Chapter 14
It was now nearing midnight the party had slowly died down, some of the guests had already left with the remaining few still lingering around or half drunk. Vickie enjoyed the night, one of her first parties and it was nice just to hang out, though over the past hour she'd avoided Mark. She needed a bit of time to think about this, she did like him and definitely more than just another friend but beyond that she wasn't sure if was just a silly attraction that would die off by the time she left or have meaning to it. She found a quiet spot in the lounge at the window over-looking the front garden the conversation they had just a few hours earlier.
'Tired?'
Brought from her thoughts she saw Mark standing behind her through the reflection of the window.
'Yeah a bit.' She replied, without saying a word Mark wrapped his arms around her holding her close she moved around to face him and their lips met.
'Mmmm this is torture,' she whispered he chuckled.
'And you know what; I'm good at it,'
They laughed she playfully hit him.
'Oi Feehily! Get over here?' Kian yelled Mark sighed Vickie giggled.
'Duty calls,' she said
'As always,' he answered, they stood up Vickie smiled at Kian.
'Sorry about that it was all his fault,' she added.
'Hey!' Mark groaned giving her a hurt look she just patted his arm.
'Only speaking the truth!'
With Mark gone following Kian back to the kitchen Vickie looked around the room hopeful to find another familiar face.
'Now what do you guys want?'
Mark folded his arms looked around at his band mates with an expected frown.
'All done!' Shane announced, he turned on his stool picked up the paper he'd written on and handed it to Mark.
'What's this?' he asked.
'I figured you can use it during our final song. As a way of saying thanks to her,' Shane replied, Mark shook his head he patted his friend on the shoulder.
'Always thinking ahead is our Shane.'
'Right so what are we waiting for? Let's do it.' Kian said he rubbed his hands together keen to get it going again. The six lads headed out returned to the stage and got set up. Vickie and Gillian chatting as they sat on the couch saw the commotion.
'Final act everyone!' Rowan shouted, a thunder of feet clambered into the lounge grabbing their spot for a good view.
'Thank you for returning to see our finale,' Shane said.
'We hope you enjoy these last three songs,' he added. Kian counted them into the first song; 'That's the way I like it' and it got the girls going nuts from the dance moves and in particular Kian he got right into it. The next track was 'Uptown Girl' and this time it was Shane's turn to show off his moves bringing great humor from the audience. They finished that song on a flourish everyone went ballistic and mark took over center stage.
'For our final song I want to bring someone up here to join us. So Vick if you please,' he said. Her eyes widen she shook her head.
'Go on,' Gillian encouraged her.
'No.' Vickie said. Too late Kian came to get her and took her up she walked cautiously over to Mark, he turned back to the audience.
'Everyone this is Vickie. Now Vick's been in Ireland for three weeks and goes back to Australia in a few days. So to top off the evening we wanted to do this song for her,' H said and turned back to her again.
'Vick, the lads and I have had the real pleasure getting to know you and it's been fun and interesting at times. I can't speak for the other lads here but for me. All of this-with us has been interesting. And I'd like to say thank you.' * Thank you, for what? What did I do? * She thought. Hearing noises she turned to see Shane and Kian sit down on stools next to Mark and he sat.
'Uh guys what's going on?' she asked.
'You'll see,' Shane winked, the music started and Mark started singing,'
'Oh,' she understood.
Throughout the song each of the three lads took their turns interacting with Vickie she was blushing through most of it, and by the end the crowd was cheering so loud she couldn't hear herself think. She went hug the lads.
'Thank you.'
'Your welcome,' they replied.
'Ok, I hate to break this up but Vick I'd better get you back before your parents get upset,' Kian remarked.
'I'll be there in a second,' She answered Kian headed out to the car.
'So.' She looked at Mark.
'Yeah. So.'
'I—uh—um-well I hope I might get to see you again sometime, hopefully soon,' she said her cheeks red as she spoke Mark chuckled quietly.
'I'm sure we will,' he answered the both of them stood there opposite each other unsure of what to say next. Then Vickie with a sly grin plucked up the courage and moved closer and leant up to kiss him on the cheek.
'Bye.' She said and ran off quickly before he even had the chance to react, Vickie dashed out to the hallway where Kian was already waiting for her and when she joined him he had a grin on his face.
'What?' she asked he shook his head.
'Don't worry let's go.' He remarked offering his arm she accepted and together the two headed on out of the house leaving Mark stood in the same spot staring out after them and he had a grin spread across his face.
'You look happy,' Graham remarked.
'Why shouldn't he be?' Shane said with a laugh he walked over to Mark and playfully slapped his back.
'So then Marky, I see some good signs coming out of all this now,' Shane said.
'And by the looks of it even how she is I doubt she is one to back down,'
Mark nodded his head the grin hadn't yet left his face.
'So do I.' He replied.
'All right we had better make a start on the clean up,' Shane said he turned back to the others in the living room.
'I hope your parents don't mind you being back this late,' Kian said pulling up his car along the curbside outside of the hotel he shut the engine off and sat back in the drivers' seat.
'I don't think she will mind just as long as I am back she won't fuss.' Vickie answered she glanced down at her hands for a few seconds then looked up and out the window she sighed and curious Kian cocked his head to one side.
'Is something wrong?' he asked.
'Um…well no not really.' She said she was fidgety and Kian could tell there was something she wanted to say.
'Does it have to do with Mark?' he asked she immediately stopped he chuckled.
'Ok if I tell you something can you please keep it quiet? No one can know and especially not mark.' She said.
'Sure I'll keep in quiet.' He remarked she smiled slightly and nodded her head she had to gather her thoughts first.
'Let me ask you this first,' Kian said she looked sideways at him.
'Do you like him?'
She hesitated she couldn't answer his question she didn't even know herself the answer.
'I don't know,' she said.
'I find it hard to believe because from the way I am seeing everything I think you do.' He remarked she burrowed her eyebrows.
'How do you know?' she asked.
'Hey I just comment on what I see, and from the way things have happened between the two of you it does look quite obvious,' he replied she grinned sheepishly looking back down at her hands.
'So?' Kian asked again she sighed and rolled her eyes.
'Ok, ok so if you must really know then yes I do.' She said.
'I knew it!' He exclaimed a triumphant smile on his face.
'All right you don't need to rub it in,' she added.
'Ha sorry couldn't help it. Anyway so why don't you tell him? It can't be that hard to tell him the truth, you never know what he's got to say too,' he said she shook her head.
'I can't not yet. So please whatever you do just don't say anything. I don't think I'm quite ready yet.' Vickie answered Kian nodded.
'Ok I promise.'
'Thanks, I'd better go now before mum does get upset.' She remarked opening the car door.
'Sure see you later,' he added he waved goodbye and waited until she had gone inside of the hotel then started the car and drove off back to Rowan's house.
When Kian returned to Rowan's house and joined his friends he found them cleaning up the remains from the party and Mark in particular did his work effortless with a grin on his face and he whistled away while he worked.
'Well, well you are thrilled by tonight's eventual result I don't doubt,' Kian said.
'Of course!' Mark replied.
'Glad to hear it,' Kian answered Shane burrowed his eyes.
'Is there something you know about Kian?' he asked.
'Well maybe I do know a little something but it isn't up for me to say a word.' He said he noticed his friends giving him a suspicious glare he returned their look with one of his own.
'What?' he asked.
'Kian if you do know something and I need to know about it I think you had better tell me,' Mark said Kian quickly held up his hands.
'Whoa, whoa there Marky no need to get in a knot about this, I did promise Vick I wouldn't say a word and I want to keep that promise.' He said.
'What I can say though is you definitely won't be disappointed when you find out,' he added Mark just nodded his head he was still annoyed Kian refused to tell him but he had to accept it for now.
Vickie decided to stay in bed and lounge around she saw no fit reason to get up early, her parents had gone downstairs for breakfast in the hotel's restaurant. She had a lot to think about since last night but it was getting her nowhere; frustrated she threw the duvet to one side and got out of bed she stretched out and yawned, she decided to head down to join her parents, and she gathered up a few things to head to the bathroom she was interrupted by the ringing of her mobile.
'Now what?' she grumbled picking up her phone and her sister's name appeared on the screen.
'Hey Mirri, so what's happening over in Dublin?' she asked, she couldn't hide the smile spreading across her face while listening to her sister moan about the quiet life and how it paled greatly in comparison to Sydney and its vibrant party scene.
'Pity for you then, bet you can't wait until we get back to Sydney,' she added she sighed loudly when the conversation then turned to her and what was happening so far.
'I don't know I don't think anything is happening at the moment.'
'No I am being serious I really don't have a clue. I hope but I don't know just have to see,' she added, their phone conversation ended a short time after that and Vickie headed off for her shower.
It was still early the next morning and Mark didn't bother to get up yet, his brothers had gone off to school and his parents had gone to work, while Mark knew he could spend most of the morning on his own as he wasn't due at work until later in the evening. While lying in bed he thought back to the events from last night and it brought a smile to his face; though his peaceful morning was abruptly interrupted with the sound of his phone. He could hear the ringing coming from somewhere in the lounge room, stumbling out of his bed his hair sticking out in all directions he walked out to the lounge and picked up the cordless phone.
'Hello?'
'Mark!' Haley shouted into the receiver Mark winced in pain ad pulled back from the phone, he closed his eyes took a deep breath then brought the phone back to his ear.
'Hello Haley.' He remarked.
'Why do you sound so calm with me all of a sudden?' She asked Mark didn't respond.
'Oh wait let me guess. I bet it has all got to do with that girlfriend of yours,' Haley replied the accusation clear in her voice.
'What makes you think that has anything to do with it?' he asked.
'I'm not stupid Mark you're really into her.' Haley said.
'It has nothing to do with you so I don't want to discuss it with you see you around Hales.' He answered giving her no chance to reply he ended the phone conversation, headed back to his room and crawled back under the duvet. Settled back in bed he thought back to what Haley said and he knew to a certain extent what she said was right. While deep in thought Mark heard a car pull up in the driveway he crawled out of bed a second time went into the hallway and looked out the window and saw Shane's car parked and his friend get out Mark then headed over to the front door opening it his friend was just walking up towards him.
'Shane what brings you here?' Mark asked.
'Ah not much I had a few hours to kill before I started work and I know you're in the same position too so I decided to stop by for a visit.' Shane replied Mark smiled wryly he allowed his friend inside and the two of them sat on the sofa in the lounge.
'All right, then so what did you want to do today?' he asked Shane shrugged.
'You tell me I'm open to any ideas,' he replied.
'Yeah so am I. I've decided to leave things with Vickie for a little while, you know let it all sink in a bit for now,' Mark said.
'So I see you've been thinking about it seriously.' Shane said Mark nodded the smile appeared on his face as he leant back on the sofa and rested his hands behind his head.
'Yeah and I don't see the harm in that besides it's not as though I have anything to lose here,' he answered Shane nodded but he was a little worried Mark caught the look on Shane's face.
'What's bothering you?' he asked.
'Well you say you don't have anything to lose then what about Vickie?'
'Oh, right yeah I hadn't thought about it yet,' Mark said now with a worried look.
'Ah she'll be right I bet. Come on mate let's go out and do something fun for a while.' Shane said Mark agreed.
'You help yourself to a drink or something I'll be out in five minutes.' Mark answered he returned to his room Shane wandered over into the kitchen opened the fridge to grab a bottle of water.
Vickie soon joined her parents in the hotel's main lobby though she immediately knew something was going on by the smile on David's face.
'What's going on?' She asked.
'David and I are going with Jane and Adam to Donegal so you get to stay here on your own until we get back.' Margaret said Vickie stared at her mother in shock
'Rea-really?' she asked Margaret nodded she smiled.
Jane is David's sister and Adam her husband, they've been living in Belfast for the past six years and were in Co. Sligo for three weeks.
'So I am staying here while you guys are off taking another tour?' Vickie asked.
'Yes.' David remarked.
'How come?' she asked.
'Well wouldn't you like to stay here?' Margaret asked.
'Yeah I guess so. It's just-just-' Vickie struggled to find the right words she was still having a little trouble digesting Mark's words from last night and she couldn't bring herself to tell her mother.
'Never mind forget it I'll be fine you guys don't need to worry,'
'You have fun though and I will just see you when you come back.' She said her mother gave her a stern glare.
'Vickie.'
'Mum trust me its' fine besides it might good for me to figure everything out on my own,'
'Just be careful I don't want you making a rash decision about this guy especially right now there is no need to be in such a hurry.' Margaret said.
'Do you like him as more than a friend?' she asked Vickie didn't comment she again thought about last night her mother read the answer in her expression.
'I'll take that as a yes,' she replied.
'Huh?' Vickie said she looked at her mother confused for a moment and even David had a smile.
'Ok why are you two looking at me like that?' Vickie asked.
'Not to worry dear.' Margaret said.
'They're here.' David remarked Margret and Vickie glanced over the front entrance of the lobby and two familiar figures stood there waiting for them.
'We will see you in a few days Vickie, and remember stay out of trouble.' Margaret said.
'I mean it.'
'Ok don't worry now go on go and have the time of your life,' Vickie replied she followed her parents outside Adam had his white van parked directly out the front of the hotel, the four adults got organized putting their bags in the back and everyone got in.
'Remember what I said Vickie.' Margaret said with a pointed finger.
'I'll remember mum.' She agreed she watched the van start to pull away from the parking space and head out onto the main road when it had gone from sight Vickie turned and headed inside again and back to her room. Now that she was alone for the next few days it would hopefully give her the time she needed to try and sort out her feeling and what she planned to do about the whole situation; at the moment she was at a loss, unsure which direction to take, and even if it was the best option she didn't know.
'I think it's time for a bit of food,' she said walking inside and locking the door she immediately went to open the mini fridge but all there was inside was a couple of chocolate bars and a tomato juice.
'Nah that wont do.'
She stood up again and deliberated over what to do she could go back downstairs and maybe get some takeaway from the restaurant but room service sounded a lot better.
Knock, Knock!
Vickie burrowed her eyebrows she wasn't expecting any visitors and her parents would have rung if they had forgotten to take something with them. She went over opened the door and came face to face with a large bouquet of orange and pink tulips she gasped.
'Oh, um can I help you?' she asked.
'Sorry!' The bellboy extended out his arms with the flowers to her, Vickie took them from him and he briefly tipped his hat.
'These arrived at the front desk for you about ten minutes ago,' he explained.
'Oh?' she said.
'Does it say whom it is from?' she asked he shook his head.
'No sorry I was told it came through as a phone order and it had to delivered to you, that was all the information the delivery man gave us.' He answered.
'Well thank you,' Vickie said the bellboy again tipped his hat then went on his way back down the hallway Vickie closed the door she placed the flowers on the bed looked at them she scratched her head.
'Funny no one else buy my family knows I like tulips,' she said. * Did I tell Mark too? *She thought. * No don't be stupid like he would have anything to do with it. *
Shane and Mark stopped by the Carlton Café after Shane's mum called him in early to help out for a few hours before his shift later in the evening. Mar had a seat at the main counter and quietly watched all the activity going on around the place.
'Mark go and get a drink or a sandwich don' just sit around with a lost look on your face.' Shane said he'd come back to the counter after taking several orders.
'Nah I'm fine.' Mark said he rubbed his face.
'So what are you thinking about?' Shane asked.
'Nothing,'
Shane let the comment pass though out the corner of his eye he could see the smile appear on his friend's face and Shane too couldn't hide his grin.
'Do you think it wise not letting Vick know you sent the flowers?' he asked.
'Nah I'm happy to keep it quiet for now and just have fun with it. Besides I have my ways around this and I'll go through all of it slowly,' Mark said Shane raised his eyebrows.
'Whatever you say.'
'Shane!' his dad yelled.
'Order number 7 is up!'
Shane jumped up and grabbed the dishes and quickly rushed off to server the customers. Mark was thankful to have a bit more piece and quiet for his own thoughts once again, but now he thought back to last night before they arrived at the party he recalled when he and Kian had gone to pick her up, from the second she had stepped out of the lift he had no idea what had hit him and all he could do was draw a complete blank.
'You're off in dream land again aye Mark.' Derek said Mark sat up surprised for a moment seeing his friend.
'No, no nothing of the sort I just needed to clear my head,' he answered.
'I tell you what, man this Vickie must be a big deal for you to do what you did last night.' Derek said he paused momentarily watching two young blonde girls enter the café and walk past them.
'I know, it caught a lot o people by surprise. It felt a little weird at first but thanks to Shane's help it came easier and most of what he had written had already been on my mind for a while,' Mark replied.
'Are you sure you aren't maybe reading a bit too much into this?' Derek asked Shane had returned to his post behind the counter.
'I don't think so I just have this feeling, and sometimes when you get to that point you just have to follow it through on instinct.'
Derek and Shane swapped worried looks at each other they didn't know what was transpiring in their friend's head.
'Then let's all hope you get this right and it all works out in the end,' Shane said with a nod he got called away for more orders.
'It'll be fine I'm sure. Anyway I'll see you guys later.' Mark answered rising from his chair Derek looked at him with a quizzical face.
'Where are you off to?' he asked.
'No where.' Mark said the grin appeared for a brief few seconds on his face Shane gave him a short wave and Derek only nodded his head.
'You know, Shane I don't want to put a dampener on things Shane but perhaps when Vickie and her parents leave it will help pull Mark back into line.' Derek said Shane shrugged his shoulders.
'I'd like to think so too but I wouldn't count on it happening yet.' He answered Shane had a sneaking suspicion there was still a lot at stake for his friend.
Mark was glad to get some space away from his friends they weren't being of any great help to him at the moment he had much to think about and the last thing he wanted was for them to ask him question after question looking for answers he couldn't find. He went over events from the last few days and he had to admit everything now was quite different to what he had been used to with girls this one so far paled in comparison to his other experience and he still wasn't sure for now if he was just bestowed or in love, that he hoped would all be sorted soon.
'Do I really know what I'm getting the both of us into?' he said out loud. Mark shook his head he turned his car off the main road onto the familiar dirt track that leads to Hazelwoods his mind was off deep in thought he parked the car and sat in for a few minutes longer and he almost missed hearing the ringing of hi mobile. He picked it out from his jacket pocket looked at the screen noticing Vickie's name come up.
'Hey.' He said.
'Hi.'
'Sorry but am I disturbing you?' she asked.
'No, no I was just doing a little bit of driving. Shane and I were planning on doing something together before work but he got called in early.' He answered.
'Oh ok.' She said.
'So.' He remarked.
'Uh…um…yeah.'
The silence was a bit uncomfortable for them.
'I called to say thank you,' she said Mark pretended to play innocent.
'Thank you for?' he asked.
'I guess a bit of everything. This whole trip really has been great and-well part of it has a lot to do with you guys and it—um—does mean a lot to me,' she explained.
'No thanks needed at all.' He said.
'No I'm serious Mark I do appreciate it, you know I wasn't at my best when we came out here but it's all turned around so quickly.'
'Well it wasn't our fault we just like to have fun and always bring everyone else along for the ride.' He said. He noted Vickie hadn't yet made a mention about the tulips but it was probably a good thing he wanted her to make up her own mind about receiving them and ultimately leave the final decision up to her.
'I think so too but it's great that you can so easily get everyone else to join in the fun,' Vickie answered again the two of them went silent trying to digest all they've gone through to this point.
'Oh and by the way you owe me a re-match.' She said.
'Sorry?' he asked.
'That is all I'm going to say I'll let you figure out the rest, and when you're done get back to me.' She answered keeping cool as she spoke she didn't want to give anything away.
'Um...yeah ok.' Mark said a little cautious.
'Well it is only fair,' she replied.
'Sure but I still don't know what this is all about.' He remarked.
'Have a think about it I'll give you lots of time just don't disappoint me,' she said giggling that made him smile.
'Well all right I'll keep it in mind and let you know.' He answered.
'Ok I'll see you later,'
'Yeah you too bye.'
After hanging up Mark remained seated in his car thinking over what had just happened, if anything he was just as confused now.
'Well, then if this is how she wants to play it then I'm all for doing it too.' He said completely forgetting about what had originally planned to do Mark started up the car's engine again and drove back into the city.
Vickie fell down on the mattress with a huge smile on her face she couldn't believe what she had just gone and done in the phone call to Mark. It was something she had never done before yet and still there was a part of her that felt like it was the right thing to do.
'Oh well this is now up to him so if he's got something more to say he better make a move, I don't like reminding myself but there isn't a lot of time left.' She said.
Mark drove almost like a mad man he knew he needed to meet Shane back at the Carlton as he had now finished his extra shift at work and they had more of the day to enjoy before work officially started. He brought the car to a fast stop outside of the café Shane was there and already waiting for him.
'About time Feehily,' he said he opened the front passenger's side to the car and got in.
'Where did you run off to anyway?' he asked.
'Nowhere besides it's not really important.' Mark said Shane picked up on the sudden burst of energy in his friend and he was going to comment on it but quickly decided against.
'Anyway I had a chance to check out what was on at the movies and there was a stupid cheesy film on at 1:30pm if you want to see it.' He said.
'Sure.' Mark agreed.
'First though we need to make a quick stop at the stables,' Shane said Mark groaned.
'I'm serious! Liam has a list of items I need to pick up for him and I did promise I would do that today before work.'
'Hey I know I can take a long time when I'm at the stables,' he said Mark laughed.
'That is the biggest understatement I've heard from you Filan and you know it.' He remarked he playfully slugged his friend on the arm Shane gasped in mock horror then returned the favor only shoving him much harder.
'Hey I can just drop you off in the middle of the road!' Mark exclaimed.
'Yeah like you'd do that to your best friend.' Shane answered Mark glared sideways at him.
'Don't try and push your luck,' he said.
'So anyway, moving right along I can't believe you haven't told Vick you're in love with her.' Shane said Mark coughed.
'What?'
''Come off it Mark everything can tell you like her as more than a friend that much is obvious,' Shane said.
'It isn't the right time.' Mark said Shane sighed.
'Well when is it ever going to be the right time?'
'By the time you figure it out she will be heading back to Sydney and we will probably never hear from her again, then you will regret not saying anything before hand.' Shane replied.
'I know, I know believe me Shane I know all that but still I can't just go ahead and rush into things based on the time limits. I want to let things happen and go along, obviously with a bit of pace but not too much so Vick thinks I'm being too over eager,' Mark said.
'I had a think about what you said earlier you know about having nothing to lose.' Shane said they had turned off the road and onto the long winding road towards the horse stables.
'Go on,' Mark replied.
'My suggestion is you just go ahead and go for it.'
Mark's eyes widen in shock this was a turn around to their previous conversation.
'Are you being serious Shane?' he asked he nodded his head.
'Yep.'
Shane's brother Liam walked out of the stables he had a brush tucked under one arm and a pitchfork in his other hand.
'I'll be back in a second,' Shane replied he leapt out of the car to meet his brother Mark watched as they chatted briefly Liam made several fast hand gestures and Shane was nodding and shaking his head in turn. Mark let out a laugh seeing Shane suddenly run off in the direction of the stables his brother yelled something after him Mark got out of the car.
'Nothing changes,' he said Liam nodded in agreement.
'Everyone knows he can't stay away even for a day,' he replied.
'Shane may as well marry the place,' Mark said. Shane stayed inside the tables for a few minutes Liam and Mark remained outside and talked and when Shane' returned he caught the latter part of their conversation.
'Everyone is still talking what happened last night,' Loam remarked Mark looked horrified.
'Hey don't worry none of it is bad in fact you have impressed everyone with your brilliant effort.' Liam said.
'Oh, right, yeah well it wasn't a big deal,' Mark said he shrugged his shoulders.
'You are such a liar Feehily.' Shane said he jogged back down the driveway towards them Mark frowned.
'What? It wasn't a big deal and I'm not about to let it all get hyped up just because a few people are talking about it,' he said though seeing Shane and his brother exchange a look he shook his head and sighed.
'Anyway, Shane are we going to go or just stand here talking about last night?' he asked.
'Yes, yes we're leaving right now,' Shane said he and Liam had a few more words before Liam waved them off and returned to the stable, Shane and Mark were back on the road again the radio played softly in the background.
'So have you thought of something else to do with Vickie before she goes home? If you do then I am happy to help,' Shane remarked.
'No I haven't to be honest and don't take this the wrong way Shane but this isn't something for you and the lads to get involved. Whatever happens now is going to be up to me,' Mark answered he still looked a bit hesitant and his look never went un-noticed.
'What is the problem this time?' Shane asked but Mark shook his head.
'Never mind.' He said.
'Don't be like this Marky.'
Mark cringed.
'Don't all me that.'
'Ah yeah sorry I forgot. So why the sudden doubt all over again I don't get it,' Shane said.
'Because it might already be too late and everything will just be in vein,' Mark said Shane rolled his eyes.
'That is such a stupid thought to make,' he retorted Mark gave him a sideways glance.
'Just what is that supposed to mean?' he asked irritated.
'I am surprised you fail to realize this but form what I can see Vickie has taken a serious liking to you. I would even go as far as saying she has pretty much fallen for you.' Shane explained Mark coughed out loud he struggled to get it al under control for a few seconds.
'Geeze mate calm down no need to get excited!' Shane exclaimed with a laugh he patted his friend on the back.
'H…how…' Mark couldn't get the words out. * Shane can't be right! * He thought.
'How do I know?' Shane asked.
'Yeah,'
'I don't know for sure as such but I from my own perspective I can see it. Maybe you need to figure it out your own way. My advise you don't go and hurt her because she doesn't need it,' Shane said he had a point for now he wanted to leave his friend with those thoughts and turned the volume on the radio up Mark was alone with his thoughts and he couldn't get anything right in his head it was all over the place.
Vickie had finally given into the boredom she leapt off the bed and on her hands and knees she searched through her luggage bag pulled out a new set of clothes but instead of being happy with her selection she tossed them aside and threw more clothes onto the floor; and after a few minutes she stopped her task to think. She knew she was thrilled about all the happenings with Mark and she could sense it was turning her into a new direction and she quite liked it. She eventually grabbed a pair of knee-length shorts her eyebrows frowned looking at it.
'No way,' she said and tossed the short aside into the messy pile she had already created. She finally pulled out a pair of navy blue flair jeans and maroon red singlet she had a look outside the weather didn't look too bad though she grabbed the denim jacket just to be on the safe side. She ran the hairbrush through her head and after satisfied she walked over to the bedside table looked at the list of desserts of the menu and made her choice she picked up the phone and dialed.
'Hi can I please order a banana split with orange chocolate chip ice cream with fudge and oh a plate of pancakes and syrup to. Ok that is all thank you.' Vickie next looked through the movie menu focused on what she read but before too long she became sidetracked.
'Damn it I have to stop thinking about him.' She replied she selected a movie and switched the TV on following the instructions on how to order a film.
Shane and Mark took their time mulling over the movie selections but none of the titles jumped out enough to entice them.
'Oh well look at what you have here.' A familiar voice said the two lads turned to look and Shane groaned.
'Jo what a nice surprise I thought you were far too classy to come to the movies,' Shane remarked. Joanne narrowed her eyes coldly for a second before breaking into a smile.
'Still ever so cynical Shane really, I don't see why you need to me, but anyway that is not the reason as to why I am here,' she answered.
'Well I'm glad.' Shane replied she ignored him.
'Mark, oh I am pretty sure you are aware everyone has been talking about you.' She said Mark remained calm he folded his arms across his chest but Shane could tell he was slightly uncomfortable.
'Of course he knows every single person we have come across today has told as such and he knows what he did so he doesn't need the reminder all the time,' he replied.
'Shane for once why don't you let Mark speak for himself He doesn't need you doing all the talking for him.' Joanne remarked.
'That is not the point.' Shane snapped back.
'Quit it Shane.' Mark replied Joanne and Shane stopped their argument and look at him.
'So what has everyone been saying exactly?' Mark asked.
'There are a lot of rumors going on I don't know all the specifics of it,' she answered.
'Sure you're telling the truth?' Shane asked.
'Yes.' Joanne said she nodded her head.
'Well I think you're only saying what you want us to hear. I'm sure there are more specific comments in regards to the comments on my actions.' Mark said.
'Don't be stupid Marky,'
'Besides if you are so keen to know the exact details then go ahead and ask anyone. Though you had better be careful, we wouldn't want little Vickie to have to suffer.' She said with a smirk on her face. Just then somebody called out to Joanne.
'Oops, guess I have spent far too much time here. Well you have a good day!' she remarked she jogged odd in the direction of her friends.
'Mark you know Jo is just winding you up,' Shane said.
'Yeah maybe so.' Mark answered he was quite for a while and this worried Shane.
'Anyway let's not talk about her and watch a movie.'
Shane wasn't quite as confident as Mark and he didn't like his dismissive manner.
'There isn't a good movie so lets' just go with anything I can't be bothered standing around for nothing,'
They went up to the counter bought their tickets and soon made their way to the corner McDonald outlet all the while Shane noticed just how quiet Mark had become and he worried Mark was letting Jo's words get to him.
'I'm buying.' Shane replied Mark gave him a look.
'You trying to teach my something Shay?' he laughed.
'No though I can tell even without a guess you haven't got a straight mind on you.'
Mark sighed he rubbed his head.
'I honestly don't care anymore what anyone thinks. It isn't being fair to Vickie and I reckon I have confused myself and her enough as it is.' He replied.
'You know what else?' he asked a determined look on his face.
'Tell me because I can't figure it out,' Shane answered he rolled his eyes.
'Right now I think my best option is to let Vick do her bit and maybe this might determine where we are going if indeed we are.' Mark said breaking into a smile. Shane couldn't hold back his smile too catching onto the idea and he had to give credit to his young friend, it was his way of allowing Vickie to open up a bit more. Mark too was just as shy but now it was his chance to play the role of instigator.
If you want a bit of help I can, Miread had suggested to me we invite Vick and her parents over to our house for dinner tonight or maybe lunch tomorrow,' Shane said.
'You do what suits you but don't try and pry Shane you might scare her and make her all nervous,' Mark answered.
'I will remember.' Shane agreed.
Vickie polished off the desserts she felt better her stomach was now full and she was geared up to go outside and have a look around. She looked in the mirror to check her reflection and she almost laughed realizing she still had a problem accepting how one person had such a profound effect on her. The loud ringing of her phone interrupted her thoughts.
'Hello?'
'Hi Vickie its' Miread, I hope you don't mind, I got your number off Shane,' Miread said.
'Oh—yeah no, no it's fine. How are you?' she asked.
'I'm good thanks,'
'So I was just wondering maybe if you and your parents wanted to come over to our parents house for dinner? Though since it won't be for ages then we can just go shopping or something if you like.' Miread said.
'Oh, wow um—thanks but my parents went on a trip with my stepdad's sister and her husband.'
'But I would still like to come.' She added realizing being alone here tonight wasn't the best idea.
'Well that's great! I'll come by the hotel to get you when I get off work.' Miread answered Vickie agreed and the phone call quickly ended, she looked at her bouquet of flowers and the smile crossed her face. She was just about to go to the bathroom to freshen up when her phone beeped.
'Now what?' Vickie muttered a text message had arrived curious she opened it.
So u like me then?
Boyds well
'Oh shit he knows!' She exclaimed she rubbed her face.
'Does this now mean he is going to expect more from me?' she said out loud she shook her head she couldn't deal with this right now and instead decided she would ask Miread for her opinion when the meet up.
Shane narrowed his eyes as he looked at Mark; the two of them finished their meal at McDonald then went for a walk around the movie complex before returning to the cinema. They had run into more people from last night's party and Mark got given even more of a rubbing about his performance, but Mark didn't' avoid the subject and was quite happy to take it head on and have a laugh.
'Hey Mark.' Shane said.
'Yeah?'
'I thought you didn't want to commit to a relationship,' Shane said.
'I've never said a word about commitment or a serious relationship.' Mark answered Shane shook his head he leaned across and slapped his friend across the head.
'Yeow!' Mark cried hi outburst caused other people near by to turn and glare at them Mark mumbled obscenities under his breath Shane took no notice of his comment they bought their small bag of movie goodies and walked down the theatre. Throughout the move Mark had his mind elsewhere, when he had decided to send the text to Vickie he never thought much of it and just did it. He wasn't having any second thoughts either but he only hoped she wasn't too shock by it. He felt his phone vibrate and being as discrete as possible he pulled out his phone glanced at the screen. 1 new message
Yeh. Guess I do.
But howd u find out?
Mark grinned Shane caught the little grin on his friend's face and he could also see the backlight of his phone without warning he leant across and grabbed his phone.
'Shane.' Mark hissed Shane shook his head and placed a finger to his lips Mark sighed he slumped back further in his seat though he watched Shane carefully and between them the movie was long forgotten. Shane handed Mark his phone back after reading the message.
'If I were you I would wait,' he said.
'Why?'
'Well since Vick is the one to admit it as such then the ball falls into her court. For now you need to lay low and let her do something this time,' Shane replied Mark thought about it he knew Shane had a point.
Vickie checked she had everything she needed in her purse she didn't want to leave anything out. While she finished putting her shoes on there was a knock at the door she jumped up and went to answer.
'Hi Miread come in,' she said.
'Thank you.' Miread said she walked in.
'So how are you?' she asked.
'Must still be recovering from the party last night,' she replied Vickie tried to hide her smile.
'It came a shock I still don't know what I'm supposed to do about it, I'm even starting to think the expectation is too high,' she said Miread shook her head.
'I don't think so. Your feelings look pretty strong a lot of us can see it too. Just go out there and grab the chance; at the same time though you should let Mark work a bit as well. If he wants this thing with you and him to go further he should step it up.' Miread said.
'Yeah I suppose so,' Vickie agreed.
'Oh and Gillian is going to join us later in the afternoon.'
'Ok that's cool so where are we going first?' Vickie asked.
'My mum has asked me to pick up some groceries for tonight they have a big meal planned and we also don't use everything from the café,' Miread remarked, the two girls left the hotel a short time later and walked down the street, Vickie taking in the sights and sounds around her. As they walked she spotted a number of young couples spending time together walking hand-in-hand and looking happy, from watching them Vickie had made up her mind about her current situation she smiled.
'You look thrilled.' Miread remarked.
'Yup.' Vickie answered.
'I think so, I so have nothing to lose anymore and after yesterday it has helped to make me more aware. Mark does keep on confusing me but I think I know what he I after now,' she said. Miread nodded she understood where Vickie was coming from after observing all she had seen.
'So what do you want to do? If I were you I would try and push it a long a bit but don't let Mark know what you have in mind,' she said.
'Mark knows I like him though.' Vickie said.
'Do you maybe…um…love him?' Miread asked Vickie stopped she stared at Miread.
'Oh no, no nowhere near that yet!' Vickie remarked.
'All right I was just checking,' Miread said they kept on walking nearing the grocery store.
Mark and Shane left the cinema when the movie came to an end and they were both in much better spirits with Joanne's words long forgotten. The two lads decided to wonder around the city to kill more time before work. Shane's phone beeped he quickly read the message and shook his head.
'The cheek of her,' He muttered.
'Jo?' Mark asked.
'Yup she is trying to stir the pot again forget about it.' Shane remarked he put his phone away they strolled along the sidewalk passing a variety of different shops none of it grabbing their interest.
'You know I can't believe how much has changed in so little time.' Mark said aloud.
'Yeah you're telling me, from the way you've been acting it does come as a huge surprise because it is not your style.' Shane said Mark grinned.
'Well sometimes certain things need a change of tact,' Mark replied.
'Whatever!' Shane said laughing at him Mark burrowed his eyebrows.
'What do you mean?'
'Nothing, nothing never mind.' Shane answered.
'Shane don't lie to me,' Mark said getting annoyed at him now.
'Ok don't stress man. I just figured you had to change tact because you know deep down that Kian could have made a move on Vickie too.'
'That is true too.' Mark agreed breaking into a smile.
'I never thought I would see the day you went so far to get a girl,' Shane replied Mark tried to hide his embarrassment.
'Ok enough no need to talk so loud about it in front of everyone.' He said nodding his head to the people walking past them.
'Oh so Marky has it bad!' Shane exclaimed his loud comment causing other people to stop turn and stare at them. Mark sighed he ran his hands through his hair and he cursed under his breath.
'Remind me to do the exact same when you find a girl you like,' he said.
'Yeah well that won't be happening any time soon and it won't be like you.' Shane added.
'Shane enough already,'
'All right, all right no need to get testy.' Shane said.
'By the way did I tell you?' he asked.
'Tell me what?' Mark said.
'My sister Miread is out with Vickie today, you know just doing all the girly stuff she asked me for Vickie's number. I gave her the suggestion to ask Vick over to our house.' Shane said Mark looked worried.
'You only brought up the idea earlier today and already you've got it running? Shane if you are going to do what I think it is your are then don't even try it.' Mark replied.
'Hey not worry we won't push and invade you know I'm not like that anyway. It'll be fun for us to get to know Vick better too when she is not around you,'
'Thanks.' Mark grunted.