Okay, I know I have a few stories going on and two of them I don't update regulary (and I'm sorry for that!), but I just decided to try something new. I jus had this idea from some time and I thought it'd be great to give it a go and see what you think about it. Don't worry, I'm not going to abandon my other stories :) I'd try to update at least one fic for a week, so I think it's not so bad :P Anyway, this the first chapter, the introduction I'd say. I hope you'd like it :)

20 September, 2007

Everyone was here. His whole family crowding around the bar or dancing on the dance floor to the loud, club music, and his best friends keeping him company at the table and ordering new, more exotic drinks, making him feel a bit dizzy, but also so wonderfully happy that he didn't has to care about anything anymore. And no one could change that. Just NO ONE.

'Don't bother about this dick head, John Paul. He wasn't worth you.' Michaela slurred into his ear when she came back from the dance floor and fished for a pink drink. 'You can do better.'

'Maybe I wasn't worth him?' He said back and downed the rest of his drink without looking at his sister.

'Bullshit. It's only his fault he slept with this guy. No one asked him to do it.' He knew she just wanted to make her point, but it hurt. It really hurt to hear again about this cheating bastard and replay in mind the whole scene when he has found him in their own bed, having sex with someone else, not him. He hated him for this and still was sure he has done good, kicking him out from his apartment, but still he missed him and loved this bastard, although he knew he didn't deserve it. 'Just forget about him.'

'It's easy to say than do it.' He scowled and asked for another drink. He didn't think how is he going back to home in this state or about the hangover he'd has the next morning, he just wanted to forget about everything and everyone.

'I know, but you have to move on. It was month ago, and trust me, Mike already did it.' It was sharp, but true. He bet this bastard didn't pour even of tear after him. 'You want another rum and coke?'

'Why not.' He shrugged and watched as his sister swaggered toward counter on her unsteady feet. 'With double ice!' He shouted after her, before he felt a strong slap at the back of his head. He frowned and turned around on his chair to see the attacker.

'You have job interview tomorrow, John Paul.' Jackie. He should guess that. 'You're gonna show there like drunk pig with a breath as from brewery?' She asked him sharply. 'I know you just broke up with your boyfriend, but he really isn't worth it, and if you want to keep your flat you need to start earn money, John Paul.'

'You're my conscience or what?' He blurred out and winced when Jackie slapped him again.' Okay, I take it back! Jesus!'

'Take a walk, John Paul, and don't go back until you feel better. Me and Tony would give you a ride to home, later.'

'Fine, mummy.' He rolled his eyes and with small problems stood up and smiled goofily as whole world whirled in front of his eyes. 'That's cool.' Better than drugs.

'You want me to help you?' She asked with concern and grabbed him for arm, but he shook his head and waggled a finger at her before with wide grin walked out from the table and moved toward the dancing crowd. He wants to dance. No he NEEDS to dance! He even spot a single guy in the middle of dance floor, like he was waiting just for him. For his invitation.

'Oh, there you are!' He almost cry when Hannah grabbed him for the arm and turned around so he could face her and totally forget about the guy. 'I was searching for you!'

'Oh, great.' He said casually, not quite enjoying her company at the moment. 'So what do you want from me?' He asked rudely and swing on his own feet, feeling the first effect of the big amount of alcohol he has drunken this night.

'Just chat a bit.' She beamed and pulled him toward the counter, didn't bother about his protesting growls. 'So, how do you like this place? I think the music is great and the drinks! Oh, they're just great.' She grinned widely and John Paul was sure she already has a few drinks too much just as him.

'Yea, it's okay.' He nodded without enthusiasm. 'It's quite a lot of space here, and the music is the one I like. I think everyone like it.'

'Oh, that's great. I was worrying your mother or Jackie won't like this place.'

'After few drinks my mum would like everything, trust me.' He grinned drunkenly. 'She found some poor guy and dancing with him from hour, so I bet she has a good time here.'

'Oh, maybe you'd get a new father?' She sneakered and almost fall on the counter as she lost the balance. 'Silly me.' She giggled as John Paul helped her to stand straight on her silver high heels.

'Yea, you're silly, Hannah.' He chuckled and tenderly kissed her on the forehead. 'But I always loved you for that.'

'I know. That's why it's so hard for me to understand you preferred a boy instead of me.' She giggled and slapped him on the arm. 'Anyway, old times. And I've never had a grudge against you for that. We just didn't match to each other, that's all.' She smiled softly and tucked her blonde curl behind her right ear.

'Well, I wasn't entirely honest with you.' He still felt guilty over the fact he didn't say her straight he's interested in guys, only let her fall in love with him and lost because of him three years of her life as they pretend to be a happy couple. 'I should tell you about me.'

'It's okay, now. I think we both were checking each other.' She sighed and stroked his cheek. 'I think it's better this way. We've never been so close like now, when we've been together.'

'Yea, it's strange, but you're right.' He smiled softly and kissed her cheek. 'So, Ms. Ashworth, how did you find this place? And how you manage to get us all here?' He cocked his eyebrow. 'You have some connections I didn't know about?' He teased her.

'You can say that.' She retorted with a grin as John Paul whistle in admiration.

'So what is it, Ms. Ashworth? Have connection with big people down here?'

'Just my good friend working here as a DJ.' She replied with a small smile. 'We know each other since the primary school, get used to lived on the same street.'

'Oh, so how it happened, you're not together?' He asked curious.

'I guess he wasn't interested in me.' She sighed dramatically, before giggled and waved a hand at him. 'Anyway, he's here. He has a few pints with his friend, so if you want you can meet him. He's very nice guy. I'm sure you'd like him.'

'In that case, lead me!' He grinned and followed Hannah upstairs, to kind of small attic where was going on a private party. There was a group of five or seven men standing around the small table and making a toast, before the half of them fall down on the couch and start giggling loudly. 'So, where is he?'

'The guy on the front in green, tight t-shirt.' She replied and grinned as she made her way between guys, so she could reached her friend. The guy was quite good-looking and seemed to have a really good fun there. He has dark, spiky hair, piercing hazel eyes with playful flashes in them, cheeky grin on the face as he turned around and reciprocate his stare, and arms almost all black with amount of tattoos covering them. Yea, he was fine, and John Paul could say he felt a small attraction to him. 'That's the guy I was talking to you about. It's John Paul.' She said loudly and pointed at her blonde friend.

'Ah, so that's your famous friend. Nice to meet you, John Paul.' He has a nice, warm voice and wide grin which didn't disappear from his face.

'You too.' He reciprocated his grin and wonder if Hannah specially arranged the whole party to have excuse to introduce DJ to him.

'He's cute, isn't he, Spike?' She almost squeaked and John Paul was almost sure she was trying to set them up together. He even likes his name. It was unusual one and to be honest kind of, it was suit to this guy.

'Very cute.' Spike agreed and let his eyes roam around John Paul's body. 'So, how do you like the whole place? Of course except the drinks. I bet you love them.' He poked his tongue on the cheek and John Paul felt bad about the thing he drank so much, he has to notice it as he gave him a long, knowingly look. Damn, first expression.

'He just broke up with his boyfriend.' Hannah said in confidential whisper, which everyone could clearly hear. 'He has broken heart!'

'Ah, that's really sad.' He smiled sympathetically, although John Paul wasn't sure if he really mean it. 'Sorry, mate.'

'It's okay. There's a lot of guys around who can be better than him.' He didn't know from where he took this one, but he was sure Spike has to understand his small allusion, because he licked slightly his lips and cocked his eyebrow flirtatiously at him. Yea, just what he needed right now. Being the subject of jokes. Just great.

'Ah, he's so cute!' Hannah repeated again like she didn't notice she has already said it once, and wrapped her arms around DJ, who chuckled amused. 'I told you, he's great! You two could be a great friends.' Or maybe closer than friends.

'I'm sure we could be.' John Paul said and tried to smile seductively, but he was too drunk to do it properly, and instead of give a sign he's interested in him, he just made him chuckle and shook his head over his pathetic moves. And him was thinking he's getting back to his form. Idiot. 'So, you're off the work, tonight?' He tried to change the theme, before he makes a total jerk of himself.

'Yea, have a small party here, with my few, close friends.' He replied amused. 'Wanna join?'

'I don't want to disturb you. I can see it's a private party.'

'Oh, come on, join to us!' He grinned and motioned at the free couch, behind his legs. 'I'm sure Hannah knows someone here, so you wouldn't feel unwelcome.'

'Yea, I think I know the one with blue Mohawk.' She said as she took a long look at the men. 'It's Mark, isn't it? '

'I'm not sure if we should stay here…' John Paul glanced unsurely at Spike, didn't want to be a fifth wheel in the cart, and somehow he was also annoyed with Hannah's small efforts of trying to set them up. If she already has decided he should try a thing with Spike, at least she could try to help him up!

'At least drink a toast to a new stage of my life.' He winked and handed them two glasses before poured an amber liquid to them. 'You have to.'

'If you only tell me for what we're making a toast, here.' He said and blushed slightly as Spike bite down on his low lip and cocked his eyebrow at him, like he was provoking him. 'You've got a promotion? New job?' He tried to guess, but each time he shook his head with a small chuckle.

'For this, cute.' He winked at him before fully faced him up and spread his arms off, so John Paul could notice there were some colored letters on his green t-shirt. For the best dad ever. Oh, shit.

'Well, congratulation.' He stuttered, amazed, in thoughts swearing at himself. At least now he knew why Hannah wasn't so eager to chime in and using her magic to push them closer. He wanted ground to swallow him right now.

'Ah, thanks.' He grinned. 'And sorry for flirting with you. It's just the way I am.'

'It's okay. No problem, mate.' He nervously rubbed the hand behind his back and with sadness, looked down at his table, where Michaela and Carmel seemed to have a great time right now. He'd do anything to get down there and forget about his pitiful behavior. 'Congratulation to you and your wife.' He added and even managed to smile slightly, although he felt like a crap.

'Okay, I'm sure my partner would be thankful for that.' He was sure he was now red as beetroot. 'We have a really lovely daughter.'

'Oh yes, you have!' Hannah agreed and eagerly nodded her head. 'She's so small and sweet, and hopefully she feels fine now. I can't believe David didn't mind you go for a party, while he needs to stay with her alone in home.'

'He had his own party two days ago.' He chuckled. 'I had to deal with his fresh breath all night and morning.'

'Ah, poor you.' She stroked his shoulder before looked excited at John Paul. 'Oh, did I tell you I'm fairy mother for their little daughter?' John Paul almost burst in laugh.

'I believe you have in mind Godmother, you silly.' Spike grinned and pressed his nose to her. 'We drank too much, didn't we?' He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer.

'I love her to the death!'

'So, would you like to stay for a little longer with us? Or is someone waiting for you?' He cocked his eyebrow at John Paul.

'We have to make a toast, haven't we?' He retorted with a small grin and sat down on the couch before Spike followed him with a chuckle and glimpse in the eye.

10 September, 2007

'Oh my God! Oh my God! We have her! We have! Oh my…' Yes, they have her. She was all pink and red, pushing her tiny fists into air like she was trying to hit someone, and he was sure her cry was heard by the whole floor. She was so small he was afraid to touch her, afraid he might break her bones. She was like a small bird; with her mouth opened widely and eyes closed firmly, through her bare, pink skin he almost could see the entire network of her veins. And although she looked like not feathered bird, he fall in love with her from the first sight.

'Do you want to hold your daughter?' Still in shock he glanced at the nurse in her green clothes, flashing him a warm smile.

'Yes, I'd love that.' He stuttered and like robot followed her, leaving behind himself David jumping over the whole corridor and shouting excitedly, wanting to know everyone about their happiness. He entered the spacious room and shot a flash of smile toward his friend, Caroline, still breathing heavily after the all effort she had to do, to bring his little daughter to the earth. To his own arms.

'Did you already decide what name you'd give her?' The nurse asked as she gently put the baby in his awaiting arms.

'It's Jasmine.' He replied softly and felt how first, warm tears rolled down his cheeks as he finally could hold her and watch her beautiful, chubby face.

'Pretty name.' The nurse smiled. 'You can touch her. She's not from the glass.' She chuckled a bit, watching how tensed he was, afraid of touch her stomach even with one finger.

'Yea, I just…Can you call the man who is standing outside the room?' He asked as he gently stroked his baby's tiny fist. 'It's my partner.'

'Oh, sure.' And then without more questions she left, leaving him alone with Jasmine and Caroline.

'You don't regret it?' He suddenly asked quietly.

'No, I already have three kids, and I'm really happy that I could help you both.' She said with hoarse voice. 'I'm sure you two would be great parents.'

'Thank you. I'm really thank you for her.' He barely could see Jasmine's little face, his all vision was blurred because of the tears.

'I'd do that again for you.' She smiled softly. 'I'm sure she'd be pretty just like you.'

'Yea, because I'm so good looking.' He chuckled and smiled as his David almost ran inside the room and with tears in eyes wrapped his arms around him and leave a few fever, gently kisses over his face, before took his daughter onto own arms. 'But I'm giving you her only for few minutes.' He said with a chuckle, already missing the warmness and softness of her body on his hands.

'Hello, my sweetie.' David welcomed her with a big grin. 'My God, she's so pretty.'

'She looks like small chicken.' He said, didn't share his enthusiasm.

'You looked the same, love.' David stated with a small chuckle. 'And she's far away from being a chicken…She can be maybe a peacock, but that's all.'

'I see you both already lost your heads for her.' Caroline giggled.

'Or maybe a parrot.' He continued with a slight smile. 'She's all pink, a little red in some places, and now she's a bit blue I think.'

'What?' She pulled herself on her elbows, concern written over her face. 'Is she blue, Spike? David?'

'Maybe a bit on her face.' Spike answered, not sure if it was a normal thing or wrong sign. 'Why? It's wrong?' It was a big effort for Jasmine, and he was sure she was just tired and cold.

'She can be choking.' Caroline said serious and then everything just start moving as a crazy.

'I'll go for doctor.' He even didn't has a chance to react when David ran away and moment later he was back with nurses and doctor, and suddenly they were taking out his little daughter, far away from him.

'Where they're taking her?' He asked close to despair as he tried to follow them, but some guy stood on their way, didn't let them cross the end of corridor. 'I need to see her!' He felt David warm arms around himself and hear his soothing voice, but his mind couldn't process what he was just saying. He just kept looking after little Jasmine, scare to the death, afraid of losing her. She was his treasure, his heart. They just couldn't take her away. 'David…' He sobbed and let him hugged him tightly and whisper more comforting, soothing words on his ear as he start losing his faith that he'd see her again. She has been health during the whole pregnancy, so why now? She was okay. She was crying, she was pink and red, so why she started turning into blue? He just couldn't understand it. He couldn't.

'She's okay, now.' He wasn't sure for how long they were sitting there, waiting for some news, but he was sure he was crying with happiness as he heard the doctor and thanked God he didn't take his Jasmine.

'What you mean by this time?' David asked concerned, his hands found the support on Spike's shoulders, as he watched the doctor with growing fear. 'Is her life still in danger?'

'I'm afraid so.' Spike closed his eyes. Suddenly his all happiness flew away. 'I'd like to talk with her father on private, about her health condition.'

'We're both her fathers.' Spike said firmly, barely stopping himself from shout. 'And we both want to know what's going on with our daughter.'

'We're not sure what's causing the problems, but we have our suspicions.' He replied carefully, and Spike didn't like this tone. There was something bad going on, he just felt it.

'Which is?' David asked, almost losing his temperament.' Just tell us!'

'It's probably her heart. I think she has congenital heart disease, which unfortunately wasn't discovered during pregnancy.' He felt like his whole world just go apart.

'Is she going die?' He asked with suppressed voice, afraid of the answer. In one moment they have their own baby, and then in other she's gonna be taken away from them, before they even start enjoying her presence in their life. It was so unfair.

'Until we don't get any results, I can't say anything more. Maybe she'd need a new heart one day, or maybe she'd live for only few days. I don't know. And I'm really sorry...'

'We're also.' Spike whispered and closed his eyes as he fall down on his knees with one thought. He wasn't going to let her go. He wasn't…He was just not ready to let her go. And either David was.

22 September, 2007

The red, blue and green streamers fall down on his head in one fluent cascade, when he only crossed the threshold, and he almost immediately regretted he decided to come over. With disgust written over his face he whisked away the paper work of his sister-in-law and produced to smile as he spotted the one member of his family trying to chat up the youngest one.

'Hello, everyone!' He said cheerfully and rotate in hands the bottle of wine. 'So, how is feeling my little niece?' He reluctantly approached the old armchair where his brother was sitting and keeping in arms his tiny girl.

'She doesn't let us sleep all night.' Darren chuckled and motioned at the couch. 'Sit down, Craig. It's really nice of you, you decided to visit us after the whole day in work.'

'I couldn't not come here.' He replied with a slight smile and sat down, and put the bottle on the coffee-table. 'Mum and Jack are still, here?' He asked as he took a long look over the small, cozy room.

'No, they've caught the train yesterday. They decided me and Nancy need to relax a bit.' He smirked and lovingly looked down at his treasure. 'She's so sweet, but still wanting our attention. Chris was way calmer than her as a baby.' Craig nodded his head with understanding, although he didn't get it. He was never big fan of kids, and he'd never understand what's beautiful about these small aliens. Most of them are ugly, loud and always want eat. They don't care if you have to go to work, no, they just want to be fed and rock in your arms, the small egoistic creatures. He'd never understand people who decide for four or more kids. It's just like committee a suicide! Really.

'So where's your cute, small wife and kiddy?' He fished for his penknife and reached for a bottle to open the wine. 'And where do you have glasses?'

'She took him for a short walk. The glasses are in the middle cabinet in the kitchen. Make yourself home.' He smirked and rocked his little baby in arms as few, quiet sobs left her mouth. 'It's okay, baby. Daddy is here.'

'Maybe she's hungry.' Craig said casually as he made his way to the kitchen.

'Kids don't cry only when they want eat.' Darren rolled his eyes. 'You're such ignorant.'

'I just don't like kids, it doesn't make ignorant of me.' He pointed his penknife at him as he returned and threw himself on the couch, didn't bother about his new, expensive suit, or shirt.

'You'd change your mind when you get your own.' He smirked and moved a soft blanket closer to her round face.

'I'm not going to have kids. I want to make carrier, be free.' He poured the maroon liquid to the glasses. 'I'm not that type of guy who likes to be attach to something. I love changes and with kid and wife, I wouldn't be able to do it. It's already hard for me to watch you, as you had to sacrifice your all carrier for Nancy and Chris.'

'I just did what I had to.' He shrugged and pulled the baby closer to his chest. 'Your Minnie…'

'It's Millie.' He rolled his eyes and reached for his glass as he pushed the other one on the end of coffee-table, toward his brother.

'Okay, Millie. So, what about her? She doesn't want to have kids in the future?'

'I guess she wants. Almost every women want to have kids.'

'Did you tell her you don't think about parenthood?' He fished for his own glass and took a sip of the wine. 'Ah, my favorite.'

'We're not together anymore.' He replied casually and rotated the glass in his hand as he watched Darren through the dark liquid.

'Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you two were happy.' He couldn't see Craig's eyes as the man hid them from him, but he could noticed a small grimace on his face, until his face went back to its neutral pose, didn't give anyone nothing aback about what he was thinking or feeling.

'You don't have to. She was one annoying bitch and still interfering into my business and saying with whom I can meet or not. She loved my money, not me.' He replied without emotions and put the glass down as familiar voices came to his ear. 'I guess Nancy is back.'

'It has to be really hard for you, to be alone again.' He said softly, feeling sorry for younger man.

'Already someone catch my attention, so don't worry, it won't last long before I'd have a new girl.' He smirked and turned his head toward the front door as it opened widely. Darren didn't like the way he was threatening other people, like they were only his toys and he was sure they're not worth him. There has to be someone who'd love Craig not only his status position or money. Just look at Nancy. He didn't has nothing to give her, he was broken and even hadn't his own place to live. But she stayed with him. And even wanted to be his wife and born his two children. He's happy, he really is.

'Oh, I see our favorite grumpy uncle decided to visit us.' Nancy said in a mocking tone as she slipped inside the room and greeted the man with wide smile. 'Nice to see you, Craig. You haven't been here since Chris first birthday.'

'Well, I thought it's a good time to refresh the old connections.' He winked at Darren and took another gulp of his wine. 'How are you, missy?'

'I'm fine, thanks. Just a little bit tired, because of Crystal.' She replied and hang her jacket on the hanger. 'Chris, did you take your shoes off?' Craig could tell by one look at her face she was very tired and any makeup could help her to hide it. Well, that was a prize for having babies.

'Crystal?' He frowned, wondering if he missed something.

'Your niece.' Nancy rolled her eyes at him, before put hands on her hips and fixed eyes at her husband. 'Don't you feel too comfortable?'

'I think I deserved a little wine.' He replied with a smirk. 'Anyway, you should snap now at Craig. What kind of uncle doesn't know his niece's name?' He grinned.

'Oy, I'm the best uncle your kids ever have!' He disagreed.

'Oh, please, Craig.' Nancy glanced at him with indulgence. 'Chris doesn't even remember how you look.'

'Well, what kind of mother you are? My mum was showing me the pics of whole family after my second birthday. I knew everyone, although half of them didn't have any clue I've even existed.'

'Ah, my bad.' Nancy chuckled and marched toward the kitchen. 'What would you say for a cold lasagna?'

'Why not.' He shrugged and grinned slightly as another member of family appeared in the room in his small, purple hoodie and blue jeans. 'Hello, buddy.'

'Hi, uncle Craig.' Chris replied without interested and dived under the coffee-table for his long forgotten toy.

'He's already big boy. He's like what, two?' Craig thanked his nephew as the boy handed him his toy; red cabriolet with each open doors.

'He's four.'

'Ah, I was really close.' Darren chuckled at him and slightly shook his head. He knew there were some things he has to forgive him. 'Anyway, the time is speeding up so badly.'

'Would you like to have a cheese?' Nancy popped her head inside.

'I prefer drink my wine without cheese, thanks.' He smirked.

'You didn't change even a bit.' She sighed and turned back to kitchen. 'Why you didn't bring with yourself your girlfriend?'

'We broke up.'

'Shame.'

'No, it's not.' He disagreed. 'I can do what I want, now.'

'Oh, would you like to hold Crystal?' Darren asked him with mischievous smirk.

'Get lost, Osborne.' He retorted and stick his tongue out as man carried away his child to the bedroom. 'Nancy, love, do you still have this cheese? I think I'd like to have it on my lasagna.' He asked and downed his wine in one swallow before he winked to his little nephew.

'So you changed your mind, eh?' He was sure she was smiling and rolling eyes at him.

'I just love changes, Nancy. There's nothing wrong about that.' He stated and smiled to himself, with a thought he's happy from the way he's living and doesn't regret even one thing.

23 September, 2007

Another flash, new pose, flick of hair and seductive smile, and then everything was over. The lights went down, people moved out from their positions, some of them were whistling and clapping. She loves that and they know that also. She's a star, everyone loves her and there was no once who could compete with her. No one was so good as her and was ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of her carrier. Just no one.

'You were fantastic , Sarah! One day all town would be cover with your face!' Her manger shouted and gently kissed her right cheek as she walked down the platform and let the stylist help her to unzip her shiny, silver cocktail dress. 'You're a star, babe.'

'Sure, I am.' She replied with a flash of her pearl white teeth. 'Would you mind if I go change? I was working all day and I really need to go down the town for few drinks.'

'Sure, babe. Take your time, you were excellent today. You deserve a few days of rest.' He nodded his head.

'Oh, really?' She asked excited. 'You're so good for me, Pablo.' She smiled widely and nodded at stylist to leave her alone. 'I'd be in my dressing-room.' She passed by photographers and stylists, showing her perfect teeth in her perfect smile, until she reached her room and closed herself in it on the lock. She sat on her small, puffy stool and faced the big, flat mirror decorated with flowers from her big fans, and pictures of her and her friends from some parties. Yea, that was her. She has a nice, a little oval face with a thick layer of powder adorned, with deep brown eyes looking flirtatious at everyone who pass by her, with perfect, small nose and plump lips covered with angry red lipstick, which everyone want to kiss. Her dark, almost black hair, were neatly fall into curls onto her shoulders and down onto her back, thanks to dozen cans of hair spray. Yea, that's the face everyone love. The face of their star.

She kicked her silver stilettos out and reached for her cosmetics, so she could wash her face from the remains of her work, before she prepares herself for leaving. She never liked how much powder stylist were putting on her face, and when she was off the work, she was taking care about her makeup on her own. Her dress fall down a bit as she vigorously start washing down the whole powder, revealing her very thin shoulders and the sharp ends of her bones.

'Are you okay, Sarah? If you want I can give you a ride.' Pablo's voice came through the door.

'No, it's okay. My friend would come for me.' She replied back and pushed the cosmetics back on their old places as she again focused at the mirror. 'You can go home, Pablo. Thank you for today!'

'No problem, sugar.' She sighed heavily as she heard his steps fading away, and finally she could focus on her makeup and choose something to dress. She gently ran forefinger around nasty, dark bruises under her eyes and over unhealthy face, until she removed her contact lenses and noticed the network of red webs on her eyes. She watched herself with growing anxiety, pulling the thin bands of her dark hair over her left eyes, to cover the imperfections.

It's the face no one would love. No one would even look at it once. But it was her face. The face of real Sarah Barnes.

'I saw the guy outside the studio. Is he your boyfriend?' She was tired of smiling, but Pablo was still there, watching her with a big grin on his face while others were still packing their things out. 'You could ask him to come for your session. You two would look really hot together on the pictures! I'm sure people would love to see with how big fish, Sarah Barnes is hanging around.' She just wanted to sit down and rest. Each bone and muscle were hurting her, her stomach rumble loudly and she was sure she'd feel sick very soon and spend half of the night in toilet.

'He's just my good friend from high school.' She replied tired and wore her blue, very fit jacket.

'But you're sleeping together.' She wasn't sure if it was a question or it was his statement.

'Like I said he's only my friend. And I don't sleep with friends.' She said annoyed, didn't hide her irate. She just had enough him and all people sticking their noses to her private life.

'Sure, babe. But it'd be better for your carrier, if you start.' So that's what he was thinking about her? She chuckled a bit and shook her head, didn't even know what to answer him. Bastard. 'Just think about it, princess, and see you back on Wednesday. I'm sure you'd gather your strength during three days.' Even his smile was false. He all was. Everyone were.

'Sure, I would Pablo. Have a nice night.' She said automatically, without any emotions and stepped outside the building. 'I'm sorry, you have to wait so long, but Pablo stopped me.' She smiled softly and for the first time this day, she felt like she really mean it and it was a honest one.

'It's okay. I've just came here.' He smiled and kissed her cheek for welcome. 'God, you look more beautiful each day.'

'Ah, don't exaggerate.' She knew she blushed slightly, but she was sure, he couldn't notice it because of the powder. 'I look horrible. I should get my hair done yesterday, but my hairdresser didn't come. She needed to stay with her sick kid.'

'That's why I don't want to have kids.' He rolled his eyes and offered her his arm, before they moved down the street.

'Well, I'd like to have one, but my carrier doesn't let me.' She sighed and looked sadly over the shops. 'Sometimes I wonder if I did the right thing.'

'You're the best in modeling, Sarah. It'd be shame if you resign of it because of the kid. They're not worth it.'

'I think your problem is, you wouldn't be in the centre of attention if you have a baby, and that's why you don't want one. You just didn't grow up to parenthood, Craig.' She said in expert tone with a slight smirk.

'I think I already grew up, but I still hate kids.' He rolled his eyes. 'I'm just not able to sacrifice anything for them. I have my own life and plans for future and kid would ruin them all.' He said firmly and turned into corner as he pulled her arm from himself. 'I know some good club, here. It's in the basement.'

'I hope it's a normal club for a normal people.' She said and followed him with concern face. 'If I only see there any chains or people in leather masks, I'm out.'

'Oh, jeez, Sarah! It's normal club! You think that I'm some sick bastard?' He asked annoyed and shoved hands into the pocket of his jacket.

'Okay, don't be angry at me. I just thought…' Her next words turned into scream as someone bumped into her so hard, she lost her balance and fall down on the hard pavement. 'My ass!' She cried, while Craig turned around to see what's happened and start chuckle. 'That's not funny, Craig! Better help me stand up!'

'Oh, I'm so sorry.' Her attacker said quickly and before her friend could react, Sarah was already back on her feet, keeping the stranger's hand. 'I didn't notice you.'

'It's okay. I didn't broke anything and I think my dress is still in one piece.' Sarah sighed heavily and turned around so the stranger could see her back and check if she was right.

'Yea, it's fine.' The intruder said and took the hood off its face. Sarah's mouth parted slightly as she surprised was looking back at nice looking woman with storm of blonde hair. 'I'm really…Are you Sarah Barnes?' The woman suddenly asked with a small smile.

'The only one.' Craig replied instead of her with a smirk.

'Oh, just shut up, Craig.' Sarah looked at him heavily before she pulled the band of her hair away from her eye so she could look at her. 'Yea, it's me. How do you know that?' She asked puzzled.

'You're quite modest as for woman whose portraits hanging around the town, and her face is covering the most famous magazines.' They both smiled.

'Well, I looked a bit different than on the cover of magazines.'

'But still you're looking good.' She nodded her head, before she looked at Craig. 'Anyway, I'm sorry once again.'

'It's okay…?' She cocked her eyebrow at her with a slight smile, but the other woman seemed to not understand her question. 'Well, you know my name, so I think it'd be fair enough if you say yours.'

'Oh, it's Hannah. Hannah Ashworth.' She replied quickly, confused.

'Well, it was nice to meet you, Hannah. And like I said everything's fine.'

'In that case can we move on?' Craig asked impatiently, glancing at his wristwatch. 'I don't have all night for your small chats, Sarah.'

'Okay, I'm going.' She rolled her eyes. 'Like you see I need to get going.'

'Yea, it's okay. I'm already late also.' Hannah smiled and there was something warm about her. There was any false in her and she seemed to be such a nice person, so different than others. Sarah was sure she can be a really good friend. No, that she doesn't appreciate Craig's company, but there are the things she couldn't say him about, and only other female could understand them. But she doesn't has any female friends, all of them turned around from her when her career only speeded up.

'Sarah…'

'I'm coming!' She yelled irate. 'Well, it was nice to meet you, Hannah. And maybe see you later?' She smiled softly.

'Sure. You never know who you might meet next time.' Hannah giggled and put her hood back over the head, before she turned into another street.

'Nice girl.' Sarah said as she caught up with man.

'Yea, searching for a famous friend.' He snorted and shook a head. 'I bet she bumped into you on purpose. You can't trust anyone, these days.' Sarah only smiled slightly, trying to not show how much his words hurt her.