I Wanna Grow Old With You

Lusia and Claire are best friends living in the centre of Ireland, both big Westlife fans, Lusia especially.Finally Lusia gets to meet the man of her teenage and now adulthood dreams...can they finally come true??

Dreamily, I gazed into the gleaming table that I had surely wiped about 10 times already that day. The cheeky face I had spent so many endless hours dreaming over before returning to my mind. I felt myself being shaken away from my fantasy as the usual objects in the cafe where I worked returned to normal. Sighing to myself, I promised I would return to my dream at the next given opportunity, and looked up.
"Hiya you alright?" asked my best friend Claire. I turned my head and was greeted by her huge sky blue eyes. She had shoulder length brown hair with blond highlights with a clear rosy complexion. Whenever she entered a room, all heads instantly turned, although I knew I was close compition with her as I stood at 5"8, with blond hair, dark blue eyes and a slim figure.
Suddenly snapping back to reality I replied! "Hiya yeah im fine thanks, you? I was just dreaming of Nicky as usual!" I admitted feelling my cheeks turn pink. Claire giggled, rolling her blue eyes. "If only he knew you existed, you two would be perfect for each other."
"OI! What do you mean "if" he knew? Of course he know's I exist, I mean he would have seen my face in the crowd."
"Oh yeah! And you were, oh let me think, just soo different to everyone else, your face just stuck out whereas everyone else's was just a blob!" "Damn right!" I replied playfully, swiping my grimy dishcloth at her as she took an unstable seat at the table I was previously cleaning. "Speaking of Westlife.." she started. "Yeah what about them? Theres nothing I dont know about them, so just dont even go there!" "Well there is something actually," she informed me, a sly grin forming on her pretty face. "Oh yeah and whats that? Nicky's broken up with Georgina?!" I asked, blissfully wishing it was true. That would be the ultimate! But I knew it was never going to happen though, every intreview you read about, there would be a mention of her name and how in love he still was with her, even after 8 years. "Well you know how you couldnt get tickets for the Meet 'N' Greet Westlife on Staurday?"
"Yes.." I answered with a growing feeling of excitement working its way up. "Well," "Well what?" I demanded, snapping at her in my sudden excitement. "I have managed to get hold of two, and I want you to come with me obviously," she revealed, grinning from ear to ear. "Claire this had better not be an April Fools Day joke, I'll never forgive you," I warned as i was about to burst with excitement. "You know me better then that Lusia!" "OH MY GOD, seriously?I'm gonna meet..oh my god! No! I cant. How did you? What am i going to where? My hair, makeup..!!" "LUSIA!" Claire yelled laughing at my over excitedness."Breathe!"
Irritiably I tried with all my might to shift the hard wedged suitcase from the back of the taxi. Gritting my teeth I gave one final pull and went flying backwards, spilling the whole contents of it to the world. "Woah Nick mate,want some help?" I heard Kian ask as he walked over hand in hand with the first serious love of his life. A young pretty girl called Claire McEneaney , with black hair and the most natural straight looking teeth Nicky has ever seen. "Yeah I could do with some please!" I replied breathing deeply. A few minutes later everything was picked up and we were rushed into the latest hotel we were meant to be staying at. As usual I noticed small groups of fans hanging around here and there, there young faces full of excitement, the same kind I got whenever I performed on stage. Again struggling with the door to my room, I felt the continuous feeling of late nights finally catching up w! ith me as I struggled through and dived straight down onto the unfamiliar bed. Five minutes later Claire wondered in. "Hi Nicky, you seen Kian anywhere?I seem to have lost him!" "No sorry, he's probably with Mark somewhere though," I replied smiling warmly at her. Her response was cut short by the ringing of my mobile. "I'll leave you to it, see you later," her voice echoed as she walked down the narrow corridor. I glanced down at my mobile shaking slightly as it continued ringing. I pressed the red button which cut it off and tossed it to one side. I couldn't be doing with Georgina that minute...
I was so excited! I couldn't believe it, I had dreamed of the day I'd meet Nicky for years, and i couldn't believe it was about to happen in less then 2 days! Half of me was happier then ever, but the other half of me was paranoia. "What if's" and "I bet this's" were zooming through my head constantly, like a flood impatiently trying to gush its way through a thin tunnel. By Friday night, I was in a right state.
"Lusia, you've got to calm down. You know your gorgeous and you've got absolutly nothing to worry about! Nicky will like you." Claire comforted as I tearfully stared at my most recent piccy of him. "Well thats easy for you to say. You've got nothing to worry about. I mean you've got just the kind of eyes Nicky loves in girls and I haven't. When he see's you it will be like, Lusia who?" I moaned annoyingly at her.
"Oh yeah..so likely. You know that aint true as much as I do. Your eyes are just as nice, there exactly the same shade of blue as his for starters, so he can't complain! You've got nothing to worry about, and its only a 30 second thing anyhow, you just need confidence in yourself!" she assured me. I twisted my hair nervously, "you seriously think.." I started. "I seriously know!" Claire finished, a broad smile on her lips. "Now try and get some sleep or you'll have massive bags under ya eyes tomorrow." Happily, I settled my head back dow onto my cosy pillow. Claire was right, Nicky will like me, no matter what! I just need to have confidence..confidence..confidence.
I could see his head turn, and his eyes meet mine. We connected and it seemed a spark of elctricity passed between us. He started walking over to me, he was gettin nearer and nearer and he was within breathing distance. I could smell his aftershave as he moved his head closer to mine..."
"Lusia!! Wake up? Hello? Reality check?! Nicky's right in front of you!" I bought myself back to reality as Claires voice entered my head. She turned me round only to see the pair or eyes I'd just been absently daydreaming of! No! It couldn't be. But it was. "I'm sorry, she's not usually like this!" Claire apologised quickly, whilest trying to shake me back into reality again. "Its alright, is she alright??" the stranger asked, a look of concern flashing across his face. "its just she likes you so much, and I don't know whats got into her," Claire explained. "Here let me try," he prised, taking hold of my shoulder. "What did you say her name was?" "I didn't," Claire replied cheekily making him smile. "But its Lusia anyway..Lu-Sha, geddit?" "yeah I get ya, nice name innit," he complimented in his sexy Irish accent. "You gonna keep me waiting all day Lusia?" he questioned. "Oh my god! What was wrong with me? Why couldn't i speak?? Now might be my only chan! ce," were the thoughts running through my head. "H, hi," I mumbled looking down. He smiled. God that smile made me wanna melt. "Well you kept me waiting for a while then! I like a girl who plays hard to get..but i weren't sure if my face had just scared you to death or something," he confessed with another of his cute small smiles. "I'm, I'm sorry, I don't usually go like that.." "Meet famous people all the time then?" he asked playfully. I felt myself blushing "God i must sound like a total idiot," I thought to myself. I looked round and noticed Claire chatting away comfortably with Shane. "No, its just you have, you, I feel," I stuttered. "Its just I have this effect on you, yeah I've heard it all before," he finished for me. My heart sank. I had blown it, my one big chance to make him remember me and I had blown it. I felt my dark eyes on the brim of tears. "I'm sorry, I've got to..." I turned and ran out the record shop as fast as I could.
Shane came sauntering over to me where I was standing, totally confused. "What the hell did you say to her mate?" Shane asked me laughing. "I, I don't know. She was just staring at me and we finally got talking and she bolted. She had these gorgeous eyes Shane, really dark blue and it felt like she could see straight through me and read my mind." Shane laughed as he flipped open his mobile phone. "Come on mate, you meet fans every day, and you've got Georgina remember." "Yeah don't remind me," I muttered quietly. "Anyway enough about her, did you see that girls mate? She was gorgeous, tall and dark just how I like um!" "Thats grand," I replied distantly, my forehead creased up in thought. "And she gave me her number," he continued excitedly. "Well if you phone her that means she'll have Lusia's number and..!" I said, beginning to smile. "Yeah man, its already sorted." Shane informed me. "Get a move on though, we've got a photo shoot for Smash Hits."
It was a few restless hours later and I was sitting in my room watching the first video where I had first truely fallen for Nicky. It was well past 2am now and I was a mess. I had done nothing but feel sorry for myself and cry at my feeble attempt of leaving a lasting impression of myself on Nicky. Claire was in her bedroom fast asleep after her endless attempts of trying to cheer me up but sadly not succeeding. I knew what it was that had me freeze up like that, and then suddenly leg it out of there as fast as i could. When he had looked at me, I could of sworn he had let his eyes hold on just a second longer then they should have, and when he had placed his gentle hand on my shaking shoulder, a sudden shoot of energy and electricity jumbled up all together, formed a path and shot straight across my shoulder blades and all over the rest of my body. It had ben to much, that was all meant to be in a dream, not actual reality. I just knew! that if I hadn't of got out of there like I had, I would of just embaressed myself further and the sheer heartache just wasn't worth it. Afterwards when Claire has tole me about her and Shane, I found it so hard to believe because it didn't seem realistic. I had tried to be happy but was just feeling to self absorbed at that moment. What else was going to be more torture, probably more for me then Claire, was the fact that we were going to have to wait for them to call, IF he did. By the next morning, I had put all thoughts about the previous night out of my head, and decided to concentrate on forgetting about Nicky along the way. So I grabbed my keys and left for work.
"Lusia, he so foned me! And get this! We're meeting them again tomorrow! They've all been given some time off and Shane asked me out!" Claire screamed as she came tearing down the cafe towards me, for the second time that week causing the whole cafe to turn and stare in bewildered amusement. "Claire, calm down! Your causing a scene," I muttered quietly, turing a calm shade of pink...also the second time that week. "Who does all of them include anyhow?" I asked her suspiciously. "Wel all of them. Don't worry about Nicky, forget he's there or at least forget about last time. I'm sure he will of. It will of happened to him plenty of times before anyway. I can't believe we got to meet them the first time, let alone this time. How unbelievable!" she stated. "Hmmm, well I ain't gonna say no am I!" I squealed just as loudly as Claire. "But you have to promise me one thing, you cannot let me clam up like last time again ok? You have to promise that ! if I do you will take me to one side?" I begged pleadingly. "Course I will hun, and don't worry, you'll be fine this time, we'll practise. Anyway, shopping spree urge coming on, what time dya finito?"
"Erm," I mumbled whilest fumbling with my fragile watch. "2 ok?" "2's great!" she said happily. We hugged quickly and then I excitedly got back to work at my local cafe.
It was the following morning and Claire walked into my bedroom to see me clutching at my head whilest standing in the biggest pile of clothes ever known in history. Claire had taken one look at the state of my room and instantly burst out laughing. "Its not bloody funny ya no." I told her irritably as I stepped over a creased pair of red trousers. "You don't know how funny you look!" Claire informed me. "What shall I wear? I need to look perfect," I cried stressing again. "Wear what we planned hun and you'll look great I garauntee." "Ok, I just need to find them now!" I told Claire erupting into a fit of giggles as the actual state of the room began to sink in! An hour later, we both felt happy and satisfied with ourselves. Whilest Claire was just adding the last finishing touches to her makeup, her mobile began to ring loudly. "Well answer it then," she ordered bossily. "But its a with-held number," I panicked. "So? Hu! rry up before it stops! Its probably only Emz anyway," she moaned as her black mascara smugded. "Hello?" I asked, sitting down clumsily on my bed. A warm Irish accent instantly filled the mobile. "Is this Claire?" the voice questioned, instantly making me realise who it was. "Er..no Nicky, sorry its Lusia." Claire span round with her mouth hanging open, her lip gloss stick quickly forgotton as it fell to the messy floor. Quickly she sat down beside me, craning her head closer to hear what was being said. "Lusia? Well you aint gonna hang up on me are ya?" The thought had entered my head making me giggle. "Nah, I'm sorry about last time, I just chickened out I guess." "So I noticed!" The line went quiet. My heart was thumping so loudly that I was positive he could hear down the other end of the phone. Claire nudged me on encouragingly. "Er, so, dya wanna speak to Claire then?" I mumbled, gulping nervously. "No, erm," he laughed. "Now its my turn to feel shy this time!" Shy? Nicky shy? Why would Nicky feel shy with me? I smiled confidently at Claire. "Your shy?! Imagine how I'm feeling, I mean I'm the one whose speaking to a world famous popstar, I mean I've liked you for years," I babbled. "Well there is that," he replied with a laugh. "Anyway, its just, I know Shane asked Claire out but i wanted to make sure that you were definetly coming with her? I wasn't sure if you would after last time thats all? And also, nothing like this has ever happened before ya know, we don't normally go chatting up fans. I don't want you to think we're setting you up or anything, I know how unrealistic this must seem to you." "No, we understand and we are stil coming don't worry! We're meeting at 12 ain't we?" The line suddenly went dead. "Ok, I guess that call's over," I finished grimly. "Don't worry about it. Come on we've gotta go! Now what exactly did he say again? I reckon he must like you! I mean come on Lusia!" "Yeah whatever Claire. Thats all in a dream, not reality."
It was 12:15pm and neither me or Claire had spotted yet one member of the world famous boyband. "They'll be here, stop fretting," Claire's soft voice soothed. "Yeah..like anytime next..now actually!" I exclaimed as I saw five familar figures making there way over chatting loudly in their strong Irish accents. "We thought you weren't gonna show," I told them, surprised at my confidence. They all laughed. "Nah, it was him who made us late," Shane informed us whilest pointing the accusing finger towards Nicky. Now it was his turn to blush. I noticed Claire was for once stunned into silence. Her large eyes were looking at Shane, but seemed to travel past him to the figure behind him. I coughed loudly whilest sneakily elbowing Claire. "Oh sorry, just in a world of my own, oh god that sounded so cliche, I didn't mean.." she was babbling. "It's alright, we know wat you meant," the voice spoke up from the background. "So which 1 of you lovely ladies is mine then?" asked Bryan whilest striking a ridiculous pose, causing me and Claire to crack up straight away. Claire suddenly found her tongue again, "well what are we doing first?" I noticed Kian begin to reply. "Only Shane, Mark and Bry are staying anyway. I've gotta go meet my girlfriend, also called Claire," he informed Claire whilest flashing her a quick smile that sent hearts racing all over the country. "Oh right," I stuttered trying desperately to hide my disappointment. "Lusia, I can explain," Nicky cut in whilest stepping forward. I laughed nervously. "Look chill. I mean meeting you the first time was amazing, I totally understand. I mean you've got other commitments,Georgina being one, and you have that beautiful house, I would wanna stay in that instead of dossing around with two fans all day." I took a pause after my long speech. Suddenly I noticed a BMW pull up and the most stunning girl delicately jump out and start walking towards us. I knew instantly that it wa! s her. I'd spent so many countless hours gazing at happy photo's of them, wondering and questioning what he apparently saw in her. I quickly turned away and walked back towards the group which seemed to have wandered slightly to the left. "Oi, are you alright?" I heard Bryan ask, whilest lightly touching me on my quivering shoulder. "Yeah course, why wouldn't I be?" I asked but knowing damn well what he was going to say in response. "Well what with Georgina turning up, you can't be feeling to grand?" In the midst of the conversation, I noticed Nicky hopping into the car with Georgina and driving off. Without even so much as a small wave of goodbye. I faked a laugh. "Bryan! Nick's in love with Georgina! You can see how happy they are together." "Yeah but you can also see how you feel about Nicky," he argued back, with a triumphant smile on his cheeky face. I sighed quietly, "Bry, I'm just another fan. I'm just me, nothing like what Nicky likes in a girl, and besides he wants to! marry Georgina, they've been together for 8 years." "Ok, point taken but, just for the record, you are what Nicky likes in a girl, your absolutly gorgeous, and Irish which is a bonus, how could you not be?" I turned red at that compliment. Turning, Bryan grabbed my small hand and ran towards the others. "Now it's time for some serious fun!" he teased playfully.
Exhausted, I threw myself down onto my soft double bed. "I am so knackered," I said whilest yawning widely. "Me to, we must of drove for miles in Shane's jeep," Claire said dreamily whilest resting her head in her warm hands. "Yeah it might of been Shane's jeep but Shane isn't the one you like the most is he?" I questioned teasingly. "But Mark is just so fyne, his eyes are stunning, he's so caring and funny." Claire muttered deeply engrossed in thought. "And what about Shane?" I mentioned. "Oh my god! Shane! He's absolutly gorgeous and has a killer smile, but I dunno Lusia! Mark has just got that something that appeals more to me then Shane does. "Yeah, I understand. God ain't Bryan crazy about Kerry and Molly, Moll is so cute!" I claimed, picturing in my mind the joy on Bryan's face as he told us his tales of wild antics with his Kerry his blond bombshell of a wife. I remembered thinking how much I would love Nicky to talk about me in that way, altho! ugh I knew he never would. The only girl who he would was Georgina and I was pretty sure it wasn't going to change anytime soon. "Wow, today has been the best ever. I'm never gonna forget it. Anto and Paul are great with the guys although I wish they hadn't been their allllll the time. I was feeling claustrophobic." Claire spoke. "You felt claustrophobic? Imagine how all them must feel, its there 24/7 for them," I told her. "Yeah I know," she replied, still with that love sick expression on her face. "Anyway, we need to forget about it" I stated, not wanting to admit to the fact that I was tore to pieces for a few reasons. One that Nicky didn't even bother to say bye to me, and secondly that he was still in love with Georgina. "Yeah your right. There gonna be busy promoting the fourth album now anyway," my best friend agreed. "Exactly." I finished, but still with wandering doubts in my mind.
Bryan looked at his mobile as the ringtone played extremely loud. Expecting it to be Kerry, without even checking he answered smiling happily saying, "Hi sexy, I was just thinking abut you!" Bryan suddenly clicked on when he heard my familar laugh down the other end. "Oh soz mate, I thought it was ma lady." "Ye deutz! Nah its me..how did today go?" "Oh today was mad, that Lusia's a babe, top girl. Claire's great n all but she was totally absorbed with Mark which I don't think Shane was to impressed with," he informed me. "Oh right, so Lusia dint mention or miss me then?" I paused uncertainly. "I, I mean do you think she was upset that I just suddenly left with Gi? I dint even get to say bye to her, Gina was in a right mood as usual. She used to be so understanding about fans and well everything, but now its nothing but stress. I'm telling ya I'm looking forward to getting away from her." Bryan heard me let out a sigh down the other end. "Nix, I think you do owe the girl an explanation, I mean I know she said she understood to me, but you've got to understand what it's like for her. She's crazy about you, and she thinks you think, she's just another fan, but all of us know you think differently, except her. Lusia apparently thinks that you think she don't understand you or your job, or the fact she actually wants to know you Nicky Byrne and not Nicky from Westlife." "Yeah but Bry, thats just it! Every 19 year old girl would love to have a boyfriend thats famous an." Bryan interupted me again. "Thats just it ya deutz. Your wrong! She does genuinely like you, can't you understand that?" "Yeah babe I'm comin," Bryan heard me call out. "Look man I've gotta go, I'll speak to ya tomorrow, cheers mate." Bryan shook his head as he hung up aswell. "He's blind," were the thoughts racing through his head!
Over the next two weeks I was so busy in Weslife that I hadn't even found a chance to even phone Lusia. I was dying to see her face again. Those dark piercing blue eyes, shy small smile...the list went on. In myself I was confused about my feelings. I loved Georgina yes, but I also felt we had grown apart years ago and the only reason we were still together was because we felt safe with each other. It was exactly one month later since I had first met Lusia and since I had also last seen her, and i decided to do something about it. Nervously I ran my hand through my hair as I knocked onto the door of what I was led to believe was Lusia and Claire's appartment. I could hear a new track from our latest fourth album blasting out her stereo and determinly knocked louder. Suddenly the door flung open and I felt a rush of electricity run through my body as my eyes travelled flirtily up and down the person revealed. "Well ya gonna let me in t! hen?" I asked gulping quietly. Still now response. "Lusia?" I questioned as I stepped forward. "God, I can't believe its you! What are you doing here?" she asked me. I felt a little smile forming on my lips. At least she looked pleased to see me I thought to myself. "Well I thought I owed you an explanation about my sudden disappearence last month, and also I wanted to see how you were doing," I replied. "Oh right. You didn't have to waste your time, I know how hectic your schedule is, I'm doing fine, you've seen me now so you can go back if you like." "Do you want me to go?" I asked her staring straight at her gorgeous face. "Can i take a pass on that question?!" Lusia asked, breaking into that smile that sent my stomach into saumersaults. I laughed and the ice had been broken.
"I'm sorry the place is a bit of a mess," I confessed as I showed him into the living room. "Erm, make yourself comfortable, I'll be back in a sec," I told him. "Yeah sure," he replied in his sexy voice. Quickly i got changed into the first decent thing I could find. Glancing nervously at the clock, I brushed my short hair touched up my make up. Typical of him to come when I was least expecting it. I walked straight out slamming the door behind me and collided head first with Nicky. "Oh god sorry," he exclaimed as the coffee spilled all over my tight white top. I smiled warmly, "Don't worry about it, we're even now anyway!" "What dya mean?" "Well when i first met you I basically blanked you and you just spilt coffee on me so I think we're quits now." I finished. "Yeah guess your right!" he agreed. "But I'm still really sorry, I hope I haven't ruined it," I heard him call as i went to grab a cloth from the clean kitchen. When I returned his cheeks were! ever so slightly still red. "Don't be stupid, its only coffee, i'll wash it and it will be fine! I'll be back in a min, gonna change, again!" I added. For the seond time I grabbed another top and was pleased to see that it actually looked better then the first one. Breathing deeply, I walked out smiling. "That looks nicer anyway, blue really suits you..your eyes." Nicky told me, and passed me another mug of hot coffee. I felt a sharp intake of breath as our fingers breifly touched. I placed the coffee down after taking one small sip because I knew before long I would of dropped it due to my nerves. "Sorry I ain't speaking but I dunno what to say to you!" I admitted, Nicky studied my face closely. It was like he could read my mind, and all my real inner thoughts that only I knew. "Lusia, you don't need to feel nervous, I'm no different to anyone else." "Well yeah I know that, but your like totally gorgeous for starters which is distracting enough," I told him, looking away shy! ly. He just laughed! His smile lit up the whole of his face, I just wanted to kiss him so badly. But I held back as I wasn't prepared to cause any more embaressment for myself, I motioned him to sit down on the black leather sofa that occupied a large space of the living room. "So where's Claire?" he inquired. "Oh, she's at an audition today for a walk on part in this new soap thats coming out." I explained. "Nice one, so what do you think of this new album then?" "It's definetly your best yet," I confirmed. "Yeah I think the same." Nicky agreed. "So where did you go that day then?" I asked, not sure if I wanted to know the answer or not. "Well," he cleared his throat. "Georgina wanted to go out and I couldn't exactly say no because we don't really get to spend much time together." "Yeah its cool, I thought that. I understand don't worry." I assured him. "You understand alot of things don't you?" Nicky said looking at me in that cheeky school boy look that drove many girls, including me wild! "Meaning?" I queried unsure of what his answer would be. He laughed again as he stood up. "Well thanks for the coffe but I really should get going now," he told me. "No, wait! What did you mean?" I asked placing my hand on his arm pleadingly. He licked his lips, from left to right instead of the most popular way with people. That was one of the things that attracted me so much to Nicky, he liked to what he wanted the way he wants to, not just because its the way everyone else does. "I just mean, your not like everyone else. I mean, I thought Georgina was the only one who I thought understood." He paused and then continued. "But obviously I was wrong." I took my hand away quickly, which I had realised was still placed on his strong arm. "Well where do we stand with each other? I mean will we ever speakin again or what?" I had been driving myself crazy the past month, wondering if he would ring or not, and then out of the blue he turned up on my door step, which was the last thing I had expected after the previous time. "Yep, you can count on it babe!" he told me, playfully winking along with it. I was filled with happiness! "Babe, Nicky Byrne called me a babe!!" were the thoughts racing through my mind. "Nicky?" "Yeah?" "I, er no it don't matter." He looked at me funnily, "ok if your sure?" he questioned as he got into his car. "Positive," I assured him whilest gazing admirably at the gleaming bonnet. Just before he left he mentioned, "Oh yeah, tell Claire Mark said hi ok?" "Yeah, sure, no problem." I called waving him off. "Claire was not going to believe this!" I thought as I stood dangerously on the edge of the steep curve. I turned to go back inside when I heard the sudden screech brakes and smash of metal. Instantly I assumed it was Nicky and immediately span round. I lost my balance and went tumbling into the busy road. The last thing I heard was the blare of a car horn and then silence as everything! around me turned black.
The first thing I felt when I came round was the continuous thumping and stabbing feeling on the side of my head. I could also feel something cold freezing cold in fact, pressed against my pain. I could feel a hand gently caressing the other side of my head, the touch so soft and caring that it seemed to be sending away the horrible feelings, and replacing them with one's of warmth and healing. I slowly opened my eyes to see another dark mysterious pair, gazing down into mine. As my focus became more clear I begand to realise who it was, and instantly assumed I was still dreaming. I shut my eyes but opened them again, just a second later to see if my "dream" was actually a reality. This time, I saw the familar sexy smile that made me feel all tingily all over. I bolted straight up but the room began to spin and the throbbing began once again, as I heard a voice say, "No, lay back down. You've got a massive bruise!" There was no mistaking that voice. I opened my mouth to speak, but his fingers had already placed themselves over my mouth, a sign not to talk but to listen. "How you feelings? You could of got killed," Nicky asked and told me at the same time. "I, I just slipped and I don't know, it all went black." I could feel myself panicking. "Nicky, you shouldn't be here at all, I'm fine now, I can look after myself honestly. "Yeah, it looks like it doesn't it!" he said teasingly as he gently sat me up. "Is that alright?" a hint of genuine concern showing in his lovely voice. "Yes. What the hell actually happened? I'm surprised I ain't in hospital. My head is killing." I went to move the bag of pea's that I had held against my throbbing head. I felt his hand under mine, and just the sheer touch was enough to make me feel woozy again. He laughed at the sight of me. "Come on, lay back down. You can't even sit up properly, let alone do anything else," Nicky ordered. "I bet I look a right state," I murmered quietly as I observed my torn trousers and ripped top. "Nah, ya look grand, trust me!" he replied smiling. "I trust you," I thought to myself. I felt my eyelids become heavy with tiredness as Nicky began to stroke my tangled hair once again. "Try and get some sle.." I didn't get to hear him finish that sentence because I had fallen fast asleep.
I could feel my temper rising rapidly. Why couldn't she understand? "Nicky, are you even listening to a word I'm saying?" Gerogina irritating voice snapped. "Look Gi, I don't know what the big deal is, I've got time off now for starters anyway, plus she's hurt her head badly cos she slipped and since it was partly my fault.." I heard a sigh as I said that. She interupted. "Why do you always take the blame for things Nicky?" "For Christs sake Gina, the girl thought I had crashed and turned round to help, then lost her balance and this happened. Theres no one else hear to look after her because her flat mate is at an acting audition til late tonight. I'm just gonna stay she Claire gets back then I'll come straight home." I knew Georgina wasn't pleased. She never used to be this bothered before, she even liked fans, they used to like her. "What's happened to us Nicky?" her voice now a softer tone. "We used to get on great with each other, what's changed?! " I coughed and sat down on Lusia's sofa. "I don't think its whats changed Gi, I think that its more a matter of whose changed." I waited for a reply. Suddenly Georgina's voice snapped again. "Well it ain't me whose changed, thats for damn sure." That was it. "Well obviously you've just reliased that its me who has, is that what you wanna hear? Well its true, I have." I cut her off and let out a long exasperated sigh. But she was right, it wasn't her who had changed, it was me, but the question was, had I changed for the better?
I glanced at the black and white clock that occupied a small space of the decorated living room wall. I realised that two hours had gone by since my previous phone call with Georgina. I hadn't heard a sound from Lusia's room and had just kept myself entertained by looking at some photo albums I'd found. Just then I was looking at a fairly recent one from the looks of it. Her short blond hair shining brightly in the dim light of a lamp and she was dressed as if she was going to a party, which she probably was. It still felt like she was peering up at me looking into my eyes, even though it was only a picture. I felt goosebumps returning to my covered arms as I thought of earlier. She had been out flat, the paramedic had checked her over and told me she just needed to rest, although she obviously didn't remember that. I'd watched her sleeping for ages, her long dark eyelashes kept flickering softly and she had a cute sleepy smile on her face. Smiling to! myself at that thought I turned the page and was surprised at what I saw. Lusia was looking up at me with a cute grin on her face, holding a photo frame, with a poster of me inside it. As I turned more and more pages, I began to see more funny photo's and soon I was laughing pretty hard to myself. I sudenly shut the bok with a snap, as I felt a hand grab my shoulder. "Christ, you nearly gave me a heart attack." I exclaimed as I tilted my head up to lok at Lusia. "Whats so funny?" I heard her say. I stood up as I began to speak, and turned round to face her. "Nothing, I was just thinking to myself. Anyway, why are you dressed? You should be in bed." The expression on her face was hard to read. It seemed friendly enough but sort of suspicious as well. Suddenly her face lit up with the smile that gave me butterflies. "You want summit to eat?" she asked. I grinned at her. "Yeah why not? What you got?" I questioned, totally fortgetting about what I had been thinking about earlier.! Our conversation grew deeper as we moved around the kitchen each equally helping to make the food. I couldn't take my eyes off her, and I'm sure she'd caught mt staring at her a few times. As the time went by, I felt myself learning more and more about her, and the more I learned, the more I liked. For only a 19 year old she was pretty smart and if I didn't know any better, I would have thought she was in her twenties the first time I met her.
I noticed the clock strike 10pm. "Claire should be back any time now," I told him, although wishing it wasn't true. "I take that as my que to leave then?" he said teasingly. "No! I didn't mean it like that," I explained hurridly. He laughed his cute giggle. He was so adorable! "Nah, I'd best get going anyway. Got busy day tomorrow, need my sleep while I can get it," he told me whilest winking as he stood up. "This is the next song we're going to release you know?" I Wanna Grow Old With You came on the cd player. "Really? This is my fave track, its dead slow and the lyrics are great aswell," I added. Nicky agreed staring into my eyes. I took a step forward, but then hesitated. "You'll make a fool of yourself Lusia," I warned myself in my confused head. Instead I took a deep breath and smiled. "Erm, here's your jacket," I murmured whilest clumsily handing it to him. Our hands touched for the 10th time that night, the feeling so warm and wanting th! at it took all my strength not to reach forward and kiss those tempting lips with mine. Our hands were still touching when the door suddenly flew open and Claire strolled tiredly in. The look on her face was hilarious and me and Nicky instantly burst out into a fit of giggles. "Have I walked in on something I shouldn't have?" she asked us interested. I glanced up at his face, noticing the cheeky smirk already forming on his gorgeous face. Turning to face her he said, "Nah I was just leaving. Lusia you sure your gonna be alright?" We were interupted by a sudden outburst by Claire. "Oh my god, your head, what happened? Are you ok? It looks well bad!" "Cheers Claire!" I told her turning a dark shade of red. "That'll be gone in no time." Nicky reassured me as he walked to the door. "hey Nicky, thanks for today, I'm sorry if I messed up your plans or ote," I said guiltily. Swinging his jacket lazily over his broad shoulder, he turned and said just one word to me befo! re leaving, "Anytime!" Then with that he grabbed his keys off the phone stand next to the door and left. I shut the door silently and turned round to see Claire standing determinely with hands on her hips. The look on her face said it all. "Come on then!" I sighed dragging her to the couch which had previously been occupied by the man of my dreams. "I'll start from the beginning."
Wearing nothing but a towel wrapped tightly around my waist, I sat down on my bed and picked up the glistening silver phone. Nervously, tapping my half bitten fingernails on the phone handle, I wandered wether it was too late to ring or not. "Get a grip man!" I told myself stubbornly. I placed the reciever down and went to check if the coast was clear first. I smiled to myself as I heard the tv blaring from downstairs. Since I'd arrived home, neither of us had spoken a single word to each other, which suited me just fine. Slipping some comfy clothes on first, I made myself comfortable again and dialled Lusia's number. I cleared my throat as I waited for an answer. "Hello?"Claire's panicked voice filled the phone. I knew straight the way that something was up, "Claire it's Nicky, is everything alright?" I asked, a growing feeling of concern entering my body. "Look I gotta go, I can't talk Nick, Lusia's just been rushed to hospital." "What? Why?" "Nicky, I can't talk, I've got to grab some stuff and go straight there." "No, wait there. I'll come fetch you," I ordered. "No, theres not enough time," she stubbornly argued. "I'll make time, I'm on my way, don't you dare leave without me," I told her as I slammed the reciever down. Grabbing my car keys and jacket, I flew out the house banging the door loudly behind me. It was only when I was halfway to Lusia's that I remembered I hadn't even told Georgina where I was going or the fact I was going anywhere. I promised myself that I'd phone her in a bit. But I wasn't sure if it was a good idea or not, because I wasn't sure how she would react to the news, but to be more honest, I was beginning not to care.
Half an hour later I was seated with Claire in a private waiting room. "I don't understand, she was fine earlier right before I left," I explained to Claire. "I know she was, and she was fine with me for ages after, but then I went to the bathroom and she went to get another glass of wine, and when I came back she was out on the floor cold." Claire's gorgeous eyes began to fill up fast with confused tears. "I kept shaking her and even poured some water on her face but she wouldn't come round so I phoned an ambulance." We were suddenly interupted by the opening of the door to the room. I noticed Claire's face light up at the sight of Mark. "Mark!" she cried as he gave her a big reassuring hug. "Hey you alright sweetie? Don't cry babe, it ain't your fault," he told her whilest wiping a stray tear from her flushed cheek. She looked up at him, staring at him from her big blue eyes. He smiled down at her whilest winking playfully, causing her to smile. "Th! at's better," he told her as he led her to a chair. "You alright mate?" he asked me. "Erm yeah I guess," I lied. I wasn't alright really. I felt it was my fault. I should of realised this could of happened when I let her get up instead of staying in bed. "It seriously ain't your fault neither Nicky," Mark mentioned. "Yeah Nix, it ain't. Don't blame yourself or anything, you have no idea how happy you made her today. Nearly all her dreams came true today, thats what she told me anyway." Claire revealed. I felt myself growing more and more interested. "What are they then?" I questioned her. Claire laughed. "Now what sort of best mate would I be if I went and told you that?" she giggled. I smiled whilest shaking my head in slight amusement. "Well they can't be that bad, at least gimme a clue," I probed. "I really can't Nicky, I'm to embaressed to say what anyway!" Suddenly I clicked on. "Oh really?!" I teased. "Well what if I say an idea and you either agree or disagree?" "Erm." ! My smile grew broader as she turned a cute shade of pink. I could definetly see what Shane had seen in her, and also what Mark does. But Lusia just had that something about her compared to Claire, that made me feel the way I did about her. "Well?" "Nicky, I seriously can't! She'd so kill me. Look I can give you 1 clue ok? Then you gotta figure the rest out for yaself." Very sexily, she eyed me up and down seductively. "Now if you can't figure out what that means, then your just dumb!" Now it was my turn to blush wildly. "Right change of subject I think," Mark cut in, grinning cheekily. I felt Claire's fixed stare on me, challenging me to look at her. The door was suddenly opened for the second time that night and in walked a female doctor. The expression on her face when she acknowledged me and Mark, was one of disbelief thats for sure. "I'm sorry, but are you two out of.." "Westlife," both of us said together. "My two younger daughters are your biggest fans! Would you at all ! mind if I can grab your automgraphs?" she asked, obviously nervous. "Course you can love," Mark said passing me a piece of paper on which I quickly scribbled down my signature twice. "Thank you so much!" she gushed. "You don't know how much this will mean to my daughters!" "I think we have an idea," I told her smiling. "Erm...Lusia?" Claire asked impatiently. "Oh yes, of course, sorry.." We all stood listening as she finished off explaining what had caused her to pass out like that. "But the main thing is she'll be fine to go home by the end of the week," she finished moving her clip board from one hand to the other. I breathed a sigh of relief as Mark clapped me on my back. Claire stood listening as the doctor asked her to fill in some forms. I sneaked out and made a quick call to Georgina. I was so relieved that Lusia was going to be ok.
Making my way back to the waiting room, I decided to go quickly see her as it might be the only chance I'd get to be on my own with her. I walked silently into the room and pulled a chair next to the bed. I could hear a constant beeping from random machines and a drip was in her right hand. Carefully I placed her hand in mine and gently started stroking it. Her skin was so soft and smooth. I noticed her dark eyes gently flicker open under the dull lamp light. "Hey beautiful, how you feeling?" I asked her. Her eyes flew wide open. "Nicky?" she asked in a disorrientated voice. "You betcha!" "Oh my god, what the hell are you doing here? You should be in bed, you can't see me like this, I'm such a mess." Her eyes filled up. "Hey, stop it! You don't look a mess at all, do you see me complaining?" Her face softened a little. "Promise?" I smiled gently, "I promise." "You swear down on absolutly anyone's life that I look ok?" She could be so funny at times, t! he way she went on! "Stop stressing, you look great I swear. Actually you look really sexy in that hospital gown. Am I right in believing your not allowed to wear anything else under them?" I asked her teasingly as I pretended to pull back the covers and find out for myself. "Nicky!" Lusia gasped. "Don't you even dare." I licked my lips in anticipation. Very flirtily I placed my hand on her long leg and gently trailed it upwards. I noticed that she had jumped ever so slightly at my touch, and she had goosebumps all over even though it was quite warm in the small room. She really was something, even when ill in a boring hospital gown. Suddenly I heard her say, "Nicky, stop, you love Georgina," her voice broke off and the tears began to flow. "I'm sorry Lusia, but you have got to have realised by now how I feel about you? I'm not in love with Georgina any more, its you I'm in love with." I stood up and helped her to sit up. She took one look at my face and the tears flowed ! again. I couldn't understand why she was crying. I didn't know what to do, I was just stuck to the spot. I watched her helplessly shaking and face becoming more wet as each tear trickled down her pretty face. That was it, I couldn't just stand there any more. Quickly I grabbed her and held her close, never wanting to see or hear her cry again the way she was right then. It seemed like a lifetime we were sat there, even though it was only about 20 or 30 seconds judging from the sound of the seconds ticking by on my new watch. Her fingers found the back of my neck and were gently stroking it, her breath still uneven. Silently, she pulled away and looked away. This was it, now was the right time to make the long awaited move. Ever so gently, I brushed a loose strand of stray hair off her bruised head. This time she flinched under my touch. Just as gently I placed my thumb under her chin and tipped her head upwards. She stared up at me, her dark piercing eyes full of excitement, p! assion and love. I moved my head closer to hers and our lips touched. It was the most amazing feeling. I pulled away and smiled contentedly. That had been everything and more I'd imagined. I watched her as she chewed nervously on her bottom lip, and I saw that she was trembling all over. I moved closer to keep her warm and this time, Lusia went to kiss me. It was much more passionate and tender. I could feel myself growing more and more turned on so I backed off slightly and gave her the cheeky teasing look that I knew she loved. Her whole face was lit up and even in the dark I could tell how happy she was. Lusia sighed, "wow, u just made another dream come true, night gorgeous," she murmured deeply as she settled down to sleep. I smiled, I loved her so much I realised. I tucked her up and bent over to give her a soft peck on her satisfying lips. "Night beautiful," I whispered. Then I turned and left. I quickly went to see Mark and Claire, only to be greeted by the sight of th! em both fast asleep in each other's arms. I sent a text to Mark's phone as I knew he would check it as soon as they woke up. I didn't have the heart ot actual time to wake them up there because they looked so peaceful together. I couldn't believe that it had turned out they were both seeing each other in secret for the past month, but they both admitted to it tonight. Knowing very well what was coming next, I took a deep breath as I walked up the steps leading to the front door of my house. Opening the door loudly, I shouted one thing. "Gina, we need to talk."
Three days later, I was gazing around the hospital room, trying to see if I had left anything. My small bag was packed back up and I was just waiting for the taxi to arrive. I put my mini disk on and started to make my way to the car park outside. The journey home went wuite well considering. Fortunetly there weren't too many reporters hanging around, and the one's that were got the truth and nothing but the truth to their nosey questions. "Bless her," I thought to myself as I noticed how brilliantly Claire had cleaned the whole appartment. Feeling a bit tired still, I dumped my bags and went to lay down on my familar double bed. I couldn't help but notice that mine and Nicky's song came on, "I Wanna Grow Old With You." I closed my eyes humming the tune to myself. A minute later I felt a smile form on my lips as I breathed in the gorgeous familar scent, and soft teasing feel of the pair of lips I'd been longing to kiss since the first time I'd seen th! em! I felt him climb onto the bed and lay down next to me. I still had my eyes closed and craftily put our song on repeat. Nicky's hand nicked an ear phone and he placed his arm loosely under my neck. The song started again and Nicky began to sing. The room was flooded with his husky sexy voice and I began to grin as I opened my eyes to be greeted by the sight of him singing it to me. I starterd giggling as his hands started to also wander and begin to tickle me. I ran my hands through his soft blond hair. As he carried on singing, his voice became more and more serious, and every line he sung, the more depth and meaning he bought to it. I felt my eyes begin to fill up with tears but this didn't stop him. He carried on singing right to the end. When the song ended, I just layed sideways and stared at him, wanting to take in every small detail I didn't already know. I couldn't believe how much everything had changed. I couldn't believe that my teenhood dream was actually my adu! lt reality. I think we must of just laid there and fell asleep, because I remember waking up a few hours later to a room full of darkness. I could still make out Nicky's shape, he seemed to be fast asleep still, breathing lightly. Silently I rolled over and covered him up with a spare quilt. I chewed on my bottom lip which had become an annoying habit lately. "You know something Nicky, I'm just soo in love with you, more then you could ever know," I whispered. With that I made my way into the kitchen. Just two minutes later I felt him come up behind, wrap his arms securely around my small waust and whisper, "Im so in love with you to!" I turned round to face him and he still looked knackered. I began to blush as I said, "I thought you were asleep!" "Well you thought wrong then didn't ya!" he replied sexily. I smiled my stupid small smile that I hated but Nicky loved. "You are soo gorgeous," he told me. "Your more," I argued. He jsut laughed and grabbed my hand. We settled down! cosily on the floor with a big quilt and loadsa cushions. I was in heaven. Three hours later I looked at Nicky's expensive watch and saw it was 11pm. "God its that late already?" I asked. "Yeah. I got a question for you by the way." A very mischevious look came over his face and it made me feel nervous. I was never sure what he was going to come out with! "Ok, ask away." I gulped. "Well you know when you were in hospital," he started. "Yeah," I replied whilest flashing him that knowing smile. "Well Claire kinda mentioned something..!" "I'm gonna kill her," were the dangerous thoughts going through my head as I tried to think what it could of been! "Go on," I prompted. "Well she said that you only had a couple of dreams left to come true, and I know what one of them was, and now I wanna make the last one come true aswell." I coughed uncomfortably. I couldn't believe Claire! "She's gonna pay for this one," I was still thinking as I came back to reality. "Sorry I have a tendency to do that," I admitted. "So I noticed," he told me, whilest poking me playfully. "What about it then?" Nicky asked trailing his hand lazily up and down my arm. "Want another glass of wine?" I asked hurridly changing the subject as I made my way to the kitchen. I started to pour the wine spilling half of it in the process. I grabbed the dish cloth with my trembling hand, but paused when Nicky stopped me. "Your trembling."
"I know, dunno, guess, I dunno," I could feel my words starting to get confused. "It's alright babe, we don't havta do anything," he said reassuringly. His eyes were so warm and lovin, his skin so soft, his lips so tempting and his smile that made me just wanna melt on its own. "Im, Im just scared," I admitted nervously. His eyes locked with mine. "There is absolutly nothing to be scared about, its not going to change my feelings about you one bit if thats what your concerned about, only make them stronger. I promise you." "Yes but Nix, you don't understand, all of this was meant to be in a dream, not actual reality. I never even dared to think it could come true, I didn't think it was possible. But it has, and I don't wanna do anything to lose this because I love you so so much." I jumped up onto the clean work surface after revealing that. I waited for his response. "I love you to Lusia." That was all he said and I realised it was all I needed to hear. I was fil! led with a new confidence. I knew as I watched Nicky's face expression change, that mine was changing to. "Ok. Come on then! What you waiting for?" I asked tugging impatiently on his arm! I knew my eyes showed him excitement, passion love and trust. He laughed as he lifted me off the work surface and we walked towards our bedroom door. Suddenly stopping I thought he had changed his mind, but then when I saw he was just switching the tv off, I was reassured again. I noticed a round reflection on the living room wall. It belonged to the new Westlife album I had bought a while ago. Nicky followed the direction of my eyes and straight the way picked it up on his way back. He grabbed my hand and we walked into our bedroom, slamming the door loudly. Neither of us knew what the future held, but we knew that we both loved each other and always would, no matter what came our way!

By Lusia Bojarska 12/06/02