|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 30, 2009 10:11:20 GMT -5
This one is defiantly NOT going to make sense if yo haven't read the other three. REMEMBER; Real Men - Tripped - Photographs
WILD CHILD "Call her." Amy's voice was muffled as she was lying face down into her single bed in her hotel. Ryan was pacing by the door, staring at his cell phone, "She's not going to answer, Amy." "Try." "She's probably in New York by now anyways." "Then fly there and explain." "What if she doesn't listen?" He sounded agonized. "Just try, Ryan!" She said looking up at him, then back down. He didn't say anything, so she continued, "You HAVE to explain! This HAS to work!" Her voice quieted down, "Or else I'll never forgive myself." There was a speechless pause, "Amy," Ryan was by her side in a seconds, like the older brother figure he always was. "Amy, don't - don't even think - this isn't your fault! It's all one huge misunderstanding, you know that!" "A misunderstanding that wouldn't have occurred if I hadn't been here!" She sighed and flopped back into the pillow. Ryan patted her back gently, "Amy, I am more than happy you are here. Ecstatic. Don't you dare think I'm mad or upset or wish you weren't here." She sighed again and sat up to look him in the eyes. He was completely sincere, as always.
She remembered a few days earlier, when she first came. Finally being able to see her best friend for the first time in years. Not having to settle for letters and phone calls anymore. She was so happy to see him, and he her. After multiple hugs and repeated "I've missed you" 's Ryan pulled her at arms length, smiled almost boyishly and said, "Wait until you meet her!" Amy raised her eyebrows, surprised. Ryan had never mentioned a girl in all there conversations. Well aside from Rachel. The famous young woman who was an understudy dancer for a single spring tour and by the end of it had one of Ryan's group mates head-over-heals for her. They were going to be married in a few days, and that was one of the reasons she'd came. But that couldn't be the “her” he spoke of. "Her?" She asked. That got him going. Amy was spun around again as her friend extolled the virtues of some young woman he was obviously more than smitten with. After "Kind" "Friendly" "Caring" and, most commonly, "Hilarious" were mentioned for about the third time, she poked in "Pretty?" She was, apparently, gorgeous. Her hair. Her eyes. Her smile. Her laugh. The woman was beginning to sound unreal. Someone with that many adjectives tied to their name couldn't be. Amy laughed, and struggled not to roll her eyes at Ryan's lovesick rant. "Okay, okay, okay." She'd giggled, "So does your goddess have a name?" He made a face at her, "Vanessa." She even sounded like a goddess. Amy laughed. "And when shall I meet her?" "As soon as I can get a hold of her." He replied, taking out his cell. As he dialed she casually added, "So does she like you back?" "Not sure." He blushed, "I like to hope she does, but I'm not sure." "Well tell her, then." She rolled her eyes. He punched her in the shoulder and held the phone to his ear, "Easier said than done, you know?" She never answered. He called more than 5 times, she remembered. Amy had actually found it rather amusing until it became obvious how it worried her brother and friend. "Maybe she's busy?" She tried, sounding nervous herself. He sighed, "Probably. I'm going to call Rachel just incase." "What would she know?" It was an innocent curious question, not sarcastic. Ryan smiled a bit crookedly, "V and Rachel are like sisters, closest friends I've ever seen." "Like us?" Amy beamed. His smile grew, thankfully, and he tugged on one of her black curls. It bounced right back. "Exactly." He said, "I actually met V through Rachel." Vanessa was obviously V. Amy thought that was cute. She'd always wished for a longer name just so she could be given a cute nickname like that. He called Rachel. Rachel called Vanessa. Amy remembered that morning Ryan coming to her hotel for one thing or another, when the phone call came. Vanessa had seen her with Ryan those few days ago. She had gotten the wrong idea about the two entirely, and without waiting for an explanation was returning to her home in New York City.
Ryan tried to get her mind off of Vanessa for most of the day. She was still beating herself up about it until she figured out it was only making him more depressed. She hated making anyone depressed ever, so she dropped it. But it was hard to talk about anything else when that's all the two were thinking about. Amy still wanted to meet her, this girl Ryan loved so much. It was now obvious that she loved him too, or else she wouldn't have left at seeing the two together. "Hey Amy?" Ryan asked, as cheerfully as one could in his case. Which was still pretty cheerful. Amy was glad to know her presence was doing some good for him. She beamed at him, "Yes?" "Today is Damian's" One of his group mates, "birthday. Along with Keith's" another group mate, "little sister's. They're having a party." "Are we going?" "Do you want to?" She laughed, "'Course I do. I have yet to meet any of these guys, it would be nice to get to know them before I randomly show up at one of their weddings." Ryan laughed as well, "I think there are enough people at Paul's wedding, he wouldn't know." "Still, I'd love to have faces to go with names." She told him, "So when does it start?" "Right about now." "Ryan!" She hit him. He laughed. "What? It's not far from here. Besides, it's one of those "Show up whenever" sort of things." Amy rolled her eyes, "That doesn't mean you have to show up late." "This from the girl who would never show up when she said she would." He retorted. She blushed, "Fine, truce?" She didn't deny it. She was prone to saying one time and never showing. Something, possibly more exciting, always distracted her. Be it an attention problem or just a flighty personality, it was always how she had been. She liked life that way. That's why she became a nature photographer, her jobs took her all around the world. Ryan always told her even if her parents hadn't moved in her Freshman year she wouldn't have stayed in Ireland long. She replied that she didn't know that for sure. If there was ever a country or place to hold her interest for very long it was Ireland. Still, with her wild personality and her busy job Amy had skipped out on meeting up with her best friend multiple times. She was incredibly thankful that Ryan was never upset with her for standing him up. During the apology filled phone calls afterwards he'd always tell her he hadn't suspected anything less, and that he hoped, where ever she was, that she was having a good time. She'd send him a picture, or gift from the place anyways. And promise for another time, which she would skip out on again. She was happy to finally make it. Happy to see her brother-like friend again. He had always been like that to her, as he was 4 and a half years older than her. That hadn't really mattered growing up, it mattered even less now. She'd missed him quite a bit. "Truce." He agreed with a laugh. "Shall we go then?" "Sure."
"Ryan?" She mumbled not even five minutes into the car ride. "Amy?" He replied. "I need you to distract me..." "From?" She shot him a cool look, "What do you think?" Her guilt was seeping in again. He laughed awkwardly, and looked like he was trying to think of something. She sighed into her hands. "How was Cali?" He asked at last. She sighed, more relaxed now, as her guilt was replaced with memories from her trip to California. "Fun, hot, gorgeous..." Ryan laughed, "I mean the state, not the surfers, Amy." She punched him, "Oh they were plenty attractive too, of course. Not many were smarter than a sack of rocks, you know? Want to hear a joke I heard down there?" He rolled his eyes, "What?" "What do you call a surfer without a girlfriend." A pause. "Homeless." Ryan chuckled, "I'll have to tell Keith that one. Probably won't find it as amusing, though." "He surfs?" She asked, interested, "Here?" The west coast seemed wave-y enough, but cold! "Yes here." He told her, "He's been to a couple other places too. Never to California, yet. He seemed pretty interested you were there." Amy giggled, "How much do you tell them about me?" "As much as I know, basically. Is that okay?" "Sure, it makes me feel special." "You are." He grinned, tugging on another curl. Her jet-black mop of unruly curls used to embarrass her, but she liked them fine now. "The guys all really want to meet you." She rolled her eyes, but laughed, "Now I'm worried I won't live up to expectations." "They'll love you. You're an incredibly likable person Amy." He chuckled, "Speaking of, did you get any offers from any homeless surfers?" She scoffed, but after a pause said, "Yep." Her tone dismissive. She said nothing else. After a moment he rolled his eyes, "Guess that answers that question." "Come on Ry!" She sighed, "I'm not one for the summer fling idea. I'm not going to go out on a date with a guy I'm going to leave in a few weeks! I'd have to break the man's heart." And her own too. "So instead you break their hearts by not even giving them the time of day." He laughed. "I'm glad you find it amusing." She laughed along, "Most of them probably wouldn't want me after they found out how wild I was, anyways." That was another word Ryan described her as a lot. Flighty and Wild. Ryan's laughter died a little, "Maybe you'll find someone as wild as you, some day." She rolled her eyes. "That'll be the day." She mumbled. She didn't know what she'd do if she found someone like her, because she never thought she would.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 30, 2009 11:49:42 GMT -5
A blonde teen girl opened the door at the apartment on the outskirts of Derry. Ryan was right, it wasn’t far away, they were hardly late. She beamed at Ryan. “Hello Ryan!” She said cheerfully, her accent American. Amy blinked. “Hello Lauren. Happy birthday.” He replied, cheerfully. Oh, so she was Keith’s younger sister then. She was incredibly pretty. Amy wondered what her older brother looked like. “Happy birthday.” She added. Lauren blinked at her, as if noticing her for the first time. She looked back at Ryan her eyes full of confusion, and a little hurt. And so the awkwardness began. Ryan shifted uncomfortably, “Lauren, this is Amy. Amy, Keith’s sister Lauren.” “Pleasure to meet you.” Lauren said quietly. Followed by another silence. “The rest of the guys are here, but you haven’t missed much.” She was talking to Ryan again. “Good,” He replied moving inside. Amy wasn’t sure she was up for this all of a sudden and stayed still. Ryan sighed pulled her in by the hand. “C’mon, you’re fine.” Amy laughed, “If you say so.” The first of Ryan’s group mates she got to meet was the oldest. A tall man with a shaved head, holding a young redheaded girl, laughing. The girl was a lovely way to break the ice. “Hello, sweetie.” Amy said to her, giggling, “What’s your name?” “Sarah.” The girl replied, giggling as well. “And what would your name be?” The man asked, his voice pleasant with a thick Scottish accent. She sighed, but said cheerily, “Amy.” A look of dawning realization came on his face, and his smile grew. A completely different reaction than the girl Lauren had had. “You’re Ryan’s infamous friend. Well, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.” She blushed. She WAS famous. “Same. And, I suppose, you’re one of his group mates, then?” She knew all their names, but not who was who. She didn’t want to guess. “George Donaldson.” He replied. Oh! Okay so that was George. “It’s nice to meet you, George.” She smiled, then turned her attention the girl. “You too, Sarah.” A couple minutes later she bumped into a young man, his eyes a bright blue and an extremely wide grin on his face. He seemed happy to be there. “Hello.” He said in a surprisingly deep voice, a pause, “You- you’re Amy aren’t you?” Her shyness was slowly dying at this point, she beamed, “I am indeed. And you?” “Damian. Damian McGinty.” He replied, hold out his hand. She shook it. “Ah! You’re the other Birthday child,” She teased, he didn’t look like a child in the slightest. “Hope you’re having a good day.” His smile grew, “I am.” And with that he moved to talk to anyone else. A few minutes later Ryan told her he and Lauren were together. She caught the smiles on the two’s faces as they talked throughout the party, That was obvious enough. Awkwardness seeped back in at times like that. It was cute to watch them all talking with each other. They were like one close knit community. One Amy didn’t feel like she was apart of. She wouldn’t tell Ryan that, though. A cough behind her distracted her from thinking. She turned to face a beautiful dark haired woman. She looked to be close to Ryan’s age. Or closest in the room anyways. Amy wondered in panic if his Vanessa had in fact stayed, and if this was her. That would explain her worried, hurt expression. She was smiling though, “Hello there.” Amy wasn’t sure what to say but finally a choked “Hello” left her. “Did I hear that you’re Ryan’s Amy?” That she was his Amy? Well that didn’t help anything at all. “Yeah, I’m Ryan’s,” Shoot. What was she supposed to say after that. Friend? Best Friend? Sister? What would be the least awkward, “… Amy.” She ended lamely. The woman laughed softly, though her eyes were still hurt. “I’m Rachel, Paul’s fiancée.” Oh. She was the girl that was Vanessa’s best friend. That answered a lot of questions. “Oh, I’ve heard a lot of good things about you.” Rachel blushed prettily, “Th-thank you. I suppose.” “You’re welcome.” “Will you be at the wedding?” “I plan to be. That’s why I’m here.” “So Ryan invited you?” She asked awkwardly. She smiled, “More as an excuse, no offence of course. He just, I guess thought he’d need some event to get me to come.” “Why would it take that.” “I’m a little, um, free spirited. I very rarely stick to dates, I’ve meant to come here and see Ryan a few times now and just got… distracted.” She mumbled. “It’s embarrassing.” “I’m sure he doesn’t mind.” She told her gently. Amy looked at her. Ryan had told her they weren’t a couple, didn’t he? Should she say so again, just to be on the safe side. Before she could Rachel blushed again, as a young man put his arm around her waist. He smiled charmingly at her before turning to Amy. “Hello.” He said grinning. That was obviously Paul. “Hello Paul.” She replied, smiling back. “I’m Amy.” Paul’s smile grew, “I could tell.” “Could you?” He nodded, “You look quite a bit like your brother, for not actually being brother-sister, you know?” Amy laughed. She liked Paul, he seemed nice enough. Her eyes moved to Rachel though, and her smile faded. Rachel was looking in complete shock and almost dismay from Paul to Amy to where Ryan was and back. Ryan obviously HADN’T explained. She cringed. “Rachel? What’s wrong?” Paul asked worriedly. Tears had filled the woman’s eyes. “I-I-I’m sorry.” Rachel apologized, trying to wipe at the tears. “It’s –it’s ju-just-“ Just Vanessa. Of course. “No.” Amy cut in firmly, putting her hand on Rachel’s shaking shoulder. “I’M sorry.” She didn’t want to watch her crying over something that was entirely her fault. She turned quickly. As wonderful as this party was going, she felt again like she didn’t belong. And she suddenly felt the need to leave. Not thinking straight she began to moved for the door. She’d even got her hand on the doorknob when another voice, thickly accented, asked, “You’re not leavin’ yet, are ya?” Amy wheeled around, and completely lost what she was going to say. Standing in front of her, away from the other guests was a gorgeous young man. His blonde hair long and messy and falling a little over one eye, Those eyes were sparkling with the smile that lit up his face. He looked incredibly friendly, and incredibly cute. “What?” She asked, stupidly. He laughed, “You’re Amy, am I right?” That didn’t answer her question, but it didn’t matter. “I am. And you’re Keith.” She didn’t think about it before she said, but, by elimination, he had to be. He looked a bit like the girl, Lauren, as well. A nod. “So, why were you leaving?” “I- I – I’m not sure. Just, ah, some fresh air.” She tried to defend, pathetically. Another nod, “Kinda crammed in here, huh?” Maybe she was a better liar than she thought. A smile returned on her face, “Just a little.” “Do you want to come outside for a bit?” He asked, casually. She didn’t know what to say so he continued, “I, actually, have to go out to me car for a moment to get beers for the guys.” A wink. He was asking her to come with? She thought about it, looking past him into the party. While not on purpose, she noticed Rachel, her face tear stained. She defiantly needed to get away. If Keith was going to help her with that, then she wasn’t going to complain. “Okay…” If possible his smile grew. She blushed, because it only made him more attractive. Geez, why hadn’t Ryan told her his group mates were like male models that just so happened to be able to sing. Without saying anything, both wandered out of the apartment to where a bunch of cars were parked. He moved over to the trunk of an old VW beetle, tan and a little beat up. She was surprised for about a second. Looking from Keith to the car, they kinda matched. Same style. He pulled out a few crates. She shook her head, and took one from him, chuckling. He laughed too, “You don’t have to do that.” It was the first thing he’d said on the entire trip down. “Ah, but you look ready to fall over! And besides, I need an excuse if anyone asks.” “You were going out for air. Seems simple enough.” It should be, but even if her lie had worked with Keith it wouldn’t with Ryan. He knew her too well. “I suppose. Would you rather I didn’t help?” His smile softened, “Help is fine. Thank you.” “You’re welcome.” There was silence. Which was odd. She was fairly outgoing, and he seemed to be as well. So why was there silence? She tried to think of something to say to him. One question kept popping up. Why not? She thought. “Ryan says you surf?” They both said at the same time.
There was a brief silence before both broke into laughter. He had an adorable laugh to match his adorable grin. As it quieted down, Amy was thankful that there was a way to break the ice. “Yeah, I surf.” She continued, “Or I DID surf. Just for a little bit when I was in Cali.” “Did you like it?” “Of course! It was amazing! I’d never felt so happy, it’s like – I –I – I don’t even know…” More laughter, “Indescribable?” He proposed. “Very.” She replied. “I know what you mean, I haven’t found words to describe it yet, ya know?” She giggled, “I do. Kind of miss it now, those weeks in California were wonderful.” “Were you good?” He asked. “What?” “Were you good, ya know, at surfing.” Oh. “I was decent, I mean I was able to stand up and not make a fool of myself, for the most part. I stood up my first time.” He seemed completely interested now, “First time?” “First time.” “That’s pretty incredible, Amy.” “So I’ve heard.” She laughed. “I’m afraid I probably wouldn’t be able to do it anymore. It’s one of those things you have to do often to keep afloat, am I right?” He laughed, “I think so. But how long are you staying here?” “I promised Ryan through Christmas time.” “Well, then I’m sure there’d be time for us to get out to the coast and refresh your surfin’.” She blushed and nearly dropped her cargo at his words. Us? He’d said ‘us’, not ‘you’. And his tone made it obvious he was included. He WAS friendly. “I – I guess.” He laughed, and looked a little proud of himself for causing her to blush. She made a face at him and he winked. “So, what’s the surf in Cali like?” He continued, “It’s one of my dream surf spots. Haven’t got to go yet…” The conversation continued that way. Surfing. Amy didn’t mind, it was nice to talk to someone so passionate about it. She had enjoyed it more than she could explain and it was wonderful to be around someone who understood how she felt. The party was already beginning to look up.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 30, 2009 16:57:40 GMT -5
“Are we even supposed to have alcohol at two teenagers birthday party?” Amy teased as they came back in. “Both Damian and Lar are probably used to it.” Keith winked, “This is Ireland.” “Really?” She laughed sarcastically, he laughed too. “Drinking around your sister too, some brother you are.” She meant it as a joke, and he knew that, she thought. His laughter died a bit there. “What?” She asked. The smile came back, “Nothing, just Lauren.” Looking at his little sister he sighed. “What about her?” Another honest, non-sarcastic question. He chuckled. “Thinkin’ about how much I’d missed her, ya know?” “Missed her?” “Ryan never told you? Lar and I were, I suppose, separated for a while until, well now.” “Separated?” “Our parents divorced when I was 14 and her 7. We didn’t see each other for 8 years.” Oh. Ouch! “Kinda like Ryan and I.” Except they weren’t really siblings, as she had to often remind herself. There was another difference too, apparently, “I guess. Lauren and I weren’t able to keep contact with her when she moved to the U.S. I had no clue what she’d been up to, until Damian thankfully ran into her during one of our tours here.” “Wow, that- that’s awful.” She whispered. His smile didn’t fade, “I’ll say it was, but she’s here now. So things are good.” She tried to smile back. But she was thinking of herself and Ryan. And Vanessa. Keith caught her upset expression, “What’s the matter, Amy?” “Just- ah”, if lying had worked before, maybe it would again, “nothing. I’m fine.” “C’mon,” He said, not believing her for a second, “You’re upset about something.” His lovely green eyes, usually so bright with his smile were completely serious now. And completely smoldering. She couldn’t think of an excuse. “Vanessa,” She mumbled. He blinked, a little surprised, “She’s back in New York, right?” He was confused. He didn’t know what had happened, what she’d done. She sighed, and told him. Her voice quiet, though the room was loud. She didn’t want to be heard by anyone other than Keith. She especially didn’t want Ryan to hear. He felt bad enough already. “Well, that’s stupid.” Keith said in conclusion. “Stupid?” “Stupid. She should’ve stayed, or at least listened. This could be a lot less complicated.” Amy was glad someone else confirmed it. What Vanessa had done was quite rash and well, kind of stupid. “But it’s still my fault.” “Ryan’s not mad.” She sighed, “I know he’s not. But that almost makes it worse. Wouldn’t you be mad?” He looked at her in questioning amusement, and she continued, “If, say, you caught your girlfriend with another guy.” “Don’t have a girlfriend.” His smile grew. She blushed, and tried not to think about that. “Just hypothetically, play along please.” He laughed and she rolled her eyes. “I’m not sure how I’d feel. I think I’d want an explanation.” He replied. “Would you listen to one?” “If I trusted the girl, yeah.” Keith nodded, “Do you think Vanessa doesn’t trust Ryan?” “heck if I know.” She sighed, glad she was letting this out, “I don’t know enough about those two’s relationship to tell anything. I just know he loves her.” A sadder sigh. “Jealous?” “EH!?” She stared at him, caught completely off guard. He laughed, “Not like that! I know, you said Ryan is like a brother. I mean of the whole relationship thing.” She was relieved. She remembered many a time in middle school and high school being teased about Ryan being her boyfriend. And she’d have to defend a million times that it wasn’t true. Which was occasionally very hard. Because occasionally that was a lie. She was not going to think about that, especially now. She concentrated again on Keith’s question. “Nah, I’m not jealous of their relationship.” That was completely true. She wasn’t really interested in getting in a relationship. Dating was alright, if it didn’t mean anything. She didn’t want to get into a serious relationship at the moment though. Which is what came of dating, so she didn’t date either. Keith raised his eyebrows, laughing. He didn’t seem to believe her. She gave him a mock glare and added, “Are you?” He shrugged, “Not really.” He paused, “Not completely. Not really interested in dating, at the moment.” Like her. Man, they had so much in common. She was enjoying this conversation more with every bit. Of course then it had to end. He casually told her he had to give his baby sister her present, and went to do just that. She sighed, then followed him to where everyone had gathered. She stood beside Ryan. “I see you met Keith.” He told her. His blue eyes laughing. She stuck her tongue out at him. “Aye, yeah I met him.” “What d’you think?” “That’s an odd question to ask.” She laughed, “But, he’s friendly, he’s funny. WE talked about surfing a great deal.” “I can image.” Ryan laughed. There was a squeal as Lauren opened her gift from her brother. A Claddagh ring. Amy grinned, she remembered those. She’d never gotten one, but she’d seen them a million times. Rachel piped up to ask about the meanings, her voice a tad tight. Ryan was a bit stiff too, She looked at him, his arms were crossed but she noticed the same style ring on his hand. “From Vanessa?” She whispered, mouth opened in surprise. He was expressionless, but nodded. Amy felt tears fill her eyes. How had he been unsure about her feeling for him if the girl got him that? How adorable the two must have been together. How terrible they both were apart. Right then she felt like leaving again, mad at herself for ruining everything. Right then, she caught Keith’s eye. He beamed at her like seeing her made him as happy as a kid on Christmas morning. The thought of leaving disappeared. She blushed and waved. Beside her, Ryan laughed. My, what an interesting day this was.
It didn’t last much longer though. A couple more presents were shared and the party began to slow down. George’s wife left to put their daughter to bed, but he stayed and chatted, often with Paul. Rachel and Ryan were conversing, and from the looks on Rachel’s face it was pre-tty obvious they weren’t swapping recipes. Lauren and Damian had run off together. Or so it seemed as neither were in the room. That was odd. “They’re playing football.” Keith’s voice said, surprisingly close next to her. He’d obviously noticed the searching looks on her face. She turned to face him. He was grinning, quite mischievous at that. “What are you thinking?” She asked slowly, a smile lighting her face as well. It was easy to catch into his mood. He shook his head, “Oh nothing.” “Nothing?” She echoed, her smile growing, “No thoughts about your sister and her boyfriend/band-mate alone together? No thinking about… spying?” His eyes were laughing but his expression was that of innocence. Amy leaned in and said in a loud whisper, “I brought my camera.”
“KEITH HARKIN! What do you think you’re doing!?” A few moments later Lauren was chasing her brother around the small kitchen. A look of brotherly triumph on his face as he held the camera high over his head. He’d better not drop it, Amy thought rolling her eyes. As the photo developed he handed it back to the happy couple. Both of whom blushed. Keith then sent that gorgeous triumphant grin to Amy, and it was her turn to blush. She felt oddly proud though, as though Keith’s beam was like winning an award. It was grand. As the madness quieted down he handed the camera back. “Thanks for that Amy, the idea and the camera.” “The idea?” Amy laughed, “Oh the idea was in your head the whole time. I could see it. I just gave ya the hardware.” “Could you?” He chuckled. Without thinking she ruffled his not surprisingly soft blonde hair, “Aye, I could. Photographers eye, ya know?” More laughter, “So that’s really what you do for a living? Photography?” “Yep. It’s great craic, get to travel around, see the world. And I get paid for it. No downside.” “That’s a good point. That would be a fantastic job. You must be very good.” She blushed darker. He said it so simply, like there was no question of it. “I’m decent. No complaints.” She smiled a bit more, “I got some of the waves in Cali, if you want to see…” “Very much.” He beamed. She took out another camera, digital and looked for the right photos. Keith was looking over her shoulder, nearly bending as she was a bit shorter than him. A couple of large wave pictures began to show up. People riding on the tides that pounded the shoreline. “Woah.” Keith breathed. “Fun, isn’t it?” “Warm looking.” He added, laughter in his voice again, She giggled, “Oh it was very warm. It’s California.” He rolled his eyes, “I’m a little jealous you got to go. I seriously want to.” “Who says you won’t? Someday, you never know.” His smile softened, “I guess. I’ll find a way.” Mischievous again. “I have no doubt you will.” She chuckled, “Try and keep it legal though.” His laughter grew, and he pretended to cross his heart, “I’ll not go to jail for trying to get to California.” She nodded, pleased, “If nothing works, I’ll invite you next time a job brings me there.” His grin turned absolutely ecstatic. He reminded her of a 5 year old on Christmas morning. And in that same way it was infectious and she was beaming back pathetically. She heard a cough at her other side. She turned, Ryan was giving her quite the impish smile. She raised her eyebrows. “What?” He laughed, “I haven’t seen these photos either.” His eyes flickered to Keith for a moment. Amy caught it. She shoved him, and her blush didn’t help at all. “Well, you have plenty of time to look. Were you thinking of leaving?” “Do you want to?” He asked in reply. She knew what he as thinking, that earned him another shove. Keith laughed, but had obviously caught nothing of their looks. Thankfully. Amy was in for teasing obviously. But how could she not melt a little under the gorgeous smile of the surfer boy that looked like a sun god. Besides, he was so friendly, he was the only one, aside from Ryan that she felt at home talking to. And she’d known Ryan for years. Keith, for a day. “Am I going to see you again soon?” He asked innocently enough, on the surface at least. Ryan coughed again, trying to stifle a laugh surely. Amy giggled. “I’ll be at Rachel and Paul’s Wedding…” She said slowly. The 5-year-old beam came back, and she blushed. Was it that her presence made him THAT happy? Or was he just that happy normally? Or a bit of both? “Great.” He said, “I’ll see you then, Amy. It was a pleasure to meet you.” And then he hugged her. And oh my! She’d had plenty of guys hug her, sure. Never had it felt so firm, so sweet. Never did it make her heart beat like – like – She shook her thoughts away. Her mind scolding herself. “N-Nice to meet you too, Keith.” She laughed awkwardly, as she pulled a way. She moved to say her “goodbye” ’s to the rest of the room. Trying to avoid meeting poor Rachel’s eyes. She wished the teens a happy birthday again and moved to meet Ryan by the door. As they pulled a way from the apartment Keith and Lauren stood on the porch waving. Laughing, Amy wiggled her fingers in a wave back. Even with the windows rolled up both Ryan and Amy heard Keith’s last call. “I’ll take you surfing sometime Amy!”
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 30, 2009 18:55:03 GMT -5
“Hush.” “Hey, I’m not going to say anything.” “Yes, you are.” Laughter, “What can I say? You appear to have made an impression on him…” Amy blushed. An impression? She’d barely just met him and he was certain she’d made an impression, “He’s just a friendly person.” “I know that.” Ryan laughed. Of course he did. Keith was his band-mate. “But honestly…” “Honestly what?” She asked, “What makes me an impression?” He shrugged, “All I know is he’d been excited to meet you for a while. And by looks of it, you didn’t disappoint.” Her blush deepened, “He had?” “He had. Since I first mentioned you, almost.” “Geez, Keith.” She murmured, looking over her shoulder with a sigh. There was a silence then Ryan added, “So are you going to?” “Am I going to what?” She asked, confused. More laughter, “Go out with him–“ “WHAT!?” “Surfing.” He added quickly. She gave him a shrewd look, and his laughter grew. With a sigh she dropped it, “I doubt it.” “Why?” “I don’t know.” She mumbled, “But I mean we never set up a day or anything, and he doesn’t know my number, nor I his. So how would this work?” “He knows my number.” Ryan said, with a wink, “and I, his. If you want it.” She sent him another glare but he continued, unphased, “And besides you’ll see him in two days. The wedding, you know.” “True.” He rolled his eyes, “Do sound cheerful about it, don’t you?” “I’m not sure Rachel would want me there.” “Rachel thinks you’re a sweetheart. She told me. After I explained everything, of course.” The smile left his voice, “She has a feeling..” “A feeling?” Amy asked, confused. “That V may make it to the wedding, still. She says she just knows her sister would be there, no mater what happened between, well between us.” Amy felt guilt and hope fill her at once. “If that happens is she going to explain?” “She told me that’s my job,” He said with an awkward cough, “She said she’d get her to promise to listen to me, though. Again, only if this happens.” “How much do you trust Rachel’s feeling?” “Not sure. They’re incredibly close, and I agree that it’s very unlike V to miss something like this.” He sighed, “I hope she does.” Amy sighed as well. She hoped so too.
She did make it. As the Maid of honor and Best man walked out first Amy easily caught the way Ryan was avoiding the woman next to him’s eyes. And she avoided his just as steadily. Amy had been concentrating to much on Ryan’s expression to notice much about what she looked like, so it was a shock as she turned to face the audience by the alter. Ryan hadn’t been exaggerating, well not as much as she had originally thought. Vanessa WAS gorgeous. She had lovely, almost honey colored hair pulled into a tight bun, and while her dress was different, and a little more casual than the other bridesmaids, it fit her beautifully and made her look quite classy. Her expression had turned from a tight serious expression to a giddy grin as Rachel came down the aisle in the most stunning dress Amy had ever seen. Those two were defiantly close. The wedding went like a blur. And at the most awkward time, the kiss, she remembered that Keith was present somewhere as well. Turning from the STILL embracing couple, she tried to locate her friend. When he wasn’t located she sighed. She hadn’t really thought about seeing him, much less hoping to see him. But she couldn’t deny the disappointment that filled her in not seeing him. She had been right the first time, it was highly unlikely they’d see anymore of each other in her time there. Amy looked again at the couple, and then at Vanessa. She was looking at Ryan. Her face slightly flushed but completely serious. Looking at Ryan, she saw him attempt to smile. No dice. Vanessa looked away sharply, only to meet her own eyes. Now it was her turn to try a pathetic smile, feeling guiltier than ever. Ryan hadn’t explained yet, hopefully he would. As the celebration ended and everyone filed out she searched again for Keith. She didn’t find him. She found Ryan, however. “Go find her.” She said firmly. “I’m looking.” He replied sheepishly, he paused then mumbled, “What do you think of her?” Aside from being completely rash, “She looks very pretty, and very heartbroken. Now stop talking to me and FIND her.” Laughter, “Aye aye.” And off he went.
Amy followed him until he was lost into crowds of people talking. “Oh, let this work.” She mumbled. “Let what work?” A familiar voice laughed from behind her. She whirled around in more excitement than she had planned. “Keith!” She exclaimed, tossing her arms around him. It hit her what she’d just done and she pulled away blushing awkwardly. He was laughing, though a light blush was on his cheeks as well. Very light. “Happy to see you too, Amy. You seem surprised.” “I didn’t think you were here! I didn’t see you earlier.” “You were looking for me.” His smile was impish which went very well with it not being a question. “It was nice to have someone else I know in the audience, you understand.” “I do.” He chuckled, “Sorry about the lateness…” She laughed, herself, “Trust me, I know all about it. At least you showed up at all, I rarely do that.” “Miss a lot of family events, do you?” He said, his laughter growing. “You know about that, don’t you?” She countered, “All the times I promised to meet Ry, but somehow stood him up.” “He doesn’t mind.” That was about the third time that had been said. Amy rolled her eyes, “I know that. It’s still embarrassing. I kind of wished I’d missed this time though. Things would probably be better that way…” “Vanessa?” “Yep.” He sighed, still grinning, “It’s going to work out fine. Just you wait.” “But-“ His finger flew to her lips. She blushed and shut her mouth. “Ryan can be pre-tty persuasive when he feels like it, I’m sure you know that. And Vanessa still loves him. Combine those two factors and there is no doubt they’ll be together before the reception. Trust me.” She looked in to his eyes, glistening with laughter. Nonetheless, he was totally serious and confident in what he said. There was no room for doubt. It would all work out fine. And it did.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 31, 2009 20:12:00 GMT -5
Ryan Kelly and Vanessa Brennon walked into the reception hall with their hands clasped so tight, Amy was quite sure their circulation was getting cut off. He was beaming from ear to ear and she had happy tears glistening in her eyes as she grinned. To an observer, THEY looked like the couple that just got married. Not to say the couple that had just tied the knot looked any less ecstatic. Maybe it looked like a double wedding. Either way, it was clear everything had worked out perfectly. Rachel was able to split away from her husband to give her sister a warm hug. Ryan took that time to slip and reach Amy. “You got her to listen?” “Obviously.” He winked, “I was a little scared at first, she wouldn’t stop, and she was very good at countering.” “Countering what?” She asked, confused, “What was there to counter?” “She asked if I loved you.” He told her, smiling still. She blinked, “You told her ‘no’, right?” His grin went crooked, “Right?” She stressed. Laughter. “RYAN! You didn’t say yes!?” “I said it was an unfair question.” He replied. She buried her face in her hands. “Do you have any idea how idiotic that was?” More laughter, “Idiotic or no, I can’t say I don’t love you, Amy. Could you say you didn’t love me?” “Of course not, Ryan, you’re the greatest friend I’ve ever had.” She sighed, “Did you at least explain why it was unfair.” “Once she let me.” He chuckled. Amy sighed, a little upset with him. She supposed she should be happy it all worked out though. “Who was letting you do what, Ry?” A voice Amy didn’t recognize said. Seconds later, Vanessa’s head popped over Ryan’s shoulder. Her face showed surprise, but no hurt. Well, actually, hurt, but not the kind she’d expected. Ryan coughed, “V, would you like something to drink?” Vanessa blushed, “Yes but I-“ Before she could finished Ryan slipped past the two girls. There was a beat before both quickly said, “I’m so sorry.” Amy laughed awkwardly and thankfully Vanessa joined in. “I really am, though.” She continued, “I nearly ruined both of your lives.” “Oh don’t even!” She squeaked, “You ruined nothing! I was rash and stupid and I wasn’t thinking straight. I should have listened- I shouldn’t have thought. I almost broke my own sisters heart.” She gestured to Rachel. “Don’t beat yourself up. What you makes perfect sense for what you saw.” Amy defended. “And you have no right to feel upset about showing affection toward a brother you haven’t seen in a LONG time!” She said back. She sighed, “What say we have a truce. We both have nothing to be ashamed of…” “Especially now that everything has worked out.” “Exactly.” “Truce?” She beamed extending her hand. She gave it a shake, “Truce.” With a jolt Amy was pulled into a warm hug from the beautiful woman. A comforting nearly family-like gesture. She felt tears forming. “It’s nice to meet you.” Amy added, as they pulled apart, “Ryan spoke a lot about you before, well, this.” “He did?” “First thing he said… after ‘I missed you’, of course, was ‘wait until you meet her’. I asked who he meant and basically got a rundown on every quality you possess.” She winked. Vanessa turned a pretty red, “Geez Ryan.” She murmured. It was practically the same thing shed said when Ryan had told her about Keith wanting to meet her. Keith! She’d lost him in the crowd when talking to Ryan and Vanessa. She scanned around for him. “Missing someone?” Vanessa asked. Without thinking she nodded, “Have you seen Keith? I was hoping to talk to him and I’ve lost him.” “Keith, eh?” She asked, perfect eyebrows raised. Amy blushed. “No clue. You meet him at Lauren and Damian’s party?” “Yeah. He’s very- very- nice.” She trailed off. Vanessa’s smile grew. A second later another woman stood beside her. Rachel. Beaming from ear to ear. “Did I hear Amy and Keith’s names in the same sentence?” She giggled. It was sisterly teasing, and instead of embarrassed in the least, she was happy. Happy to be a part of it. “I- He’s just a good friend, you know.” Rachel and Vanessa looked at each other with raised eyebrows, “Isn’t that what you said about Paul?” Vanessa began. “And you about Ryan?” Rachel continued. “I think I see a theme.” They concluded. Amy’s face was red, and it didn’t help as just then she was lifted up in a hug from behind, “Geez, Ames! Thought I lost ya!” Keith’s voice laughed. She tried to contain her pounding heartbeat. “God, Keith! Don’t DO that! You scared me half to death!” He laughed, “Sorry ‘bout that.” He turned his fantastic grin to the other two women “Hello Rachel, wished you and Paul the best yet?” “Only about three times, Keith.” She rolled her eyes. “No harm in saying it again.” He replied, “Ness, I’m glad to see you. Was worried you’d left for good.” Amy looked away in guilt again. Vanessa cheerfully replied, however, “Oh, part of my heart’s in Ireland now. Can never leave it.” “Glad to hear it.” He said. Somehow, then, the two sisters had found reasons to disappear and Keith and Amy were alone.. “I’m glad to see you again, Keith.” “I figured you were.” He replied. “Which is why I’m wondering… If you weren’t doing something, next Friday…” It felt right then, like the whole room had disappeared. “Do you want to go out, surfing you know? I’d love to take you out to the beach one of these days.” Her heart pounded and she couldn’t think straight. Seeing Keith, and for once JUST Keith. Like-like a date. Well sure, that was fine if she were a local girl, someone he could see and date regularly. She wasn’t that type. And pretending she was would only hurt him, if he started to like her like that. And if SHE started to like him like that. When she left it would hurt her too. She didn’t want to go through that. But turning him down. That was impossibly hard. He looked so eager, and she knew inside she really wanted to go. “I’m not sure.” She mumbled. His smile didn’t falter, “You’re busy, then?” Heck no, she wasn’t busy. What would be her excuse then, “Had some stuff planned with Ryan, you know. I’m not sure I’ll be able to get away.” She took a step back toward where said friend was. As she moved to turn she heard him reply, that ecstatic grin shining in his voice, “I have no doubt you’ll find a way, Ames. I’ll be counting on it.” She couldn’t help but turn to look, just to see his wink.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 1, 2009 11:30:53 GMT -5
Amy felt like an idiot sitting at the beach in a wet suit holding a leased surfboard, waiting. Waiting on what? She’d never confirmed with Keith that she would be coming. Nor did they ever set up a time. She didn’t know his number so she couldn’t call, and she was sure he didn’t know hers. So she was alone on a beach, watching the thunderous waves pour in. It was absolutely freezing, but, surprisingly, she liked it. It was kind of invigorating. And the waves looked incredibly inviting. With a sigh, she decided there was no point feeling glum waiting for someone who wasn’t coming. Nothing was keeping her from surfing and enjoying herself, so that’s what she’d do. Another sigh and she was paddling out into the icy water against the strong waves. With a deep breath she adjusted herself to try and stand. She didn’t even get both feet up before flipping back, as the wave crashed over her. A beat and she shot back up above the water, shivering. She grabbed the board, and pulled herself on it again. Without thinking to go back to shore and start fresh she turned on her board to face the incoming wave. She was going to attempt to stand again. This time she got it. More than incredibly ecstatic she suddenly wished Keith was there. Wished she could see his impressed face. That would be grand. Not thinking she closed her eyes, picturing it. CRASH! She lost her balance and into the water she plunged. Coming up for air she whacked her head against her board, making her dizzy. Before she could grab hold of said board another wave splashed down on her and she was under water again, the salty ocean getting in her mouth. Gasping, she tried to come up for air again, but underwater she couldn’t tell which way to swim to reach it. Another wave pushed her some direction. Closer to shore? Further to sea? She wasn’t sure. She didn’t know where air was, much less her board or land. Slowly she felt coherence slip away as she heard her name called.
“Amy! Amy, girl, come on. Breathe, come on. Amy, please.” The same words were repeated and she felt someone’s hands pushing on her chest. With one final push she felt water rush to her mouth. Gasping, she spit it out, and opened her eyes. Keith’s worried expression hovered a little above her face. His hair dripping and looking almost dark brown, which was odd. It was defiantly him, though. The eyes were the same. “Keith…” Her voice sounded raspy and choked. But it made Keith smile. “Oh, thank God, you’re alive.” Was all he said. She coughed again, and out came more seawater, “What- I mean how did you?” “Surfing date, remember?” He chuckled, “Well, came out here to see you’d gotten a head start, right as you wiped out.” Amy cringed thinking about him witnessing that, “I’d seen plenty of my mates wipe out before, but after a couple moments without seeing your head pop up and I got worried. A couple more moments and I was in there to get ya.” Amy blushed, and pushed herself up to sitting, “Thank you, I was really scared for a while.” “So was I.” He laughed, “You weren’t breathing, it’s kind of terrifying.” “If I wasn’t breathing how did you-“ Laughter. “CPR, you know…” She must have still looked confused because wordlessly Keith put a finger to his lips, pointedly. A beat of silence before Amy comprehended that. Her face turned a beat red and her pulse sped up. CPR. Mouth-to-mouth. Oh my God! Keith’s laughter grew, “You okay?” She could think of nothing to say, “I’m sorry.” “Sorry for what?” “Sorry you had to-“ To, well, kiss her. How awkward. He shook his head, “You make it sound like I didn’t want to.” “WHAT!?” She asked incredulously. “Amy, it was that or just watching you dying. Which one do you think I’d rather do?” “Oh. Right, sorry…” She mumbled, blushing still. “Ehm, Thank you. So much, Keith.” He beamed, “Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re okay.” She sighed, “That’s never happened before.” “You never wiped out before?” He said chucking, “That’s kind of unbelievable, Ames.” “Not like that.” She replied, “I have to say, Cali waves felt a lot more, well, tame, than that.” “Pretty wild out there, eh?” “Very.” He pushed his hands back through his darker hair, “Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t want to head out again…” “Not want to- Keith! Wipe out aside that was incredible! ‘course I still want to!” Keith burst into laughter, “For real? You honestly want to go out there again?” Amy simply nodded, like an excited little girl. “Ryan’s right, you are wild.” She switched her eager expression to look hurt and he continued, “Don’t worry, I like that.” She blushed and tried not to concentrate on that, “So, can you teach me not to nearly drown?” He smirked, taking her hand to help her stand up. “Certainly can, Ames. It could take all day though, you ready?” “Certainly am.” She gave his hand a squeeze and off they went. Keith was right, it did take the rest of the day. And it was the most fantastic day Amy had ever had.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 2, 2009 10:05:35 GMT -5
“How can you stand it?” She laughed, as they walked away from the ocean at last. She turned her eyes skyward, getting splashed in the face, “Surfing while it rains?” “Well, when it’s the only way you do surf most of the time, you don’t really know what you’re missing.” He laughed along. Both were on such a natural high from the cool air and sea and the pure energy that came from surfing. Well, that was her Keith may have been that energetic naturally. Either way, the surfing date had left both slaphappy and almost hyper. She giggled, and spun around, still watching the sky. “California may be warmer, and dryer…” “And tamer?” Keith poked in. “and all that. Ireland is certainly prettier.” He laughed, “Pretty is a way to put it, sure.” He made it sound like it wasn’t the way he’d put it, “What would you call it?” A shrug, “Don’t know.” “Indescribable?” She teased. More laughter and her mussed up her wet hair, “Very much.” He chuckled. The sun was beginning to set. Or well, Amy guessed it was as it was that time of day and it was getting darker. She wondered how long they had been out. The rain was falling harder too. “Did you tell Ryan a time you’d be back?” Keith asked casually, noticing the time as well. Amy laughed, “He’s not a baby sitter, and I’m staying in a hotel.” She paused, “Shoot.” “What?” “He drove me here, though. So I have no ride back.” “Well, can’t you call and say your ready to get back?” She rolled her eyes, “I would except… what time it is?” “Nearly 7:00.” He replied. “Yep.” She said with a crooked smile, “He’s out with his Nessa right now.” “You don’t sound too happy about it.” Keith noted with raised eyebrows. Amy blushed. “No, I’m ecstatic. Seems everything worked perfect.” “Like I said.” “Like you said,” She giggled. “But anyways, it means I have no ride back. I should have remembered his date.” “Your mind was occupied with more important things?” He suggested as they reached a VW bus, same style as the beetle. She laughed silently at how perfect it fit him. She raised her eyebrows at him, “Such as?” He laughed and put his board on the top of the bus. Turning to grab Amy’s he winked, “Me?” Laughter, “Oh, aren’t we humble.” She teased, despite her blushing. “You give yourself too much credit.” He looked ready to argue that, but thunder crashed in the distance, and Amy sneezed. “Do you want to come over for a bit?” He said, “Just to dry off, then I can take you back to your hotel.” She smiled. God, he was so nice. Along with being funny and gorgeous. How was it some men had it all? She shook the thought away. No use getting attached to him, this wouldn’t last forever anyways. Nonetheless, she was cold, her surf high was wearing off and she felt mildly sick. Warmth and dryness were incredibly inviting. “That would be very nice.”
Amy wasn’t there 5 minutes with a blanket around her a tea in her hands when the doorbell rang. Keith had told her was going to take a shower and would be out soon, so no one was around to open the door but she. She sighed, and set down the tea, still with the blanket firmly around her to answer the door. She met the surprised eyes of Keith’s younger sister. “H-h-hello Amy.” She said, “Is Keith here?” Amy’s face went red at the thought of how terribly awkward this must look. “Um, yeah. He’s in the shower.. um will be out in a bit.” Lauren said nothing else, and stepped inside. As she moved into the kitchen to get herself tea, she added quickly, “We went surfing, he- he asked me- you know...” This was ridiculous. She should not have to be explaining herself to this girl. “I do.” The girl responded with a little laugh, “He wouldn’t shut up about it. Just didn’t expect you to still be here…” She didn’t sound mad, though, thankfully. “Ah, well, he- I-,” A thought hit her, “Why are you here? Just curious.” More laughter, “Keith’s teaching me surfing over the weekend. But I thought I’d surprise him and show up tonight. How is it?” “How it what?” “Surfing. You certainly seem to enjoy it as much as my brother.” She explained, “So how is it?” “I enjoy it a lot, defiantly. Kind of dangerous, but nice besides.” There was silence as Lauren sipped her tea. Amy sighed and did the same. “So you like him, then?” She nearly choked on her drink. “Wh-what?” Lauren grinned knowingly, “Keith. You like him, don’t you? I mean, you went out today, right?” “I wouldn’t quite call surfing a date.” She defended, “It’s more of, well, like playing a sport with a friend.” “Damian and I have football dates. We’ll go and kick the ball around, you know. Still a date, though.” Well, that was the most adorable thing she’d ever heard. Not thinking of that she continued, “I guess, that is true. But Keith and are just- not like that.” She looked at her for a long time, then sighed, “So your not. I’m sorry about the confusion with Ryan and Vanessa. Keith explained for me, and then at the reception… I shouldn’t have thought-“ “It’s cool. I know very well what it looked like. And everything’s fine, so we don’t have to think about it anymore.” She sighed. “Right, sorry.” “Did I hear Lar?” Keith’s voice called, a moment later he wandered out, Drying his long hair, grinning. “Keith!” Lauren beamed, giving her brother a warm hug. “What are ya doin’ here?” He laughed, “Didn’t expect you until tomorrow!” “Surprise!” She giggled. He shook his head with laughter, “Surprise it is. I suppose you’ve met Ames, then?” “Yep. Was nice to see her again, as you wouldn’t shut up about her.” Keith blushed and punched his sister’s arm. Sending his ecstatic beam to her now he explained, “I was excited to see ya – take you surfin’ and all.” “No, no, no, I understand.” She giggled awkwardly, “I was incredibly excited about coming.” They smiled at each other for a long moment before he coughed, “I guess you’d like to get back to your hotel now, wouldn’t you?” Right then, leaving was the last thing she felt like doing, “Right yeah, that’d be good.” “Cool, we’ll go then. Want to come with, sis?” Lauren looked between the two, then laughed, “I’ll pass. I’m sure you two would rather be alone.” Then, giggling at their blushing expressions, winked and disappeared into the apartment.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 2, 2009 21:52:09 GMT -5
There was an awkward silence for much of the ride to her Hotel, through the pouring rain. “Sorry about Lauren.” Keith began. “No, don’t worry.” She giggled, “She’s your little sister; teasing, it happens.” He sighed, seeming almost relieved. “This was a lot of fun.” She added. He laughed softly, “It defiantly was. Aside from your nearly drowning.” “Right.” She replied, then paused, “You won’t be telling Ryan about that will you?” “I thought he wasn’t your babysitter.” Keith teased. She made a face at him, “He’s not. But he’d be worried, and I don’t want him to be, you know?” “I do.” He beamed, “Don’t worry, we’ll keep that little fact out.” “Thanks.” “Anytime.” More awkward silence, as neither could think of anything to say. Amy sighed, she was rarely what one would consider shy. She loved to talk… normally. This was odd. By the time there were words spoken again they were pulling up at her hotel. It was about 9:00. Amy sighed. The day had been so wonderful, she hated the thought of it ending. Keith looked at her, and in the little light she had she could see he was thinking the same sort of thing. She blushed. “Well, thanks.” She told him, with a slightly forced smile. “I had a grand time.” “We should go out again sometime.” Go out? Like surfing or actually OUT-out? Like on a date? She blushed deeper, glad for the lack of light. “I suppose. I need something to keep me busy over the next few months.” A thought hit her, “But you’ll all be touring, won’t you?” He appeared to have forgotten that detail. His face fell, “We will, won’t we…” “You don’t sound too happy.” “No I love touring the states and all…” He chuckled, “But,” “But what?” She asked, curious. What could be better than seeing the entire country? He looked ready to say something and then decided it was silly. He made a face and continued, “but I get homesick still, you know.” She didn’t really. A home was something she didn’t really have. She didn’t have a place she went home to. It was strange. She’d never thought of it, and when she did she was happy to be free. She was well paid and she got to see the world. A home would only weigh her down. Hearing Keith mention homesickness, a little feeling opened up. A feeling of having a home, a place to stay and come back to. She suddenly likes that thought, that feeling. It felt…nice. She was being crazy though. A home meant settling down, getting a local job and live around the same people forever. How boring that may get. She loved her freedom, and that small feeling wasn’t enough to get rid of it. “I understand.” Was her only reply. He sighed, “Well, I’ll talk to you soon. Like, I’ll try and call.” “You don’t know the number…” She mumbled, blushing still. A wink, “You don’t know that for sure.” “Creeper.” She laughed, and so did he. As she finally opened the door to step out into the pouring rain Keith said something different, “Amy, you are without a doubt one of the most fantastic girls I have ever met. Hopefully we can get out before touring starts again. Love to see you again.” Amy’s face was beat red but she managed to choke out, “Love to see you too, Keith.” He beamed, then let out a sort of awkward cough, “Well, I’ll see you then.” “I’ll see you Keith! This was so amazing!” With a sigh she closed the car door. Still he called, “Glad you enjoyed it Ames. Later!!” And he was gone.
Amy sighed as her hotel alarm clock woke her up. Another day in Ireland. She should have been excited and a bit of her was. But this day would most likely be Keith-less, and after the fun yesterday had been she wasn’t looking forward to missing him. Fantastic. He’d called her fantastic. No one had ever called her fantastic, not even Ryan. She was sure there were plenty of other flattering adjectives he could have used, but she was more than happy with that one. He thought her fantastic. He certainly was, himself, she thought with a giggle. Then she sighed, she was missing him already. She wondered if Ryan was going to be coming by today. He had nothing else planned, that she knew of, and she defiantly didn’t. He wouldn’t expect her to do anything on her own. A few hours into the morning as Amy thought to plot some sort of event for the day if Ryan didn’t come, the doorbell rang. She sighed, relieved and went to answer the door. It wasn’t Ryan. In his place stood the beautiful Vanessa. Her honey colored hair flowing in gentle waves past her shoulders. She was grinning. “Good morning miss. Amy.” She said happily. “G-Good morning, Vanessa.” She mumbled in reply, trying to get over her initial shock, “May I ask what you’re doing here?” “Before you do, I’ll have you know this is Ry’s idea too.” She said right away. “What’s Ry’s idea?” “That I, and possibly Rache, take you out today.” She replied, “You know, like a girl’s day out, thing…” She trailed off awkwardly. Amy blinked. Why had Ryan suggested that? Not that it was a bad idea, it was just… unexpected. “I think he’s worried about you and I… not getting along,” Vanessa explained uncomfortably, then continued quickly, “I mean, I told him that’s not the case at all! I think you’re a complete sweetheart, I do! He’s just,” A sigh, “being Ryan, I suppose.” Now she laughed, “No, I understand perfectly. I knew he would be concerned about us.” She shook her head, laughing, “It’s a fine idea though. I’d like to get to know you more.” “And I, you.” Vanessa replied, the smile back on her face, “So, you want to go?” “Love to,” She giggled, “But I still need to get dressed.” Gesturing to her pajamas she hadn’t changed out of yet. “I have time.” She replied with a smile. “You change, and I’ll give Rachel a call. A grand day we’ll have, I’m sure of it.”
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 3, 2009 20:53:51 GMT -5
Amy was holding five bags of clothes and other girly products by the time the girls had lunch. Rachel had two less and Vanessa two more. She was feeling as happy as possible listening to the sisterly chatter between the girls. A small part of her still felt a little left out, as some things she didn’t get. “You seriously have not heard Celtic Thunder’s music?” Rachel asked in amazement, “Ryan never thought to show you?” “He may have thought to, but never did.” She replied with a nervous laugh. She had, in fact, been wanting to hear her best friends music. And Keith’s, her mind teased quietly. “Well, what shall we do about this?” Vanessa said in a voice that sounded disturbingly like the one in her head, “What are your plans for tonight?” Amy didn’t even have to think, “None.” Rachel laughed, “Then what say you to coming over and watching what your friend has been up to?” “I don’t see why not,” She giggled, still nervously. “Great” The sisters replied, beaming. And off shopping the three went again, Amy feeling a bit more accepted, at home, and comfortable. Still conversation was difficult because she knew very little about her two new friends. At one point she finally decided to ask, “Ness, how did you and Ryan meet?” “He never told you?” “He didn’t speak a word of you until I first arrived here. And then, well we tried not to talk much about – never mind,” She rushed, blushing, “Point is, I’ve heard very little about your relationship.” Vanessa went a bit pink, but still smiling said, “It’s really all because of Rachel.” “How is it all because of me?” “If you’d never met Paul, I’d never met Ryan!” “True.” Rachel admitted, “Though, don’t give me all the credit, Ry did stalk you for a while.” “Wait, what?” Amy cut in with a laugh, “Ryan stalked you?” Vanessa looked a bit smug, “Oh, he’ll tell it differently. He showed up at our church one time, um, at Rachel and Paul’s house, when only I was there, and probably a few more times too. It was rather flattering.” “Oh I’m sure,” She giggled, “so he was smitten at first sight, then?” Vanessa blushed a bit more. “I suppose he was,” She giggled, “I suppose I was too, scared to admit it though.” “Wanted to avoid heartbreak.” Rachel added. “I see that worked.” Amy winked. All three girls laughed. “So that’s what’s happened,” She laughed, “What about you and Ry? How did you two meet? He avoided mentioning you a lot as well.” “Well the two of us have been friends since like,” She racked her mind, “Forever. Honestly. There isn’t a memory of my childhood without him.” “How sweet,” Rachel beamed. “It was. I moved in my freshman year. Not so sweet. Ry and I promised to keep in touch and keep in touch we did. Though I haven’t seen him, well, haven’t seen him until you saw us.” Vanessa cringed, at the memory she guessed. All she said was, “Ouch. I’m sorry.” “It’s fine, now. And I was glad to have contact with him. I hated it at the time, though. When we first moved, especially…” “Especially what?” She shook her head awkwardly, “It’s nothing.” Both girls didn’t know how to drop things, it appeared, “Seriously, what?” She rolled her eyes, “I just hated being away from people I loved, that’s all.” She said it as casually as possible, and thankfully neither sister probed further. “Sorry about that.” Rachel muttered. “Don’t be.” She replied, still beaming, “I get to see him now, so I’m happy.”
The sun was beginning to set as the girls reached the end of their shopping extravaganza. “Wouldn’t Paul mind if we were watching their DVD?” Amy wondered aloud as they had decided to go straight to Rachel’s place after shopping. Vanessa had called Ryan to let him know where the girls were. “Oh, he’ll live. He’ll probably watch as well to add his own commentary to it.” Rachel laughed. “If you say so…” “Trust me, he’s fine with watching himself on TV, he’s got more than enough self confidence.” Vanessa added in, she nodded. Amy giggled. No arguing with them then. So as they sat in the small living room of Rachel and Paul’s house, the girls discussed what to show her first. “One of Ryan’s, surely.” “Oh, of course! Which?” “Which do you think.” “Heartbreaker.” They both agreed. She watched the conversation with increased confusion, and was almost scared to see what kind of song this was. Especially with their insane giggling as it started up. She was on the floor laughing at the first line. “Seriously?” She squeaked, watching Ryan be a self-proclaimed “Bad Boy”, “Ryan, what are you doing!?” She was gasping for air between laughter. Her friends were giggling as well, “He’s acting.” Vanessa replied. “Well, I always knew he was interested in that, I just – wow!” She had NEVER expected something like this out of her brother and friend. “That’s crazy.” “It is.” Both agreed. She giggled at his expressions throughout, “Well, he seams to be having fun.” “That he does.” Vanessa laughed. “So what’s after this?” She asked casually, as the song died down. “Paul.” Rachel giggled happily, then blushed, “Ah, but we can skip that – if you guys want.” “Ah, we can let you fangirl over your husband a bit, sugar.” Vanessa replied with a roll of her eyes, Rachel’s blush deepened. Paul had a gorgeous voice too. They all seemed to. It was no wonder the boys were so popular in the U.S., she thought with a smile. “We’ll skip the next few.” She continued as the song ended, “I’m sure you want to hear what your other friend sounds like.” “My other-“ Amy began, but was cut short with a blush as Keith showed up on the TV. He was beaming like a little kid again, looking quite happy indeed, as he began to sing. Amy felt her heart pound and her blush deepen. How was it that some men had it all?
Keith looked a bit younger, with his hair pushed back behind a dark hat. He looked just as attractive, nonetheless. She had been to busy concentrating on how he looked to brace herself for the beginning of him singing. She gaped, completely aghast at the gorgeous, unexpectedly gorgeous, voice that came from him. It was incredible! She had not seen that coming from him. At all. “He plays guitar too.” Rachel poked in with a giggle. Obviously at her open mouthed expression of astonishment. She couldn’t find enough adjectives to describe his voice. Oh, guitar. She’d dreamed of learning guitar and had hoped to one of those days. Maybe Keith could teach her she thought. She imagined that before her mind could stop herself. Spending days with him as he taught her to play beautiful melodies that he made look so easy. His hand holding hers, helping her get the feel of the chords. Laughing, telling her she was doing a grand job. Her face was as hot as coal as she shook those thoughts away. Though his face on the TV wasn’t helping. Singing that he wanted to take her to the island and, well… “Awfully quiet over there, Amy…” Vanessa teased. Amy, thankful for a distraction, turned to her friend, “Well, I don’t want to talk over that.” She explained. Her expression was way to close to Ryan’s mischievous grin in heartbreaker for comfort, “He does have a beautiful voice.” She said, simply. “Very.” Laughter, “So, you like him, then?” “That’s what his sister thought too, geez.” She was able to keep her cool that time around. “When did you meet Lauren?” Rachel asked, curious. “Well, her birthday party and the wedding of course,” She explained, “And after Keith and I went surfing.” “YOU AND KEITH WENT SURFING!?” The sisters asked at once. Their faces bright with evil delight. Her cool dropped, she blushed furiously, “You- you both – didn’t know?” “No!” Vanessa squeaked, “We certainly would have asked you about it if we had!” Amy buried her face in her hands with a sigh. How on EARTH was she going to explain this? As she tried to think of some sort of explanation the two girls traded off with their mountains of questions. “So you two are dating, then?” “Did he ask you?” “Was it just you two?” For the sake of her crazy heart rate she cut in, blushing, “No! Yes, and yes!!” “Details!!” Both girls exclaimed impatiently. Amy laughed now, “It’s nothing that huge. He just wanted to take me surfing, and I said sure. So we went surfing. That’s it.” Rachel raised one eyebrow and Vanessa giggled into her hand. “You don’t believe me, do you?” She asked incredulously. “No, no,” Rachel laughed, “Whether you and Keith are a couple aside, that’s still really cute!” “Thanks?” Laughter, “You’re welcome.” There was a silence than Vanessa’s giggle started up again, “You never did answer, Amy.” “Answer what?” She was confused. “If you liked him.” She hadn’t forgotten that question, so thankfully she didn’t squeal at it. She still had no real way to reply though, “Well, I mean, how can you not like him?” She tried. “True.” Rachel laughed, beaming at the Keith on TV. “He’s a very likable guy.” “And very friendly.” She added with a laugh. “Very.” Vanessa giggled, “Though I think they all are, right Rache?” She nodded vigorously, “Yep. Extremely. But, I guess, that’s why we love them.” “Yeah…” Amy agreed with a sigh, looking back at the TV for the ending of Keith’s song, with a sigh.
While not on purpose the movie night had turned into a over night. The next morning was kind of depressing again, as both girls had something else they needed to do that day. She was once again on her own. “You could ask Ryan if he wanted to go out.” Vanessa suggested, at noticing Amy’s unhappy sighs. “Would you be okay with that?” “Would I-? Amy, baby, I’m fine with you and Ryan. He explained everything in perfect detail to me and there is nothing for me to be not-okay with!” She laughed. She blushed a bit, “I know… thank you.” Vanessa rolled her eyes, “It’s nothing. And if it really makes you feel better I’ll call and ask for you.” “No, I think I can do that much.” She giggled, taking out her phone. As soon as it came on a “1 missed call” message came up. Next to a number she didn’t recognize. She pressed play and laid it against her ear. “Hey Ames!” Keith’s voice happily flowed through the speaker. Amy’s face heated up automatically. “I just wanted to let you know, and you’ve probably heard from Ryan anyways, but Sharon moved up when we leave for the U.S. It’s in a week now. Just if you want to get together before then, I’d like to see ya before I ship off to America for the next few months. Talk to ya soon!”’
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 4, 2009 14:21:18 GMT -5
She left Rachel’s in a bit of a daze. After warm hugs to both her new close friends, of course. “Keep in touch.” Vanessa said, in a slightly commanding tone, “Even when you go back home.” “Of course.” She replied, with as big of a smile as she could. “And you’re here until Christmas, right?” Rachel beamed, “We can get together more in between now and then. Maybe watch more of DVD and lament about how we miss our boys,” She winked. Amy laughed a bit, thinking about how much she’d miss Keith. Not that she’d say that aloud. With final goodbye’s she headed back to her hotel. She was still in a daze though, thinking of Keith’s message. 1 week. That was all she had to see him before he, Ryan and the other guys would be in America for months. They’d be gone until December. That was a long time, and she hated missing people. This is why she didn’t want to get attached to him, she thought with a sigh. It was a little late for that now, though. Part of her, or rather most of her at this point, wanted to see Keith again, too. Wanted to get together and just make the most of what time she would have with him. She could bring her camera, so she could save the memories for when he was gone. Make missing him easier. The smaller, but very loud and persistent, reminded her that would really only make things worse. Why get attached even more before he leaves? Before she leaves-as she would eventually leave. Nothing stayed forever, and so she’d learned not to get herself attached to anything. That’s how she tried to live this long, and she shouldn’t be changing that now. But this was Keith. Friendly, happy Keith. It was impossible not to feel at home when she was around him. And to get that feeling she’d grown to enjoy so much, at least once more. She wasn’t going to pass it up. His number had somehow found it’s way to her speed-dial after he’d called her, so as soon as she reached her hotel she called him back.
“Amy girl! Hey!” He sounded ecstatic. She blushed. “Hey Keith,” She mumbled, “I got your message…” “Great! Do you want to get together then?” She took a deep breath, “Sure!! Do you have anything in mind?” His laughter echoed from the phone, “I don’t suppose dinner would sound TOO tacky, would it?” Amy nearly dropped the phone. That was NOT what she had been expecting when she thought of getting together with Keith. If it had been, well she wasn’t sure if she would have even called. Dinner!? All she could think of when she thought of dinner was a candlelit restaurant, with just the two of them. That wasn’t very Keith, though. Besides, he HAD told her he wasn’t interested in dating, hadn’t he? This was nothing big. She tried to control the heat on her face as she replied; “No, dinner is- is fine.” She could not believe she was saying this. “Great.” He replied, “And you know, we could hang out and maybe surf before too, you know.” She laughed, THAT was more of what she was expecting, “That would be fantastic.” She replied, then added, “How was surfing with Lauren?” “Amazing.” He said, “She’s quite the natural. Glad she inherited that with the guitar and singing.” Guitar! That reminded her, “Keith, when we’re – you know, hanging out… Could you teach me a little guitar. I’ve always wanted to learn.” He laughed, “I sure could! That could take more than a day, though.” She sighed, a little depressed, “Right, of course.” “Well,” He continued, “We still have a week before leaving. We could have, I suppose, lessons once a day, if you’d like.” Once a day? For a whole week? That was something she could not find it in her to say no to. “Oh, that would be great!” She told him, happily. “It certainly will be. It’s going to be nice seeing even more of you than I’d planned!” He laughed, “I hope Ryan doesn’t get jealous I’m stealing his friend away!” Amy blushed at the thought of being stolen away by Keith. It wasn’t that bad of a thought, “It’ll give him more time to spend with Vanessa, before you guys go.” “So it’s a win-win.” “Yep.” She giggled. “So, I’ll see you tomorrow…” “Come by around noon.” He said, “Don’t know how long it’ll take. However long you want to stay, I guess.” She blushed a bit, but replied, “Right I’ll see you then!” After a pause she added, “Are we still going to do dinner, though?” She wasn’t sure she wanted the answer to that. She could hear the smirk in his voice as he responded, “Only if you want us to Ames. But we have to time to work that out.” He rushed, “See ya tomorrow!” She hung up. A smile stuck on her face and her heart beating unsteadily. What a week this would be.
shorter... but nice.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 4, 2009 23:17:30 GMT -5
“Told you, you made an impression.” She was on the phone with Ryan, explaining her plans for the next week. She should have expected his teasing laughter. “It was my idea to do the guitar thing.” She reminded him stiffly. His laughter didn’t even fade, “Ah, but his idea was dinner.” He had a point. She sighed, “I suppose you’re right, but I’m telling you it’s not like that. I don’t like him like that…” “Yet.” “Oh, shut up.” She said it kindly though, and they both laughed. After the laughter died she added, “You don’t mind though, that I’ll be spending the next week with Keith?” “Of course not,” He replied, “If you weren’t going to be still here when I came back, then maybe I’d be a little put out. But it’s fine this way.” “It means you’ll get more time with Ness too.” “You shut up.” More laughter. “And also,” Ryan added, “You’re Keith time doesn’t start until noon, right? Maybe we can get out a few mornings. If that’s okay.” “That’s more than okay.” Amy smiled. Get to see her best friend in the morning and her – her – whatever Keith was to her – in the afternoons and evenings. It would be lovely. Ryan laughed softly, “Well, we’ll work that out then. I’ve missed you a lot, Amy.” “I’ve missed you too, Ryan. I haven’t seen you as much as I’d hoped when I came.” “But you’re having fun?” He asked her. “Of course! I still love it here. I wish I hadn’t moved.” “I wish that, too. But we both know that wouldn’t have kept you here for long.” “Maybe if I hadn’t moved I would never have gotten this wild personality of mine.” He chuckled, “If that’s the case, Amy, I’m glad you moved. That personality has grown to be one of my favorite things about you.” She blushed lightly. Ryan certainly knew how to get a girl embarrassed. Keith did too. In fact, they all probably did. She laughed, “Well thank you, Ry. I like it too.” She sighed, “Still wish I’d stayed here longer.” “So do I, but that’s all past now. So do you still want to hang out? I could probably get you about 9:00 tomorrow…” “Right, yes, that would be wonderful.” She replied with a smile. “Great, I’ll see you then.” Amy sighed as she hung up the phone. It was great to talk to Ryan, she has missed him so incredibly much when she was traveling, and it was only now that she was back that it really hit her. While her flightiness was still there, she wasn’t sure she could put up with leaving him again. Leaving him? Geez, Amy! She was making it sound like they were lovers in a long distance relationship. This was Ryan, her best friend and brother. Of whom already had a love of his life. It appeared everyone she knew had one. Except Keith. Shut up, Amy, her mind reprimanded. There was no way she was going to start thinking of Keith in any way other than a friend. She wasn’t about to go making leaving Ireland any harder than it certainly was going to be.
“Ness… doesn’t mind, does she?” Amy mumbled as she and Ryan wandered the streets of Ryan’s hometown. Her old hometown. Ryan rolled his eyes, laughing, “Of course she doesn’t, Amy. You seriously need to stop worrying.” “Sorry, sorry. I know.” He smiled and patted down her messy black curls. “It’s nothing Amy. But trust me; V won’t be quiet about how much she loves you.” She laughed softly, “That’s good, I suppose. I like her a great deal too. She’s very fun.” “She is.” Ryan agreed, with an absent smile that Amy was beginning to write down as his ‘love-sick’ look. She’d never seen him look like that before in her life. It was nice to see now. “You’re really happy with her aren’t you?” She murmured without thinking. Ryan was laughing though, “’Course I am. She’s one of the most fantastic people I have ever known.” Amy blushed, and he caught it. “What?” He asked, laughter still in his voice. She could have tried denying it but that wouldn’t have helped any, so with a sigh she mumbled, “Fantastic.” “Yes?” “Keith called me that once.” Ryan’s face lit into a very, very evil grin. Amy nearly took a step back. “Did he?” He asked, laughing. Her face was red hot and all she could manage was a nod. Before he could respond she cut in curtly, “You say one more thing about me being ‘an impression’, Ryan Kelly, and I swear…” He laughed merrily, and then leaned closer to her, “You know you are.” He half-whispered. “That’s it…” She made to grab him and he took off running. She laughed aloud and chased him, feeling like a 5-year-old, and loving it. After both were breathless and had gotten a sufficient amount of stares from other pedestrians, the two collapsed on a bench. There was some insane giggling before Amy sighed happily, “Love you, Ryan.” She laughed. There wasn’t even a pause, “Love you too, Amy.” She sighed again, “What time is it?” He glanced at his watch, “Nearly 11:30.” It, embarrassingly enough, took her a second before her previous engagements reached her mind. She had been having so much fun. “I suppose I should head over to Keith’s.” “Do sound excited, Amy.” He teased, “Don’t you want to see him?” She blushed and shoved him, “I do… very much. But well, I like seeing you too, Ry.” “It’s not like today’s the last time I see you. There are mornings every other day of the week, too.” He chuckled. “I know…” She replied, with a laugh, “Alright, I should probably go then.” “Talk to you tonight.” He replied then, winked “I want to hear how your date is.” “Not a date, Ryan.” He rolled his eyes, “Whatever you say.” “Say hi to Vanessa for me!!” “Will do.” With another sigh she left, wondering if even her time with Keith would be able to compare to spending time with her best friend.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 5, 2009 21:29:11 GMT -5
Amy checked her watch with an exasperated sigh. It was 12:15. Keith had said noon, hadn’t he? So she was only a few minutes late. So why on earth wasn’t he answering his door? In annoyance she knocked again and again. Nothing. Had he gone out somewhere? Should she wait and see if he came back? She wasn’t sure she had the patience for that. She sighed and went to bang the door when something caught her ear. It took her a moment, but finally it hit her. Music. Guitar. She could hear it inside. He must be playing, she thought. Laughing, she shook her head. He probably couldn’t hear a thing. She banged again anyways, just for the heck of it. When that did nothing she took out her cell phone, “Hopefully he’ll hear this.” She mumbled to herself as it rang. “Hello?” “Keith, it’s Amy. Been here about 20 minutes, would you let me in?” She was trying to sound scolding but her laughter got in the way. He began to laugh as well. “What?” She asked. “The door’s open, Amy.” He laughed. She reached at the doorknob and turned it. Lo and behold, the door opened. Brilliant. She laughed and dropped her head into her hands. “’Kay.” She said, “Be in soon.” She had hardly made it through the entryway before he hugged her, still laughing. She blushed, caught completely by surprise. The hug was tighter, longer, than any time he’d hugged her before. He acted like it had been ages since he’d seen her. She sighed, dropped whatever restraint she still had and gave him a tight squeeze back. “Nice to see you too, Keith.” She laughed. Letting her go he beamed, “I’m glad you came.” Blushing deeper she replied, “We did plan this, you can stop sounding surprised.” “Wasn’t sure you’d make it…” He admitted. Amy blushed again, “Well, I did.” She said awkwardly. “That you did. That’s why I’m glad.” Silence. “So, you were playing guitar I heard. When I was trying to knock,” She added. It was his turn to blush a bit, “Sorry I didn’t hear you.” “It’s nothing. So what were you playing?” He laughed, “Oh, you know… nothin’ really.” “Didn’t sound like nothing. It sounded really good, what was it?” “Just some stuff I’m working out for maybe another song. Not sure yet. You liked it?” Her jaw had slowly dropped as he explained, “You mean you wrote that?” She knew people wrote music but she’d never met anyone who did. His laughter grew, “Aye, yeah, I write me own songs and music. Ryan never told you that?” “No! My gosh, that’s incredible!” “It just sort of comes natural to me, writing. Just as easily as playing.” He explained as a sort of off-hand thing, “Speaking of, you said you were looking to learn, didn’t ya?” Amy nodded, “I can do a bit by ear already, but nothing near as wonderful as you.” He beamed at her, “Thanks. But might as well not start teachin’ you until I see what you already know. This way.” Taking her hand he led her to a room of his apartment. Amy laughed the moment he opened the door to the room. “Welcome to my office.” Keith winked. The room was small, quite messy, and filled with guitars. There had to be at least 10 in the place. A piano sat in a corner and sheets of paper scrawled with words and music notes scattered the ground. “Your office, indeed.” She laughed, “Very you.” “Should I take that as a compliment?” He teased. “You should.” Laughing, he let go of where he was STILL holding her hand, to grab a guitar from where it lay on the ground. “Here.” He smiled, handing it to her, “Play something.” “What.” He laughed, “Anything. You said you could do a bit by ear. So whatever you’d like.” She blushed, took a deep breath and began to strum the first tune that same to mind. She surprised herself by how good it sounded, though she hadn’t played it in years. It didn’t have a real ending so she just slowed it down to a stop. “There ya go.” She said simply. Keith was grinning, “You wrote that.” Her face went a ripe red, “H-How did you know?” “Somethin’ about how you played it, it’s kinda improvised, like you were making it up as you went along. People don’t get that unless they are playing a song they wrote.” He explained. She sighed, as her face slowly cooled, “I can’t quite say I wrote it. As the notes have never hit paper before. The made-up tune has been in my head for as long as I can remember, though. I could probably play it on any instrument in the world, even if it was my first time playing.” She gestured to the guitar, “Like I couldn’t tell you what notes I’d just been playing, or anything. I just know the song.” He laughed now, “Does your song have a title.” She shook her head, “I don’t really think so. Ryan always teased that it was basically ‘me’ in the form of a song.” He cocked his head looking at her, “I can see that.” He said, laughing. “Can you?” Taking the guitar from her he grinned, “Sure can.” He then began a song that sounded a little like her own but not quite. She laughed, “You’re getting it wrong.” “What am I doing?” He asked, laughing as well. Part of her was ready to show him what he was doing wrong, but she snapped out of it, “Aren’t I the one here to get guitar lessons?” She asked, “I can’t even tell you what you’re doing wrong if I don’t know the note names!” His laughter grew, “Right, right okay! We’ll get you started on that. But one thing,” “What?” “After I’ve taught you a thing or two about this, I want to learn that song, okay?” She blushed but nodded, she’d never dreamed of anyone even liking her song, much less wanting to learn it. “Alright, promise.” She giggled. And so Guitar lessons began.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 6, 2009 13:07:12 GMT -5
Amy had not had a greater few days in her life. Nearly every day started with hanging out with her best friend, laughing and catching up. She was so happy to be able to talk like, well, friends with him again. He confided in her that he hoped to propose to Vanessa sometime before the end of the year. That made her smile; the two were such a sweet couple. And then there were the afternoons, spent with laughter and music as Keith taught her guitar. She was still amazed at how brilliant he was at playing. After he’d teach her one or two things, she’d turn around and help him learn her song, which he continued to compliment her on until her face was blood red. She enjoyed spending time with him, really she did. With everyday she grew more attached to the sound of his voice, his laughter. To his flowing blonde hair and brilliant turquoise eyes. She knew somewhere in her it was a bad idea, getting close to him like this, but she was too far along to go back now. By Thursday she knew how to play quite a few difficult songs, with Keith’s help. And Keith knew her song by heart, with no help at all. She was a little jealous. “You’re doing better than anyone I’ve ever seen.” He reminded her every time she got frustrated. His smile playful and sincere at the same time, she blushed. That day she sighed, still strumming a ridiculous attempt at his song Lauren & I, and mumbled pointedly, “That’s flattering but it’s not helping.” He’d stopped giving her tips on what she was doing wrong earlier that day. Apparently he thought she was good enough. She was far from. He laughed, from where he stood behind her, as she was sitting on the piano stool. She heard him crouch down so he was at eye level with her, listening to her try and play. She blushed. “Trust me, you’re doing fine.” He said quietly, by her ear. She blushed deeper and her hand slipped from the cords. “Now look what you’ve done.” she said, laughing, “Where was I?” Thoughts of the song had slipped from her mind in that brief moment. It didn’t help as she felt him take her hand and guided it back up to the strings. Standing up again he took his other hand to bring her back to strumming the guitar as he positioned her hand to the right chord. Her face burned bright red and she was just about ready to ask what on earth he was doing. “You were right there.” He reminded her, softly. He let go of her hands and, helplessly, they dropped again. He laughed and she blushed again. “I think I’ve had enough- enough lessons for today.” She mumbled awkwardly, wringing her, incredibly warm, hands. He raised his eyebrows at her, and then broke off laughing, “Ya, I noticed you were a bit distracted.” Her mouth dropped and she shoved him, laughing again, “Idiot.” She mumbled. He laughed not looking offended at all, and returned to strumming her song on another guitar. She rolled her eyes, but couldn’t help feeling flattered; he seemed to really like it. For someone as great a musician as him to like one of HER songs, well her only song, it was a great compliment. “You really like playing that, don’t you?” She laughed. He grinned at her, “’Course I do, Ames. It’s a great song you’ve come up with.” She blushed, “If you say so… it’s just sort of random.” “No, I like it. Do you think you could write words to it?” He added casually. She blinked, thinking about it, then shook her head, “I’m gifted with visual, not literal, words come out flat when I try and write them. Song lyrics would be even worse. Don’t know how you do it.” He beamed, “Not really sure, myself.” He replied, “Just sort of comes, natural, ya know.” She shrugged, “Then you write words to it.” “Ah, but it’s your song. Couldn’t do that.” “Well,” She thought aloud, “You could write words and then let me read over them and see if I like them.” “You’d let me do that?” “Sure, I mean, I made up the song but it doesn’t mean I’m over protective of it or anything. You’d probably make it sound better than it does, anyways.” “I don’t know if that’s possible.” He told her, laughing. She giggled, “You’re flattering, really, but it’s not very good. So feel free to change whatever you’d like.” His smile grew ecstatic again, causing her to grow a bit flustered. “Well, thank you.” “Well, you’re welcome.” She said. Another beat of silence. She had absolutely no idea what to do now. She didn’t want to go back to playing but now that she wasn’t doing that she couldn’t think of much else to do. “It’s after 4:00.” se said after a pause. This was the latest she’d stayed over. Normally, she would have headed back at around 2:00 maybe 3:00. It appeared the more time she spent with him the more she lost track of it. That was embarrassing. “So it is.” He muttered in reply. “Do you want to go out to dinner tonight?” She blushed as soon as it left her. What had brought THAT about? True, she was starting to grow sad at this being her second to last day before he left, and wanted to get the most out of her time left. And the more she thought about it the more the dinner idea didn’t sound TOO awful. But still… why now? He chuckled softly, though he looked a little surprised by the random proposal, himself. “Don’t you want to save that until tomorrow?” He laughed. He had a point, “I don’t know,” was all she could say. He paused, then set down the guitar, “Dinner sounds great, Amy.” She blushed bright red and he continued, “It’s still early though, do you want me to drop you off back at your hotel to get ready?” That would give her time to get her heart rate back to a healthy beat, she thought with a silent laugh. “Sure,” She said, “That would be grand. Where will we be going?” He winked, “That’ll be a surprise.” She giggled, “Well, okay then. I’m looking forward to it.” “So am I.”
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 8, 2009 23:28:50 GMT -5
She had never been on a date before. It was a fact she had been rather proud of up until that very point. She was happy she’d never been on many dates with many guys. It was a reasonable thing to be proud of. But now she had nothing to base this one off. While her mind continued to yell that this wasn’t a date, it was still dinner with a guy. Close enough. And she knew nothing of what to do. Should she dress up? That was her main problem. She couldn’t imagine Keith dressing up. She’d been surprised to see him in a suit for their Celtic Thunder shows. She doubted he would dress up at all. Then again that all depended on the place he took her. She had no clue. She didn’t want to dress too casual, that was for sure. She was putting too much thought into this, she thought with a sigh. Another reason she didn’t date. Keith would be there any moment and she hadn’t begun to get ready. With another sigh she was ably to find a dress she’d bought when shopping Rachel and Vanessa. Probably one of the few dresses she owned, but still not too dressy. She pulled her hair back, though it didn’t make her frizzed curls look much better. Dates are so difficult, she thought to herself. She hadn’t told Keith an exact time but she expected him at maybe 7:00. That was an average date time, right? “Pick you up at 7:00” sort of thing. But it was around 6:15 that her doorbell rang. Trying to suppress a squeak, she flew to open her door. Keith was beaming with a smile so huge Amy was mildly worried his face might get stuck that way. Though she wouldn’t have minded as the ecstatic grin made him look more gorgeous than he was already. His hair looked different, looked combed, and he was in a nice but not altogether fancy button down shirt. After a moment of grinning helplessly at him, she coughed, “Well, you’re early.” He laughed, “Kind of impatient, I guess. Wanted to see ya.” Her face went pink but she said, “Hasn’t been too long since you saw me last, you realize.” “I do, I do. You’re ready though?” “I am.” She answered, “Shall we go?” As they left she asked again, “So now will you tell me where we are going?” “Nope” He told her with a laugh. She rolled her eyes, “You know, I don’t really like surprises.” Secretly she did, but she felt like being a bit difficult. His smile didn’t even falter, “I think you’ll like this fine. Even with your dislike or surprises.” A shrug, “If you say so.”
The sun was beginning to set as they drove through the country roads of Ireland. Amy all the while wondered where on earth this place was going to be, as they appeared to be driving AWAY from all civilization. She didn’t truly mind, though. The Irish countryside was absolutely gorgeous in the glow of early evening. She had nearly forgotten what a fantastic country it was. She’d never gotten to see all of it her years before moving, but she was certain now that she could have spent a lifetime there and not loose interest. And that, coming from her, was saying something. “You like it here.” Keith stated with a laugh, as he drove. “Of course I love it here. So beautiful.” She replied with a sigh, “I still wish I hadn’t moved.” More laughter, “Ah, but then you would have never made it to Cali, or any other place you’ve seen.” She sighed, thinking about the sights and places. So many places. She loved seeing all of them, really she did. Such conflict. “I suppose, I’d like to be in Ireland still though.” “Well, you can move here, then.” She blushed at how simply he suggested it. The thought wasn’t bad, but it wouldn’t work. “That wouldn’t change anything,” She sighed, “Just because it would be where my letters are sent wouldn’t make it my home. My job hardly gives me a month off. My vacation to Cali was actually an assignment, I only had a couple days off for surfing.” “So you never see home?” He sounded nearly appalled by the thought. She laughed softly. “Not really, no. Though I decided it’s better not to come home for months and then leave again, you know.” “Why?” “Saves hurt, like when I leave. It’s better when I’m not attached to anything. Then it’s not really like I’m leaving, no tears, no worry of missing people or being missed.” She explained. He shook his head, softly laughing now, “I don’t think I’d like that at all.” Maybe he wasn’t as wild as her, she thought to herself, “Well, I do.” He turned to look her in the eye, still smiling and simply said, “No, you don’t.” “Yes. I. Do.” “Don’t tell me you don’t like the idea of having a home, Ames. Of havin’ friends and family to come home too. You may like parts of your job, but that’s not one of them.” Amy sighed, irritated. She did like not having to worry about being missed or missing anyone. It made her life free and she liked it. No, you don’t. Dear gosh, now her MIND was going to start arguing with her. She couldn’t believe this. This is what comes of getting attached to a person; they start getting in your head. There was silence as they continued driving. And she tried not to think at all, much less about homes or Keith. An impossible task. “Did I earn myself the cold shoulder?” He teased at last. She smiled despite herself, hoping he’d get her mind off it. “No, no, just thinking.” “Good, hate to have you stop talking to me. We’re here.” Amy had been too lost in thought to pay attention to where they were but she knew she would have noticed if they were in a town. They weren’t. Through the car windows she heard the sound of crashing waves, and right ahead of the road, that ended abruptly a few feet away, was the Atlantic, sun setting over it. It was gorgeous. Still she managed to get out, “I don’t see how you got ‘surfing’ out of ‘dinner’, Keith.” He laughed, and opened the door to get out. She rolled her eyes and got out as well, he’d opened the back, which she’d never thought to look in and had pulled out, none other than, a picnic basket. She laughed, “Seriously?” “What?” “A picnic by the beach. What chick flick did you raid this idea from?” She was blushing though, quite surprised indeed. Delighted as well, though. Cheesy as it was, the idea was very cute. “Vanessa.” He winked, “Same general idea as a chick flick, I suppose.” Amy’s laughter grew, “That it is.” He paused, then added, “Is it alright, though?” “Oh, it’s lovely, really. I love the ocean.” “I know.” She blushed, “Well do you want to eat, then?” “Sure thing.” As they did Amy could not help but internally laugh at the silly image of herself and Keith Harkin having a picnic on the beach at sunset.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Aug 9, 2009 22:05:34 GMT -5
Short update because it was a fantastic Stopping spot. (for me, not for you.) We're nearing the end by the way.
“Where did you get this food, anyways?” Amy asked curiously, as she bit into an apple. The dinner was fantastic and they were just heading home. The evening light was fading but still pretty. Keith’s laughter was heard next to her, “Nessa cooks.” He replied. “So you got all this from her?” She asked, “Geez, I wonder if her and Ryan’s dates are this cliché.” “So that’s what this is then…” He said, almost to himself. “What?” “A date.” She colored, “I guess, well, I mean, it was dinner. I guess that counts as a date.” She wasn’t sure she wanted to think about it that way. Maybe he didn’t either. That was good, that would be easier. More silence as they continued driving. She wondered what the two of them would do tomorrow for their last day before he left. It was a sad thing to think about. Even sadder was the thought that after Christmas her vacation was done and she’d go back to traveling. What was she doing? She loved her traveling and her job. Or she used to. It hit her that maybe she’d never missed life with a home because she didn’t know what it was like. It felt the more time she spent in her old home the more ties she made and the more at home she felt. She needed to leave it sooner or later, though. Maybe sooner was better, she couldn’t afford making this even worse. “Your thinking about what I said, aren’t you?” Keith actually asked for once. “Possibly.” They’d pulled up to her hotel now. She didn’t want to dwell on it anymore than she had already. “Do you still stand by your opinion?” He was laughing softly, which actually annoyed her. She was very confused, and it wasn’t something to laugh at. She had had a beautiful time at dinner, and this would be really bad to spoil. “Possibly.” He looked at her and his smile faded, just a bit, “Sorry, Amy. I couldn’t help wondering. I had a great time, though. I’m really glad we did this. I hope you are too.” “’Course I am, Keith. This was really sweet of you.” She was happier to be on a happier subject. She opened the door to head to the hotel. To her surprise he got out and followed, she blinked and raised her eyebrows at him. “Can I not walk you back after our date?” He teased, grinning that incredible smile. She blushed, the last traces of annoyance fading away. “Fine, fine.” She laughed, “Didn’t know you were such a gentlemen. Did Ness tell you to do this too?” “You don’t think I’m capable of being romantic on my own?” She blushed deeper, “Well, I don’t know…” She mumbled awkwardly as they reached her hotel room door. She had turned away from him to turn the key on the room door when she felt him brush his lips against her cheek. She wheeled around in a flash, her face a bright red and her heart beating so loud and unsteady it could NOT be healthy. She didn’t feel healthy right then. “Nessa didn’t tell me to do that.” He winked, only adding to her flustered-ness. She felt something had just changed then, Keith was no longer just a friend in her eyes. He couldn’t be. She knew she loved him. Oh why did she have to love him? It was already going to hurt leaving Ryan behind again, but now she was leaving Ryan and Vanessa and Rachel, her two sister-like friends. And now Keith, she already knew she’d miss him, but now, now it would be nearly unbearable. Why, why did he have to kiss her? In her confusion and sudden fear and hurt she pushed him back lightly, her face still a bright red, “You shouldn’t have done that.” She said firmly. “Shouldn’t have-?” He looked surprised, but not upset. Amy was shocked to feel tears begin to well in her eyes. She turned back to the door, “Y-yes. You shouldn’t go kissing girls you’re leaving in a day.” “Leaving? Ames-“ She refused to turn. “I think I’m going to spend tomorrow with Vanessa and Rachel.” She probably wouldn’t, but she didn’t want to see him again after that. Well yes she did, she defiantly did. But she couldn’t. “Amy-“ He tried again, he did sound hurt now. She pushed the door open and turned to give him a shaky smile, “Have a safe trip, Keith. And tell Ryan the same for me.” And then she shut the door in his face. Right on cue a tear fell from her cheek. Those were not the last words she’d had in mind between herself and Keith.
(probably not what ya had in mind when ya asked for a kiss, huh Ocean?)
|
|