"Can't lose what you never had"
By: Victoria Liu-Pearson
© All rights to the story is reserved
Author note: 6/3/13, this is the slightly altered version of chapter 1, I've kept the original as much as I can while adding bits and removing others that weren't needed. I'll be doing this regularly with not just this story but others I have as well. It won't keep me from continuing to write but I just think a few tweaks and here and there will make all my stories look a bit better. Also, I am back at uni for my third final year so I'll do as much as I can with the time I have available until next holiday period!
Chapter 1
Rain droplets pelted against the four-paned window, dark grey angry-looking clouds hovered in the sky above. Below at ground level, colored umbrellas sprouted in all corners giving life to an already dull atmosphere. She stared out the window observing the scenery before her eyes.
I'm in a different country altogether and what a holiday this has turned out to be. Ireland is beautiful, but I'm reminded so much of home.
Vickie had been really looking forward to this trip, it was a sweet sixteenth birthday surprise from her parents. Ireland, being a country she always wanted to visit as a young child, and now all the hype and excitement was nothing more than bitter disappointment. Instead of being able to go out and explore it on her own, she had to follow her parents to all the places they wanted to see while her sister got to be all independent staying in Dublin alone. Miranda wasn't keen on seeing a small town like County. Sligo and insisted she should stay in the big city and Vickie was irritated their parents let her older sister do as she pleased.
'So not fair.'
She signed heavily leaning her forehead against the cold glass. It wasn't just about the freedom and independence her sister got, that Vickie was most upset about; of late nothing she did seem to work, from the first day her family moved from New Zealand to Australia. She struggled to settle into her new school and make new friends to her nothing in her life had turned out well yet.
Knock! Knock!
'Come in,' Vickie said.
'Honey, are you ready?'
Her mother; Margaret Pearson pushed the door open and slid her head around the corner.
'Ready for what exactly?' Vickie asked remaining seated on her window perch.
'David suggested we take a walk just in this area nearby to see what is on of interest,' Margaret said, stepping farther into the bedroom and strolling to where her daughter sat. Vickie pondered the idea. They have been in Co. Sligo Sligo for three days since arriving by car from Dublin where they had stayed for a week. Screwing her face upwards, she pointed to the scene outside with her head. Her shoulder length black hair mangled in copper brown highlights smothered over her narrow oval face.
'In this weather?' she replied scornfully Margaret laughed.
'Come on, Vickie, you can't stay inside all day. It will do you a world of good to get some fresh air in your lungs.'
'Don't you mean get some sun on my head?' Vick said, smirking at her mother.
'You know it's good for you regardless,' Margaret added. Vick rolled her brown eyes and glanced outside again.
'Yeah, all right sounds good,' she replied.
'We will meet you downstairs,' Margaret said before patting her daughter on her head.
'Mum!' Vickie wailed, only for Margaret to smile innocently as she left the room.
'Great, she still treats me like a baby. Even worse I can't believe I have to spend more of my holiday following them around again,' she cursed. Begrudgingly she tore away from the window, picking up the waist-length black denim jacket and matching purse already stuffed with necessities. Upon leaving the room and casually striding down the corridor, a sickening sight confronted her. There, right in front of her eyes, a young couple not much older and looking very much in love pinned up against the metal lift doors. They groped each other desperately; there was an obvious drive and need to 'get it on' as quickly as possible. Vickie decided to take the stairs; no way did she want to share a lift with them.
Reaching the hotel lobby, she spotted her parents seated in the formal lounge. It was a cozy area with a gas-operated open fireplace, short stout mushroom coffee table and rounded out by a creamy-white seven-seat sofa flanked on either side by identical armchairs made from pure cowhide. Vickie approached her parents; her stepfather David Pearson browsed through the business section of the local paper, her mum had a different section of the same paper; she was checking for entertainment and sightseeing attractions.
'Ok I'm ready,' she announced. David and Margaret looked up from their reading material.
'You've been very quiet,' he observed. She nodded giving a shy smile.
'Yeah it's just been all so overwhelming.'
They exited the hotel lobby only pausing for a moment as David opened the huge purple Sydney Fish Market umbrella, one of Margaret's proudest purchases. Huddling close together they casually walked the main sidewalk. A fruit and vegetable cart parked in the centre of the path; the old cart creaked and groaned under the weight. Cardboard boxes overloaded with apples, oranges, mandarins and glad-wrapped watermelons oozed appeal. Vickie eyed the plump red apples with glee.
'Vick hurry up,' Margaret called she scurried along to catch. They passed a café, the instant waft of brewed coffee with freshly baked muffins stirring their senses.
'We might come back to this one later,' David said.
'Yes definitely, I've already decided what I'll have to eat,' Vickie remarked.
'You're always thinking of food,' Margaret answered smiling.
'I'm a growing girl, Mum,' Vickie grinned.
'Look,' David said. They stopped in the front window of an Antique store; in the display stood a solid wood six-foot tall grandfather clock with its large white-plated face the numbers decorated by roman numerals. Accompanying the clock a shelf filled with rows of empty silver photo frames and a gold trinket box. Margaret's eager eyes lit up.
'Do either of you feel like accompanying me?' she asked. David, being the dutiful husband nodded but Vickie declined.
'No thanks but you guys go I'll go to the newsagent next door,' she answered.
'Fine by me we'll try not too be long,' Margaret said.
'By that you know she means give me two hours!' David chuckled and Vick broke into a grin Margaret scowled at them. She went into the store David right behind still laughing; Vickie made her way to the newsagent but the sounds of thundering footsteps from behind caught her attention. Three teenage girls flew by in a blaze of color.
'Run faster Rach otherwise we'll miss the lads,' said one of the girls'. They sprinted farther down the street disappearing around the corner. Normally Vickie dismissed this as nothing more as girls chasing after young boys their own age; but from the way the girls said it, it made her curious. We'll miss the lads. She decided to check it out. Knowing her mum's great passion for antiques, she felt secure in the knowledge they would be preoccupied for the moment. Breaking into a jog, she dodged carefully past women with prams, a busker strumming on his guitar and a little old woman dragging her trolley. She dashed around the corner of where the three teenagers disappeared and stopped abruptly. Directly across the road a mass gathering of people ranging from young to old congregated in the local city park. There's benches splattered all around, a sandbox where a small knit of children played castles and a seesaw swing set. She gazed upon the group of people, they were pressed very tightly in one mass, some of the shorter people opted to stand on tiptoes. Checking both sides of the road for on-coming traffic Vickie walked to the park. As she drew closer, the sounds of singing become clear but she didn't recognize the tune.
The crowd broke into rapturous applause, wolf whistles and screaming from the teenage girls.
'Thank you, on behalf of my two mates I want to thank each and every one of you for turning up today. We always appreciate local support right here in our own hometown. Once again many thanks and we wish you all a good afternoon,' Click. Slowly the crowd began to disperse in their separate directions and only several girls lingered they swarmed around the bench occupied by three young men. Vickie slid a bit closer not wanting to look inconspicuous, she overheard the girls gushing all forms of praise and constantly giggling.
'Oh Shane, you performed so well today,' gushed one.
'Kian how are you, darling?' asked another.
Vickie almost wanted to gag; it was just so sickly sweet. She poked her head through a small gap between two girls to get a better look. Sandwiched between two stocky black speakers and scraggly wiring were three guys. Two of them had dark brown hair and one with blonde hair. Each one dressed distinctively different styles but she couldn't quite single out their style from her position.
'Vickie.'
Margaret placed her hand upon her daughter's shoulder.
'Argh!' Vickie yelped spinning around placing one hand over her heart; all the girls close by backed off and the three men noticed the Asian girl glaring at her mother.
'Mum, did you have to do that! Now everybody's staring,' she replied seeing everybody stare at them. The blonde guy leapt off the bench the girls shrieked excitedly, and even reached out to touch him.
'Excuse me, I'm sorry to interrupt but you know there was nothing to worry about,' he explained Margaret nodded.
'I understand young man but my daughter here had us worried,' she said Vickie rolled her eyes annoyed the blonde man nodded he smiled looking her way.
'So how did you find her?' he asked.
'One of the shop owners told us about you and your friends said you were always getting lots of attention.' Margaret remarked.
'My husband and I thought you were very good.'
The blonde guy grinned he glanced back over his shoulder and motioned to his two friends.
'These two would probably disagree. They think we still have a lot to work on but I always tell them we're doing fine,' he remarked. One of the two dark-haired guys' pulled one of the girls aside and whispered to her and she nodded and turned to her friends.
'Come on, girl's time to leave,' she replied. Mumbling disappointments they began to disperse and soon leaving just the three young guys, Vickie, her mother and stepfather as he stepped forwards.
'From what we heard you are exceptionally talented and sound professional,' he remarked.
'Oh no not yet still have so much to improve but thanks.' The dark-haired guy whom had talked to the girls' just moments ago replied while the second one continued packing up; Vickie found him rather intriguing.
'By the way my name's Kian. These guys here are my best friends Shane and Mark,' the blonde-haired guy, Kian said.
'It is a pleasure to meet you lads. I'm David; this is my wife Margaret and our youngest daughter Vickie. Our eldest Miranda remained in Dublin,' David said. Shane turned to Mark.
'Marky, mate, don't hide in the corner just leave the packing up for later now come and say hello,'
The one named Mark didn't even look up.
'Shane if you can't see my hands are full. Maybe some other time,' he answered. Vickie being curious as to why he preferred to stay away and do his own thing walked over to Mark; he hadn't noticed and just carried on with his work.
'Um…perhaps I can help?' she asked. Mark looked up sharply she stepped back a little, the intense look in his fiery blue eyes caught her off guard. He stared at her for a moment, taking in her small oval face, sharp eyes, soft-pursed lips and slim line figure. Although she looked petite, there was something more he found intriguing; the way she stood off to the side, not portraying any self-confidence, head tilted to one side allowing her hair to fall gracefully and he found himself smiling at her.
'Thanks for offering but I can manage,' he said turning his back.
'Oh, right Ok,' she replied walking back to her parents; they were still in conversation with Shane and Kian.
'Hey,' called Mark. Vickie paused slowly turning round.
'Yes?'
'I didn't catch your name,'
She grinned giving him a wink.
'I never said my name but my mum did. You obviously were not listening. If you missed it too bad,' she answered. He chuckled quietly; she may have appeared curious but he liked her quick retort it definitely interested him. Shane caught the smile spreading upon his friend's face and he wondered if his friend was beginning to a little interest in this girl, Mark hadn't done much dating these past few months especially after what happened.
'Lads, I'm wondering since you are locals in the area, maybe you know of any good restaurants to dine,' David said.
'Yeah 'cause mum and David want a romantic getaway from me!' Vick piped up than dodged her mum's feeble attempt swatting her head. Shane and Kian looked at each other.
'Sligo, not being a big suburban city like Dublin means choice is limited. I do know of a place about two blocks away, it is a very traditional Mediterranean restaurant. While alternatively there is the local food,' Kian explained.
'Mediterranean sounds good,' Margaret replied David nodded in agreement.
'Say you wouldn't mind showing us where it is? The city's small compared to what we are used to but the little alleyways and short cuts can be confusing,' he answered.
'Sure, not a problem it's not far so we can walk. If that's all right with you,' Shane said.
'It's fine we don't mind right Vickie?' Margaret asked but Vickie didn't hear a word. She was watching Mark continue his packing not in the least bothered by his surroundings. His muffled brown hair dribbled over the side of his face, his midnight blue T-shirt was loose as was his baggy green khaki pants clinging just off his hip.
'Vickie.' Margaret spoke louder, Vickie snapped from her trance.
'Sorry did you say something? I wasn't listening,' she replied her face sheepish.
'These nice fine young men will show us to the restaurant when they're finished,' explained David nodding to Shane, Kian and Mark. They hurriedly packed the speakers, microphones and remaining equipment into Kian's car.
'Oh, yeah good so at least your dinner is settled,' Vick answered distracted again. Her eyes flicked over to Mark only to find he was staring back and her; embarrassed at being caught she quickly looked away.
'You know if Vickie's parents are having this dinner alone it means she'll be on her own at the hotel.' Shane said he nudged Mark playfully; he drew his eyes away glaring at his mate.
'Yes it does, so what? It has nothing to do with us. We're just helping her parents find a place to eat.'
Kian shook his head an exasperated sigh escaping his lips.
'We're not talking about Vickie's parents, far from it in fact. Now we were pointing to the opportunity for you to get to know this girl,' he said, an alarmed look crossed Mark's face.
'Please tell me you are kidding. I am no way interested; I don't know her for goodness sake. You two are jumping the gun all over again when I've told you numerous times I'm fine staying away from the dating thing at the moment,' he answered; slamming the boot shut Kian pressed the automatic lock.
'At least, think about it Marky you've been avoiding it for a while now so give it ago. If you keep hiding and telling everyone you're not ready to start again fine but you can't do it forever. Just get to know her and see what happens it may not come to anything but at least you try,' Shane explained.
'Ok, ok fine, I give up,' Said Mark his two mates clapped him on the back.
'Go get her mate.'
Before he could protest any further they bounded off joining Margaret and David at the head of the group leading the way down the street, and left him and Vickie to keep pace. They followed the sidewalk away from the park; through a row of small village, shops, all housed under one roof. A florist, candy store, barbers, bakery and baby boutiques. Vickie shuffled on her feet racking her brain for something to start up a conversation.
'So, you guys must really enjoy performing for the crowds,' Yeah, great comment Vick. It was obvious. Duh!
Mark shrugged.
'It is enjoyable to get up and perform but at times it can be awkward. Singing is one of my favorite things to do. Whenever we get the chance we'll get together and have a sing, sometimes in public or private,' he said; Shane overheard every drop a smile inched onto his lips.
'Where are you from?' inquired Mark curiously. Vickie had retained a lot of her New Zealand accent since being brought up in Auckland since her early childhood, now since living Australia she had started to develop some of the Aussie twinge in her speech. She gazed up into his face taking in his pinkish rosy cheeks, sultry lips and semi-fair skin. Standing at around five-foot and eleven inches she felt quite intimidated, she only being a mere five-foot and six inches.
'Well I was born in Singapore but grew up in New Zealand and now permanently living in Australia. Sydney to be specific and I'm still adjusting to the place. Very vibrant city everything is always on the go constantly.' She explained now beginning to relax.
'How do you like it so far?' He asked.
'It's a pretty nice place. Only been there seven months so I can't say I ecstatically love it or hate it just ok for now,' she replied. Mark nodded his head he didn't know what else to say when he looked upfront, he noticed Shane giving him the thumbs up sign.
'Here we are!' Kian announced a while later. They had rounded a corner and stopped in the front window of the restaurant Hopper Worth. Dim lightning from overhanging chandeliers, tables were set elegantly with a single rose vase in the center companied by candles giving a very romantic atmosphere.
'Let's make our booking,' said Margaret she pushed open the door David followed leaving Shane, Kian, Mark and Vickie waiting on the sidewalk. Kian turned to face Vickie.
'Not worried you'll be staying alone at the hotel?' he asked she smiled shaking her head.
'No I'm more than capable on my own. Mum and David deserve to spend quality time together.' She answered. Shane nudged Mark discreetly.
'What are you waiting for Marky? Ask her out or offer to keep company.' He remarked. Mark stared at him not in the least impressed.
'Shane just stop it already, if you're so eager go ask her yourself. Too many ideas going on that head of yours mate.' He said pushing his friend away.
'Oh really? We'll see soon enough,' Shane answered; the door opened again Margaret and David emerged looking more than satisfied.
'Oh looks like you're all set!' Vickie teased her mother before remembering she would be alone at the hotel.
'Right I think it's time we head off, thank you so much for your help lads we appreciate it.' Said David shaking their hands in turn.
'Not a problem sir it's our pleasure but if you want we can accompany you back to your hotel,' Shane added Mark almost wanted to hit him. David and Margaret exchanged looks they thought it a good idea and agreed. So Kian and David lead the way Shane and Margaret a step behind with Mark and Vickie last to follow. Margaret turned to Shane.
'I was wondering if one of you wouldn't mind staying with Vickie while we're at dinner. She always wants to act a grown up when left alone but in a different country I just worry,' she said. Shane wanted to burst into laughter at her suggestion this may just work out perfectly for Mark but Shay didn't want to appear over eager. He burrowed his brow deep in thought. Tonight his parents wanted him at work and most likely Kian's working too so Mark seemed like the logical choice.
'Let me ask Mark,' He said and dropped a step behind to Mark and Vickie they looked at Shane.
'Something you want Shay?' He quizzed; Shane took him to one side.
'You up for doing a favor?' He asked.
'Like what exactly?' Mark sensed there was a catch to this favor.
'Vick's mum asked me if one of us can keep stay with Vick while they're at dinner. I'm out for work reasons and so is Kian so I thought of you,' Shane replied Mark pressed his lips together tightly he didn't like the way Shane had purposely made him the obvious person to ask but then his eyes swept over to Vickie as she laughed along to Kian's joke and he found himself smiling again.
"Fine I'll do it.' He agreed, smiling smugly Shane went to tell Margaret and a relieved look appeared on her face. She turned to mouth 'thank you' in which Mark nodded in return.
Arriving at the front steps of the Casseden hotel David made his excuses and went in.
'Well then I guess we might see you lads around sometime,' Vickie remarked trying to hide her disappointment, unknown to her Shane and Margaret were smiling and even Mark had a hint of an impish grin.
'Yeah so nice meeting you all I'd better go in. Bye!' Vickie replied with a quick wave she ran up the front steps and inside. Margaret faced Mark.
'Just come by at 7pm we're staying on the third floor. Vickie's room is next door to ours rooms 310 and 311.' She said.
"Sure I'll be here,' Mark agreed he avoided Kian's open-mouthed look.
'You did what?' exclaimed Vickie in shock.
'Calm down honey I thought it would be good for you to have someone around.' Margaret replied fastening her necklace on.
'Yeah but… but I hardly know this guy,' Vick said. In addition, you didn't even ask how I would feel about it she added silently.
'Oh don't be silly. The two of you looked to be getting along well earlier this afternoon,' Margaret said as she fixed her hair. Vickie rolled her eyes.
'As if. We barely had a full-fledged conversation. He asked questions I answered all simple and straight forward.'
She sat on the double bed in a pair of black bike short and white t-shirt, her arms and legs folded crossly.
Knock! Knock
"That'll be Mark. Go on and answer,"
Margaret urged her daughter towards the door. Taking a deep breath Vickie reached for the knob and opened it and the sight of Mark nearly made her jaw drop. He just looked so gorgeous, wearing a baby blue polo shirt underneath a suede brown leather jacket cropped off with black jeans. His hair now sporting a cool spiked up style. Swallowing hard she dragged her eyes away so as not to stare, but it was hard not to. She had not seen a man looking so fine. Quickly she regained her composure.
'Hi come on in. My mum is about to leave," she said. Mark smiled warmly at her and walked in seeing Vickie's mum.
'Oh hello Mark. Thank you so much for doing this favor.' Margaret replied.
'Hey, don't mention it." He said. Margaret stood up and glanced at her daughter, seeing the playful smile on her face.
'How do I look?'
'Fine, nah I'm kidding you look great, now go and enjoy your dinner,' Vickie answered still smiling brightly.
'Thank you; now don't stay up too late. It may be our holiday, but it's not nice to spend half of it asleep,' Margaret said. Mark tried rather un-successfully not to crack up laughing, and had to look away so the older woman couldn't see.
'Well have fun. We'll try not to be too late' Margaret smiled and kissed her daughter on her head and strolled out the door.
'All right.' said Vickie walking past Mark and settling herself down on the spacious double bed.
'What should we do? Maybe go downstairs and have a game of pool. Or we can just stay here and watch some movies,'
Mark shrugged as he sat down beside her, he kept his eyes straight ahead not wanting to stare incase she felt uncomfortable.
'Don't know about you but I'm rather hungry.'
'No problem," grinned Vickie as she leaned over to the bedside table, picking up the phone and dialing room service.
'Are you sure you parents are ok with it?' he asked.
'Yep this whole holiday is for me so they said I'm allowed a few privileges.' She answered and while she talked on the phone, Mark let his gaze look around the roam, it was the usual look most hotel rooms had nothing spectacular he noticed a stack of photographs on top of one of the closed suitcases' he didn't have the time to inspect them further when Vickie hung up the phone.
'The food should be here soon. I was actually quite surprised when the guy told me it wouldn't take the m very long to get it all prepared,' she said.
'Yeah well this hotel is quite popular, and over the years the service has really has been outstanding," He answered. Vickie got up from the bed and went to use the bathroom, and while she was gone, he thought of why Shane insisted he did this tonight. It had been a while since he had gone on a date, with a girl he didn't know well and he had refused to after the last one. Things hadn't gone well and he was disappointed because he really liked her unfortunately she wasn't as keen as he had thought. Now he had his two best friends telling him he had to get over it and get back into the scene. Mark was so lost in his thoughts he hadn't heard the bathroom door open and Vickie stepped out.
'What was the name of the song you guys were singing earlier?' she asked. Mark snapped out of his little trance just in time to catch the question.
'That one was Bryan Adams song 'Everything I do, I do it for you.' and the one we did before is 'If tomorrow never comes' I quite like that one myself,' he answered.
'Cool I like that one too,' she said walking back and sat back down on the bed.
'Did you want to hear a bit?' He asked.
'Sure.' She said. Mark took a couple of seconds to compose himself then he started to sing. Vickie was speechless as she listened to him and her mind blank as she scrambled for the right words. She not only loved the song but his voice as well.
''Wow.' She said when he was done he smiled.
Knock, Knock
'Room service!' a voice called through the door breaking the silence between them.
'Coming!,' Vickie called back she leapt off the bed turning to him.
'That was really awesome.'
'Thanks.'
She bounced over to the door swinging it open and stepping aside as two bellhops dressed in the hotel's red uniform pushed food trolleys into the room; both covered with a large sterling silver cap.
'Enjoy your meal.' One bellhop said he did a polite bow and strode from the room his companion followed suit. Alone in the room again Mark resumed their conversation.
'Shane's mum did suggest we put a CD together and send it off, she's actually got a friend who works in the music industry and says he might be able to help us out,'
Vickie lifted the cap and immediately their noses inhaled sweet potatoes, juicy plump steak and seasoned chips. She handed him one set of utensils and took the other.
'Give me a hand?' she asked. Mark didn't need to be asked twice he picked up the platter of steak and chips moving it from the trolley onto the rectangular pine oak coffee table by the window. Pulling up a spare chair he took his seat, Vickie took hers on the windowsill, and hungrily they tucked into their meal.
'Oh forgot about drinks.' She added and went to the mini fridge located in the cupboard below the TV.
'What would you like? We have soft drinks, beer, wine even vodka.'
'Just a coke will do me thanks,' Mark replied. Vickie grabbed two bottles of coke from the fridge and returned to the table.
'That would be pretty cool with Shane's mums' friend working in the business. Maybe he or she can give you guys advice or something.'
'Yeah hopefully we want to rehearse lots before we actually put something together to be heard.'
As the evening wore on, Mark and Vickie really began to warm up to one another. Their conversations flowed freely and they just talked about anything they watched a couple of films and eventually the both of them had fallen asleep.
Margaret eased the bedroom open and peered inside and the vision in front of her brought a smile to her face. She tiptoed to the side of the bed where Mark slept she gently shook him awake.
'Whose there?' He mumbled, blurry-eyed he saw the shadow leaning over him.
'Mark we are back now so you can go,' said Margaret, Mark recognized her voice and relaxed.
'Ok I'm on my way.' He replied. Margaret left the two teenagers alone; Mark never heard the door close he remained motionless on the bed, hands resting behind his head. He didn't feel right to just up and leave without a proper goodbye. After the time he and Vickie spent earlier he had really taken to her, she wasn't afraid to speak her mind and tell the facts and didn't see him as a lust object. He definitely wouldn't mind seeing her again if it was at all possible. Sat up on the bed Mark opened the drawer of the bedside table he grabbed the notepad and pen and scribbled down a quick note. He left the piece of paper on the pillow, picked up his jacket, crept towards the door but as he pulled it open, he took a last look at the bed at Vickie, still asleep not having noticed a thing, it was then, he realized he was ready to play the field; and by getting to know her he now knew what he'd been missing out on.