Wild Child (my last fanfic)

Amy felt like an idiot sitting at the beach in a wet suit holding a leased surfboard, waiting.
Waiting on what? She’d never confirmed with Keith that she would be coming. Nor did they ever set up a time. She didn’t know his number so she couldn’t call, and she was sure he didn’t know hers. So she was alone on a beach, watching the thunderous waves pour in. It was absolutely freezing, but, surprisingly, she liked it. It was kind of invigorating. And the waves looked incredibly inviting.
With a sigh, she decided there was no point feeling glum waiting for someone who wasn’t coming. Nothing was keeping her from surfing and enjoying herself, so that’s what she’d do.
Another sigh and she was paddling out into the icy water against the strong waves. With a deep breath she adjusted herself to try and stand.
She didn’t even get both feet up before flipping back, as the wave crashed over her. A beat and she shot back up above the water, shivering. She grabbed the board, and pulled herself on it again.
Without thinking to go back to shore and start fresh she turned on her board to face the incoming wave. She was going to attempt to stand again.
This time she got it. More than incredibly ecstatic she suddenly wished Keith was there. Wished she could see his impressed face. That would be grand. Not thinking she closed her eyes, picturing it.
CRASH! She lost her balance and into the water she plunged. Coming up for air she whacked her head against her board, making her dizzy. Before she could grab hold of said board another wave splashed down on her and she was under water again, the salty ocean getting in her mouth.
Gasping, she tried to come up for air again, but underwater she couldn’t tell which way to swim to reach it. Another wave pushed her some direction. Closer to shore? Further to sea? She wasn’t sure. She didn’t know where air was, much less her board or land. Slowly she felt coherence slip away as she heard her name called.

“Amy! Amy, girl, come on. Breathe, come on. Amy, please.” The same words were repeated and she felt someone’s hands pushing on her chest. With one final pushed she felt water rush to her mouth. Gasping, she spit it out, and opened her eyes.
Keith’s worried expression hovered a little above her face. His hair dripping and looking almost dark brown, which was odd. It was defiantly him, though. The eyes were the same.
“Keith…” Her voice sounded raspy and choked. But it made Keith smile.
“Oh, thank God, you’re alive.” Was all he said.
She coughed again, and out came more sea water, “What- how did you?”
“Surfing date, remember?” He chuckled, “Well, came out here to see you’d gotten a head start, right as you wiped out.” Amy cringed thinking about him witnessing that, “I’d seen plenty of mates wipe out before, but after a couple moments without seeing your head pop up and I got worried. A couple more moments and I was in there to get ya.”
Amy blushed, and pushed herself up to sitting, “Thank you, I was really scared for a while.”
“So was I.” He laughed, “You weren’t breathing, it’s kind of terrifying.”
“If I wasn’t breathing how did you-“
Laughter. “CPR, you know…” She must have still looked confused because wordlessly Keith put a finger to his lips, pointedly.
A beat of silence before Amy comprehended that. Her face turned a beat red and her pulse sped up. CPR. Mouth-to-mouth. Oh my God!
Keith’s laughter grew, “You okay?”
She could think of nothing to say, “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry for what?”
“Sorry you had to-“ To, well, kiss her. How awkward.
He shook his head, “You make it sound like I didn’t want to.”
“WHAT!?” She asked incredulously.
“Amy, it was that or just watching you dying. Which one do you think I’d rather do?”
“Oh. Right, sorry…” She mumbled, blushing still. “Ehm, Thank you. So much, Keith.”
He beamed, “Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad you’re okay.”
She sighed, “That’s never happened before.”
He chuckled, “You never wiped out before? That’s kind of unbelievable, Ames.”
“Not like that.” She replied, “I have to say, Cali waves felt a lot more, well, tame, than that.”
“Pretty wild out there, eh?”
“Very.”
He pushed his hands back through his darker hair, “Well, I wouldn’t be surprised if you didn’t want to head out again…”
“Not want to- Keith! Wipe out aside that was incredible! ‘course I still want to!”
Keith burst into laughter, “For real? You honestly want to go out there again?”
Amy simply nodded, like an excited little girl.
“Ryan’s right, you are wild.” She switched her eager expression to look hurt and he continued, “Don’t worry, I like that.”
She blushed and tried not to concentrate on that, “So, can you teach me not to nearly drown?”
He smirked, taking her hand to help her stand up. “Certainly can, Ames. It could take all day though, you ready?”
“Certainly am.” She gave his hand a squeeze and off they went.
Keith was right, it did take the rest of the day. And it was the most fantastic day Amy had ever had.


Short Sweet Surfing and CPR. Grand combo, I think.
 
Miss.SunFlower said:
“Yeah. He’s very- very- nice.” She trailed off. Vanessa’s smile grew. A second later another woman stood beside her. Rachel. Beaming from ear to ear.
“Did I hear Amy and Keith’s names in the same sentence?” She giggled. It was sisterly teasing, and instead of embarrassed in the least, she was happy. Happy to be a part of it.
“I- He’s just a good friend, you know.”
Rachel and Vanessa looked at each other with raised eyebrows, “Isn’t that what you said about Paul?” Vanessa began.
“And you about Ryan?” Rachel continued.
“I think I see a theme.” They concluded.
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Haha! Funny! Like it!

Miss.SunFlower said:
“I’m not sure.” She mumbled.
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WHAT!?!?!?! Are you actually thinking about turning down Keith Harkin??? Idiot....

Miss.SunFlower said:
A beat of silence before Amy comprehended that. Her face turned a beat red and her pulse sped up. CPR. Mouth-to-mouth. Oh my God!
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HAHAHA!! Just enjoy it Amy and be sad you were unconscious.

Miss.SunFlower said:
He shook his head, “You make it sound like I didn’t want to.”
“WHAT!?” She asked incredulously.
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Keith, you crack me up...
 
“How can you stand it?” She laughed, as they walked away from the ocean at last. She turned her eyes skyward, getting splashed in the face, “Surfing while it rains?”
“Well, when it’s the only way you do surf most of the time, you don’t really know what you’re missing.” He laughed along. Both were on such a natural high from the cool air and sea and the pure energy that came from surfing. Well, that was her Keith may have been that energetic naturally. Either way, the surfing date had left both slaphappy and almost hyper.
She giggled, and spun around, still watching the sky. “California may be warmer, and dryer…”
“And tamer?” Keith poked in.
“and all that. Ireland is certainly prettier.”
He laughed, “Pretty is a way to put it, sure.”
He made it sound like it wasn’t the way he’d put it, “What would you call it?”
A shrug, “Don’t know.”
“Indescribable?” She teased.
More laughter and her mussed up her wet hair, “Very much.” He chuckled.
The sun was beginning to set. Or well, Amy guessed it was as it was that time of day and it was getting darker. She wondered how long they had been out. The rain was falling harder too.
“Did you tell Ryan a time you’d be back?” Keith asked casually, noticing the time as well.
Amy laughed, “He’s not a baby sitter, and I’m staying in a hotel.” She paused, “Shoot.”
“What?”
“He drove me here, though. So I have no ride back.”
“Well, can’t you call and say your ready to get back?”
She rolled her eyes, “I would except… what time it is?”
“Nearly 7:00.” He replied.
“Yep.” She said with a crooked smile, “He’s out with his Nessa right now.”
“You don’t sound too happy about it.” Keith noted with raised eyebrows. Amy blushed.
“No, I’m ecstatic. Seems everything worked perfect.”
“Like I said.”
“Like you said,” She giggled. “But anyways, it means I have no ride back. I should have remembered his date.”
“You’re mind was occupied with more important things?” He suggested as they reached a VW bus, same style as the beetle. She laughed silently at how perfect it fit him.
She raised her eyebrows at him, “Such as?”
He laughed and put his board on the top of the bus. Turning to grab Amy’s he winked, “Me?”
Laughter, “Oh, aren’t we humble.” She teased, despite her blushing. “You give yourself too much credit.”
He looked ready to argue that, but thunder crashed in the distance, and Amy sneezed.
“Do you want to come over for a bit?” He said, “Just to dry off, then I can take you back to your hotel.”
She smiled. God, he was so nice. Along with being funny and gorgeous. How was it some men had it all? She shook the thought away. No use getting attached to him, this wouldn’t last forever anyways.
Nonetheless, she was cold, her surf high was wearing off and she felt mildly sick. Warmth and dryness were incredibly inviting.
“That would be very nice.”

Amy wasn’t there 5 minutes with a blanket around her a tea in her hands when the phone rang. Keith had told her was going to take a shower and would be out soon, so no one was around to open the door but she.
She sighed, and set down the tea, still with the blanket firmly around her to answer the door.
She met the surprised eyes of Keith’s younger sister.
“H-h-hello Amy.” She said, “Is Keith here?”
Amy’s face went red at the thought of how terribly awkward this must look. “Um, yeah. He’s in the shower.. um will be out in a bit.”
Lauren said nothing else, and stepped inside. As she moved into the kitchen to get herself tea, she added quickly, “We went surfing, he- he asked me- you know...” This was ridiculous. She should not have to be explaining herself to this girl.
“I do.” The girl responded with a little laugh, “He wouldn’t shut up about it. Just didn’t expect you to still be here…” She didn’t sound mad, though, thankfully.
“Ah, well, he- I-,” A thought hit her, “Why are you here? Just curious.”
More laughter, “Keith’s teaching me surfing over the weekend. But I thought I’d surprise him and show up tonight. How is it?”
“How it what?”
“Surfing. You certainly seem to enjoy it as much as my brother.” She explained, “So how is it?”
“I enjoy it a lot, defiantly. Kind of dangerous, but nice besides.”
There was silence as Lauren sipped her tea. Amy sighed and did the same.
“So you like him, then?”
She nearly choked on her drink. “Wh-what?”
Lauren grinned knowingly, “Keith. You like him, don’t you? I mean, you went out today, right?”
“I wouldn’t quite call surfing a date.” She defended, “It’s more of, well, like playing a sport with a friend.”
“Damian and I have football dates. We’ll go and kick the ball around, you know. Still a date, though.”
Well, that was the most adorable thing she’d ever heard. Not thinking of that she continued, “I guess, that is true. But Keith and are just- not like that.”
She looked at her for a long time, then sighed, “So your not. I’m sorry about the confusion with Ryan and Vanessa. Keith explained for me, and then at the reception… I shouldn’t have thought-“
“It’s cool. I know very well what it looked like. And everything’s fine, so we don’t have to think about it anymore.” She sighed.
“Right, sorry.”
“Did I hear Lar?” Keith’s voice called, a moment later he wandered out, Drying his long hair, grinning.
“Keith!” Lauren beamed, giving her brother a warm hug.
“What are ya doin’ here?” He laughed, “Didn’t expect you until tomorrow!”
“Surprise!” She giggled.
He shook his head with laughter, “Surprise it is. I suppose you’ve met Ames, then?”
“Yep. Was nice to see her again, as you wouldn’t shut up about her.” Keith blushed and punched his sister’s arm.
Sending his ecstatic beam to her now he explained, “I was excited to see ya – take you surfin’ and all.”
“No, no, no, I understand.” She giggled awkwardly, “I was incredibly excited about coming.”
They smiled at each other for a long moment before he coughed, “I guess you’d like to get back to your hotel now, wouldn’t you?”
Right then, leaving was the last thing she felt like doing, “Right yeah, that’d be good.”
“Cool, we’ll go then. Wanna come with, sis?”
Lauren looked between the two, then laughed, “I’ll pass. I’m sure you two would rather be alone.” Then, giggling at their blushing expressions, winked and disappeared into the apartment.
 
Miss.SunFlower said:
Ryan Kelly and Vanessa Brennon walked into the reception hall with their hands clasped so tight, Amy was quite sure their circulation was getting cut off. He was beaming from ear to ear and she had happy tears glistening in her eyes as she grinned. To an observer, THEY looked like the couple that just got married. Not to say the couple that had just tied the knot looked any less ecstatic. Maybe it looked like a double wedding.
Either way, it was clear everything had worked out perfectly. Rachel was able to split away from her husband to give her sister a warm hug. Ryan took that time to slip and reach Amy.
“You got her to listen?”
“Obviously.” He winked, “I was a little scared at first, she wouldn’t stop, and she was very good at countering.”
“Countering what?” She asked, confused, “What was there to counter?”
“She asked if I loved you.” He told her, smiling still.
She blinked, “You told her ‘no’, right?” His grin went crooked, “Right?” She stressed. Laughter. “RYAN! You didn’t say yes!?”
“I said it was an unfair question.” He replied. She buried her face in her hands.
“Do you have any idea how idiotic that was?”
More laughter, “Idiotic or no, I can’t say I don’t love you, Amy. Could you say you didn’t love me?”
“Of course not, Ryan, you’re the greatest friend I’ve ever had.” She sighed, “Did you at least explain why it was unfair.”
“Once she let me.” He chuckled. Amy sighed, a little upset with him. She supposed she should be happy it all worked out though.
“Who was letting you do what, Ry?” A voice Amy didn’t recognize said. Seconds later, Vanessa’s head popped over Ryan’s shoulder. Her face showed surprise, but no hurt. Well, actually, hurt, but not the kind she’d expected.
Ryan coughed, “V, would you like something to drink?”
Vanessa blushed, “Yes but I-“ Before she could finished Ryan slipped past the two girls.
There was a beat before both quickly said, “I’m so sorry.”
Amy laughed awkwardly and thankfully Vanessa joined in. “I really am, though.” She continued, “I nearly ruined both of your lives.”
“Oh don’t even!” She squeaked, “You ruined nothing! I was rash and stupid and I wasn’t thinking straight. I should have listened- I shouldn’t have thought. I almost broke my own sisters heart.” She gestured to Rachel.
“Don’t beat yourself up. What you makes perfect sense for what you saw.” Amy defended.
“And you have no right to feel upset about showing affection toward a brother you haven’t seen in a LONG time!” She said back.
She sighed, “What say we have a truce. We both have nothing to be ashamed of…”
“Especially now that everything has worked out.”
“Exactly.”
“Truce?” She beamed extending her hand.
She gave it a shake, “Truce.”
With a jolt Amy was pulled into a warm hug from the beautiful woman. A comforting nearly family-like gesture. She felt tears forming.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Amy added, as they pulled apart, “Ryan spoke a lot about you before, well, this.”
“He did?”
“First thing he said… after ‘I missed you’, of course, was ‘wait until you meet her’. I asked who he meant and basically got a rundown on every quality you possess.” She winked.
Vanessa turned a pretty red, “Geez Ryan.” She murmured.
It was practically the same thing shed said when Ryan had told her about Keith wanting to meet her. Keith! She’d lost him in the crowd when talking to Ryan and Vanessa. She scanned around for him.
“Missing someone?” Vanessa asked.
Without thinking she nodded, “Have you seen Keith? I was hoping to talk to him and I’ve lost him.”
“Keith, eh?” She asked, perfect eyebrows raised. Amy blushed. “No clue. You meet him at Lauren and Damian’s party?”
“Yeah. He’s very- very- nice.” She trailed off. Vanessa’s smile grew. A second later another woman stood beside her. Rachel. Beaming from ear to ear.
“Did I hear Amy and Keith’s names in the same sentence?” She giggled. It was sisterly teasing, and instead of embarrassed in the least, she was happy. Happy to be a part of it.
“I- He’s just a good friend, you know.”
Rachel and Vanessa looked at each other with raised eyebrows, “Isn’t that what you said about Paul?” Vanessa began.
“And you about Ryan?” Rachel continued.
“I think I see a theme.” They concluded.
Amy’s face was red, and it didn’t help as just then she was lifted up in a hug from behind, “Geez, Ames! Thought I lost ya!” Keith’s voice laughed.
She tried to contain her pounding heartbeat. “God, Keith! Don’t DO that! You scared me half to death!”
He laughed, “Sorry ‘bout that.” He turned his fantastic grin to the other two women “Hello Rachel, wished you and Paul the best yet?”
“Only about three times, Keith.” She rolled her eyes.
“No harm in saying it again.” He replied, “Ness, I’m glad to see you. Was worried you’d left for good.” Amy looked away in guilt again.
Vanessa cheerfully replied, however, “Oh, part of my heart’s in Ireland now. Can never leave it.”
“Glad to hear it.” He said.
Somehow, then, the two sisters had found reasons to disappear and Keith and Amy were alone..
“I’m glad to see you again, Keith.”
“I figured you were.” He replied. “Which is why I’m wondering… If you weren’t doing something, next Friday…”
It felt right then, like the whole room had disappeared.
“Do you want to go out, surfing you know? I’d love to take you out to the beach one of these days.”
Her heart pounded and she couldn’t think straight. Seeing Keith, and for once JUST Keith. Like-like a date. Well sure, that was fine if she were a local girl, someone he could see and date regularly. She wasn’t that type. And pretending she was would only hurt him, if he started to like her like that.
And if SHE started to like him like that. When she left it would hurt her too. She didn’t want to go through that.
But turning him down. That was impossibly hard. He looked so eager, and she knew inside she really wanted to go.
“I’m not sure.” She mumbled.
His smile didn’t falter, “You’re busy, then?”
Heck no, she wasn’t busy. What would be her excuse then, “Had some stuff planned with Ryan, you know. I’m not sure I’ll be able to get away.” She took a step back toward where said friend was.
As she moved to turn she heard him reply, that ecstatic grin shining in his voice, “I have no doubt you’ll find a way, Ames. I’ll be counting on it.” She couldn’t help but turn to look, just to see his wink.
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I stopped here! I love it so far!!!
 
Miss.SunFlower said:
“You’re mind was occupied with more important things?” He suggested as they reached a VW bus, same style as the beetle. She laughed silently at how perfect it fit him.
She raised her eyebrows at him, “Such as?”
He laughed and put his board on the top of the bus. Turning to grab Amy’s he winked, “Me?”
Laughter, “Oh, aren’t we humble.” She teased, despite her blushing. “You give yourself too much credit.”
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Haha. He probably does. Very good update Maggie.
 
There was an awkward silence for much of the ride to her apartment, through the pouring rain.
“Sorry about Lauren.” Keith began.
“No, don’t worry.” She giggled, “She’s your little sister; teasing, it happens.”
He sighed, seeming almost relieved.
“This was a lot of fun.” She added.
He laughed softly, “It defiantly was. Aside from your nearly drowning.”
“Right.” She replied, then paused, “You won’t be telling Ryan about that will you?”
“I thought he wasn’t your babysitter.” Keith teased.
She made a face at him, “He’s not. But he’d be worried, and I don’t want him to be, you know?”
“I do.” He beamed, “Don’t worry, we’ll keep that little fact out.”
“Thanks.”
“Anytime.”
More awkward silence, as neither could think of anything to say. Amy sighed, she was rarely what one would consider shy. She loved to talk… normally. This was odd.
By the time there were words spoken again they were pulling up at her hotel. It was about 9:00.
Amy sighed. The day had been so wonderful, she hated the thought of it ending.
Keith looked at her, and in the little light she had she could see he was thinking the same sort of thing. She blushed.
“Well, thanks.” She told him, with a slightly forced smile. “I had a grand time.”
“We should go out again sometime.” Go out? Like surfing or actually OUT-out? Like on a date? She blushed deeper, glad for the lack of light.
“I suppose. I need something to keep me busy over the next few months.” A thought hit her, “But you’ll all be touring, won’t you?”
He appeared to have forgotten that detail. His face fell, “We will, won’t we…”
“You don’t sound too happy.”
“No I love touring the states and all…” He chuckled, “But,”
“But what?” She asked, curious. What could be better than seeing the entire country?
He looked ready to say something and then decided it was silly. He made a face and continued, “but I get homesick still, you know.”
She didn’t really. A home was something she didn’t really have. She didn’t have a place she went home to. It was strange. She’d never thought of it, and when she did she was happy to be free. She was well paid and she got to see the world. A home would only weigh her down.
Hearing Keith mention homesickness, a little feeling opened up. A feeling of having a home, a place to stay and come back to. She suddenly likes that thought, that feeling. It felt…nice.
She was being crazy though. A home meant settling down, getting a local job and live around the same people forever. How boring that may get. She loved her freedom, and that small feeling wasn’t enough to get rid of it.
“I understand.” Was her only reply.
He sighed, “Well, I’ll talk to you soon. Like, I’ll try and call.”
“You don’t know the number…” She mumbled, blushing still.
A wink, “You don’t know that for sure.”
“Creeper.” She laughed, and so did he.
As she finally opened the door to step out into the pouring rain Keith said something different, “Amy, you are without a doubt one of the most fantastic girls I have ever met. Hopefully we can get out before touring starts again. Love to see you again.”
Amy’s face was beat red but she managed to choke out, “Love to see you too, Keith.”
He beamed, then let out a sort of awkward cough, “Well, I’ll see you then.”
“I’ll see you Keith! This was so amazing!” With a sigh she closed the car door.
Still he called, “Glad you enjoyed it Ames. Later!!”
And he was gone.

Amy sighed as her hotel alarm clock woke her up. Another day in Ireland. She should have been excited and a bit of her was. But this day would most likely be Keith-less, and after the fun yesterday had been she wasn’t looking forward to missing him.
Fantastic. He’d called her fantastic. No one had ever called her fantastic, not even Ryan. She was sure there were plenty of other flattering adjectives he could have used, but she was more than happy with that one. He thought her fantastic. He certainly was, himself, she thought with a giggle. Then she sighed, she was missing him already.
She wondered if Ryan was going to be coming by today. He had nothing else planned, that she knew of, and she defiantly didn’t. He wouldn’t expect her to do anything on her own.
A few hours into the morning as Amy thought to plot some sort of event for the day if Ryan didn’t come, the doorbell rang. She sighed, relieved and went to answer the door.
It wasn’t Ryan. In his place stood the beautiful Vanessa. Her honey colored hair flowing in gentle waves past her shoulders. She was grinning.
“Good morning miss. Amy.” She said happily.
“G-Good morning, Vanessa.” She mumbled in reply, trying to get over her initial shock, “May I ask what you’re doing here?”
“Before you do, I’ll have you know this is Ry’s idea too.” She said right away.
“What’s Ry’s idea?”
“That I, and possibly Rache, take you out today.” She replied, “You know, like a girl’s day out, thing…” She trailed off awkwardly.
Amy blinked. Why had Ryan suggested that? Not that it was a bad idea, it was just… unexpected.
“I think he’s worried about you and I… not getting along,” Vanessa explained uncomfortably, then continued quickly, “I mean, I told him that’s not the case at all! I think you’re a complete sweetheart, I do! He’s just,” A sigh, “being Ryan, I suppose.”
Now she laughed, “No, I understand perfectly. I knew he would be concerned about us.” She shook her head, laughing, “It’s a fine idea though. I’d like to get to know you more.
“And I, you.” Vanessa replied, the smile back on her face, “So, you want to go?”
“Love to,” She giggled, “But I still need to get dressed.” Gesturing to her pajamas she hadn’t changed out of yet.
“I have time.” She replied with a smile. “You change, and I’ll give Rachel a call. A grand day we’ll have, I’m sure of it.”
 
“Amy, you are without a doubt one of the most fantastic girls I have ever met. Hopefully we can get out before touring starts again. Love to see you again.”
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*sighs*

that is very cute ;)
 
Amy was holding five bags of clothes and other girly products by the time the girls had lunch. Rachel had two less and Vanessa two more. She was feeling as happy as possible listening to the sisterly chatter between the girls. A small part of her still felt a little left out, as some things she didn’t get.
“You seriously have not heard Celtic Thunder’s music?” Rachel asked in amazement, “Ryan never thought to show you?”
“He may have thought to, but never did.” She replied with a nervous laugh. She had, in fact, been wanting to hear her best friends music. And Keith’s, her mind teased quietly.
“Well, what shall we do about this?” Vanessa said in a voice that sounded disturbingly like the one in her head, “What are your plans for tonight?”
Amy didn’t even have to think, “None.”
Rachel laughed, “Then what say you to coming over and watching what your friend has been up to?”
“I don’t see why not,” She giggled, still nervously.
“Great” The sisters replied, beaming.
And off shopping the three went again, Amy feeling a bit more accepted, at home, and comfortable.
Still conversation was difficult because she knew very little about her two new friends.
At one point she finally decided to ask, “Ness, how did you and Ryan meet?”
“He never told you?”
“He didn’t speak a word of you until I first arrived here. And then, well we tried not to talk much about – never mind,” She rushed, blushing, “Point is, I’ve heard very little about your relationship.”
Vanessa went a bit pink, but still smiling said, “It’s really all because of Rachel.”
“How is it all because of me?”
“If you’d never met Paul, I’d never met Ryan!”
“True.” Rachel admitted, “Though, don’t give me all the credit, Ry did stalk you for a while.”
“Wait, what?” Amy cut in with a laugh, “Ryan stalked you?”
Vanessa looked a bit smug, “Oh, he’ll tell it differently. He showed up at our church one time, um, at Rachel and Paul’s house, when only I was there, and probably a few more times too. It was rather flattering.”
“Oh I’m sure,” She giggled, “so he was smitten at first sight, then?”
Vanessa blushed a bit more. “I suppose he was,” She giggled, “I suppose I was too, scared to admit it though.”
“Wanted to avoid heartbreak.” Rachel added.
“I see that worked.” Amy winked. All three girls laughed.
“So that’s what’s happened,” She laughed, “What about you and Ry? How did you two meet? He avoided mentioning you a lot as well.”
“Well the two of us have been friends since like,” She racked her mind, “Forever. Honestly. There isn’t a memory of my childhood without him.”
“How sweet,” Rachel beamed.
“It was. I moved in my freshman year. Not so sweet. Ry and I promised to keep in touch and keep in touch we did. Though I haven’t seen him, well, haven’t seen him until you saw us.”
Vanessa cringed, at the memory she guessed. All she said was, “Ouch. I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, now. And I was glad to have contact with him. I hated it at the time, though. When we first moved, especially…”
“Especially what?”
She shook her head awkwardly, “It’s nothing.”
Both girls didn’t know how to drop things, it appeared, “Seriously, what?”
She rolled her eyes, “I just hated being away from people I loved, that’s all.” She said it as casually as possible, and thankfully neither sister probed further.
“Sorry about that.” Rachel muttered.
“Don’t be.” She replied, still beaming, “I get to see him now, so I’m happy.”

The sun was beginning to set as the girls reached the end of their shopping extravaganza.
“Wouldn’t Paul mind if we were watching their DVD?” Amy wondered aloud as they had decided to go straight to Rachel’s place after shopping. Vanessa had called Ryan to let him know where the girls were.
“Oh, he’ll live. He’ll probably watch as well to add his own commentary to it.” Rachel laughed.
“If you say so…”
“Trust me, he’s fine with watching himself on TV, he’s got more than enough self confidence.” Vanessa added in, she nodded.
Amy giggled. No arguing with them then.
So as they sat in the small living room of Rachel and Paul’s house, the girls discussed what to show her first.
“One of Ryan’s, surely.”
“Oh, of course! Which?”
“Which do you think.”
“Heartbreaker.” They both agreed.
She watched the conversation with increased confusion, and was almost scared to see what kind of song this was. Especially with their insane giggling as it started up.
She was on the floor laughing at the first line. “Seriously?” She squeaked, watching Ryan be a self-proclaimed “Bad Boy”, “Ryan, what are you doing!?” She was gasping for air between laughter.
Her friends were giggling as well, “He’s acting.” Vanessa replied.
“Well, I always knew he was interested in that, I just – wow!” She had NEVER expected something like this out of her brother and friend. “That’s crazy.”
“It is.” Both agreed.
She giggled at his expressions throughout, “Well, he seams to be having fun.”
“That he does.” Vanessa laughed.
“So what’s after this?” She asked casually, as the song died down.
“Paul.” Rachel giggled happily, then blushed, “Ah, but we can skip that – if you guys want.”
“Ah, we can let you fangirl over your husband a bit, sugar.” Vanessa replied with a roll of her eyes, Rachel’s blush deepened.
Paul had a gorgeous voice too. They all seemed to. It was no wonder the boys were so popular in the U.S., she thought with a smile.
“We’ll skip the next few.” She continued as the song ended, “I’m sure you want to hear what your other friend sounds like.”
“My other-“ Amy began, but was cut short with a blush as Keith showed up on the TV. He was beaming like a little kid again, looking quite happy indeed, as he began to sing.
Amy felt her heart pound and her blush deepen. How was it that some men had it all?
 
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