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Fan Fiction

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

CHAPTER 8 - A date

Paddy and Marie pulled apart and Angelo quietly walked back. He decided he could hold it. Right now, he was just too stressed. He laid in his bed, his thoughts on Marie. He didn't know what to do.

"Thanks, Paddy" Marie said. "You're great. But I have to go to bed. I'm really tired. Good night."
"Good night" Paddy said and walked into his room.

The next morning, all seven of them sat down for a breakfast.

"What do you guys want to do today?" Marie asked.
"Well, me and Jimmy are going to go to the 'wonderland'" Jessica answered. "He brought a hat and some sunglasses, so we don't think he will be recognizable."
"Okay" Marie said. "What about the rest of you?"
Angelo hesitated. He wanted to spend the day with Marie, but he didn't want to say anything.
"Not sure yet" he answered.
"Well, I am going to the mall" Joey said. "A little shopping before going back to Bonn."
"Sounds like a plan" Marie said. "How about we all go? Well, minus Jimmy and Jessie."
"Great" Angelo said.
"Hmm.. Angelo, why don't you try to win Kira's heart back?" Paddy finally spoke up.
"Well, she dumped me for not being there all the time. She said that she takes back if I change my life style… You know that I can't, anyway, not right now!"
"But trying is better than crying!"
"I'm not crying. I think we need a little break from each other." Angelo answered.

Jimmy and Jess left a few minutes later.
"Should we go now?" asked Joey. "I really need some pants."
"Okay" Marie said, clearing the table. "Let's go."

When they got to the mall, Joey asked Marie where the nearest cool pants store is.
Marie laughed.
"Well, there is a good store. Try there." She gave him brief directions. They all decided to meet in front of the food court at around one o'clock. Joey went to the store by himself.

"Okay" Marie said, turning to the guys. "Where do you want to go?"
"I don't know, let's just walk around or something" Paddy said. "I don't really need to buy anything."
"Me neither" Angelo agreed. 
"Okay," Marie said. "Good idea." They started to walk opposite the direction where Joey went.

After about a half an hour, Paddy, Marie and Angelo decided to sit on a bench in front of a shoe store. 
"Do either of you have to go to the bathroom?" Paddy asked. They shook their heads. "Well, I do. I'll be right back, okay?"
"Okay" Marie said. She pointed to the door where the washroom was.
"Marie" Angelo said, seconds after Paddy left. "I need to ask you something."
"Sure" Marie said. "You can ask me anything."
"Well, I know we are friends and stuff, so I want you to be honest." Angelo took a deep breath. "Not because I care, just because, well, for Paddy" Angelo lied.
"What is it?" Marie asked, totally oblivious to the lie.
"Do you think that you are going to get back together with Paddy?" Angelo asked.
The question struck Marie like a bucket of cold water.
"I-I-I'm not sure" she stammered. "I mean, I'm not going back. He has Madeline, hasn't he?"
Angelo looked at her closely.
"Madeline?? She is dead!"
"What??"
"Madeline is in haven right now. Paddy is single! I bet he will try to win your heart back. Will you go back to him?"
"I don't know!"
"Tell me, yes or no."
"I don't think so. Angelo, Paddy and I are just friends. If we get back together, it won't be for a very long time."
Angelo felt satisfied.
"Okay" he said.
Marie looked away, feeling guilty. For how great hers and Angelo's friendship was, 
she couldn't believe she just lied to him.

Paddy walked out of the bathroom, and the three sat on the bench a bit longer. 
"I have an idea" Marie said, breaking the silence. "I need a new dress. Do you guys want to help me pick out something?"
"Sure" Paddy said.
"Okay" Angelo agreed.
They walked to Marie's favourite store, and the three looked at the dresses that lined the walls. 
"I want something summery and casual" she told them. 
"Okay" Angelo said. He picked up a pale pink dress with darker pink embroidered flowers. "How's this?"
"It's nice" Marie said "But I don't really like pink."
Angelo put it back. They looked at some more dresses and finally they picked out three. Marie took them to the change room, and Angelo and Paddy sat on chairs that were right beside it.
Marie came out in the first one. It had thin shoulder straps and was almost knee length. It fit well, and was a light turquoise colour, one that Marie really liked.
"How's this?" she asked. 
"Great" Angelo said.
"You look great." Paddy nodded in agreement.
"I think it's too dressy what I am looking for" Marie said. She went back into the change room.
Minutes later, she came back out with a short thicker strapped dress. It was khaki material and khaki colour.
"I really like this" Marie said. "But I want to try on the last one." 
When she stepped back out, Paddy gasped with surprise. Marie was wearing a tight form fitting short dress, with thin straps. It was blue, his favourite colour.

"Wow" Paddy whispered.
Angelo looked in disgust. Marie did look good, but it was obvious Paddy wanted her. Just his look gave it all away. And the blue didn't help.
"Get that" Paddy said, finally regaining his voice. "It looks... great." He still stared in awe.
"What do you think?" Marie turned to Angelo.
"I like it, but it's not really what you were looking for, right? It's dressy. I think you should get the khaki one" he said.
Marie looked at herself in the mirror. After twirling around, she spoke. "I think so, too, Angelo. Thanks guys."
She went back in the change room to take it off. Paddy looked really disappointed.
"I think you should get the khaki one" Paddy mimicked. "Come on, man. She looked great."
"Yeah, she was okay" Angelo lied.
"What's your problem lately?" Paddy asked. 
"What are you talking about?" Angelo asked.
"You know what? When did you and Marie become such good friends?" Paddy asked.
"We've always talked" Angelo answered, trying to stay nonchalant.
"You've always talked?" Paddy said. "No you haven't."
"You aren't me. And you aren't Marie" Angelo countered. "How do you know when we have talked, and when we haven't?"
"I was just saying..." Paddy stopped when Marie came out of the change room. 
"I'm done, and I am getting the khaki one" Marie said. She walked up to pay.
"Okay" Angelo said. 
Paddy looked at him.
"We are finishing this conversation later, okay?"
"Sure" Angelo said.

Later that night Joey went to Bonn to his family.

Paddy got out of bed, and went into the room where Angelo was sleeping. Still awake, Angelo walked with Paddy on to the back porch.
"Okay, so what's going on between you and Marie?" Paddy asked, right away. "I mean, you hardly talked to her, when I was with her..."
"When you were with her?" Angelo laughed. "That was so long ago. Let it go."
"I'm not going to. I still love her" Paddy admitted.
"You do?" Angelo asked. Suddenly he felt sick to his stomach.
"Yeah" Paddy said. "But don't tell her."
"I won't" Angelo promised. 
"So how close are you with her?" Paddy asked.
"We have talked on the phone for a few months" Angelo answered.
"Really?" Paddy asked. "Oh."
"I'm sorry if you are mad" Angelo said "But she needed to talk to someone, and she said I was her choice."
"Okay, well, whatever" Paddy forced a smile. Then he yawned. "I'm tired."
"So am I" Angelo said. "Good night."
"You, too" Paddy said, and he walked inside.

"Angelo!" Marie shouted.
"Yeah?" he answered.
"Can you come here a second? I want to talk to you."
"Coming" Angelo answered. He walked into her room.
"Hey" Marie said, smiling. "I need some advice."
"What about?" Angelo asked, sitting beside her on the bed.
"A guy" Marie hesitated. "But I don't want to use names, so I'll call him… Blah."
"Blah?" Angelo laughed. "Okay."
'Blah is probably Paddy' Angelo thought.
"Okay, lately I am having feelings for a friend…" Marie stopped.
"Okay…" Angelo said. "And?"
"And I think I want to do something about it" Marie said. "Blah, I think he might be interested in me. But I am not sure. I don't know."
"Give me a scenario. It'll be easier to solve then." Angelo suggested.
'She doesn't know for sure he's interested? It can't be Paddy. She knows.' He thought
"Okay, say a girl liked you. You two are friends, okay?" Marie wasn't sure how much she should say, without giving it away. "You might like her. What would be a good thing to show that you are interested? The girl to the guy, I mean."
"Hmmm" Angelo thought. "I've always liked house dates. The girl makes dinner, and then they rent some romantic movie or something. Most guys like stuff like that."
"Okay" Marie said. "That sounds good. I think I will talk to Blah later on today. Thanks, Angelo. You're a great friend."
"No problem" he said. He left the room.

Angelo sat back, unable to do anything else. His mind was on Marie, and just Marie. He was sure it was him she was talking about. All of the clues were there: She felt more for a friend, and she always told him what a good friend he was. Now he was just going to wait until she asked him to dinner.

Marie decided that it was a good day to tell him. She was going to invite him over for dinner, after getting everyone else out of the house. 
"Jess!" she called. Then she remembered she wasn't home. "Jimmy!" she said instead.
Jimmy walked into her room.
"You called?"
"Yeah" she said. "I'm planning a house date here, for someone special. And I need everyone else out of the house. Can you do it for me?"
"But I was planning a special dinner for me and Jess" Jimmy said. "I'm picking her up from work."
"Please, Jimmy?" Marie asked. "You can still go with Jess. Just plan something for Angelo."
"Who's the date?" asked Jimmy.
"Well, I still have to ask him, but I think he'll come" Marie said. "You know who it is. I want to talk with him."
"Paddy?" Jimmy asked.
"Yeah" Marie said. "I am going to write a letter and put it in his hand, then just walk away. If he wants to show, then he can."
"That's a good idea" Jimmy said. "I will get Angelo out of the house."
"Thanks so much" Marie said.
"But..." Jimmy said. "Well, I will go tell Angelo. What do you want me to say?"
"Just say... Marie needs everyone out of the house. So be out by six." Marie said.
"Okay" Jimmy left the room to tell them.
Marie sat down at her desk, and pulled out some light blue paper with a purple pen.
Come to the door at seven tonight. Don't be late. I have something special planned for us tonight.
Love Marie
She put it in the envelope and sealed it with a kiss. She walked out of her room, looking for Paddy.

Jimmy walked into the living room. Angelo was in there. 
"Marie needs us out of the house tonight" Jimmy told them. "She has some date."
Angelo's stomach dropped.
"With who?" he asked.
"Don't know" Jimmy lied.
"Oh" Angelo said. He wasn't sure whether to believe him.
"How about us three go somewhere?"
"I don't really want to" Angelo said. "Sorry, I think I will just go to a coffee house or something. I need some time to myself."
"Okay" Jimmy agreed.

Marie found Paddy sitting in Jess's bedroom, on his computer.
"Paddy" she said.
"Hey, Marie" he smiled at her.
She walked over to him and dropped the letter beside him.
"Read it" she said, and walked out of the room.
Paddy picked it up and opened it. He read it over, and smiled. He couldn't believe it. Finally Marie and him were going to get back together. He looked at the clock. Only three more hours until his date with Marie. 
They hadn't even shared a kiss yet since a few months. Every time they were about to, they got interrupted. He knew what he could do. He turned on the radio, popped in his CD, and worked on his singing voice.

Paddy put the letter in his back pocket of his dark green cargo pants, so he wouldn't lose it, and walked into the living room to watch some TV. After awhile, he was over come with hunger, so he went into the kitchen to fix himself a snack. Glancing at the clock, he saw it was five thirty.
"Shit!" Paddy exclaimed. "I need to get ready for my date. I have to make sure she doesn't get uninterested." He put down the popcorn that he was about to put in the microwave, and went up into Jess's room to get ready.

Angelo walked into the living room. The TV was blaring, so he shut it off, and decided to sit down and choose what he was going to do tonight when he had to get out of the house.
Something caught his eye. It was light blue. He picked it up and realized it was an envelope. Opening it, he read.
Come to the door at seven tonight. Don't be late. I have something special planned for us tonight.
Love Marie
Angelo stared in awe. It had to be for him. She must have set it up so he would see it right now. He saw it was already twenty to six. He had to get ready.

Jimmy got into the car to go pick up Jess. He couldn't wait for their night. Finally, they needed some new exciting romance.

Marie began to make a salad. She put in all of Paddy's favourite vegetables, and remembered not to put in things he didn't like.

Angelo went into the bathroom and showered. He was going to use the other bathroom, between Marie and Jess's room, but someone was already in it. He was pretty sure it was Paddy.

Marie placed the plates on the table, and lit to candles. Angelo had left later than she had told him, about five minutes ago. Paddy left the house about a half an hour ago. 
The doorbell rang. Butterflies flew in Marie's stomach as she walked over to answer it.

Angelo glanced at his watch. He had quickly walked down the street to the florist to pick up flowers for Marie. But there was a line of about five people. Finally it was his turn.
"Hello, sir, what can I help you with?" the lady asked him, glancing at him then turning back to the bouquet she was making.
"Um" Angelo hesitated. "I need some flowers."
"Well, you came to the right place" the woman laughed. She looked up. "Oh, my gosh…"
Realization hit Angelo when he learned that the woman knew who he was. "Please ma'am… don't make a big deal…"
"Okay" she said. "But you're Angelo from the Kelly Family?" 
"Yeah" he said. "I am."
"Who are the flowers for?" she asked.
"Please, can I just buy some? I have to be there at 7 and it's already five after" Angelo pleaded.
"Sure" she said. "What would you like? But I get an autograph after."
"Okay" Angelo answered her. He glanced at the bouquets behind the counter. "That one. I love it." He pointed to a white, pink and red rose mix, with white baby's breath.
"Good choice" she took it from the display and Angelo handed her the money. He hastily signed her a piece of paper, so she would stop complaining.
"What colour tissue paper?" she asked. "You know, to cover them?"
"Hmmm, what do you have?" Angelo asked. 
"Let me check" she answered. She handed him a small card and a silver pen. "Here, write the card out."
"Okay" Angelo said. He wrote.

Marie…
I just wanted to give you these, and tell you that I am really happy that things are finally working out between us. Sorry about being late. The lady at the flower shop held me up. 
Angelo

The lady came back.
"Angelo" she said. "We only have one colour left. But it will go with the flowers."
"Great" he said. "What colour?" He leaned over the counter as she wrapped the roses.
"Blue" she answered.

Marie opened the door. Standing there was Paddy.
"Paddy" she whispered. "You look great." Paddy was decked out in dark jeans, and a white shirt.
"So do you" he said. Marie was wearing a dark blue skirt with a white three quarter length sleeve shirt and her hair was up off of her shoulders.
"I can't believe this is happening" Marie said.
"Neither can I" Paddy said. "I have waited so long for this. Can we not bring up the past?"
"Actually I wanted to ask you about Madeline" Marie said.
"I don't want to talk about it." Paddy looked down.
"Paddy, I have a right to know the reason why you left me. We were about to get marriage! I deserve to know! All I know that Madeline is dead and you still love her."
"I loved her… and… I left you because she looked like you. I didn't notice that till Joey told me or… maybe I didn't want to see it. I wasn't sure… if I love you just because you look similar to her… getting marriage is a serious step in everybody's life. I… I'm sorry, I didn't want to hurt you… and I can't forget her…"
"How did she die?"
"She had leukemia… passed three years ago. I wasn't there for her when she needed me…" Paddy started to cry. "I… I really loved her."

Suddenlly the ringdoor called. Paddy put his arm around Marie's waist and they walked to the door. The door opened and Angelo held the flowers behind his back. 
"Angelo!" Marie said, in surprise.
"Hey Marie" he said, shyly. "Um, these are for…" his voice trailed off when the door opened up more. Paddy was standing there with his arm around Marie's waist.
"What are you doing here Angelo?" Paddy asked.
"Um" Angelo tried to think quickly. "I came home to get my wallet and found these flowers here on the porch. There was nothing on them, but I assumed they were for Jess or Marie."
"They better not be from Jean" Marie said. 
"They're not" Angelo said. 
"How do you know?" Marie asked.
Angelo couldn't think of a reason without giving himself away. "They are from…"
"Me" Paddy said, taking the flowers and handing them to Marie. Angelo tried unsuccessfully to take the flowers back. He couldn't let them see the card.
"Oh, thanks Paddy!" Marie exclaimed. "How did I know that they would be wrapped in blue?"
'Because that's all they had left' Angelo thought bitterly.
"My favourite colour" Paddy smiled. 
"Well, Angelo, I guess you should leave" Marie said. "I mean, remember, I wanted everyone out of the house."
"Yeah" Angelo said. "See you."
"Bye" Paddy answered and shut the door.

Angelo walked away from the house. 'This is crazy' he thought. 'I can't believe that they are actually going to get back together. Paddy is such a fake. And now my card is in the bouquet.' He walked toward the diner at the end of the street.

"Well, Marie" Paddy said. "We were talking about Madeline… I understood that she is gone forever and I have to move on. She would like to see me happy… this was her last wish. I loved Madeline with all my heart, but now I love you. This is all that count." He took her by the hand, and brought her over to the couch. "Since this almost worked the last time, I am daring to try it again, what do you say?" Paddy said. He cleared his throat.
Marie didn't answer.
"Marie" Paddy said again. "I want us to be back together. I want you to be my girlfriend again. We will take it slow… I can't live without you. Please forgive me and give me one more chance, Marie."
Tears spilled down her cheeks.
"Of course Paddy" she said, leaning in and kissing him gently. "Of course."

Angelo sat down at the bar, and ordered a beer. 

Marie and Paddy sat down at the table, and began to eat over candlelight.

In the 'wonderland' Jimmy had a fight with Jess. He sat down at the bar, and ordered a drink. He turned to his left, and saw a blond guy sitting three seats away, with two empty beer bottles in front of him, and he was drinking from a third.
"Angelo?" Jimmy asked.
Angelo looked over. "Hey."
"What are you doing here?" Jimmy asked.
"I don't want to talk about it!" he put his beer bottle down on the table. "One more please." He told the bartender.
"No more" Jimmy said. "Stop it. You've already had three. What's wrong with you? You never drink."
"Give me a beer" Angelo told the bartender again. He turned to Jimmy. "Butt out. I feel like beer tonight. Anyway, where else am I supposed to go?"
"I guess you're right" Jimmy said. He took a gulp of his beer. "Tonight's been crap."
"I know" Angelo said.

Paddy and Marie finished their dinner. Paddy walked over to the stereo and put on some slow music. He held out his hand.
"May I have this dance?" he asked.
"Of course" Marie answered. She took his hand, and he led her to an open area between the living room and kitchen. Midway through the song, there was a knock on the door.
"Damn" Marie muttered. "It better not be one of the guys…"
"I doubt it" Paddy said. He pulled away. "Are you going to answer it?"
"No" Marie said, leaning back towards Paddy.
"Good idea" Paddy murmured into her hair.
"MARIE!" there was a shout from outside.
Marie's stomach dropped. "Oh, God" she said.
"What?" asked Paddy. "Who is it?"
"I think it's Jean" Marie said, her face turning pale. "Paddy, Jean will kick your ass if he sees you."
"No he won't." he said. "But what is wrong? I thought it's your friend!"
"I lied. He support to fall in love with me. He threatened me a few time. Last time he hit me, so I called the police and he was in jail all this time. Now is out." Marie explained quickly. "And Jean is taller than you." Marie said. "You have to hide."
"No" Paddy said. "Just ignore it. He'll leave."
"MARIE OPEN THE DAMN DOOR" the voice shouted again. There was loud knocks on the door.
"I think he's trying to kick it in" said Marie.
"No, he's not" Paddy pulled her close. "Just ignore it."
All of a sudden the shouting and knocking stopped.
"See?" said Paddy. "It's all over."
"Nope" Marie said. "Jean doesn't give up like that." She pushed Paddy away. "Paddy, through the window, I just saw his head. He walked by. He's coming to the back sliding doors."
"Are you kidding?" Paddy asked.
"Would I joke about this?" Marie cried. "Paddy, hide."
"No" Paddy said simply. "Sorry, Marie. But I am not letting this Jean control my life."
The sliding doors opened behind Paddy. Marie pushed Paddy out of the way.
"Jean, LEAVE." Marie yelled.
"Marie… you should learn to lock your doors" Jean sneered. "I told you I'll be back."
"I swear, Jean, I will call the freaking police" Marie shouted. "Now leave."
"Okay" Jean said. "I will leave. Under one condition."
"Name it" Paddy said, stepping in.
"You get out of this house, and leave my girlfriend alone" Jean said.
"I am NOT your girlfriend" Marie said. "Jean, get a life."
"Oh, I have one baby" Jean replied.
"I'm not leaving" Paddy told him. "Sorry."
"Yeah, you better be sorry" Jean pulled back his arm and punched Paddy in the stomach.
Paddy doubled over in pain. He wasn't prepared for that.
"Jean, STOP IT!" Marie screamed.
"Too late, Marie" Jean said, elbowing Paddy's back so he fell to the ground. "Leave."
Marie ran out of the room and up the stairs.
Paddy had Jean pinned down and was punching his face. They were both bleeding and it was all over the floor. Paddy's shirt was ripped.
"GET OFF HIM!" Marie screamed, her voice shrill.
Soon the police arrive. After a few minutes they pulled Jean off of Paddy.
Jean turned around and faced Marie as the police took him away.
"I'll be back, if I ever see you with that bum again."
"Get out of the house" Marie said.
Paddy was sitting against the wall on the floor.
"Here, Paddy" Marie ran over to the sink and wet a towel. She gently wiped the blood from his face. "Does it hurt a lot?"
"Yeah" Paddy admitted. "It does." He winced in pain. "Ow… please… stop it."
"Paddy, I have to get this blood off of you" Marie told him. "We might have an ice pack. Be right back!"
"Okay" he said. He got one out and handed it her. Paddy put it on his face.
"Paddy, I am so sorry" Marie said. "It's all my fault."
"No it's not" Paddy said. "Don't worry about it, okay?"
"But I am really sorry. You're all beat up… he's much bigger than you, and…"
"Who cares?" Paddy forced a smile. "It's over."

Jimmy moved drunkenly over two seats to Angelo. He placed his hand on Angelo's shoulder.
"Angelo..." he slurred. "Most girls? A waste of time. And space."
"I hear you" Angelo said. He held up a shot of vodka and clinked it with Jimmy's fifth bottle of beer. "Girls... 'specially that one that broke my heart."
"Who broke Angelo's heart?" Jimmy asked him. "Tell Jimmy."
"Jimmy... it was that girl we used to live with... up to now... you know" Angelo shook his head. "I can't think."
"Think, damn it!" Jimmy shouted. "THINK!"
"Her name..." Angelo's eye brows furrowed. "Marie. That was her name."
"Her friend, Jess" Jimmy said. "She broke mine. She kissed the other one."
"Get out!" Angelo laughed loudly. "I can see it now." He held up an imaginary newspaper and pretended to read. "Best Friend's Break Hearts Of Best Friends."
"You're funny. One funny bunny." Jimmy laughed.
"No, man, THAT WAS FUNNY" Angelo began to laugh. Jimmy joined in. The bartender smirked at them. All of a sudden, Jimmy stopped.
"Another beer, man" he told the bartender. 
"You sure?" the bartender asked.
"Oh yeah" Jimmy said. "Hook me up!" he yelled.
Angelo held out his shot glass.
"One more for me, too."
"You know what? No more, okay?" the bartender said. "I have rules here... you guys are too drunk. When you sober up, you can have some more."

"I can't believe that it's already been four hours since Jean was here, and it's still hurting" Paddy moaned. His head was laid on Marie's lap, and they were watching TV.
"Paddy, I am so sorry" Marie said. "I really am."
"Marie!" Paddy said. "It's not your fault okay?"
"I know, but..." Marie caressed his cheek.
"But nothing. Stop it" Paddy said. "Next time I'll kick his ass."
"No violence, Paddy" Marie said. 
"Marie I have to defend myself" Paddy protested. "I have a mass headache. Where's your Tylenol?"
"I'll get it" Marie said. She gently placed a pillow under his head. She went into the kitchen and got some water and the bottle of pills.
She walked into the living room. Paddy was almost asleep. 
"Thanks, Marie" he said, taking the water and the container.
"You're welcome" Marie said. She helped him sit up. "Would you like to sleep? You look pretty bad."
"Thanks" he laughed. "Ohhhh, that was a mistake. Um, yeah, please, if you don't mind."
"Not at all" Marie said. She kissed him gently on his forehead. "Good night."
"Good night" he replied. "And please don't let anyone else sleep in here... they'll talk and move around and stuff..." his voice trailed off.
"Okay, Paddy" Marie said, shutting the light. "Have a good sleep. I will come in here tomorrow morning." She waited for a reply but only heard his steady breathing.

"Well" Angelo said to the bartender. "Me and my posse... which is Jimmy here, are heading out. Cause you are just a rude man... not giving me my alcohol." He burped. "So we will see you... never again."
"Actually, man" Jimmy said. "I think I will see you tomorrow night. My girlfriend's seeing some other guy. I'll be back."
"Well, if you are going to be back, leave your keys here" the bartender said. Jimmy handed them to him.
"Bye, guys" the bartender said. 
"Au revoir, ma cherie" Angelo said. He bumped into the wall. "And Merry Christmas."
Jimmy laughed. "Merry Christmas, Happy Holiday" he sang.
"Hey, man!" Angelo exclaimed. "That sounds familiar."
"I know" Jimmy said. "I think it's by the Backstreet Boys."
"Yeah, that's it" Angelo said. "You are so smart."

Marie went to sleep to Jess's bed, but she couldn't, because that's where she would send Jimmy and Angelo when they got home. She figured her and Jess could sleep somewhere else.
There was a knock on the door and wondered who it was. 'Probably Angelo' she thought. 'Jimmy and Jess were out somewhere, and Jess had a key.'
She opened the door.
"Angelo! Jimmy!" Marie was surprised. "Where's Jess?"
"I apologize for any inconvenience" Angelo said. "But see, I can't talk to you. I should have never given you those damn flowers."
She had no idea what Angelo was talking about, but she could smell alcohol on his breath.
"Is he drunk?" she asked Jimmy.
"Drunk rules the world!" Jimmy shouted, and flexed his biceps.
"Okay" Marie said. "I think you two should go to bed."
"I'm not listening" Angelo said.
"Please, listen" Marie said. "Paddy's hurt. He needs rest. Just go sleep in Jess's room."
"Jess?" Jimmy snorted. "I am not sleeping in her room."
"You have to" Marie said.
"Nope" Jimmy answered.
"Fine, then go in my room and sleep on the floor" Marie said.
"Will do" Jimmy said. He leaned close. Marie held her breath. "And Marie" he whispered. "Happy New Year."
Angelo laughed.
"Do the Backstreet Boys sing that one too?"
"Nope, but they sing this. All you people can't you see, can't you see" Jimmy sang as he walked upstairs to Marie's room.
Angelo ran upstairs after him, yelling after him.
"Wait for me Jimmy, I'm sleeping with you! Us brothers have got to stick together. Power of the drunks!"

Marie sat in Jess's room, unable to sleep. 'Where's Jess? It's two am... and it's so unlike her. She wasn't with Jimmy.' She thought.
She walked downstairs to get herself a glass of chocolate milk, her thoughts on Jess. The flowers caught her eye. They were sitting on the counter. She remind herself about Angelo and flowers.
'What was Angelo talking about?' Marie thought.
Marie walked over to the flowers and picked them up. Not noticing it before, she saw a small white envelope. She opened it up.
Marie,
I just wanted to give you these, and tell you that I am really happy that things are finally working out between us. Sorry about being late. The lady at the flower shop held me up. 
Angelo
Marie dropped the card and stared at her hands in horror.

Jess got home at seven in the morning. She had so much fun with Shane, her co-worker that she met in the 'Wonderland'. She lost track of time. Quickly showering, she left for work.

The next morning, Marie woke up early. Jess had already left for work. And everyone else was still sleeping. She got dressed and showered quickly and went downstairs.
Avoiding looking at the flowers and the card that was still on the ground, she got some Tylenol and a glass of cold water for Paddy.
"Paddy" she said, sitting beside him on the couch.
He opened his eyes a little.
"Marie?"
"Yeah" she said. "How are you feeling?"
"Still pretty bad" Paddy said.
"I'm going to bring you to the doctor, okay?" Marie said, helping him sit up.
"No" Paddy said. "That's stupid. I feel fine." He winced as his head pounded from dizziness. "Don't bring me, please… there's no reason."
"Paddy, I'm worried" Marie pleaded. "Please?"
"Fine" Paddy said, smiling at her. "But only because you're so cute when you're worried." 
She helped him put on his pants and shirt.
"This is gross, I can't even change my boxers…" Paddy laughed. 
"Who cares?" Marie said. "Come on, let's go." She helped him off the couch, and they walked out to the car.

Angelo rolled over and hit his head on the leg of the bed.
"Shit" he muttered, rubbing his head. He got up and walked over to the bathroom. "Oh, God" he said to himself, looking in the mirror. "I look like crap."
He turned on the water, and splashed his face with the cool water. I need some Tylenol, he thought. He slowly made his way downstairs. Walking into the kitchen to get some orange juice, he stepped on something sharp.
"Damn" he muttered. He looked down. "Oh, no… oh shit… this can't be happening." He said. He picked up the flowers. The envelope wasn't there. He put the flowers on the table and sat down, cradling his head in his hands. He looked up, and a white envelope caught his eye. Holding his breath, he picked it up.
"It's the card" Angelo said, exhaling. "And I can't tell if it's been open since I didn't seal it." Angelo shoved it in his pocket and walked into the living room.

Jimmy woke up, his head pounding. He laid back on the hard floor trying to recollect what happened the night before. 'Oh yeah', he thought. 'Jess and Shane'.
He got up and walked downstairs.
"Hello?" he called. "Anyone home?"
"I am" a voice said from the living room.
"Hey Angelo" Jimmy said, walking into the living room.
"Well, I found a note from Paddy and Marie saying they went to the doctor's and there is a message on the machine from Marie saying they will be home later. Jess is at work. It's just us." Angelo told Jimmy.
"Oh," Jimmy said. "Good. I am sick of Jess anyway. I wonder if she is working with Shane today."
"Well, I have an idea" Angelo said. He turned to Jimmy. "How about I call the store, and ask if Shane is working?"
"Okay" Jimmy said. "They would know my voice."
"Okay, I will. What do I say after that?" Angelo asked.
"Just be like, okay, bye" Jimmy said.
"Okay" Angelo picked up the phone, and Jimmy recited the number. It rang twice.
"Hello, thanks for calling the Gap" a voice said. "Jess speaking."
"Hello miss" Angelo said. "Um, is Shane working today?"
"Shane?" Jess asked. "Yeah, I think so. Why do you ask?"
"Um… oh crap, the dog peed on the floor!" Angelo shouted and hung up.
Jimmy laughed.
"Good cover. Who answered?"
"Jess" Angelo said. 
Jimmy's face fell.
"Oh. Well, is Shane working?"
"Yeah" Angelo said.
"Okay. Thanks for calling." Jimmy looked the other way.
"Listen Jimmy" Angelo said. "What's going on? I thought things between you and Jess were good."
"They were" Jimmy said.
"Well, what happened? It might feel better to talk about it" Angelo said. "I'll listen, I really don't mind. It's not like I don't have anything to relate to."
"Okay" Jimmy said. "I'll tell you. If you tell me why you can relate."
"Fine" Angelo agreed. "Now spill."
"Okay, me and Jess had this wicked relationship. Then, when we went on tour with her for a month. One day I saw Melissa, my old friend. We went out, and it was totally innocent. I mean, we hadn't seen each other for so long… anyway, Jess happened to wait up for me, and at the end of the date or whatever it was, Melissa kissed me."
"I never knew that!" Angelo gasped.
"Yeah, no one did… except for Joey. Anyway, I did give in. I hadn't had a kiss like that in a long time. Any guy would have." Jimmy sighed. "It was a mistake though."
"It was" Angelo agreed. 
"Well, Jess did forgive me, and since then, it's been a little rocky. We got in another fight since then, because when we went to the 'Wonderland', some photographer took our picture, and in the picture I was looking at another girl. I know that was bad, but I was tired and stuff, I don't even remember looking at the girl." Jimmy told him.
"Well" Angelo said. "I hate to break it to you, but you pissed her off a couple times… now she's doing the exact same thing."
"Then she met that Shane and she stayed out all night with this guy." Jimmy exclaimed. "That's worse than I did. And, I drove past the restaurant. I saw them. They looked a little too cuddly, Angelo." He shook his head. "I just think that ever starting a relationship with Jess was a huge mistake."
"I agree" Angelo said. "I think that if she won't give you a legit reason about Shane, stop the relationship, or put it on hold."
"I don't know" Jimmy said. "I will just talk to her. Okay, Angelo, now it's your turn," Jimmy said. "What's going on with your love life?"
"Well…" Angelo hesitated. "Okay. A while ago, Paddy and Marie broke up. You knew that. And then, she was really upset, so she called me. She said I was the best person to talk to, because she couldn't talk to Paddy, and you and Jess were too hung up on each other."
"That lasted long." Jimmy laughed bitterly.
"And she didn't know the others well, so she didn't want to talk to them." Angelo took a deep breath. "Anyway, we had some good late night conversations. I really, really enjoyed talking to her. Then, I started to like her, but I kept it to myself. Anyway, Paddy would have killed me. Eventually, she started hinting… well, I thought she was. I thought she was telling me, just really subtle. She was saying things, about how great a friend I was and stuff like that."
"So what happened last night?" Jimmy asked.
"That's what I was just about to tell you " Angelo said. "So she wrote Paddy a note, saying to meet her at the house last night at 7."
"I knew about that" Jimmy cut in. "That's why I had to kick you out of the house."
"Well, I thought that you were just saying it to me, I don't know what I was thinking." Angelo sighed. "Anyway, I found the letter she wrote him, but it wasn't addressed to anyone. It just said to meet her, then Love Marie or something. I was a little late, because I went to get flowers. So I got to the house, and she opens the door, with Paddy's arm around her waist. So Paddy said the flowers were from him, I said I found them. Then I left."
"That really sucks" Jimmy said, sympathetically.
"There's more" Angelo said.
"Okay" Jimmy replied.
"So this morning, I wake up. The flowers are on the table, and the card, isn't in there" Angelo said.
"What was on the card?" Jimmy asked.
"Something like, I am glad that we are getting together, and love Angelo. Something like that" Angelo told him. He shook his head. 
"Oh God" Jimmy said.
"Well, I found the envelope on the floor after that" Angelo said "But since I was in a hurry from the florist, I didn't seal the envelope, so I have no idea if she read it."
"Well, Angelo" Jimmy said. "I think that you officially suck more than me."
"Thank you" Angelo laughed. "I think someone's at the door." They heard the door opened.
"Hello?" called Jess.
Jimmy groaned.
"Say something" he whispered.
"In here, Jess" Angelo answered.
Jess walked in.
"Oh, hey, Angelo, I wanted to ask you if you have seen…" her voice trailed off as she walked right into the room. "Oh, hey, Jimmy."
"Hey" he said.
"Angelo, can you excuse us?" Jess said.
"Sure" Angelo said. "Although I find it totally pointless because Jimmy is going to tell me everything…"
"Bye" Jimmy interrupted. Angelo smiled and left.
"What do you want from me, Jess?" Jimmy asked her. "I mean, really."
"Really what?" Jess said. "Did you forget about everything you did to me?"
"That has absolutely nothing to do with this" Jimmy said.
"Oh really?" Jess laughed. "You cheated on me, did you forget that?"
"We put that in the past!" Jimmy exclaimed. "We were going to go out for dinner, and everything was going to be great."
"I'm sorry, Jimmy" Jess said. "But when I am with you, I get hurt. All the time. Why should I take it?"
"Well, you hurt me when I go looking for you and you are all snuggly with Shane in the damn booth!" Jimmy shouted. "Damn, Jess! What the hell is your problem? I mean when did you get to be such a bitch!"
The words stung Jess like cold ice. "Wh.. what did you just call me?"
"A bitch!" Jimmy yelled. "You are such a bitch. You know what? Forget you, okay?" Jimmy picked up the phone and began to dial.
"Who are you calling?" Jess asked.
Jimmy glared at her.
"Oh, hey!" Jimmy said. "Yeah, is Shane there? Thanks."
Jess ran over to the phone.
"Hang up, or I will for you." She threatened.
"Nope" he said. He pushed her hand away from the hang up button. "Hi, Shane? This is Jimmy… yeah… she didn't mention me? Oh… yeah… I was her boyfriend last night… yep… have her. I don't want her. Thanks… bye." Jimmy hung up. "There you go" he said turning to Jess.
"I never knew you had a mean side like this" Jess said, incredulously.
"Yeah, and I never knew you were such a snob. Get a life, Jess" Jimmy threw back his head and laughed. "And stay out of mine."
"You're serious" Jess said.
"Yes, ma'am" Jimmy said. "I can't take you anymore. I mean, you are always playing mind games. But I should expect that, considering the age difference."
"Well, four years isn't a lot, Jimmy" Jess said. "But whatever. Don't talk to me anymore."
"Yeah, see you" Jimmy said.
Jess glared at him and left the room. She turned the corner and bumped into Angelo. "What, you were eavesdropping?" she exclaimed.
"Nope, I was just coming to see if you were done" Angelo smiled sweetly and walked past her into the room with Jimmy.

Did you hear that?" Jimmy asked.
"Yeah" Angelo said. "She's pretty mean."
"I know!" Jimmy said. "I should have never gotten involved with her."
"You're right" Angelo answered. "Jess and Marie were two huge mistakes."
Jimmy nodded in agreement.

Marie opened the passenger side of a cab, and helped Paddy out. It was after six, and they were finally home from the doctor.
"Ow" Paddy said, as he hit his head on the top of the car door.
"Sorry" Marie smiled sympathetically.
"They gave me so much medication I can't even see" Paddy said, groggily.
"Yeah" Marie said. "Do you want to sleep it off?"
"I think that's a good idea." Paddy slightly nodded.
"Okay" Marie unlocked the door, and helped Paddy in. "Where do you want to sleep?"
"A bed" Paddy said. "If that's okay."
"Yeah" Marie said. "How about my room?"
"Okay" Paddy said. 
Marie helped him up the stairs, and put him into bed. "How's that?"
"Great" Paddy smiled. "Thanks so much. This is still all a dream to me."
"Well, I am glad I stopped being so stubborn" Marie said. She kissed him gently on the forehead. "Have a good sleep. If you need anything, just let me know."
"Okay" Paddy said. He closed his eyes.
Marie watched him. 'He looks so peaceful' she thought. 'This is definitely not a mistake'. His breathing became steady and Marie knew he was asleep.
She kissed him again and gently squeezed his hand, then walked out of the room.

'Damn' Marie thought. 'I have to get Angelo alone to ask him about the letter. And I have no idea why he left. Maybe he's mad at me about something.'
Suddenly, realization hit Marie. 'Oh God' she thought. 'The flowers. The card. I should have been able to figure it out. Angelo thought that the date was for me and him.'

Marie sat on the front porch waiting for Jess to come back. She looked at her watch. 'It's almost nine... where is she?' Suddenly she saw someone walk up closer.
"Jess?" she called.
Jess ran up.
"Marie!" she said, hugging her. "How've you been?"
"Not that good" Marie admitted.
"Me neither" Jess agreed. "I really need my best friend right now."
"So do I" Marie said.
Jess began to talk about her, Jimmy and Shane. After she finished, and Marie gave advice, Marie began on her story. Soon, it was past midnight, and the two girls went up to bed.
Jess woke up and looked at her glowing alarm clock. It was five minutes after eleven. Marie was already up, she noticed. She put on her robe, and walked downstairs. She passed Paddy and Marie eating breakfast in the living room. She said hi, and walked to the kitchen.
"Good morning" she said, as she walked in the kitchen. Everyone was there except for Angelo. "Where's Angelo?"
"Not up yet" Jimmy answered.
"Okay" she said. She poured herself some cereal and looked up. The milk was right in front of Jimmy.
"Jimmy, can you please pass the milk?" Jess asked.
Jimmy looked up, and back down at the newspaper he was reading. "There is some milk right in front of you." 
"That's 2%, I only drink skim" Jess replied.
"You should" Jimmy muttered.
"What did you say?" asked Jess.
"Nothing" Jimmy faked a smiled and passed her the milk. "Here you go."
"Thanks" she said, glaring at Jimmy and taking the milk.
"Okay" Marie said. "That's enough. I mean, just because you broke up, doesn't mean you have to fight. I'm just getting annoyed"
The phone rang.
Jess walked over to the phone. "Hello?"
"Hey, this is Joey. Jess?"
"Yeah" Jess said. "Who do you want to talk to?"
"Doesn't matter" he answered. "Who ever is closest."
Jess turned around and Jimmy was sitting in the nearest chair. "Jimmy, it's your brother."
Jimmy swallowed his mouthful of cereal and took the phone. "Hello?"
"Hey, Jimmy" Joey said. "How are you?"
"Good" Jimmy answered.
"How are the rest of the boys?" he asked.
"Good" Jimmy replied. "Except Paddy got the crap beat out of him. It's a long story."
"Okay, whatever. Listen, I was talking to the owner of the Record Store on Toho Street. Do you know where that is?"
"Yeah" Jimmy answered.
"Well, he told me he wanted two of you there to sign things. I asked him who, and he said it didn't matter. So tomorrow morning, at nine, can you be there? The signing is at 10, but I need you to talk to Ralph. He's the owner. It doesn't matter who shows, as long as there are two of us, okay?" 
"Okay" Jimmy said. "I'll pass the word."
"Thanks" Joey said. "I will be there too. Actually, I have a better idea. I will come to Jess's house tomorrow at five to nine, okay? And two of you better be ready."
"Yeah!!"
"Bye" Joey said, hanging up the phone.

Jimmy turned around to see the group watching him. Marie and Paddy were sitting there too. "How are you, Paddy?"
"Better" he said. "It just hurts a little."
"Okay" Jimmy said. "Well, that was our beloved brother Joey, and he needs two of us at the Toho tomorrow to do some signing. It's at 9 in the morning and he only needs two. Who wants to go?"
"Well" Paddy said. "I would go, but I don't really think it's a good idea."
"I don't either" Jimmy said. "Okay, Paddy's out."
"I don't want to go" Angelo said. "I need to think about things." He glanced over at Marie, who caught his eyes. He quickly looked away.
"I'll go" Jimmy said. "Anything to get out of here."
"Will you stop?!" Jess exclaimed. "I'm sick of that! Damn, Jimmy, you're acting like you aren't as bad as I am, okay? Get it through your head. We broke up. I don't want to fight with you. So leave me the hell alone! I'm going through enough right now." She pushed back in her chair, and stood up. "Jimmy, you're twenty eight but you're acting like you're five." She stalked out of the room.
"Well" Paddy said. "I hate to agree with Jess, Jimmy, but..."
"Shut up" Jimmy said. "I'm going to the damn signing okay?"
"Okay" Paddy said. "You and Joey."
"Okay" Jimmy said. "Listen guys... I'm sorry. Jess's right. I am acting like an idiot. Sorry... just ignore me, okay?"
"It's okay" Paddy said. "I sort of know how you feel."
"Yeah, Jimmy" Angelo said. "We all have girl troubles. Don't worry about it man."
"Well, it doesn't matter" Jimmy said. "Let's forget it."
"Good idea!" Paddy agreed.

Chapter 9: Who do you love?