|
| PLEASE VISIT OUR SPONSORS |
|
"Well, it's time for lunch. There are quite a number of good restaurants around this area in Dublin, but I thought it'd be better for all of you to find your own food instead of me taking you all to some place where you don't like the food. So, here's the deal, look around for a good lunch, and meet back here at the bus in say an hour and a half? If you'd like to shop around, there's a little shopping arena just behind this building, OK? Now those who want to follow me for lunch, I'll be having Mexican, so anybody up for it?" Sarah, the tour guide asked and a few people's hands shot up and they followed her to a nearby restaurant. The other tourists scattered around and I turned to my best friend Juliana and a close pal Katie, whom I actually met on the net. "So? Where do we go? I'm really full after that heavy breakfast we had so I don't wanna eat much." I declared to the both of them. "Well, neither do I, what about you Katie?" Juliana asked Katie politely. You see, they've just met before we came on this trip so they do not know each other that well yet. " Yeah, I 'm not hungry either," Katie said as she gave a small smile to Juliana. I think before we go for lunch, I better introduce myself and where we are and why... OK, I'm Lyanna, but everyone calls me 'Na. I'm 16 this year and so are my friends, Juliana and Katie. Juliana and I are from Singapore while Katie is from Scotland. We are now in cold, freezing Dublin, a town in the east of Ireland and we're here on a trip to our crushes' hometown. Yeah, you know Westlife? I'm just love Nicky, Juliana loves Shane and Katie can't decide between the both of the guys. OK, I think I better go find someplace to have a light munch first... "Well, I think I see a little cafe over there. Wanna try it? They'd probably have some pastries or cakes or something like that. We could top it with a coffee of two." Katie said as she peered over my shoulder at the long row of shops. "Yeah, good idea. Okay with it 'Na?" Juliana asked me. "Yeah, sure, Ju," I answered and we headed down to the cafe. Now, I'm not really sure what happened here but this was what I went through. I was crossing the road in the lead with Katie behind me and Ju behind Katie. Suddenly this red car came speeding down the road and I heard Juliana cry out, " 'Na! Watch out!" I thought what had happened but before I could find out, I heard a loud crash and after all I could remember was total darkness. This was what Juliana told me later about what had happened. (~ Juliana's point of view ~) I only managed to pull Katie back but it was too late for me to grab Lyanna's hands. The next minute, I saw her lying on the road in a small puddle of blood. Now I couldn't tell at first that she was bleeding but I saw her white T-shirt turning a fresh blood red. The red car had stopped and the driver had come out of his car. Katie and I hovered over 'Na trying to see if she was...uh, you know, unconscious? "'Na, wake up! Are you all right? Lyanna, please don't, don't die! Please, wake up!" I was practically screaming at Lyanna. Katie seemed to be in shock and just stood behind me staring at 'Na. "Katie! Don't just stand there! Go get help!" I yelled to Katie. Just then the driver who had knocked 'Na down had come to 'Na and said, " Omigod! You okay? Please, I'm sorry, are you all right? Please wake up!" a familiar Irish voice asked 'Na. I looked up to see who it was, and did I get the shock of my life. It was Westlife's Nicky Bryne! Lyanna's dream guy! I stared at him in shock and whispered, "Nicky? Is that really you?" The guy looked up at me and said," Yes, but we've got no time for that. Help me to carry her to the car, I'll drive her to the hospital straightaway!" "But, we came on tour and we're supposed to meet back at the bus in an hour and a half!" I told Nicky. "Well, I don't care about that now! Are you off your nut? She's bleeding terribly now, how can she wait an hour and half?" Nicky scolded me. I noticed that he had already carried her gently to his car, and I thought what 'Na would have done if she could see what was happening right now. Just then Katie came running back with Sarah. " Ju! I've brought help!" as she ran to 'Na's side and when she looked up at Nicky, she said," Omigod! Nicky!" she exclaimed. "Sarah, 'Na was knocked down by one of the Westlife members and he's gonna drive her to the hospital now, I'll meet you back at the hotel, ok? I'll call you again later." I hurriedly told Sarah and ran back to Nicky and 'Na and Katie. Nicky was lying 'Na on the backseat and told me to seat with her, and Katie in the front passenger seat. Soon, in less than five minutes we were at the Holles Street Hospital and 'Na was rushed into the Emergency Surgery Room immediately. I sat with Katie in the waiting room with tears streaming down my cheeks and prayed for the best. Katie's eyes were red but no tears. Nicky, was in a far corner making a call at the payphone, you can't use your cell phones at a hospital. He seemed very worried and stressed when he put down the receiver. "Look uh...uh.." Nicky started. "Juliana." I supplied. "Uh, yeah, Juliana, look, I'm really sorry about what happened to your friend uh..." he stopped again. "Lyanna." I supplied again. "Uh, yeah, Lyanna, beautiful name..., uh yeah, I'm really sorry. You're a Westlife fan, you should know our schedules right? Okay, you see, Ronan had called us back for an emergency meeting and Shane was stuck at some place with his car broken-down. So I wanted to go fetch him and so I sped and..uh.. you know the rest of the story." Nicky turned his face away and I could see his eyes turning a little red. I lightened up at the mention of Shane's name. "Shane?" I asked. "Yeah, Shane..." then stared curiously at my bright face." What's wrong? Oh, I see, you like Shane, right?" Nicky asked me with a teasing smile. I blushed furiously and looked away." No, I don't." Katie turned to me and said, "Yes, you do! You've been saying that you loved Shane since the day I met you!" I glared at Katie and told her," Katie, just shut up!" "Hey, girls, relax, don't worry Juliana, I promise I won't tell Shane. And your friend Katie here was just telling the truth I suppose. Well, I've gotta get back to Ronan now, he says he's really sorry about this and don't worry, I'll pay for her medical fees. I'll come back later to see her all right? I'm really sorry about this. Don't be angry all right?" he looked at me straight in the eye and he looked so sincere I said," Don't worry, Lyanna won't blame you that much I'm sure as long as you haven't damaged her hair in the accident." I smiled lightly. Nicky looked blank. "Huh?" he asked. "Lyanna's most prized possession is her hair. She just loves her hair, she spends almost an hour washing it, drying it, combing it and tying it using different styles till she finally decides on the hairstyle she likes." I laughed lightly. "Oh, that's cute. Look, I've really gotta go, please help me look after Lyanna first, k? I'll come back later to see her. Promise, here's my number if you need me." Nicky said as he pushed a namecard into my palm. He then turned around and saw some young girls glancing around. When they saw Nicky they yelled "Nicky!" and ran over to us. Nicky had a tired look on his face and I thought I had better help him shake off those fans. I believed Nicky had enough problems today already to entertain these fans. I stood up and blocked the fans' way. "Look here girls, I'm sorry but Nicky's really tired now. If you'd just pass me what you want autographed, I promise you, come back here and meet me at outside the canteen at um...hang on..." I said firmly but gently. I leaned over to Nicky. "Can you bring the other guys here later to sign these girls' stuff? Say in three hours?" I asked softly. Nicky nodded and answered," Yeah, that'll be fine. Ronan says the meeting has been canceled but wants to meet us for a little conference. So I've gotta get Shane then off to Ro's, I guess the conference will only take about an hour or two. Then I'll bring the guys here." he promised. "Good, I'll see you later then. Bye." I told Nicky as he smiled to the fans before leaving the waiting room. I told the fans to come back later while I waited for 'Na to be wheeled out. After waiting for what seemed like forever, she was finally wheeled out. Katie and I jumped to our feet and ran over to the sleeping 'Na on the portable bed thingie. "Doctor, we're her best friends. Is she all right now?" I asked the doctor hurriedly. "Yeah, she's out of danger now, but we'll have to keep her under observation for about two or three more days then she can finally be discharged. Please do not agitate her or her wounds may open again, okay? Now, if you'd excuse me I've got to get back to my other patients." The doctor gave us a reassuring smile and strode away. As I waited for Lyanna to wake up, I thought about what Nicky had said to me before he left and a thought suddenly struck me. Nicky had said," look after her for me, k?" Whoa! If only 'Na had heard that. Just then, Katie burst into the room with two cups of hot chocolate. "Here, Ju, drink this, You've been here for so long and the air-con's freezing!" Just then, from the bed came a small weak voice. "Ju? Katie? Are you there? Ow..." Lyanna struggled to say as she tried to move herself. Katie and I rushed to her bedside. "Oh thank God you're fine... I was so worried about you. Nicky too, he said he'd come back later to see you...do you want some water?" I asked her. "Yeah, water's good. Wait a minute, what did you just say? Nicky? What Nicky? Westlife's Nicky?" Lyanna asked confused. "Oh, you were knocked down by Nicky from Westlife. Yes, honey, your dream man. He had to go but promised to return with the other boys later." I told slowly, as if deliberately. "What?! OMIGOD!" Lyanna shot up from the bed. "Lyanna! You've just come out from the operation! Sit back, relax... all right?" Katie told Lyanna and gently pushed her back onto the bed. "Okay, I'll tell you everything that happened..." I sat down next to her and told her everything that happened. (Back to Lyanna's point of view) Just as Ju was saying ," and he said he'd come back later with the other guys...", Nicholas Bryne's head popped into the room. "Lyanna? Juliana? Katie?" he asked peering into the room. "Hi Nicky, c'mon in, we were just waiting for you guys." Juliana answered and added," Is Shane here?" Nicky smiled and said," Come on in mates, Shane, Bry, Ki and Mark..." Nicky introduced politely as they came into the room. Each of the boys greeted us girls politely then Bryan suddenly exclaimed," Cool room! Whoa, did the hospital give you free fruits?" as he grabbed an apple off the basket and started munching on it. Everyone laughed and I stared at Nicky and realized he was staring back at me. I looked away quickly. Nicky then leant over to me and asked with a lot of concern in his voice," Lyanna, you okay now? I'm really sorry for knocking you down earlier. I didn't mean it." I was still in shock. "Omigod, it's Nicky..." I murmured. "Hey mate, she's still in shock, don't scare her like that." Kian spoke up from his corner at the far end of the room. "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I scare you?" he asked again. I just looked at him, blushed and then answered softly, "No , you didn't. And I'm fine thank you, no I don't blame you for knocking me down. Ju has already told me everything." Nicky looked so relieved, then serious again. "Your hair, okay?" he queried again looking at my hair. As Juliana would have told you already, my hair is the most prized possession, so I really got worried. "What? What's wrong with my hair? Is it very messy? Or what? What? Tell me now! Ju! Katie, what's wrong with my hair? Tell me now!" I was practically screaming in the room, clutching my hair gently, smoothing it out. Everybody looked at me and laughed. The tension was finally erased and everyone seemed more relaxed. "No, nothing's wrong with your hair. Don't worry about it," Juliana smiled. Soon after, the boys asked us about what we were doing in Ireland and all that stuff. Between all that, Juliana called Sarah and told her which hospital we were in and all that rubbish. Sarah was busy with the tourists so she could not come but sent her greetings to me. Juliana asked the boys to sign the stuff those fans had asked her to help and then went down to meet them. Katie got into a cosy conversation with Mark while Bryan was reading a SMASH HITS interview with Westlife and Kian, Nicky and Shane were talking to me. I felt so relaxed then. Then when Juliana came up, she took Shane down with her to the canteen to buy some food for the boys, me and Katie. Later Kian felt a tummy-ache and went to the toilet and that left me and Nicky only. "So, um...mind if I call you 'Na as well?" Nicky asked, fidgeting as he did. He seemed a bit uncomfortable, so did I. " Yeah, sure, everyone calls me 'Na." I replied as gaily as I could. Believe it or not, I was still in shock of actually meeting my dream guy and knowing him in person. "So how do you like Ireland so far?" Nicky asked me as he settled onto a chair next to my bed. "It's very nice. Very fresh air you've got here. And the food's good, plus the people here are very nice." "Cool, so how long will you be here?" "Well, actually the tour was supposed to be only for 2 weeks, but the doctor said that in my condition, I can be discharged in 2 or 3 days but I'll only be fit to fly back to Singapore in about a month's time. And Juliana has decided to stay till I'm ready to fly with her back to Singapore. As for Katie, she has to return to Scotland, but not before she knows I'm perfectly okay." I told Nicky. "Wow, you've got really good friends...and a month's time, you say? Cool, that's exactly when we'll be leaving for Malaysia for the 2000 Life from the West Tour." Nicky quickly answered with what I thought was a gleam in his eyes. I figured that he really enjoyed performing and his music, and boy, was I wrong. After that little chat with Nicky, I felt so much more comfortable with him now. The only thing I could actually think of now was Nicky, Nicky and Nicky. I asked myself if it was just a crush or was it love. 'Shake yourself out of it, Lyanna. Nicky's a pop star and he's already got Georgina. Don't be crazy. You know he'll never fall for you.' I told myself silently before I finally drifted off to sleep. Two says later, I was ready to be discharged. I felt that I wasn't giving Katie enough time on her own on this trip so I persuaded her to go shopping herself or with someone, and guess what, it was none other than Mark who offered to show her around. Juliana, on the other hand, insisted that she wouldn't leave my side and wouldn't listen to me. Well, what can I say? I've got a wonderful best friend? Hey, it's true! Anyway, Nicky and Shane specially took time off to come pick us up and drive us to Shane's and Nicky's town apartment which wasn't occupied by anyone at all. They had decided that the hotel was just too noisy and dangerous for me, so Shane and Nicky offered to let us stay at their apartment before we returned to our country. No, Nicky and Shane do not live there. They live in a cosy double-storey house in the inner part of Dublin with the rest of the boys. They bought the apartment only for use in case they were out partying and they were really late, so they'd just sleep over at the apartment before driving back to their house early in the morning. "Whoa, guys. You have a very clean apartment here huh?" I exclaimed as I stepped into the apartment supporting on Juliana's and Nicky's arms. (Yeah, Nicky...sigh...) I was trying to be sacarstic. You see, the apartment was really untidy with clothes strewn all over the floor and opened cans of drinks and packets of potato chips all around the nicely carpeted floor. "See, Shane, what did I tell you? You know we left it in a mess before we left the last time! And Bryan promised to clear up his mess! Did he? Nope!" Then turning to me and Juliana, he said apologetically, "Look girls, I'm really sorry about the mess, do you want me to drive you somewhere else to stay? Say, back to the hotel or something?" "No, Nix, this is fine. In fact, perhaps me and Ju could even help you clear some stuff up," I said as I pulled away from Ju's and Nicky's grasp and bent down to pick up some old magazines. "What are you doing? You've just recovered!" "No, Nicky, that's all right. I'm fine now, I can even dance!" I claimed as I started jumping around on the ground. I didn't know how it happened but I tripped over something on the ground and almost fell facedown when I felt Nicky's arms hold me back. Startled, I looked up at him and I gazed into his eyes. We were silent for a second then snapped back to reality. "Whoa, you okay?" Shane asked worriedly. "Yeah, you fine 'Na?" Ju asked with the same tone Shane had used. "Yeah, I'm fine, probably just too much rubbish around here... hehe..." I answered flustered and a bit embarrassed and if you had only heard my weak lame laugh. I noticed Nicky's arms were still around my waist from pulling me back, and I was sure Shane and Ju did too cause I heard Shane clear is throat. "Ahem...Nicky...uh..." Shane started and Nicky quickly pulled his hands back. "Well, we'd better start clearing up this place a little then settle in." Ju said matter-of-factly. "Yeah," I agreed as enthusiastically as I could to ease the tension in the room at that moment. "We better." Then the four of us spent the next 2 hours clearing up the mess and arranging our clothes and belongings in the apartment. Then we left for a quick dinner at a small restaurant in the city. After that, they sent us back to the apartment and before I drifted off to sleep, I recalled when Nicky held me back... The next day early in the morning, Katie, me and Juliana were awoken by a huge banging of doors and rustling of keys. The three of us stumbled out of our room to see what the noise was all about and we saw Nicky ,Shane and Mark. "Uh, good morning, girls, we brought you some uh, breakfast?" Shane greeted us with a sheepish smile. Nicky then placed some bags on the dining table and turned to me asking, " So 'Na, you feeling all right? How was your sleep?" I smiled and replied " Yeah, I'm fine, and the beds are very comfortable." "Hey, Nicky, aren't you going to ask us how our sleep was?" Katie asked Nicky teasingly. Nicky went red in the face and so did I. "Katie!" I nudged her in the arm. "Yeah, how was your sleep, Katie? And Juliana?" Nicky finally asked. Laughing, Juliana answered, "Yeah, we had a good sleep. " as Katie was laughing so hard she could not answer. I noticed Mark looking at Katie longingly with a small smile on his lips. "Well, you three better go get changed and come have breakfast, then we'll take you around Dublin so you won't miss out so much from your trip here." Shane called as he laid out the table for us. "Okay, we'll go get changed now." I said as we returned to the room to change our clothes. "Wow, what did you guys buy? There's so much food, how are we possibly finish all these food? " Katie asked as she peered at the large spread on the table. "Oh no, we're not the only ones eating, Bry-" Mark had just started to say when Bryan and Kian burst in at the door with Ronan Keating behind them. "Hey, you haven't started eating? Cool, waiting for me huh? Wow, this is good!" Bryan exclaimed as he started to munch on the food. "Bryan!" his bandmates scolded simultaneously. "What?" Bryan answered. But came out sounding more like, "Wot?" as his mouth was full of food. "You didn't just come out of the hospital did you?" Nicky asked Bryan sacarstically. Bryan looked at Nicky, blinked once, looked at me, then back at Nicky. "Oh."Bryan said and gestured for me to sit instead. "No, Bry, that's okay. Continue eating, nobody's stopping you. "I replied with a huge smile on my face as I thought of how Nicky was always defending me. "But 'Na..." Nicky started and I crossed over the room to face him. "Oh, Nicky, Bryan's just hungry, you can't blame him, anyway the food's for everyone right? So why not let's all tuck in?" I told him gently, not wanting to hurt his feelings or anything. "Yeah, mate, just let me eat!" Bryan said cheerfully as someone burst in at the door. It was a girl, with long dark brown hair. I recognised her instantly as Nicky's girlfriend Georgina. Nicky stood up, glanced at me and I looked away. He then turned to Georgina with this huge smile on his face. "Oh no, when this two meet, it's like watching some love story, they always kiss and hug like they are the only two in this world." Kian groaned. "Oh, Kian, don't exaggerate! You haven't found yourself a girl yet that's why." Georgina smiled as she wrapped her hands round Nicky's neck and kissed him. Nicky, of course returned the kiss. As I was watching them, I felt sick. I didn't want to stay in the same room as them anymore. "Uh, I'm not feeling well, a little sick, I'll just take a short rest in the room." I managed to say to the others around me, before anyone could see me cry. I ran into the room and closed the door behind me. Georgina was confused and asked Nicky, "Is she the one you knocked down? What's wrong with her?" Nicky looked a little pained and Shane, his best friend in the group saw his look and answered for him. "Nah, she's just a little shaken up after the accident. Anyway, did you bring the other car?" Shane asked as cheerfully as he could. "Yeah, I did. You wanted to drive the girls around right?" Georgina smiled as she studied Juliana's and Katie's faces. We smiled back. "You know, Nicky, you were the one who knocked the poor girl down, perhaps you should go see how she is now. She looked really sick when she left the room just now." Georgina told Nicky but Kian answered first. "No, Nix, I'll go see how she is. Don't worry, I'll make sure she's fine." Kian called as he knocked on my door and went in. "'Na?" Kian called as he peeked his head into my room. I quickly dried my tears and turned to Kian with a smile. "Yeah?" "You okay? You looked really sick just now." "Yeah, I'm fine. Just shaken up." "Good," Kian gave a sigh of relief before he continued. "You know, they're gonna be eating for a long time more, so is it okay if I stay with you and uh, keep you company?" "Sure, Ki, I guess I need some company too." I answered with a bright smile. Kian then sat at the foot of the bed telling me all about the group's most embarrassing, happiest and saddest moments. I listened with great enthusiasm and soon the whole room was filled with my laughter. "Wow, they sure are having a good time in there huh?" Bryan commented when they heard my laughter outside. Nicky suddenly stood up and told Georgina, "Hey, you need to get home now right? C'mon, I'll drive you home," and pulling her hand, he waved goodbye to them and left with Georgina. Inside the room, I was still laughing over some incidents with Bryan. Juliana then peeked in to see what was so funny and soon the whole group was settled in the room listening to Kian. When Bryan heard that we were talking about him, he got angry and grabbed a pillow off the bed and threw it at Kian. "Do you have to embarrass me in front of the girls?" he yelled at Kian angrily. "Cool down, mate, it's just some comic relief..." Shane hadn't even finished his sentence when Bryan threw a pillow at him. Soon, there was a pillow fight going on. Nicky then came back and I tried to avoid him as much as possible. I did not want to be hurt again. In fact, I thought Kian was very sweet. Then we all left, visiting the different parts of Dublin. After the long day out, we decided to go for dinner. After dinner, the others all went for a movie but I wanted to return home to rest so Kian offered to send me home. As we neared the apartment block, we chat had a little goodbye chat. "So, how do you find Ireland now?" "It's very nice, the people are so kind-hearted, the grass is so green, the food is so nice...and the boys are really sweet." I replied and said the last line softly as I leant towards Kian and kissed him on the cheek. Kian smiled and then brushed some of my hair back from my forehead. "Thanks for the compliment but you forgot to add that Irish boys kiss best." He said cheekily as he pulled me closer and brought my face to his and I melted into his kiss. We kissed passionately for about a quarter to half of a minute before we pulled apart. "Yeah, Irish boys do kiss best." I smiled into Kian's eyes and we walked up to the apartment hand in hand. Later, he had to leave as the next day, the boys were going to discuss about their next video Private Movie with Ronan, Louis and some other personnel. Later that night, when Katie and Juliana returned home, I told them all about the kiss with Kian. "Ooh, really? So how did you feel? First kiss, isn't it?" Katie asked excitedly. "No, not my first kiss, I kissed two boys before this but they were both just some close friends who thought they liked me, but they actually didn't." I replied with a shrug. I saw Juliana smiling to herself throughout this whole conversation. "Hey, am I the only who kissed one of Westlife?" I asked teasingly. Juliana blushed furiously and said, "What?" "Well, that's for you to know and us to find out!" I answered back again. "Okay, Shane kissed me. It was just a short one, yes Lyanna, on the lips. Okay? End of story." Juliana quickly explained. "okay, okay, I'll stop..." I laughed when I saw how serious she looked. I noticed Katie was suddenly quiet. "Hey, Katie, why so quiet? Wait a minute, did you..." a smile grew on my face. "Hey, did Mark kiss you too?" I asked surprised because Katie was really shy and had never really kissed a boy in her whole life. "Well, it was just a few quick pecks on the lips. Nothing much." Katie blushed as she answered but I could hear a hint of joy. "Well, we all kissed one of them so that's makes us all equal huh?" I smiled at my two friends and we all laughed and chatted before we finally went to sleep. One week later, after the three couples (me and Kian, Katie and Mark, Juliana and Shane) had gotten to know each other really well, I received the most heartbreaking news. Nicky had proposed to Georgina and they were to get married after the tour. My heart sank and I wanted to cry. "'Na? You okay? What's wrong? Aren't you happy for Nix?" Kian asked me concerned. I pulled back a sob and said," No, I'm fine, I just need to use the toilet, please give my best wishes to Nicky and Georgina. I'll be out soon," as I faced the wall and ran to the toilet. I squatted down as soon as I closed the door behind me and started weeping. After about 5 minutes, I went out of the toilet, my eyes dried, face washed and mind clear about one thing. Nicky does not love, no, he does not fancy me at all. The one he loves is Georgina. And I was pretty damn clear about that one fact. There was going to be a little engagement party for Nicky and Georgina at the Bryne residence. Since Kian was going I had to be there too of course, although I really didn't want to. Kian had gone off to speak to some manager of a record company among the guests so I was left alone. Mark was busy taking food for Katie and Shane was laughing and smiling with Juliana at one corner of the room in a world of their own. Who was I to speak to? Georgina was dressed in a long silky black tight-fitting strapless dress speaking to her aunt and uncle. Nicky, I noticed was gorgeous as usual, in his smart tuxedo, drinking some wine with some friends. I looked at him longingly, wondering how nice it would have been if I was the bride-to-be instead. Snap out if it, Lyanna, I told myself silently and quickly turned away when I realised Nicky had turned to my direction and was looking right straight in my eyes. He excused himself from his friends and came over to me. He tapped me on the shoulder. "Hey, Lyanna," he greeted warmly but with tinge of awkwardness. I turned around, surprised but happy to see him. "Hey, Nicky, nice party, and uh...Congratulations," I turned on a fake smile to face Nicky. He smiled and answered a thank you and gestured for a friendly hug. Awkwardly, I leant over to Nicky and gave him a really long tight hug. I knew this was probably the last hug I was ever going to give Nicky. This short moment in time was filled with happiness for me. When we parted, I felt kind of upset. I knew it was over for me. "Hey, Nicky, you never introduced me to the girl you knocked down till now! Isn't this the perfect time to, honey?" Georgina came up to us and wrapped her arms round Nicky's waist. I breathed in deeply. "Sure, Gi, here, this is the poor girl I knocked down the other day Lyanna Wong from Singapore.," Nicky introduced hastily as he unwound Georgina's arms from his waist and held one tightly with his right hand. Georgina smiled warmly at me saying, "I'm so sorry about not introducing myself earlier. Anyway, I hope you are okay now.Still hut anywhere?" I was startled. I never knew Georgina was so friendly. My brain seemed to tell me that Nicky was safe in Georgina's hands so I relaxed a little. I smiled back. "Thanks for the concern, I'm fine now. And at the same time, congratulations you two," I congratulated them politely and warmly. Nicky seemed to be more relieved and his smile widened. Georgina smiled back and said thank you as she leant over to give me a hug and an air kiss. Then the couple excused themselves and left to entertain the crowd. I felt much better then. Kian and I left earlier as I had to return to the hospital for a short follow-up check-up to confirm my health status to return to Singapore. Everything was fine and Kian sent me home in his car. That night, I waited up for Katie and Juliana to return home as I couldn't get to sleep. When they returned, I told them everything about what had happened and how I felt then. They seemed so relieved I was fine now, and told me to have sweet dreams that night. Well, I couldn't exactly remember what I dreamt of, but it came true three days later. **Three days later** Katie, Juliana and I decided to pay the boys a visit at their residence in the deeper part of Dublin using the car Shane had left for us. We knocked on the door, and a worried-looking Bryan opened the door. "Hi girls, what are you doing here?" he asked surprised at the sight of us. Before we could answer, Kian was already at his side, welcoming us. "Hey Lyanna, nice to see you, what are you girls doing here?" Kian asked surprised as he leant over for a hug and a quick kiss. I smiled at them and answered, "We were feeling bored so we thought we'd come to pay you boys a visit. Is anything wrong?" "No, nothing's wrong, just some problem Nicky has." Bryan asked, his worried look coming upon his face again. "Hey, you girls better come in first for a hot chocolate before you freeze out there," Kian joked as cheerfully as he could. I could sense something was very wrong, And with Nicky? What could be the problem? I was dying of curiosity to find out. I'm sure Katie and Juliana were too, at the way they were running to their boys Mark and Shane. Kian held my hand and led me into the living room while Bryan closed the door behind us. We all gathered in the living room where Nicky was sitting down on the sofa, his head facing downwards, leaning on his hands. Shane was sitting on his left with his arm over Nicky's shoulders and Mark was on the other side mumbling something to Nicky. When Mark and Shane realised we were there, they greeted us with surprise, "Hey, girls," and "Hi" to their girls respectively. Nicky looked up at us and tried to avoid my eyes. I saw that his eyes were red from crying and his face was tear-stained. Pained to see him like that, I didn't care about who were watching and pushed Shane aside so that I faced Nicky properly. "Nicky! What's wrong? Why are you crying?" I asked, feeling extremely concerned as I grabbed his hands. I know all eyes were averted to Kian's face when I did that, but I didn't care now. Nicky was greatly upset and that was all I cared about now. Nicky raised his face to look straight in my eye. A series of images rushed through me. Hurt, pain and....did I see love too? Then he pushed my hands off his and stood up saying, "Nothing you need to bother about," before he started walking towards to the stairs up to his room. Before he could take his first step up the stairs, Kian shouted, "You ingrate! Lyanna cares so much for you, yet you tell her that your problem is nothing for her to worry about! Well, Lyanna, let me tell you," he paused as he stood between me and Nicky before continuing. "Nicky's problem. He had a huge quarrel with Georgina and she called off the wedding! And he's upset over that! Huh! Why would Georgina call off the wedding? Coz' this fool here doesn't know how to appreciate people, that's why!" Nicky took a step back silently and turned to face Kian. Shane was already before him, holding him back, we had all thought Nicky was going to pick a fight with Kian but instead he just stared hard at Kian and continued his way up to his room. All this while, I just stood at the same spot where Nicky had been sitting earlier. I don't know what came over me but I turned to Kian and shouted, "Kian! Nicky's just broken up with Georgina and he's upset! Did you have to make him feel even more upset? He's your bandmate, Kian! You are supposed to be there for him, not rub salt in! Why did you have to hurt him even more?" before I ran after Shane who had already went after Nicky. Kian stood speechless and just stared at me, shocked and angry. Mark and Bryan stood up and quickly retreated to the kitchen, leaving Kian there by himself. "Hey mate. Don't worry about it, alright? Kian was just angry for not appreciating Lyanna's kindness," Shane was explaining to Nicky. I stood at a corner of the room looking on. "No Shane, I'm not angry with Kian. I know how he feels," then turning to me, Nicky answered, "Lyanna, look, I'm sorry about what I said. I do appreciate your concern but it really isn't any of your concern. It's between me and Georgina." Pained and hurt, I replied, "That's okay, Nicky, I guess. Um, relax, don't think so much and get some sleep. You've got a meeting with the manager of RCA, Ronan and Louis tomorrow. And, um, Shane, take good care of him, alright? Thanks. Okay, I guess I better go now." I tried hard not to show my pain and hurt but could not hold back my concern for Nicky. I stepped up to Nicky, patted him on the shoulder lightly and reached over to give Shane a friendly hug, then left the room silently. I did not hear what Nicky had told Shane as I left the room, "She cares, Shane, she cares," and continued sobbing. I went down to the living room, where Katie and Juliana were watching TV with Mark and Bryan. Kian was sitting on the arm-chair next to Mark and when he saw me come down, his face lit up. But before he could speak, I announced softly that I was going for a short walk at the lake. I was positive I heard Bryan say "Go after her, mate. This is your only chance." I knew Kian was going to follow me and I already had my answer in mind to his questions. I gazed out to the lake. This was a quiet place with birds of all sorts, people laughing and chatting quietly and a wonderful scenery. Mark had introduced it to me when I was feeling a bit poor when I just discharged from the hospital. It really made me feel at ease. "Lyanna." I heard a soft Irish voice behind me. I knew who it was without even turning around. I knew this voice just too well. "Yeah? But look, Kian, before you speak, I want to apologize for my outburst earlier," I quickly replied my head still not moving away from the gorgeous view of the lake. "You're upset, aren't you? I know you are. It's Nicky, isn't it." It wasn't a question, it was a statement. Slowly I turned round to face Kian in the eye. "Look Kian, I don't mean to hurt you but the one I really care for is Nicky and I'm sure you know that. I wasn't toying with your feelings but I guess I just needed someone to care for me. I mistook you for that person, and I regret it now. If I didn't try to find someone else, you wouldn't be hurt now." I told him gently but firmly. Kian turned away, obvious that he didn't want me to see him cry and replied, "Well, I knew that from the beginning. I was just risking my chances. I took a fancy to you the moment I set eyes on you but you preferred Nicky even though he had Georgina. I just wanted to try my luck to see if I could replace Nicky in your heart but I guess I couldn't." 'No, Kian, no one can ever replace Nicky in my heart. But I'm still really sorry. We're still friends right?" I smiled weakly at him and he smiled back and we hugged. We sat down on a bench and Kian told me stories of his love life, as well as some of the other boys'. When he came to the part where he said that Nicky and Georgina had been dating for over 5 years, I cringed. Even if they had broken up, I didn't know what to do. I didn't know if I should try to get him or just leave him. Kian read my mind instantly by the look of my face and put his arm around me lightly as if assuring me that everything would be fine. "Lyanna, I don't think you have to worry about Nicky and yourself. If fate wants it that way, it'll be that way. You don't take the future into your own hands. I'm sure Nicky will come to realise that you are the one for him soon." and smiled with a gleam in his eyes. I listened to him, quite confused and then realized something. "Did Nicky say something to you or any of the other guys? Did he, Kian, tell me, did he?" I got excited and anxious and wanted to know if Nicky had said something to them. Kian smiled at me and answered, "Even if he did, Lyanna, things will work out how it's supposed to be. There's no need to worry for that. Really Lyanna, believe in God for the future." I really didn't know what to make out of that so I just turned my gaze to the lake and thought deeply about what Kian had said all this while. We sat there for almost two hours before returning to the house where Katie and Juliana, with the help of Shane, Bryan, Mark and....Nicky. Had already laid out food on the table neatly. Nicky. He looked fine to me now. We sat down to dinner, which was rather awkward. I didn't speak to Nicky at all and vice versa throughout the whole meal. After dinner, we sat down to watch this movie that Bryan and Shane had rented this afternoon. It was this romantic comedy called 'She's All That' and it was really nice and funny. It was kinda sad at the part where one of the most popular girls in school poked fun at the leading actress Rachael Leigh Cook and the most popular boy played by Freddie Prinze Jr. had to help her through love. I noticed at the corner of my eye when at this part, Nicky stood up, tapped Shane on the shoulder and they both went upstairs quietly. I then stood up, tapped Juliana's shoulder and we both moved towards the kitchen. I wanted to call Katie along but she was too wrapped up with Mark and the show to be bothered. "Yeah, what did you want to talk to me about?" Juliana asked me in a rather rude and upset voice. I knew she badly wanted to watch the show but came because she knew I needed her to be there for me. That's my best friend, man! "Sorry, I know you want to watch the show but I couldn't help noticing Nicky looking at me the whole time through the show and I felt really uncomfortable and I'm sure Nicky did too, that's why he took Shane, his best friend up to talk. Look, I really need to get this out of my heart. I've been keeping it inside for so long," I told her sincerely and she knew it was important so she actually concentrated on this conversation. She looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to continue speaking. I took a deep breath and said slowly but firmly, "I really like Nicky and Kian, I guess I kinda treated him like a replacement because I was lonely and he came along so I just took him. But now, Ju, I've come to realize that I only care for Nicky. I don't know how to tell him this, he's just broken up with Georgina and I don't want to stress him further," meaning every word I said. Juliana looked at me, smiled weakly. "Wow, do you and Nicky have deja vu or something? I guess Shane's right. You two really are fit to be a couple," she said softly shaking her head. "What? What did you just say? What do you mean Juliana? Tell me now! Please! What are you talking about?" I asked confused and shocked. Juliana then took a deep breath and told me the whole truth. "Nicky spoke to Shane and the other guys the moment he broke up with Georgina. When Shane asked why, he said that you were partly the reason. He said that he actually liked you a lot but didn't know how to approach you. Of course he was also upset that Georgina had called off the wedding just like that and you know, the press and media, once they get hold of information like that, the story goes all over the headlines and Nicky was afraid that if he had approached you, what would the press and fans have thought? So he confided all his problems in the boys, even Kian. Kian knew he was defeated and told Nicky that he backed out of the battle and gave Nicky and you his best wishes. And dear, if you wish to know how I know about all these, Shane told me everything and Mark told Katie but we were supposed to keep our mouths shut, so sorry." Juliana ended her speech. I stared hard at her. So Nicky had liked me all this while? He actually gave up Georgina whom he had been dating for 5 years for me? We actually liked each other more than friends? "I, I, Juliana, he, what? He does? You mean, he feels the same way? My god, Ju, he, really, but..." I was cut short when I saw Shane come in. "I see you've told Lyanna everything huh?" Shane smiled at Juliana as he wrapped her arms round her waist and kissed her cheek. Juliana smiled back and replied, "I'm sorry, I had to tell her." Shane moved away from the door where he came in from and Nicky stepped in. I felt my heart skip a beat and turned away quickly trying to avoid his gaze. "No, actually we heard your whole conversation," Shane smiled wickedly at me. Then Shane said, "Juliana, come up to my room to collect your stuff you left here the other time now, okay?" Juliana stared at Shane, confused. "Huh? Since when have I been here? I've never been-" Juliana started to say when she realised Shane was trying to make the two of us speak privately. "Oh! Oh yeah, I left my uh, Westlife CD here right? Ah yes, I'll come get it now. Let's go now," she exclaimed hastily and they both went out of the kitchen hand in hand. Before she left, Juliana gave me a thumbs up sign. That left me and Nicky alone in the kitchen. "Uh, so you're feeling fine now?" I asked Nicky hesitantly. "Yeah, I'm, I'm uh, yeah fine." Nicky answered softly. I started to say, "Uh," when we suddenly said, "I need to talk to you," together. We laughed lightly. "No wonder Ju said we had deja vu!" I murmured softly, hoping Nicky hadn't heard me, but I think he did by the look on his face. "You go first," we both told each other at the same time. Boy, was the tension in the room increasing! We both blushed and then he said, "You go first, ladies always first." I smiled weakly. I took a deep breath in and started, "Nicky, I-" when he grabbed both my hands and put his finger on my lips to shut me up. The he spoke quickly. "Look, Lyanna, I know Juliana told you everything already and I heard your whole conversation just now, okay, maybe not all, but I heard the last bit. Since, we know each feels the same way, let's not hide it anymore okay? I like you. A lot. More than like. I really love you, Lyanna, but I was afraid you'd reject me and the way you treated Kian made me feel even more scared, so I quickly proposed to Georgina. But deep down, the one I liked is you, although I had been dating Georgina for a long time. You get it, don't you?" he told me so sincerely and truthfully that I felt like crying. Instead of answering his question, I said, "Didn't you say ladies first? I was about to say something and you quickly told me everything!" I smiled at him with a light laugh. Nicky blushed and said sorry. The he looked at me expectantly, as if waiting for my answer. "Well, I don't think I need to say what I wanted to tell you, coz' we feel the same way. Everything you just said, that was what I wanted to tell you. Nicky, I like you a lot too," I smiled back at him happily. "Oh, 'Na!" Nicky exclaimed as he gave me a big hug. I melted into his arms, I felt so safe, so happy. I had been waiting for this day for a long time yet. We hugged for a few more seconds before pulling apart and then he gazed into my eyes and I gazed into his. He murmured softly, "I love you." I murmured back, "I love you too," and then he pushed my chin up and brought my face closer to his and the next thing I knew, he had given me a passionate and warm kiss. As we kissed, Shane and the others, including those watching TV as well as Juliana of course, came in at the door and cheered loudly as our kiss ended. The boys all patted Nicky on the shoulder and hugged him. Juliana and Katie then came over to me and hugged me. We were so happy we had a party till 3 the next day before we all fell asleep on the sofa and carpets in the living room. The next morning, when the we, three girls awoke, found that we were all sleeping in a nice cosy room. "Hey, how did we get here?" Juliana exclaimed as she looked around herself. Katie and I got up sleepily and yawned. "Oh well, it must be the boys who brought us here." I answered tiredly as I dragged myself out of bed and the other girls followed me out of the door. As we went down the stairs, we smelt the wonderful scent of fresh baking. We trudged into the dining room and saw a breakfast laid out nicely for us. Suddenly a pair of hands reached up from behind us and wrapped them around our waists. "Morning, honey!" each said. We turned around and our boys, Nicky, Shane and Mark were smiling from ear to ear at us. Nicky leant over a gave me a quick kiss on the cheek and said good morning and Shane and Mark gave Ju and Katie morning kisses too. "We've prepared a wonderful breakfast for you girls, come on and eat." Shane smiled at us and we sat down to breakfast. Bryan and Kian joined us too. As we were eating, I noticed a small bulge coming out of each of the boys' breast pockets, except for Bryan and Kian. "Hey, what's that, Nix?" I asked curiously, pointing to his pocket. "Yeah, what's that?" Juliana and Katie asked Shane and Mark too. "Uh, it's nothing, really, nothing," Nicky quickly answered, glancing at Shane and Mark. "Well, when someone like you boys say nothing, it must certainly be something," I slowly said as I turned to Nicky and as fast the wind, I pulled out the 'thing' from his pocket. It was a small case made of light lavender velvet. I stared at Nicky in surprise. A ring? I thought as I opened but Nicky snatched it away from me, went down on his knees in front of me and opened the case. In it was a beautiful diamond ring set in white gold. "Lyanna, I actually wanted to give this to you later but you already spotted it in my pocket so I thought I might as well propose to you now. Lyanna, I love you with all my heart and soul. I hope to be able to travel through the tunnel of love with you. I also hope for you to be the star of my private movie. Will you? Will you marry me?" Nicky asked sincerely and truthfully. I was so surprised and touched I started crying. I was also thinking how clever of him to use words from Westlife's songs. I was crying and bent down to hug him. "Oh Nicky! Of course I'll go with you through the tunnel of love and be the star of your private movie! Of course I'll marry you!" I exclaimed through my sobs. I then gave him a kiss and hugged again. Juliana and Katie already had tears in their eyes. I noticed Kian's and Bryan's eyes had also turned a bit red too. Shane suddenly turned to Juliana and said, "Ju, you don't have to cry or be envious, coz'..." and went down on his knees which caught Juliana by surprise and took his ring out. "Ju, I don't know how to be so expressive like Nicky and use all those words but I also love you as much and will, will you marry me?" he finished. Juliana had already cried her eyes out and she nodded furiously in answer to Shane and they hugged and kissed too. Now everyone's eyes was concentrated on Mark and Katie. Katie was blushing and crying terribly already. Mark stared at everyone and then at Katie. "Katie, I really care for you and love you a lot too. I don't know if you feel the same way, but will you-" Mark hadn't even finished his speech when Katie threw her arms around Mark's neck and hugged him as tightly as she could. Mark looked very pleased. "Of course I love you too, silly! Of course I'll marry you!" Katie answered happily and she and Mark hugged and kissed too. Bryan and Kian were grinning from ear to ear. And then everyone exchanged hugs. When I got to Kian, I looked at him and said, "Kian, I don't know how to say this, but I really really would like to say....thank you," before I hugged him. He answered with a simple, "You're welcome," and smiled at me. We three couples were to be married after the 2000 Life From The West Tour together with Kian and his fiancee Nicola whom he had met during their tour in Sligo in December 2001. Bryan was still single but was dating a girl who used to be a really good friend of his. We were married on the same day, at the same church and at the same time. It was held in a small church in Dublin. All the brides' and bridegrooms' relatives and friends were invited including some other pop stars and actors and actresses. Some of the press and media were allowed into the church during the after tea party at the boys' house in Dublin. Louis and Ronan had relented into letting the boys marry when they saw how much we were in love, which made all three couples very grateful to them. Five years after the wedding, I had recorded a duet with Nicky. It was a cover version of Westlife's On The Wings Of Love. We were at Westlife's last concert of the year 2006 in Singapore and the fans were just going wild. After the last two songs, duets of the other two couples, I sang my duet with Nicky. We gazed into each others' eyes as we sang with our heart and soul. "You lift me up, on the wings of love, taking me higher still with every touch, whenever I'm weak, honey, you take me there again, on the wings of love,it's all I need when you hold me close and whisper tenderly...... |