|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 7, 2010 15:26:21 GMT -5
*this has been swimming in my head for some time, it is only the beginning. No Worries, Neil will come along*
Fynn looked around the small two bedroom apartment,"Home sweet home", she mumbled to herself. She looked at the sleeping five year old in her arms,"Not quite what we're used to is it Mia?" She gently kissed the blonde head that rested against her chest. She made her way to the bedroom that had been set for her daughter. The small bed was set against the wall, neatly made up with pink sheets and pillows. She carefully lay the little girl down and removed her shoes,"Night night baby", she tucked her in turning off the light. There was still so much unpacking to be done in their new place, but Fynn felt the day weighing heavily on her. She went to the bathroom and started the hot water for a shower. As she stood beneath the pounding spray her muscles began to relax and tears began to slide down her cheeks. She was lost and alone, her husband of nearly seven years had been killed in the line of duty. He was a police officer with the Virginia State Police Force. Isaac had been making a routine traffic stop when he was struck by an out of control car. Her body racked with sobs, something that she had been unable to do since his death. She had a daughter to think of, a daughter that looked so much like Isaac that at times over the last few weeks it had been painful to look at her. Yet Mia was what she had left from her marriage. Fynn stepped out of the shower wrapping a towel around her and wiping the steam from the mirror, her hazel eyes held nothing but pain, her brunette hair hung limp against her damp shoulders,"You can get through this Fynn", she said to herself. She turned off the light and went to her room slipping on one of Isaac's old New Orleans Saints t-shirts. He had been born and raised in that city. It had been a weekend in New Orleans with friends that brought Fynn and Isaac together. She lay in the bed willing sleep to over take her, knowing it would be little to none that she actually got.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 7, 2010 22:30:15 GMT -5
Neil Byrne tuned his guitar in the hotel room. He wasn't sure what city he was in anymore, the tour had been long and at times they were performing two shows a day. The morning sun had barely started to spread its morning rays as he picked up the daily schedule," Norfolk, Virginia," he said to himself, he looked out the window. The day did look inviting, no clouds in the sky and a lovely dawn. He placed the guitar back in its case and changed into clothes suited for a morning jog. Getting out of the hotel was something he enjoyed, with the crazy tour schedule down time was at times hard to come by. He pulled a ball cap on along with a pair of sunglasses. He made his way through the hotel lobby without being noticed and made his way outside. He noticed a park not to far off and made his way in that direction.
"Mommy," Mia asked through a mouth of cereal.
"Honey, swallow first", Fynn said sipping a mug of coffee.
She quickly swallowed the fruitloops she was eating,"Mommy, can we go to the park?"
"It's pretty chilly out there Mi-pea", she replied,"Why don't we play inside for a little while?"
The little girl sighed,"We haven't been outside in a long time, please can we? Look the sun is out!", she ran to the living room window peering through the blinds,"Please mommy?"
Fynn smiled at her daughter, her honey colored hair and caramel eyes, just like Isaac. Even the way she was asking to go play reminded her of when they would fight and he would say he was sorry and beg her to forgive him,"Okay honey," she gave in,"Go get your coat on while I put dishes in the sink," she turned placing the discarded bowls into the sink running warm water briefly. Going outside and facing the world, something else she had avoided doing for several weeks. She looked at her state of dress, the over sized shirt she had slept in and an old pair of jeans.
"Mommy, I'm ready!", Mia came bounding in with her jacket on and zipped.
"Okay baby", she smiled despite the lump in her throat,"I'll go change my shirt and grab a jacket too," she wiped at her eyes as she went to her room. She pulled on a clean t-shirt and her jacket, pulling her hair into a ponytail,"Let's go Mi-pea."
"Yay!", she cheered taking her mother's hand as they made their way out the door. They walked down the side walk towards the park, Mia skipping and humming to herself,"Mommy, will I always miss daddy?"
"Where did that come from?", she took her hand as they headed towards the swing set.
"Don't know", she shrugged,"Just daddy like to come to the park with us, we would have picnics. I miss him."
"I do too baby", she knelt in front of her as she lifted her into the swing,"You will miss him for a long time Mia and so will I. It's okay to think of him."
"Does it make you sad to talk about daddy?", she looked at her mother.
Fynn felt her eyes well up,"A little bit, but it will get better sweetheart. Especially because I have you", she kissed her forehead,"Ready to swing?"
"Yeah, push me really high!"
"Here we go", she said pushing her. Mia's laughter sounded like a sweet song, her giggles bubbled over as she swung her small legs back and forth for more momentum,"High enough?"
"Yeah!", she squealed.
Fynn stepped back to watch her daughter when she felt someone run into her hard nearly knocking her over,"Excuse me", she said roughly as she turned.
"So sorry," the man said his breath coming in short gasps,"tried to stop me self."
"May you should have tried harder,"Fynn stopped as she came face to face with a pair of soft brown eyes.
"Are you okay miss?", he asked,"I was jogging an' guess I was in my own world."
"Yeah, uh yeah, I am um....fine," she quickly turned her attention back to Mia.
"You sure?", he asked as he finally caught his breath,"I would feel right awful if you were hurt."
"I'm fine honest", Fynn couldn't help but notice the accent he spoke with,"I'm sorry I have to get my daughter."
"Right then", he said watching as she walked towards the swing set.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 7, 2010 23:55:51 GMT -5
Neil watched the woman walk towards the little girl on the swing set. He was quite sure he had never seen a pair of more beautiful hazel eyes than the ones that had just looked at him. She had a daughter which probably meant a boyfriend or husband. He had no idea, but there was something intriguing about her. He took a deep breath and jogged over to her,"Sorry to bother you", he began.
"I said I was okay", Fynn looked at him while Mia played in the sandbox near by.
"I know, but I just feel terrible. Could I maybe buy you a cup o' coffee to make up for nearly knocking you to the ground?"
"Really it's not necessary", she answered, this person was beginning to make her nervous with his persistence.
"I am being rude, sorry", he said removing his hat,"Name's Neil", he extended his hand.
"Fynn", she shook his hand quickly releasing it,"I really should be with my daughter. It was nice to meet you."
"You too", he gave in and turned away glancing over his shoulder watching her play with the little girl. A pained expression on her face. He walked away doubting her would ever see the beautiful Fynn again,"Gave it a shot", he said quietly to himself.
"Fynn, please don't argue with me", her sister Lauren sighed over the phone.
"Lauren, I am not arguing, I am making perfect sense. We just moved in barely a day ago and now you want me to leave Mia with Mom while you and I go to some show."
"Fynn, you haven't done anything in weeks. You have kept you and Mia sequestered from everyone since the funeral. It's time you got out and did something."
She felt herself grow heated,"My daughter lost her father, I lost my husband. You have no idea what we are going through right now."
"I don't because you won't let me,"Lauren took a breath,"Look Mom and I will be there tomorrow night about five. That gives plenty of time for us to get dinner and make the show."
"I don't know", she sat at the small round table rubbing her eyes.
"Will you try at least, please?"
"Fine", she conceded to her older sister,"I will try."
"Good, see you tomorrow. Give princess hugs & kisses for me."
"I will, love you too Lauren," she hung up the phone. She looked towards the living room, Mia was laying on the couch half asleep. The bear that her father had given her on her last birthday was tucked safely under her arm,"When does it get easier", she felt the emptiness spread through her body. Consuming her until she simply wanted to crawl into the tiled floor and stay there. She had to pull herself out of the chair to go put Mia into bed for the night. The remnants of their frozen meal dinner was still on the coffee table and tv trays.
"Mommy, can I sleep with you?", she asked sleepily.
"Sure can Mi-pea", she said switching off the tv and making sure things were locked up,"You want me to carry you?"
"Yes", she answered hugging the small brown bear closer to her.
Fynn gathered Mia in her arms and carried her to the bedroom. It was nice to have her in the bed. Something that they normally did not do. It was happening more frequently as Fynn did not want to be alone and Mia liked sleeping in the big bed. Momentarily her mind drifted to the stranger named Neil from the park. She shook her head quickly as she pulled the blankets around herself and Mia.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 8, 2010 21:33:37 GMT -5
Neil flipped through the channels on the hotel television, nothing seemed to be holding any interest for him. He sighed tossing the remote aside, there had to be something going on. He decided to see what the other guys were up to. He went to Keith's room and knocked.
"Neil, what brings ya by?", Keith opened the door.
"Just seeing what everyone is doing for the night. Nothing on the tv, and I have been working on a song for the most of the night."
"You're wanting to go out aren't ya mate?", he laughed.
"Yes, get out of this hotel! There has to be a pub or something around."
"Let's get Ryan and Paul", he grabbed his wallet pushing it into his back pocket. They made their way to the other rooms to talk with Ryan and Paul. The four decided to share a cab to a pub. They made their way into the lobby and scanned for any fans before deciding it was safe to go outside. They hailed a taxi easily and instructed the driver to take them to the nearest pub or bar.
"Harkin, is your friend coming to the show tomorrow?", Ryan asked as they stood at the bar nursing glasses of Guinness.
"She is, already talked to her and let her know the tickets would be at will call," Keith answered happily.
"What friend?", Neil looked at him.
"Her name's Lauren, met her when she was doing some studying abroad. We have kept in touch over the last few years."
"Is that where your song title came from?"
"Eh, sort of", he shrugged,"we're just friends though."
"Friends, sure thing", Paul laughed,"That's why when she calls or texts she has her own ring tone and picture that come up."
"Shut it Byrom!", Keith took a long pull from his mug,"She said she is probably bringing her sister with her. Guess she's had a rough time over the last three or four weeks. Her husband died and she has a little girl."
"That's rough", Neil shook his head,"Dom coming back anytime soon Paul?"
"Probably in a few weeks, had some business back home."
"Looks like we're the odd men out", Ryan clapped Neil on the back.
"Thanks for the confidence", he laughed. The four men continued enjoying more drinks and games of pool. The smoke that hung heavily in the air began to bother them causing them to head back to the hotel earlier than anticipated. Neil rubbed his eyes as he removed his belongings from his pants pockets. Images of Fynn had interrupted nearly every thought since he left her at the park. Someone he had seen once and had barely spoken too was affecting him in a way that he was not accustomed too. The show was the following day and it was nearing two a.m., he crawled into bed falling asleep quickly.
"Isaac", Fynn whispered softly,"Is that you?", she could see him in front of her. He was in his state police uniform, his blonde hair combed neatly,"I thought," she trailed off shaking her head.
"It's okay Fynn", he smiled warmly,"I am here baby, I didn't go anywhere."
"It's been so hard", she said falling into his arms tears streaming from her eyes,"We miss you so much."
"It's okay", he smoothed her hair,"I have to go."
"No please, please don't," she tried to hold onto him and found herself grasping at air,"Isaac no, please!"
"Mommy," Mia shook her mother,"Mommy wake up."
"Mia," she woke up with a start,"Are you okay honey?"
"Yes," she said timidly,"you were calling daddy's name."
Fynn sat up quickly,"Just a dream baby girl, just a dream", a dream that had felt real. He had held her in his arms and she remembered his hands in her hair and the weight of his arms.
"I'm going potty,"Mia announced hopping off the bed.
When Fynn heard the door close she pulled the blanket over her head curling into a fetal position. The pain spread throughout her body, the empty ache that was constantly threatening was beginning to consume her. She wanted to hide from the world, wanted it all to disappear. There was a gaping wound left in her heart, the edges rough and raw. It was hard to breathe as the wound throbbed and ached,"Make it stop, please make it stop", she sobbed quietly.
Mia stood in the doorway of the bathroom and finally made her way quietly to her mother's side,"Mommy", she said softly.
"I'm awake honey", Fynn pulled the blanket away from her wiping her tears.
"It's okay to cry, Grandma said that helps."
"Yes it does baby", she felt a fresh wave of tears,"I love you Mi-pea", she stroked her daughter's cheek,"You want some breakfast?"
"I can pour my own cereal", she answered.
Fynn laughed lightly,"Why don't we go out for some breakfast?"
"Yeah!", Mia cheered.
"Go get dressed," she kissed her cheek. She watched as Mia scampered out of her room,"I miss you so much", she said to the picture of Isaac from their wedding day,"What am I doing without you?", she sighed and forced herself from the bed.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 9, 2010 22:14:35 GMT -5
The restaurant was designed to look like a diner from the fifties. There was a large jukebox next to the main entrance, booths were padded with a red and white leather pattern. A Neil Sedaka song poured through the speakers as Fynn and Mia entered.
"Can I have chocolate chip pancakes?", Mia looked at her mother.
"We'll see what they have honey", she smoothed the little girl's hair.
"How many?", the hostess smiled.
"Two please, last name is Richardson", she swallowed hard when giving her last name.
"Great," the woman handed her a small pager,"this will vibrate and light up when your table is ready."
"Thank you", she picked up a menu handing it to Mia as they sat down,"Let's see what looks good," they sat perusing the menu and she pointed out different options.
"Love these mom an' pop places", Keith said as he, Neil, and Ryan walked into the diner.
"Long as the food is good an edible unlike the craft services tables", Ryan said as they stepped up to the hostess stand.
"You would think those people could afford something decent", Neil agreed.
"How many gentleman?", the hostess asked.
"Three please", Neil answered.
"Last name?"
"Byrne", he replied. He listened to the explanation of the pager and took it to hand to Ryan. He stopped as he saw her. Her brunette hair was tumbled over her shoulders in soft waves, her legs crossed, she was smiling at the little girl who sat next to her,"Excuse me guys."
"What?", Ryan looked at him.
"Just someone I sort of know", he said making his way over to the woman,"Hello Fynn!"
Fynn looked up, the same warm brown eyes from the day before stared back at her,"Neil, right?"
"Right", he smiled.
She couldn't help but notice how his eyes slightly squinted when he smiled,"What... what are you doing here?"
"Breakfast with some mates", he gestured to Ryan and Keith who gave slight, awkward waves.
"That's nice," she folded her hands in her lap.
"Is this your daughter?", he smiled at the little girl.
"Yes, this is my daughter Mia."
"Hello Mia", he held his hand out to the little girl who looked at him shyly",Maybe next time," he gave her a wink.
"Looks like, we're being paged", Fynn stood up quickly,"Enjoy your meal."
"Would you like to join us? I still feel bad about yesterday, I know you think I am strange, but I would feel so much better if you would possibly," he stopped to avoid rambling,"Can I buy you and Mia breakfast?"
"That's very kind of you, but it's not necessary. There is no need to feel bad at all. No bruises or anything, have a good day", she ushered Mia to the hostess stand to hand in their pager.
Neil sighed running a hand over his face, there had to be a reason he would run into the same woman twice in the last twenty four hours. He made his way back to the others, hands shoved dejectedly into the pockets of his jeans.
"What was that?", Keith looked at him.
"Nothing", he replied.
"Yeah right nothing", Ryan said,"That's a very good looking woman their Neily boy. Who is she?"
He shrugged,"Someone I bumped into while jogging yesterday. Offered to buy her and her daughter breakfast because of nearly knocking her over yesterday, but she said no."
"Don't worry, sure there will be a bunch of women at the show tonight", Keith joked.
"Funny, very funny", he rolled his eyes. They were seated quickly after their pager went off.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 12, 2010 8:58:11 GMT -5
"Mommy, where are you going?", Mia asked as Fynn applied a light bit of eye shadow in the mirror.
"Aunt Lauren and I are going to see a show, remember baby?"
"Do you have too?", she said toying with a small tube of lip gloss.
Fynn stopped and looked at her daughter,"I don't have to at all honey, I can stay home if you want."
"I don't know", she sighed.
"You tell me Mi-pea," she held her small hands,"Grandma is coming over and is going to stay with you. You two usually have fun together."
"I wish daddy was here", she said quietly.
"I do too peanut, I really do", she hugged her,"We'll see how you feel when Grandma and Aunt Lauren get here okay?"
"Okay", she agreed sliding off the counter.
Fynn watched her as she went to her own room and sat on her bed, a few ponies lay scattered on the bed. Mia played quietly and contentedly. She sighed and went back to the mirror to finish getting herself ready. Was she ready for this? To be in public, especially at a show with a thousand people. She felt goosebumps prickle her skin at the thought of so many people surrounding her at once,"Relax", she whispered to herself. If Mia wanted her to stay home, that would be her way out.
"Anybody home?", Lauren called opening the front door.
"Aunt Lauren!", Mia jumped off the bed and ran into the living room.
"Hey sweetie!", she said scooping up her niece,"I haven't seen you in a while, you are so big!"
"I haven't grown that much", she giggled.
"Hi princess", Audrey, Fynn & Lauren's mother said kissing her grandaughter.
"Hi grandma", Mia smiled,"Mommy said you are going to stay with me tonight."
"Yes I am, what do you think we should do?"
"Well, Mia isn't sure she wants me to go", Fynn said emerging from her bedroom,"So mom, you may be going with Lauren."
"Fynn, can we talk?", Lauren looked at her sister.
"Fine", she sighed motioning for her sister to follow her to the bedroom,"What?"
"Fynn, let mom stay with Mia. You deserve a night out."
"I don't even know if I am ready to do this yet", she felt her eyes well with tears.
"It's been 4 weeks since Isaac passed honey, you have spent that time moving, being cooped up and taking care of your daughter. It is okay to take a breath and go out for a night."
She sniffed and swiped at her cheeks,"I can't stop feeling guilty, the feeling that I will be out having fun without my husband. That I won't be here with my daughter. It just seems wrong."
Lauren wrapped her arms around her baby sister,"It's not wrong Fynn, at all and to feel that is normal. But life does continue after a tragedy and it's hard and sometimes I know you don't even want to continue to breathe."
"That's most days", she laughed as a few tears escaped.
"Come out with me, one of my friends is in the group we are seeing. He said our tickets are at the will call window. Apparently we have good seats."
"Okay," she nodded,"Okay."
"Come on", she led the way to the living room where Audrey and Mia were involved in a game of Candy Land.
"Mia, come here honey", Fynn held out her hand.
"Are you leaving mommy?", she looked at her mother as she knelt down.
"Aunt Lauren and I are going to be gone for a while tonight. But Grandma is going to be with you okay? You're going to have fun and play games, you can even tell her about the ice cream in the freezer."
"Okay", she smiled.
"I love you Mi-pea", she hugged her tightly.
"Love you too", she snuggled against her mother's neck.
"Be a good girl", she gave her a kiss and then stood up,"Thanks Mom."
"Of course honey", she hugged her daughter,"You girls go and have fun!"
"Bye", they said as they walked out of the front door.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 12, 2010 19:03:47 GMT -5
Neil rubbed his sweaty palms on the black kilt he wore. No matter how many times he had performed on a stage, there was still a bit of nervousness. The band would take their places shortly and then they would begin the opening number for the group. His mind had been running over the few encounters he had had with Fynn. She was barely willing to give him the time of day, he had been rejected before, but not completely shut down.
"Neil, you're supposed to be heading out!", Ryan nudged him.
"Thanks mate", he said quickly and made his way out onto the dark stage. The audience appaluded and he heard his name shouted several different times. Nothing like hearing a random voice in the crowd call his name. The fans of Celtic Thunder were some of the best around.
"Who do you know in the group?", Fynn whispered to Lauren as the pounding drums began.
"The adorable blonde one, his name is Keith," she replied,"Remember years ago when I went to Irelando for my study abroad?"
"I forgot about that", Fynn suddenly stiffened as the lights came up. She looked at the man playing the small drum kit on the left hand side of the stage, a guitar slung across his back. The same brown eyes from the that morning and the day before stared back at her, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. His hair was slightly spiked in the center and he moved with the music as he played.
"That one there", Lauren whispered as Keith began to sing his solo.
"He's your type Laur", she smiled at her sister. She tried to avoid Neil's eyes as the show continued.
"That guitar player is fascinated with you," Lauren nudged her sister.
"They have to watch the audience."
"He's a cutie."
"You know that is the furthest thing from my mind right now", she said.
Neil couldn't believe his eyes, there in the third row of the audience sat Fynn. She was dressed in a simple black dress, her hair was partially pinned up. Her eyes were carefully trying to avoid his & he was trying to not be so obvious, but she looked beautiful from where he stood. During the show when it came time for him to sing he sat on the small rock on the stage and looked out into the audience and his eyes came to rest on her. Fynn tried to turn her eyes away from Neil as he sang, but his voice, soft, tender, almost haunting the way he sang. She felt tears well quickly in her eyes. She struggled to not let them fall, but knew she was losing. She shouldn't be there, she shouldn't be looking at Neil the way he was looking at her. The song was not going to end soon enough for her to stop the on slought of tears.
"You okay", Lauren asked as she notice Fynn drop her head into her heads.
"Yeah", she took a deep breath,"just need a second."
"Intermisson should be soon", she said rubbing her shoulder. During the intermission later on Fynn stole away to the bar in the lobby ordering a glass of wine. She sipped on the wine and called home to check on Mia.
"Fynny, you okay?",Lauren asked as they took their seats to resume the show.
She nodded,"Yeah, just had a glass of wine and called mom to check on Mia."
"How she doing?"
"Fine, fussed a little when it was bed time, but mom put her in my bed and laid with her until she fell asleep. They played and had ice cream, so I guarantee it was the sugar that had her wired."
"That's what Grandmas and Aunts are for", she laughed,"Keith text me and said for us to come to the stage door after the show. Guess they are planning to go out."
Fynn sighed,"Laur I can't, I have to get home. It will be late and if Mia wakes up."
"Look we'll go back and say hi, stay for a few minutes and then head out. Is that okay?"
"I guess," she gave in knowing she would not win and that Lauren was her ride home. They got quiet as the next portion of the show began. Afterwards they made their way through the crowd to the stage door. Lauren gave the security guards their name and they were escorted back to a waiting area.
"Hey stranger!", Keith came jogging up to them.
"Hey yourself!", Lauren smiled as they hugged,"Great job up there!"
"Thanks", he smiled,"Is this your sister?"
"Oh yes," she said quickly,"Keith, this is my baby sister Fynn, Fynn this is Keith Harkin."
"Pleasure", she shook his hand,"Really good show."
"You two have any trouble getting back here?"
"Not at all", Lauren answered,"Can't stay long though, Fynn needs to get home to her daughter."
"How old?", he asked
"She's five", Fynn answered getting suddenly nervous as she scanned the area making sure she did not see Neil," My mom is watching her."
"I can come back after taking Fynn home, or if you text me and tell me where you are."
"Sure," he agreed,"Not sure yet, the other guys are showering and changing."
"Hey Fynn!", Neil came walking over to the 3 people.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 21, 2010 15:40:36 GMT -5
Fynn felt herself tense at the call of her name,"Neil," she said with a nod.
"I saw you during the show, did you enjoy it?"
"It was great", she smiled.
"Wait, wait a minute, you two know each other?", Lauren looked at her sister and Neil.
"Not really," Fynn answered quickly.
"I nearly knocked her over at the park yesterday and then I saw her and Mia at the diner where we had breakfast."
"Ah, I knew you looked familiar", Keith said,"Lauren, this is Neil Byrne, Neil this is my long time friend Lauren Williams."
"Nice to meet you", he shook her hand, suddenly Keith's words about Lauren's sister losing her husband flood his memory,"Fynn, I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for," she shrugged,"It's been very nice to see you both, but I do need to get home to Mia."
"Fynn, why don't you take my car home? I can get a cab," Lauren handed her keys to her sister.
"Sure", she excepted them,"Have a great time and the show was wonderful," she gave a wave before turning to leave.
"Go", Lauren mouthed to Neil.
"Fynn," he called,"Can I walk with you?"
She sighed,"Neil, there about a hundred girls outside the door. Don't think you want to be mobbed."
"Come on, I know a different way", he smiled.
Fynn found herself reluctantly following him,"Thank you", she said as he led the way through several different pathways.
"We usually find the secret routes in these places, basically a necessity."
"I can imagine", she laughed. They came out of a door into the parking garage," Wow, you do know your way around."
"Crafty, I know", he flashed a smile.
"Neil, I just want to say that I apologize for the way I have acted towards you. You have been nothing but nice."
"It's okay", he said with a shrug,"Keith kind of told me about Lauren and yourself, he didn't realize it was you."
"So, you already know", she sighed.
"Yeah, but it's okay. I just, I know it's very soon for you and I get that. But I could be a friend, a good friend."
Fynn saw nothing but kindness in the brown eyes, his lips curved in a sweet smile,"That would be nice, I can give you my email, we can keep in touch."
"Great", he grinned. It was much more than what he had hoped for. He had presumed she would shut him down and refuse anything. He could build on a friendship and that was his plan as they made their way to her car.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 22, 2010 8:12:10 GMT -5
"Thank you for walking with me", Fynn said as she handed Neil the piece of paper with her email address.
"No problem", he smiled,"I have a day off in a few days. Maybe I could come back up and visit, you could show me around."
"We'll see", she answered,"See you later!", she started the car and waved as she pulled away. Guilt rolled over her in waves until she practically couldn't drive. She pulled into the parking lot of her apartment complex, resting her head against the steering wheel as her stomach turned somersaults. She had actually had fun for the first time in weeks, she had enjoyed talking to Neil for the small amount of time that they walked together. It was the fact that she had allowed herself to have that enjoyable time that caused the guilt, she had fun without Isaac with her. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks,"It's not fair", she whispered,"You left me and I have to still breathe every day. I have to take care of our daughter, she doesn't have you anymore. She misses you so much Isaac", she knew she was talking to the empty air in the car, but it felt theraputic to her. She composed herself before making her way into the apartment.
"Hi honey", her mother greeted her quietly.
"How is Mia doing?", she placed her keys and purse on the coffee table.
"She's fine, sound asleep. Did you girls have fun?"
"The show was great", she said going to the kitchen to fix herself a cup of tea,"Lauren knows one of the guys so she is getting a cab home."
"You could have gone with her, I don't mind being here with Mia," she joined her daughter.
"Thanks Mom," Fynn said placing a tea bag in the mug,"but I just wasn't up for it."
"It's okay Fynn, in your own time"
"Did you and Mia have fun?"
"We did, played with her dolls, had a tea party, she had a little bit of ice cream. She fussed a little when it was bed time, but I let her sleep in your room and she has her Saints blanket that she won't let go of."
Fynn smiled,"Isaac bought that when he found out I was pregnant, it didn't matter if we were going to have a boy or girl. He said that our baby would be a New Orleans Saints fan from the day they were born."
"She's going to have a lot of good memories of her dad", she squeezed her daughter's hand.
"I hope so", she sat down with her mug of tea.
Neil sat at the back of the tour bus, his lap top open. A blank new email blazed brightly against the dimly lit tv area. He wanted to write everything that had been coursing through his mind since the first time he had seen Fynn. That she was all that occupied his thoughts, how she had begun to inspire a new song inside of him. He wanted to know about her husband and help her through the pain, and when she was ready, he wanted to be the one she needed in her life. He took a deep breath and typed the words "Hello Fynn!", he tapped his fingers against the keyboard,"Lame Neil, extremely lame." He sighed and went to grab a drink from the refrigerator.
"You look frustrated", Declan, the drummer for the group commented.
"Trying to figure out how to word an email to someone."
"New gal?", he grinned.
"Sort of", he took a swig from the bottle of juice,"We met a few days ago, but it turns out her husband just died about a month ago."
"Sorry to hear that mate", he sucked in a breath,"Just keep it friendly, maybe a little generic."
"Yeah, because I am good at that", he laughed,"thanks Deco", he went back to stare once more at the email he was attempting to write.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Nov 29, 2010 18:26:50 GMT -5
Fynn pulled Mia's clothes out of the dryer, carefully folding them into neat piles. She yawned as she laid out an outfit for her to wear to school. It was Mia's first day at a new school. She fixed herself a cup of coffee checking the time to make sure when to wake up Mia. She went into the living room to her small desk turning on her computer. She sipped at the warm dark liquid enjoying the way it slid down her throat,"Should kick in soon", she rubbed her eyes as she logged into her email. She deleted a few items and then saw an unfamiliar address with the subject of "Neil" in the header. She placed her coffee on the side of the desk and opened the email. "Hello Fynn! I am currently sitting in the back of the bus staring at my computer trying to think of what to write to you. First of all, I am thrilled that you enjoyed the show this evening. You and your sister looked like you were having fun. Don't worry that she didn't call last night, she and Keith were out pretty late and she caught a cab to her place. I was asked to relay this to you, don't shoot the messenger.
I know that we have only met a few times and I apologize if I have come off as a bit odd. Sometimes I don't know what to say or do when in the presence of a female. Yes, I can only admit that in an email That being said, please allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Neil Byrne, I play guitar with Celtic Thunder currently. I have my own gig going back home in Ireland. Some friends of mine and I get together and play old 80's songs. It's great craic! (that means fun) I also write and play my own material. Getting ready to release an EP pretty soon, hoping that people will like it. Joy of being an artist I suppose.
I would really like to know more about you. I only know what Keith has said and the small bit you yourself have told me. Please know that I am just being a friend, not judging you or telling you what you should think or feel. You have been through a lot and I am sure you have had people right and left telling you what they think is the right thing. Then there is me who simply babbles when I see you
Talk to you soon! Neil
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Dec 4, 2010 8:23:28 GMT -5
Fynn couldn't but laugh to herself as she read Neil's email. It was short, but to the point. She looked at the time again making sure she had a few more minutes. She re-read the email and began typing a response. After deleting lines and rewording things she finally sent the message. She closed the computer down and went to wake Mia up.
"Mommy, do you think I will make friends?",Mia asked as they climbed in the car.
"Of course you will honey", Fynn answered pulling out of the complex and onto the road,"Are you nervous?"
"I think a little," she shrugged,"I hope the other kids are nice."
"Where is the little five year old? You sound like a teenager", she laughed.
"I'm right here mommy", she grinned.
"You're silly", she gave her hand a squeeze. They chatted the rest of the way until they reached the school,"Ready to go in?"
"Yep", she held onto her princess lunch box as she took her mother's hand.
Fynn read the small signs directing them to the office,"Honey, sit right here for me", she directed Mia to a chair,"Hi", she said approaching the desk.
"Hello there", the woman bearing a nametag that read JoAnn smiled,"How can I help you?"
"I am enrolled my daughter about a week ago, and I just need to know where to take her. Her name is Mia Richardson, and I'm her mother Fynn."
"Mrs. Richardson, yes, we have everything set. Mia will be in Mrs. Williams' class," she handed her a small pack of papers and a map,"The papers are just basic emergency information and who you would like to put on the pick up list. Would you like me to show you to the classroom?"
"That would be great!"
"Just follow me", she got up from behind the desk.
"Come on Mi-pea", she held out her hand.
"Welcome to Ridgeway Elementary, we are the Panthers here,"JoAnn said as she led them to the classroom,"Mia, I think you will really like it here."
"I'm sure she will", Fynn said looking at her daughter. She could tell the little girl was nervous by her darting eyes and the slight tremble in her hands.
"Here we are", JoAnn stopped at the door,"I can take her in if you'd like."
"Thanks", Fynn smiled kneeling down in front of Mia,"Ms. JoAnn is going to take you into your classroom baby. You all set?"
Mia nodded as tears welled in her eyes,"You're gonna pick me up?"
"Of course honey", she hugged her daughter,"I'll be right here after school lets out. Be a good girl and have fun."
"I love you mommy", she threw her arms around her mother's neck.
"I love you too baby girl", she kissed her temple,"Have a good day."
"Bye mommy", she waved as JoAnn took her hand escorting her into the classroom.
"Bye", she waved and the made her way to the car. She took a deep breath as she started the vehicle. She would not cry thinking of Mia's face, she knew her daughter had wanted her father to be there and so did she. There were going to be many days like this ahead, days she knew that she may not have answers or solutions too. She tried to clear her mind as she drove back to the apartment. She had been a photographer free lancing before Isaac passed away and even though they were receiving his benefits, she needed to work. Not only to help with income, but to keep herself occupied. In times when she was alone is when she thought of him most and when she felt the jagged wound throbbing.
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Dec 4, 2010 11:57:42 GMT -5
"Where you off to in such a hurry?", Declan asked as Neil quickly removed the guitar he had been playing.
"Just need to check on something", he answered pulling on his jacket.
"Think your laptop is in the dressing room", he laughed.
"Actually I put it back on the bus", he replied jogging towards the exit. He waved hello to a few fans who were hanging around the venue. He typed in the code for the bus opening the door. He rubbed his hands together as he fished his lap top out of its hiding spot. Since the night before and Declan's ribbing, he decided not to take a chance. He sat at the small table drumming his fingers as it powered up. He was hoping that he had a response from Fynn, but didn't want to be let down if she hadn't sent anything. He opened his email and smiled as he saw a response from her. He opened his email and couldn't help his smile as he saw a message from Fynn.
Hello Neil! A very entertaining email at an early hour of the morning. Today is Mia's first day of school. I am trying to let her sleep as long as possible. Nothing like a grouchy five year old. My sister and I did have a wonderful time at the show. It has been a while since I have gone out or done anything and it was nice.
You have an eighties group in Ireland? That is definitely one of the most awesome things I have ever heard. I am an eighties child. I imagine you guys have to be pretty decent. The word craic means fun? How do these words come about? Releasing your own work is always something difficult. I am a photographer and it is always hard to know what people will think of my work. Good luck with your EP!
I have been through a lot since losing my husband. It's only been a month since he passed away. It's a lot to deal with, I not only lost a husband, but Mia lost her father. Suddenly I am a single parent and trying to make the best decisions possible.
PS. Don't worry about the rambling, it's sort of endearing
Talk to you soon! Fynn
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Dec 18, 2010 9:41:46 GMT -5
Fynn stood outside the classroom peering through the small window of the door. Mia appeared to play happily with several other little girls. She was smiling as they played with a princess tea set. Fynn felt her heart lift at the fact that her daughter appeared to be having fun. She moved to the side as the teacher started telling the kids to put things away as the bell would soon ring. Kids began pouring out of classrooms as bus names were called and kids were released to their parents. "Mommy!", Mia called as she exited the classroom. "Hey sweetheart!", she picked her up in a hug,"How was your first day?" "Good", she nodded,"My teacher is really nice and we got to play and have story time." "Did you get along with the other kids?" "Yep, I have two friends named Ariel and Rhiannon," she answered climbing into the safety seat in the back seat of the car. "That's wonderful honey!", she buckled her in. "What did you do today mommy?" "Well, I unpacked some more stuff and I took some pictures to add to my portfolio so I can find a job." " I want to see pictures!" "When we get home", she laughed. They chatted for the rest of the drive. Once home Fynn had her change and then they shared a snack. "Mommy, can I see my baby picture book?", Mia asked sipping on her juice. "You mean your scrap book?", she asked wiping her hands on a towel. "Yeah, with the pictures of you, me, and daddy." "Sure you can", she went to her room and pulled down the box of photo albums. She easily found the pink, plaid scrap book with Mia's name embroidered on the front,"Here we go," she moved the cup of juice and the remnants of the snack out of the way,"Hands clean?" "Yep!", she held out her hands for her mother to inspect. "Good girl", she sat next to her opening the book. They spent the next hour pouring over the photos. Fynn explaining photos and small mementos in the book. Different emotions coursed through her at all the photos of Isaac with Mia. Love, frustration, even a small amount of anger chewed quietly at the back of her mind. Not at Isaac, but at what had caused him to leave his family. The act of a single person had taken him from his wife and daughter. "Are you okay mommy?", Mia asked patting Fynn's shoulder. "Yeah baby", she smiled,"I'm fine, you want to watch some tv?" "Yeah! Can I watch the dalmatian movie?" "Certainly can" she followed her into the living room and set the dvd player up. Once Mia was set Fynn logged onto the computer to check for any responses to the resumes she had posted. She saw an email from Neil and smiled to herself as she opened it. Hello There! How was Mia's first day of school? Hope she had fun and made friends. I always hated those awkward first days, kids looking at you, never knowing who would be your friend. Or maybe it was just me who felt like that? Who knows!
Yes, we do an eighties tribute show. Just something out of the norm. Makes for great craic! to see people out there dancing, singing, and having a good time. I love what I do with Celtic Thunder but when you perform the show over so many times, it's nice to do something different.
I would like to see some of your work if you'd let me. I am currently looking for a photographer to do photos for my new website as well as my EP. Let me know what you think.
There is nothing about being a single parent that is easy. I must say that I admire you for continuing on for your daughter, some people are resigned to give up and let emotions over take them. It takes a strong person to keep going. Maybe you and Mia could come see one of our Christmas shows after Thanksgiving. Let me know what you think.
P.S. Now I will have to try not to ramble
Neil
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Dec 30, 2010 17:01:02 GMT -5
I am working on a new update. Just a quick note to say that music is a huge inspiration in my writing. The group that has really inspired a lot for this story is West Life. check them out if you have never heard of them great group from Ireland, been around for a long time. I will be using some of their songs as references and you will see them come up here and there. New update is coming soon! Thanks for hanging with me & as always thank you for being Amazing!
|
|
|
Post by fallingn2ct on Jan 4, 2011 9:02:49 GMT -5
"Ryan, do you think you could take tonight's meet & mingle for me?", Neil asked as the guys readied themselves for the show.
"I suppose", Ryan shrugged smoothing gel into his hair,"Any reason?"
"Just need to get somethings done before the show", he replied.
"He means check his email", Declan grinned tapping his drumsticks against his leg.
"Seriously Neil?", Ryan raised an eyebrow.
"Look, I just have some work to do that I didn't get done earlier and yes checking email is part of it, thank you Declan."
"No worries mate!", Declan laughed as he left the dressing room area.
"I'll take it for you," Ryan said,"But you owe me."
"Of course! and thanks Ryan", he clapped him on the back before sitting down at a small table to open his lap top. He checked up on his website and handled a few small items before checking his email. He scanned through the first several emails and then saw hers. He felt his heart slightly speed up as he waited for the email to open.
Hey Neil, I am happy to say that Mia had a great first day at her new school. She made some new friends and seems to be happy. We came home and she wanted to look at her baby scrap book, that was hard to do. However, it made her happy. I would be more than happy to show you a portfolio of my work. I just added a few new things to it. You asked about us coming to see a Christmas show and I think that Mia would enjoy it a lot. Do you have any dates that will be near Norfolk? That way we could come to the show and I could meet with you to show you my portfolio. Let me know and I will make plans.
Talk to you soon! Fynn
|
|