Chapter 21
Nothing Gold
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"I honestly wanted to make things right with Beetlejuice, but I still couldn't imagine ever wanting to marry him... no matter how much platonic love we had for each other.
I did want to fulfill my obligation to free him. I wanted to help him but…
I was left feeling incredibly scared of the requirements that we were given. How could I do any of that while staying true to Allen? So, I delayed as much as I could.
The very real scare, of almost losing Allen forever, made me appreciate him even more. I couldn't take anything for granted anymore.
It wasn't long after that, that Allen and I graduated high school and we were on our way to college. We were excited to start our life together and I was so happy that we were going to the same college.
We found a small, outdated, apartment close by the campus but it didn't matter to me. Our apartment was filled with such love and happiness that I didn't notice any of the physical flaws.
Even after two years it was, to me, still beautiful."
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The door to their small apartment burst open and Lydia jumped from the sudden intrusion.
"Merry Meet my most beautiful girlfriend! Tis I, your love back from his arduous journey from Eagle Hill. I hope that you did not fret too much in my absence. Ah, me... Journeys end in lovers meetings." Allen, who set down his bag opened his arms out to Lydia in a dramatic gesture.
"How cam'st thou hither, tell me, and wherefore? The orchard walls are high and hard to climb, and the place of death, considering who thou art, if any of my kinsmen find thee here!" Lydia dramatically stood up and outstretched her arms to meet him.
Allen embraced her and began kissing her cheek. "With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls!" He finally gave her a deliciously deep kiss.
Lydia began laughing as they pulled away. "I'm happy to see you too. It was weird being alone in our apartment without you. How are Oma and Opa?"
Allen sat on the futon and patted the seat next to him. "They're good. Opa's test came back and they didn't find any issues so that's a good sign. Hopefully it was just a fluke."
"Oh good. I wish I could have come but I couldn't miss my any of my classes." She sat next to him and breathed him in. She really did miss him and he smelled so wonderful today.
Allen began to laugh to himself and pulled her close once more.
Her curiosity was piqued as she lifted her eyes to see what was so funny.
"What?" she asked but she wasn't ready to stop cuddling his chest.
"Oh, Oma is pushing for babies again." He kissed her head and smiled. "She even got Opa in on it."
Lydia laughed as she tried to imagine what Oma's angle was this time.
"All in due time. You know I don't want kids until after I'm 25. We have both told them that. They need to patient."
Allen sat up and did his best impression of Oma. "But Moppie, Oma es too old en feeble to wait 5 more years. Oma must have many grandbabies soon! Ja? Familie es niet een belagrijk ding. Het is alles!
OH? Let Oma carry mijn zoon's 100 pounds of luggage up 30 flights of stairs." They began to laugh together.
"She's strong as an ox! I don't think I've seen anything feeble about her! Oh! What did you say in Dutch?" Lydia sat up. It felt so good being near him and laughing again.
"Family is not an important thing. It is everything. Haha. She was trying to convince me with quite a few other phrases like that all weekend long. Oma is anything but subtle." He gave her head another kiss and got up to walk over to the sink. "Want tea?"
"Yes please! I'm surprised Dad hasn't asked me anything about kids. You know how he loves to gossip about us with them." She stood to join him in the kitchen. Her eyes fell to watch his bottom in the jeans he was wearing, and she blushed as her thoughts drifted to things she'd rather be doing. She really did miss him when he was gone.
Allen turned around with the kettle to set it on the stove and caught her staring. "My eyes are up here..." He winked to her.
Lydia tried to ignore that she was just caught ogling him and continued the conversation they were having. "Uh, so what did Opa say? You said Opa got in on it?"
This was Allen's turn to blush as he turned the nob on the stove. Once the kettle was set he turned around and pulled her close to him with a dirty little smile. "Oh, he was saying how he was surprised we haven't had any babies yet. Apparently, "The Dichter's have very determined" little swimmers. He also shared more like that and then went on about how we would have the most beautiful children."
"Hmm, well, I wouldn't doubt we would. Wait, "Determined swimmers"?" She smiled and now was even more curious about the actual conversations that they had.
"Yeahhh..." He sighed. "Lots of "oopsies" even when they were careful and Opa was saying how his brothers all had many, many children. I'm also giving you fair warning that twins run on both sides of Opa and Oma's family too. Oma was a twin."
"I thought they only had one kid and that was your father?" Lydia opened up the cupboard. She loved learning more about his family. They were such interesting people.
"He was the only one of the five who survived. I'd rather not get into it without their permission. Besides, I'm sure Oma would love to tell you all about it." He opened up another cupboard to get down their teacups.
"Five! Wow. So, were you an "oopsie" too?" She set the tea on the table and wrapped her arms around him. Sheesh he's gotten taller. She had never noticed, since they were always together, but he goes away for one weekend and suddenly she notices things like that.
She pulled him tighter and smiled at the thought of them having babies. Maybe in a different lifetime they could of had them sooner.
"No, I wasn't but let's please not talk about them. OK? Let's talk about US, you cutie! Could you imagine if we ended up having twins?" He lifted her up and spin her around. She loved when he was this playful!
She couldn't contain her laughter but it wasn't long before she got dizzy. Luckily, he stopped spinning her about that time, but he still held her up off the floor.
"Woah... Oh gods, I don't know what to think of that! Not that I'd mind but I can't imagine how tiring that would be. I don't want a lot of kids. One would be fine, maybe two." She tried to imagine it but she had to stop herself. She didn't want to get ahead of herself.
He gently set her down as the kettle began to whistle and he hurried himself to making their tea.
"How's Beetlejuice? Have you been able to go visit him? Any funny stories to share?"
Lydia made her way back to her seat and continued to happily watch his every move.
"I talked to him today and we hung out while I studied, but I haven't been able to go and do much with him. College sucks the life out having fun doesn't it? But, he's good and understands how life is for me right now. He seemed happy just to be near me today. I love how he's been so sweet and supportive lately. I'll have to show you the new cloak he got me. To be honest, it was comforting to have him here, since I was lonely without you." Lydia stretched out an arm and leaned her head down on it with a smile.
Allen turned around with the tea with a smile that almost blinded her. "I'm so glad you have him. He's such a great friend and I love how he's always watching out for you. I would have given anything to have a friend like him in my childhood. But, uh, I was lonely without you too, even if I was with Oma and Opa. It's not the same without you near me."
"Allen, I'm sorry that he isn't willing to give you a chance. I wish he would. There's so much I wish I could tell him about us. How much I want to share about our life, our desires, our plans, but he doesn't want to hear any of that. And on top of it, I know how much you want to be his friend. He's really missing out. Ugh. He's just too stubborn for his own good." She had to take a moment to clear her mind, so she could enjoy the now.
Allen set their mugs down and was about to sit down when she took his hand and began to trace her fingers-tips along his own long fingers. She began to imagine those nimble fingers tracing other parts of her body.
"As long as he's there for you, then it doesn't matter if he likes me or not. You've been blessed to have him in your life and so have I." He took her hand into his own and looked into her eyes.
"Allen?" She met his eyes with her own.
"Yes?" He leaned forward.
"Use it on me and tell me what I'm thinking. Verbatim." She took his hand and pressed it between her breasts. She closed her eyes and began to envision something very specific.
Allen got to his knees and carefully let his walls down, while he opened his empathy to her.
It wasn't long before he pulled his hand away, closed the walls, and smiled at her as he waited for her to open her eyes.
"Remember, verbatim." She teased. She loved testing him like this and it was another way she felt closer to him. To her, it was just another form of intimacy.
"Ok, ok." He laughed then looked back to her.
"You thought "You didn't bring me cookies. Annnnnd...." He stood up and moved so that he was standing right behind her.
"Annnnnd?" She teased him more but didn't turn to look at him as she felt him get closer.
He took a deep breath as he brought his arms down around her, pulling her closer, his face was by her ear, and began to slowly caress down her arms while making his way down to her waist.
"And..." He whispered sweetly, with a slight teasing intonation, as his hands worked past her hips and down to her thighs. His hands slipped under her skirt to gently massage her thighs before he spread her legs apart to work their way up her inner thigh.
"You said, and I quote, verbatim: "Allen, use those fingers of yours and show me how much you missed me." While showing me some of what you wanted."
She leaned her head back on his shoulder as he kissed her neck and massaged her sensitive parts.
She was lost in the wonderful sensations, and began to pant as he continued to explore, massage, delve deeper into her soft and warm folds.
"Is this what you wanted or is there more you want me to hear inside that pretty head of yours? Any secrets I should know?" He couldn't help but tease her back, but she couldn't respond.
Lydia had a hard time concentrating because it felt too good but when he asked if she had secrets, it threw her off. She wasn't allowed to tell him about the contract and then those horrible terms were something she didn't want to think about. Especially right now!
It was then she noticed that he stopped and was now looking at her concerned. She was filled with instant worry that he could still read her thoughts and he heardeverything. Did that still count as telling him? Would that break the contract? Did she just doom Beetlejuice? That would be horrible!
"Lydia, are you ok? You tensed up and not in the good way." He got back onto his knees and watched her carefully.
"Uh, yeah, sorry. Just a thought that comes and goes. It's one that has been bothering me. You didn't see it did you?" She looked to him feeling suddenly bashful, as she prayed he didn't hear her thoughts.
"No, I didn't. Did you want me to or did you want to talk about it?" He rubbed her leg in the hope to help her out in any way he could. She was radiating with worried vibes and it physically hurt him that he couldn't help her.
"Not really. Thank you though. You know, I wish I could do what you do. I'd love to poke around in your thoughts and see what hides in there. I'd want to find out what you really think of me." She changed the subject and leaned close to his face while she began to play with his hair. He always loved it when she played with his hair and it was a sure bet to get him distracted. She needed a distraction too.
"Mmm, you wouldn't like what you saw. There's a lot that isn't pretty and you wouldn't want to see. But when it comes to you, I can tell you exactly what I think of you." He closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. She ran her fingertips along his scalp, massaging along the way, and he felt like he was melting. Her touch was so healing.
"And what is that?" She kissed his forehead.
He stilled her hand, so he could think, and his expression changed to a sober and serious ton, as he looked deeply into her eyes. She could hear the ache in his voice when he began to speak.
"Lydia, I think you are the most perfect person in all of history. You are by far the most beautiful, kind, generous, loving, and sensual person I know and am so very blessed to be loved by you. I'm not worthy of your love and yet you find the beauty and worth in things that are overlooked or shunned. You, are mijn schat, mijn liefste, mijn leven! If I have to say it in English, I will. My treasure, my purest love, my life! Everything that I am, is yours and will always be yours. And that, is exactly how I feel about you. No word a lie. Not a word hidden."
Lydia was suddenly mute. She couldn't find any words to describe how his made her feel. So, she let her lips talk for her as she gave him a longing kiss. She kept giving deep, wanting kisses and needed him to know just how she felt about him.
"I love you!" She panted between kisses. His hands found their way back and began to explore her body as she played with his long hair.
"Allen... more..." She didn't want to use anymore words tonight. Words weren't enough.
He lifted her up and took her to the bedroom, and there she was able to express the depth of her love to him than she could that with anything spoken.
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"Between my daily life and college, I was blind to the neglect of my obligations that I had with the contract.
Although, BJ didn't press or say anything, I could tell he still wasn't happy about my relationship with Allen. He had always hated when I got close to anyone besides him. I was sure to invite him ever single time we went anywhere interesting and even Allen hoped he would too. I wanted to make sure he always felt welcome with us. Unfortunately, he turned me down with excuse after excuse.
I guess, I didn't let it bother me too much, since its appeared to keep any of the discord away. I had witnessed too many times what his jealousy could do.
And yet, I was stuck trying to make sure I balanced out my time between both of them. I wanted to keep any jealousy and conflicts at bay for as long as I could.
I knew that the inevitable time was going to come faster than I would realize…
and I soon got a harsh reminder."
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The small, square, red Formica table in their apartment was always a great place for excellent conversation between the two lovers. This night was no different as they shared laughs and stories about their day.
Lydia loved nights like this. No distractions. Just one on one time with Allen as they always had something interesting share. He had just shared a funny story about a customer at his work that he couldn't shake. He believed they probably had a crush on him. Lydia closed her eyes laughed about the cute things the customer did today. They sounded adorable.
But, when she opened her eyes she now saw that she was in Juno's cramped and dark office. She was incredibly confused as she looked around to try to get her bearings. To her left, she found Beetlejuice sitting in a chair next to hers and looking just as perplexed.
"What's going on?" She whispered to him, but he just shrugged his shoulders in reply.
"What's going on is this Miss Deetz..." Juno, who was suddenly in her chair behind the desk, snapped at the girl in front of her.
She leaned forward and pointed the contract at the two in front of her. "There has been absolutely NO progress towards the fulfillment of this contract! I have the head offices breathing down my neck and they are VERY suspicious of you two. Are you guys even taking this seriously? Do I need to stress the severity of the situation?"
Lydia and Beetlejuice sat bolt upright and felt like little children being reprimanded by their parent. Lydia began to get embarrassed when Juno then snapped her attention to her. "Miss Deetz, why have you not asked that Mr. Juice follow any of your demands? We NEED to see progress."
"I've been distracted..." She looked down embarrassed as she thought about college, her life, and Allen... Oh man, what is Allen thinking right now? She just disappeared like that!
"Yes, I know all about what your distractions have been. Do not forget that I am required to monitor BOTH of you and that doesn't stop when you pop on over to the mortal world! On top of it, while you and Mr. Juice have been off gallivanting all these years, having sappy little adventures, I've been stuck here doing all the paperwork on it. And now, because of the LACK of progress pertaining your contract, I am forced to do more every day. As if I don't have enough to do!" Juno fumed at them. Lydia had never seen Juno this upset and, to be honest, she didn't like being the only one in the hot seat.
"I'm sorry." Lydia apologized profusely and hoped that Beetlejuice would say something to help, but Beetlejuice's tongue was as silent as the grave. He must have been afraid that Juno might start tearing into him too. Not that she blamed him.
"Because of the lack of progress in the contract, that you are legally required to do; the head offices are instilling that there is a compulsory yearly progress meeting, starting now. It will be mandatory that there is progress shown, otherwise you tempt fate that this contract will be voided. You BOTH must take this seriously." Juno grabbed a cigarette angrily and shoved it in her mouth. They both sat mute, taking in everything, and both afraid of saying anything more in case her anger got worse. Which was hard to imagine it could but they weren't going to try and see if it did.
"Do you both understand?" Juno flashed a glare, that could easily freeze one's soul, with the cigarette hanging in her mouth. If intimidation was a skill, she had mastered it.
"Yes." Lydia replied sadly as BJ nodded profusely. Juno lit up and took a moment to take a long drag. She seemed to stare with frustration at something out of view past the open door.
Juno blew out smoke then eyed them up. "We NEED to see and BELIEVE that you are trying to fulfill your obligations. You better have some BIG progress in order to impress them and get them off ALL our backs. I want to see at least ONE of our requirements done this month."
Lydia lifted the contract in her hands and read through again. A pain went through her heart and worry washed over her face.
"I understand." She sadly replied to their caseworker as acquiescence over took her. This was breaking her heart.
"Good. Now go. I'm sick of seeing you both!" Juno turned her back to them and motioned to the door without giving them another glance.
The long, warped hallway was one that could have easily given a person vertigo but today, it only brought her sadness. Her footsteps echoed through the empty halls as BJ floated along by her side. He could see how torn up she was, but he wasn't sure what to say to make her feel better.
"So, uh, what do you want to do?" He dug in his pockets and traced his fingers over the miscellaneous objects discarded within, some even began to squirm. He made a small game of it as he tried to remember what exactly he had shoved in there earlier.
"I don't know... it's pretty clear they're implying that we should do everything this year when it comes to the intimacy." Her heart ached to say the truth and that things would be changing very soon. She didn't want this. She wanted to be true to Allen and just the thought of doing anything intimate with BJ made her feel ill.
"Right." BJ looked to the checkerboard floor as it silently passed under him.
"Beej, I'm going to think over what we should do next. I'll see you later." She said, deflated, while she struggled to try to keep her thoughts from running away. She gave him one last heartbreaking with her glassy eyes. He thought she was about to cry but instead she instantly disappeared.
BJ was left staring at the empty space where she once was. Turning on his heel, he shoved his hands back into his pockets. He was lost in so many different, sporadic thoughts as the hint of a smile began to form on his face.
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Lydia was transported home and into her kitchen. She stared at the sink, holding her breath in fear that if she exhaled, her tears would come to the surface. She felt so broken.
"Everything ok?" Allen's voice came from behind her and startled her out of her thoughts with a little yelp. At least it distracted her enough to keep herself from crying.
Trying to put on her best convincing smile, she spun to face him.
"Yeah, just part of the whole deal with me being able to visit the Neitherworld. Silly but frustrating legal things. It's not worth talking about." She laughed nervously while still trying to sell it.
"Ok." Allen said leaning on one arm at the table. He smiled that comforting smile, that always made her feel safe.
"How about we order something for dinner?" He asked and it help her feel a normalcy that she was craving so terribly right now. She wandered over and put her hands on the back of her chair.
"Sure! Why don't we get whatever YOU want!" She replied as playfully as she could. She wanted HIM to be happy because when he was happy, it made her feel good.
"Indian it is!" He laughed out.
It wasn't long before Allen stood up from the table and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
"Ok, the order will be ready soon, so I'll go and pick it up."
"Ok." She smiled with all her heart. Here was someone wanting to make HER happy and yet...
The door closed gently behind him and she plopped herself forward, face down, on the table. "UHHHHH, what am I going to doooooo. I can't believe I mislead Allen. Is omitting facts considered lying?" She couldn't even stand the thought of lying to him. To Beej, that was no problem. Beej lied all the time! But lying to Allen? He hated dishonesty. She didn't blame him. She felt the same but here she was the hypocrite.
She sat up and pulled her palm along her face in a pathetic attempt to try to clear her mind.
"I just can't avoid this anymore. I can't!"
She needed to get up and move, even if it was just putting their cups in the sink.
She found her eyes glued to the mug she had just set into the stainless steel basin.
"I have to do these things... things that I don't want to do. Things that anyone else would consider cheating but, it's not considered cheating is it? No, it can't be considered that! This is something I HAVE to do and if I do it, follow all their rules, I can prove that I've tried."
Water dripped from the faucet and it captivated her whilst she continued to drift along with her thoughts.
"Beej didn't seem too keen on it either. I know he's prone to jealousy, but I don't think he loves me more than a friend either. At l think? Unless I'm really dense, but he never said anything about it even when I brought it up at the Roadhouse. If he did, he would have said something more then. This must be hard on him too. I want him to be happy and this stupid contract has caused nothing but problems for us." She released a long sigh as she turned around to lean on the sink while she folded her arms.
"If we prove that we tried everything; we could tell them that there's still no romantic love between us... hmmm? Maybe, just maybe, they'll let us get a new contract without requiring marriage to fulfill the contract. Why marriage anyways?! I could keep my life and still have BJ as my best friend! BJ wouldn't have to marry me and I'm sure that would take a load off his mind too!
That seems to be how things work with them. Give and take. Find what the price is and then match it. We'll follow the rules and see what we can do! Surely, they wouldn't make us marry or break the contract because we don't want a romantic relationship?! That just seems silly! There has to be an alternative."
She finally could let herself smile.
Her eyes fell lovingly to Allen's chair as a sadness spread through her heart. "I just wish I could tell him. This just feels... wrong."