxfyrefly on May 12, 2012 8:20:35 GMT -5
Oh dear, this may not end well...
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