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| ...While on work experience, Beth gets to know Westlife. It's a once in a lifetime experience and she's thankful it's her lifetime. But will her friendship with the guys last? and is Mark 'the one'?... |
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"In your dreams Beth" screamed Samantha. "In whose dreams?" sneered Ms Drue. Fantastic. Samantha had just given me the much-needed ammunition for the snooty University lecturer. It was at times like this Beth wondered why she hadn't gone ahead with experimenting with Samantha's mouth and the sticky tape in Art class.
That day would always stay fresh in her mind forever. First day at Dartford Grammar, two of the little year sevens had forgotten their overalls. A fitting punishment was assigned of creating the GCSE Art display. It didn't take long for the two headstrong girls to start scrapping. Luckily, they ended up in a fit of giggles instead of fisticuffs and have been firm friends ever since. The film and photography course at Southhampton University was a time that really brought them together new sights and sensations, bigger then that of the old Grammar school. At times like this she wondered why she stuck with her old friend. "So come on then Beth, tell us your dreams". Glaring at Samantha, Beth stood up and stated the whole reason for the upstart. "I am hoping that as part of the course my work experience will be with the Music director Cameron Casey." Muffled laughter filled the room. Ms Drue raised a bushy eyebrow "I see. Are you sure that isn't going to be the plot of your film project." This time the whole room burst out. The witch clapped her hands and the lecture began. At the Kings Arms, Beth slunk onto a bench, sulking. "Why doesn't anyone believe me" she whispered to Sam before taking a long gulp of her cider. "Duh, why do you think. Cameron Casey works with the likes of 5ive and Westlife. Think about the chances of you getting work experience like that." Beth's pathetic attempts at protest fell on deaf ears. Besides deep down she knew that Sam was right. "Beth, you are the eternal optimist" she told herself. Beth decided to send the letter to an agency that specialises in finding work experience. "One perk of being a rich University student is paying for these little conveniences" she explained to Sam. "I'm gonna skip the early lecture so I can catch the post, the replys are due today so could you take some notes for me?" Sam nodded "Sure, but you'd better have a good one!" They agreed to meet for lunch. Beth took up her books to get some catch up on coursework. She was really getting into the impact of digital technology on the broadcasting business when she heard the thud of the post on thin, dinghy carpet of the flat the girls shared. She ran and scooped up the letters. "Bill, bill, do you want to lose weight fast, no thanks, ah-ha!" Beth unwrapped the packet of five job offers. All were through agencies that hired out crew for various TV shows, movies and music videos and all of them had equal credibility so it was a case of random pickings. She shut her eyes and plucked a letter out of the jumbled stack. Focus Filming Ltd, of Green Park London. That's was cool, she'd stay with her sister in her posh London flat for the two weeks. "Cool, two weeks holiday in London" cooed Sam. "It's not a holiday, it's work. It's just that my sister is visiting Mum and Dad during that time and I'm playing housesitter". Beth was ecstatic that she would be alone. The first taste of an independent life, the sort she wanted as soon as she escaped from Uni. May came too slowly for Beth. "I expect", she explained to her mates, "The anticipation will be better then the actual experience." She couldn't have been more wrong. The flat was fantastically furnished. "TrTs modern" she murmured to herself when she turned up. "No party's, no mess and you will have to buy your own groceries" Rachel said when she grudgingly handed the keys to her little sister. "Not that I know anyone her that is" Beth thought to herself. She knew this would be a lonley time but perhaps she would make friends at work. > > Chapter 2 She had contacted the company and they had given her an address of the assignment she was due to work on. No details just contacts name, mobile number and the address of a warehouse just outside London. She decided to dress smartly for the first day and see where it went from there. She slipped into her designer suit, hopped into her ice blue fiesta and made her way to the warehouse in the outskirts. "You must be Beth, hi, I'm Gary" said the man who greeted her. Great. He was a stout man in his mid thirties wearing jeans and T-shirt. "I over dressed didn't I" sighed Beth as they walked onto the set. "Nevermind luv, the lads will be impressed." he said with a secretive grin. She walked onto a set, which can only be described as a giant futuristic living room! "You'll be shadowing me today. I work with the director to get the camera angles and lighting sorted. "What are we doing and who is the director?" she enquired. "Know much about pop music luv? Well we're doing a pop video and I believe this director works with loads of bands. Cameron Casey heard of him?" Heard of him. The rush of adrenaline was incredible. Her mind began to race with the single question. Who exactly were these 'lads'? Well since this was a week long project, it was only polite to introduce herself to all. Dancers, choreographers, all technicians and the director himself. Luckily she managed have an 'educational' chat with Cameron. She knew it would be an asset to her education and social life. "Just wait until the guys at Uni hear about this she murmured to herself whilst supping her complimentary coffee. Not really knowing anyone and being a little bored, she leant in a corner and hummed 'baby one more time'. "My loneliness is killing me" a little voice sang behind Beth. Her eyes met with the blue of Marks eyes. She knew enough about pop to realise this was one of Westlife. In fact it was her favourite member. The shock at coming face to face with him turned her cheeks a bright red. "You can't be a member of the crew dressed like that." he said. "No I'm on work experience. Nobody warned me about the dress code" she said grinning at her own stupidity. "Well I think you look nice anyways." he said shyly before slinking away back to the dressing room. Gary found Beth with a big grin and rosy cheeks. "They're charmers those Irish I tell yer luv" he said. She nodded and followed them as they went to sort out the lighting. Beth had been wearing heels, big mistake. The first half of the day was spent running around doing checks before any filming. She was due for a break. The warehouse was in the middle of no where and there wasn't anywhere to sit down so she decided to take a walk in the sunshine and find some where to sit and eat her sandwiches. She was just about to exit when she heard a "Wait!" and a pair of lads. It was Mark again and this time he was with Bryan. "Where are you off to" enquired Bryan, giving Beth a warm grin. "Just going for a walk. I haven't introduced myself yet I'm..." "Beth, we know." Said Mark "Yeah we just had to know who the beautiful stranger was so we asked Cameron" This time Beth managed to keep her complexion under control but grinned all the same. "By the way I'm..." "Your Mark and your Bryan. Anyone who doesn't know that must have been in solitary confinement for the past couple of years. Where are the others?" "Chatting with the dancers." Said Mark rolling his eyes, "Well I'm just having a little picnic and your welcome to join me" But it wasn't just them who joined a big group of dancers, backing singers and the rest of the band came along to explore the surrounding countryside whilst they were taking a break to build another part of the set. Whilst they all trundled around in the grass and other shrubs Beth sat in a grassy clearing to eat and rest. This time it was Nicky's turn to keep her company. "Isn't it really tough being away from your girlfriend and family?" enquired Beth. Nicky sighed and shook his head "Unless it happens to you, you have no idea" he said sadly and softly. She could understand leaving home and missing her family but he was right. At least she could make the drive back to her house at anytime. Eventually the rest of the group sat in the clearing mostly speaking on their phones and generally chilling. Beth shyly asked for autographs which they were happy to give but Shane said "Why don't you wait and you can have photographs too" so she agreed to wait. The heat and exhaustion finally got to her so Beth sat back for a small doze in the midday sun. When she woke she was alone. She looked at her watch. The hands read 3.00pm. "Just fantastic" she thought. But why hadn't anyone woken her up? She ran back to the warehouse. Chest hurting and hair hanging loose, she burst in. "Cut," Screamed an agitated director, shooting her an evil glance. She, in turn, gave the boys a similar look and found Gary. "I'm so sorry, time just passed so quickly" "We all thought you'd got lost or something. Never mind this is what you've missed..." She wasn't really angry with Westlife, she couldn't be. The little time she had spent in their company was very pleasant. She hadn't realised how down-to-earth they all were and was surprised at how comfortable she felt in their presence. So when, at the end of the working day, she returned to her car to find a bunch of apologetic faces. "Yeah sorry about that" said Kian. "We thought Mark here was gonna wake you" explained Nicky "Well you looked so beautiful there I just couldn't" whispered Mark "Hurry up you guys, you've got that premiere to attend tonight" screamed a disgruntled Louis Walsh. "We'd better be off. What are you doing tonight Beth?" asked Shane. "Not much, quiet night in with Sliding Doors, pop corn and a packet of tissues I think." Beth would rather go out but she really needed to get herself settled first. "Have a nice time this evening eh? Bye." she said before scooting off. Before watching the vid she saw them on the London news. Wow, she couldn't believe she was working with them, especially when she looked at them like this. Thousands of young girls screaming and lurching at them other celebrities laughing and chatting with them. It was a once in a lifetime experience and she was thankful it was her lifetime. > > Chapter 3 It hadn't been an easy night. Unfamiliar surroundings, it was really attacking her in her sleep. Wild dreams about being alone on a deserted planet with no one to talk too. She washed away her dreams in a shower and shook the thoughts from out of her head and looked forward to the day ahead. She slipped into a tight logo tee and loose combats. The word 'goddess' was sprawled across her chest, a sign of her new confidence. Today it was her turn to shadow one of the cameramen. When she had learnt enough to take a turn at the camera she loved it. She pointed it at Bryan and shouted in her best Austin Powers accent "The camera loves you baby!" This sent most of the room into fits of giggles including Bryan. "Yeah, baby, yeah" he replied. Lunchtime was spent the same as yesterday, getting to know everyone better and making sure she didn't fall asleep. At the end of the day she was about to escape in her car when she felt a soft pat on her shoulder. "Hi!" shouted Bryan in her ear. "Thanks, I needed that ear." she said "Whaddya want?" "Just to say bye bye to our favourite camera girl" smiled Kian "And ask what she's up to this evening" said Shane "Another night in I'm afraid. I'm a bit new to London," she admitted. "I have a fantastic idea. Why don't we all go and have a bite at the Titanic?" suggested Nicky. Beth's jaw literally dropped. "What you mean THE place to go in London. Can you get in?" "Of course dahling!" said Shane She handed them a rough piece of paper with the flat address and phone number on it. "We'll see. Give me a ring" she said before climbing into car and riding off again. The opportunity was too good to miss. She had to go. But she didn't want to tell them how willing she was. "Sometimes, Beth, you are too cool for your own good" she told herself whilst searching through her clothes. The only suitable outfit was the suit she had worn the previous day and that was covered in dry grass. She hadn't borrowed her sister's clothes since she was thirteen. She had learnt her lesson that time but his was an emergency. "I'm going out with five hot lads, I need one hot dress and two hot shoes," Beth thought and she knew her sister had plenty of those. A little Gucci dress and jacket teamed with some Patrick Cox sandals and handbag. She was ready but they hadn't rung and it was seven o'clock. Typical guys, she thought. Then there was a ring at the door. Was it the neighbours to complain about the music again? "I'll turn it down, I promise," she shouted. It rang again she quickly answered the door whilst pinning in her own personal diamond stud earrings. "Hi. Wow look at you," said a wide-eyed Kian "Thanks. Hey, I thought you were gonna call?" she said, inviting him in. "You can't fool us," he said "I could see in your eyes how excited you were. Hurry up the others are waiting downstairs" She turned off the lights and they scurried down the stairs to the cabs waiting downstairs. She squashed in beside Nicky and they left. She couldn't talk. She was too nervous. Their was going to be a lot of people their and they would be seen and this worried her slightly. They had arrived. She took a breath and stepped out of the cab and did her best saunter into the restaurant. "Wow you have legs" laughed Bryan as they reached their table where the others were already sitting. "You look lovely," said Mark. The meal was wonderful and spent mostly playing spot the celebrity and Beth giving them scores of 'More famous then you' or 'Less famous then you'. "So," she enquired "where are you off too next week." "Hong Kong I think" said Kian "That will be nice" sighed Beth. She couldn't stand her linear, mundane life. As soon as she had her degree, it was off to Australia for a year. Her mother had done the same and couldn't recommend it enough. "What's Australia like? I'm going their as soon as I've donned the robe and got my roll of paper which says 'Congratulations you've survived three years of too much drink and boring paperwork'" "It's great, especially when you're not a pop star having people grab at you all the time" said Shane, with a hint of bitterness. It was getting late and she had to go. "You can stay if you want. I've gotta go I'm so tired and I need to tidy the flat a bit." "Just a another drink more?" asked Bryan. "No really I..."she had four pairs of blue eyes and a pair of hazel eyes begging her to stay a little longer. How could she resist? Three hours later, having laughed her way through numerous funny stories of childhood and pubs, she said her goodbyes and left. Just as she crossed the threshold, Mark caught up with her. "Do you really have to go? Well I hope you had a good time. I did." He planted a soft kiss on her cheek. They glowed in response to his affection. She whispered "Thank you" before speeding off. She wished she had kissed him back. She had been cursed with shyness to the opposite sex since she was a teenager. Her dreams were filled with memories. Her first proper kiss was hazed by alcohol. A bit of dutch courage. She'd never really kissed a guy properly let alone go any further and she knew she was inexperienced for her age. She had vowed since she was young to save all her love and affection for 'the one' or someone who came close. She doubted Mark was it. He was too good to be true. Maybe she was scared, or perhaps realistic? These thoughts swam in her head like frogs in a pond. She also had a dream of her future. She was a director working in Hollywood and cool English films she had about five children a nice and house and most of all a loving husband with eyes only for her. She couldn't see him properly. She walked towards him closer...and closer... > > Chapter 4 She was relieved at having got up on time but she was in no fit state for work. "Night on the tiles darling" laughed Gary when he saw the zombie of London (otherwise known as Beth). She was working on sound, playing the tracks for the band to sing with, getting deafened by them. Talking into a walkie-talkie and roaming around looking grumpy. She was in no mood for jokes with Bryan and almost snapped. "Leave it out...I need a coffee, high on the caffeine" she muttered, making her way to the makeshift kitchen. "I'll join you" volunteered Shane running after her. She smiled. First one of the day. "So how do you like your coffee?" They sat on a couple of chairs. "So what's the matter with you then?" he said with genuine concern. "Late night, even then I had trouble sleeping," she confessed. "I guess I'm used to funny sleeping hours by now. Are you sure you there isn't anything else bothering you?" "No, I, well. I'm a bit confused. I'm so glad to have met all of you but I know that when the week ends, that's it. I'll probably never see you guys again, and I've had such a great time so far" "Who says that's the way it has to be? I always look out for friends. I certainly don't plan on breaking contact with you," he said quietly. "I think somebody needs a hug!" he shouted. With that arms came from all directions and she was being suffocated by the boys. "Thanks, I really needed that." She said, coming up for air. She winked at Shane and mouthed "Thank you". That had cheered her up no end but she was still tired. "Why don't you go home luv" suggested Gary. "Are you sure?" He nodded. "Thanks your too good to me. Say goodbye them all for me". "Of course darlin. You can make up for it tomorrow. Come in an hour early" She rolled her eyes. She knew there had to be a catch somewhere. The drive home gave her an opportunity to think. She felt guilty about shouting at Bryan and for not saying goodbye properly. "Never mind, they'll get over me" she thought, laughing at how that sentence sounded. She fell asleep in front of some cooking show on TV and was woken up by at knock at the door. She opened the door to a smiling Mark. "Hi. You don't mind do you, me calling round like this?" She invited him in. "It's incredible. Such cool twentieth century guys like you and none of you know how to work a phone?" Mark looked sheepish. "Just kidding!" she said ruffling his affectionately. "Where are the others?" "Geroff!" he said smiling, "They'll be round later, they sent me in to test the water." "I'm not really that bad am I?" they laughed. "Sit down you" Beth said, pushing him onto the sofa." "Hey!" he said, grabbing her ankle, sending her flying onto a pile of cushions on the floor. "Help me up now!" she demanded, hand outstretched. Just as he began to help her up she pulled him over and they ended up a heap on the floor. Beth tried to get up. She was face to face with Mark. He held her face and gave her the longest, warmest kiss on the lips. She pulled him closer. When she finally came up for air she said "Erm...I think you'd better give the others a call. The phone's over there" "Right" he said. It was his turn to go a shade of crimson. Flustered, she went to her bedroom to freshen up. She put on some comfy trousers and a polo neck sweater and stared at herself in the mirror. She was a mess and wondered what he saw in her. She went to the bathroom and splashed her face with water, caught her hair in a neat bun. As she turned away from the mirror she was cheek to cheek with Mark again. "There on their way. They'll be here in twenty minutes," he said with a boyish grin. Wrapping her arms around him she asked, "What do you suggest we do with our time?" "How about this?" he said before landing another kiss on her. It was better now they had loosened up a little. Soft and passionate, not too wet. She was enveloped by warmth from deep inside. Could she be falling for him? Tidying up the place was hard with Mark constantly after her attention. First of all he tried to trip her over so she would fall into his arms. Then he started a popcorn fight when she served up the warm, toasted kernels into finger bowls. He wasn't all to blame; she was fool enough to humour him. "Well fantastic, I'll have to vacuum now!" "I wouldn't bother if I were you. Don't you know we're infamous for our food fights." It was then that she remembered what happened to her bacon crisps on that first day she had met them. There was a loud bang at the door. "Help, help. I'm being attacked by these loonies," shouted Kian from behind the door. They all burst in and a boyish fight ensued. Nicky was the first to step out. "Sorry about that" he said looking embarrassed. "I thought I invited Westlife here not the wrestling federation" she sighed. "Cut it out you guys." They all sat down. "Hey lighten up missy!" said Bryan throwing a cushion at the hostess. Growling, Beth returned the cushion. Suddenly she was being bombarded with cushions from all directions. "Hey, no fair! Five against one." She protested. They split into 'teams'. Her, Bryan and Kian on one side. Nicky, Shane and Mark on the other. They ended up playing games. Bryan wanted to play strip poker. Beth made sure that idea was thrown out of the window and almost threw him out of the window. Cushion football was followed by a nice calm game of Monopoly, except that Shane swiped off all the properties when Nicky tried to charge him for landing on his mansion, Bryan insisted on making the dog noises for his piece and Mark was trying to think of noises he could make for the top hat. When they were a bit more tired, they all settled down to watch Sliding Doors. Whilst the others began to ogle Gwyneth Paltrow, Mark slid next to Beth and slipped his arm around her waist. She smiled and rested her head on his shoulder. "Check those two out" whispered Shane to Nicky. Nicky glanced over. A feeling of loneliness washed over him. Times like this reminded him of Georgina and how much he missed her when he wasn't with her. Feelings like this made him resent being famous. The responsibilities of being a celebrity was so demanding and what's worse is nobody seemed to realise this. It's not that it was all bad. There is the satisfaction of making people happy and the fantastic experiences he had along the way. "Kian are you crying?" asked Shane when the credits began to roll. "Well wouldn't you if you thought the world was gonna be deprived of Gwyneth Paltrow?" he sniffed "Besides you've got wet eyes to!" Beth glanced around. All of them had wet eyes including herself who had tears rolling down her cheeks. Mark gently wiped them away and gave her a hug. "You soppy, silly thing." he said. After having a coffee, it was time for them to go. "Do we have to leave?" said Nicky, giving her the big blue eyes treatment. "Yes. This is my flat and I'm throwing you out" "Actually it's your sister's" grinned Shane "None of your cheek Shane Filan!" she said. She kissed them each on the cheek as they left. Mark was last. "Well this is goodbye." he said, stroking her cheek. "Yeah I guess." she sighed They locked lips and fell into a warm embrace. It was the best and worst goodbye at the same time. "Sweet Dreams Mark" she called down the hall as he walked away, blowing her a kiss on his way. > > Chapter 5 It was Thursday and she hadn't phoned Sam or anything. Maybe she was being selfish. She knew what a worrier her friend was but knew her friend wouldn't be up at this hour. She had to call later. The working day went without a hitch apart from the odd whisper about the blossoming romance between herself and her blue-eyed boy. They had stolen the odd kiss in corners, away from the hustle and bustle on set. Again, she didn't have the heart to say goodbye. She hated them and knew that tomorrow; the biggest goodbye was yet to come. Against the ice blue of her car, the red of a rose blazed. She picked it up and gave it along sniff. This filled her heart with more sorrow. Things like this made the prospect of tomorrow ache in her head, throbbing. She had a splitting headache. The stress of it all had got to her. She got in and was about to turn the key when her door was opened and three people pushed themselves into her car. "Drive on chauffeur!" said Nicky, gleefully. She gave him a little punch on the arm. "What are you guys doing?" addressing Nicky, Shane and Kian, her uninvited passengers. "You thought you were gonna get away again, without saying goodbye." tutted Shane. "Well it's like this, you guys." she started. "The more unattached I get the easier tomorrow will be" "You seem to have this idea stuck in your head that you'll never see us again." said Kian. "Well admit it. I'm not gonna see much of you. I do expect the occasional letter and phone call and feel free to call me when you need to hear some friendly words" she said with a small smile. They all got out of the car and she hugged them all. She felt like her mother at that point. "So what are you up to tonight?" she shouted over at the remaining pair approaching. "I'm not sure as yet. A celebrity party, a club perhaps who knows" said Bryan shrugging his shoulders. "How about you?" asked Mark, looking eager. "Well I've got a splitting headache and." "Oh.not another night in surely?" moaned Kian. "Well, I've got to phone a friend." "And then maybe you'll ask the audience" cut in Bryan, sarcastically. "Heh heh, very funny. Actually I was going to go and see the latest Ben Affleck film" "By yourself?" said Shane, with a really disgusted look on his face. "Yes.maybe.I don't know," she stammered. "I'll see you later have fun." Once 'home' she had a long soak in the tub. More time to think. She had been a bit cold toward Mark on her departure and she was sorry for that. The more she looked at him the more her heart ached. She couldn't stand it she wanted to make the most of their time together and yet she kept pushing him away. Hair in towel and MTV on mute, she was about to pick up the phone and give Sam a ring when it started to ring by itself. Five words were all that were said. "See you in thirty minutes," shouted Kian's voice from down his mobile phone, then hung up. Oh no what were they up to. She quickly slipped into her suit, with a long skirt with slit up the side and clubby, boob tube top and jacket. Juggling between hairdryer and make-up was no mean feat but she managed to make herself look respectable. Slipping on some strappy, Prada, sandals, she opened the door to a red-faced Mark. "Quick" he rasped, grabbing her hand. She shut the door quickly she was pulled into an awaiting Limo which sped off when the door was shut. "What the hell is going on?" she gasped before apply her lipstick. "Surprise" all of the passengers shouting. The limousine was huge and not only seated the boys but a bunch of people she had never met. She thinks she recognised Ronan and Yvonne Keating but she waited to be introduced to all. She sat on the only spare seat next to Yvonne and was welcomed by a warm smile. "Where are we going? Am I dressed okay?" "Lose the jacket. Yeah you look fine," said Yvonne. "But where are we going?" All the passengers winked at each other and turned to low conversation. Beth gazed out of the window as the flashing lights of London passed. Her head throbbed but the cool of the glass window soothed it as she leant against it. Feeling eyes staring at her she turned to find Mark smiling at her. He leant over and took her hand, stroking it reassuring her. "Your not nervous are you" "No. I'm just... surprised that's all. Please tell me where we're going?" He didn't have to answer, the limousine slowed and she saw the flashing lights of cameras and of the nightclub which they had arrived at. Mark grasped her hand. "Are you ready?" She nodded. The doors opened and they ran to the entrance in the club. The flashlights added to her pain in her head and, once inside, the music didn't help. She was surrounded by a mixture of celebrities and other smiling faces. "It's the grand opening" Kian shouted in her ear whilst wiggling to the music. Even though she had never met these people before she was greeted by kisses on cheeks and smiles. It was fantastic. The pounding rhythms of the dance songs were too much, she had to dance. She whirled round in the crowd of dancers. After a few drinks, her shyness disappeared and she was happily chatting to a group of people about University when someone grabbed her hand. "This is our song," laughed Mark as the voice of Britney Spears boomed around the room and she danced some more. She sipped her Barcardi breezer and held her head. "Something wrong" asked a concerned Nicky, squeezing beside her at the bar. "I just need some air." He pointed in the direction of a corridor "Thanks" she said and headed out. The cool air hit her hard, very hard. She had to lie down so she did. Suddenly, the darkness of the night air enveloped her. That was the last thing she remembered. > > Chapter 6 Her eyes flickered open in a light, air-conditioned room. It hurt her eyes, she put her hand up. "She's awake" spoke a voice from the corner. Suddenly she was surrounded by five familiar faces. Four blue and one hazel set of eyes looked at her worried. "You weren't really alright." Whispered Nicky, taking her hand. "Are you alright now?" asked Kian, taking the other hand. "Yeah," she smiled weakly. "It was just a terrible migraine, the stress of being in unfamiliar place. I just blacked out." They sat there just staring. "Hey stop it. I appreciate your concern, it's sweet, but go and enjoy yourself that's what we're here for," "That's more like the Beth I know" said Shane and winked on his way out. They all left, reluctantly, except for Mark. "Don't you dare scare me like that again!" he said pulling her close. Holding him eased her. They cuddled for minutes until he said. "What happened made me realise how much you mean to me". Beth swallowed hard. She could feel tears welling up. The mixture of tiredness and raw emotions got to her. "There, there" he cooed. He stroked her hair from her face and held her chin. "I think, I might be falling for you," he said looking deep into her eyes. They kissed, long, deep and filled with love and passion. It was just him and her. The intimacy almost scared her but she welcomed it. She didn't want to stop, and probably wouldn't have if it hadn't been for Bryan. "You're so into each other you're missing a fantastic party. Come on!" With that he literally pulled them out of the room. "Are you sure you're okay?" asked Mark. Nodding she followed them into the crowd. The unscheduled blackout is what she needed to clear her head. That night she felt like she danced with everyone. She remembered dancing with each member of Boyzone and girly dancing with Georgina, Yvonne and the rest of Boyzone's partners. For once in her life, she had to be coaxed to the car to go home. The journey home was uneventful and she pulled herself into bed and slept soundly. She surprised herself at how perky she was the next morning. Bright and refreshed and feeling as if she had left part of her life behind her. Washed dress and too work. What was even better is they were ahead of schedule and had finished all filming by late morning. "Off you go darlin. Here's next week assignment," said Gary, patting her on the back. Some sort of period drama filmed in Greenwich Park and observatory. Not a patch on this week's work. Beth wandered over to the clearing where she first talked to them properly and sat. What was she going to do? It was selfish to ask him to stay but she couldn't deny that is what she wanted. "Pull yourself together Beth. You coped before you can cope again". 'Before' the word just confirmed it was a major event in her life. She felt a hand on her shoulder. The guys had heard every single thought. She hadn't realised she had been thinking out loud. Silently, one by one she hugged them. This was more serious, more sentimental then the comforting cuddles they had offered all week long. It brought tears to her eyes again. "Hey. We've got the whole afternoon to do stuff," announced Shane. "Yeah" replied Beth smiling meekly "What are we gonna do?" asked Kian, his face frowned in thought. They all tried to rack their brains. "What about getting in some serious shopping time?" suggested Nicky. Bryan rolled his eyes whilst the others shouted "NO". Another scrap ensued about what was boring and what was the most fun thing to do and Beth slipped away blowing Mark a kiss. He tried to get up and after her but he tripped. Successfully she escaped another painful goodbye. As they tried to catch up with her, all she could see in the wing mirror was the sad look in Mark's eyes. Once home, she couldn't sit down. She paced up and down the flat. Damning herself for running away when this was more painful. The phone rang and she ran to pick it up. "Hello?" said Marks voice, tentatively. "Hi there," returned Beth, sheepishly "Are you alright?" "Yeah, hang on a minute." Then he hung up. She couldn't believe he was angry enough to just put the phone down. There came a knock at the door. "What now" she screamed, throwing open the door to a stunned Mark, who was putting away his mobile. "Well, you did say to phone before visiting" She couldn't hold back. Throwing her head back, she laughed whole-heartedly cooing, "Come here you silly thing" and pulling him onto the sofa for a cuddle. "So what are you really doing here?" she said. "Well," he explained, "I don't know what the other guys are doing but I had an idea of my own" he said with a cheeky grin. She raised an eyebrow. "No! It's nothing like that," he gasped. "Green Park has gotta be called that for a reason. I thought you might like a walk with me in the park." "Alright then" she agreed, already heading to the cupboard to get her coat. It was a cool, breezy spring day. Side by side, hand in hand they strolled through the park. The only thing disturbing them was the odd dog to sniff them and their apologetic owners who smiled at the sight of their clasped hands. When the breeze picked up she sank her face into his coat and he squeezed her hand. They watched a swan floating across the lake, which conjured up an identical swan beneath it. The calm of the water helped to calm her inside. "Did you know that swans only have one mate for life?" sighed Beth looking up into his sad blues. "And that if one dies, the other one never has another." He leant down and they kissed. Long and deep as if they were drawing their last breath. Wrapped up in him, she didn't notice the time or the direction they were heading. They must have walked for hours because the next thing she knew they were standing outside the hotel. "So you're gonna leave me to walk home alone" "It's almost dinner time. Come in and have dinner with me" he coaxed. As soon as she stepped in she gasped. She wasn't used to seeing such luxury especially at University. It was a classic London hotel. Red chez lounges and armchairs scattered around the lobby. A high, painted ceiling. Walls adorned with paintings and panels. "This way." He whispered leading her up some stairs, lavishly carpeted in red to match the furniture. He opened a door of a room, curiously without a key. "Surprise!" the people in the room shouted as they entered. The room was filled with the dancers, backing singers and the chief members of crew, Cameron, Louis, Ronan, Yvonne and of course the rest of the lads. "They even finished the editing grinned, luv" grinned Gary as he sidestepped to reveal a screen. Squeezing onto a sofa between Shane and Nicky, she settled to watch the finished result. It was amazing how they could make an old, drafty warehouse into a modern, comfortable house. Throughly pleased with himself, Cameron popped the champagne and they all had a glass. "Here's to lasting relationships" and we all drank to that! > > Epilogue After partying the night away, she woke the next morning. She reached for her alarm clock and then realised, she wasn't at her temporary home. The fine furnishings told her she was still in the hotel. What exactly happened last night? Her shoes were neatly place next to the bed and her trousers lay neatly folded on the dresser opposite. A feeling of horror came over her. All was a blur and she really didn't like the presumptions she made. There was a knock at the door. Quickly pulling on her trousers she answered. A maid stood with a tray, laden with orange juice, toast and a traditional English breakfast. To one side of the tray, a pink rose lay with a note wrapped around it. "Thank you," Beth said, reaching in her pocket for a tip. Taking it the maid informed "The room needs to be ready for two o'clock so you'd better go after breakfast" and with a wink, she left. Placing the tray on the dresser, she uncurled the note, which read thus Thank you for showing me a wonderful time in London this week. Don't worry nothing happened, I slept on the little sofa. We had to go early to catch the flight. I couldn't wake you, you looked like an angel. Enjoy breakfast and I hope we will be together again very soon. Love you Mark Instant relief and instant pain at the same time. Yes, she was falling for him but did not want to share a drunken, crude affair with Mark. She couldn' t deny that she wanted him, and this was at the root of her pain. The next week was incredibly uneventful. One night, she went out for a drink with Anthony, one of the actors, and ended up pouring her heart out to him. Luckily, he was the sensitive type and didn't mind giving her a shoulder to cry on. Every night of her last week in London she got a short phone call from the lads but when she talked to Mark the call lasted well past an hour. He started to become weepy on the phone and so did she. On her return to college, Beth either spent her time in the student's bar, or locked in her room listening to the radio and weeping. She hated the feeling of not being with him to comfort him. "What's up with you?" asked Sam when Beth finally emerged from her misery, a worried frown spread across her face. Beth told her the full story. Sam hugged Beth, which just made her cry even more. They both went out for a drink and then to the movies. "Will Brad Pitt be enough to take your mind of things?" grinned Sam. Beth smiled weakly, grateful at her friend's comfort attempts. At the bar, though, there was trouble, when the drunken Adrian, a guy who sat behind her in class and dubbed himself the class joker, made a sleazy grab at her. Turning, she gave him a firm slap across the cheek and pushed him away. "Oh sorry I forgot" he taunted, "Your still holding out for your pop star boyfriend. You don't really think anyone believes you. What kind of fantasy world do you live in?" Beth was already on her way out when he finished, shooting Sam an evil glance as she went. "I only told our close friends," explained Sam as she ran after her. "In a public place I bet, with Yonah or one of her bitches standing nearby" "Sorry, I didn't think." Beth was in no mood to be angry with her friend and wrapping an arm round her, they walked to the cinema. "You can buy the popcorn" Beth had really settled into the course and was doing well. "Congratulations Miss Henderson" said Ms Drue, handing over her top marked course work with a wry smile. But she was still relieved when the summer holiday eventually arrived. Although Beth never ran up a debt at University (well rarely, which in itself is rare) she still couldn't scrape together the money for a proper holiday. Instead, she and Sam made do with a weekend in Cornwall. Sam had managed to catch herself a nice surfie named Warren who had lots of interesting friends. "Go on, Jack is really nice, you need to get over Mark." Beth shook her head but reluctantly agreed to spend an evening on the beach with Jack. Thankfully, Jack understood her situation "That's all right. At least I've saved you from watching those two all night." he said nodding at the smooching couple. Summer passed and she hadn't heard anything at all from the boys. She cursed her stupidity at not giving them her uni address. In October a fat brown envelope landed on the carpet from her sister. Inside was a note and a bundle of photographs with another note amongst them. Her sister's note read These arrived for you. I hope I don't get any more mail of yours, how many people exactly did you hand out my address to. If I get any stalkers I'll... The rest of it was all her usual moaning crap about the state of the flat. The photographs were the ones Shane promised on the first day. Each had a personal message on the back but she read the note first These are from our latest photo shoot. Hong Kong was great. It's the States next. Wish you were here. A cliché, but we really mean it. Miss you tonnes but we'll be back for you soon. -Luv Westlife She wished she were there too and...Oh dear. If they were returning to any address, it would be her sister's. She slowly read thorough each message. "To my pal Beth. How's the head? Catch you later Luv Shane" "Hi Beth, I'm not really a bitter person. Le Gras Nicky" "I'm never lonely, I'm never blue, knowing I have, a friend like you.-Luv Kian" "Next time in town, will you join me for coffee?(As long as they have a bloody big mug!)- luv Bryan "I hope you are well. Physically, I am fine . You are always in my heart, reminding me of one of the best times of my life. All my love, Mark" The last message was enough to start her off again, crying and wondering how she'd get through her life with these reminders. "You talk about it as if it 's a thing of the past" said Sam. "He means more to you then I thought" sighed Sam. "This message, and your reaction clearly shows your relationship is very much alive". Sam was so full of wise words when she wasn't drunk. Beth scrabbled through the package to see if there was a return address. There was none. Sighing , Beth took some paper to write a letter to her sister and explain things. "Why didn't you reply you cow!" Beth had screamed at Rachel. They'd spent Christmas at home with her family. It was lovely to see them after such a long time. Beth got money. Money, money and more money but she did need it. The only thing that wasn't money was a silver necklace that her sister gave her. It was a thin snake necklace, with each letter of her name hanging from it. "Aww. It's beautiful." Leaning over to hug her big sis, Rachel informed "It wasn't my present darling. It was one of your friends." A huge smile spread across Beth's face. "Is there something you haven't told us" smiled her Mother. It was a rainy day in February. Beth didn't have any lectures till the afternoon and she was up to date with her course work so she decided to clear up the mess in her room. Old birthday and Christmas cards had to go. She found the photographs and flicked through them sighing as she placed them into her photograph album. "Morning" screeched Sam bursting in holding a big bunch of letters. "I thought we could open these together" she said bouncing onto her bed. "What's so special about today's post?" moaned Beth, giving her friend a meek kick. "Hello? Where have you been. It's Valentines Day you dolt. Any way five for me and eight for you, Ms Popular!" They were all from various boys on campus, including Adrian. It didn't surprise her when she didn't get one from Mark. Perhaps her sister would send it on. Sam went out to ask 'the sexy Irish stallion' Shay, who had sent her a very saucy card. Beth decided to venture out of the student halls and take herself for a walk. At the duck lake she threw the stale bread for the ducks and geese, wondering how they survived such a cold winter. suddenly, she felt to hands on her shoulders. Ready to scream she spun round and was met by those familiar blue eyes. "Mark!" she cried, flinging her arms around him. "I'm so sorry I've been away so long. I thought I might find you here." "But...how...who..." asked Beth but she was silenced by a kiss. |