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Fan Fiction

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

CHAPTER 15 - Surprises

Later Jess looked for and found him in Marie's room, sitting on the bed, staring at the wall. "Angelo?"
He didn't turn around. "Hey."
"Are you okay?" she asked, concerned.
"Sure" he replied. "Don't worry about me."
She walked over and sat beside him on the bed.
"Come on..." she grinned and playfully punched his leg. "I can tell you are lying."
"Wow, you know me so well" Angelo replied sarcastically. "Alright. It's Marie."
"Figures" Jess commented knowingly. "What is going on?"
"I guess we are sort of friends" Angelo said, shaking his head. "I mean, we don't really talk. And I was with her every day at the damn hospital, but now, it's all Paddy, Paddy, Paddy. It just really hurts. I really need to get over her."
"You do" Jess said. "You need a new girl. She's tearing you apart."
"Yeah" he laughed.
"Seriously, I don't think you will get back together."
"I don't either" he said. "What about you? How are you doing with the whole Joey and Jimmy thing?"
"I guess Joey and I are friends, it is like, we just dumped what happened behind us" Jess said. "I think it's going to be back how it was. As for Jimmy... I still really want to be with him."
"I think that we have really bad luck" Angelo told her. 
"I think so, too" Jess agreed.

Three Days Later*
Jess burst through the front door. "Marie!" 
"What?" Marie called from the living room.
"I was driving home from work, and I went to the University, and I talked to them," she let out a breath excitedly. "They said that we can register tomorrow for next semester."
"That's great!" Marie smiled. "Finally, we are going back to school. I'm actually looking forward to this."
"Me too" she hugged Marie. "This is going to be great."
"What's going to be great?" Paddy asked, walking in the room.
"Jess and I are going to school." Marie's eyes twinkled.
"That's great!" Paddy smiled, and picked up Marie, spinning her around.
"Oh, Paddy... Memories of the perfect samba" she laughed.
"Alright, that's enough!" Jess exclaimed. "All I have been hearing about for the last three days is about this samba. Please, explain yourself before I go absolutely insane!"
"Nothing... it's irrelevant." Marie was still laughing.
"I'm sure." Jess rolled her eyes.

Angelo watched Paddy and Marie from the kitchen with disgust. Slowly, it was kicking in. He knew that Marie and him would never again get together. He knew that other girls had no affect on him. He knew that Paddy and Marie weren't doing this on purpose; or just to hurt him. He knew, that their brief relationship with meaningless to her. But he knew that he couldn't stop loving her.

Jimmy walked in the room. "What is so exciting?"
"We are going to school" Jess replied.
"That's really good" Jimmy said. "When does it start?"
"At the end of January" Jess answered him, beaming.
"I'm going to take you out for lunch, for a little celebration" Paddy smiled. 
"Sounds great, I'll get my jacket" Marie walked out of the room.
"Do you guys want to come?" Paddy asked Jimmy and Jess. 
Jess shook her head. "You guys be alone."
Marie walked back into the room. "Ready."
"Would you like to walk?" Paddy asked her. "I mean, the snow is falling softly... if you want."
"Sure" Marie said. She turned to Jess. "See you guys later."
"Bye" Jess and Jimmy answered in unison.
Paddy and Marie walked out into the door and into the snow. He took her hand, and she leaned on his shoulder. They walked down the street, basking in the silence.
"Did you hear that?" Marie asked Paddy, looking behind them.
Paddy shook his head.
"No."
"Okay" she said, uncertainly.
They walked into a small restaurant and found a table. After ordering, he took her hands. "I'm going to miss you so much at the end of this month." He stared at her intently. "Marie, it's in three weeks, and I don't know what I am going to do without you."
"It's going to be so hard" Marie replied. "Where do you have to go?"
"I'm not sure" Paddy replied. "But... I wanted to ask you. You and Jess don't have to be anywhere until January... maybe you guys could come."
"I'd love to, Paddy" Marie replied. "But I don't think it is a good idea."
"Why not?" he moved out of the way as the waitress put down there plates.
"Will there be anything else?" the waitress asked.
"No thanks, Tamara" Marie replied, reading the waitresses nametag. 
Tamara looked at Paddy sheepishly.
"I know this is going to sound so idiotic, but..." she couldn't meet his eyes. "Are you from the singing group The Kelly Family?"
Paddy glanced at Marie.
"Yes, but please don't make a spectacle. I really don't want to be signing autographs and everything."
"Please, will you just sign one for me?" Tamara asked. Paddy nodded and quickly wrote on a napkin. "Is that your girlfriend?"
Marie shook her head.
"We're close friends, and that's all." She smiled at Paddy.
"I saw you on Viva awhile ago" Tamara went on. "You said you were in love with a girl named Marie. The next day in a magazine, it said it was a lie. What's with that?"
"I said it as a joke" Paddy replied. "The magazine corrected me."
Tamara nodded and walked away.
"Don't you hate this lying?" Marie asked. 
"Don't you?" Paddy replied. "I mean, if I say that you are my girlfriend, then you'll get covered by the press... I don't want to make you go through it. Remember when they found you?"
"Yeah, it's fine" she said, taking his hand.
They finished their lunch, paid and tipped Tamara then walked out the door.
"Thank you" she said, kissing his cheek. She breathed in his cologne. "You smell great."
"Do I usually smell bad?" he smiled and left.

"You guys won't believe what I picked up at the 'Bild' today." She tossed a newspaper on the table.
"What's this all about?" Joey picked it up.
"Check out the story complete with picture, right on the front page" Jess replied. 
Joey's eyes widened. "I can't believe this."
"That is exactly what I said" Jess said.
"What's going on?" Patricia asked, taking the paper. Jimmy leaned over. "Damn."
"What?" Paddy asked.
"There's a picture of you and Marie, kissing and holding hands and an article. The headline is Pop Sensation Lies to Fans."
"What?" Paddy asked, taking the paper. "'Teen pop sensation, Paddy Kelly from the Kelly Family, has been seen with Marie Reno, a young woman from Cologne early yesterday. Earlier this year, an Viva exclusive interview quoted young Kelly, saying that "Marriage isn't in my future yet either, but I do have a girlfriend. I love her so much. I love you Marie." A next day all magazines showed that Paddy Kelly was lying, trying to convince fans that he was taken, when in reality he wasn't.'" Paddy looked up. "This is bullshit." He looked back at the paper. "It says that I lie to my fans for no apparent reason, and that I have a girlfriend, but then I don't and I say I lie. This doesn't make sense."
The phone rang and Jess picked it up.
"Paddy, it's for you."
"Hello?" Paddy asked.
"Paddy, I just read the 'Bild'. Now, what is this shit?" their press manager said.
"We got caught, I don't want to sneak around" Paddy replied. "Marie is my one true…"
"No" the manager replied. "That is why we printed that article the next day. Fans will automatically hate Marie. Press will be all over her. No more, Paddy. There is only one way we can fix this."
"What's that?" Paddy asked.
"We've just signed a new singer. She's eighteen and her name is Lexi Leason. If we get you two publicly set up, it will erase all of this, and bring you and her a lot of publicity. Alright?"
"No" Paddy said. "This isn't alright. I mean, I can't do this."
"You have to" the manager replied. "Lexi is opening for you."
"I won't do this" Paddy protested.
"You have no choice" the manager said. "Bye."
Paddy tried to object but all he heard was the dial tone.
"What's going to happen?" Jimmy asked him.
Paddy shook his head.
"But you were saying that you wouldn't do something. What?" Marie stood up.
"It was nothing" he assured her. "Don't worry about it."
Jess walked upstairs, and found Angelo staring out the window in her room. "Angelo?"
"Yeah?" He looked up.
"Why are you up here?" she asked.
"I'm trying to get rid of this... this feeling that I am feeling" Angelo replied. He looked out the window again. "Paddy and Marie, it's true, isn't it?"
"I'm sorry." Jess slowly nodded.
"It's all right, I mean, I set myself up for this." Angelo responded. "It's just that... I guess I am slowly making my way over her, you know? It's like I am finally facing reality."
"Same with me. Jimmy isn't really showing much more interest in me. I think we're taking it easy for awhile." Jess grinned.
"It's like everything is turning around for us." Jess replied. "Finally. Now, would you like to come out with me? There's something I think that you should read."
"Sure" Angelo said, standing up and following Jess out.

Marie pulled Paddy into the living room. "Are you lying to me?"
"N-no." Paddy's face flushed.
"Why are you stammering then?" Marie shook her head. "Paddy."
"I swear, Marie." Paddy said. "Don't worry." He kissed her forehead. "I love you."
"Fine" she answered, still unbelieving.

Jess hurried into the store where she worked, and into the back room.
"Shane, Jess, I'm glad you are here" their boss greeted them with a smile. "I'd like you to meet these two." She gestured to two young men behind her and lowered her voice. "They are both new to the workplace, and they are just starting off. I don't know how long they will last." She grinned and turned around. "This is Jess, and Shane, and this is Ken and Brian."
"Hey guys. Nice to meet you." Jess grinned.

"Jess!" Marie ran up to her and hugged her.
"Hey" Jess replied, pulling back. "Brian, this is Marie, my roommate, best friend... you know."
"Hello, Marie." Brian smiled.
"Hey, Brian" Marie forced a smile.
"Are you okay?" Jess realized her friend was crying.
"No" Marie frowned. "It's Paddy and the damn press thing. He all won't go anywhere with me, incase we get caught. He's acting like such a dick."
"He'll come around" Jess said. "The paper just came out. Give him a few days."
"And he won't tell me about the phone conversation, either" Marie told her. "I can't believe him."
"Don't worry about it" Jess tried to comfort her. 
"Can I help?" Brian cleared his throat.
Marie looked at him through her tears. "I guess."
"Okay, but you are going to have to tell me more about your problem" Brian grinned. "Usually I am helpful at stuff like this. I always help my friends. I'm good with girls. I've been with my girlfriend for seven months."
Marie shook her head.
"It's alright." She forced a smile.
"Come on" Brian provoked. "I'll help."
"It's just my boyfriend... he's acting really strange" Marie shook her head and glanced at her watch. "Look, I have to go. I'll talk about it later."
"Okay" Brian answered.
Jess smiled sympathetically. "I hope things work out."
"So do I" Marie replied, turning and heading back out into the snow.

Paddy sat on the front porch, his head in his hands.
"Just?" Marie asked, tentatively.
"Hey, I didn't hear you come up." Paddy looked up.
"You must have been spaced out" Marie replied. She walked past him and opened the door.
"Why don't you come in?" she asked.
"I'll stay out here" Paddy said. He stood up, and took her freezing hands. "Are you angry with me?"
She looked at his blue eyes, staring deep into hers.
"I..." she hesitated.
"Marie" he pleaded, pulling her a few inches closer. "Just tell me. I don't want us to be in any kind of fight."
His eyes were full of need. She finally nodded.
"Why, Marie?" His brows furrowed.
"It's like you're keeping something from me" Marie admitted. "What's going on? Why don't you want to be seen with me?"
"I'll tell you the truth" Paddy said. "Our press manager said to stay away from you for a bit. But it's to protect you, Marie. Protect you from crazy fans, the press. Everything. Please, just believe me."
"I do" Marie replied. "I just miss you."
"I miss you, too." Paddy echoed. "I'm sorry."
"It's alright." Marie said. She turned to go inside. Paddy grabbed her arm and pulled her close, empowering her in a sensual kiss.

*A Week Later*
"Are you kidding?" Angelo asked her.
"Why would I lie about this?" Jess laughed. "I'm serious."
"Hmm." Angelo shook his head. 
Marie walked in the room. 
"Marie" Jess said. Marie faced her. "When is my birthday?"
"Two days" Marie replied.
"See?" Jess threw Angelo a look of satisfaction.
"Do the rest know?" Angelo asked.
"Do we know what?" Paddy walked in the room.
"That Jess's birthday is in two days" Angelo replied.
"No, I did not know that" Paddy said.
"Paddy!" Marie exclaimed. "I know yours."
"So does the rest of the world" Angelo put in.
"So we're going to miss your birthday?" Marie said. She plastered on a sad puppy dog look. "My poor little Paddy."
"Oh, be quiet." He rolled her eyes.
"So what are we going to do for your birthday?" Marie asked Jess.
"Guess who is working?" Jess replied, casting them an angry look.
"Yeah, right!" Marie said. "I need to start up again. I have to find a job."
"Well, I'm working my birthday, because we are still training Ken and Brian" Jess frowned. "I couldn't get it off, I was so mad."
"Sorry" Marie said. "We can do something the next day, or the day before."
"I guess" Jess said. "But it isn't the same."
"It isn't" Marie agreed. "But it's better than nothing."
"How much longer are you guys here?" Jess frowned and walked over to the window. 
"Ten days" Angelo replied. "We have only one concert in our plan till now, but I guess it will change."
"That's all?" Marie asked. "It seems like yesterday when you guys got here."
"You have been unconscious most of the visit" Jess smiled. 
"Oh, and that's totally my fault" Marie shot back. "Like I planned to go surfing and hit my head and slip in a coma." 
"I was kidding" Jess said.
Marie rolled her eyes and kept silent.
"So what are we going to do for your birthday?" Paddy asked her.
"It's alright, we don't have to do anything" Jess shrugged.
"We have to" Paddy argued.
"Fine" Jess replied. "What do you guys want to do?"
"I have an idea" Marie said. "How about tomorrow, we go to the mall, you can pick out some presents, and then we'll go out for dinner. After dinner, we'll go dancing."
Jess smiled. "Thanks, guys."

Jess breathed steadily, deep in sleep.
"Happy birthday to you" Joey sang, walking into Jess's bedroom. Jess opened an eye. Angelo walked in behind him with Jimmy.
"Happy birthday to you" they sang in unison. She opened both eyes.
"Happy birthday, dear Jess" Paddy came in with a grin. She sleepily smiled.
"Happy birthday to you" Patricia, Maite and Marie finished. Marie handed her a tray filled with her favourite breakfast foods.
"Thanks. This is great." Jess grinned.
"Great, great, blah, blah, blah" Joey teased. "Hurry and eat, so we can go get you a present."
"No pressure, though. Eh, Joey?" Jess laughed.
"That's right." Joey nodded.
Jess took a sip of her juice. "What time is it?"
"Almost noon" Angelo said. "You've slept through half your birthday."
"As soon as I am done, we'll go." Jess said. "Be patient." She moved slowly, reaching for her spoon.
"That's it!" Jimmy said, walking over and grabbing the spoon. He took some fruit salad and looked at Jess. "Open."
She obeyed and he shoved a mouthful in her open mouth. Jimmy grabbed her jaw and started moving it up and down. "We want to go. Eat."
"Fine, I'll eat fast." Jess laughed, and swatted his hand.
"Eat, eat, eat" Paddy began to sing. "All day long."

At the night, after the shopping.
"You look great" Angelo commented, as Jess walked out from her room in her brand new dress.
"Thanks" she replied, smiling in spite of herself.

Joey walked over to the bar, and got them some drinks, and Jess gave a devious smile around the table.
"Now" she began. "Have we went dancing before?"
Jimmy shook his head.
"No. Why?"
"You don't know, that I'm a dancing machine." Jess grinned.
Marie wrinkled her nose.
"She doesn't stop. Trust me. Later, when we're all sitting down, she'll be still dancing away. She's like that."
"Well" Jimmy said, standing up. "May I have this dance?"
"Heartbreaker, you got the best of me, but I just keep on coming back obsessively… Oooh." Jess laughed and pulled on his arm to the middle of the floor.

"I think we should leave them alone" Patricia turned to Angelo, gesturing to Marie and Paddy, who were deep in conversation.
"Of course" Angelo replied, rolling his eyes. They walked out to where Jimmy was desperately trying to break dance.
"I'm worried" Marie said, confiding in Paddy.
"About…" Paddy prompted.
"Jess" Marie replied. "She seemed so unhappy today, and I don't understand it. I don't know why."
"I think she's fine" Paddy said, taking Marie's hand, and gently kissing it. "I'm dying to dance with my girl. But…"
"Oh, we've danced before" Marie said, cutting him off.
"Back in the day, when I…" Paddy began.
"Wrote the song for me" Marie finished softly. "That was so sweet."
"I was so stupid letting you go. We could be a marriage now if I wasn't such an ass…" Paddy laughed.
"Shhh!!" Marie kissed him.
Suddenly a familiar tune blared over the speakers. It was "Livin' the vida loca."
"A little samba." He swayed his hips.
"More like this" Marie said, taking a step back and shaking her hips.
Paddy followed her with a laugh. "Alright, alright. No more."
"You are such a party pooper!" Marie accused.
"Me? No way!" Paddy said. "I have lots of fun."
Marie just laughed and shook her head.

Jimmy picked up Jess and swung her around.
"I think we should be Ricky Martin dancers."
"You've figured out my dream!" Jess smirked. He put her down as the song finished.

The fast Ricky Martin tune turned slow when Celine Dion's 'My heart will go on' filled the room.
"Can we dance Paddy?" Marie asked him, her eyes searching for an answer in his.
He hesitated, then shook his head. "Too risky."
"Too risky?" she repeated, then groaned. "I don't understand. I am seen with all of you, but I can't touch you. I could go kiss any one of them, and it wouldn't do a damn thing, but to you, Paddy, it matters."
"The tabloids!" he replied, as if those two words answered everything.
"You're just worried about your image." she shot back.
"I'm worried about you." he replied gently, reaching for her hand.
She glared and him, tears welling in her eyes, and shook his hand off.
"No, Paddy. I'm not going to stand here and take this. Okay, I understand if we can't be together in public. Well, then why even come? It's too hard." She stared at him for a brief second then turned and walked out the back exit.
"What just happened?" Jess asked, breathless, walking up to Paddy.
Paddy looked at her.
"I'm screwing things up. I don't know what to do. We leave in a week and… I just love her so much."
Jess looked at Paddy sympathetically.
"You are the only one who can fix this."
"I guess so" he admitted. "I'm just so worried."
"Nothing will happen" Jess said. "Now, go talk to her."
He nodded, and walked toward the exit.

Marie wiped her eyes with the back of her hand when she heard the door open behind her. She turned around quickly.
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to talk to you, Marie, I'm sorry." Paddy replied immediately. "You're right, we shouldn't do this. I won't be identified, and neither will you. We're in Cologne. Like a million people live here."
"No" she shook her head angrily. "I should have never gotten involved with you."
The words stung him like cold water.
"Really?"
She quickly took back her words.
"Sorry, that's not what I meant." Marie sighed. "I just…"
"You what?" Paddy prompted, taking a step closer.
She comfortably fit in his arms.
"I just love you." She stepped on her tiptoes and kissed him gently on his lips.
A new song filled the room, a few feet away from him and Marie, holding each other under the dim lights.
"I can't help myself" Marie breathed. "Let's dance. I love this song."
Paddy pulled Marie closer and she rested her head on his shoulder. She breathed in his cologne and sighed in happiness.
"You know, Paddy, I really understand why you are doing this. It's just, I lost you once because of me, but I don't want to lose you again because of me."
Paddy wrapped his arms tighter around her slender waist.
"I've known you, for a very long time, Marie. And you are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I never want to lose you."
She stayed silent, and they danced slowly, underneath the stars.

The group arrived home later that night.
"I can't believe it's already two in the morning" Jess said. "And I'm not even tired!" 
"I am" Jimmy replied, stifling a yawn. "Good night, all." He trudged out of the hall to bed.
Paddy kissed Marie on the forehead.
"Same with me. Good night." He turned to Marie. "I love you."
"I love you" she whispered, turning and walking to bed.

They all went to their beds except Jess and Angelo.
"This sucks" Jess said bluntly. "Are you tired too?"
"Actually, not really" Angelo replied. "Want to go outside? I'm really hot."
"You are" she said teasingly. "Let's go."
They put their jackets back on and slipped on their shoes. Angelo held the door open for Jess, and she walked out with them. They sat on the porch, and Angelo looked up at the stars. 
"Well, this is romantic" she raised her eyebrows and blew Angelo a kiss.
Angelo laughed and stood up.
"You know what I haven't done in awhile?" He smiled and picked up some snow.
Jess grew suspicious. "What?" She stood up.
"Had a snowball fight" Angelo smiled mischievously and packed the snow into a tight ball. He threw it up and caught it.
"Angelo…" Jess took a step back.
Angelo drew his arm back and gently threw it at Jess. It hit her in the stomach. "You're going to get it."
"Come get me" Angelo said, rolling his eyes. "You're just a girl."
"And you're going to die" Jess ran over and jumped on him, making them fall in the snow. She rolled off of him, and rubbed snow in his face. 
Angelo pushed Jess further away and laughed.
"Now it's your turn, girl." He turned around and started making a big snowball.
"Angelo, it's two thirty in the morning, and officially, today is my birthday. I have to work in a few hours, and I am just a girl" she smiled. "Cut me some slack."
"Ever thought of acting?" Angelo laughed.
"You know I used to want to act when I was a kid, but not anymore." Jess answered thoughtfully. "I mean, I just…" She was cut off with snow hitting her in the face. "You… are… so… dead" Jess replied, wiping snow from her eyes. She drew her already soaking leg back, and kicked some snow on Angelo.
"That's all you got?" Angelo pretended to be scared. "Ooh, I'm shaking."
She shook her head, and kicked more snow on him. When he bent over to pick up a snowball, Jess pushed him gently into the snow.
"Ha!" She covered him quickly.
Angelo put his foot between her ankles, and pulled her down. She fell in the snow beside him and screamed in pain. Angelo, terrified, quickly rolled over and faced her.
"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
"Sucker" Jess grinned, throwing snow at him, but the laws of gravity defied her and the snow landed on her. "Damn."
He shook his head, and looked at her. Her warm brown eyes crinkled on the ends from smiling, and her laughing grin looked up at him.
Angelo reached over and brushed a thin strand of hair out of her eyes. Her smile faded and her face grew serious.
"Angelo, I…" She stopped, then pulled him a little closer.
Angelo brushed her cheek with his fingers, and leaned closer. 
"Are you guys alright?" Patricia asked, opening the door. "I thought I heard someone scream."
Embarrassed, Jess forced a small smile. "Sorry, we were joking around. Um… I'm going to bed. 'Night, guys."
"'Night" they both echoed. Jess pushed past Patricia and walked upstairs.
"Was I interrupting something?" Patricia asked Angelo.
"No" Angelo shook his head. "Come on. It's Jess. We're friends."
"Okay…" Patricia stayed uncertain. "Well… good night."
"Good night" Angelo replied. "Hey, what were you doing up anyway?"
"I had to pee, but then I heard a scream, and I saw you guys."
"Oh" Angelo began to walk to the room. "Alright. Good night."

"I can't believe you are leaving" Marie sighed, sitting with Paddy at the airport. 
"Five minutes" Paddy said, glancing at his watch. He tried to control the tears filling his eyes. "I'll call you everyday."
"You can email, too. If you don't have time to call." She nodded.
"Of course" he held her hand tightly.
"Are you going to listen to your Walkman on the plane?" Marie asked him.
"Probably. Why?" He nodded. 
"No reason" Marie replied. Finally, tears started to stream down her cheeks. "I am going to miss you so much."
"Marie, I don't know what to do without you." Paddy shook his head. "Look, if anything happens, don't forget that I love you, and we'll be together always. Even if we don't see each other for a really long time." He handed her a small white envelope. "Read this after I leave."
She nodded, then leaned over and he held her in his arms.

Angelo pulled Marie close.
"Marie" he whispered. "I think we can stop acting so weird around each other. It's about time."
"I'm sorry. I know we've had our…" She smiled faintly.
He cut her off.
"Bye, Marie. Let's leave on a good note."
"Don't worry about Marie. She'll be fine." Jess hugged Paddy.
"Thanks. But I won't be." His voice broke off.
Jess hugged Patricia, Maite, then smiled up at Joey. "I'll miss you, Joe."
"Same here" he said. He hugged her. "Call me, alright?"
"For sure" Jess said, next facing Angelo. She stood in front of him awkwardly.
He smiled and lowered his voice.
"The other day, I…" He sighed. "I don't know what went on. It was a heat of the moment type thing."
"I'm so happy to hear you say that." Jess breathed a sigh of relief. 
"So you didn't… feel anything?" Angelo asked, not meeting her eyes.
She shook her head, then hugged him. He hugged back tightly.
"I'll miss you."
"I'll miss you" Angelo echoed. 
"We'll all keep in touch" Jess said.
Paddy looked in Marie's eyes again. He reached up and ran his finger down her jaw line.
"This is it."
"I love you, Paddy." She nodded.
"I love you" he replied, kissing her deeply. 
Jimmy pulled Jess aside.
"Jess" he began awkwardly. "I'm really going to miss you."
"I'm going to miss all of you." she answered.
"There's been something I…" Jimmy started.
"Yes?" Jess prompted.
"…I think…" he stopped. "I really lo…" Jimmy's voice trailed off.
"What are you trying to say, Jimmy?" Jess asked him.
"I… I loved… I loved hanging out with you" Jimmy said, staring at her intently.
Her eyes met his, and a wave of understanding filled her. She knew what he meant. "I really loved hanging out with you, too." she said quietly, looking down.
The voice came over the intercom again and announced that it was the last call for boarding.
"Well, Jimmy" Jess said.
"Well" Jimmy replied. He looked at her once more, and they shared a moment that felt like an eternity. 
"I better get going." Jimmy broke the silence.
She nodded, and squeezed his hand.

They walked over to the doorway and boarded the plane.
Marie looked at Jess, her eyes still moist with tears.
"I'm going to miss him so much." she whispered hoarsely.

"I like this song" Marie said, tapping the steering wheel with her fingers, trying to get her mind off of Paddy.
"Who's it by?" Jess asked her, absentmindedly.
"A new singer" Marie said. "Shh, listen. They'll say it now."
"Alexandra Leason. She's good. The song is called 'Love Me'. She's starting tour with The Kelly Family."
Marie looked at Jess from the corner of her eye.
"Did she just say The Kelly Family?"
Jess nodded. 
"Why wouldn't they say anything?" Marie responded.
"Maybe they don't know" Jess replied, defending them.
"Maybe" Marie replied.

Paddy crinkled his eyebrows and listened carefully to the tape. "This isn't my tape" he mumbled. "Wait… hmm"
"Paddy, this is for you" it was Marie. Her voice. "I guess it's like a going away present. All those times when you weren't around, I sat and listened to lyrics and taped songs that best describe us... together. Most of them are guys singing to girls, so just ignore that. And wrote a song about us. I hope you love it, because I love you."
He heard it click off then back on.
Paddy's face lit up in a smile when he heard Marie singing:

"Our True Love"

The first time that
I laid my eyes upon you.
Something told me that I
would fall in love… so true.

We started out dating,
one day at a time.
You held me close to you.
I knew you would be mine.

You asked me to marry you,
spend the rest of my life.
We would forever become
husband and wife.

Then one stormy, dark day,
we broke each other's hearts.
Hurtful words were spoken,
It ripped our world apart.

Having to say that I'm sorry,
I didn't mean to make you cry.
I always loved you, forever,
Now you had to say goodbye.

Let's try to forgive each other
and forget all the past.
Let's live for tomorrow,
We can make our love last.

Life is too precious and short,
to throw it all away.
So let's take a chance,
starting back together one day.

Let's try to forgive each other
and forget all the past.
Let's live for tomorrow,
We can make our love last.

"What are you listening to?" Jimmy asked Paddy.
Paddy took off his headphones.
"Marie made me a tape with her song. She's so sweet. I have the best girlfriend in the world, man."
"I did." Jimmy smiled, but felt a twinge of jealousy. 
"You did what?" Paddy asked him, reaching over Jimmy for a glass of water from the tray in the middle of the isle.
"I had this great girlfriend" Jimmy replied. 
"You still want to be with her?" Paddy asked him incredulously.
"Be with her? I love her" Jimmy replied. "She's made me feel different from anyone."
"Call her when we get there." Paddy shook his head.
"I don't think I should" Jimmy replied, picking his magazine back up.
Paddy went back to his headphone and listened the song again.

"Oh, my gosh" Marie suddenly blurted out. "I just remembered something." She ran out of the room, and returned holding an envelope. "I forgot about it, I put it in my pocket. Can you wait a second while I read it?"
Jess nodded and sat on the couch.
Marie read it over, tears filling her eyes. "Can I read it out loud?"
"You will anyway" Jess mumbled. 
"Dear Marie" Marie read. "I've already left at this time, and this is a small parting gift for you. Please go to the kitchen and in a small light pink box, there is something waiting. Love, Paddy." Marie giggled girlishly.
"What was that?" Jess asked, her eyes widening. "You… giggled."
"No idea" Marie grinned.
"Let's go see what it is." Jess shook her head and stood up.
After a few minutes, Marie spotted the small pink box. She opened it up, and took out a folded piece of light blue paper. "Marie" she read again. "This is the main part of the gift. Look in your room, beside your alarm clock for the next part." Marie smiled, and took out a gold bracelet.
"Wow" Jess commented. "That's beautiful."
Marie nodded, speechless.
"Let's go get the next part" Jess's mood began to lift.
They ran upstairs and Jess picked up the box. Marie opened it.
"Marie, this symbolizes the first snowfall that we watched together. Go to Jess's room, in her jewelry box for the next part." Marie took out a small gold charm of a snowflake.
"I have the best guy" Marie said softly. She put the charm on the bracelet, and they walked to Jess's room.
The next box held a small heart, which Paddy wrote, signified the life that she put into him. They walked to the television, where the next one was. 
Marie opened the box, and read the paper. "This illustrates that song I wrote for you, the dance we shared, and so much more." She took out a little music note, and attached it to the bracelet.
In the next place, Marie found the box, and read the small letter. "Marie, I love you more than life. You're everything to me. With these charms, and there are more to be filled. This last shows everyone, and us, our bond… the circle is the undying love that never ends. I love you so much. Paddy." She took out the last charm. It was simple, yet elegant. A small circle, with a P and an M engraved in it. Tiny diamonds scattered inside of it.
"He's so wonderful" Marie smiled at Jess.
"It's great" Jess replied.
Marie walked over to the phone.
"Paddy?" Marie asked, when he picked up the phone.
"Hey" Paddy smiled. "How are you? This has to be short."
"That's fine" Marie replied. "I just wanted to say thanks. I love everything."
"You're welcome. Anything for the girl I love. And thanks for the tape. It's great." Paddy grinned. "I've listened to it over and over. Your songs is beautiful."
"Thanks!" Marie said. "I love you."
"And I love you" Paddy said before hanging up the phone.

"I think this is everything" Marie said, taking out her debit and walking over to the counter in a mall.
"Hold on. I'm going to buy the new Bravo." She walked over to the magazines, and bent down, sifting through them. A headline of a well-known magazine caught her eye.
"Marie" Jess called. "Come here."
"What?" Marie walked over.
"Look." She pointed to the magazine. 
"Get the magazine." Marie's eyes widened in horror.
Jess nodded and took it from the stand. They paid for the purchases and left the store. 
"I want to read this." Marie took out the magazine from the bag.
"Sure" Jess replied. She took the keys, and hopped in the drivers side.
Marie stared at the picture. Paddy in his white shirt. His arm around a pretty girl, with dark blonde hair, a bright smile and deep blue eyes.
"Lexi Leason" Marie read. "Where have I heard that name?"
"That new song we heard yesterday" Jess replied, turning left at the intersection. "Love Me."
"How can there be a picture of them already?" Marie wondered. "Maybe it's to promote their tour."
"There's a huge caption that says 'New Couple'" Jess pointed out. "That's all I read. Just read the thing."
Marie turned to the page, and began to read. "The date says this morning. How can it be published already?"
"It must move really fast" Jess replied. "It's big news for teenagers and they make that magazine in Cologne. It gets on the stands the fastest."
Marie began to read. "It says that Paddy and this Lexi girl are dating."
"Dating?" Jess repeated. "But you're…"
"I know that" Marie glared at her.
"What's your problem? Just because your boyfriend is apparently dating some pop singer" Jess said "Doesn't mean you have to take it out on me."
"I'm not!" Marie exclaimed. "I'm just upset."
"Ever since the Kellys have walked into our lives, all you can think about is Paddy. Does he love me? Does he want me? Why did he break up with me?" Jess parked the car in the driveway and turned it off. "News flash, Marie Reno. Paddy doesn't rule your life. All you are doing is thinking, why does it say he is with Lexi? Maybe you should call him, instead of jumping to conclusions and crying on my shoulder till he calls you. Sometimes you're just so…" she took off her seatbelt, trying to think of an appropriate word. Opening her door, she looked over her shoulder. "…Immature." Jess slammed the door behind her.
Marie stared at Jess in shock as Jess walked quickly into the house.

Marie sat on the couch, opening her Pepsi and taking a small sip. She turned through the channels and flipped to Viva.
"The Kelly stopped by today to tell us about their new tour" she said with a smile. "Here are the clips."
Marie groaned, but stayed tuned.
"It's going to be great" Jimmy said, his voice and face filling the screen. "We are performing new songs, new show… Better than the other tour."
Jess walked into the doorway, hidden from Marie's view, and watched Jimmy.
The camera zoomed out.
"And who is this?" the DJ asked Paddy, who had his fingers intertwined with another girl's.
Marie felt like she was going to be sick.
"It's my girl" Paddy said, almost hesitantly.
Marie knew his smile was forced.
"I'm touring with them. My name is Lexi Leason" Alex smiled. "I'm their opening act. New part of their concerts." She grinned.
"How long have you two been an item?" The DJ smiled.
"A few weeks" Paddy said.
'That liar!' Marie's head screamed. She raised her fist and shook it at the television.
"The best few week's of my life" Lexi said, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek.
Marie heard soft laughter and turned around. She stood up, and faced Jess.
"Hey" she said, quietly.
Jess looked at her. "Sorry."
"For…" Marie prompted.
"For saying what I said" Jess replied. "I understand what you are going through. Jimmy is driving me insane, too."
"Sorry for being so stupid. But why were you laughing, Jess?" Marie smiled.
"I was laughing at your fetal attempted threats to Paddy" Jess imitated the clenched fist.
"Stop it!" Marie laughed.
"I can't believe Paddy!" Jess said. "I wonder if he knew. And it's definitely publicity."
"I know that" Marie replied. "I know that he was set up with her so rumours about me would stop. But he lied to me then, and he didn't have to go along with it. Did he?"
"Only one way to find out." Jess picked up the phone and tossed it to Marie.

"Hello?" Paddy said.
"I'm surprised you were able to come to the phone" was Marie's reply.
"Marie, hey… um, why wouldn't I?" Paddy asked.
"Talking to Lexi? Too busy?" Marie guessed.
"About Lexi…" Paddy said. "Let me explain."
"Listening" Marie said.
"Okay, remember that day when the manager called?" Paddy asked.
"I remember."
"He told me about the idea then" Paddy said, running his hand through his hair. "The day we got here, some magazine were all over us. I had to act it, and then we had Viva… I'm sorry."
"You know, Paddy" Marie said, taking a deep breath. "I really trust you. I really do. I mean, why wouldn't I? We've been together for awhile. But the thing that pisses me off the most is that you had to lie."
"I…" Paddy began.
"Don't even try it" Marie said, her voice cracking. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. "You didn't have to lie. Come on, Paddy. You know me better than anyone, other than Jess. I just think you should have told me the truth."
"I'm sorry" he said, quietly.
"I'm sure you are." she replied. "But right now, I need to think about things. See you."
"Marie…" he began again. But his only response was the dial tone.
Lexi walked over to Paddy.
"Who was she?"
"My girlfriend! Lexi, we are together only for the press…"
"That's alright" Lexi replied. "I figured it had to do with the media."
"And Marie found out how?" Angelo asked.
"She saw the Viva and already a magazine posted it" Paddy replied. "She just hung up on me, and I don't know what to do."
"Sorry Lexi!" Paddy said.
"It's alright" she grinned.

The phone rang fifteen minutes later.
"Hello?" 
"Jess?" the voice replied, hesitantly.
"Yeah" she replied. "Paddy, give her some time."
"I need to talk to her." Paddy replied. "Please, Jess."
"Look, you messed up." Jess said. "As I already said, give her some time."
"I can't!" Paddy replied. "We have only a few hours till performance, but I won't be able to concentrate."
"Damn you, you know I'm a sap." Jess said. "I'll get her."
"I owe you." Paddy replied.
Marie rolled her eyes and took the telephone.
"Yes?"
"Just hear me out" Paddy quickly said.
"Fine" Marie answered.
"I'm sorry" Paddy told her. "But what could I have done?"
"What could you have done?" Marie repeated. "Paddy… I don't think you get it. I'm not angry because you had to pretend. It's the lying. I can't handle that."
"You can't sit there on the other end of the phone and say that you can't handle lying. What about you, Miss Cheat On Me With Angelo?" Paddy asked, his voice growing a little louder.
"That was so long ago" Marie protested.
"So what?" Paddy said. "I just didn't tell you the complete truth. You are totally contradicting yourself."
Jess groaned and stood up, walking into the kitchen. She picked up the phone. "Alright, I've had enough!"
"Hang up" Paddy told her.
"Didn't you just tell me that you owed me?" Jess asked him.
"I guess" Paddy muttered.
"Alright then" Jess replied. "Okay. Paddy's a liar. Marie's a cheater. You both have faults, but you can both look past those faults. You love each other. Stop fighting. And shut the hell up!" She hung up the phone.
"She's right." Paddy laughed.
"I guess" Marie said, giving in. "I'm sorry about that. You know I am. And I don't care about the Lexi thing. You're right, you knew I would get mad."
"Why do you have to be like this? Don't you get that I have to make sacrifices for my job?" Paddy asked.
"I understand" Marie said. "How did you turn this around? How come you are yelling at me?"
Paddy sat down on the brown chair beside him.
"Sorry."
"That's alright" Marie sighed. "I just… I'm jealous."
"I'm really sorry" Paddy said.
"It's okay," Marie cut in. "Do what you have to do. As long as you're mine."
"Thanks, Marie." Paddy smiled.
"You're welcome" she replied.
"Look, I have to go, I'm sorry." Paddy said. "I'll talk to you later, alright?"
"Bye" Marie said. "Love you."
"And you" Paddy answered, hanging up the phone. He sat back and sighed.

Chapter 16 - Troubles in paradise