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Fan Fiction

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

CHAPTER 17 - I wanna be with you

*A Few Days Later In Stuttgart*
Paddy was the last person out of the dressing room, as usual. He raced along the corridor, throwing on a heavy jacket, and finally catching up to the rest of the The Kelly Family.
"You know, Padd, one of these days we're gonna leave you here" Jimmy joked, peering out over his sunglasses.
"Don't call me Padd. You know I hate that." Paddy ran a hand through his blond hair, and yawned. "So, where are we tomorrow?"
"It's our day off" Joey said. "I'm sleeping the entire day, if I can get away with it."
Paddy laughed. "Knowing you, you won't."
The Kellys stepped out of the stadium. The rain which had been coming down steadily all day had finally stopped, and the full moon cast a pale glow over everything--including a teenage girl standing by their tour bus.
"Heads up" Patricia warned. "She looks like a screamer."
The girl waited until the Kellys were almost at the bus, then smiled.
"Hi. I'm Lila Simpson."
Paddy groaned inwardly, then forced a smile onto his face. He could see that the rest of the group had done the same, as they each signed Lila's copy of "From their heart". Paddy was the last to sign.
"Wow, it's such a pleasure to meet you" Lila said. "You're my absolute favourite guy out of the entire group."
"Yeah? How come?" Paddy smiled for real this time.
"Because you're so good looking, and so real… and you have an amazing voice." Lila's eyes shone. "I know you've heard this a million times, but I'm your biggest fan." Her voice dropped down a level. "I'm totally in love with you."
Paddy signed her album, and smiled.
"You are, are you?" He had heard this a million times.
Lila's face grew serious.
"I don't think you're getting it" she said in a dangerously quiet voice.
"What do you mean?" Paddy sighed.
"I mean, I really do love you. We're destined to be together, Paddy."
Now Paddy was starting to get worried. He forced himself to keep smiling, all the while looking for a way out of the situation.
"How do you know that?" he asked.
"Because I do." Lila took a step forward. "I'm going to marry you."
Paddy started to edge towards the bus, frightened now. He jumped when his cell phone rang, then grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry, Lila, but I really have to answer this. It was a pleasure to meet you." Paddy turned towards the bus, and clicked the phone on. "Hello?"
"Hi, Sweetie. Missing me?" came the soft female voice. As always, it sent a shiver of pleasure down Paddy's spine.
"Marie! Hi Hon! How are you doing?" Paddy climbed on the bus, waving good-bye at Lila over his shoulder. "I was just thinking about you." 

Lila glared at the bus as it pulled out of the alley. She couldn't believe it. Paddy had dismissed her, treated her like she was a common fan. And then the phone. He had called the other girl, Marie, 'Hon'. Was she his girlfriend? Lila's eyes narrowed. She couldn't afford to have any competition for his attention. This Marie girl was going to have to be dealt with. Permanently. And then Lila would deal with Paddy. He wouldn't turn away from her again. He'd regret it seriously if he tried. After a moment, Lila smiled. It wouldn't come to that. Paddy would recognize the error of his ways once Marie was gone, and then he'd embrace his destiny… and her. 

The Next Day... 
Paddy grinned, as a girl ran towards him.
"Marie! What are you doing here?"
Marie threw her arms around Paddy.
"Can't a girl come and visit her boyfriend when she gets lonely?" She poked him lightly in the arm. "After all, someone has to make sure you don't run off with some young fan."
Paddy laughed.
"Trust me, I don't think that's a problem." He leaned down, and gave Marie a passionate kiss on the mouth. "Why go for the rest, when you've got the best?" he whispered seductively in her ear. "You know, today's my day off. Maybe you and I could… have a little fun?"
He grinned in triumph as Marie shivered.
"Oooo, I've got chills."
"That's the point, my dear."
Marie laughed.
"You are evil, Paddy Kelly." She pulled away. "Actually, I'm kinda hungry. Any chance of going out for lunch first?"
"Sure. I'll get the bellboy to take the bags up to your room." He grinned mischievously. "Unless you want to stay in my room."
"Well, I'm kind of going to have to, if we want to have the type of fun you're hinting at." Marie lifted an eyebrow.
She gave him a quick kiss, then pulled out of his embrace.
"Let me just go to the bathroom, first."
Paddy nodded, and watched as Marie walked over to the restrooms. For the thousandth time since they had gotten together, Paddy marveled at how he had ever gotten such a beautiful girl. Marie was the best thing that had ever happened to him. She was always willing to talk, listen, or whatever Paddy needed. She understood that he was a dedicated musician, too, which was a very hard quality to find in a girl, and even sent him little surprises, such as this visit. 

Paddy smiled again, and turned to get the bellboy. His way was blocked by the young girl. Paddy stared at her in surprise.
"Lila?"
Lila glared at him.
"Who was that?" she asked.
"Who was who?"
"The girl who was with you" Lila said. "Who was she?"
Paddy decided this was not the best time to lie.
"That was my girlfriend, Marie."
"Your girlfriend?" Lila looked in the direction of the bathroom. "Interesting."
Paddy watched her turn and walk away. 'This girl is nuts' he thought to himself. 
'Maybe I shouldn't have told her about Marie. I hope she doesn't do something stupid.'
He shivered against a sudden chill, and a heavy weight settled into his stomach.
'Don't be stupid' Paddy chided himself. 'She's just a fan, not a stalker.' He shook his head, to clear it, then headed for the lobby. Minutes later, he and Marie stepped out into the bright sunlight. 
"So, where are we going?" Marie asked, taking hold of Paddy's hand.
Paddy thought for a moment. "How about the Spaghetti Factory?"
"Oooo, yum!"

Paddy hailed a cab.
"Your carriage, madam."
"You are such a gentleman." Marie giggled, and climbed inside the cab.
"Shhh!! Don't let the word get out. It'll just ruin my reputation." Paddy glanced around dramatically.
"Just get in the cab, tough guy." Marie laughed.

Lila watched as the cab in front of her pulled away, then started her car. She stayed well behind Paddy and the girl as their cab wove through streets, then finally pulled into a restaurant. Paddy climbed out first, then held out his hand. Lila had to admit, the girl was beautiful. Lila watched in disgust as the girl took Paddy's hand, and let him lead her into the restaurant. How dare she! Paddy was Lila's girl, and she wasn't going to let this Marie girl ruin it.

Lila got out of her car, and walked into the restaurant. She requested a seat in the corner, and pretended to look at the menu, all the while waiting for a chance to get the girl alone. She had decided against actually hurting the girl. That was far too traceable, and it would be much easier just to make the girl believe that Paddy was cheating on her. Lila ran over her lines in her head, making sure that she had every scenario worked out. She had her story perfect. 

Lila smiled to herself as Marie stood up. After a few moments, Lila got up, and followed Marie into the bathroom, careful not to be spotted by Paddy. She pretended to do her make-up while she waited for Marie to emerge from the stall. Finally, Marie came out, and went to the sink. Lila feigned surprise.
"Are you Marie Reno?"
"Yeah. How did you know?" Marie looked surprised.
"You're Paddy Kelly's girlfriend, right? I saw a picture of you two on the Internet."
"Yeah." Marie nodded.
Lila let her face fall, pretending to look unsure. Then she broke down in sobs.
"I'm so sorry."
Marie put her hand on Lila's shoulder.
"Sorry for what?" she asked.
Lila shook her head, wiping away tears.
"No, I shouldn't tell you. I don't want to ruin your relationship with Paddy. I'm sure he loves you very much."
"What do you mean?" Marie asked, a worried look on her face. "What happened."
Lila sniffled, hiding the fact that she wanted to burst out laughing. This stupid girl was buying into her story, hook, line, and sinker.
"I… I was at the The Kelly Family concert, and… well… I met the Kellys backstage, and… and Paddy, he, well, he, he approached me."
Marie looked confused.
"Approached you? About what?"
"Well, he said something about being lonely, and how his girlfriend wasn't there enough for him, and… no, no I can't."
Marie grabbed Lila's shoulders.
"What happened?" she asked, obviously frightened now.
Lila began to cry again.
"I know I shouldn't have. I knew he had a girlfriend, but he said it was okay, and we… we… had sex."
Marie stumbled back in shock.
"No" she said quietly. "I don't believe you. I can't believe you. Paddy would never do something like that… again"
Lila grinned inwardly, and pulled the note out of her pocket.
"Here."
Marie took the note, and read it aloud.
"Lila… I had a great time last night. You are amazing, really… I'm so glad you were okay about it. Don't worry about Marie, she'll never find out. Hope you had as much fun as I did. Paddy" 

Lila watched in satisfaction as, with a choked sob, Marie ran out of the room. She smiled to herself. Learning how to write just like Paddy had finally paid off. There was no way he would be able to convince the girl that he hadn't cheated on her. And then, when he was hurt, she would come in like a guardian angel, and he would be hers. Still smiling, Lila walked out of the restaurant. Her plan was coming along perfectly. 

Paddy looked at the note in confusion.
"Marie, really, I didn't write this, I swear."
"Well then, that girl can certainly write like you" Marie yelled. "I trusted you, Paddy. I loved you!"
"We're through, Patrick. I'm leaving." She picked up her bags.
Paddy cringed at the use of his full name, then stood up.
"Marie, please."
Marie walked out of the hotel room, without another word. Paddy stared for a moment, then dropped to his knees, crushing the note in his hands.
'What's going on?' he wondered, looking at the note. 'I never wrote this note, I know I didn't, but… it's in my handwriting.'
Paddy looked at the door in desperation. 'Why would someone want to break up Marie and me? And who?' He shook his head, then curled up on the floor, and, for the first time in a very long while, he began to cry, the sobs racking violently through his body.
It seemed like hours later when a knock came on the door. Paddy flew to it, and flung it open.
"Marie? Oh, it's you Angelo."
Angelo looked at Paddy. He had never seen his brother looking any worse. Tear stains streaked down his pale face, and his eyes were painfully sad. Angelo stepped inside the hotel room.
"What happened to you, man?"
Wordlessly, Paddy handed him the note. Angelo read it, his face looking shocked. "Paddy…"
"I didn't write that note, Lino. I don't know who did, but whoever they were, they gave it to Marie. I don't know what to do. I love her, Angelo, and…" Paddy choked. "I can't lose her again. You gotta help me."
Angelo nodded.
"Okay, I believe you, and I think I can help. Jimmy knows this guy… don't ask how.. who can spot forgeries. First, we have to figure out if this is your handwriting."
Paddy began to interrupt, but Angelo held up his hand. "You can't deny the possibility that you may have been drugged up in the past… or maybe written the note with a totally different meaning. It never actually states anything about having had sex."
"But what about Marie?" Paddy nodded wearily.
"Let's figure out if you've written the note first. If you didn't, you just have to tell her that. If you did, this may take a little longer." Angelo looked at Paddy in concern. "Don't worry, we'll get to the bottom of this, I promise." 

Jimmy hung up the phone.
"It's not your writing, but whoever did this is a professional."
"Thank God. I thought maybe I was going crazy for a while." Paddy sighed in relief. Then he stood up. "Listen, I don't mean to sound ungrateful or anything, but…"
"You want to find Marie" Jimmy finished. "I know."
He scribbled a number down on a scrap of paper.
"This is Phil's number. Get Marie to call him, and he'll tell her exactly what he just told me. He's expecting her call." He smiled. "Now, get out there, and get your girl." 

Paddy ran down the street, praying that Marie would be somewhere at the hotel. He turned the corner and ran right into Lila.
"Lila! What are you doing here?" Paddy asked, surprised.
"Oh, you know..." Lila responded.
'No, I don't' Paddy thought to himself.
"I heard you broke up with Marie" Lila said.
Paddy narrowed his eyebrows.
"Where did you hear that?" he asked suspiciously.
"Word on the street. You know, in my opinion, any girl that would break up with you is a real moron." Lila shrugged.
Paddy sighed, exasperated.
"No, any girl that would break up with me is treating me like a normal human being, instead of some kind of God. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to find my girlfriend." He nudged his way past Lila, and ran into the hotel. Once inside, he stopped in sudden insight. 
'Funny how Lila showed up just before the note' Paddy thought to himself. 'She seemed awfully interested in Marie. And how did she know we had broken up?'

Paddy looked out the lobby doors, to find Lila watching him intently. He shivered in fear. In a sudden burst of inspiration, Paddy sat down in a nearby armchair, and pulled out his sketchbook. Quickly, he sketched a picture of Lila, careful not to let her catch him watching her. When he was done, he looked up to find Marie watching him. Quickly, Paddy stood up.
"Marie!"
Marie looked at him wearily.
"Jimmy said you had something to tell me." she said.
Paddy nodded.
"I didn't write that note, and I can prove it." He dialed the phone with the number Jimmy had given him, and handed it to Marie. "Ask him."

Marie talked to the man on the line for a few minutes, then hung up the phone, and handed it back to Paddy, who watched her anxiously. Marie looked at him for a moment then burst out crying.
"I'm so sorry, Paddy. Can you ever forgive me?"
In answer, Paddy kissed her passionately on the lips.
"You have nothing to be sorry about. That writing really did look like me, and considering our past…" he shrugged. "I don't blame you."
Marie smiled thinly.
"Thank you." She frowned. "Wish I could talk to that girl again. I'd give her a piece of my mind."
Paddy snapped his fingers, and pulled out his sketchbook.
"Does she look anything like this?"
Marie looked at the picture in surprise.
"That's her! But why…?"
"She's been following me around since my last concert." Paddy explained. "She met us all at the bus tour concert night, and said something about being destined to marry me. I shrugged it off as a normal fan thing, but I realized something today. She's been following me around for the past few days." He shivered. "She's really starting to frighten me."
"You don't think she'd do anything to hurt you, do you?" Marie frowned.
Paddy shook his head.
"No, I think she might to something to hurt you." He sat back down. "I've got to get you somewhere safe until this gets solved."
"If you think you're packing me off somewhere…" Marie stood in front of him.
"Marie, do you know how frightened I was when I thought you were going to leave me?" Paddy asked. "I can't tell you how much it hurt." He stood up, and took Marie into his arms. "Marie, I love you, and I can't bear to lose you. I'm afraid that Lila will do something to hurt you, and I'm not going to stand by and let that happen. I can't stand by and let that happen."
Marie looked up at him, tears in her eyes.
"If you feel that strongly, then I'll do whatever you want." she said.
Paddy nodded, then handed Marie a set of keys, and his credit card.
"Use this card to buy yourself a plane ticket to Cologne. Don't worry about this card, I never use it anyway. Once you're there, you can stay at my place until I get to the bottom of this. You know the way, right?"
Marie nodded.
"When should I leave?" she asked, putting the card and the keys in her purse.
Paddy looked outside. Lila had disappeared.
"As soon as you can. And don't stay anywhere where you'll be alone. There's less chance of her doing anything if you're in a crowd." 
Marie nodded, then gave Paddy one final, passionate kiss, full of love.
"I love you, Paddy. Don't get yourself killed, okay?"
Paddy nodded, and walked Marie to a cab.
"Remember, don't go anywhere alone. I love you, Marie."
He closed the door, and watched the cab until it disappeared among the traffic. Swallowing his tears, Paddy uttered a quick prayer.
"Please God, don't let her get hurt. Please."

Then he dialled Angelo.
"Angelo, I'm coming over. Get the rest together, okay? I should only be about five minutes." He hung up, and walked out of the hotel. Not seeing a cab, he began to walk to the nearby hotel, where the rest of his family were staying. 

Lila watched as Paddy walked out of the hotel. She had listened to his entire conversation, and she was fuming with anger. 'I'll teach him to reject me' she thought to herself. She followed Paddy down the street, until he turned into an empty alley. Quietly, she walked into the alley, picking up a large piece of nearby metal. Lila waited until she was right behind Paddy, then tapped him on the shoulder lightly. Paddy turned around. Lila half-smiled at the shocked expression on his face, before she slammed the metal down on his head. He fell like a rock. Lila dropped the piece of metal, and sat down to wait until dark. 

Hours later, Lila dragged the still blacked-out Paddy out of the alley, and into her car. She had been forced to hit him two more times with the piece of metal, and she knew she didn't have much time before he woke up again. Quickly, she sped to her house, humming along with "From their hearts" 

Angelo looked at the clock.
"Okay, I know something's up. Paddy said he'd be here in five minutes. It's been five hours. I say we call the police."
"Why don't we call Marie, first?" Maite nodded.
Jimmy picked up his phone, and dialed Marie's cell phone number.
"Marie? Have you seen Paddy lately?"
"No" Marie replied, sounding worried. "Why? Is he missing?"
"Yeah." Jimmy cringed as he spoke.
"Oh no. Lila... oh, please don't let her have... oh God." Marie gasped.
"Lila?" Jimmy asked. "Where have I heard that name before?"
"You met her at your last concert. She was standing by the bus. She's the one who got the note, and got Paddy and I to break up temporarily. Paddy said she was nuts. She kept telling him that they were destined to be together. Jimmy, what if she's done something to him?"
"Marie, I'm gonna hang up now. Don't worry, we'll find Paddy." Jimmy shook his head.

"Well?" Angelo asked.
Jimmy dialed the phone again.
"Remember the girl from the last concert? The one at the bus?"
"Lila something." Angelo nodded.
"Lila Simpson. She may have kidnapped Paddy."
Jimmy listened to the phone for a moment, then spoke again.
"Hello, police?"

Paddy groaned, and painfully opened his eyes.
"Oh man, if this is what a hangover feels like, I'm never drinking." He stared at the room he was in. "What the…?"
It was covered in pictures of him. The walls, the ceiling, even the floor, covered in pictures from books, album covers... full of Paddy's pictures. That's not what made Paddy tremble in fear, though. Everyone of the pictures was slashed with a bright red painted X. Paddy closed his eyes and struggled against the ropes binding his hands and feet, feeling like he was going to throw up.
"You're awake. Good."
"Lila!" Paddy's eyes flew open.
Lila leaned down, and kissed Paddy lightly on the cheek.
"That's right." She smiled at him. "Do you want anything to drink or eat?"
Paddy glared at her.
"What I want is out of here. You have no right to kidnap me like this, you freak!"
He regretted the words the moment they were out of his mouth, as Lila reached back and then slapped him across the face.
"Don't you dare call me a freak!" she yelled.
Paddy cowered back in fear. He could taste the copper of blood in his mouth.
"Lila, please. Think about what you're doing." he said in a quiet voice, trying not to betray his terror. "You can't keep me locked up here forever. Eventually, someone will put two-and-two together." He cringed as Lila glared at him. "Maybe you could just let me go, and we could forget this ever happened?"
"And let that tramp have you?" Lila said. "No way. You belong to me. And if you won't stay with me…" She leaned towards Paddy, until their faces were almost touching. "…you won't stay with anybody."
Paddy stared at her, his heartbeat racing.
"What will you do to me?"
Lila looked out at the posters. Paddy got the idea. He swallowed.
"Lila, please, I'm begging you… please don't do this. Lila, you need help. This isn't healthy. I have a girlfriend, Lila, and I love her. Can't you understand that?" His voice rose in pitch, pleading now.
Lila frowned.
"You love her?" she repeated. "That was the wrong thing to say, Paddy" She walked over to a nearby table. "We could have been good together. Now…" she picked up the gun. "Now you've gone and ruined it."
Calmly, she began loading the gun. Paddy watched her in shock for a moment and then he began to scream. 

"Well, this is the place." Jimmy said, pulling the rental car into the driveway.
Angelo looked at him.
"I don't want to know" he finally decided, then looked at the house. "Hard to believe someone like Lila lives here."
There was nothing remarkable about the house. It was a red brick bungalow, with a two-door garage, and an average garden.
"It looks so… normal."
They jumped, as a scream of terror rang through the air. Angelo recognized the voice immediately, and ran towards the house. "Paddy!"
Without thinking, he crashed through a window, and tripped. His arm landed on a piece of glass, and he cried out in pain. Joey, Maite, Patricia and Jimmy followed.
"Are you okay?" Joey asked, helping Angelo up.
"I'm fine." Angelo shook his head.
Joey looked at him for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay, let's go." The Kellys walked into the large kitchen, and called out Paddy's name. After a moment, they heard a faint.
"Angelo, help!"
Jimmy pointed down.
"Basement" he said quietly. The other three nodded, and ran down the stairs to the basement. 

Paddy struggled against his bindings as Lila walked over to him.
"Lila, please" he sobbed. Suddenly, a faint sound caught his attention. He recognized the faint voice immediately. "Angelo, help!"
There was no answer. Lila laughed.
"You're family probably don't have any idea where you are." she said, resting her empty hand on his leg. "They can't save you now." Her hand traveled upwards, stopping just below his crotch. Paddy whimpered as Lila cocked the gun.

Suddenly, the door to the room flew open, and in ran Angelo, Joey and Jimmy. Joey hurtled towards the startled Lila, knocking her to the ground. Angelo quickly grabbed the gun, as Jimmy release Paddy. Once the last rope was untied, he stood up, and embraced both of them.
"Am I ever glad to see you!" Then he noticed the gash on Angelo's arm. "Angelo! You're hurt!"
"I am? Geez, I didn't even notice!" Angelo looked at his arm in surprise.
Paddy jumped, as the sound of sirens filled the air.
Paddy looked at the door, then bounded towards it, and embraced his girlfriend.
"Marie!"
Marie gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"I said not to get yourself killed, you dummy." she joked with a smile.
Paddy smiled back.
"You know I can never follow orders." He kissed her on the lips. "I'm so glad to see you." he murmured. "I was so scared, Marie."
Marie embraced him.
"It's okay" she whispered. "It's okay."

Paddy looked up as Marie came out of the bathroom. His mouth dropped in surprise when he saw here.
"Woah..."
"Do you like it?" Marie smiled shyly.
Paddy looked in approval at the short, purple, spaghetti strap dress Marie was wearing.
"Hell yeah!"
"We better get going. You don't want to miss your own party." Marie giggled.
Paddy chuckled as they walked down the hallway to the elevator.
"You know." he mused "I never thought I'd be the guest of honour of a 'Glad you're alive' party."
"Wonder what type of present you give." Marie giggled.
Paddy stopped, and pulled her into his arms.
"This kind." He kissed her, pouring all of his love into the action.
"Wow, we should do that more often." Marie smiled.
Paddy smiled back.
"Okay!" he said, and kissed her again.
Marie giggled, and hit him lightly on the arm.
"We're going to be late, lover boy." She started to walk again, then stopped, and turned around. "Paddy? Are you okay?"
Paddy nodded.
"Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?" he asked.
"Well, I'm not…" Marie blushed.
"Yes, you are." Paddy interrupted. "And I don't just mean in looks. You are so kind, and sweet, and forgiving." He smiled. "I just wanted you to know that."
Marie walked up to him, and kissed him gently on the cheek.
"I know, Paddy. Trust me, I know."

"I thought you might need this." Angelo smiled, as Paddy opened his present.
Paddy laughed, as he held up the bottle of 'Obsession'.
"This could be taken as an insult." Angelo gasped. "Oh man, I never even thought of that!" His face reddened. "I didn't mean it that way..."
Paddy smiled.
"Aw, forget about it!" he said. "Do you guys mind if I ask you a question?"
"Shoot" Maite said. Then she grimaced. "Er… that is… go ahead."
Paddy laughed again, then asked.
"How did you know where I was?"
They all pointed at Jimmy.
"His mysterious friends!!" Angelo answered.
"I don't know how he knows these people, and I'm not sure I want to know." Added Jess.
"Uh, hello, I do have a friend in the FBI, you know." Jimmy groaned.
The others stared at him.
"You did know, didn't you?" Jimmy asked. "Oh, you didn't know. Oops."
Paddy grinned, then frowned, and turned to Marie.
"How did you know?"
Marie smiled.
"I called that Phil guy, and got the help of another of Jimmy's friends." she said.
Paddy laughed in surprise.
"You never cease to amaze me." he said.
Marie smiled.
"Good." she said. "Surprises are good for a relationship."
"Not all surprises." Paddy grimaced.
"Angelo, how is your arm doing?" Jess worried.
"Doing fine! It doesn't hurt me at all." Angelo said.
"You are such a brave man!" she said.

Then Paddy turned to his family, Jess and his girlfriend.
"Listen guys, I just wanted to say thank you. I owe my life to you. If it hadn't been for you…" he shivered.
"Hey, they're playing one of your songs on the radio." Marie said.
Paddy lifted his head, and listened... 
"And I love you, I want you, I wanna talk to you, I wanna be with you…"

Chapter 18 - Love, sweet love