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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 27, 2010 19:01:18 GMT -5
*Disclaimer- Never have I been to Northern Ireland, I do not know what Keith was like when he was younger. I have never been to Arizona either. If there are inaccuracies I apologize in advance*
When she danced the world disappeared, all that existed were her feet and the ground beneath. Here she didn't have to think, her body flowed and moved with the music. Merging together, two separate entities becoming one. Here the ache disappeared, the swirling endless sea of emotions became the calm flat that she craved. When the music ended reality would crash around her until she could barely breathe. Shelby braced herself against the bar that line the wall of her dance studio. She took deep breaths in an attempt to slow her racing heart.
"You remind me of your mother", came a voice from the doorway.
"When did you get here?", she nearly ran into her father's arms. It didn't matter how old she was, her father meant security.
"Just a few minutes ago", he gave her a squeeze.
"How did you know I was here?", she asked gathering her bags.
"You forget that I am your father", Don McConnell smiled with sparkling green eyes.
"True", Shelby said," I just needed to clear my head."
"No one is expecting you to be perfect."
"I know Dad, but for me, for myself I have to be."
Don put an arm around her shoulders," We fly out in the morning for Ireland."
"I'm all packed," she nodded.
"Your grandparents are going to meet us at the airport and then we'll drive to their place from there."
"Sounds like a plan", she said placing her bags in the back seat of her jeep," Are you sure you're going to be okay with me gone for the summer?"
"Of course honey, it has been a long time since you have seen your grandparents. Don't forget that even though you are almost 25."
"They will still treat me like I'm 10", she finished with a laugh.
"See you at home", he kissed her cheek.
Shelby pulled her auburn hair out of its bun as she drove along the highway in Phoenix, Arizona. The sun setting over the canyons and the mountains had always been one of her favorite parts of living out west. The colors would change from gold, to orange, ending in hues of pinks and purples as the sun gave it's final kiss to the horizon. She knew there was no where else in the world like it. The scorching heat in the days gave way to chilly star filled nights. It was all home to her. Thanks to her Irish lineage, she was far from a tan, sun kissed Goddess like some women she saw. Her skin was fair, and across her nose was a light sprinkling of freckles and green eyes that mirrored her father's. She parked in the driveway of the two story house where she had grown up. She checked in with her father and then went to her room.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 27, 2010 20:15:33 GMT -5
The alarm clock blared a "Bon Jovi" song at 2:30am," Not this early guys", Shelby grumbled slapping the snooze button. She pulled the comforter around her chin and began to drift back to sleep. The alarm sounded again with a different part of the song.
"Shels, you up", DOn knocked on his daughter's door.
"Yep", she quipped annoyed with the alarm and now with her father. She rubbed her eyes and swung her legs over the edge of the bed. She trudged to the bathroom hoping a hot shower would wake her and not lull her back to sleep.
The best part of an international flight was how early they left. Security was nearly empty, and now Shelby sat with her father in the boarding area. They would have a long flight to Northern Ireland, one she hoped to mostly sleep through. Donegal was their ultimate destination. That is where Shelby's mother Siobhan was from. The mother that she hadn't seen since the age of 3. She had been, for a long time, angry with her mother, but at the same time she was grateful to her. Her love of dance had come from Siobhan, the way she could feel the rhythm of the music course through her veins and the way her soul reacted. Dance was the oxygen that breathed life into her. After her mother left, her father had not remarried. He had dated certainly, but he always told Shelby that no woman compared to Siobhan.
Even in the Summer Donegal could be chilly, the seasons were supposed to change, but at times in Northern Ireland damp and cold was all to prevalent. Shelby was happy that this time the weather was actually slightly warm and the sun was shining. A sweet summer breeze that held the scent of fresh meadows and ocean air floated lazily through the open windows of th car. She sat quietly in the back seat taking in the green, lush, rolling hills where sheep grazed lazily. Little cottages and homes sprawled across the horizon. She hadn't been back to Donegal since her 16th birthday.
"We're so happy you're staying for the summer", Leona, her grandmother said with a smile.
"Me too Grandma", she answered with an easy smile," Time away will be good."
"Makes me feel good", Don said with a laugh.
"You know what I mean Dad."
"We know someone else who is happy you'll be here", Michael, her grandfather said.
"Who?", Shelby asked meeting his jolly blue eyes in the rear view mirror.
"You remember the Harkins right?", Leona turned in the passenger seat.
"Oh yes", she nodded," How are they?"
"Good, very good. Keith is quite the surfer and musician now. Rebecca is following her big brother on the musical side."
"It'll be great to see them."
"Didn't you and Keith date when you were here last?", Don looked at his daughter.
"Dad", Shelby rolled her eyes," I was barely 16 and so was he. It was a million years ago."
"He's the one excited for you to come back," Michael added.
Shelby turned her attention back to the landscape as it passed by. Keith Harkin, at the mention of the name a gangly, surfer style 16 year old image popped into her mind. They had had a wonderful time when she was there, that was a lifetime ago and she was no longer the same girl. Still, it would be nice to have a friend.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 28, 2010 8:19:20 GMT -5
Keith stood in his room checking and rechecking his appearance. his longish blonde hair was carefully combed and his usual look of roguish surfer was for the time being pushed aside. He wore jeans and light blue button down shirt, the long sleeves rolled up to near the elbow," Get a hold of yourself", he muttered. Shelby McConnell had been his world for an entire summer nine years earlier and when she had left it had been the end of his teenage world. He hadn't seen nor heard from her since. When Leona Donovan had told his family that Shelby and her father would be visiting, he had barely contained his joy. They were both adults now and it made sense to him why the few relationships he had attempted failed. He was constantly comparing them to the summer he had with Shelby. They had been young yes, but he knew deep down in his heart that Shelby McConnell was the only person that completed him.
At her grandparents home Shelby settled into her room. Her second story window overlooked the land they owned. Horse stables were to the left of the two story home. Her grandparents had spoiled her, she was their only grandchild after all. The stables held three horses, all belonging to her. Britain, a pure black mustang, Ireland a chesnut mare, and New York who was the offspring of Britain and Ireland. She looked forward to getting back to her second love of riding.
"Getting settled?", Leona stopped in the doorway.
"Hey Grandma", she smiled," Yeah, think I'm pretty good."
"Well good," she said," You have a visitor down stairs."
"I'm not in any good form for that', she gestured to herself.
"You want to freshen up? I can make tea", she offered.
"Please?", Shelby laughed," I will be down shortly."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 28, 2010 13:40:40 GMT -5
Leona came down the stairs to the living room where Keith sat waiting," She just wanted to freshen up."
"That's fine Mrs. Donovan," he answered with a nod.
"How about some tea?"
"Sounds delicious," he replied following her into the kitchen.
Don and Michael cam in from outside as Leona put the kettle on the stove," Perfect timing," she smiled,"Keith is here."
Don looked at the young man,"Keith Harkin?"
Keith laughed,"Yes sir, it's me, Mrs. Donovan told the family you all would be visiting."
"It's good to see you," he shook his hand," I'll be here for a few weeks, but Shelby is staying for the summer."
"That's grand!", Keith couldn't help but to smile.
"You boys go sit, I'll bring the tea into the sitting room", Leona said shooing them from the kitchen.
Shelby dressed comfortably in jeans and a dark green t-shirt, she pulled her hair into a clip and made her way downstairs. She heard voices coming from the small sitting room off the side of the house, one those voices she did not recognize.
"Here she is," Michael looked at his grandaughter.
"Sorry, I just wanted to get freshened," she smiled.
Keith felt his heart nearly skip a beat ast the site of the emerald eyes and the easy way she spoke and moved,"Hello Shelby," he finally found his voice.
Shelby met the aqua colored eyes of the the unfamiliar voice. Keith Harkin was brandishing a perfect smile," Keith?"
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 28, 2010 19:59:48 GMT -5
Keith laughed as he stood up," You did recognize me!"
Shelby smiled as his arms encircled her," Why wouldn't I recognize you?"
"Just been a long time," he answered attempting to ignore the way his arms felt around her frame.
She pulled back and smoothed her shirt,"Nine years."
"Shelby, why don't you kids go see the horses. I know they have missed you", Michael suggested.
"Would you like too?", she looked towards Keith.
"Sure", he nodded," Thanks for the tea Mrs. Donovan." The two left the room and went out the back door. Shelby grabbing a light jacket off the hook by the back door. The summer air was cool and fragrant as they made their way to the stables. "You're dad says you're spending the summer here," Keith said breaking the silence.
"I am, I needed to get away from Phoenix for a bit," she answered opening the heavy sliding door.
"I can understand that."
"Plus I missed everyone and everything here," she gave him a smile.
Keith laughed," I knew you missed me."
"Still sure of yourself I see", she tossed back.
"Old habits die hard," he replied as they stopped in front of one of the stalls.
Shelby opened the gate stepping inside," Hey Britain," she said smoothing her hand along the silky neck of the horse," Did you miss me?', she kissed his nose as he nuzzled at her arm,"Of course you did big boy."
Keith admired her ease with the large animal. She was perfectly at home with the horse, the way she spoke to him and the soft affections she whispered. He almost felt like he was intruding. He took the time to study her. A dancer's frame, tall and lean. Auburn hair that was half in a clip and partially tumbling around her shoulders, she swept it to the side as she moved around the stall looking over the horse. Her green eyes sparkled more as she smiled.
"Let's go see Ireland and New York," she said breaking into his thoughts.
"I'll follow", he held the gate open for her.
"Chivalry isn't dead after all", she grinned.
"Only your first night, we'll see how long it lasts", he teased with a smirk.
Shelby laughed and pushed him playfully out of the way,"Let's go see my other horses."
Keith watched as the same scenario was repeated with the other two horses. He couldn't help but keep his eyes glued to Shelby. Nine years and it was as if no time had passed at all," Should we take them for a ride maybe?"
Shelby lit up at the thought,"Sure, but you on a horse?"
He grinned,"Who do you think's been helping Mr. Donovan in your absence?"
"Sorry", she said quickly," I just..........you were never into them like I was."
"People can change", he nudged her arm with a wink.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 28, 2010 22:35:50 GMT -5
"Yes they can", she replied," So, I will saddle up Britain and you take Ireland," she headed towards the tack room with Keith following. They got saddles, bridles, blankets, and more supplies for their ride. Shelby maneuvered easily around Britain, he allowed her to slip the bridle over his head without any fuss. Once he was completely ready she led him to the front of the stable to wait for Keith.
"Bout time you got out here", Keith said as he came around the side of the building already atop Ireland.
"Okay speedy", she rolled her eyes as she mounted up," Let's go", she gently nudged the horse forward," So what have you been doing with yourself for nine years?"
Keith thought for a moment," A lot of surfing, playing guitar. Doing some song writing, and I joined a music group."
"Really? You're part of a group now?", she looked at him.
"Yeah, for a few years now. We have been on tour a couple of times."
"That is wonderful!", she smiled," Where have you guys toured?"
He hesitated briefly," The states," was the quiet answer.
Shelby brought the horse to a halt," You have been over to the U.S.?"
"Yes, we another trip this fall," he said nervously stopping next to her.
"That's great," she stammered," I mean........ you wanted this..... when you were younger and all."
"Shelby, I didn't look you up because I had never heard from you after you left."
"I.....I'm not upset," she managed trying to mask her disappointment," I had a lot going on."
"Look", he began," I....I'd like to make up for some lost time this summer," he gently took her hand.
Shelby looked at his hand in hers and felt the pull at her heart, the same pull she had felt when she first saw him only moments before," We'll see," she said taking her hand from his," Let's ride a little more", she urged Britain forward once again.
"You know", Keith said bringing Ireland to pace with the larger horse," We need a few dancers for the show in the fall."
"Keith, that's sweet, but I doubt I would be good enough for a tour," she answered.
"Course you are, I mean all they would have to do is watch you."
She shook her head," and then all the people who didn't get it find out I know you. Bad situation."
He laughed,"You are good Shelby and far too analytical."
"What ever", she smiled as they rode on. They rode and talked until the sun was setting . Shelby couldn't believe the well traveled man before her eyes. She enjoyed the stories he would tell about his bandmates and all the antics. He made her laugh, not the bubbly girly laugh, but a deep laugh that started from the stomach and worked it's way up.
"I think jet lag is far beyond set in", Shelby yawned as they left the stables.
"Why don't I come 'round tomorrow?", Keith offered," We can find something to do in this place."
"I'd like that", she stifled another yawn," Just call before you come over, I may sleep late."
"I can't just throw rocks at your window?', he grinned.
"Very old fashioned," she laughed," see you tomorrow."
"Night", he waved. His heart soared as he drove home. Part of him was thankful that Shelby had no clue about the group, her only preconception of him was from when they were young.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 29, 2010 14:47:14 GMT -5
Shelby stood in the kitchen munching on the dinner that her grandmother had left warming for her. Her mind coursed with the image of Keith and they way they seemed to have easily slipped back into their friendship with in the course of a few hours.
"Hey Shels," Don said upon entering the kitchen.
"Hey Dad," she smiled," sorry I was gone so long."
He waved her off," You and Keith were catching up."
"We had a very nice time. He joined a singing group, apparently they are touring this fall."
"Oh really?', he replied pulling a pill box otu of the drawer," I stored these here for you."
"Yeah, he did," she sighed," I know how to take my meds, I'm not a kid anymore."
"Honey, I also put them there in case anything happens."
Shelby took the box and took out several pills," I don't want anyone stumbling across these."
"Shelby, don't get upset. These need to be accessible to me and your grandparents."
"Fine", she said swallowing the pills one at a time.
"Get some sleep baby", he kissed her forehead and went to join Michael and Leona in the sitting room," Have you heard from Siobhan?", he asked sitting in an arm chair.
"Before you got here", Michael answered.
"Did she say anything about Shelby?"
Leona nodded," Said she understood, but isn't sure how she could help."
Don felt anger flare under his skin," Shelby is her daughter, how can she not be sure!"
Michael put a hand on Don't arm,"Give her some time, it's hard to process."
Shelby was more tired than she knew. After cleaning up from her ride she crawled into bed. She stared at the ceiling and the silvery fingers of moonlight that played across it. here she was in her mother's, parents' home, in Siobhan's hometown. Yet she knew she wouldn't see her mother. Siobhan hadn't wanted her and still didn't. She closed her eyes tightly as tears threatened, she was not one to cry. She forced her mind away from the painful thoughts and thought of seeing Keith the next day. His blue-green eyes had looked directly into her. His baby face transformed into high cheek bones with perfect dimples that deepened when he laughed or smiled. There had been an adsence in her life for a long time and something in her stirred when she thought of him. She slowly drifted to sleep with a cool breeze blowing in from her open window.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 30, 2010 17:51:25 GMT -5
Shelby awoke before the sun had begun to appear. The house was quiet as she dressed and went downstairs. She pulled a bottle of water from the refrigerator and put the small earphones of her music player in her ears. A pulsing rock sound poured through the small speakers as she stretched and began her jog. The beach was close and she knew it would be quiet this time of the morning. She remembered the pathways and soon her sneakers were pounding rythmically against the hard packed sand. Morning mist hung in the air and the foam from the waves settled on the shore. She jogged until her lungs began to burn, she stopped and stretched catching her breath. She gulped instead of sipping the water from the bottle in her hand. Satisfied she dropped onto a nearby rock and took deep breaths. At this moment she wished for her mother. She wished for her to share about Keith Harkin. The way he had filled her dreams and how she looked forward to seeing him. She sighed heavily and closed her eyes.
"Come here often?", came a voice from beside her.
"Oh my!", she startled staring up at the voice," Keith what..... what are you doing here?"
"Do you realize how often you have stuttered since last night?", he said with a hint of mischief in his eyes," Oh and I like to surf in the mornings, nothing like it."
"I stuttered because you scared me, thanks for noticing", she replied.
"So, I think the question is, what are you doing here?', he studied her face which had held pain only moments before.
"Morning jog", she gestured to her outfit," Stress release."
"What are ya stressed about?", he sat next to her laying his surfboard on the ground.
"Just de-stressing from back home", she said quickly. Hoping he would not pick up on her refusal to give a true answer.
"If you say so", he replied crossing his arms and looking out at the water," Are ya staying for a bit?"
Shelby looked at him slightly taken aback by his response," What was that supposed to mean?"
"What? I asked if ya were staying for a bit."
"No, you said if I say so about my answer. What was that?"
He turned and looked at her," You're lying Shelby, but it's okay. Believe me, after the last few years I understand about keeping secrets."
She shook her head and turned her eyes away from him,"Think what you'd like Keith, I'm not keeping secrets."
"Perfect example," he smiled placing a finger under her chin and making her look at him," Now, one more time. Are ya staying for a bit?"
"Do you want me to stay?', she said moving his hand from her face.
"If you want too."
"You are impossible, you know that right?"
"So I've been told."
"Fine, I'll watch you catch a few waves, but then you owe me breakfast."
"Deal!", he grinned stading up. He grabbed his board and headed towards the water's edge.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Mar 31, 2010 18:42:47 GMT -5
Despite the chill the water was his place of comfort. When he was on his board everything else faded away. He allowed the sound of his hands paddling and the waves swirling to consume him. The water required nothing from him nor did it demand anything. Here he was at peace with himself and with all else. He turned and gave Shelby a quicky wave as he began to watch the waves for his first set,"Don't screw up", he mumbled.
Shelby watched carefully as Keith paddled into the water, returning his wave with a smile. She hadn't wanted to admit how attractive he was in the wetsuit with wet, dishlved hair. She could see the stubble along his chin and jaw line. She watched him catch a set of waves. He was graceful in his movements, almost like a dance. He moved along the wall of water as it began to break in the shallower area. She felt as if she could simply spend the day watching him. She removed her shoes and socks letting her toes sink into the cold water and sand. She watched as he waited for another set of waves, keeping her eyes fixed on him. She knew Keith would not let things lie for long. Shew knew the truth would come out and she didn't know if she herself, was truely ready to face it.
"How did I do?", Keith asked as they strolled along the beach.
"You were okay", she answered with a shrug.
Keith stopped," Just okay? Not great, good, amazing?"
Shelby couldn't help her laughter," What an ego!"
"Do not", he grinned.
"Oh Keithy! You are the best surfer ever!", she said sarcastically with a hand on her chest," I nearly fainted with excitment!"
"I think I'm going to cry now", he pouted.
"Awe, did I bruise that big ol' ego of yours?", she pinched his cheek playfully.
Keith dropped his surfboard and grabbed Shelby around the waist," Not so tough now are ya?"
"Stop", she laughed uncontrollably," Keith Harkin I swear!"
"What, what will you do?', he said placing her on the ground so she faced him.
"Cancel breakfast, that's what", she said attempting to wriggle away from him.
"Save me money, so cancel if you'd like", he said only tightening his hold on her.
"Evil, completely evil", she put her hands on his shoulders," OKay, really? You are wet, cold, and a little gross. Can you let me go now?"
"I can think about it", he leaned his face close to hers," If you have breakfast with me."
Shelby felt her heart rate accelerate with his face so close to hers," Fi.....fine", she stammered.
"You should really see someone about that stuttering issue", he let go of her.
"and you should see someone about getting some manners", she huffed pushing past him.
"See you in an hour Shelby!", he smiled as she stalked away. He knew she felt it too and he couldn't help but enjoy the nervousness that he caused her.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 1, 2010 15:12:52 GMT -5
Shelby got back to the house as Michael was coming out to the stables,"Hi grandpa," she said taking one of the pales of feed.
"Where were you off to this morning?', asked oprning the door of the stable.
"Went for a jog on the beach. It was beautiful."
"Aye, that it is. Were ya warm enough? Wouldn't want ya to catch catch cold."
"I was fine, I know how to take care of myself."
"You know what I mean Shelby", Michael looked at her with concern.
"Yes I do, and I took all my meds like I always do. This thing does not mean I stop living my life."
Michael hugged his grandaughter tightly," We just worry love, that's all."
"I know Grandpa and I appreciate it. But right now I have to get ready for brekfast with Keith."
"I knew you would enjoy time with him," he patted her cheek," You go on now and I'll see to the horses."
"See you after a while", she placed a kiss on his cheek and made her way into the house. She spoke with her father briefly and went upstairs to chower and change. She was tired, but she didn't want to disappoint Keith. She sighed as she stood in the shower, the pressure of the water soothed her muscles. Keith Harkin confused her thoughts. One second he was sweet and made sense of everything and the next he was sarcastic and mocking. It drove her nuts and yet pulled her farther into him.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 2, 2010 15:48:03 GMT -5
Keith had washed the dried salt water off and dressed in jeans, a t-shirt, and a black sweater. He made sure to shave off the rough stubble from over night and the morning. It had been a long time since he felt excitement about seeing a girl. A part of him knew it had been since Shelby left all the years before. He laughed to himself at her reactions to his comebacks on most everything she said. The one thing that bothered him was her reluctance to be honest with him. Granted it had only been a few days, but at the same time there was history between them. he was prepared to take the time necessary for her. He also had to convince her to audition for the tour. He had calls to make so he could get her a spot in the audition process. He shoved his wallet into his back pocket pulled his favorite pair of sunglasses over his eyes. As he drove he phoned his friend and bandmate Paul Byrom.
"Harkin, to what do I owe the honor?", Paul asked with his smooth Doublin brogue.
"Hey, do we still have spots for dancers on the tour?"
"I think so, have you spken with Sharon?"
"I was going to but thought you may know because of Dom and everything."
"Do you have someone who is interested?"
"Shelby is back in town and she's good. Really good, but she doesn't think she is. I am trying to talk her into auditioning."
"Why don't you get her to come down South? Tell her you want to visit a friend, namely me and we cna get in touch with Sharon."
Keith thought for a moment," Not a bad thought, she's only been here a few days so I will see what I can do. "
"Just let me know."
"Thanks Paul," he said sliding the phone closed. He thought about asking Shelby to go to Dublin for a week. He would wait a bit for her to settle in. Today he would simply concentrate on their reconnection and on being with her.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 2, 2010 16:36:07 GMT -5
"You look nice", Don said as Shelby came into the living room.
"Thanks", she replied sitting in the chair next to him," Keith is on his way, we're going to breakfast."
"Ah, no wonder you put on makeup", he teased.
She laughed softly," It's called hiding the circles under my eyes."
"They're not that bad honey, really they're not."
"To me they are," she sighed", wonderful side affects."
Don gave her hand a squeeze," My last week here we'll go to Dublin for your appointment and see how the medication is doing."
Shelby took a deep breath," Has mom called?"
He stiffened and shifted uncomfortably," I don't know honey, she hasn't spoken to me. Maybe your grandparents."
"What did she say?', she folded her hands in her lap to brace for the answer.
"She's not sure how she can help", he answered softly.
Shelby felt the angry sting of tears," How? How can she......not know," she stood up quickly," I have to go."
"Shels, listen slow down", Don placed a hand on her arm," It's hard," he began," to find out that you may out live your child is not something that you just process over night."
Shelby shook her head," She didn't want anything to do with me then and now, she would rather I die than try to do anything to help."
"Don't say that", Don said thickly," Siobhan is a lot of things, but not like that."
"Then why? Why would she say, she doesn't know what to do? I am her daughter, her only daughter."
"I know it's hard Shelby, we are all dealing with this right now."
"She may be the only person who is a match for me Dad, I could have a shot if she would do something," tears fell unexpectedly," If she loved me enough, she would try", she heard the horn of Keith's VW," I have to go", she kissed his cheek and turned on her heel.
Don sighed as his daughter left, they never fought and he knew it was not him who she was angry with. He was angry with Siobhan too, he wanted nothing more than to shake her and try to make sense of everything she had put he and Shelby through. The times when Shelby should have had a mother to talk too and instead, all she had was a father. He settled back on the couch as his mind became a torrent of swirling thoughts.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 5, 2010 12:56:51 GMT -5
Shelby swiped at her eyes as she climber into the passengar seat next to Keith. She sat quietly staring straight ahead.
"Everything okay?", Keith asked as he put the car into gear.
"I'll be fine", she answered softly.
"You know you can talk to me right?", he said reaching for her hand.
"I know that, but it has to do with my mom and some other things and this is supposed to be a happy day. So let's be happy."
Keith gave her hand a squeeze," We don't have to go out for breakfast if you don't feel up to it."
"No, no I want to go out. I haven't been in Donegal in so long, and since I am older now I can enjoy it more."
"Okay then, well today you just relax and I will play tour guide."
"Did you bring a little flag and all?', she teased.
He laughed," I must have left it at home. I'll remember next time."
The rest of the ride into town was talkative as Keith pointed out buildings here and there. Shelby enjoyed the way his smooth voice flowed and the way his accent really caught on certain words. They ended up at a small outdoor cafe just inside of the main town area.
"I have really missed it here", Shelby said looking around," I was only 16 and yet I remember the way I felt being here. It's nice to feel that way again."
"You remember when we met?", Keith smiled.
"How could I possibly forget?", she laughed reclining in her chair," Not everyday you see some blonde haired guy sitting in a park with a guitar and a notebook."
"Or a random girl who hears music and starts to do interpretive dance."
"When she thought no one was looking," she added.
"It was hard not too", he winked," and you yelled at me."
"You were invading my personal bubble" she laughed," I have space issues, and you were being a pest."
"I think I have gotten better about that," he shrugged.
"Not so much", she shook her head," We did have a lot of fun that summer though."
"Yes we did and I hope we can have that again."
Shelby smiled," I..... I'd like that a lot."
"There's that stuttering thing again."
"Shut up", she felt her skin grow warm.
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 6, 2010 10:29:39 GMT -5
After lunch the two set off to explore the town. Keith leading the way and talking about the different places they would pass. Shelby enjoyed his company and felt herself beginning to remember what it had been like all the years before. Nothing forced, nothing akward, it was simple. They were at ease with eachother, conversation flowed constantly and when it didn't the silence was comfortable. They made their way throught the arched entrance of a park. People were scattered throughout the area. Some reading, some playing, others simply enjoying the unusually sunny day.
" Bring your guitar today?", Shelby nudged Keith her elbow.
"It's in the car", he smiled.
"So what are we going to do here?"
"Figured we could just keep walking or maybe sit under a tree and talk."
"I think sitting under a tree would be nice. I am kind of tired," she said as they made their over to a large shady tree.
"My lady", Keith offered his hand.
"Thanks", she smiled holding onto him while she sat down.
"So, I have to ask about this morning. You were upset about your mom", he took a seat next to her pulling his sunglasses up to rest on his head.
"Yeah," she nodded," You know I haven't seen her since I was a baby."
"I remember that."
"I guess I thought that this trip might be different, that I may be able to at least talk to her or even see her", she pulled at a blade of grass," Apparently that's not the case."
Keith sighed taking her hand in his," She has no idea what she has missed out on Shelby and it is her loss. You should know that, you are beautiful, and extremely talented. Your mother should be kicking herself for not being in your life."
"Sometimes I wish it was that easy", she said looking up at him through her lashes," She has no clue who I am, that what I do is because of her. I feel like I have been in a fight my whole entire life, trying desperately to get her to notice me."
He wrapped his arms around her," I notice you Shelby, I noticed you 9 years ago and I have never stopped noticing you. I have been without you for so long now and I don't want to be without you anymore."
Shelby felt her heart open with a flood of emotions as Keith spoke softly. She wanted so badly to tell him everything. To tell him that if she didn't receive a transplant that she may not live another year. That her heart had belonged to him from the moment they had met. She pulled back from him slightly and cupped his face in her hands, his blue green eyes were full of emotion and concern. She brought her lips to his gently," I love you."
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Post by fallingn2ct on Apr 7, 2010 12:48:42 GMT -5
"I...I'm sorry", she pulled away from him,"that was too.....too much. I didn't", she was cut off from her stammering as Keith pulled her face back to his.
"Stop stuttering, just for a minute", he murmured against her lips," It wasn't too much", he smoothed her hair away from her face," I have loved you for so long Shelby, I have waited for this moment for a long time and now here it is."
She smiled and bit her lip," So I didn't just freak you out?"
"Not in the least", he laughed," if it had been anyone else you may have, but not me."
Shelby leaned into his arms as they sat under the tree listening to the breeze russel through the leaves and the shouts of others in the park,"So tell me more about this group you are in."
"What do you want to know?"
"What is the name? What albums have you done? The tours, you know general stuff."
"Well, my Dad kindof forced me to audition after he saw an add in the paper. Sharon Brown and Phil Coulter were putting a group together."
"Phil Coulter?", she gasped", That is incredible!"
He smiled," Let me finish?"
"Sorry, sorry", she smiled sweetly," Go ahead."
"So I did the audition, I wasn't in the best of shape if you know what I mean."
"Late night in the pub?"
"Indeed," he grinned," So I guess I impressed them anyway and now here I am. We have released 4 albums now, and we are about to go out on our fourth tour."
"I just can't believe I have never even heard of you all. What's the name?"
"Celtic Thunder", he replied," They even have one of my own songs on the first record."
"Look at you, singing in a group, writing songs. That is just incredible!"
"So, if I asked you to audition would you?"
She shook her head,"It's not you, but for a major tour they want a professional and I am not that good."
"Yes you are, you have no idea how talented you are. Look, I have a friend, one of my bandmates, he lives in Dublin. He said we could come down for a few days and if you see Sharon', he trailed off shrugging his shoulders.
She swallowed hard as her father's words about the doctor's appointment in Dublin in a few weeks," My father has some appointments in Dublin his last week here. So, if you want to join us there and maybe, and this is a huge maybe, I will consider auditioning."
Keith nearly knocked her over as he hugged her," They will love you!", he kissed her," Like I love you, okay maybe not the same way."
Shelby laughed pushing him playfully," Probably not the same mushy, weird way that you do."
"You like my weird, mushy way", he grinned.
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