Love on a Rooftop – Started 5th January 2019

Mexico- 1958

It was the height of summer. Long hot days and warm, balmy nights that seemed to never end. A young Ruby Sheridan was sat upright at her vanity backstage, dripping in sequins and rhinestones, readying herself for an evening of preforming. The room she had been given at the club was nice enough, nothing like it had been back home but that mattered not to the young singer.

She was happy to give up all the luxury with the freedom Mexico had promised. Across the barren walls were scatterings of treasured photos and posters of her appearances. Only one person's face missing from the collection. That of her mother's…if she could really be called that. After all what kind of a woman would try and marry he daughter off at 19 to someone almost 20 years older than her? True he was rich but she could never love him. He was too cruel of a man.

Ruby may have been young but even then she knew, Ruby Sheridan was put on this earth to achieve something from her life and that's exactly what she would do. Even if it meant leaving everything she knew behind.

Taking a deep breath, Ruby headed for the stage. Completely unaware of how much her life was about to change.

Kalokairi- Present Day

Finally drawing back from his lips due to nothing other than the desperate need to breathe, Ruby gazed upon the man she thought she'd lost forever but had never been able to forget. Questions swam through her head at an ungodly speed but she still couldn't fathom the event that had just occurred. How was he here? Did he know? So many questions it brought tears to her eyes as she began to caress the face she'd so long dreamt of. Still beaming at him through it all. Eventually, she willed herself to speak.

"Hi."

Just one word, but it was enough. Tears fell freely down her face as the now much older woman struggled to understand the wave of emotions she felt for the man of whose embrace she was now being pulled back into willingly.

"I thought I'd lost you. How can you be here? It makes no sense." Ruby tried to continue but the sheer impact of the day had gotten to her. Hands grasped frantically to one another in a fruitful attempt to confirm that they were once again reunited on this island, so many years later. As though leaving any space between them would break the wonderful spell that has been cast. Ruby continued to burrow her face further into his chest as to stop the crowd of people still circling them from seeing her as anything less that perfectly presented. Fernando did nothing but laugh and lift her head so to see her beautiful, though slightly damp eyes. Completely ignoring the trail of glitter she left imprinted upon him.

" Fate Mi Amor. It seems there is still more to our story than either of us had dared hope."

Quickly realising that standing entwined with one in the middle of a crowd was making Ruby uncomfortable, Fernando had the good sense to guide his lost love away from their curious eyes. Though, if it had been up to him, he would have declared then and there, in front of all the hotels guests, that this amazing woman had owned his heart for the last 45 years and would continue to do so until his final breath. Unafraid and unashamed at the love he allowed himself to once again feel for her. However, Fernando knew that Ruby's feelings, though deep running, were private. For the ears of whom they were about only an he could apricate this for as long as she kept looking as him as though he were her entire being. Taking her hand in his, Fernando led Ruby down the steps away from the hotels lights towards the beach, grabbing a towel along the way. He was sure to keep his arm wrapped firmly around her waist as Ruby attempted to navigated the cobbled island in those sinfully flattering yet highly inappropriate heals. The woman never did dress for practicality but now was not the time for injury. Not when they finally had time to spend together without threat of war or separation come morning. Fernando was resolute in his wishes not to waste a single second of it and so they descended slowly, enjoying the cool breeze blowing in.

When they reached the bottom of the worn staircase, Fernando motioned for

her to sit on the towel he'd now laid upon the sandy beach. Taking his hands, Ruby lowered herself atop the white fabric, tucking her legs underneath her as she descended. Fernando came to sit alongside her, allowing Ruby's weight to be rested against his side, her head fitting perfectly against his shoulder. Fernando could scarcely believe the sight that was resting against him. The woman he'd believed had been lost to him forever, finally returned. It was as though the world finally made sense again as they sat there together, silently looking out across the open water. To him, time inconsequential as he carefully ran his hand over her arm. True she had aged since they had been parted, but not in any way that mattered to him. Even all these years later, Ruby still had the same blinding smile that stopped his heart and eyes that sparkled like the stars above. Beholding her now in the pale moonlight, it was as through no time has escaped them. It was as though they were the same young fools in love they had been. No heartbreak. No pain.

However, he knew that not to be the truth. Tragedy had befallen them too early and forced them live life as strangers. He scarcely knew of her life these past years any more than she could have known of his. It seemed cruel how their love could have remained though they both now must have changed so much. Would she still love him come morning when upon realising the boy she'd fallen for no longer existed. Died the day she walked away and left him standing alone.

Moments passed as they sat together in near darkness. Only sounds of the tide and their heartbeats echoing in the night. From here, not even the party could be heard. It was as though, for this moment at least, the world only existed for the both of them. Ruby's hand came to interlace within his. Small motions of his thumb over her skin, every so often gliding over the spot that had once held something important to them both.

Finally, Ruby moved to sit in front of him, slowly caressing his face as she began to ask the questions burning inside.

"How are you here?" she eventually managed to choke out. Tears once again threatening to stream down her perfected face. " I thought I'd lost you. I thought you had died. Why didn't you come and find me? You promised you would find me."

With this last question Fernando once again drew her to his chest, allowing her tears to fall against him. Taking no notice of the trails of glitter and black marks she'd left on his shirt, Fernando focused on the way her nails dug into him, testing that he was really here with her.

Fernando began to play with the ends of Ruby's now white hair, twisting it's softness around his fingers, not missing the way her lips curved into a small smile with his actions. Pressing a kiss atop her head, Fernando tried to organise his thoughts in a way that would answer her question.

" I swear to you Mi Amor, I never forgot you. But the war…" he started "the war lasted longer than we could have ever predicted. Everything we had built together had been destroyed. I could offer you nothing." Fernando felt Ruby pull back from him and stare him dead in the eye. His heart broke at the pain he saw reflected within them.

"Why didn't you come and find me?" she repeated once again. Each word stabbing agonisingly at his heart. Her vulnerability leaving no room for meaningless excuses.

Fernando cast his look downwards, unable to see the effect his tale would have upon her.

"I tried Mi Amor. I came to America" He began. Passion building with the heavy burden he was releasing. "I headed straight to Los Angles" he continued "but by the time I got there, it was too late. You were already gone. Married to another man. It broke my heart but I couldn't take that from you. All I've ever wanted was you happiness my love."

If Fernando had not of adverted his gaze, he would have seen the look of utter confusion flicker across his partners face before it became as hard as the diamonds she was wearing.

"Who told you I was married?"

The ice in her voice shocked Fernando. Ruby had always been fiery. Her emotions running hot with passion. Composure and logic out of the window, forgotten as soon emotions heightened. However, this cold, overly controlled creature before him was something entirely different. Something he felt he didn't dare touch and so he continued to bow his head in silence. Praying that she would understand his distance. Luckily, the cold front left as quickly as it came. A crushing sigh emitted from his love that bore the burden of their shared heartbreak. Head resting against his, disbelieving the tragedy he did not yet know of.

"I was never married. You have to believe me my love." Ruby's explained in a voice now no more than a soft whisper.

"How could I ever? When I left, you promised you would find me. I never stopped waiting for you. For 40 years I waited for you to come back to me. I thought you'd died." Ruby raised her lovers head so she could once again look deep into his soulful eyes. It was important that he understood the weight of what she was about to say.

"How could you ever think there could be anyone else? You ruined me dear. Left it so no man could ever come close to my heart again." With an elusive smile, Ruby once again kissed Fernando's lips in confirmation. Allowing him to seek the comfort radiating from it.

Fernando allowed himself the love he was gifted, though answers now only leading to more questions. Questions he knew inevitably that would led to them both crying and heartbroken 'til dawn. So he made a decision. Tonight was not a nice for tears…it was a night for celebration. Regardless of the past, they were together once more and he would damned to waste another moment of that wallowing in regret for things that had already passed.

Pushing himself from upon the beachfront, Fernando moved to stand in front of the woman he'd loved for a lifetime. Presenting his hand, he simply asked

" Baila conmigo mi amor?".

The sound of his warm voice made Ruby smirk as she met his loving gaze. A soft laugh escaped her lips as she shot him a questioning look.

"You want to dance? Now? You do realise I'm not as young as I was before?"

Fernando did nothing but bow lower towards her, simply stating that to her that in his eyes, she was no less beautiful that the day he'd met her. Shaking her head, Ruby beamed up at her impossible man. Laughing at the sweetness of his words.

Ruby let her perfectly manicured hand fall into his outstretched, calloused one and brought herself up close to him once more.

Strong arms enveloped her waist. Drawing her ever closer to him until only sequins and cotton separated them. Ruby placed her hands upon his chest, head coming to rest upon it soon after. His heart beat, strong and sure all these years later. There they stayed, swaying in the dim moonlight to the serene sounds of her song. Small kisses were exchanged slowly and without urgency. Pressed onto one another as comfort. Seeking no explanation or validation. For the forgotten lovers, the world was finally at peace again.

However, too soon night became cold. The breeze from the sea piercing through their clothes and sinking into their bodies, reminding them again of how much time had changed them. With one final kiss, the pair separated. Longing looks and soft smiles etched upon their faces with the promise that tomorrow, they would see each other again. Fernando draped the towel over Ruby's shoulders, attempting to keep the cold from her as they walked reluctantly back up to civilisation.

Upon reaching the now dwindling party, Ruby moved hastily into the receptions foyer. Upon making arrangements for her arrival, Sky had promised to leave her a key behind the desk but with the evenings events she'd yet to check. Rummaging underneath papers and in desk draws, Ruby's search proved useless. Frustrated she turned to the man standing behind her. Arms folded and brows scrunched in confusion. A small pout playing upon her lips.

"Sky said he'd leave me a key. Unless I'm blind, I'm not seeing any key." Ruby stood sulking for a moment, the pain of her shoes starting to set in alongside the jet lag. Sensing his love needed to rest before she raised hellfire, Fernando presented the key from his pocket to her. With his action, Ruby raised her perfectly arched eyebrow in question of the gesture, daring him to clarify.

"Before you think anything Mi Amor, Sophie gave me a room in the hotel for the night to save me walking home after the party. However, in light of circumstances, I would rather you take it." He calmly explained, placing the ornate key in her hand. Only lingering for a moment.

"And will you be joining me this evening?" Ruby questioned, her eyes sparkling with the possibility.

"Another night Mi Amor. We do not need to rush. For tonight, I would rather you rest." He moved to leave when Ruby called him back.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him softly but with purpose.

"If you think I am spending another night without you then obviously, for the first time in my life, I have not made myself clear enough. So …I'll try again. Come to bed with me."

With this Fernando's face lit up. Disbelieving the beautiful creature before him. He guided his love to the room, carefully navigating the corridors in darkness, no longer trying to resist the spell she had over him. That night, Ruby fell asleep in Fernando's arms. Her back pressed tight to his front. Whispered promises of love carrying them off to an idyllic slumber ,unaware of the perfect storm building on the horizon.

Upon awaking in the island paradise, Ruby found herself bathed in the morning light of Kalahari. It's power radiating through the curtains they'd left open, all too eager to be wrapped up in each other again. Fernando was still sleeping peacefully beside her, his soft snores echoing through the otherwise silent room. She knew that today, there was many a painful conversation to be had and unfortunately for the slumbering man beside her, that must begin with her Granddaughter. The one that most certainty did not yet trust her.

Dragging herself from his warm embrace, Ruby redressed herself, quickly realising that her luggage was most likely still on the patio of the hotel. Deciding to forgo the embellished top she'd worn the night before, she pulled her wide, white trousers back onto her slim figure and stole his shirt that hung over the nearby chair. After brushing through her hair with her fingers and washing her face in the room's sink, Ruby began admiring her reflection in the wardrobes small mirror. Tucking Fernando's shirt into her trouser, she smiled at the smell of him that enveloped her. Still as comforting as it ever was. Once satisfied with her appearance, Ruby began to make her way into the main of the hotel. Desperately trying to navigate her way back.

It seemed mornings started early on the island. The bustle of workers moving quickly overtook the mornings peace. All trying to accommodate the large crowd that had been drawn the night previously. Ruby attempted to hide from their gaze, afraid that they knew where, or rather who, she'd spent the night with. Not that it was any of their business anyway but Ruby Sheridan was a private person, at least about him.

Upon finally making it to the front desk, she saw her luggage stacked neatly by the desk. It's blinding quantities almost overtaking the small walk way. It seemed her Granddaughter had thought to do her this small curtesy at least, even if she still didn't trust her intentions. This slight favour brought hope to Ruby that maybe one day, she could be allowed to be the Grandmother to Sophie deserved, but first she needed to find her.

After a period of being bounced around by staff members across seemingly the entire hotel, Ruby found her Granddaughter sat on the balcony of the restaurant, enjoying a late breakfast. Coming to sit opposite the now grown woman, Ruby steeled herself for a conversation that was to be anything but pleasant.

"You're still here." Sophie's voice carried a harsher tone than the night previous.

"Where else would I be?" Ruby answered coolly, trying not to let her Granddaughter see how much of an effect her hostile front had upon her.

Staring at her Grandmother's face for a moment, Sophie averted her gaze back out to the balcony's view. "I just meant it's not exactly like you to stick around. Not for us at least."

The sharp cut of her words was not lost on Ruby. It was clear it was going to take far more than showing up to win Sophie over, not that she'd expect anything less of a Sheridan woman.

Motioning the waiter over, Ruby ordered a coffee and fruit bowl. Clearly indicating to the blonde that they were going to have the conversation whether she wished to or not. Resting back on the wooden chair, Ruby waited for her Granddaughter to speak, knowing that she had most likely a lifetime of feelings and questions to vent.

It didn't take long for Sophie to crack. Years of anger burst forth from her normally mild mannered demeanour. Insulting her choices as a mother and by extension, a Grandmother. Caring little that her staff had begun to listen in to the morning's melodrama. Ruby shifted uncomfortably, not enjoying such an audience for this particular conversation.

However, the pain and uncertainty hidden behind her granddaughters rage made her stay. They needed to clear the mess made a generation ago now. No longer would she allow Sophie to think it was due to her that Ruby lost her daughter. Donna may not want anything to do with her anymore but she would be damned not to try with Sophie. Glaring wickedly at the staff until they had the good sense to disperse, Ruby turned her attention to the blonde. Finally ready to answer her.

"You had nothing to do with what happened between Donna and I" Ruby began, still not entirely sure how best to explain the complex mother, daughter relationship that existed between them.

"Donna was like me when she was younger. Strong, independent. A real force to be reckoned with. But she was always her fathers daughter. Her heart. Her compassion. Her smile. When she was younger it was easier. Back in the day, your mother loved to be on the road with me. Even called herself my personal back up dancer. I was forever finding her draped in my outfits hiding in the wardrobe. Glitter heels and all. Everything was perfect. Completely perfect." Ruby paused, smiling at the memories of a young Donna that she'd held onto before her face fell.

"Everything changed as she grew. Donna started pulling away, no longer satisfied with the life I'd chosen for us. She wanted stability. A home. A father. We fought continuously over it but I couldn't give it her. You have to understand, I'd been singing since I was 17. It's all I knew how to do. So after another one of our particularly volatile fights, Donna said she rather I sent her away than to continue forcing her to live with me. So I did as she asked. To a boarding school in California while I was out on the road. Believe me, I never intended to be gone for as long as I was and I really thought I was doing what she wanted." Taking a breath, Ruby adverted her eyes away from her only grandchild, unable to see the disgust in them once she'd finished her tale.

"Whilst she was there, I started to gain more of a following. Time from there seemed to slip away from me. Months became years in a flash. When I finally came back, she was gone. Grown up and wanting nothing to do with me. I still remember her packing her bags for college, not even telling me where she was going."

Sophie observed her Grandmother for a moment, unsure as how best to proceed in the conversation. After all, she'd only met the woman a hand full of time before today. It wasn't like they were close and this was probably the first actual conversation they'd had. Struggling to be sensitive, Sophie blurted out what she was thinking.

"Why did you send her away? All she wanted was to have have you around for her. Why couldn't you see that?"

Ruby met her eye, not missing the tears building with every passing second.

"I thought I was doing right by her Sophie. I thought by giving her what she wanted, she'd be happy but she just ended up resenting me more for it. Ruby Sheridan. The woman that chose her career over her own daughter. I know what the other mother's thought of me, don't you worry."

"My own included" Sophie thought to herself.

Ruby could see her granddaughter looking uncomfortable before her. Pulling her hand back and onto her lap. Fiddling with the sides of her dress just as her mother did when she was thinking too much about something.

Just as Ruby was about to push Sophie on her private musings, Ruby's breakfast arrived, buying Sophie a few moments safety. After fixing her coffee to her very particular taste and drizzling honey over her fruit bowl, Ruby asked the questioned that had been burning inside since her arrival.

"Sophie, where is my daughter? Where's Donna?"