Hello darlings. Welcome to Anything Goes.



Rating: I'll keep it R to be safe. There will definitely be references to sex, alcohol and drugs. Swearing, yes. I may dabble a hand in sex scenes this time, but for those, there will be fair warning. I'm talking flashing red lights, people. There will be warning.

Disclaimer: As much as I would love to, I do not own Gerard Butler. I do own Sam, because I am she, and I hope I own myself (at least more so than anybody else here..). Basically, anyone who's name or appearance you think you recognize, I probably do not own them. In fact, I know I don't. Girls you recognize from the forum belong to themselves and not me. I thank them endlessly for the chance to use them to sculpt my story. Finally, Anything Goes is property of Sammi (aka Samantha Reynard), and plagarism is freakin' crime, people.

(P.S.: REVIEW!!!!! Please..)

Okay, so before I get carried away, without further adieu, I present to you:

Prologue

The one time I can always count on feeling, truly feeling, is after watching a numbingly romantic movie. Anything goes, so long as it can make me try to withhold my smiles. Anything goes, so long as it can make me long for that one thing I’ve never had, and always pretended I didn’t need. Anything goes. And then the feelings go; they leave me so long as I don’t dwell on the romance. And I am left, yet again, a young soul yearning for something to attach itself to. Yearning for someone.
Time and time again, I’ve found someone. I’ve trusted them. I’ve opened up and poured out my heart to them. And time and time again, I’m always disappointed in the end. And this time was no different. We’d climb into my bed, and by morning, he’d be gone. This had become the pattern that was my life. I’d go from the office to the bar. I’d meet someone new, and we’d fuck. He’d stay for some weeks, maybe months, before he left or I kicked him out. Sometimes he'd leave dramatically, yelling about all the things I should have said or done, but never did; he'd tell me that if I wanted him back, I should learn to feel. And then, they'd grow bitter when I never called them again; they'd get angry at me for moving on.
Time and time again, I would be left on my own, with nothing but my memories and my pessimism. I am reminded, time and time again, that anything goes.

I loved this prologue, and I'm a huge Gerry fan so expect me as an avid reader. You rock, Sam. *hugs*

:heartbeat: Pat

Oh, Sam!!!! I am super pumped/excited/exhilirated to see you posting a story! And, the super pumped/excited/exhilirated feelings only increased when I saw it would be about the most phantomly sexy guy around! This is going to be so great!

I know I'm quoting the whole paragraph, it's just I loved it so much! Oh, the yearning. So poetic!

I am anxiously awaiting the first chapter, my dear!

Ooh, a fic from my Sammi Bear!!! Love that prologue - short, but sweet, and definitely poignant. Before we even start we've got an insight into the character, so great use of prologue!! lol

Does this fic have any reference to the song, Anything Goes? 'Cuz unless you tell me otherwise, I'm just gonna be listening to that song in my head every time I read an update! lol

Loved that, and can't wait for more! :)

Jaime

Lovely prologue, Sammi!
Post more soon!


:love:

Squee times infinity! A fic by Samma!

Oh my, I am more than excited. In fact I am so excited that I can't even put how excited I am down in words.

Loved the prologue. As Jaime stated, short but definitely poignant. Just one little thing I want to point out....

I loved this little insight into the character. I sense there will be a fair amount of drama and angst in this fic.

Thank you all so much for your beautiful replies! :blush:

Pat: I was really hoping I'd at least get you with this Gerry fic. We need to SPREAD THE LOVE!!!

Am: I am super pumped/excited/exhilirated that you're reading this, hun! And, if you thought he played a good Erik in Phantom, I really URGE you to watch him as Andre Marek in Timeline. It's amazing. =)

Jaime: Whose "Anything Goes" are you listening to? And no, it doesn't come inspired from a song, but it may work its way in here one day. Who knows?

Ursi: :heartbeat: Thank you so much! :hug:

Blondie: Oh!the angst.. It'll be pretty sweet. Full of nice juicy angsty splendor!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter One

It was a typical Friday night. I was expected at an elegant soiree, a friend of a friend was hosting their annual holiday cocktail party. I hate these parties. I hate all the glitz and glamour that’s expected, and always does, surround them. I hate the people that I see, who do nothing but look down their noses at anyone supposedly below them; whose hors d’oeuvres make my eyes cross just at the name.

And now I know
Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say
I thought I knew
But now I know that rose trees
never grow in New York City

And so here I was, pulling out the black dress I’d bought the week prior, and cursing myself as I pulled it on. After ten minutes, and much difficulty, the dress is zipped, the legs are shaved, the makeup is flawless and I stand three inches taller as I grab my clutch on the way out of my flat. By the time I climb into the cab and direct the driver, my feet are already pulsating with pain. Its like my feet are yelling, “You have got to be kidding me! Stilettos?” Oh, shut up. You should be used to this by now.

“Well aren’t you dolled up..” retorted the taxi driver.

With a plastered smile and as sweet of an attitude as I can muster, “This is dolled up? You really should get out more..”

Damn drivers. They’re so obnoxious and nosy and … why can’t they just drive while I ride and skip the small talk. I’d even pay a bit higher for some quiet. The driver apparently gets the picture and says no more, and the remainder of the twenty-minute drive is spent with me staring out the window. I love this city. There was just something about it that’s always excited and attracted me. And it’s been my humble abode for the past seven years. Here I was going to the seventh Yule party, and asking myself for the sixth time, why I even agreed to go. But, the amazing thing about this city is how it draws you in. Once embedded in one social circle, you’ve almost signed your life away, your name in blood. There’s no missing any extravagant get-togethers (such as the one I’m on my way to) without truly legitimate raison d'être. As much as I love this city, that’s possibly the only thing I regret: finding myself in irrepressible company.

This Broadway's got
It's got a lot of songs to sing
If I knew the tunes I might join in
I'll go my way alone
Grow my own,
my own seeds shall be sown in
New York City

The familiar buzz of my cell phone vibrating pulls me out of my thoughts.

“Hello?”

“Hey beautiful,” proclaims that all-too-familiar voice.

“Hey Ryan. Look, I can’t really talk right now. I-“

“Baby, I was just going to ask if you wanted to go out tonight. There’s this new movie playing at the cine-“

“I already told you, Ry. I’m going to that Yule party with Evelyn.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I could have gone as your date…”

“Thank you,” I paid the taxi driver as he let me out before turning my attentions to the man on the phone, “Ryan. I told you about this at least a month ago. I couldn’t get out it then, and I can’t get out of it now. And, like I said a month ago, I’m going with Gerry.”

“You mean that Butler guy? I’ve told you how I feel about him, Sam.”

“And I’ve told you how I feel. I’m not going to kick him out of my life after seven years of friendship. This party has become a tradition. Look, I have to go. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Whatever,” he sighed.

Subway's no way for a good man to go down
Rich man can ride and the hobo he can drown
And I thank the Lord for the people I have found
I thank the Lord for the people I have found

And so ended yet another phone call in a series of regrettable conversations. Just towards the end, I’d stepped into Evelyn’s flat and the chaos before me had been reason enough to cut the call.


Song credit: Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (orig. by Elton John, re-recorded by Mandy Moore)

Hehe, first to reply. The Anything Goes I know is Cole Porter's...considering this fic is about high society, I think it'll fit! lol

Anyway, loved that chap. Slowly we're learning about this character and her lifestyle, and I like the gradualness (if that's a word) of it. Can't wait for more! :)

Of course you sucked me in! Anytime you write a fic I get sucked in! You are a great writer, honey. *huggles you tightlike* :hug: Gerry is just an added bonus. *SPREADS THE LOVE*

It's funny I'm reading this since I just watched Dear Frankie *swoons*.

I loved that whole paragraph, and have to say I agree with her on taxi drivers. I've only been in a taxi once and the guy kept talking and asking me questions lol. I was like 'Keep your eyes on the road, Buster'. ehe.

squee! Is this Evelyn who I think she is? ;-) and will she get jealous at the fact that Sam and Gerry are good friends? lol.

:heartbeat: Pat

P.S You've just inspiredme to start my own Gerry story *laughs*

*Pants*
Sorry it took me so long to reply!! Damn finals, tearing me away from precious stories.

So, Red, you knew I was going to read, didn't you? Hell will freeze before I nix a story by Samma out of my priorities, and not just because I know you.

Gosh, this is so well written and it has a sort of magical atmosphere that I cannot give a name to, at least yet.

I love it and hate it, when a story begins and it's all new and pristine, and at the same time you don't know enough to make your mind about it, and you're left hanging for more.

Because here I am, hanging for more.

:love:

Ohhh, I'm intrigued! I like the way you're describing her attitude and showing the way she feels about the majority of the company she is, at times, forced to keep.

And, so she's been friends with Gerry....ahhh, that makes things quite interesting. I wonder what is going to happen! ^_^ I'm so pumped about it being a Gerry fic, really, I am!

I'll have to rent Timeline! As of now, I have Dear Frankie on DVD and STILL haven't gotten a chance to watch it yet. But, soon...yes, soon.

:love:

MENA!!!! I'm soooooo happy that you're here, Red! That love-hate bit is soooo true, babe. Gah, the suspense!

Finals have been today and will finish tomorrow, but then I'm off on a weekend retreat to the SNOW!!!! :neene: and will not be back until Monday, much less be able to post another one. So, until next week, my cherubs!

------------

Chapter Two

“Who was that?” Evelyn McGregor waltzed in from her bedroom, eight-month-old Ian hanging on her hip and three-year-old Lizzy hugging her leg. Evelyn and I had been friends since we were kids, more so in high school and on. We’d moved to New York together, and now, after these seven long years, I was still in a single flat, working a white-collar job in a boring old office, while my best friend had been married for four years to Ewan McGregor, and the two extra limbs she’d spontaneously sprouted were the result of the marriage.

“Ryan’s jealous about Ger again,” I walked over as quickly as I could with those damn heels buckled to my feet, trying to relieve her of the children.

“Seriously?” It came out as a sigh of relief. Eight-month-olds weigh more than they look – especially with the added weight of their three-year-old sister.

“Yes, seriously,” I then turned to my new charges, trying to allow their mother time to get fully ready. Well, and to avoid the subject of Ryan, “So where are Ewan and Gerry?”

“Gerry’s-“ Evelyn was interrupted by the Scot’s grand entrance.

“-here!” the pompous ass proclaimed as he shut the door behind him, before practically bounding across the room to me. (Seriously, the guy’s like a freakin’ stag!) But, alas! My dreams of being fondled by the great oaf are foiled by the prince in my arms. Gerry proceeds to snatch Ian from my arms and begin a game of how-high-can-Ian-fly-while-Uncle-Gerry-tosses-him. And so, in order to keep dear Eve from the imminent heart attack from this sight, I ushered her back into her bedroom. Soon enough, she had remembered that she trusted Gerry with her kids, and realized that I had left my hair for her (every time I did it before I came over would end in a brand new style courtesy of Eve anyways, so why even bother?)

“So tell me again why I’m going?” I asked Evelyn’s reflection off the vanity mirror. She was currently employed in sweeping my hair dramatically. Somehow, it reminded me of the time just after I’d cut my hair short, making it that much more difficult for Eve to do much of anything to my hair. I offered that at least it wasn’t so coarse and curly anymore, but there’s no arguing with Evelyn Marie McGregor. She wouldn’t be moved that it was a tragedy.

Sometimes I feel sorry for Ewan. Maybe more than sometimes, actually.

“Because they’re your friends, too,” she retorted, adding a rather painful pull to my delicate, yes, curly and disgusting, but nonetheless delicate hair, “Besides, you always have a good time at these things. Any chance to dance, right Sammy?”

“I don’t think you realize how hard these shoes make it to dance in, Evey.”

“Then why don’t you take them off?”

“Because I tried once, and you almost ripped my head off, yelling about how this wasn’t our junior prom.”

“Well, you know, some people wear flatter shoes that flatter but don’t cut off circulation.”

“That only time you’ve ever worn so-called ‘flatter shoes’ was when you were pregnant – both times – and you still complained.”

She rolled her eyes, “Whatever.” Before backing away so I could get up and she could perform her magic on herself.

Twenty minutes later, and just as we beauty queens had come out of our lair-of-hell (as I had long since dubbed Evelyn’s bathroom), Ewan walked in with the babysitter, Zoë. Evelyn immediately ushered Zoë into the kitchen, explaining all the details of the children’s diets, bedtimes, TV privileges and surely started on the infinite anecdotes.

There was a blank stare between the three of us, Ewan, Gerry and I, before Gerry and I glanced pointedly at Ewan, smirking. He was the chosen one.

He grunted, “Fine. But if I don’t come out alive, it’s on your heads,” He made of point of stabbing each of us in the arm, before stalking away to his death.

It seriously took him ten minutes to get her out of there. Neither Gerry nor I would admit it, but Ewan was definitely the best man for the job.

“I would’ve had her out in five,” Gerry quipped when we heard Zoë starting to coax the mother out. It had been eight minutes then.

“There’s no way, Gerr,” I countered. “’Would’ve taken me even less. Maybe around three.”

Luckily, the potential gamble never played out, because Ewan was finally seen ushering Evelyn out by her elbow. I quickly grabbed her purse, and the keys, before letting the other three out and waving goodbye to the kids and Zoë.

BAHAHAHAHAHA I just had to quote all of that because it was ace! ahaha stag ahahahaha fondled by great oaf ahahahaha!

Omg, I'm married to Ewan McGregor and I have a kid. lol. It's such a great update beautiful! (I find it amusing that hs wife in real life is named Eve)

*facepalm* That's exactly what I'm like with shoes...

I think I want Gerry to smooth after sun cream on my back right now, lol. Damn you Sammi and your writing! You're making my fantasies come back again lol. *kicks your internet for being a dag*

:heartbeat: Pat

Ooh, and they're off! You write so beautifully, can't wait for more! :)

Got Scots?? :tsk:

I grinned and screeched when I read about Ewan in here. He's my best friend's celebrity crush, you know, and she made me see HEAPS of his movies, so, he's in the gang of my friends by now.

Le-sigh.

:love:

eeek! samma...do you remember doing this sort of thing at holmes in the library...ah, good times.

it's so good to see you writing again! (put me in please!!!) *ahem* who said that? lol.

so sorry i haven't been able to call you or anything, but whenever i think about it, you're still in school, or i'm sooper busy. i promise i'll come visit you soon, maybe after graduation? :hug:

Aw, Sam, I love this! Evelyn seems like a cool character, I like how she always wants to fix Sam's hair! And, I think it's cute that they all go together as friends. And, the Scottish accents a flying...*drool*

Oh, that made me laugh so hard! Can I say, my shoes were off at my junior and senior prom? :laugh: Excellent, dear!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEE! EWAN! Sorry, had to go all fan girl for a moment there. Oh Ewan, how I love thee, let me count the ways.

Errr..sorry bout that.

Back to the story and not my love of Ewan....
I love the relationship between Evelyn and Sam.

I'm intrigued about the relationship between Sam and Gerry.

I see Ewan is getting the major applause. :lol: He's very popular here, is he not?


Okay, so I am half-way through the next chapter and am just waiting for my dad to get off the lap, because I can't get to my files from here. *pout* I hate taxes... too much time spent and wasted in my opinion. So, 'soon as I can, updates will come! *superman pose*

:heartbeat:
Samma

Oh you...you keep me up at three thirty in the morning when I have church in about five hours, because I am trying so hard to get up to date with your posts.

Silly girl. :heartbeat:

And OMG YOU'RE COMING OUT TO LONELY OLD VIRGINIA?!?!?!?!?!!!*
That is fantabular! wo0t! :cloud#9:

:heartbeat:
Fee

*Yes, I abuse exlemation points with no further thought to their well-being.
SHOEBOX!!!

hallo.

i'm terribly late, and i'm sorry about that. i fail. it's the only thing i do well. my failures are spectacular anyway -

hi. i love this. your writing is as good as ever, and EWAN MCGREGOR and yay. also? i think i'm the only one in the WORLD who simply doesn't find gerry whatshisface attractive. at all. OH WELL.

do keep it up darling. you're brilliant.

Oh well, that just means more for me. ^_^ And, in that case, maybe you should concentrate on McGregor then? :tsk: Or possible Mr. Stench when he makes his entrance? :yes:

Thanks so much. :blush:

Sorry guys, I didn't expect my weekend to be so busy ([american] football = fire and brimstone! :wacko: ) But it was amazing nonetheless. Probably shouldn't turn this into an LJ entry, huh? :lol:

:hug:
Samma

*pants*

Its finally! here... Sorry it took so long, guys. :blush:

----------


Chapter Three

Lights. Bright bright lights.

Those four words are the only plausible thing going through my head as I walk into the ballroom, where the party is being held.

“Don’t these people realize its night, and I shouldn’t be wanting my sunglasses?”

Gerry chuckles and tightens his grip on the small of back, “Maybe that’s the exact reason. They think you look appalling without anything covering your face, so this is their solution.”

“Shut up,” it’s so hard to not even smile then.

Soon, I hear a high, feminine squeal belonging to only one possible voice, “Sammy!!!” and I soon find it hard to keep myself standing up when the owner of said voice runs up and hugs me. Good thing Gerry’s there, keeping my back. Literally. We might have caused a scene.

“Hey Zella!” I choked out. The woman may be small, but man, she sure can knock the wind out of you, especially with a running start. The greetings and how-d’ya-do’s continue for awhile, then Zella is dragging us around, doing more greetings, sometimes introductions.

I’ve known Zella Depp since I first came to the city. She really is a sweet girl, and that shines through her southern-girl demeanor. I swear, that girl always has a huge smile on her face, especially when she’s around her older brother. We met at Columbia during our freshman year, studying World History: Ancient Times through Renaissance. Both Zella and I were relatively new to the city (she’d visited a few times, but was still extremely timid), so we became buddies, and that’s the whole reason I’m a part of this society.

Every face I see makes me hate this even more. Walking around with Gerry, pulling on that completely fake smile, recognizing that same replica on their faces, it all makes me sad that I ever got involved with these sort of people. I really love Zella, and the rest of our tighter groups of friends, but it’s the people who would, honestly, do anything for some of my friends’ attentions that sicken me. I mean, they’re regular, ordinary people. Well, maybe not so ordinary, but they’re not so special that they need, much less want, to be fawned over and fondled. Eventually, we run into Zella’s brother, Johnny, and I breathe a sigh of relief.

These are my people.

In passing, I’ve overheard people talking about this group of us, and how utterly beautiful we are. And, I suppose I could see it. And, even when Zella’s hair isn’t momentarily red, we have three of us already: Rosalie, Anna and myself.

Even just Rosalie’s presence appears to capture everyone’s attention. She’s one of those people who just seem to command it, especially when she’s on Johnny’s arm. The two of them make Helen of Troy a Bertha Mason. Once you give her one chance to dance, there’s no stopping Rosalie Evans. And, when she opens her grey eyes, its like, for once, you can see into her soul. That’s the only time she lets her walls down: when she’s dancing. But that sort of crumbling never happens at these parties; none of that sort of dancing would be present. The sort when you can barely see her face, just her crimson hair flying in every direction. Can you say taboo?

Johnny. Oh, dear Johnny Depp. He had moved Zella up with him to New York after she’d graduated from her Louisiana high school, so she could attend Columbia while he managed his business. Their parents, before they’d passed, had been richer than God. They own something like half of Texas, and even more little patches around the country, and the world. I think it’s an oil rigging company.

Looking around, I see Anna, in all her eminent elegance, chatting with Viggo. They’re our resident artistes. He’s a renowned painter, and she, though not so well-known, has equal talent with her poetry. At least, that’s what he’s always telling her. They’re always pulled off to the side, talking about some stanza they just wrote or read, and even occasionally, he’s asking her about the profits he could get off a certain masterpiece (Anna works at a Sotheby’s Auction House).

Ewan and Evelyn are talking with Zella, her big doe eyes shining like the sequins decorating her pink dress. I’m led over to the threesome by Gerry and Zella’s boyfriend, Billy. Every single time I see the two together, I have an irrepressible feeling of pure happiness for them. They’re that couple that you see, think that they fit perfectly, and see that they’re so cute you want to puke, but could never.

Yes, I suppose I should thank Eve for making me come again. But, I would never want to inflate her ego…

Squeeee, an update!!
Now, call me dumb, but I didn't know I was in this, not at all. :blush:
I grinned and screeched at the whole 'Zella Depp' and her brother... mmm... she always gets the best siblings!

And, the descriptions of all charaters compared to Sam's feelings... Whoa.

I'd like to say more but my sis is demanding the computer like NOW.

I'm so happy you posted, Red!

Ooh, update, and OOH, I'm a character!! lol Thanks so much, champ! *hugs*

Great chapter Sammi-Bear!! Methinks that out of these formal surroundings, that little group could cause a LOT of chaos!! lol And you introduced some more great characters too! :)

Oooooh! Most excellent update my dear.

Hm..I find it intriguing the way Sam hates all the fakeness and fawning that goes on in large scale outtings like the one they are at.

At least she has her friends.

Yay for meeting new characters!

I don't know what it was about this chapter but I really liked it. Your descriptions were flowing and beautiful and just, well, it kind of made me envious.

Anyway, I am really intrigued to see where this story is going. -_-

*dances* New chapter glee!

Oh, I loved this...still digging the way Sam is so reluctant to enter the world of Hollywood and all the 'fakeness' that it entails.

This made me laugh so hard! hahaha, when Zella's hair isn't momentarily red... :laugh: Sorry, still giggling!

Describing eyes shining like sequins is the best idea I ever heard in my whole life! :getdown: I LOVED that line! And, sequins decorating a pink dress...well, I think we all know what my thoughts on that are. :yes:

I love love love it!

Okay, so I think it's time for me to reply to this, considering how I read it a few days ago and did nothing then. So...

Squee! New chapter! *does new chapter dance* pulpfiction
I like the way you described everyone without it seeming like a list of characters that just happen to be in the story. Way to go! :hug:
I can't wait to see where this is going!

:kiss2:
-Feebs

Okay, I come bearing not story but... BANNERS (however poorly made)!!! Yay! :yes:

These are only a couple of the few girls I'm borrowing, but here they are. There will be more to come as I introduce the characters, and finally unscramble the ideas I've got all conjungled.


(Okay, so does Billy ever actually smile in pictures? <_< What the heck?)






I will try my best to introduce more characters in more chapters and bring along more banners. :bye:

:heartbeat:
Samma

Ooh, they're pretty! Look down!!!!! Thanks champ *hugs*

Pffffttttt! You consider those poorly made?! I think they are outstanding. I love the polaroid picture effect. So cool.

*sighs* Someday. OH yes, someday I shall conquer Photoshop and become a banner guru.

I am super excited for more story (hint, hint) and more banners as characters are introduced.

Weeeeeee! comeon

I lovva lovva lovva it! *puts it up*

You picked my second fave natalie picture lol.

:heartbeat: Pat

Oh, love the banners, Sam! The photograph effect is kick ass! And, yes, my Billy boy does smile in pictures...just ask me next time you need one. Lord knows I have an excess. pulpfiction

Maeve


Anna


Here's a new chapter finally!!!

----------

Chapter Three

A while later, we were – yes, all eleven of us – seated around this relatively large table. Automatically, I thought of King Arthur, which led me to think of beautiful, dark men in the medieval times, which led me into a giddy mood. Topped with alcohol, there was nothing left to do, but try to convince at least one person to dance with me.

“Zelllaaa,” I whined into her ear. Fortunately, she’d swallowed her mouthful of wine mere seconds before my spasm, “Come dance with me.” I flashed her the sweetest smile I could muster, which really isn’t much to tell you the truth.

And she got that look on her face. Like a little kid trying not to admit he wants a cookie. Hello, any lucid child not want a cookie? Zella not want to dance? Well, I’ve got three words for you, buster: in your dreams. Her eyes darted from me, to the drink, to Billy on her other side, and back to me, before the smile glowing in her eyes spread throughout her whole face.

And so we danced. We didn’t really know what the hell we were doing, but we didn’t really care. These people only see us seldom, and it just needed to get out of our system. Well, at least mine, I didn’t really know about little Miss Depp. But I guess I’d momentarily forgotten where I was, and got bored with the waltzes and such. I don’t know, there’s just this thing I have about dancing in the dark, or even in the privacy of my home. There I can just go crazy and have no qualms of how others are perceiving me. I could go crazy and nobody would notice, much less care. These fancy parties afford no such luxuries.

By the time I’d walked off, Johnny had joined Zella, so she wasn’t left at all out of sorts. Au contrair! I think she was completely content with her dancing partner. The two of them have such an amazing relationship. They are truly each other’s best friends, except their lovers of course. They pretty much know everything about each other, but like I implied earlier, I wouldn’t want to know about my brother’s sex life, so I would hope that’s left out of their chats.

Eleven – nine without the Depps – were seated around the table, and so there was bound to be an excessive amount of noise. The laughter was there, but the volume of it slightly diminished since Maeve was MIA. Sean, her husband, had informed us that she was visiting her brother’s newest addition to the family, her new niece. That was some bittersweet news. Of course, I was happy for Maeve (the woman will do anything to hold a baby), but I really had been looking forward to seeing her. There’s something about her smile, which is never absent, that just makes everyone else surrounding her happy. I suppose that’s one of the reasons that she’s Mrs. Bean now.

Conversation went on for another twenty minutes before the ever-twitchy Bill shuffled off to the dance floor and asked the dancers back to the table. Zella returned glowing like an angel, surrounded by the two most important men in her life. Billy was kind of lagging behind, looking extremely out of sorts.

“Hey, Evelyn,” I turned to her, “Is it just me or does Billy need Riddlin or something?”

“Yeah, he is looking pretty twitchy, huh?”

We didn’t get much of a chance to discuss Billy’s odd behavior. And, just as Evelyn whispered into my ear, “I think he’s going to-,” he was on one knee in front of dear Zella, and Evelyn faintly finished her thought without so much alacrity, “propose.”

And he did. He was a stuttering mess, but finally he spit it out, “Zella, my love. Will you marry me?”

Billy looked so hopeful, like a young child sitting on Santa’s lap at those events at the neighborhood mall. Johnny’s face was beaming with pride, as was Rosalie. Evelyn was wide-eyed with complete delight, with the exception of the pause she took to smack Gerry’s arm when he muttered something about “another one succumbed.” Anna and Viggo sat there expectant.

And Zella just sat there. After a few seconds, which must have seemed like a few lifetimes, Billy started to get worried. But Zella just sat there, looking like a deer stuck in headlights with her eyes widened with what looked like shock.

SAY YES DAMMIT!

ehem...nice chappie!

*runs away*

:heartbeat: Pat

SAY YES YOU MORON!!!!!

*ahem* Sorry. Oh dude, there's gonna be so much drama if she doesn't say yes. DO IT, you know you wanna...

Great chap luv! :)

Oh, Sam, is that the way to finish a chapter??
I mean... it was all going perfect. A llovely ban (ehm, sorry, but I just LOVe it!), the introduction, or mention, of Maeve (yay for Sean, sistah!), and the girls dancing... plus I loved the reference of Zella with Johnny and Billy, aka the two most important men of her life. (I am sure the real Am would not mind it, at all!), and hen... then, you leave us hanging like that!!

No, no, I forbid thou!

:bat:

:eek:

Samma!!!!!!!!!!!

You get yourself back in here, right this instant!

Of all the evil cliffies....I didn't know you had it in you!

(actually I am quite proud and loving this evil cliffy) ;-)

But, seriously, that was so awesome! I loved the whole part about dancing by yourself and acting all crazy when you're on your own in your apartment or home. So fun!

Awww! That made me smile so big! It was adorable. :wub: I love that she has such a close relationship with her brother.

eee! Everyone's reactions are awesome! I especially like Gerry's. :laugh:

I really loved this....mainly because I think I might do something similar if a situation like that happened in front of all my friends and closest family. That's a lot of pressure for a girl! ^_^

So good, but now we must know what her answer is! Post more soon!

Hehehe. I had the feeling that wouldn't boil over very well. :lalala: So, I come bearing another pretty (I hope) little chapter.

I didn't think I did either! ^_^

---------------
Chapter Four

“What the hell was that?” Gerry asked as he stormed into my apartment. No, it was more of a yell than a question to tell you the truth.

I sighed before turning around and making sure my door’s locks were all secure. We did live in New York freakin’ City after all, you can definitely never be too careful here.

“I mean, what was she thinking, Sam?” he stormed over to the kitchen, where I was getting out a beer for him and wine cooler for me. He grabbed the beer and somehow popped the top with his belt. I never did understand that. “The guy was on his knees in front of her.”

“Actually, Gerr, it was one knee,” I quipped, trying to lighten his mood a bit.

“Okay, one knee. Big deal. Maybe thats even worse, easier to lose your balance. What could have—I don’t get it. They were, they are totally, completely in love. You know how it looked, like it was just nauseating to see them crooning together.”

“Yes, I know, Gerry.”

“They looked perfect together. Everyone thought they belonged together. And he effing proposes to her, putting himself on display and she justs sits there. How could she just sit there, Sam? And then, to refuse him? How could someone do that to anyone? I just, don’t get it,” finally, he took a pause – thank God – to take a generous sip from the beer bottle. I shyly downed the few bits left at the bottom of mine and frowned. This shit was not going to boil over well.

“Could you let Chico in please?” I asked him with a double motive. Obviously, I wanted my dog to not freeze on my apartment balcony in the cold December air, but I was practically starving for a change of subject. When Gerry gets angry, its pretty scary. His accent gets even more warped (some people get turned on by it actually), and his eyes get so intense and passionate that I involuntarily step back and try to think of how I could convince him to calm down and take a breath.

Thankfully, we have Chico to distract us. Or so I thought. I struggled to confine my annoyance to a simple rolling of the eyes when he bent down to the canine’s level and started questioning him.

“Chico, what do you think? Do you think she realized how much she ruined him with this public humiliation?” The dog kinda looked at him with a ‘what the hell are you talking about’ glance, which made me laugh.

“Oh, Chico-baby. Is Gerard scaring you?” I picked him up and waddled over to the olive armchair I kept by the fireplace (Chico hasn’t been a puppy for a long time, but I just can’t kick the habit of treating him like one.)

“Wait, Sam. What d’you think? You haven’t said anything yet. Its just been me talking.”

“Don’t you mean ranting and raving and yelling?” I asked, raising an eyebrow, or maybe it was two considering I cannot do that whole one eyebrow up thing.

“Really, Sam...”

“You don’t want to know what I think, Gerr.”

“Well, I’m going to hear about it anyway, aren’t I?”

“For all you know I could just keep it in and not tell you.”

“All for what? Blowing up at me for nothing a few months from now?”

I glared, “Fine. But tend the fire first.”

He rolled his eyes, but he obeyed nonetheless, tending my fire while I tended to Chico.

“So two people fall in love, right?” I started off slowly. Maybe it was to postpone the inevitable, or maybe I was still trying to decide what I really thought. “And they are in that real love, that ridiculous, inconvienent, consuming, can’t-live-without-each-other love, that you see in the movies, and you hate and love them the same for it. And noone would ever think that anything’s wrong with it, even though the girl’s a very private person when it comes to feelings buried that deep down, so noone would have even thought of it.

“Then at a public party, this very private girl’s boyfriend grabs the attention of at least the other nine friends at their table plus whoever else is nosy enough to stick their noses around it by dropping to one knee at her side and proposing. What do you think was running through her mind at that point, Gerry?

“Oh surely it was about how excited she was to be able to ruin a man she’s spent a good part of her life with, with public humiliation. Think before you accuse our friends, Gerr. He may be close to you and obviously in shock, but so is she. And do you think she’s sitting there now, proud of the fact that she froze? She’s not the type to do well under all that pressure, with everyone watching her and expecting her decision to be yes.”

Gerry sat there, looking sort of morose. Leave it to him to be completely irrational and assume that everything is this way and no way could this person even think of anyone else and blah de dah. And, of course, leave it to me to think everything through to the most miniscule point and decide where to go from there.

“So what are we supposed to do, Sammy?”

“Nothing. This is all on Zell and Billy now,” I replied sadly. More than anything, I wished that any of us could help Zella at this point, but in the end it’d be completely up to her. After all it is her life.

A few minutes of brooding later, I failed to suppress a little chuckle.

“What the hell could you possibly be laughing about?” He probably thought I had been giggling at the dog in my lap, since it happened often.

But, no, “Maeve wasn’t here to witness this grand event, Gerr. She’s going to kill us.”

I said NO!

I mean, uh, Zella said no......well, can't say I wouldn't do the same. Geez, he should have known that was a private moment! What's the matter with that man??? Now, I'm all nervous.

But, angry Gerry...uh, yeah, I'm one of the ones who thinks that is sexy. pulpfiction