Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

Fan Fiction

 Title: True love
Author: Trang
Genre: Romance/Drama/Humour
Started: 29. July 2001
Finished: 06. November 2001

CHAPTER 4 - Love letters

*Knock knock*
Marie heard knocking, she woke up. She looked around, but Paddy wasn't there.
"Where are you?" she asked.
*Knock knock*
Marie hurried to the door. She opened the door and there stood Paddy with a single white rose. He looked terribly dashing, with his hair neatly combed and his sleek leather jacket. He was wearing those sexy glasses that complimented his perfectly brown eyes.
"Hey, beautiful" he greeted Marie with open arms.
"Evening, handsome" she replied, hugging him. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed his sweet lips with love.
"For you, my dearest" he announced, handing her the rose.
"My favorite" she exclaimed, taking it. She quickly put it in a vase and put some water in it, changed herself and then they made their way out of the building.
"Reservations for Kelly?" Paddy said to the person at the front of the exclusive French restaurant. It was beautifully decorated, very elegant.
"Of course, Mr. Kelly" the man replied, leading the way to a booth next to a beautiful fountain overflowing with crystal clear water. Marie gasped.
"Paddy, how did you get reservations here?" she questioned, in awe of her surroundings.
"Pulled a few strings… they tend to welcome celebrities. Good publicity, you know. Speaking of which" Paddy started to say when suddenly he plastered on a fake smile as a camera went off. Marie blinked and recovered from the flash bulb.
"Thanks for the warning" she said, rubbing her eyes.
"Don't mention it."
They looked at the waiter who approached the table.
"Are you ready to order?" the waiter asked.
"Yes, garcon. I believe I'll have the…" Paddy trailed off. Marie drowned out the conversation and stared into space.
"And for your lady friend?" asked the waiter.
"Oh… I'll have water and a small salad… with French dressing. On the side, please" she ordered quietly.
"Marie. Come on now. This is a nice, expensive restaurant. I'm sparing no expense for you here. Don't be meek about ordering costly food" Paddy objected. He leaned forward and assured her quietly "I've got the money to spare."
"I know, Paddy. I'm just not hungry. Are you saying you'd rather spend money than save it?" she asked, trying to change the subject.
"I'd rather see you eat!" he exclaimed.
"I'm full from lunch!" she argued "… and the after lunch meal."
"Marie, please! For my sake, eat something. Put some skin on your bones, you're starting to look too thin. Stop this crazy diet of yours!"
"I'm not on a diet, Patrick! Can't I just not be hungry?"
"You're not hungry every day!" He stopped arguing and sighed, taking her hand from across the table. "I'm just worried about you, that's all" he explained to her.
"You have no reason to be worried" she assured him with an unconvincing look in her eyes.
Marie bit his bottom lip and studied her face. It had gotten so thin the past few weeks. The color was nearly gone. Her cheek bones were beginning to slightly protrude through her pale skin.
"If you say so" he replied worriedly.
They ate dinner... Marie picked at her food and maybe put one piece of lettuce in her mouth. When Paddy drove back t the hotel he had a sinking feeling something was terribly wrong, but Marie insisted everything was fine. 
"Marie?" Paddy said before she closed the door.
"Yeah?"
"I really do care about you. You're beautiful. You know that, right, Marie?"
She nodded and kissed his cheek. Then she started to packed her clothes, because she will leave to Cologne next morning. Paddy gave her the keys to his apartment.
"Are you finished?" he hugged her after an hour.
"Yes, I'm exhausted."
"Come on in the bed. We still have some things to talked about."
"Like what?"
They laid next to each other. Paddy started to kiss her lips and then he buried his head on her neck.
"You are the best kisser in this world!" Marie told him.
"How do you know? Did you kiss the whole world?"
"Haha, no, but it feels so good as you do it."

*Knock Knock*
"No" Paddy yelled. "We are sleeping. Go away."
"We come to say bye to Marie." Angelo said through the door.
"Shit." Paddy didn't want to but he opened the door while Marie made nice her hair.
"Err… sorry for bothering." Maite started. "Marie, sweetie, I'm sorry that you couldn't stay longer with us." Maite and Marie hugged.
"I'm sorry too!"
"As you are back to Cologne, please, give this teddy bear to Kira from me. And tell her that I love her very much and I miss her." Angelo told her.
"Ok, Angelo! I will!"
"Have a nice flight!" Joey said.
It was a long and a sad goodbye, but finally Paddy and Marie were alone again.

"Marie, I can't imagine my life without you."
"We will see each other in four months."
"Sooner. I'm sure on our tour dates is Cologne."
"We will make it! I will wait for you."
"You are an angel!"

They went sleep in other's arm, but only for a few hours, because Marie had a plane very early.

"Bye Marie. I love you."
"I love you too. Have a nice tour and come back to me soon." She said and went to the plane.
Paddy had tears in his eyes as he watched her back. They promised each other to write mails everyday. As Paddy reached to his hotel room, immediately he took his laptop and stated to write.

Dear Marie,
Did you get back to Cologne saved? It's only a half hours without you I already miss you like crazy. I don't know how I can get over four months.
I hope you did enjoy yourself two last days with me. I didn't expect you would fly from Germany for me. I love being with you. You make me feel happiness, love care for whenever you are close to me. I was very happy as we are closer now then before and our love have growth more day by day. Likewise you said aside from game & manipulations in any relationships, and to pull towards each other that is based in the deepest of Love
its based in truth and an unconditional acceptance of one another on our fears and frustrations, and no distance can take us apart. Because our mutual growth & willingness to know each other in life moving closer to each other in this way will lead to something more real and more able… Being away from you is terrible. But hey, we still have emails and phone.
How do you like my apartment? I messed up when I left, so you need to clean up a bit.
Angelo is moved in to me again. I guess I'm not that bad company like he used to say. Maybe he even loves me.
Today we gonna have a concert, so I have to go to make a soundcheck. I'll write you later how it was.
My Most Wonderful Honey, You Are Truly My Best And I Thank You And Love You From The Bottom Of My Heart
Paddy

Two days later Paddy got an answer from Marie.

Paddy, I'm sorry, I couldn't write you back earlier since I was very busy with school. I had to make up two days off. I love your apartment as always. I love being there, because I can feel you, your smell. Thank you, darling, you made me so happy in those two days. You are everything to me. You are my world when I am down, you pick me up. Now I already an say, that you are worth the wait. I will wait for you with an open heart. I love you so much baby.
I have a little news for you. In my class is a new guy from France, Jean. He just moved in to Germany with his parents. He doesn't speak German well. He asked me to help him. And I agreed. His parents are great.
Tell me about your days. How is the tour? Where are you right now and when you will come back? I miss you.

Love ya
Marie


The same day Paddy answered.

Hi Marie,
I just want to thank you so much for writing back, coming into my life and making a huge difference to me, your love means the world to me. I never thought I would meet someone like you. I know it is hard when we are so far apart, but we are proof that a long distance relationship can work as long as you want it to. I love hearing your voice each and every day, it brightens my day no matter what. I believe you are my soulmate and you are a truly wonderful lady who deserves only good things. You are never out of my thoughts for a minute and I will be truly happy when we are back in each other's arms. I love you for being the person who you are, never change you are just terrific the way you are. I know the last few days has been hard for you, as well as me, but we are making a good fist of this relationship, and I believe everything will work out right in the end. You are the last thing I think of before I go to bed and the first thing I think of when I wake. I am so grateful to the Lord for bringing you into my life when he did. I always wanted to meet someone nice, but meeting someone as beautiful as you, it is like a dream come true. I will always love and do my best to comfort you. I'm glad that you have a new friend now. I feel calmer cause since now you have someone who takes care of you while I'm not there, someone who protects you before dangers. I regret it's not me… but it's life. Don't fall in love with him, ok? :)) Your heart belong to me, and only me!!
The tour is ok. Today I'm still in Ireland, but tomorrow I'll be in England, and later USA. I don't know for how long we will be in United States since Joey wants to do concerts in every state, but I know it's impossible.
You don't believe what happened today to me. Claudia stood under my window and yelled that she was there to see me and she loved me. As I said no to her she started to scream that we belonged together. What made me worried is her words "If I can't have you, no one can". I hope she is not in Germany now. Be careful, ok?

Write back soon
Paddy

They kept on writing each other about their lives, but those mails were rarer and rarer.

Paddy, sorry for my late answer again…
I didn't feel well lately. A few days ago I got a letter from my mother. She wrote that she is very ill. I think I have to go back to France. Actually I'm sure of it. I have already bought a ticket. I don't know if I come back again to Germany, since I don't have enough money for the back ticket. I don't know what to do… I can't leave in the middle of semester and I can't leave my mother alone. Tell me what I should do.

Always yours
Marie


Lovely Marie,
I think you should go to visit your mother. Don't worry about money, you know I can help you. I should have left you some money. Sorry. For now you can go to Gymnich and ask my father to give you some. I'll call him tonight. Don't worry about anything… I'm sure your mother will get better.

Yours
Paddy


Dear Paddy,
Thanks for your big heart. Sorry for telling this, but Jean, my friend, offered me a help. He wanted to visit France, so he asked me if he can go with me to my hometown, and when my mother get better we will come back together to Germany, and I'll pay him back when I get money. I'm so happy Paddy. Jean is a very good person, we could get along since the beginning. You would like him too. I thank god for sending such a wonderful person to my life.

With love
Marie


Marie, I'm really happy for you. Good luck in France.
I'm mad that you didn't take my offer, but his. Is there anything between you two? Don't be mad with this question, but I'm really worried about our relationship. And your refusal make me feel so sad. I know it's hard for you to live there alone, and handle your problems by yourself, but let me help you when I can do it. I wish I could be there with you. In a week I'll be back in Germany. We have some concert-dates in Cologne too. Soon, we will be together. I hope you'll be back till this time. I really miss you.

Love you always
Paddy


Two weeks later.

Paddy,
It's really sad that we couldn't meet. I have so many things to tell you. But now I must do it in a mail. I wish you were here with me so badly, but I know you can't.
First of all, my mom died. Paddy, she left me forever. Now I'm all alone. I don't have any family anymore. At her funeral was only me, Jean and a few friends. I wanted to die too. Who knows what would happen if Jean wasn't there. Now I'm back to Cologne, but I can't concentrate on study. I'm afraid I won't make it. There left only 2 months of study. I must work very hard since now.
Secondly, I'm leaving your apartment. Jessica, Jean and me rented a new apartment and we will live together. I hate coming back to an empty room, sorry. I hope you understand it. When you come back, you will get your apartment in the same state, don't worry.
Finally I wanna tell you that today Jean told me that he loves me, not like a friend, but like a woman. He also asked me to going out with him. I told him to give me some more time to talk with you about it. As we can't talk I'm writing you. I have not decided what to do yet, since I have to study. I write you this to let you know that I don't do anything behind your back nor cheat on you someway. I don't wanna any misunderstanding between us.

Marie


*Bring bring* the phone in Paddy's apartment called the same night when Paddy got the letter.
"Hallo?" Marie answered.
"Marie? It's me Paddy!"
"Hey, Paddy, how are you?"
"I'm fine, how about you?"
"Ok too. I just read your letter."
"And…?"
"I don't know what to do, nor what to think!"
"Well… tomorrow I'll move to our new place with Jean and Jessica. It's not too far from my college and very close to bus-stop…"
"You know that you can stay at mine for how long you want to. When I come back we can share it as the beginning."
"I know, but you know that I can't. Thanks for renting me it. I promise to pay you when I only get a job. I'm looking for it. Today I was in an interview and I feel positive about it. If they take me I'll be a shop assistant."
"Marie!! What are you doing? I didn't rent you this apartment. You don't need to pay nor having a job. First you have to finish the college. Don't worry about anything else. It's me to think about other stuff."
"It's my decision Paddy! I don't wanna owe anyone. You helped me too much already."
"Can't I help my girlfriend, the one that I love? Marie, don't take any job, concentrate on your study. I don't take any money from you. Let me help you!"
"You can't, it's enough."
"I love you, do you understand it?"
"Come on Paddy! There is nothing to discuss. I made the decision. Let's talk about something else. Where are you right now?"
"In Spain, we will be back to Germany in a week and the tour will be over in three weeks."
"Good! So we will see soon."
"Yes, we will. I hope it's not too late to have you back."
"Paddy, Jean and I are just friends right now, nothing more. Not in my heart."
"I'm just afraid you are falling in love with him, and you'll leave me."
"Well, I can't promise you what will happen in 3 weeks, but I don't wanna have troubles. You are there, where you are and I'm here. It's either one of us fault. Jean is here, beside me, but I promised to wait for you, so I will do till you come back."
"Ok! Thanks!… Did Claudia contact you?"
"No, I don't know where she is… Maybe she found someone…"
"She scared me. Once she even said that she will kill you."
"She is gone! Don't worry about me. I rarely spend time alone… Jean… err… I always have some company."
"Listen, I have to go right now on stage. Write me a letter, please. I love you. Never forget it. Bye sweetie."
"Bye Paddy and good luck on stage."

After talking to Paddy, Marie started to pack her stuff. Suddenly a box fall on her head. A few papers flew down. Those were Paddy's letters in this time. She grabbed the closest one. It was one of the fist letters from him. She started to it again.

My dear Marie,
Hey pretty!
Today I wanted to tell the whole world that I love you, but Angelo stopped me. I'm sick of all those questions about my private life. Since I can't tell everyone, I can tell you that you are my soul, my best friend and my partner in life. I thank God every day for you.
I know that sometimes I can make dumb decisions, and think something ridiculous, but I am learning every day with you. And I thank you so much for being there and remaining patient with me... for loving me and needing me as much as I do you. There is no other who could make me happier. You are a part of me now, and I can't wait to live the rest of my life with you. I want us to have a happy life together, with beautiful children, and lots of love to give. It is a dream that will come true.
I am sorry for making you believe that I don't trust you when you told me about your classmate, Mark. If only you knew how much I believe in you and trust in you... to me you are perfect. And will always remain that way. I love you Marie. And I always will. You have my heart and my soul. I will be yours forever and always. I have been thinking of you as usual. I love you pretty.
Yours truly,
Paddy

Marie felt as a single tear fall from her eyes. She started to consider about what she told Paddy a while ago. As she read the letter, she could feel Paddy's love around her. She could feel his passionately kisses, his touches and his smell that the troubles tried to wash away. She loved Paddy, but in the other hand, Jean, who was next to her. He gave her a shoulder to cry on when she needed. He hold her when she felt lonely. She was lost in her own thoughts and fall asleep on the floor.

Next morning she woke up with an headache and another letter from Paddy was on her hand. It wasn't a letter, but a poem.

True Love

When I think of my love for you
the wonder of its beauty takes my breath away.
I cannot recall the moment in time it began,
but only the overwhelming feeling of ecstasy it brought to me. 

For at that moment I knew happiness.
A happiness I had never known before.
For just the thought of you gave me joy beyond belief. 

The thought of being with you and being held by you was my one desire
I knew once we first met none other would ever do,
for I knew love. 

I knew love as I had never thought possible in this life time.
It is a love of passion and desire.
It is a never-ending need to you,
for you, only you. 

When I think of my love for you
I realize I now know the true meaning of love.
I will love you as long as this life endures and beyond,
for you are my dreams, my realities.
You are my heart
You are my meaning of true love.

She reminded herself of their first meet and the 'True love'. A phone call woke her up from her thoughts. It was Jean.

"Marie, hi! Is something wrong?" He asked
"Oh, shit, school… I forgot. I'm on my way."
"Wait! It's Sunday. You said that you would call me so I come to help you to move, but you never did it, so I call you."
"I had a hard night. Sorry. My stuff are ready, when you can come?"
"I'm in your door!"
Marie went to open the door to let him in.
"Sorry, wait a minute I'll be ready." She said and run to the bathroom.
In the same time Jean picked up from the floor one of letter from Paddy to Marie. He couldn't help but read it.

To My One True Love…

This letter of is to show you how much I care and appreciate you in more ways than one, you've always been there for me through good times and bad times. You always do things to make me happy, you see I'm always happy when I'm with you, you don't have to do things to make me feel good or happy because my love. I know that you are in my life is happiness enough for me. I know that you love me like crazy and I feel the same way about you, sometimes it might not seems that way but it is I do love from the bottom of my heart. You are the greatest woman I've ever met who is so fun loving, outgoing, honest, passionate, romantic, charming and fun to be with and around etc. I would never give you up for anything no matter what it is.
You are a part of me, my soulmate and sometimes I think about life with you and how would it be, and all I can see us doing is being happy and respecting each other, working hard and having fun. Many times I realize that I can't live without you in my life, I want and need you with me forever. I care so much about you and what you do.
There's nothing I wouldn't give in this world to be with you right now, to be there for you when you need me. You deserve it and more as I always say, you are wonderful and loving. And that's why I love you so much.

Your sweetheart
Paddy

"Jean!" came out and saw him sitting there like a monument.
"Err… yes… are you ready?" he turned to her.
"Let's go. Here are the boxes." She pointed on cartons with her stuff.
Jean brought her boxes to his car and drove along to their new house.

In the car.
"Marie, I think you should stay in Paddy's." Jean started.
"What are you saying?"
"This apartment is much better than ours. And I'm sure he wants you to stay."
"Last night he called me. He said that I can stay there as long as I want to. But I can't use him anymore. I have learnt that you can't have anything for free. If someone give you something for free, then something is wrong with it. I'm not saying that Paddy wants something from me fro his help, but I don't feel well with it. Besides I'm still young and I want to be free."
"I understand you… Do you love him?"
Marie didn't answer but looked towards.
"Do you love him?" he asked again.
"I can't answer to this question right now. I don't know if it's love that I feel for him. I've never been in love before and I don't know what the love is." She said quietly.

A few days later was Marie's birthday. The was a little party for three in her new flat.
'Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Marie, happy birthday to you…' Jessica and Jean sang for Marie, as Jess brought in a birthday cake.
"Marie, make a wish and blow candles!"
Marie did as she was told to.

*ding dong* the door called.
Jessica open the door, but no one was there. But in the doormat she found a big teddy bear and a letter to Marie.
"Marie, come here. Look, it's for you!" Yelled Jessica.
"From who?" Marie asked.
"I don't know. Nobody is here!"
"What is that?" Jean wondered.
"Look at the card Marie!"
It said: "True love is a wonder that has no end or beginning."
"Well? Who is he?" Jessica was curious.
"He is an gorgeous man!" Marie answered with a smile.
As they closed the door, someone press the doorbell again. This time in the mat was a single red rose with a card "True love is like ghosts, which everyone talks about but few have seen. I'm lucky to find you!"
Marie came to the corridor and yelled.
"Who is there! Come out!!"
But nobody showed up.
"Who can do this?"
"I don't know. It could be Paddy, but he is in Holland right now and I don't think he remembers about my birthday." She said.

The same way came another letter. This time it said:
Hun... I love you with all my heart and soul. Being in your arms is the only place I wish to be. I want to feel your lips on mine, your body pressed against my body. Looking into your beautiful eyes, and touching your soft face makes me so happy. The way you smile...The way you hold me close... The way you kiss me... The way you make love to me... makes me incredibly happy and makes me feel so complete. 
You complete me... You make me whole... You make my life worth living. Do you want me for birthday??
Love always and forever

"Who the hell is there?" Marie yelled again.
"Don't yell that loud Marie, it's only me!" Paddy showed up from the corner with a dozen of red roses.
"Paddy!! What…" Marie was in shock.
They run to hug each other.
"Happy birthday." Paddy whispered.
They kissed each other in the corridor. Marie cried. She didn't know that she loved and need him so much.
"My birthday wish came true!" she said.
Paddy handled her the roses and put on her lips one really sweet kiss. Then they came inside the room.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"We cancelled the concert in Holland. Instead we have a concert here, in Cologne." He started.
"Why you are not in the concert?"
"Because it can't happen without you."
"What do you mean?"
"Marie Reno, would you make me a pleasure and come with me to Koln Arena?" he asked gently.
"I'd love to!!!" she hang on Paddy neck and kissed him.
"You guys must to see it too." Paddy turned to Jean and Marie.
"No, we better stay…" Jean replied.
"No, no, no! You two are coming with us. It's my birthday, you can't let me down!" Marie convinced them.
"Ok. Let's go!" Jessica said.

Everyone came to Paddy's limo that drove them to Koln Arena, which is already filled by fans. They yelled "We want Kelly!" the whole time. Paddy placed his guest on the first row, so they could see better.

As always Paddy was on stage as first.
"First of all, I wanna say sorry for those fans who bought tickets to our Dutch concert. The money will be returned." He started. "The reason is, today is a birthday of somebody very dear for us. She has been suffered a very hard time recently. Enjoy the concert!" he looked at a shook girl in the first row.
The concert started with "brother brother". After a few song was Maite's turn.
"Today this song is for my friend from France, Marie, from Paddy! It's called 'So many things'"
"So many things I wanna do But I can't be with you So many things I wanna say But you're too far away So many things I wanna do But the pain is too great So many things I wanna say… oh oh oh"
Marie cried as she looked at Paddy singing the refrain. The last song was "I can't help myself" by Paddy and Angelo. When all of the fans leave the hall, Paddy brought on stage a birthday cake. And the Kellys sang "Happy Birthday" to Marie. 
"Happy birthday, dear!" Paddy kissed her lips.
"Thanks, it's amazing." she said, kissing his cheek and rubbing the lipstick mark off.
Then the music started to blast through speakers. Paddy slipped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her shoulder, leaning on her cheek and swung in the rhythm. 
"You could kiss me now" he suggested.
"Please, let me breathe." Her shoulders slouched a little.
He snuggled her cheek.
"I can't help myself, I'm going crazy if you don't kiss me." he said, kissing the side of her neck.
"So be crazy!" she smiled.
He moved his mouth to her ear and murmured again.
"Marie, you are so sweet today!"
"Whatever you do, I won't kiss you tonight anymore!"
"Wanna bet?"
"Ok."
"I have a good news. The tour is over and I'm not gonna leave you a minute alone."
"Oh, great news! Finally we will be close."
"Yes, finally! I hope it's not too late."
"I love you Paddy" she leaned her lips to touch his "I love only you."
"You lost!"
"What?"
"Our bet, you kissed me!"
"But it's not fair!"
"It's fair! You lost, I won!"
"What I have to do now??"
"How about spending with me that night? At my flat?"
"No way!!"
"Why not?'
"Because I just can't!"
"I want to be with you that night."
"No Paddy! It's my last word!"
"Ok, so come out with me now! I wanna show you something."
"First tell me where!"
"Somewhere to be alone."
Together they disappeared from the party. Nobody noticed their departure.
"What are we doing here?" Marie asked, letting Paddy lead her in the direction of the studio lot. "It's completely deserted."
"Just be patient, we're going on a little tour" her boyfriend replied, giving her hand a squeeze. "I just wanted to show you something."
He unlocked the side door and let her inside first, then followed, shutting the door gently and flipping a switch. "You know where we are, right?"
Marie shook her head and looked at him.
They rounded the corner and entered the studio. Flipping on another switch, Paddy led Marie to the right side of the large room, where a grand piano sat. He motioned for her to sit down on the bench.
She glided a hand over the closed lid, then peered up at him in curiosity. "What's this about, Paddy? It's not exactly how I pictured celebrating my birthday"
"I just wanted to re-create something for you" he answered, taking her hand and gazing at her thoughtfully. "In this piano I created a lot of songs, and here for the first time we heard that we were in the top ten…" he started to play "If I should fall behind" on piano. "This song was played by Bruce Springsteen in this studio. And maybe you noticed, when we met first time this song was playing on the radio"
She smiled at the memory. "I remember."
"I think this was the time I started falling in love with you" Paddy said seriously. "But I didn't let myself to think about it."
"Then we went here to be together and we are together, and it's what only counts."
"I also let you walk away, one of the dumbest things I've ever done. It brought on some of the worst days of my life."
She put a hand over his and looked up at him with liquid eyes. "There's no need to think about that now" she said. 
"Yes, there is" he said insistently. "My point in bringing you here, Marie, is to show all the good and bad we've gone through to be together."
Marie smoothed his forehead. "Mostly good, though."
"Right, mostly good. OK, come here."
"How far does this go?"
"We're almost there." He rounded a fake wall and came to a bed.
"Uh, Paddy" she said questioningly. "What is…"
"It's not what you think" he assured her. "I just needed a simple replica of that hotel room so I thought I'd just put a bed there. Think of this as the place you first said you loved me."
"Man, you're really going for detail here" she said, swinging his hand lightly back and forth and leaning against him. "Are we gonna go through all of the last year this way?"
"Nope" Paddy said with a secret smile. "Just the landmarks. After this is smooth sailing. Right here, madam" Paddy said, escorting her to the center of the stage. "Last stop."
It was then that Emma realized they'd been walking in a circle around the vast set. Crowded in the center was a lone park bench on an artificial patch of grass with flowers. On a canvas was painted a sunset background, and a street lamp sat on the right.
She racked her brain, but couldn't come up with anything.
"I have to admit" she said hesitantly. "This isn't coming back to me."
"It's not supposed to" Paddy said, motioning for her to sit on the bench. "This is something new."
Marie sat expectantly, glancing around her.
"You wanna explain?"
Paddy gestured around him and stood before her. "I just wanted to create a new scene, and a park bench at sunset with flowers seemed as good as any backdrop for you to remember this by."
"Remember what?"
"This." 
It would be hard for Marie to recall the details of the next few seconds, but she was aware of Paddy slowly lowering himself to eye level with her, and taking her left hand. She was aware of him clutching it tightly, as if he was afraid to let go, then reaching over and covering it with his other hand. He drew their hands to his lips gently, electric-blue eyes never leaving her face, and slowly brought them back to her lap.
Marie was then aware of an object cradled in her palm, digging into her skin as he held her hand. He slowly opened her fingers one by one, and she looked down in slow motion.
His voice came hoarse and tender.
"Marie" he said, in a way he'd never said her name before.
She continued to stare at the ring, realization crashing into her like a load of bricks. She worked up the nerve to pick it up with her other hand, afraid it would disappear as an illusion. Deciding it was what she thought it was, she studied the platinum band and the diamond setting, not studying its shimmer but trying to accept what it meant. 
'Is this really happening?' she thought. 'Are we acting out a play? Is my heart racing because I know it's real?'
She looked up and into his eyes, and finally noticed that he'd been kneeling in front of her. He gently grasped the band from her and opened up her left hand, poising the ring over the fourth finger. Looking up at her with shining eyes, he carefully slid the band down, down until it fit snugly near the base, as if it always belonged there. He lifted his cobalt eyes to her.
Paddy had never encountered tongue-tied moments except around Marie. He figured that after a year he'd be able to speak eloquently. But he hadn't, and now, on the most important moment in his life, he had to force his mouth to function.
"Marry me" he was finally able to say.
She looked him steadily in the eyes.
"I already am" she croaked with a serene smile.
He shook his head.
"Not like that. I mean…" he brought her bejeweled hand to his face. "Marie, I'm slowing things down with the band. We're taking a break before the next album. A real break. And we're not gonna tour either. I want us to get married and start our life together."
Her other hand flew to her mouth in shock.
"What?"
Paddy nodded, slowly grinning in excitement.
"It's true."
She shook her head in disbelief.
"Oh … my …."
"So now I'm asking" he looked at her tenderly. "Marie, my knee is starting to hurt here. Can I get an answer already?"
A tear escaped her cheek before she was able to catch it, and Marie threw her head back and began to laugh. Paddy found he was getting teary as well, and as they laughed together she cupped his face in her hands and drew him close to her so that their tears mixed together.
"Marry me" he said again.
"Yes" she whispered with a smile.
"Yes?" he asked hoarsely in response.
"Yes" she said again.
Their lips met in a sweet kiss, and the street lamp flickered once.

Soon they reached back to the party. Everybody was dancing. Paddy turned off the music. Everybody look at Paddy and Marie, who was standing next to him.
"You're .... engaged?" Angelo stuttered as he saw a ring on Marie's finger.
Paddy nodded, beaming.
"You could've at least told us" Jimmy protested. "We would've liked to know."
"I know, guys" Paddy said taking Marie's hand. "I just... I dunno. I had to get it just right, and I was afraid to tell anyone about it in case something went wrong."
"I think I'm going to cry" Joey said, sniffling. "Our friend... our brother... didn't tell us anything. He didn't trust us."
"He doesn't love us anymore!" Maite broke out in a dramatic cry, and Joey began to sob crocodile tears on her shoulder.
Jimmy, Paddy, Marie and Angelo began laughing at the drama. Paddy came to stand between Maite and Joey and clapped a hand on Joey's shoulder, saying "Don't worry. I'll make it up to you somehow. Maybe when I get married you guys can be the ring bearer."
"Excuse me" Maite said haughtily. "Isn't that for a child?"
Silence.
"Oh."
"I'm sure you'll do a fine job" Paddy said with a chuckle. "But if the little tux doesn't fit you…"
There was a stunned pause. Paddy looked from face to face.
"Come on, how about congratulations?" Paddy told to the death crowd.
"Uh… congratulations bro, Marie, poor you!" Jimmy hugged Marie.
Everybody came to congratulate them the engagement. The party continued till 3 a.m. Then Paddy drove Jessica, Jean and Marie to their place. At the parking lot, as Jessica and Jean left to their flat, Paddy said good bye to his fiancée.
"Marie, good night!" he kissed her.
"Thanks for a beautiful night, I never had such a beautiful birthday!"
"You are welcome… I want you to think about living with me in my apartment."
"Paddy, I can't. I just moved here a few days ago. Besides we have signed a contract together and I have to pay my part."
"Just think about that. Don't worry about the money. We can pay your part even if you don't live there."
"Ok, I will think about it, but I can't promise anything."
"One more thing…"
"Yes?"
"I love you!!"
"I love you too!!"
After a half hour of saying goodbye Marie reached to her room.
"Marie, let me see the ring… wow, it must cost thousands marks." Jessica said.
"You know that Paddy is reach!"
"That is why you refused Jean?"
"No, not at all. I love Paddy. Jean is just a friend. My love is Paddy!"
"Are you sure about it??"
"Yes… I'm sure!" she said uncertainly.

Chapter 5 - Rights to privacy