Begin Again Chapter 2- Better

I've been alone for too long, I've been alone for too long
Did you want me just to welcome you with open arms?
Did you want me fall down at your feet falling for your charms?

Mild language in this chapter.

As of 28/05/15 this chapter has been edited and all spelling and grammar mistakes found, have been corrected


Francis had kept his promise and no less then two nights later the two cousins accompanied by an already slightly tipsy Dwight and a sober Lizzie set off.

No sooner had they got into the Red Lion then Dwight was whisked away by one of the women at the bar most likely for a snog around the back. Hopefully Keren didn't find out.

Ross and Francis ordered their drinks while Lizzie went to the toilet and settled down at one of the tables in the corner.

Lizzie returned and sooner pulled Francis up to dance. Ross was alone, swirling his beer around slowly his eyes flitting across the room.

His eyes scanned around the pub taking in the tables packed with people, the dance floor which was filled with half drunk people sorta dancing (but also trying to down their drink so they could get the next one), and the singer. His eyes stopped on her.

Her fire coloured locks shone almost as bright and vibrant as fire itself. It's long curling waves falling down over her shoulders. A sparkle flashed across her misty blue eyes as they met his and a small smile formed on her face. He could have got lost in those eyes if it weren't for the beat of the drum.

The song she sung was upbeat with her gentle guitar strumming fitting nicely over the drum beat. She seemed like a natural with a guitar in hand that not even the numerous golden rings on her hands got in the way.

She moved around the stage with ease, her boots sounding lightly against the floor. She danced in the instrumental, her hair swishing from side to side would catch the light now and again, shining. All while her eyes seemed fixed on him, however she turned away quickly heading back to the microphone for the chorus.

"Hey, I wanna get better!

I didn't know I was lonely 'til I saw your face
I wanna get better, better, better, better,
I wanna get better
I didn't know I was broken 'til I wanted to change
I wanna get better, better, better, better,
I wanna get better"

She smiled at the end of the verse, the sparkle twinkling in her eye throughout, and then the song ended. She walked off the stage into a back room with her guitar swinging at the hip.

Not long after she came out, her leather jacket was back on and a dog ran at her heels walking over to his table through the crowded maze.

"And who would you be moody beer drinker?"

He smiled "Moody beer drinker would be Poldark, Ross Poldark and you are?"

"Demelza Carne" There was a slight cornish edge to her voice- native then.

She sat down across from him signalling for the waiter. He came over only a few moments later- she must be a regular.

"So Dem what is it this time would you like to drown your sorrows?"

"No sorrows tonight, Dennie just a cider please."

"Would you like me to put it on your tab?"

"What don't I get one free drink for being tonight's entertainment"

"Okay fine but you said that last night"

"Thank you soo much, you are the best!"

Not long later she returned to the table with her drink. She watched as Ross' eyes looked to the dog lying against the fireplace.

"Its okay Garrick ain't got no crawlers, anyway the manager lets me bring him in."

"He is rather beautiful" He smiled coughing slightly "I mean for a dog"

"Nah don't worry everyone says it, and I do my best to keep him clean and presentable" A moment of pride flickered across her eyes. "So Poldark why are you in the boring old town of Truro on this summer evening?"

"Well since you asked Carne I am here to rebuild my family's fortunes and home after my father's death" His hand trembled slightly. Her eyes flickered down to the trembling hand, before slowly placing her hand on his to still it.

"The tremors stop after a while like a earthquake has got to stop shaking the ground" her voice was soft and surprisingly gentle.

"How do you know?" His voice giving off a hint of vulnerability.

"Two of my brothers had it, turned them into shells of themselves for a while but they are fine now I think" Her voice broke slightly.

"I am sorry Demelza"

"Nah it's fine" Her voice regained its original tone "It was never really my burden to bare but I bared it for them" There are a soft cough behind them and two young teen girls appeared with what seemed to be posters and albums for Demelza to sign. She stood up.

"Gotta go and mingle but it was nice talking to you Poldark, Ross Poldark." A smile appeared on her lips,before she walked off and Ross returned to swirling his beer.

It was never really my burden to bare but I bared it for them.


Ross exited the pub a few hours later without his friends, Dwight had been in the company of some woman and Ross knew not to disturb. It seemed that Lizzie and Francis had gone home before him. He walked towards his car but was turned toward the noise of a struggle and a dog barking, it was the redhead - Demelza. She stood with Garrick by her side facing against what seemed to be two probably drunk men. Her guitar lay on the floor but luckily out of harm's way

"Fuck off I said I wasn't going to give you my dog and I am not!"

Ross moved forward, " Now gentlemen I think it is time to go home don't you think" The two men turned to face him and he signalled to Demelza to get behind, he couldn't let her be hurt in the fight that was probably to come. She came forward standing behind him.

"And who do you think you are,mate!?" One of them said

"Poldark"

"Ooh a ancient name wouldn't scare me"

"I am glad but I think my fist might just hurt you more"

"You would never,mate"

"I would and I would also like it if you didn't call me mate because I am not one," The man went for a punch but Ross reacted quickly. Army training was good for something then he thought, punching the man firmly in the stomach. The man let out a groan and fell to the floor. The other seeing his friend face flat on the pavement made a run for it. Good because his fist was hurting like hell.

He turned his attention back to Demelza who stood wide eyed. "Do you have a place to stay?"

"No I usually get the train back but the last one has most likely been and gone by now"

"Well I guess you will just have to come home with me" There was a look on her face- probably slight disgust, he couldn't tell "Not in that way Demelza!"

"Oh sorry" Her cheeks going slightly pink and he was sure it wasn't from the cold although that didn't help. "I hope you don't mind dog hair on your backseat!"

"I don't but get in the car before I change my mind" She laughed lightly, a sound like birdsong only softer, before grabbing her guitar off the floor and Garrick by his lead and getting in the car.


They drove in almost complete silence with only the noise of Radio 2 and Garrick's occasional snore from the backseat.

When they got to the house,it was pouring with rain so they quickly rushed inside. Ross quickly showed her to the nicest and liveable guest room before settling down in his own.

Tonight sure had been an eventful one but Demelza's words still played on the back of his mind as he lay in bed- It was never really my burden to bare but I bared it for them.


AN-So I hope you enjoyed that chapter and please review even if you don't have an account with what you want later or general comments and loveliness.

Thank you for all the reviews on the first as always my sun and stars Rita. I hope you enjoyed Demelza's introduction and their little chat. There will be more action later on

Please tell me what you think! Also if there any spelling mistakes (and if anyone would like to beta that would be lovely) Nothing you recognise belongs to me

SS xx

Ps. the songs are Alone by Gabrielle Aplin and I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers