Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

Fan Fiction

Title: Love is paradise
(Love has dropped by)
Author: Trang Le Thu
Genre: Romance
Started: 21. December 2001

© Trang Le Thu 2001
Disclaimer: This story is a purely fiction. Nothing here is true!! All Hawaii descriptions come from the internet and guide books.

PART 10

Hey again, well 61% of you don't want Paddy to tell the truth to Agnes, but she must find out somehow, right?

She did not just kiss Paddy. She did not just go against everything she had convinced herself into believing this past week. He was no good. He was an evil. He was an egotistical ladies' man with no respect for women. 
He was a childish boy. Yet at the same time, he was so gentle, so persuasive. He was even able to make her laugh with his sick sense of humor.
She had to stop justifying her reckless behavior because there was no justifiable excuse. She had a boyfriend. Even if she didn't love him, she still owed him her loyalty and faithfulness. How could she cheat on him? And with someone like Paddy??

She shuddered at the thought, but instead of being a shudder of repulsion, it somehow sent a tingly feeling throughout her whole body. Her lips were still warmed by the memory of his kisses. Tears blurred her vision as she stumbled down the beach and she angrily swiped them away. She wasn't supposed to fall for him. She wasn't supposed to add her name to his boastful list of cheap conquests just to have him break her heart in the end. She was supposed to be stronger than that.
Agnes thought she heard someone calling her name in the distance but she was too preoccupied in cursing out Paddy for being so charming and cursing herself out for being weak that she didn't pay any attention. She just kept on walking, trying to get as far away from the party and Paddy as quickly as possible.
Soon, she began cursing Scott out as well. If he had been around more, then she wouldn't have strayed… or even been the least bit tempted to… cheat on him.
'Cheat' She grimaced at that word. It sounded so cruel and despicable.
He would be devastated if he ever found out. How could she even begin to make it up to him?
Then suddenly she knew. Her heart sank into the pit of her stomach, but she knew it was time. It was the only thing he kept asking of her and in a way, it would serve two purposes. It would be her act of repentance to make up for her deadly mistake, and it would also strengthen her relationship with him, hopefully making Paddy and his kiss nothing but a distant memory.
Agnes wiped her eyes again and she couldn't help but shiver at the thought. She was terribly frightened and unsure, but she had no other choice. It had to be done. She owed Scott now and there was no easy way out.

Her knees weakened at the thought and she would have stumbled to the sand if Paddy hadn't grabbed her hand from behind.
"Whoa. You can't run away from me that easily."
"Paddy, please just go away" she pleaded desperately, her voice shaking.
She continued walking because she was too afraid to turn around and look at him.
"What just happened back there?" he asked softly, ignoring her request and following close behind.
"Nothing" Agnes answered quickly. "It was nothing at all. We're just drunk."
Paddy let out a little laugh of amusement.
"Nice try. I had a light beer and you had… I don't know what you had but I know you didn't finish it."
Agnes didn't respond. She began to panic at Paddy's persistence so her hasty gait broke into a jog which then immediately transformed into a run.
"Don't make me chase you!" Paddy threatened as he followed at her heels, laughing to himself at the slightly humorous scene. "Or I may just have to tackle you down!!!"
He grabbed her waist and despite her squirming attempts to break free, he turned her around to face him. His smile faded, however, when he saw a flicker of tears in her eyes.
"What's wrong?"
Agnes stubbornly swiped the back of her hand across her eyes.
"Nothing's wrong" she retorted indignantly as she pried his fingers off of her.
"You've fallen for me" he whispered, the revelation sending a thrill of exhilaration down his spine.
"Fallen for you!?!?! Get real, Paddy!"
"You have!" he repeated again, hoping the more he said it, the more real it would seem. "You're just too damn proud and too scared to admit it."
"I wouldn't fall for you if you were the last… Thing of the earth!"
"Well, that's an original pay-back" he mocked with laughing eyes.
Agnes's cheeks burned with a mixture of humiliation and anger.
"You're the most arrogant, brutal, annoying, egotistical, thick-headed, stubborn, immature little brat! I wouldn't fall for you if my life depended on it!"
"Anything else you'd like to add to that lovely list?" Paddy asked, still smiling in amusement.
"And you're the world's biggest sleaze for putting the moves on another guy's girlfriend! But then, why am I not surprised?"
"You're beautiful when you're angry" he murmured as he took a step closer to her, negating the distance between them.
Agnes held her hand up to his chest to stop him.
"Don't you dare come any closer."
"Why?" Paddy challenged, playing along with her.
"Why?" Agnes's voice came out small and unsteady. "Because… I'll have you arrested for harassment, that's why."
Paddy gazed at her delicate lips as he tucked a strand of windblown hair behind her ear.
"Would you really?"
Agnes's hand whipped up to push his away again.
"I'm warning you Paddy" she said, her voice a little stronger now. "Step away."
"You're free to walk away, but I don't see you moving, either."
"Because I ordered you to, and I expect you to respect my wishes."
"Well, too bad. I'm not backing down." Paddy shrugged.
"Why must everything be a game to you?" Agnes asked angrily.
"Because you always win, but not this time. I won't let you."
Agnes put her hands on her hips and stared up at him defiantly.
"Well I'm not backing down either."
"Fine."
They stood face to face like two young children engrossed in a staring contest, both too proud to lose. Agnes's eyes were narrowed in contempt while Paddy's twinkled with delight. It was obvious from her defensive words and actions that she was trying so hard to fight off something which had a power and mind of it's own, her heart.
Paddy knew this because he was experiencing the exact same thing, although he wasn't fighting it anymore. His emotions had kicked into overdrive and even though he didn't understand how or why, he was passively allowing those emotions to take control and lead him to wherever they desired.
Agnes soon began to feel dizzy under Paddy's hypnotizing gaze as memories of his kiss continued to flood her mind, making her nauseous.
"What do you want?" she asked hoarsely, finally breaking the heavy silence.
"You" he said without hesitation, pulling her close.
"Let me go Paddy" she protested as she looked up at him in defiance. His eyes were so intense, so suddenly focused on her.
He could feel her trembling now, and she'd gone pale. But he knew it wasn't from fear.
"Your heart's pounding, Agnes. I can practically hear it."
"I said…"
Paddy leaned forward, caught her bottom lip lightly between his teeth and watched her eyes closed.
"Go ahead" he challenged against her mouth. "Say it again."
But he didn't give her the chance. Instead, he lowered his mouth to hers once again, kissing her softly. She returned the kiss with incredible sweetness as her hands slid up his chest and linked behind his head. His heart skipped a beat at her touch, and he changed the kiss from innocent to hungry as he tugged her lips apart with his teeth, slipping his tongue into her mouth to taste.
Agnes felt herself falling. She was losing herself in the sensation of Paddy's kisses, dangerously approaching a point of no return. She hadn't known she could feel like this. So hungry and out of control. She didn't want to think. Not when her body was so intensely alive and every nerve in it on shivering edge. But she had to.
"Stop" she ordered breathlessly and unwillingly pulled back from his strong embrace.
She walked away from him and took a seat in the sand, hugging her knees to her chest. Paddy followed close behind, his heart pounding in his chest from the overwhelming desire which had just possessed him. He sat down beside Agnes, and watched as she sadly stared across the moonlit ocean through tear stained eyes.
"You're crying again" he observed sadly, reaching for her hand. "What's wrong?"
"Everything." Agnes withdrew her hand out of his reach.
"To be honest, what just happened between us never felt so right."
"I have a boyfriend" she reminded him coolly.
"If he was really that important to you, none of this would have ever happened."
"That's not true. I'm just overly emotional. My life is falling apart in front of my eyes and I don't know what to do about it."
"Talk to me please?" Paddy pleaded.
"There's nothing to talk about."
"I want to know what's been bothering you all week."
"It's too complicated."
"Agnes, Please?" Paddy begged again and reached for her hand a second time. 
This time she did not pull away. He gently laced his fingers through hers and looked into her sad eyes in the moonlight, wishing desperately he could magically make all her fears and worries disappear.

Agnes looked down at their entwined hands and then at Paddy's concerned expression and for the first time in months, felt like someone really cared about her.
"My relationship with Scott has sort of reached a dead end" she admitted quietly. "There's no more passion anymore. It's just as if he's playing the role of boyfriend, going through all the motions like a robot, but he's not really happy. And… neither am I. His job takes up all of his time. It's become such a major part of his life that he's had to throw me on the back burner because of it. I've been dying to talk to him for the longest time, but he just doesn't have the time to listen…" She trailed off abruptly, debating whether or not to continue pouring her heart out to Paddy.
"Well, I'm listening to you, Agnes" he said sincerely. "Let it all out. You'll feel better."
Agnes didn't respond right away. She stared blankly out across the dark ocean, listening to the sound of the waves lapping peacefully against the shore. They had walked quite a few yards away from the party, but the music was still audible though distant.

She slipped her hand out of his and pulled her windblown hair off her face.
"I'm terrified of med school" she blurted out.
"Why?" 
"There's so many reasons…"
"Like?"
"Like what if I don't have what it takes? Everyone there will be just as smart, if not smarter than me. I'll no longer be at the top of the class. What if I can't handle the hard core studying? How in the world is it possible to remember so much stuff in so little time? What if after four years I realize being a doctor is not what I want after all? All that time and money wasted… What if…"
"What if you end up having the time of your life?" Paddy asked quietly.
Agnes turned to look at him and he was smiling innocently like a little boy, his eyes shining.
"How do you do it?" she marveled quietly, mesmerized by his attitude.
"Do what?"
"Live with such passionate optimism all the time?"
"I don't know… I just love life I guess… trying to make the most out of it. There's so much I'm thankful for. I count my blessings everyday."
"Is this the real Paddy Kelly I'm talking to?" she joked, finding it hard to believe he was so much more grounded than she ever gave him credit for.
Paddy smiled shyly and looked away, embarrassed.
"Ok. So I have a soft side. I admit it." He returned his gaze to Agnes and scowled playfully. "We were talking about you until you slickly changed the subject. Why can't you be optimistic too?"
"Because I've been screwed over too many times in the past" she replied distantly. "I've learned its better not to get your hopes up about anything, because disappointment hurts like hell."
"Disappointment is a part of life. Without it, how would we appreciate all the highs?"
When Agnes didn't respond, Paddy took her hand again and rested it against her heart.
"You're gonna love med school" he reassured her confidently "because you'll be following a dream from deep down in here." He patted her hand lightly against her chest. "With determination that strong, you can overcome any obstacle."
Agnes looked deep into his warm, caring eyes, hardly recognizing the boy sitting beside her. How could someone as young and reckless as he be so wise? How could someone so crude be so compassionate? How could she convert from despising him not even 7 days ago to gaining strength just by having him sit beside her, holding her hand? It was all too surreal and highly irrational. And on top of it all, she had a boyfriend.
With that guilty reminder, she stood up abruptly, brushing sand from her skirt.
"I have to go" she mumbled quietly.
"Please don't" Paddy pleaded as he jumped up to stop her.
Agnes paused briefly and regarded him warily.
"I don't know what happened between us tonight, Paddy. All I know is that I'm confused and emotional and… I just don't trust myself with you."
That last revelation came out in a barely audible whisper for Agnes was too frightened to admit it.
"Fine. Maybe we are a little overly emotional right now" Paddy agreed reluctantly, his heart still racing at the implications behind her words. "Come sailing with me tomorrow then. I just want to spend time with you Agnes. So badly."
"Scott and I are going on a tour. He switched his day shift to a night one."
Scott. Just the sound of his name disgusted Paddy. That conversation he had overheard in the strip club disturbed him more every day. He was well aware of the power he possessed, the power to destroy his competition with just one bold but true accusation. It would be so simple. But he bit his tongue.
"Have dinner with me then."
Agnes shook her head and was about to protest when Paddy stepped up to her and placed a finger over her lips to silence her.
"I won't take no for an answer" he murmured, gracing her with one last lingering kiss.
She didn't want to walk away. Her heart was screaming with desire to stay there beside Paddy under the moonlight. But her mind kept guiltily reminding her of her boyfriend who was probably pacing the empty hotel suite at that very moment.
"Goodnight Paddy" she whispered, finally tearing her eyes away from his mesmerizing gaze. Turning, she hurried up the beach in a mixture of both relief and disappointment, trying to ignore the inexplicable longing in her heart.
"Goodnight Agnes" Paddy answered quietly as he watched her slender figure disappear into the darkness.

'It was just physical.' that was what Agnes tried to convince herself as she took the long way back to the hotel. She wasn't ready to face Scott just yet. She needed to compose herself, her trembling body, her restless heart and her clouded mind. Paddy Kelly was considered to be a god to the world's female population. That baby face, those killer blue eyes, irresistible long hair and a body to die for… She trembled again, remembering the feel of his hard, demanding mouth and how perfectly his body had molded to hers as they had danced. Completely physical.
Any other girl in her position would have done the exact same thing. 
But then there was the way he had sat beside her, holding her hand, listening so intently as she poured her heart out in distress. His empathy and concern touched her even deeper than his deepest kiss. He let down his egotistical front and revealed a side of him which Agnes would have never believed existed. It was that side of him which would have drawn Agnes dangerously closer if she hadn't walked away when she did. For it made him much more human… and so… appealing. And that was more than just physical, sexual attraction. That was emotional attraction as well.

Agnes became dizzy at that thought and had to sit down on the curb for a second to steady herself. It couldn't be possible. Her?? Emotionally attached to Paddy Kelly? How?? When she had fought so hard all week to shut him out… But damn it, somehow he had gotten through. She wasn't as strong as she thought. He broke through her defenses knowing exactly all the right buttons to push. He was right, she had fallen for him.

She had desire to turn around and return to him, and to spend the rest of the night there on the beach in his arms… It was so tempting… But so completely irrational as well. Forcing herself up again, guilt willed her body to move forward instead of backward. She had a caring boyfriend waiting at home who was probably worrying sick about her.

'You won the bet, Kelly. Just like Jimmy said, you're $500 richer. 
You conquered the unconquerable when everyone was convinced you would fail.' He thought.
Now that he had reached the culmination of the bet, he was supposed to pat himself on the back, pick up his things and move on to his next lucky conquest, never looking back. But instead of feeling a sense of proud accomplishment, Paddy felt an emptiness inside which he couldn't quite explain. What had Agnes done to affect him so? And why was it so hard for him to move on?
He closed his eyes and could still feel the butterflies in his stomach as he remembered her kiss. She was definitely something special. And he wanted to be with her. He wanted to be with only her and nobody else.

Agnes woke up early the next morning and decided to go for a run before Scott woke up. She was hoping the time alone would help clear her head. When she got home last night, Scott had been sound asleep and didn't even hear her come in. He must not have been as worried about her as she had thought.
She had been unable to sleep at all last night, for her mind and her heart were both in shambles. She had lain awake for the longest time, staring up at the ceiling, more confused than she had ever been in her whole life. 
She bent down to tie her sneakers as she waited for the elevator, and her heart skipped a beat when the door to the guys suite opened and she heard them clamoring down the hall. She wasn't ready to face Paddy just yet, let alone his four brothers. But from the sound of their conversation, Paddy wasn't with them.
"I can't believe you didn't let me wake him."
"I'm in no rush to give him his money, thank you very much. Besides, did you see what time he came home? Let him sleep."
"Do you think he was with her the whole time?"
"Who cares? He got the kiss and you all witnessed it, so you've gotta pay up, big time."
"I thought you didn't approve of this bet."
"I don't. And I still don't, but it just amazes me that he was able to pull it off."
"He'd do anything when that much money is at stake."
"Correction, any girl would do anything when he is involved."
When they turned the corner and saw Agnes waiting for the elevator, they stopped dead in their tracks, eyes wide with shock. They knew she had heard their whole conversation, for the hurt in her eyes was unmistakable.
"I was a bet?" Agnes asked quietly, her voice shaking. 
Nobody responded. They didn't know what to say. They stared at her sympathetically, silenced by shame.
"I should have known." She threw her head back and laughed bitterly. "God I should have known."
She pushed past them, suddenly feeling sick to her stomach.
Jimmy held out a hand to stop her.
"Agnes wait. It's not what you think."
"Don't patronize me, Jimmy" Agnes said sharply, turning on her heels. "I've been humiliated enough, don't you think?" Then she mumbled "I'll take the stairs" and stormed through the door to the stairwell.
Angry tears stung her eyes as she cursed herself for being so foolish, so naive. For one brief moment last night, she had actually believed that Paddy had fallen for her. Paddy Kelly. Of all people. How could she have been so stupid? He hadn't changed one bit. It was all an act. He was still the arrogant, egotistical womanizer he was the day she had first met him. But this time, she had been the unlucky victim, instead of some innocent prepubescent teenybopper.

She didn't know if she was more upset with him for using her or with herself for falling prey to his rureless scheming and lies. She was supposed to be stronger than that. When she got to the landing one floor below, her anger was suddenly overcome by a wave of disappointment. She collapsed against the wall and slid down, burying her face in her hands. Angry tears gave way to heartbreaking ones.
Nothing Paddy said or did last night had been real. It was only an act. His caring support, his kind words, his gentle kisses… it all meant absolutely nothing to him. In fact, the whole week had been one big lie. The only reason he had pursued her so intensely was not because he had fallen for her, but because he needed to prove himself to the guys. It all made sense now. But he had been so convincing… and so caring. She had blindly fallen for him and now he had broken her heart just like every other poor girl who happened to cross his path. Now she was no different than the rest of his so called 'conquests'. And that made her more naive and more foolish than even his youngest fan. The thoughts made her nauseous.

Wiping her eyes, she returned to her feet, angry once again for being duped by a pop star. She pushed her way through the door and continued downstairs. The next time she saw Paddy, she was going to give him a piece of her mind. And then she was going to return to her normal life in Bonn and force him and this nightmare of a vacation out of her mind for good. 

The day spent sightseeing with Scott would have been a lot more fun if Agnes hadn't been so distracted. They hiked up to the volcano again, went shopping, sailing, and ate lunch at a small café by the water. It was their last day on the island and Agnes felt guilty for not enjoying herself the way she should have, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get the boy off her mind. A part of her was hoping she would leave tomorrow without seeing him again before that. But another part of her felt this inexplicable need to confront him. All she wanted to know was why. Why did he choose her? And why did he make playing with other's hearts a sick hobby with which to pass the time?
When they returned to the hotel, Scott surprised her with dinner reservations, explaining he convinced his boss to let him return to work a few hours later than expected. So they showered, changed and rushed right back out again. 
All throughout dinner, Agnes was debating whether or not to tell Scott she had been unfaithful. They had always been so honest and open with each other, and it was killing her to keep such a secret from him, for she knew the longer she waited to tell him, the harder it would be on both of them. 
But she wasn't strong enough to face the truth just yet. 
Maybe she was just a coward. Or maybe she was afraid of the truth itself, because she knew deep down that she had fallen for Paddy a lot harder than she liked to admit.

After dinner, Scott dropped her off at the hotel and continued on to the office to complete his last night shift. As she passed the front desk, the clerk called her over and handed her a message. Agnes slowly opened the small piece of paper, already knowing who it would be from.
It read:
You have every right to be mad, but I need to explain. I'm by the pool. Please just hear me out.
Paddy

Agnes absently twirled the paper around in her hands, frozen in indecision. This was her chance to confront him like she had wanted to. 
But her heart was pounding in her chest at the thought of seeing him again for one last time. She didn't think she was strong enough.

I promised to give you a week to vote, but some of you are so impatient. I got some emails and ICQ messages asking for quick updating. So... I think the result of voting wouldn't change at the end of the week. After 4 days of voting 95% of you decided that Agnes should meet Paddy, only 5% (it's me :)) voted for 'No' :). Ok, I shut up right now! Here goes the story.

{ PART 11 }