NB - While this is the sequel to 'Can't lose what you never had' it is not necessary for you to have read the first to understand the second as they are stand-alone fics as well.

Both 'Can't lose what you never had' and 'My Love' are part of what I have called: Westlife Trilogy 2002 - Series One

"My Love" By: Victoria Liu Pearson

All rights to the story is reserved

Chapter 1

It is mid morning and air traffic circulated on the outskirts of the schoolyard, the smell of petrol lingered around mixing farther in the thick cloud of smoke that hangs in around Sydney. Inside of the school grounds girls, girls and more girls. They were dressed in a navy blue tunic dress with the pattern of checkered blue, with red and white outlines and knee-length white socks and black polished shoes. The older students had a simple navy blue skirt and white dress shirt complete with tie. Their loud excited voices carried from one end to the other and bounded off the building walls. Beside the mess hall, on a slight uprooted hill filled with musty dirt was four faded blue seat benches. Nine brightly coloured school bags decorated with stickers and black marker writings lay scattered on the dirt and the nine students those school bags belonged to lounged around on the benches. Vickie had her focus glued on the latest addition of American teen magazine BB, filled with all the latest news, views and gossip on the US most famous youngsters.

'Hey guys!' chirped Mae Borja as she dropped her school bag and flopped down in the spare seat beside Vickie she placed her magazine down and faced her friend.

'Where have you been? Didn't see you in class all morning,' she said. Mae grinned as a slight blush coming onto her cheeks.

'I accidentally overslept because I was doing some research,' she answered.

'On what?'

'I was listening to the radio last night while researching for English and I heard this really nice song. Think it was called 'Swear it again'—'

'Westlife' said Nicole Camage; Vickie and Mae looked to their left at the light brown haired girl.

'Yes.' Mae nodded

'I went to find information about them and oh my god they are hot,' she remarked Nicole nodded.

'Oh hell yes they are gorgeous. Which one do you think is hot? I like the dark-haired guy.' She replied.

'I prefer that blonde one.' Mae. Vickie, sitting between her two friends giggled quietly.

'What?' they exclaimed giving her a scowl.

'I'm sorry, it is just funny you make it sound like your squabbling, and Mae you said you researched about them and you don't know their names?' She quizzed.

'That is why I brought these,' Mae bent down, unzipped her bag, and pulled out several pieces of A4 printed-paper. Each page filled with what was the latest biography information on the five Westlife lads. Their photos stood out in full colour on each bio page and a photo of them together with their Smash Hits award.

'So, which blonde one was it you liked?' Vickie said Mae pointed.

'Nicky.'

'What about you Nic?' Vickie now turned to Nicole.

'That one, Shane. He has such nice eyes,' she gushed.

'Mmm yeah both good choices,' Vickie agreed

'What about you Vick. Which one do you like?' Mae asked.

'None.

'Oh come on. Are you telling us you don't think any one of them is hot?' Nicole arched her eyebrows.

'Yeah Vick you are the resident boy band obsessor.' Added Melissa Liu from the opposite bench Vickie frowned.

'Stop calling me that I am not a boy band obsessor.' She said.

'Ignore her, so then Vick come on there must be at least one you think is hot.' Nicole said.

'Well ok, ok if you must know then it would be Mark.' Vickie answered, smiling lightly as she pointed him out to her two friends.

'Ah I see what you mean.' Mae said smiling.

'He is cute,' she added. Oh, I would have to say more than cute She thought trying not to break into a grin. Vickie didn't notice Nicole and Mae continue to chat about the lads and instead she leaned over to her bag and took out her diary opening it to the main inside sleeve. On the inside sleeve insert were two printed photos, one was a group photo of Shane, Kian, Mark and her from Rowan's going away party and the second of her and Mark.

'Hey who are those guys?' Melissa asked popping up from behind to take a closer look Vickie shut the cover quickly and shrugged her shoulders.

'Nobody just some friends I met on last year's holiday.' She remarked she went to place the diary back into the bag but Melissa snatched it from her.

'Hey! Just what the hell are you doing? That is private now give it back!' she cried; but Melissa pretended not hear and opened the first page. Nicole, Mae and the rest of the group now got curious they crammed beside Melissa to get a better look at the photos.

'Look at this. Gee Vick you must have gotten into some mischief,' Camilla Morsing teased.

'They look quite familiar…' Mae trailed off and Vickie knew from the look on her face she was thinking.

'Yes those three guys in the photo are indeed Shane, Kian Mark,' she said. Mae's eyes widen, Nicole's jaw almost hitting the floor.

'Oh my god you met Westlife before anybody else?' Mae shrieked Vickie put her hand up.

'They hadn't formed the band yet when I met them but they had the basic foundations. The rest you probably know from the band's bio,' she answered then seizing her chance she took her diary back from Melissa and put it away then stood up.

'Now if you will excuse me I need to see Mrs. Brown about our project.' Vickie said and picking up her bag, she went on her way.

During lunch break the ten friends returned to their bench spot, and dug hungrily into their lunches, Vickie curled her legs beneath her, rested her notebook in her lap, continuing to write. The shrill sound of her mobile broke her thoughts halfway.

'Hello?'

'Vick?' She sat up straight recognizing his voice.

'Hey Mark good to hear from you even though it is late.' She chuckled he laughed.

'It's only half past one in the morning.' He answered. She noticed Mae and Nicole giving her questioning glances so she got up and walked away for privacy.

'So how are things?'

'Pretty good Louis confirmed we start recording for our first album in the next two to three months so it can be ready for release in October. Then also in August our next single will be out, though we start the video shoot in June.' He explained.

'Oh that is great. I bet the fans are excited and can't wait. Given what they have tasted from the five of you already they'll be over the moon,' she answered Mark laughed as he heard her excitement.

'Well there is more good news to come because what I'm about to tell you is going to have quite an impact on the Westlife fans down your way.' He added Vickie became even more alert now.

'I'm all ears.'

'Louis has set out a two week timetable for us to be in Australia and New Zealand doing loads of promo work and to top it all off we leave in two days,' said Mark, Vickie sat there gob smacked for words.

'Oh, oh my goodness! That is wonderful just think of all you can achieve down here,' she said.

'I'm glad you're looking forward to our little visit,'

'Are you kidding? I'm more than glad. It's been months since I last saw Shane and Kian and I haven't yet met Nicky and Bryan and it will be your birthday in exactly two weeks,' she answered.

'Yeah and won't that be something special. The rest of the lads want to use it as the prime excuse to check out Sydney's nightlife party atmosphere but I'm thinking I would much rather spend it with you,' he answered she felt her cheeks blush immediately.

'Me too Mark me too. It has been a while and…I have missed you,' her voice dropping a little.

'I know me too baby; but cheer up it will all be better soon. Listen I've got to go but I will call you later when I know a bit more about the trip,' he remarked.

'Yeah that's fine I talk to you then,'

'Bye.' Hanging up Vickie smiled slightly to herself she couldn't wait!

'Well?' prompted Mae curiously.

'Well what?' Vickie returned her friend's quizzical gaze.

'I'm guessing that was your boyfriend on the phone,' Nicole said.

'Maybe it was maybe it wasn't I am not saying anything else.'

Entering the single story brick and cedar home Vickie headed straight for the kitchen for snacks her mind was a buzz of thoughts of Westlife being in the country within a few short days. Emptying the bag of chips into a bowl she scurried to her bedroom placed the bowl on her kauri wooden desk and pressed play on her CD player. The loud vigorous music of 'Larger than life' by Backstreet Boys blasted through the speakers, she sat down on the chair swiveling it round and round. For two whole weeks, Westlife would be here, in Sydney, and in between their working schedule, it is also Mark's 19th birthday. She opened her desk drawer, pulled out a small note pad, and started writing down ideas.

'Everyone else might see them as famous popstars but to me they are just good friends.' She said dreamily but it was then she realized because of the closeness in her relationship to Mark things were going to have to be kept quiet. No one needed to find out about them at least not right now. Even her mum had shadows of doubt

'I don't want you to get overly involved with this guy and forget everything else. Life is not about having a boyfriend only. There is still a big future ahead of you so don't be sucked in and blind sighted,' Margaret warned.

Vickie heard the front door close sharply she quickly turned the volume down on her stereo and darted out into the hallway. Margaret was a nurse at Prince of Wales Private Hospital; she worked most regular hours as well as night shifts.

'Hi mum so how was your day?' Vickie asked appearing at the bedroom doorway.

'Busy we didn't stop from start to finish. Those young student nurses were no help either they just sat around talking for their whole shift,' Margaret relented. She continued to inform her daughter of the laziness of young students but Vickie's mind had long drifted away. She wondered if now would be the best idea to tell her mum of Westlife's impending visit to Australia.

'Mum do you think you could possibly take me to the airport this weekend?' she asked. Margaret turned away from the mirror to Vickie.

'Any particular reason why?' she asked Vickie shifted on her feet.

'Actually yes there is, I got a call from Mark earlier and he told me Westlife are coming to Sydney for two weeks,' she explained.

'I don't know Vickie, David and I have a dinner meeting with friends-'

'Oh please mum! This means a lot to me and you know it. I never ask that much of you especially not lately, so I'm only asking this one favor. Also, you won't need to worry about me anyway because more than likely I will be spending the day with them,' she added hurriedly. Margaret sighed, it wasn't that she didn't want her daughter to be happy; but it all seemed to be happening too soon.

'All right.' She relented.

'I will take you there but I want some one to go along and no staying out too late.' She remarked Vickie could barely control her smile.

'So you're letting me go?' she wanted confirmation.

'Yes, yes but remember I want you to have some one tag along,'

'Don't worry I know just the person.' Vickie ran to her sister's room for the cordless phone and dialed a friend's number.

'Hello?'

'Hi is Nicole there?'

'Yes one moment.' Vickie tapped her fingers as she waited then seconds later Nicole picked up.

'Hi?'

'Hey Nic. It's Vick. Listen I was wondering if you are busy this weekend?' she asked.

'Not that I am aware why?'

'Well what if I told you I can get you to meet Westlife?' Vickie said.

'Oh really you're serious? But how?' Nicole gasped.

'They are coming to Sydney this weekend for two weeks, my mum's allowed me to meet them at the airport but wants some one to come so I'm putting this chance offer to you, if you like.' Vickie answered she received dead silence from the other end.

'I…I can't believe this. Meeting Westlife?' Nicole stuttered and Vickie found it difficult not to laugh.

'Yes you had better believe it. This afternoon you were right when you guessed it was my boyfriend on the phone because it was Mark,' she answered So much for keeping it quiet!

'Holy crap, your boyfriend is in Westlife? You sneaky little devil!' laughed Nicole.

'Yeah I know but I'll fill those details some other time. So you going to come or not?'

'Absolutely I'll come. Can't pass up this chance to meet them,'

'Good, now as soon as I know more details I will let you know.'

'Yeah sure and thanks again for asking Vick I'm thrilled you asked me.'

'Not a problem, talk to you soon,'

Shane, Kian, Mark, Nicky and Bryan lay sprawled out in the luxurious lounge suit of Louis Walsh's home. It was quite an extravagant two story villa with old 1900s architecture and gave a homely warmth. Despite the lateness of the night or rather early morning, the five lads still had plenty of energy. Their excitement of the up and coming trip down under was enough to keep them awake.

'I bet the girls there are really, really hot,' remarked Bryan grinning broadly. His four band mates swapped looks.

'Is there never a time when you don't think about women?' Kian answered with a shake of his head but Bryan just smiled back it annoyed Kian even more.

'By the way, Mark it will be interesting to meet that girlfriend of yours,' said Bryan a sly grin appearing on his lips; Mark grabbed the nearest cushion and threw it at him.

'Don't you go getting any idea McFadden.' He warned Kian and Shane exchanged knowing glances that Nicky caught on.

'What is with you two?' he quizzed Shane shook his head.

'You lot still awake?' exclaimed Louis, they turned to their boss sheepish grins on their faces.

'We're too excited to sleep.' Kian said. Louis rolled his eyes.

'Your trip to Australia and New Zealand is finalized, but be warned it will be a hard slog even with a few days off here and there.' He replied.

'We won't' Shane said.

'Good now get some sleep! Lucky for you I didn't arrange any duties today,' Louis walked off back towards his office and Bryan resumed his desire to annoy Mark.

'So this Vickie…she is…what? 16 if I remember from what you said.' Mark only grunted in response.

'Why the sudden interest?' Shane inquired.

'Just curios since Marky here talks about her non-stop.'

'I do not.' Mark protested.

'…and besides you two set it up right?' Bryan continued nodding at Kian and Shane.

'I wouldn't say we set it up specifically. Vickie's parents' wanted a bit of local advice.' Kian said.

'And?' Nicky encouraged him to continue Shane glanced sideways at Mark.

'Vickie's mother, Margaret didn't want Vick to be alone at the hotel so she asked one of us if we didn't mind keeping her company,' he said he stopped when Mark glared at him and Nicky figured it was best to leave the subject alone but Bryan had other ideas.

'Come on then Marky lets hear your side of the story.' He said eagerly. Nicky slapped his blonde mate across the back of the head.

'Ow!' He yelped.

'Lads it's late and we have not even slept a wink.' Shane said getting to his feet followed by Kian and Nicky but Mark and Bryan made no move.

'If you two want to stay up and chat, then don't blame us for your bad mood later in the day,' he added and strode off to the staircase. Bryan and Mark watched in silence until the other three were gone from sight.

'All right then so tell me.' Bryan leaned forwards rubbing his hands together.

'Tell you what?' said Mark he wasn't really in the mood for pleasant chatter with his mind elsewhere.

'Come on, I want to know your side of this tale. The anticipation is killing me here,' Bryan wailed; Mark sighed aloud he didn't have a choice knowing his band mate won't stop nagging.

'To be honest there is not much to tell. As Shane said; Vick's mum asked one of us to keep her company, and I did it and everything just went from there.' He shrugged.

'What about when you went to visit her just after Christmas and the New Year? You never did tell us what happened there,' Bryan said.

'Just some promises.' Mark wanted to fob it off and change the subject Bryan didn't.

'Tell me.' He urged.

Flashback, December 29th, 1998

'I can't believe it, our first family Christmas in Aussie. Man, it feels odd to be here still but at the same time quite at home too,' Vickie said. She lay stretched out on the soft moss grass in the back garden, staring up at the perfectly cloudless blue sky. Sitting next to her Mark was so engrossed with his own thoughts he never heard a word.

'Mark?' She sat up.

'Huh? Oh sorry Vick was just thinking.' He said.

'About what?'

'The band. You know everything that's happened in the last couple of months has been a whirlwind.' He answered. Vickie rested her chin on his shoulder; Mark half turned so he could see her face.

'Seems like that for now but I'm sure in the end it will get easier. Oh, I really don't want to sound like a know-it-all but I'm positive you will all cope.'

'But there is much more to it,' he answered, a puzzled look crossed her face.

'Being in this business means we've got a lot of responsibilities and expectations to live up to and it is going to be hard work. I don't know what all of that involves just yet but from what we have tasted it's a long road ahead.' He said. They remained quiet as all this started to sink in. Vickie then got an idea.

'I tell you what. Right here, right now I will say, no matter what happens, we won't let anybody or anything take this away. We won't lose faith, and I'll definitely give it my absolute all to be there for you,' Mark stared at her he was speechless for a moment.

'Honestly Vick there is not anything I wouldn't give or do for you; and although there is this going to be a great distance between us I'll make certain it works.' Vickie had no response for him but smiled softly as they hugged.

'Wow. Those are big promises.' Remarked Bryan, Mark nodded.

'I know and we haven't been together long nearly eight months on the 25th. But I know for sure I won't be taking a backward step. Vick definitely knows what she wants and so do I. Kian said to me this was too good an opportunity to pass up and he was right. I took the chance on offer and this is where it has taken me so far.' He said.

'You two still up?' came Louis's voice again.

'We're going to bed in a minute,' Bryan said.

'Ok good I am off to a meeting see you later.' Louis then headed out the front door.

'Ok I think my bed is calling me.' Bryan stood up stretching Mark shook his head with a laugh and the two lads made their way to the second-story landing. Mark lay down on the bed pulling the warm feather duvet up to his chin and let his mind wander. Westlife's trip down under was going to be quite a challenge, especially for him to keep quiet about his girlfriend. He didn't mind at all talking about her whenever the chance came up but for the moment, it could be too soon. Although considering Nicky and Georgina's situation perhaps he might be able to negotiate.