Lisa and Cecil 1-10
Part 1 of 100 oneshots/drabbles detailing the relationship of Lisa and Cecil down the years. Bob will get a couple of moments in future instalments.
Introduction
Lisa's first introduction to Cecil was ... unconventional. Save to say that to be eight years old, with the man in question holding you at gunpoint while intending to leave you inside a doomed structure is not how girls dream of meeting that 'special someone'.
But twelve years later, leaning against Cecil in the backseat of a cab ... well, who the hell says that there are no second chances at making a first impression?
Lisa nibbles at the remnants of her M&Ms, contentedly watching the theatrical movements of Cecil's hands as he – rather animatedly – passes comment (for this read 'mercilessly criticises') the Jim Carrey comedy they are on their way home from. As Cecil miserably ends his tirade with some commentary on the declining quality of comedy in the last ten years, Lisa snuggles closer. She decides that even though she would never change that night at the dam – otherwise they might not be here tonight – she much prefers this introduction.
Love
"I told you Cecil, if they don't want anything to do with us that's fine!"
"Oh for God's sake listen to yourself! Do you realise just how childish you sound right now?"
"Ugh, if you're going to take their part why don't you just move in with them? Bart can get the brother he always wanted."
"In case you'd forgotten, I tried to kill you and Bart. My brother hounded your family repeatedly for years. They are concerned for your safety, and frankly, their fears are not unfounded."
"Don't! Just don't! I know where this is going – I'm no good for you Lisa, I'm going to break your heart. Save it. Heard it all before."
"You are so frustrating! Can't you see that your family just wants what's best for you because they love you, and I don't want you to regret anything because I love you, so there!"
Lisa turns silent, gaping in shock. Apparently she hadn't 'heard it all before'. But evidently Cecil did not realise the significance of what he'd just said, for he continued;
"So why can't you just call them and stop being such a stubborn mule!"
Now it's his turn to stop. He opens his mouth to apologise for his uncharacteristically un-gentlemanly insult, but can't get the words out. Lisa has tackled him to the floor, thrown her arms about his neck and is kissing him like there's no tomorrow.
Cecil's initial thought is, 'Never has a woman reacted so well to being compared to an animal that is essentially a cross between a donkey and a pack-horse." But being quite intelligent, soon the light bulb flickers in his head, and he remembers the other significant part of his statement that might have provoked such a reaction.
For a while, they forget Lisa's familial strife.
When it's all over, Cecil rolls over to engage in a bit of post coital affection, and is promptly greeted by a whack in the face with a pillow.
"Don't think the less romantic half of your little comment went unnoticed!" she shrieks playfully, and even though it's childish, Cecil soon finds himself reduced to giggling helplessly and tussling with this wonderfully infuriating woman.
Light
"Lisa, I knew from the start that I would have to make some adjustments if I wanted this relationship to last. And I'd say I've been rather accommodating. I separate my garbage appropriately, I only buy free range eggs, and I have given up lamb. But really..."
"All that, and one little energy saving light bulb is the straw that breaks the camel's back?" asks Lisa in amusement.
"Five little energy saving light bulbs, to be precise, darling. In every room of the house. Taking at least five minutes to conjure a decent amount of light."
"Honey, just . . . just consider it as a symbol of our relationship!" Lisa cries out, clutching his hands dramatically. "You know, it takes time and patience, but it . . . it's worth it!" She can barely speak through suppressed chuckles. "It turns into something beautiful and full of light!"
"Darling," says Cecil dryly, "if our relationship is anything like that pitiful excuse for a modern appliance, we need a damn good electrician."
She doesn't speak to him for the rest of the day. Cecil decides he can live with the light bulbs.
Dark
Five minutes ago, Lisa walked in on Cecil getting out of the shower.
Not as erotic or even as romantic as you might think it would be, seeing the man you love sans clothes for the first time.
Cecil had unsuccessfully tried to cover the bruises, the painful mementoes of prison.
Lisa is gently ghosting her hands up and down his arms. She doesn't want him afraid to show her his hurts.
She leans forward and kisses a particularly dark bruise over his ribs. Cecil gasps and murmurs uncertainly. She continues, following the bruises lightly with her lips. She looks up, and slowly but surely, Cecil smiles down at her.
Seeking Solace
Lisa is rather unpleasantly woken by a kick to the shin.
She sits up angrily and is about to ask, "what's the big idea?" when she realises that Cecil is still asleep. He's thrashing, crying out softly.
She knows by now that waking him up so abruptly from one of his nightmares – just another little piece of prison memorabilia – is only likely to induce more panic, so she wraps her arms around him and strokes his upper arm until she feels him calm down. He cuddles closer in his sleep, face resting in the juncture of her shoulder and neck. She can feel the prickle of his stubble.
Lisa kisses his forehead, and goes back to sleep. She can't exorcise Cecil's ghosts, but she can help. She can comfort him.
Break Away
Lisa always knew she would leave Springfield. She loves her family, but she doesn't love her hometown. It suffocates her, like weeds growing around a beautiful rose. She needs the sunlight, the water.
She needs to tell Cecil about her new job offer, in New York. As she rises from her chair to do so, she knows that come what may, she will break away from Springfield. She also knows, with as much surety, that one way or another, she will never break away from him.
Heaven
Ever the dutiful son, Cecil would attend Church with his parents every Sunday as a child. But truth be told, the Scriptures never held much meaning for him. Like most small children, he remembered being both drawn to and terrified by the macabre descriptions of Hell. But for whatever reason, he couldn't connect to the idea of Heaven. It all seemed terribly ... boring. After such thoughts he would inevitably cross himself and send up a prayer that his heart was not quite in.
But standing here, holding Lisa's hands (golden ring glinting on her finger), looking at her in her gorgeous white dress and even more radiant smile, he reaches his own understanding of the word. Maybe there is no light at the end of the tunnel after death. Maybe there are no Pearly Gates.
Reverend Lovejoy says, "I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
Cecil happily obliges.
Maybe there is no afterlife. Nevertheless . . . he knows with absolute certainty, this is Heaven.
Innocence
Cecil lies propped up on one bony elbow, watching Lisa while she sleeps. It amazes him that after such ... activities with an ex felon, she can remain so seemingly untouched, so innocent, and altogether lovely.
Drive
Cecil jumps again as the engine revs unexpectedly.
"Darling, I keep telling you, you have to let the clutch out. I knew it was an exercise in futility, teaching someone so decidedly American the subtle art of handling the stick..."
"If we're going to do this European trip you've wanted to go on since forever, we both need to be able to take turns driving," replies Lisa primly. She makes a point of turning up the radio.
"If I have to listen to that infernal 'St. Elmo's Fire' theme once more ..."
Breathe Again
Lisa lies among the tangled sheets, frozen in shock.
It would seem that, unusually enough, the man is the first to recover from their activities, as Cecil turns his head to look at her. He takes her hand and kisses tenderly kisses the tips of her fingers, and Lisa remembers to breathe again.