PhantomFan01: I relate to it as well. Karen Carpenter has an amazing voice. It's a shame most people spend their time listening to Justin Bieber and all those other artists.

Trrmo77: Don't worry about it. Ronda and Paul...definete possibility, after all oposites attract. They'll be there a week and Ronan is going to drive her crazy!

Guest: Now all we have to do is hope Ronan won't pull the same stunt in London. Thank you for reviewing.

Katdancer: That recorder makes another appearance in here.

Skittlesgirl99: Well, it was a little boring, I know because I went there. I am interested in art to a degree, but when you have a brother and sister whining about it behind you, it kills the atmosphere.

Chapter twenty-five

"Ronan?" Marlena said as she shook Ronan's shoulder. "Ronan." Suddenly, Marlena found herself flat on her back, holding her nose after Ronan belted her in the nose. "OWWW! OH!"

She held her nose as Ronan sat up, those blue eyes wide. "Did I just hit you?"

"No, your fist hit me by itself!" She whimpered as he jumped out of the chair. "Oh! It hurts."

"Ok, calm down." He said taking her hands. "Let me see it."

"No. No. No." She said shaking her head. "Don't touch me."

"Marlena. Shut up!" He snapped. "I'm trying to see if you're hurt!"

She yanked her hands off her nose and shouted. "Don't you tell me to shut up!"

He gently touched her nose. She hissed as he gently probed it. "It's not broken. Just bruised."

"You hit me."

"I've had this…reflexive action whenever I'm woken up."

"Remind me, when I wake you up again to wear a suit of body armor."

He pulled her up. "If…you ever get the chance to do so again."

Marlena noted how close they were and Ronan actually had his arms around her waist. She inhaled before stepping back. "I doubt that."

Ronan nodded and smoothed his black slacks before grabbing his blazer. "I assume we're in London?"

"Yes."

"You might want to put on something sharper." He said.

She stared at him before looking at her dark jeans, jean jacket and white shirt. She shook her head. "No thank you. You look way to dressed up and I feel comfortable."

He shrugged. "Suit yourself."

Marlena shook her head. "Why didn't I listen to you?"

"Because you're you, and I'm me. Once you change, we're going to the Victoria and Albert Museum."

"I hate museums." She whined.

"Too bad." He said. "Admission is fee except for the special exhibits. They'll search your purse too."

"What?"

"It's the rules, deal with it." He said. "Fifteen minutes."

She groaned. "And I'm stuck with you for a week! Swell."

He laughed as he grabbed her bags that had been carried upstairs and took them to her room. She had her music coming out of her speakers, Sara Barellis 'king of anything.' Who cares if you disagree? You are not me. Who made you king of anything?

"Technically your father." He stated. "Here are your bags. I'll give you an hour to shower and change."

"All right."

Michael took his bags and went into the adjoining suite before locking the door. Mr. Destler had got two suites that adjoined so he'd be close enough in case she needed help or anything. Mr. Destler was a big worrier, but he was also a great father. Ronan closed the door and began looking for a new outfit.

Marlena exhaled as she tried finishing up her email to her mother before Ronan came pounding on the door.

Hello mom, dad and Marcus,

We arrived in London about two hours ago. The hotel is marvelous, very upper class. It feels odd to have people carry the luggage for me. I bet they're all down in the lobby talking about 'those strange American's' right now. I ignored Ronan's advice to go change into something nicer than my jean pants, jean jacket and white shirt. I stuck out like a sore thumb in the airport. Fortunately, no one recognized me, so we shouldn't be discovered.

It didn't dawn on me until about ten minutes ago that I won't be there celebrating Christmas with you! This'll be the first Christmas away from you all. Mom, you know where my presents are; they're completely wrapped up so you won't have to do that. I should probably get Ronan something, but I'm not feeling to charitable towards him OR dad for that matter. Did he tell you that he recorded this message telling me to mind Ronan? Voice or not, I have to respect his authority unless you can make dad retract that statement! Make it soon, he's dragging me off to the Victoria and Albert Museum and I am not looking forward to that! It's probably loaded with art and sculptures too.

"Marlena?" Ronan said from outside the door. "Are you ready?"

"Yes!"

The grinch summons me now. I'll talk to you when I get back. Lots of love to everyone and some to father. He'll get lots of love as soon as he retracts that statement!

Marlena

Marlena clicked 'send' and waited before closing the lid on her laptop. She stood up, grabbed her camera, her purse and walked out to see Ronan standing there looking at his watch. He nodded his head but didn't say anything about her change in apparel.

He leaned close and touched her nose. "You did a good job of covering up the bruise. Your nose looks normal."

"Thank you." She pasted on an innocent look. "Can't I talk you out of the museum?"

"No." He stated taking her arm and moving towards the stairs. "Let's go."

"You're not a gentleman." She said. "Paul or Michael would have bowed to my request in an instant!"

"And I'm going to tell you once, you're going to do what I have to do," He smirked. "Or you stay in the hotel room alone!"

Marlena's mouth fell open in astonishment as he walked her towards the elevator and ten minutes later; they were in the museum. Ronan walked instead of taking a taxi and she loved walking in London, the whole country had the feel of a fairytale. However, the fairy tale adventure ended when they walked up the stairs to the museum. Ronan snapped photos of the magnificent structure before entering. To her surprise, the building wasn't as big as she'd been whining about. Ronan took his time examining the sculpture, the paintings and taking notes. She was deathly bored and it showed during the long hour.

Ronan finally decided he'd taken enough notes and walked her back towards the hotel…until he turned towards an ice rink. They stood there watching for a moment, then, she looked up to see Ronan gone! Her heart began to pound and she spun around just as Ronan walked towards her with two pairs of ice skates.

He handed her one. "There you go."

She shook her head. "No."

"Come on." He said. "You'll love it."

"Do you skate?" She asked.

"Yes."

"I don't! And I've not intention of falling on my butt in public!"

He laughed as he led her over to the bench. "I won't let you fall. I promise."

She frowned as he undid his shoes. "I'll pass."

"Too late." He said. "I've paid for these skates for an hour. Put them on."

"No."

"Are you a coward?"

"No!"

"Then put the shoes on before I put them on you myself!" Marlena's temper flourished and she opened her mouth to say something when Ronan held up the tape recorder. "Do I need to hit the play button on this?" she closed her mouth and yanked off her socks and boots. Ronan smirked. "That's better."

"I hate you."

"So you've told me a dozen times." she struggled with the buckles and Ronan knelt down. "Here. Let me." she scowled at him as he buckled her shoes. "Knots and buckles throw you don't they?" she said nothing until he pulled her up and walked over to the gate on the outdoor rink. "You'll love this. I promise."

"If not, I promise to break your head." She took two timid steps forward and gripped his hand tight. "This isn't safe!"

"It's fine. No one's asking you to compete in the Olympics. Besides, if you can walk in those three inch heels, you can keep your balance on the ice." He stepped forward and put his arm around her waist and gripped her hand in his other hand. Connie Francis was singing "Winter Wonderland" over the speakers. "Now, follow the beat. Let's go." She shook her head and squeezed his hand tightly as they moved slowly on the ice. "Not so tight, I do need blood in my fingers." She tripped but stayed upright due to his grip. "See, I told you I wouldn't let you fall."

"Just lucky."

He laughed as he began to pick up speed. She held her breath as they picked up speed. Ronan's grip was firm, and slowly…she began to relax and enjoy it. The air was cold and smelled of a nearby fire.

Ronan surprised her by taking her hands, skating backwards and pulling her along. "Having fun?"

She laughed lightly. "All right…you were right. I admit defeat."

He glanced behind him, before skating back beside her. "Trust me. You'll never be bored when I'm around."

She shook her head. "You're right. You definitely keep me on my toes."

At that moment a skater bumped Ronan, he tripped and fell on the ice taking her with him! He took the brunt of the force and she crashed ontop of him.

"Sorry mate!" The man said. "You all right?"

"Are you all right?" she asked brushing the chips of ice off his hair.

He frowned as if in deep thought. "I think so. So much for keeping you on your toes."

Marlena laughed, hiding her hand behind her mouth. Ronan sat up and hugged her laughing as well. And Marlena figured that they'd officially broken the ice between them.

There you go, expect delays to be a little slow. I have a HUGE religious debate coming up and I really need to study. Say some prayers for me and ask God to give me wisdom. Thank you.