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Post by misssunflower on Jul 26, 2009 14:37:10 GMT -5
Second part in my fanfic series. . . Enjoy!
TRIPPED
Vanessa sighed as she left the airport, took out her cell phone and dialed her best friends number. "Hello?" Paul's Irish accent came through the speaker. "Hello yourself," She said, smiling herself, despite her initial surprise. This was NOT who she had planned to talk to. "Vanessa!" He said, sounding ecstatic, "You land?" "I did." She replied, "And I'm awaiting my escort, would you know where she is?" He laughed, "She left 10 minutes ago, forgot her cell phone though." Vanessa rolled her eyes, "Brilliant Rachel, as always." She said, without venom. She loved her friend dearly. "I know," Paul chuckled, "I just hope she doesn't freak when she finds out she doesn't have it." "Knowing her, she will." "You should probably find her fast, then." "I'll do my best," Vanessa sighed, just as she looked over a crowd of people and saw her, waving frantically. "Scratch that," she mumbled into the phone, "Found her." "Wow you're fast." Paul said laughing, "Talk to you in a bit then." "Right, see you." She hung up, and walked faster through the crowds to her friend. "NESSA!!!" Rachel squeaked, tossing her arms around her neck. "RACHEL!!!" She replied, beaming and hugging her back with as much force as she could. Rachel continued to hug her for quite a long time, and to Vanessa shock she felt a bit of wetness on her shoulder. Was she crying? "Rachel?" She laughed, "Rachel, geez." It was not uncommon for her best friend to cry, the girl did so at the drop of a hat. "Sorry, Ness." She said, pulling away and laughing herself. "I just missed you." "I missed you too, sugar." She replied. It was May. A little over a full year since Rachel had moved to Dublin with the love of her life, Paul. Their wedding wasn't planned until that October, but she had promised her friend to spend the summer helping plan, something that would involve multiple trips back and forth between Dublin and her home in New York City. She didn't care. "I brought some drawings." Vanessa added, her smile turning a bit smug. "Drawings of what?" Rachel asked, confused. She rolled her eyes playfully, "Come on Rache, I'm not letting my closest friend get married in just ANY dress." Realization slowly dawned of her face, "You're NOT!" She squeaked. "I most certainly am dear heart. And it's no trouble, I've been wanting to make a wedding dress for a long time" She answered, her voice strong. Rachel was her best friend, and she was a fashion designer. There was no way she'd shake on this. "Vanes, you are an angel!" She threw her arms around her again. "And you're the sweetest friend I could ask for." She answered, "Now come on!” Rachel laughed, "Right, right."
"So, you've got a job then?" She asked casually, in the car. The ride to Paul's place took a little time, but Vanessa was glad of that. She needed more time to catch-up with her friend. Rachel beamed, "I do indeed. It's prefect, at that." Her voice had the beginnings of an Irish accent coming out. Just in certain words. It made Vanessa smile nonetheless. "Well?" She stressed, when no description of it came. "I'm an art teacher at the local high school." "Art! Oh, that IS perfect!" Vanessa laughed. Her friend was a brilliant artist. Drawing, in fact, was how she met her love to begin with. "How did you manage to get it?" "The old art teacher, unfortunately, died just weeks before I asked about jobs there." She cringed. "Ew." Vanessa agreed, "Good for you, though, I guess." She nodded, "It is nice to have a job here, makes it feel more permanent. Like I'm not a tourist." "That is good. It'd be weird to feel like a tourist when you are marrying someone from there." She grinned. "Exactly." There was some silence, and Vanessa thought about how Rachel had met Paul. He, three other men from Ireland and one from Scotland, had formed a singing group that traveled the states. Rachel had met them in Central Park earlier on the same day Vanessa took her to see them live. They later invited her to be the dancer for the show and in that Rachel and Paul fell in love. There was one thing Vanessa would never tell Rachel about that. And that was that she was jealous. Jealous that her friend had had a happy ending, pure and simple. She didn't wish anything less for Rachel. But it was something she longed for, and had yet to get. She dreamed of eventually finding someone who loved her the way it was obvious Paul loved Rachel. That's what made her jealous. "Vanes? Are you alright?" Rachel's confused voice penetrated her thoughts. "Oh, what? No, I'm fine." She grinned at her. "You looked kind of pained for a second there. I would hate for you to get sick on me." "I fine, dearie. Don't you worry about me,” She felt stupid for even thinking bad of her sweet friend. So she wasn't jealous. She just wanted a love of her own.
"Vanessa! It has seriously been too long!" Paul told her, joyfully giving her a friendly hug, the second she was out of the car. "At least you're here now." Rachel added happily. Vanessa nodded vigorously at that. "That's very true. I'm so happy to see you both, as always." "It's a real good thing you're here too." He said, "One thing the two of us have realized is that neither of us are good at planning any sort of event. Much less our wedding." Vanessa rolled her eyes with a laugh. She knew Rachel was an awful planner. "No problem at all. I've always known I'd plan my Rachel's wedding." "Did you now?" Rachel asked, eyebrow lifted. That made her laugh, as the couple could both do that expression - one eyebrow raised up- perfectly. "I did. No mater what, I knew I would." She did. Forever. For as long as she knew the girl, she knew she was going to plan her wedding. It would just work that way. "T-thank you, then." she replied, clearly flattered. "You're more than I could ever ask for in a wedding planner." "It's nothing." Vanessa mumbled, flattered as well. "Speaking of nothing," Paul cut in, laughing, "Would you like to see your almost non-existent excuse for a guest room." Vanessa raised both eyebrows, the best she could do. "Should I be afraid?" She asked Rachel, giggling. "Oh, he's making it sound worse, but we really couldn't give you much." "You guys didn't have to give me anything at all!" She said, "I thought I was staying a hotel?" Rachel laughed, "Like we were going to let you do that. You never let me do that, I'm never letting you." Vanessa blushed, "Thank you, darling." "No problem, now come on in." Vanessa thought maybe she should have found it odd that the couple had bought a house before they were married but somehow, with those two, it wasn't. The house was small, but perfectly sized for a newly wed, or almost newly wed, couple. It was sweet. The small living room had futon couch, folded out and made out to be a bed, sheets and pillows and all. "Told you it was nothing." Paul laughed. Vanessa laughed; she loved it. "I made Rachel sleep on an air mattress. You've already given me more." "You deserve it." Rachel told her. "Aw sugar!" She exclaimed, shooing her with her hand, "You're making me blush." "You always make ME blush!" she laughed, practically, "I'm returning the favor." "But you are so much fun to embarrass!" Vanessa said in defense. "As are you." Rachel said with an infuriating wink. Paul, who had been watching the conversation heat up, pushed the friends apart, laughing. "Now, let's not fight you two." "We weren't." They laughed at once. Paul rolled his eyes. "Sometimes I wonder if you two should have been sisters." "I know we should have." she said simply, "Rachel and I are both only children, we have the same hair, mine's only a bit lighter, and longer. And the same eyes." "We both love designing, drawing, nature, neither of us think we can sing, and we both love Celtic music." Rachel added. He laughed harder, "Okay, what's different between you two?" "She's a morning person." "She can dance." "She thinks things through." "I do not!" "More so than I do!" "Okay I'll give you that. Her love life turned out better." Vanessa certainly did not think THAT through before she said it. Too late now, she thought. She just hoped they would drop it. They didn't. "Oh?" Paul asked innocently, "I can understand why you think Rachel's went well, but is there anything wrong with yours?" "Plenty." She was smiling though. She had a very 'it happened-it's over-no need to mourn it' outlook. "Feel like sharing?" He replied. "Paul!" Rachel said, shocked and embarrassed for her friend. "It's fine.” She said, "I've never really had a guy fall in love with me. That's all.” "I'm sorry Vanes." Rachel said, uncomfortably. Rachel knew all about it, she had been there every time Vanessa had been, well, rejected She shrugged, her smile never faltering, "Don’t you DARE think this makes me bitter of you, sweet pea. I am more than happy for you. Ecstatic!" Rachel did look to relax a bit; Vanessa had been right in knowing that's what she was worried about. Rachel had always been easy to decode. The sun was setting at this point. Vanessa had arrived rather late. "Ness," Rachel mumbled, looking guilty, "Paul and I, sort of, had plans tonight, so we have to, you know... leave." She sounded so guilty and upset over something that small. "Oh. Th- that's fine." she told them. Actually she was glad she wasn't going. She would feel in the way or out of place with the two together. "Are you sure?" "Absolutely positive." She beamed, "Where are you going?" Paul laughed, "I, actually, have a solo gig tonight, we're going out to dinner early, then head there." "Well that's great!" Vanessa exclaimed, she had forgot Paul soloed as well as worked with Celtic Thunder. "Thank you," He said, "You're more than welcome to come when it really starts." "I'll think about it." She replied casually. "By the way, is there anywhere to eat near by? I could cook, but I don't know what you've got in your fridge." "Not much." The couple replied together, laughing. "Somehow, I guessed that." Paul thought for a moment, "There's the Corner Pub. You could probably walk there. It's a few blocks south on, well, on the corner, shocking isn't it?" He laughed. "An Irish pub? Might as well. Don't think I've ever been in a real one..." "Are there fake ones?" Paul laughed. Vanessa thought about that, "Point taken." She sighed. "I'll head that way then." "I don't know when we'll be back," Rachel added, "but probably after you, so here." She tossed Vanessa the house keys. "I'll see you tomorrow morning, then?" It was more of a question than she'd planned. "Yep. There is a catholic church walking distance as well." She said, "We don't go until 11:00 but there are masses as soon as 6:00 in the morning. Whichever you like best." "Right, sounds good!" She gave her friend a hug, "Talk to you tomorrow. Have fun!" "You too, and thanks again for coming out." "It not a problem, Rachel, remember that." With that the couple went off. And so Vanessa went to find herself an Irish pub.
Vanessa ran through things that could happen as she wandered down the street to the Corner Pub. 1) The most likely option. It would be completely uneventful. And she'd feel more than mildly disappointed as that. She wasn't sure why. She was having dinner. What's going to happen? That of course led to part the second one. 2) She could meet a guy, a really cute guy. She'd really like him and he'd show no interest in her at all. She would feel hurt and get over it. That was one Vanessa would like to avoid. 3) She would meet a handsome guy. She'd like him. He'd like her. They lived in different continents and/or he had a girlfriend. So nothing really ended well. But whatever, she thought, most likely nothing will happen. Nothing romantic ever happened to her. She'd lived this long that way. She'd survive another night. Her mind did like to twist little things into how it could be viewed as romantic. She tried to get it to stop doing that, though. All it did was get her hopes up. And then they got shot down. She tried not to think of any of that as she entered the pub. She sighed, looking for a place to sit along the, surprisingly almost empty, bar. As she walked up along it she felt someone's foot sticking out. Too late, her foot tripped over it. Before she could catch herself, or fall she wasn't sure which one she'd have ended up doing, that someone's hand grabbed her arm to steady her. She turned to face the man. He was grinning for a second before he fully looked at her. His teasing expression turned into surprise, and confusion. "Vanessa!?" "R-Ryan?"
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Post by misssunflower on Jul 26, 2009 16:47:23 GMT -5
for Toni who needs to read this one still...
"What are you doing here?" They both asked each other at the same time. Vanessa laughed, and then added, "and why'd you trip me?" He laughed as well, "An accident?" he tried. "That would explain the expression you had, wouldn't it?" She said sarcastically, moving to sit next to him. "Caught that, did you?" He asked, she nodded, "would you believe me if I thought you were someone else, for a split second." "So you go randomly tripping people you know in pubs." She laughed. He punched her lightly, grinning though. "Hey, I caught you didn't I?" "You did, you did. Thank you." "You're welcome," He told her, "Now, what are you doing here?" It wasn't an accusation. Then again, in the short period of time Vanessa had known Ryan Kelly, he never sounded mean or accusing. He was one of the other four in the group with Paul. He was quite sweet and it didn't feel weird at all to talk to him like a friend. "Paul and Rachel's..." "...Wedding." He finished, "Of course. I should have guessed." A pause, "Isn't that in October?" "Yes, yes, I'm early. I'm the wedding planner for the two of them." "They're putting you to work, are they?" He laughed. She giggled, "Oh no, I practically jumped at the chance to plan my best friend's wedding." "You two are really close, aren't you?" "Of COURSE we're close! Rachel is like my sister!" She explained, happily. "So, I'm here for them. Why are you here?" "I do live in Ireland." He told her, chuckling. She rolled her eyes and shoved him, "I mean in Dublin! I thought you lived in…" Oh gosh, she couldn't think of the county's name. "Tyrone? Yeah." "Exactly, so what are you doing here?" "Paul's solo." He said simply, pulling out tickets. "He invited me to come." Oh. That. "Right, he and Rachel invited me too." She paused, "Wait, they invited me, but they didn't give me tickets." "That wasn't smart." Ryan rolled his eyes, "It's sort of sold out." It was? Geez Paul was well liked. She sighed, "Great. I guess I won't-“ She didn't finish before Ryan added, "Want to come with me?" "What?" Vanessa blushed, caught completely off guard by his proposal. "I've got two tickets. I was expecting someone else to come but it didn't work out." He didn't try to hide the slight disappointment in his voice. Date bail on him? She thought, confused and embarrassingly a little happy. Vanessa, her mind reprimanded, you're starting to lean to options two or three. Do you REALLY want to put yourself through that? No she wasn't, She thought firmly. Ryan was a friend, a handsome friend, but a friend nonetheless. This didn't mean anything. "Well sure." "Sure?" "Yeah, sure. I'd love to go with you." His smile grew, and so did how flustered she was. "Glad to hear it. Better than either of us being lonely, wouldn't you say?" He winked. She nodded, her heart now pounding to the point where she couldn't quite trust her voice. How had this happened? She'd met him, hung out with him and everything, before. When she'd met Rachel over the course of the spring tour a year ago. He didn't look much different that she could tell. But he certainly had never flustered her like THAT before. "When does it start?" She asked when she trusted her voice. "I think 8:00, it's not far from here, though." "Nonetheless, it IS 7:35." Vanessa checked her watch. "Nonetheless," He laughed, "You SHOULD eat something." She had to admit, in the back of her mind, she had completely forgotten that's why she was here. "Right, food would be good." "What do you want then?" He asked, grinning. Something in his tone made confused her. It dawned on her, "No! You're not buying me dinner!" "Why not?" He laughed at her reaction, "We're going out tonight, might as well make this like an official date." Another wink. And that Vanessa could find no argument to.It was undoubtedly one of the most amazing nights Vanessa had had. She couldn't remember more than half of how her conversation with Ryan. Though she did recall making him laugh quite a lot. At one point he said casually, "Rache talked about you a lot on the tour but I think she left out what great craic you were." He chuckled. "I'm great what?" She asked, not sure she heard right. His laughter grew, "Craic. Sorry, I forget you don't have the word over there." "Okay, so what does it mean?" It didn't SOUND mean, especially coming from Ryan. "Fun, that's the most common use for it anyways." "So I'm great fun, then?" "Very much so." He grinned and her heart pounded. "Well thank you. Rachel talked about me a lot, did she?" She added. "Nothing bad!" Ryan told her quickly. She laughed, "I didn't think that. I'm just wondering what she said." "Oh, how you to met, what you liked, disliked, and a lot about how close the two of you are." "And we are." She put in. "So I've heard." He laughed. Vanessa, embarrassingly enough, couldn't think of anything to say. "I guess you know a lot about me then…" "I wouldn't say that." He told her. "I'd always like to know more." She blushed, "Well you know more about me then I do about you." She defended. It was awkward if she continued to talk of only herself. "Rachel didn't tell you about me?" He teased. Vanessa rolled her eyes, "The conversation was pretty much dominated by Paul, you know." That got him laughing again, "True, true. The two of them make a grand couple, don't they?" "That they do." She agreed, "She was very lucky." "So was he." Ryan nodded. "Not many relationships work out that easy, do they?" "None that I've known." She was thinking of her own. None of which had worked out at all, much less easily. "Have to admit, Rachel's wasn't totally easy. What with Aaron and all." She said his name grudgingly. She despised bringing him up, especially now that her Rachel was past it. "Oh yes, I remember Rachel talking about him. Not coming to the wedding, I assume?" Vanessa shrugged, "Haven't seen their guest list, if they've even made one yet. But, God I hope not! I can just see him trying to object." "Trying?" "Like I'd let him." She smirked darkly. Ryan blinked in surprise and then burst out laughing. "What?" He was almost beyond words laughing, "It's nothing. Just that expression." "What about it?" She switched to looking innocent. It did nothing to stop his laughter. "It looks like, well, me. You know, in Heartbreaker. That smirk." He chuckled. She did know, very well. That sexy smirk he gave the audience and Zara/Rachel during that song had caused her temporary breathing problems. And he thought she mimicked it. Wow. "Well, thank you." She mumbled, "You do it better, though." "Thank you." He told her, smiling. "Do you want to go?" He added. They had finished eating minutes ago and had continued to talk. She blushed, having lost track of time. "Yeah, that would be good. Will we be late?" He checked his own watch, "Maybe by a minute or two, I don't think Paul will kill us." "I hope not." She giggled. "Well, he can't very well kill you. You're the wedding planner." He stood up and paid. Vanessa had thought to stop him, at least pay for half, but never quite got around to it. "Rachel wouldn't let him either way." She added as he came around to her. He took her hand to help her down from the, somewhat high, barstool. "True," he grinned, still holding her hand. "And neither would I." For a split second his heartbreaker look came out. Her breath caught, and she felt the need to fan herself. She shooed that out of her head and lightly slapped him. "What?" He laughed. "Don't DO that!" She squeaked. His expression was innocent again, "Do what?" She tried to look mad, but it was hard to do as her face was flushed like a tomato and her hand was still tightly entwined with his.
The show was amazing. Vanessa had forgotten how unbelievably beautiful Paul's voice was. It was as smooth and melting as liquid chocolate. She just closed her eyes and forgot everything around her. Ryan snapped her out of it, "V, you okay?" In their pub dinner conversation he'd gotten into a habit of calling her "V". It was one of the few nick - names Rachel hadn't ever called her. "Hm?" She asked idly, clapping at the end of the beautiful concert. "You appear to be shaking," He commented, grinning. "It's understandable, though. I remember some shaking fans from M&G's" Meet and Greets, after their shows in the U.S. Vanessa had been to one and remembered the line of shaking squealing fans in line. "So do I. And that I most certainly understand." She giggled. He looked at her for second before saying, "I don't think I've ever asked you about what you thought.." He said it almost more to himself. "About what?" "Celtic Thunder, of course. You've seen it, how many times, now?" He said laughing. "Three." She said right away. "Three then," He said, "So, what do you think of it?" Vanessa racked her mind for the words to describe it, "Brilliant, probably the best show I'd seen in a long while. The five of you are really just- beyond words, I suppose." That made him smile. "Well thank you. Did you have any favorites?" "I guess it w-" She didn't finish before she was cut off. "Ness! You made it!" Rachel squeaked, pushing through the leaving crowds to wear Ryan and her were still sitting. Vanessa realized everything else sort of disappeared when she was in conversation with Ryan. It was embarrassing. "RYAN?!" She asked incredulously, looking from friend to friend. "Well hello to you too." He laughed at her expression. "Hi!" Rachel said automatically, then, "What are you doing here? I mean I-I'm glad you're here but how- and Vanes?" She seemed beyond words. "I ran into V at the pub this evening and we both decided to come." Ryan explained, laughter still in his voice. Vanessa changed the subject, ignoring Rachel’s wicked grin. Glancing at the nearly empty theater, she said, "We going to go meet our star or what?" She brightened, "Oh yes! He did amazing," A dreamy sigh, "I don't think I'll ever get used to how breath-taking his voice is. Come on." She giggled, took an almost skip-like step humming one of Paul's songs that evening. "I don't think I've seen her like this." Ryan mumbled to her as they followed. Vanessa rolled her eyes, "Internally, I think she was like this from the first moment she met him. She was pretty good at hiding it to avoid the problems she thought would occur." "Of course they didn't, though." He added. She nodded, and sighed, jealousy pounding at her heart again. "Something wrong, V?" He asked her. He sounded worried, her face flushed again. Before she could think of an educated reply Rachel motioned Vanessa to come over. "I'm fine." She told Ryan quickly before quickening her pace.
"'V'?" Rachel whisper-giggled. "Hey, you give me nick-names too!" "I suppose I do. I just think it's cute." She beamed. "So..." "So what?" "How was your date?" "It wasn't a DATE!!" She struggled to keep her voice whispered. "I just tripped into him, and we got talking." She had thought to say "Bumped into him" but tripped worked better in that case. She continued, "We didn't talk about much. I made him laugh a lot, though." "Well you are lots of craic." She told her. "There's that word again! Ryan called me it too." "I heard my name." Ryan laughed from behind them. Vanessa blushed but Rachel called back casually. "Oh just talking about craic, you know." More laughter, "And how V is a grand lots of it?" "Exactly." Vanessa blushed deeper, "Geez, Thank you. I guess." "You're welcome," Ryan told her, moving up so he was no longer behind the two friends. They had hardly reached the stage itself when Paul came out. He and Rachel hugged first, before he looked at Ryan and Vanessa. He began to laugh. "Well, didn't that work out perfect?" He chuckled. Vanessa rolled her eyes, "You did wonderful." She told him. "Thanks Nessa," He told her smiling. "Really," She added, "I totally wish I could sing sometimes." All the time, really. Ryan poked her playfully. "I'm sure you aren't bad." "Oh well you've never heard me sing." She defended. "I suppose I haven't," He grinned mischievously, "You're just going to have to show me." Vanessa's heart skipped more beats than should probably be healthy, "Trust me, you would NOT want to put yourself through that." He laughed again, "Can I not decide that for myself?" "No." She told him firmly, laughing, "If you simply must have a third parties opinion ask Rachel." Rachel held up her hands in defense, "No way I'm getting swept up in this." She rested her head on Paul's shoulder, laughing. "Well, you're no help at all!" Vanessa exclaimed. "Love you too." The two guys looked at each other, then at the friends, then back at each other. "Sisters." They agreed at once. Rachel and Vanessa laughed. "Either way, there is no way in heck you'll get me to sing for you." She added firmly, "The only time anyone ever heard me sing is at church."
"That WASN'T an invitation." She grumbled under her breath as she felt Ryan move to stand beside her at 7:00 mass the next morning. "I know." He winked at her, making her already red face flush darker. "Couldn't pass something like this up either way."
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Post by misssunflower on Jul 26, 2009 17:03:57 GMT -5
as you're really my only reader, and the sooner this is done the sooner you get to Photographs...
Vanessa was in a bit of a pickle. She was, in no way, going to sing in front of Ryan. Her pathetic excuse for a singing voice going through hymns alongside his gorgeous in-tune voice was not something she looked forward too. Then again, she couldn't very well, NOT sing. She had said the only place she sang was at church, and she loved to sing at church too. Before she could think of anyway to avoid singing in front of him the chords of the opening hymn began. She sighed; it was one of her favorite songs. She didn't want to miss singing it. In her nervousness, she missed the beginning of the first verse. She took a deep breath, spared Ryan a look and began to sing. Her voice was far lower than someone her size and age should have. But in the height of the chorus, she didn't care anymore. It was a gorgeous song and she enjoyed singing it, despite how off-tone, deep, and almost husky, her voice was. Ryan joined in by the second chorus, his voice higher than hers, which was funny. However, he harmonized well with her, and in the end, Vanessa figured, made her sound better. "I have no clue what you were talking about last night, after that." He told her as the song ended. She looked at him in shock. What was he talking about? "I don't know who you were listening to then." She said simply. He laughed but didn't contradict her anymore. That might have been because mass had started, though. It felt weird to be in a different church than she was used to anyways. Having Ryan there did nothing to improve or worsen that problem. In the end she enjoyed it rather well, and that she was certain Ryan helped with. The ending song went the same way, except she pointedly did not sing the first verse of chorus. Ryan gave her a tiny punch in the shoulder. She gave him a mock glare but started to sing, nonetheless. He smiled and after a second harmonized again. She thought he sounded angelic, but that might have been in compare to hers. The song, while her absolute favorite, was not written for her low voice at all. It was embarrassing. "Honestly V," He laughed as they exited, "you made it sound like you couldn't carry a note to save your life." "I can't!" She defended. His laughter grew, "You might need to get your ears checked then. Your voice is beautiful." That caught her completely off guard. She expected him to say she did fine, or it wasn't that bad, or even pretty, but beautiful? Beautiful was him the rest of Celtic Thunder, and countless singers she could list. She may be decent, but beautiful? "I think you're the one who need s a hearing check." She replied sarcastically. "Really!" He told her, "Sure, it's not common, but that's what's so amazing about it.” Her face grew to a deeper red and she couldn't think of what to say. "T-thank you. You are better though." "Thank you, V." A pause, "By the way, have you eaten yet?" "Uh... no." She was planning to make breakfast for herself and the happy couple back home. "Why?" He chuckled, "Paul mentioned a bakery nearby earlier, something about breakfast stuff there." "Okay." Why was he mentioning this? "Would you like to go there?" He asked. Her heart pounded, and she thought about it, knowing Rachel wouldn't be awake until 10:30. She could make them brunch or something. That would work. She paused, "Maybe," then added, "So long as I pay for it." He laughed, "Fine, deal.""How long are you going to be in Dublin?" she asked casually, sipping a steaming cup of tea. "I'm heading back to Tyrone on Tuesday. " He told her, "What about you? How long are you staying to help with the wedding? Surly you aren't staying here until October." She said, "I came yesterday... I'll be here another couple weeks and then I'll be back in the city for a while. Stay there for two months or so. I'll come back in August, and then home again for a couple weeks. Then I'll come back and stay right up to the wedding." "Wow." He whistled. "Yeah, hectic is it not? I'm fine with it though." She smiled. "Do you miss Rachel?" She sighed, "New York City is pretty big, you wouldn't think loosing one person would change it's feeling. It does to me, the city lost a bit of its sunshine with her.” "I'm sorry you miss her so much." He told her. "It's nothing, I mean I miss her but I don't ever want her to think she should have stayed for me. She's a whole lot happier with Paul." "Do you have anyone like that?" he asked, suddenly. She wasn't sure she understood the question. "Do I what?" "Have anyone in the way Rachel has Paul?" She scoffed, leaning back, "Nope. I've never had a boyfriend." "Ever?" "Yes. I suppose it's better than having many and having my heart broken many times, don't you think?" "True," He admitted, then he laughed, "it doesn't make much sense, though." "What doesn't?" A shrug, "Just thinking, a talented, fun, not to mention lovely, young woman like you would have lines forming." Her face steamed. Did her really think all that of her? Her heart pounded in unsteady beats. There was a bit of an awkward silence as she thought of ways to reply to that, "I guess New York men are blind to how 'fun and talented' I am." It came out sounding a little sarcastic but she couldn't help it. "I suppose they are," Ryan agreed, "but maybe that's a good thing."
"Hey, Rache." Vanessa piped into the phone as she and Ryan walked back to Paul and Rachel's house. Ryan said he was staying in a hotel on the other side of Dublin but really didn't have any inclination to head over there when all his friends were over here. Vanessa, of course, didn't object. "Ness, dear, where are you?" Rachel sounding almost panicked. "Paul and I thought you went to early mass this morning when you weren't there but you're still not back!" "Sweetness, breathe," Vanessa commanded gently, "Some things happened and I'm just heading back from breakfast with Ryan." A speechless pause, "RYAN!?" "Yes, Ryan." She blushed, sparing Ryan a glance. He was grinning from ear to ear, looking quite smug. She shoved him. "A-and why? I mean how? And- just DETAILS, girl!" "Later." She stressed, "We're almost to your place anyways." "We? Oh he's still with you! Later then." She giggled. Vanessa sighed, "Okay, talk to you soon, Love." "See ya, Vanes!" She chuckled and shut off her phone. "How did that go?" Ryan teased from beside her. She rolled her eyes. "I don't see what's so shocking to her. I mean, she knows you're here." He shrugged, "Well you were surprised when I showed up at your church too." He had a point, "True. If I didn't know you that would certainly be a stalker-like move." He held his hands up in surrender, "Got me there. I do sing a song the fans have proclaimed the 'stalker song'. Guess I just have that look." Vanessa raised her eyebrows, "Do you now? I don't think I remember that, unless you mean Heartbreaker." "Oh no, Every Breath You Take. Remember?" Embarrassingly enough, she didn't. It had been a year. "The Police!?" she exclaimed, "THAT Every Breath You Take!?" She loved that song. And it was the stalker song, the lyrics proved that. She tried to imagine Ryan singing it again. She didn't have to. In a quiet tone he sang the first verse, the heartbreaker smirk on his face again, "That one?" "Y-yeah." She breathed, unable to form any sort of educated thought. He laughed, the dark look replaced with his normal sweet smile. "Thought so. That one got quite the enthusiastic response." "Oh I'd bet." She giggled, imagining girls of all ages just about melting into their seats. "Ness! Ryan!" Rachel said happily, as the two reached the small house. "Good morning, Rache," Was Ryan’s response "Are you hungry?" Was Vanessa's. "Vanes, love, you aren't thinking-…?" "You're not answering the question, sugar. Are you, and Paul, hungry?" A sigh, "Okay, yeah, a bit. But you don't have to." "I know I don't HAVE to." Vanessa laughed, "But you know it's no trouble and I will." "Right, right." Rachel laughed, surrendering. "You'll do what?" Ryan asked her as they wandered in, Vanessa heading straight to the tiny kitchen. She didn't answer, "Good morning Paul," She called causally, "You don't mind me using the kitchen, do you?" His voice answered somewhere down the hall, "Of course not! I don't think we touched it since we've moved in." Laughter. "Figures," Vanessa rolled her eyes. She opened the fridge and rummaged for something brunch-like to eat. "You can cook?" Ryan asked again, watching her. She rolled her eyes again, "I'm decent enough." "That means you're amazing." "What!?" She exclaimed, spinning her head around to look at him. He laughed, "When you said you were terrible at something, you were wonderful. You say you're decent at something that must mean you're fantastic at it." "Still think you have hearing problems." She mumbled under her breath as she pulled out a carton of eggs, her face still red. He laughed harder and shook his head. "Despite what you think, V, you are one of the most beautiful young women I've ever met." Her heart pounded hard and she tried to think straight, find some way to contradict him. He thought she was beautiful, one of the most beautiful. One of the most... that stuck out at her more than it probably should. Of course, she was only one. It would be unfair of him to call her THE most beautiful girl he'd met, especially when he had probably met plenty girls. Why had she expected otherwise? She barely knew Ryan, it had been over a year since they'd last talked. Just be happy he's a friend, she thought glumly. "V?" he asked her, confused. She realized he had asked her something and she'd spaced out. "What?" She asked, embarrassed. "I asked if you need any help." She sighed again, "No. I'll be fine." It came out colder than she had planned, and he caught it. "You sure?" He asked again. "Yes, thank you though." She added, trying to sound cheerful, and failing. He hardly looked convinced, but he dropped it, "Okay." He said softly, walking away to talk to Paul and Rachel at the make shift dining room table. Her heart ached as she finished brunch as it locked up any more-than-friendly feelings she had toward Ryan. It would keep her from being heartbroken, she thought, it would be better that way.
"Doesn't this weird him out at all?" Vanessa asked Rachel incredulously that night. "If I watched it anymore than I do, probably." She laughed. The girls were laying on Vanessa's couch-bed. Ryan and Paul had gone to hang out to a pub for the evening, and Rachel took advantage of that moment and popped in the guys old DVD. They looked different. Well, Damian, the boys youngest member, looked VERY different. He had been only 14 then. It was fun to watch, though it made Vanessa uncomfortable to see Ryan singing Heartbreaker for the first time in a year. His expression wicked and his voice beyond sexy. She sighed and laid back as he sang, the lock on her heart trying to come undone. Her mind tried to quiet it. Sure, he was gorgeous and sweet and funny and amazing in all ways possible, but it was silly to think he liked her like that. "Vanes, love?" Rachel asked her, worriedly, "You look upset, what's wrong?" Vanessa sighed and sat up, "Nothing's wrong." "Don't even give me that." She told her sternly, her face serious. Vanessa sighed again. "Just, I- nothing. It's nothing." Rachel raised her eyebrow, waiting. No further explanation came. She rolled her eyes and said in an announcer-tone, "Oh, I'm sooo sorry, that was the wrong answer. Care to try again?" She laughed, and finally surrendered, trying to sound as indifferent as possible. "Nessa, you're kidding me!" She laughed. "You aren't being all depressed because he said that ONE thing!?" "Maybe I am..." She mumbled uncomfortably. Rachel gave an exasperated sigh, "Sweets, Paul has NEVER called me THE most beautiful girl he's ever met. Ever. I still know he loves me, and I him. Why would you beat yourself around over that?" "I just worry. I'm going to get my hopes up, and it'll end up like all the times before." She said. "So you'll block everyone out, then? In hopes you won't get another heartbreak?" No answer, "A wise person told me something very helpful once. 'You keep blocking guys out you aren't going to get anyone.'" A smile, grudgingly, formed on Vanessa lips. Rachel continued with a giggle, "Now who could have said that? Oh yes! Now I remember. It. Was. You." She poked Vanessa's nose, playfully. "Easier said than done." She said, grinning fully now. "Besides, I don't love Ryan. He's my friend, I'm just afraid incase I ever do fall for him." "I'm just saying whatever happens, happens. And no mater how many wall are built and locks closed tight, when the right guy comes he IS going to break all of those down." Vanessa's face heated up, "And you think its Ryan?" She raised her eyebrows. "I don't know who it is, sweets, that ruins the fun." "Fun..." She laughed, giving her friend a hug, "Thanks dear heart, you're always such a help." "The only thing I could do to repay how angelically sweet you always are to me." She laughed. The girls sighed and unison and turned back to the DVD, which had ironically found it's way back to Ryan, at the end of Desperado. Vanessa tried not to listen to the words; "You better let somebody love you, before it's too late." Rachel giggled. Shutting off the DVD she laid back on the bed, Rachel stood up, allowing her to pull up the covers. "Good night, Vanes. Love you." "Love you too, Sis." Vanessa smiled. Rachel wandered to her room and shut off the light. Vanessa let out one more sigh before sleep claimed her.
As she rubbed her eyes and opened them the next morning she noticed the sun was shining freely through the kitchen window and a clock near by said 7:30. She yawned and got up, pulling on a baby blue bathrobe of hers. She wandered in to the Kitchen surprised to see breakfast dishes in the sink and a pot of tea still sitting on a stove. A small note was on the table, she picked it up and read. "Good morning sis, I, of course, had school to teach and Paul will be out most of the day too. I'll be home around 3:00 and we can start talking about plans. Until then you can do whatever you'd like, if it involves the wedding don't hesitate to call. W/love Rachel" Vanessa smiled at the note and poured herself some tea. So she had the whole day in Dublin, and she knew of nothing to do. "Why did Paul have to be gone too?" She mumbled aloud, "He could have at least shone me around." She knew three places near their home. The Corner pub, where she'd tripped into Ryan, The Catholic Church and the Bakery. Not really anything she could do right then. She sighed and sipped at her tea. The doorbell rang. Vanessa looked at the door, a bit anxious. Was she supposed to answer it? What was she going to say? She sighed, Might as well, if anyone asked she could say she's Rachel's sister. She wandered to answer the door. "Nice." Ryan smirked, looking at the bathrobe and uncombed hair. Vanessa gaped as he stood casually in the doorway. He, as always looked absolutely amazing. "Nice yourself," She stumbled over her words, "Now, what the heck are you DOING here!?" He laughed, "Is Paul there?" "I thought maybe he was with you!" She exclaimed, "Rachel just says he's out for the day." A sigh, "I suppose I should have called before coming." "You think?" She muttered sarcastically, she turned walking into the house. "Have you eaten?" "No, as a matter of fact, I didn't." He said, following her in, "I didn't get to try your cooking yesterday." Her face reddened, "It's nothing worth going out of your way for. I was thinking of going out." "Like your singing, I'm not going to know until you give me proof." He said pointedly. "That's not going to happen." She sighed, rolling her eyes, "Do you have to keep bringing that up? And seriously, that Police song is starting to fit you more and more." She added, only half teasing. He held his hands up again, his face a picture of innocence. "I did NOT think you'd be here alone, nor did I think you wouldn't be dressed. I promise." That made her blush more, as she just noticed, again, what she wearing. Embarrassed, she went to look through her bags. Ryan moved to sit, oh so casually, in the other chair of the living room, by her couch-bed. He was watching her with an expression of interest and amusement. As she pulled out a long green and black summer dress, she shot him an awkward glare. He laughed, his amusement growing, "Am I making you uncomfortable?" "Very much so" She mumbled, wandering out of the room to change. It took less than a minute and she was out again. "So," he said as she found her tea in the kitchen, "Where would you like to go?" She spun on her heel to look at him. Her heart rate pounding at how gorgeous he looked, stretched out on the chair, smiling warmly at her. She shoved those thoughts away and said coldly, "And what makes you so certain I was planning on going with you?" His expression turned to one of mock-hurt and he pressed his hand to his heart, "Ouch V, quite cold words from someone I recall being very friendly." When no response came he continued, "I mean, did you have anything else planned?" She sighed, for she could not use that as a defense. "No, I'm free to do just about anything." "Then do you want to go?" He asked, standing up. Taking a deep breath she smiled. "Why not?" The answering smile turned hers into a full grin, "That's the V I know and love." Her breath caught on "love”. As she set her tea down and moved to the door her foot caught on something she didn't even know and she tripped. Before she could hit the ground Ryan caught her. She blushed a glowing red and pushed her self up the rest of the way. His expression was teasing, "Have a thing about tripping, don't you?" She tried to glare but was blushing and giggling so it didn't work. "I don't know. Have a thing about stalking me, don't you?" He laughed at that, letting her go. "I told you I didn't plan it like that." "Mmm-hmm" She said sarcastically as she took his arm and the two went off to see Dublin.
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Post by misssunflower on Jul 26, 2009 21:07:37 GMT -5
"So, you'll be back in Tyrone when?" Vanessa asked conversationally as the two wandered some Dublin street after breakfast. It certainly looked like a date to a casual observer but Vanessa tried to keep from thinking about that. "About this time tomorrow." Ryan replied, still smiling. Tomorrow. That meant today was her last day to spend with him. It occurred to her she'd probably spent more time with Ryan the past three days than she had with her best friend. That was awkward. "Oh." Was all she said, it was all she could think as she realized how much she would miss him and how little she'd see him in the next few months. She probably wouldn't see him until the wedding, in October. "Is something wrong, V?" He said, his voice sounding worried. "What? No, everything is fine." "You aren't being your bubbly self." "Bubbly?" He laughed, "The only word I could think of, sorry." "No, it's cool. It fits." She was laughing as well, happy to get her mind off of the thought of him leaving. "It defiantly does." He agreed, "Probably one of the main things I'll miss about you." She blushed, trying not to read too far into that. "I'll miss you too, Ry." His face lit up a bit at that, "Well," He added, "It's not like we can't keep in contact." "What?" He laughed the surprised expression on her blood red face, "We could call, or write, or email or whatever." An awkward pause, "I'd like to keep in contact with you, at least. We could keep in touch even when you're back in NYC, if you'd like." Vanessa's heart lock struggled to beak open, her head in turmoil. Would she like that? To be in constant contact with Ryan after they parted. She felt part of her heart screaming, YES, YES she would! But it would make it harder for her. She figured after he left, and after she went back to New York, she would sigh, decide he never liked her that way, feel heartbroken and get over it. But to always be talking to him, even though they were far away. To read his letters, emails, hear his voice on the phone, every couple of days. To read and listen and wonder, and worry, and never be able to know for sure... She didn't think she could take that. No, her mind rehearsed, no, it's fine. I'll be fine. "Sure, that would be wonderful." She heard her voice say. WHAT!? Where did THAT come from!? Her? Had she just said that!? Vanessa, you idiot. He was beaming at her though, which made it almost all the better. "Well, great! Could I have phone number now?" Her heart pounded, "Um... how about tonight, that way you won't loose it or anything." Maybe he would forget and everything would work out better that way. "I wouldn't dream of loosing it." If her heart got any louder she was rather sure he'd be able to hear it. Thankfully she was able to distract both herself and him with a store they walked by. "How pretty!" She exclaimed, stopping her walk to lean against the glass and stare at the display of small rings. Ryan was looking too, he laughed softly, "You like them?" "What are they?" They all had similar designs, if not identical. "They're Claddagh rings. It's a Celtic thing, but people still where them today, obviously." He said. "They're gorgeous. They symbol is so beautiful." "It's supposed to represent, I think, Friendship, Loyalty, and Love." He laughed, "They are nice, aren't they?" She nodded and said breathlessly, "I've never seen them before, but that is so cool." A pause, "Do you want one?" "Do I - WHAT!?" "Would you like one? They come in ranges of prices, but all of these look relatively cheap." He pushed the store door open, "What size ring do you wear?" "8" She said automatically, then "But NO! Ry, you don't have to buy me one! Please, I - it's not like I really want- want one" She tried to defend, stumbling in embarrassment. "V, you were just gushing about how gorgeous they were, you think I'm going to believe you now?" She couldn't answer so she sat back, helplessly watching him talk to the store clerk. He walked over to the window and brought one out, putting it in a small box and handing it to Ryan. He paid, thanked the clerk and returned. "There you go." He said, handing her the box. She blushed and opened it. She couldn't help but smile at the beautiful ring shining back at her. "How much was it?" She asked, when she found her voice. He shook his head. "You aren't paying me back." He said simply, and firmly, as they left the store. "Why not?" "It wouldn't be a gift then, would it?" She sighed, "You're making me feel guilty." "Sorry," He laughed, "But that ring is not something one buys for themselves. To be honest, it works better as a gift." She smiled at the ring again, taking it out of the box. She put it on her right hand, the heart facing outward. But, it didn't look right to her, she pulled it off. "Is there a specific way to wear these?" She asked Ryan, putting it on the other way, heart face towards her. It looked better. He looked at her, a strange expression on his face, "Whatever fits you best, I suppose." was all he said, though. She looked at it again, and then nodded. "Thanks." "No problem." "Really though," She pressed on, grinning up at him from her new ring, "Thank you so much, Ryan." He smiled back. "It's nothing, V, I'm glad you like it." After an awkward silence Vanessa coughed, "Do you want to keep going then, it's still pretty early." "Love to." He winked. And with much blushing on Vanessa's part, they continued.
As most time spent with Ryan did, the rest of the afternoon flew by. She pointedly paid for lunch and he made no attempt to stop her. And with that they went wandering the city streets talking about whatever crossed their minds. She realized it might have been past 3:00 and Rachel would be back. Vanessa wasn't sure if she wanted her friend to know of her outing with Ryan or not. She would be teased no doubt, for if in the same situation Vanessa knew she would do the same. But it was fun, and it was innocent, and aside from her Claddagh he hadn't done anything too tease-worthy. It had been cloudy all morning but darker, storm like clouds had seemed to move in recently. Vanessa continued to watch they sky, with every breeze, or loud noise near by. Ryan noticed. "Doesn't look to cheerful, does it?" He asked. A loud rumble echoed in the distance, still unmistakably thunder. Vanessa tried to keep from jumping, a shiver running through her. She loved rain, but thunderstorms still scared her. Especially the beginnings, before the rain came and it was just loud ominous booms around her. "Are you alright?" "Fine." She mumbled, glancing again at the quickly darkening sky. He didn't believe her. "Don't like thunder?" "Sometimes." "Sometimes?" He asked. "I like the ones where it's pouring rain and you hear the thunder every few minutes but know everything is okay." She explained, "The ones when there are gal force winds and, like, golf-ball sized hail, and thunder and lighting seconds from each other scare me to death. That's why I'm scared at the beginning of storms; I'm not sure which kind it'll be yet." "Have you always been afraid of them?" She nodded, "Rachel normally would come over and would calm me down. Of course now she can't do that. I get scared more when I'm alone." He thought about that for a moment, then he smiled, "Well, you shouldn't be afraid now, you've got me." Before she could respond, a larger bang filled the air, seconds later a cascade of rain flooded over them. "AH!" She squeaked. It was freezing and she was getting soaked before she could even think to raise her hands. After a few seconds she began to laugh, and Ryan joined in. "Just perfect." She said, loud over the pouring rain. "Isn't it?" He agreed, he scanned around them, for an over hang or something to get them out of the water. "C'mon," He laughed, grabbing her hand and running ahead. She laughed too, stumbling over her soaking dress and enjoying herself more than she probably had during any thunderstorm in her life. "What's the point?" She called to him, as they ran, "We're soaked anyways!" He was still laughing, "I don't know! But we might as well get somewhere dry fast! I don't want you to get sick!" Vanessa blushed at that comment but didn't think much of it. The rain had begun to slow into a gentler cadence around the same time the two neared an overhang, by a school that was letting out. Ryan stopped before she did and so she ran into him. He steadied her, as he always did when she was clumsy. This time he continued to hold her a bit longer, smiling at her and making her blush. His black hair was dripping wet and his grey-blue eyes were bright with excitement. He was probably the most attractive man she had ever seen. She tried to think of something to say as he held her, but no thought came to mind so she could only smile stupidly at him. He finally laughed softly and let her go. "Well," He said, watching the school let out. "That was an adventure." She laughed, "I'll say." "Was that so bad?" He added, as another roll of thunder echoed around them. She laughed, "Defiantly not. Thank you." "For what?" "Making this my most enjoyable thunderstorm to date." He chuckled, and took her hand again. She stiffened but he didn't notice, "You're welcome." "Well, well, well." Another voice laughed. The two turned to see Rachel, grinning wickedly at them. How? Vanessa thought, oh the SCHOOL! Rachel's a teacher! Of COURSE she'd be- ugh! Her face went cherry red. "Hello Rache." Ryan grinned, not letting go of her hand. "How was school?" "Hello Ry, it was fine." She said politely, "How's the storm, Vanes?" "Better than some." She replied vaguely. Rachel looked at the clasped hands, "I see that..." She mussed. "RACH-EL!!" She said meaningfully, her heart pounding. "Sorry, love. Glad to see you two had fun." Vanessa nodded at that, and she felt Ryan's hand slip out of hers. She looked at him, confused. "I should probably get back to my hotel." He said simply, "You two have plenty to talk about, don't you?" "We do." The girls agreed. "Then, I won't keep you from it. It was great seeing the both of you." He looked at Vanessa, "I had a lot of fun today, and yesterday, and heck; I had a lot of fun with you V, to be honest. I'll miss you." Vanessa felt her heart pounding hard against her, and she didn't even try to quiet it. "I'll miss you too, Ry. Thanks for stalking me." "I'm telling you, it's not like that!" He laughed. "Whatever." Laughter. Rachel hugged him, despite his being soaked. And then he hugged her. It was warm but altogether to short. She never wanted him to let go. She cursed herself for thinking that AGAIN. He laughed as he pulled away, he looked as if he didn't want to leave. But he did, turning around twice to wave back at Rachel and Vanessa. "Good bye V, Rachel." "BYE!" They both called to him.
It wasn't until the next morning that Vanessa remembered their wish to keep in contact. She had never given him her number. Be it fortunate or unfortunate, Vanessa had little time to think about Ryan, much less miss him, over the next few days. Her time was spent more often than not on planning her friend's wedding. Vanessa planned plenty of things but never a wedding. It was almost scary how much went into something like that. It was going to be the most important day of Rachel's life, and Vanessa wanted to make sure it went perfect. And so, naturally she was a little more than stressed. "Vanes, Love," Rachel murmured to her friend softly one evening as Vanessa had thrown herself into the planning so much she hadn't thought of much else. Like eating. "The Wedding is in 5 months not 5 days. You can relax." She sighed, "I suppose you are right. You know how I get though." "All too well," She laughed, sitting beside her friend. "Besides, most of this CAN wait for a few weeks yet, and are even things I could do myself." Vanessa nodded, "So what do you suppose I do, then?" "If you really MUST keep yourself busy..." "And I must." "... You still haven't shown me those drawings." Oh Right! She thought, she had completely forgot. How silly of her. She tossed the other worries out of her head and grabbed her own sketchbook. It was like Rachel's only different. Rachel drew just about anything, Vanessa specialized on people, and clothing. Next to most of her drawings were colored patterns or even swatches of fabric to go with her designs. She paged and paged until she found the one she was looking for. A very loose sketch of Rachel in a much more detailed dress, another next to it showing the back, the train. To the sides were scrawled notes and sketches about embroidery or lace in certain areas. Different shades and thicknesses of silk satin and other like materials were pinned to the bottom edge. She spared Rachel a glance and had to keep from laughing. The girl was staring open mouthed, her hazel eyes wide in wonder, tears glistening in them. "Ne-Nessa, I- It's -I can't believe it." She whispered. "It's perfect." Vanessa laughed softly, "Are you sure? I'm open to changing anything you want me to. This isn't my dress, I want it to be everything you want." "This IS everything I want!! And more!" Rachel squeaked, finding her voice. Tears were now running down her face. "Rachel, darling... oh sweetie." She hugged her friend close, trying to keep from crying herself. "I'm so glad you like it." "How could I not? It's so beautiful." She pulled away, smiling. She wiped her tears and added. "Now what will you be wearing? You and Zara?" Vanessa, actually, had forgotten for a while about her and Zara's Bridesmaid dresses. "Ness, you can't expect me to wear-wear THIS" Gesturing to the gown, "and have you both in anything less spectacular!" "Right, Right!" She giggled, "I'll get right on it. But first, what material do you like best? Oh and for future reference, do you have a color theme you want?" "Ooh! Blue! But, not bright blue, more like Pastel. And um... I like this best." She added fingering a smooth pale satin. "I'll go tomorrow, then." "Tomorrow? Vanes, aren't you leaving the day after?" She was. Another thing she had completely forgot. "I am, aren't I?" She mussed aloud. "Well, I could buy the fabric tomorrow leave it here. I'll draw up the pattern back home, then when I come back I could start it." "That works." Rachel sighed. It was a sad one too. "What's wrong, dear?" Rachel laughed softly, "I forgot you were leaving, for a while." "So did I..." Vanessa sighed too, "It feels like I have been here forever." "I wish you could be here forever." She said. "So do I." Vanessa had never thought much on the topic but the second she said it aloud she knew it was true. She loved New York as a city but not as a home. She never complained about it, the way Rachel had, but it had no true homely quality to it. Something Vanessa loved and needed. It had seemed darker and stranger to her since her friend had moved. There wasn't much left for her there. "Maybe someday..." Rachel said slowly, "You can." "Maybe... hopefully." She agreed. She yawned, realizing how exhausted she was. Her frantic planning had kept her from sleep some nights too, as did thoughts, about someone. Rachel yawned to, "Bed time?" Vanessa nodded, and she gave her another tight hug. "Good night, sis." Vanessa said quietly, kissing her friend on the forehead. "Good night Ness dearest."
"I'll miss you, darling, as always." "You too, love." Tears were running down her best friends face as Vanessa got ready to leave for her airport terminal. Paul put his arm around his fiancée, smiling at Vanessa. "Thanks again for coming out. You're always welcome." She blushed a bit, "Thank you, I'm glad I could make it." Rachel appeared to find her voice again, "Whe- when are you coming back?" Vanessa smiled softly, "I'll try to be up for a week in July. Then in September I'll come and stay until the wedding." It was June 2nd. The Wedding, as decided, had been moved up. What with the boys busy touring in the fall. It was instead going to be September 15th. Cutting an almost entire month of planning, but Rachel had convinced her it would be fine. "I'll miss you." She repeated, she was smiling, though. Paul chuckled, "I think we've established that." "Hush." The girls said at once, then laughing. "It will fly by, I promise." She said softly. She hugged her friend close. "You two keep well." "You too, darling. I'll call often." "I expect you to" Vanessa laughed. Another hug and with that she had to leave.
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Post by misssunflower on Jul 27, 2009 12:52:15 GMT -5
New York seemed even emptier, colder, after the warmth that had come with her visit to Dublin. Spring rain had been falling when she landed and it had turned to a steady downpour by the time the Taxi had reached her apartment. There had been no lightening, yet, but as usual Vanessa was unnerved. She thought of her last storm, only a few days earlier. Running through the streets in the flood of rain, holding on to Ryan's hand for dear life as they both laughed. Ryan. Just thinking of his smiling face, laughing eyes, it made her heart explode. The way she could make him laugh, how he complimented her singing, when he seemingly stalked her and never seemed disappointed that she was the only one there. She didn't mind either, while she loved to tease him about it. The ring on her right had felt warm and she rubbed her finger on the design. Friendship, loyalty, and love, that's what Ryan said it meant. She wondered idly, before the more logical part of her mind could stop her, which it meant in her and Ryan's case. Friendship no doubt, while her feelings for Ryan grew by the day she knew they hardly knew each other. It was far too early to be progressing to Love. And with hardly seeing him, it would be almost impossible for it ever to do so. She sighed, looking at the entry to her apartment, and decided against going straight there. Bags still with her she went off to wander her City. It had been a while since Vanessa last went on a city walk. She used to do so a lot when she needed to get away and think. This was defiantly one of those times. Unsure where to go she decided on Central Park. Her mind teased that she might have a Rachel experience and meet some guy there. She hushed that thought, that wouldn't happen, and to think that would get her hopes up. Nonetheless that's where she went. She never reached the park, for right outside it she was distracted. A small souvenir shop was outside the park. That was no surprise; there were millions like it throughout the entire city. This one caught her attention though. It was selling jewelry, all with obviously Celtic designs on them. They were beautiful and it wasn't a surprise what caught her eye. "Claddagh Rings." She breathed aloud, staring at the set of them, in varying sizes. "You've heard of them, then?" A male voice asked, she looked up to see an older man who appeared to be holding up the shop. He had a pleasant smile that matched the light accent in his voice. She smiled back and held up her right hand. "I got this as a gift a few weeks ago," She explained, smiling at the ring again, remembering Ryan buying it. She paused as something struck her. "Are these um... unisex? Like do guys where them as well as girls?" She asked awkwardly. The man laughed and held up his left hand, a small Claddagh was set there. She nodded. "Then I'd like one. As a thank you present for him." She sifted through them until she found one that she could only assume would fit him. As he rung her up he asked conversationally, "So, where did your young man get that lovely ring of yours?" Vanessa's face colored, "Oh he's not - my -my he-he's just my friend." She sounded like an idiot. He glanced at her ring, amusement shining in his eyes. "Is that so?" "It Is." He laughed now, "Then you might want to change the way you're wearing that ring." Vanessa blinked, confused. The man continued, "The way you are wearing it, heart faced to your wrist, it means you’re emotionally attached to someone at the moment. The opposite means you are free." Vanessa blushed darker and she looked in horror at her ring. Who knew a direction would change that much. "R-Really?" She whispered. "Aye," He chuckled, "At least you didn't have it on your left, that means your married or about to be such. You're friend didn't tell you that?" She shook her head, trying to recall how the conversation had gone. She HAD asked Ryan if there was an exact way to wear them. What had he said in reply? "What ever fits you best" ? And then she'd put it that way!! What had he thought of that? Did he think she was in love with someone then? Did he think she was in love with HIM!? Oh God! She felt stupid and embarrassed and confused. She took off the ring and looked at it. She should change it, she thought, seeing as she wasn't emotionally attached to anyone, despite the way her heart disagreed. But the more she looked at it the more she wouldn't let her self put it on the other way. The way she had been wearing it felt so much... better. It was silly but it did. The man laughed softly at her blushing confused expression. He handed her her present for Ryan, in a small box in a small bag and said, "Unsure about your feelings for the lad?" Vanessa actually felt relieved to say it, "Very." She turned to leave, but turned and added, "Thank you." "You're most welcome dear." He told her, "And might I add something?" She smiled, "You may." "When you give your youn- you're friend his ring, notice what direction he wears it. It may help you figure out how it is you should wear yours."
Vanessa stared blankly at the letter she'd just finished writing. It had taken her three weeks and plenty of paper before she finally got it to sound right. She was just that pathetic. She felt silly writing this whole long letter to Ryan when it really hadn't been that long since she'd seen him. She wondered how she'd get it to him anyways. She'd be back in Dublin in a week, so she could give it to Rachel or Paul, to give to Ryan. But she felt if she didn't send it soon she would slowing convince herself it was stupid and never give it to him at all. His ring was shining from its box, in the evening light. Her ring was in its original position on her right hand. She tried her hardest not to think about what that meant, but it was hard. And when she did she denied it as much as possible. Emotional attachment doesn't always mean love. It could mean close friendship. Or like Rachel; she was very attached to Rachel but it wasn't like that. So just because she wore her ring that way, it didn't mean anything. And it wouldn't mean anything if Ryan wore it that way too. She doubted he would though. She shook her head and set aside the letter. She shouldn't care this much about a single ring, she putting way too much thought into all of this. It was Saturday, so she was free from work, work that had gotten less interesting and hectic over the last few weeks. The designer company had just put out there most recent line so no one had much to do for a while. Not until the next one, which wouldn't be for months. She never had much to do there but talk to some of her friends, who also had little to do. She remembered yesterday a friend of hers, Elizabeth, was crying and angry about one thing or another. "What's wrong?" She'd asked. "She got dumped." One of her other friends said shaking her head sadly, "That-" She cursed bitterly. Vanessa blinked, not used to such anger from her friends. "Who is he?" "Aaron." "Aaron!?" she asked, appalled, "Aaron Johnson!? Like, Rachel's EX Aaron Johnson!?" "Lizzie's ex too, now. " Her friend said slowly. Vanessa had cursed aloud as well. "Why?" She'd asked. "H-he w-wasn't being fair." Elizabeth whispered, not so depressed as angry. "I told him I was tired of it." Vanessa nodded, "Same with Rachel. A jerk like that probably doesn't know fair if it slapped him in the face." "I'd give it a try, though," Elizabeth's friend tossed in. "Give what a try?" "Slapping him in the face." "Get in line, sweets." Vanessa laughed bitterly. And she did again as she remembered. "Idiot, playing with girls like that." She got out something to eat for dinner, wondering whether or not she should tell Rachel about it. Probably not, why bring him up when he was so happily out of her life for good. She probably wouldn't want to know that he's been continuously tearing up girl’s lives after her. He had probably broken heart before her too, and would continue now. Not a good thing to think about. She quietly stirred at her simple dinner as it cooked, two guys on her mind. Her anger towards Aaron still there, but cooking made her think of Ryan, which made her smile. Her mind swung back and forth between anger and happiness, bitterness and warmth. She sighed and looked out her small kitchen window. The sky had darkened again and rain was pelting the windowsill. Her heart thumped as a flash of lightening light up the sky.
In time with the next boom of thunder there came a knock on her door. She glanced at it, wondering who could be over at this time. In the end she shrugged and wandered from her dinner to answer it. She opened the door and her heart stopped. Aaron Johnson stood casually in the doorway of her apartment. He was smiling but his eyes were, not cold so to speak, but made it obvious that the smile was not sincere. "Hello Ms. Vanessa." He said, as though finding her, at HER apartment, was a pleasant surprise. "Hello Aaron." She replied, "What in God's name are you doing here?" She kept her tone pleasant despite the urge to shove the door shut in his face. What was he doing here!? He looked over her shoulder, easy enough to do, as he was quite tall. He sighed and ruffled his wheat blonde hair. "Rachel's still gone, isn't she?" He asked. She didn't like the way he said, "still" as though this wasn't the first time he'd checked. "Still touring with those..." He trailed off. "Celtic Thunder? No, she wouldn't be on tour with them." "Then what the heck is she doing out of the country?" He said angrily. She dropped her strained kind tone and snapped, "I don't see why on earth I should tell you! What would you have done if she HAD been here? Make her believe you still cared about her!?" "What makes you think I don't?" He asked her, his voice innocent. Vanessa was almost beyond words in anger, "Oh! I don't know!! Maybe the fact that you've dated and dumped- oh I'm sorry, HOW many girls!? Since you left her! Or, what about kicking her out of her apartment! HER Apartment!! Oh no! That's no reason to think you don't CARE! SILLY ME!!" He glared at her, but his face cleared, "Why do you care so much about what I do?" He asked. She didn't like the way he said that either. "Rachel is my best friend and you broke her heart! And when her heart is broken so is MINE!!" The answer, to her anger, seemed to please him. "So I hurt you too, then?" He sounded hurt by the very thought. "What does it matter? You've hurt plenty. I'm sure your heart is immune to any sort of remorse." She said bitterly. "I'm truly sorry you feel that way, I assure you that's not the case." Every word was so obviously a lie, she wondered if he actually thought she was stupid enough to believe him. He paused, "If anything, let me take you to dinner tonight. As an apology" She blinked at him, in disgust. It was the stupidest thing she had ever heard. "Rejected." She said simply, her voice icy. His expression was hurt, "Why? You don't belie-" "Oh shut up!" She yelled again, "You honestly think I'm going to go ANYWHERE with you EVER!? After what you did to my Best Friend! My sister! Don't act like you care about me! Don't act hurt! I KNOW YOU AREN'T!" He actually smiled at that. Did the man have a heart at all!? "That fiery personality is what I like about you." Vanessa fought back a wave of nausea. She glared at him and, loosing all restraint, slapped him full across the face. He glared at her, loosing all attempt at charm. It was clear no one had ever hit him before. God knows why not, Vanessa thought. He glared at her a moment before turning to leave. Slamming the door with such force it rattled the apartment. Followed, quite appropriately, by a louder explosion of thunder.
Her mood surprised her, instead of more anger, she felt relieved, almost happy. She knew very well by that last glare that she had won. He wouldn't bother her, or Rachel ever again. And with that she was at peace. Thunder banged in the distance and her heart pounded, she moved back to the kitchen to work again on dinner. It was only a few minutes into eating it that her phone rang. She didn't recognize the number, so with a relaxed sigh she answered it. "Hello?" "V! Good, this IS the right number!" Ryan's cheerful voice flowed through the speakers. Vanessa dropped the phone in shock, her face bright red. "R-Ryan!?" She stumbled as she picked it back up. "Hey." He said. She could hear his smile. She began to smile herself although her mind was bursting with questions. "How did you get my phone number!" She squeaked at last. He laughed, and her heart pounded. How she had missed that sound! "Rachel." He said simply. She laughed as well, she had never expected that, and she could think of nothing to say. "Well HI!" "Hi!" He replied, "How are you doing!?" "Pretty well," She sighed, "Couldn't say the same 5 minutes ago." "What happened?" He sounded worried. "Aaron." "Ouch. What did he do?" Vanessa laughed softly, "He asked me out." "WHAT!?" Her laughter grew at the shock in his voice. "I got P.O'd at him because of all he's done to Rachel, and countless other girls I'm sure. So he offered to take me out as an "Apology".” Ryan was curious, "What did you say to that?" "Not much. I slapped him." "You SLAPPED him?" He was shocked. "He deserved it." She reminded him. "I have no doubt of that." he replied, still sounding surprised, "Did it hurt him?" "Yeah, I hope so at least." She said bitterly, "He looked ready to hit me back too.” “WHAT!?” “He didn’t! He didn’t!” She cut in quickly, surprised by his anger, “It's fine now." "How on earth is it fine!?" He said, appalled. "Ry, calm down." she laughed, "It's fine because it's done and over with." "He could come back." He explained. "He won't." "You don't know that." "I do, Ryan." She told him calmly. "I know he's not going to come back. He knows not I'm not like other girls, I'm not going to be won over. Now he knows not to come by anymore. He's a jerk but he's not stupid." There was a sigh on the other side, and after a pause Ryan asked, "Do you think, when he was with Rachel he ever-" "Hit her?" She finished, "Rachel would tell me. She wouldn't hide that. So no, I know the relationship was abusive but not physically. All the more reason why I doubt he'll come again." "He’d better not." Ryan said, then he laughed. "Well, thanks." She mumbled, blushing. "It's nothing." He replied. Another bang of thunder shattered thought the apartment, causing the lights to flicker. She jumped and shook softly as rain poured harder outside. "What's wrong?" Ryan asked. "Thunder." She said, cursing how her voice shook. "Oh," he said, understanding. "It's going to be okay, V." His voice soothed. Another flash and the lights went out, her shivering grew. "T-the l-lights went out." She whispered into the phone. "Is it dark?" "Not yet, it's only 7:00." "Do you want to go? Light candles and things?" "NO!" She exclaimed, his light laughter was heard. "No, you know how I hate being alone for these. So don't go." "I promise I won't go anywhere until you feel safe." He told her sweetly. Her heart pounded, and not at the storm anymore. A few minutes later all the candles were lit in Vanessa's apartment. It smelt amazing and looked rather nice too. She was sitting on her couch still talking to Ryan. Despite the bangs of thunder, she was staying calm. And whenever she did jump Ryan's voice soothed her, and changed the subject to something more enjoyable. "Ryan?" She asked at one point, "Can I have your address? I wrote a, um, a letter. For you." She sounded silly. He didn't seem to care. "Of course." And he gave it, she scribbled it on a piece of paper by the letter. He added, "Is there anything you have to tell me in writing rather than on the phone or by email?" She blushed, afraid he'd guessed about a present. "Oh? You don't want a letter, then?" She teased, crumpling up another loose paper by the receiver, so he'd hear. "No!" He exclaimed, and she laughed. After a moment he did too. "I'd love to get a letter from you, V. I've missed you a whole lot these last three weeks. You have no idea." "I think I do." She grinned, despite her red-hot face. The lights flickered back on and she sighed. The storm had been quieting down. "I think everything is good now." She told him. "Do you want to go?" "Not really, but it's late there isn't it?" He laughed, "Technically, I think it's early." She shook her head laughing. "Well, I don't want to keep you from sleep. I'll talk to you later." "Goodbye V, I miss you." "Miss you too Ry." And with that she sadly hung up the phone.
Vanessa had been right, for the next week Aaron bothered her no more. The day before Vanessa left yet again for Dublin her phone rang. Rachel. She answered it. Rachel didn't even wait for a hello. "VANESSA BRENNON!!!" She squeaked, her voice shocked, and worried. "...Yes?" "Why didn't you tell me!?" "Slow down, love. Why didn't I tell you what?" "That he came by! You should have told me!!!" Vanessa sighed, "Oh. That. How did you hear?" "Ryan." She said simply, "He sounded so mad. But all the same, sweets, how is it you told Ryan before me?" "He called first." She defended pathetically. She had hoped not to tell anyone for this very reason. "But Ness, you need to tell people these things! What happened?! I didn't get all the details." "He wanted to get back with you." Rachel audibly stiffened on her side, she continued, "When I told him that was impossible he decided to try and get me." "Ew." "I know, right? Well, he got me really mad and so I slapped him. And he left. That's that." "Vanes, you are so brave." Rachel said admiring. Vanessa shook her head, "I wouldn't say brave, just fed up. In any other case I don't think I could say those things or yell that loud. He got the message, I think." "Thank God," She mumbled. "Exactly. But let's not talk about that anymore!" She urged, "Are you going to be picking me up tomorrow?" "That's the plan!" Rachel said cheerily, "Paul's planning a sort of homecoming dinner out for us." "Homecoming? Paul does realize that I'm LEAVING home... not returning, doesn't he?" Vanessa laughed. "Yes, but I'm- we're just happy to have you coming back again. It's more like a homecoming than anything." She explained. "We'll be going out. It's pretty fancy too, not that it should be a problem for you, oh queen of fashion." Vanessa laughed, blushing lightly, "Well thank you. That sounds precious, I'm looking forward to it." "Glad to hear it. Paul's thinking of inviting some of the guys too." The guys meant Celtic Thunder, "I haven't seen the rest of them in a while, save Ryan. But I'm not sure they're going to be able to make it." "Yeah, it would be nice to talk to them all again." She agreed. Rachel laughed, "Well it hasn't been very long since you last talked to Ryan has it?" "I suppose not," She mumbled vaguely, blushing. "Well I'll restrain myself from embarrassing you further," She laughed, "I'll see you tomorrow, darling." "See you then, love"
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Post by misssunflower on Jul 27, 2009 22:37:56 GMT -5
because people need to finish this up BEFORE they read photographs... Vanessa's return was treated more like a homecoming than she could have possibly imagined. As usual she was treated to gigantic hugs from both Rachel and Paul. And with such warmth of close family it almost brought her to tears. "Come on, Dinner is in half an hour so we should get ready now!" Rachel giggled pulling Vanessa into the small house. Even the house felt warm and familiar to her, like this is where she grew up, where all her fondest memories were. "I missed you." She giggled to her friend as they both played with each other’s hair, in their bathrobes. She'd missed this as well. Remembering getting ready for shows with Rachel. The last one they'd been to together was, well, Celtic Thunder. One of the best memories Vanessa had. Rachel laughed, "And I, of course, missed you. You seriously cannot leave me again. I'm slowly becoming a nervous wreck." "What? With the wedding? You aren't getting second thoughts are you?" "What!? NO!" She exclaimed, sounding appalled by the very thought, "Just you know, butterflies and normal nervousness. I need you to be here for me." "And I will be, love." She said softly. "I am so excited for you." The doorbell rang, and both girls looked up in surprise. It was a good thing Paul was home. "Expecting company?" She asked curiously. "No, actually. What's planned is that we're going to dinner, and well, the guys actually have another concert tonight. And we're going to go to that afterwards." She explained. "Another Celtic Thunder concert!?" Vanessa laughed, "How sweet!" "Exactly why we planned it like that. But none of the guys were supposed to show up now." "Maybe it's not one of them." She said. Laughter came from outside, but Vanessa could not place the voice. She pulled on her own black dress, thanking God she didn't pack anything too fancy despite what Rachel initially told her. Celtic Thunder was not an extremely fancy thing. "Well, we'll know in a second." Rachel replied, finishing zipping up a matching white dress. They looked at each other, smiled and opened the bathroom door. Ryan was in the middle of saying one thing or another to Paul when the two girls wandered out. He trailed off to look at Vanessa. She blushed both in surprise and embarrassment, and waved a little. Both guys were dressed nice, for the show and dinner. What was he doing here? She thought in embarrassment, her face burning red. She was not at all upset to see him, though, just the opposite. She was delighted. "Hello Ryan." Rachel said, surprised, "I thought you were meeting us at the restaurant like the other guys." She glanced at Vanessa and winked. Her blush deepened. "That was the idea, I suppose," Ryan laughed, still looking at Vanessa, "Wanted to say hello to her early." "Hello." She whispered awkwardly. Paul coughed, moving to escort Rachel. And changing the subject, "You, might I say, look absolutely..." He paused as though looking for words. "Paul, sweets, am I going to have to get you a thesaurus?" She laughed taking his arm. "Come on you two, we should go." She said over her shoulder before leaving. There was a moment of awkward silence. "Welcome back, V." He grinned softly at her. Her heart exploded and she smiled back. She thought about making some comment again about how this, despite what everyone seemed to think, was NOT her home. But in the end thought better of it. "Shall we go then?" She said at last. He nodded then looked at her differently, like he had when she first came out, "By the way, you look really... nice." He trailed off, as though that wasn't the right word. "Are we going to have to get you a thesaurus, too?" She teased, trying to lighten the awkward mood. He grinned and, as they moved to the back of the car, took her hand. She looked at it and quickly caught the glimpse of his gift, his Claddagh ring. With the heart facing to his wrist, like hers. It doesn't mean anything. It doesn't mean anything. Her mind repeated it and repeated it. But she paid it no mind. It was drowned out anyways, by the pounding of her heart.
Dinner was great. And so was the show, afterwards. Though, she guessed, great would be an extreme understatement and would earn her a whack from Rachel if she called it such out loud. She had heard both Ryan and Paul sing recently. So there was nothing new in that, but Keith, George, and Damian, she had forgotten the beauty in their voices. And as a chorus, just wow. It was, as any of them put it, great craic to watch. And when they soloed, goodness, you could not get anything more beautiful. From Keith's guitar playing to Damian's teen-y hits, Paul being charming, George thoroughly enjoying himself, and Ryan, being, well, Ryan. She could never think of an adjective that could fit him. Or if so, there were too many to possibly list. Every time he soloed Vanessa got teasing looks from Rachel. She tried to ignore that though, but when she couldn't she would shove her friend gently. At the end, when the guys came out for final bows, earning them screams throughout the entire audience, they got themselves flowers. Smiling, they called down family from the audience to give the bouquet to. Paul obviously got Rachel to come down without a second thought. Vanessa laughed and turned her attention to the other guys. George had already given his to his wife and, ever growing, daughter. That was sweet. Vanessa turned her attention to Ryan. He was looking around the audience, as though for someone. He had done that a couple times during the show, and she hadn't any idea why. His eyes after a moments searching locked with hers. He grinned but she couldn't help but feel that he looked mildly disappointed, like she wasn't who he'd been looking for. But his smile was heart melting enough that that thought was easily erased from her mind. Especially as he raised his hand and motioned her to take the bouquet. She stumbled down to the stage, he leaned down to hand it to her. "Like it?" He asked, his playful smirk on his face. The show or the flowers? "Love it." She replied. It worked for both. It worked for him too. But before he could say anything it looked as though it was time for them to go backstage again. And Rachel grabbed her hand to pull her back. She looked at the flowers and beamed. "Hush." Vanessa said in advance. "Wasn't going to say any...thing..." Rachel trailed off, her attention captured. She blinked. Rachel was staring very intently at the hand that was holding the bouquet. Suddenly an even wickeder smile formed. Vanessa gulped. It hit her what Rachel had been looking at; her Claddagh ring, and the direction of it. "I can only assume he got it for you. When?" Vanessa sighed, but didn't deny anything. "Last time I was here, the day it rained. You didn't notice?" "No! Oh but how sweet!" "He only bought it for me because I thought they were pretty." She defended. Rachel smiled softly, "They are, aren't they?" She extended her left hand, to show off one of her own, below the shimmering engagement ring. A pause, "You do know that the directions mean, don't you?" "I found out when I bought Ryan one." "When you-" She trailed off with a delighted smile. "As a thank you gift!" She said pathetically, "But anyways, I decided I could leave it this way because I AM close to Ryan." Before Rachel could say anything she pushed forward, "As I am close to you! And Paul! And.... you know." She sighed. The two girls had moved toward the stage, to meet up with their friends again. But Vanessa still caught Rachel's roll of her eyes. Not convinced in the slightest, she sighed again.
"Are you going to stay a couple days here again?" Paul asked Ryan on the ride home. It was clear he wasn't in any hurry to leave. "Probably one more," He said simply, "Always like to be here, but it's nice to be back home too." Vanessa smiled, in the back with Rachel. She was happy to know he'd be there a bit longer, even if it was one day. "What about you V?" He tossed to her. "Well I'm thinking of going back for August." She began. Rachel shook her head though, "Oh Ness! Do you REALLY have to go back?" She sounded like a little girl. Vanessa laughed. "I have enough vacation to have me stay here for another 6 months sure." She said, and that was true, "But what would I do, aside from plan and sew?" Paul laughed, "Do you find Dublin boring?" She shook her head, "Not in the least, but I still don't think it would be enough to keep me occupied for a whole month or two." It was still mid-early July. "Then see more than Dublin." Ryan suggested, a smile in is voice. "But I don't know where I'd go." She replied, "And I'm no good with maps or any of that." "I think that's half the fun." Rachel beamed at her. "Or," Ryan continued, "If you need an escort or tour guide, I'd be plenty happy to show you our home." He chuckled. Vanessa's face steamed. "No." She mumbled, "No, that's fine. You don't have to..." "You make it sound like I don't want to." He pointed out. Her heart pounded and she couldn't respond. "Ah... Ry," Rachel said softly, "While that offer was more than sweet, I'd rather you not steal my wedding planner for a whole month. That's just as bad as her going back to NYC." Vanessa mouthed a thank you to her friend. It stilled the arguing of her heart and mind about whether or not she WOULD want to spend an entire month traveling Ireland with Ryan Kelly. "Understood." He laughed. "Thanks for the offer though," She added quickly. "Anytime." He replied, then added, "Rachel, would you mind so terribly if I stole her for a few days?" Her heart picked up. She wasn't sure she liked the sounds of that. "No problem in the least." Rachel replied, laughing, "But just what would you be stealing her for?" He laughed again, "There is a festival sort of thing, back home, one weekend in late august. I think you'd like it, V. There is music and plays and it's altogether a lot of fun. Would you like to come?" She was glad he actually asked her. For a while he sounded like he was 'stealing' her no matter what she said. However, that wouldn't have mattered, what with her answer and all. "That would be very nice." She replied, as steadily as she could. Rachel applauded, "You'll stay until the wedding then?" She sighed, looking at her friends pleading face. "Sure." "That's great!" Everyone in the car said at once, and Rachel hugged her. Vanessa sighed, the next few months were sure to be hectic. She hadn't even begun her friends dress yet, and still had to finish invitations. She was going to be busy without a doubt, so it was probably good she wouldn't be going back again. It would be busy, she thought, but it was sure to be fun too.
How time sped by when looking forward to something, and even more so when it's more than one. Between the impending wedding and the excitement of her coming weekend with Ryan the month of July and most of August was over in a wink. This kind of alarmed Vanessa, she had just barely begun her best friends dress. It was no easy task either. Everything else was dead set. The place, the time, everyone had R.S.V.P'd, food, photos, everything. It was taken care of. While Vanessa kept her days filled with preparations and planning many nights were free. Not that she was alone. Rachel often took her friend out to view more of Dublin or just hang out and have sisterly talks. If Rachel was busy Paul was normally around to hang out with, which was almost just as enjoyable. She always did like him, and he would be a grand brother-in-law. If Rachel and Paul were busy, which wasn't often, she would content herself with dreaming. But she wasn't all too happy about that because it brought about a lot of unwanted thoughts. It would start as she hung out at home, or rather, Rachel and Paul's home. It had become more like a home to her anyways. In anyways, she would think about what she should do to occupy herself. Then, a thought would come to her mind. She should call Ryan. Ask him about things in Tyrone, tell him how excited she was about coming for that weekend in three, two, one week, as it drew closer. She would work the entire conversation in her head. Her questions or statements and how he might respond. But he might not pick up, or he may say he's too busy to talk or anything like that. That, despite how silly it was, would hurt her, and it'd be another case of shot hopes. Which is why it's better to not hope in the first place. Or perhaps, in her most depressing thoughts, a girl could answer. He might indeed have a girlfriend. By this point she would have over thought this all and decided it was better if she didn't call the man at all. Leaving her to relax and dream in the peace and quiet of her friend’s home. The Thursday before her planned weekend she decided to suck up and give it a try. It rang once, "Hey V!" He sounded so happy a smile lit Vanessa's face at once. "Hi Ryan." She said, "I'm...um... wondering when your picking me up tomorrow?" It turned into a mumble by the end of it. He laughed softly, awkwardly, "I'm- I'm not - I don't actually know, to be honest. I think I'll be in Dublin pretty early tomorrow morning, what time will you be ready?" She looked at her stuff. A couple outfits and some money in a smaller suitcase Rachel supplied. It sat right by the door. "I'm ready now." She laughed. "So whatever time you get here." "Glad to hear that." He replied. There was another pause, Vanessa coughed and added; "I'm really looking forward to it." “I'm glad. So am I. You'll have fun, I'm sure. I hope you like The Moy." "The where?" Vanessa felt stupid for asking. His laughter was heard again, "The Moy. It's the village, in Tyrone, where I live." Yep, she felt stupid. "Oh... sorry." "Don't be. I wouldn't expect you to know every town in Ireland." He told her. "Right," She sighed, "Well it certainly sounds nice. I can't wait." "You won't have to wait long." "I know, but now that I am excited the rest of today will take forever." "Don't you have a wedding to plan?" He chuckled. She rolled her eyes, on the phone. "Done." "With everything?" "I do have a dress to finish..." "Well, that's not something to slack off on, is it?" She laughed but changed her voice to sound hurt, "Slack off? What sort of opinion do you have of me?" His laughter was heard and she continued, "Maybe I don't want you to answer that." He laughed harder, it took him a second before replying, "V, I think you already know my opinion of you. You're wonderful, not to mention hilarious." "Geez Ry." She mumbled, trying to keep her heart under control, and failing, "Thanks." "You're welcome. Do you want to go, then? Work on the dress?" "Trying to get rid of me are you?" She teased. "Maybe." He teased back, "It doesn't appear to be working." She laughed, "I'm just being difficult, aren't I?" "Most certainly." "I could just go, but I am enjoying being difficult now." "You just enjoy talking to me." He laughed. She blushed because that was indeed the case. "You could go too, you know." She added stiffly. "Ah, but I enjoy talking to you." More blushing. "Well if you find this enjoyable I will be difficult by ending it. " She teased again. More laughter. "Whatever you like. I'll see you tomorrow, V." She sighed, "Talk to you soon, Ry."
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Post by misssunflower on Jul 28, 2009 11:06:14 GMT -5
Ryan arrived at 9:00 the next morning. No one else at Rachel's house was awake so she left a note. Grabbed her stuff and ran out to meet him. The ride out was peaceful and absolutely gorgeous. She thought Dublin had been pretty but the further out she got the more she discovered how absolutely gorgeous Ireland was. She could not speak at how amazing it was. "You okay, V?" Ryan asked at one point. She blinked, and turned from the window, "Yeah.." "You just haven't been talking." She colored, "Sorry, it's just, I'm a bit distracted, you understand?" He laughed, "I do. Like it?" "Like it? It's more beautiful than I thought anything could be!" She laughed, right as, they passed a stone structure. Be it a church or castle or what, there it sat, preserved in the countryside. She gaped at it for a second before it disappeared from view. "Wow." More laughter, "You could ask me what that was, but I doubt I could tell you. There are so many places with so much history it is easy to start getting it mixed up." Vanessa adored history, possibly more than she liked art. And that was a whole lot. She sank back in her seat, and mumbled, "God, I love it here." "You should stay." She blushed and stumbled for a defense, "Th-that would be-be nice but where w-would I stay?" Part of her wished she hadn't asked that. "Where ever you want to stay, Dublin, Tyrone, if you like it, or anywhere else. I don't think there is a place here you WOULDN'T enjoy living." He shrugged. She smiled at that, "Maybe. It would be nice to be in the same country as my friend." She didn't even know whether she meant Rachel or Ryan. She wondered which he thought it was. He grinned, but all he said was, "It's hard, missing someone, isn't it?" He spoke as though he knew exactly how she felt. She wondered if she ought to ask how he knew, but decided it was out of place. So she nodded and turned to the scenery again.
While technically, Tyrone was only 60 miles away from Dublin, with the scenic road occasional stops it was after 11:00 by the time they reached Ryan's home. "Hey V," Ryan said, somewhat awkwardly, as they drove in. Vanessa was momentarily distracted by how adorable Moy was. Okay. Maybe adorable was not the right word, but it was lovely, smaller than she'd imagined, but absolutely lovely. "Yes?" She asked at last. "I just thought you'd want to know, we can't stay as long as I thought." "Oh?" She said, confused. "I've got to be in Dublin again for something on Sunday." He told her, it was Friday. "But the festival is tomorrow night so we won't miss that, we just have to leave the next day." "Oh." She said again. That made sense. She needed to get back and finish everything up for the wedding anyways. It was only days away. As they drove through the gorgeous town she looked at all the small shops and pubs and places. "So," She asked after a silence, "is there an inn?" He looked at her, eyebrows raised. She gave a roll of her eyes and said sarcastically, "Do you all have something against Irish hotels? That you won't ever let me stay at one?" He laughed, "Do you have something for Irish hotels? That you always want to stay at one?" "Well I don't know, since I never have." More laughter. "Do you really want to?" He asked. She beamed, "Not really, no. Just being difficult like that." "That's what I like about you." He said. A pause, "What?" He was teasing, obviously, but the phrase made her stiffen nonetheless. Remembering Aaron. She didn't want to tell him that, especially with how he hated him. But Ryan understood anyways. He glanced at the house, and back at her, "Well, we have the rest of the day. Do you want to take your stuff in and get a tour?" “Sure. That would be great."
That day and most of Saturday went by with a flash and by that evening Vanessa knew most of Ryan's town as though she'd grown up their all her life. And by that time she wished she had. She wasn't sure what to wear to something like this. New York was far too big to have anything like a summer festival. Another thing she had grown to dislike about it. She didn't want to dress up, but she didn't want to dress like this was just any other night. She decided on a light blue dress, and went out of her guest room, as she had been given, to greet her friend. He smiled at her, making her heart pound again. He wasn't dressed up, so to speak, but it was obvious he dressed to his best advantage. And it worked. "Good evening." She smiled back. "You look nice." Nice being a very big understatement. "You too. I like that dress." "I like it too." And off they went. The evening was warm but not extremely hot, as the sun was setting. Like a normal day in New York there were booths up selling food, drinks, and little gifts. It was so cute. Despite her protests Ryan bought her dinner. Not just dinner, but smaller gifts at other booths. Other couples or whole families of all ages were doing the same. Kids ran around playing games in certain booths, ring toss and the like, winning balloons or cheap jewelry. For a while a children's choir was up on one corner of the festival, their voices beautifully singing certain Celtic tunes. An adult choir followed them, even better. "You should join them." The two suggested at the same time. Vanessa laughed and shook her head, laughing. "No way." "Why not?" He teased, as the choir finished up. "You know very well why not, Ryan Kelly." She said firmly. She would not get up and embarrass herself in front of people she didn't know. He shook his head, but didn't contradict her. He might have, had he not been distracted by the sound of music. Vanessa heard it too, from the other end of the booth lined street. Before she could even ask, she was gently pulled towards the sound. A band had set up on the other end and was playing lively music. The type of music you dance to, and people were. Couples, friends, anyone and everyone were around a cleared out area, dancing. The traditional music matched the traditional looking dance. As though it was something they had been taught all there lives and obviously knew the steps for. "Dancing! Oh how fun!" She laughed, clapping in time with the music. He looked at her, grinning, "Do you want to?" "Do I-? No, no, I don't know how...” However, at that very moment the last song died down and a slower, quiet song was played. The kids stopped their playful dances to play game or whatnot leaving only couples, close together, swaying to the quiet music. "Well," Ryan said, chuckling softly and giving her his heart stopping smile, "That doesn't look to hard to learn, does it?" He moved to towards where the other dancers were and held out his hand. She couldn't refuse. As he pulled her gently to dancing she felt the lock on her heart fall off and she wished they could stay that way forever. But, of course, they could not.
Ryan was distant to say the least for the rest of the night. The dance, of course, had ended. At that point it was far too late to do anything else. So the two walked home. Vanessa wanted to do something, say something but she could think of nothing. She was content with walking in the silent moonlight back to his house. Wondering why he wasn't talking either. Maybe, like her, he couldn't think of anything to say. For whatever reason, it was making her uncomfortable. "V..." He said softly, seriously, as they moved to the doorway. She looked at him, at how handsome he looked in the moonlight, and smiled uncertainly. "Yeah?" She asked, just as soft. The sound of loud upbeat music from the festival echoed through the silent street. He shook his head, glancing that direction. His usual smile back on his face. He shrugged, "What did you think of tonight, the festival?" She was more than sure that was not what he originally planned to say, but thought nothing of it. She sighed, thinking of how she could possibly describe it. Finally, she shrugged as well, "More fun than I have had in a long time." They said nothing else that night. Vanessa did not sleep. Her mind and heart working out all the issues that came to mind. She loved him it was obvious. Part of her always had, but now she was finally willing to admit it. The only question now was if it was returned, and how she could tell him. Maybe it would all be easier if she kept it inside. Despite how much she loved him.
The next morning was almost as awkward as the night before. "You okay, V?" Ryan asked her as she got her stuff ready to leave for Dublin again. She yawned, "Yes, I'm fine." "You look tired." "I AM tired." She told him, laughing, "I didn't sleep well last night." "Neither did I." He replied. Awkward silence. "So," She mumbled, taking her stuff to the car. "Why is it, exactly, that you need to be in Dublin today?" "Someone I know has been gone for a while, finally coming back today." "Oh, well, that's nice." She said, smiling at him. He smiled softly at her for a moment before coughing. "And I think it's best if I wasn't late, so we should probably go." She laughed, "Right, right!" Relaxed that she and Ryan were speaking normally Vanessa napped most of the way home. Thanking God she didn't talk in her sleep. That wouldn't have been good. She awoke to Ryan's voice. "She's sleeping." Laughter, "Yeah, hopefully. I know. She misses you too. Oh, I'm sure." She groaned and rubbed her eyes. He glanced at her, "She's up now, yeah. Tell Paul I say hi. Right. See you." Without a word he handed the phone to Vanessa. She gave him a confused look before answering. "Hello?" "Ness! How are you?" A yawn, "Wonderful, you?" "Oh I'll bet!" Rachel giggled, "I'm doing fine. Ry said your coming back today?" "Were about 10 minutes away.” She replied. She sounded happy at the thought, "Well that's good, darling. How was the festival." She glanced at Ryan, and sighed. "Very nice." She said vaguely. "I'm sure." Rachel laughed. "We'll go over how it REALLY was, later." "Rachel!" She squeaked, sparing Ryan another quick glance. He didn't appear to notice anything. She sighed. "I'll talk to you soon, I might be out shopping, but not for long." She was about to hang up when lightening flashed outside the car. Vanessa jumped at the thunder and Rachel heard. "It's alright." Rachel and Ryan said at the same time. Ryan patted her hand. She relaxed. "I'll talk to you soon, love." Rachel continued. "You too dear heart." Vanessa replied before hanging up.
"This weekend was lots of fun." She said as Ryan dropped her off at Rachel's house. It had been raining for a while but just stopped. He laughed, "Hey, it's not like we'll never see each other again. I'm staying in Dublin until the wedding too." "You are?" She said, surprised. "Yeah. Decided I might as well. Save a few trips back and forth." He replied. She blushed at the thought of him being around everyday. She would hardly get any work done. "Going to stalk me again?" "Only if you want me too." He told her, grinning. She blushed darker, "Talk to you later, V." "See you, Ryan." She sighed, as she watched him drive off. Already hoping he would. She wandered into the house and set her stuff down. Rachel was out shopping as she said. Not in the mood to stay and wait. Not in the mood to work on the dress either. She decided to go for a walk, or run. Clear her mind a bit. She couldn't be focusing on Ryan and her friends wedding at the same time. Rachel loved parks, and spent a lot of time at them. It was no surprise in that case that her home was right by one, a rather large one. Stretching from the smaller homes and shops on Rachel's side, to the more downtown on the other end. It was a perfect place for a run. Of course it did nothing to get her mind off of Ryan. In fact, he was all she thought about on her run. She thought of his laughter, his smile, and the way he held her as they had danced. She replayed the music in her head, felt the smell of her flower necklace and wished she could return to that time. She wondered if it had felt as magical to him, as it had to her. They had hardly spoke afterwards, much less talked about THAT. She wondered if it was the cause of their awkward silences. It probably was. Why? Now, that's what she wanted to know. But she couldn't ask. If she did it would bring up all sorts of embarrassing topics that she could do without bringing up. While running she noticed something and stopped short. By a bench, on the opposite side of the park, not close, but not far by any account, was Ryan. What was he doing there? Maybe he was already stalking her, she laughed at the thought. Should she call to him? Joke that she is stalking him as well? But no, he was pacing, by the bench. Whatever he was there for, it didn't appear like he would want a distraction. She still wanted to know what he was doing there. He should have told her. Maybe he didn't want her to know. Why? Thoughts stumbled around in her mind as he suddenly looked over on the path, where he was. He quickly sat down, looking down. She couldn't see his face anymore. Was that the idea? She wondered what had brought that sudden move on, she looked the direction he had, and gasped. Along the same path, casually walked a young woman Vanessa almost mistook to be Rachel, but Rachel's hair wasn't that long. It was Rachel's color but Vanessa's length. It curled like neither of there's. She wore torn jeans and a deep blue t-shirt. A bright orange umbrella closed at her side. She was gazing around the park intently, as though looking for someone. She wasn't looking at the bench on which Ryan sat as she almost caught Vanessa's eye. But right then, her foot caught on Ryan's out stretched one. It was like watching when Vanessa had first met Ryan at the pub. Except, as she tripped he stood up to catch her arm. She turned around slowly and Vanessa barely heard him say softly, "Welcome back, Amy." The girl turned faster to face him. Vanessa could no longer see Ryan's face but she could see the girls. Her face changed to that of pure surprise and utter delight, like a little girl who got that pony for Christmas. "RYAN!!!!!!" Her ecstatic squeal filled the park, as she tossed her arms around his neck. He laughed picking her off the ground and spinning her around. She was laughing too. Vanessa caught Ryan's face as he set the girl down. Grinning from ear to ear looking happier than Vanessa had ever seen him. "I missed you, Ry!" The girl, Amy, said softer, smiling but crying. Ryan wiped her tears back with his thumb. "I missed you too, Amy." He told her softly, leaning to her. As he kissed her cheek Vanessa's unlocked, unprotected heart shattered.
ya.... plot twists.
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Post by misssunflower on Jul 29, 2009 10:00:05 GMT -5
It had begun to rain by the time Vanessa got back to Rachel's house. Her friend was still gone so she contented herself with falling on to her bed and sobbing. How STUPID she had been! How absolutely idiotic! Her first thought had been that Ryan had two-timed her. Her being Amy, not Vanessa. While his girl was away he had been out with Vanessa so many times. It made her mad and made her feel guilty. But that was silly and over dramatic. That anyone would cheat on someone with her. Especially Ryan. Sweet, loving, polite Ryan, he would never. Besides, if that had been the case, Ryan would have never mentioned Amy to her. And he had, more than Vanessa had thought at first. "Would you believe me if I thought you were someone else?" "I had planned for someone else to come but it didn't work out." "It's hard, missing someone, isn't it?" The searching looks during their concert, and his disappointment when he didn't see the girl he was really looking for. It all made sense. She should have known, she shouldn't have thought. But she had, which wasn't a surprise. She had gotten her hopes up so many times and this was always what happened. It had never hurt this much though. It had never been Ryan. She cried harder trying to erase his picture from her mind. As usual that was impossible, especially in the thunderstorm outside. She wondered if he and his Amy had found somewhere dry. She imagined them running through the rain, like she had with Ryan months ago. She wondered if he'd tell Amy about her, his friend Vanessa. It made her cry again. Her cell phone rang. It was Ryan. She looked at for a long time but refused to pick it up. What would she say? She couldn't speak to him without crying, and then he would ask her why. She couldn't tell him she saw him and Amy without admitting that she was in love with him. And now, more than ever, she could NOT tell him that. It rang again. 5 minutes later. 5 minutes after that, too. She wondered what his messages sounded like, if he got more and more worried with each one. She tried not to think about that for it only made her long to answer. When the cell didn't work he called Rachel's home phone. Praise God her friend had caller ID. She still refused to answer it and, after he called the third time, wondered if Rachel would mind her unplugging it. The phone calls stopped for a while and Vanessa relaxed. She was only more depressed. But at least, he wouldn't have to know.
After about a half hour of silence her cell phone rang again. She looked, just to check and saw it was Rachel. She answered it in a flash. "H-hello?" "NESS!! What's wrong?" Her friend said worriedly. Vanessa sighed, she didn't think her voice had sounded off, she said, with fake cheer, "Nothing's wrong..." "Ryan called and said you won't answer your phone! He thought something had happened. But you answered for me! Sweetie, why are you ignoring him?" Rachel rambled on. "Sweets, love, it- it's nothing." "Don't give me that, I need to know." She continued quieter, "What happened? I thought you had fun last night..." Memories of the previous night flowed back to the front of her mind. Dancing quietly in the moonlight, holding Ryan close, feeling more in love than she ever had. She started crying again. Rachel panicked. "Ness, ness, sweetheart, what is it? What happened?" She explained, through shaking sobs, she explained everything. Rachel sighed, sounding depressed, "So I didn't imagine it. I heard a girl in the background at one point, but I didn't think... I'd hoped it wasn't..." "But is was. It's like every other time." She whispered, "I was silly and got my hopes up. And this is what happened." "Maybe it isn't like that." "Rache, you should have seen him. He was happier than you were when Paul proposed." She said firmly, as firm as she could, at least. A pause, "But Vanes... it can't be." "He KISSED her." On the cheek, sure, but endearing enough that it didn't matter. "Ness, the way he acted around you, the looks he gave you, trust me.” Rachel pleaded. "It's the same way Paul would look at me." "Not everyone's relationships are as perfect as yours, Rachel!" Vanessa regretted that the second it came out. It wasn't so much what she said but how it had come out. Cold. Harsh. Bitter. She hadn't meant it like that, or had she? She wasn't sure anymore, she wasn't sure of anything anymore. "Nessa..." Rachel choked out, she sounded ready to cry. Only adding to Vanessa's confusion and depression. "I need to get out of here." She said. She sounded crazy, desperate and scared. She was stumbling to get her stuff. She needed to leave. She needed to be back in New York. It would be easier to pretend this never happened if she was back in New York. Rachel was speechless, then the sound of her crying became louder, "Wh-what a-are you saying?" She whispered. "I. Need. To. Go. Home." She said slower, breathing hard, unable to think right. Her friend was sobbing now, the sound striking Vanessa's heart, but she couldn't stay. "You'll be back, right?" "I- I don't know." There was louder sobbing and Rachel hung up. Vanessa stared at the phone a moment, tears glistening in her eyes. She was hurting her best friend so much. Why did everything have to be so awful? Why? As she packed her stuff she stumbled on something. White satin. For the wedding dress. THE WEDDING! Vanessa gasped as suddenly her friend’s sobs came back to her. In her senseless freak Vanessa had actually forgotten her best friends Wedding. It was in a week. And she had just told the bride, her best friend, her sister, that she would not be there. Like the promised her she always would be. Holding on to the fabric, as if her only anchor, she began to sob.
"Dear Rachel, I'm so sorry. I can't even explain. I love you. Don't ever doubt that. Your loving sister, Vanessa" That was the note Vanessa left her best friend one week ago. Beside it she had set her Claddagh ring. Keeping that would only have depressed her more. She didn't return to New York. She would the next day, but today was her best friends wedding. She had to go, she had to let Rachel know she still cared. And she would still be there for her. She left Rachel's though. She was staying in a Dublin hotel, with nothing but her suitcases and a cheap sewing machine. The dress was just barely finished that morning. She had thought to call her best friend, and let her know she didn't go home. But she wasn't sure Rachel would answer, or that she would listen. Vanessa wasn't sure she would if in the same situation. It hurt her to think that but it would be easier not to show up until she absolutely had to. Quietly she dug through her bag until she found the same blue dress she had worn her night with Ryan. That seemed centuries ago and she was thankful for that. Her heart ached every time she thought about him, but it was easier now. Easier to try and pretend he was only her friend, and he always would be. She pulled on the dress and pulled her hair into a bun. She wore a little make up, grabbed at the wedding gown, hanging in a zip-up dress bag, and headed out. The wedding was at the park. It was not at all a surprise. There was a pavilion behind where it was set and that's where Rachel was to be changing. Vanessa was there quickly. She knocked softly on the door. Zara answered, her eyes wide as she took in Vanessa. She held her finger to her lips. She glanced over the woman's shoulder. Paul's sister, the other bridesmaid was there too. "Where is Rachel?" She whispered. Zara jerked her head to a curtained area. "Changing." She whispered back, she glanced at the dress bag. "Is it?" Vanessa nodded, "How can I get it to her?" "She hasn't changed into the actual dress yet. When she asks for it, I'll give her yours instead." Zara paused, "She'll be so happy you're here. She was a nervous wreck." "I imagine. It's my fault." "It's not." Vanessa shook her head, "It is. But I hope this will make it up." "Just being here makes it better." She said. "Zara?" Rachel's voice came, "You still here?" "Sorry,” Zara called, sounding totally normal, “I was thinking. Are you ready for the dress?" "I am." She sounded happy, but not completely. Vanessa's heart ached. Zara winked at her, and grabbed her dress, hanging it over the curtain. There was a pause, followed by the sound of the bag opening, a gasp, and then, "NESSAAAAAA!" The curtain was flung open and her best friend threw her arms around her. Vanessa hugged her back, feeling tears fill her eyes. "I- I knew y-you wouldn't really leave!" She cried in to her shoulder, "I just knew it! Oh Vanes!" "Sweets," She whispered, pulling away to smile at her friend, "Sweets, your make-up." She tried to say. Rachel laughed, wiping at it. Zara muttered in the background, "It's water proof. Just for this reason too." Vanessa laughed as well. She grabbed the open dress and handed it to her friend, "I couldn't let you get married in just anything." "Vanes, thank you so much!" She whispered, pulling it on. She looked gorgeous, and happy, as she should be. "It's the only thing I could do, after being so mean." "You weren't being mean! You weren't thinking, and I can't blame you. I shouldn't have believed you, even for a second. I should have comforted you more." "You comforted me more than I deserve," She said, "I wasn't listening." "Again, I don't blame you." She said, then coughed awkwardly. "Um... Nessa?" "Yes, sweetie?" "I talked to Ryan." Vanessa's fingers stopped short on the zipper of the dress. "What did you tell him!?" "In my defense he called me again, wanting to know why you were avoiding him." She said slowly. "Did you tell him?" Did she tell him that she loved him? Rachel knew what she meant. "No, though I think he guessed. I told him you saw him with his girlfriend and you are probably going back to New York." She laughed softly, a bittersweet sound. "What did he say to that!?" Her laughter grew, "He freaked." She said, "I don't think he was talking to me anymore, but he was so mad at himself." "At himself?" She asked, she paused, "Rachel, what did he SAY?" "Okay let's see, um... 'I need to talk to her before she leaves!’” She quoted, “’She can't think- it's not what she thought. It wasn't what it loo-'" "He said that?" Vanessa cut in, dryly, "Did he actually say, 'it's not what it looks like'?" It was like a rehearsed line in a movie. "He did. And I believe him." She groaned, "You do?" "I do." She said, "He's sounded sincere. You know how he is." Ryan lying was a sight she had yet to see so she could only nod. Rachel continued, turning to Vanessa after her dress was properly on. "He wanted to know if you would listen to him? If you came to the wedding, afterwards, he wanted to explain." Vanessa went cold, knowing where she was going, "You told him I would." A nod, then she put her hands on her shoulder, "Please, he's my friend too, hear him out. For me." She sighed but agreed. "And Nessa," Rachel pushed on, "even if it feels like it, your heart isn't broken. It's not because we still love each other. I'm always there." She felt tears fill her eyes again, and nodded, "I'll always be there for you too, sugar." "I never thought you wouldn't." Before the girls could hold on to each other and cry happily, Zara poked in, "5 minutes, sweet." "Oh God!" Rachel squeaked, blushing, "Come on! We need to hurry." Gripping her friend’s hand she pulled her out of the dressing room. Dragging Zara and Amanda behind. As they laughed, heading to the wedding, Vanessa felt her heart stitch itself up. With her friend always there, loneliness would never be an issue.
almost done.... not yet though...
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Post by misssunflower on Jul 29, 2009 13:03:25 GMT -5
The wedding seemed to speed by. Though, every bit of it would be forever preserved in Vanessa's mind. Rachel looked radiant. She was a bit smug, watching her friend get married in the dress SHE designed for her. The sky was clear and the sunlight made her dress sparkle. Made HER sparkle. Though she could have done that on the murkiest of days, what with her giddy smile as she walked down the isle. When she reached Paul at the end she looked so lovely Vanessa was surprised he didn't kiss her on the spot. He was able to restrain himself, she supposed, until he was actually instructed to. And what a kiss. She cheered happily, along with everyone else. Ryan, Paul's best man, of whom Vanessa avoided looking at the entire wedding, poked him. He reluctantly broke the kiss to turn to his friend. "I think that's enough." Ryan said, laughing. Loud enough that everyone present could hear. Laughter. Vanessa was too happy for her friend to be weighed down by anything. For the time being, anyways. In all the cheering and laughter she did end up looking at Ryan once, just as he looked at her. She thought to look away but for a second she couldn't. He smiled, uncertain, and with that she turned her head away. She was glad she still could. In turning she caught the eye of someone in the audience. Amy. Ryan's Amy. She smiled as well, looking just as uncertain as her boyfriend. When she didn't smile back Amy turned to give Ryan a meaningful look and mouthed something to him. Vanessa was no good at reading lips but she was fairly certain she said, "Have you told her?" She didn't want to look at Ryan, so she didn't catch his reply, but Amy rolled her eyes in an exasperated way. She turned back and gave Vanessa a more sheepish smile. She wasn't sure what to make of any of that. And frankly, she didn't want to. She brought her concentration back to her friend. After the wedding there was to be some time before the reception. I guess it was for resting, but Vanessa doubted she would do any of that. This rest time was when she was supposed to listen to Ryan's explanation. She really didn't want to listen to him, but she had promised Rachel and that was one promise she wouldn't break. Through the crowds of people leaving she saw Ryan. As he moved to stand by her she turned and started walking deeper into the park. "We need to talk." She heard him say behind her, he was following her. She hadn't expected otherwise, so she just sighed, and refused to turn. "Then talk." She said simply. He was fast. He caught her arm and turned her to look at him. "I have to- I've got to explain-" He looked worried, looking into her eyes. She felt her heart pick up and she jerked herself out of his hold. She walked faster. "You can try."
"V..." "Don't call me that." The sound of his footsteps stopped. Then started up again, faster. "V," His voice sounded pleading, "V, you promised you'd listen." Vanessa sighed, "I made no such promise to you, Rachel did." "Ah, but you promised HER you'd listen." How could he possibly know that? She sighed again, but didn't stop. There was silence and he added, "She said you weren't going to be here. That you were going back to New York." "I wasn't thinking straight." She replied stiffly, "In the end, I knew I had to stay for her wedding. It would break both our hearts if I hadn't." "You're still going back to New York, though?" "Of course." She said, she sounded miserable, even to herself. "The wedding WAS the whole reason I came to Ireland in the first place." "You said you'd stay." "I said I'd like to stay, not that I would." Another sigh, from him, "Rachel told me everything, you know. I know you're upset about her." "Who?" She asked, feigning innocence. "You know very well who, V." He told her, seriously. She cringed, he sounded upset again, and she felt it was her fault. She pushed that aside, "Don't call me that. And yes, I am upset. Can we leave it at that?" "No." Another cringe, especially as she felt tears fill her eyes, "Why not? It's easier this way." "Because you've got it wrong." His voice was closer. She tried to speed up, "Easier or not, it's wrong and if you'd let me explain-" "Do you love her!?" Why did she have to ask that? Why couldn't she actually think for a second before words left her mouth? Why could she not let him get a sentence, a sentence that might actually explain things? She didn't know, but there was that idiotic question hanging in the space between them. She as so glad she couldn't see his face, and even more that he couldn't see hers. He had stopped walking, and so had she. "That's an unfair question..." He said in a low voice. "How is it an unfair question? Either you do, or you don't!" But it was obvious he did. He wouldn't beat around the question if he didn't. He would simply say, "No". He hadn't. But he hadn't said yes either. "If you'd stop and listen you'd understand." He pleaded again, "Just, like, two sentences..." She scoffed, or tried to, it ended up sounding like a choked cry. She started walking again. He was walking too, his footsteps closer, "Four words." He proposed. He was right behind her now. "Sure," She said, a bitter laugh coming out, "Four words, 'I. Don't. Love. Y-'" She didn't finish her sentence. Ryan had caught her arm, turned her and pulled her to him. Her first reaction was thinking to pull away, maybe slap him. But before that thought was even fully formed in her head he was kissing her. It was as gentle and warm as summer rain. And it certainly wasn't a "Just-friends" thing. When he let her go she was crying. He smiled softly at her, waiting. As if making sure she wasn't going to pull away. Like she would! Right then she wasn't even sure if her feet could move. "Amy. Is. My. Sister."
Vanessa pulled slightly away, a look of surprise on her face. "R-really?" He laughed gently, "No." She pulled away more, more confused than ever, and now a little miffed. He'd lied. "Then- wha-" "Can I continue?" He asked sweetly, pulling her closer again. She nodded helplessly. "She's not my sister by blood, no. But we're just as much of siblings as you and Rachel are." He continued, "We grew up together. We might have even been neighbors, but either way, I've known her forever. She and I stayed friends throughout all of school. You can imagine, we got teased rather often, no boy and girl could just be friends." He laughed. "But we were. And we stayed such until her dad lost his job mid-high school. She moved to America with them both. It was tough." Vanessa imagined, in her mind, the few weeks, or months she spent without Rachel, how hard it was on her. She understood. In fact, suddenly she understood everything. He seemed to read her mind, "She was supposed to visit the night I met you at the pub. She couldn't make it. Again the night of our concert. We still call and write each other but we haven't seen each other since she moved." Ouch, she thought, that was a long time. She remembered the excitement on Amy's face, and the happiness on Ryan's. It made sense now, more than before. He chuckled at her reaction, she must have looked shocked or something because he moved her to sit down. "Do you understand why it was an unfair question?" He asked. She nodded again, "Of course." "Yes, I love her. She's great craic to be around and we've been friends for so long. She is, in all ways possible, my sister. And it would be impossible for me to tell you I didn't love her." She smiled sheepishly at him. Of course he loved her, it was like asking Vanessa if she loved Rachel. The answer was beyond obvious, and stupid to get jealous over. She felt silly and stupid and wondered about how easy it would have been if she had listened to him straight out. "But... Vanessa," He continued, taking both her hands in his. He was smiling that heartbreaker smile of his, and Vanessa's heart sped up. "V." She cut in quietly. His grin grew. "V" He amended, "I don't think I could ever love anyone, the way I love you." She felt him put something on her right hand. She looked down. Her Claddagh ring. He must have got it from Rachel. She smiled up at him, as tears came to her eyes again. Those words, that ring, it was more than she could ever ask for. "You look happy." He laughed. She rolled her eyes, "Of course I am. I've waited forever to hear those words." He grinned, but said pointedly, "You know, I still haven't heard them." She kissed him gently, and that was all the answer he needed.
EPILOGUE
Rachel Byrom felt guilty. Keeping things hidden was not her specialty. Especially hiding it from her best friend and sister. She tried not to think about that, though. Keeping her mind occupied with how excited she was to be seeing her husband again. She had been married for 4 months and 3 of them had been spent with her Paul on tour with Celtic Thunder. She wasn't bitter in the slightest, knowing the group was how she met him, and how they fell in love. She was also happy to think that her sister would be seeing her love for the first time in a while. Around the time of her wedding Vanessa had been spending an increasing amount of time with Paul's friend and group-mate Ryan. Rachel had never guessed anything would happen with he and Vanessa. It had, not without a few misunderstandings, but it had. It was nice to see her best friend with a love of her own. She had been lonely too long, though she would never admit it. It was December. As had become customary, Rachel was throwing a Christmas party. The guys of Celtic Thunder, and maybe some of there family would come, this being their first day back from their fall tour. She'd started it last year. That's when Paul had proposed to her. There was one Christmas present Vanessa did know about, and that's that after Christmas she would be moving in with her boyfriend back in his home town. He had proposed the idea at some point over the tour and she had more than happily agreed. It was cute, Rachel thought, as she wandered into her house the afternoon of the party. Ryan and his sister came over to help her set up. Vanessa would have been mad to know she wasn't invited for that, but she didn't know. She thought the boys were getting home tonight. That was just one surprise, too. "Ryan Kelly, you are an absolute idiot!" She heard Amy's voice say in exasperation. She peeked her head into the small living room, where the two were apparently looking for something. "It's not my fault!" He protested, laughing nervously. Rachel coughed, "Hello you two, something you want to share?" "Ry lost his present." Amy said with a roll of her eyes. Rachel looked at him surprise. The house was fully decorated for Christmas and everything was set up nicely. But it looked easy to loose something in. Especially something as small as what Ryan's present was. She sighed, dropping the other gifts she'd bought on the kitchen counter. "Ryan.." She said slowly. "I know I brought in here somewhere." He defended. Amy laughed, "In other words, please help. How much time before Ness comes over?" "I'm going to pick her up at 6:00. That's when the other guys are supposed to head over too." Rachel explained, growing more nervous, "What time is it now?" "Great." Amy said sarcastically, "It's 5:48. Idiot." That last comment was for Ryan, who laughed and shoved her. Rachel sighed. It was easy to see why Vanessa had mistaken the two for a couple. But the more you watched them the easier it was to fit that they were friends, siblings almost. Just like Rachel and Vanessa were. "Look, you two keep looking for it, I'll go pick her up. When the guys get here you can have them help." She sighed and gave Ryan a sheepish grin, "If you don't find it, go with what you had planned anyways." He nodded. She turned to the door, but looked back at the two. "And don't kill each other before hand." She winked. Amy winked back, "I shall restrain myself."
"So, what's with getting everything set up without me?" Vanessa asked conversationally as they headed back from the hotel she was staying in. Rachel laughed nervously, she was no good at cover stories, "I made it look so nice, I wanted it to be a surprise for you." She rolled her eyes, but dropped it, "What time are the boys coming in?" She sounded eager, not that Rachel could blame her. She was excited to see Paul too. Deciding not to keep that secret she said casually, "I think they might already be there. I think their plane landed early. "That's wonderful!" She said happily. "Missed him, didn't you?" Vanessa blushed, "Of course I missed him! Though, we called often enough, it's not like he was ever gone long." They had. Ryan and Vanessa talked almost as much as Rachel and Paul had. There was silence as the two stared at the gently falling snow. As the pulled in. "They're all here?" Vanessa added, noting a couple extra cars. Rachel's heart leaped at seeing Paul's, and said simply, "So I would assume. Amy's here too, by the way." "I should hope so, I bought her a present!" She exhaled, she was still a little nervous about the two closest women in Ryan's life at the same party, but Vanessa and Amy appeared to have made a nice friendship. After she figured out that Amy and Ryan were not close in THAT way. Walking to the house Vanessa tripped, which she did so often, a little clumsier than her friend. Rachel turned just in time to see her place something in her pocket. "What was that?" "A present." She said simply, smiling as if at an inside joke. She must have dropped it when she tripped. Paying it no more mind, Rachel opened the door.
"RACHEL!!" "V!!" "PAUL!!" "RYAN!!" All filled the air seconds from each other. Before Rachel could think of anything else to say Paul was hugging her with such warmth it almost knocked the breath out of her. She laughed and kissed him sweetly. "Missed you, Rache." He said. Her heart pounded. "Missed you the most." "That's debatable." He replied, turning away from her at last to look at something else. Rachel followed his eyes, just as Vanessa and Ryan finally let go of each other. She laughed. "I missed you, V." He told her softly. "I think we've established that." Paul teased, from the side. Ryan gave him a shove, laughing though. Rachel caught his eye. "Did you find it?" She mouthed at him. He gave a tiny shake of his head, and Rachel sighed again. This was going to be interesting. The party was wonderful. Rachel decided this defiantly was going to be a tradition, it was too much fun to ever stop. Towards the end gifts were finally exchanged. Rachel waited for her friend to bring out the box she'd tripped over but she never did. Other presents were given, though, from her. Rachel opened a small box to reveal a gorgeous gold heart necklace. On the heart charm was an engraved "R" for her name. It was absolutely gorgeous. She had also baked everyone much fancier Christmas cookies than Rachel ever could have. Ryan laughed at opening them. "I thought I would never get to eat your cooking." he winked at her. She blushed prettily. She tried to say in a somewhat steady voice, though, “I figured, if we're living together, I'll have to sooner or later. I mean, someone is going to have to feed you." The two laughed harder. As the party slowed down, and more and more people left, Rachel sent Ryan a panicked look. It was just her, Paul, Amy, Vanessa and he. "V..." He began slowly, "I had a ehm... present planned for you, but., it's sort of lost." She didn't look upset in the slightest, not that Rachel had expected her to. But, Vanessa looked almost... mischievous. "Did you?" She asked, softly. "Yeah," He said nervously, "So, I'm going to have to go on without it. V, will-" He didn't finish as she pulled out a small black box from her pocket. The box she'd dropped, or said she'd dropped. His eyes winded. "This it?" She asked, playfully. "How did... you?" He asked, dumbfounded. She giggled, "Tripped on it on my way in." "Tripped..." He shook his head slowly, laughing as well. "Ironic, isn't it?" She laughed, she handed it to him, "Going to continue?" "Not without feeling like an idiot." "I love you either way." She reminded him gently. That did it for him. He took the box a opened it towards her. To no one's surprise, there sat a lovely engagement ring. "V, will you marry me?" She pretended to consider for a moment, then practically tackled him with a hug. "Of course." She said. Amy laughed and left the room, without a word. She winked at Rachel first. Rachel was aware she was staring, and even more so that she was probably in the way. Paul took her hand. "Shall we give them a moment?" She smiled up at him for the longest moment before glancing back at her friend. She was smiling helplessly at her new fiancé looking like the happiest girl in the world. Content with her friend’s happy ending, Rachel felt tears form in her eyes as she looked back at Paul, her own happy ending. "We shall."
THE END
You can all run and read Photographs now... not that it's stopped most of you
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WARNING-ObsessedFangirl
Wicked Fan
Deckswabber
Life's a dance you learn as you go, sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow.
Posts: 73
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Post by WARNING-ObsessedFangirl on Aug 17, 2009 16:13:01 GMT -5
I love it Tangy!
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summerleanne
Wicked Fan
Damian, Damian, Damian!!!!!!! <3 :)
Posts: 51
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Post by summerleanne on Apr 18, 2010 7:50:25 GMT -5
this is my absolute FAVORITE in your series! <3
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Post by laurenne on Apr 18, 2010 18:57:53 GMT -5
I love this one too.
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Post by orinocoflow on Aug 12, 2010 14:48:04 GMT -5
i read the other one when it was on the other site you posted it on. now i finally found the sequel!!!
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