Yes, I know, I already have two unfinished stories in progress... But then the other day I was listening to my favourite U2 song, "One", and suddenly that idea came to be. The challenge I gave myself was to write a story in which every chapter would be named after a U2 song. So now I've been listening to U2 for two weeks, looking for inspiration... ;D

No slow burn in this story, we'll dive right into the heart of things. This story will definitely be angsty, sorry! ^^

It might be a little while before I update it, because I'm still working on Family Business and BTW meanwhile. But I'd be happy to read your thoughts on that first chapter! Thank you, and enjoy!

I still haven't found what I'm looking for

"I have climbed highest mountains

I have run through the fields, only to be with you

But I still haven't found what I'm looking for"

On a late spring evening, Anna Smith was walking towards her home, back from a dinner at the restaurant. At her side was a rather handsome man, and they were amiably chatting. He was walking her home after their third date. For the fourth time since the beginning of that year, her best friend Mary Crawley had set her up with someone, this time an acquaintance of her sister Sybil. When they had come to Anna's front door, Anna stopped and turned to him:

- So, I guess this is goodnight then. Thank you for walking me home.

And she put herself on her tiptoes to leave a peck on his cheek. The man looked disappointed.

- Or maybe you could invite me in for one last drink? Have a little more chat?

Anna was not fooled as to his intentions, and discreetly sighed.

- No, I don't think so, sorry Liam. I'm working early tomorrow. Give me a call?

Thankfully Liam did not insist.

- Alright. Goodnight then.

And he turned around to leave, as Anna made her way to her building's hallway.

As she was doing her nightly routine in her bathroom, she looked back on her three dates with Liam, and had to admit that, as the previous ones, this relationship was bound to go nowhere. Liam was not a nasty guy or anything, but like almost all the men her age, Anna found him immature and uninteresting. Mary had introduced her to four men in the last few months, and all those stories had been very short-lived. Mary seemed to favour physical attractiveness to content of character, which made Anna roll her eyes. She had tried, really, to give each of them his chance. One of them she had dated for several weeks. But he had suddenly disappeared when she had talked about long-term life goals. She was aware that all they wanted was to get her into bed as soon as possible. She was not a prude woman, she had been to bed with some of them, with mixed results in terms of enjoyment. But she was getting tired of sex for the sake of it. She felt she would enjoy it so much more with a man she would love with all her heart. So now, she wanted to save herself for that man. A man she would be willing to give her whole, body, heart and soul. And obviously, she still had not found what she was looking for. When she was a little girl, she had asked her mother how one knew who to marry. Her mother had answered: "When you'll meet the right person, you'll know". If it was so, then she had not yet met him. But would she ever? She was twenty-six years old, and she felt ready to commit to a serious story.

She sighed at her reflection in the mirror, telling herself that he was maybe just around the corner. But right now, she had to get some sleep. Tomorrow was a big day at work. Fortunately, she had this job she loved, and great friends. She worked in the catering business she and Mary had founded together three years ago, after graduating from the university. Mary's father still managed Downton Estate, that Mary would one day inherit. In the meantime, this business was their own achievement. They were offering catering services for wedding, parties, and all kinds of social events. They had earned quite the local reputation in their few years of existence, thanks to their talented team of cooks, Daisy, Ivy, and Alfred, who worked under Mrs Patmore's management. Anna was in charge of planning, logistic and customer services. Along with Gwen Dawson and Thomas Barrow, their job was to meet the clients, understand their needs, help them craft the solution that suited them, and make sure it was delivered as it should so that the customers were happy in the end. It was a demanding job, but she liked it, and she was very good at it.

x x x x

- Good morning Mary, Gwen! Anna called out cheerfully as she entered the office the next morning.

She went to her desk in their small open space and turned her computer on. When she looked up, she found Mary curiously staring at her.

- So? inquired her friend.

- So? So what? replied Anna, pretending that she didn't know what Mary meant.

- Don't play coy with me, Smith! So, how did it go yesterday? Third date? Did you get laid?!

Anna made a face.

- Mary! No I did not. And I don't think I'm going to pursue that road. Thank you for all your recent efforts to find me someone, but I wish you would stop. We obviously don't have the same taste in men, so I'd rather I stopped wasting my time.

- What?! exclaimed Mary. Are you saying Matthew's not handsome?

- I'm not saying that, Mary, smiled Anna. Matthew is perfect for you. But please leave me to my own devices as to the choice of my own future partner.

- Alright, alright, pouted Mary.

- So, speaking about you and Matthew…

A bright light lit up Mary's eyes. She was getting married to Matthew on the following Saturday, and Anna was her bridesmaid, along with Gwen.

- Yes, you'll be coming with me for my last dress fitting this afternoon? It's at five.

- Of course. I should be done with the meeting with York Law School, and hopefully we'll be able to celebrate the signature of a big new contract. We can't miss that one. If they're happy with our service at their graduation party, it could become a yearly contract.

- Maybe I'll come with you to the meeting then. Make them feel like valued customers.

- That might be a good idea, agreed Anna. So, York Law School at three, then dress fitting at five. And don't forget, tomorrow evening! she added with a wink.

- Do you really think I'd forget my bachelorette party?! exclaimed Mary, rolling her eyes. Oh my God this is going to be so much fun. Maybe you'll meet the man of your dreams!

- At a Chippendales show, I very much hope not, laughed Anna.

- You never know…

x x x x

The bachelorette party came and went, and the girls had much fun, and took the chance to celebrate on their new big contract as well, as York Law School had hired them for their graduation party. The next day was marked by a hangover like none of them had had since they had left university. None of the participants were seen in the office the next day, and they all had small eyes on the day after. At last Saturday came, and Anna woke up early in the morning. She had slept at Mary's with Gwen that night, while Matthew had been sent away to his best man Tom Branson's flat.

At three o'clock, Gwen and Anna had done Mary's hair, put a final touch to her make-up and helped her into her magnificent wedding gown, when Cora and Robert Crawley arrived at her house.

- Oh sweet Lord, gasped Cora when she looked upon her daughter, proudly holding herself in the hallway. You're so beautiful Mary!

Mary looked to her father and asked:

- So, Papa? What do you think?

Robert looked like words eluded him to qualify his eldest daughter's appearance. At last, he managed:

- Mary… You're absolutely stunning, my dear girl! That Matthew is one lucky chap!

Anna and Gwen laughed at his heartfelt compliment.

- Shall we go? he went on, holding out his arm for Mary to take. We don't want to be late at church.

x x x x

A few hours later, the numerous wedding party was scattered around Downton lawns. Robert had of course privatized Downton Estate for his daughter's wedding, and the catering service was of course managed by Mrs Patmore en personne. Anna was on her way to the bar to get herself something to drink. As a bridesmaid, she was supposed to keep her head cool, at least until the end of dinner, so after sharing a first glass of champagne with Mary and her family, she had decided to switch to a soft drink. She stood behind a tall and rather broad-shouldered man, who was himself ordering a glass of sparkling water to the waiter. When he had been given his order, he turned round, and almost bumped into Anna on his way.

- Oh, wow, beware! laughed Anna.

- Oh, my God, I'm so sorry! he exclaimed, taking a step back.

- No harm done, replied Anna amiably.

Then she looked up to the man, and when her eyes met his, she found in them a warm flicker that sent sweet tingles down her spine. He was not handsome or anything. He looked like he was at least ten years older than she was, and had quite a large frame compared to her petite one, but there was definitely something about him that she could not explain.

- Hello, I don't think we've met, she said, holding out her hand. I'm Anna Smith. I'm Mary's bridesmaid. And friend. And work partner.

He smiled at the enumeration of her relationships with Mary. The tingles on her spine came back stronger when he shook her hand.

- How do you do, he replied. I'm John Bates. I'm an old friend of Robert Crawley's from when he was in the Army.

- Oh, so you're an ex-military too?

- Actually, I'm still military. I'm Corporal John Bates, fortunately not on duty tonight.

- Oh, alright, well, nice to meet you, Corporal Bates, smiled Anna.

- And you, Miss Smith. I think you were here to order a drink?

- Er, yes, indeed, she said, remembering about why she was here in the first place. Might I have a Diet Coke, please? she asked the waiter.

When she had obtained her glass, she smiled back at John and said:

- So, I have to go back to Mary, you know, bridesmaid job and everything… Maybe we'll meet again later?

- I would like that very much, Anna, he said, nodding to her as she turned away.

As he watched her walk back towards Mary, he felt he couldn't tear his eyes away from her. That bright and sincere smile, those red lips, that shining golden hair, that slender waist, so well-enhanced by her gorgeous light-blue bridesmaid's gown, a colour that perfectly matched her ocean-blue eyes… Oh God she looked like an angel sent from heaven. He had a hard time moving from his spot and focusing his attention on anything else for the next minutes.

x x x x

Later, everyone was seated around tables arranged in the Abbey's Great Hall, enjoying the wedding dinner. Anna was of course seated at the bride's and groom's table, along with Gwen, the second bridesmaid, Tom Branson as Matthew's best man, Edith and Sybil, and Thomas Barrow. The chatter was lively around the table, but Anna found that her attention often strayed away from the conversation, and she ended up staring at Corporal Bates, who was seated two tables away, at Robert Crawley's table. Her heart skipped a beat when at one moment John Bates looked her way too, and their eyes briefly met. A shy smile dawned on her lips, as she quickly looked away.

- Anna? Anna?! repeated Gwen.

Anna shook herself up and put her focus back on her friend.

- Yes, sorry, what were you saying?

- Hey, you're all blushing, noticed Mary. Who were you eyeing?

- What? No one! protested Anna. I don't know what you're talking about! I'm only a bit rosy-cheeked from the champagne.

- Yeah, right, replied Mary, doubtful. Anyway…

And the bride went back to the previous topic of conversation.

x x x x

Before dessert was served, came the moment of the Ball opening. The band started playing a waltz, and Mary with her father, then Matthew with his mother took place on the dance-floor. They were the only two pairs on the spot, until Gwen, paired with Tom, Anna with Thomas and Cora with Charles Carson joined them. As she turned around the dance-floor on Thomas's arm, Anna's eyes met again John Bates's, and he sent her a smile, before he took Elsie Carson on the floor too. The first waltz ended, and the couples parted. Mary and Matthew joined for the second dance, and every other pairs rearranged, as more crowd joined the dance-floor. Anna was walking towards the side of the room, when she was stopped in her tracks by a warm hand taking hers. She turned on the spot and gasped as a surge of adrenaline flooded her body.

- Would you do me the honour of that dance, Miss Smith? asked Corporal Bates with a sweet and crooked smile.

- Er, well, yes, of course, she stuttered, as he opened his arms to her.

Fortunately Mary was much too engrossed in her new husband's eyes to take any notice. Anna and John started dancing among the other pairs. She was a good head shorter than him, so she had to look up to meet his eyes, but when she did, she discovered a whole new world in them. A world of kindness, gentleness, and trust. Her heart had never beaten that fast in the arms of a man, not even in the hottest moments she had shared. During the whole time of that dance, no word was exchanged between them, but they were not needed for both of them to feel that there was something very special flowing back and forth between them. Their eyes and their smiles said everything that had to be said. Neither of them had believed in love at first sight until that very moment, but those few minutes converted them both. John had to lead a fierce inner battle not to bend forward and claim her lips as his right here and now, in the middle of the dance-floor. But his military discipline and gentlemanliness won over the mad banging in his chest, and he restrained himself. Doing that would not be proper and respectful to her. When the music died, they found they could not tear their hands and eyes from each other's. They stood there for as long as possible, until the band's lead said in the microphone:

- Ladies and gentlemen, if you would kindly resume your seats, the wedding cake will now be served.

They reluctantly parted and joined their separate tables. As Anna sat back in her chair, she startled at Mary's piercing gaze.

- John Bates? Really? My dad's Army pal?!

She seemed to hold serious doubts as to her friend's tastes in men. Anna was about to protest, but then she thought it pointless. She could no longer blame her trouble on champagne. Yes, she was head over heels in love with that older man, whom she had met four hours ago, and knew virtually nothing about. She only smiled back to Mary.

- What can I say? The heart knows its own reasons, she shrugged.

- So you're not denying it then?

- No, I'm not.

- You know he's still in the Army?

- I do, he told me.

- Good. So you know what you're exposing yourself to.

To be honest, Anna had not thought about that at all. Dread filled her. Was John going to be sent away overseas to a war zone? Could she bear the worry of being a soldier's wife? She made herself flush when she realized that she had thought the word "wife". What was happening to her? She had only just met the bloke for Heaven's sake…

x x x x

The night was well under way and young people were still occupying the dance-floor, dancing to some more modern music, when Anna decided to go out for a moment of fresh air. As she exited the Abbey's large front door, she noticed John Bates's large frame a few yards away. She came up to him, a smile on her face. Said smile fell somewhat when she noticed that he was smoking a cigarette. For as long as she could remember, she had always hated the smell of tobacco.

- Hey, Anna, he smiled when he saw her approaching.

- So, you're a smoker? she said, frowning.

- Yes, I am. Sorry to disappoint, he said earnestly. Why, don't you like it?

- No I don't.

- I'll quit then, he replied, matter-of-factly.

She chuckled.

- I'm serious, he added. If you don't like it, I'll stop.

- But… Why would you do that for me? You don't owe me anything. I mean, we've only just met.

- Maybe I want to, he said, throwing his half-smoked cigarette into the nearest bin. He reached into his inner pocket and retrieved a box of mint pills, of which he put one in his mouth.

- What do you mean? she went on.

He gently took her hand in his, and started stroking the back of it. She thought she was going to faint from the softness of his touch.

- I've never felt around anyone the way I feel around you, Anna. I don't know if that feeling is shared, but I very dearly hope it is.

She felt her cheeks burning bright and a whole bunch of butterflies dancing in her stomach.

- It is, she admitted shyly.

- I've never been happier to hear any words in my whole life, he said. So will we see each other again?

- I'd love that.

Their eyes locked into each other's again, and their head slowly came closer until their lips met. At that precise moment, both of them knew they had found their rightful place in the world. When they reluctantly parted, John breathed:

- Then I'll definitely stop smoking.

As she laughed, her mother's words came back to her mind. "When you meet the right person, you'll know". And she had been right, thought Anna. She knew, now.

There we go, no beating around the bush this time. I hope you enjoyed the happy moments, because life won't be kind on them...