|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 26, 2009 14:43:41 GMT -5
DO NOT READ THIS UNLESS YOU HAVE ALREADY READ THE FIRST TWO!! Understood? If you have - enjoy! If not well... start at Real Men... and continue.
PHOTOGRAPHS
LAUREN
An hour ago 7-year-old Lauren Hider's name was Lauren Harkin. "They can't do this." "I think they can..." An hour ago America-bound Lauren Hider was set on living in Derry, Northern Ireland her entire life. "I won't let them." "What are you going to do?" Then again, an hour ago 7-year-old Lauren Hider's parents were still legally married. Her older brother Keith was pacing her room angrily, as she packed her stuff away. She was crying, and he sounded like he was about to. He was 14, and didn't want to act week or upset normally, but this crossed the line for him. Lauren wasn't exactly pleased about the decision either. In fact, it depressed her beyond words. Even at 7 years old the idea of splitting the family in half with this divorce seemed kind of dramatic. She would move to New York City with her mom while Keith, her favorite, and only, brother stayed in Ireland with dad. "I mean, I can understand Mum wanting to get away, but why does she have to take you with!? You got no choice!" He said, outraged. "Keith-y," She mumbled through her tears, "It's okay." "It is NOT okay!" "I don't want Mum to be lonely in America," She said. Keith rolled his eyes, "She can get herself a boyfriend, or something." "Keith!" "But I'm not loosing you Lauren! You're my baby sister." He continued. "Keith," She laughed softly, "I'm 7, I'm not a baby." "You're my baby sister, you are." He repeated, "And I don't want to deal with you being miles and miles away from me." "I'm going to miss you, too." She said, tears flowing again. She turned away from her brother to continue packing. "Not to mention everyone at school." It was June, school was out, so she'd have to tell each of her friends personally that she was leaving in a week. That was something she really did not want to do. What she hated the most was the fact that it was America. She could stand moving anywhere else in the country of Ireland, or even across to Scotland or Britain. But she disliked America, didn't hate, but disliked. She loved the beauty of Derry, her hometown, all of Ireland. She loved the stories and history of it, she loved everything. And she'd be in New York City. A big city with big skyscrapers and busy streets and no real fresh air. She HATED that. But her mom's relatives were the heads of a fashion company there, they'd be able to give her an apartment and help her find a job. It was easier for her than moving anywhere else in the country of Ireland, or even the continent of Europe. Plus, it was obvious, Mom wanted nothing more to do with Dad. Lauren wondered bitterly if mom wanted nothing to do with Keith as well. Or if, dad wanted nothing to do with her. She felt bad for thinking this, but at only 7 these things confused her. Why did her parents have to get divorced in the first place? they fought, sure, but she and Keith fought plenty and they still loved each other. Couldn't her parents see that? The doorbell rang at the front of the house. Lauren's mom was packing in her bedroom and her dad was at work. "Keith!" Her mom called, "Could you please answer that?" Keith glared in the direction of their mom's room, and for a second looked set to yell 'no'. But in the end he sighed, "whatever." He mumbled as he left Lauren's room. There was a pause as he answered the door. "LAU-REN!" he called, humor in his voice, "Your BOYFRIEND is here!" Damian McGinty. Her close friend and schoolmate. The two had been friends since they were old enough to walk and talk. He was a year older than her, to the day. But the past year she'd skipped a grade so she had been looking forward to being in the same classes as him. "HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!" She yelled back, running to get to the door. They weren't. She couldn't even think-to-think of her best friend in that way. It was disgusting. She had crushes on other boys anyways, and he on other girls. The two were just good friends. She grinned to see him standing in the doorway, holding a muddy soccer ball in his hands. "Want to play?" He asked, blue eyes even brighter in excitement. Soccer was his favorite sport, and hers as well. Kicking the ball around was generally their favorite pass time. "Sure!" She said, her happiness faltering a bit with remembering her packing. Her moving. How on earth was she going to tell him?
DAMIAN
Keith's eyes looked red, Damian thought as his best friends older brother answered the door. He wondered if something was wrong, but decided not to ask. He looked happy to see him standing there in anyways. He turned his head and yelled, "LAU-REN! Your BOYFRIEND is here!" Damian weighed the outcomes of shoving his friends 14 year old brother for that comment. Lauren and he were not like that. He'd grown up with her, sure, and he couldn't deny that the girl was pretty, but not like some girls at his school. Besides, he liked her way too much to like her like THAT. Keith didn't seem to understand that, and liked to tease the two almost more than anyone else. He heard Lauren yell "HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND!" And seconds later his friend's face popped up in the doorway. She was grinning but her face was tear stained. He decided not ask what was wrong, she wouldn't want to talk about it probably. Instead he gestured to his soccer ball. "Want to play?" "Sure!" She said, but then her face fell. She ran a hand back through her almost-boyishly-short blonde hair and glanced at her brother. He smiled at her, more friendly than he normally was around his sister, "I'll tell Mum." He said simply, her beam returned, and she sprinted out the door. Damian followed, laughing. Lauren loved soccer as much as he did, it had been how the two became really close. There was hardly an afternoon that went by without him inviting her out to play. Rain or shine. When they weren't doing that they would talk. About what ever crossed their minds. The way only best friends could. She was wonderful at soccer too; fast, balanced, and could easily handle the ball. She beat him more often then not, though he wasn't far behind her. They hoped to be on a team together some day. After what felt like a long time of chasing around the muddy soccer ball Lauren slowed down. She moved to sit at the end of the field they played at. "That was fun." She mumbled, sadness in her voice. Damian was beginning to worry. He tried to lighten the mood, "You're really good, Lauren." She smiled, and he continued, wanting to make his friend happy in any way he could, "Really, you are. Next year you'll be old enough to go for the school's team, right? You should." She laughed gently and ruffled his dark hair, as she often did, "Damian, you're so sweet." He shrugged that off, "and you're a lovely friend. It'll be great to have class with you next year." Lauren was silent. "Lauren?" He asked, "Something wrong?" Another silence, then at last, "I'm n-not going to have classes with you next year." She was crying again. "What!?" He asked, "Why not!?" "You know Mum and Dad got divorced today, right?" He nodded. Lauren had mentioned it multiple times in the past. It was nothing new. "Mum is moving to New York City, and I'm to go with her." "You're WHAT!?" Damian was almost shocked beyond words. His best friend, the girl he'd known that long, she was going away! No! She couldn't! He'd never taken much thought into life without Lauren because he never thought he'd have to. But now, thinking about it, he hated it. "I leave in a week." Her voice was hardly more than a whisper. A week? 7 single days!? And then she would be gone! "You're going to AMERICA!?" A nod, she was crying too hard to speak. He felt awful that she was moving and now felt awful that he'd made her cry about it. He hugged her quietly. "I'm sorry," He said quietly, letting her go and helping her to her feat. "Do you want to come over for a while?" He said, trying to get her mind off of it. She sniffed, looked back towards her house and for a moment looked torn. Finally, she wiped her tears on the back of her dirty hand, leaving a smear of dirt on her cheek, and gave him a shaky smile. "It's not that bad," He continued, "I mean, we can still write, and call. It won't be too bad. It won't be." He wondered who he was trying to convince more. Lauren or himself.
Hope you like!
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 27, 2009 13:16:58 GMT -5
I'm trying to wait for Toni to get caught up... but no harm in updating for you two.
LAUREN
Lauren felt absolutely pathetic standing in the entry to Damian's house, practically drowning in tears. He'd handled it better than she'd expected but was still clearly broken up by it. She hated to see him upset, which only made her cry more. Damian's mom appeared in the doorway and, upon seeing Lauren sobbing, began to fuss. "Oh dear. Dear, dear, dear. Shall I get the first aid kit?" It was an average question, because most of the time when the two friends retired to Damian or Lauren's homes it was because of an injury, of any sort. His mom had already gone searching when Damian called, "No Mum, Lauren's fine!" He gave her a small smile, and she tried to return it. "Oh but, she's crying. Not everything could be alright then? Would you like something to drink?" Lauren nodded, then choked out, "Tea?" "Certainly." His mom whisked off to the kitchen to do just that, "You can sit down if you'd like, too." "Your Mum is wonderful." Lauren said quietly as she and Damian moved to sit down. His mom was. She always treated Lauren like another daughter, as both Damian's older siblings were much much older. He smiled, and shrugged. There was a long pause before he muttered, "Really? New York?" He sounded incredulous, like he still hadn't quite gripped what that meant. But he didn't sound happy about it. Lauren never expected him to be, he would hate it as much as she would. Her face fell, "Aye, New York. Cool, huh?" She tried to sound excited about her new home although she was everything but. "I guess." He sighed, "It's far away." "Don't remind me." "Sorry." Another pause. Lauren really wanted to talk to him about something else, but the prospect of her moving away, far far away, it weighed heavily on their minds. Making any other conversation impossible. "Damian," She mumbled. "Yeah?" "I don't want to go to New York." He laughed, and didn't look surprised at all. She did, however, think he looked mildly relieved. "I don't want you to go, either." She knew he didn't, but hearing him say that made her smile. She laughed too, "Maybe I could run away, so I wouldn't have to." It was impossible. But that was the joke of it. Damian played along, "You wouldn't have to run far, Lauren. I could hide you here." She laughed harder, imaging stowing away at her best friends house. "Perfect!" She held out her hand, "Have we a deal?" "We do." He grinned, ,shaking her hand as though making a business agreement. Damian's mother brought in two mugs of tea. "We'll have none of that." She said, her mouth set in a serious expression but her eyes laughing. "Your parents would have my head if they found out you were staying here." Lauren sighed, but threw in quickly, "They just wouldn't find out!" Damian nodded eagerly. His mom laughed out loud now, "That's a fine idea, but I'm sure they would." She sat down next to the two friends. "I'm just as sorry as my son that you'll be going away Lauren, but I think you'll be just fine." Lauren sighed again, a bit more depressed, "I guess." The phone rang and she ran to pick it up. "Who knows?" Damian added, "You could have fun in New York." How could he be so optimistic? She would be in a whole new country in a whole new school without any comforts of home. Fun or no fun, she was set to be miserable. "I guess." She said again. He chuckled. She'd miss his optimism. She'd miss playing soccer with him in the field. She'd miss having someone to share everything with. "Lauren, that was your mum." Damian's mom said, coming back in, "She'd like you home, now." Both parents of the two friends knew when one was gone they were at the other ones house. It was always that simple. Lauren sighed, "I guess I should go." Damain got up, "I'll walk you home." "Damian, you're so sweet." "So I've heard." She laughed again, glad he was there to cheer her up. How would she cope with out that? She'd defiantly miss him, more than she'd miss anyone, minus her brother. He was her best friend, and her life would suck without him.
DAMIAN
Lauren was in no hurry to leave. And Damian was in no hurry to have her leave. "Are you going to stop by? Before you leave?" He asked, hopefully. Lauren paused, thinking hard about it, in the end she shook her head glumly, "Mum would want to leave as soon as possible. And the whole next week is going to be filled with getting ready." "You mean this is it?" He asked again, without thinking. Tears came to Lauren's eyes again, he mentally slapped himself. "Y-yeah. I guess it is." He felt mildly glad his mom was still within hearing distance at that. "Dear Lauren!" She fussed over again, "You mean to say this is the last time I'll be seeing you!?" She nodded slowly, tears now running down her face. "Well! This isn't something you pass up! Can't have you leaving without a picture or something!" His mother was big into documenting anything she could. This defiantly called for documentation. She pulled Lauren back inside. "You too, Damian! Let's get the two friends together!" Lauren laughed and pulled Damian beside her. He laughed and put his arm around her. His mom pulled out her favorite camera. One of those old ones, where the picture came out afterwards and you could watch it slowly develop from black. She pushed the two friends closer and after a pause took the picture. Damian smiled at Lauren, and she smiled back. Her face was tear stained, with the smudge of dirt still on her cheek. She looked adorable. "Now you aren't leaving me without a hug, dear Lauren." his mother continued, and Lauren didn't need to be told twice. After let go she said in a tear choked voice, "Thanks Mrs. McGinty. I'm going to miss you." "You too, love. give your mother my blessings." She made a face, as though she didn't seem all too happy about giving her mom anything right then, much less blessings. Damian laughed, he knew if in her situation he wouldn't be happy either. He wasn't happy in his situation, too, of course. He escorted her outside, to walk home. She was crying again, harder. "Lauren -" He began, but he wasn't sure what to say from then on. He'd never had a friend move, so he didn't know how to comfort someone who was. Should he tell her everything is going to be okay? He could. But it wasn't, it defiantly was NOT going to be okay. And lying that it would would not make Lauren any happier. This wasn't the first time Lauren had ever cried to him. He'd been the girl’s shoulder to cry on a lot when they were even younger. Those were normally because she got picked on by her brother, or some jerks at school. He'd been perfectly fine with comforting her then. But then he knew what to say much easier. Now he was speechless himself. "Lauren," He tried again, "Lauren, I'm sorry." It was a pointless thing to say, but it was true. She let out a shaky breath, "I-it's okay. I-I'm okay." She didn't sound okay in the least. She sounded miserable, he hated that. He tried, and failed again, at thinking of another thing to say. "School's going to suck without you, you know?" She laughed quietly, and he smiled. Her laugh was great to hear. "You at least have other friends. I'll be starting brand new." "I'm sure you'll make tons of friends." He told her. She smiled, her tears slowly drying, "Thanks Damian." They'd reached her house. He didn't want to leave her. Never to see her again. "You'll write, right?" "Of course. You?" "Of course! And send pictures." "Once a year. Are you still going to go out for soccer?" "It'll be no fun without you." "Damian!" She exclaimed, "Don't you dare skip out on it because of me! You want to play. I want you to play." He beamed, "I might. Will you?" "If there is a team at my school." She sighed, depression back in her voice. "Lauren! Come on! It's dinner time!" Her mother called form inside. She glared at the door then turned back to Damian. "I'll miss you, Lauren." He said quietly, handing her the now developed picture. She smiled at it then hugged him tight. She wasn't crying but she was shaking. "I'll miss you more." "Doubt it." Laughter. "Bye Damian!" She called at last, as she gave him a final wave, while entering her house. "I'll talk to you soon!" He called back. Though it would be years before they did
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 27, 2009 21:25:29 GMT -5
LAUREN
15-year-old Lauren Haley Hider hated her middle name. She used to love it, sometimes more than she loved her first name. But she WAS Lauren, and would liked to have been addressed as such. It was about a year after Lauren and her mom moved to New York City that her mom began to call her Haley. It hadn't bothered her too bad at first, until it became obvious her mom would go out of her way to make sure she wasn't called Lauren. And with that by age 10 no one knew her as Lauren, she was Haley. Lauren Harkin was now Haley Hider. She hated it. As she reached her teens she began to grow rebellious against her own nickname. When her mom called "HALEY!" She would receive no answer. If she asked "Haley, could you do this?" She would shrug and reply, "I'm sure Haley could. Whoever she is." Until her mom grew so impatient as to not use her name at all. But it was clear that, in her mom's mind, Lauren didn't exist. Lauren didn't know why at first. Why couldn't she be Lauren? What was wrong with Lauren? That also grew clearer with age. Her mom wanted nothing to do with anything that connected her back to her dad. Back to Ireland. So, almost childishly, her mom went to some extents to not be reminded of that time. If Lauren's name made her think about it, she would simply not call her that. Lauren found it ridiculous and pathetic. It was worse than that too. Because, with her mom's attempts to erase Ireland from her mind she cut off most contact with Lauren's old home. Cut off from her other half of her family. Her brother. That's what made her angrier. He would send her birthday and Christmas cards, but no more. And when she wanted to write him back her mom would never give her the address. She knew nothing of what her brother was up to, what he looked like now, anything. Same with any of her friends. Lauren grew depressed more with everyday. She'd made a lot of new friends at her new school and knew NYC like the back of her hand. But with everything she knew about New York the less she knew about Derry. She couldn't remember any of her friend’s names, nor could she recall their faces even. Tiny memories came every now and then; a soccer field, her brother teasing her, her with a bunch of old friends, their faces faded out like old photographs. She wanted nothing more than to be back home. Home in Derry. Home with her brother. She missed him terribly, and wondered if he did too. She wondered if he thought about her, like she did him. She wished her mom would talk about him, or anything about home. But if she mentioned it, her mom would remind her sternly that New York WAS her home. As it had been for the past 8 years. That depressed her more. After that year she would have lived longer in New York than she had in Ireland. Her accent gone completely along with most of her memories. "HALEY!" Her mother called from the kitchen. Lauren was laying on her back in her small bedroom in their loft apartment. She said nothing, a couple minutes later, "HALEY HIDER!!" She paused, then yelled, "I don't know any Haley!!" Her mom audibly sighed, "Sweetheart, could you please come out here?" Lauren rolled her eyes and got up. Sweetheart was better than Haley. Not as good as being called her ACUTAL name, but the closest she'd probably get. "Yes, mom?" Her mom pulled up a box from their one tiny storage area. "It's some of your childhood things. I thought you'd want them." Her voice was tight, like she didn't really want to give them to her. She could imagine why, it had stuff from home in it. Stuff from home! Lauren's heart pounded happily as she grabbed the box and ran back to her room. "Thank you, Mom!" She called before shutting the door. She pulled the box open and sorted her way through things. Dolls, games, a soccer ball! She hugged the ball close, memories of chasing it around fresh in her mind. She looked deeper in and gasped. Pictures! Pictures from Derry! Her mom must not have known about that or else she would not have given this box to her. She was sure not to tell her now. She sifted through them, beaming as she found pictures of her mom and dad. Together. Pictures of her brother, when he so small. Her, when SHE was so small. Her kindergarten and first grade classes, she smiled as somewhat familiar faces showed up, though she had no name to go with it. At the bottom of her stack was a smaller photo, taken with an older camera. It was her, she remembered, around the time she'd left. Maybe 6 or 7 years old. Her blonde hair was so short that year, barley coming past her ears, and a smudge of dirt on her cheek. She had her arm around a young boy, around her age. He had dark hair and bright blue eyes, very cute. The face was so familiar Lauren felt tears forming just looking at him. They had been close friends, no doubt. But she remembered nothing of him. It hurt her that she couldn't remember someone who had obviously been close to her. She pressed the picture to her heart, as she put everything else away. This would be her reminder. As long as she had that picture she wasn't going to forget Derry, that boy, her brother, her home, herself. Lauren Harkin.
DAMIAN
It had been exactly one year since Celtic Thunder had met Rachel Lane, the girl who had been their dancer that spring. They'd met her in the very park they were at right then. In some ways it felt like ages ago, in some ways it felt like yesterday. Time was weird that way. "I honestly don't get it." Paul was complaining, "George can say he misses his wife and daughter all the time, and you all think it's cute. I say I miss my fiancée, and you think I'm being annoying." Keith laughed, "We don't think your missing Rachel is annoying, Paul.” "We just think you are." Ryan added, laughing along. "Hey!" "It's alright, mate." George said, "It's not like you won't call her. Every. Day." More laughter. The laughter died down with a chorus of content sighs. After a pause Paul said, more to himself, "I wonder if Nessa is going to the show tonight?" Vanessa, Rachel's best friend, had joined the group on the last leg of their spring tour. Damian had liked her plenty, just like he'd liked Rachel too. Ryan perked up a bit at Vanessa's name. The two had made a rather quick friendship in her few days there. Maybe more. "Vanessa's coming?" Paul's smile went a little wicked at that, "You'd like her to come, wouldn't you?" Ryan rolled his eyes, "Yes, I would. Something wrong with that?" Before Paul could respond he added, "I wish Amy wasn't in California now. So she could come too." Amy was Ryan's best friend/sister. None of the boys had met her, she had moved before Ryan joined the group. They called each other often but never seemed to be able to meet up. "What's she in Cali for?" Damian asked casually. "Surfing." Keith's ears perks up at that, "Amy surfs?" Everyone laughed again at that. Keith loved surfing as much as music, and that was a whole lot. "She never has, but she's looking to learn. That's why she took a holiday to Cali." He explained. Keith chuckled, "I could teach her." The guys laughed at that again. "So," George teased, "Does that mean you haven't got some girl back home, Keith? Don't have anyone your missing?" "I do miss someone." "Oh?" Everyone said at once. Keith never mentioned girls on tour, so they all assumed he didn't have one in his life. Like that anyways. "Does she have a name?" Paul asked. "Lauren. And not like THAT!" He added quickly, to everyone else. "She's my sister." Ryan looked surprised, "You have a sister? You've never mentioned her." "Or we never THOUGHT you'd mentioned her." Paul said, "Apparently you did, if this is the same Lauren in your song." "She is." He said, "She moved here 8 years ago, when my parents divorced. Haven't been in much contact with her since." "For 8 years?" George asked, "Don't you call her?" Keith shook his head, looking more serious than the guys normally ever saw him. Damian sighed. Had it really been 8 years since his best friend moved? He remembered her telling him like it was yesterday. He'd wrote her, like he'd promised he would, but he never found her address. so they went unsent. He hoped she'd write him, but she never did. So he was left without contact with her, for the past 8 years. He missed her terribly. He wondered if she did too. Keith caught the glum look on Damian's face and brightened up a bit, "Of course I probably don't miss her as much as Damian does." Four pairs of eyes were now directly on him. He rolled his, "Yeah, Lauren and I were friends growing up. And yeah, I miss her. Happy?" "Very." Paul laughed. Damian shoved him, but laughed himself. "It's not like that, though." Damian added, "She was just a friend, nothing more." He sighed as everyone else got back onto a different topic. He joined in but most of his mind was thinking about her. The memories he had of her at least. He still had a couple pictures his mom had taken of the two growing up. Her bright smile, her sweet green eyes and her short blonde hair. She was 7 years old when she left. She was now 15 years old. She would turn 16 when he turned 17. He wondered, before he could stop himself, what she looked like now. He shook those thoughts out of his head and listened again to his four friends teasing each other. He'd probably never see her again, in any case.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 28, 2009 17:05:27 GMT -5
pfieff - you are so sweet LAUREN
"Mom! I'm going to the park!!" Lauren called, hoping her voice didn't sound as giddy as she felt after her little exploration of past photos. There was a pause, "Why?" Did she need a reason? She rolled her eyes, and gently put her picture in the pocket of her light jacket. "I want to play guitar!" She called back. "Alright! But be home before 5:30 you, understand?" She agreed. Lauren grinned, grabbed her guitar and flew out the door, "Thanks Mom!!" The park meant Central Park obviously. What other park was in this city. She was happy there was at least one she could go to. That's one thing she did remember about her home, how green and open it was. She missed that, she missed that a whole lot. She hummed and picked a few cords, loving the quiet sound it made. She made up a tune, just in her head, and played that. As she played her mind thought of the picture, in her jacket. She thought about the boy again. Who was he? A friend obviously, but that didn't say much. Had they been more than friends? She thought, stopping her guitar to fish the picture out. She smiled at his cute, boyish face. Had he been Lauren's own "puppy love"? She giggled and sighed. She missed him now, and she still didn't know who he was. Did he miss her too? Did he remember her? A cough distracted her, she looked up to see a pretty woman with light brown hair smiling at her. "That's very pretty, the guitar." She told her. Lauren stammered a reply, no one had ever complimented her playing before, "Ah, Thank you. It just sort of comes naturally." She grinned. The woman tilted her head, a slightly confused expression, "You look familiar, do you have any family I'd know?" That was an odd question to ask, "I don't know, especially because I still don't know who you are." It sounded rude, but Lauren was confused. The woman laughed, and actually sat beside her, "Vanessa. Vanessa Brennon." "OH!" Lauren squeaked, "You work at the fashion company my mom helps with." Her mom had told her a lot about Ms. Brennon. She was sweet, friendly, wonderful person. "That's quite possible." Vanessa laughed, "What would your name be?" Lauren paused, if Vanessa had heard of her it wouldn't be as Lauren. "Lauren Haley. Lauren Haley Hider." "Ah!" Vanessa said, "Your mom is Kathy Hider, isn't she? I've heard your name before, middle name. It's a pleasure to meet you." She held out her hand. Lauren shook it. She liked this woman already. "You too. But, might I say, I don't look very much like my mom at all. I don't know who you think I look like." Vanessa tilted her head again, studying her. "I'm sure you do. Siblings?" "None you would know." "Try me." She sighed, "I have an older brother, but he lives in Derry, Northern Ireland. I moved here when I was 7, and haven't seen him since. I remember he looked more like me, though." "A brother. A brother." she mussed, as though trying to picture him in her head. "Does he have a name?" "Keith Harkin." Vanessa's jaw dropped and she stared her for the longest time, "I knew you looked familiar! And your name is Lauren! Oh it makes sense!" "What?" What was she talking about? "Wait, you KNOW my brother?" She couldn't believe it, she knew Keith! Vanessa looked at her strangely, "I'm surprised you don't." She said slowly. "My mom cut off all contact with him. Aside from holiday cards and stuff." Vanessa closed her eyes and sighed, "Then you DON'T know..." "Don't know what?" "Celtic Thunder." Vanessa said, "It's a group of five Irish singers, they travel around the U.S. often. Your brother is one of them. They're in New York tonight." "He's HERE!?" Lauren nearly fell of the bench. Her brother, her only, amazing wonderful brother was HERE! In her city, to perform that night! And she wouldn't see him. "Lauren." Vanessa said quietly, noticing the girl’s tears. "What's wrong?" "He's here, and I won't see him. I’m so close to seeing him, but I won't. They're probably sold out." Vanessa pulled out two tickets, "I need someone to come with me, sweets." Lauren's eyes winded but before she could object she pressed on, "Your mother thinks I'm an angel, she won't object to me taking you to a show. She's actually suggested it before, even." "She won't want me to see my brother." "We won't tell her that's where we're going. If you want to go, that is." Lauren blinked. The woman was completely serious, completely set on taking her to see Celtic Thunder, her brother. She squealed and hugged the woman. "I'd love too! Thank you so much! Vanessa, you ARE an angel!!" She laughed, and stood up, "I have to go now, love. But I'll get you at 6:30. Your mom knows my number, call if anything changes." "I will. Thank you!" As she left Lauren felt tears fill her eyes again, happy ones. She'd see Keith tonight. She'd finally see her brother again.
DAMIAN
"Miss her, don't you?" Keith said quieter to Damian as the group toured Central Park. They'd gotten off that topic completely, but it was obvious Keith hadn't stopped thinking about his sister. Damian hadn't either. "What do you think?" Damian muttered, "I hardly remember her now." It was depressing to think about, but he didn't remember her much any more. Aside from pictures. "I do." Keith chuckled, "I remember the two of you together, all the time. Good friends, you were." Damian sighed, "So I've heard. I wish I had kept contact with her." "So do I, man, so do I." He said, running his fingers back through his hair. They dropped the topic again, knowing it only depressed them further. It was near impossible to tell whether or not Keith was still thinking about her. Damian knew he was, especially with being in New York. Lauren was here somewhere, he wished he knew where. Then what? he thought, if he found out where she was? He knew practically nothing about now, what could he say? It depressed him to think he and his best friend might have grown too far apart now. He wondered if he looked depressed too? He didn't want any of the guys asking for certain they'd tease him about Lauren. That and he really didn't want to bring her back in the conversation if Keith had finally got his mind off of it. He wondered if there was a way to get away, just to think for a bit. Luckily, the pathway they'd been walking through the park came to a fork. He glanced both ways then said as casually as possible, "I think they have soda machines over there. I'll get you guys some." He sounded like an idiot. The guys looked confused, except Keith, who grinned. "That's cool. Don't get lost." "I won't." That got him approval from them, so off he went. He wasn't far into thinking or walking when he was distracted. A guitar melody filling the air, to know real pattern. It sounded beautiful. He wondered who was playing. Almost abandoning thought of soda machines, he looked for the source of the music. On a bench only a few feet down from where he was, he saw her. Her head was bent over the guitar, and although her long dirty blonde hair was pulled in a messy ponytail, most of it was spilled across her face. She was wearing a pear of torn jeans and a faded pink jacket. He couldn't see her face, even as he walked closer, but it was obvious she was concentrating on the music. He was standing in front of her now, but she never looked up. The melody sped up and slowed down and she began to sway slowly with what she played. As it finally made what sounded like an ending Damian noticed the open case sitting by her feet, empty. He dropped 5 dollars, the money he was going to use for drinks, in. She looked up right away, shocked. He noticed her face was tear stained, like she'd been crying while playing. The next thing he noticed was that she was absolutely gorgeous. Probably the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. She looked to be about his age too. She stared at him for a moment before looking at the case, at the money. "Oh! No!" She blushed, leaning over to grab the 5-dollar bill. "No, no, no, no. No, I'm not- not doing this for- you don't- you shouldn't- Here!" She thrust the money back at him. He laughed, "I'm sorry. Your just really good, I thought you'd like money for it." Her blushed deepened but she smiled. She was ever prettier when she smiled. "Money is the last reason I play guitar." "What's the first?" She paused, "Escape." "Escape?" He asked. "From the annoyance, the loudness, the city life." She explained, still smiling. He laughed as a loud siren echoed outside the park, "I can imagine. You live here, then?" "Yeah." She didn't sound happy about it. "What about you... you're from Ireland aren't you? The accent." "Yeah," He replied simply. She sighed and laid her head against the back of the bench, looking wistful. "Oh I'd love to live in Ireland." She told him, "You're so lucky." "It is beautiful." "I know." He paused, looking at her, "Have you been there?" "Yes." She said, a sadder sigh, "I hardly remember it. I miss it." He didn't like to see her sad, a girl that lovely, that wonderful, should never be unhappy. He sat beside her. "Maybe you can come back again someday." "My mom won't let me." "She won't be able to tell you what to do forever." She smiled again at that, and his heart thudded. "Thanks..." She trailed off, waiting for a name. "Damian." He supplied, "Damian McGinty." "Thanks Damian." She said, her smile growing, as though just the sound of his name made her happy. Which made him happy. "You're welcome..." He paused again, inviting her to add her own name. She looked at him a moment, almost looking torn. He wondered if it was rude to ask her name. Or if she didn't want to give her name to a stranger. He didn't think she felt like a stranger, not to him. After a moment she mumbled quietly, "Haley." She said it strange, like the word tasted weird on her lips, "Haley Hider." He smiled, "Nice to meet you, Haley." He said, holding out his hand. She shook it, grinning herself, "You too, Damian." She glanced at the watch on his arm and dropped his hand quickly. "Is it really 5:45!?" He paused, knowing that tone meant she needed to go. He wished he could say No it wasn't. That she had all the time in the world to sit and talk to him, like he wanted her to. "Yeah." He said at last. She cursed, "I have to go! My mother is going to KILL me!" She laughed nervously, packing up her guitar. He helped her, laughing as well. She smiled as he stood up to and gave him a quick, friendly hug. "It was great to meet you, Damian McGinty." She said quietly as she let go, blushing. Before he could respond she took off running, her hair flowing behind her and a guitar strapped on her back. He looked down to see a small piece of paper on the ground. She must have dropped it, he thought, picking it up. He turned it over, and gaped. It was a picture of him. Younger him. He couldn't have been older than 8. That didn't shock him as much as who else was in that picture. He stared at it for the longest time before gazing up at Haley's retreating form. "Lauren..."
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 29, 2009 13:55:48 GMT -5
LAUREN
Lauren didn't think anything could express her feelings as she practically danced out of the park. Every step light and graceful, almost skip-like. She knew she needed to hurry because her mother was more than likely to all but ring her neck but, she didn't feel like worrying right then. She didn't feel like doing much of anything, aside from dance. Or play guitar. Or just daydream. Or most of all, she wanted to turn and run back to Damian. He was all she could think about as she ran, danced, home. Everything about him was attractive to her, from the first moment she saw him. And he'd been so sweet too, so understanding. He'd made her laugh like a best friend would and made her heart beat faster than what would be considered healthy just by smiling. Lauren had had crushes on guys before, obviously. She WAS nearly 16. But Damian... Damian, Damian, Damian; just his name made her feel giddy. She'd spoke to him all of five minutes, maybe, but those five minutes left her with something. She'd never felt quite like it, with any crush she'd ever had. Which is why she was rather sure it wasn't just any crush. She was being silly, though. She met him once, and that would be it. It wasn't like she'd see him often. Her mind tried to remind her of all of that but it would be easily distracted as she pictured his bright blue eyes, his sweet smile, his gorgeous deep voice. He seemed so comfortable talking to her, and she had never felt as comfortable than she had sitting next to him. That HAD to mean something. She wished she had told him her real name. Why had she felt the need to call herself Haley in front of him? Damian, sweet Damian should know her as Lauren. He had been so sweet, so friendly, the friendship came so easily. and what a friend he had been, for even those five minutes. She missed him already. After two irrational thoughts of turning back she reached her apartment. "Haley!! Sweetheart! Where have you been? You're nearly and hour late!" Lauren didn't feel like getting upset at her mother. She smiled and apologized in a somewhat dreamy voice. "Sorry Mum- Mom, Mom, sorry. I just got- ehm distracted." "Distracted?" Her mom didn't sound happy at the choice of words. Lauren snapped out of it. With some difficulty, she remembered what had happened before she'd met Damian. Vanessa! The concert! "Yes, distracted. I ran into Vanessa... Brennon, you know?" Her mother's accusing tone vanished, "You met Vanessa? Isn't she a sweet?" "Oh, yes." More so than she'd ever know. "She invited me to go see a show tonight! Said you suggested the idea to her." Her mom was still grinning, to Lauren's relief, "She is? Oh the doll! That's so sweet of her! What show?" Oh she WOULD ask that. Lauren raked her mind for any play or musical she'd heard of that may be in town, "RENT." She said, hoping her voice sounded normal. "That's sweet of her." Was all her mom said, "When does it start." "7:00," She replied, "but she'll be here..." The doorbell rang. "Now." Lauren finished, laughing. She danced over to answer the door. "Lau- HALEY!" Vanessa said happily, giving the girl a warm hug. "NESSA!" Lauren squealed back, happy to see the angelic young woman again. Vanessa let her go and smiled at Lauren's mom, "Thanks so much for letting me take her to see Wicked." "RENT." Lauren coughed, Vanessa looked confused so she continued with a strained casualness, "I thought we were seeing RENT?" Vanessa caught on quickly, said, "RENT was sold out, honey, we're going to see Wicked." "Okay." Lauren's mother, praise God, caught nothing of that exchange, and smiled. "You two have fun. Thanks for inviting her Vanessa." "No problem, Kathy. And don't worry, we will." She winked at Lauren and out they went. Lauren was in a fit of giggles by the time they got to the taxi. "I'm so glad this worked! Nessa, thank you so much for doing this!” She laughed happily. Vanessa looked rather proud of herself, "You deserve to see your brother. I sort of know how it is to miss a sibling, it's no fun. And I see my sister a whole lot more." "You have a sister?" "Not by blood, no. She's my sister in spirit, I love her to death. Actually, in a month, I'm going to visit her in Ireland to plan her wedding." "Ireland?" She asked, amazed, and a tiny bit jealous. Vanessa nodded, "She got to meet Celtic Thunder about a year ago, when their dancer broke her leg and she became the understudy. She and one of the guys, not your brother, fell in love. It's quite cute." Lauren giggled, that WAS cute. "That's when I met your brother." She added. "What's he like?" She asked in a quieter voice. Vanessa sighed, and looked as though she was trying to find words to describe him, "Nothing I say will describe him quite right, you know." "Try." "Think California surfer, only Irish. That's Keith. He's got that laid back style that comes with playing guitar and writing songs." She explained slowly. "He writes songs?" She didn't recall if her brother had been into writing growing up. She knew everyday was filled with music, though. Her dad played guitar and piano. Those were some memories she DID have, and they were lovely. Another nod, "He does indeed, he actually has one he wrote in the show tonight. You'll like it." She said it with a rather wicked smile, Lauren gulped. "We have meet & greets too. They're like backstage passes, where you can meet some of the guys." Vanessa continued, "I remember taking Rachel to these." "You mean I could meet Keith-y!?" She asked, her excitement growing so much she let the pet name escape. She laughed. "It's possible." Was all she said. She handed Lauren a playbill like poster from it. Five guys on the front. She pointed to the blonde one. "That's-" Lauren began, her voice choked up. He was so much older. He'd grown quite handsome, grinning charmingly in all black. He had to be, what? 22-23 then. Wow. She wiped at her tears, apologizing to Vanessa. "Don't be sorry." Her friend said, "I understand this is almost overwhelming. Come on though, we're here." As Lauren got out she saw the playbill in better light, noticing the other four men around Keith. Including a younger boy with dark hair and blue eyes. Lauren tried to gain control over her shock, blushing as she stared at Damian McGinty's picture. Right next to her brother. This was going to be one heck of an evening.
DAMIAN
She didn't remember him. That's all he could think about the rest of the day, even minutes before show time. Lauren. HIS Lauren. She didn't remember him. He felt stupid, confused and hurt. Why did she say her name was Haley? Did she not go by Lauren to anyone anymore? That hurt too, like his best friend was gone now. But she wasn't. The way she talked, laughed, and was so friendly and fun, Lauren was still there. Now he missed her more than ever. "I still can't believe it," Keith mumbled for about the hundredth time since Damian told the guys what happened. Poor Keith was beating himself up more than a little about not being able to see his sister. Damian wondered if she would have remembered him. Probably. And Keith had known Haley was her middle name, so he would have known who she was right away. Which he hadn't. Before anyone could make any sort of consolation to the uncharacteristically depressed Keith, they were on stage for Heartland. Damian could not concentrate. It's hard to concentrate when all he could think about was Lauren. And his feelings for her. That's what confused him most. She was his friend, she always had been, and always would be in his mind. It should have been that simple. But it was much easier to picture her as a friend when he still saw her as 7 years old in his mind. Suddenly that picture was replaced with beautiful 15-year-old Lauren. And now, it was harder to place his feelings for her. Lauren whose eyes sparkled when she smiled. Lauren whose smile made his heart pound. Lauren who was sitting in the third row, staring dumbfounded at him. She was sitting next to Vanessa, who was grinning from ear to ear, and had obviously set this up. It took a lot to keep his mouth from dropping as the song finished up. He looked at her one last time before running back. Her mouth was open but she wasn't looking at him. She was looking at Keith, who soloed next. Had he seen her? Did he know he might get another chance at meeting his baby sister? He couldn't tell, and before he could he was backstage. Keith was back minutes later, grinning from ear to ear himself. "I'm going to have to do something to pay that woman back." He laughed. That woman was obviously Vanessa. Damian laughed. It didn't take long for the other guys to catch on. "Do you think she'll have M&G's?" Paul asked. "Vanessa would, I'm sure." Keith replied, cheerfully. "You and I have them tonight, right?" "Right." Paul agreed. He glanced at Damian. He rolled his eyes, and knew what that look implied. "Paul," He laughed, "I already got to see her today. It's fine." "Ah, but I think you two need a proper re-introduction." Keith laughed. Damian blushed, and said nothing. The show went fast. Damian remembered trying hard not look at his friend, but failing more often than not. She waved at him in Breaking Up Is Hard To Do but he could still tell she hadn't figured out who he was, aside from the guy she met in the park. That still depressed him. He wondered if Keith would tell her, and what she would think. He wished he would be seeing her again too. Keith came back after "Lauren and I" He was smiling but his eyes looked a little red. "She was crying." He said simply. Damain sighed, and tried to picture it, "I can imagine." He was glad he hadn't seen her, he probably would have thought to run off stage and hug her. That wouldn't be good. Keith chuckled lightly, "Paul is giving you his spot in the M&G." He added, "Whether you agree or not." He tried to think of an objection but Keith added, "Don't say you don't want to see her again. I know you do." Damian sighed and nodded, and then they were out again. For Caledonia. That was nice. He looked at Lauren again, happy to see her smiling and clapping. And happy to be seeing her tonight. Dropping any restraint he waved at her. She blushed and gave a tiny wave back. Vanessa winked. He blushed as well as he was pulled back stage. "I saw that." Paul said, once they were assembled in the back. "Saw what?" "That smile you gave Miss. Lauren." He rolled his eyes, despite his flushed face. "She IS my best friend, and I HAVEN'T seen her in 8 years. I'm more than a little happy to be seeing her again." Paul raised an eyebrow but didn't probe further. Damian was glad of that. He wasn't sure about his feelings for Lauren himself, much less ready to talk about it. Paul couldn't have asked any thing anyways, because Damian and Keith had to go to M&G's then. Both guys were quite excited to say the least. With every group that came in their anticipation grew. Damian didn't even remember what he said to more than half of the girls, and he felt a little rude for that. But he couldn't think of much else but that he'd see her again. What would she think? He hoped she'd be happy, shocked, but happy. As the coming fans slowed down, he knew it was almost over, and she hadn't come. But then the door opened and there she stood. Still looking more beautiful than any girl Damian had ever seen. She smiled at Damian happily before turning her attention back to her brother. Her expression of slight shock, still. He grinned, "I've missed you, Lauren." That did it. She ran to him, crying. He held out his arms and caught her in a tight hug. He laughed, and she did too. She pulled away to smile at him. "Keith," She whispered, "I've missed you so so so much." She paused, "And that SONG!" He was still grinning, and messed up her hair in a brotherly way, "I said I couldn't deal with my Baby sister an ocean away, and I couldn't. Still can't. I figured I had to write about that. Never thought it would go this far, though." She beamed, tears still running down her face. She turned and sent Damian a brilliant smile. His heart pounded and he smiled back hesitantly, not sure if he wanted to mention his friendship with her yet. He still felt hurt she hadn't remembered him. "Oh Lauren!" Keith said, glancing at Damian as well, "I think your friend has something for you." She blushed and looked back at him in confusion. He was confused too. What did he- oh the picture! She'd want that back for sure. Maybe that would be the time to bring it up. He brought it out and handed it to her, "You dropped it.." He trailed off pathetically. She gazed at the picture, then back at him, then back at the picture. Her expression turning more surprised with each time. His heart sped up, wondering what on earth to say. She was obviously making the connection, but he didn't know what to say. Finally when she looked at him again he smiled. "I've missed you, too, Lauren."
Comments, please.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 29, 2009 14:23:58 GMT -5
extra long!! woo!!
LAUREN
Their eyes. They were identical. She didn't think anyone in the world could have eyes as gorgeous as Damian's but the same eyes sparkled in her picture. The photograph of her and her childhood friend, a childhood friend who could very well be standing in front of her. As she looked back and forth between the photograph of an 8 year old, and the actual 16 year old before her, memories skipped across her mind. Chasing a soccer ball with the boy in the field. Crying about moving, and him comforting her. Laughing about running away. Getting that very photo taken. And one phrase she remembered telling him at some point that day. "Damian, you're so sweet." Played in her head. She looked at Damian again, in shock. He smiled slightly. "I've missed you, too, Lauren." He told her quietly. The way he said her name, it sounded so familiar, though it should have been the first time she'd heard him use it. Did that mean, he was- he was- HER Damian. Her best friend. Just thinking it, it made something click in her mind. He was, he really was. Loosing any restraint she threw her arms around him. "DAMIAN!!!!" She sounded almost crazy with how happy she was. Not only did she get to see her brother again today, but her best friend. He hugged her back, laughing softly into her hair and she stiffened slightly. Stiffened at how her heart pounded hard and fast at his holding her. At how she blushed at his smile and swooned at his singing. Friends didn't have those feelings toward other friends. As her mind spun in confusion she heard herself say, "I can't believe I didn't remember..." She blushed, because that really did make her feel stupid now. Thinking about how she didn't remember he closest friend. He laughed again, pulling away to look her in the eye. She cursed the way her heart pounded at his gentle smile. "Lauren, it's fine. Honestly," He looked at the picture and made a face, "I don't look much like that anymore. I'm not surprised you didn't know. I didn't know it was you until you dropped this." "Ah, but I told you my name was Haley. If I'd said I was Lauren you would have known, wouldn't you have?" She protested. "Never know." He shrugged, clearly not wanting to dwell on the fact, "The point is, I really don't mind! I'm just happy I get to see you again. I've missed you probably as much as Keith has." Lauren was able to tear her eyes away from her friend to send a dazzling smile to Keith. He looked so happy, she remembered his anger when she'd moved. Oh, how she had missed him, too! "How did mum agree to this?" He asked her. She laughed softly, "She didn't. Vanessa and I are seeing Wicked tonight." She winked. It took a second but Keith understood. "Why didn't you ask her?" "I knew she wouldn't agree." "Why not?" Damian asked, watching the exchange with growing confusion. Lauren smiled back at him and explained, "Mom doesn't like anything that reminds her of being with dad. That, I suppose, included Keith, any of my old friends, and even the name Lauren." "Your name?" Keith asked, appalled. "I'm Haley, in her mind." Lauren replied, with a sigh, "It's gone so far that's it's almost sad. But she's loosened up a bit more now, she let me have my old stuff from when I was in Derry with you. That's where I found that picture." She smiled at the picture in her hands, then smiled at Damian, and then at Keith and back, "I've missed you both, so much." "We've missed you, too, Lauren." They both replied. Keith laughed all of a sudden, looking pas t his sister. She turned to see... nothing. Keith's laughter died and he mumbled, "'Discretely' giving us privacy, she is." Lauren understood now. Vanessa wasn't in the room. She had had M&G's too, obviously, but had chose to leave Lauren alone to be with her brother. She was thankful. She didn't know how long these lasted but it appeared no body was rushing her to go, so maybe she was last. She didn't want to leave, she didn't want them to leave. The thought brought tears to her eyes. Keith caught it, Damian might have too, but it was Keith who quickly said, "We're going out to a late dinner after this. Do you want to come?" "I didn't think fans were allowed to do that...?" "You aren't a fan." "I am too!" She protested laughing. "True, that wasn't really the reason I came, but you all did AMAZING!! How could I not be a fan?" Keith laughed, "I'm glad you like it. What's your favorite song?" "Mine." She winked. Lauren and I would obviously forever hold a place in her heart. "A Bird Without Wings was gorgeous too though." She added, sending Damian another smile. He blushed, but smiled. Now she blushed. She couldn't control the way her breath caught at his sweet grin, and she wished she could. It was confusing her so much. He was her friend, her best friend, how could she suddenly be getting these feelings. Years ago she was set on him always being her friend. Hours ago she was set that she was quite possibly in love with him. And now? She didn't know. "Well?" Keith laughed, waiting. She blinked out of her thoughts, "Well what?" "Well do you want to go to dinner with the guys?" Did she? Oh yes. No. It would be fun, she'd be with her brother, meet his other friends, get to catch up. She'd be around Damian, still unsure about how she felt, it would be torture. "I'd have to ask Nessa..." "I have no doubt she'll agree." Damian laughed. She blushed but nodded, "I suppose your right." She sighed. His expression turned mildly worried, "Do you not want to go?" Did he have to ask that? Now she'd have to answer with her actual opinion rather than make excuses. She'd either lie and break both their hearts, or embarrass herself with the truth. She could never hurt her brother, or her friend, "I'd absolutely love to." Damian's answering smile made that embarrassment worth it. "Great!" She sighed internally. She was sure it would be. And that's what she was afraid of. DAMIAN
Damian was ecstatic, to say the very least. Lauren had taken the discovery even better than he had thought. He was glad it had made her happy, and he was glad he got to be with her again. He had missed her beyond words those past eight years. And it was only now, standing talking to the girl he had missed so long, that it really hit him. The brilliant smiles she had been giving showed he was not alone on feeling that. It was also wonderful to see her glowing happiness of being with her brother again. Keith had never showed or spoke about how much he had missed Lauren. Although, once you knew that she was the Lauren of "Lauren & I", it was easy to see. But it was even clearer just by his smile at her. He had missed her a lot. The dinner with the guys was great. She loved all of them and they all loved her. They asked her about what she'd been up to since she moved, a topic both Damian and Keith were curious about. "I learned to play guitar." She said, her face never loosing its grin. She glanced at her brother, "Guess it's still in my blood." He laughed, "Defiantly. Will I get to hear you play?" "I don't do it to any sort of professional status." She giggled. "It's just an..." She tried to look for the word. "Escape?" Damian supplied. She turned her glorious smile to him now, "I said that before, didn't I? Yes, a wonderful escape, guitar is." Her voice already had traces of an accent coming back. He loved it. Vanessa laughed, "Want to leave New York, do you?" "Heck yes!" More laughter at how passionate she sounded about it. "Join the club." Ryan, not surprisingly, added in, "You don't want to stay in New York, Vanessa?" Her face colored, which also wasn't surprising, but shrugged. "Not really. It's fine, but it's lonely now. Without Rachel." Paul sighed, "God, I miss her." "WE KNOW!" Everyone at the table said at once. Everyone except Lauren, who just laughed. "You're the one engaged to Nessa's sister?" She giggled. "How sweet, I can understand your missing her." Paul grinned at her, but before he could reply George laughed, "You shouldn't do that, love. It will only encourage him." He winked. Lauren laughed more. "Ah, but it makes sense, if my boyfriend had to go somewhere far away I know I'd be sad and miss him." Everyone at the table visibly stiffened. Her Boyfriend? She had a boyfriend!? He was scared to ask that aloud. Well, not so much scared to ask, but scared for the answer. He had never expected her to have a boyfriend. But, of course she would. She was funny, kind, and gorgeous. It was impossible for her to be single. He wondered who the guy was. If he knew how lucky he was. He cringed at his jealousy. He shouldn't be jealous. She was his friend, it wasn't like he wanted- wanted to- to be.. He shook the thought out of his head. Lauren was his friend! His best friend, and it was creepy to think of her as anything but. Wasn't it? He had to say something to get his mind off of it, for the time at least. That wasn't a good idea because the first thing that left his mouth was, "You have a boyfriend?" She giggled, "No," It took a lot for him not to let out a relieved sigh, "Just wishful thinking..." Well, that didn't help at all. "Wishful thinking?" Keith asked, though Damian was thinking to. "Oh," She said vaguely, "There is a guy, at my school, but he doesn't like me. I'm sure." How could ANYONE not like her!? "What's his name?" Paul asked casually. "Aaron." More stiffening. Lauren noticed this time, "What?" Vanessa rolled her eyes, "Sugar, you don't even want to know." "But I do." She protested. "First off, what's your Aaron's last name?" she asked. He hated the 'your Aaron' part. "Lane." She replied. Keith laughed, so did George, and Ryan. Damian couldn't help it and laughed a bit, too. Paul and Vanessa rolled their eyes. "What?" She asked again, "What's wrong with his name?" "Aaron is the name of Rachel's ex," Vanessa explained, and then a laugh escaped her as well, "And- and Lane is Rachel's last name." "Oh. Well, that's awkward." She said slowly. They laughed though, "Awkward name aside, that's nice you have a crush." Vanessa continued. "It's only nice if he liked me back." She replied. "How do you know he doesn't?" She made a vague hand gesture, "Oh you know, I can just tell he's not interested. But it's okay, it's a crush. Most crushes fade." she turned to Damian, "So what about you?" "What about me?" "Got any special girl back home?" Her voice sounded a bit stiff. Like she didn't really want an answer. Damian didn't really want to answer, himself. But Keith felt no problem in telling her. "Nah, he and his girlfriend ended it recently, did you?" Damian laughed awkwardly. He had, it wasn't bad or anything, they just both decided it wasn't working out. They still talked and even hung out but defiantly not like that. He shrugged it off. "I'm sorry." Lauren told him, her expression worried. "It's nothing." He laughed. She relaxed. Thankfully, she moved on to interrogate the other guys about there own love lives. None so much as her older brother. And soon everyone at the table was on Keith about it. "C'mon!" Vanessa giggled, "You have fan clubs! How can you not have ever had a girl friend?" Lauren rolled her eyes, "Must be his own choice. I'm sure my handsome, musically talented brother had gotten plenty of offers." He shoved her playfully and they both laughed. "Well, shouldn't a pretty, talented girl like you have gotten plenty of offers?" Damian had meant it as a joke, sort of. She blushed, but was still smiling. Thankfully. "I don't think tom-boyish musicians who could care less about how they appear to others are in style over here." He rolled his eyes, but didn't comment anymore. He was on such thin ice already. But before he could help it he felt relieved at that. He didn't know why on earth she didn't have lines forming, but he was sure glad of it.
LAUREN
Aaron Lane was the closest friend Lauren had made since she moved. It strange, how she was drawn to making guy friends. She had one or two friends that were girls as well, but mainly guys. Aaron was the first though. In middle school when tween girls were at there cruelest when it came to what a girl wore or how she acted, he was the one to befriended her. By high school the drama had quieted down, but Aaron always stayed close to her. She was happy to have found a friend when she thought she'd have no one. It was impossible for her not have had some more than friendly feelings for him. She had been at that age, starting to see guys in a different way. Starting to get new feelings. Her crushes changed by the week, few serious. Her crush on Aaron changed by the week as well. One day she thought he as cute, the next he was just her friend. The friend feelings were always stronger though, so when it became clear he wasn't interested in her that way she dropped it. No hard feelings, and he was her friend again. She didn't know what possessed her to call him her boyfriend. Or to say it was wishful thinking. She was past her crushing on him, it was a silly thing to say. But she made herself sound as indifferent as possible and change the subject. Of course it didn't help that she'd just asked Damian about his love life. Part of her was relieved that he was free, but most of her was sorry that a relationship had ended bad for him. Or maybe it was vise-versa. Her head and heart had gotten so mixed up that day she wasn't sure which one was controlling her. The thoughts of that evening spun in her head throughout dinner and so before she knew it, it was over. They stood outside the diner they ate at, still talking, though. That made her even more depressed, this would be it now. Damian seemed to share the feeling. As Vanessa and her moved to go, he caught her arm, His expression grim. "Will you write?" He asked, his voice low. His blue eyes were especially bright with his pleading. It wasn't possible to form correct thoughts. "I- I don't know where I'd send it to?" "Vanessa does. I'll write you once I'm back in Ireland in May. So will Keith." "Mom wouldn't let me write you back." She was whispering, she didn't know why. This wasn't a secret plan, even if it was, it wasn't from the people they were with. He laughed, "We'll work our way around that. I just don't want to loose contact, like last time." "Neither do I." "Then we won't." He beamed, giving her another hug. "I'll miss you, more than before even." She laughed, despite her unsteady heartbeat, "Is that possible?" "Hey!" Keith called, "Don't you keep my sister from me, Damian. Lauren, you aren't leaving just yet." "Of course not!" She exclaimed, leaving Damian's side to give her brother another hug. Tears formed in her eyes. "I'll miss you Keith-y." He chuckled softly, "Just be sure to write, Lauren. It'll be like we're never apart." "I hope." The other guys made general, "It was nice to meet you" comments. To which she responded enthusiastically. The other men had been charming to say the least. She was glad her brother and friend had joined such a wonderful group. With many hugs and many promises they parted.
Weeks passed. School went as usual, and so did life. She began to ask friends at school to call her Lauren, and played guitar at any free time she had. She wrote made-up unsent letters to Keith. And to Damian. Most of all, she still tried to work out her feelings for the boy. It was the last week in may when her mom told her a letter had come from Vanessa. That was odd, she and Vanessa had kept close contact after their whirlwind day together, but they never wrote letters. They lived far too close for that. She opened the envelope to reveal another one. This one addressed to Vanessa, but it was from- from KEITH!! She tore open the second envelop in excitement. And read quietly; "Dear Lauren, I hope you are reading this. This means the plan worked out perfect. We (being Damian and myself) will send any letters to you to Vanessa. And she'll send them to you. I take it Mum has no problem with you getting letters from her. I hope she has no problem with you writing her, as well. Because, I probably won't sleep until your reply reaches me. Damian finished his letter to you today, so it will probably come tomorrow for you. He was very happy when I told him this idea. He misses you already, as I do. He wants me to ask, though, if you still play football, or rather, soccer. I told him I'm sure you did, but he wants to know. He still does, but I'm sure that doesn't surprise you. How is the guitar going? I still wish I could have heard you play. Damian says he does too. I hate not knowing how life is with you. One meeting was not enough to catch up for 8 lost years. Simple enough, you need to come visit. Yes, I know it would be impossible to convince Mum, but you don't know that for sure. We have a show in July, where friends and Family are recommended to attend. Try to come. Even if you can't, just try. That's all I can ask. It would be amazing to have you there. I miss you a whole lot, Lauren. But I'm sure you know that. Your Brother, Keith."
DAMIAN
Letters from Derry to New York and back took more than a week. That was understandable, but still the weeks waiting his reply from Lauren were unbearable. Had they even reached her, or had her mom found out and ruined their seemingly perfect plan. He hoped that wasn't the case. He wanted nothing more than to stay in contact with his best friend again. The reply came two weeks after he sent his to her. "Dear Damian, I was happy and shocked at receiving your letter. Happy, of course, because I get to hear more from you now, which is wonderful. Shocked because of all the questions! I will try and answer them all. Yes, I still play soccer. I remember little of playing it back home, unfortunately, but I do still love the game. I play it when I can, and watch it as often as possible (ManU!!!). Aaron, the friend I mentioned, is reading over my shoulder and wants me to add that I'm the only girl in my high school that supports ManU, only because I'm the only girl who knows what that is! Aaron has to go, but he wants to add that he's heard of Celtic Thunder and thinks your all amazing. He says, and these are his words not mine, 'I want to meet my Lauren's long-distance boyfriend.' I blushed. He left so I can't hit him. I will tell him later that we aren't like that. I guess, in that way, not much has changed. Do you remember Keith teasing us as kids? Oh, he used to make me so mad. I wish they could understand we're just close friends. School? School is boring, though it's nice to have Aaron. He was the first friend I made when I moved. He's so sweet. Like you. I'm getting really good grades, which is nice. And I'm so good in choir my teacher is letting me have a solo in our next concert. Another trait from my brother, I suppose. Home life is just as boring. Mom is looking to get me a job at the company Nessa works at. Which, I suppose, is nice. But I really don't want to work there. Fashion and me don't get along all too well. My love is music, and anything with it. But enough about me! How are things in Derry? How is school? How is soccer? Keith says you play, but did you go for the team? Is it fun? God, I miss you, Damian McGinty. I cannot wait until you reply. Your best friend forever and beyond, Lauren" Damian's heart pounded as he finished the note. So many emotions she touched on as he read her words. Jealousy. Aaron reading over her shoulder. He didn't like that he was now apart of their conversations. He had hoped they would be more of a private thing for her, like they were for him. And he had called her "His Lauren" Those were his exact words, she said. If he didn't like her he shouldn’t call her "his." He didn't want to stay mad at that, though. Happiness. She replied. She was well, she missed him like he did her. She remembered more about growing up, the teasing they got about being a couple. It brought back nice memories for him. He wasted no second writing her back. His cell phone rang as he sealed up the letter. He answered, "Hello?" "DAMIAN!" Lauren's gorgeous voice sang across the receiver. He practically dropped the phone. "L-L-Lauren?" He stuttered, shocked. Her giggle was heard, "Yo." He couldn't help but laugh, her humor was infectious. "Wha- I mean how did you get my number!?" "Grapevine." "What?" "I got it through Nessa, who got it from Rachel, who I assume got it from Paul. Paul might have even got it from Keith. I'm not altogether sure. But either way, it worked it's way here." He sighed, content. He would have to thank all of them at some point. "Well hey! How is this getting past your mum?" "I'm in the park right now. And I pay my own phone bill so she won't know who I've been calling." She replied, cheerily. "Sneaky." More laughter, "It rocks. Not only am in contact with my best friend but I get to be all ninja about it." Her choice of words made him smile, "I got your letter today." "Ooh! Great!" She said, "Did you like it?" "Of course! I was so happy to get a reply. I was worried this wouldn't work." "Oh it worked marvelously! Mom doesn't suspect a thing." She sighed, "But I'm going to have to tell her." "What?" He asked, appalled, "Why!?" "Keith invited me to visit next month sometime. I promised him I'd at least ASK mom." She told him slowly, "Even though, I know she won't agree." He sighed and tried not to be too hopeful. Still, the idea of Lauren coming back, even for a weekend or less, made him ecstatic. "Well, it's worth a try." He said. "It sure is. I hope it works." "I hope it does too, Lauren. Letters are nice but I want to talk to you again." "Damian, you're so sweet." He laughed, remembering being told that plenty when he was younger. There was a short silence. Damian wanted to say something but he could think of nothing. After her letter most of his questions had been answered. "So what else is new over in New York?" He said at last. The next pause was longer. "Well...." Her voice was low, "Aaron asked me out."
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 29, 2009 15:16:53 GMT -5
LAUREN
The day after she'd finished her letter to Damian she had explained to Aaron in Central Park that they weren't like that. "You aren't like what?" He asked. She laughed, "Like a couple. Damian is just my best friend." "I thought I was your best friend." That was awkward. She couldn't tell if he was teasing or serious. She didn't know how to answer that now. "You are. You and Damian are both so close to me. I can have more than one best friend." She kept her tone pleasant and a smile on her face. He seemed to relax, and smiled. There was a pause. Then he added, "Do you know what's up with Michelle?" Michelle was a friend of both of theirs. One of Aaron's other friends had been crushing on her for a while, and Aaron was going to ask her out for him. Lauren thought that had all worked out. "Didn't you ask her? For Chris?" She was confused. "I did." He said slowly, "Then she blushed and started crying. Not like happy tears either. She said something I didn't catch, hit me, and took off running." Lauren blinked, trying to work that all in her mind. She thought about Michelle, who always hung around the soccer team that both Aaron and Chris played on. She had been sure that was because she liked Chris, but it could have meant - meant that she-. "Aaron you idiot!" She exclaimed. He was taken aback completely at that, "What!?" "Don't you know what this means!?" "No!" She buried her face into her hands and sighed. "She blushes and runs off crying. And you can't even guess?" He sighed too, angrier, "No I can't guess! Just spell it out for me!" "Fine, idiot!" A little mad at his tone, "Michelle is in love with you!!" He looked like he just got punched in the stomach. He blushed. "But -that- that - oh well... this makes things awful for me." "Awful for YOU!? Imagine poor Michelle!! How is it awful for you?" She yelled. He yelled back, "BECAUSE I'M IN LOVE WITH YOU!" Her face went red and her mouth hung open. "What?" She whispered. He what!? He couldn't be! He was her friend, aside from having a tiny crush on him she didn't think of him like - like that. Was it obvious? Had she been the stupid one and missed all the signs that he liked her? "Do you want to go out with me? You don't have a boyfriend, right?" She shook her head slowly. He knew she was single. He smiled, but it faded at the empty look on her face. "I -I I- can't." She whispered. "Why not!?" He asked, "Do you like someone else?" There was no possible way she could answer that. She hadn't figured that out herself. in her mind all she could think of was Damian, his voice, his smile, his sincerity. Everything about him that made her smile and made heart pound. Aaron knew it without her saying, "I thought it wasn't like that." He said in a low voice. Her heart ached. This was Aaron, her closest friend, the one guy who had been there for her when she was new. She hated to hurt him. Why? Why did he have to like her!? She couldn't tell him she didn't like Damian, she couldn't tell him she did. So she did the only thing she could think to do, she mumbled, "I have to go." And took off running. Crying the whole way. Now, the silence on the phone was unbearable. It had been a week since then. Aaron still talked to her, and it was as though it had never happened. But she still felt awful, like she'd put a wrench into there friendship. Why had she told Damian this? What if he asked why she said no? She'd have to tell him- what? What would she tell him? Her feelings for him were still mixed up and confused. "He what?" Damian asked at last, his voice shocked. Lauren blushed, and tried to sound indifferent, "He asked me out. Told me he was in love with me." Another pause. She was glad she couldn't see his face, and that he couldn't see hers. "I thought you said he didn't like you like that." "I didn't think he did!" Her voice cracked. Crap. "But -but he does. Or he did. I can't see how he could possibly love me now." "What do you mean?" "I just broke my friends heart." She cried, "I feel so awful. He must hate me. I hate me!" "Shh, Lauren," His voice soothed, "So you turned him down. I'm sure he'll get over it in time." "Would you?" "Would I what?" She sighed unsteadily through tears, "Would you get over it if a girl you liked turned you down?" There was a long pause, followed by, "I think I could. I'd want her to be happy. If she was happier with having me as a friend, then I'll just be a friend." He was so understanding. She smiled softly, "Damian..." "I'm sweet , aren't I?" She laughed aloud now, "The sweetest guy I know." He sighed, "I miss you." "I miss you, too." "I finished your letter." Her heart pounded, "Can't wait to get it! We need to call each other often too." "Once a week." He suggested. "Every Saturday." She replied, "My mom works Saturdays so I'm home alone. I should go now, though." They sighed in unison, then laughed. "I'll miss you Lauren." "We'll talk in a week." "Bye." "Bye Damian..." She hung up and added quietly, knowing he couldn't hear, "I love you."
DAMIAN
Lauren crying was the most heartbreaking sound he'd ever heard. His first reaction was anger at Aaron for making his best friend so confused and hurt to the point of tears. His next was sympathy for him, he DID just get rejected, that must have hurt. Last, though, was a twinge of relief. She'd turned him down. Why had she turned him down? He wondered. This was a the guy she mistakenly called her boyfriend at one point. Part of him was positive she would jump at the offer of dating him. What had changed her mind? Who had changed her mind? Had she found someone else to like? He didn't want to dwell on that for too long. It got his emotions confused again. So he soothed her, tried to tell her everything would be alright, tried to make her laugh. He wanted to tell her he would never ever want to see her crying or hurt. But that might have been awkward so he held it in. She called him sweet again, as she often did. That made him happy, because it meant he'd made her happy. The conversation was over far too soon. Damian was glad she wanted to talk to him once a week. He wondered if she got Keith's number as well. She'd want to talk to him too. And he would defiantly want to talk to her. God, they'd hung up seconds ago and he already missed her voice. Her laughter. It didn't help that he had plenty of pictures of her in his house. From when they were younger, when things were easier. When he could talk to her without his heart speeding up, think about her without wanting to drop everything to go and see her again, be near her again. He had never been sure what to make of those feelings before now. But the more he thought of it the clearer it became. He loved her. Not just the sort of friend love he thought he'd had for her. No, he was truly IN LOVE with her. He could hardly believe he was thinking this. She'd been his friend so long, he'd never expected that he would ever like her more than that. Maybe he always had, and it just hadn't hit him until now. So, he loved her... And she was in America. "This sucks." He mumbled aloud. It did. Sorting out his feelings for the girl only made him miss her more. Instead of relieved or happy, he felt miserable. He sympathized with Aaron more than he ever thought he would. What if she turned him down too? What if they couldn't be friends anymore? He didn't want to do that. And, after her reaction to Aaron's proposal he defiantly didn't want to put her through THAT. He never ever wanted to be the cause of her tears. The phone rang. He sighed and answered it. "Yo." Keith's voice said, he sounded more than cheerful. He could only guess why. "Lauren call you too?" Damian asked, dryly. Keith laughed, "Sure did. God, I'm so glad I get to talk to her too! Letters just aren't enough, you know?" "Yeah." He certainly did. "What'd she say?" "Probably nothing you haven't heard. She's doing a solo in her choir class. Wish I could hear. She hasn't asked Mum if she can come visit yet, but she's looking for the right time to." "I hope she can make it." "So do I. I talked to my dad recently. He was kind of awkward about the idea of Mum coming. Don't understand that. Never understood those two." He sighed. "Confused Lauren too." Damian commented, remembering when they younger asking why her parents were getting divorced. "I don't know," She'd sighed, "They love each other. They've said so often. And they don't even fight that much." Keith didn't feel like talking about that for long, "Whatever the reasons are I just hope Lauren comes." Damian sighed, wondering if he should say anything. "Keith," "Yeah?" Might as well. "I love her." "Lauren?" He sounded surprised, but not shocked. He was blushing but got out a "yeah." He could hear Keith's smile in his voice, "For how long?" "I don't even know. I just- She's - I mean-" He couldn't think right, or talk straight. Keith laughed now. Damian was surprised, he hadn't suspected Keith to be upset, but didn't think he would be so easily pleased at this. "Is that fine?" More laughter, "Damian, I'm her brother not her bodyguard or anything. Besides, you make it sound like I didn't know already." He blushed deeper, of course Keith knew. Probably everyone had known. Except himself. "Are you going to tell her?" "I'm not sure..." "Why not?" "Aside from the obvious," She'd reject him, "I don't want to ruin our friendship or anything." He scoffed, "Whatever you want." He said simply, but added, "But just so you know, she's an amazing girl." "I know." Laughter, "Then you know there will probably be plenty of guys after her. I'd much rather she end up with you then some weirdo in America." "Only so much I can do when she's an ocean away." "Then I can only wish ya luck. Talk to you later." Without waiting for a goodbye he hung up. Damian sighed, looking up from the phone to another photograph of young Lauren. She looked no older then 6 there, laughing. He sighed again. Why did love have to be so difficult?
LAUREN
"Mom, why did you and Dad get divorced?" It was a silly way to start asking her mom something important, but it was also something Lauren really wanted to know. Her mom stiffened, and said nothing. And Lauren dropped it. She would ask the question at least three times a week. Knowing it was stupid, and it was really only getting her mom irritated. But she knew nothing of why her mom wouldn't talk about home. If she knew that, she'd know the right tactics to get her mom to agree for her to visit Derry again. It was dinner, it was July. The Celtic Thunder concert was in a week. It was now or never to ask. "Mom, please? Can't I know?" "Why do you want to know?" "I want to know why I'm not aloud to talk about Derry or my brother or anything like that? Was it THAT awful!?" Her voice rose. She was surprised by her mom's reaction. They had had similar discussions before that normally ended in both yelling at each other. But her mother stayed quiet, and looked upset. Lauren immediately felt guilty, but curious. There was no response so Lauren asked, "Do you hate Dad, now?" She sounded like a little girl. Her mom met her eyes now, and Lauren was even more surprised. She was smiling, it was a sad, heartbroken smile but a smile all the same. "No." She said quietly. "Then why?" She asked, surprised. "It's complicated," Her mother said slowly, "Neither you or Keith would have understood at the time. You probably still won't understand." She was getting through to her, it was exciting. Her mom actually said her brother's name for the first time in 8 years. "Try me." She pleaded. Her mom laughed, "It's quite dramatic," She warned. She sounded ready to explain so Lauren only nodded. "My parents, simple enough, did not approve of your father." That WAS dramatic. "Then how did you marry him?" "I basically defied my parents. I was more rebellious then, and I loved him. So much." She sighed, and sounded like a lovesick teenager. She was dumbstruck. "Then?" "I couldn't take it." She said sadly, "I was tearing myself in half, having to choose between my family, that lived here, and my family there. Your father and I discussed how to make it easier, but it normally ended in fights. In the end I told him it would be better if we weren't together. I lied." Lauren stared, mouth-open, gawking. She never had expected that of her mom. She'd never expected ANY of that from her mom. She wondered how much Keith knew. "But- but-but" she stumbled, "Now? Now your mom and dad - they -they" They had died when Lauren was around 10. She remembered nothing of either of them. "Why haven't you come back? Her mom laughed again, bittersweet, "Do you think he would take me back? I was the one to leave him." She sighed, again as well. "He probably remarried anyways." She shook her head fast, "Keith says he hasn't so much as gone on a date with anoth-" OOPS! She hid her face in her hands in embarrassment, then dropped them. It was her mother's turn to gawk. "Keith said this, did he?" She said quietly. Lauren stared at the table and nodded. "And just when were you talking to Keith?" "Every Saturday." She whispered. A pause, "Where did you find the number?" "Vanessa. She knows him. We've been writing too." She paused, “He's in a group, you know. Of singers, they've toured the U.S. plenty of times. They've come here." Tears were glistening in her mom's eyes, "And you saw them, didn't you?" She nodded again, then said, "He wrote a song about me, mom. A song." She didn't seem able to find her voice. Now or never, Lauren thought. "They are doing a show in Dublin in a week. He invited me and you to come." He actually had only invited Lauren, but she wouldn't say that now. "I want to go. I miss him." "I do too, Lauren." her mom spoke her name for the first time as well. Her face lit up. "So can we?" Silence. Crap. Laughter, and a nod. Lauren cried, happily. Her mom mumbled, teasingly "I feel like I'm signing up for 'The Parent Trap'." "You don't have to see dad, mom! That's not why I want to go." She said. "I understand, love." Her mom said, softly, "Next week, did you say?" "Yes" "Then we need to get tickets." She was smiling like a teenager again. Lauren hugged her, "Mom I love you so much!" "It's the least I could do Lauren. I've been doing what my parents did to me, tearing you in two. I never wanted to do that. I've been acting silly this whole time haven't I?" "Mom, you know I love you, so I have to say; yes! yes you have!" They both laughed and hugged again. "I'll have to call!" She added, "Tell them I'm coming!!" She laughed and twirled back into her room. Halfway through dialing Damian's number she got a better idea.
DAMIAN
The night of their show Damian got a text message. The text read "Damian, Tell Keith I tried. - Lauren". He wondered why she didn't call, but she must have been crying, and didn't want him to hear. He was glad of that, he hated to hear her cry, or even sound hurt in the slightest. He still wished he could talk to her. She couldn't come. That hurt him a lot. It would hurt Keith too, he'd been so hopeful that her mom would agree. Damian had been looking forward to seeing Lauren again, as if all his confusion would be clear the second he saw her beaming face. The show would be so hard to work out without that. "Poor Lauren." Damian said quietly to Keith about 15 minutes before show time, "She risked a bunch telling her mom and she didn't even get anything from it." "I'm an idiot for asking her to try." Keith sighed, pulling his fingers through his hair, "Now, Mum knows our plan. I've probably lost all contact with her." Damian hadn't thought of that. And he had been glad he hadn't, now it was an awful thought. Not only would he never see her, but he was likely to never talk to her in any way. Now, now that he knew he loved her. Now, he had to loose contact with her. "Well, that's just grand." He said sarcastically. Keith sighed, "I know. I'm really not in the mood to sing." "Neither am I." Ryan, George and Paul came in right about then,, laughing. They stopped short at seeing the sullen looks on the boy’s faces. "Where have you three been?" Damian asked. They'd gone out for dinner with Rachel and Vanessa earlier before coming here. The three guys had disappeared for a short time between then and now. Ryan grinned wickedly, George laughed, and Paul said in a strained serious tone, "We found a fan club member spying outside." The guys gulped. Fan girls, crazed fan girls, were something the guys rarely ran into but when they did... "What did you do?" Keith sounded as though he wasn't sure he wanted to know. "We brought her with." Ryan beamed, looking proud of himself. "You WHAT!?' They asked together, speechless. "Why?" Damian stuttered, peering over the guy’s shoulders. He didn't see anyone behind them. There humor wasn't going away in the slightest, "She sounded so desperate, our hearts went out to her." George said, simply. "If Sharon finds out you brought a fan back here she's going t-" "I think she'll make an exception in this case." Paul chuckled, "She seemed happy to see us but it's you two she was really here for. Want to meet her?" The boys exchanged appalled glances. Despite their grins, they sounded completely serious. "Come on in!" Paul called, he had to cover his mouth now to keep from laughing. Damian was scared... for a second. "LAUREN!!!!!!" Keith yelled it first, the second her head even showed in the doorway. It took him only two strides forward before he took her into his arms. She laughed and Damian's heart pounded. As she was let go she wasted no second before running straight to him. Before he could even think to say hi he was almost toppled as she threw her arms around him. His face burned a fiery red, and as he pulled away grinning he managed to say in a pointed tone, "You lied." She laughed and made her voice huffy, "I did no such thing." Her arms were still around him. "But you said-" "I simply said, Damian Mcginty, that I tried. I never said what the outcome of said trying was." "You tricky little..." He laughed, pinching her side. "Ah!" She squeaked, laughing and trying to pull away. "Don't do that!!" They both laughed again and then died down as they both realized how close they were. Her face was only inches from his, blushing just like his own. For a second, looking into her green eyes he felt like they were the only two in the room. Paul coughed. They both turned to look at him, and the cough became a laugh. "I'm sure you two are happy to see each other but we have show in a few minutes, you know?" They ignored him for a moment. Keith added, "How did Mum agree?" Lauren's smile went crooked, "I'll explain later, I should go now. She's in the audience, though." She unhitched her arms from where they were still around Damian's neck and beamed. "You five break a leg." They laughed and nodded. She sent another smile at the three older men, "And thanks for playing along! That worked out well." "Anytime, love." George laughed, and they all joined in. She waved again and left. Four pairs of eyes were locked on Damian. "What?" He tried to keep from blushing, but failed. Keith rolled his eyes, "Nothing, nothing at all." "Except that you looked just about ready to kiss her, right then and there." Paul laughed. Damian's face steamed. He hadn't even thought about that, at all! At least not consciously. He wasn't going to say anything to that, anyways. But even if he had, he wouldn't have been able to, because the show was set to begin. Minutes ago he as thinking of how hard it would be to perform without Lauren. Now, he was wondering if it might have been easier that way.
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 29, 2009 19:46:32 GMT -5
LAUREN
Lauren hadn't been sure what came over her to throw herself into Damian's arms like that. She'd been embarrassed the moment she did, but before she could think to casually pull away, he'd hugged her back and that thought just disappeared. He'd spoken just as causally as before, thankfully. Neither let go, though. And then, his eyes. His beautiful beautiful blue eyes. How close they were. How close he was. Her heart beat unsteadily, and she had absolutely nothing to say. He didn't say anything either, and part of her wondered how long they'd be content saying nothing. Just looking into the other's eyes. Thankfully, or perhaps unthankfully, she didn't know at that point anymore, Paul got their attention. And Keith was able to get her mind off of- off of- off of whatever had just happened. And she tried hard not to meet Damian's eyes anymore, even as she left. She wasn't completely sure how she ended up in the theater next to her mom. She wasn't sure how her mind was working properly, much less her feet. What had happened? she thought throughout the beautiful show, especially in Damian's numbers. When had she fallen for him? What changed him from a friend to so much more in her mind? It was so confusing, so difficult to deal with. She sighed, and was happily distracted by her song. It still struck her that anyone, brother or no, wrote a song about her. She glanced at her mom for the first time that show. She was smiling wistfully, and tears glistened in her eyes. She wondered if her father had looked like Keith when they first fell in love. "Mom..." She began. Her mom smiled at her but put a finger to her lips. Lauren didn't interrupt again. At the end the boys got a bouquet of flowers. Of course. They deserved them, they deserved more than that, actually, after the amazing show they'd put on for all of them. As if the show wasn't enough, they then went to handing off their bouquets to family members. George and Paul were first. George to a lovely woman and a bubbly redheaded young girl. Obvious who those to were. Paul was grinning charmingly as he handed his to a pretty young woman with short hair that Lauren could only assume was his Rachel. She looked ecstatic. She brought her attention to her brother as he motioned her down. She laughed, and spared her mother a glance. She nodded and Lauren skipped down the steps to greet him. "Enjoy the show, sis?" He asked, as he handed her the beautiful flowers. She beamed, "Of course." Her vision of her brother was obscured by another bouquet in her face. She blinked and looked for who was holding it. Damian winked. She blushed furiously, "Don't you have family to give this to?" She asked. She took the bouquet, though. "My parents still have the bouquet from the last time we did this. In 2007." He teased, "Really, they wouldn't mind. Unless, of course, you don't want them." He made to reach for them again. She shielded them away. He laughed, and so did she. She met his eyes again, and her blush deepened, trying to form a thought. "I-I should probably go." "You and mum will wait, right? I want to talk to her." Keith told her gently. Lauren, thankful for an excuse to look away from Damian, smiled at him. "I'm sure. She wants to talk to you too." Keith seemed the opposite of the angry teenager he'd been when Lauren had first moved. He looked up, possibly catching her mother's eye, and smiled kindly. "Talk you later then, sis." "See you, Lauren." Damian added. Despite her internal warnings she looked him in the eye again, surprised. "You are staying too, right?" He laughed, and reached down to ruffle her blonde hair. "Of course, Lauren." He paused, "Will you be staying after this." "I haven't the faintest idea." "I hope you can, even if just for the weekend." "I do, too. Trust me." She was slipping, getting lost in his eyes again. She had to do something, "Alright, see you both soon then!" She said quickly. She skipped back up. She looked back once and almost tripped at seeing Ryan handing his bouquet to a blushing Vanessa. When had THAT happened? She smiled, though. Good for her. She sent another glance at grinning Rachel, who was giggling to Vanessa now. Lauren laughed gently. Rachel, Vanessa and now her. Celtic Thunder seemed to have an effect on helpless girls like them.
DAMIAN
"Seriously, man, are you going to start humming love songs or something? 'Cause you look like it." Keith said sarcastically, as they moved backstage. They would meet Lauren and her mom, shortly. Damian blushed and tried to loose the foolish grin on his face. He couldn't help it, he was happy she was there. He didn't care about how long she'd be there, or if her mom cut off contact again. At least not right then. "I'm not sure." He laughed. Thankfully, Keith jumped off the teasing of Damian to join Paul in teasing Ryan. Damian had been surprised about Ryan giving his flowers to Vanessa, but it appeared no one else was. Ryan laughed, but didn't deny anything. All he said was, "If Amy had been there I'd given them to her." His best friend had bailed again. "Don't let Ness hear you talking about her." Paul said. He rolled his eyes and said sarcastically, "Yes, I can't have my sister and my girlfr- my friend meeting because... why?" Nobody missed the "Girlfriend" slip. Nor did they let it pass. Damian listened to the exchange with only part of his mind. Most of him was scanning for Lauren. The second she appeared backstage his face lit up. She blushed. "Hello, Lauren." All the guys said at once. "Hello, boys." She replied in a singsong voice. She glanced over her shoulder, and let out an exasperated sigh. "Mom, you are being silly again." An older woman came over. She didn't look much like Lauren. It was actually kind of funny. He hardly remembered her, either. She was, not surprisingly, looking at Keith. He smiled. There was an awkward silence, before Keith said, "Hello, Mum." "Hello, Keith." "Thanks for letting Lauren come." "Thank you. For keeping in touch with her, despite what I did." She sounded very sorry. Keith's smile grew. "It's nothing, Mum. You know I'm too stubborn to let anything get in the way of meetin' my sis again." He spoke like he saw his mom everyday. Tears glistened in the woman's eyes. She looked as if she had plenty more to say, but wasn't ready for it yet. Keith suddenly looked uncomfortable, looking at something over Lauren's shoulder. Damian followed his eyes and understood. Keith's father stood in the background, looking just as awkward. Lauren, suddenly tensed, as if she realized it too. She turned, and then so did her mom. Keith had told his father Lauren would be coming, but even without that there was no mistaking the understanding in his eyes as he smiled. "DAD!!!!!" Lauren squealed like a 5-year-old, running to him. He gave her a quick hug. "You've grown up quite a bit, Lauren." He said. Damian, noticed, however, he was looking at Lauren's mom. My, this was awkward. Everyone seemed to think it at the same time. Paul, George and Ryan were gone quickly, all with excuses. Damian wondered if he should leave too. "Mom, Dad, I'm going to go, um, let you two catch up." Lauren said uncomfortably. "Mom, I'll be outside." "By yourself?" "Heck no. C'mon, Keith, Damian." Damian didn't need to be told twice. He was at her side within seconds. Keith took his time, looking like he'd rather stay for the following conversation, but he came too. The second they were outside and out of earshot Lauren whirled on Keith. "Did you ask dad to come back there!?" Damian was taken aback by how, well, he wasn't sure how she sounded. She almost sounded angry, but also excited, and nervous, and tired. Very tired. "Yeah..." "Ugh!" she sighed, tossing her hands up, "I told mom she WOULDN'T have to see dad! That's how she agreed!" Keith looked confused, "I'm sorry. I just think those two need to talk." "I agree with you on that, but- just- I don't know!" "You okay, Lauren?" Damian asked. She was beginning to sound almost hysterical. She sighed, worn out. "I think so. I think most of me was still on a high from the show, you know. And now it's leaving, so I feel like I'm going to crash any second now." He laughed softly. She looked ready to crash. "If you aren't up for walking, I could carry you." Did he just say what he thought he did? She laughed though, and he relaxed, "That would be nice." Did SHE just say what he thought she did!? "I don't think I'll need that though," She continued, "unless they keep talking for much longer." She glanced at the door backstage, looking worried. Keith jumped into the conversation again, "I'm sure, if they could, they'd talk all through the night. They have plenty to say to each other." "I know." She yawned, sitting down. Damian did too. He stiffened as she laid her head on his shoulder. "Are you sure you won't need to be carried?" He said as steadily as possible. "Nope." She mumbled, barely audible. She wouldn't be awake for long. "Do you want me to get Mum and Dad?" Keith asked. "..N-No..." She murmured, her consciousness slipping. Damian laughed as quietly as he could. Keith rolled his eyes, and left to do just that, laughing silently. Damian was in for teasing later. That was clear. But, at the moment, he didn't care.
LAUREN
"Mmmm... " She groaned as soon as she was partially awake. She hadn't remembered falling asleep, but it was clear she had. She heard Damian laugh quietly, she blushed right away, realizing what, or rather who, she was leaning her head on. She opened her eyes. "Do I make a good pillow?" Her blush deepened, but said, "Well, I fell asleep, didn't I?" She didn't sound very awake still. "With how out of it you were, you would have fallen asleep on spikes." He replied, laughter in his voice. She pushed her self off his shoulder to look at him. He smiled at her, his eyes still shining despite how dark it was. "Where's Keith? How long have I been asleep?" "You've hardly slept for 5 minutes, Lauren," He laughed, "Keith is getting your Mum so you can go to bed. Where are you staying?" "Hotel." She yawned; her brief nap had done nothing for how sleepy she was. "Does that mean you are staying for while?" He asked. She thought he sounded eager, she laughed. "I suppose so. I think it all depends on that conversation." She meant, of course, the conversation between her mom and dad. Their first since they split. Lauren was more than a little worried. Worried they'd fight again, and that her mom would want to go back to shunning her home. She hoped it would all turn out though, as it was clear they still loved each other. Damian sighed. He didn't seem happy that her length of a visit was sitting on one conversation. She leaned her head on his shoulder again, without thinking. "Yep," He said, laughing again, "I must make a good pillow." She laughed, happy to have cheered him up. There was a pause, "I don't want to go back to New York." "I don't want you too, either." Neither had any idea what to say right then. So they sat in silence for a moment. She yawned again. "Is Aaron okay?" She stiffened; she didn't like talking about him anymore. They had slowly drifted as friends, which hurt her a lot. On the plus side, he asked Michelle out, and the two made a nice couple. "He's... fine. As fine as he can be, I suppose." She sighed, "He doesn't talk to me much anymore." "Why? Because you rejected him?" He sounded surprised. She laughed quietly. "I don't know what else. I feel awful." "Why? You couldn't do anything about it. You just had to tell the truth. " The truth. The truth that she really liked Damian. That she really loved him. More so than she could tell him, right then. Another yawn, she was incredibly tired, still. And, embarrassingly enough, Damian did make a good pillow. With confused thoughts flowing through her mind she fell asleep again. She woke up to light flooding through a hotel window. She groaned and sat up, wishing she could have stayed awake longer the night before. "Good morning, love." Her mom said kindly from the other bed. She sat watching TV, smiling. That was a good sign, "Good morning, Mom. How are you?" There was a pause, "I'm doing good." She said slowly. "That's good, how was last night?" She brightened at that, "Oh the show was lovely! Your brother is so amazing at singing, they all are! I'm glad you convinced me to come, I'm so happy to see him again." Well, that was nice. Still no talk of Dad. She tried not to stress it too much, "It was so nice to see Dad, too." Her mom stiffened slightly. Crap. "Yes, that was nice." "What did you two talk about?" Might as well get straight to it. "A lot of things. Mainly you and Keith." Lauren was more than mildly disappointed. She had hoped for a bit more. Okay a lot more. Her hopeless romantic side had hoped so much that the two would see each other, realize they still love each other and Bada-bing! They'd be a happy family again. This was reality, though, that didn't happen. She was ready to drop the topic when her mom added, "He got me to agree to a date, next Friday." She laughed awkwardly. "WHAT!?" "He wanted to talk more, but then Keith came to say you'd fallen asleep on Damian." Lauren colored at the very odd choice of words. "So, he asked if I wanted to talk more too. I said yes, and he asked if dinner next Friday would work. I was kind of surprised, you understand. But I told him sure." "Oh but that's wonderful!" She laughed, getting up to hug her mom. "Isn't it?" Her mom's smile went crooked, "It is if things work out. I'm not entirely sure they will, sweet." Lauren pushed that worry out of her mind. She was certain everything would work fine with her mom and dad. It had to.
DAMIAN
Lauren stayed. Damian wasn't sure how long she WAS staying but all he knew was she was still there a week after their show. Their conversations, now perfectly public, came a lot more frequent. He was glad of that, glad he was staying close to her. "Mom and Dad are on a date." She told him that Friday, over the phone. Her voice did nothing to hide the excitement and happiness in it. He was the same way, "That's wonderful!" "Unless it goes up in flames." "It won't." She laughed, "I don't know for sure, yet. There is still a chance it could." "We won't talk about that though." He replied firmly. But after a pause added, "If that does happen," "I thought we weren't talking about that." She teased. He continued, "You’re the one who said it's a possibility. If it does, are you moving back?" "Moving BACK? I still live in New York, Damian." He blushed. He hadn't forgotten, but it seemed his own wishful thinking had come out in that. "Right, sorry." "I wish I lived here, too." She said quietly. "And yes, if it goes bad I'll probably go back." "You could run away." He teased. Her laughter came back, "Can I stay with you, again?" He laughed, "Of course. You're still my best friend, Lauren." Silence. Awkward silence. He mulled over his words; they were completely true. She WAS his best friend, whether he loved her or not. It had seemed a safe enough thing to say. "You're my best friend too. I hate this." She added, "That my chances of staying are resting on my mom and dad's relationship." "I hate it, too." She laughed again, "Maybe I can convince her to stay either way." "That would be amazing." He told her. It would be. He loved the idea of being around her everyday, like they used to be as kids. Maybe that way it would be easier to tell her. "It would. Being around you more now will make it so much worse when we're apart, you know?" "Yeah." Damian sighed. He did know, all too well. "But why do we keep talking like it's going to end bad?" A sigh, "I just don't want to get my hopes up too high. Incase it doesn't work out." "No mater what, we'll keep contact." "That's probably the only thing that'll keep me going." He blushed, "I'm flattered I'm that important to you." He mumbled. There was a pause, he wondered if she was blushing too, "Damian..." She began. "Yes?" Before she could say whatever it was she was about to say some sound came in the background. Lauren's voice was excited again, "Mom's home! Oh my God! Oh pray everything works out." "Of course!" He laughed, "Call me with the verdict." "Will do!" She replied, quick and almost hyper. "Talk to you later Damian! Love you!" She hung up without reply. Love? Had she honestly just- just said that? He wished she were still on the phone so he could ask. Though, he wasn't sure he would. It would only make things weird, or weirder. And she'd said it so casually, like she would to, well, a friend. It shouldn't have meant anything more than that. He sighed, his mind still playing the words over in his head. If she'd waited for him to say goodbye would he have said that he loved her too? Would she think it was just a friendly thing, like hers had been to him? Or he thought hers had been to him, he still wasn't sure. Would it have only made things worse? More uncomfortable? In the end he was glad she didn't let him get a word out before hanging up. He sighed, trying not to think too hard about two words. Love you. He began to wonder about how her conversation with her mom was going. It could go all of three ways; 1. Things went well with her parents, and her mom wanted to stay longer, if not forever. He liked that option. He liked the idea of Lauren staying forever. 2. Things didn't go well with them, and she would have to go back. That, of course, he hated. And he knew she did too. Like she'd said, after they'd grown closer being apart would be worse than ever. 3. Or, things could not go well, but she could still stay. That was alright, too. He wanted Lauren to be happiest, which would only come with option one. But he was perfectly happy settling for this one. She'd still stay. It wasn't even half an hour later that his phone rang again. "D-Damian?" She said, her voice tear choked. He couldn't tell what kind of tears they were; happy or sad. Happy, he hoped. He wasted no time, "How did it go!?" "Mom and I coming to visit Keith in Derry on Sunday. I'll tell you then." By this point he knew. She was smiling, it came out in her voice. Crying or not, she was grinning ear to ear probably. He began to smile too, but hesitant; he wanted to know the reason she was smiling. "Can you not tell me now? Though I think I'm beginning to guess." "I have no doubt you are." She laughed now. His smile grew. "But I think it's all the better to hear in person." "You can tell me again, then." He laughed. She made a tsk noise, "Nope, Damian, you will just have to wait. It's less than two days, you can handle that, right?" "Sure, sure." He said, laughter dying. "I'll talk to you, then." "Bye, Damian!" She sang. "Bye, Lauren." He hung up the phone, smiling softly at it. Before he could stop himself the two words played back. Love you.
Nearly done
|
|
|
Post by misssunflower on Jul 29, 2009 22:31:20 GMT -5
LAUREN
"And the verdict is...?" She asked slowly, pouring a cup of coffee and sitting at the small desk in the Dublin Hotel room. Her mom hadn't said much since she came home. Lauren was worried. Her mom said nothing for a long time, as Lauren handed her the steaming beverage. Finally; "Lauren, I'm not sure how you're going to take this..." She gulped. That was one heck of a bad way to start. "Mom, just spill it." Her mother didn't seem to hear, "I mean, it's going to be hard no matter what. I hope things will be better this way. And if you told them everything..." "Told them? Told who? What am I telling them!? MOM!" "Well, I mean, sweetie, your friends back home. Aaron, and Michelle, and Chris, and oh all of them." She continued. "Wait, mom, slow down. What am I telling my New York friends!?" Lauren wasn't sure what to think right then. A smile formed on her mother's face, still hesitant. "Next month, we'll be moving to an apartment on the edge of Derry." She said it slowly, like she was nervous. "WHAT!?" They were staying!? THEY WERE STAYING!!! Lauren wanted to scream it out the window. She was going to Live in Ireland, where she truly belonged. "I know, I'm sorry." She was sorry? "It's just, well, your father and I, he wants to get back together. I'm not quite ready, not yet, but I want to stay close to him. It's easier to reconcile the past if we stay closer. If that's okay?" "Is it okay!? Mom, what kind of question is that!?" Tears of happiness filled her eyes. Her mother laughed nervously, "I knew you'd be happy, but you have friends at home, too." "Friends that'll be ecstatic for me." She pointedly tried not to think of Aaron. She paused, "So I'll be going to school in Derry and everything? We're really moving there?" Her mom nodded. Lauren, a little hyper from her coffee, laughed, "Oh this is wonderful! Fantastic! Marvelous! Beautiful! Peanut Butter! I'M RUNNING OUT OF ADJECTIVES!!" Her mother laughed, with her. You could see in her eyes she was just as happy about staying in Ireland. Lauren had never noticed growing up but it truly wasn't home for her either. They would both be so much happier here. "We'll go check it out on Sunday. Maybe go visit your brother and tell him then." Oh! She thought happily. She'd live near her brother again! How great would that be? And- and Damian!! Oh it would be like when they were kids! She'd be near her best friend again!!! A best friend she loved. Loved more and more and more everyday. She wasn't sure what to think about that part. Should she tell him tonight, or wait until Sunday. She HAD promised to call him, but this would be so much fun in person. To see his face light up like she knew it would. So she called to tell him to wait. She was crying and laughing at the same time so she had no doubt he'd guessed. That was fine, it would still be wonderful to say it to him. To tell him she would be staying, for good. Sunday came quick. And they were off to see the new apartment. Her mom said it was a whole lot cheaper that the New York one, and it was bigger too. It was lovely, even if it was on the outskirts of town. Better than nothing by any account. "Mom, I want to tell Damian." She said, as they drove to tell her brother the news. They had plenty of time; it was still mid-morning. "Do you remember where he lives?" She nodded, "Do you want to do that now?" Lauren nodded now, and her mom smiled, "Well okay then." It was as they drove through a back neighborhood that they passed a soccer field. The soccer field. The one she and Damian always played at. "Mom, let me off here!" She said, her voice hyper again. Laughter, "Call me when you’re ready to get picked back up. I'll probably be talking to Mrs. Mcginty." The car slowed and Lauren popped out. "Thank you, mom! Love you!" She walked slowly pack to the field. Memories flooded her mind again. She felt so happy, just standing there. Damian was sitting on the sidelines, grinning at her. It was the same spot she had first told him she was moving. She said nothing as she approached him and nothing as she sat beside him. Before he could ask she quickly said, "How's your school's soccer team?" They were both staring at the empty field, so she couldn't see his face. No doubt he was surprised by the random question. "Ours is fine." A pause, "The girl's isn't doing well." "Why not?" "One of the players recently dropped, we're all trying to find another." She grinned, "Having any luck?" She heard the smile in his voice, "Yes, actually. There is a girl I know, really good at the sport. I think she'd be amazing on the team." The smile faded, "I'm not entirely sure she'll be able to, though. What do you think?" She pretended to consider this. Then laughing responded, "I think, since that girl is moving into an apartment on the edge of town just in the next month, she'll be more than able to." She hardly finished that sentence before she was practically assaulted with a hug, knocking her over. She blushed and he did too. He pushed himself off, and they both sat. Staring, grinning stupidly at each other. "You're really staying?" He said at last. "I am." He looked like he wanted to hug her again, or something like that. Her blush deepened. "That's amazing!" "Isn't it!?" She replied, "Oh we'll be in classes together! Just like we wanted to be!" Damian laughed softly and hugged her again. She tried to think of something to say, but nothing came to mind. Tears filled her eyes. "I'm so glad you're staying, Lauren." He told her gently. "Damian," She began. She was thinking to say "You're so sweet." or "You're such a good friend." or even, "I'm glad I'm staying too." What came out of her mouth, however, was; "I love you."
DAMIAN
His heart beat uncontrollably fast at Lauren's words. His mind not fully grasping what she'd just told him. She loved him? Really? She did!? He was stuck now, unsure what to say back. He wasn't even sure how to feel right then. She had just told him the three words he had dreamt of hearing for some time. And he wanted so much to tell her he loved her too, which he did. But something about him felt uneasy. Why? Damian finally figured out what it was. Lauren had stiffened, completely, in his hold. At this point she was shaking softly, not with tears like earlier. Not happily, in any case. Why was she unhappy? Tense? He was scared to ask. He pulled her at arms length. She didn't meet his eyes, and her face was a ghastly pale. He was worried. "L-Lauren..." He began. "I DIDN'T MEAN THAT!!" She interrupted quickly, looking briefly into his eyes. What? "What?" WHAT!? It was Damian's turn to go pale. He felt like he'd just been knocked in the stomach. She what? He was so confused, now. Did she love him or not? He didn't want to ask that, defiantly. He feared the answer. She looked away again, her paleness replaced with a violent blush. "I - I - I -I me-mean I- I- I mean I DO. I- just not-" She was stumbling, and he heard the tears in her voice. "Not, you know, like that." He, actually, had no idea what she was saying. Or maybe he did, and was just in denial. The words all rung foreign in his ears. "What?" He asked, stupidly. He didn't miss the tear that dropped from her cheek, as she looked pointedly at the ground between them. She laughed, however, softly. It didn't sound right, because she was crying. "I mean, we're friends, right?" She said, "You know, just friends. I'm not sure why I said that- well, yes I do. I DO love you Damian, you're such a good friend." He didn't know what to say. But he was rather sure he'd just been heartbroken. Of course, OF COURSE, he was her friend. Of course she loved him in a friendly way. Why had he thought differently? Years ago he would have been perfectly content with that kind of love. But now? Now, when just the thought of her made his face flush and his heart pound. Now that he was so completely in love with her. How could he settle for that? He wanted to hug her again, and tell her that wasn't enough. Tell her how much he loved her. But his mind traced back to months ago on the phone. When she sobbed about breaking another friends heart. He didn't want to put her through that. And then what he'd told her, when she'd asked his opinion; "If she wanted me to just be a friend, then I'd just be a friend." Easier said than done. So, she just loved him as a friend. So, why was she crying? She had begun to cry harder, in his silence. As always the sound made his heart ache. He knew of nothing to say to comfort him because he had yet to know what was wrong with her. But her tears were torturing, he hated to see her upset, and what worse, he felt like the cause of it. Without thinking, he pulled her back into a hug. His heart ached more as he actually felt her try and pull away, for a second. But after a moment she hugged him back. Maybe it was still his wishful thinking, but he certainly didn't feel like "Just a friend" right then. He shooed that thought away. Now was no time to hurt about that. Now, he should care for Lauren first. "Lauren," He said, softly, "Are you okay?" She did pull away now, and he didn't stop her. She smiled gently, her face tear stained. "I'm fine, Damian. Sorry for that." "Don't apologize. I'm sorry I made you cry." "You- you - you didn't!" She said quickly, color flooding her face again. "I mean- I don't even know where that came from." Though, it was quite obvious she did. He was still confused about that, still hurt. "It's fine, Lauren. I'm always here if you need me." Especially now that she'd be there. Forever. She laughed softly, "That may be always." He blushed, but said awkwardly, "That's what friends are for, right?" Her smile faltered a bit, and her eyes looked sad. "Aye, they are indeed. Thanks again." She glanced back at the street, "I should tell Keith the news." "He'll be so happy." "I know." He paused, "I'll talk to you soon, then?" Tears visited her eyes, but her smile grew a bit, "Of course." And he was content with that. For the time, anyways.
LAUREN
Keith knew. The moment Lauren and her mom came over, he knew what had happened. He laughed and hugged her first. Lifting her off the ground and spinning her around. She laughed as well, hugging him back. Oh, how wonderful it would be to live near her brother again. She felt whole again. Well, mostly whole. She tried not to think about that other part right then. "This is great!" He said happily, setting her down. She rolled her eyes, still hugging him, "Great is a grand understatement, Keith-y." "True. True." "I'll visit you often." Now, that they lived so close. He grinned, "I can teach you to surf." "Oh that would be fantastic!!" She giggled, "Isn't it cold here, though?" Keith only laughed. Keith made her mom and herself some tea, and he talked to her mom for a little while. Lauren paid the conversation no mind at all. Her mind was 100% on Damian. She felt stupid and mad and pathetic and embarrassed all at once. She'd actually said it. Actually told him that she loved him. Part of her had felt so happy to let it out. Actually all of her did, for a moment. Then the questions came; What if he didn't love her back? What had she just done? She thought of Aaron, and his friendship with her. How those three words practically dissolved their friendship. Had she just done the same? Would her friendship with Damian, her closest friend in the entire world, be over? She couldn't bear that. She could never be able to live with that. So she lied. Though it hurt her to do it, and her heart screamed at every word, she lied. If he was just her friend everything was fine, if he was only her friend everything... was... fine. While he seemed confused by her frantic explanation, he didn't ask any awkward questions. He just told her he'd be there, like he always did. And he would be, so much more now that she could see him everyday. See him everyday. See him, and think and hope and fear. Always have the question hanging in between them; what if she told him she really did love him? She wasn't sure she'd be able to deal with that, either. "Lar baby, " Keith's voice came into her thoughts. She smiled absently at her pet name. "You alright? Mum just asked you something." She blushed, "Sorry, what?" Her mom laughed, "I have a job interview in town in a few, do you want to stay here?" Lauren grinned at her brother, "Sure thing." "I'll be back later, 'kay?" "'kay! Later mum!" For how talkative the two siblings were they were content with saying nothing for sometime. Lauren moved to a couch in a very Keith-looking living room. Everything about it fit her brother to a T. She smiled. She laid across the couch and stared at the ceiling. "Keith-y, do you know what my least favorite word is?" She sighed, at last. He chuckled softly, "No, what?" "Friends." More laughter, "Friends? What's wrong with that word?" "It's complicated," She sighed, sounding like a little girl trying to be serious, "especially when it's not enough. 'Cause your in love. Scratch that my least favorite word is love." "You would know this, wouldn't you?" He said, knowingly. "Eh!?" She sat up fast, blushing. "Oh, don't act all surprised, Lauren. It was pre-tty obvious you loved him." She sighed and laid back again, "It obviously wasn't obvious to him." "Did you tell him?" "On accident, yeah." Keith seemed confused, "Than what's wrong." "Well aside from the obvious, that he doesn't like me back. I freaked and told him that I didn't mean it and we were just friends." Tears came to her eyes, "So I've probably killed all chance of him ever liking me." "Why did you freak." Keith had moved over to sit at the edge of the couch. More tears, "Be-be-because I thought we couldn't be friends anymore. Everything would change, and I'd lost my best friend." "You can be friends and in love at the same time." "But if he didn't love me!" She said in exasperation, "Like I didn't love Aaron! That ruined that friendship and I don't want it to ruin ours!" Keith moved over to hug his sister. She was so glad he was there. This would have been so much harder to get through without him. "Damian wouldn't let that ruin anything, Lar." He told her softly. "And besides, what makes you so certain he DOESN'T like you back?" She thought about it. She thought about the hugs and smiles he gave her. The delight in his voice, his eyes, his words whenever she was around. Did that mean? It couldn’t, he couldn’t possibly. At least, not anymore. There was a pause, then Keith said, louder, “Damian?” Lauren blinked. Confused. That was completely random. There was more silence. “Damian, I think that was your cue.” WHAT? The sound of nervous laughter echoed in the room. It took Lauren a shocked second before she placed its origins; a phone sitting on the table they'd ate at. It was on speaker. Lauren stared, aghast, between Keith and the phone, the phone and Keith. Piecing together what was going on. And everything she'd just said. She gasped loudly, and fell back against the couch, mortified and scared. She'd just re-confessed her love for Damian, and he'd been LISTENING! Oh GOD! "Keith, is she okay?" Damian's voice said awkwardly. "She might go into shock, but aside from that, I think she's handling it okay." He replied, grinning. There was a pause, then Damian sighed, "Well, if she's already shocked no harm in adding to it. Lauren?" She gulped, "Y-Yes?" He laughed gently, and her heart hammered against her. "Lauren, I love you, too.”
EPILOGUE
DAMIAN
Lauren's house/apartment-warming party took place on her 16th Birthday. And his 17th. So, in most ways, it was a house-warming-birthday party. A lot of people came. All the guys, and whatever family they had. George brought his wife and daughter, who baked cookies. Keith, well, his sister was the reason of the party. Paul and Rachel, as well as Ryan and, for once, Amy. Damian was surprised that the two weren't actually related, they looked and acted so similar. It appeared the only person close to their hearts that was missing was Vanessa. Rachel told everyone she was rather sure Vanessa had gone back to New York. A depressing thought as her and Paul's wedding was only days away. Ryan looked guilty. Damian wasn't sure he even wanted to know what was going on with them. He wished Vanessa was there too, though. This was a grand occasion. Out of all the happiness in the entire household during that party, no one glowed so much as Lauren. She practically danced throughout the rooms, talking to whoever she could. He smiled, watching her, feeling quite bubbly himself. That awkward phone-speaker-conversation Keith had set up was months behind them. Damian was more than happy about the happy ending of it. She, of course, had freaked at first. Thankfully, she never denied what she had said. She explained, again, how scared she'd been about loosing their friendship. He repeated again and again, that wouldn't happen, especially because he loved her too. Once she got in her head they were talking like nothing had changed, though everything had. But it was good change, fantastic change, the best change Damian could have ever had. "Damian," Lauren's bright green eyes were before him. She was beaming, holding a tray of sandwiches. "Want one?" He laughed, she'd become more of a hostess that her mom. "Sure." He picked one up and pretended to look nervous. "Did you make them?" "Hush. Yes, yes I did." She stuck her tongue out at him. He made a face back, but smiled, "Then I'm sure there fine." Her eyes softened as she smiled at him, "Thank you." "Anytime, Lauren." It was times like that when one might catch there was something else there. Something a tiny bit closer than friendship, but just as natural, between the two. So small and easy the change was that only if you really looked could you see it. Like Keith had said, they truly could be best friends and in love. It was great. LAUREN
She had to admit more than a slight disappointment in Vanessa not being there. This had all begun with her really. She'd had played such a large part in Lauren finally making it back to her home, she wanted her to be part of it. What confused her more is that no one said why Vanessa had returned to New York, days before her sisters wedding. It seemed no one really knew, or was willing to say. She hoped whatever was going on, that it would be okay. That semi-depressing topic out of her head she concentrated on her guests. And her 16th birthday. This was, in all ways, the best day of her life. And she wanted to celebrate it as such. She was glad Damian was there, as it was his birthday too. This was the first double party they'd had since he'd turned 8 and her 7. So much had changed since then, in all the best ways. They didn't talk much for the beginning of the party. She caught him staring at her more than once, as she flitted around talking to friends. He was smiling at her though, so sweet she blushed. The look hadn't changed from months ago, but she had never understood it then. Now she did. Later, when most of her friends were eating or conversing among each other, Lauren moved to talk to him again. "You know what I hate?" She told him, standing beside him. He laughed gently, "I can hardly imagine you hating anything right about now." True, he had a point, "Good answer. I hate that it's your birthday." "Why?" He blinked at her, surprised, but amused. Like he was awaiting the punch line. "Because I didn't get you anything." She hung her head. He laughed, tossing his arm around her and giving her a squeeze, "You didn't need to get me anything. You, being here, that's present enough." She blushed a hot red, but smiled. God, he was so sweet. And he loved her. It was an amazing thing to think; that this wonderful amazing guy loved HER. Her smile brightened. "I love you, Damian McGinty." He colored slightly, but still smiling replied, "I love you too, Lauren Hider." "Harkin." She cut in, with a wink. Her parents’ relationship had been growing fast. Lauren had a rather reasonable hope that she could be Lauren Harkin again within a year. It was a wonderful thing to think. Her friend, her family, her home. Lauren felt whole again.
DAMIAN
"You didn't!?" Lauren squeaked, "You shouldn't have!!" Damian laughed at how surprised she sounded. They had reached birthday gift giving stage at the party, and her brother had surprised her by saying he bought something for his baby sis. Keith laughed too, "I guess I shouldn't have, but nonetheless I did, Lar. So c'mon." She sighed, and tore at the brightly colored paper. She squeaked at opening a small box. Damian gazed over her shoulder; a sparkling Claddagh ring was there. "Oh, how pretty!" Rachel said behind them. Her voice was slightly tight though, like she was holding back something. All she said however was; "I didn't think that was a family sort of gift..." Ryan looked pretty uncomfortable too. There was really something those two weren't sharing with the class. He sighed, there would be interrogations later. Now, was defiantly not the time. Keith shrugged, "I don't know. I think it works fine in this situation. Lar and I are close enough, I hope." He added teasingly. She shoved him, grinning, "OF COURSE we are!" Damian hardly remembered any of his presents, though he knew he'd loved all of them. Before he knew it, he was awkwardly holding another gift to Lauren. "You too!?" She laughed in exasperation. She was beaming at him with such happiness he knew she wasn't upset in the slightest. "This is your 16th." He teased, "I kind of think it calls for gifts." "Now I feel even worse!" "Just open it, love." The pet name had slipped, but it was enough. Blushing prettily she turned her attention to the gift. "Ah!" She squealed as the paper fell away. He blushed almost as much as she did as they both looked at a small picture frame. Two slots were there for two pictures. The first one was filled. It was the picture from when she'd told him she was leaving. The one his mom had taken so many years ago. Lauren gazed up at him, her eyes glistening with tears and the largest grin on her face. "Thank you." She whispered. He smiled, then gazed back at the frame and then back at her, "We'll have to get another picture."
LAUREN
It was THE best birthday to date. From Claddagh rings to Photographs. Not to mention all sorts of beautiful presents from everyone else there. Lauren was positively ecstatic. Damian stood next to her, looking at the small photograph of the two of them. She turned her smile to him. He laughed, then his bright blue eyes lit up. "What?" She asked. His smile grew to a grin, "Do you know what I want to do?" The party was dying down slightly, and the two teenagers were kind of left out from most conversation. She gulped, "Um... what?" "Football." Her face lit up as well. Soccer! They hadn't done that in ages either! She laughed and, still holding his hand ran to grab the ball. It was amazing, while they had no real yard. That was the fun with the game; you could play it just about anywhere. She was surprised at how good he'd gotten over the past years. She had to remind herself it had been 8 years. In some ways she didn't feel like she'd left. The sun was setting and Lauren wondered if people would be going soon. They both wound down, and moved to sit on the porch of the apartment. "God, I missed that." She sighed, then laughed. "Me too." He replied, "You have no idea." She rolled her eyes and leaned her head on him, "I'm rather sure I do." CLICK! FLASH! The two turned behind them to stare directly into the lens of a camera. A camera being held by a wickedly grinning Keith. "KEITH HARKIN! What do you think you are doing!?" Lauren blushed furiously, standing quickly to move to chase after her brother. He laughed, holding the camera up. "Just let it develop, Lar!' He chuckled. It was another old camera, like the one her and Damian's older picture was taken from. She watched in horror as from black came, a rather high quality, picture. Her blush deepened. Damian looked at it over her shoulder, blushing as well. "Well that turned out nice." He said awkwardly. "I guess we don't need another photograph," She replied, her smile growing. She grabbed the frame and put it aside the other. It was a wonderful image; two best friends for so long. Two best friends forever. Two best friends in love. She smiled at Damian again, and he at her.
DAMIAN AND LAUREN The more things change, the more they stay the same.
THE END
|
|
|
Post by Damianite on Jul 29, 2009 23:25:10 GMT -5
Awwee i love it Runs off to read Wild Child??
|
|
|
Post by kccupcake on Jul 29, 2009 23:47:05 GMT -5
loved every second of it tangy!
|
|
|
Post by pfieffer on Jul 29, 2009 23:58:03 GMT -5
I LOVED THE ENDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AMAZING. i can only hope, wish, and dream to be as good of a writer as you
|
|
|
Post by violalover on Jul 30, 2009 11:37:26 GMT -5
omg!!! i loved it!!! and i just read wild child...well the part thats posted lol....i think i can guess whats gonna happen...but ya never know...again I LOVED IT!!
|
|
|
Post by maureenj on Jul 30, 2009 22:54:37 GMT -5
*whimpers whilst crying happily* That was so sweet! I love how you explained Lauren & I... One thought, though... It might have been neat to turn the party into a ceili, of sorts. You mentioned several times throughout that Keith and Damian were wanting to hear her play, but she never plays for them. Also, I was rather expecting Damian to sing to her for (part of?)her gift... After all, it *is* her 16th birthday... A certain song just seems to fit, and you used a little more focus on individual songs... Anywho, just a thought.
|
|
|
Post by TheDoctorDonna on Feb 23, 2014 22:19:53 GMT -5
Sun, I love this! I have reread this series 40 million times now.
|
|