Did anyone listen to the version I recommended of "Because Of You" whilst reading chapter 3?
A/N: Right, the story doesn't move on much in this chapter, but many important interactions take place. I know that all my chapters I've focused on the night, but I think it's important to grasp what happens in the early stages of such an awkward relationship. Anyone agree?
"Look, I'm sorry alright, but those two are driving me mad." He turned around to face Roxy and Peggy. "Right, there not killing each other, there talking, so can you two now drop the whispers and just leave it out?" Phil looked very annoyed. He didn't wait for an answer before turning around to face the confused couple behind him. He intended to glance at Ronnie, but she wore no expression, so he held eye contact.
Ronnie stared at Phil for a few seconds until she released what he wanted. She reassuringly nodded whilst smiling at him to let him know she was okay. He had no idea what had happened since she left him downstairs to clear up. How could she have totally forgotten he had witnessed the stressful conversation with her father?
"Well what an eventful night it's been. I never knew you could sing, blimey, I could've chosen a better song though, with a few hand gestures towards that man's face an' all". Phil let out a small chuckle at his comment: at least someone found it funny. He seemed it appropriable to barge in here and lighten the mood. Did he not realise how important this conversation between Ronnie and Danielle was? Phil kept glancing over to Danielle with which Ronnie could feel nervous tension radiating from the girl. Ronnie finally realised what the problem was. How could she have been so stupid as not to tell Phil straight away? No wonder Peggy and Roxy were… well….gossiping was the only word Ronnie could think of.
"Yeah well I can act too". Ronnie gave a watery but very cheeky grin towards her cousin.
Phil stood confused at what she had just said. What did Ronnie mean? Act?
Danielle froze to the spot. Her heart rate went straight through the roof, anger and hurt built up within her, she felt ever so scared, too many emotions all at one time: it hurt. What had Ronnie meant? Was this all an act? Was this her idea of a laugh? To humiliate Danielle after she had poured her heart out? Was this one of those 'father-like-daughter' situations, Lies after lies after lies?
Phil noticed the girl's change in expression. He actually was a little worried for her, but he was sure he knew what Ronnie had meant now. Before replying, he thought about Danielle's state of mind. She looked so much healthier a few moments ago compared to how he saw her outside. Sure, at this moment in time, she looked like she had just seen a ghost, but all the nervous tension had disappeared. Surely there was only one way this puzzle could fit together. Danielle seemed a lot of things, but mentally unstable was not one of them. "You can act? What… You mean…he…"
Ronnie nodded over as a huge smile crept over her.
"You just wanted to get rid of him! A True Mitchell", he grunted. A smile seeped across his face. It was a genuine smile, very rarely seen on Phil Mitchell.
Danielle relaxed after realising what had just happened. She was explaining to him what had been explained to her only moments ago. She hoped that as time went by, this lack of trust in Ronnie would fritter away, but right now, she seemed so out of place. Phil described Ronnie as 'a true Mitchell', well what the hell was that? Everyone noticed Danielle's change in countenance.
Peggy and Roxy looked awfully confused. Ronnie knew she would have to explain herself, as tough as it would be, but right now, she didn't have the strength. All she wanted to do was to be with Danielle, even if they were to sit in total silence, her presence would be enough.
"Phil, stop talking about Archie like that, and don't commend her actions," she pointed over her shoulder to Ronnie before warning her son, "You're not too old for a slap around the head you know!" Phil looked taken aback but seemed to find his mothers comment quite amusing. Peggy relaxed her facial expression before turning to face Ronnie, but only because Danielle was right beside her; it would be unwise to upset Danielle. Just like Phil, she couldn't help but awkwardly glance over at the lost, frightened looking girl, especially after the commotion downstairs. "Right, now where on Earth is your father? It's not like him to leave like this, not on our wedding day, after everything that's just happened. Have you two been at it again? I can't believe you Ronnie". Peggy glared at her niece, she then realised that Danielle was still in the room.
Danielle's heart had started pounding yet again. Peggy was furious, her wedding reception had been a complete catastrophe and Danielle was to blame. "I'm so sorry Mrs Mitchell, it's totally my fault. I never meant to do this, but I swear I didn't know, 'coz he'd been lying to me, I thought Ronnie knew, and then she looked away, and then she screamed at me, I…I just don't know what came over me." Danielle started crying uncontrollably. Ronnie's body stung as if she had become the target of a thousand wasps. "No Danielle none of this is your fault, listen to me", Ronnie lifted Danielle's chin up to create eye contact. "It's entirely my fault okay, I let him back into my life, and it's a regret I'll have to live with." Ronnie was trying her best to calm Danielle, and it seemed to be working.
"The things I said, I mean, I shouted out so loud, I couldn't help it, I just wanted you to see me and face up to the facts. Just take responsibility you know. How was I to know…" more tears started to fall, but her sobbing had subsided. Ronnie couldn't help it anymore, she lost control as she took hold of Danielle, wrapped her arms around her and rested Danielle's head on her chest. She gently rocked Danielle back and forth, apologising repeatedly.
A/N: The next chapter carries directly on from here, but it was too long to keep as one. So the next chapter will still be focused on the reveal night, sorry, but like Archie and Ronnie agreed, it was gonna be a long one :-) If anyone thinks it's getting boring please say so, but I really think all these bits are important to get a feel of how people judge Danielle at first glance. PLEASE REVIEW"