So, I've read almost all the Banna stories and absolutely love them. I really like the modern stories, so I thought why not try one myself. I don't like it when there is angst because of Vera so I dealt with that problem straight away. This is all about the happy times. English isn't my native language, so sorry for any mistakes.

Disclaimer: I don't own anyting, of course.

"We just need you to sign these papers and then it's done."

John Bates did as requested and signed where necessary. He didn't even look at her, he didn't want to. The divorce was final. He stood up and left. Once outside he felt relief washing over him, he was free. John Bates was a free man. He smiled inwardly and started walking. Everything around him seemed brighter, a huge weight had fallen of his shoulders and he couldn't be happier.

Here he was, in his late forties, single and he felt as if his life could finally start. His thoughts were interrupted by his phone ringing. It was Robert. Even though he was his boss, he still saw him as his best friend. They went to college together and when John was unemployed, Robert was there to offer him a job as a history teacher at the school where Robert was headmaster. John was actually a history professor, but he didn't mind teaching teenagers. He was really passionate about his profession and as long as he could talk about history all day, he was happy.

"Hello Robert"

"How did it go?"

"Well put it this way, you're now talking to a man in his late forties who's single and is the happiest man alive."

"Great! Congratulations John, I think we should celebrate. What are you doing tonight? Cora is out with the girls so I'm all yours."

"I don't have plans yet, but I'm leaving tomorrow and I have an early flight"

"Oh come on, you're free and you don't even want to celebrate it with your best mate?"

"Well if you put it that way…"

"C'mon, it doesn't have to be late, I can have you back before midnight"

"Yeah sure, why not"

"Great, I'll be round yours at about eight"

"See you tonight, bye Robert and thanks mate"

He actually looked forward to it, even though he knew he wouldn't be back before midnight. He never was if he went out with Robert and his wife wasn't home. But what did it matter, he could sleep on the plane. As a history professor John was often asked to give lectures in universities around Europe. He had written a few books and was working on a new one when they called to invite him to the university in Ghent. He was specialised in the Middle Ages and students history had to use his book. He had never been to Ghent, but he knew it was full of medieval architecture and there was the Gravensteen, a castle in the middle of the city. He had done a lot of research and looked forward to discovering the city. When he got home he started packing and before he knew it, it was eight o'clock and Robert was knocking on his door.

"Hi Robert, come on in"

"John hurry up man, we have to go and pick up the others as well"

"What do you mean the others?"

"Well, you know, we have a lot of fun together, but since my wife is out with the girls, I sort of…maybe…asked Tom and Matthew as well…and maybe Tom asked William and he may have asked Alfred who asked Jimmy. But before you protest, I asked Charles Carson as well so he could be our designated driver"

John sighed, they were great fun, but he already knew he wouldn't have much sleep. "Right, great, they definitely won't try to get me drunk and I won't be tired at all tomorrow."

"Oh come on John, you should taste freedom again! You have to celebrate and you might as well do it in style!"

"Yeah you're right, let's just go" He grabbed his coat and they were off.

After they picked up Matthew and Tom they went to the pub where they were greeted by the others. Everyone congratulated John and bought him drinks to "celebrate in style". A few hours later everyone was wasted and Charles drove everyone home. Robert had promised to drive John to the airport in the morning, so he slept on John's couch. The morning came way too soon for both of them as they were awoken by the alarm clock. They jumped in their clothes, drove off and before John knew it he woke up as the plane landed in Brussels.

"Cut! That was great Anna, you really nailed this one"

"Thanks Joe"

"Alright people, we'll take a break now, we'll see you after lunch."

Lunchtime for the filmcrew. Anna Smith walked to the buffet and attacked. She was starving. They started shooting early this morning to avoid the tourists at the Gravensteen and she hadn't had anything to eat ever since. Anna was one of the best actresses at the moment, she had a few successes in a row and now she was one of Britain's favourites. She finally had some freedom to chose the projects she liked. Her new film took her to Ghent. Not because the film was situated in Ghent, but because there were tax benefits for films in Belgium. Now she was in Ghent for a week, but the week after that she would go to Bruges.

Anna filled her plate and went to her usual place. She just sat down as Gwen came sitting right next to her, followed by Ethel.

"Great take Anna", Gwen said.

"Yes, it was a good one", Ethel added before continuing, "I can't wait to discover this city's nightlife. We should go out tonight, have a drink somewhere. There're a lot of students here as well."

"Ethel, they're way too young for you" Gwen protested.

"No, not if they don't think so. What do you think Anna? Shall we go and have a drink tonight somewhere?"

"I'd love to, but not if you're going to chase students."

"Oh come on, I was only joking."

"Right… But I'd love to see the city. I really like it, the medieval architecture is beautiful."

"Yes that as well…"

Gwen and Ethel had been to drama school with Anna and they were friends ever since, but this was the first time they worked together on a film. They arrived in Ghent yesterday and they hadn't had the time to see the city. They would be free tonight and Anna wasn't needed until tomorrow afternoon. A night out seemed a great way to celebrate their renewed friendship.

"Actually we should definitely go out together, for old time's sake. And we have to try some Belgian beers while were here", Anna added with a smile. "But I'll call you two later I have to go to make-up, I'll see you tonight."

Anna only needed to shoot two more scenes and then she could go back to her hotel. She wanted to have a rest before she went out with Gwen and Ethel. She knew it would be a long night, especially with Ethel. Before she went to make-up she climbed the stairs in the Gravensteen so she could look out over the city and be alone with her thoughts for a moment. She had just broke up with her boyfriend, who proved to be a complete and utterly useless twat. She did it deliberately before she left, so she didn't have to see him and she couldn't regret her decision. She was glad to be rid of him, but she knew she would eventually miss the comfort of "the other person", even though she knew he wasn't the one.

"Great view isn't it?"

Anna was startled and turned around quickly. It was Joseph Molseley, the assistant director.

"Oh I'm sorry Anna, I didn't mean to scare you", he said quickly.

Anna breathed a sigh of relief. "It's alright Joe. The view is indeed magnificent", she smiled and turned around again. After an uncomfortable silence she made her excuses and went to make-up. Joe was in love with her, of course she knew, but she didn't see him that way. He was just a friend, nothing more.

The last two scenes of the day went by fast and she was on her way to her hotel when two Belgian teenagers asked her if they could have a picture with her. It surprised her that they knew her even in Belgium, but she was always happy to meet fans. One of the teenagers tapped on the shoulder of a passer-by to ask him to take a picture.

John was almost at his hotel when someone tapped his shoulder. He turned around to see someone with a camera and asking him something in Dutch. John didn't understand a word she was saying and even though he just wanted to go and lay down in his room, he politely asked if she spoke English.

The girl quickly switched language and asked him if he could take a picture. John obliged and took the camera before he looked at the object of the girl's interest. He recognised Anna Smith, the actress. You can't say he was star-struck, he was just taken aback by her natural beauty. And for a moment he just stood there watching how she spoke to the other teenager. He quickly composed himself and took the picture. The teenagers left after they thanked them both and he turned around to see Anna being overwhelmed by a bunch of fans. He looked at her and their eyes locked for a moment as she mouthed "help".

He quickly decided to play "the evil manager who took her away" as he made his way through the crowd saying: "Right miss Smith, I'm very sorry, we don't have time for this we have to get you to rehearsals."

Anna immediately understood what the stranger was doing and played along. "I'm sorry kids, my manager needs me." The man took her by her arm and led her away while he was quietly asking where he needed to take her. She pointed at her hotel and he said: "Ah great, the same destination."

I go to school in Ghent and I love that city. :)