"Will? Are you almost ready?"
Her question was answered when she saw Will come out of the bedroom and start walking slowly down the stairs.
"Yes I am coming. How fast did you say this stuff should work, because I don't feel it yet?"
Seeing that he was trying to make a small joke out of his pain a small smile easily came to her face and she said, "Don't worry. They will kick in soon. Trust me, this is the best for cramps but it won't take the feeling away completely. Sorry."
"Yea, great."
Will was suffering and didn't really know how to adjust to this because this was not any kind of pain he had ever experienced. This pain was constant, and there was no sure way to get rid of it but to wait and let it pass. How do women do this every frickin month? I can't even deal with this for 5 minutes. Oh God!
"Will…" Will glanced up and saw Lizzy staring at him through his eyes. "Will, I promise…it will get easier but this first day is always the hardest and hurts the most. You can trust me on that as I have experienced my periods many times before."
"Well, why does Georgiana always look like she is just fine? She never looks like she feels this pain."
"Every woman is different Will. I have always had it worse than all my sisters. Maybe Georgiana doesn't have as bad of pain or maybe she is not as regular but whatever the reason this is a part of a woman's life and we have to learn to adjust to it. We can't stop living once every month because of this pain. First of all, we would lose our jobs and we are not given enough vacation time to include PMS. Then secondly, men would think we were crazy and complaining about nothing. No man has ever had to experience what a woman goes through but you. Just be thankful that I was not about to give birth."
"Ha…funny. I respect women more and more every second that I am in your body and that is the sad part about it."
Seeing her confusion he continued, "I thought that I respected women plenty. I gave them the pay they deserve based on their own merits and I do not tolerate any harassment of women. Until I met you I thought that I was respectful of women but I don't think so anymore."
"Will, I think that you are respectful of women. Respectful of my family was the problem in my case but it was not because I am a woman that you were struggling. Before you begin berating yourself for not respecting Georgiana, let me tell you that she is lucky to have a brother that watches over her so. I will say that maybe you should consider giving her more freedom when it comes to her decisions regarding her life but being protective of your sister is very good in my humble opinion and that makes me respect you much more than I already did. I wish that I had a brother who cared for me like you care for Georgiana."
"You respected me?"
"Yes. I did and I still do. Even though you insulted me and my family."
"I am very sorry, I don't understand how I thought that was the right way to see your family. I cringe every time I remember that fight, which is pretty much every second."
Elizabeth was saved from having to answer by the door swinging open and a wind-blown Georgiana bolted through the door. "Will! Oh my God, I am so excited!" Georgiana grabbed a hold of Lizzy and gave her such a strong hug that Will almost felt grateful that he was in Lizzy's body…that is until he felt nauseous again. Oh God, I might just die if she tries to hug me. His wish was partially granted when Georgiana looked to him. She looked like she thought she might've interrupted something and that seemed to calm her somewhat and she approached Will to give him a calmer hug. "I am so excited. Why aren't you guys bouncing off the walls…unless you're not happy about it?" She anxiously looked from Lizzy to Will back to Lizzy.
Gaining her equilibrium first Lizzy asked, "What you talking about Georgiana?"
Finding it somewhat strange that Will was using her full name she chose to ignore it and answer his question. "Charlie called! Didn't you get his message? He said he left you several trying to get a hold of you. That's why I came home. They need an answer from you guys. Oh, I while I am thinking of it I need to apologize. When Charlie called I didn't realize that you guys hadn't told him or Jane that you were dating and it slipped out naturally. I am really sorry. Were you guys waiting to tell everyone?"
Still staring in confusion, Will finally decided to get to the bottom of whatever this is. "I'm going to check the message from Charlie and find out what the hell is going on."
"You call him Charlie too, Lizzy?" Georgiana asked innocently.
Will stopped to look back and said, "Yea, since he's been dating Jane. Uh…I'll get your phone for you Will so that we can maybe understand what is going on here." Seeing Lizzy's approving smile at his quick thinking he went for his cell phone.
With Will gone, Lizzy was left alone with Georgiana. "How's it going with Lizzy? When I got home last night you were in bed."
Seeing Georgiana practically jumping with her excitement Lizzy said, "It's fine. We haven't had much time together but it's good."
"That's it…oh come on Will, I need more details."
Thinking that maybe Will was more open with his sister then he normally is with…anyone, she searched for something to share. "We were able to have a nice talk yesterday. We got to know each other much better and it was worth it. I am very happy with how this is going." As soon as she finished talking she was shocked to realize that she truly meant it. She was so mad at Will for how he asked her out but getting to know him better, being in his body, helped her to truly begin to appreciate Will Darcy. She had no idea where this adventure would lead but she was glad that she had the chance to know Will Darcy on a level that not many are afforded.
Will walked down the steps and said, "I, uh…just got a message from 'Jane'…she said that Charlie proposed to her last night and that they want to celebrate with us at the beach house that Charlie rented."
Shocked Lizzy exclaimed, "WHAT? JANE'S ENGAGED?"
"You sound jealous Will. You don't perhaps have any secret feelings for my sister do you?" Will said rolling his eyes over to Georgie.
Lizzy looked over and saw that Georgiana did indeed look very confused and worried. "Oh…ha ha, Lizzy good one. You always know how to make me laugh. I just can't believe that Charlie actually proposed. I am very happy for them." Seeing that Will's sister still looked worried she said, "I am very happy with only you."
Will's eyes widened for a moment but quickly mused that she must just be saying that to appease Georgie. But it seemed to do the trick since Georgiana's face cleared and she said excitedly, "Well, come on…what are you waiting for? You gotta pack! They said they want to leave by 10 and they said that they would pick you up here. Lizzy, if you want you can just borrow my clothes since we are about the same size or do you want to go home and pack?"
"Wait, why do they want us there? They don't want to celebrate alone?" Will asked not sure how he and Lizzy could get out of it and not sure if he wanted the first time he would see Lizzy in a bathing suit to be when he was wearing it. This will be a nightmare!
"They have the rest of their lives to celebrate on their own but they want to celebrate with his best friend and her sister who is her best friend and who just so happens to be dating his best friend. Come on, it will be a nice romantic vacation. I am sure they will slink away for time to themselves. Oh Lizzy, Jane said that she was sure you could get the time off for a week of vacation since you never take any and that applies to you too Will. It seems like you guys become more similar every day."
"Uh, well I guess we will be going to the beach then…" Lizzy said cautiously and watched Will roll his eyes. "…It's only for a week. We can go and enjoy the beach. What'd you say Lizzy?"
Remembering that he was Lizzy and that Georgiana was looking at him oddly AGAIN he cleared his throat and said, "Yea…that'll be great." With a mischievous smirk he said, "A romantic week at the beach to begin our relationship is a dream come true."
Her eyes wide and jaw hanging open at Will Darcy teasing she just stood there. Georgiana chuckled and nudged her out of her trance. "If I didn't say it before, I am really happy you asked Lizzy out. Lord knows you've been pining for her long enough…a whole year of your mooning over her was getting annoying until you got the courage to take a step." Laughing she turned and left saying, "See you guys when you get back. Have a romantic time." She missed that Lizzy turned to look at her shocked at her disclosure and that Will was now blushing as bright as a tomato.
"Uh…why don't you go grab and few things to start packing and I'll email Patricia and tell her I am taking the week off. Then we can go to your place to get the stuff I'll need and have Jane and Charlie meet us there." With that said Will took off and headed for his computer, leaving Lizzy still standing in the foyer with wide eyes and open mouth.
Mechanically she made her way to his room and started opening drawers. A whole year? He has wanted me a whole year? This is unbelievable. Just a few weeks ago he was judging everything I said…or was he. God this is confusing, I just want to be back in my body…SOON! Not seeing what she was packing into his duffel she open the drawer with the condoms. Should I? Maybe Jane and Charlie might need some? Coming to a decision she threw the condoms into the duffel and had it zipped just as Will walked in the room.
"You ready to go." He asked.
"Yea I think I got everything."
"Did you grad my trunks?"
"Oh right, I guess we need those." She laughed shaking her head that for some reason she thought the condoms were more important the swimming trunks for a beach trip.
Smiling in response he said, "Unless you're planning to skinny dip and if you try to embarrass me that way I can just happen to misplace my suit."
"Ha Ha…grab it and let's go. If I know Jane she is probably at the apartment already about to burst with happiness, be prepared."
"Well, if I know Charlie…you are going to have one excited guy to have to deal with."
"Oh dear…it's going to be like he over-dosed on caffeine, isn't it?"
Coming out of the closet he said, "Yep…fair warning." He grabbed the bag and headed for the stairs. Before he managed to open the door she said, "Uh, Will…don't you think it will look weird if we show up with you forcing your girlfriend to carry your bag?"
"Oh yea, I am not good at this…I was always meant to be a man."
"What are you trying to say?"
"Nothing it's just funny that I am the one that has to become a woman when I am apparently the most unobservant guy ever." He handed her the duffel and apologized that she had to carry the bag.
"Will…even if we were in our true bodies and truly dating, I would be carrying my own bag."
"Why? You wouldn't allow your boyfriend to be a gentleman?"
"I wouldn't be in a relationship for anything other than the relationship. I carry my own stuff. You've probably seen this trait in my but I am pretty independent." She smiled at him as she gentlemanly held the door open for him.
"Yes, I have…and you're stubborn but so am I. I get your point by the way but when I am a man again, I will still open doors for you…you can't stop me."
"And you won't be able to stop me cutting your steak."
Laughing quite hard they finally made it to Lizzy's apartment with Lizzy suffering from hiccups which served no purpose but making Will laugh even harder.
Lizzy went straight for her room to pack for the clothes that Will would need. She looked everywhere for her old one piece swimsuit but she hadn't worn that thing for years. The only suits she had were bikinis.
Hearing the key turn in the front door Will ran for Lizzy's room. How would I explain that I was packing for Lizzy? Lizzy was just putting a box of tampons in the duffel for Will when he barreled through her bedroom door.
"What are you running for?"
"I think your sister is here. How was I supposed to explain why I was packing for you?"
"Oh right…didn't think of that. We are going to have to be on our best game this week. They will think we are crazy and have us locked up if we told them."
"I know…plus, I really don't want to have Charlie teasing me about being a woman."
"No I would imagine not." Laughing she zipped up the duffel just as her bedroom door opened.
"Lizzy are you…Oh! I am sorry. Did I interrupt something?"
Lizzy looked at Will and slightly raised an eyebrow indicating Will should answer. Understanding her command he said, "No. We were just packing my things, Will's are in the living room. Are you and Charlie ready? By the way…Congratulations Jane. We are very happy for you guys."
"Thanks Lizzy. I am very happy. I don't know how I will be able to stand all this happiness." Looking over to Lizzy Jane said, "Charlie's in the living room, we're ready to go when you guys are. Thanks again for coming to celebrate with us. It means a lot."
Meeting Charlie, the foursome made their way down to the parking lot. Jane went to her car while Charlie went to his.
"Have you not decided which car we're taking" Lizzy asked with a smile.
Charlie looked to her and said, "Yes, Will we have decided. We thought that we should take both cars and let the girls have their 'girl-time' on the drive."
Both Will and Lizzy looked at each other thinking the same thing. Oh crap!
"Come on Lizzy, we need to talk anyway."
Seeing that there was no point in arguing since this was their trip and Jane can be quite stubborn when she wants something Lizzy said, "Ok…well I guess I'll see you there Lizzy." She smiled at Charlie and Jane and walked over to Will. She leaned down to kiss his cheek and whispered, "Don't worry, Jane doesn't bite. Just keep to the story."
Lizzy started to move away but before she could Will pulled her into a huge hug and gave her a kiss on the lips. Lizzy was not the only one who gasped but she stared at him while Jane and Charlie grinned at each other.
Standing close she demanded, "What was that about?"
"I saw my chance and went for it." He smiled and said louder so that Jane and Charlie could hear, "Honey."
It was lucky for them that Lizzy's back was now to Jane and Charlie because their cover would've been blown for she was now glaring at Will for taking advantage of her kindness.
"We'll see who gets that last laugh Mr. Darcy." With that she spun away and got into the front seat of Charlie's BMW.
In no time at all they were on their way and questions were flying everywhere. Lizzy and Will tried to get Charlie and Jane to expound on the proposal while they tried to find out when things turned around for Lizzy and Will.
"So Will…how did it go when you asked her?"
"What? You knew he was I mean I was going to ask her out? How?"
"I may be a little bit oblivious but I do know you. I also know that you bough condoms when we were at the store the other day. Did you get to use them yet?"
"How did you know I bought condoms?"
"Could see them through the bag, now stop asking more questions and give me some answers!"
"Uh…no, we didn't. She's on her period so we…"
Charlie cut him off with a shriek. "Ahhhhh, sorry I asked. Come on Will, that is just a little too much information. Don't you think?"
"No. PMS is perfectly natural. All women go through this and I would wager that Jane would rather have a husband who she can depend upon for a late night tampon run."
"What? Why do you know about this stuff?"
"I do have a sister and you have two for that matter."
"Well, thankfully they never forced me into PMS conversations."
"All I am saying is that maybe you should get used to it, at least to the point where you can hear about it and not cringe. Personally, I don't get why you're so jumpy about it…it's a natural part of being a woman."
"Well, luckily we will never have to know."
Right…and here I am longing to get back to my period capable body. Feeling her cell vibrate she flipped it open to see a text from Will. OMG, u hav 2 get me out of this ~Will
Meanwhile in Jane's Car…
"So Lizzy, I had no idea that you have feelings for Will. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Well, it's recent feelings."
"That kiss sure didn't resemble recent feeling, Liz."
"Oh well…you know, I didn't think he like me but he does so everything is good. I am happy. What about you and Charlie. Did he propose just like you always dreamed?"
"Of course. I have always said that there is no perfect way to propose except for that one way your true love proposes. You know that."
"Yea, I remember."
"So, Charlie and I have decided that he and Will will go straight to the house and get everything set up and stuff while we divert for an emergency salon visit."
"A what?"
"Well, I didn't know that he was going to propose last night…it was a total surprise. I didn't have time to go for a bikini wax."
"Oh…uh, right." Eyes wide full of fright, Will pulled out his cell and sent an emergency text to Lizzy. Her response came back within a few seconds. Just close your eyes and think of pleasant things MR. Darcy. HAHA! ~Lizzy
She was right, she is having the last laugh…Oh Shit! Realizing that there would be no rescue he tried to prepare for what he was sure would be horrid pain.
He saw Charlie and Lizzy taking the turn to head for the house. Lizzy leaned forward with a satisfied smirk and waved. Will sunk back into his seat with a frown appearing on Lizzy's face.
"That frown reminds me of the ones your boyfriend usually sports. I hope you are not picking that up from him, he frowns enough for everyone else."
Looking over to Jane he saw that she was smiling at her little jest. Thinking over what she said he realized that his displeasure that he felt in crowds that he thought he hid well was visible to everyone. No wonder Lizzy didn't like me…who wants to see a frown every time someone looks at them? She must've thought I hated her.
Arriving at the salon, Will followed Jane to the counter since he had been unable to find a good excuse for not getting this wax thing done.
"Hello, how can I help you?"
"Yes my sister and I both need a bikini wax."
"No problem, right this way."
The women have smiles on the faces and they obviously come back time and again so this must not be that painful. I can handle this.
Meanwhile at the house…
Charlie and Lizzy got to the house with plenty of time to get everything ready for the 'girls' to return. All the luggage had been put in Charlie's trunk so the 'guys' could take all the bags to the designated rooms. They were sitting on the couch watching golf when the calm environment was pierced with none other than Caroline Bingley annoying voice.
"CHARLES? WHERE ARE YOU?"
"Uh oh, I guess she plans on ruining our vacation. Sorry Will, you're going to have to be on your guard again. At least this time you have Lizzy to protect you. By the way, I put Lizzy's bag in your room with yours. I figured that would make you happy but it seems with my sister's arrival it is the best decision in the world. I don't think that she will try anything knowing that Lizzy is sleeping in there with you. I wonder how Caroline found out about this."
"There you are Charles! Didn't you hear me calling you?" Caroline said as she came around the corner.
"Oh, Caroline. What are you doing here? No, I guess I didn't hear you. Will and I were enjoying some golf while we wait for the ladies."
"Oh William, you're here too? Now isn't this such a lovely surprise." She came right up to Lizzy, latched onto her arm, and batted her fake eyelashes at her.
"Hello Caroline. As Charlie said we are waiting for the ladies to come back from the salon."
"WHAT LADIES?"
"Well we came out here to celebrate with our ladies. I asked Jane to marry me last night so we came out for a small vacation."
"YOU ASKED JANE BENNET TO MARRY YOU? YOU SAID LADIES, WHO IS THE OTHER ONE?"
"Jane's sister Lizzy. They are at the salon getting ready for the beach."
"ELIZA BENNET?"
Not appreciating the disbelief on Caroline's face regarding herself and Jane, Lizzy responded firmly "Yes, she is my girlfriend."
Lizzy quite enjoyed the many shades of color that Caroline face became and further enjoyed that for the first time since meeting her, Caroline was speechless. Hearing the front door opening, Lizzy excused herself to go meet Will and Jane leaving Charlie to deal with the unexpected arrival of his sister alone. She walked around the door and had to close her eyes to gain control of herself. Jane, as usual after a bikini wax, was able to completely hide that she was in any pain at all. In fact, most women that they knew were able to put on a show of not feeling pain but that is definitely not what they feel. One look at Will and anyone would know the truth, it is PAINFUL! Will was standing at the bottom of the front steps trying to figure out how to step without hurting himself. He settled for keeping his legs and arms locked spread out and leaning back to get his foot above the step. When he finally made inside Jane was looking at him with concern while Lizzy was finding it harder and harder to keep the smile from breaking through her control.
"Lizzy are you sure you're alright. I don't understand how you could have someone that was so unqualified. They wouldn't hire them if they knew how to give a proper bikini wax."
Lizzy felt about to burst, especially if she kept looking at Will, so she turned to Jane and said, "Don't worry Jane. I will take care of Lizzy. Why don't you go see Charlie in the living room? I am sure he could use your support right now. Caroline showed up unexpectedly."
"Oh LORD!" Both Will and Lizzy turned, shocked, to see Jane walking briskly down the hall muttering as she went.
She turned back to Will and smiled sweetly. "Did you have a good time, Baby?"
He glared and started for the stairs wondering how long the pain would last while also trying to think of a way to get back at Lizzy.
Looking down the hall, Lizzy saw Caroline standing there watching her. Well, I am not going to left here alone with her. "Let's go upstairs, Baby. I'm sure some lotion will help the sting in no time."
Will glanced behind him and saw Caroline now standing at the bottom of the steps. If looks could kill, he'd be dead. Following Lizzy she lead to the room where Charlie told her she and Will were staying. Their bags were by the door and the window was open to let in the wonderful ocean breeze. Will eased himself down onto the bed on his back and begged, "Please Lizzy, I know you think it's funny and that I deserve it but do something…please."
Feeling a small amount of guilt for finding this so entertaining, she turned and locked the door. She dug around in her duffel and found her moisturizing lotion and undid his shorts.
"This will be very cold at first but just try to relax." She began gently massaging the lotion onto the irritated areas. Waxing always did this to her and until she put lots of lotion on the area, she found no relief from the pain so she understood the pain Will was feeling. "We're going to have to work together this week to protect ourselves from the evil Caroline unless of course you like the attention she gives to you. I probably could work some of my magic and get her to agree to a relationship for you."
He opened his eyes and gave her the small smile that her teasing always brought out. "No thank you, Honey. But you can use that magic to make this relationship real if you feel so inclined."
"Hmmm…well, I guess we will have to see."
He sat up with difficulty and stared into her eyes. Even though they were her eyes she was looking into, it was the same stare that he often gave her when he was in his body. "What does that mean? No more joking right now. Honesty. I don't know how much more I can take without knowing your feelings Lizzy. Are they the same? So you still hate me?"
"Will…I…why? Why do you want me when you have so many other women fighting for you?"
"If I wanted just any woman then yes I would be perfectly happy but that is not what I want Lizzy. I love you. I fully admit, just like when I first asked you out like an idiot, that I did fight against it. But I was not the man I am now. I have changed for the better due to my love for you. You came into my life and I never want to look back again to how it was before. I love you."
"Do you always get what you want?" She responded with a small smile.
"It depends on what you say."
"Yes Will…I have come to know you much better, and I thought I had you pegged from the start but I was in error as well. I judged you from the very beginning and I am very sorry. I have grown, especially over the last 24 hours to love you. I don't understand how that can happen so fast but I am not about to fight against it. Please forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive. Will you truly be my girlfriend now?"
"No…" His eyes stared into hers in shock. She continued with a teasing smile playing about her lips. "…I will be your boyfriend, until we find away to get back to our own bodies." With that said she leaned forward and brushed her lips over his. "I never thought that I would kiss my own lips but it doesn't feel strange to me."
"No…it feels like heaven. You are kissing me."
"I am. As much as I don't want to I think you need to put your shorts back on and we need to go down for dinner. Charlie has everything set up in the back."
"Ok, as long as you promise we will pick up where we left off tonight. Promise, otherwise I am not putting my pants on."
She laughed and gave him a firm kiss and said, "Promise, Miss Will."
Laughing and smiling like fools in love the finally made it downstairs and out to the porch where Charlie was at the grill and Jane was watching Caroline drink her fifth beer.
"Sorry if we kept you all waiting." As soon as the words left Lizzy's lips she felt under attack. Caroline had spun around and made a dash for her.
"Oh William, we would wait forever for you." She continued to prattle away trying to puff up Will's ego and took hold of Lizzy's arm steering her away from Will. Will, having known from experience, watched as Caroline began to touch Lizzy in what she thought were secretively seductive caresses. Lizzy looked to him when Caroline grabbed her butt and would not let go no matter how she wiggled to escape. It was quite amusing to Will, Jane, and Charlie but Lizzy was finding nothing amusing about this at all and one look into her eyes confirmed that. Though she was a teasing woman by nature and enjoyed teasing Will and when he teased her this was not one of those times. This was a time for a rescue mission. Will decided to just be straight forward about this. Give Caroline her answer for good since his subtlety was obviously too subtle. He marched over to Lizzy, grabbed her hand and pulled her over, effectively dislodging Caroline's grasp, to sit in the chair next to Jane. Then to Lizzy's amusement and great relief he sat in Lizzy's lap.
A vastly entertained Charlie asked, "How do you expect to eat Will?"
Will glanced behind and saw the sparkle in Lizzy's eye when she said, "Lizzy will just have to feed me I guess. This is a great vacation, if I didn't say so before Charlie…Thank you VERY much for inviting us."
Caroline fumed and screeched as she ran into the house screaming curses at everyone. The foursome continued with their dinner and enjoyed the night air for several hours before turning in at which time the found that Caroline hadn't made it to her room. She started stripping in the living room and was passed on naked. Jane was the only who would approach to drape a blanket over her and hope that she could manage to dress herself before morning.